The band (l to r): Joseph Thiessen, Curtis Szakács, Robert Thiessen, Russell Thiessen, and Michael Thiessen.

Prairie Joe making its mark in Canada’s gospel music industry

Oak Lake-area family band recognized at GMA awards ceremony

Since releasing their debut album “The Good Life” in the spring of 2017, the five-piece group Prairie Joe, based in Oak Lake, is making a mark in Canada’s gospel music industry. The band consists of four brothers and a brother-in-law: Robert Thiessen (lead singer, guitarist), Joseph Thiessen (mandolin), Russell Thiessen (vocalist, percussion), Michael Thiessen (bass)

Memories of Christmases past

As the holidays are right around the corner and I am fond of traditions, both old and new, I thought it was time to take our annual look at the Christmas holiday weather statistics. I’ve written about this in various ways in the past and this year I’m taking what I think are the most


I’m staying home this Christmas

The weather, as usual, was not cooperating. Roads were reported to be slippery. Travelling was not advised. However, my favourite cousin had come all the way from Saskatchewan just for this occasion. We had a tradition to keep and we decided to make the journey despite the weather and despite our parents urging us to

Give the gift of time this Christmas

We are all guilty of it – rushing through Christmas to the point of missing all the joy that the season brings. We focus on endless shopping lists, parties, pageants, decorating and baking, hoping to give our family the “perfect” Christmas. We believe that seven kinds of dainties, colour-co-ordinated decorations and amazing presents will ensure