Lacombe

Red Deer Emergency Services have confirmed that a townhouse complex fire that happened late Friday evening was caused by careless youth.

“They were playing with a lighter that they found and managed to light some debris on fire outside the structures on the backside, which then extended to multiple buildings,” said Evan Stewart, assistant deputy chief of emergency services.

The fire caused significant damage to the rear of four townhomes located at 4251 54 Ave.

It’s officially Pride Season in Canada! 🌈

Pride Season refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place across Canada during the summer months—from June through September.

This is a time when 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight resilience, celebrate talent, and honour the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ people across the country.

While most Pride events take place in the summer, many communities celebrate Pride throughout the year, reflecting the ongoing commitment to equity, visibility, and joy.

CAPI report says data strategies in agriculture need to be a 10-year national priority

Digital agriculture should be a national strategic priority with focused funding in the next federal-provincial-territorial policy agreement to help drive farmer-level adoption, says a new report from the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

CAPI collaborated with EMILI, a non-profit Manitoba organization focused on digital agriculture proving and adoption.

A former Prime Minister once quipped from the campaign trail that “an election is no time to talk about serious issues”. When it comes to providing opportunities for Canadians, however, policy matters far more than partisan politics. We have had a federal election, and a Cabinet has been appointed. We now need the government to have a laser-like focus on the fundamentals of good policy.

On May 29, at approximately 2:07 p.m., Ponoka RCMP responded to a report of a collision involving two semi tractor-trailer units.

An investigation revealed the crash occurred due to a vehicle that was parked partially in the driving lane and under the overpass at the QEII and Township Road 455. The suspect vehicle fled the scene following the collision.

The suspect vehicle is described as a blue or black Toyota Highlander.

A fire advisory is in place for all of Lacombe County effective June 2, due to warm temperatures, windy conditions, and a lack of anticipated precipitation in the coming days.

At this time, Lacombe County continues to issue fire permits for minor burns; however, permits for large scale burn activities will not be approved until conditions improve.

This advisory can be upgraded to a restriction or ban at any time.

Help keep Alberta safe by reviewing your permit conditions, having water available on-site, and never leave a fire unattended.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle thefts, including an incident in Wetaskiwin where the owner was struck by his own vehicle as the suspect fled.

The incident, which occurred on May 22 at the intersection of 55 Street and 41 Avenue in Wetaskiwin, was captured on video and drew widespread attention after being shared on social media.

An investigation conducted by Wetaskiwin RCMP General Duty, the Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, and the Wetaskiwin RCMP General Investigative Section identified the suspect.

The RCMP are asking for the public's help in locating 15-year-old Jaxsen Swain, who was reported missing on May 18.

Swain was last seen on May 17 at approximately 11:30 p.m. near the 300-block of Wale Road in Colwood.

Police say they are continuing their investigation and believe Swain may be travelling between British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Swain is described as:

• Male

• 15 years old

• Light complexion

• Five-foot-11 (180 centimetres)

Chinook’s Edge School Division has said a fond farewell to Kurt Sacher, who retired at the end of May after 15 years of service as the division’s superintendent.

At a special gathering on May 21, school and division-based administrators, school board trustees, and division office staff came together to share memories and express gratitude for Sacher’s contributions.

A new agreement between IAFF Local 1190 and the City of Red Deer administration will introduce temporary EMS-only paramedic roles, offering greater flexibility in how Emergency Services staffs this role and maintains high-quality medical response for the community.

A letter of understanding, signed last week, marks the first time the City has had the ability to hire temporary EMS staff — an option not previously available under the collective agreement.