Lacombe

On April 17, 2025, after a brief investigation into firearms, RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving a residence on Falcon Crescent in Sylvan Lake. As a result of the traffic stop, two individuals were arrested. During a search incidental to arrest RCMP located cocaine and cash on one of the suspects. The vehicle was towed pending a search warrant.

RCMP then executed a search warrant on the residence on Falcon Crescent. As a result of the search police located:

Ponoka will have temporary road closures starting today, until Thursday (May 15) as crews conduct paving work, weather permitting, at the intersections of:

• 42 Avenue and the east side of Highway 2A

• 44 Avenue and the east side of Highway 2A.

The temporary road closures will remain in place until the work is completed.

During this time, motorists are reminded to please drive with caution around work crews and observe road signs.

A distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba will be invested into the Order of Manitoba this summer.

Dr. Digvir S. Jayas, an engineer and agrologist, has received multiple awards for his 30-year research and teaching career. He conducts research related to drying, handling and storing of grains and oilseeds and digital image processing for grading and processing operations in the Agri-Food industry.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his new cabinet today.

One of the new faces at the cabinet table will be 59 year old Heath MacDonald an MP from Prince Edward Island, as he takes on the role of Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister.

MacDonald was first elected as an MP in 2021 after previously serving in the Provincial Legislature

Kody Blois, who was appointed ag minister in early March following Carney's leadership win i
 was left out of cabinet.

Other key ministers of note relating to the ag industry :

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver has resigned from cabinet amid speculation he will run for the vacant position of Speaker of the house.

Premier Danielle Smith, in announcing his resignation, said in a statement Tuesday that she's grateful for McIver's commitment and hard work in serving Albertans.

Tourism Minister Joseph Schow will take on McIver's portfolio on an interim basis, Smith said.

"Minister Schow will be available to municipalities around the province as they continue to navigate the uncertainty of the wildfire season," she said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is giving his cabinet a major shakeup, moving several key players involved in Canada-U.S. relations into new positions and promoting 24 new faces to the front bench.

Carney's cabinet — 28 full ministers and 10 secretaries of state — retains prominent figures from former prime minister Justin Trudeau's government, including Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland and François-Philippe Champagne.

Due to recent significant precipitation, Lacombe County has downgraded the Fire Ban to a Fire Advisory.  

While this change reflects improved conditions, fire danger remains high to very high in many areas of Lacombe County, and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritize fire prevention at all times.  

Alberta’s government is investing $1.5 million annually to support the mental health of first responders living with or at risk for post-traumatic stress injuries.

Alberta’s first responders face danger, trauma and heartbreak to safeguard the lives, futures and well-being of Alberta’s families, communities and loved ones.

That’s why it is important to honour their sacrifice by ensuring Alberta’s heroes don’t face their battles alone.

Staff and students at John Wilson Elementary School (JWES) in Innisfail enjoyed participating in an Indigenous cultural residency from May 5 to 9. Because it was a weeklong, students were able to enjoy a wide range of learning experiences. The residency is one of five residencies supported by Chinook’s Edge in the 2024-25 school year.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Lacombe now has registration open for its “Kids N’ Kops” Summer Day camp.

The annual event gives kids an inside look at forensic science, police scenarios, team building and crime solving.

Open to youth aged eight to eleven, the four-day camp partners with the Lacombe Police Service, the Blackfalds RCMP and the Blackfalds peace officers.

Jen Harty, Community Engagement Director for BBBS Lacombe, says the camp is the highlight of the summer, and this year it will run from July 7 to 10.