Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

Well, my days as Editor here at the Smoky River Express are slowly winding down. Yes, I never imagined I’d be saying this, but I will soon be leaving my post here in Falher for a new and exciting challenge in my life and career. That challenge will see me shuffle over to High Prairie School Division No. 48 where I’ll be taking on the responsibility as communications officer, effective the beginning of March. Having spent the past nine years as Editor of the Express I will say that my decision to pack up and head for greener pastures by making a career change was by no means an easy one. It never is, regardless of who you are or what your status within a company’s pecking order may be. In the end, there’s often plenty of things to take into consideration (ie., salary, benefits, environment, work hours etc.) prior to taking that huge leap of faith towards advancing your career portfolio. In my specific situation the choice to accept the position as communications officer was made much easier based on the above mentioned factors and my ability to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. As communications officer I’ll be responsible for working jointly with the board, administration and schools throughout the region in developing effective communications strategies within the division. This responsibility also includes researching grant funding opportunities, covering events of importance at HPSD schools, showcasing the strengths of the division, and acting as a communcation’s liaison with the various forms of print and broadcast media. The transition will see me remain in the region, likely setting up an office environment from one of the schools in the region. My departure from my present position at the Express will pave the way for reporter Emily Plihal to comfortably slide into the role as editor – a transition which she is more than capable of handling based upon her keen understanding and knowledge of journalism and the important role of a community newspaper. Over the next four weeks I’ll be training Emily for this transition and preparing her in terms of workload expectations, demands of the job and responsibilities in the Smoky River region as a newspaper. This process will culminate at the end of February with me passing on the torch as editor to Emily. I urge community groups and organizations within the region to assist Emily by helping out in whatever capacity they can, whether it’s submitting photos or articles to the newspaper for future publication. Lord knows we can’t be everywhere at once! In closing, I wish to personally thank everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past nine years, including our municipal councils, administration, community groups, and residents for their cooperation and commitment in making the Smoky River Express a valuable and trusted news source within the Peace County. Last but not least I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the present staff at the Express (including Brenda, Emily and Faye), staff at our sister newspapers in High Prairie and Slave Lake and my superiors for their valuable contributions and support. Thanks for the wonderful memories and best of luck in the future.

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