Lacombe

The month of July has brought cool, wet weather and smoke from forest fires to the majority of the Prairies.

Rain has been reported in some of the drier areas, but its coming too late for drought stressed crops and forage, with RM's across Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and  Alberta County's now declaring agricultural disaster areas.

Taking a regional look at what's happening:

Manitoba

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food.

The agreement is designed to build stronger collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous agricultural producers.

Keith Currie, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture says by working together, we can amplify Indigenous voices, support agricultural entrepreneurs, and promote food production in ways that benefit all Canadians.

Sylvan Lake RCMP have located 20-year-old Rowan Rollinson.

Rollinson was last spoken to on July 20,2025 and there was concern for her well-being.

She has now been found and is safe.

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The provincial government recently announced two conservation programs: the Private Land Conservation Program and Ecosystems Grant Program 

The government of Alberta is investing $10 million to improve private land conservation, with the launch of two new and improved programs.

The enhanced Private Land Conservation Program and the new Ecosystems Grant Program will enable better protection of natural areas across the province, while allowing landowners to use their land for farming and ranching, the province has said.

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Darrin Clark had nearly unlimited access to the outdoors from a young age, spending most of his time immersed in nature.

With parents who served as both artistic and adventurous inspirations, Clark grew up with a love for wild animals, survival, and the freedom of the bush—experiences that continue to guide his life today.

That adventurous spirit runs deep in his family.

Red Deer Rebels Owner, President and General Manager Brent Sutter today announced the hiring of Clayton Jardine as Assistant Coach.

An Ontario judge is delivering her ruling in the sexual assault trial for five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team.

Content warning: This live blog includes graphic descriptions of sexual acts and explicit testimony from a court proceeding that some readers may find disturbing or triggering. Reader discretion is advised.

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’s (AGLC) Tobacco Enforcement Unit (TEU), with support from the Red Deer RCMP, seized illegal cigarettes worth approximately $602,000 from a home in Red Deer. After a month-long investigation, officers confiscated more than 3,400 cartons, representing over $207,000 in avoided provincial taxes. Authorities charged Ali Abdulhseen Al-Hameedawi of Red Deer with possessing and selling unstamped tobacco and committing fraud over $5,000. 

City contractors have hit an unmarked gas line during ongoing work at the 5-way intersection near the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.

The Lacombe Fire Department is monitoring air quality on site, and ATCO Gas is also working to isolate the line. No issues or concerns have been reported, and there is no current risk to public safety. Local residents have been advised of the situation, and residents in the area are advised to close their windows.