|
Year in Review: May, June, July, August
SPN Staff
for South Peace News
May
May 1, 2009: Bev’s Brainwave, a fundraiser held for the CT Scan, is held at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre. A silent auction, the cutting of hair and other activities highlight the evening. It is later revealed at the Black and White Gala that $13,446 was raised.
May 2, 2009: South Peace News graphic artist Lawrence Andrews and eight others receive the top award for a student production at the Alberta Film and Television Awards in Edmonton. They win the award for their production Ayinanew which means “Eight” in Cree.
May 2, 2009: The Joussard community raises $2,603.50 for Camille and Antoinette Goutier, who lost their home to a fire March 8.
May 3, 2009: Over $5,000 is raised at the annual High Prairie Palliative Care Society Walk.
May 5, 2009: Over $80,000 in Community Spirit Program grants are awarded to six High Prairie groups including the Palliative Care Society, Agricultural Society, Community Health Foundation, High Prairie Museum and Historical Society, Prairie Animal Rescue and Grouard Council of Community Education Committee Society of Northern Lakes College.
May 5, 2009: Almost 100,000 lengths of the indoor pool are swam during the 100-km Swim Challenge, held to encourage swimmers to improve their cardio-vascular systems.
May 5, 2009: Plains Marketing donates $500 to the High Prairie Dolphins Swim Club. The money will be used to buy equipment.
May 6, 2009: South Peace News reports police are cleared of any wrongdoing in a case involving the death of three people April 11, 2008. The decision does not please Russell Collins of Faust, who insists police did not handle the situation properly.
May 6, 2009: Trever Sekulich and Debbie Wales celebrate the grand opening of the RONA franchise in High Prairie.
May 6, 2009: Members of the High Prairie Scorpions Taekwondo Club are presented with their higher belt levels at the HPE gym.
May 7, 2009: St. Albert lawyer Cam McCoy announces a class action lawsuit will be filed within the next 6-8 weeks resulting from the tainted syringe incident at the High Prairie Hospital in 2008. By year’s end, the lawsuit never materializes.
May 8, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes decides to spend another $1.15 million for construction on the Seal Lake Road. The M.D. has already committed $500,000 for the project and the Town of High Prairie $200,000.
May 8, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes reverses a previous decision and decides to not hire a second peace officer during final budget debate.
May 8, 2009: A Baby Fair is held at the downtown Elks Hall offering products and services for babies.
May 8, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes agrees to spend up to $100,000 on medical equipment for an operating room at the High Prairie Hospital in an effort to attract surgeons.
May 9, 2009: Over 25 teenagers and youth from the Lighthouse Youth Ministry clean the streets of High Prairie.
May 9, 2009: Bob Winterburn uses an eight-iron to ace the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Club.
May 9, 2009: Kelsey Marquardt delivers the valedictorian’s address as E.W. Pratt High School holds its Commencement Ceremony for 73 students.
May 9-13, 2009: Peavine Metis Settlement chair Raymond Carifelle goes to Korea to promote trade and business opportunities.
May 10, 2009: A special Mother’s Day appreciation dinner is held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
May 10, 2009: Grade 7 students from St. Andrew’s School receive their Sacrament of Confirmation.
May 11, 2009: Only two people attend a meeting to organize a Junior B hockey team in High Prairie so the application fizzles. Only Rick Dumont and Robert Olansky attend.
May 13, 2009: High Prairie town council agrees to put aside $15,000 for upgrades at Enilda Mud Bowl. None of the money is forwarded in 2009 but $5,000 each for the three years following.
May 13, 2009: High Prairie Mayor Rick Dumont tells George Keay at a council meeting there is no need to worry over construction of the new High Prairie Hospital and that the money is in place, as promised in the Alberta government’s budget.
May 13, 2009: The Grouard and Area Historical Society is formed as its first meeting concludes. Duane Nichols is elected president, Louis Bellerose vice-president, David Pike treasurer and Louise Meyer secretary.
May 16, 2009: Lorraine Cunningham and Pauline Ominayak are selected for Esquao Awards, presented to Aboriginal women who make a difference in their communities.
May 16, 2009: In a phone-in vote, NPHL clubs vote 5-3 to scrap interlocking play for the coming season.
May 19, 2009: High Prairie Mayor Rick Dumont writes the Alberta government expressing concerns over delays in the High Prairie Hospital.
May 20, 2009: Sucker Creek woman Linsay Willier, 22, qualifies for Canada’s Next Top Model. She eventually places second on the popular show.
May 20, 2009: Alleged sex crimes from over 35 years ago result in Faust RCMP charging a Driftpile man, 64, with four Criminal Code offences.
May 20, 2009: Gift Lake resident Jen Laderoute writes a letter to the editor praising her community on its handling of the H1N1 crisis.
May 21, 2009: Mallory Caudron wins a talent show held at St. Andrew’s School.
May 22, 2009: Grade 1 students from High Prairie Elementary School gather at Keith Kryzanowski’s farm to plant trees as part of Arbour Day activities.
May 22, 2009: Only three records are set at the High Prairie School Division Track and Field meet held in High Prairie. St. Andrew’s School student Kaitlyn Anderson sets a record in the Intermediate Women’s 3,000 metres in 13:51.93 seconds.
May 24, 2009: The team of Mike Mungall, Terry Calliou, Mike Ochran and Devon Quartly win the High Prairie Spring Open Golf Tournament with a score of 366.
May 24, 2009: James Albert Babcock passes away at the age of 59 years.
May 26, 2009: Linsay Willier, 22, of Sucker Creek, makes her TV debut on Canada’s Next Top Model.
May 26, 2009: Village of Kinuso residents vote 61-13 to dissolve. The move becomes effective Sept. 1 and the village becomes part of the M.D. of Big Lakes.
May 26, 2009: The High Prairie 86’ers defeat the Peavine Canadian Boyz 13-7 to open the High Prairie and District Men’s Fastball League schedule.
May 26, 2009: Trevor Richardson passes away after an accident in the USA at the age of 48 years.
May 27, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes refuses to donate $1,000 to Canada Day festivities in Joussard.
May 27, 2009: M.D. of Big Lakes Councillor Guy L’Heureux reports on $92,500 of upgrades completed at Lakeshore Campground.
May 27, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes votes to continue its support of the Enhanced Police Program.
May 27-29, 2009: The tanks at the old Turbo property are removed as the location is prepared for possible sale. Earlier in the year, Marigold Enterprises expressed interest in the location.
May 28, 2009: Sharon and Linda Cox open Pizza Bistro in Joussard.
May 28-29, 2009: High Prairie hosts the Alberta Food Bank Network Association’s annual general meeting in High Prairie. High Prairie food bank manager Kim Dumont receives a certificate of appreciation.
May 31, 2009: Larry and Grant Marquardt win the Faust Volunteer Fire Department Walleye Tournament and $8,250 in prize money.
June
June 1, 2009: Theresa Seraphim begins work at the new Spotlight reporter.
June 1, 2009: Milk jugs and cartons are accepted for refunds at the High Prairie Bottle Depot for the first time. Four-litre milk jugs are worth 20 cents and smaller containers 10 cents.
June 3, 2009: The High Prairie Bingo Association holds it last bingo at the Elks Hall on the Stampede Grounds. The Elks hold the last bingo.
June 3, 2009: High Prairie Royal Purple members are out early painting purple dots on streets during Royal Purple Day. Various other activities are held throughout town during the day.
June 3, 2009: Seniors and volunteers pack the Enilda W.I. Hall for Seniors Week activities, organized by Big Lakes FCS.
June 3, 2009: Kevin Cramer earns the Top Cadet Award at the High Prairie Air Cadets Annual Inspection.
June 4, 2009: Prairie River Junior High School students hold the play Krazy Kamp at the Gordon Buchanan Recreation Centre.
June 5, 2009: Charrois Motor Products owner Don Charrois tells South Peace News he is relieved his dealership is not one of 245 in Canada to be eliminated by General Motors.
June 5, 2009: The Alberta government reverses its decision and approves a $1.5 million grant under its resource road program for construction of the Seal Lake Road.
June 5-7, 2009: St. Mark’s Anglican Church marks the 100th anniversary of the church during a three-day celebration in High Prairie.
June 5, 2009: Hopes of two new doctors coming to High Prairie are smashed after a decision is made to not allow them to come to High Prairie. No reason is given by Alberta Health Services.
June 6, 2009: Boondock’s Grill is the site of a very successful night out featuring an authentic Arabic meal and belly dancing from Connie Sabo’s belly dancers.
June 6, 2009: The High Prairie Legion decides the 65th anniversary of D-Day is the right time to unveil its new cenotaph at the Legion.
June 6, 2009: South Peace News earns an Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association award in the Best Editorial category, placing second.
June 6, 2009: High Prairie hosts the Alberta 55+ Seniors Games playoffs in bocce ball at Jaycee Park.
June 6, 2009: The East Peace 4-H District Achievement Day is held at the High Prairie Agriplex. Dana Iwasiuk raises the Grand Champion steer.
June 9, 2009: Erin Cox wins the Premier’s Citizenship Award at the E.W. Pratt High School awards ceremony. Eight Grade 12 students are named to the Honours Club.
June 11, 2009: Driftpile First Nation holds a Diabetes Walk to raise awareness of the disease and its implications.
June 11, 2009: Students in the Drama 20 class at E. W. Pratt High School stage a classic “Who Done It” play called Clueless.
June 12, 2009: The Town of High Prairie assumes ownership of the Whitefish Inn after a public auction.
June 13, 2009: The Northern Lights Encore Choir holds its Spring Concert at the High Prairie United Church.
June 13, 2009: The High Prairie Native Friendship Centre holds the first Spirit Walk remember women who were victims of violence and murder. Over 60 attend.
June 13, 2009: Mikayla Young and Zachary Bliss are the masters of ceremonies as Prairie River Junior High School holds its Grade 9 Farewell for 72 students.
June 13, 2009: Over $90,000 is raised for the CT Scan at the Black and White Gala, held for the second time.
June 13, 2009: The High Prairie Golf Club hosts the Alberta 55+ Seniors Summer Games golf playoffs in High Prairie. Local residents Lloyd Gauchier, Dorothy Calvert, Lillian Bliss, Dorothy Anderson and Elmer Anderson qualify for the games.
June 14, 2009: The long-awaited Highway 2 resurfacing through High Prairie begins as Fath Industries of Edmonton begins removing the old asphalt.
June 15, 2009: Two people are sent to High Prairie Hospital after an accident near the post office.
June 15, 2009: Emerald Trucking donates 10 adult and 10 infant Actar dolls to the indoor pool to be used for CPR and choke training.
June 16, 2009: Kathleen Rose passes away at the age of 85 years.
June 17, 2009: Police are looking for a lone male after a robbery at the High Prairie Inn.
June 17, 2009: The High Prairie Beautification Society is revived after a meeting in town council chambers. Alicia Boisson is elected president.
June 17, 2009: South Peace News features Stan Peacock and his efforts to build a biodiesel plant in the region using pennycress, or stinkweed, as fuel.
June 17, 2009: Howard Shaw delivers the valedictorian’s address at the Gift Lake Grade 9 Graduation.
June 17, 2009: High Prairie Dolphins swimmers swim 1,863 laps and raise $2,805 at a fundraiser at the indoor pool.
June 18, 2009: St. Andrew’s School students donate an incredible 332,917 pop can tabs for charity to the High Prairie Royal Purple.
June 19, 2009: Town of High Prairie CAO Larry Baran leaves for a similar post in Vulcan, AB.
June 22, 2009: Wayne Stafford aces the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Club.
June 23, 2009: Northern Lakes College agrees to purchase the old NAPA Auto Parts Building.
June 23, 2009: The High Prairie Golf Club receives a $100,000 Community Facility Enhancement Program grant.
June 24, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes awards the Seal Lake Road tender to Cox Contractors Ltd. for $1,029,350.
June 25, 2009: Kelsey Marquardt is awarded the $1,000 Fred Spendiff Scholarship.
June 26-28, 2009: A three-day blitz at the North Country Fair results in numerous drug charges. In all, 15 people are arrested for various charges.
June 29, 2009: Don and Loretta Hewko donate $10,000 to the High Prairie and District Community Health Foundation for the CT Scan.
June 29, 2009: Lorna Eloise Kemp passes away in High Prairie at the age of 88 years.
June 30, 2009: Dylan Barrons and Quintin Guttinger qualify for the McLennan Ross Sun Junior Golf Tour after play concludes at the Wolf Creek Golf Resort.
June 30, 2009: PennWest donates $5,000 to the High Prairie and District Community Health Foundation for the CT Scan.
July
July 1, 2009: A street festival in High Prairie and activities at Triangle and Joussard are all included as High Prairie and region celebrate Canada Day.
July 2, 2009: The High Prairie Municipal Library’s Summer Reading Program begins with Aneta Staniszewski as coordinator.
July 2, 2009: The High Prairie 86’ers sweep the defending champion Whitefish Lake Hawks 2-0 and 5-0 to run their record to a perfect 12-0 in High Prairie Men’s Fastball League play.
July 2, 2009: Former principal of many schools in High Prairie School Division, Walter Fraser Durnin, passes away in Ashcroft, B.C. at the age of 81 years.
July 3, 2009: History is made in a High Prairie courtroom as Murray Pelletier is admitted to the Alberta Bar Association. It’s the first time in Alberta history that all parties involved – Pelletier, Judge Thomas Goodson and clerk Taryn Calliou – were all Cree.
July 6, 2009: Lonnie Miller begins his job as the Town of High Prairie CAO.
July 8, 2009: Michelle Golany opens Trinity Natural Health and Wellness Centre across from Tags.
July 8, 2009: The Alberta Metis Ombudsman clears East Prairie Metis Settlement of any wrongdoing regarding financial mismanagement.
July 8, 2009: Lee Hunt aces the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Club.
July 11, 2009: Stanton Frederick Sheldon passes away in Slave Lake at the age of 88 years.
July 14, 2009: The High Prairie Inn is robbed for the third time in four months, leaving High Prairie RCMP to wonder if the crimes are connected.
July 15, 2009: Grouard resident Nona Elliott receives a nomination for the 2009 Minister’s Seniors Services Award.
July 18, 2009: The first annual Classic Car Show is held in High Prairie in the NAPA parking lot. The show attracts just over 40 entries.
July 18, 2009: High Prairie Dolphins swimmers record 72 personal best times at their annual swim meet.
July 18, 2009: Winagami Lake Provincial Park holds another successful Parks Day with activities for the entire family.
July 19, 2009: Hendrika Mathilda Mullenders passes away in High Prairie at the age of 59 years.
July 20, 2009: Cathy Wilcox begins hew job at the M.D. of Big Lakes as manager of grants administration.
July 22, 2009: The High Prairie and Area Concerned Citizens Health Committee holds its first meeting.
July 22, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes agrees to write the Alberta government over frustrating delays on the $15 million marina project in Joussard by R.J. and Linda Williscroft.
July 23, 2009: The defending champion Whitefish Lake Hawks defeat the hometown Peavine Young Guns 8-2 to advance to the league semi-final against the Peavine Rangers.
July 23, 2009: High Prairie’s Pat Berry wins $2,500 in the Royal Bank Gold Key Contest.
July 24, 2009: Bruce Cunningham’s two-out RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning gives the Peavine Bench Warmers a 4-3 comeback win and a 2-1 series win over the Peavine Canadian Boyz. The Bench Warmers advanced to the semi-final against the High Prairie 86’ers.
July 24, 2009: Vandals strike the Eagle’s Nest Complex at Enilda forcing an indefinite closure of the facility. The vandal drove through the double doors leading into the hall.
July 24, 2009: Gary Joseph Desjarlais passes away at Victoria Hospital at the age of 56 years.
July 26, 2009: Eight-Ball player Doris Sekulich and the High Prairie floor curling team of Alicemary Olansky, Vicky Mazurek, Annie Blackhurst and Polly Stafford return from the Alberta 55+ Seniors Games with silver medals.
July 27, 2009: Fire destroys a home along the East Prairie Road.
July 28, 2009: High Prairie town council adds the names of Tony Belli, John Brodrick and Doug Spurgeon to the High Prairie Monument.
July 28, 2009: POPS Home Hardware wins best float at the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Parade as thousands line the streets of town for the annual event.
July 30, 2009: Sucker Creek Chief Jaret Cardinal is elected Grand Chief of Treaty 8 First Nations.
July 31, 2009: Sucker Creek officially opens its new daycare.
July 31, 2009: Jonathan David Halen, 23, of Edmonton, is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking after police stop him for speeding.
August
Aug. 1, 2009: Carillion Canada begins its seven-year contract in the region to maintain highways.
Aug. 5, 2009: The largest crowds ever attend the High Prairie Municipal Library’s Penny Carnival. The parking lot is so jammed people are barely able to move.
Aug. 5, 2009: Expert elk bugler Jim Horn holds a clinic at the High Prairie Elks Hall.
Aug. 5, 2009: Walter Glogowski passes away in Toronto at the age of 86 years.
Aug. 7, 2009: The High Prairie and District Museum holds its annual Heritage Day. Children take part in activities enjoyed by children of years ago.
Aug. 8, 2009: Thirteen teams compete in a hands games competition at Driftpile. The team comprised of Beatrice Collins, Gabe Isadore, Sheila Isadore and Jay Jay Isadore place first.
Aug. 8-9, 2009: Sheila Jaworski, Marilyn Willier and Albertine Prince participate in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk in Edmonton.
Aug. 10, 2009: Protestors take over the East Prairie Metis Settlement office but are forced by court order to leave five days later. They oppose actins taken by council and administration.
Aug. 12, 2009: The M.D. of Big Lakes declares a state of agricultural emergency so farmers are eligible for tax deferrals.
Aug. 14, 2009: Pleasantview Lodge hosts a barbecue lunch and jamboree for its residents and guests.
Aug. 15, 2009: The Grouard – Peace River Trail Net Society holds its annual Trail Day celebration.
Aug. 15, 2009: High Prairie’s Quintin Guttinger shoots 75 to win the Frank Carson Memorial Junior Golf Tournament. Jackie Gauchier shoots 124 to win the girl’s title.
Aug. 18, 2009: A meeting is held at the High Prairie Aquatics Centre to discuss a new skateboard park. Support is described as strong.
Aug. 18, 2009: Albert Joseph Duchesneau passes away in High Prairie at the age of 78 years.
Aug. 19, 2009: Arnold Gauchier Sr. aces the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Course.
Aug. 20, 2009: Jack Wilton shots 78 to win the Sir George Bennett Senior Golf Tournament at the High Prairie Golf Course.
Aug. 21-23, 2009: Thousands attend the annual Driftpile Powwow celebration.
Aug. 22, 2009: Alyssa Backs is the valedictorian as St. Andrew’s School celebrates its Grade 12 graduation.
Aug. 23, 2009: Nearly $4,000 is raised for cancer at a golf tournament at the High Prairie Golf Course in memory of Edward Freeman.
Aug. 26, 2009: Spotlight features Casey Davidson of Kinuso, who is building a boat in his backyard.
Aug. 26, 2009: Maeng-Je Yoon aces the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Course.
Aug. 27, 2009: Infant remains are found at a High Prairie residence. Police are tight-lipped about the find with little details released by the end of the year.
Aug. 27, 2009: Raymond Charles Yellowknee, 37, commits suicide in an Edmonton jail. He was serving 20 years in prison for the death of High Prairie residents Misty Chalifoux, Trista Chalifoux and Larissa Chalifoux in an auto accident Jan. 20, 2006.
Aug. 27, 2009: Marijuana and magic mushrooms are seized in a police raid at Sucker Creek. Shawn Derrick Anderson, 22, is charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Aug. 27, 2009: Warren Billard aces the second hole at the High Prairie Golf Course.
Aug. 29-30, 2009: For the first time in 51 years, Swan River First Nation holds a rodeo.
Aug. 29-30: Strathmore, AB driver Kris Haavard wins the Widewater Demolition Derby held at Spruce Point Park near Kinuso for the first time.
Aug. 29-30: Vince Cunningham wins the High Prairie Open Golf Tournament with a score of 150 over 36 holes. Andrea Stevens win the Ladies title with a score of 166.
Aug. 31, 2009: The Village of Kinuso dissolves.
< Previous
Home
Next >
|
