Lacombe

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Wetaskiwin, Millet and Highway 2, warning of conditions favourable for dangerous storms capable of producing large hail and torrential rain.

The weather agency says slow-moving systems may also lead to flash flooding, reduced visibility and the possible formation of funnel clouds.

Conditions are expected to improve this evening.

Environment Canada reminds the public to take shelter during storms, noting that lightning can cause serious injury or death and large hail can lead to significant damage.

Lacombe County is recruiting election workers for the 2025 municipal and school board elections.

Applicants must be available between Sept. 28 and Oct. 20 and are required to attend mandatory paid training. Positions are available at community halls and polling stations throughout the county. Workers can earn between $262 and $332 for a full day.

Advance polling takes place on Oct. 6 and 14. Election Day is set for Oct. 20, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A special screening of the acclaimed documentary "Kímmapiiyipitssini: The Meaning of Empathy" will take place tomorrow night (August 7) at Carnival Cinemas in Red Deer. 

Directed by Blackfoot and Sámi filmmaker Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, the 2021 documentary explores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis on the Kainai First Nation in southern Alberta, Tailfeathers' home community, and the harm reduction strategies that have emerged in response.

Red Deer City Council has approved changes to the Evergreen Neighbourhood Area Structure Plan (NASP) and a related zoning bylaw amendment, paving the way for more diverse and affordable housing options in the city’s east side.

The decision came following a public hearing, where residents had the chance to weigh in on the proposed updates.

Evergreen, a growing residential neighbourhood with ongoing development, will see its eastern undeveloped portion redesigned.

The plan also converts a previously planned commercial site near the pond into residential use.

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand were in Mexico to strengthen the countries' relationship, days after the United States hit Canada with higher tariffs.

Champagne said during a virtual press conference from Mexico on Tuesday evening that it was a "very successful trip" and that the mission was to "get to know each other a bit better."

The minister said the countries spoke about how to work together in areas like energy, auto and security.

The federal government is setting up a safety net of loans, product-development grants and market diversification plans for Canada’s softwood lumber industry in an effort to shield it from the worst of American duties and fees.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the plan Tuesday, promising $700 million in loan guarantees to address what he called "immediate pressures" and $500 million for long-term supports to help companies diversify export markets and develop their products. 

Carney also promised that future projects will "prioritize" Canadian lumber. 

The Sylvan Lake Gulls would like to announce a change in the role Jason Chatwood will play within our organization.

Jason has served as our first-ever head coach since March 2020 and has led our on-field team since our inaugural season in 2021.

We added the title of general manager in 2022, and since then he has managed our baseball operations, including player recruitment. Jason is a key reason the Gulls have been competitive from the very beginning. Under Coach Chatwood’s leadership, the Gulls have won 178 regular-season games and another seven playoff contests.

Chinook’s Edge School Division has appointed Stephanie Acreman as the new vice-principal of École Olds Elementary School starting in September.

Acreman joins the division from Fort Vermilion School Division, where she worked as a Grade 3 teacher and numeracy coach.

“I am looking forward to getting to know staff, students and the parent community of Olds Elementary,” said Acreman.

Alberta communities will get a closer look at ancient life as the Royal Tyrrell Museum marks its 40th anniversary with a series of pop-up exhibits in libraries across the province.

Starting in September, special display cases will tour 10 libraries across the province, including the downtown Red Deer Public Library. Each features fossils and educational material highlighting Alberta’s globally significant contributions to palaeontology.

The current mayor of Blackfalds, Jamie Hoover, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the upcoming municipal election on October 20.

In addition to running for a second term as mayor, Hoover will also be seeking a seat as a school trustee for Wolf Creek Public Schools.

First elected to Blackfalds town council in 2017 and serving as mayor since 2021, Hoover has been a vocal advocate for regional collaboration, infrastructure investment, and family-focused growth throughout Central Alberta.