Lacombe

Protests during the upcoming G7 leaders summit in Kananaskis, Alta., may be starkly different than demonstrations happening this week against immigration crackdowns in the United States.

A University of Toronto research group that has been monitoring the meetings of world leaders since 1998 says its analysis shows Canadian protests are more peaceful and smaller.

But similar to the recent demonstrations in Los Angeles, they're likely to be against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information says more surgeries are being performed than before the pandemic — but wait times have still grown longer. 

The report released Thursday looked at wait times for hip and knee replacements, cataract procedures, cancer surgeries, MRIs and CT scans in 2019 and in 2024.

Drivers in Lacombe may need to adjust their routes as the intersection of 54 Avenue and 48 Street is closed.

City contractors are replacing catch basins at the site, with detours expected to be in place for about one week.

The city encourages motorists to plan ahead and drive safely during the construction.

A 42-year-old man has been arrested following an armed robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store in Wetaskiwin earlier this month.

RCMP say that on June 2, at around 2:19 a.m., a suspect entered the store on 40 Avenue, pointed a black handgun at an employee, and made demands. The individual then fled with various smoking-related items.

Following an investigation, officers arrested a suspect on June 5 and executed a search warrant at a residence on 53A Street in Wetaskiwin. During the search, police located two pellet handguns.

Between May 15th and June 2nd, members of the Lacombe Police Service (LPS) conducted a series of traffic enforcement stops that resulted in three significant drug seizures.

The officers seized a combined total of:

• 86.14 grams of suspected cocaine
• 18.31 grams of suspected fentanyl
• 111.28 grams of suspected methamphetamine

In total the seizures had an estimated street value of $20,783.80 CAD

As a result of these investigations, five individuals have been charged. 

Wetaskiwin RCMP have arrested two individuals following a vehicle stop in which drugs were found.

On Tuesday, officers with the Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit were conducting patrols when they observed a known offender driving a Hyundai Venue. Checks revealed the driver did not have a valid driver’s licence.

Police conducted a traffic stop and, during their interaction with the vehicle’s occupants, determined there were drugs in the car. Both individuals were arrested. A search incidental to arrest uncovered:

• Approximately 27 grams of fentanyl,

The Red Deer Rebels are proud to announce that defenceman Nolan Wolitski, the club’s first-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Rebels selected the St. Albert, Alta., native with the seventh overall pick in last month’s draft.

Wolitski played for Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep (CSSHL) in 2024–25, recording 48 points (eight goals, 40 assists) and 74 penalty minutes in 29 league games. He added seven points in five playoff games and also appeared in four games with NAX’s U18 Prep team this season.

A mountain of sweet treats was purchased this past spring as Red Deer residents raised more than $80,000 during the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.

The funds will go directly toward helping struggling readers reach their potential through Reading College, a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held each July, provides students with identified reading gaps an incredible summer experience that builds their skills, confidence and love of reading.

Alberta RCMP needs your help in tracking down Kayla Jennifer Penny, who is wanted for various crimes.

Penny was featured in this week's Wanted Wednesday profile.

She was last seen in Fort McMurray and is also known to frequent Olds and Red Deer County.

If you see Penny, do not approach.

Report any information to police or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Brayden Chenier, a Grade 8 student at Red Deer’s G.H. Dawe School, has been chosen to represent youth across Alberta.

Chenier is the proud recipient of the Integrated School Support Program (ISSP) Provincial Chief Youth Courage Award, presented by the Calgary Police Youth Foundation, in recognition of his resilience, leadership and commitment to his community.