Lacombe

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says her government is adding proof of citizenship markers to driver's licences and other forms of identification to streamline services and prevent election fraud.

Smith told reporters in Calgary the change would make it easier for students and the disabled to get funding, as they already have to prove Canadian citizenship to do so.

"We believe in making things better, faster and more convenient for everyone," Smith said Monday.

Red Deer RCMP have located a missing woman who was last seen nearly two months ago.

Hope Fawn Jessalyn Crier, 26, was last seen on July 19, and there was concern for her well-being.

She is now safe and RCMP thanked the public and media for their help.

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Lacombe is inviting residents to witness the unveiling of a new mural on City Hall.

Eyes of the Wisdom, a culturally significant mural for the city, will be shown for the first time Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

The Lacombe Art Collection Committee commissioned Gordon Wesley, a Stoney Nakoda artist and cultural storyteller, to create a mural depicting the landscape prior to the arrival of settlers.

Voters in Ponoka will elect a mayor and six councillors on Oct. 20.

Advance voting is scheduled for Oct. 15 to 18, with locations still to be announced. Eligible voters are reminded to bring identification. A list of accepted ID can be found on the Town of Ponoka website.

The deadline to file nomination papers is Sept. 22 at noon.

So far, two candidates have filed notices of intent for mayor:

• Kevin Ferguson

• Edwin Geuder

The sound of a train horn is part of daily life in Lacombe, but police are reminding residents that the tracks are no place to take risks.

Rail Safety Week runs Sept. 15–21, with the goal of spreading awareness and saving lives.

Const. Nicholas Sahl, with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) police in Edmonton, said many people underestimate the speed and power of trains.

“They are putting themselves in danger by being on the tracks,” Sahl said. “Trains are really fast on the tracks and people don’t realize how fast it can be going through town.”

The Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) wants to see two key pieces of infrastructure upgraded at the Port of Vancouver, the country's largest port.

The GGC says the federal government's major projects list remains incomplete if the 1969 Second Narrows Rail Bridge and 1904 New Westminster Rail Bridge upgrades are not included.

Penhold Waskasoo Middle School officially opened its doors Friday with a celebration that included student leaders, local politicians and Chinook’s Edge School Division representatives.

Principal Lisa Baird said the day marked more than the launch of a new building.

“It’s not just about our classrooms and hallways — it’s about building a home for learning and belonging,” she said in a previous interview.

Students played key roles in the event, with Grade 7 student Clover emceeing the program and classmate Jayden leading the land acknowledgement.

Habitat for Humanity Red Deer has broken ground on its newest affordable home at 2 Adamson Avenue.

The ceremony was held Wednesday and began with a land blessing by Elder Lynn Jonasson, followed by remarks from Habitat Red Deer CEO Bradley Blois, board chair Adam Goodwin and Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston.

Blois said the event was especially meaningful as it marked his first groundbreaking since taking on the role of CEO.

The flea beetle is a common pest for farmers and gardeners alike in this corner of the province. However, there is more to the species than meets the eye. PSaskatchewan's Insect and Vertebrate Pest Management Specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. James Tansey, says that the term “flea beetle” covers approximately 5,000 species worldwide, in a subfamily called the Alticinae.  

Members of Parliament return to the House of Commons in Ottawa this week. International trade is expected to dominate the fall legislative agenda with Canada facing mounting challenges from countries like the United States and China.