Lacombe

The first debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump may not have brought the surge of excitement among voters that both leaders were looking for ahead of the November election.

The matchup saw the current president and his political rival exchange personal barbs as well as criticism over their legacies in the Oval Office. 

But some Democratic supporters showed concern over portions of 81-year-old Biden’s uneven performance, which included a raspy voice and rambling responses. 

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced over $2 million for Canada's organic industry.

The Canada Organic Trade Association will receive over $1.1 million to facilitate the growth of the organic sector by resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products are competitive, building export capacity, and developing domestic opportunities. 

At 7:44 p.m., on Thursday (June 27) Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Lacombe County near Blackfalds and Bentley. 

Heavy rain will continue with total amounts of 40 to 70 mm.  

Areas in the foothills will see heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms continue tonight and intensify through the evening hours.  

The rain will taper off Friday morning.  

At 1:56 p.m. today (June 27), Environment Canada issued a rainfall warning for Mountain View County near Olds and Sundre.  

Heavy rain will begin today, with total amounts of 50 to 70 mm.  

Areas in the foothills will see heavy rain and embedded thunderstorms continue through the afternoon and intensify in the evening hours.   

The rain will taper off Friday morning.   

The Red Deer Regional Health Foundation announced the winners of the 2024 Red Deer Hospital Lottery today (June 27).  

Maxine Rumohr of Sylvan Lake won the $1,072,624 lottery dream home grand prize.   

While Mary Vincent of Red Deer won the $163,798 Tree Hugger Tiny Home Prize Package, and Carolyn Pelerine of Cochrane won the Mega Bucks 50 jackpot of $303,600.  

On June 25, the Innisfail RCMP with assistance of the RCMP Red Deer Crime Reduction Team and Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit were conducting surveillance on a known drug trafficker and repeat offender.   

The suspect was seen driving a vehicle and known to police as a suspended driver.   

The suspect was arrested by police and search incidental to his arrest resulted in the seizure of: 

The Alberta RCMP Auto Theft Unit has made several arrests and recovered $500,000 in stolen vehicles after a nearly 3-month long investigation.  

In March of 2024, the unit identified a trend of brand-new Ford Explorers being stolen from dealerships throughout Central Alberta.  

The suspects were programming new keys for the vehicles and driving the vehicles off the dealership lots with both sets of keys. 

WestJet is cancelling flights ahead of a possible strike by its mechanics' union.

The Calgary-based airline says in a statement the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association has provided them with another notice of strike action.

WestJet says that as a result, it has preemptively cancelled 25 flights between Thursday and Friday, affecting about 3,300 customers.

The Chinook’s Edge School Board of Trustees reviewed an administrative procedure to guide artificial intelligence (AI) in schools throughout the division during the June 25 board meeting.  

The procedure is designed to guide the ethical, safe, and effective integration of AI technologies in schools, with the goal of enhancing the quality of education, personalizing the learning experience, improving educational outcomes, and preparing students for a future shaped by AI technologies.  

The Lacombe and District Garden Club officially revealed the 75th anniversary tree on Tuesday (June 25).   

Members of the garden club were joined by Lacombe City Councillor Reuben Konnik, and Reeve Barb Shepherd to celebrate the planting of the tree at the Lacombe Memorial Centre garden.