Dawson Trail Dispatch October 2022

Métis Host Fall Rendezvous

Steinbach Court: Now Court of King’s Bench Administrative Centre

In early September, the Manitoba government designated the court office in Steinbach as an ad ministrative centre of the Court of Queen’s Bench, and due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, will soon be known as the Court of King’s Bench.

“Designating the Steinbach court as a Court of Queen’s Bench administrative centre is part of making justice services more accessible and con venient,” explained Justice Minister and Stein bach MLA Kelvin Goertzen. “The southeast part of Manitoba is among the fastest growing areas in the province, which also increases the demand for legal services and accessibility as well.”

Steinbach was the only court office in Manitoba that was not designated as a Queen’s Bench admin istrative centre. Court parties who wished to file Queen’s Bench documents previously had to travel to the nearest administrative centre, such as Sel kirk, Winnipeg or Morden.

Goertzen noted that there has been tremendous population growth in Steinbach and the surround ing communities since Queen’s Bench administra tive centres were designated under the Court of Queen’s Bench Act in 1984.

Under the act, court centres are designated by the lieutenant-governor in council, upon recom mendation of the justice minister and after consul tation with the chief justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench. Consultations with the chief justice were held in June.

“[The] move to designate the Steinbach court as an administrative centre of the Court of Queen’s Bench enhances access to justice for Manitobans and deserves the support of the court,” said Chief Justice Glenn Joyal.

Hosted in mid-September, the Richer Métis Local Fall Rendezvous was a true success as crafts, music, food and hayrides welcomed locals and visitors to the Dawson Trail Park in Richer.

Top: Traditional hot lunch at the Premier Tech Multiplex at Dawson Trail Park.Right: Eugene Sabot and his team of Canadian horses provided rides in the restored his torical wagon. Left: Live entertainment on stage kept toes tapping throughout the afternoon.

Photos by Dan Guetre

Friendship Trail Hosted Family Day Alongside Truth and Reconciliation Day

By Angelique Forest

For the second time ever, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has brought awareness across Canada of the discov eries of the children on residential school properties, as well as the impact of the residential school system’s legacy of abuse that affected individuals, families and whole communities.

In St. Adolphe, a group of residents decided to make it a family day event in corporating Truth and Reconciliation.

There was a scavenger hunt for kids and additional fun activities geared to wards the entire family.

The Friendship Trail is located along the banks of the Red River, passing un der the bridge on the north side of the community with three marked entrances, two of them with Canadian flags and the other entrance is at the goose neck, where the bird sanctuary is located.

There was a StoryWalk project adopted by the RM of Ritchot to celebrate Na tional Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It has a goal of providing opportunities for reflection with a StoryWalk. The be ginning of the walk is marked with an orange shirt and 1 of 4 various children’s books with the other three place in neigh bouring Ritchot communities.

“When we were alone” by author David A. Robertson was in Ile des Chenes, “Shin Chi’s Canoe” by author Nicola Campbell was in Grande Pointe, “Stolen Words” by author Melanie Florence was in Ste. Ag athe and “Phyllis’s Orange Shirt” by author Phyllis Webstad was in St. Adolphe. All the books had themes centered around residential schools in order to spread awareness.

Minimum Wage Up with Additional Increases on Horizon

By Angelique Forest

As of October 1, minimum wage earners saw an increase from $11.95 to $13.50, a raise of $1.55. Premier Heather Stefanson made the an nouncement in August that the plan is to narrow the divide between Manitoba’s minimum wage and that of every other provinces in the country, putting us above Saskatchewan even though they also had an increase (of $1.19). This would mean Manitoba is still the province with the second lowest minimum wage in Canada.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick also announced that their minimum wage will increase to $13.75 per hour, an increase of $1, making this year the largest single-year increase in 40 years. Most other provinces are also seeing wage increases, some smaller than others. Nova Scotia will see an increase of only $0.35, and Ontario will see a general increase of $0.50.

“We know that to attract and retain new workers and immigrants in Manitoba, wages need to be competitive with other provinces,” said the Premier during the announcement. “Soon they will be better equipped to start closing the gap between their wages and the increase in inflation as well as the cost of certain goods.”

For small businesses, some agree that a “living wage” is necessary but they will have to balance how much they can absorb and how much they may have to pass along to the customer.

Rhonda Tonn, the owner of Shag To Chic Inc. in Steinbach took to social media to announce that her business would have to increase rates charged to customers out of a need, not a want.

“We are strongly in support of paying a living wage. We are in support of our community thriving, and we are in support of small businesses be ing able to survive these economic challenges,” she said. “Raising prices is never an easy decision.”

Tonn goes on to explain that the thought of increasing prices 30% over a single year wasn’t even a conceivable thought a few short months ago. They understood the community is also seeing changes in prices of groceries, electricity bills, fuel and daycare.

Having already overcome struggles like staffing shortages and the pandemic, Tonn believes this price raise to be just enough to off-set the increased inflation and to survive the increased wages as well.

The Province has announced that on April 1, 2023, minimum wage will again climb, this time to $14.15 per hour. Additionally they announced that on October 1, 2023, it will bump up to approximately $15 per hour.

Photo Source: Facebook

The Friendship Trail entrance.

Art Tour Showcases Artisans Along Historic Dawson Trail

The Dawson Trail Arts & Heritage Committee saw the hundreds of hours of organization result in a successful self guided Arts Tour at various locations along the Dawson Trail.

traditional beaders, painters, metalwork artisans, traditional soap makers, authors and more; all local; gathered at various locations stretching from Richer to Lorette to not only display their cre ations

visitors

chance

cases, get hands on experience.

artists and the history of the Dawson Trail.

The Dawson Trail Museum in Richer was the site for several artists to showcase their finished products and demonstrate works in progress.

Artist Karen Jonsson helping a workshop attendee use the pottery wheel during a studio demonstration. Photos by Dan Guetre

Finally. It’s Official!

After months of pressure from Conservatives, the Trudeau Liber als have finally caved and lifted the remaining COVID-19 mandates on travel.

As of October 1st, the govern ment’s Order in Council will expire and Canadians (all Canadians) will have their Charter rights to travel back.

Canadian travelers will no longer be subject to vaccine mandates, ran dom testing, quarantines, masking or the disastrous ArriveCan app.

To be clear, (as of the time of writ ing) the United States has not yet indicated whether they will fully re-open the border to all Canadians.

That said, this move by Canada is a

good step in that direction and will add pressure to the glacially slow Biden administration to follow suit.

The Canada-US border has been restricted since March of 2020.

In December of 2021, the Trudeau and Biden administrations agreed to allow “fully vaccinated” travelers to cross, leaving millions of Canadians (and Americans) behind, unable to travel because of these discrimina tory and unscientific mandates.

I have been clear from the begin ning: Every Canadian who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should have access to them and every Cana dian who chooses not to should not be discriminated against. No one should be made to feel “less than”

or othered, lose their job or opportu nities that would otherwise be theirs (like travel) for what ought to be a personal, private medical choice.

I have been equally clear that public health responses (at all lev els) should have been focussed on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 while allowing healthy individuals to conduct themselves as normally as possible.

Instead, the government chose to trample the Charter rights of Ca nadians and create two classes of citizen. They imposed mandates for which they have yet to provide any scientific or public health justifica tion. As such, one can only conclude these mandates were never really

about public health but about the politics of control and retribution against Canadians who have ques tioned the government’s handling of the virus.

This decision to lift the remaining mandates is long overdue. While I can appreciate the initial need for reactive measures as governments took time to sort out what was go ing on, they have now had two and a half years to assess the situation and offer a reasonable plan to move forward.

I have been tireless in my efforts to be a voice for my constituents, for our border communities, and for a measured, common-sense approach to public health measures.

COVID-19 border measures dis criminated against Canadians, sepa rated families, and destroyed local economies.

Now, with these last mandates, finally, coming to an end, commu nities on both sides of the border can, truly, start the long road to re covery.

Fixing Manitoba’s Finances and Rebuilding the Economy

I’d like to begin by providing clar ification on some of the information that was shared and to some of the questions that were brought up in last month’s article regarding the in tersection of PTH 12 and PR 210 in Ste. Anne. Manitoba Transportation

and Infrastructure is currently con sidering various potential improve ments for this location.

The functional design study will develop the official options for con sideration. In the interim period, the short term safety measures that

Manitoba Transportation and Infra structure has recently implemented include red flashing lights on the stop signs for PR 210 traffic approach ing PTH 12, rumble strips along PR 210 as it approaches from both sides onto PTH 12, a “stop ahead” sign for the westbound direction on PR 210, stop lines at this intersection were refreshed and enhanced, and signs reducing the speed to 70 kilo metres per hour were added for the eastbound direction on PR 210.

At the end of September, our Pro gressive Conservative government resumed legislative session. This

session will focus on fixing Mani toba’s finances, improving services, and rebuilding the economy. I’m glad to be back in the House with my colleagues, as we discuss new ways in which to continue improv ing the lives of Manitobans.

Lastly, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! We’ve experienced a very strange and dif ficult two years, and now we’re finally somewhat back to normal.

With that being said, I hope you’re all able to gather with loved ones, eat some delicious food, and just have a great time surrounded by those you

care about. Happy Thanksgiving ev eryone!

For more updates and informa tion, visit my website at boblagasse. com. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact my constituency office at ca.lagasse@ outlook.com or 204-807-4663.

Affordability and Phasing in Crown Land Forage Lease Reduction

This summer has been an enjoyable one, filled with community events and great parades. It was nice to once again be able to get around and speak with constituents. I enjoyed the many conversations I had.

It is the time of year when we find ourselves back at the Legislative Building starting the FallSession. It is nice to be back in the House de bating Legislation and making im portant changes in our province. As wild as the House can become with heckling, I’m always excited to be ing a part of the Legislative process in our province.

It brings me great pride and hon our to be in the position I am, to help make change a reality in our prov ince and to represent the people of La Verendrye.

As we move into session, I look for

ward to working with my colleagues in our PC Government to make life more affordable for all Manitobans.

This past month, our government announced a reduction to rental rates for Agricultural Crown Lands in the province due to difficult weather con ditions over the past year that have hindered productivity and capacity.

This rent reduction includes 50 per cent reduction in 2023, a 33 per cent reduction 2024, and finally a 15 per cent reduction in 2025. To help make this accessible and as painless as possible, leaseholders do not need to apply for the reduction, it will be automatically applied.

Our government will also begin looking into additional changes to help leaseholders invest in produc tivity and adjustments to the terms and conditions of leases.

We care about agriculture and farmers, who make up the backbone of our great Province’s economy, and our government, will do what we can to help when times are tough.

We welcome all thoughts on these changes, which can be voiced through our survey on engagemb.ca/ agcl-forage-leases.

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

Province Investing Almost $27 Million for Construction Project on Provincial Trunk Highway 12

The Manitoba government is in vesting $26.9 million for a recon struction project on a segment of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 12.

“Our government continues to make strategic infrastructure in vestments to build and maintain a safe, reliable highway network,” said Transportation and Infra structure Minister Doyle Piwniuk. “Upgrades to PTH 12 were pro posed as part of our Trade and Commerce Grid and I am pleased to announce a $26.9 million finan cial commitment for the project.

The roadway will be reconstructed to accommodate increased com

mercial loads and meet current and future traffic volumes.”

The minister noted the project will reconstruct the section of PTH 12 between the Trans-Can ada Highway and PTH 15, which has experienced rapid deteriora tion and rutting due to increased traffic volumes in recent years.

The project includes pulveriz ing the existing surface, applying bituminous pavement and widen ing the shoulders to meet current standards. The project will also improve the intersection at Pro vincial Road 501, rehabilitate a railway crossing, and improve drainage in the area as required.

Legislative Session to Focus on Safety, Healthcare, Jobs and Helping Families

With the Provincial MLAs returning back to the legislature, Steinbach MLA and government house leader Kelvin Goertzen said the govern ment has identified certain priorities that will benefit Manitobans.

“Our government is united and ready to continue working hard for all Manitobans,” said Goert zen. “We’re focused on making life more affordable, reducing di agnostic and surgical wait times, making our communities safer, and creating jobs.

“Premier Heather Stefanson and our government have spent the summer getting out to many Mani toba communities and listening to Manitobans. We’ve heard what their priorities are and will take ac tion to address those concerns,” he added.

As part of the Manitoba gov ernment’s ongoing effort to help families make ends meet, the government recently unveiled an $87-million Family Affordability Package to immediately provide families with children, seniors liv ing on a fixed income and Mani tobans who are hurting the most, with benefits to help ease the bur den of rising costs and high infla tion, Goertzen noted.

These affordability cheques are

beginning to be mailed.

Goertzen said this builds on the government’s historic tax relief measures, such as the $2,020 tax rollback guarantee, which has now exceeded $2,400 or $4,800 for a two-income family, he added.

Some of these relief initiatives include expanding the child-care subsidy program; phasing out of education property taxes; intro ducing a new residential renters’ tax credit; and providing rebate cheques to vehicle owners through Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Our government is also making progress in making our communi ties safer,” Goertzen said. “Over the summer, the new Scrap Metal Act came into effect, which has seen a rapid decline in car part thefts. We have also advocated for changes to the Criminal Code, such as stronger bail require ments for violent offenders using knives and stronger enforcement for criminals using bear spray as a weapon.”

As the fall session starts, Mani tobans can be assured that health care, affordability, job creation, and community safety remain top priorities, Goertzen noted.

The fourth session of the 42nd legislature began last week.

The project will reconstruct the section of PTH 12 between the Trans-Canada High way and PTH 15.

Retiring Councillor Leaves Legacy and Advice for Those Elected

By Dan Guetre

After spending 16 years and 4 terms on his municipal council, Bob Brandt from the RM of Ha nover made a personal decision to see what a fresh perspective would look like in his ward and municipality.

“It was time to leave as at my age there would be younger guys with new ideas and ambitions,” explained Brandt. “If I would have run another term I would be approaching 80 at the end of the four year term. I wanted to take some time off, travel and do some fishing and spend some time with the family.”

Brandt represented Ward 3 residents in Hanover.

On Council Brandt has served on the Planning committee, spent the last 4 years on the Fi nance and Administration Com mittee and served as Chair for the last 2 years. During this last term, Brandt was back on Plan ning as Committee Chair.

Additionally, Brandt served on the Board of Directors of the Seine Rat River Conserva tion District. He was also Chair Sub District 8 of the Conserva tion District. Drainage, water retention, water control and the preservation and development of wetlands are becoming more important in the region.

There were some unique chal lenges facing the RM of Ha nover council when Brandt was elected in 2006.

“When our council took over in 2006 it was a wholesale change,” said Brandt. “We had five new council members and a new Reeve.”

“Our communities couldn’t grow as our lagoons were un dersized,” added Brandt.

Instead of sitting on an eco nomically stagnant region, the new council worked out a plan to ensure long-term growth.

“We borrowed the money and built four new lagoons and im mediately these communities grew as the infrastructure was in place,” Brandt explained. “Just look at the growth in Kleefeld, New Bothwell, Mitchell and Blumenort. As per our calcula tions the population in the RM is approaching 20,000.”

Brandt is proud of the accom plishments of the municipal ity as the region realized added potential and it developed both residentially and commercially.

“We pushed hard for more commercial development in the RM so there would be jobs for our young people,” he said.

Brandt also spoke of just a couple of other developments

including a splash pad and firehall in Blumenort to serve the growing area.

“The crowning achievement is the recent announcement for the Re gional Waste water treatment plant so we don’t depend on lagoons any more,” he continued. “This is a re gional approach showing how RM‘s can work together.”

The unprecedented partnership of the new waste water cooperative encompasses the RMs of Hanover, Tache, and Ritchot, and the Town of Niverville.

“There are many more things that council achieved in the last 16 years not the least is that we were able to achieve a lot of our goals with sound fiscal management,” added Brandt, “and were able to build up our reserves so we could do projects without borrowing money at every turn.”

Taking a step back after more than a decade and a half as a councillor does come with some mixed feel ings.

“I will miss the camaraderie we developed at council level and the common goals we as council had for the good of the whole municipal ity,” said Brandt. “[But] I will not miss some of negativity displayed on social media although there was surprisingly little of it considering the volume and scope of things we were doing.”

Brandt has some suggestions for those who win their seats to form the next councils on October 26.

“The most important is that you view the good of the municipality as a whole and not get stuck with just one issue only or ‘just my ward only syndrome’,” he advised. “You need to remember, you are a councillor for the whole municipality.”

He also suggested you take the time to listen to people so you can understand where they are coming from. Both residents and business es need to have their concerns and ideas heard.

“Also learn to work with your fel low council members,” he stressed. “Learn to work with your neigh bours and think regionally. We are all stronger if we work together. There are many projects that can only be accomplished as we work together as a region.”

“As we work together we will at tract more industry into our area,” he believes. “Here in the southeast we have an abundance of good wa ter and reasonable power rates so we should be able to attract more in dustry as long as our taxation levels remain low.”

In his bio on the RM of Hanover website, Brandt says it best… “You must always remember that on your tenure on Council to leave our RM a better place than where we started from.”

After spending 16 years and 4 terms on his municipal council, Bob Brandt from the RM of Hanover made a personal decision to see what a fresh perspective would look like in his ward and municipality. File photo

The St. Adolphe Farmer’s Market Evolves

By Angelique Forest

The St. Adolphe Market is a notfor-profit organization run by three friends from the community, Kira, Donna and Amy.

“We are completely volunteer run with all our fees going towards the Market and the Community,” ex plained Kira Lynn, one of the orga nizers for the Market. “We usually have four markets in the summer and a Christmas Market in Decem ber.”

September 25 marked the final outdoor market this summer and attention was given to make it a memorable one.

“We had an opportunity to relocate to the St. Adolphe River Park,” said

plan the final market and relocate, “We decided to make it the biggest and most family fun one yet.”

The small group spent hours dedi cated to planning, contacting ven dors with an additional flair on the family fun aspect.

With the help of the RM, Kira and her partners were able to bring life to the River Park site.

“As vendors started to arrive at 7:30 am, we could see the park be come what we had envisioned,” she recounted. “With the addition of the Car Show, Face Painting, and Bouncy Castle, we were amazed at what we saw come 10 am when the Market opened.”

“Streams of customers from all over Manitoba came to see our

event and shop local,” she said. “We want to thank everyone that has come to support our market and watch us grow over the years.”

With summer in the rear view mirror, the group is already working on their next event. It will be hosted on December 3 and 4 from 10 am to 4 pm in the St. Adolphe Arena Upper Hall. There will be 30 vendors per day.

You can follow the St. Adol phe Market on social media “St Adolphe Market” on Instagram or Facebook. They also have a website stadolphemarket. square.site where you can sign up for their newsletter.

Newly Named Farmers’ Market in Support of Kids a Huge Success

By Angelique Forest

The Farmers’ Market 4 Kids in St. Malo was held during the Saturdays between mid-June and September Long weekend at the Arena where vendors had the choice of setting up shop outside or inside. Organizers recently changed its name from Mar ket 4 Kids to add “Farmer’s” due to the possible confusion around a kid’s market, rather than a market to sup port the kids.

“About 80% of the businesses chose to set up indoors,” said Jodi La France, thankful for the opportunity to have the space. “Most shoppers and vendors appreciated the option to be indoors as it mitigated bugs and was a nice break from the heat or when it was raining. Many campers from the campgrounds would come to shop to get out of the rain.”

An average of 300 people attended most Saturdays, with one Saturday bringing over 500.

All profits for the season were donated to Ecole St. Malo School, a hefty $8,500. Half of the profits came from the vendors, while the other half were charitable donations collected.

The final Saturday included addition al family fun with face painting and a fire truck for the kids to check out.

“We are hoping to make the final market a little bigger next year and we have some ideas that are be ing tossed around,” said La France.

“Next year’s market will be dis cussed in early 2023.”

The group who managed the event are hopeful they can build on the success.

“There were a lot of lessons learned, as it was our first market season and none of us had ever organised some

thing like this before,” said La France. “We received a lot of feedback both positive and negative, but one thing I have learned is you cannot make ev eryone happy.”

Picture courtesy of Kira Lynn

summer

attention was given to make it a memorable one.

Pictures courtesy of Jodi La France

The group who managed the event are hopeful they can build on the success.

Safe Families Steinbach Receives Large Donation from HyLife

By Angelique Forest

Safe Families - Steinbach Chapter has received $40,000 from HyLife to support their programs.

HyLife made the donation following their September held Fun Days. A key part of the Hy Life Fun Days is to raise money through its employees and part ners.

Safe Families will use the funds for programs including transi tional housing for young adults in need.

“Life is challenging for youth from hard backgrounds as they move away from the safety net available to them as children and teens into a new world of adults,” explained Safe Families in a statement. “They still need so much support, and the dona tion from HyLife will begin our journey of creating supportive transitional housing for young adults in need.”

South Eastman Rotary Supports Arts Wellness Programming

Matching funds worth $3,000 from Rotary District 5550 will support the Steinbach Arts Council in the difficult to fund area of staff expense, and allow them to compensate and develop the leaders of tomorrow. The relief on the budget in this area will additionally allow their valued administration to invest more time in developing the curriculum as it relates to all areas of arts instruction, which is a strategic priority as they work towards overall program quality and growth.

The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) provides free after school arts programs for youth grades 5-12, along with art classes, theatre/dance/music classes, language and culinary classes, and physical wellness programming.

South Eastman Rotary members, alongside SAC leadership believe that experiences in the arts build a person’s ability to acknowledge and understand emotional and psychologi cal experiences, building empathy and understanding, and contributing to the overall men tal wellness of those who engage in artistic experiences at the Steinbach Arts Council.

Safe Families - Steinbach Chapter has received $40,000 from HyLife to support their programs.

Photo from Facebook

David Klassen (SAC), Jo-Anne Dalton (Rotary) and Dennis Schroeder (Rotary).

Steinbach Chamber of Commerce Hands Out Business Awards

By Angelique Forest

Each year, the Steinbach Cham ber of Commerce hosts a ceremony to celebrate the hard work that busi nesses and non-profit organizations do. From community involvement, to future leader and non-profit excellence awards, the Chamber highlights those in the community that give back in different ways. This year’s award ceremony was held at the Friedensfeld Commu nity Centre.

The Community Involvement Award recognizes a business or or ganization who has demonstrated leadership, made significant con tributions to improve the well-be ing of the community and promotes

community involvement as part of their corporate culture. This year’s recipient was Sobeys in Steinbach.

The Customer Service Award is presented to a business recognized by the public for the outstanding quality and consistency of their cus tomer service. This year’s recipient was Denver’s Window Cleaning Services Inc.

The Non-Profit Excellence Award recognizes a non-profit organiza tion that is known for enhancing the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of the community. This non-profit or ganization has been successful in achieving their vision and mandate, as evidenced by the quality of the

organization’s programs and services, as well as its innovative practices. Safe Families Steinbach Chapter claimed the award for 2022.

The Business of the Year Award recognizes a small, medium, and large business that exemplify excellence in most, if not all, in Growth and Stability, Innovation, Quality of Product and/or Service, Human Resource Practices and Commitment to Community and/or Indus try. This year’s recipients are Old Church Bakery, Unger Feeds & Meats, and Loewen Windows and Doors.

The Community Involvement Award recognizes a business or organization who has demonstrated leadership, made significant con tributions to improve the well-being of the community and promotes community involvement as part of their corporate culture. This year’s recipient was Sobeys in Steinbach.

Photos Steinbach Chamber of Commerce / Facebook

With a municipal and school board election approaching on Wednesday, October 26 this is your opportunity to help influence the direction you want to see our councils and trustees steer towards. Taxation, municipal services, economic development and the development of our youth through the education system are just a few issues we should be asking our candidates and then holding the winners accountable throughout the next four years. Below is a list of candidates whose votes at their relevant council, committee and school board meetings should be an honest reflection of the majority of their constituents. Take some time and reach out to the candidates. This has a two-fold benefit… you can evaluate where the candidate stands on issues important to you and you can additionally open their eyes and ears to your concerns.

RM of Ritchot

Mayor

Chris Ewen (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

Ward 1

Shane Pelletier (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 2

Jason Bodnarchuk

Ron Mamchuk (Incumbent)

Ward 3

Curtis Claydon (Incumbent)

Joel Lemoine

Ward 4

Janine Boulanger (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

RM of Hanover

Reeve

Donald Bouchard

Jim Funk Ward 1

Travis Doerksen (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 2

Brian Esau (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 3

Nathan Froese Roger Harder

Roberto Hiebert Ward 4

John Giesbrecht (Incumbent) Ed Penner

Ward 5

Darrin Warkentin (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 6

Curtis Dawydiuk - Acclaimed

LUD of Blumenort

Roger Dueck - Acclaimed Kevin Medeiros (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Floyd Penner - Acclaimed

LUD of Grunthal

Anita Funk

Thomas Guenther

Paul Perreault

Jay Peters

LUD of Kleefeld

Travis Fehr - Acclaimed

Dawn Oude Voshaar - Acclaimed Randy Peters - Acclaimed

LUD of Mitchell

Tim Fehr - Acclaimed

Cliff Froese (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Brad Kehler (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

LUD of New Bothwell

Irma Friesen - Acclaimed Rob Hiebert - Acclaimed Ernest Kehler - Acclaimed

VOTE October 26

RM of La Broquerie Reeve

Ivan Normandeau Lewis Weiss (Incumbent)

Ward 1 (Three to be elected)

Alvin Derksen (Incumbent)

Benno Friesen

Chantele Gouliquer

Jason Hiebert John Letkeman (Incumbent)

Andy Loewen

Darrell Unger (Incumbent) Ward 2 (Three to be elected) Paul Gauthier (Incumbent) Timo Gerzen Fernand Piché Laurent Tetrault (Incumbent)

LUD of La Broquerie

Gaetan Bisson - Acclaimed Richard Lafreniere - Acclaimed Ron Vielfaure - Acclaimed

Town of Niverville Mayor

Myron Dyck (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Council (Four to be elected)

Jason Alderson

Meaghan Beasant Nathan Dueck (Incumbent)

Bill Fast John Funk (Incumbent) Kevin Stott (Incumbent) Chris Wiebe (Incumbent)

City of Steinbach Mayor

Earl Funk (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Council (Six to be elected)

Bill Hiebert (Incumbent) Jake Hiebert (Incumbent)

Shawn Liska

Damian Penner (Incumbent) Susan Penner (Incumbent) Jac Siemens (Incumbent) Michael Zwaagstra (Incumbent)

RM of Tache

Mayor

Justin Bohemier (Incumbent)

Armand Poirier Ward 1

Steven Bowker

Jacques Trudeau (Incumbent) Ward 2

George Mcgregor (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 3 Dawn Braden Andrea Clarke Ward 4

Colleen Jolicoeur

Robert Plett Steven Stein (Incumbent) Ward 5 Victor Black (Incumbent) Vern Greenway Marcel Manaigre Shonna Peitsch Ward 6 Natashia Lapeire (Incumbent) Ken Lucko

LUD of Landmark

Brent Beltz (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Jason Miller (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Nicolle Moskven - Acclaimed

LUD of Lorette

Andrea Czarnecki Phil Johnson (Incumbent) Allan Rau Vendy Sarrasin

RM of Ste Anne

Reeve

Richard Pelletier Paul Saindon (Incumbent) Ward 1

Sarah Normandeau (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 2

Jake Reimer (Incumbent)

Kyle Wackzo Ward 3

Brent Wery (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 4 Bradley Ingles (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 5 Robert Sarrasin (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 6 Randy Eros (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

LUD of Richer

Norm Bremaud (Incumbent) - Acclaimed John Lenton (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Jessica Ostrowski - Acclaimed

Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!Dawson Trail Dispatch

Town of Ste Anne Mayor

Yvan St Vincent - Acclaimed Council (Four to be elected)

Lyle Davis

Jason Einarson

Cornie Klassen

Jeremy Wiens

Krystyn Zaretski

Village of St Pierre-Jolys

Mayor

Raymond Maynard (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Council

Michel Forest (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

Suzanne Jolicoeur (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Marc Proulx (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

Maureen Sicotte (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

RM of De Salaberry

Reeve

Darrel Cure (Incumbent) - Acclaimed

Dufrost Ward (Two to be elected)

Bruno Hebert

Johnny Lahaie

Wain Wiwsionski

Otterburne Ward (Two to be elected)

Diana Cline

Louis Courcelles

Marie Lefevre

St Malo Ward (Two to be elected)

Gilbert Forest

Charlene Geiler Gaby Tetrault

LUD of St Malo

Maurice Comeault - Acclaimed James Gosselin - Acclaimed Francois Lambert - Acclaimed

Hanover School Division

Ward 1

West: Niverville, Bothwell, Kleefeld, Crystal Springs Jeff Friesen - Acclaimed Dallas Wiebe - Acclaimed Ward 2

North: Landmark, Blumenort, Mitchell (Two to be elected) Sue Doerksen

Charmaine Toews

Shayne Barkman Ward 3

Steinbach (Four to be elected)

Lynn Barkman

Elma Blatz Ron Falk

Danielle Funk

Mark Peters

Brett Siemens

Brad Unger Ward 4 South - Grunthal Cheryl Froese - Acclaimed

RM of Stuartburn

Reeve Michelle Gawronsky

David Kiansky (Incumbent)

Ward 1

Dan Bodz

Jacob Penner Ward 2

Dylan Gurman

Tammy Tostowaryk

Tim Wiebe Ward 3

Jake Fehr

Micheal Paciorka Ward 4 Jon Mellor - Acclaimed

RM of Reynolds

Reeve

Russ Gawluk – Acclaimed Ward 1

Jessica Thurston – Acclaimed Ward 2

Curtis Buley Sarah Couture Ward 3

Curt Stelmack – Acclaimed Ward 4

Blaine Webster – Acclaimed Ward 5 Holley Gulenchyn Michael Huzel Ward 6 Bert Kuypers

Kimberly Zalitach Ward 7 Walter Kuchar Trudy Turchyn Harriet Yarmill

Seine River School Division

Ward 1

Wendy Bloomfield - Acclaimed Gary Nelson - Acclaimed Warren Reavely - Acclaimed Ward 2

Vicky Kiansky - Acclaimed Christine Roskos - Acclaimed Ward 3 (Three to be elected)

Theresa Bergson

Katie Howe

Robert Rivard

Sajda Siemens

2022

RM of Emerson/Franklin

Reeve

Dave Carlson (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 1

Kim French

Todd Nichols (Incumbent) Ward 2

Brian Grier (Incumbent) Ron Mihaychuk

Ward 3

Orest Kuryk (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 4

Tony Dujlovic (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 5

Dennis Weiss (Incumbent) - Acclaimed Ward 6 (Two to be elected)

Doug Johnston

Brenda Large Jeff Rodewald

LUD of Emerson

Jay Ihme - Acclaimed

RM of Piney

Reeve

Wayne Anderson - Acclaimed Ward 1

Ken Prociw - Acclaimed Ward 2

Dale Edbom - Acclaimed Ward 3 David Beaudry

Jakob Dyck Ward 4 Mark Bernard - Acclaimed

Red River Valley School Division

Ward 1

Gord Mosset Barbara Joy Siemens Ward 2

Lorelee Malkoske - Acclaimed Ward 3

Vacant Ward 4 Fred Kelesnik - Acclaimed Ward 5

Heather Poirier - Acclaimed Ward 6

Lise Verrier

Trina Wall

Candace Jorgenson - Acclaimed Ward 7 Sara Hrynenko - Acclaimed Commission scolaire franco-manitobaine

East Region (Three to be elected)

Roxane Dupuis

Rhéal Gagnon Yolande Dupuis (incumbent) David Vielfaure (incumbent)

GST Credit Extra Payment; New Dental & Housing Benefits

In September, the federal government announced some new and additional ben efits for lower income Canadians.

There will be an extra GST payment made before the end of the year. We still do not know when exactly it will be.

The intention of the extra payment is to support those most affected by inflation; the government is proposing to double the GST Credit for six months, which would deliver $2.5 billion in additional targeted support to current GST credit recipi ents.

The normal GST quarterly payment will be made on October 8 2022 and the next regular payment will be January 2023; and the extra GST payment will be made likely before Christmas.

GST Basics

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit helps offset the financial impact of the GST for low- and modest-income individuals and families. The Credit is paid quarterly in January, April, July, and October. The GST credit is recalculated each July after the previous calendar year’s taxes are processed by CRA Canada Rev enue Agency.

The total annual value of the GST Credit depends on family size and income. For the July 2022 through April 2023 benefit year, eligible people can receive the annual amount up to: - $467 for singles without children; - $612 for married or common-law partners; - $612 for single parents; plus - $161 for each child under the age of 19.

To ensure the GST Credit is targeted to those who need it most, those with family net income of less than $39,826 in 2021 receive the full credit amount. Above this income level, the GST credit amount is gradually lowered as income increases. The full phasing out depends on family type – for instance, it is fully phased out at about $49,200 for a single person without children, and at about $58,500 for a couple with two children.

Extra GST Credit

The proposed extra GST Credit amounts will be paid to all current recipients through the existing GST Credit system as a one-time, lump-sum payment before the end of the year.

Recipients do not need to apply for the additional payment

It is estimated that 11 million individuals and families will benefit from this ad ditional support, including about nine million single people and almost two million couples. In total, this represents more than half of Canadian seniors.

Canada Dental Benefit

We are still waiting for a few more details on this new benefit, but it is definitely good news for low-income families.

The federal government announced a new dental benefit to children under 12 who do not have dental insurance. Starting October 1 2022 up to $650 per year per child will be available to pay for dental care service. Family income needs to be under $90,000. This is the first stage of benefits as the government develops a comprehensive dental care program.

There will be some type of application and reimbursement process, but we do not have any information yet.

Save your dental receipts for service starting October 1 2022! Most of you already do for income tax purposes, but make sure you keep your dental invoices and proof of payment for dental service for your children under 12; for future re imbursement by the federal government.

Canada Housing Benefit

The third announcement was a $500 Canada Housing Benefit for renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. The process is unknown at this time.

This benefit will be available to individuals with income under $20,000 and fami lies with income under $35,000, who pay at least 30% of their income on rent.

There will likely be an application form required with full information about your landlord.

Your landlord should have been providing you receipts for the amount of rent you paid; and the landlord should have been reporting the income on their own tax returns.

As more information about the dental plan and the housing benefit are known, we will be sure to share with our faithful readers.

Anni Markmann is a Personal Income Tax Professional and Certified Financial Planner; living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact Ste Anne Tax Service at 204-422-6631 (phone or text!) or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne (near Co-op) or info@sataxes.ca.

Funding Received to Improve Safety of Prawda Bridge

By Angelique Forest

A bridge that is important to both the RM of Stuartburn and the RM of Emerson-Franklin is scheduled to receive some necessary upgrades thanks to multiple levels of governments coming together to pick up the financial tab originally project ed at a little over $780,000.

The Prawda Bridge is jointly maintained by both rural mu nicipalities and spans the Rat River.

The RM of Stuartburn was successful in getting a grant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program where

60% of the project cost will be paid by the federal government. The Province of Manitoba will pick up 33.33% of the costs leaving the municipal level on the hook for only 6.67% of the project cost or just a touch over $52,000. The RMs of Stuartburn and Emerson-Franklin will split this cost as this is a shared intermunicipal bridge.

“There were some erosion issues and some cracks in the concrete abutments along with missing guard rails, etc,” said Lucie Maynard, CAO of the RM of Stuartburn. “Both municipal ities thought if we could get a

Steinbach Annual Burger Days Champions Crowned

By Angelique Forest

Steinbach Chamber of Commerce hosted Steinbach Burger Days for the 5th successful year in a row.

Fifteen local restaurants participated in 2022’s challenge and brought a variety of flavours and savours to the table. The community had the op portunity to go online after tasting one of the burgers to vote for the best burgers in town.

The annual event supports local restaurants and brings people out to try something new.

The categories were for the best tasting, most creative and the best presented burgers.

The Best Tasting Burger 2022 Grand Cham pion was Di Reggae Grill, with the Reserve Grand Champion honour going to Santa Lucia.

The Most Creative Burger of 2022 belonged to Burrito Hut, with MJ’s Kafe as a close sec ond. The Best Presentation recipient was Bigg Smoak BBQ, with Doener Grill Express as the runner up. Additionally, 3 people were chosen to win a $100 each for posting about burger days at #SteinbachBurgerDays.

Winnipeg Police Officer Dead Shortly After Being Charged with Child Pornography

A Winnipeg Police officer is dead after being released by a judge after the RCMP executed a search warrant on his Ile des Chenes residence where he was arrested at the scene and charged with possessing, accessing and distributing child pornography.

The Manitoba RCMP Internet Child Exploita tion Unit (ICE) received several complaints from the RCMP National Child Exploitation Crime Centre regarding the possession of child pornog raphy in southern Manitoba.

As a result of the complaint, on September 22, the ICE unit and the RCMP Digital Forensics Services Unit executed a search warrant on 39year-old Yvan Corriveau’s residence.

Corriveau had been a Winnipeg Police officer for 15 years.

grant we would change it.”

“We were successful in the grant application, and with funding of this nature, we would be silly not to go ahead with the project,” added Maynard.

Maynard clarified that the bridge is not failing, but this op portunity allows the municipal ity to be proactive rather than being reactive.

“The bridge is still in decent condition, no immediate con cerns for traffic,” assured May nard.

While the original cost esti mate has increased a slightly between applying for the grants

and the tender procedure, the municipalities feel this should not affect their ability to see this project through to the end.

“The tender has come in high er than anticipated and currently any overages must be covered by the applicant,” explained May nard. “The RM of Stuartburn will be trying to see if the other two levels of government will reconsider since the pandemic has driven costs much higher than when we originally applied for the grant with the estimate we had at the time.”

The goal is to complete the licensing part which started in

September and move on to ac tual construction starting in October. Maynard is confident the project will be substantially completed by March 31, 2023 but delays may be inevitable as more traffic has been utilizing this route, avoiding construction on Highway 59.

“If we started the project to day, I think there would be way too many [affected] people to count due to the Highway 59 work,” explained Maynard about the project timeframe. “Many people are choosing to avoid Highway 59 and use the intermunicipal [route] instead.”

Creating Regional Transit Opportunities for Southeast Manitoba

The RM of Piney and Eco-West Canada are working on a regional, collaborative approach to complete a needs assessment of transit ser vice in southeast Manitoba (east of the Red River and south of the TransCanada Highway).

They recently hosted a meeting in Steinbach to formally launch the initiative and to begin the process to collect feedback from commu nity residents, businesses and lead ers. This feedback will form the basis to determine transit needs and possible solutions across a wide re gion covering over 17 municipali ties and First Nation communities.

The proponents believe that creating a focused regional transit strategy will ignite connections for residents of all ages and in particu lar the area’s vulnerable popula tions.

“Transportation supports the abil ity to age in one’s own community, attend medical appointments, go to work and school, do some shop ping, gain access to services not available locally, and to socialize – or connect – with others,” they explained in a written statement.

“Ultimately, a solid and flex ible transit strategy will enable our smaller communities to thrive. Ac

cess to affordable and sustainable transportation options is becoming increasingly important to address the rising senior and newly arrived immigrant populations and cost of fuel, while also investigating alter natives such as EVs and charging infrastructure,” continued the state ment.

“Public transportation isn’t only for people living in cities, it’s a ser vice deserving of all Manitobans, both rural and urban. Improving public transit is about giving resi dents of Southeast Manitoba the freedom of equal access to social, health and economic opportunities

that enhances our quality of life,” said Melanie Parent, a councillor with the RM of Piney. “’Igniting Connections’ is a regional initia tive that helps’ advance the many transportation goals and needs of residents throughout Southeast Manitoba. Municipalities, First Na tions, Communities and our part ners should be proud to be involved in such a monumental goal.”

Project organizers will be visit ing several communities this fall to gather their feedback, which will provide a more complete under standing of the region’s ridership profile and priorities. Topics such

as ‘Where do you travel, why and how often?’, and ‘What are your barriers to efficient and effective transportation?’ are just some areas of discussion that will be covered.

“We believe quite strongly that transit and mobility are fundamen tal to the development of resilient and sustainable rural communi ties,” said Dany Robidoux, execu tive director of Eco-West Canada. “However, we also understand how the barriers of place-based dif ferences are a major challenge to overcome for rural communities wanting to transition to greener modes of transportation.”

RM of De Salaberry Standardises Advertising and Donation Policy

By Angelique Forest

A new Corporate Sponsorship Advertising and Donation Policy has come into effect for the RM of De Salaberry. This has been put together by the municipality to facilitate the application process for fundraising initiatives to come.

“The Corporate Sponsorship advertising and do nation policy has been drafted to provide a frame work for future fundraising initiatives that we are planning for the St. Malo Arena Renovations and any other initiatives that may be undertaken by the RM,” said CAO Denise Parent. “We wanted to en sure consistency in application for our potential do nors and recognition. This would also increase the fairness to applicants and improve efficiency when processing the applications.”

For additional questions or concerns, or to learn how you can access the policy, contact the RM of De Salaberry at info@rmdesalaberry.mb.ca or by phone at 204-433-7406.

Drop-Off Depot at enVision’s Eastman Recycling Services Closing in October

As part of the winding down of operations an nounced by enVision’s Eastman Recycling Services in January 2022, plans are now underway to close the Drop-Off Depot at the 60 Industrial Road loca tion in Steinbach.

Effective October 17, Eastman Recycling Services will no longer accept materials for drop off. This includes all regular recyclable materials as well as electronics.

As of October 17, regular recyclables can be dropped off at Steinbach Landfill. Electronic items can be dropped off at Bristal Hauling in Niverville. enVision would like to thank the people of Stein bach and the surrounding rural municipalities, for 30 years of support, and commitment to reducing the volume of material entering the waste stream.

Podium Finishes for Richert in Czech Republic

er David Richert fought his way to two 2nd place finishes at mid-September’s Masaryk Racing Days in Brno, Czech Republic.

Race 1 of the Drexler Au tomotive Formula 3 Cup took place on Saturday with Richert

able to overtake several cars at the start. A race-long battle ensued with Richert able to hold off Czech driver Jan Ma tyas for 2nd place.

In Sunday’s Race 2, Richert was again able to capitalize on a strong start and quickly drove away to seal his second podium

finish of the weekend.

“It was a challenging race weekend and I feel like we’ve taken a big step for ward in terms of our prepa ration and race pace,” said Richert. “Thanks to every one at Franz Woss Racing for all the hard work.”

Species at Risk Spotlight: Eastern Wood-pewee

By Norm Gregoire

As October begins many of us start to think of the inevitable winter ahead. In Manitoba you must prepare. It’s time to put on the winter tires, make sure last year’s winter clothes are still in good order, and for those who heat with wood, we have to make sure we have enough to see us through to warmer days. For some this yearly ritual becomes a little much to deal with so we head south, where we can relax without having to think, “I hope the car starts tomorrow morning.”

We sometimes use the term “snowbird” for these folks who flock to the south, which is in reference to the millions of birds that migrate to escape the cold as well. However, these birds don’t have the luxury of taking a commercial flight or driving down in an RV but instead mustdodge manmade structures and predators, fly through unpredictable weather, and face countless other challenges.

For one of our at-risk species, the eastern wood-pewee, they must face this all while fly ing over 7,000 km to their overwintering grounds in South America!

The eastern wood-pewee may have an inconspicuous look at first glance. They have dark grey upperparts with a light breast which occasionally has a light-yellow tone. The long wings have noticeable white bars on them and like most members of the flycatcher family; sometimes a peak is visible on the head. They are slightly larger than a sparrow. What sets the eastern wood-pewee apart from other flycatchers is its call, a slurred “pee-a-wee”.

Flycatchers are one of my favourite families of birds to watch. In the case of the eastern wood-pewee, they are most often observed hunting near an opening adjacent to a decidu ous forest. They perch on a dead branch in the mid-canopy and make entertaining flights out to pick off insect prey mid-air. While raising young, they take over one insect a minute!

A great neighbour to have in your yard.

A three-inch cup-like nest is built in trees or saplings to raise the young and is a mix of twigs, grass, and bark fibres.To camouflage the nest, the adults will cover the exterior with lichen.The monogamous pair will incubate two to four cream-coloured eggs in about two weeks time, and it takes another two weeks to fledge the chicks.

There are approximately 200,000 breeding pairs of eastern wood-pewee in Canada. This seems like a healthy number but consider that since 1970 there has been an annual loss of three percent. The struggles that come with a long migration play a role in declining num bers, as does the loss of habitat in both the summer and winter range and the shifting pat terns of insect prey.

October is a great month to turn our heads to the sky and enjoy the varied birdlife that flies by. It can be bittersweet knowing that you won’t be seeing these migrants until warmer weather returns, and this is especially true for species that are at risk of disappearing like the eastern wood-pewee. Here is to seeing them again soon.

For further information contact Norm Gre goire at sarcommunityliaison@gmail.com.

Niverville area race car driver, David Richert, fought his way to two 2nd place finishes at midSeptember’s Masaryk Racing Days in Brno, Czech Republic. Submitted photos

In Sunday’s Race 2, Richert was again able to capitalize on a strong start and quickly drove away to seal his second podium finish of the weekend.

The Dawn of Middle Age-ness

evitable but it still seemed to catch me by surprise now that it has occurred. It seems that I have reached the age of the middle, that’s right... middle age.

I believe that it has finally hap pened. After all these years, it has finally begun. I guess it was in

Sure, my children’s friends and random teenagers have been calling me Sir for awhile now but I thought that it was more due to respect and the very large age difference between us. To be completely honest, I am totally

fine with people calling me Sir, I would even allow them to call me Sire if they should feel the urge or need to do so. I do find it odd when someone older than I calls me Sir. That just doesn’t seem right but I think it has to do with their upbring ing in showing respect to others.

Recently though, an event oc curred that brought my middle age-ness to the front of my mind. I was at the gas station; I was inside paying for the gas when the young woman behind the counter called me Sir (which I was fine with) but the look in her eyes. Oh the look

in her eyes! This polite young woman was looking at me like I was her grandfather. Her grandfa ther! While it has been years since a woman has looked at me with those come-get-me-eyes (which is okay since my wife would not care for the competition) and this wom an was much too young for my middle age-ness, the look shook me to my core. Even though this was the first time that I’ve noticed it, the first time with anything of ten leads to more of them. It does make me wonder, since when have the younger generation begun look

ing upon me as though I am a man of advanced age? I figured that I would’ve had another decade left to go.

Sigh, don’t worry about me Dear Readers, I’ll be alright. I think that maybe I’ll just wrap a shawl around my shoulders, go out onto the front porch and watch the cars go by as I rock on my sturdy wooden rock ing chair.

Or... maybe I’ll just get over it and go on about my days.

Time will tell.

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

New Digital Speed Reader Signs Go Up in St. Adolphe

By Angelique Forest

The RM of Ritchot has followed through with their promise to remind drivers to avoid speeding through the community of St. Adolphe with the adoption of new speed reader signs near the south entrance of town.

“The speed radar has been on council’s agenda for a while now as we continue to see and hear from residents of the excessive speeding in the area,” said Mayor Chris Ewan.

“…it has just always been an issue and without more police presence in the area, we hope that these radars will add as a reminder that this is a commu nity with pedestrians and to be mindful of the rules of the road,” he added.

With increased staffing problems within the RCMP announced recently, Councillor Ron Mamchuk is happy with the additional help with speeders.

The staffing shortage is widespread and not look ing to get better for years to come as they work to wards replacing a retiring generation.

After some negotiation, the province approved the usage of the signs as the main street in the com munity falls under their jurisdiction. Additionally, the municipality has been pre-approved to rotate the sign to four additional locations. The municipality has been advised to move the sign quarterly in order for it to remain effective, according to Mamchuk.

New

Eat Local on a Budget - Part 4 Get Started with Milling Your Own Flour

By Leah Bouchard

You may notice a certain aroma when you drive past a grain field at this time of year. It’s the smell of grain ripening. The scent reminds me that it’s time to stock up on our families’ yearly supply of grain.

We started grinding grain into our own flour five years ago and never have looked back. Although mak ing flour may not fit everyone’s lifestyle, if you are an avid bread baker, and are interested in maximizing health or economy of your household’s grain intake, getting started with milling your own flour may be a perfect fit for you.

Benefits of Home-Ground Flour

First off, home-ground flour, consumed shortly af ter grinding, has a much higher nutrient content than store bought flour - which has usually been ground an unspecified time ago. Vitamins and other nutrients in the grain begin to break down as soon as the kernel is broken.

True, often synthetic vitamins are added to store bought flours, but if you’re like me, you much prefer the real thing. Because of this, home-ground flours boast much better flavour and quality than store bought counterparts.

On a budget, home-ground flour also shines. With grain having a shelf life of up to 10 years, even if you do not consume a whole lot of bread, buying bulk grains will save you money in the long run.

Another attractive reason to switch to home-ground is the wide variety of grains and options that can be explored. This may be especially beneficial for those who follow a gluten free diet, or those who may be sensitive to glyphosate and prefer organic grains. I love to experiment with a wide variety of grains in my baking, such as spelt, red fife, buckwheat and einkorn.

How to Get Started

Upfront, you may need to invest in a home flour mill. For smaller amounts, a good quality coffee grinder can work, or even a high-powered blender, like Vitamix or Blendtec, may help you get started. But if you bake a lot, a dedicated mill becomes invaluable. (Many grain mills can also grind legumes, and even oily seeds and nuts.) Mills can be manual or electric and range in price from around $200 to $1,500. My mill was manual and when I realized that I didn’t want to spend hours crank ing out flour before making a large batch of bread, my husband customized it with a motor which made the process much more efficient. (Some mills come with both manual and electric options.) Prairie Foods in Plum Coulee has a large selection of grain mills to choose from, as well as bulk whole grains. You can find a great video comparing several grain grinders at youtube.com/watch?v=K7p7d5lDn1o.

Grain can be purchased in bulk from a variety of places. DeRuyck’s Top of the Hill Farm supplies many stores in southern Manitoba and makes monthly deliv eries to Can-Am Country Corner. Stop in to see what Can-Am Corner has in stock, or order ahead of time to choose from the full range of organic grains and package sizes. Buying directly from a farmer is also an option. As many farmers don’t usually sell direct to the public, make sure to bring your own bags or con tainers and buy in bulk to make it worthwhile for both parties. This year we had an excellent rye crop, and if you would like to purchase rye grain, you can find our contact information on our website farmgreenpastures. com.

Home-ground flour should be used within a day of milling. If you will not be using it immediately, store it in the refrigerator or freezer to ensure the vitamins and minerals stay as intact as possible and prevent rancid ity.

And of course, remember to store your whole grains in a dry and cool location to maximize the storage po tential.

Grinding your own flour is a fun and interesting adventure that’s well worth the extra effort. To learn more, check out the many online resources on this topic or simply talk to your neighbour.

You may be surprised how many people have experi ence with grinding their own grain.

Brought to you by the Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative. Find us on Facebook.

Fresh baked bread from home-ground flour.

Submitted photo

Yield to The Pilot in Your Life

Who is in control of your life? Who makes the major decisions that influ ences the direction you are headed toward?

When I was much younger, as a child growing up on the farm, some one gave me a plaque with this in scription “Jesus is my Co-pilot.” That hung on the wall in my bed room for many years.

A co-pilot is one you turn to for help when what you are doing isn’t working. He helps you out when you get in trouble. He takes a back seat until you need him. I thought I was being very spiritual by having Jesus Christ as my Co-pilot.

Several years later I realized with Jesus as my Co-pilot, I was still in total control. I was in the driver’s seat. I only consulted Jesus when there was a problem I couldn’t solve.

One winter in Upper Michigan a couple were driving to their home at night on icy roads. There were several accidents along the way. They prayed for God’s hand of protection and guidance on them. Fi nally, they turned onto the road that led to their house. The husband said, “Thank you Lord, I think I can take it from here.” At that mo ment, the car did a 180° turn. It was like God was saying to them “Are you sure?”

Many people travel the road of life like this, but Jesus Christ desires to be our Pilot, not just a Co-pilot. When Christ is in control, you may still have troubles (that’s normal in life), but He will bring you through them and you can rest in Him and be assured it will work out best for you. Psalm 54:7 says, “For he hath delivered me out of all trouble.”

Who is in the driver’s seat in your life? The Apostle Paul put it this way in Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Paul was saying “Jesus is my Pilot.”

If your pilot is anyone other than Jesus, you are headed for trouble.

Why not submit your life to Jesus Christ and give your life over to Him. He has never led anyone astray in the history of man. May God bless you as you yield to his leading in your life.

How Often Do You Reach for an Extension Cord?

Extension cords are especially handy in the winter months to plug in your block heater or seasonal light strings. But just like anything that conducts electricity, use extension cords carefully. When choos ing the right cord for the job, consider:

- Will the cord be used indoors or out? Never use an extension cord outside that is rated for indoor use only.

- What will you be plugging in? Make sure to match the amperage, and wire gauge to the device you’ll be plugging in. But never use an extension cord with a high wattage appliance or device that produces heat. Plug these directly into an outlet.

- Is the cord you plan to use worn out or damaged? Using a damaged cord can result in a severe shock or fire. Recycle it appropriately.

- Does the extension cord have a certification label like CSA or cUL? This will ensure it meets Canadian safety standards.

- How close is the electrical outlet the cord will be plugged into? Cords are available in various lengths, but the longer the cord, the less its current carrying capacity. Never connect two or more cords together; or cover cords with a rug or furniture as they can overheat quickly.

- Will the extension cord be used for a short period of time? An ex tension cord is a temporary solution. If you’re short of electrical out lets in your home, it might be time to hire an electrician to install outlets where you need them.

Visit hydro.mb.ca/safety for more information.

About Us

In Y O u R C OMM un ITY

Pat Porter Active Living Centre (Serving Seniors Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that pro vides programs, activities and services for seniors and mem bers of the community. Seniors are the foundation of our com munity and our goal is to keep them a part of it for as long as possible. Read on to find out about everything we offer and how we can help you.

Check out our Website for Programs and Events at pat porteralc.com. Our Centre of fers a great variety of events and programming weekly. Ranging from Fitness Pro grams to Recreational and So cial Programs, there is some thing for everyone! Current Programs PPALC in Person Programs are growing. Registration re quired for ALL programs. Cost $2 members / $4 non-mem bers.

Evening pickleball - Mondays at 7:30 - 9 pm. Register on

line patporteralc.com at the pickleball portal.

Floor Curling -Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:30 pm.

Choir - Wednesdays 10 - 11:30 am. Everyone Welcome!

Special Events

Happy Thanksgiving - Enjoy all the blessing of the sea son. We invite you to join us for a traditional Thanksgiving Lunch Thursday, October 13 at 12 noon. $12/person. RSVP in advance by calling 204-3204600 before October 11.

Craft Corner -Diamond Art October 7, a one of a kind crafting workshop. Diamond Art Painting from 1-3 pm. Lim ited spots available. Registra tion required, Call 204-3204600 Cost $10.

Open House

Grab a friend and come on out to Pat Porter Active Living Cen tre to see what all the fun is about! Try our in person activi ties, fitness and programs free all day Wednesday, October 19 starting at 9 am – 9 pm. Learn

more about all the offerings and benefits of being a mem ber of the centre.

Pancake Breakfast Thursday, October 29, start your morning off with a stack of pancakes and sausage from our Meals on Wheels kitchen. Stop by the centre anytime between 9:30 am – 12 pm. Cost $8 per person.

Halloween Dance Friday, October 28 from 7 -11 pm. Come out for a “not so scary” Halloween Dance. Cos tumes strongly encouraged. Dance the night away while enjoying the Steve Ambrose Band. RSVP before October 25. Cost $12 members, $15 non members.

Fundraiser Dinner and Entertainment

Saturday, October 29, doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6 pm. Featuring entertainment by Uncle Dave and The Cat’s Ad vice, silent auction and 50/50. Cost $60. RSVP by calling 204320-4600.

Share with the Community Seed Library

While you’re bringing in the gar den and preserving your bounty, remember to save some extra seeds to share! Sharing seed is a fun way to increase local food security, pre serve heirloom varieties and meet other community members who share a mutual interest in growing food.

Though we’d all prefer to gather at community seed exchanges (stay tuned for the Roseau River spring seed ex change hosted by the Woodmore Wom en’s Institute), not everyone can attend these annual events. Enter the Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Community Seed Library.

The seed library operates the same way as our Little Free Libraries, on a take some, leave some principle. Sim ply label your con tributions with the seed type (and va riety, if known) and year harvested, and file under the prop er letter. To make the library easier to search, file seeds by

type, not variety. For instance, hub bard squash seeds would be placed under S, not H. We suggest that unusual or heirloom varieties also include your contact information so people can contact you if they’d like to know more about them.

We are grateful to Reimer Con crete and Building Supplies in Ro seau River for graciously hosting our Community Seed Library. As

a matter of respect for the business, we ask that users please refrain from contributing common varieties that would normally be sold at the store.

The seed library will be up until the end of October and reappear in January. (Any contributions made now will remain in the library until then.) So spread the word! The more participation we have the more in teresting and fun it will be!

Community Seed Library in Artisan Hall at Reimer Concrete and Building Supplies in Roseau River. Drop by anytime during store hours.

“Art Speaks” Exhibit Runs to October 21

The Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre (SAC) is displaying its first visual arts exhibit of the season.

Art Speaks features acrylic artwork by Kim Gwozdz in her exhibit Paint ings Tell a Story and acrylic, mixed media, and resin pieces by Arlene Enns in her exhibit Trying to Read the Writing on the Wall. The exhibit opens to the public for viewing until October 21.

Kim Gwozdz has been a member of the Steinbach Arts Council for over twenty years. She has worked as an instructor for SAC’s previous water colour and acrylic painting classes. She was also on the Visual Arts Com mittee where she organized art classes,

exhibits, and the Buy/Lease program.

As a professional artist, Kim has sold paintings in many parts of Canada, England, India, and South Korea. She is currently painting with the South east Artists that meet at the Steinbach Arts Council.

Arlene Enns was born and raised in southern Manitoba. She has always loved all things art and the creation of beautiful things. Of late, she has been drifting off into more “useable art” with a clothing line and some repur posed furniture. She has been creat ing and teaching fine arts for over 20 years now. She began in oils, switched to watercolour, then to acrylic, and dabbles a little in about any medium

she has access to. She says she has yet to meet a medium she does not like. She has commissioned pieces across Cana da, in the US, and some as far as Germa ny. She was also fortunate enough to be part of a pop-up gallery for a brief time (the Arlene Enns Gallery) in Portland, Oregon thanks to a special cousin.

“One of the original reasons for the creation of our Arts Centre was to dis play local art,” said David Klassen, Di rector of Programming at the Steinbach Arts Council. “Kim and Arlene are in credible examples of the talent that ex ists in our community, and we are proud to showcase their work.”

The exhibit is also available for view ing online at steinbacharts.ca.

South Eastman Rotary Presents Funding to Local and International Relief Charities

Earlier this year, Steinbach RCMP is sued warrants for a number of promi nent local community leaders in a comical fundraising initiative of the Rotary Club of South Eastman. Offend ers were held in a special holding cell at Clearspring Centre until they could raise their bail. The Honourable Judge Klassen presided over this fundraising event, and our celebrity offenders have been pardoned on bail collected.

In mid-September, over $40,000 was presented to the two recipient charities. Funds will be directed to local school lunch programming through Soup’s On Steinbach, and to international war re lief efforts through the Friends of the Mennonite Centre in Ukraine.

Celebrity Offenders included Stein bach Mayor Earl Funk, Corny Rempel, Hanover Reeve Stan Toews, Cyndy Fri esen, Chris Goertzen, David Klassen, Phil Rempel, Emma Boulanger, Bryan Bartel, Reid Gerbrandt, Farrel Rempel, and Randy Wohlgemuth.

How to Start a New Day

Psalm 147 - 1-7… 1) I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2) Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4) One generation commends your works to another they tell of your mighty acts. 5) They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty; - and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6) They tell of the power of your awesome works - and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7) They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (NIV)

I will praise. I will com mend. I will tell. I will medi tate. I will proclaim, and I will celebrate. What a way to start the day. The Psalmist is trying extremely hard to make a point and I do not think he is happy with just a silent acknowledgment that God is great. I suspect that he wants us to shout it out, even going as far as declaring it openly. How about proclaiming it in a song? There is nothing as beautiful as good old wholesome singing. The Holy Spirit moved the psalmist when he calls all creation to praise the mighty works of God.

Are we careful, watchful, and cautious of what people see and hear when we are in our unguarded, casual, and careless moments? How important is it? Well, if we want to remember something, we will have to observe that which we want to remember. I do not remember what I have never known or seen.

Our Scripture verses speak to us this way. If something important happens and we see it takes place, we shall re member that event. If we hear a sermon, the thing that we remember afterward is the point that most forcibly strikes us while we are listening to the sermon. Whether we use a pencil or not, memory obeys our wish and records it in our memory bank. That moment in time will return to us unex pectedly. It comes and sits there to remind us of that event, whether good or bad.

Sometimes we are so busy we fail to see the needs of other people. We rush about from place to place working hard to complete our mission. We feel like we are always failing because we do not have enough time to complete whatever it is we are trying to accomplish. When I feel this way, I must be careful not to see people as though they are frustrating or getting in my way. But the truth is that God loves each person we rub shoulders with, even those I might think are not that important.

How God interacts with us is very much the same. If I want to remember how great God is, I must allow Him to make an impression on me. That means I must notice it, I will have to consider it, and at my age, I will have to sit back and meditate on it and allow that impression to influence my heart. And when I do that, I shall remember. But it means that I shall always be ready to observe His righteousness.

One never comes through life untouched by countless bumps and bruises. Somehow, we need those bumps and bruises to learn to praise God. I could wish my whole life to be calm and carefree, free of all troubles. I could desire that nothing might ever again disturb my restful spirit. But were it to be so, I suspect I would seldom experience the merciful loving care of my Heavenly Father.

There are countless ways of acknowledging the great goodness of God. He has given us the right and the nature of His Son. He has given us complete forgiveness for all our sins.

Not only has He forgiven us our sins, but also, He does not remember them anymore, they are gone forever! I must believe that and remember that. One more thing, you and I can come to Him in prayer anytime, night, or day, and He will hear our prayers. We cannot add to God’s glory, but we can certainly make it more widely known by simply stating the truth about Him in countless places… To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done.

Would you pray 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 peace in my heart, I really want that peace, joy, and hap piness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will bring honour to Your Name.” Amen.

Corny Petkau, Jo-Anne Dalton, Joy Neufeld (Soup’s On), Phil Rempel, Dennis Schroder, and Leonard Klassen.

Corny Petkau, Jo-Anne Dalton, Chris Goertzen (Friends of the Mennonite Centre Foundation), Phil Rempel, Dennis Schroeder and Leonard Klassen.

Jail Break Fundraiser

Ritchot Senior Services October 2022 Highlights

Foot Care Clinics - By appointment only. For more information, please contact Janice at 204-883-2880.

Upcoming clinic dates:

Ste Agathe – Wednesday, October 12 and Thursday, October 13 St. Adolphe – Monday, October 17 and Tuesday, October 18 Ile des Chenes – Tuesday, November 15 and Wednesday, Novem ber 16

Heart to Home Meals -To place your order please call 1-204816-8659 or 1-888-216-1067. Call Heart to Home and they will send you a menu. Menus are also available to pick up at Ritchot Senior Services. We ask you to please call or email Ritchot Senior Services after placing your orders and let us know you have placed an order. This will assist us in organizing volunteers for delivery of meals to you.

Order your meals by:

Wednesday, October 12. Meals are ready for pick up or delivery on Thursday, October 13 Wednesday, October 26 meals are ready for pick up or delivery on Thursday, October 27 This service is available to all areas of the Ritchot Community in cluding St. Adolphe, Ste Agathe, Ile des Chenes, Grande Pointe, Howden and Glenlea. There are no contracts, no minimum orders.

Coffee with Friends – Thursdays, October 6, 13 and 20, 10 –11:30 am. Open to everyone. $2 for bottomless coffee and a treat. Ritchot Senior Services, 457 Main Street, St. Adolphe.

Forever Young Old Time Dance – Saturday, October 8, 7 – 11 pm at the Pioneer Hall (upstairs of the St. Adolphe rink). Entertain ment by Country Pride. Admission $16 and includes lunch and a chance to win a door prize. Contact Jules to reserve your ticket at 204-883-2440.

Celebrate Active Aging! - Active Aging Week October 3-9. Tuesday October 4 Ritchot Senior Services will be hosting a Mind ful Walk at the Friendship Trail in St. Adolphe. We will be leaving Ritchot Senior Services at 10 am and walking along the dike to the Friendship Trail, stopping along the way to enjoy some mindful moments.

No pre registration is required, just meet up in the backyard of Ri tchot Senior Services and we will be on our way at 10am sharp.

Christmas Shopping Bus Trip – Thursday, December 1. A han di transit wheelchair accessible van will be heading to the St. Vital Mall. We will be leaving Ritchot Senior Services at 10 am and ar riving back around 2 pm. Once we are at the mall it’s your time, sit have coffee and people watch, walk a few laps, have lunch with a friend, or get some Christmas shopping done it’s up to you. Please reserve a seat by contacting Janice in advance. Call 204-883-2880 or email ritchotseniors@mymts.net.

Falcon Beach

C ommunity E v E nts

CFSC Course - PAL Course - Saturday October 22, 9 am - 5 pm. Non-Restricted (long gun course). At the Whiteshell Community Centre (upstairs in the curl ing club). To register please email cfscipal@gmail. com. $175 for course. Age is 12 and up. You need this course to apply for Non-Restricted (long gun) license in Canada.

Christmas Market – Saturday, December 10, 10 am – 3 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club, 20 301 Pr. All interested vendors please fill out the registra tion form and send to leslieannblaney@gmail.com by November 11.

Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays, from 9 am – 2 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.

Bingo – Wednesdays at 7: 30 pm, early bird games at 7 pm at the Whiteshell Community Club 20 301 Pr, Falcon Beach. Contact 204-349-2293.

Friedensfeld

Community Fall Dinner – Sunday, October 23 at 11:30 am – 2:30 pm in the Community Hall. Includes chicken, meatballs with gravy, mashed potatoes, cabbage rolls, veggies, salads, coleslaw, dinner roll, and home baked pie. $25 per plate, children 6-12, $15, under 5 free. Contact Janelle 204- 381-6461.

Dominion City Winter Forest Market – Saturday, November 26, 10 am – 3 pm at the Community Hall, 31 McK ercher St. Vendors wanted. Contact GYPSIIMAGIK@ outlook.com.

Ile des Chenes Yoga - Thursdays at 9 am and Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Gentle yet invigorating yoga for adults 55+. $5 per class. Contact yogaforyoumanitoba@out look.com to register.

Kleefeld

Thanksgiving Dinner – Thursday, October 13, 5 – 7 pm at the Park’s picnic shelter. $5/plate for pero gies, farmer’s sausage, veggies, bun, and a piece of pie. Order meal at kemc@.net.

La Broquerie

La Bikequerie Bike Repair Volunteer Training - Sat urday October 29. La Bikequerie will be hosting a day-long bike repair seminar for those interested in increasing their bicycle repair skills and joining our effort to support bicycle culture in SE Manitoba. Please register via email labikequerie@gmail.com or call 204-346-1515. Presenters Leigh Anne Parry (Project Manager, Administrator and Volunteer ex traordinaire of the Winnipeg Trails Association) and Anders Swanson (President of Vélo Canada Bikes and Executive Director of the Winnipeg Trails Asso ciation). La Bikequerie is a non-profit organization that aims to put bikes in the hands of anyone who wants one! Located at 184 Principale Street, open Tuesdays 5 - 8pm.

Landmark

Spooky Stories - Saturday, October 29, hosted by Bibliothèque Taché Library.

Lorette

Family Library Night – Wednesday, October 12 at Bibliothèque Taché Library 1082 Dawson Rd.

Card Making Workshop – Friday, October 14, 7 – 9 pm at the Community Centre, 2nd floor. Take home 3 cards, bilingual cards available. Maximum 15 participants. Register by September, 30. Contact 204-878-3321 ext 108.

Book Club and Pop Up Coffee Shop - Thursday, October 20 at Bibliothèque Taché Library 1082 Dawson Rd.

Spooky Stories - Friday, October 28 at Bibliothèque Taché Library 1082 Dawson Rd.

Halloween Story Time and Craft - Dress up in your costume on Saturday, October 29 at Bibliothèque Taché Library 1082 Dawson Rd.

Christmas Craft/Bake Sale – Saturday, November 12, 10 am – 3 pm at Le club les blés d’or, 1254 Dawson Rd. Contact 204-878-2682.

Christmas Market – Saturday, December 3, 10 am – 3 pm, at the Lorette Collegiate Gym. Tables avail able for vendors. Contact Yvonne Romaniuk 204878-2857, yvonne.romaniuk@gmail.com.

Welcome Basket Committee of the LUD of Lorette - Have you purchased a home, townhome, duplex, or condo in the LUD in the last year? The Welcome Basket Committee would be happy to answer any questions. We have a free basket of Gift Certificates, coupons, gifts, and information which have been generously provided by the businesses and orga

nizations. To arrange a short curbside visit please e-mail lorettewelcomebasket@gmail.com (no strings attached).

Marchand

Grand Opening and Vendor/Craft Sale – Saturday, Octo ber 15, 10 am – 2 pm at the Community Club. Canteen lunch 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, burger/farmer, chips, drink $4 or hotdog, chips, drink $3. Come and check out newly renovated hall and brand new play structure. To set up a table call ASAP through Facebook page, 204-392-6761. Cost $10 or donation to silent auction fundraiser for the park renovations.

Mitchell

Toast & Coffee – On Tuesdays, drop-in for toast and coffee for $2 and a menu is available with prices according to what you order at the Mitchell and Area Community Centre, 130 Ash St. Contact Jane Penner 204-346-2469, jpenner@ jantre.com.

Niverville Winterfest - Saturday, November19, 10 am – 3 pm at the Niverville Heritage Centre, entrance 100c. Shop over 80 booths in one of the largest craft shows in southern Mani toba. Baked goods, jewellery, beauty/bath, home décor, Christmas ornaments, women & children`s clothing, baby/ kids items, photographer & art and much more. Admission by monetary donation.

Paradise Village Art Gallery – Fundraiser for the Ste. Anne food bank October 15, 10 am – 4 pm at the Rec Centre. Silver collection at the door. Silent Auction, win original works and more. Raffle for Collaborative Abstract painted by our resident artists. Cof fee/tea and desert $5.

Richer

Barrel Racing & Pole Bending Extravaganza – Saturday, Oc tober 22 at 7 pm at the Richer Rough Stock Rodeo Grounds. Under the night lights why not have some fun before the snow flies! 4D format, 16 and Under category and 17+ category. Barrel racing will be run first then immediately followed by pole bending. Barrel racing entry is $20, Pole Bending entry is $20. Arena Fee is $5 per exhibitor. Entries will be open until October 20. Draw will be made October 21. Payment due on arrival. Follow RC Fall 3D Barrel Series Facebook page for more info or to register.

Richer Recovery AA Group - Meets every Monday from 7:30 - 8:30 pm at LUD Hall. If you would like more information, call Jeff at 204-371-5518 or Albert at 204-380-3058.

Sarto

Christmas Market – Saturday, December 3, 10 am – 6 pm at the Community Hall. Looking for crafters and vendors, contact Ashley Ronald 204-381-3980.

RM of Stuartburn

Services to Seniors - Access Credit Union sponsored Free Shuttle for residents of the RM of Stuartburn, the first Friday of each month. Call to book a ride and do your banking and shopping locally or book your doctor’s appointment and we will get you to your appointment. Next Access Free Shuttle is June 3. Call 204-425-3701.

Services to Seniors Steinbach Shuttle - Subsidized cost $15/ person. Minimum of 8 participants required for the trip to take place. Departure from Shady Oaks at 9:30 am. Call 204-425-3701 to book a seat.

St. Adolphe

Free 2 hour Learn to Curl Clinic - We are excited to offer at the Curling Club, on Thursday, October 13th, from 7 - 9 pm. The free clinic is designed for people aged 16 and up who want to learn the basics of curling and for new curlers who would like some coaching on delivering a rock, sweeping, curling etiquette and the general rules of the game! No previous curl ing experience necessary! (Clean indoor shoes are required; brooms and sliders are available for use at the club). Pre-reg istration required by emailing curlstadolphe@gmail.com.

Christmas Market – Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 at the Arena, upper hall from 10 am – 4pm.

St. Malo

Christmas Craft & Bake Sale - Saturday, December 3at the Iberville Hall located in the Catholic church basement. $25/ table. To book a table contact Christine stmalocraftsale@ gmail.com or call/text 204-218-8592 or Aline 204-3475249, apilotte@mymts.net.

St. Pierre-Jolys

AGM Jolys Regional Library - You’re invited you to the An nual General Meeting on Thursday, October 13 at 7 pm, at the Library, 505 Ave Hébert N.

Christmas Craft Market – Saturday, November 12, 10 am – 3 pm at the Sugar Shack, Museum grounds. To reserve your table call Cindy Broesky 204-381-4093, cindy. broesky@gmail.com.

3234 Manitoba Horse Cadets – Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 pm at the Community Hall from September to June. Cost is Free. Meet new friends, fun, adventures, leadership, citizenship, community service, drill band, orienteering, and more.

Contact Captain Phil Atkinson 3234Army@cadets.gc.ca or phillip.atkinson@cadets.gc.ca. Website 3234manito bahorse.ca.

Ste. Anne Christmas Market – Saturday, November 19, 10 am – 4 pm at the Ecole Pointe Des Chenes School, 90 Arena Rd. Makers, bakers, and specialty retail. Live music and Perk Coffee Bar. $2 entry includes door prize ticket. New vendors welcome contact hello@pamshairboutique.com.

Ste. Genevieve

Bibliothèque Taché Library – Drop-in Wednesday, October 5 in the Community Centre.

Card Making Workshop – Thursday, October 13, 7 – 9 pm at the Community Centre. Take home 3 cards, bilingual cards available. Maximum 15 participants. Register by Sep tember 30. Contact 204-878-3321 ext 108.

Steinbach

Blood Thirsty Craft & Vendor Sale - Saturday, October 15, 10 am – 3pm at the Mennonite Heritage Village. Silent Auction and 50/50 Draw fundraisers for the Christmas Cheer Board. Tables are available, contact EventsbyJen@ hotmail.com.

Steinbach & Area Garden Club – Monday, October 17, 7 – 9 pm, at the Mennonite Heritage Village. With guest speaker Mike Plett- Designer/ gardener on Design Concepts for Environmentally Sustainable Gardens. Membership An nual- Individual $20; Family $30. Contact email sagcnews letter@gmail.com.

Royal Canadian Legion Steinbach Branch - Meets first Tues day of the month via Zoom at 7:30 pm; Ladies Auxiliary meets first Monday of each month, 7:30 pm. Steinbach Legion, 227 Main St – Unit 5. Email steinbach190rcl@ outlook.com.

Al-Anon - Monday 7:30 pm Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre back door, downstairs. For information call Lloyd 204-3264365.

Astronomy & Group Walks – Fourth Tuesday of the month from October to March, 8 – 9:40 pm with Chris Desrochers. Meet at the L.A. Barkman Park Gazebo. Walk along Bush Farm Tail, around Abe’s Hill, and observe sights of the night sky, using telescopes at the conclusion of the walk. Dress for the weather and for walking, bring binoculars and ques tions. October 25 (sights visible: Jupiter & Saturn); Novem ber 22 (sights visible: Mars, Jupiter, & Saturn); December 27 (sights visible: Mars, Jupiter, & Crescent Moon); January 24 (sights visible: Mars & Jupiter); February (sights visible: Mars, Jupiter, Venus, & Half Moon) and March 28 (sights visible: Mars, Venus, & Crescent Moon).To register, email smclean@jakeepplibrary.com or mredekopp@jakeeppli brary.com. If the sky is unclear and weather is too poor, the hosts will make the decision to cancel 1-2 hours before the event and will send out an email to participants to let them know.

Creative Writers Club - Second Wednesday every month at 7 pm at the Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. This is not a class but rather a writing share group where we hope to fos ter and encourage our participants’ love of writing. Feel free to bring 5 pages of writing (single sided, double spaced) to share with the group. Our evening will begin with an ice breaker and then move into share time. Coffee and tea will be served. Contact Madison Redekopp email mredekopp@ jakeepplibrary.com.

Steinbach Professional Development Toastmasters Club – On Thursdays at 9:46 am, Eastman Education Centre, 385 Loewen Blvd. How can a person get the message across well, keep meeting participants engaged, and fully use the capabilities of videoconferencing platforms? What works? What doesn’t? What is the etiquette expected? Join us in person or by zoom on 12 pm every Wednesday. All guests are welcome! Contact Mark Hiebert 204-371-5197, email mhiebert@barkmanconcrete.com.

Knit-Wits Fibre Craft Club- First Tuesdays of the month at 6 – 8 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and other types of fibre crafting? Join other adults for an informal knitting, crochet, etc. circle. All skill levels welcome. Please bring your own project/supplies.

Craft Night - Wednesdays at 7 pm, Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Ages 16 years and up join us for a free event, with coffee and crafting. Our craft for the evening will be a beaded spring wreath. There is limited space available. To sign up, email mredekopp@jakeepplibrary.com.

Book Club - Meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 pm Jake Epp Library, 255 Elmdale St. Books are available at the circ desk as well as on our Libby App (free with your library card). Please sign up by email mre dekopp@jakeepplibrary.com. Limited space available.

Steinbach & Area Lions Club - Meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm, South East Helping Hands. Contact 204-326-2313.

The Cove Youth Drop-in Opens in Lorette

By Angelique Forest

Street beside the Dawson Trail Coun try Store.

Jesse Plett and Michael Dueck were instrumental in renovating and fund raising to open the new drop-in centre within the community.

About 150 people attended a grand

opening on August 31 and the re sponse from the community has been very supportive and positive, accord ing to Jesse Plett, a co-director from The Cove.

According to Jesse, the goal of the drop-in centre is to provide a safe place for youth to hang out with their friends and connect with adults who care about them.

“We have a pool table, board games, gaming computers, and video games. We offer candy and pop for very low prices and the rest of our activities are completely free,” explained Jesse. “We hope to add more specific pro gramming in the future, such as sports and arts programs, but are starting out with a more open drop-in format for now.”

“We are very thankful for commu nity members offering help in many forms,” he added. “If you are looking to get rid of furniture, games, or any thing else The Cove may want, con tact us and let us know!”

Afternoon hours are Tuesday to Fri day from 11:20 am until 5 pm. Eve ning hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:30 pm until 10 pm. The Cove can be reached by email at thecovelorette@gmail.com.

Lorette now has a new youth drop-in centre open in the heart of town located at 1250 Main Street beside the Dawson Trail Country Store.

Pictures courtesy of Jesse Plett / Facebook

Michael Dueck

Jesse Plett

The Cove has a pool table, board games, gaming computers, and video games.

The goal of the drop-in centre is to provide a safe place for youth to hang out with their friends and connect with adults who care about them.

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).

Break-in on Stonebridge Crossing

On August 16, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in to a business located in the 100 block of Stonebridge Crossing in Steinbach. The business was broken into at approximately 4 am that morning. Ap proximately $1,800 worth of goods, mostly vape items, was stolen. It is believed the suspect(s) gained entrance by damaging a wall from the outside.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

McDonald’s Employee Harassed

On August 28, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a disturbance at the McDonald’s on Highway 12 in Steinbach. Four individuals in a red 2016 Ford Focus with a Manitoba licence plate KUN721 became disgruntled at the staff member. A Caucasian male in his twenties threw an item at the staff member before prompting the driver to drive off. The incident occurred at approximately 6 am that morning.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Steinbach RCMP Respond to Fatal Motorcycle Collision Suspect Identified in Mischief

On September 24, at approximately 1 pm, officers from Steinbach RCMP responded to a report of a collision involving six motorcycles that were travelling westbound on Provincial Road 311, near Road 36E, located approximately five kilometres northeast of Steinbach.

Officers attended to the scene and determined that the six motorcy cles were travelling west on Provincial Road 311 when they drove into mud debris lying on the highway. The lead motorcycle lost control and the driver was thrown from his bike. The 45-year-old male, from Win nipeg, was then struck by an eastbound pickup truck and pronounced deceased on scene.

The other motorcycle drivers had also lost control on the mud, but were able to successfully put down their bikes. No other physical in juries were reported.

On September 1 around 10:30 pm a male in a grey hoodie was ob served walking down First Street in Steinbach, when he smashed a residence’s driveway lamp post. A nearby neighbour observed this in cident and followed the male to the residence he was staying at. RCMP has identified the subject and con tinues to investigate.

RCMP Investigate Church TheftRCMP Search for Stolen Motorcycle

Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen grey 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650 from the area of 6 Highway 12N in Steinbach. The theft oc curred between 3 pm on September 1 and 1 pm on September 3.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On September 15 Steinbach RCMP received a report of a breakin and theft at the Emmanuel Evan gelical Free Church in Steinbach. A Generator and a Briggs and Strat ton snowblower, with serial num ber 2013938846, model number 1695667 were stolen. There is no indication of when the theft would have occurred.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestop pers.com.

Multiple Vehicle Windows Broken

On August 14, Steinbach RCMP received a report of mischief to three vehicles. The vehicles were located at a lot on Clearsprings Road East. It is believed someone driving a white dirt bike drove into the lot and broke three of the vehicles’ driver side windows.

Multiple Vehicles Damaged in Multiple Communities

On September 6, Steinbach RCMP received a report of mischief to two vehicles located on Mill Work Drive in Steinbach. These vehicles had their passenger windows smashed using a pump that was left on the lot. There was nothing stolen from the vehicles. It is believed the incident occurred between the evening of September 5 and before 8:30 am on September 6.

Tools Stolen from Business

On July 24, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in at a business on the 300 block of Main Street. The business was broken into sometime between the evening of July 23 to the morning of July 24. It is believed the suspects accessed the business by removing a window grate. Approximately $1,000 worth of tools was stolen.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thieves Snag Mountain Bike from Business

On September 5, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in to McMunn and Yates on Highway 12 N in Steinbach. It is believed the suspect gained access to the office at the business by breaking the lock with a crowbar. The damage to the door is estimated at approximately $1,500. A teal Mongoose mountain bike worth approximately $450 was stolen sometime between the evening of Saturday, September 3 to the morning of September 5.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Also, the Steinbach RCMP received a report of mischief in Flower Place in Blumenort. The complainant advised that their vehicle was damaged by removing the rear view mirror causing part of the wind shield to break off with it. It is believed the incident occurred on Sep tember 5 between 3 am and 4 am.

If you have any information in regards to the above matters, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers. com.

Quantity of Tools Stolen from Zhoda

On September 6, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break and enter and theft on Cessna Avenue in Zhoda. A large number of tools including a generator, a table saw, a chain saw, and a welder were stolen. It is estimated that under $5,000 worth of items were stolen. It is believed the incident occurred sometime between August 27 and August 30.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers. com.

The suspect is described as wear ing blue jeans, white shoes, grey hoodie, black helmet, and a black backpack. Approximately $2,000 worth of damage was done to the vehicles.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestop pers.com.

Truck Stolen from Tache Residence

On August 31, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a stolen 1974 Maroon Chevy Cheyenne truck with Manitoba license plate KVR895 from a residence in the RM of Tache.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestop pers.com.

Celebrating Over 25 Years

Woman Suspected in Theft from Canadian Tire Tool Chests and Trailer Stolen From Canadian Tire CCM Mountain Bike Stolen from Residence

On September 27 at approximately 6 pm, Steinbach RCMP received a complaint for a theft of approximately $700 at Canadian Tire as an unknown female walked into Canadian Tire and left without paying for some goods.

Steinbach RCMP are requesting the publics assistance in identify ing the suspect. If you have information regarding this matter, please call Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers. com.

On September 23 at around 5:10 am, the Canadian Tire in Steinbach suffered a theft from one of the trailers that had been parked at the rear of their building. The thieves made off with 3 rolling tool chests with a total value of about $4,000.

The thieves were believed to be driving a black van/crossover style vehicle with an attached trailer.

If you have any information regarding this matter, please contact the Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800-222-8477, or secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On August 23, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in to a residence located in the 200 block of Woodhaven Avenue in Steinbach tat occurred between the evening of August 22 to the morning of August 23. A green CCM mountain bicycle was stolen with a value of approxi mately $260.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestop pers.com.

RCMP Ask Public to Keep Eye Out for Hot Computer

On August 8, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a break-in to an organization on Road 32N in the RM of Hanover. It is believed the organization was broken into some time between the evening of August 7 and the morning of August 8.

A computer was stolen worth ap proximately$920. The computer is described as custom built with a white Fractal Design Focus case.

If you have any information in regards to the above matter, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP Detachment at 204-3264452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477 or manitobacrimestop pers.com.

Be aware of happenings in your neighbourhood and report suspicious activity to the authorities. Check on your neighbours. Call 911 if you suspect a crime is in progress or has occured!

Eat Local on a Budget - Part 6: Buy Meat Direct from the Farm

When you buy from local farmers who work hard, use regenerative land management principles, and steward the land well, you’ll be contributing to your community, local economy, and the future of the planet.

By Leah Bouchard

Fall is an excellent time of year to fill your freezer with local meat direct from the farm. Free range chickens or even pastured pork may be available at this time of year. Also, when cattle and sheep come off the pasture in fall, they possess all the wonderful benefits and nutrients of being grass-fed. Additionally, small farmers of ten sell their animals before freezing temperatures set in, as feeding and watering becomes much more complicated in the winter.

If you have never purchased meat direct from a farm, here’s what you need to know:

1. Farmers are not grocery stores.

You’ll most likely have to order ahead of time and either drive to a pre-arranged pick-up location or pick it up on farm. Many small farmers do not have massive amounts of freezer storage so not all meat can be available at all times of year. You may want to purchase your own freezer to store your meat for up to a year until it becomes available again. Also, you may consider trying some cuts you don’t nor mally eat. For example, it’s unsustainable for one small farmer to produce masses of chicken breast or lamb chops which use up just a portion of the whole animal. Use the opportunity of buying direct from the farm to connect with your food, have a conversation, and make some new habits.

2. There are regulations on meat sales.

Direct meat sales are regulated in several ways. There is a strict limit to number of poultry one farmer can direct sell to customers. Although chicken can be sold to the consumer from the farm if it has been processed on-farm, it cannot be sold at a market or public location. Most meat needs to be processed at an inspected facility, which can make the additional cost and/or distance prohibitive to the farmer. Many farmers will be willing to sell you a live animal, but then you may have to make the arrangements for processing yourself. Here is a link to all the detailed regulations you may want to familiarize yourself with: gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-and-ag-pro cessing/pubs/direct-marketing-your-food-product.pdf.

3. You may need to do research when you buy a whole or half carcass.

Often buying a whole carcass can be an economical way to purchase meat. Most of the time, you’ll be charged on the hanging weight. That means the weight after the animal is skinned and gutted. So, the final weight you end up with depends on the cuts you get. If you grind all the meat, it will be less than if you keep the bone in. That said, if you buy meat this way, the waste is on you. So, make sure you order responsibly. Save the bones for broth. Learn to eat the super-food organs. Save the lard/tallow for pies or moisturizing products. It’s not difficult to research cuts online and you may learn some interesting ways to cook new dishes.

4. You are investing in your community.

When you buy from local farmers who work hard, use regenerative land manage ment principles, and steward the land well, you’ll be contributing to your community, local economy, and the future of the planet. Whether you buy direct from the farm, or just look for local in the grocery store, let’s remember to stand by our agriculture sector, encourage and support them. It’s not an easy job but so incredibly impor tant.

To find local farmers selling meat direct from their farm, check out our facebook group: Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative.

Brought to you by the Stuartburn Emerson-Franklin Local Food Initiative.

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