Lacombe

An independent investigation has concluded that allegations of corruption related to Red Deer County’s public procurement practices were not substantiated.

The forensic accounting investigation by KPMG Forensic Inc. examined relationships, procurement and contracting processes involving several County vendors and included an in-depth review of certain County tenders, agreements, general ledgers and purchasing and payment data. The investigation focused on the 2019 through 2023 fiscal years but, in some cases, examined as far back as 2014.

The City of Red Deer has taken a step toward strengthening its long-term financial sustainability with the presentation of a financial roadmap to city council on Monday.

Developed in partnership with KPMG, the roadmap provides a detailed assessment of the city’s financial maturity and outlines a path forward to enhance financial leadership, governance and accountability. The work responds to council’s 2024 direction to develop a financial management and governance maturity plan and aligns with its 2025 priority of financial stewardship.

The weather threw a few curveballs, but that didn’t stop Westerner Days from delivering five days of fun, connection and community pride. From the first beat of the parade to the final boom of fireworks, Red Deer’s spirit was on full display.

“Westerner Days is a reflection of the community we’re proud to serve. It’s not just about entertainment — it’s about connection,” said Shelly Flint, chief executive officer of Westerner Park.

Westerner Days has wrapped up for another year, and organizers made sure everyone had a chance to join in the fun especially the children and families staying at Ronald McDonald House.

The “Share the Fair” initiative returned this year, bringing a taste of the midway magic directly to children and families currently residing at the nonprofit facility.

The ongoing fire situation in Manitoba, resulted in the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Agriculture Ministers meeting virtually last week.

They discussed a number of issues, from the weather impacts to international trade, improving interprovincial trade opportunities, and enhancements to AgriStability.

For the 2025 program year only, they agreed to increase the AgriStability compensation rate from 80 per cent to 90 per cent and increased the maximum payment limit from $3 million to $6 million. 

The 2025 Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) All-Star Game took place Saturday, July 19, at Seaman Stadium in Okotoks, with the battle not only between East and West but also against the weather.

Twelve teams participated in the exhibition game, which showcased the league’s top players.

Representing the West were the Okotoks Dawgs, Lethbridge Bulls, Sylvan Lake Gulls, Energy City Cactus Rats, Fort McMurray Giants and Brooks Bombers.

A familiar face within Chinook’s Edge—especially in its high schools—is Brianne Fletcher.

Fletcher has been serving as the Career Connections Coordinator for Chinook’s Edge School Division and Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. This fall, she will take on a new role as Director of the Community Learning Campus (CLC) in Olds.

The Ponoka Aquaplex is diving into National Drowning Prevention Week with a series of free activities from now until Saturday, July 26, aimed at raising awareness and promoting water safety skills.

Each year, more than 400 Canadians lose their lives in preventable water-related incidents. National Drowning Prevention Week, led by the Lifesaving Society, seeks to reduce these tragedies by educating the public on how to stay safe in and around water.

To mark the occasion, the Aquaplex (5315 46 Ave.) is hosting several events, including:

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.