All Stories

Smoky River residents receive provincial honours

Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Two Smoky River Region residents were among four people recognized at the Dec. 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities awards presentation. The awards are presented to organizations and individuals who have greatly contributed to inclusion…
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Holy Family adds Fairview to its flock

Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter St. Thomas More school is officially a part of Holy Family Catholic Regional Division after its grand opening celebration on Dec. 2! The school requested to join Holy Family after last school year and the celebration…
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Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Smoky River Adult Learning welcomed back its Books for Christmas, delivering books to approximately 350 children in the region. “Smoky River Adult Learning launched this initiative in 2021, initially funded with extra resources from the pandemic,”…
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Want to feel appreciated for the effort it takes to decorate your house and yard at Grouard this year? You just might be rewarded for your time and efforts! The Grouard Seniors are sponsoring a contest for the best house…
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Mental health services director looks forward to role

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News High Prairie School Division has named Jessie Johnson as the director of mental health services. Johnson takes the lead to develop and implement comprehensive mental health programs and ensures they align with provincial and federal regulations,…
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Winter in the eyes of students!

High Prairie E.W. Pratt High School students have realized winter is here, if not only in their minds, but to look outside! Students receive instruction from Rhonda Lund.
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A unique store meant to give small children the opportunity to buy a Christmas gift has opened for another year. The Children’s Christmas Store at the High Prairie Municipal Library only allows shoppers from 4-12 years old. They can shop…
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High Prairie School Division appoints student attendance officer

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News High Prairie School Division has appointed Lisa Palko as student attendance officer. The position promotes the Division’s commitment to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially by a high record of attending…
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‘Paws’itive donation!

Town of High Prairie Councillor James Waikle’s luck has resulted in a $1,000 donation for In the Woods Animal Rescue. Waikle attended the Alberta Municipalities Convention and Trade Show Sept. 25-27 and won a door prize draw from ATCO Electric…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Peace River School Division has approved audited financial statements for the past school year. At its regular meeting Nov. 21, the board reviewed the 2023-24 audited financial statements with the auditors MNP LLP, says a PRSD…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Peace River MLA and Mental Health and Addiction Minister Dan Williams presented a special message to recognize National Addictions Awareness Week held Nov. 24-30. The issue of addictions is wide-spread across Alberta, Williams says in a…
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The High Prairie Native Friendship Centre is preparing to host one of its most popular events of the year. The 42nd Annual Elder’s Banquet occurs Dec. 7. Doors open at 4 p.m., supper is at 6 p.m. with the dance…
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Quilters’ warm hearts will help warm bodies

Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Smoky River Family and Community Support Services is elated after a local club donated quilts to help make people’s lives a little cozier and warmer this Christmas. FCSS director Crystal Tremblay says the Jean Cote Quilting…
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Holy Family’s retiring Turpin looking forward to personal time

Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter After nearly 19 years as superintendent of Holy Family Catholic Regional Division and almost 40 years in education roles, Betty Turpin has announced her retirement effective August 2025. “Peace Country is going to be our home…
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