Festival royalty

Reporter, Altona Rhineland Voice. A journalist since 1997, Lori Penner believes everyone has a story to tell. Growing up in rural Manitoba, she has a heart for small town news, covering local and regional issues and events, with a love for people and their communities, pride in their accomplishments, concern for their challenges, and a heart for the truth. Manitoba’s Flood of the Century acted as a springboard for her career in journalism. Sharing the tragedy and determination of those who battled and survived “the Raging Red” spawned a life-long fascination for human-interest stories, earning her top industry awards in topics ranging from business, politics, agriculture, and health, to history, education, and community events. She was honoured to receive the MCNA Reporter of the Year award in 2019. As well, Penner’s personal column, Don’t Mind the Mess has appeared in publications across Western Canada. With 26 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, photographer, and as an editor of several rural newspapers, Penner has interviewed people from all walks of life, and is committed to sharing the news that impacts and reflects the values, concerns, and goals of the communities she covers.