Lacombe

Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas attracted millions of visitors from more than 60 countries in 2024.  

Throughout the year, over 5.9 million travellers visited the parks to camp, hike, and ski.  

More than 228,000 camping reservations were processed in 2024, with about 2.3 million visitors enjoying an overnight stay in reservable camping spaces.  

Due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage, the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (SLAACS) has closed early on Saturday, Jan. 4 and will also close early on Sunday, Jan. 5.

The Service will be closed from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 reopening Sunday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 a.m. The Service will also be closed from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, reopening at 7:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6.

Patients can access medical care for urgent health concerns from facilities in nearby communities, including Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House.

The Red Deer Rebels lost their fifth game in a row, and first of 2025 with a 6-2 loss to the Calgary Hitmen.

Any New Year's resolution for the Rebels to come out strong was soon done as Calgary scored at the 3:10 mark of the first period. Three more Hitmen unanswered goals in the second pretty much put the game to rest.

Carson Birnie would get his ninth goal of the season in the first minute of the third to put the game at 4-1, but less than three minutes later the Hitmen would answer back with their fifth goal of the night.

Innisfail-area resident, Grant Gordon had a long road to recovery after being admitted to the Red Deer Regional Health Centre for a brain injury.  

When Gordon arrived at the hospital's Rehabilitation Unit 35, he initially dreaded the weeks of rehab to come.  

“I didn't want to talk to anybody. I didn't want to see anyone,” he said.  

Update:

On Jan. 7, the Red Deer RCMP advised that the missing 15-year-old was found and is safe.

The youth was reported missing on Jan. 3.

Click here for the updated story.

Original Story:

The Red Deer RCMP were seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old.

The youth was last seen on Dec. 30, 2024 in Red Deer.

There was concern for her well-being.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Lacombe & District exceeded its goal of raising $10,000 during its 14th annual Festival of Wreaths.

A total of 52 wreaths were put up for auction this year, bringing in a total of $10,360 for the non-profit organization. Bidding wrapped up on Dec. 16.

Executive Director Brianna Berthiaume notes many of the wreaths were given as gifts for Christmas.

With an extreme cold warning in effect for the region, the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is offering tips on how to keep pets safe.  

“If you own or are caring for companion animals, you need to take extra precautions to protect them from the extreme cold,” the Alberta SPCA website said.   

Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers to exercise caution at intersections and to stay safe on icy roads.

"Black ice, snow, and slush can reduce traction and increase the risk of collisions. The RCMP is urging drivers to remain cautious when approaching and navigating intersections during the winter months. By taking simple precautions, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the road," stated the RCMP in a press release.

Rocky Firemans Association is holding its annual Christmas Tree Round-Up on Sunday, Jan 5, 2025. 

Residents of Rocky Mountain House are invited to have their undecorated Christmas tree on their front lawn so the organization can pick it up and dispose of it properly.

The pickups will begin at 12 p.m.

A couple from Sylvan Lake welcomed Red Deer Regional Hospital's first baby of 2025.

First-time parents Chloe Ross and Dominik Zander welcomed Oliver Zander-Ross at 9:17 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Oliver weighed in at seven pounds, three ounces.

The baby boy is fully healthy and all three went home on Jan. 2.

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