Lacombe

Confidence federal public servants have in their senior managers has fallen in recent years, a new survey suggests.

The 2024 Public Service Employee Survey said 55 per cent of public servants have confidence in senior management at their department or agency, down from 64 per cent in 2022 and 68 per cent in 2020.

Almost two-thirds of respondents in the new survey said senior managers in their department or agency model ethical behaviour.

The tornado watch has ended for all areas of Central Alberta.

A severe thunderstorm watch is still in place for many areas including Ponoka County, Red Deer County and Clearwater County.

Thunderstorms continue over a large portion of Alberta. Some of these thunderstorms will continue to be severe this evening and tonight, giving very large hail, and strong wind gusts.

For the latest forecast click here.

The Lacombe Fire Department is helping residents cool off with free pop-up splash zones while the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre's spray park undergoes maintenance.

The temporary splash pads will be set up on July 9 and 11, running from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the field behind Lacombe Composite High School.

Rimbey RCMP executed a search warrant on a local business earlier today, finding multiple illegal drugs.

After a lengthy investigation into illegal drugs and cigarettes being sold, Rimbey RCMP, in a joint operation with the AGLC Tobacco Enforcement Unit, executed a search warrant at The Vault Sports Pub in Rimbey.

As a result of the search, police seized:

• Over 46 cartons and many packages of illegal cigarettes

• Quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, psilocybin, and marijuana

Drivers in Lacombe should expect delays and detours near the city’s well-known 5-way intersection as construction continues on 53 Street.

The south portion of 53 Street to 52 Avenue is currently closed for a water valve replacement and is expected to remain closed until the end of the day Thursday.

In addition, the north portion of 53 Street, just beyond the 5-way intersection, will remain closed throughout the summer for sewer improvements.

Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools (RDCRS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ike Hanna as Associate Superintendent of Learning Services and Nicole Zimmerman as Associate Superintendent of Student Services, effective August 18, 2025. These strategic additions to the Senior Leadership Team will bring extensive experience and a deep commitment to Catholic education to the division.

Alberta's government has named its own provincial police force and announced its first chief.

Premier Danielle Smith says former deputy Calgary police chief Sat Parhar has been tapped to lead the new force, which the province will call the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service. 

Parhar retired in 2019 after more than two decades with the Calgary Police Service in a variety of roles. 

Farm Credit Canada's Transition Loan program has been enhanced.

Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald says transferring the family farm or business can be stressful; the new changes will help address the financial barriers many people face.

The loan's new terms are designed to make it easier for both buyers and sellers by allowing disbursements to the seller over a 10 year period.

The loan is available for farms, agribusinesses, or food businesses going through changes in ownership, be it within or outside the family.

Two former members of Alberta's governing United Conservative Party are resuscitating the province's once-dominant Progressive Conservative Party.

Former infrastructure minister Peter Guthrie and legislature member Scott Sinclair were booted from caucus earlier this year for pushing back against the Premier Danielle Smith's government and now sit as Independents.

Sinclair says the province's two-party system has become too divisive, and they want to galvanize support from Albertans who feel they don't have a political home.

Hayden Sutherland of Innisfail has been named the Sunny 94/Strand 360 Athlete of the Month.

Sutherland is the all-time points leader for the Mavericks lacrosse team, with 98 goals and 85 assists in 60 games.

He said he got his start in the sport at a young age.