Lacombe

Fluoride is back in Calgary's drinking water.

The city, in a news release, says it has begun adding the chemical into the water at the direction of councillors.

Council's decision follows a 2021 plebiscite in which about two-thirds of those who voted said they wanted fluoride put back in the water.

The city says fluoride is safe at low levels and is an effective way to prevent cavities and keep teeth strong.

One of two men jailed last year for their roles in the Coutts, Alta., border protest has been granted bail while he appeals his conviction and sentence.

An Alberta appeal court judge says Chris Carbert does not pose a threat to public safety and is unlikely to commit a criminal offence if released from custody.

Last fall, a jury found Carbert and Anthony Olienick guilty of mischief over $5,000 and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace for their role in the blockade.

They were each given prison sentences of 6 ½ years. 

Ponoka RCMP have released a record of some of the arrests made in the month of June.

Here is the list:

June 4, 2025 – Ponoka RCMP received a report of a vehicle travelling north bound in the south bound lane on highway 2A. Members responded and, in their patrols, located the suspect vehicle driving on 2A near Burger King. The investigation resulted in the driver failing a roadside screening for alcohol and was arrested for warrants out of Calgary. The vehicle was seized for 30 days, and the driver was held until sober and released with a Calgary court date.

At around 3:30 Monday afternoon, Environment Canada issued a heat warning for most parts of Central Alberta.

During a water main service repair today, a significant issue occurred which has resulted in substantial disruption to the municipal water system. Town crews are working urgently to complete the repair and restore normal operations.

To maintain essential service levels and protect the system from further strain, the Town of Olds is now implementing Level 3 Water Restrictions, effective immediately.

Alberta's government is seeking advice to address violence and aggression in schools.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says it's a serious problem as learning disruptions and mental health concerns are becoming more and more common.

Nicolaides says a team of 20 education system officials and teachers will develop potential policy options and solutions over the next six months.

He says some of the recommendations could be implemented as soon as the fall.

If you are planning on heading out to the many Canada Day events across Central Alberta over the next couple days, keep in mind it is going to be hot.

Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures in the high 20's for the rest of Monday afternoon and Tuesday (Canada Day). Some areas including Three Hills and Trochu are under a heat warning. 

Meeting new people can be tough, but the City of Red Deer is hoping to make it a little easier this summer with the return of a popular community program.

Meet Me at the Park is back with a wide range of fun-filled activities for residents of all ages, aiming to bring the community together and foster a sense of connection and belonging.

A youth soccer team from Ponoka is headed overseas to compete in one of the largest international tournaments in the world.

The Ponoka Storm U15 girls’ team is travelling to Estoril, Portugal, to take part in the prestigious IberCup tournament from June 30 to July 6.

The team will play its first matches on Canada Day, facing off against opponents from around the globe.

The roster includes talented athletes from Ponoka, Lacombe, Stettler, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House and Camrose — all proudly representing their central Alberta communities on the world stage.

A byelection has been called in the federal riding of Battle River--Crowfoot, where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is hoping to win a seat in the House of Commons.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has set Aug. 18 as the date for the vote.

Poilievre, who represented the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton for more than 20 years, lost to Liberal MP Bruce Fanjoy in the April 28 election.

Damien Kurek resigned his seat earlier this month to make way for the Conservative leader's return to Parliament.