Lacombe

In the last issue we discussed warm and cold clouds, and we learned that most of our local precipitation is produced in cold clouds, which means that most of it starts off as snow, even in the summer.

This week we are going to look at the different types of precipitation we experience and examine how each type forms.

Next on our list of precipitation types is sleet or ice pellets.

This form of precipitation is created when raindrops freeze in the air before they reach the ground.

The Lacombe Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) is hosting its closing celebration tonight at 7:30 p.m. for the "Piece by Piece" fundraising exhibition.

The exhibit features artwork from 22 local artists of varying skill levels and has been on display in the centre’s main lobby for the past few weeks.

A wide range of mediums — including acrylic and oil paintings, felting, mixed media and rug hooking — were available for bidding, and tonight, the highest bidders will take their pieces home.

A year-and-a-half after announcing it would massively reorganize the health-care system, Alberta's government says it's now in the final stages of the still-controversial revamp.

The United Conservatives are dismantling the provincial health authority, Alberta Health Services, reducing it to a hospital services provider and putting four new agencies in charge.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange is proposing legislation that would officially shuffle workers represented by five different unions from AHS to a different agency and the Health Ministry.

The idea of Alberta opting out of the Canada Pension Plan isn't moving ahead — at least for now.

Premier Danielle Smith says she won't be putting the creation of a provincial pension plan to a referendum any time soon.

"I'm not seeing that there's an appetite to put it to the people at the moment," Smith told reporters at an unrelated press conference Thursday.

"I have said that I would put it to the people if I saw evidence they wanted to vote on it (but) I'm not seeing that at the moment."

Update:

Wetaskiwin RCMP are now investigating this serious crash as a fatal hit and run incident.

RCMP, Thursday evening were on scene at a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway 13 at Range Road 244.

At the time, traffic could not proceed through the scene.

The highway had been closed for many hours but was reopened early Friday morning.

Charlie Mayer, a prominent figure in Canadian agriculture and politics, has passed away at the age of 89. Born in Saskatoon in 1936, Mayer attended the University of Saskatchewan before purchasing a farm in Manitoba in 1965. He grew grain, potatoes, and raised Simmental cattle, becoming active in the Manitoba Beef Growers Association. Mayer played a key role in opposing the introduction of supply management to the beef industry.

Highway 11A has reopened. Traffic has returned to normal.

Earlier this afternoon at around 4:00 pm, emergency crews were on scene at a MVC on HWY-11A at Range Road 284 east of Sylvan Lake.

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On April 28, 2025, Sylvan Lake Council approved the 2025 Budget with a zero per cent core municipal tax rate increase. This was made possible by assessment values that were much greater than the estimate in the draft budget. 

Here are some common questions answered by council and administration.

What is a core municipal tax rate?

The Canadian cattle industry is experiencing unprecedented profitability, with cattle prices reaching all-time highs. Despite this positive outlook, there are significant concerns about the ongoing trade war with the United States and its impact on the industry's stability.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he’s a true Canadian but wouldn’t stop a public vote on separating from the country if it came forward.

Moe says residents are allowed to trigger provincial legislation for a plebiscite on the issue.

He says he does not judge people for having different opinions, but says he supports a united Canada.

Saskatchewan law allows the public to bring forward a petition for a plebiscite as long as 15 per cent of eligible voters sign on.

Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck says Moe should rule out a vote on separation.