Obituary – David Starko
With heavy hearts, the family of David Starko, of High Prairie, announce his passing at the University of Alberta Hospital on April 26, 2026, at the age of 72 years. David was born in High Prairie Nov. 14, 1953 to…
The Page – May 20, 2026
Big news in political circles around these parts is of course, the return of Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair to the UCP party.As reported last week, Scott didn’t like what he saw as the Alberta government ignoring legitimate needs…
Inspiration – Not as expected! (Part 2)
I ended my last column writing, “So God did not act as expected by the people of John the Baptist’s day concerning the coming Messiah. What are our expectations today for the return of the Messiah at the end of…
Council limits speeds for emergency response vehicles
At its regular monthly meeting May 7, the M.D. of Smoky River council decided to adopt a speed policy for its fire department vehicles. “Council’s decision to establish speed limits for Protective Services followed direction from both previous and current…
Loewen 1st in concert series
It’s time for the Peace region to welcome back all the fun summer activities, and Northern Sunrise County and Town of Peace River are set to welcome back their ever-popular Outdoor Concert Series. The series showcases local talent, and the…
Cost to prepare for worst: over $200,000
The impact of the 2026 spring melt and its effects on the Town of Peace River’s finances was a topic discussed at council’s May 11 meeting. Last winter had significant challenges with a high level of snowfall in the region…
Smoky River council passes final budget
The M.D. of Smoky River passed its 2026 final budget at a special meeting May 6. “Major changes from the 2025 budget include the removal of the bad debt provision for taxes, reflecting improved collection expectations,” says Reeve Paula Guindon.…
Peace River council adding to staff
At its regular meeting May 11, Town of Peace River administration requested council add a full time protective services administrative assistant to the organizational structure. “Council approved the addition of an administrative assistant position to the organizational structure within the…
Commentary – Next time is next time! Now is now!
Months ago, I watched Perfect Days by Wim Wenders. The movie follows Hirayama, as a public toilet cleaner in Japan. His ‘perfect’ day is simple: he wakes up before sunrise, waters his plants, goes to his job, eats during his…
The Page – May 6, 2026
Hopes of High Prairie School Division re-opening the sledding hill just east of the High Prairie Learning Centre melted away faster than the snow last week!At the HPSD meeting April 21, the board of trustees was told flat-out it was…
Editorial – A good person leaves us
We might acknowledge the importance of a particular person in our corner of the world. Every region has their own famous people. No matter how important locally, that name will probably pale compared to other names around the world. Julius…
Inspiration – They shall be Mine!
The prophet Malachi records the people saying and thinking harsh things against God wondering, “It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?” But this…
Inspiration – Not as expected! (Part 1)
Reading the story of Israel in the Old Testament, there’s a common theme that appears again and again: God does not always act in ways people expect. When God delivered Israel from slavery, He chose Moses not while he was…
Commentary – Careful what you wish for!
In the Peanuts cartoon, Snoopy wishes he could be the Head Beagle. It is a position made up similar to a judge, prime minister or president. Snoopy wished at being in a position of authority and being a boss. Respect…
Time to talk to teens about gambling is now
Peace Region Family Resource Network (FRN) and Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) are hosting Adulting 101: Online Gaming and Gambling on June 4. The multi-part series is aiming at providing interactive programming for teens in Grades…