Lacombe

Red Deer Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter today announced that the club has completed a trade with the Calgary Hitmen.

The Rebels have acquired 17-year-old forward Parker MacDougall, 16-year-old forward prospect Ethan Dundas, a fifth round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, and a third round in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft – originally belonging to Swift Current – in exchange for 19-year-old forward Carson Birnie.

Viewpoint Gallery is accepting exhibition submissions for 2025.  

Submissions will be accepted from emerging and established artists and groups from the region.  

The call is open to artists in visual art media, such as sculpture, painting, printmaking, lettering arts, ceramics, fibre arts, glass, fine craft, jewellery, digital art, mixed media, photography, film, video, and performance art.  

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.