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May 23 at 10 a.m. – Old Smith Highway evacuation lifted; changed to four-hour evacuation alert
This article was updated on May 23 at 10 a.m. We will continue to monitor the situation, if things change updates will happen throughout the weekend. Otherwise, this article will be updated on Friday, May 26 around 4:30 p.m. unless…
May 19 at 10:50 a.m. – Four-hour evac alert for Smith, Hondo, Fawcett Lake, and Mitsue Industrial Park; Parts of Old Smith Highway remain evacuated
This article was updated on May 19 at 10:50 a.m. . We will continue to monitor the situation, if things change updates will happen throughout the weekend. Otherwise, this article will be updated on Friday, May 19 around 4:30 p.m.…
June 2, 2023 – One more wildfire held, one under control, and slow growth
May 6, 2023 This article was updated on June 2 at 3:30 p.m. We will continue to monitor the situation, if things change drastically it will be updated. Otherwise, this article will be updated on Monday, June 12 around 10…
Inspiration – There is never a reason to be afraid!
Rev.Terry Goerz,RedeemerLutheran Church. When the women went to Jesus’ tomb on that first Easter morning they were met by an angel who began with these words to them: “Do not be afraid”, and then later when they suddenly meet the…

Next generation of rodeo stars perform
Alberta High School Rodeo returned to High Prairie May 13-14 at the Elks Stampede Grounds. Junior and senior contestants from the Peace Country and northern Alberta competed in many rodeo events.
Desjardins chosen High Prairie’s 2022 Outstanding Citizen
Chris CleggSouth Peace News A woman who has dedicated her time to High Prairie Minor Baseball and community events is High Prairie’s 2022 Outstanding Citizen. Council reached its decision to name Sandy Desjardins after considering nine nominations during a closed…
Kimiwan complex wildfire out of control
Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Two nearby wildfires north of McLennan were still keeping firefighters busy May 26. The Kimiwan complex wildfire remained a big challenge for firefighters May 26, says a news release from the Peace River Forest Protection Area.…
Obituary – Eugene Dwight Jackson
Letter – Railway Ave. is a start!
I seen that the streetsweeper was in Enilda last week sweeping streets. But only swept Railway Ave.! I was wondering when we can expect to see the streetsweeper back to finish the rest of the streets as they are filthy…
Peace River School Division passes deficit budget
Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Peace River School Division has approved an operating budget for 2023-24 with a deficit. At its regular board meeting May 18, the board of trustees discussed the budget, says a PRSD news release dated May 23.…

Donnelly G.P. Vanier class celebrates 2023 commencement
Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Reaching a major educational milestone, 33 graduating students of G.P. Vanier School in Donnelly were honoured at valediction ceremonies May 20. To Be Continued was the theme for the celebration. Vanier principal Terry Hogan congratulated graduands…

Men burn historic church
Chris CleggSouth Peace News Two men are facing arson charges after burning a historic church at Grouard in broad daylight. RCMP report on May 22 at 3:30 p.m., police responded to a fire at St. Bernard Mission Church at Grouard.…

Wildfires 2023: 1 person’s account
Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter I have never experienced such fear as I did the last couple of weeks watching fire engulf thousands of acres of trees close to my land near Reno. As a professional outfitter, I was out bear…
Peace River Traditional Pow Wow returns June 3-4
Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Peace River Traditional Pow Wow is set to return on June 3-4 at the Peace River Agricultural Grounds. The aboriginal traditional event will be filled with music, dancing and celebration throughout the two-day event. Sponsored by…
Nampa/NSC announce Seniors’ Week lineu
Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services is welcoming all to celebrate our seniors during Seniors’ Week from June 5-10. FCSS director Amber Houle says they are helping promote both events they are planning, as…
Peace River’s leaky museum roof is getting replaced
Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Rains over May 20-22 long weekend made it clear the Peace River Museum and Archive’s roof requires a total replacement, after a significant amount of water leaked into the building. A formal inspection completed last fall…
Northern Sunrise FCSS ready to help wildfire victims
Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter With fires ravaging almost one million hectares of land in Northern Alberta, many people will be seeking assistance to find resources to help them overcome major losses. The fires in South Peace News’ readership area burned…