Lacombe

Canada’s top soldier is looking forward to a boost in military spending that includes a pay raise for military personnel at a time when uncertainty on the world stage is high.

NATO leaders — including Canada — have approved a plan to dramatically increase defence spending across the Western alliance to five per cent of gross domestic product over the next decade.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move to five per cent of GDP — 3.5 per cent for core military spending and 1.5 per cent for defence-related infrastructure — will take place over the next 10 years.

On Sunday July 6, at 12:23 p.m., Sylvan Lake RCMP responded to a report of a helicopter crash near a private landing strip in the area of Range Road 40 in Lacombe County.

Upon arrival, emergency responders attempted to assist a female passenger however she was declared deceased. The female has been identified as 54-year-old Benalto Alta. resident.

The pilot, a 63-year-old Lacombe County resident, was taken by STARS to hospital in life-threatening condition.

Communities across Central Alberta are receiving a boost through the province’s Small Community Opportunity Program.

Alberta’s government is providing an additional $3 million in grants to support Indigenous and small communities, aiming to help them tap into economic opportunities and address local challenges.

The program has awarded grants ranging from $20,000 to $90,000 for 41 community-led projects focused on agriculture, small-business support, and local economic development.

Annual awards banquet jump-starts Lacombe Fish and Game Association (LFGA) Outdoor Education Bursary

The LFGA has officially released fundraising results from its second annual Awards Banquet, held in March.

Banquet attendees received updates on both ongoing and completed LFGA projects, including the launch of the LFGA Outdoor Education Bursary.

Yesterday (July 5) at 9:55 a.m., Sylvan Lake RCMP received a report of a serious motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 766 and Highway 12.

Upon arrival, the two occupants of a GMC Sierra, 75-year-old male and 72-year-old male, both residents of Lacombe, were found deceased.

The two occupants of a Dodge truck, a 23-year-old male and 19-year-old male, both residents of Red Deer, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

RCMP remained on the scene for several hours conducting an investigation.

Alberta uncorks new rules for liquor and cannabis use.

Alberta’s government is giving a boost to local liquor producers by allowing them to own, operate and sell their products on large-format bikes, commonly known as "party bikes."

Albertans out for a spin on a party bike or tavern tour will soon be able to sip locally made beer and spirits.

The province is updating regulations to allow small liquor producers to serve their own products on party bikes, removing an outdated barrier that had prevented them from promoting their own brands.

Sylvan Lake RCMP are currently on scene of a serious motor vehicle collision at Highway 12 and Highway 766. 

Traffic in all directions is currently affected. 

RCMP anticipate remaining on scene for several hours.

Additional updates to follow when more information is made available.

Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and find an alternate route.

Lacombe Police Service (LPS) is reminding residents to drive sober this summer, as officers continue efforts to reduce impaired driving on local roads.

This July, LPS is joining police agencies across Alberta in raising awareness about the dangers of impaired driving—whether caused by alcohol, cannabis, or other substances.

In 2024 alone, Lacombe police issued:

• 22 Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fail penalties, up from 18 in 2023

• 25 IRS 24-hour suspensions

• 1 IRS novice suspension

Lacombe Ford has completed its first partnership with Lacombe Composite High School’s mechanics program for the 2024–25 school year.

As part of the initiative, the dealership donated a 2007 Ford F-150 to the program, along with a list of required repairs and all necessary parts. Students completed the repairs as a full start-to-finish project, designed to simulate work in a professional auto shop.

Lacombe Days is coming up next weekend, and we spoke with festival coordinator Jess Zylstra about what visitors can expect at this year’s celebration.

Can you describe Lacombe Days to someone who has never been?

Lacombe Days is a three-day festival held right here in Lacombe. It has that great small-town vibe to it, with about 50 free or low-cost events. Some are organized by our board, and others are put on by community groups, businesses, and organizations.