Lacombe

Alberta's government announced Friday residents who are not immunocompromised or on social programs will soon have to pay to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a late afternoon news release, the government said that since provinces took over responsibility for procuring the shots in April, it has wanted to cut down on waste and recoup costs.

It said an estimated one million COVID-19 vaccine doses, or just over half of Alberta's supply, were not used during the 2023-2024 respiratory virus season. It said $135 million worth of shots were wasted.

A water main break in Sylvan Lake has closed parts of 48 Street as crews work to restore service.

Some homes may be without water until 8 p.m., and a precautionary boil water advisory will be in effect once service is restored.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) has received a $200,000 donation from central Alberta’s Vellner family, aimed at benefiting students enrolled in arts, business and education programs.

Marty Vellner and Susan Vellner Snell made the donation to RDP in memory of their parents, Loree Martin Vellner and James Robert (Bob) Vellner. The donation has led to the creation of the Loree Martin Vellner Fund.

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of central Alberta, warning that thunderstorms are developing over the Alberta foothills and will move northeast through the afternoon and evening.

Some of these storms may become severe, producing large hail, strong winds and locally heavy rainfall.

The thunderstorms are expected to weaken later this evening.

Residents are urged to go indoors at the first sound of thunder, as lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

The Ponoka Spring Festival happening today has been moved indoors due to expected rain in the forecast.

The second annual family-friendly event will still have a multitude of activities, including Storytime in the Park, hosted by the Ponoka Jubilee Library.

Andrew Jones, the town manager of parks, recreation and facilities, lists some of the attractions.

“We will have bouncy houses, glitter tattoos, food trucks, balloon animals, all sorts of yard games,” said Jones.

The hope is to have more than 200 attendees.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade, and the perfect day to do that is this Saturday, as both the Town of Blackfalds and the Town of Sylvan Lake officially proclaim it Lemonade Day!

Each year, June is recognized as National Lemon Month, celebrating one of the most popular and versatile fruits.

To mark the occasion, Sylvan Lake Mayor Megan Hanson has officially proclaimed June 14, as Lemonade Day in the community.

In Blackfalds, young participants got a head start by attending Lemonade University on Sunday, May 11, at the Eagle Builders Centre.

The Town of Ponoka and the Ponoka Arts, Recreation and Culture Society (PARCS) are announcing the grand opening celebration of Ponoka’s new 18-hole disc golf course on Saturday, June 14.

The opening event will run from 12 to 2 p.m. at Riverside Rotary Park and will include:

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious and severe disease that affects cattle, sheep, swine, and other cloven-hoofed animals making it hard for them to eat and walk, leaving them weak and sick.

The FMD vaccine bank builds on existing protections for the livestock industry and equips producers with another tool to control and eliminate the disease should an outbreak occur.

Budget 2023 committed $57.5 million over five years, with $5.6 million ongoing, to the CFIA to establish the FMD vaccine bank and response plans.

Two years ago, more than 120,000 federal public servants went on strike after negotiations broke down.

Now, the union representing those workers is going back to the bargaining table with the government with the goal of securing greater job security and remote work options for its members.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada says next week's initial meetings offer its first opportunity to present priorities identified by members, such as better wages, greater job security and stronger provisions for remote work.

This year's wildfire season in Canada is shaping up to be the second-worst on record and federal officials are warning of a dangerous summer in parts of British Columbia.

Officials with several government departments held a technical briefing Thursday in Ottawa with an update on the state of multiple wildfires and its forecast for the coming months.