Lacombe

The Town of Olds recently conducted a housing survey and heard a clear message from residents: housing is becoming harder to find, more expensive, and often doesn’t meet people’s needs.

Key findings from the survey include:

Mountain View County has provided an update on Wildfire RWF030, located west of Sundre within the Forest Protection Area.

Alberta Forestry has updated the wildfire’s status to Being Held. This classification indicates that, given current weather conditions and available resources, the wildfire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries.

The City of Red Deer has launched a new Watering Timer Rebate Program to encourage residents to conserve water while maintaining beautiful, healthy yards. Homeowners can receive a $50 rebate on their City utility bill when they purchase and install a watering timer for their outdoor hose or irrigation system.

Lacombe County says they will continue participation in Alberta's Golf Cart Pilot Project.

Launched in the spring of 2024, this five-year provincial initiative allows municipalities to authorize golf cart operation on designated local highways, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation alternative.

In Lacombe County:

Just after 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, STARS and Ponoka emergency services were called to a crash on Highway 2A.

The crash happened approximately two kilometres north of Ponoka, near Township Road 434.

At that time, RCMP had a detour in place and the highway was closed for about six hours.

After concluding their investigation at the scene, Highway 2A reopened at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday.

RCMP are calling this a serious crash and will provide an update once one is available.

As National Volunteer Week ends, the Alberta government has opened nominations for the 2025 "Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards", which shine a spotlight on community heroes who brighten lives and strengthen communities across the province.

The "Stars of Alberta Volunteer Awards" celebrate individuals who give their time, energy and talents to make life better for others.

These prestigious awards recognize the incredible impact volunteers have in communities throughout Alberta.

Two awards are presented in each of the following categories:

Red Deer RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating missing 14-year-old Kaylee Saddleback. Kaylee was last seen in Wetaskiwin on April 25, 2025. There is concern for her well-being.

Kaylee Saddleback is described as:

·        5 feet 9 inches and approximately 170 pounds

·        Medium complexion

·        Black hair and brown eyes

Update: Sunday, May 4th

According to Wildfire Alberta, the wildfire west of Sundre is now classified as being held.

This classification indicates that, given current weather conditions and available resources, the wildfire is not expected to grow beyond its existing boundaries.

You can find the latest update here.

Saturday, May 3

According to Wildfire Alberta, firefighters are currently on scene of a wildfire west of Sundre.

Red Deer RCMP is seeking public assistance in locating missing 22-year-old Savannah Charbonneau.

Savannah was last seen on the evening of April 24, 2025, at the Red Deer Resort and Casino. It is possible that she may be in Edmonton. There is concern for her well-being.

Savannah is described as:

·      5 feet 7 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds

·      Blonde hair and blue eyes

·      Light complexion 

The Alberta government is investing $39 million in Budget 2025 to support the role public library services play in communities across the province.

The funding will be distributed to 225 public library boards, including seven intermunicipal boards, municipalities, Métis Settlements and First Nations communities.