The Page came across this interesting tidbit in the Aug. 4, 1912 Grouard News.
“There is some talk about town of having the name Grouard changed to Slave Lake City.”
Obviously, this did not occur!
Slave Lake, of course, changed its name to Slave Lake from Sawridge in the early 1900s. Another name being considered at one time for our neighbours to the east was Melbourne.
High Prairie was chosen because Prairie River was taken. In one edition, the Grouard News reported on happenings from Hillsville (High Prairie) in reference to O.D. Hill being major farmer in the area.
Years ago, when I.D. 17 was considering a new name, then chair Alvin Billings jokingly suggested Billingsly.
Imagine if our communities took the name of former and/or current politicians. Just for fun, consider:
High Prairie could be named Hillsville, Lewiston or Panasiuktown.
McLennan could be named Fishview, Burns Lake or Dirty Waterton.
Peace River could be Mackenzie, Davison, Cornwallis, or Manzerville.
Falher? How about Royland, Coteville, St. Jean City, or Breault Prairie?
Come to think of it, the oldtimers did pretty good choosing names!
Who makes the decisions at High Prairie Court of Justice?
The sitting justice, of course! They no longer call them judges by the way. They are justices.
On June 9, the sitting judge went on and on and on about how lucky an accused was for getting a sentence that was on the lower end of what could have happened. She told the accused how lucky he was that the Crown asked for such a light sentence. Blah, blah, blah!
The only problem with this senseless rant was the justice makes the decision. At no time ever does a justice have to follow a sentencing recommendation from either the Crown or defence attorneys. If you listen to her rant, however, you would swear the Crown made the decision.
What a joke and feeble attempt at passing the buck! The Page repeats, the defence and Crown makes sentencing recommendations and that is exactly what they are – only recommendations.
The rain Thursday night (June 12) was a welcome relief to farmers and firefighters! Actually, pretty much everyone was happy with the splash!
Still a long way to go before we have enough, however. Here is hoping Mother Nature gives us some more rain sooner than later!
Sad to hear about 49 per cent of Chipewyan Lake structures were lost, according to reports.
Included are the health centre and water treatment plant. Major losses!
The North Country Fair is set for this weekend in the Driftpile Valley.
Fondly referred to as Hippie Days, the annual summer solstice celebration is much, much more than that. First-class music, food, children’s activities, workshops and more highlight the bash.
It is well worth attending!
Children and youth are excited. School is winding down and summer holidays begin!
Children are excited! Check!
Parents maybe not so much! Check!
Teachers? Elated!
This guy is in the hospital and telling his buddy about his visit to the bar.
“I go to this bar and there are two beautiful women speaking in a lovely Scottish accent. I asked them if they were from Scotland.”
“Wales, you idiot!” one woman replied.
“I’m terribly sorry,” said the man. “Are you two whales from Scotland?
“It’s the last thing I remembered!”
Two little boys were at a wedding when one leaned over to the other.
“How many wives can a man have?” he asked.
“Sixteen,” replied the other. “Four better, four worse, four richer and four poorer!
What do you call a man who does not cheat on his wife while away business?
An astronaut!
Have a great week!