Year in Review 2025 – January through June

Here is a look back at both a ‘best of’ the ‘greatest hits’ stories and files from Daily Herald Tribune’s Breanna Driedger’s byline from 2025. People of the Peace, crime, measles exposures, and Kelly Lake fire and evacuation were hot headlines from January to June 2025.

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Part II: a look back at July to December 2025 is forthcoming.

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JANUARY 2025 

Greenview to launch easy-to-use grant portal, info sessions coming this month 

The MD of Greenview is launching their brand new grant portal February, a way to make the application process for scholarships, sponsorships, and grants as easy as possible.  

Non-profit organizations can attend one of their info sessions on the new way to apply. No registration is required.  Lissa Dunn, community services coordinator, said it will be much more streamlined, and save them, as well as applicants, time during the process.   

“There’s going to be a lot more information, and I think it will be easier for people to navigate.” 

Grande Prairie NWP works to help emergency medical responder shortage  

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Grande Prairie Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) recently launched a new certificate in emergency medical responder (EMR) training, with applications open for the spring 2025 intake.  

The creation of the program was approved in 2024, along with an equipment donation from the Regional EMS Foundation.  

There’s a shortage of qualified EMRs in Alberta.  

‘Crime talk’ dates scheduled for County of Grande Prairie residents and business owners 

The County of Grande Prairie regional enforcement services is hosting two town halls this month as part of their crime prevention strategy.  

For anyone unable to attend, the County will provide a recording of the event and a summary of questions and answers, which will be uploaded to their website.  

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“I look forward to engaging with residents and business owners to better understand how we can help enhance their crime prevention efforts,” says Corinne James, community safety coordinator.  

RCMP respond to Peace River break and enter, 22-year-old theft arrest 

An alarm call rang in the area of 100 St. for a break and enter to a business on Dec. 23, 2024. 

While RCMP responded, Tanner Hatter, a 22-year-old resident of Peace River, was found nearby with items taken from that business. 

“Upon review of the footage, Hatter was seen taking items from the store after unlocking a door earlier in the day, and then he returned later in the night through that same unlocked door to take more items from the business and businesses surrounding,” wrote Constable Julie-Ann Strilaiff.  

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Grande Prairie Boys Choir new initiative: Songwriting competition finals on Jan. 18 

The Grande Prairie boys’ choir is launching a new initiative this year, a songwriters competition, and it’s sure to showcase the talent we have here across the Peace Region.  

The final round, where nine finalists will perform live, will be at the Worship Center, 9710 102 St. on Jan. 18 at 4 p.m.  

The original location was the Grant Berg Gallery, but a larger venue was needed because of a high number of contestants.  

Matthew Dalen, assistant director for the choir, said “It’s designed to engage local musicians and songwriters, offering them a platform to showcase their original compositions.”  

Fairview RCMP proactive patrols around town result in two release order arrests 

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On Jan. 9, Fairview RCMP arrested two men with warrants during proactive patrols around town. 

Friedrich Schmidt, a 30-year-old resident of Fairview, was out on a release order at the time. He was arrested for failing to comply with his release order conditions from Oct. 24, 2024. He was also charged with failure to comply with his release order conditions again.   

He was brought before a Justice of the Peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Jan. 13 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River. Tyler Ellery Horne, a 34-year-old resident of Whitelaw, was also out on a release order, and was arrested for two warrants for failing to comply with his release order conditions from Oct. 18 and Sept. 25, 2024. He was also charged with failing to comply with his release order conditions again.  

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Horne was brought before a Justice of the Peace, and was remanded with a court date of Jan. 13 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River. 

Valleyview loses emergency room doctor coverage 

The Valleyview health centre emergency department will be without on-site doctor coverage from 4:30 p.m. today until 7 a.m. on Jan. 14. 

Nurses will remain in the department to provide triage, assessments, and referrals to other emergency rooms in other communities as needed. 

Patients can call 911 in the event of a medical emergency. “EMS will remain available to the community to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need,” wrote Diana Rinne, Alberta Health Services communications. 

Cheese please! Grande Prairie Live Theatre puts on a wonderfully fairy tale show 

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A sill-ified outlook on the classic fairy tales we all know and love is coming to the Grande Prairie Live Theatre (GPLT).  

“The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales”, directed by Christa Temple and written by Jon Scieszka, features a cast entirely made up of talented kids, the youngest nine years old. 

High Level RCMP arrest five individuals after shooting, cocaine and unstamped tobacco charges 

High Level RCMP and the High Level crime reduction unit responded to a report where a firearm was shot towards a house on Jan. 12 at approximately 8 p.m in the area of 106 St.  

It was also reported that suspects could have been trying to gain access or that a fight was occurring. No other information on the incident was provided. 

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The report resulted in five people being arrested, three males and two females. Two firearms were seized, along with 50 grams of suspected cocaine and approximately 2800 unstamped cigarettes. Mateo Ahnassay, Jesse Lee Roger Chalifoux, Savannah Chambaud-Chalifoux, Troy Damian Francis, and Jamie Hollands were all charged. 

Missing 39-year-old man: Vehicle found abandoned near Grimshaw, last known communication in April 2024 

Peace Regional RCMP responded to a wellbeing check on Dec. 18, 2024 for David John Hallam, 39 years old, who may have been in the area of Grimshaw.  

The last time his friends or family were in contact with him was in April of 2024. His vehicle was abandoned and located at Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park in Lac Cardinal, near Grimshaw, by Alberta conservation officers on Oct. 28, 2024. He was last seen in Grimshaw on Apr. 23, 2024. 

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Fairview resident charged in arson incident, three homes burn down 

On Apr. 25, 2024, Fairview RCMP responded to a report of three homes on fire in the 108 Ave area. Arson charges were laid on Tuesday, Jan. 14 against Blake Everett Lee, 48-year-old resident of Fairview. 

Constable Julie-Ann Strilaiff said to her knowledge, he lit his own house on fire, and two other homes side-by-side ended up catching on fire. 

Major Crimes assumes Red Earth Creek disappearance 

Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit is now investigating the disappearance of 34-year-old Cory Netowastanum.  Cst. Julie-Ann Strilaiff said previously, they were looking into information on a person and vehicle, a white Dodge Ram 1500 truck, that had been seen with Cory. Strilaiff said this is no longer relevant to the investigation.  

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As of Jan. 22, Major Crimes has taken over with help from Red Earth Creek RCMP and other detachments.  

“At this point in time, we don’t know enough about what’s going on to know whether or not it’s suspicion or foul play,” said Strilaiff.  

Cory has been missing since Jan. 10. It’s concerning that no one has seen anything for this long, she added. “We don’t have any concrete evidence to say anything plus or minus at this point.” 

Grande Prairie entrepreneur shines a light on rural northern creativity 

Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Mariah Braun is working to showcase the amount of talent we have here in this region on her podcast “Creating North of 55”.  

She’s ventured into multiple areas, starting up M3M Marketing, an agency that assists business owners, is an indie filmmaker, and as of November, is a podcast creator.  

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“Creating North of 55” features creatives on their career path, usually in northwestern Alberta. She’s currently focused on this region, anything above the 55th parallel which we sit on, and in the future, she plans to venture further up north.  

Braun said it came about “because there’s just this misconception, I feel, in medium-sized or more rural areas that you can’t have a creative career path.” 

Peyak the police dog assists High Prairie arrest, 29 warrants and firearm charges 

High Prairie RCMP started a project on Jan. 9 to target offenders on warrant. Jericho Boyd Grey, a 28-year-old resident of Atikameg, was arrested on multiple charges after a flee on foot. Grey was found with a stolen vehicle in a forest area.   

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A police dog named Peyak tracked him to a residence where all occupants exited the home safely before he was found and arrested with no further issues.  

The project used resources including the provincial crime reduction team, Faust RCMP, western Alberta crime reduction unit, Alberta’s emergency response team, High Level and Grande Prairie police dog services, and RCMP air services. 

High Prairie RCMP make criminal possession arrest, two suspects remain at large 

Evan Anderson, 28-year-old resident of High Prairie, was arrested on multiple charges after RCMP saw a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign on Jan. 28.  

High Prairie police had been assisted by Alberta’s community response team in an effort to target criminal offenders.  

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Response team members tried to do a traffic stop on the vehicle, which began driving into oncoming traffic before stopping at a residence in the area of Gift Lake First Nation.  

A flee on foot occurred where police dog services were utilized, including Peyak the police dog.  

‘Numb Bum’ 24-hour race documentary hits Fairview, a community-first story 

The Numb Bum 24-hour motorcycle endurance ice race hits the Peace Country each year, icey weather permitting, and Darryl Haugen is excited to bring a documentary to Fairview on its incredible story.  

“It’s a 24-hour motorcycle endurance ice race. Over the years they have had quads and side-by-sides as well, but it started out as a motorcycle ice race. Typically a team consists of about four people on average,” said Haugen.  The race is set for Mar. 8 to 9 at Clairmont Lake.   Documentary production finished in January.  

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FEBRUARY 2025 

Peace River soup kitchen a community-run effort, how to get involved 

The Peace River community soup kitchen stands as a hard-working and incredibly generous organization supporting those in need every week.  

Currently located at the Cathedral Church of Saint James Lower Hall, they serve consistently throughout each season, open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.  

They receive 30 to 35 patrons a day, said Wanda Laurin, volunteer coordinator, who’s been involved with the kitchen for 10 years now. “It was the Baptist church that started it years ago, probably in the late 1990s and then the Anglican church kind of picked it up.” 

Valleyview House Concerts: Symbol of local ingenuity and social camaraderie 

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“It’s hard to convince people to come to your house for a concert. There’s a lot of barriers to break down.” 

Josie and Jeff McKay opened their doors to our Peace Region community members 13 years ago to give musicians a place to perform.  

Josie had been listening to CKUA radio thirteen or fourteen years ago, and had heard about a house concert tour. Over the years, the process has become easier.  

“You’re essentially inviting strangers to come to your house. They have no idea who they’re going to experience or what’s going to happen. People have to trust that it’s going to be a good concert, and I have to trust that Homeroutes is going to send a good musician, and they have to trust that I’m going to be able to come up with an audience. It’s a really beautiful system.” 

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Valleyview gains $4.1 million EMS facility, improving rural healthcare 

Valleyview held a grand opening for a new EMS facility to town on Feb. 6. The Alberta Health Services (AHS) facility is located by the health centre, and it’s a three-bay station designed to better assist local staff and ambulances. 

It was completed in late 2023, costing $4.1 million with funding from the provincial government’s infrastructure maintenance program. 

The new station has break rooms, sleep quarters, and staff areas. EMS previously worked out of the Valleyview fire department facility. 

Crews will be able to start and end their shifts there, restock ambulances, and go to required training sessions without drawing them away from the Valleyview area, said Rob Barone, associate executive director of the AHS north zone. 

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Peace Regional RCMP ask for collision dash cam footage Saturday afternoon 

Peace Regional RCMP responded to a collision on Highway 688 between township roads 845 and 844 on Feb. 8, where a pickup truck had hit a stationary semi truck. 

The pickup truck driver was injured. They were transported to the hospital in Peace River by EMS after being removed from the truck. The person in the semi was not hurt. Police are asking the public for dash cam footage of the collision, or people who witnessed the collision to call them, if they haven’t spoken to them yet. 

Red Earth Creek: Four fatalities after Highway 986 impaired driving collision 

Police were made aware of impaired driving on Feb. 9 at approximately 4 p.m. The vehicle was leaving Red Earth Creek, travelling in the direction of Little Buffalo along Highway 986. 

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While they searched for this vehicle, there was a reported collision in the Highway 986 and range road 130A area, near Marten Lake.  The vehicle matching the impaired driving complaints had two occupants, and they were declared deceased on scene. 

“Their identities are under investigation,” wrote Cpl. Troy Savinkoff.   

The second vehicle involved in the collision were two females, one 33-year-old and one 49-year-old. They were declared deceased by STARS and EMS.  

Grande Prairie and area: Passionate heart awards recognize local dedication 

This year’s 19th annual passionate heart awards recognized six individuals and two organizations for their efforts in improving the well-being of their communities. 

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) came together from Beaverlodge, Sexsmith, Wembley, Grande Prairie, and the County of Grande Prairie to host the event.  

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“The Passionate Heart Awards remind us that the strength of our community lies in those who dedicate themselves to helping others. We are truly fortunate to have such committed individuals and organizations making a difference and improving our quality of life,” said County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall. 

Recipients of the exceptional service award includes Almas Choudhry, detective Jason McCormick, Diana Conrad, Greg Oppedisano, and Kristy Jackson.  Midwives of Grande Prairie won the exceptional team award, Dynamic Energy Group Inc. won the exceptional business award, and Elizabeth Zazula won the Chris Henderson Lifetime Service Award. 

Man missing from Red Earth Creek, RCMP ask for surveillance footage 

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RCMP report that Jared John Edward Beaver, 25 years old, was last seen on Feb. 17 around midnight. He had left home, walking southbound on Grassy Way in Red Earth Creek.  Police are concerned and ade the request that businesses or homes in the area check their surveillance to see which direction he went on Grassy Way. 

“Despite efforts from family and RCMP, Jared has not returned home and it is unknown where Jared would have been walking to,” said Cst. Julie-Ann Strilaiff.  

Peace River RCMP: Dwayne Gabriel Sawan arrested on outstanding warrants, assault with weapon 

Dwayne Gabriel Sawan, 32-years-old, was arrested on several outstanding warrants on Feb. 19. He had been shown on the RCMP Alberta’s facebook page for Wanted Wednesday. Warrants included assault, uttering threats, assault with a weapon, and failure to attend court (x4).  Sawan was brought before a Justice of the Peace, and has been released, with a court date of Mar. 3 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River. 

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County of Grande Prairie gas leak, public advised to avoid area 

The public is asked to avoid Highway 675 and Range Road 54, or Teepee Creek Highway, because of a gas release in the area.  

The County of Grande Prairie, through a Voyent alert, wrote there isn’t a threat to the public, though residents might notice a strong smell. Those with sensitivities shouldn’t go outside, and if you feel sick, call 911, they added. 

With industry partners, they’re conducting gas monitoring and there isn’t detectable levels, as reported at 2:53 p.m. this afternoon. Emergency crews are on site, and work is being done to shut down the release. The County added the smell is travelling as far north as township road 742 and as far east as range road 44 

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The Heart of the Peace: Fairview’s housing initiative  

The town of Fairview’s civic leaders are looking to make their community grow, while boosting quality of life and creating more opportunities. To do this, they recognize the existence of a housing shortage, and are working to alleviate its effects. A partnership project is working with Fairview to see how they can achieve impactful solutions. 

There isn’t a simple answer as to why there’s a shortage of Fairview, said CAO Daryl Greenhill. “People move into the community and for a variety of different reasons, and we just don’t have enough housing stock for them.” 

To help mitigate this issue, they got involved with the Sustainable Housing Initiative, a look into where they can put their focus, and how they can create incentives to create more housing in a variety of ways. 

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MARCH 2025 

“Disturbing the Peace” host Lindsay Janes talks podcast ethics, remembering Peace Region history 

Lindsay Janes, creator and host of podcast “Disturbing the Peace”, is working to keep our Peace Region history alive.  The podcast releases every second Thursday, and she covers true crime, the supernatural, mysteries, and missing persons.  

“When I was first coming up with the name for the podcast, I wanted to make sure that it had something Peace Region related.” A play on words, it’s a reference to the types of unsettling content discussed, but also a crime itself.   

She also wanted to shine a light on the kinds of resources and institutions we have in the Peace Region, who continue to preserve and tell our stories.  During the pandemic lockdowns, she spent a lot of time listening to podcasts, but found there weren’t that many Albertan or British Columbian stories. 

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Full closure along Grande Prairie Keddie’s road Mar. 6, rail crossing upgrade 

The City of Grande Prairie can expect a full road closure along 132 Ave., or the Keddie’s road, on Mar. 6.  

CN is set to complete a rail crossing upgrade. The entire project will take a week from Mar. 4 to 12, which will require lane reductions and alternating traffic patterns. Thursday is the only day a full road closure is planned. 

Fairview NWP valedictorian Kailey Weisgerber: “The community helped me feel more at home” 

This past weekend, Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) celebrated its Fairview campus’ graduating class of 2024/2025. Veterinary technology graduate and valedictorian Kailey Weisgerber’s inspiring speech had a focus on support she received from the community.  

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The celebration took place at Fred Speckeen Theatre, a time filled with support from friends and family, as well as faculty, staff, and other supporters.  

“It’s a commitment and an achievement to represent our class. We’ve helped each other to be our best while forming a sense of community with the other programs too,” said Weisgerber. She relocated to Fairview from Edmonton to complete the program.  She achieved academic excellence in the veterinary technology diploma, and has been very involved in community efforts like getting involved in Fairview Flyers games, the Fairview Curling Club, and worked as a student library assistant. She also served as class treasurer. 

Slave Lake RCMP arrest man after reckless driving, damage

Slave Lake RCMP arrested Kevin Joseph Brezuk, 35-year-old resident of Red Deer, on Mar. 14 after he was reported for reckless driving. He’s been charged with operating a vehicle while prohibited, flight from Peace Officer, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, mischief over $5000, and failure to comply with probation order. 

Around 8:53 a.m. that morning, police responded to a call about a vehicle that collided with a snowbank in the main street area. The vehicle, a dark coloured SUV, fled the area when officers arrived, causing damage to a nearby business. The Slave Lake crime reduction unity followed the vehicle from a distance to make sure the public was safe, since Brezuk was driving recklessly. 

Peace Region painters Emily Lozeron and Lisa Ramer capture complexities  

Peace Region painters Emily Lozeron and Lisa Ramer have tried out something a little different, and the results are astounding.  

A joint gallery at the Grande Prairie Centre for Creative Arts is currently filled with their emotion-evoking and personal works of art, each named after stanzas of poem “Peace of the Wild Things” by Wendell Berry. The exhibit runs from Mar. 7 to 29.  

The poem reads: 

When despair for the world grows in me 

and I wake in the night at the least sound 

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, 

I go and lie down where the wood drake 

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. 

I come into the peace of wild things 

who do not tax their lives with forethought 

of grief. I come into the presence of still water. 

And I feel above me the day-blind stars 

waiting with their light. For a time 

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free. 

“It was actually a very significant poem for both of us. We were both kind of going through the same type of thing at the same time in life. This poem really resonated with us, and brought out emotions in us as we read the poem, especially for the first time. It was challenging to try and figure out ways to paint something that would evoke that emotion,” said Lozeron.  

They both created a painting for each stanza, presenting them side by side. She explained they had been trying to figure out something new they could present, something that is a bit challenging in the art world. “We haven’t ever seen anybody painting to a poem.” 

Major Peace Region project: Lithium extraction wells between Grande Prairie and Eaglesham

Alberta is well positioned to be a major seller of lithium in North America, said NeoLithica Ltd. president Barry Caplan.  

“You have to store energy. If you have wind or solar, when the wind is not blowing, and the sun is not shining, you have to store that energy, but you can use it during times when it’s not windy or sunny, and that requires large batteries, and those batteries will use lithium.” 

NeoLithica is a private lithium resource development company based out of Calgary.  

The company has approximately 25 shareholders, the majority living in the Peace Region, said Caplan. “Instead of chasing the hydrocarbons, we’re actually going after the water, which oil companies are certainly not interested in.” 

Oil and gas companies usually pump brine to surface, strip oil out of it, then return brine below surface.  NeoLithica’s goal is to use extraction technology, either at the producing or disposal well, extract lithium from brine, then pump brine back below surface.  

There’s over 10 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent over roughly 1050 square miles, mainly in the Peace Region between Grande Prairie and Peace River, he added. 

APRIL 2025 

Gordon Lightfoot tribute hitting GP  

The Edmund Fitzgerald is sailing again!Picking up the Pieces: The Songs of Gordon Lightfoot tour is coming to the Douglas J. Cardinal performing arts centre, Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) on Apr. 6.   

Benjamin Williams is on lead vocals, and six and 12 string guitars, Patrick Hughes is on lead guitars and backup vocals, and Connor Miskiman is on bass and background vocals.  

Though tour producer and emcee John Hewitt of Second Sunset Productions isn’t performing in the tribute, he’s a singer-songwriter as well. “The guys that are in the Lightfoot show, they’re also all in my band–They’re extremely versatile musicians.” 

County of Grande Prairie crime prevention strategies: townhall time 

Part of the County of Grande Prairie’s efforts in handling crime prevention are hosting town halls for community members to attend. Two more dates are scheduled in Dimsdale and Webster in April.  

“These events provide opportunities for residents and business owners to connect with County Regional Enforcement Services and RCMP representatives to discuss rural crime concerns and proactive safety measures.” 

Residents will be able to take part in a question-and-answer session after each presentation. The town halls will also have local experts giving security-related services.  

Birch Hills County placed under fire restriction today, no large fuel loads allowed 

An announcement made through a Voyent alert notified residents that Birch Hills County was placed under a fire restriction today, with no large fuel loads permitted. 

Peace River vehicle theft attempt 

A vehicle theft attempt was made on the morning of Apr. 3 at 8:47 a.m. in the 99 street area of Peace River. A light blue duly truck with several items in the box, appearing to be a Dodge 3500 parked near a driveway. The suspect exited the truck from the passenger door and walked up the driveway attempting to steal the vehicle parked there.  

The suspect seen on footage is described as wearing a pink bandana styled mask, a sweater with white shoulders and hood, blue sleeves, a black vest with a hood, the letters UFC on the front, blue jeans, high top styled shoes that are black and white, with red or pink shoe laces on the left foot. Peace Regional RCMP are asking for the public’s help identifying any individuals involved in the incident, or the location of the blue truck. 

It was located several times that day through the combined efforts of members of the public and police. “The blue pickup was located for the last time on an oilfield road near the B.C. border, though the trailer had been found abandoned earlier that day,” wrote Cpl. Gina Slaney.  

The suspects fled the vehicle and were tracked down by police dog services and Fort St. John RCMP. “One suspect received minor injuries while trying to flee the police dog and was brought to the hospital where his wounds were treated.” 

Two people were arrested, Christian Singer, a 39-year-old resident of Keg River and Kristen Letendre, a 42-year-old resident of Loon Lake. 

Dangerous driving, unauthorized firearm, cocaine and meth charges 

A suspicious vehicle with a person sleeping inside was spotted in the highway 986 and range road 203 area of Peace River on Mar. 24. The individual, 34-year-old Russell William Pasquan, passed a mandatory alcohol screening. But when RCMP left, since no charges were given, Pasquan started driving erratically.  

After locating him again, he was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. A search of him and the vehicle lead to charges of possession of a firearm when unauthorized, possession a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession for the purpose of trafficking x2, for suspected cocaine and methamphetamine. 

Fairview council: ‘Shouse’ construction approval in works, Education Property Tax increase 

At a council meeting on Apr. 1, Fairview approved first reading of a land use bylaw change, which would allow for “shouse” construction in town, or shop-house.  

Also known as barndominiums, shouses are buildings where the residence is connected to a shop or some kind of storage space through a common or connected roofing system. They’re usually built through post-frame or pole framing construction. With residential-style doors and windows along the front, they have roll-formed, steel-sheet exteriors.  

At next week’s meeting, council plans to pass this year’s capital and operating budgets. While there isn’t an expected increase to the municipal tax rate in Fairview, the government of Alberta has set a seven percent increase to the education property tax.  This means an increase on the education tax portion of property tax bills.  This year, the education property tax is calculated at a rate of $2.72 per $1,000 of the total residential or farmland equalized assessment value. The non-residential rate is set at $4.00 per $1,000 of equalized assessment value.  The town of Fairview has received a grant of $898,470 for rehabilitation work on the treated water reservoir. The entire project will cost $2 million.  

Spirit River RCMP bust: Drugs and theft in Woking 

Spirit River RCMP arrested 41-year-old Kyle Dale Hudson following a property search in the 45 Ave area of Woking, where police suspected to find stolen items.  

Hudson was arrested on 15 offences, including possession of property obtained by crime, altering a VIN, and firearms offenses. He was also arrested on offences related to warrants out of Grande Prairie, including driving offenses and failure to appear to court. He has been taken before a Justice of the Peace and remanded into custody.   

Grande Prairie live: Derksen to play Latitude 55 Distillery and Lounge 

“It can be something as simple as a book that hit home for me, a song, somebody that confided in me as a personal story that hit home– It could be about my personal life. I really just think about anything and everything,” said singer-songwriter Cody Derksen on his music.  

Derksen grew up on a farm east of Grande Prairie, and has been singing and songwriting for the past five to six years, and began live performing within the last year. He has an album coming up next year.  He has a show set for May 1 at Latitude 55 Distillery and Lounge, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.  

Grande Prairie open mic nights a path to performing  

Anyone in Grande Prairie wanting to hear or play live music in a casual setting has options throughout the week. One such location is the Wild Horse Casino and Lounge in Evergreen Park, giving the community the opportunity to watch and perform every Sunday with their open mic nights, and all skill levels are welcome.  

They have performances on other nights as well from musicians like Steve Cassell and Stuiey Peckham. Check out their website for event listings.  Darren Weatherburn, casino lounge and restaurant manager, has been with the establishment for nine years now. One of the big things they focus on is supporting locally, whether this be through food or entertainment.  

Full Moon Cafe hosts them, and Ramona’s hosts them on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. A Facebook page called “Grande Prairie live music, jam sessions, open mics, karaoke, and more!” has locations and dates for open mic nights when they come up. 

Paddle Prairie resident Gallant guilty of rape of 16-year-old 

Kelly Lee Gallant, resident of Paddle Prairie and 28 years old at the time of the crime, was found guilty for sexual assault, assault, and threats to cause death/bodily harm towards a female 16-year-old family acquaintance.   The assault happened at Gallant’s mother’s house where Jane Doe had stayed the night. Gallant forced her downstairs where he raped her with his 6-year-old son in the room. She said she didn’t think he woke up during the crime.  

The assault took place on Dec. 22 or 23, 2020, and she was 19 years old at the time of the trial. She made a statement to police on June 22, 2021 after she confided in her father what had happened to her, and he called police.  Gallant didn’t admit to the crimes he was accused of and denied he was at the house at the time. His mother also said he wasn’t at the house on those dates, according to the judicial decision. 

Grande Prairie’s Full Moon Cafe open mic nights 

“This whole idea is to give them wings and to let them go and to give them that courage to maybe pursue it, continue writing, and continue learning,” said Leroy Wilson, host and coordinator of the Full Moon Cafe.  The cafe, located inside Tito’s Bistro, hosts family-friendly open mic nights, entry by donation. The cafe is running open mic shows every Saturday for the month of May.  

Wilson has been in charge of giving the city 100 percent family-friendly, local music-forward events since 2014. Tito’s is an entirely alcohol free establishment.  

“Anybody that has anything they want to share, they can come to the Full Moon Cafe and share it. They’ll have a receptive audience. That’s what we pride ourselves on.” 

MAY 2025 

Peace River proactive patrol results in arrest, stolen vehicle found 

During a proactive patrol of the highway 2 area on May 4, Peace Regional RCMP found a truck with its hood up, parked on the side of the road. The truck didn’t have a matching plate to the vehicle and queries on the VIN. 

The vehicle’s driver, 39-year-old resident of High Prairie Leslie Lee Davis, was found to have warrants.  Davis was arrested for possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, obstruct a peace officer, as well as his warrants for failing to comply with his probation, and obstruction of a peace officer.  

Peace River vehicle break-in, police ask for help identifying suspect 

Peace Regional RCMP responded to a report yesterday, May 6 where a vehicle had been broken into around 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the 100 St. and 96 Ave. Peace River area. 

The suspect is described as being approximately 5’5” to 5’7”, approximately 150 pounds, light to medium complexion, tattoo’s on both sides of the neck, dark hair with pink or purple dye, wearing an orange sweater, a blue blanket, and a grey patterned ball cap. 

Peace River police make three arrests, firearm charges 

During a proactive patrol in the 100 Ave. area at approximately 11 p.m. on May 7, Peace River police saw a vehicle travelling whose owner is known to be on curfew conditions.  Three individuals were arrested following the stop. Kaitlin Sinclair, 22-year-old resident of Peace River was arrested for unsafe storage of firearm, unauthorized possession of firearm in motor vehicle, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and her warrant for possession of property obtained by crime over $5000. She was brought before a Justice of the Peace and released with a court date of May 26 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River. 

Russell William Pasquan (34), a resident of Peace River, was arrested for unsafe storage of firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm in motor vehicle, failure to comply with release order x2 and public mischief. He was brought before a Justice of the Peace and was remanded with a court date of May 12 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River. 

Peace Country family history fair in Grande Prairie 

Genealogy tracing is an extremely popular hobby worldwide, said Anna Davison, coordinator of the Grande Prairie Stake FamilySearch Centre.  For the first time ever, Grande Prairie residents had the chance to attend the Peace Country Family History Fair on May 10.  

“This is so significant because a lot of people are interested in finding their roots. It really has been a phenomenon, in a sense, worldwide– Every culture wants their history and their story told or remembered.”  The centre is a non-profit organization that helps people trace their family lineages. They’re open Sundays from 2 p.m to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Peace River RCMP charges following house fire, throwing rocks at vehicles 

Peace Regional RCMP responded to a fire on May 9 on the corner of 94 avenue and 98 street in Peace River, assisted by the fire department and emergency services. Police saw the fire around 4:45 p.m. during a proactive patrol around town.  

Before the fire was discovered, police received report of a female screaming and hitting vehicles, and another report of her screaming and throwing rocks at vehicles as they tried to avoid running into her. These incidents happened within 100 to 200 metres from the fire, minutes before and after the fire started. RCMP identified her within an hour after emergency responders started working on the fire. They were helped in identification through the initial reports, witness reports from community members, and video surveillance. Marie Dawn Thomas, 36 years old and a resident of Peace River, was charged with disturbing the peace (x2), mischief (x2) and arson. 

Missing two-year-old found safe after search with aircraft and police dog services 

Fairview RCMP responded to a missing persons report on May 11 at 10:24 p.m. of a two year old who had wandered from their rural residence in Clear Hills County. 

Assisting groups included Grande Prairie police dog services, British Columbia RCMP remote piloted aircraft systems, the Worsley fire department, Grande Prairie technical search and rescue, and over 100 volunteers from the community. They searched all through the night until Grande Prairie’s search and rescue helicopter spotted the child. They had wandered one kilometre away from home, and were found in good health. 

Peace River arson, RCMP investigate, asking public for footage 

Peace River RCMP received report at 2:25 a.m. on May 16, that a structure fire was burning on 9704 100 street. The fire department has begun an arson investigation with police. 

RCMP are asking for the public’s help, and have requested dashcam or other footage of the area between 11 p.m. last night and 2:30 a.m. 

There was another arson in Peace River on May 9 on the corner of 94 avenue and 98 street. They saw the fire around 4:45 p.m. that day during a proactive patrol around town.  

Before the fire was discovered, police received report of a female screaming and hitting vehicles, and another report of her screaming and throwing rocks at vehicles as they tried to avoid running into her. 

AHS confirms measles in Peace River, exposure location released 

AHS announced the measles exposure locations in Peace River on May 21: Fitness On The Go, 10007 100 St on May 12 from 3:50 p.m. to 8 p.m., Peace River Medical Clinic on May 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Walmart Supercentre on May 13 from 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. and May 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Heart River Golf Club Clubhouse on May 15 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Anyone who was at the emergency department at this time who was born in 1970 or after and has fewer than two documented doses of measles-containing vaccine could be at risk for developing measles. They should monitor for symptoms, and are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records.  Measles is extremely contagious, and the virus spreads easily through the air. 

RCMP: Man charged with child porn skips court, location unknown 

Aydarus Abdi Warsame, 56, was charged with possession of child pornography on Feb. 23, 2022. He failed to appear in court, and the Northwest Territories RCMP Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit is asking for the public’s help in locating him after multiple attempts to do so.  

He is described as 5’10”, weighing around 200 lbs, and is bald with a black beard and brown eyes. It is unknown where he is currently living, but his last known address was in Edmonton.  On May 9, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued in the supreme court of the Northwest Territories for Warsame. 

Valleyview RCMP: Man faces sex offender charges, two counts assault 

Shawn Atkinson, 49 years old, was arrested and charged on May 20 with two counts of assault and for offering children money in exchange for sexual services in Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. Valleyview RCMP, the western Alberta district general investigation section and the caribou child advocacy centre RCMP were able to identify the suspect after investigating the report.  Atkinson was taken before a Justice of the Peace and released with his next court date set for Jun. 19 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Valleyview. 

Peace Region artist Leslie Bjur on collaborative art gallery 

An art gallery titled “Resonance” at Grande Prairie’s Centre for Creative Arts brings together the works of four artists Leslie Bjur, Roberta Linfield, Vickie Mackey and Alysoun Wells, complete with sculptures and paintings. The exhibit is on display until May 31.  

How did the four of you come together for the gallery? 

At the Centre for Creative Arts in Grand Prairie, I was teaching soapstone workshops, and Alysoun, Roberta, and Vickie all have taken them, and we just became friends and went off in wonderful different directions. The stone kind of connects us also.  

Can you explain the process of soapstone carving and what makes that different from other sculptures? 

Soapstone is reductive. You have a bigger piece and it gets smaller. Patterns emerge. Sometimes you don’t see them until later. Mostly as an artist, you have to be flexible. You want to make a fox, but how is that fox actually going to translate at the end? 

What got you into art? 

My older sister has been an artist, and brilliant, from the age of eight. She kept a picture in her work drawer that she’d done of a horse. And I thought, if she can do it, I can do it, sculpture in particular. That got started by a master sculptor by the name of Gus Galbraith, walking past a gallery in Fort McMurray, and he was doing a demo making a frog, and he looked so happy. And I thought, oh, if I sculpted, I could be happy too.  

And he got into soapstone because he worked for Suncor, and the conveyor belt with the tar sands was gumming up. And somebody thought they could bring in soapstone to lubricate them. And now it didn’t work. When it’s wet, it becomes slime. It doesn’t lubricate anything. I think they were confused with graphite. Soapstone’s technical name is hydrous magnesium silicate, very much like clay. So Gus told his employers that he would take some of that off their hands, and over the years, became a master sculptor. 

JUNE 2025 

Out of control BC wildfire triggers evacuation alert for County of Grande Prairie 

A wildfire near Kelly Lake, British Columbia, 15 kilometres west of the Alberta border, has forced an evacuation alert for the County of Grande Prairie. The County announced on May 30 at 10:12 a.m. that there was no significant overnight growth of the out-of-control wildfire burning approximately 7.5 kilometres from the British Columbia-Alberta border. The evacuation alert is to remain in place, they added.  

The alert is in effect for residents north of township road 720 to township road 732, east of the border to range road 130.  There is no evacuation required at the time of publishing. If an evacuation order is issued, residents will have 30 minutes to evacuate.   

Two Fairview arrests, ‘choking’ assault and theft 

Fairview RCMP recently arrested two people on various charges, including assault while choking, theft, and dangerous operation. Jesse William Jackson was charged on outstanding warrants on May 29 for flight from police, dangerous operation, and driving while prohibited (x2). 

He was later also charged with driving while prohibited, fail to comply with release conditions, driving uninsured motor vehicle, operate motor vehicle with out subsisting certificate of registration, and knowingly operate motor vehicle with cancelled/suspended registration.  After a judicial interim release hearing, Jackson was remanded to attend the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on Jun. 2. During this investigation, another person was arrested on outstanding warrants out of Peace River. Richard John Strong was charged with assault while choking, theft under $5000, and fail to attend court. After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Strong was released to attend the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on Jun. 9. 

Missing man last seen in Duncan First Nation 

Peace Regional RCMP are asking for the public’s help locating Dylan Fitzpatrick, 23 years old. He was last seen in Duncan First Nation on May 21 or 22, and there is reason to believe he may be in Edmonton. Fitzpatrick is described as 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, has brown hair and blue eyes, a fair complexion, and has a Leo Crown tattoo on his left hand and a rose on left forearm. 

GP County evacuation order, Kelly Lake wildfire 

The County of Grande Prairie has issued an evacuation order for everyone located north of township road 710 to 740, east of the B.C. and Alberta border to range road 130. The announcement was made through voyent alert on Jun. 5 at 12:12 p.m.  Everyone within the evacuation zone must evacuate. Evacuees need to register at the Hythe Community Library at 10013 100 street, Hythe. At the time of publishing, the wildfire is two kilometres west of the border. 

“Bring pets, important documents, medication, medical devices, food and water to be away from your home for seven days,” read the alert. 

Crime and punishment tour at GP cemetery 

“Crime and Punishment in the South Peace” is an upcoming City of Grande Prairie cemetery tour where attendees can learn all about murder and mayhem in our area, put on by the South Peace Regional Archives, keepers of history.  

One more date is available on Aug. 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10. The recommended age is 12 and over. In the event of severe weather, the archives will reschedule the events.   Junior archivist Alyssa House is set to lead the tours. Various criminal stories, as well as court happenings, will take attendees through the cemetery, where they’ll visit graves of those who committed the acts, or those somehow connected to the story. 

Alberta-based artist’s garden sketch book spans over a decade 

“I think I’ve always done it, all my life,” said Terrie Shaw about creating art.  

Her beautiful and informative book Garden Journey is set to release in July of this year, comprising four journals by Shaw that started 12 years ago.  Filled with gardening advice, recipes, seasonal seed planting, and garden setup ideas, each page displays Shaw’s artistic talent with pen-and-ink and watercolour drawings.  

She shows countless examples of her own garden. Personal memories and people in her life make appearances as well, her work encompassing both advice for gardening and relatable inspirations for artwork.  

She’s always wanted to publish a book, and has plans for more. She’s currently working on children’s paintings, as well as paintings of the 22 houses she’s lived in throughout her life.  

Fairview funding EmPower Up!  

Owner of EmPower Up! Holly Sorgen, recently granted $117,500 from the Town of Fairview, has big plans to assist residents and entrepreneurs with their businesses, a way to get the town growing and more sustainable for young people and their futures.  

The intent of this project is to connect with community owners, people who already have businesses, who already live there, and youth that have already been educated and are living there. They want to know what the major needs of the community are, and how these relate to some of the strategies the town has done around housing.  

Her work with Jenna Armstrong, Fairview economic development and tourism coordinator, led to the idea of creating Business in a Box, a way for residents and aspiring entrepreneurs to get a good feel of the kinds of business opportunities there are.  

Part of the project will include a how-to on starting a business in Fairview. “We’ll have done all of the relevant market research at the macro and micro level. We’ll have done all of the kind of client avatar, customer avatar work,” said Sorgen. 

RCMP seize meth, cocaine during proactive County of GP patrol 

A patrol on June 21 in the Clairmont area made by Rural Grande Prairie County RCMP led to an arrest and the discovery of over four kilograms of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of cocaine, and just over $11,000 in Canadian currency, believed to be proceeds of crime. 

Police noticed drug paraphernalia after they pulled a vehicle over. 

Chad Simonson, 50-year-old resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with failure to comply, possession of meth and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking (2) and possession with proceeds of crime over $5,000. Simonson was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He’s to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on June 30. 

“This sizeable seizure is estimated to represent as much as 6,000 individual doses, a volume with the potential to deeply affect community health and safety,” said Cpl. Pasquarelli of the rural County RCMP. 

Three rural arrests made, stolen vehicle, sawed-off shotgun  

The Grande Prairie RCMP rural general investigation section saw a stolen vehicle in the Clairmont area on Jun. 19, and conducted a traffic stop which found a loaded sawed-off shotgun with the safety off near a set of zipties. 

Cpl. Mathew Howell, public information officer, said police don’t know what the zipties were being used for.  The spotted stolen vehicle drove to Grande Prairie where the stop was made. All occupants of the vehicle were arrested. 

Christopher Lindgren, aged 33, and Krista Healey, aged 38, of no fixed address, were arrested, as well as Holly Breland, 41-year-old resident of Grande Prairie. They were charged with five firearm-related offences, possession of property obtained by crime and possession of unstamped tobacco. Lindgren and Healey were also charged with two counts of failure to comply. 

Stay tuned for July through December!

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