Dawson Trail Dispatch June 2018

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Health Walk Raises Funds for Heli-Pad in Ste. Anne

Despite the damp weather there was a healthy turnout at the Ste-Anne Hospital Fund Health Walk.

On June 2, walkers took to the streets of Ste. Anne for the annual Health Walk. The event helps raise funds for the Fonds Hôpital Ste Anne Hospital Fund.

Funds from this year’s walk are going in support of building a heli-pad outside of Ste. Anne’s Hospital so that STARS will have a safe place to land adjacent to the community’s health care facility.

According to Lorraine Roziere, Executive Director of the Ste. Anne Hospital Fund the hospital acknowledges that emergency services are an important and integral part of patient care. “The Aerodrome at St. Anne’s hospital allows us to reach a higher standard of health care for years to come,” she noted.

Anticipated costs of the project are approximately $300,000. Two major donors came forward during the event, including Lions International who presented a cheque for $100,000 and HyLife who donated $42,250. Sponsorships, donations and pledges for the Health Walk will also be going towards the Aerodrome Project.

The money will be used to construct a concrete pad on the east side of the hospital. There was a site there but

Transport Canada closed it down in the fall. The new heli-pad will have special lighting and construction is expected to begin later this month for a November completion.

STARS currently lands adjacent to the RM of Ste. Anne office on the

south end of town.

The Ste-Anne Hospital Fund was founded in 1988 to collect funds for the Ste-Anne Hospital to purchase equipment and for construction projects not funded by Manitoba Health.

Lions International presented a cheque for $100,000 to the Ste-Anne Hospital Fund.

June 2018

Man Succumbs to Injuries in Serious Collision On Thursday, May 24, at 1:35 pm, officers from the Steinbach RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 12 at the intersection of Provincial Road 210, located south of Ste. Anne.

Investigators have determined that a vehicle, being driven by a 38-year-old male from Winnipeg, was travelling southbound on Hwy 12 when it collided with a westbound SUV, being driven by a 73-yearold female from the RM of La Broquerie.

The driver of the southbound vehicle was transported to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV and one of the passengers a 72-year-old female from the RM of La Broquerie, were both transported to hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. A 73-year-old male passenger from the RM of La Broquerie was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the collision and it is unknown if seatbelts were in use.

Steinbach RCMP Respond to Fatal Vehicle Collision with Toddler On May 20, at approximately 7:50 pm, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a collision in the RM of La Broquerie.

Upon arrival, Emergency Medical Services personnel were already providing medical assistance to a 2-year-old girl. She was later transported to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The initial investigation has determined that the child was struck by a vehicle on her driveway being driven by a 62-year-old male. Alcohol and speed are not considered factors in this collision.

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Province Responds to Cannabis Legislation The Manitoba government has provided a submission to the Federal Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to highlight ongoing concerns related to cannabis legalization, including road safety.

“As we address the Federal government’s decision to legalize recreational cannabis, our government’s priority is to ensure the public health and safety of Manitobans,” said Justice Minister Heather Stefanson. “While Manitoba continues to make significant progress preparing for the Federal legalization of cannabis, many major concerns remain outstanding and require immediate federal attention.”

Concerns particularly relate to road safety, law enforcement and general risks associated with a short implementation timeframe, Stefanson noted. “Our government continues to hold concerns that the short time frame for implementation presents significant risks to achieving the Federal government’s

stated objectives for legalization, including keeping cannabis out of the hands of our youth and away from the black market,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “Our government continues to emphasize the importance of ongoing, robust, culturally sensitive and coordinated public education efforts, with a particular focus on youth and vulnerable groups.”

Stefanson and Goertzen also reemphasized Manitoba’s support for an amendment to C-45, The Cannabis Act, to specify that provinces and territories hold legislative authority to further restrict home cannabis production. While such an amendment is unnecessary from a legal standpoint, it would eliminate ambiguity and avoid needless and costly legal challenges.

Other concerns raised by Stefanson and Goertzen to the Senate committee include the timely and appropriate implementation of road safety measures before legalization takes effect, resource pressures by law enforcement as they work to keep roads safe, the risks associated with a short implementation timeframe, the reliability and cost challenges associated with a seed to sale tracking system and the length of time needed to prepare for full cannabis retail operations.

“Just like with drunk driving, people who drive high aren’t just taking a chance with their own life, but they’re potentially endangering all road users,” said Liz Kulyk, Corporate Manager, government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “With legalization just around the corner, governments across Canada need more certainty that there will be enough funding for law enforcement, research and especially public education to ensure that road safety is top of mind

as we move towards and post legalization.”

As announced previously, Manitoba has made significant progress in anticipation of upcoming federal legalization of cannabis. The Cannabis Harm Prevention Act established several common sense safety measures, including a 24-hour driver’s licence suspension if a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe a driver is unable to safely operate a vehicle due to being under the influence of a drug. It also prohibits the smoking and vaping of cannabis in enclosed public places and indoor workplaces. The recently introduced impaired driving offences act would further strengthen road safety with tough provincial sanctions that correspond with the new offences outlined in the federal Bill C-46. These sanctions include additional consequences for beginner drivers to be established by regulation.

Manitoba has also introduced the non-smokers health protection and vapour products amendment act (prohibiting cannabis consumption in outdoor public places) that would prohibit smoking and vaping cannabis in outdoor public places and the safe and responsible retailing of cannabis act that would establish the framework for the retail sale of cannabis in Manitoba and set the minimum age of 19 for possession and use of cannabis.

“In all its forms, cannabis remains a substance that poses considerable risks to youth in particular,” said Ken Cameron, President, Manitoba School Boards Association. “We share the concerns raised by the government of Manitoba, particularly as they relate to enforcement and public safety ahead of cannabis legalization. We remain committed to protecting all persons engaged within the public schools system from cannabis-related harms.”

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Election Boundary Changes Proposed

By Marianne Curtis The province’s Electoral Divisions Boundaries Commission’s has released its interim report on proposed changes to Manitoba’s electoral map and if approved there will be some big changes in the regions.

The report outlines the proposed new boundaries and names of all 57 electoral divisions in the province. In total, 16 new names have been proposed, six in Winnipeg and 10 outside of Winnipeg.

The Commission has made several changes to the electoral divisions in the eastern areas of the province to accommodate growth in the Dawson Trail, Steinbach, and La Vérendrye electoral divisions. Boundaries have been adjusted to ensure population balance and, to the extent possible, respect the designated bilingual areas with each section based on having 22,427 people per electoral division.

The rural municipalities of Ritchot, Taché, and De Salaberry have been grouped together and an old electoral division name has been revived, Carillon to place Dawson Trail. Carillon was the name of the electoral division for that area from 1886- 1969.

The La Vérendrye electoral division boundaries have been adjusted to include populations further north of the current boundaries. As a result, it has been renamed Springfield-Ste. Anne to recognize the two major population centres. In addition, a new electoral division of Sandilands has been created in the southeast corner of the province. The name of Sandilands is in reference to the provincial forest located in the area.

Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about these changes when public hearings commence in September. A meeting will take place in Steinbach on September 18. Further details have not been released.

After the public hearings are complete, the Commission will prepare a final report with the finalized electoral division boundaries and names. The final report becomes law and the new boundaries go into effect for the next provincial general election, set for October 2020.

The last boundary review took place in 2008, and they were used in the 2011 and 2016 general elections.

The Electoral Divisions Boundaries Commission is an independent and impartial body, whose membership is set by The Electoral Divisions Act. The interim report, along with maps showing the proposed electoral division boundaries with their proposed names and populations, is posted on the Electoral Divisions Boundaries Commission website, at boundariescommission.mb.ca.

This Map shows the rough boundary proposals which will affect every constituency in southern Manitoba.

June 2018

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Two Giant Steps By the Feds Acquiring the Kinder Morgan pipeline so as to control and build it s a bold move gamble. The hope is to obviously bring this project to fruition and then sell it at a profit. This will end up being a political hot potato for months to come. Yet, after Kinder Morgan’s exit it became clear that adversity from eco-protesters was not their cup of tea. Premier Horgan of BC was happy to win that round and he still wants to go to court but this now becomes a Federal project and I don’t see him winning anything in the courts to stop this project from continuing to fruition. The Federal Opposition and the NDP will pontificate on opposite points of view, but after much useless political pontification the Canadian universe will unfold as it should and Canadians will be the owners of a pipeline.

Tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium are the latest insult from President Trump. Apparently we are endangering the security of America. This is an insult to the Canadian soldiers buried in countless foreign lands. Our Prime Minister has had to retaliate and impose countervailing tariffs. In the last sixteen months Trump has forsaken TPP, NAFTA, DACA the Dreamers act for those children and infants who were brought to America by their parents, without documentation. The list goes on, the Paris environmental accord, the Iranian nuclear deal signed also by England, France, Germany, Russia and China. The medical agreement called Obama Care is beyond life support. The Cuban rapprochement has been severely degraded.

This from a man who wrote a book called the “Art of the Deal”. His deals end with a winner and a loser. In the politics of democratic liberalism the game has only winners. Democracy is beyond Trump’s grasp. Respect for agreements reached by previous administrations is broken.

The G7 or perhaps now known as G6 plus 1 will meet in Canada in a matter of days. It will be automatic for the remaining six to consider serious “tete a tetes” focusing on restructuring trade. The reality is Trump now has his wall, He will probably continue to build it higher and wider, his narcissism will make impervious mortar for the blocks of dictatorial tendencies.

The threads of democracy connecting countries together since the WWII have seldom been under such duress. This is a crying shame for much of the thread was made and paid in blood by American GI’s and the torch as been passed to an arsonist.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Pushing Pot and the Carbon Tax Cover-up Pushing Pot Our pot-pushing Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has doubled down on his July 1st deadline for marijuana legalization and is now pressuring the Senate to pass it.

When they first presented their plan for legalization, the Liberals introduced two bills – Bill C-45, the Cannabis Legalization Act and Bill C-46 to help police deal with impaired driving. However, pot point man, Liberal MP Bill Blair, has now stated that legalization will go forward even if the impaired driving bill is not ready.

Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while high is just as dangerous as driving drunk. MADD Canada has already denounced this move by the Liberals. Moreover, many business leaders have expressed their concerns to me about the danger and liability of employees driving trucks or operating heavy machinery while high.

I have written previously and spoken in the House of the recklessness of the Liberals on this issue and the immense dangers posed to society by the legalization of marijuana. It is a gateway drug, introducing young people to the world of other illegal drugs which the Liberals have stated they are now open to discussing legalizing as well.

While we disagree with legalization, Conservatives believe that it is more important to get both the cannabis legalization bill and the impairment bill right rather than rush them through Parliament just so the Justin Trudeau can celebrate Canada Day in a cloud of smoke.

Carbon Tax Cover-up Thanks to Justin Trudeau gas prices, electricity rates, taxes and mortgage payments are all increasing, making it more and more difficult for Canadian families to make ends meet. His Liberal government has raised income taxes on 80% of middle class taxpayers, boosted payroll taxes, and now he is ramming through a carbon tax that will inflate other consumer prices. Worse yet, his Liberal government is covering up how much the tax will cost the average Canadian family.

Over the last two years, Conservatives have asked the government dozens of times to tell us how much the average middle-class family will pay in new taxes – and each time the Liberals have refused to tell Canadians.

Multiple requests for information filed with the government have resulted in the release of documents that have key information blacked out. Why you might ask?

The Parliamentary Budget Officer recently released a new report which found that the Liberal carbon tax will take $10 billion out of the Canadian economy over the next four years. Other estimates argue the cost could soar as high as $35 billion per year. There is no doubt that this will negatively affect jobs, workers, and their families. No wonder the Liberals are hiding these numbers from Canadians.

Proponents of carbon taxes say the costs of the carbon tax can be reimbursed and that it is more efficient than regulation; however there is no jurisdiction in Canada where the carbon tax is revenue neutral. In every province, it has become just another source of tax revenue for the government.

The Liberals’ carbon tax will not lead to major emissions reductions in Canada either. We need look no further than British Columbia to see a perfect example of this. BC’s carbon tax isn’t helping the environment; it’s just costing Canadians. Despite having the highest carbon tax in Canada, emissions have continued to rise, and as a result British Columbians now pay more for gas than anyone else in North America—a fact that Justin Trudeau celebrates and has made clear he wishes for all Canadians.

Conservatives understand that you cannot tax your way to a cleaner environment. We will continue to fight for lower taxes and we will continue to call on the Liberals to immediately end their carbon tax cover-up.

New Programs and Services Support Veterans and Their Families Dear Editor: Looking for a new career? Interested in career guidance? Need help getting on the right path for your post-military life? Check out our new and enhanced benefits and services for Veterans! From education and training, to well-being and financial support, Veterans Affairs Canada has you covered.

Do your career goals mean more education? The Education and Training Benefit can provide the funding you need to achieve your education and career goals. If you released since April 1, 2006 and served at least six years, you may be eligible for this benefit. Whether you are furthering your education journey or beginning a new one, this is the place to start!

A meaningful career is an important part of your well-being. The Career Transition Services program has been redesigned to support you the whole way: from career counseling and coaching, job search and resume building, all the way to interview preparation and job placement assistance.

Are you a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who has medically-released within the last 120 days?

Or do you have a health problem resulting from your military service that is making it difficult for you to adjust? You may qualify for rehabilitation services. Our purpose is to ensure that you improve your health to the fullest extent possible and adjust to life at home, in your community or at work.

And, access to the Veteran Family Program is now available across all Military Family Resource Centres.

We have also introduced the Caregiver Recognition Benefit, which provides a caregiver $1,000 a month, tax-free. Applying for these benefits is easy. You can do it in just a few steps. Do you have a My VAC account? If not, you can register or learn more about these programs and help your family at veterans.gc.ca anytime.

You served your country with honour and are ready for what’s next. Our mission, at Veterans Affairs Canada, is to support you and your family through the next phase of your life.

Michel Doiron ADM – Service Delivery

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Safety and Sustainability at Core of Hunting Restrictions

June is a busy month for many Manitobans, especially those looking forward to school and post-secondary graduations. I would like to congratulate all the graduates of 2018 as they end one chapter in their lives and start another. Many are leaving home for the first time and moving on to further their education, while others are starting careers or taking time to figure out what they want to do in life.

Over the years, I have attended many graduation ceremonies and listened to great guest speakers whose message is often that dreams are important, but that hard work is necessary to achieve them. This is true, as nothing in life is free. Whether graduates are finishing university, college, high school or kindergarten, I wish them all the best as they begin the next chapters in their lives.

The youth of Manitoba should be able to find employment and plan futures here in our province. I am proud to be a part of a government that since being elected two years ago has worked hard to give Manitoba a brighter economic future. We have been creating an atmosphere that has attracted more than a billion dollars of investment and hundreds of jobs with it.

The economic future of our province has been an important focus for us during this past spring legislative session. Sustainable development is part of this, and we have introduced legislation to better regulate hunting practices. Bill 29, the Wildlife Amendment Act, will carefully balance constitutionally protected Indigenous hunting rights while regulating night hunting to ensure the safety of the public and the sustainability of Manitoba’s big game population.

Under the Wildlife Amendment Act, hunting at night - a practice that has led to deaths and serious injuries - will be prohibited on private property. However, the legislation will allow Indigenous hunters to hunt at night with permits in designated areas where risks to landowners and their properties are minimized. Hunting at night will also be permitted only if it does not threaten the viability of the species being hunted.

As well, spotlighting – the night hunting practice of shining a bright light into an animal’s eyes - will be tightly restricted. This practice is neither safe nor sustainable.

We must all work together to ensure public safety and the sustainability of Manitoba’s wildlife for future generations.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you with your questions or concerns. I can be reached at my constituency office at 204-424-5406, at my legislature office at 204-945-4339 or at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Tackling Emergency Care Wait Times The arrival of beautiful summer-like weather has made me want to get outside as much as possible lately, after the past cold winter. And this means also heading to the doorsteps of Dawson Trail constituents to hear about issues important to them.

I recently did just that in the Lorette area, and found it informative and enjoyable to converse with residents and families about their concerns and about the many ways our Manitoba Progressive Conservative government is working hard for people across the province.

While out and about in May, I brought greetings to the official opening of the Lorette Thrifty Treasures second-hand store. Located in the old Rural Municipality of Tache office, this new enterprise is run by hard-working volunteers who increase our efforts toward reusing and recycling by selling usable, previously owned household items and more. They use the proceeds to finance the not-for-profit store and to re-invest in the community. Having recently moved into their space, the group has done a remarkable amount of work in renovating and already putting together a community donation of more than $50,000. Donations from Thrifty Treasures will go to local families in need and worthy causes.

It’s a fulfilling part of my job as MLA to learn about such new businesses, agencies and organizations, as well as those that have been around for some time. Very recently, I had an opportunity to learn more about the Manitoba Trucking Association and the industry it represents that plays such a vital role in our province’s economy.

The trucking association’s purpose is to develop and maintain a safe and healthy business environment for its industry members. It was interesting to find out much more than I had previously known about the services of the trucking industry, and how it supports a vast number of industries in Manitoba.

Earlier in May, I had the opportunity to meet with groups of municipal officials from Dawson Trail communities. I heard from them about their priorities and am pleased to have identified some shared areas of concern in which our Manitoba government can continue to help.

Our government, meanwhile, is continuing to help Manitobans get better access to health care. Our work with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) to reorganize and consolidate services has led to a 19 per cent reduction in emergency and urgent-care wait times from this past March to April. Between those two months this year, the median wait at all Winnipeg hospitals decreased from 2.02 hours to 1.63 hours.

This month-to-month improvement comes on the heels of an overall 16 per cent reduction in wait times at Winnipeg hospital emergency departments through the first phase of the Healing Our Health System reorganization that began last fall. The reduced waits are mainly due to an improved flow of patients across facilities.

The reorganization was necessary to improve access to care. Under the previous NDP government, Manitobans waited longer for access to emergency departments than patients anywhere else in Canada. We are achieving our goal to deliver better care, sooner.

Stay up to date by following me on Facebook. If you have questions or comments, I can be reached at 204807-4663 or by e-mail at bob.lagasse@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Registration Opens for Municipal Elections Municipal elections are still a few months away, but residents wanting to run in the October 24 contest can already start registering with their local municipal electoral officer.

Candidate registration for Mayor or Reeve officially kicked off May 1 and will continue until September 18. Residents wanting to run for

councillor can start registering June 30 until September 18.

Municipal election candidates must register with the Senior Election Official (SEO) during the registration period before they may begin to accept contributions, incur expenses, fund-raise or borrow money for their campaign.

Candidate registration will be received for head of council starting May 1 to September 18. For councillor, candidates can register from June 30 to September 18.

Registration forms can be obtained from the RM office or on our website under 2018 Election.

June 2018

The Way We Are… Dear Editor: It is time to set the record straight when it comes to the way we fund public school education in Manitoba.

Simply put, the idea that we are cutting spending on education is a myth.

In Budget 2018/19, the province increased funding to public school divisions by $6.6 million to a total of $1.323 billion. We also committed $200 million to build seven new schools in Manitoba over the next two years, the most ever in such a short period, as well as to repair, maintain and upgrade dozens of existing schools. Our goal since day one has been to catch up with the need for new schools and deliver quality new learning environments for students and educators.

Keep in mind, school divisions hold the pen on budgets and the province expects their decisions will best suit students’ needs. They decide which areas and programs to fund. This year, we specifically instructed school divisions to trim at the top and protect frontline services. We announced a 15 per cent reduction to administration cost caps, as admin costs have increased by $5.6 million (nine per cent) in the past two years.

We want education money spent on students in the classrooms, not administration in the backrooms.

We have committed to fully review the Kindergarten to Grade 12 education system in 2019, where we will consult Manitobans and include the funding system, role of school boards and taxation powers.

But let’s be realistic. Achieving better grades is about a lot more than just putting more money in the education system. If it were, we’d have the second-highest performing education system in the country.

We don’t.

The most recent Statistics Canada data from 2014/15 shows on a cost per pupil basis, Manitoba spent the second highest among provinces at $12,885, next to Quebec at $13,593. Per student funding for public schools has increased by 24.5 per cent over the past decade. Yet national tests administered in 2016 found Manitoba students ranked below many other provinces in math, science and reading.

We need to do better. We need to change our approach to public education. We are finalizing a Literacy and Numeracy strategy, which incorporates valuable feedback from consulting with Manitobans and looks to better prepare students for lifelong learning from cradle to career.

We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, school boards and parents on a variety of topics regarding our education system and educators. Teachers play an immense role and their perspectives are important. We all share the same goal of a brighter future for Manitoba students.

Sincerely, Ian Wishart Minister of Education and Training

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Ice on Lake… Coming Out Swinging

Even with ice still on the water the golf course was open in early May at Lake of the Sandhills during the men’s opening tournament.

Photo by Barry Lewis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Ste. Anne Co-op Renamed and Funds Raised for Local Organizations On May 1, the Ste. Anne Coop officially changed their name to Clearview Consumers Co-op Ltd. The change came as a result of this year’s annual general meeting, where members voted to begin the process of changing the name of the Co-op.

General Manager Henry Nickel said the name change was official as of May 1.

“Why Clearview? It suggests a Clear Vision ahead, a Positive view forward” said Nickel. “Also, our members wanted a name that was inclusive for all our communities that we serve.”

He added that Ste. Anne continues to play a very important role in the Co-op today, and remains a very important part of the Co-op’s history. The new name, Clearview Co-op, is inclusive of all the communities the Co-op serves, as well as speaking to its history and vision for customer service, members’ equity returns, and community commitment,

as the Co-op continues to expand.

In keeping with their mandate to give back to the community, Clearview Consumers Co-op held two fundraisers during May. On May 16, $3,410 was raised through a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity. “With the generous help of our members and customers, we were able to present Habitat for Humanity with a cheque for $3410,” said Nickel. A week later, another $3,692.40 was raised for the Steinbach Relay for Life.

“Our staff team, Sherwalks-alot, had a great time participating in the event, celebrating our survivors and raising money for a cause that has affected so many of us,” continued Nickel. “We also had the pleasure of taking home the Team Spirit Award!”

The Clearview Co-op is one of the top ten co-operatives in Manitoba with over 32,000 members and 14 locations in the southeastern region of Manitoba.

Clearview Co-op members helped raise funds for Habitat for Humanity.

Volunteers Clean Up Around Southeast

Over 2,000 volunteers showed up for Steinbach’s annual Pick Up ‘n’ Walk Community Clean-up event on May 5.

Spring cleanup took place in a number of communities throughout the region as part of an effort to bring the community together and clean up their town.

More than 2,000 volunteers showed up to clean up the entire City of Steinbach in three hours and an amazing 10 tonnes of garbage was collected.

“A big thank you goes out to all the churches and the organizers of this fantastic com-

munity event,” stated the City of Steinbach in a statement.

Pick Up ‘n’ Walk has been recognized by many other communities as a progressive way to build pride in a community through personal action.

Other communities that held cleanup events during May included Ste. Anne, La Broquerie, Niverville and Woodridge.

Youth Nabbed with Stolen Truck On May 23 at 8:50 am, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen truck from Road 33E in the RM of Hanover.

A few hours later, while on patrol, RCMP observed the stolen vehicle being driven southbound on Highway 12, and then turn

onto Highway 52 in a westerly direction.

Steinbach RCMP pulled the vehicle over, and arrested a 16 year old youth, a resident of the RM of Hanover for possession of stolen property. The youth is currently in custody and charges are pending.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2018

Susydka Dance Club Hosts Year End Recital On June 2, the Susydka Ukrainian Dancers from Vita celebrated the conclusion of another season with a dance recital and dinner. Over thirty dancers were on hand to perform as the group celebrated a successful year of dance in the community.

The Club continues to dance out of Vita with practices once a week at the Ukrainian National Home of Vita.

The 2018/19 dance season will start in September and the club’s is already planning their annual fundraising events including their Halloween Dance and Malanka Ukrainian New Years Supper and Dance On June 2, the Susydka Ukrainian Dancers from Vita took to the stage for their annual spring recital. on January 14.

Driving With Cell In Hand Still Prevalent The Province-wide Distracted Driving enforcement campaign ran throughout the month of April, with extra traffic enforcement resources being deployed to seek out distracted driving behaviours, with a particular focus on cell phone use while driving.

A number of patrols were directed to the Steinbach area. There were 130 tickets issued under the Highway Traffic Act for using a handheld electronic device. Another 79 tickets

were issued for other traffic offences which included 27 tickets for failing to use a seat belt.

“At a time when many of us have seen the video, and are in shock at the distracted semi-truck driver who struck the motorcyclist, it remains very concerning that 130 people in our area have been charged for doing the same thing in the past month,” said Steinbach RCMP Staff Sgt. Harold Laninga. “[And] these are just the persons caught.”

Suspects from Inside Job Trickle in to RCMP Another suspect from the Steinbach A&W theft has now turned themselves in.

On March 24, Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a robbery at the local A&W. After conducting their investigation, RCMP concluded that there was no robbery. Two individuals, Reece Kirkpatrick and Geoffrey Walls, gained access to the business with the help of employee, Morgan Wynn. Kirkpatrick was taken into custody shortly after the discovery.

With an arrest warrant in his name, Geoffrey Walls turned himself into RCMP in early May. An arrest warrant is still active for Morgan Wynn. All three have been charged with theft under $5,000.

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Self Guided Art Tour Expands into West Hawk On June 13, the second annual Boreal Shores Art Tour is heading into its second year with a major expansion into the south region namely in West Hawk, Rennie, East Braintree and Whitemouth.

Janice Charko, head of the Boreal Shores Art Tour Organizing Committee, said that the 2018 tour will have more artists and will cover an expanded area, reaching from the East Beaches on Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border. Last year in its inaugural year, there were thirty-four artists at sixteen stops. This year there

will be forty-six artists at twentytwo stops.

The Boreal Shores Art Tour is a self guided driving tour including a route that goes from West Hawk to Rennie, East Braintree, Whitemouth, River Hills, Seven Sisters, Pinawa, Lac du Bonnet, Pine Falls and the East Shore Beach communities of Victoria Beach, Albert Beach, Sandy Bay and Hillside Beach.

“Last year we estimate that we had 600 people drive some or all of the Tour route over two days in August and we have every reason to expect more this year,” said Charko. “As

well as visiting artist studios and group locations, the public has the opportunity to participate in creating a work of art each year.”

The tour will officially kick off with the unveiling of last year’s Art Mosaic on June 13. Last year, visitors to the tour had been invited to participate in the creative process by painting a small piece of a large photographic, boreal image donated by Pinawa photographer, Stu Iverson. Over the winter, the 648 squares were assembled into a mosaic which includes the names of all who participated. This mosaic will

be hung in the Whitemouth Community Centre.

The event’s new brochure and details of this year’s Tour and Art Project will also be released at that time.

The public is invited to join the Organizing Committee of the Boreal Shores Art Tour for its launch at the Whitemouth Community Centre at 2 pm on Wednesday, June 13. Light refreshments will be served.

The 2018 Boreal Shores Art Tour will be held August 18 and 19. More information is available at borealshoresarttour.ca.

Lagassé’s Rail Safety Bill Passes The Rail Safety Awareness Week Act, a private member’s bill introduced earlier this spring

by Bob Lagassé, MLA for Dawson Trail, is poised to become law after it was recently passed by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly on third reading. Bill 221 will establish an annual Rail Safety Awareness Week in the week of the last Friday in September.

Lagassé believes that educating the public is an effective way of reducing railway-related accidents. “During the awareness week, the Manitoba government would encourage citizens,

employers and schools to cooperate with rail companies to implement educational programming on railway safety,” Lagassé stated.

“These programs would focus on spotting and avoiding the dangers associated with rail traffic, especially when it intersects with roads and walkways.”

In Manitoba alone last year, there were 19 railway incidents resulting in three deaths and five serious injuries. “I want to thank everyone who supported this bill, and encourage all Manitobans to help improve railway safety by taking part in Manitoba’s first annual Rail Safety Awareness Week this com-

ing September,” Lagassé added.

Canada already has an annual Rail Safety Week in September, but Bill 221 would make Manitoba the first province to put Rail Safety Awareness Week into law. “Though railways fall under Federal jurisdiction, the province can use educational programs in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths through heightened awareness,” he added.

Randy Brown, the father of 11year-old daughter Kharma Annette Brown was in the audience as Lagassé gained support at the second reading. The young girl was killed by a train in Ste. Anne while using a crosswalk, was struck and

killed by a train in the Ste. Anne area in September 2017. “As a father, I am deeply saddened by the tragedy and my heart aches for those who loved her,” added Lagassé. “Those of us with the power to act, to improve things, have a responsibility to do so. I have put this bill forward to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.”

In 2017, there were 222 railway incidents across Canada, including 72 fatalities and 44 serious injuries.

The Rail Safety Awareness Week Act is expected to receive Royal Assent before the legislative session concludes this fall.

New St. Pierre-Jolys Art Gallery Hopes to Benefit from High Traffic

By Marianne Curtis Local artists from St. PierreJolys and surrounding areas have a new location to promote and sell their work now that Boutique Art sur/on 59 opened to the public on June 2.

Located with a small log cabin, which depicts the voyageur

and Métis era of the 1800’s, Boutique Art sur/on 59 will promote and sell the works of local artists from St-Pierre-Jolys and the surrounding communities.

A wide range of art will be showcased such as paintings and jewelry, hand crafted baby items, neon signs, repurposed furniture,

quilts, wood signage and more.

Local artist Sol Desharnais (Sol Designs) will be in the spotlight with his enviro-friendly products which include a unique collection of wood, vinyl flooring handbags.

Another artist Candice Lipischak a Métis artist, will be showcasing Fat Daug, which is visual art.

The opening of Boutique Art sur/on 59 was spearheaded by StPierre en Boom Inc., a local community development corporation.

The leader behind this initiative wants local entrepreneurs and artists to benefit from high traffic through the area during the summer months. St-Pierre-Jolys sees roughly 90,000 vehicles drive through town, bringing with them a considerable buying power. The goal is to encourage them to stop and shop locally.

The gallery will be run and promoted by two students; the community and the economic development officer who will help promote and sell the works of local artists. Future programming plans include offering live music, BBQ lunches and weekly tarot card reading.

The Boutique Art sur/on 59 will be open every Saturday during the month of June, 10 am to 4 pm, July and August, Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Art on display.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2018

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June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Pineland Nursery Up for Sale The Manitoba government will soon post a request for proposal (RFP) as it seeks to bring new life to the Pineland Forest Nursery after the operation in its current form winds down on December 31.

Located near Hadashville, the Pineland Forest Nursery is provincially operated and has 67 greenhouses, covering approximately seven acres with eco-friendly equipment including an 8.5-million BTU biomass boiler that is part of a Manitoba Hydro demonstration project. In addition, there are more than 300 acres of other growing areas that could be available on a long-term lease.

Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen said that Pineland is an incredible asset with a strong local workforce that is ready to continue the great work they have been doing for many years. “Manitoba is an excellent place for business to invest, build and grow,” said Pederson. “There are many options and opportunities at Pineland, and we look forward to receiving detailed proposals from interested groups.”

The request for proposal is expected to generate significant interest, with opportunities for new and creative ventures in areas such as agriculture, horticulture or even

Since 1953, Pineland Forestry Nursery staff has provided services for forestry companies and other related industry.

cannabis production.

Operating in its current location since 1953, Pineland and its staff provide services for forestry companies and other related industry.

Employees have been notified that operations will continue throughout the summer and fall, but will cease as of December 31. The Pineland Forest Nursery has a mix of approximately eight full-time and 17 parttime/seasonal employees as well as casual staff hired during peak times for about eight weeks per year. The province is working closely with the employees and will offer whatever supports it can during this transition period. Full-time staff will be eligible for redeployment to other jobs within the provincial civil service.

The facility’s range of services included custom grown containerized seedlings, seed processing, cold storage for seedlings, and seedling delivery. Their trademark is the flexibility to produce seedlings of various sizes and species, as well as the ability to provide a full range of services from seed extraction through to the delivery of seedlings at the end.

The Pineland Forest Nursery was originally established to produce seedlings for the Province of Manitoba but grew to produce seedlings for customers outside the province as well. However, they have recorded substantial operating losses over a number of years and the provincially operated model, as it currently exists, is not sustainable.

Selling the Pineland Operations When our government was elected in 2016, we inherited a financial mess, and

By Rochelle we have been working steadily over the past two years to clean it up.

Squires, In many instances, this involves changing the way we do business.

Sustainable Manitoba will continue to have a robust reforestation strategy; however, the Development province will buy seedlings on the private market, at a better price, once the Minister Pineland Forest Nursery winds down operations at the end of the year.

The provincially-run Pineland Nursery was placed in a very precarious position by the former government. Under the NDP, Pineland was losing $500,000 annually on average, eventually racking up approximately $4 million in debt. Clearly, this not a sustainable model.

Earlier this month, our government announced Pineland will cease operations in its current form. Its debt has been dissolved by the province, and now, we’re looking to the future for Pineland’s valuable assets. Though it is no longer viable as a provincially-operated entity, Pineland has great potential, and we look forward to exploring new options for investment and economic development for sustainable job opportunities.

I would also like to take this opportunity to set the record straight on several other fronts; first and foremost, on the environment. My department will still continue to plant upwards of two million tree seedlings all across this province, each and every year. No change. Manitoba’s future seedling needs can be readily supplied through a competitive tender process.

Concerns have been raised about preserving a provincial collection of seedlings. My department is committed to maintaining this valuable repository. Details are still in the works on exactly how and where the collection will be held, but rest assured, the seed bank will be maintained and will not be included in the Request for Proposals involving assets at the Pineland site.

On the subject of the Pineland site, the University of Winnipeg conducts important research in this vast area. My department will work with any prospective buyers and the university to ensure this valuable research project can continue. The project is located in a separate area of the Pineland site, and there are several options for preserving these efforts, such as excluding it in a future lease, or building protection into a lease for the life of the project.

Our government is committed to the sustainability of our environment while also balancing the sustainability of the province’s finances. Not only in my role as Minister of Sustainable Development, but as a mother and a grandmother, I believe both are worthwhile of protecting for future generations of Manitobans.

Police Dog Enzo Nabs Three Suspects Hiding in the Bush On May 2, just before 10 pm, Falcon Lake RCMP received a report of a female on the west side of the Trans-Canada Highway, just west of Provincial Road 308 in the RM of Reynolds. The female had flagged down a passing motorist asking for assistance with a vehicle stuck in the bush.

When officers arrived, they located a pickup truck stuck in the mud on the other side of the tree line. The truck had been reported stolen out of Winnipeg. The 18-

year-old female was placed under arrest for possession of stolen property.

It was determined three other people had been with her inside the vehicle.

Officers then called for RCMP Police Dog Services to assist in locating the remaining occupants.

Enzo and his handler attended the scene and Enzo immediately picked up a track. Approximately two kilometres away, in the wooded area on the north side of the highway, Enzo located two males hiding under a tree.

A 36-year-old male and a 35-year-old

male were arrested and charged with possession of stolen property.

While the suspects were placed in the police vehicle, Enzo picked up another track and located a 26-year-old male, who was hiding in long grass.

He was also arrested and charged with possession of stolen property. The 36year-old and 35-year-old males also had numerous outstanding warrants with the Winnipeg Police Service. All suspects are from Winnipeg.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Rural Student Job Centres Open Students looking for a summer job and employers looking to hire youth are encouraged to contact the Manitoba Youth Job Centre (MYJC) in Niverville, St Pierre-Jolys and Steinbach.

All three youth job centres offer free services including a referral service that can help businesses and community members find workers for a variety of positions, including full-time, part-time, or casual positions.

Students between the ages of 12-29, are invited to sign up with the MYJC. They can participate in a referral service, resume and job searching assistance. For youth between the ages of 12-16, there is the Odd Job Squad, which is a great way to get some first time work experience.

Manitoba Youth Job Centres provide community-based summer employment referral services throughout rural and northern Manitoba.

Local employers, as well as students and youth from 12 to 29, receive free assistance in matching qualified job seekers with summer employment.

All three offices opened mid May and will remain open until late August each year. For more information, stop by 86 Main St, Niverville or call 204-388-6793, Employment Manitoba Centre, 395 Main St, Steinbach or call 204-326-4099 and 427 Sabourin St., St Pierre-Jolys at 204-433-7544.

Falcon Ski Slopes Named Star Attraction This past month, the province along with Travel Manitoba designated seven new Star Attractions. Making the list this year is Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes, at Falcon Beach.

The Star Attractions program provides access to highway directional signage and tourism marketing opportunities to qualifying tourist attractions. To date, 63 Star Attractions have been designated.

Colin Ferguson, President and CEO of Travel Manitoba said that the Star Attractions program ensures marketing support for great tourism attractions in Manitoba. “Travel Manitoba highlights the Star Attractions in its annual Inspiration Guide, online and in various marketing programs,” Ferguson explained. “The designation makes it even easier for visitors to discover noteworthy tourism attractions.”

Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes is an oldschool ski resort hidden in the woods of the Whiteshell Provincial Park on the shores of Falcon Lake. Available activities include Alpine and Nordic skiing, tubing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, live music, good food, ping pong, crokinole and more.

It is also the location for the Snowdance Music Festival which earned an Event of the Year award from Manitoba Tourism in 2017.

Star Attractions include major Manitoba attractions and park or casino destinations with the potential to attract a significant number of visitors from outside the immediate area, including international tourists.

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Sea Cadets Parade in 20th Annual Review The Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Dawson in Lorette held their annual review ceremony. While the review is normally a yearly event, this year the group is showcasing two decades of success.

Members of the 330 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Dawson held their Annual Review ceremony on June 2 at the Heartland Church, in Landmark.

The Reviewing Officer for was Brigadier-General D.B. Cochrane, Commander of 2 Canada Air Division. All former staff and cadets of the 330 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps Dawson were invited to the celebration.

During the Review a demonstration of skills took place which was planned and organized by the cadets themselves. This included displays that showcased their training over the year and what they have experienced at summer camps. The annual review completes the local training for the Dawson cadets for the year.

Sea Cadets are sponsored by the Navy League of Canada and supported in partnership by the Canadian Forces. The program promotes citizenship, physical fitness, teamwork, leadership and Canadian Heritage amongst our youth. The program is open to all youth ages 12 to 18. Enrollment and uniforms are provided at no cost.

Applications for the new training year are already available. Contact Jason at Jason. palansky@cadets.gc.ca for more information.

Walk for Alzheimer’s Takes Place in June Walkers throughout the region are invited to come out and support the Alzheimer Society by walking to raise funds for valuable programs and services for people with dementia.

The Steinbach Walk takes place on June 7 at A.D. Penner Park. Registration is at 5:30 pm under the picnic shelter and includes a BBQ sponsored by the Steinbach Lions Club and Sobeys.

Wendy Schettler, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is hoping to see a similar or better response than last year’s successful event. “Last year, we saw over a thousand walkers joining us to help raise money for people affected by dementia,” said Schettler. “It’s inspiring to witness the generosity and giving spirit of our supporters throughout the year and especially at this event.”

Leona Doerksen, South Eastman Regional Coordinator with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba invites everyone to come out and participate.

The Investors Group Walk for Alzheimer’s is the Society’s largest fundraising event throughout the year, bringing together staff, volunteers, donors, sponsors and people affected by dementia from all walks of life into one large community gathering.

More and more people are reaching out to the Alzheimer Society for help as they or their family member face a diagnosis of dementia. The Society connects people with dementia and their care partners to support services, education and information at any stage of the journey.

St. Labre 200 Needs Volunteers

The 10th annual St. Labre 200 is just over a month away, but organizers are already actively seeking several dozen volunteers to help with the event. This year’s event is taking place July 6, 7 and 8. There is a total of 231 volunteer spots available ranging from gate, clean up, cashier and photographers. Anyone who signs up for 1 of the 4 hour shifts or 2 of the 2 hour shift will get a chance to win a $100 lottery tree.

Anyone wishing to volunteer can complete an online signup sheet at stlabre200.ca/wp/ volunteer.

The St. Labre 200 annual event brings in hundreds of people to the tiny community for fun, friendship and racing. Along with the go-kart race there many other activities including bouncers, petting farm, train rides, rubber boot toss, strong arm competition, excavator rodeo and show and shine.

The St. Labre 200 is a go-kart build off competition where teams are challenged to build their own go-karts within 24 hours. Teams build go-karts from scratch on the first day and race their new creations the next day in a fast paced nail biting 200-lap race on a quarter mile dirt track. The winner earns the right to hoist the coveted Sparkplug Cup. Since its inception, the St. Labre 200 has donated about $75,000 to local non-profit organizations in what is aptly named Give Back to the Community campaign.

Chambers Gain Awareness of Their Role at AGM Earlier in May, a small contingent from the Steinbach Chamber attended the Manitoba Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Elkhorn Resort. This year’s AGM had a keen eye for the future and was highlighted by a series of speakers who are reshaping the way business is done and presented to the public at large.

According to Ben Dueck, Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, “The sessions did not disappoint.”

“Our attendance helped to place our Chamber as an active and involved group within Manitoba’s business community,” said Dueck. “An excellent opportunity for networking with other Chamber executives and business leaders.”

Some of the things the chamber took away from the meeting were an enhanced awareness of economic development across Manitoba and how Steinbach can be a part of it.

The session focused on how Chambers can work on building sustained development.

A constant message was not about who should be driving economic development, but building the structure for success.

Attendees were also able to take part in debate and discussion on business advocacy issues in the province, so that the Manitoba Chamber can better advocate on behalf of local Chambers. “We were inspired by building awareness of Steinbach with people from around the province,” Dueck added. “We have a strong and active Chamber, and that’s worth celebrating!”

He noted that the AGM also provided a valuable opportunity to create connections that will help provide the Steinbach Chamber with resources and avenues to enhance effectiveness and functionality.

Pinegrove & Menisino Rest Stops to Remain Open On May 10, Manitoba Infrastructure stated in a May 10, 2018 letter to a local food vendor that the “Pine Grove Rest Area will be closed and the washroom facilities will be removed.” Pine Grove is the only public rest stop on the Trans-Canada Highway between Winnipeg and Ontario.

This led to an online petition to keep the rest area, which is located west of Hadashville, from being barricaded so travelers had a safe place to walk their dog, use the washroom, or take a much needed break from driving.

As a result of the online petition, according to Bram Strain, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, the province has decided to keep the site open. “The final decision on whether or not to close the rest stop has not been made yet, but it is under review,” said Strain.

In a statement issued by Manitoba Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, said the previous government closed 10 rest stops, transferred two to municipalities, and put Pine Grove under review. “This administration has decided to keep it open.”

Schuler initially cited that a $1.6 million overhaul was needed to the sewage lagoon, which is why the site was under review. In a more recent statement, he said no decisions have been made on how to proceed with this issue, but discussions are taking place on the matter.

The Province also reversed its May decision that closed the Menisino rest area on Hwy 12 near Piney, reopening it to the public. The Menisino rest area does not have running water and is open six months of the year but still receives high traffic and camper use said RM of Piney Councillor Melanie Parent. “In the summer, you would always see people there. You drive by, you’d see people camping there, cyclists stopping, people having picnics. It’s a nice little area,” she said.

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Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2018

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Helping Hooves Hit the Pink Trail Falk Celebrates Passage of Rural Crime Bill

Over a dozen riders and horses dressed in pink made their way to Richer along the historic Dawson Trail to raise funds for Helping Hooves Manitoba.

On May 5, three wagons, fifteen horses and their riders hit the trails east of Richer to raise funds for Helping Hooves Manitoba. At the end of the day, over $5,000 was raised for the organization. Funds raised during the ride go in support of Manitoba’s breast cancer patients who require financial assistance while undergoing treatments. The ride started back in 2010 under the direction of Pam Glover.

“After losing my step daughter to breast cancer in 2009, I decided I wanted to do something in honour of her memory,” Pam explained. “Because I’m a horse lover and would rather ride one than walk or run, whatever I did had to involve horses.”

Back in 2010 Glover volunteered to ride with a group in Alberta, called Wild Pink Yonder, who used their horses to raise funds for breast cancer research.

In 2011 Glover brought the group to Manitoba, ran a three week long trail ride here, and raised over $35,000 for Cancer Care Manitoba. Shortly afterwards,

she formed her own group and Helping Hooves Manitoba was born in support of breast cancer patients with out-of-pocket expenses. Helping Hooves partnered up with Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer and the Pink Trail became an annual event.

“Instead of riding for research, we turned our attention to Manitobans who need financial aid while undergoing treatment,” Glover continued. “Cancer of any kind is a battle for one’s life and we believe that many problems should not be an added stress at such a time.”

Glover said that fundraising totals are

Riders and wagon drivers after arrival in Richer.

not in yet for this year’s ride. “We don’t have an exact total yet as money is still coming in but we have already raised over $5,000 just by riding our horses!” said Glover.

This year, the riders hit the trail at Winston’s General Store along the Dawson Trail, and rode about 12 km to the Richer Inn on the Trans Canada Hwy. In 2012, Helping Hooves Manitoba began with five fundraising events that included individual trail rides, flea markets and fun days, and donated almost $6,000 to Helping Hands for Manitobans with Breast Cancer.

Photos by Marianne Curtis

On June 2, Provencher MP Ted Falk celebrated the passage of Motion 167, introduced by Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs while he seconded the bill.

Bill M-167 calls on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security to undertake a study on rural crime in Canada.

The motion calls for specific aspects of the matter to be studied, including crime rates and trends, police resources, and ultimately to put forward recommendations to improve crime prevention.

“Far too often I hear from constituents who have been victims of rural crime,” said Falk. “A national study is the next necessary step towards understanding the full scope of the problem of rural crime and working to find a real and tangible solution.”

Rural crime is one of the top domestic issues in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, in 2015, Canada’s crime index rose for the first time in 12 years with the highest increase in western Canada, led by a 10% bump in rural Alberta. Manitoba has also been affected, with an increase of 4.5%.

According to Falk, given these alarming statistics, rural Canadians are expressing concern about the rise in rural crime and the pervasive and increasing vacancy rates for RCMP members. “Residents often feel vulnerable because of long RCMP response times due to limited police resources and our RCMP officers are concerned about their safety and the safety of the communities where they serve across Canada,” Falk noted.

The worsening situation leaves RCMP members suffering both physically and mentally as they work hard to close the operational gap. Meanwhile, rural Canadians worry for the safety of their families and their homes.

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

It is Easier to Prevent Than to Treat Sin The Bible tells us that sin is the transgression of God’s law.

Even though we live today in the age of grace, God’s law (the Bible) is still valid. Jesus Christ came to fulfil the law, not destroy it, when He shed His blood and died for us 2,000 years ago. So how does sin work in our lives and how can we help prevent it?

As a veterinarian I have found there are many things in nature that God put there to teach us spiritual truths. The Bible even says, “Doth not even nature itself teach you?” There is a disease in dogs here in Manitoba called heartworm. It is caused by an organism passed to the dog through mosquito bites. Not all mosquitoes carry the organism but if the dog gets heartworm, it can be very serious and even kill him.

Sin is something like that mosquito bite. Not every bite of sin will get us into serious trouble, so we get complacent and think sin is okay, and it won’t hurt you. Just like heartworm, a few worms in the heart may not show any visible symptoms. However they weaken the resistance of the dog to other problems. Sin does the very same thing. The Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (sin will eventually cause you trouble).

When a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, the heartworm larvae enter the blood stream and travel all over the body. It takes about six months before it becomes an adult worm taking up residence in the heart. The affected dog loses weight, looks unhealthy, has no exercise tolerance and may cough and just wants to lie around. A squirrel may run by his nose and he is unable to chase him like he did before.

Sin also enters the human when the person allows it to bite him.

It enters the spiritual heart and from there affects the whole body.

Sin renders the person spiritually weak. There’s a saying, “Sin will take you farther than you ever wanted to go.” The Bible says in James 1:15, “Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

This death is usually gradual and involves both spiritual and physical. So how do we treat both conditions?

With heartworm, the treatment is expensive and must be administered under a doctor’s supervision. The dog must be kept quiet and can do nothing to cure himself. He must let someone else do it for him.

The treatment for sin is also very expensive. I John 1:7 says, “…the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

The treatment cost Jesus Christ His life. The person, like the dog, can do nothing but let God, the Great Physician, administer the treatment. To let God treat sin, a person needs to: 1) acknowledge its presence, 2) confess it as a sin (don’t excuse it), 3) grieve over the sin and 4) have a desire for God (Psalm 42:1, 2). A person never gets victory over sin if their affection for sin is greater than their affection for God. With dogs, it’s much easier to prevent heartworm than it is to treat it. This is the same with sin in people. Romans 6:13 says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin.” Just as there are several preventatives for heartworm, God gives us several to prevent sin: 1)Word of God, 2) prayer, 3) church, 4) Godly music and 5) fellowship with other people who will draw you closer to God. If heartworm is untreated it becomes a stronghold in the dog’s heart. If sin is untreated it becomes a stronghold in a person’s heart.

May I encourage you to keep short accounts with God and deal with sin early before it causes you more serious trouble. God is ready, willing and able to help if you call on Him.

There are deadlines in June that some individual tax payers may need to pay attention to. And some other optional forms with no deadlines that may apply to you or someone you care about.

Snowbirds may need to file a US tax form, quarterly installments are due, the TFSA over-contribution return may be needed, Pharmacare deductible reduction request can be filed, OAS involuntary tax withheld can be reduced, and the self-employed and their spouses all have deadlines to pay attention to.

If you are required to pay your taxes for 2018 via quarterly installments, the second installment is due June 15 (the first one was March 15). You would have been notified during 2017 and earlier in 2018 that you are required to pay

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) throughout 2018 to prepay your taxes payable.

If you owed the CRA more than $3,000 for your 2017 income taxes and any other recent year, CRA doesn’t want to wait until next April 2019 to get paid for the 2018 taxes.

They want to get paid throughout the year. The installment due dates are the 15th of March, June, September and December. If you are required to pay them and you do not, CRA will charge you interest on the amounts you did not pay.

They can add “installment arrears interest” to your 2018 taxes after you file your taxes next spring.

If you have a business that you include on your personal taxes (the business is not incorporated), you must file by June 15. Spouses of the self-employed also have to file

June Deadlines Are Here

by June 15. Even if you cannot pay the amount owing on June 15, get it filed and you can make arrangements with CRA to pay the amount owing. Often CRA will allow you to pay your amount owing during the following 12 months. The interest rate on amounts outstanding is 6%, which is a reasonable amount (that’s 50 cents per month for each $100 owed).

If you are not self-employed and still have not filed your personal taxes, get them filed now. If you have an amount owing, you will be penalized 5% of the amount you owed as at April 30, plus 1% for May and 1% for June, but get it filed before June 30 to stop the penalties. They continue to add 1% for each month, so file this month and minimize the penalties. The interest will continue to add up for

the amount not paid, but at least the penalties cease.

If you are a regular snowbird and often spend more than four months in the USA, you may be required to file a form called the Closer Connection Exception Statement for Aliens, IRS form 8840. This US tax form allows you to acknowledge that you spend a lot of time in the USA, but you won’t be filing a regular US tax return because you are a Canadian and have closer ties to Canada than the USA. The deadline to file this return with the IRS is June 15. If you need help with the form, call our office.

If you over-contributed to your TFSA, Tax Free Savings Account, during 2017, you may need to withdraw the excess (the sooner the better), and you may need to file a return with CRA by June 30. If you

suspect you have over-contributed, you can check with CRA to confirm all your TFSA transactions.

The maximum contribution room is $57,500 as at January 1 2018. If you need some help with this, contact our office and we can help you determine if you have gone over. The penalties are severe: 1% for every month you have over-contributed.

And if you do not file the special return by June 30, there may be additional penalties and interest.

If you received OAS (Old Age Security) in 2017 and your individual income was more than $75,000, you had some or all of it “clawed back”. And now you may have your OAS reduced starting in July 2018 (you will receive a notice from OAS). If your income is not expected to be that high in 2018, you can ask the involuntary tax to

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

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In Every Situation

June Deadlines continued... be reduced or removed.

There is a special form to send in to CRA to report your expected income and expected tax withheld in 2018. It can be complicated, so call our office for help. There is no deadline, but the sooner the better to reduce the involuntary tax on your OAS. This is an additional tax deducted, so if you do not request it to be reduced, you do get the credit as tax pre-paid on your 2018 taxes next spring (you do not lose it).

Pharmacare deductible reduction request has no specific deadline, but the sooner the better. If your total family income for 2018 will be much lower than your 2016 (more than 10% lower), you can ask Manitoba Health to lower your deductible for the 2018/2019 year.

The current year (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019) is based on your family’s 2016 total income.

You may have had a reduction in income because you retired and your income has dropped; or if you were receiving income from your RRIF (registered retirement in-

come fund) and now it’s depleted.

It doesn’t matter why your income dropped. If you have high prescription costs and your income is lower than it was two years ago, arrange to have your deductible reduced.

Also regarding the Pharmacare deductible, did you know you can have it spread over 12 months? If you have high prescription costs and often reach your Pharmacare deductible within the first few months and you find this financially difficult, you can arrange to pay for that deductible over 12 months. I know of several clients that do this so they can pay for their prescriptions at a more reasonable amount each month. There is no deadline for this, but again, the sooner the better for you. You can check out Manitoba Health website, or give us a call and we can help you.

Now that tax season is winding down, we’ll be facilitating our Death Cafés from July to November. Get on our contact list so we can call you with the dates and times of future events.

Not sure what a Death Café is?

Give us a call or check out their website DeathCafe.com. Death and “fourth quarter planning” is generally considered a taboo subject in our Western Culture. Our objective is to increase awareness of death and how being prepared can enhance your life today.

Previous Death Cafés have been very well received. Some topics that have been discussed include Wills and Power of attorney, End of Life Care, Dying at home, Probate Fees, Joint Accounts with Adult Children, Funeral Planning, Natural Death, Natural Burial, and many other Estate Planning Topics.

Please join us at an upcoming Death Café for an interesting and valuable discussion on topics all of us need to face. We will have special ones for baby boomers that currently are, or will be, assisting an elderly parent in their “fourth quarter” of life.

Anni Markmann is a personal income tax professional, a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging, and a Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact us at 204.422.6631 or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or Info@SteAnneTaxService.ca.

Philippians 4:12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (NIV) As a young person we remember a time when we called a friend aside to share a secret? The moment we began to utter the word secret we became the center of attention and, at least for that moment, it was fun. Remember what that felt like? Everyone wanted to know the secret, but we would hold it close unless, of course, somebody pounded us.

Now the Bible talks about a secret that the average person in the world cannot seem to understand and that is the secret of contentment, of happiness. Many think contentment or happiness means the same thing as complacency or self- satisfaction; but it really does not.

These words have a much deeper meaning than that.

Check me on this one. When I lose the desire to be involved, when I do not care what happens, when my spiritual walk and talk are going nowhere, then I might just say that is complacency. Complacency to me means having a self-righteous attitude. “I just do not give a pinch, why should I?” “Who cares?” However, may I suggest what experience has taught me is that what we are shrugging off with a ‘do not care’ attitude is the loneliness inside our heart. Contentment, on the other hand, means that we can be at peace with God and other folks in every situation, whether good or bad.

For those of us who have lived awhile, we have become painfully aware that somehow material things just do not cut it, things do not compare to the enjoyment we get when we are with family, friends, and co-workers. A positive relationship with Jesus Christ, with family, friends, and co-workers far exceeds anything that we own. When we take our journey with Christ seriously, we then have found the secret that the apostle Paul is talking about, the secret of contentment, that inner happiness, that inner peace that money just cannot buy.

Perhaps you are like me, even as a Christian, circumstances at times have a way of getting under my skin. When things are going okay, when everything seems to be humming along just fine and the sun is shining, I am up on cloud nine. However, when everything seems to be going no where, this contentment stuff seems like a mountain to overcome. It can be tough to find the peace in our heart we so eagerly desire.

Scripture does not teach that everything that happens to Christians will be good. However, Scripture does teach that God is at work, in every situation whether we perceive it as good or bad. Now the challenge to us is to strive to understand what God is trying to reveal to us in the circumstance. Right here we can choose to go our way and lose the battle, or we can choose to trust God. The choice is ours.

God uses those times of difficulty in our lives to do some of his greatest work in us. It is true. We learn some of the most important lessons in life in our struggles, in our difficult times. God builds into our character and compassion through the struggles He allows us to experience, struggles that are at times tough to understand.

I know that has been true for me and it has probably been true for you. We need to look at the struggles in our lives and ask what God is teaching us through them. We might find lessons so valuable in those struggles that, given the opportunity, we would not change the hard times even if we could – To God be The Glory Great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me … “Lord Jesus, come into my heart? Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my hearts that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy, and happiness that will fulfill my hearts desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honor Your Name.” Amen.

Steinbach RCMP Impound Two Motorcycles from High-Risk Drivers On May 11 at approximately 9 pm, Steinbach RCMP were on patrol when they caught a motorcyclist travelling at 202 km/hr in a 100 km/hr zone on Highway 52 between La Broquerie and Steinbach in the RM of La Broquerie.

Officers fined the 21-year-old male driver from Steinbach $1,385.

He was issued a Serious Offence Notice, and had his driver’s licence and his motorcycle seized.

Close to two hours later, Steinbach RCMP saw a motorcyclist fail to stop at a stop sign in the City of Steinbach. The driver continued through the stop sign, weaved in and out of traffic, and failed to stop at a red light at Highway 12 and Loewen Boulevard. He then failed to stop at another stop sign on Giesbrecht Street. The driver stopped at Ellice Avenue and Giesbrecht Street, where RCMP were patiently waiting for him.

The 20-year-old male resident of Steinbach was charged with Drive Imprudently, Fail to Stop, Drive Carelessly, Drive Unregistered Motorcycle, Driving with an Invalid Licence. A Serious Offence Notice was issued, and his licence and motorcycle were seized.

16

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

C ommunity E vents Dugald Mixed Doubles Curling League - On Tuesday Nights at 9:15 pm or Sundays at 1 pm at the Springfield Curling Club. Format will be regular Canadian Guidelines. Cost $130 per person for a minimum 20 eight end games. Contact Cam Magura at 204-771-0029, ckmagura@gmail.com.

Prairie Voices Toastmasters – On Tuesdays at 6:30 pm in the Springfield Library.

Falcon Lake Alcoholics Anonymous - Whiteshell group meets every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 pm in All People’s Church, Falcon Lake. Come and meet with us or call 204-349-2374.

We can help.

Friedensfeld Manitoba Hay Day – On Wednesday, June 20 at 9 am at the Friedensfeld Community Centre. Increase the quality of your valuable hay resources; infield demonstrations; register by calling Manitoba Agriculture at 204-622-2007; cost $20 per person/includes lunch..This is a rain or shine event.

Take PTH#12 south of Steinbach to Hwy #303, turn left and head east for 1.6 km. Contact Manitoba Agriculture at 204-622-2007, erin.deederly@gov.mb.ca. Cost $20 per person/includes lunch or shine event.

Hadashville Circuit 30 - Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Rec Centre .Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time.

Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or KSTA. academy@gmail.com.

Ile-des-Chênes IDC Seniors Group – All Activities at the Trans Canada Centre Free Programs: Indoor walking – Mons, Weds and Fridays from 9 – 10 am.

Yoga - Mondays 10–11 am and Thursdays 11 am – 12 pm.

Pickleball - Wednesdays and Sundays from 1 -3 pm.

Water Colours - Thursdays from 9 – 11 am.

Taekwondo – On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Ecole Ile Des Chene School. Cost $40/month, family rates available. Contact Kangs.mb.ca, Master Bill Tam 204296-8217.

Story Time in Pyjamas - Every Thursday evening at the Ritchot Library Ecole Regional Gabrielle-Roy at 6:30 pm. Ages 2-8 however all ages are welcome.

Our Lady of the Roses Prayer Group – Meets on the first Saturday of every month, at 6:30 pm to recite the Rosary and learn about Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers and receive Blessed Rose Petals and other Sacramentals from Blessed Mother’s place of miracles. Contact Corinna 204878-4908 or email her at corinnaswetz@hotmail.com for more info and register.

Kleefeld Community Playgroup - For parents, caregivers and children up to age 5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 204-377-5013.

La Broquerie Seine River Services for Seniors- Health Centre/Centre de Santé from Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4 pm. Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Contact Community Resource Coordinator Juliette Rowan, 204-424-5285 or labseinerss@gmail.com.

Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15. Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10.

Lorette Seniors Group Supper Program - Supper available every Tuesday and Friday. Please reserve your meal one day prior before 6 pm by calling 204-878-2682 and leave message.

TD Summer Reading Club - Registration starts Tuesday, June 26 at the Bibliothèque Taché Library, 1082 Dawson Rd. It’s Free! Open to kids age 0 - 17. Craft every week! Prizes to be won! Every participant that hands in their reading logs will receive a goody bag at the end of summer.

Lego Club – On Thursday, June 28 from 6:30 -7:30 pm at the Bibliothèque Taché Library, 1082 Dawson Rd. Join us to build, create & explore! Drop-in, no registration required.

Game Night – First Wednesday, of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Tache Library, 1082 Dawson Rd for ages 13 and up. Join us for monthly board game nights, cards, chess, Crib, Settlers of Catan and many more! Feel free to bring your own.

Junior Youth – Every Wednesday from 7 - 8:45 pm at Seine River Church, 1464 Dawson Rd (east of rink) for ages 9 - 12.

Free. No registration required. Non-denominational. Contact lorettejryouth@gmail.com, 204-260-9304.

Chase the Ace Lottery – On Thursdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm., draw at 8:45 pm at Dawson Trail Motor Inn Bar. Come, support this very much needed complex, at the same time have the chance to chose the Ace of Spade, and win the grand prize jackpot. Hosted by the Community Complex Fundraising Committee.

New Horizons Seniors - Play cards, Scrabble and more. Drop in Tuesdays 1 - 5 pm at Foyer Notre Dame Lorette, 12 St. Amant Ave. Contact Iris 204-878-3552.

Niverville GriefShare - If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a loved one we wish to help, you get support and learn about the grieving process. Contact 204-381-1155 to register or go to Nivervillegriefshare.com.

Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with children up to age six.

Wednesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62-4th Avenue S.) Free drop-in program with coffee and snacks provided, along with a large open space for the kids to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Prawda Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight exercises, with cool down and stretch exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, clean runners, and bring a bottle of water. Cost $2/class, Mondays and Thursdays at 7 pm, in the Reynolds School Gym. Contact Wendy 204-348-2433.

Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children.

Snacks provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290.

Richer Richer Community Club Chase the Ace! - Every Saturday at the Richer Inn from 5:30 - 7:45 pm. Tickets only $1 each. Jackpot is growing! Door prizes on random Saturdays ranging from glassware to Jets tickets and jerseys! Bud, Spud and Steak Special and more! Check out and like Richer Community Club Facebook page for updates. LGA License #1392RF. Adult & Teen Challenge Concerned Persons Support Group Join us Thursday evenings at 7 pm, in the Richer Fellowship Church, 50 Southeast Drive. If you have a relationship with someone who has a life-controlling problem, join us for this nine-week Living Free course. Receive encouragement and support in a safe setting, and learn practical ways to best help your loved one. Contact Pastor Ben Funk at 204-326-2254 or phone the church at 204-422-5308.

Richer Recovery AA - Group meets Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall in Richer. Contact Paul at 204-422-7673.

Monday Night Bingos - To raise funds for Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12.

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Club, 22 Dawson Rd. MGCC License # BI/BO4164. Contact Doreen Pchajek at 422-5243 or doreen@spmf.ca.

Sarto Ukrainian Dance Club – On Mondays from 7 - 8 pm at the Sarto Hall. Join the Sarto Polevnyi Ukrainian Dance Club for the season! You do not need to be Ukrainian to dance! Boys & girls, ages 3 to adult, no prior experience required! Cost starts at $150/year.

Sprague Sprague & District Historical Museum - Open by appointment from June – September 30. Explore life as it was in the early days. Free Admission. Donations Accepted. Contact 204-4372210, 204-437-2209 or 204-437-4686.

St. Adolphe 20 Minutes Is All it Takes - On Wednesdays June 13, 20 and 27 at 10 am, Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main St. During the month of June meet for a quick 20-minute workout, different variations of our chair fit program, but modifications will be

given so that all fitness levels can enjoy. Weather permitting some of these workouts will be done outside.

Old Tyme Dance – On Saturday June 9 from 7 – 11 pm at the Pioneer Hall. Cost $15 includes lunch, music by Mark Morisseau. Contact to reserve tickets Rae 204 883-2440 or Denise 204 883-2429.

Monthly Mood Disorders Meeting – On Thursdays at 2:30 pm at Ritchot Senior Services 457 Main with Tara Brousseau, Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Association. St. Topics includes depression, bipolar, recovery, shame, resilience, mindfulness, meditation, coping and self-soothing skills, interrelationship skills, seniors’ issues, distress tolerance and peer to peer support. Everyone is welcome.

Lunch Program & Bingo – Every Thursday at the Le Club Amical, 344 Main St. Call ahead for take-out or eat in. Cost $8.

Contact 204- 883-2491.

Pickleball - Thursday evenings from 6 -8 pm at St. Adolphe School, 444 la seine street. Contact 204- 883-2491.

C.H.I.L.D program – On Wednesdays from 9:30 - 10:30 am at Ecole St. Adolphe School. Children’s introduction to learning and development. Contact sas@srsd.ca or 204-883-2182.

St. Malo Chase the Ace – Every Wednesday, at the St. Malo Hotel, hosted by the Fire Department and the St. Malo Arena. Purchase tickets from 7 - 10 pm, draws take place at 10:15 pm. $2/Ticket. License#: LGA 3748-RF-26461. The fire department is raising money for their Wildfire Program. The arena is raising funds for a new Zamboni. So please come out for your chance to win and support these organizations that are an important part of this great community of ours.

Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba - On the last Monday each month at 7 pm in the Chalet Malouin Activity Room. For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns; individual and support groups. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

St. Pierre-Jolys Stay and Play Group – Every Monday from 9:30 – 11:30 am at YFC Cinema. Snacks, coffee served, childcare available.

The Knights of Columbus - The St-Pierre Carillon Council – On the first Thursday of the month at 482 Jolys Ave. W. Contact 204-433-7633.

Ste. Agathe Grouille ou Rouille – On Thursday, June 14 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Cartier Parc. Cost $5. Call Lynne 204 882-2682 before Friday June 8 to register for this event.

Seniors Group Card Games – On Tuesdays from 1:30 - 4:30 pm at the Community Centre, 183 Pembina Trail. Membership $10 a year. Bring a friend Day. Contact 204-882-2180.

Taekwondo - Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30 pm at Ecole Sainte Agathe hosted by Kang’s Taekwondo Academy. Cost $40/month. Family rates available. Contact Jason Barnabe, jason.barnabe@gmail.com or 204-802-3458.

Ste. Anne Seine River Services for Seniors – Services and programs for seniors. Income Tax help, Lifeline, mobility equipment, foot care, hair care, transportation, home maintenance, yard maintenance, Telecheck, E.R.I.K. program, puzzles and games. Shopping Trips to Winnipeg’s St.Vital Mall every first Thursday of the month, leaving at 10 am - 3 pm. Cost $15.

Steinbach’s Clearspring Centre every last Thursday of the month, from 10 am - 1 pm. Cost $10. Contact Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5285 Community Resource Coordinator for local services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night – On 2nd Tuesday every month, at the Community Centre from 6:30 - 8 pm. Large selection of books in both French and English, for children and adults. Special requests can be made to the librarian, e-mail btl@srsd.ca or 204-878-9488 or in person. Come for a visit and see what we are all about.

Steinbach Pave the Way and Walk with Us! - Join the walk for Alzheimer’s on Thursday, June 7 at A.D. Penner Park when thousands of walkers throughout Manitoba will raise funds for valuable programs and services for people with dementia. Registration is at 5:30 pm under the picnic shelter and includes a BBQ sponsored by the Steinbach Lions Club and Sobeys.

Tractor Trek – On Saturday, June at 9 am starting at the Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 Provincial Trunk Hwy 12. Grab your tractor and join the trek! Gather your vintage tractor and join us in the trek cross country to nearby communities as we

work to support the efforts of both Mennonite Heritage Village and Eden Foundation. Pre-register for this event, contact Patricia West, email mhvsteinbach@gmail.com.

Summer Reading Club – Registration on Monday, June 25 at 10 am in the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Join us for a summer full of fun and reading! Register for our 7 week home-based reading program, free with a library membership. All children finished kindergarten through grade 8 are welcome. Craft classes and reading circle (book club) are also available. Sign up early to get a spot. A special $10 Summer Reading Club membership is available for non-resident families with a child who is in grades Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Contact programs@jakeepplibrary.com.

Steinbach District Farmers Market - Runs from Thursday June 28 – Thursday, October 4. Every Thursday, from 3 - 6 pm at the Clearspring Centre east parking lot, Hwy 12. Contact Hans Steinmann at 204-326-9917.

The Art of Mennonite Clocks - An Exhibition of Mennonite Wall Clocks and Their Stories Spanning More Than Two Centuries.

The joint exhibition showcases 33 clocks and their stories sponsored by the Mennonite Heritage Village and the Kroeger Clocks Heritage Foundation until April 2019 at the Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12 North.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club - On Saturday June 16, Orchid Tour with John Neufeld, past director of Native Orchid Conservation. Traveling to Brokenhead (a 2 hour drive), leaving 10 am from Clearspring Mall. Bring a bag lunch and beverage as well as a lawn chair. Carpooling is available. Cost is $20. Limited space of 15. Contact sagardenclub.com for more information.

Steinbach & Area Garden – On Monday June 25, Let’s Celebrate Gardening Annual member Potluck and Garden Tour.

This year highlighting gardens in the Marchand/La Broquerie area. More information to follow. Last name A-M Bring salads, N-Z bring dessert. Contact sagardenclub.com for more information.

Summer Movie Night at the Library – On Thursday, July 5 join us for Trolls (rated G) and on Thursday, July 19 The Lego Ninjago Movie (rated PG) at 6:30 pm. Bring a pillow to sit on, your family and your friends. Admission is free and so is the popcorn! All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Breast Feeding Group – On Fridays at 10:30 am at the Steinbach Family Resource Centre for a support group, current information and a variety of presentations. Contact 204-3460413.

Toddler & Me Story Hour - Classes offered three times a year for a 10-week session in Fall and Winter and a 5-week session in Spring. Classes are free. Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, literacy and parenting tips, crafts and snack for parents and their children ages 1-3. Advanced In-person registration is required. Limited space available.

Drop In Book Club – 2nd Tuesday every month at 7 pm in the Jake Epp Library. We’ll post the book for discussion that month and if you’d like to join us please stop by. If you want to start your own book club instead, you can always take advantage of our Book Club collections. No sign up required. Just read the book and come hang out.

Knit-Wits Drop-In Club for Adults - Every 4th Monday of the month, from 6 – 9 pm at the Jake Epp Library. This is for anyone interested in fibre handcrafts such as knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, needlepoint etc. This is not a class but a casual knitting circle for all skill levels. Please bring your own items/supplies.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) – On Wednesdays, from 8:45 - 10:30 am at the Royal Canadian Legion. Cost $2/ week. A weight control support group that helps take off pounds sensibly and keep off pounds sensibly. Contact BettyLou Toews at 326-6397.

Eastman Immigrant Services - Many events and activities to support and help you make new friends. Volunteer to help at our community events.

Every Day English All Levels - Every Wednesday 1 – 3 pm.

Reading & Writing – All Levels on Monday and Wednesday from 10 am – 12 pm.

Pronunciation All Levels - On Monday and Wednesday from 7 – 9 pm at D4-284 Reimer Ave. Classes are free.

Southeast Entry Program Online: Learn about Health Care, Employment and Laws. To register for this 4-week online program, contact Josie@eastmanis.com, 204-346-6609 or email lois@eastmanis.com.

Eastman Safety Upcoming Programs - Located at 385 Loewen Blvd. Register online at eastmansafety.ca or contact 1-204-371-1595.

Creativi-Tea Time Adult Colouring Group - Twice monthly on the 2nd Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and on the 2nd Friday from 1 - 3 pm at the Jake Epp Library. Cost Free. Join us for a time of relaxation, tea and colouring. Tea and supplies are provided but you are welcome to bring your own!

Games Day & Games Night – Every 1st Saturday of the month from 12 – 5 pm and the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the Jake Epp Library. Come down to play strategy games. Bring a friend, your strategies and games.

Test your skills and have fun. Ages 14 and up unless accompanied by an adult. Contact 204-326-6841, programs@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Royal Canadian Legion - On 1st Tuesday every month until June at 8 pm and Ladies Auxiliary meets 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Steinbach Legion Community Hall, 294 Lumber Ave. Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, friendship, adventure and challenges through new experiences; develop leadership and decisionmaking skills; give service to the community; value the natural environment.

The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every Monday at noon except when Monday falls on a long weekend at the Chicken Chef, 365 Main Street, visitors are welcome. Contact Cornie at 326-3155.

Mental Health Information and Support sessions - for family and friends of people with mental health issues are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email eastmanmss@mts.net Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba individual and support groups - Meets on the first Tuesday of each month from 1:30 – 3 pm at The Eden East Office, 21 Loewen Blvd For persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental health/emotional concerns. Contact Judy Dunn 204-444-5228.

Steinbach and Area Lions Club - Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Helping Hands. Contact Henry 204-392-7750 if you are interested in attending or joining.

Carillon Toastmasters - Meetings open to adults who want to improve their leadership and communication skills. Thursdays at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale St. Contact Sheryl at 204-326-7628 or Irene at 204-424-5737.

Al-Anon Program – Meets on Mondays at 7:30 pm at the Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. Contact Lloyd 204326-4365.

Al-Anon 12 Step Recovery Group - Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm at United Church, 541 Main St, front door, ring doorbell. All are welcome.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support group starts at 4:30 pm at Steinbach Family Resource Centre B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 204-346-0413.

Woodridge The Mobile Clinic – Is onsite on the third Thursday of every month from 9 am – 4 pm at the Community Club. Contact for appointments 1-855-644-3515 or southernhealth.ca.

General Free Monthly Bus Trips to the Casinos of Winnipeg- On Tuesday, June 12. Join us for a fun filled day. Tour from 8:30 am - 7:15 pm. Begins at 8:30 am, pick-ups in Steinbach, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and cash giveaways every trip. Bingo played on the bus. Contact Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for information and reserve a seat.

Email your community events to us at editor@dawsontrail.ca for inclusion each month!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2018

17

Kleefeld SingerSongwriter to Receive Order of Manitoba

By Marianne Curtis A Kleefeld singer-songwriter will be among a dozen Manitobans to receive the 2018 Order of Manitoba. In July, twelve Manitobans, whose contributions encompass a broad range of endeavors and accomplishments will be invested into the Order of Manitoba at a special ceremony.

Robb Nash is being honoured for using music to influence young people, while performing at schools, reservations and detention centres across Canada. After surviving a near-fatal accident, Nash began speaking to youth and playing his songs that are intended to inspire discussion about important issues such as bullying, addiction self-harm and suicide.

For the past few years, Nash has been touring the country, and sharing his inspiring story with junior high and high school students. Over the years he has spoken to over 1 million students, about suicide prevention and bullying, and even received over eight hundred suicide notes from students who changed their minds and hundreds more have stopped self-harming behaviours.

The Order of Manitoba, the Province’s highest honour, was established in 1999 to recognize Manitobans who have demonstrated excellence and achievement, thereby enriching the social, cultural or economic wellbeing of the province and its residents.

“The accomplishments of the five women and seven men who will receive the 2018 Order of Manitoba exemplifies their passionate commitment to the community at the local, national and international levels,” said Lt.-Gov. Janice C. Filmon, Chancellor of the Order, who will preside over the ceremony. “The impact of their leadership has made a unique mark on this province and its people with achievements that both impress and inspire.”

Appointments to the order are made by the Chancellor on the recommendations of an advisory council. Once invested, members are entitled to use the initials O.M. after their names for life and will have their names placed on permanent display in the Legislative Building.

The awards will be presented on July 12 in Room 200 in the Manitoba Legislative Building at 4 pm.

Consultation Open Houses Kick Off in Steinbach Manitoba Infrastructure has announced details of a series of open house sessions as part of the comprehensive review of its service delivery model.

According to Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler the, “Open house

sessions are part of our consultations with industry, municipalities, Indigenous communities, other jurisdictions and the public.”

“Discussions will help shape what Manitoba Infrastructure’s role going forward on projects such as

roads, bridges and flood fighting and a new direction as we move forward to improve our infrastructure,” Schuler noted.

The sessions will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more and speak with department representatives about the review.

An open house is taking place in

Steinbach on June 12 at the Royal Canadian Legion from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Schuler commented that the review supports the government’s continued work as part of the plan for a public service transformation to deliver better outcomes for Manitobans, ensuring government spends

smarter, streamlining service delivery, developing a long-term capital plan to get more value from plans to renew and build strategic infrastructure, and modernizing the way government buys goods and services.

More information on the review can be found online at gov.mb.ca/ mit/review.

18

June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Second Season of Slingshot Racing Cup Launched

By Marianne Curtis Slingshots rocketing away from the start grid to begin the bid for the Slingshot Racing Cup in Gimli.

Photo Courtesy Matt Wiebe at Lucky35Studi

Despite cloudy and threatening skies, the second season of Sling-

shot Racing Cup began in Gimli at the end of the month with the help of Niverville native and professional race car driver David Richert.

On May 30, the Slingshot Racing Cup season began with a sensational couple of races at Gimli Motorsport Park. The Slingshot Racing Cup is a collaboration between SAR Sport & Recreation in Steinbach and Richert Racing, from Niverville. It is the only championship in the world to feature Polaris’ unique 3-wheeled roadster called the Slingshot.

A great race and long fight for the lead in Race 2 between, 2017 Slingshot Racing Cup Participant Champion, Myles Kraut passed Richert for the win. Both Kraut, who won the first race, and Richert leave the season opening event in a tie for first place overall in the championship.

“Both our new and returning drivers faced a challenging situation with the extremely wet race surface, but I was extremely impressed with how well they, and the Slingshot itself, were able to handle the difficult conditions,” said Richert. “It was another re-

ally fun day at the race track and I’m already looking forward to the next one soon.”

In the first race, Kraut grabbed an early lead from returning driver Darren Miller and newcomers, Stan Higgins and Shannon Friesen, dueling it out closely behind. With Richert making his way up from the back, Kraut claimed the win. In the second race, Kraut and Richert raced wheel to wheel at the front of the field. The race was finally decided with a last lap overtake by Richert to seal the victory followed closely by Kraut in 2nd and Miller rounding out the podium in 3rd.

The next two rounds of the Slingshot Racing Cup will take place at Gimli Motorsport Park on June 20.

A native of Niverville, Richert vaulted himself up onto the world stage of professional racing after cutting his teeth racing go-carts.

He was selected by Volkswagen as one of the top young race car drivers in North America and competed in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. Richert is one of the only Canadians to ever complete a race through the streets of Monte Carlo at the world famous Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

We Are All Responsible to Manage Manitoba Outdoors With recreational angling open, the province is calling on anglers to respect the rules around moving watercraft, water-related equipment and firewood.

“Manitobans are hooked on fishing, and so are the tourists who are lured to visit our beautiful lakes and rivers, generating more than $200 million in direct and indirect impacts to our economy,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “That’s a lot of lines in the water, and we want to remind and encourage all anglers to be sure they clean, drain and dry their boats to protect our rivers and lakes from aquatic invasive species.”

All anglers need an angling licence to fish in Manitoba, except, youth under the age of 16 who have permanently resided in Manitoba for at least six months, any Canadian resident or non-resident youth under the age of 16 and the person must fish with a licence holder or someone exempt from holding a licence, and their catch must be applied to the limit of that person; or Indigenous harvesters.

Angling licences are available at Manitoba Sustainable Development offices and numerous licence vendors throughout the province. Anglers should be familiar with Manitoba’s fishing regulations. When purchasing a licence, anglers should obtain the Manitoba 2018 Anglers’ Guide to review provincial regulations. The Manitoba 2018 Anglers’ Guide can also be found online at manitobafisheries.com.

Watercraft users are reminded to do their part in preventing the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. It is mandatory that people with any kind of watercraft, including boats, canoes, and other personal watercraft, must stop at inspection stations when they are open.

Before leaving any body of water, take the proper steps to clean and remove aquatic invasive species and aquatic plants from the watercraft, trailer and all water-related equipment before leaving the shore. Before leaving the shore drain all water from the motor, bilge, bait bucket and any compartments, remove all drain plugs before transporting watercraft over land, dry all water-related equipment and any hard-to-drain compartments that have contacted the water with a dry towel before placing into another water body and dispose of all bait used in a control zone water body in the trash.

The Minister noted another important change for campers and tourists to be aware of this year is the confirmed presence of the emerald ash borer in Manitoba and the designation of Winnipeg as a Federally regulated area. This means firewood cannot be moved out of Winnipeg and anyone caught transporting firewood could be fined up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses.

For more information on invasive species, call toll-free 1-87-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470) or visit gov.mb.ca/stopthespread/ais.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

June 2018

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June 2018

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

3 Tips to Light Up Your Backyard

Today’s homeowners are managing busy schedules and daytime commitments, leaving little time to take advantage of their backyard during daylight hours.

With the addition of lighting, you can extend the use of your outdoor space, turning it into a nighttime retreat.

Here, the Electrical Safety Authority and gardening expert Frankie Flowers share tips to achieve a well-lit backyard escape to help you relax and unwind under the stars.

Flowers at night. While often thought of as a daytime enjoyment, some flowers can

enhance your garden at night.

Frankie Flowers suggests adding a mix of white flowers and silver foliage to reflect light. Great options for sunny spaces include geraniums, star jasmine or moon flower; for shady spots try tuberous, begonias or impatiens. For foliage, try dusty miller, Russian sage, sage or a Japanese painted fern to accent any garden by day or night.

Choose the right lighting. Good lighting is the key to adding ambiance to any space. As you would for indoor lighting, incorporate a layered lighting plan to enhance key features in your garden. Landscape lighting brings features like a row of cedars to life that would otherwise be in the shadows, and pathway lighting is decorative, but can also be added for safety. A nicely lit land-

Recycle Your Oil Event The City of Steinbach is inviting people to bring in their used oil, filters, plastic containers and other items to the upcoming Oil Recycling Day on June 13. Oil Recycling Day is an annual event in June to promote the network of Eco Centres and residents to safely dispose of used oil, used oil filters and containers.

Residents are invited to bring in their used oil to the community’s Eco Center, which is located at the landfill. In exchange residents received a free litre of oil for every five litres of used motor oil that was brought into the depot. There is a limit of 205 litres per vehicle and up to five coupons per vehicle will be given out.

This event is hosted annually by the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation (MARRC). On average, the city collects over 2,500 litres of used oil during the one day event.

A hot dog sale fundraiser coincides with the collection for South East Helping Hands, the local food bank.

For those unable to attend the one day event, used oil and tires can be recycled year round at the Steinbach Landfill’s Eco Centre.

Used oil, used oil filters, and used plastic oil containers need to be disposed of properly so they can be recycled into useful products instead of threatening the environment.

For more information about the Steinbach EcoCentre or Oil Recycling Day e-mail ewallman@ steinbach.ca or call 204-346-6500.

scape can not only help you navigate your property safely at night but can also be a deterrent for would-be thieves. Landscape lighting can be extra-low voltage and use very little electricity while still looking beautiful, but it’s important to remember that certain units require a special isolating transformer specific for this purpose.

Powering your backyard. To achieve a glowing ambiance, you’ll need to bring electricity into your garden. Wires can be run in a trench in the ground and will need to be buried between 45 centimetres up to one metre underground depending on the location, voltage and wiring method. A licensed electrical contractor will help ensure the job is done right and the proper lighting is installed.

Private Well Water Testing Days The Seine-Rat River Conservation District is once again assisting residents with private well water testing for the presence of E.coli and Coliform bacteria by providing easy access to well testing kits.

Residents wishing to have their wells tested can pick up water bottles and application forms in advance from their local municipal office.

The cost of private well water testing is $22.31, including taxes, per sample.

Payment may be submitted by exact cash or cheque only, with cheques made payable to Horizon Lab Ltd. Horizon Lab is also offering a new expedited service. Customers can pay an extra $10 to have their bacteria water test report sent by the following business day.

The next private well water testing will take place on June 21. Samples must be taken on the same day as the drop-off and submitted at the RM office prior to 10 am along with the completed application form, chain of custody form, and payment.

For more info, contact Seine-Rat River Conservation District 204-4257877 or 204-326-1030.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Garage Sale Advice

Much like dandelions on my lawn, garage sales seem to just pop right up each spring. Get rid of the snow; add a little bit of sunshine and up they pop!

This year we managed to hit the community garage sales in Kleefeld and in Mitchell. With Kleefeld being a smaller town there weren’t as many sales to check out but, as I like to refer to it, it’s my “garage sales warm up.” Still good deals to be found but it doesn’t take up an entire day to do it.

The Mitchell sales take up an entire day and even then, we couldn’t hit them all! Of course, we are not trying to sprint through the day. With three kids plus my wife and I, the journey can take a bit of time while we try to make a fun day of it.

If you ever think to yourself, “Self, I wish I could be driving in a lot of traffic, especially slow traffic; where there are vehicles parked on both sides of a narrow street and where pedestrians will, often without warning, just walk onto the road in front of me.” If you’ve ever said that to yourself then you must simply try community garage sales.

Now I love these community sales but I do have to shake my head in wonder, disbelief and sometimes scorn at the people attending these sales and for some of the people hosting these sales. As a person who has attended numerous community sales, please, please let me give you some advice.

To the garage sale host: - Put up a sign, balloons, something, anything to let people know that you are having a sale. Too often we would pass by an open garage and not know whether or not they were selling items or just airing out their messy garage.

- Put on price tags. Yes, I know you want to sell everything but to leave an item sitting there with no price tag on it and hope that someone will pay you the amount that is going through your head is an almost guaranteed way for it to stay living with you. If I’m making the effort to come to your sale, I expect you to make the effort to price your items; I don’t have the time or the inclination to play price guessing games.

- Give the people attending your sale some space. Just say hello or make some small talk but please don’t approach them and start asking them what they’re looking for or to try and push the sale of your mother’s knitted towel onto someone.

- Price things appropriately. Sure that item brand new cost you nearly a million dollars a year ago but now it’s missing a wheel, there are about a thousand teeth marks on it and it has the most unpleasant odour of urine wafting from it.

Here’s some advice to the garage sale goer: - Follow the advice that you’ve been giving to your children. When you are going to cross a road, stop, look both ways then cross. Numerous times I’ve seen parents just walk out into traffic without even a glance. Thankfully, I never saw anyone hit but I did see some very close calls.

- Show respect to the property owners and their neighbours. Just because they are hosting a garage sale doesn’t mean that you can walk across their front lawn to the house further down the block. Also, attending a garage sale doesn’t mean that your children can go and bounce on someone’s trampoline or that sale items can be spread across the yard, played with and then left for the seller to bring back to the garage for selling.

- There’s haggling and then there’s being cheap. If the item is less than a dollar and you’re trying to get a better deal, then your cheap detector should be beeping. I once had a lady try to get a twenty-five cent toy for ten cents. Seriously! There’s nothing wrong with haggling at garage sales just remember to be courteous and be reasonable in your offer.

Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Recognizing the Importance of Freedom Road Derek Johnson, MLA for Interlake, has proposed a private member’s resolution to commend the Manitoba government for recognizing the importance of the ongoing Freedom Road project for Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, and to urge the government to continue its respectful work with Indigenous communities to ensure economic opportunity for people across the province.

“Our Progressive Conservative government is proud of the measures we are taking toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples,” said Johnson.

“We are especially delighted to be constructing Freedom Road, as we recognize the strong interest the people of Shoal Lake 40 have in securing road access to their community. This road will help facilitate economic activity and prosperity.”

Shoal Lake 40, a community of about 290 people along the Manitoba-Ontario boundary, exists as an artificial island.

The community was cut off from the mainland in 1915 when a nearby channel was cut by the City of Winnipeg to gain access to drinking water. Residents of Shoal Lake 40 have great difficulty getting in and out of the community and bringing in potable water.

The Freedom Road project’s offreserve construction contract, valued at approximately $12 million, was awarded in January. When it is complete, the 24-kilometre road will connect Shoal Lake 40 with the Trans-Canada Highway west of Falcon Lake. The reserve section of the road has been completed six weeks ahead of schedule and under budget.

The contract is cost-shared between the governments of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada under a joint agreement with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation.

June 2018

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Sunrise Raid Results in Multiple Charges With a search warrant in hand, Steinbach RCMP aided by their Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Service raided a residence on Penner Street in Steinbach at about 5 am on May 27.

As a result of the raid, RCMP say two adult males were taken into custody and warrants were issued for two more, Paul Claeys (36) and Steven James Lathlin (32).

According to RCMP, they recovered two imitation handguns, about a half an ounce of what is believed to be cocaine, small amounts of what is believed to be methamphetamine, approximately 150 pills of unknown restricted prescription medication, and an edged weapon. Police also seized a large amount of illegal drug paraphernalia and stolen property.

A number of charges were laid including multiple counts of Possession of a Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace, Failing to Comply with Probation, multiple counts of Failing to Comply with Undertaking, multiple counts of Failing to Comply with a Recognizance, and one count of failure to Comply with a Lifetime Weapons/Firearms Prohibition Order.

RCMP, while on site, also arrested a male for impaired driving as he was attending to the residence. Upon arrest, he was found with approximately four grams of Crystal Meth.

Seized items.

Steven James Lathlin.

Paul Claeys.

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June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Willems Statue Commissioned for Mennonite Heritage Village Register for Fall Programs!

The Steinbach Arts Council is working on a great line-up of programs starting this fall! Don’t miss out on the creativity, wellness, summer camps, visual arts, theatre and so much more. Check them out at steinbachartscouncil.ca and register online.

It’s Back Again. Sign up for Paint in the City – it’s Free!

Summer in the City, along with Steinbach Arts Council, has collaborated to bring a new party to Main Street, Artists in the City featuring art lessons, pottery demos, and community art projects. Watch our artists as they create banners to hang around our city, and the second Paint-a-Piano project. Come check out our Festival Art Gallery, showcasing amazing local talent!

Sign up for Summer Arts Day Camps Online.

Don’t Miss Out on Your Spot. SAC Member: $125, Non-Member: $145 (Plus Membership and $5 Swim Fee). 2 separate camps. Camp 1 – Ages 5 - 8 and Camp 2 - Ages 9 – 12. Each week is jam-packed with creativity art, dance, music, drama, recreation, community field trips and swimming. Visit our SAC website for full theme descriptions. > Disney (July 2 -6). How magical! This camp was so much fun last year; we’ve brought it back again. > Under the Sea (July 9-13). Discover a new world below the surface of the sea. > Olympic Sports (July 16 -20). Who’s keepin’ score? Celebrate Steinbach’s own Olympic Games. > Outer Space (July 23 -27). Climb aboard a spaceship and jet off into outer space. > Woodlands Exploration (July 30 – August 3). Grab your backpack and your hiking boots - we’re off to explore the wild side of town. > Wacky Workshop (August 7 - 10), 4 Day Camp. Unleash your inner inventor and be inspired by some of the most famous inventors in the world. > Marvel Superheroes (August 13 - 17). Boom! Hulk Smash! Spend the week with Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman & More!

Get your Birthday Pass to Celebrate with Summer in the City!

It’s our 10th Anniversary and we want you to celebrate with us! Want access to all three evening shows? $50 Birthday Pass includes all the 3 Headliner shows! Limited passes available. Tickets on Sale Now at summerinthecity.ca or purchase in person at the SAC office – cash, credit or debit. > Country artist Terri Clark will be headlining the Friday night concert.

Terri is a 3-time JUNO Award winner and the 8-time CCMA Entertainer of the Year, crowned CCMA Female Vocalist of the year five times. She is the only Canadian female artist to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry. > Saturday night classic rock has an amazing double billing… Honeymoon Suite and Winnipeg-based Harlequin! This show will start earlier to give concert-goers a full experience with both bands. Honeymoon Suite and Harlequin are staples in Canadian rock; still touring North America with airplay on rock radio. > Toronto-based band Manic Drive is headlining at Sunday Worship in the City’s free evening concert. JUNO Award winning Manic Drive topped Billboard’s Christian Radio Charts over ten times.

KR Barkman Concerts in the Park The schedule is out. See stienbachartscouncil.ca for future updates.

Thanks to Barkman Foundation for their support. Free Live Entertainment! Bring your lawn chairs down to the KR Barkman Park on Main Street in Steinbach, just look for the gazebo. Enjoy music, drama and dance, plus artists painting in the park. > Friday, June from 1 – 7 pm – Banned & Outlawed - Country Rock Sunday, June 3 at 6:45pm – LMNK – Pop/Christian Solo Artist, at 7:15 pm – HC Derksen, Christian Contemporary. > Friday, June 8 at 7 pm – Darryl Marsch Band, Country/Pop/Rock/ Oldies. > Saturday June 9 at 7 pm – P-Noise, Punk/Rock. > Thursday June 21 at 7 pm – Above Bass – Jazz/Swing and at 7:30 pm Clearspring Middle School Grade 8 Jazz Band. > Saturday June 23 at 7 pm – 5acres Country and at 7:45 pm – The Hernandez Band Contemporary Alternative. > Sunday June 24 at 6:45pm – Shannon Shewchuk Folk/Pop and 7:30 pm – Soul Purpose Christian Contemporary. > Friday June 29 at 6:30 pm – Backyard Theatre Company New! Southeast Centre for Music Call us if you want to study with some of the best teachers in the southeast! 204-346-1077.

New Hall Gallery Exhibit Wanda Friesen - The Divine Romance. Support our local artists. Exhibit Runs: June 13 – August 16. Call 204-346-1077 for more details.

View events and purchase tickets onlinesteinbachartscouncil.ca.

Submitted by Abe Warkentin

Peace Project, Mennonite Heritage Village, Attention Al Hamm, 231 PTH 12 North, Steinbach, Manitoba R5C 1T8.

“In 2025 it will be 500 years since Anabaptist history started in Zurich, Switzerland,” said committee member and historian Harvey Plett. He notes the movement spread rapidly throughout Europe despite strong resistance from the established churches and states.

The Willems monument was felt by the committee to be the perfect, iconic image of the spirit of the martyrs. Willems was imprisoned in a residential castle turned prison and escaped by letting himself out of a window with a rope made of knotted rags. Emaciated from his imprisonment, he did not break through the ice surrounding the castle but his heavier pursuer broke through.

Willems, hearing his guard’s call for help, turned back and rescued him. The guard wanted to release him but the mayor ordered his recapture and imprisonment.

Willems was sentenced to execution by fire on May 16, 1569, said Plett, but because a strong east wind blew that day, the kindled fire was driven away from the upper part of his body as he stood tied to the

A peace exhibit committee has commissioned Manitoba sculptor Peter Sawatzky to build a bronze statue of martyred Anabaptist Dirk Willems. The monument is expected to be a concrete way of recognizing the Anabaptist ideals of peacemaking.

The life-size statue to be completed in 2018 will be the focal point of a new peace exhibit at Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.

The Mennonite Heritage Village is a world-class museum attracting 40,000 visitors per year from around the world.

Sawatzky is renowned for various sculptures, including the Seal River Crossing, a 29-foot-long sculpture of nine caribou in downtown Winnipeg as well as a 21-foot York boat in Selkirk.

Willems was one of around 4,000 martyrs killed in Europe in the 1500s for their understanding of the practice of baptism among other charges. Holding to the doctrine that one should only be baptized upon confession of faith, they re-baptized adult believers and refused to baptize infants. Willems became known for rescuing his captor after breaking out of prison and was burned at the stake near his home village of Asperen, The Netherlands on May 16, 1569.

The commissioning of the bronze, life-size statue involves something of a leap of faith for the committee, according to Peace Exhibit Committee Chair Elbert Toews. The sculpture and base alone will run over $100,000 and the completed peace exhibit, which will include an interpretive centre and cairn to recognize Mennonite conscientious objectors, will cost several hundred thousand dollars more. Donations are being solicited and can be sent directly to Dirk Willems

stake. People in the neighbouring town of Leerdam heard him exclaim over and over: “O my Lord, my God!” The judge or bailiff, present at the execution, heard Willems and ordered the executioner to kill him quickly.

A Mennonite delegation to the Vatican gave Pope Benedict XVl a framed picture of Willems saving his persecutor in October, 2007.

Pope Benedict spoke of a common understanding of non-violence and active peacemaking at the heart of the gospel and a continuing search for unity.

Anabaptists include Mennonites, Hutterites, Amish and various other Christian groups who believe in the separation of church and state, adult baptism and non-resistance. Today there is a renewed Anabaptist movement in Europe and other parts of the world.

The Peace Exhibit Committee placed a monument honouring conscientious objectors on the Mennonite Heritage Village grounds in 2016. The MHV’s mission statement is, “To preserve, exhibit, for present and future generations, the experience and story of the Russian Mennonites and their contributions to Manitoba.”

Local Theatre Group Wows at Provincial Festival A local theatre group is thrilled with the response they recently received during the 39th annual Association of Community Theatre festival.

Real Live Entertainment’s (RLE) performance of “Blue Horses” stampeded into Virden, completely surprising and delighting everyone in its path during the three day festival, which took place May 11 – 13.

Alan Fehr, Creative Director for RLE was delighted by the response and looks forward to sharing the experience with his local audience this summer. “It’s an opportunity to perform, be adjudicated by theatre professionals and also workshop with those same pros,” Fehr recalled. “The kind of feedback we got in Virden has really charged me/ us up for creating these kinds of opportunities.”

Professor John Bluethner of Université de Saint-Boniface said the show was “marvelous”. “This should be seen,” he added. This sentiment was shared by his fellow

adjudicators Jim Forsythe from Brandon University and Kent Suss of Manitoba Theatre for Young People added that the production was a “tremendous ensemble piece”.

“The comment that caught my attention the most was from another Real Live Entertainment’s performance of “Blue Horses” director, who said, ‘You was well received during a special performance in Virden are a credit to your comearlier in May. munity.’” “That was really meaningful to me, because I feel like I’m working re- 1 during the performance compaally hard to create an environment ny’s inaugural “Showcase of 1 Act where theatre can grow and flourish Plays” at the Mennonite Heritage here in Steinbach,” Fehr added. “To Village. From there, “Blue Horses” have an outsider affirm that we’ve will finish its run at the Winnipeg got the right stuff’ to do that was re- Fringe Festival in late July. ally encouraging. Made me proud Real Live Entertainment creates of what I’m contributing to our new entertainment experiences that area, but also of the talent we have engage the participant in a meanaccess to right here.” ingful and unexpected way. This is This was RLE’s first public per- achieved by engaging skilled artists formance of the piece. It will take in productions delivered by unconto the stage again on July ventional means.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

RCMP FILES If you have any information in regards to any item here you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers. com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Thieves Steal Boat and Trailers

Multiple Firearms and Cash Stolen

RCMP continue to investigate a theft that occurred between April 22 and April 24 when unknown individuals entered a business off Highway 12 in the RM of Ste Anne near Blumenort.

The suspects damaged a company vehicle, stole a 20 foot Lund Boat with Honda outboard motor and trailer and also stole a Jet Ski trailer that had been converted to a utility trailer with 2x6 decking.

Between 4:30 am on May 7 and 7 pm on May 8 a residence in the Rural Municipality of Hanover was broken into by breaching the front door. Numerous articles were removed including a gun safe with several firearms and a substantial amount of cash.

The investigation is ongoing.

Thieves Smash Through Walls On April 28 Steinbach RCMP responded to a break-in on Mackenzie Avenue in Steinbach that had happened over night. Individuals cut the lock on a storage unit moving inside the units by breaking down the walls inside the building.

RCMP are requesting the public assistance with any information you may have on the above.

Propane Thieves Hit Food Bank Twice

RCMP Seek Answers in 2017 Theft of Rare Taxidermy

Dark Sky Preserve Proposed Near Stuartburn

By Marianne Curtis

Tools and Generator Stolen from Business

Local Business Directory

Giant Blaze

The Richer Fire Department responded to a fire at Giant Equipment on the Trans Canada Highway between Ste. Anne and Richer in mid-May. Witnesses say smoke reached hundreds of feet in the air as some old cars and rubbish fueled the blaze.

PhotoS by Pat Stolwyk

On May 5 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in at a residence on First Street in Steinbach. Between 8 am and 5:30 pm, unknown suspects gained entry through a window. The culprits took a green and black Aspen bicycle and a Sony Play Station 4 along with games and controllers.

Between February 10 and February 13 unknown individuals broke into a storage container at the Helping Hands Food Bank on Main Street in Steinbach. The suspects then stole 12 propane tanks.

Then again between April 12 and April 13 the same theft occurred when thieves broke into a storage container at the Helping Hands Food Bank

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On February, 6 2017 Steinbach RCMP were advised of break and enter that occurred in the RM Hanover between the January 27 and February 6. Numerous mounted taxidermy items were stolen some of which are extremely unique and rare. Specifically a golden eagle, bald eagle and fawn. Also stolen and not pictured were a rough legged hawk and great horned owl.

Should you have seen these items please contact police.

Culprits Take Bike and Gaming System

Between 5:15 pm on May 10 and 5:45 am on May 11 robbers entered a business off Highway 12 in the RM of Ste Anne near Blumenort. The suspects then proceeded to steal tools, a Honda generator and miscellaneous copper wire and material. Police are continuing with the investigation.

June 2018

Patio Furniture Stolen from Deck The Steinbach RCMP responded to a residential break-in on May 2 that occurred sometime between 9:30 pm on May 1 and 10 am on May 2 at a residence on Parkside Place in Steinbach.

The suspects stole patio furniture off of the deck and then broke into a shed and stole an air compressor, electric hedge trimmer, circular saw, two mountain bikes, two children’s bikes, one child’s tricycle and 2 cans of gasoline.

Stargazers are invited out to the RM of Stuartburn to enjoy a night of stargazing in what could be designated as the first Dark Sky Preserve in Manitoba.

On June 16, a stargazing party is taking place at the Weston Family Tallgrass Prairie Interpretive Centre, which is nestled within the heart of the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. The event is being held to give star gazers an opportunity to enjoy the night sky and learn about the cosmos from experts.

According to the RM of Stuartburn, a plan is in the works by the Royal Astronomical Society to designate the site as the only Dark-Sky Preserve located in Manitoba. “We recently heard a presentation from the Royal Astronomical Society and we are excited about this new opportunity,” said RM of Stuartburn Councillor Dan Bodz.

A dark-Sky Preserve is an area where no artificial lighting is visible and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public and nearby municipalities. The Sky glow from beyond the borders of the Preserve will be of comparable intensity, or less, to that of natural sky glow.

The Weston Family Tallgrass Prairie Interpretive Centre is 160 acres (65 hectares) and provides a unique opportunity for nature lovers to experience a tall grass prairie, which is one of the rarest ecosystems in North America.

The Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve areas, is home to more than 1,000 species of birds, mammals, insects, grasses and wildflowers.

The site is located five minutes from Stuartburn, or fifteen minutes from Vita. To visit turn north on Road 32 East and follow the signs to the centre.

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June 2018

Celebrating Over 20 Years of Service to Our Communities!

Dawson Trail Dispatch