Lacombe

The Liberal government will table a bill this fall introducing stricter bail conditions and sentencing for some crimes, particularly those involving organized crime, human trafficking, home invasion and car theft, Justice Minister Sean Fraser said in an interview.

"It's perhaps obvious, given the tenor around the criminal justice system, that reforms are in order," Fraser told The Canadian Press.

The Lacombe Police Service is investigating a significant theft that occurred at Shoppers Drug Mart on Sunday, June 16.

At around 9:15 p.m., six female suspects entered the business and stole approximately $3,214.00 worth of fragrance and beauty products. The suspects were described as wearing skirts, coats, and dresses.

Surveillance video obtained from the store shows the group entering together, with one suspect distracting a staff member while the others removed merchandise from unlocked perfume display cabinets.

The Lacombe Police Service has identified three suspects in connection with a break-in and theft from a construction trailer earlier this month.

At approximately 3:40 a.m. on June 20, three suspects were captured on video surveillance breaking into a trailer owned by Grayson Excavating. The trailer was parked at a work site in the parking lot of Leto’s Steakhouse & Bar.

Several Milwaukee-brand power tools were stolen, including batteries, saws and other equipment. The estimated value of the stolen items is between $800 and $1,500.

The Red Deer District Chamber announces a change in executive leadership, effective June 19, 2025.

Following discussions the Red Deer District Chamber Board of Directors and Scott Robinson have agreed to part ways. This decision reflects a mutual agreement that new leadership is needed to guide the organization into its next chapter.

Premier Danielle Smith says she'll be spending the summer touring the province with business leaders, backbenchers and an academic to find ways to protect Alberta from what she calls federal mistreatment and overreach.

She says Ottawa is to blame for decades of lost investment and resource revenue and that Alberta can't be held back any longer.

The premier is to lead the Alberta Next panel, which also includes three United Conservative Party legislature members, Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz, a retired judge and a physician.

Lacombe Police Service have recovered a vehicle after it was stolen in the early morning hours in the 5600 block of 49 Avenue. 

At approximately 2 a.m. this morning, police received a report from a resident who witnessed an unknown suspect stealing their neighbour’s tan Jeep CJ Sport, which has a brown canvas roof.  

A Ponoka curler has been selected as one of the recipients of the Spirit of Sandra Scholarship, awarded by the Sandra Schmirler Foundation to support young leaders in curling and community service.

Emma Deschiffart skipped her team at the 2024 Canadian U20 Championships and volunteers with the Little Rocks youth program at her local curling centre. She will attend the University of Alberta this fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in accounting.

The Canadian Meat Council is warning that the Liberal government’s legislation to ease the movement of goods and services within Canada could actually undermine red meat exports.

Lauren Martin, senior director of public affairs for the organization, says the bill is raising questions about whether it could lead the federal government to recognize provincial rules for inspecting meat processing facilities as equal to federal standards.

At the Monday, June 23, Regular City Council Meeting some of the topics discussed included Habit for Humanity and Zoning Bylaw amendments.

Here is a recap of that meeting.

 CLOSED/BUSINESS ARISING: 

Habitat for Humanity

Chinook’s Edge School Division is celebrating the career of Associate Superintendent Shawn Russell, who is retiring at the end of June.

Russell began his teaching career 33 years ago in the Northwest Territories and has worked in four school divisions over the years. His roles have included teacher, vice-principal, principal and associate superintendent.

He joined Chinook’s Edge in 2001 and moved into a leadership role at division office in 2006. He currently serves as Associate Superintendent of Corporate Services.