Lacombe

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

The last long weekend of the summer is here, and for many Central Albertans that means relaxing and squeezing in one more camping trip.

The forecast is calling for plenty of sunshine, and several Central Alberta campgrounds remain open into September and beyond.

Here are a few local options if you’re planning a quick getaway close to home:

Lacombe

• Michener Park Campground — open until Sept. 30

• Les Walker Rotary Park Day Site & Camping — open until September

Bentley

The City of Red Deer is keeping its spray parks open a little longer this summer.

Central Spray & Play and Woody’s Spray Park will remain in operation until Sept. 7, weather permitting. The city says closures could come earlier if conditions become unsuitable.

The extension follows several inclement days earlier in the season, allowing crews to add extra days of operation.

Spray parks usually close after the September long weekend alongside the Recreation Centre’s outdoor pool, which will close for the season at 5 p.m. on Sept. 1.

In February 2025, Maskwacis RCMP began an investigation into illegally purchased firearms in the community.

As part of the investigation, police identified a suspect and determined that several of the firearms purchased by him had been recovered at crime scenes in Maskwacis and in other detachments and provinces.

As a result, RCMP have charged 24-year-old Maskwacis resident Colby Ray Buffalo with firearms trafficking and transfer without authority.

The RCMP continue efforts to locate outstanding firearms and say the investigation is ongoing.

Drivers near Sylvan Lake were facing delays after a collision on Highway 781 at Township Road 381.

The incident happened about two kilometres south of the town and has now been cleared.

** With information from 511 Alberta.

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A new playground is coming this fall to Lacombe, but it isn’t going to be at a local school. 

The Lacombe Fish and Game Association (LFGA) is adding a new playground to the popular community fishing site, with installation scheduled for September. The addition will expand the existing play space at the pond and feature a honeybee and hive theme.

“There are some kinds of woodland playgrounds, and then there's this kind of bees themed playground,” said LFGA president Brad Pallister.

“We just thought that bees are incredibly important for conservation.”

Water Conservation is no longer in effect for the villages of Aix and Clive.

The Stettler Water Treatment Plant had a leak on the main water line earlier today, that has been repaired.

The villages of Alix and Clive were in Stage Three of Water Conservation and had to reduce water usage.

** With information from the Villages of Alix and Clive.

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The Lacombe Art Guild is on the hunt for a fresh new logo and is inviting artists from across Central Alberta to take part in the design contest.

Artists can submit as many entries as they like, using any medium of their choice, as long as the final design is provided in a digital format.

The Guild encourages designs that reflect its artistic spirit while paying homage to Lacombe, Central Alberta, and the wider region of Alberta and Canada.

Submissions will be accepted until September 30 and must be emailed to thelacombeartguild@gmail.com.

With the baseball season complete, Lacombe is turning its attention to a major upgrade at one of its fields.

Work is underway on Diamond 6, a planned 250-foot diamond near Cranna Lake. The project is expected to take about one month to finish.

To accommodate the expanded field size compared to the previous diamond on Wolf Creek Drive, six to seven trees will be removed this week.

Crews will also install new dugouts, fencing, shale and grass throughout the month as the diamond takes shape.

The Ellis Nature Centre is inviting the community to a special farewell for its beloved goats on Saturday (August 30).

The “Goat Goodbye” event promises a day full of family-friendly activities, giving visitors a chance to say goodbye to the Centre’s four-legged residents.

Guests can take part in goat-themed activities, including a photo booth, goat bingo raffle, and milking demonstrations.

Children can enjoy games, crafts, and face painting, while all visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the Centre’s honeybee programs and foraging initiatives.