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Property crimes in High Prairie soar 25%, says Barber

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Property crime was a major issue for High Prairie RCMP in 2023. Sgt. Jason Barber says the problem continues. “Reported mischief with damage to property was up 25.5 per cent from 2022, likely due to an…
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Toot! Toot!

Chris CleggSouth Peace News Reading is often described as a long ride to success in education. To meet that goal, the McLennan Library Board has recently installed a play train structure in the library for children to enjoy. The idea…
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Lakeshore police kept busy with drugs, social issues

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Lakeshore Regional Police Service was busy in 2023 dealing with a variety of calls that increased from 2022. Lakeshore responded to 1,652 calls in 2023, an increase of just over 18 per cent, says Dale Cox,…
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H.P. court docketFeb. 26, 2024Justice S.P. Hinkley A man who failed to register himself in a sex offender registry will spend more time behind bars.Dennis Andrew Sawan, 46, of Whitefish Lake, was handed a global sentence of 40 days after…
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Curbing rural theft priority for McLennan RCMP

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News The McLennan RCMP were busy in 2023 as reports of crime in the Smoky River region increased from 2022. Sgt. Allan Paterson says the detachment responded to 1,480 calls in 2023. “That’s an increase of about…
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Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Northern Sunrise County appointed fire guardians at its regular council meeting on Feb. 27. Council chose to appoint fire chief David LeBlanc and deputy fire chief Julien Bergeron to exercise the powers and duties as described…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Students using cell phones in schools remains an issue for Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD). At its regular meeting Feb. 21, the board learned the topic will be further discussed by students, says an HFCRD…
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Dry conditions force early start to wildfire season

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Wildfire season in Alberta has started Feb. 20, 10 days earlier than the regular start of March 1 as the provincial government takes a proactive approach after a record-breaking season in 2023. Forestry and Parks Minister…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Fire destroyed a two-storey single-family home on Swan River First Nation late Feb. 19. Crews from the Kinuso, Faust and Joussard fire districts of Big Lakes County Fire Services responded to the call about 8 p.m.,…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News A former school teacher facing several charges has been suspended. Effective immediately, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division has placed Brock Whalen on a formal suspension, states an HFCRD news release dated Feb. 23. On the advice…
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Replacing St. Andrew’s School inches closer

Richard FroeseSouth Peace News A new building for St. Andrew’s School in High Prairie could be constructed in the coming years as a project for Holy Family Catholic Regional Division. At its regular meeting Feb. 21, the board was updated…
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Students exploring the world of art

High Prairie E.W. Pratt High School Art students create explosions of colour armed with pencil crayons, felt markers and the artistic elements. Their imaginations were not spared! Students receive instruction from Rhonda Lund.
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News A High Prairie man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Sucker Creek man in November 2021 will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Travis Myles Melnyk, 42, was sentenced…
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Richard FroeseSouth Peace News Alberta provincial parks continue to expand under the leadership of Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen, who represents the Falher and Valleyview regions as MLA. Two new parks in northern Alberta are being created, says a…
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Fire department welcomes new addition

Emily PlihalLocal JournalismInitiative Reporter Smoky River Fire and Rescue welcomed a new truck to its fleet Feb. 14 to replace a piece of equipment that needed retirement. “We purchased a water tender with extra capabilities,” says regional fire chief Marcel…
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