Lacombe

Alberta's wasteful purchase of children's pain and fever medicine three years ago helped inform the province's decision to charge some people $100 for a COVID-19 vaccine shot this fall, Premier Danielle Smith said Saturday.

Red Deer Polytechnic has recognized nine faculty and staff members for their contributions to students, the institution and the community.

The awards were presented Aug. 21 at the annual Employee Awards of Excellence event held on RDP’s main campus.

“The Employee Awards of Excellence celebrate the dedication and expertise of the Polytechnic’s faculty and staff,” said Stuart Cullum, president of RDP. “Our employees contribute immensely to the success of our institution, our students, and the industries and communities that we serve across Alberta.”

The City of Lacombe is reminding families about the unique way to celebrate the arrival of a new baby, by planting roots for the future through the City’s BirthPlace Forest Program.

Launched in 2007, the program has transformed part of Lincoln Park on Woodlands Drive into a growing commemorative forest.

Each year, trees are planted in honour of local newborns and children, creating a living legacy that families can enjoy for generations.

How it works

• Families can register their child at any time throughout the year.

Sylvan Lake residents have submitted names, painted rocks, and now the community is invited to cast their vote to name the town’s colourful rock snake.

After many creative submissions, the Town of Sylvan Lake has narrowed the list down to five finalists:

• Sylvia

• Pebbles

• Squiggles

• Laker Lenny

• Willy Wellness

On Friday evening (August 22) at 9:54 p.m., Red Deer RCMP responded to a report of a collision between a pick-up and a motorcycle on 77 Street at Keast Way.

The driver of the motorcycle, a 27-year-old Red Deer resident, died at the scene.

The female passenger, a 30-year-old Springbrook resident, suffered serious injuries and was transported to an Edmonton hospital via STARS.

The driver of the truck received minor injuries.

The RCMP Collision Reconstructionist attended the scene and the investigation continues.

Some Ermineskin Cree Nation (ECN) youth will get a back-to-school boost starting Monday.

Gift cards will be handed out throughout the week to support registered ECN youth aged zero to six thanks to Ermineskin Headstart.

To qualify for the one-time incentive, legal guardians must provide birth certificates and complete the application form.

The opportunity is first come, first serve with limited supplies.

Red Deer RCMP responded to a serious motor vehicle collision on 77 Street in Red Deer late Friday (August 22) night.

The crash occurred around 11:00 p.m., prompting the closure of 77 Street between Taylor Drive and Gaetz Avenue as emergency crews responded.

RCMP advised motorists to avoid the area while the investigation was underway.

More information to come when made available.

A man has been arrested and charged after a group altercation that resulted in a woman allegedly being stabbed in the head. 

On August 18, Ponoka RCMP received a report of a group of people fighting on the street. Several more calls came in advising that a woman had been stabbed in the head and the suspect was heading northbound on Highway 2A.

Officers arrived and located a victim with a knife wound to the head. She was transported to hospital by EMS and treated for her injuries.

Gearheads will take over downtown Innisfail Sunday for the free Kinsmen Car Show on Main Street starting at 9 a.m.

To accommodate the event, the following roads will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

• Main Street (50 Street between 51 and 49 Avenue)

• 53 Street between 50 Street and 49 Avenue

• 50 Avenue between 53 and 49 Street

The third annual Pride weekend in Lacombe began today (August 22) with a flag-raising ceremony in the morning at the Michener House Museum, in partnership with the Lacombe Museum.

The community was out in supportive rainbow attire and guest speakers were on hand to help kick off the Pride celebrations.

Jonathan Luscombe, founder of the Lacombe Pride Society, opened the ceremonies with a few words and then introduced two MLAs: Janis Irwin, representing Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood, and Brooks Arcand-Paul of Edmonton-West Henday.