Lacombe

A new family doctor is now available to provide care to residents in Red Deer and area.

Dr. Ibrahim Ogunbi is working out of Easthill Medical Clinic (3020 22 Street). He will also be providing services at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. 

Individuals needing a family doctor can call 403-343-0115 to arrange a meet-and-greet appointment.

The country's premiers emerged from a key meeting about Canada-U.S. relations in Ottawa on Wednesday with a message of unity and a pledge to stand together, with one exception: Alberta's Danielle Smith, who said she cannot support the federal government's plan if energy export tariffs could be a part of it. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who chaired the first ministers' meeting, said it was "highly productive."

"We have a shared sense of purpose, a shared sense of understanding, and a commitment to stand together on a united path forward," he said.

Update: Jan. 17 7:53 a.m.

The wind warning has now ended for central Alberta. A blowing snow advisory remains in effect for the southeast corner of the province.

Poor visibility in snow and blowing snow continues across southern Alberta, along with very strong winds.

Northwest winds gusting up to 90 km/h will combine with falling snow to give poor visibility.

Conditions will improve by mid-morning.

Excitement is building for the 48th annual Manitoba Ag Days, and with the 2025 event just days away, Teresa Hildebrand, the event's media coordinator, says it promises to be similar to past years, with some fun new events.  

Update - 10:35 a.m. January 16th

The snow squall warning has now ended.

Update - 9:25 a.m. January 16th

A snow squall warning has been issued for areas north of Red Deer including Ponoka County and the County of Wetaskiwin.

Snow squalls cause weather conditions to vary considerably; changes from clear skies to heavy snow within just a few kilometres are common.

Visibility will be suddenly reduced to near zero at times in heavy snow and blowing snow.

Alberta has launched a GPS monitoring program to track high-risk and repeat offenders. The program, part of the Safe Street Action Plan, allows courts to require GPS ankle bracelet monitoring as a condition of bail or sentencing.

The program, which officially started January 15, introduces 24-7 location tracking through Alberta Correctional Services. A centralized monitoring unit will oversee offenders’ compliance with court-ordered restrictions, such as avoiding victims’ residences, workplaces, or other designated areas.

Wetaskiwin City Council unanimously approved the 2025 operating budget during its Monday, January 13, regular meeting. The 2025 capital budget was approved Monday, September 23, 2024.

The 2025 operating and capital budgets total $54,579,268. 

Speed has been reduced on Highway 2 southbound near the Highway 53 overpass west of Ponoka due to a guardrail repair.

Drivers can expect a left-hand lane closure and speed reduced to 80 km/h.

The repairs are expected to wrap up around 12 p.m. on Wednesday.

Click here for updates.

Update: 

At 9:24 a.m., the vehicle recovery was completed. 

Original story:

Motorists could expect traffic delays on Highway 20 south of Bentley due to a vehicle recovery.

The affected area was between Aspelund Road and Rainy Creek Road north of Sylvan Lake.

The highway was closed and vehicles were being rerouted.

Click here for updates.

Today, families in Central Alberta are set to receive the highest quarterly carbon rebate payments among provinces under the federal pricing system, as Alberta leads in rebate amounts.

An average family of four in Alberta will receive $450 per quarter, or $1,800 annually, through the Canada Carbon Rebate. For rural families, an additional 20 per cent supplement increases payments to $540 per quarter, or $2,160 annually.