Lacombe

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning across parts of Central Alberta.

Daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees Celsius, with overnight lows ranging from 14 to 18 degrees, are expected to continue through the rest of the week.

Environment Canada says the current heat warnings are expected to end this weekend, as daytime temperatures return to the mid-20s.

Residents and visitors in affected areas are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and others.

The 2025 “Chairs for Charity” fundraiser raised $6,350 in support of the Tools for School program. This brings the total raised to an impressive $46,048 for local charities since beginning in 2018.

Launched by Deanna Nowochin, “Chairs for Charity” is a grassroots initiative that brings the community together in support of a good cause. Each year, local businesses purchase and creatively decorate unfinished Adirondack chairs, which are then displayed throughout Lacombe and raffled off to the public.

A man who allegedly fled police following a confrontation during a traffic stop has been arrested and is now facing several charges.

Lacombe police say Aaron Olson was taken into custody after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier yesterday.

The charges stem from an incident on July 28, when officers stopped a white Dodge Ram on Highway 12 near 58 Street just before 1 a.m.

Police say Olson, who was showing signs of impairment, became combative when officers attempted to search his vehicle — which contained an open alcoholic beverage within reach.

The results are in for the annual Community Votes Red Deer awards, and several local organizations and groups are celebrating top honours.

The Bredin Centre for Career Advancement earned platinum in the non-profit category, recognized for its support services including emergency housing funding, help with income support applications, and access to cultural and community resources.

In the community organization category, platinum went to the Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre (CAPCC).

Chinook’s Edge School Division is officially welcoming Danielle Booker as vice-principal of Jessie Duncan Elementary School.

Booker stepped into the role partway through the 2024-25 school year and has since been connecting with students, staff and families in the Penhold community.

She said she is enjoying getting to know families in Penhold and is committed to serving the community with passion and dedication.

New schools, modular classrooms and modernization projects are in the works across Central Alberta as part of a provincewide push to meet growing student demand.

Across Alberta, the province is investing $50 million this fall to deliver 62 modular classrooms, with a total of $100 million earmarked for 109 modular units in Budget 2025.

These classrooms will create space for 2,725 students and allow the relocation of 575 more.

Chinook’s Edge School Division is set to receive two new modular classrooms this fall.

Today is the final day to take advantage of the Sunny 94 Grab A Gift Card Auction, offering deep discounts on hundreds of gift cards from businesses across Central Alberta.

The online auction features deals in categories like automotive, entertainment, health and beauty, pet care, and more.

Shoppers can score big savings — with $100 gift cards going for as little as $40, and $200 cards currently available for just $80.

All cards come from local businesses, meaning every bid supports Central Alberta’s economy and helps your friends and neighbours.

A free firefighting camp for women and gender-diverse individuals aged 16 and older is coming to Red Deer County this August. 

Ignite the Fire will take place Aug. 22 to 24 at the Red Deer County Training Centre. The weekend program will be led by Brandi Hoszouski, a lieutenant with Station 5 in Spruce View, along with several other female instructors. 

A judge is scheduled to rule today on whether to grant bail to three men facing terrorism charges in an alleged plot to forcibly seize land in the Quebec City area.

Quebec court Judge René de la Sablonnière heard evidence and arguments over three days.

Simon Angers-Audet, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25, and Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, face charges of facilitating a terrorist activity, and other charges related to the illegal storage of firearms and possession of explosives and prohibited devices.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations in September, as long as the Palestinian Authority holds elections next year.

"Preserving a two-state solution means standing with all people who choose peace over violence or terrorism. And it means honouring their innate desire for peaceful coexistence," Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill.

He said Ottawa intends to officially recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.