Lacombe

Agricultural societies in Central Alberta and across the province are getting a significant funding boost from the Government of Alberta to help them manage rising operational costs and invest in long-term sustainability.

The province has announced more than $7.4 million in one-time funding for its seven regional agricultural societies, including those in Red Deer, Camrose, Olds, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Lloydminster and Grande Prairie.

The Olds Fire Department is part of a pilot study exploring how drone technology is being used to support emergency response in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas where rapid assessment is difficult.

The pilot began after a professor from the University of Alberta contacted Justin Andrew, Director of Protective Services and Fire Chief, through a professional connection about collaborating on a study.

Clearwater County Council has approved its 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw with no increase in tax rates across all property assessment classes.

The bylaw, passed on April 22, 2025, reflects Council’s continued focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of residents and businesses, especially amid inflation and a growing list of capital projects.

Although the County’s overall tax revenue will rise compared to 2024 due to an increased assessment base, Council chose to maintain the same municipal tax rate.

Party leaders emphasized familiar themes Thursday as they criss-crossed the country to shore up support in the final stretch of the federal election campaign.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre began Thursday in Halifax — where he pitched a promise of change for Canadians struggling to afford life's essentials — before heading to Saskatoon.

In Coquitlam, B.C., Liberal Leader Mark Carney spoke about bringing Canadians together to build up the country to fight U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war.

Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) is pleased to announce that Carey Flewelling has been appointed Assistant Principal of Crestomere School, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.  

Flewelling has served WCPS for nearly 20 years, teaching students from kindergarten to Grade 9 at both École James S. McCormick School and Crestomere School. 

Seed treatments can play an important role against disease, helping to give the newly emerging crop a better start.

Dr. Kelly Turkington, a plant pathologist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lacombe says seed treatments can effectively control seed-borne diseases such as Fusarium, spot blotch pathogens in cereals, and loose smut in barley. 

A fire advisory is in effect for Clearwater County, due to dry, warm, and windy conditions.

The fire advisory will remain in effect until conditions improve.

Fire permits may be restricted. Safe campfires are allowed in campgrounds and backcountry or random camping areas, but this level is a warning they may be restricted if the situation doesn't improve.

As the warmer weather approaches, bears are beginning to emerge from their dens, and Mountain View County is reminding residents and visitors to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of the wildlife.

The Mountain View BearSmart Society, in collaboration with local government agencies, is urging everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and take simple steps to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

The new Red Deer Justice Centre is officially open, promising quicker resolutions to legal matters and improved access to justice for Albertans in central Alberta.

The Government of Alberta has invested $191 million into the state-of-the-art facility, which significantly expands local courthouse capacity. The centre increases the number of courtrooms in Red Deer from eight to 12, providing space for more cases to be heard at the same time.

Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign returns from April 28 to May 4, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lacombe and District (BBBS) are rolling up their sleeves with a small army of volunteers to put some smiles on.

“We have really felt the love when it comes to the number of individuals, groups, and organizations who have signed up to help decorate cookies throughout the week,” says Jen Harty, community engagement director for BBBS Lacombe.