Lacombe

The President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) says he's optimistic that they can reach an agreement that will see the Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) remain part of the national organization.

Last week, ABP gave the CCA notice to withdraw from the national organization as of July 1, 2026, citing among its concerns the organization's funding model, board structure, and representation since Alberta producers contribute over 50 percent to the organization.

Tyler Fulton is optimistic they'll be able to agree on a workable solution for everyone.

A Red Deer non-profit organization empowering women to reach economic independence has received a $20,000 grant.

Dress for Success Central Alberta has received a $21,711 grant from the Government of Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program to support its new Career Hub, an online platform aimed at advancing economic empowerment for women across Central Alberta.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of Ponoka and Wetaskiwin counties.

The watch includes:

• County of Wetaskiwin

  • Pigeon Lake

  • Alder Flats and Winfield

  • Wetaskiwin and Millet

• Ponoka County

  • Rimbey, Bluffton and Hoadley

  • Crestomere

Wetaskiwin RCMP say a 14-year-old reported missing has been located safe and sound.

The youth was last seen Aug. 15, and police had expressed concern for her well-being.

RCMP thanked the public and media for their assistance.

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Red Deer RCMP have located 37-year-old Bradley Velton.

He was missing since Aug. 4 and there was concern for his well-being.

RCMP thanked the public and media for their help in locating Velton.

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The Town of Blackfalds is wrapping up its Summer Culture Series with a community favourite making its return.

The Blackfalds Street Dance will take over Broadway Avenue this Thursday (Aug. 21) from 5:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m., closing the road from Railway Street to Indiana Street.

The event is a collaboration between the Town of Blackfalds, the Heart of Blackfalds Society, local businesses, and community organizations.

Attendees can expect live music, a DJ, games, food, charity fundraisers, glitter tattoos, aerial silks, a beer garden, and plenty of space to dance.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government will consider reversing a recent policy change that ended the public disclosure of expense receipts over $100 for ministers and other government officials.

Smith, asked about the change Thursday at her Alberta Next panel town hall in Edmonton, told the crowd that it caught her off guard but was made for safety reasons.

It could be another chaotic day for travellers as a labour dispute continues between Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants. 

Flight attendants with the Montreal-based airline represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees are expected to remain on the picket lines today as a battle against a federal return-to-work order continues. 

The Ellis Nature Centre outside of Lacombe is inviting visitors to take part in a new hands-on project designed to track pollinators in the area.

The initiative, called “Buzzing Biodiversity”, asks community members to become citizen scientists by recording the types of pollinators spotted in the centre’s water garden and newly developed pollinator garden.

Visitors can participate by picking up a pamphlet and data sheet, then using a “counting square” to observe and record insects for 15 minutes.

The Queer Neighbours Society of Red Deer (QNSRD) is organizing a rally to protest provincial government funding cuts that, they say, threaten vital local services.

The demonstration is set for Sunday (August 24) at 1:00 p.m. outside Red Deer City Hall.

In a statement posted on social media, QNSRD said they were informed of plans to reduce funding for preventive programming in Red Deer, which provides education and support to vulnerable residents.