Lacombe

A Saskatoon-based company has begun field trials of a replacement for granular peat inoculant.

Peat has been used for decades to inoculate crops such as peas and lentils and is a biological that provides consistent benefits, said Dave Greenshields, who founded Insight Plant Health in 2020.

However, customers are looking for a replacement, he told people attending a recent Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre field day.

Lacombe drivers should be ready for single-lane traffic in parts of the city.

Starting Thursday, milling work will begin and continue for the following two days in these areas:

• 53rd Street – from 52nd Avenue to the five-way stop

• 54th Avenue – from the five-way stop to 47th Street

• C&E Trail – from 63rd Avenue to College Avenue

A Red Deer Catholic school is welcoming 578 students Thursday as part of its staggered start to the 2025–26 school year.

St. Patrick’s Community School, the only year-round school in Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, will welcome students back tomorrow. According to the school, the year-round education model is designed to offer a holistic and enriching learning experience. 

The K–9 school says that with more frequent breaks throughout the year, students can better retain what they’ve learned and enjoy a smoother transition into the next grade.

Affectionately known as “High Kick Donna,” this vibrant woman, who describes herself as “78 going on 34” has lived a life full of drama, achievements, and lifelong learning, and she’s not done yet.

Born and raised in Lacombe to a nurse mother and a father who worked for B/A Oil and in real estate (and was an honorary member of the Lacombe Kinsmen) Donna was full of energy from day one.

A joint RCMP operation has led to the arrest of a violent offender and the seizure of drugs, cash and a gun following a late July investigation in Central Alberta.

On July 30, Wetaskiwin RCMP, with the support of several specialized units, located Aaron James Olsen at a property in Ponoka. Officers observed the 42-year-old Beaver County resident trafficking drugs from a vehicle and arrested him along with a passenger after conducting a traffic stop.

A search of the vehicle and a subsequent warrant execution resulted in the seizure of:

• $6,850 in cash

Alberta's government is creating fines and rules meant to curb predatory tow truck drivers.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says concerns have been raised about tow truck drivers showing up at car accidents and pressuring those involved to unnecessarily accept their services.

Dreeshen says in some cases tow truck drivers charge excessive fees and don't provide necessary information to those whose vehicles are towed.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Wetaskiwin, Millet and Highway 2, warning of conditions favourable for dangerous storms capable of producing large hail and torrential rain.

The weather agency says slow-moving systems may also lead to flash flooding, reduced visibility and the possible formation of funnel clouds.

Conditions are expected to improve this evening.

Environment Canada reminds the public to take shelter during storms, noting that lightning can cause serious injury or death and large hail can lead to significant damage.

Lacombe County is recruiting election workers for the 2025 municipal and school board elections.

Applicants must be available between Sept. 28 and Oct. 20 and are required to attend mandatory paid training. Positions are available at community halls and polling stations throughout the county. Workers can earn between $262 and $332 for a full day.

Advance polling takes place on Oct. 6 and 14. Election Day is set for Oct. 20, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy" will take place tomorrow night (August 7) at Carnival Cinemas in Red Deer. 

Directed by Blackfoot and Sámi filmmaker Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, the 2021 documentary explores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on the Kainai First Nation in southern Alberta, Tailfeathers' home community, and the harm reduction strategies that have emerged in response.

Red Deer City Council has approved changes to the Evergreen Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (NASP) and a related zoning bylaw amendment, paving the way for more diverse and affordable housing options in the city’s east side.

The decision came following a public hearing, where residents had the chance to weigh in on the proposed updates.

Evergreen, a growing residential neighbourhood with ongoing development, will see its eastern undeveloped portion redesigned.

The plan also converts a previously planned commercial site near the pond into residential use.