Lacombe

A road closure will begin Monday on 59th Street at 59th Avenue as part of ongoing construction at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.

The closure, expected to last two to three weeks, is required for crews to connect underground water utilities related to the expansion and upgrade of the hospital’s surgical department.

The $15.3-million project, funded by the Alberta government, also includes construction of an addition on the hospital’s northwest corner to house a relocated and modernized medical device reprocessing department.

The Department of National Defence is looking at the possibility of complementing its incoming F-35 fleet with uncrewed combat aircraft.

Unclassified documents obtained by The Canadian Press show the department is researching various options for acquiring the emerging technology.

The documents suggest that purchasing a fleet of aerial combat drones that could fly alongside fighter jets could cost as much as $16 billion and would require hundreds of staff.

Alberta RCMP are reminding residents to take precautions against theft of and from vehicles during summer activities like camping, hiking, and day trips.

The following tips can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft:

• Lock your vehicle – Always lock your vehicle, even while relaxing at your campsite or walking by the water. Thieves often act in moments of inattention.

Book lovers of all ages are invited to a brand-new literary event at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library today (July 12).

The first-ever Book Expo will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering an exciting day of author readings, book sales, and interactive opportunities with professionals from across the literary world.

The idea for the event was sparked by Programmer and host Maddie Anderson, inspired by a bit of nostalgia.

The County of Stettler is reminding residents to keep an eye on their spruce trees this season.

Three significant pests and diseases are actively affecting trees in the region: Cytospora Canker, Rhizosphaera Needlecast, and Spruce Beetle. Early detection and proper management can help protect shelterbelts, yard trees, and recreational green spaces.

Cytospora Canker (Cytospora kunzei) What it is:

A fungal disease affecting mainly Colorado blue spruce, Norway spruce, and native white and Engelmann spruce.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's chief of staff and the country's top public servant will be responsible for maintaining an ethics screen preventing him from making decisions that benefit his former employer, says a disclosure issued by the office of the ethics commissioner on Friday.

A new poll by Leger has found that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada.

The web survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians found that Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, which is well above the national average.

New Brunswick followed Quebec with an average of 70.2, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island finished at the bottom of the list. 

Mississauga, Ont. had the highest happiness rating of the 10 largest cities, while Toronto was lowest. 

Montreal finished second in the category.

Lacombe Days kicked off with our Sunny 94.1 barbecue outside the station’s office today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nearly 700 people attended the lunch, which included a burger and drink provided by CBO Earthworks, Central Alberta Co-op and The Market in Bentley.

The Lacombe Kinsmen Club handled the grilling, with all donations from the event going directly to the club. Over $675 were raised to help the Kinsmen with their local charities.

You can fish for free this weekend thanks to one of Alberta’s two annual Family Fishing Weekends, when you can fish without a licence on waterbodies with open fishing seasons.

It is important to note that national parks are not included in the free fishing.

Sportfishing regulations still apply all year to anglers of all ages, including during the Family Fishing Weekends.

The Lacombe Days organizers posted on social media that they are urgently seeking volunteers for the fireworks show tomorrow evening.

Volunteers are needed to help monitor barricades on Saturday, July 12, and shifts are available throughout the day.

Available shift times are:

• 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

If you’re available to cover a full or partial shift, reach out to Lacombe Days through their social media platforms.