Students Sleep Outside to Help Homeless
Holiday Hampers Spread Cheer By Marianne Curtis In Steinbach alone over 750 hampers are expected to be delivered throughout the area this holiday season. In response to the growing need to make Christmas special for everyone, several organizations throughout the region are devoting their efforts to make do just that. Donations of all kinds are still needed by all these organizations with the need for volunteers to help with deliveries, so please give generously. Here is a list of organizations that are providing Christmas Hampers this year in various areas. Anyone needing a hamper or knowing someone in need are encouraged to contact any of these organizations. Grunthal: The Grunthal Churches, Credit Union, gas stations and Grunthal Grocery are accepting donations of foodstuffs and toys to provide their area residents from the community and area with hampers.
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Boxing Day Shopping a Bust in Steinbach By Marianne Curtis
graduating class of the École-College Regional Gabrielle-Roy spent the night sleeping outside in -3 degree weather. Monique Guenette, a grad advisor at the school, said that the students chose to participate in the program so that they can understand
The Province recently addressed shopping restrictions pertaining to the Christmas holidays. While the province has determined that unrestricted shopping should be allowed on Boxing Day Sunday, the announcement does little to help shoppers in Steinbach. Under a proposed amendment to the Retail Business Holiday Closing Act that was recently introduced by the province, businesses that normally open on Sundays from noon until 6 pm will be able to open without these restrictions on December 26. Steinbach Chamber of Commerce President Keith Unger says the amendment will have little affect in Steinbach. “Since most businesses remain closed on Sundays, they don’t fall under this legislation,” explained Unger. “What we might see this year is retail businesses that would normally take the Monday off because the holiday is on Sunday, may decide to open instead.” The Chamber recently conducted a survey to see what retail businesses are planning to do throughout the
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The graduating class of Gabrielle Roy spent a night outside as part of a fundraiser that raised 1,000 lbs of food for Winnipeg Harvest and three vehicles full of coats for Siloam Mission.
By Marianne Curtis Nearly 50 graduating students from Ile Des Chênes spent the entire night outside on school grounds in a move to practice solidarity with Manitoba’s less fortunate. While the rest of the community was trick or treating the
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Homeless continued...
The school yard resembled a cardboard city as students used whatever they could find to keep warm in the -3 degree weather – just like the homeless during our Manitoba winters.
Continued from page 1 and help the city’s less fortunate. “The students came up with this – the kids gave up their night and went door to door to collect food, clothing and cash,” explained Guenette. “We wanted to do something that was not only “out there” but something that would say something to everyone else.” She said that after going door to door collecting items, the students spent the night outdoors and received a good example of what Winnipeg’s homeless experience. “The students said it was ‘horrible’. They slept in makeshift shelters,” she added. “Most did not sleep because they were so uncomfortable – they couldn’t eat, they couldn’t go to the bathroom.” The student’s hard work and perseverance helped them collect 1,010 pounds of food for Winnipeg Harvest and three vehicles full of used clothing for Siloam Mission, which they personally delivered. “It was important that they deliver what they collected, not just send it off,” continued Guenette. “They were thinking with their hearts when they delivered the items they collected.” After a light breakfast the group boarded a school bus and went to Siloam Mission to drop off the clothing they’d been collecting prior to the event. “These kids are the change and the future. We just have to make sure they know the path to get there,” added Guénette. Floyd Perras, executive director of Siloam Mission, said it’s crucial for young compassionate people to connect with those less fortunate. “This is the time of their lives when they are forming their values for who they want to be in the future. It’s so important for them to understand all aspects of society, including homelessness,” said Perras. The school hopes to turn this eye-opening experience into an annual activity for all graduating students.
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Boxing Day continued... Continued from page 1 community, but not enough information was gathered to determine what will happen, Unger added. The Steinbach Chamber of Commerce would like the City of Steinbach to revisit openings on Sundays, especially on long weekends. “Last April a grocery company wanted to open on May Long Weekend, which made sense but this apparently tied into the (community’s) Sunday shopping rules,” Unger noted. Council did not support it. Unger says that there are some businesses in Steinbach that would like to be open on Sundays but he does not see the City of Steinbach changing their stance on the subject in the foreseeable future. Historically, Boxing Day shopping is one of the biggest shopping days of the year for retailers. The amendment only applies when Boxing Day falls on a Sunday. The next time Boxing Day is a Sunday will be Dec. 26, 2021.
Hampers continued... Continued from page 1 Lorette and Landmark: The Tache Hamper Committee is collecting goods for Tache residents. You can contact 878-3321 for information on how to give or provide names of someone in need. Ste. Anne: Knights of Columbus in Ste. Anne provides hampers for families within the RM of Ste. Anne, including Richer. You can contact 422-5929 for more information. St. Adolphe and area: The RM of Ritchot collects the names for people wanting a hamper while the food bank in Iles Des Chênes and the Salvation Army take care of the collections and delivery. Contact the municipal office at 883-2293. Vita: For the first time ever the Vita Christmas Cheer Board, a newlyestablished group, will be collecting and distributing hampers for those living in the RM of Stuartburn. Call the municipality at 425- 3218 for more information. Steinbach and Area: Southeast Helping Hands in Steinbach delivers the most hampers in the region. Due to the overwhelming demand for hampers in the area, the organization only accepted applications until November 30. However, there is a great need for donations to the organization, which can be dropped off at various locations in the community.
Freedom Road Ends Isolation for First Nation Community By Marianne Curtis After a century of isolation Shoal Lake 40 First Nation recently celebrated the opening of “Freedom Road”. On November 2 Shoal Lake 40 First Nation celebrated the milestone opening of Freedom road, a new resource access road that marks the beginning of the end of the community’s days as a “man-made island.” An official opening took place where the road comes out in the RM of Reynolds part way between East Braintree and Falcon Lake. Chief Irwin Redsky addressed a number of people that came out for the official opening of the access. “We’ve been boxed on that island for many years without normal economic development, denied access and forced isolation,” stated Redsky. “A lot of elders refer to this island as Alcatraz – we are breaking free today.” Redsky added that until now band members have been unable to leave the community without risking their lives on thin ice. “We will now be able to drive to the mainland without having to cross the lake into Ontario,” explained Redsky. “It will begin only as a winter road for now, but there is hope that it will become an allweather link in the near future.” Shoal Lake remains the only Canadian mainland community
Above: Chief Irwin Redsky (center) gives a brief history of making of “Freedom Road”.
Right: Looking south at the Right of Way for the new Freedom Road in East Braintree.
south of the Trans-Canada Highway that does not have secure, all weather access. In 1916, 3,000 acres of Reserve land was expropriated by the federal government to service the City of Winnipeg Aqueduct and since then the community has been isolated from development due to the water quality concerns of the City of Winnipeg. The trail is the product of a 20 year agreement signed in 1989 between the First Nation, City of Winnipeg and the province. Under the agreement the province and city are required to provide economic development opportunities and the First Nation commits to upholding the water quality on the lake. The RM of Reynolds council became involved with the Shoal Lake 40 council because, with the proposed road coming into being, there are economic opportunities that residents of Shoal Lake and the municipality can share in, from the increase in local retail traffic, tourist attractions at Shoal, and to larger enterprises such as logging and peat moss extraction jobs.
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Discrimination on the Rise Our world is becoming more and more polarized. It’s becoming harder and harder not to join in this polarization. Let me bring on two topics. First, Native leadership pay. The first word that comes to mind is outrageous. The second word I can’t find because I’m apoplectic. One Chief from Nova Scotia is taking home more than $975,000 per year. The band numbers she “governs” is 300 of which only 70 live on the reserve. Part of her own explanation is the lack of a pension plan, however, she will be able to afford to retire in one year. Another complaint is she has to pay for her own dry cleaning! She can afford to buy the damn business. She and her two councillors, a sister and a cousin, are the best paid politicians in the country. More than nepotism comes to mind, thieving nepotism is close. Embarrassment does not seem to afflict 82 native politicians who make more than the Prime Minister. The Premiers of Canadian Provinces are envious of a lot more than 82 native politicians when it comes to remuneration. This does not give me anywhere near a warm and fuzzy feeling. Angry, just damned angry! Then we hear of third world conditions in Manitoba reserves. This problem definitely needs money, but management had better come first. I was always wondering when residents on reserves would
start to help themselves. Well, obviously some have been doing this in spades; the remainder may have difficulty working on a diet of Kraft dinner. It is third world like “tin pot dictators” abusing the rank and file. If this situation is constitutionally entrenched, I for one am not amused and I see growing discrimination on the part of taxpayers as only the first step in escalating negative feelings. I do not see tax dollars continuing to support this insult. That is discriminating against us in spades. We pay the fare, we can demand the same respect, and it’s obvious that we are being discriminated against. It is an open wound that should not be allowed to fester any longer. Our fearless leaders are spouting tough on crime. Well, if this is not criminal, it’s unbelievably insulting, and a wee tiny comment would be nice, like we gotta make a law against this. Second, disruption of air travel. Since 9-11, the USA has been reacting to different threats by ever increasing boarding delays and the remainder of the world follows like sedated sheep. We have had a ‘wanna be’ shoe bomber, somebody trying to smuggle explosive liquid, one deranged person trying to explode his gitch and now exploding copier parts. All of this reacting is costing
So now you have it. Discrimination is not necessarily bad thing, but a needed pain and aggravation in some situations to move on to a solution. Political
billions of dollars, to say nothing of my frayed nerves and exasperation for missed freedom. I don’t think any of the new screening machines and all the cold fingered extra personnel have found enough explosive to delay a deranged sparrow. What is the answer? Well, simple discrimination. Any person wishing to fly or ship parcels by air must be precertified by their own local government to do so if this involves border crossing. Any government has the choice of accepting or refusing another government’s certification. In other words - discrimination with cause. Justifiable or not, who cares, as long as I feel safe in a fast moving line. It would sure enough spread the cost of the war on terror to a lot of terrorist producing countries. Force all countries to do a proper screening job or face ostracism, a more politically correct word for discrimination, but the same results.
Appreciation Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.
The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaper distributed free of charge to 50 Southeastern Manitoba communities. Published by: One One Consultants Inc. Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768 Dan Guetre, Managing Editor One One Consultants Inc., Publisher News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan Guetre Columnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens, Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Linda Bennett and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre
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Dear Editor: I want to thank you for the article in the Dawson Trail Dispatch on the Lorette Curling Club receiving a $5,000 donation from Molsons Coors Canada and for the fantastic photo! I really appreciate you taking time on your Friday night to come out to our grand opening, and covering the story. Your support is much appreciated. Nancy Brommell President, Lorette Curling Club
Legislation Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Receives Royal Assent I was pleased to see legislation to protect Canadians from property crime and auto thefts receive Royal Assent recently. The Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act will help crack down on property crime, including auto theft and trafficking in property that is obtained by crime. Auto theft has a huge impact on Canadians. It harms the owners financially and threatens community safety. With this legislation, our Government is taking tough action to prevent repeat car thieves from moving stolen vehicles through the criminal economy within Canada or smuggling them into international markets. Trafficking in stolen property, along with drug trafficking and fraud, has been identified as a primary activity for organized crime. Auto theft affects many individual Canadians and businesses – whether through financial loss or as a result of reckless behaviour and high-speed chases. With this new law in force, law enforcement and the courts have better tools to tackle auto theft and the entire range of activities involved in the trafficking of all types of stolen or fraudulently obtained property. The new legislation includes provisions that create a separate offence of “theft of a motor vehicle,” which carries a mandatory prison sentence of 6 months for conviction of a third or subsequent offence when the prosecutor proceeds by indictment. The law also establishes a new offence for altering, destroying or removing a vehicle identification number (VIN). It will make it an offence to traffic in property obtained by crime and make it an offence to possess that property for the purpose of trafficking. In addition, the Tackling Auto Theft and Property Crime Act will allow the Canada Border Services Agency to detain suspected stolen property before it is exported from the country, which will reduce the exportation of stolen vehicles from Canada by organized crime. Auto theft, along with other forms of property crime, helps gangs and organized crime stay in business. This legislation will help disrupt criminal enterprises and send a clear message to gangs and organized crime that if you engage in auto theft, there will be consequences. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866333-1933 or at (204) 326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at (204) 345-9762. You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at (204) 346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.
known as ‘the year of change’. It only made sense that a few more changes would be made before the new calendar appears. Two new committee chair persons have been appointed. Nathan Penner will be the new chair of the Marketing Committee. A meeting with the newly formed committee has already been held. Time will prove Nathan’s dedication to marketing Steinbach as a great place to live, work, shop and play. Nathan has many new marketing The Steinbach Chamber of ideas and also plans to refresh Commerce Annual General marketing campaigns already Meeting marked the end of a year underway.
Steinbach Chamber Appoints New Chairs
will, now, that might be the immovable obstacle. In keeping with the motif of this epistle and spirit of the season, have a very Merry Christmas.
The new chair for the Eastman Immigrant Advisory Committee is Sjoerd Huese. Sjoerd has a unique understanding of what a newcomer to our area faces, as he is an immigrant himself. The Chamber feels that he is well suited for this role. Sjoerd states “Immigration and integration means taking the ‘live, work, shop and play together’ to a whole new exciting level.” The Chamber is excited to see where Sjoerd will lead this committee. For more information regarding the committees or the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce please phone 326-9566.
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Manitoba Throne Speech 2010 Highlights I hope everyone has dug themselves out after our tremendous snowfall. I would like to highlight some of your government’s plans for the upcoming year, as set out in the Throne Speech.
Health - The big news here is our new plan to make sure every citizen of Manitoba has regular access to a family physician. The only way we can even attempt this is because we’ve increased enrollment at the medical school from 75 to 115 positions and worked hard both to retain these new graduates and to recruit others, too. These efforts have paid off, as we now have over 400 more doctors working in Manitoba than was the case before the NDP won office in 1999. - We also have hundreds more medical technologists and over 2,500 more nurses – our plan is for these professionals to take on more responsibilities so doctors have more time for their patients. - We are also increasing our health services in the Southeast by expanding the Ste. Anne Hospital.
Child Care - Manitoba will become only the second province in Canada (Quebec was the first) to provide a pension plan for child care providers, starting in December. - Building more infant care spaces is also a priority for us this year, and parents of young kids should have an easier time finding a daycare spot though a province-wide on-line registry which will launch across the province in 2011.
Environment - Further reductions in the amount of phosphorus entering Lake Winnipeg. More than half of the phosphorus in question comes from the USA or neighboring provinces through various river systems, so we’ll be pushing those jurisdictions for tighter controls, too. - Further reductions in climate change emissions and fossil fuel use in Manitoba. This actually has huge economic potential as well, since we send over $3 billion every year out of the province to pay for gasoline, diesel fuel and natural gas. - New parks and protected areas will become a reality in 2011. A cluster of unique islands in Lake Winnipegosis – twice the size of Winnipeg – will become Manitoba’s 84th park. In the last 12 months alone we have set aside over one million hectares of our province for permanent protection.
Reducing Poverty - We will continue to increase the minimum wage. - New initiatives will help protect renters facing large rent increases or a condo conversion in their buildings. Renters and small-scale landlords will also have access to a new independent “Tenants Advisor Office” to help navigate the rules around rent increases. - Seniors will benefit from a new long-term housing plan, including more supports to help them live safely and independently in their own homes while we build more supportive housing and personal care homes.
Education - The percentage of students graduating from Grade 12 has improved from 72 percent to 81 percent, but we’ll be launching new programs to further improve student attendance and graduation rates such as moving the mandatory school attendance age to 18. - After finishing high school, university and college students can now get 10 percent of their tuition back in cash after they graduate if they stay in Manitoba. - We have also more than doubled the number of apprenticeship positions in Manitoba to over 8,000.
Economy - Manitoba’s economy has outperformed the national average for the last five years, and we now have the lowest unemployment rate in the country. - This year Manitoba will become the only province to completely eliminate its Small Business Tax which was at 8 percent when we came to office and as of Dec 1st it will be zero. - We’re also implementing a suggestion from the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council to set up a province-wide Youth Mentorship Program that will give kids in high school practical work experience to prepare them for future employment opportunities.
Safety and Crime - Community policing will get additional attention from us this year, on top of the 219 more police officers we now fund that didn’t exist previously. - Another new law will enable victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation to seek legal remedies against those who have recruited, harmed and profited from them. A complete copy of the Throne Speech is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/banners/throne_speech.pdf As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on these and other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail (rlemieuxmla@mts.net), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 1011309 Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we can continue to move La Verendrye and Manitoba forward.
GRAZING WORKSHOP...
The Economics of Grazing with Steve Kenyon
The Canada and Manitoba governments are hosting a workshop on the economics of grazing. Steve owns and operates “Greener Pastures Ranching Ltd in Busby, Alberta. He runs 1,200 head of cattle on 3,500 acres of leased land while using extended grazing techniques for some of his herd, year round. He’s been teaching sustainable grazing management for over seven years and writes in the Stockmen Grass Farmer and Canadian Cattlemen Magazine. His presentation will focus on: (1) profits from pastures; (2) basic grazing concepts and principles; (3) gross margins – how they work. Tuesday, December 14 It has been five years since Phoenix Sinclair was killed. She died at the Date: Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. hands of her mother and her mother’s boyfriend who have both been Location: Royal Canadian convicted of the killing. Legion Hall, The death of Phoenix Sinclair, who was five when she was killed, 284 Lumber Avenue, broke the heart of all Manitobans who heard the details of how this Steinbach young child was beaten and This workshop is eligible for 3.5 tortured during her short life and management training credits how she fell through the cracks of through Bridging Generations the child welfare system of our Initiative Program Registration is $10 province. and includes lunch and workshop Four years ago, then Premier materials. To register, call the MAFRI Gary Doer promised that a public office in Steinbach at 346-6080. The inquiry would be held to look into deadline to register is December 10. Phoenix’s death to see how the system had failed so badly and to find out how things could be changed to prevent it from happening again. Mr. Doer did the right thing by calling the inquiry. Seine River Services for Seniors is But four years later, we are still waiting for the inquiry to begin. Both inviting seniors who enjoy doing Phoenix’s mother and boyfriend have been convicted of the murder. puzzles to come and visit their office They both lost their appeal at the Manitoba Court of Appeal and they at 94 Principale St. in La Broquerie. both are well beyond the 60 day application deadline for an appeal to Place Ste. Anne in Ste. Anne and the Supreme Court of Canada. And yet the NDP, now under the Le Chalet in La Broquerie were leadership of Greg Selinger, refuse to call the inquiry into Phoenix’s gracious enough to donate some of death. their puzzles. Seine River Services And while the NDP refuse to call this inquiry, more children are put at for Seniors in turn is offering them risk in the child welfare system because lessons are not being learned. to the seniors of the region to come More children are being put at risk because improvements are not being and enjoy them as well. This is a free made. service and those interested may By delaying this inquiry, the NDP is weakening the outcome of the come and choose the puzzle they inquiry because those who will be asked to give testimony will have to want and upon returning it, can rely on memories of events that are further in the past. choose again. Most of the puzzles And why are the NDP still delaying the inquiry after four years? They are 500 to 1000 pieces. Come and say it’s because they want to give the boyfriend of Phoenix’s mother enjoy! Please contact Juliette Rowan more time to decide if he would like to appeal his murder conviction to at 424-5575 if interested. the Supreme Court. This despite the fact that the application deadline for an appeal passed months ago. And that causes another suspicion to arise. And that is that the NDP are simply trying to put this inquiry off until after the October 2011 election to avoid any political embarrassment. Putting political interests ahead of the interests of children might be the greatest injustice of all. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, you can contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at On October 30, at about 3:20 am, (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by the TriStar Dairy Center in the RM visiting my website at www.kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to of Hanover was broken into. The hearing from you. culprits, believed to be 3 males, were caught on video but their identity is unknown. The descriptions are as follows: Suspect #1 was wearing a green At approximately 5:12 pm on November 13 two masked suspects, armed camouflage duvet jacket, dark with knives, entered the J.T. Shop and Diner located on Penner Drive in coloured jeans, and black skater type of shoes with white laces. Blumenort. Suspect #2 was slender in build, An employee in the store observed both suspects go directly to the cash register and take an undisclosed amount of cash. Both suspects wearing jeans, a bright orange then left the store. It is unknown at this time if they fled on foot or in a balaclava (full face), a white hoodie with logo on back and small writing vehicle. Both suspects were wearing dark colored hoodies. One of the suspects on the chest, and black and white had a dark colored neck warmer pulled up over the face area while the skater type shoes. Suspect #3 was wearing a white other wore a black and grey bandana which also covered the face area. Their gender is unknown at this time. They were described as having an zip-up sweater, jeans and white average build and being between 5’6'’ to 5’8". The employee managed to shoes with white laces. Several items were stolen from the hide from the suspects and it is believed that the suspects were unaware of the employee’s whereabouts in the store. The employee was never business including a safe, laptops, desktop computers, a 42" flat screen confronted by the suspects. TV, work gloves and keys for their The Police Service Dog Unit was brought in but came up empty. Police are asking the public’s assistance in locating the persons work vehicles. Police are asking anyone with responsible for this incident. Should you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-1234, Crime Stoppers at information to please contact the St. 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text Pierre RCMP at 433-7433 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
Inquiry into Sinclair killing needed now
Seniors Puzzled!
Thieves Caught on Video
Armed Robbers Visit Blumenort
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Stay in School Strategies Criticized By Marianne Curtis The province is trying to send the message to students that the days of getting by without a high school diploma are long gone, by proposing legislation that will require that students stay in school until 18 years of age. Currently, students in Manitoba are required to stay in school until they turn 16. Under the new legislation students would be required to stay in school or a recognized workforce training program until 18. Premier Greg Selinger thinks the legislation is a great idea. “This is the most significant change in educational standards in decades,” said Selinger. “This is not about telling young people what to do, it’s about opening doors for success in life.” Selinger added that currently the high school education rate has risen from 72 percent to nearly 80 percent. However, his government feels that it should be even higher because the numbers mean that there are still 20 percent of students that do not complete high school. Seine River School Division superintendent Mike Borgfjord said that this will not be enough to keep students in school. Bordfjord said that he doesn’t think that an increase of the age will make a difference to the provincial dropout rates. “We have a small dropout factor but I don’t know if changing the dropout age will make a difference,” Bordfjord said. “There may be alternatives to a heavy handed approach to staying in school.” The Seine River School Division has already been working hard at addressing this problem within division boundaries. Penalties that currently exist related to children under the age of 16 who are not in school would also be strengthened under the new legislation. This includes a $1,000 fine that would be given to the parents. “Often students drop out from homes that may not have a lot of money to begin with,” he pointed out. “Parents can’t make the child go to school. Career options without an education are limited and now there is a fine on top of it all.” The Seine River School Division superintendent suggests that the province consider alternative ways to engage students so that they will be less inclined to drop out. Alternative programs that the division has implemented across the division have dramatically improved graduation rates. The province’s new Stay in School strategy is expected to be implemented in the spring.
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Plett Under Investigation A senate internal administration committee is expected to examine if Senator Don Plett, who is from Landmark, broke any rules when he allegedly used his senate
“What I did was within the rules.” budget to mail out flyers into a Liberal held riding last month. The complaint was made after about 3,000 flyers were mailed to residents in Winnipeg South Center, the only Liberal riding in the province. The flyer outlined the Conservative philosophy on crime and justice. A card at the end asked voters to agree that youth offenders get an easy ride and to mail the card to Plett’s office in Ottawa. Plett admitted to media that he did send out the flyers. “I think crime in Manitoba is out of control,” defended Plett. “What I did was within the rules.” He also admitted to sending the flyers out to Winnipeg South because he feels the “Liberals are not listening” to what Canadians are saying. “I wanted to see if people in that riding agreed,” Plett noted. Despite Plett’s claims Liberal MPs said that the recent mailings were an attempt to get around a recent ban on MPs using taxpayers’ dollars to send out flyers into opposing ridings. The House of Commons banned the practice earlier this year.
Frodo’s Death Frodo is dead, I can’t believe it! Here he was, with his best-buddy Sam, on this big quest to save MiddleEarth and then they end up having Gollum guide them towards the one place they really don’t want to go. (By the way, trusting Gollum is like asking a St. Bernard to baby-sit a chocolate covered Chihuahua and expecting it to be there when you get back). I should apologize; I seem to be getting ahead of myself. Let me back up a moment and explain what it is that I’m babbling about. Quite a while back I bought the Lord of the Rings books in a trilogy set. I’d seen the movies and wanted to read the books to get the “full story”. Daunted by the sheer length of these novels I had put off reading them, until now. The first book, “The Fellowship of the Ring”, was great. It gets the adventure going and contains way more than the movie. Continuing on into the second book, “The Two Towers”, the story keeps getting better with more battles and adventures. Better, that is, until the point where Frodo dies. This is where I’m at today. Like I said earlier, Gollum had been guiding them when the next thing you know there’s a giant, ticked-off spider versus two little hobbits… boom-badda-bing… death. Now don’t get me wrong, Sam’s a nice guy and he did manage to battle the spider until it fled, but now he’s taken the ring from Frodo (aka: the Ringbearer) and is preparing to walk off and attempt to finish the journey. I’m glad to read that he’s willing to step up and take on this responsibility but I don’t believe he has what it takes to be the main hero. Sad to say, but if Frodo doesn’t come back to life soon then I think that MiddleEarth is done for. I still have hope that maybe Frodo is merely poisoned but not dead and that somehow he will revive and be able to carry on. After all, there is still the third book to keep in mind. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a book that I need to finish reading. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.
Pet Of The Month Hello, I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Candy and I am a young adult female Chihuahua blend lady. I am a very sweet girl who is looking for a safe forever home with lots of love. Does that sound like your home? If so, do you have room for a precious little one like me? My adoption fee is $250 and includes my first vet health check, spay surgery and tattoo, first vaccinations and first deworming. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can leave a message at 326-1274 or contact Melody at canines@steinbachhumanesociety.com.
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La Broquerie Father Dies After Rescuing Son from Fire By Marianne Curtis A La Broquerie family is trying to put together the pieces of their broken lives after their husband and father lost his life trying to rescue his son from a fire that destroyed their home. Thirty-six year old Jakob Merkel died as a result of injuries sustained during the house fire that took place on Hazelwood Drive in the RM of La Broquerie early in the morning of November 20. According to La Broquerie Fire chief Allain Nadeau, the fire broke out about 5:30 a.m. while the family was sleeping. The mother and three children managed to escape the burning home, but Merkel returned to search for their 13-year-old son who had a bedroom in the basement. “He said he had to take the kids out,” his widow Ludmilla told media. “I will miss him very much – he did so much for me.” When fire crews arrived, the entire house, garage and a highway tractor were engulfed in flames. “We figure the fire had been burning about 45
minutes before we were called,” stated Nadeau. Witnesses said that Merkel had just pushed his son out the front door when something in the home exploded, sending him clear of the building. He succumbed to his injuries the next day. The Mittelstet family, who live next door to the Merkels on Hazelwood Drive, were the ones to call 911 after Ludmila and her three other children ran to their place for help. “I think he’s a hero and it’s what every father would do,” said Nelli Mittelstet. “To run into a fire and get his son out.” “What he did was the ultimate price,” agreed Nadeau. “He tried to save his son and he died as a result.” Thirteen-year-old Kai clings to life at the Health Sciences Center in critical condition after sustaining burns to 97 percent of his body. The fire commissioner’s office has investigated the fire and determined that it started in the garage where a vehicle parked on top of an extension cord triggered the blaze by creating a hotspot in the cord. “I think it’s time we started to stress that people start having
Journey for Sight Hits Trails Next Month By Marianne Curtis
36 year old Jacob Merkel is being called a hero after he lost his life trying to save his thirteen year old son from a blaze that destroyed the family home.
smoke alarms in garages,” Nadeau said. “You can have a fire in your garage for 40 minutes and then it punctures through the drywall and you have to move very fast to get out.” Friends and family of the German immigrants are attempting to rally behind the family, who lost everything in the blaze. Donated clothing and other necessities have already found their way to them. A trust account has also been set up at the Steinbach Credit Union so that donations can be dropped off to help the family.
The Steinbach Lions Club is hoping that a few more adventurous people will come out and hit the trails with them during the upcoming Journey for Sight. For the past 27 years the Journey for Sight ride has taken place to raise money for the Lions Eye Bank. Snowmobile riders from Northern, Central and Southern Manitoba will typically ride a minimum of 200 kilometers visiting various communities collecting pledges for the programs of the Lions Eye Bank. Sam Slobodesky, from the Steinbach Lions Club, invites anyone with a snowmobile and in the mood for adventure to come out and join the southeast portion of the ride. “We are doing the ride again this year and we welcome anyone that wants to participate,” explained Slobodesky. “We hope to see more this year.” The upcoming ride is expected to take place during the third weekend of January but participants are already invited to sign up so that they can start collecting pledges. The ride starts in Mooselake and ends in Brandon five days later, where the money raised is presented to the Lions Eye Bank. At the end of the ride they all meet up in Brandon to celebrate the completion of the five day journey. Slobodesky has personally participated in the run for 14 years in a row. This will be his 15th ride. “It’s an awesome adventure for a good cause,” he stated. He added that expenses incurred during the snowmobile ride are paid by the participant or a sponsoring Lions club. This ensures that all donations are directed to the Lions Eye Bank. Participants and their crew accept cash and check gifts along the trail in any amount. Tax receipts will be issued for donations greater than $10.00. More than $1 million has been raised to date through the efforts of the Journey for Sight. The Steinbach Lions Club participants will be meeting at the Frantz Motor Inn in Steinbach around noon on January 21. Anyone wishing to join the ride can call Slobodesky at 320-9635 email at slobos31@hotmail.com.
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C.T. Loewen Wins Business Award The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce has recognized C.T. Loewen Building Center with a long term achievement award. On November 13 the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce hosted a gala banquet to recognize outstanding businesses from across Manitoba. At the event the owners of C.T. Loewen Building Center were presented with the Long Term Achievement Rural Business Award for 2010. On behalf of George F. Loewen Enterprises, Roger Loewen said that his family is proud that the company has been in operation for 105 years. “We have been able to respond to over a century of challenges, such as the depression years and the evolving customers needs,” stated Loewen. “Throughout our history we made strategic decisions to diversify in order to sustain growth as an enterprise.” He added that the business’s commitment to their slogan, “We Serve to Sell Again”, has always been embraced by four generations of family members and many long-term employees. “The strength of our company has always been the quality of our employees, many of which spent their entire career with our organization,” he added. Incidentally, within two weeks of receiving the award, it was announced that C.T. Loewen’s has been sold to McMunn and Yates Building Supplies from Dauphin.
New Owners Take Over C.T. Loewen By Marianne Curtis After over 100 years of exclusive ownership by the Loewen family, C.T. Loewen Building Center in Steinbach has been sold. According to C.T. Loewen Building Center president Curt Loewen, the family owned business was sold to Dauphin based McMunn and Yates Building Supplies as of December 1. “We’ve been talking to these people for about a year and all the documents came together recently,” explained Loewen. “We three brothers that owned Loewen’s are happy and we got a good package for our employees.” Loewen said that it was a hard decision to sell the century-old family business. Owned by three brothers – Gary, Roger and Curt – C.T. Loewen has successfully operated in Steinbach since 1905. “It was a hard decision – we tried to make it work,” Loewen explained. “But we are all getting older and we want to retire – this is a great opportunity for us. We never really wanted to sell but these people came after us and gave us a great price.” McMunn and Yates Building Supplies was founded in 1971 in Dauphin. In addition to the Steinbach location they own and operate 14 stores, a distribution center in Headingly and a truss manufacturing plant in Dauphin. “This is as a great opportunity for us to hand off our business to a company such as McMunn and Yates,” Loewen continued. “They are well respected in the industry and will continue to provide our customers with a high level of sales and service support.” Jason Yates, president of McMunn and Yates, is looking forward to expanding their business into Steinbach. “We are very familiar with the Loewen family and know they have a strong staff in place and are a leading supplier to both contractors and retail customers,” stated Yates. “We are excited to be working with the current management team at both the building center and the concrete plant.” Yates added that his company will not change too much at C.T. Loewen’s and will continue to work with contractors and the retail market. Some new lines of products will be added.
Need Help With Computers? The Community Computer Access Center at Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library is offering the opportunity to access the internet and receive basic computer training. Our services are free of charge and will be offered throughout the winter months. Training hours are as follows: Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To book an appointment or have specific questions, please contact Veronique Gosselin at 422-8055 or 2264564.
Accepting the award for George F. Loewen Enterprises – CT Loewen Building Centre is Roger Loewen (l), Mrs. Helen Loewen (centre l) and Gary Loewen (centre); presented by MCC Chairman Wayne McWhirter (centre r) and MBA Selection Committee Chair Julie Turenne Maynard (r).
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COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548
Ste. Anne The Ste-Anne Knights of Columbus invite you to attend a concert offered by the Parish’s choirs. This “Songs of Christmas” Concert will be held on Sunday, December 12 at 2:30 p.m. in the Ste. Anne Roman Catholic Church. There is no charge! However, we encourage you to bring nonperishable foods, or make a monetary donation which will help fill the Christmas hampers for the needy in our community. Reserve this date and bring a friend (or two!!) Bingo at the Seine River Banquet Hall in Ste. Anne. Doors Open at 5:30 pm. Early Birds at 7 pm Followed by Regular Bingo. This is a weekly event to raise funds for the Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. The foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students graduating grades 8 and 12. For further info about the foundation please see www.spmf.ca. Children Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Call Doreen Pchajek (204) 422-5243 or email doreen@spmf.ca. Ile des Chenes Annual Craft Sale takes place December 4 at the IDC Rec Centre from 9 am - 4 pm. Tables available. Contact Janet at 878-9197. Christmas dinner (55 plus) at the IDC Rec Centre, Sunday December 5, 4 pm - 8 pm, dinner served at 5 pm. For tickets call 878-2242. Blumenort Are you looking to get in shape? Are you looking for a place to socialize with fellow community members? Walking is the best and cheapest form of exercise to maintain or reach your physical activity goals. This walking club will help you reach your fitness goals and gives you the opportunity to mingle with your Blumenort neighbours. If you would like more information on the Walking Club, please contact Travis at 3467132. Otterburne Festival of Christmas Praise will take place Friday, December 3 - Saturday, December 4 starting at 7:30 pm. The Providence Christmas Festival events continue, culminating in the annual Festival of Christmas Praise. Join us in the warmly decorated college chapel for an exquisite traditional Christmas concert featuring the Providence College Choir, the Winnipeg Brass Quintet faculty and student instrumentalists in a festival of carols, readings, and seasonal classics. Featured pieces include Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata and the opening chorus from J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Admission is free. An offering will be taken toward Performing Arts bursaries and the Performing Arts Department. Contact Henry Schellenberg at 433-7488 or by e-mail: henry.schellenberg@prov.ca Giroux 5th Annual White Tail Deer Antler Scoring Night. Each antler entry gives you a chance to win a rifle. Adult & Youth categories. All entries must be from 2010 and properly tagged. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Entries taken till 8:00 pm. Admission - Adults $10, Youths $5. At the Giroux Hall, 5 miles East of Hwy #12 on PR 311. Contact Darren at 346-3570 or Paul: 434-6698. Marchand Old Time Dinner and Dance will take place at the Marchand Community Club on New Years Eve, Friday, December 31. Doors open at 6:30 pm with supper being served at 7 pm. Dance the night away to the band, BY REQUEST. Enjoy a good supper, and then the fantastic Ukrainian music that this band plays. Tickets are now available. Call Jolene 424-9232 or John 424-5454 or email wesjot@yahoo.ca for more info. Richer Inner City Women’s Ministries International Inc. is hosting a free casual get together for women and their children on Thursday December 16 from 10:30 am to noon. Come join in the fun. Call Ingrid at 422-9118 for booking and location details. All women are welcome. Steinbach Starting Friday December 3 and going on until December 5 at the Mennonite Heritage Village “A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM & THE LIVING NATIVITY”. Sleigh Rides, Auxiliary Bake Sale, Auxiliary Lunch, Gerhard Ens Gallery Opening, New Exhibit Opening “Mennonite Women Evolving”. Admission by donation. Donations are gratefully accepted. Refreshments to follow. For more information www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com/ 2010/2010_MHVTouchofChristmas-S.pdf Have a child under 5? Join us at our annual Christmas party! Friday December 17, 10.30 am - 12.30 pm at the Steinbach 55 plus centre. Drop in anytime to take a picture with Santa and enjoy some crafts, games, pizza and door prizes. Contact Sarah James, Program Director at sarah@annashouse.ca, or go to www.annashouse.ca Steinbach is playing host to the 2010 Squirts Winter Classic. December 3 – 5. The Steinbach Arena Complex will be buzzing with 5 and 6 year olds playing in their first tournament of the 2010/11 hockey season. Come out to cheer on your local Squirts while enjoying a coffee or hot chocolate from the canteen. Don’t forget your change for buying tickets for a chance to win a prize in the amazing Silent Auction. Please see the Steinbach Minor Hockey Website for more details at www.steinbachminorhockey.ca. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BANQUET, Thursday, December 9. Punch at 6 pm, dinner at 6:30 pm. Join us for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. There will be a Christmas Concert Featuring Steinbach 55 plus Choir Tickets - $15 for member $18 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased by December 2. Contact Maggie at 326- 4600 or ssinc@mts.net WSO on Tuesday, December 7. The Steinbach Arts Council encourages you to come enjoy this annual Holiday favourite and get in the festive mood of the season. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will perform classical and contemporary holiday music that the whole family will remember for years to come! Show starts at 7:30 pm. Email sacarts@mts.net for more info or go to www.steinbachartscouncil.ca. On Saturday, December 4 there will be Roots Music Jam Night. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Green Tree Cafe. This open stage for all musicians and singers is being held every other Saturday till spring. Great food, great music! Call Dan at 392-8721 for more information. St. Adolphe Santa Claus is coming to St. Adolphe! Pancake Breakfast and pictures with Santa. December 12 from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the St. Adolphe Pioneer Hall. Breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Photos are only $10 for a disc containing digital proofs. General The Super Start Program, a Healthy Baby Program run through South Eastman Health/Santé Sud-Est Inc. This is a program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includes a song and rhyme time, discussions, and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. We offer a door prize and a nutritious snack. Also, we have milk coupons for expectant mothers and mothers who have babies up to six months of age who participate in the program. This month, our session will be held on… Thursday, Dec 2 from 10 am - 12 pm at the Blumenort EMC Church. Tuesday, Dec 7 from 10 am – 12 pm in the Family Hut in South Oaks School, Grunthal. Wednesday, Dec 8 from 10 am – 12 pm at the Dayspring Fellowship in Ste. Anne. Thursday, Dec 9 from 10 am – 12 pm in Village Oaks, Kleefeld. Tuesday, Dec 14 from 10 am - 12 pm at the 4th Ave. Bible Church, Niverville. Thursday, Dec 16 from 10 am – 12 pm in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Av. Tuesday, Dec 21 from 10 am – 12 pm in the Mitchell Mennonite Church (CMC). For more information please call Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.
December Tax Tips I like to remind everyone that there is some tax planning that needs to be done this month and cannot wait for the normal tax season of March and April. So have a read before Christmas; it could save you lots of money when the snow melts next spring! Medical expenses can be claimed for any 12-month period ending in the current tax year. Most individuals use a normal calendar year (January to December) for claiming their expenses. So if you have to pay for some medical expenses, may as well buy them in December to maximize your tax credit for this year. If you need to buy glasses (remember to check out zennioptical.com) or get dental work done, do it before December 31. Also, remember to keep records of all appointments that were more than 40 kilometres from home in order to get to a medical service you cannot get closer (applies to most of us in the rural, especially if you have to travel to Winnipeg for appointments with specialists). Keep that calendar or diary until at least tax time, so you can claim all of the travelling you did. At about 50 cents per kilometre, plus parking, it’s worth it! If you live more than 80 km from that health professional you can even claim a meal and accommodation! There may be a few people this will not help: those who end up not paying any income taxes, since it is a “non-refundable tax credit”. But if you have employment, business or farm income, you may still be eligible for the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement. There are lots of receipts you need to keep for tax purposes: childcare, medical expenses (including travel health insurance premiums), professional memberships, political contributions, deductible legal fees, safe deposit box fees (date your cheque on or before December 31), etc. I suggest to my clients that they keep all statements from chequing accounts and credit cards. We can refer back to them when I complete their taxes. Easier to find missing information on these statements and get duplicate copies of anything we might need. Charitable Donations must be done by December 31. If you plan to make some large donations, do it this month to maximize your credits and reduce your taxes (again this is a non-refundable tax credit that only helps those actually paying income tax). Check to see if you have some potential capital gains: if you donate shares or mutual funds or other investments, the capital gain will be zero. Contact me to find out more. Are you in a low-income year? Maybe you should withdraw some of your RRSPs before December 31. Review this idea with a tax advisor like me (not just a tax preparer or your investment advisor). Contribute to an RESP (Registered Education Savings Plan). The deadline for each year’s contributions is December 31. You can contribute $2500 and still get the maximum Canada Education Savings Grant. Spousal RRSPs have become less important since pension income splitting is now available. But contributing to a spousal plan prior to December 31 if you will be withdrawing soon (2013 is the earliest) could still be important. The Pension Income Credit is $2000 (federal credit only, not the provincial credit), so make sure you are withdrawing at least $2000/year from your RRIF to maximize this credit. It’s like getting another $1000 of income tax free. If you are over 65 and do not have pension income or a RRIF, you can still get the credit with certain GICs. Ask me for more info. Another tax twist is the children’s fitness tax credit. If you paid for some physical activities for you children (under 16); keep those receipts – you may be able to use them for your 2010 tax return. If your Disability Tax Credit expired in 2009 or 2010, make sure you get another one soon if you still qualify. The Caregiver Tax Credit is fairly new. If you are looking after someone who needs care, or you are receiving care, find out if you qualify so you can include it on your 2010 tax return! If you are a small business owner and planning to buy assets or other expenses, do so before December 31 so you can claim some capital cost allowance or the full expense on your tax return for 2010. If you claim vehicle expenses, read and record your odometer on December 31 to determine how many kilometres you drove for business purposes versus personal reasons in 2010. You are allowed to claim a portion of all of your vehicle expenses: fuel, oil changes, maintenance, repairs, etc. Did you know you can claim medical expenses as normal business expenses as a business owner? You need to have a medical trust set up to operate it properly, but find out if it makes sense for you (I can help you decide if it makes sense for you and your family). If any of the above items have triggered questions in your mind give me a call. Merry Christmas! Make it a memorable one and take pleasure in the company of family and friends. I wish you all a healthy and less taxing 2011! Anni Markmann, CFP is an independent financial advisor working, living, and volunteering in our community. Contact Anni at annimarkmann@mts.net or 422-6631.
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Armed Robbery Outside Steinbach Credit Union Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteer opportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adults of the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit and consider participating in some of our programs. For more information call the center 320-4600.
Special events coming up in December Christmas Lights Bus Trip: Thursday, December 2nd, 2010. Leave Steinbach 55 Plus at 4:00 p.m. Return at approximately 10:30 p.m. Trip includes: Delicious hot buffet dinner, beverages and gratuity included At the Canad Inn Winsor Park Winnipeg Bus tour through the winter Wonderland at the Red River X and the Christmas lights at Linden Woods Coffee break at your own cost. Cost: $55 member, $60 non member. The above price does not include coffee break. Payment due by November 15th Minimum of 30 passengers required for a definite departure. Call Steinbach 55 Plus 320-4600. Annual Christmas banquet: Thursday; December, 9th Punch at 6:00 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Join us for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Christmas Concert Featuring Steinbach 55 Plus Choir Tickets - $15 for member $18 for non-members Tickets must be purchased by December 2nd
Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet. Foot Care: The third Tuesday of the month from 9:00- 3:00 p.m. Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $25. Bring your own towel. Call center to book an appointment. Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Main dish and beverages are provided. Cost: $5.00 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad or desert. Call center to reserve your seat. Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with a birthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2.00. Entertainment provided. Perogy Bee: The first Monday of every month. Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 for appointment. Brain Injury Support Group: The last Monday of the month. 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Weekly Programs Monday
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class 1:00 p.m. Canasta 1:00 p.m. H.O. model railway project 7:00 p.m. Wood Carving 7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Adult Day Program Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi 10:00 a.m. Choir practice 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cribbage 1:30 p.m. Floor curling 7:00 p.m. Old time country band practice Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bridge and Whist Friday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m. Adult Day Program Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5.50. Call 320-4605 by 9:00 a.m. to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus are available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Billiards – Monday to Friday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Computer Lab – Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost $1. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists, etc. We welcome new volunteers. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships are due in January of each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights, and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities, drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or call 3204600.
On November 6th the Steinbach RCMP received a report of an armed robbery outside the Steinbach Credit Union on Main Street in Steinbach. The victim retrieved an undisclosed amount of money from the ATM located inside the Steinbach Credit Union, and once the victim exited he was confronted by two males who demanded that he hand over the money. One of the suspects brandished a screwdriver in order to get the victim to comply. The victim was not injured and assisted police in trying to locate the suspects. On November 22 Steinbach RCMP arrested 39-yearold Michael Fenton Boubard. He has been charged with robbery with an offensive weapon and possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace. The second male is described as aboriginal in appearance, 5' 6" tall, heavy set, and he was wearing a blue hoodie and light colored pants. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the second individual responsible. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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New Pastor Welcomed
The East Braintree Community Church welcomed their new pastor, Lowell Ethier, and his wife Fran as members of the church and treated everyone to a pot-luck dinner. The pastor and his wife come to them from Transcona and will commute to East Braintree every Sunday for church services at 11:00 a.m. He is planning on getting to know many of the residents in the Reynolds area. For counseling, weddings or funerals contact him at 1-204-667-0191 or email lfethier@gmail.ca and he will be available for your concerns.
Ritchot Affected by New Floodway Rules By Marianne Curtis The province recently announced that they have completed a review of the Red River Floodway’s operating rules and they have released the report. While the province says that they have taken a number of steps to improve operations, RM of Ritchot mayor Bob Stefanuik Year’s not enough is being done to assist residents in his municipality. The report was compiled as a result of several meetings with the City of Winnipeg, the province and three municipalities including the RM of Ritchot. While Ritchot was invited to the table, little of what they brought up was actually addressed in the report. “The review carried out on the floodway rules did little to address the impact that floodway operations have on Manitobans living upstream of the floodway control structure,” stated Stefaniuk. “Ritchot has always taken the position that artificial flooding should not be allowed. If more flood protection is required to protect Winnipeg from floods, the floodway should be expanded accordingly and not rely on artificially flooding other Manitobans.” He added that the province had an opportunity to address this issue when the floodway was expanded but “chose not to”. “In short, the expanded floodway depends on artificial flooding to meet its design requirement of protecting the City of Winnipeg to the one in 700 year flood level,” explained Stefaniuk. “With that flood level, artificial flooding would overtop dykes upstream of the floodway by six feet and cause large scale devastation over a very large portion of southern Manitoba.” In response to recommendations in the report the province will take a number of steps, including creating more streamlined guidelines for emergency summer floodway use to move more quickly to prevent basement flooding in Winnipeg. It also says that a legislated compensation program for those negatively affected by emergency summer use of the floodway will be established and an independent study to ascertain whether or not floodway operations affect ice jams downstream of the floodway outlet will be done. Stefaniuk added that while these rules are good for the city of Winnipeg, there should only be one rule applied. “Looking at the existing rules; we in Ritchot would suggest these rules could be simplified down to one rule only,” Stefaniuk stressed. “That rule would state, the floodway is not to be operated in such a manner that will cause artificial flooding.”
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Philanthropy Students Support Community Organizations By Marianne Curtis
students picked Gospel for Asia’s Green Valley School students Jesus Wells project and Southland from Grunthal selected to give their A dozen programs in the region are Community Church’s Four Winds funds to “Turn on the Tap” program getting a little extra funding thanks project. of Samaritan’s Purse and the Charis to this year ’s Philanthropy 101 students. On November 17, students from six high schools that are participating in this year’s CP Loewen Foundation Philanthropy 101 program celebrated their experience at a special luncheon. The event took place at the Heritage Center in Niverville. This year, 70 students took part in the Philanthropy 101 Program. The program was launched in 2002 and is currently running in six high schools in the southeast. Students in Grunthal, Niverville, Ste. Anne, Landmark and two Steinbach schools were given $2,000 from the Foundation to disperse were they felt fit. “Built on the Loewen Foundation’s conviction that philanthropy is a key component of a healthy society and world, Philanthropy 101 teaches the basics of philanthropy to high school students and nurtures a philanthropic attitude through hands-on local grant-making,” explained Pam Peters-Pries, Loewen Family Foundation administrator. “The students decide which charities should receive the money.” Students from the Niverville Collegiate chose to split their funds between the Roseau River Bible Camp and Steinbach Mennonite Steinbach Regional High School students present a $1,000 cheque to Sarah James, Director Church’s Homeless Project. of Anna’s House. Steinbach’s Christian High School
Students from the Niverville Collegiate share their experience with the program.
House at Union Gospel Mission. The Ste. Anne Collegiate class chose Kindale Industries at Envision Community Living and Girls Nite Out program at the Boys and Girls Club of Winnipeg as recipients. Landmark Collegiate Students
picked the Main Street Project Winnipeg and Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba after school programs. Steinbach Regional High School students picked Anna’s House and Children’s Camps International.
Approximately 70 students attended a special luncheon hosted by the Loewen Foundation.
Vehicle Thief Targets Niverville
A red 2001 Ford F150 truck bearing license ESG158 was stolen from a 3rd Avenue South residence in Niverville in early November. The vehicle was unlocked with keys left inside. It was later recovered in Winnipeg, undamaged. Anyone with information on this theft is asked to contact the local RCMP or Crimestoppers.
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Christmas Extravaganza a Huge Success By Marianne Curtis The first annual Christmas Extravaganza hosted by Providence College was a huge success and plans are already in the works to make next year’s event bigger and better. The one day event, which took place on November 13, was a 3-fold event that featured the Festival of Trees and a Craft and Gift Sale, followed by a community dinner and traditional carol sing on the college campus in Otterburne. The Gift and Craft Sale attracted over 60 crafters and artisans from all across Manitoba and Northern Ontario. They filled the Providence gym with unique items for Christmas. Over 365 people attended the craft sale. Margaret Schonewille, vice president of Development of Providence, is pleased with the success of the event.
“The school is here for the community and I was thrilled to see so many from the community on campus for the first time,” stated Schonewille. “We were pleased to have such a variety of vendors. Many thought that it was good, especially for it being our first year.” Many vendors commented on the space provided for the craft sale, she added. “The vendors also appreciated the Green Room, where refreshments were for available for them during the day,” Schonewille continued. “They also appreciated the space and lighting of the gym.” In addition to the sale, the Festival of Trees provided a festive atmosphere with many trees donated by the students and staff at Providence, as well as community. Each tree was successfully auctioned off afterwards. The community dinner and carol sing drew a bit of an older crowd and was a warm time of traditional Christmas music led by Henry Schellenberg, professor of Church Music. Many students stayed for the carol sing as well, and voices of young and
Two providence alumni returned to campus to sell their knitted merchandise.
old filled the Reimer Student Life Schonewille. Centre with beautiful harmonies. The festivities continue on “I think we sang just about every December 3 and 4 with the annual song in the carol book,” added Festival of Christmas Praise.
Above: The Providence College gym was full with over 60 crafters. Right: Successful shopper and Providence board member, Libby Hanna of Niverville, leaves with armloads of gifts from the Providence Gift and Craft Sale.
New Sewage Plant Nearly Complete The City of Steinbach has almost finished the construction of their new sewage transfer station. The city anticipates that construction will be complete and the new station located at the corner of Commerce Drive and Pioneer Road should be fully operational this month. According to council, all of the underground piping and infrastructure has been completed since mid-October and the prefabricated building (built by Municipal Solutions out of Alberta) has been placed. Sewage haulers are expected to be able to access the station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by mid December. The system, which will be automated, will allow only preapproved licensed haulers to discharge at the station. Upon entering their code and other necessary information, the septic truck will be allowed to discharge. The sewage will then run into the trunk sewer line that carries the effluent to the main lift station on Park Road West, where it is then pumped on to the lagoon. This process will aid in diluting the higher
strength effluent pumped from septic tanks. This automated system will enable the City to have better tracking and control over the amount of sewage being dumped, locations being serviced, and allow for automatic billing as well.
Highway Signage Tampered With On November 15, the St. Pierre RCMP received a complaint of vandalism from Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation. It seemed that between September 15 and October 28, one of their road condition monitoring instruments was damaged. The instrument, located in the RM of Tache along Hwy 210, is used to monitor road moisture and temperature conditions. The damage is estimated at $10,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Pierre RCMP Detachment at 433-7908 or Crime Stoppers.
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Hall Gallery Exhibit ‘SOLO’ – Photography by Russell Bergmann. Exhibit runs November 10 to December 17. The artistic expression of Russell Bergmann originated from his ongoing interaction with skateboarding. Still skating after 25 years, his visual artwork represents the perspective of balance, and the search for what is individual in nature.
‘Creative Community’ 2010-11 Annual Corporate Campaign
Make it a Creative Christmas – and Great New Year! Give the gift of Creativity….priceless! Purchase show tickets and classes by December 17th and get 10 percent off. New Classes & Workshops for Winter 2011 – from toddlers to seniors. Dance: Latin Dance, Social Dance, Belly Dancing, Dress Up Song & Dance, Creative Tap, Urban Ballet, Youth Belly Dancing Art: Play Date With Art, Art Adventure, Pottery Creations, A Taste Of Art for Teens, Watercolor, Kids Art Xtravaganza, Acrylics Beginner & Intermediate, Digital Photography Beginner, Pottery Wellness: Seniors in Motion, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga Cooking: Kids in the Kitchen, Creative Cooks Seniors: A Stitch in Time, Grannys Alan Nelson leads a class in Social Dance. Recipes, Seniors In Motion, Grandpa’s The art of making pottery is for all Green Thumb ages. Languages: Spanish, French Level 2, High German Check out www.steinbachartscouncil.ca for updates
Be ready for our call – 2010-11 Goal: $45,000 We will be calling for your support – help sponsor a show, an event or contribute to our programs. You make a donation – SAC will acknowledge this as your donor support on our donor wall, signage, in programs and at events. Call 346-1077 for more details.
Afternoon openings for age’s 3-5 creative program The most creative way to learn early child development through dance, theatre, music and visual arts – for ages 3-5. A few openings left for our Arts for Tots Preschool Program afternoon classes, Monday to Thursday. Call Shelley at 346-1077!
Calling all Artists! Interested in having your own exhibit? Please get an application from the Centre. Deadline for entry is March 1st. Check website for more details.
Dawson Trail School Re-opens Library
Upcoming events: Saturday, December 4 – Christmas Art Show & Sale – Steinbach Cultural Centre Tuesday, December 7 – Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops concert Sunday, January 16 – Jorge Miguel Flamenco Ensemble Saturday, January 22 – Family show – Paper Bag Princess & more Munsch! Theatre Monday, February 21 – Wingfield on Ice – Manitoba Theatre Centre Thursday, March 3 – Vancouver Chamber Choir, Grace Church
Christmas Art Show & Sale Saturday, December 4th, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Steinbach Arts Council is pleased to present its first annual Christmas Art Show & Sale featuring local artists at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre (Upper Level) – 304 Second Street. Artworks will include paintings, drawings, photography & pottery. Free Admission. Thinking of giving the most unique gift? Try an original artwork – it will be a one-of-a-kind gift for a one-of-akind person on your gift list.
Winnipeg Symphony Family Fun Night in Steinbach Tuesday, December 7th at Steinbach Mennonite Church, 7:30 p.m. This year, we are proud to feature the Hanover Symphony Singers, directed by Loretta Friesen. Also, Conrad Siebert, tenor will be the guest artist. Enjoy a good old fashioned family sing-a-long. Be part of the fun and excitement! Special Promo for families: 4 for $49 (for immediate family members only). Music Students – only $8. Corporate packages available – treat your employees and clients. Call 346-1077. Who Will Play With the Symphony? Calling all Grade 4-6 elementary students to tell us, “Why I would like to play with the Symphony?” 2 winners will be chosen and have the opportunity to play with Santa and the Symphony! Hand in your entry. It is available from your school music teacher or at our SAC office. All the entries displayed at the concert in the lobby. Listen to Mix 96.7 FM Radio. Winner will be announced on December 3rd in the morning.
Acrylic Abstracts Crash Course Saturday, December 11th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ages 16+. Instructor: Karen Wardle. This one-day workshop will get your creative, acrylic abstract juices flowing. Call Melissa 346-1077 to sign up.
Granny’s Secret Recipes – Christmas Style Food included – 4 free sessions – December 7 to 16. Share your much-loved recipes to others! This is a special program that will function like a recipe club, with seniors sharing their favorite holiday recipes in a group setting. It will provide seniors an opportunity to interact with others where great food is a focal point. Volunteer to prepare some delicious holiday baking treats or dishes for group sampling. Our facilitator will act as a resource providing guidance regarding nutrition, preparing meals for one, budget considerations and the like. No cost – need 10 seniors to run this program. Call Melissa: 346-1077
Call for Entry... 13th Annual Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit Deadline for registration is January 14. Deadline for work submission is February 11. Register now for the 13rd Annual Southeast Open Judged Adult &Juvenile Art Exhibit 2011. All ages and all medium are all welcome to enter. Pick-up a registration form at the SAC office or check out our website. Your work will be displayed in the Hall Gallery from March 3 to April 4.
Parents and students alike enjoyed checking out the new selection of books available at the Dawson Trail School Library.
By Marianne Curtis On November 18 students, teachers and parents alike celebrated the grand re-opening of the library located in the Dawson Trail School. The fun filled evening consisted of stories, reading activities and lots of prizes for all ages. Families came dressed in their pyjamas and enjoyed cookies and milk while having a chance to browse a vast selection of new books. The Dawson Trail School recently purchased 2,300 new books for the library using funds they received from the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. Last May the school was chosen to receive a grant of $145,000 over three years for new library books and for other literacy initiatives for the school, explained Lori Gauthier. “One project is to purchase new books for our library. We started buying books for all areas of interest: graphic novels, picture books, middle years fiction, nonfiction, and parenting books just to name a few and also some new and exciting library furniture such as
pillows, shelving, and a listening centre,” stated Gauthier. “We are super excited to continue replenishing our library books and updating our guided reading and 6 + 1 writing books in support of our school based literacy programs for all grade levels over the next three years. The next project that the school will undertake is called LEAP (Learning Enrichment and Play) where preschoolers come to the library every Wednesday from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. for literacy and numeric based teacher created activities. The opening of a library would not be complete without guest readers, including a visit by Seine River School Division superintendent Mike Borgfjord who came as Harry Potter. The Dawson Trail School was one of 20 schools from across Canada chosen to receive the grant. To be considered for an Indigo Love of Reading Foundation grant, elementary schools must demonstrate that they are a highneeds institution and show a commitment to an environment where literacy is a main focus.
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Providence College Looks into Harnessing the Wind By Marianne Curtis Providence College in Otterburne has taken a significant step toward becoming the most environmentally friendly school in Manitoba. On November 17 Providence College and Seminary School put up a meteorological tower as the next step in their plan to tap into wind energy. Dr. August Konkel, Providence president, is thrilled with the new venture. “Our wind power project is finally getting underway,” said Konkel. “The first step is to determine if, in fact, we have enough wind to create enough electricity to make wind power financially viable. To do that we have to put up a meteorological tower.” The new tower is just part of a bigger project. It will collect wind data that is expected to tell the college if there is enough wind to generate electricity for the campus, explained Bruce Duggan, one of the coordinators for the wind power project. “Different wind turbines work best at different wind speeds. The data collected from the meteorological tower will enable us to know which type of wind turbine would be the most efficient here,” added Duggan. The Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute from Portage la Prairie was involved in putting up the data tower, which was assembled on the land north of the soccer fields on the Providence campus. CORE Renewable Energy will be tracking the information and reporting it to Providence so they can make an informed decision as to the next step. “The next two steps are: first, Mike McKernan from Stantec Consulting is doing an environmental review to determine what environmental effects, if any, a wind turbine would have,” said Duggan. That is expected to be done in the next few months. The next step will be to meet with the community to discuss the pros and cons of wind energy generation and whether the potential positives outweigh the potential negatives, Duggan noted. If the project proceeds to the next step, the college will have to find wind turbines and continue with proper installation. It is expected to take a few years before turbines can be installed. The federal government is helping the project by providing funding through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, which is specifically for colleges and universities. This is not the first time that Providence College has made a significant step towards reducing its environmental impact. One of its newest buildings was constructed with environmentally friendly geothermal heating, and high-efficiency boilers for heat in the older Hannah Administration building were also installed.
Providence raises new meteorological tower on campus (l to r, President Dr. Gus Konkel, Executive Vice President and Provost David Johnson, Vice President of Operations Heath Holden, Director of Seminary Recruitment Daniel Horne)
The Providence meteorological tower located at the north end of the Otterburne campus.
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Steinbach Native Wins Rhodes Scholarship Charges Laid in Landmark Stabbing
By Marianne Curtis A University of Manitoba math student from Steinbach has been named as the most recent Rhodes Scholarship winner from the region. Jody Reimer is completing her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Manitoba. The former Steinbach Regional High School student is a math major with a minor in religion. “I like math – it is hard but satisfying,” stated Reimer. As the winner of a Rhodes Scholarship, Reimer will now be able to study at Oxford University in England for the next two years. While there she plans on taking her Masters degree with a focus on developing mathematical solutions to issues in the biological sciences and ecology. Her exceptional skills have also opened doors in other areas. Last year, while on a five month trip to India with Ten Thousand Villages, Reimer taught mathematics to girls at an impoverished school in Kolkata. This has given her an appreciation for her own privileged educational opportunities. “I owe it to both myself and society to not waste that,” she added. “I plan on doing a lot of work on mathematical modeling in biology and perhaps ecology – I have not yet decided.” Reimer is no stranger to receiving awards for her excellent math scores. She has received scholarships for highest standing in Arts as well as numerous other awards for her math studies. “I had excellent math teachers at the SRSS, especially my calculus teacher – he taught me to love calculus and they gave me a good base for my education,” added Reimer. When Reimer is not working on her math, she enjoys traveling, cycling and language studies, which she says has given her additional incentive to pursue higher education. “While cycling through Finland this past summer my companions and I discussed theoretical physics,” she recalled.
Jody Reimer of Steinbach will be studying for three years at Oxford University in England after recently winning a Rhodes Scholarship.
Reimer is one of two Rhodes Scholars chosen from Manitoba. A total of ten students from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba were interviewed, and Reimer was one of three chosen from the prairies.
Ile Des Chênes Athlete Honored As of November 2, Patrick Savard of the Gabrielle Roy Les Roy volleyball team was the Tri-Star Rural High School athlete of the week. The 6’1" middle led his team to the championship at the Neelin Spartan Dig Classic. He led the team in blocks and kill efficiency for the tournament and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. “Patrick’s versatility has helped us improve as a team as he can attack from any position at the net,” praised his coach Michel Lavergne. He added that he was the type of player that remained calm under pressure, which made him an asset to the team. “He leads with his actions, and when he speaks, he has the attention of all his teammates,” continued Lavergne. “His athleticism and his coachability have allowed him to develop as a dominant volleyball player.” The Grade 12 student also competes in hockey and maintains an academic average of 84 percent. Patrick Savard from Gabrielle Roy Les Roy in Ile Des Chênes.
An 18-year-old Landmark man has been charged with aggravated assault after he allegedly stabbed his best friend. Eric Moore was arrested and charged by the St. Pierre RCMP after an incident that took place on November 6 at a home in Landmark. According to RCMP, officers responded to the stabbing around 10 p.m. Police say that a dispute between Moore and a second 18year-old male resulted in a fist fight, at which time he allegedly stabbed his victim in the back. The victim was taken to Health Sciences Center and treated for nonlife threatening injuries. Moore was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault and three counts of breach of undertaking. He was held in the Remand Center until his court date a few days later.
Missing Man Found The Steinbach RCMP says that a man listed as a missing person has been found “safe and sound”. On November 25 the Steinbach RCMP reported that Martin Laing from Ile Des Chênes has been found. Laing was reported missing nine days earlier by his family in Blumenort after no one had seen or heard from him since November 14. Police are not releasing any other details on Laing’s disappearance.
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St. Pierre RCMP Investigate Fatal 2-Vehicle Collision On November 9 at about 3:15 p.m. the St. Pierre RCMP, as well as local Emergency Services and EMS, were dispatched to the scene of a fatal 2vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy 23 and Hwy 200 in the RM of De Salaberry. Initial reports indicate that a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche had been Eastbound on Hwy 23 when it was in collision with a 2008 Chevrolet Impala that was Northbound on Hwy 200. The intersection is controlled by stop signs on Hwy 200. Road conditions and visibility were reported as good. The lone occupant of the Impala, a 54-year-old woman from Rosenort, died at the scene. The four occupants of the Avalanche, two adult men and two adult women, were transported to hospital in serious condition. An RCMP Traffic Collision Analyst On December 7 anyone wishing to attended to assist with the remember a lost loved one is investigation. Alcohol is not welcome to participate to place a card considered a factor in the collision. on this year’s memory tree. The South Eastman Health Palliative Care Team is setting up their 10th Annual Memory Tree at the Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. There will be a special ceremony at the tree starting 2:00 p.m. at Clearspring Centre including music, refreshments and a reflection ceremony. Memory cards will be available On November 7 at around 5:30 p.m. throughout December for those St. Pierre RCMP were dispatched to wishing to celebrate the lives of the local hospital to investigate an loved ones. accidental shooting. An 18-year-old man from St. Pierre was injured in the lower back as a result of an accidental firearm discharge. Preliminary investigation has revealed that five adult men had been scouting an area in preparation of deer hunting season. Witness reports indicate that the victim had been in the rear seat of a pick up truck when a second man was placing a rifle in the rear cargo area of the truck. The rifle discharged penetrating the truck cab and hitting the 18-year-old man in the lower back. He has been transported to hospital in Winnipeg for surgery, and at this time is listed in fair condition. There were no other injuries reported. Police continue to investigate.
Memory Tree in Steinbach
St. Pierre RCMP Investigate Accidental Firearm Discharge
Health Board Hosts 15th Annual General Meeting On November 1 approximately 200 people attended the 15th annual South Eastman Health General meeting. The event, which took place at the Brass Lantern in Steinbach, featured several displays featuring programs and services available to residents within the region. Keynote speaker for the evening was Charles S. Coffey who spoke on Building Prosperous Communities: Investing in Children and Youth. South Eastman Health Chief executive officer Monique Vielfaure Mackenzie said that the board chose Coffey to speak at the annual meeting because he was a champion of youth. “He provided great insights into what will be required in the future,” stated Vielfaure Mackenzie. “He spoke about preparing youth for the workplace of the future and how we can all work together to achieve that.” Those in attendance also had a chance to view the health authority’s annual report.
Man Injured in Hunting Accident Charges are being contemplated in a hunting accident that took place in the RM of Piney on November 20 around 6 p.m. According to RCMP a 43-year-old male was injured during a hunting accident when he was accidentally shot by his 17-year-old companion. The victim was taken to hospital in Roseau, Minnesota and later transferred to the Health Sciences Center in critical but stable condition. RCMP are investigating the incident and charges are being contemplated. Charles S. Coffey was the keynote speaker at the South Eastman Health’s annual general meeting.
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Mayors Named to Board The mayors from the City of Steinbach and the RM of Ritchot have both taken on very important roles with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM). At the recent AMM convention in Winnipeg the new board of directors was elected. Steinbach’s mayor Chris Goertzen has been elected to the position of Urban Director for the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. He replaces former city councillor Art Rempel who chose not to seek re-election in the last municipal election. “I hope to continue to do a good job representing the needs and concerns of the eastern part of the province to the board,” promised Goertzen. “This is a great opportunity for both the City and for me.” RM of Ritchot mayor Bob Stefaniuk was also named to the RM of Ritchot Mayor Bob Stefaniuk board. He will be sitting at the table as the rural director of the eastern region. “This is a great opportunity for us because it allows us to have a direct connection to other councils in the area,” added Stefaniuk.
KidSport Benefits Local Athletes Almost 150 eligible athletes will be able to participate in the sport of their choice after the Eastman Kidsport Committee recently completed its fall grant review. A total of 175 applications were submitted requesting approximately $41,000 in assistance and 147 were approved for a total of $28,488. This brings this year’s support to 210 children in 2010 for a total of $35,071. Of those numbers, ninety were received and approved locally. These applications came from Richer, St. Adolphe, St. Malo, St. Pierre Ste. Anne and Steinbach. Qualifying applicants between the ages five and 17 receive 85 percent of their request for a maximum of $255 a child per year. The Eastman Kidsport Committees goal is to provide all children in the region with a chance to experience sport despite family financial limitations. Donations to the program are always welcome. For
Future Middle Schools Named The Hanover School Division is pleased to announce that names have chosen for two new schools that will be built in Steinbach. In September the Hanover School Division asked students for their input in naming the new middle school that is being built and the renaming of the Steinbach Junior High once it is converted into second middle school. The Steinbach Junior High will be called Stoneybrook Middle School once the conversion takes place. “This name was submitted by several students,” stated Randy Hilderbrandt, Hanover School Division chairperson. The brand new middle school will be named Clearspring Middle School once construction is complete. Both names recognize traditions and roots of the community, he added. Both schools are expected to be open for classes September 2012.
more information contact Sport Manitoba – Eastman Region office at 268-2172. Tax receipts are available for your donations.
Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen
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Lorette Opens Water Treatment Plant The RM of Tache and the community of Lorette are getting ready to celebrate the opening of their new water treatment plant. On December 3 at 4:30 p.m. the public is invited to the grand opening of the Lorette Pubic Water System and Treatment Plant. The state-of-the art project has eliminated the boil water advisory placed on the community back in July 2005. At the opening, Mayor Bill Danylchuk said that the community will recognize the contributions of the provincial and federal governments for making this project a reality. Five years ago the province issued a boil water order for the community. This kick-started construction of a multimillion water treatment plant and upgrades throughout the community of Lorette.
Funding for the project was achieving partially through the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Program at just over $1.7 million. The balance of funding came from municipal reserve funds and through a borrowing bylaw. The RM of Tache spent $5.3 million on the construction a new water distribution center. The project included an upgrade of the water utility in the community by establishing of a new source well into the sandstone aquifer, construction of a new pumping station, and a 1M liter underground storage reservoir to be constructed on site. The taps were turned on back in August and the province lifted the boil water order shortly afterwards. The official grand opening and ribbon cutting of the system is taking place at the Water Treatment Plant which is located at 1092 Dawson Road in Lorette. Lorette is ready to celebrate the opening their new water treatment plant.
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Count provides essential data for conservation
Canadian Birders and Nature Enthusiasts to Take Part in 111th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Photo by Amy Kovach
The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) – the longest-running Citizen Science survey in the world – will take place from December 14 to January 5. Tens of thousands of volunteers throughout North America will brave winter weather to add a new layer to over a century of data. For many years, the Christmas Bird Count was organized at the continental scale by the National Audubon Society. Since 2000, Bird Studies Canada has partnered with Audubon to coordinate counts in Canada. Scientists rely on the remarkable trend data of the CBC to better understand how birds and the environment are faring throughout North America – and what needs to be done to protect them. CBC results are at the heart of numerous peerreviewed scientific studies. “Each CBC volunteer observer is an important contributor, helping to shape the overall direction of bird conservation,” says Dick Cannings, Bird Studies Canada’s Christmas Bird Count Coordinator. “Bird Studies Canada and our U.S. partners at Audubon rely on data from the CBC database to monitor bird populations across North America.” The Christmas Bird Count began over a century ago when 27 conservationists in 25 localities, led by scientist and writer Frank Chapman, changed the course of ornithological history. On Christmas Day in 1900, the small group suggested an alternative to the “side hunt,” in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most game, including birds. Instead, Chapman proposed that they identify, count, and record all the birds they saw. Now Binocular Brigades often brave winter’s chill, ice, and snow to record changes in resident populations before spring migrants return. Counts are often family or community traditions that make for
fascinating stories. Accuracy is assured by having new participants join an established group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher. Count volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 24-km diameter circle, or can arrange in advance to count the birds at home feeders inside the circle and submit the results to a designated compiler. All individual Christmas Bird Counts are conducted between December 14 and January 5 (inclusive) each season, with each individual count occupying a single calendar day. From feeder-watchers and field observers to count compilers and regional editors, everyone who takes part in the Christmas Bird Count does it for love of birds and the
excitement of friendly competition – and with the knowledge that their efforts are making a difference for science and bird conservation. CBC data not only helps identify birds in most urgent need of conservation action; it reveals success stories. The Christmas Bird Count helped document the comeback of the previously endangered Bald Eagle, and significant increases in waterfowl populations, both the result of conservation efforts. For more information about CBC participation, visit Bird Studies Canada’s website at www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/ cbc and click on the “Look For a Count Near You” link on the lefthand side of the page.
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Ste. Genevieve Issues Still Frustrate Residents By Marianne Curtis After months of trying to get attention from the RM of Tache council, residents from Ste. Genevieve were finally able to sit down for a meeting. On November 9 a number of residents met with council to discuss their concerns. Carmen Allard, spokesperson for the group, was pleased to finally get a meeting with council, however, the group is still frustrated that nothing has been done. “The water issues in this area have been going on for over 20 years,” explained Allard. “We need to resolve these problems to help our farmers retain some of their livelihood and decrease the stress levels we have been under whenever it rains or a dike at the soil company breaches.” Some of the issues the group raised with council were insufficient drainage and wrong sized culverts. Beavers and plugged ditches, in addition to two soil companies allegedly pumping water out of their dikes, are also causing problems, she said. This summer, after heavy rains, a few of the roads remained impassable for several weeks, Allard claimed. “Due to extensive road closures our emergency vehicles have to make up to a 9 mile detour to reach properties that are less than a mile away from the fire hall, which in turn could cost a resident their home, or worse yet, a loved one,” stressed Allard. “This is not acceptable.” Despite calling meetings, talking to Cooks Creek Conservation, the municipality and several government officials, the residents in Ste. Genevieve remain frustrated. “We have heard nothing but excuses,” claims Allard. “At the council meeting Mayor Danylchuk stated that our issues were multi-jurisdictional in nature,” Allard noted. “We get nothing but excuses.” The group has been told that there is no money in the budget or any programs that deal with poor drainage or upgrading drainage. The municipality does not have the right equipment, and there has been a delay with receiving permits. “It is time to get our priorities straight, get the lines of communication working, get the permits out to the municipality so they can schedule the installation of the culverts and get started on cleaning up the Ward 6 area in the RM of Tache,” Allard concluded. “We will not go away until the issues in this area are a distant memory.”
Grunthal Home Damaged in Fire No one was injured and damages were minimal during a house fire that took place near Grunthal in the middle of November. The Grunthal Fire Department was called to a house fire on November 16 just north of Grunthal along Provincial Road 28. A wood stove was burning when insulation and parts of the attic caught on fire. The owner was home at the time. Grunthal Fire Chief Paul Wiebe said that the fire department had to take the chimney apart to get to the source of the blaze. He added that the chimney was properly installed so there was no clear reason why the attic caught fire. The owner was at home at the time of the incident and was able to call 911. No one was injured in the blaze. Damages are estimated at about $10,000.
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Fiat Franchise Awarded to Steinbach Dodge Chrysler Chrysler Canada has announced that Steinbach Dodge Chrysler has been selected as one of its 58 dealers to initially represent the Fiat brand in Canada. This group of dealers will be the first to sell the 2012 Fiat 500 (Cinquecento). Canadian dealers were selected to represent the Fiat Brand based on their location, the establishment of a dedicated Fiat area, and proven sales and customer service expertise. “Our people that serve our dedicated customer base are one of the main reasons that we were able to obtain the Fiat Franchise. For the past 10 years we have been a Five Star dealer, Chrysler’s highest recognition for customer satisfaction. We regularly review our processes and make improvements in them along the way,” said Paul Neustaedter, the owner of Steinbach Dodge Chrysler, who is very excited about the Fiat announcement. “Now you can get an Italian styled car and you don’t have to spend $100,000 plus to buy a Maserati or a Ferrari.” “We received many very unique and promising proposals from our Canadian dealers,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Chrysler Canada. “The enthusiastic and innovative concepts proved that they ‘get’ what the Fiat brand is all about, and bodes well for the successful launch of the brand here in Canada.” The 58 dealers represent only 15% of the Canadian Chrysler dealer body. Steinbach Dodge Chrysler Fiat is included in the select group of dealers that will be the first to sell the 2012 Cinquecento, which was unveiled Wednesday at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Production of the 2012 Fiat 500, which is equipped with Fiat’s fuel-efficient 1.4 litre MultiAir four-cylinder engine, begins next month at Chrysler’s plant in Toluca, Mexico. Pricing for a base model is set at $15,995. At 12:01 a.m. on November 23, Chrysler Canada launched an online program for Canadians to reserve a limited edition version of the Fiat 500. A special production run of 500 Fiat Cinquecento (500) models will be offered to customers at www.fiatcanada.com. These Fiat 500 Prima Edizione models are collector vehicles with a unique numbered badge. Interested consumers can register to receive updates on the Prima Edizione by signing up to become a “Fiat Follower” at www.fiatcanada.com.
Visit a Métis Healthy Living Display Paul Neustaedter is pleased that Steinbach has been awarded a Fiat Dealership.
Living healthy seems to be a lot more difficult to do these days. More packaged foods, stressful lives and motor vehicles to take us where we want to go, are all taking a toll. Yet healthy living is so simple… That’s the message given by the Métis Healthy Living Panels, created by South Eastman Health through the Aboriginal Health Transition Fund Project. The six interpretive panels are a tribute to the way the Métis lived not so long ago. Some still do, and it’s a lifestyle we can all learn from. Today, nutritionists recommend we include fresh and locally-grown foods and whole foods in our diet as often as we can. Along with an active and healthy lifestyle, increasing the consumption of traditional foods will contribute to our holistic health, nurturing Métis residents, part of an advisory group for the not only our project, take pride in the panels. bodies, but our spirits. The bilingual text used for the panels was taken from the Métis Cookbook and Guide to Healthy Living, available online at www.naho.ca/metiscentre. The photos featured on the panels, from the St. Malo/St-Pierre-Jolys area bear witness to the healthy traditions that are being passed on. Three sets of panels are on permanent display at the Chalet Malouin in St. Malo, the De Salaberry District Health Centre in St-Pierre-Jolys, and the Club d’Amitié in St. Adolphe. A fourth set can be borrowed by any school, library, government service, financial institution and seniors’ residence of South Eastman. This set is currently set up at the Bilingual Services Centre in St-PierreJolys until December 15th. There are also a variety of options for purchase. Contact the De Salaberry District Health Centre at 433-7611 for more information on borrowing or purchasing these panels.
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Students Receive Health Care Bursaries By Marianne Curtis Eight health care students from throughout the region have some extra money for their studies after recently receiving bursaries from organizations throughout South Eastman Health. On November 1, eight students received a combined $5,500 to further their health care education. While distributed at South Eastman Health’s annual general meeting, the bursaries are actually contributed from four regional foundations and auxiliaries, as well as the regional health authority. This year six bachelor of nursing students, one medical student and one health care aide were all presented bursaries at the recent meeting. The South Eastman Health bursaries, in the amount of $750 each, went to Rhonda Patterson, who is in the University of Manitoba working on her Bachelor of Nursing, and Timothy Gosselin, who is studying medicine at the University of Manitoba. The Bethesda Regional Health Care Auxiliary presented $750 each to Kassandra Dyck, a University of Manitoba Bachelor of Nursing student, and Paul John M. Bejarin, who is taking Bachelor of Nursing at Red River College. Stephanie Goertzen, another University of Manitoba Bachelor of Nursing student was the recipient of a $1,000 bursary from the Bethesda Foundation. The $500 bursary from the Ste. Anne Hospital Fund Bursary went to Élaine Jeanson. She is studing to be a Health Care Aide at the St. Boniface This year’s bursary winners include: Back Row Left to Right: Paul John M. Bejarin, Timothy Gosselin, Stephanie Goertzen; Front Row Left to Right: Élaine Jeanson and Rhonda Patterson. College. Stephanie Goertzen, enrolled in the University of Manitoba Bachelor of Nursing Program, and Jennifer Lagassé, in the Saint-Boniface College Bachelor of Nursing program, received $500 each from the Niverville and Community Foundation. The Board of South Eastman Health utilizes the bursary program as a means to encourage local health care students to graduate and then hopefully practice in the region.
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra Holiday Express Tour Family Fun Night
Status Quo for School Division Chairs Trustees in two school divisions have shown that they like their leaders by re-electing their former chairpersons. At their opening board meetings after the October municipal elections, trustees in the Hanover School Division and Seine River School Division selected their chairpersons for the next year. Hanover School Board trustees kept their faith in Randy Hildebran by re-electing him as chairperson of the board for his 10th consecutive year. Trustee Marilyn Plett was elected as vice chairperson for the first time. Wendy Bloomfield also remains at the helm of the Seine River School Division for her twenty-first consecutive term. Trustee Robert Rivard was re-elected as her vice-chair.
Holiday season spirit is in the air, so start planning your Family Fun Night with the Winnipeg Symphony in their annual Holiday Christmas Pops show that the whole family will enjoy! The event will be held at the Steinbach Mennonite Church, 345 Loewen Blvd. on December 7 at 7:30 p.m. Guest artists include the Hanover Symphony Singers, filled with some of the finest youth singers from the Hanover schools, directed by Loretta Friesen. Also, Conrad Siebert will charm you with his tenor voice as he is accompanied by the orchestra. Call the Steinbach Arts Council at 346-1077 for tickets.
WSO Conductor Richard Lee will be leading the performance at the Steinbach Mennonite Church.
La Broquerie Loses Assistant The RM of La Broquerie has accepted the resignation of one of their administrator assistants. Sources say that the day after the October 27 municipal election Nadine Vielfaure tendered her resignation. By resolution council thanked her for her years of service and wished her the best in the future. Vielfaure has served as the municipality’s assistant administrator for the past four years. The municipality has not said when they plan to start looking for a replacement.
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Harv’s Air Supports New Aviation Room Providence College aviation students have just received a valuable resource - a room to themselves, equipped with computers and aviation software. Providence officially launched the new aviation room with a grand opening at the end of October. Harv Penner and his wife, who own Harv’s Air which partners with Providence’s aviation program, were in attendance to cut the ribbon in dedication of the new room and resources. Currently, students enrolled in the program are in partnership with Harv’s Air, an award-winning aviationtraining program located in Steinbach. “A Providence education with flight instruction from Harv’s Air has produced some of the finest pilots in Manitoba,” says Dr. August Konkel, president of Providence College and Seminary. Konkel has been a key supporter in making this effort possible. He says he has long recognized the need for aviation students to have a suitable workspace with proper resources close to home. “Aviation students are highly invested in Providence,” says Konkel. “Their total investment for their education is much above the average college student. It is therefore mandatory that the institution provide them with the learning resources they need. The particular needs for aviation students include materials essential to their studies, such as large maps and desk space, computers dedicated to aviation software, and an environment where students of dedicated interest can gather to learn from each other.” The goal of the room is to help improve the experience of aviation students in facilitating their studies, which includes being able to do the technical part of their studies together with other aviation students on campus. The aviation program at Providence College is a 4year degree. Visit providencecollege.ca for more information.
Holiday Hazards
Time to dig out the decorations for another season, but before you put anything up, there are a few tips that you should follow to ensure that you’ll have a safe and happy holiday season: - Be sure to check for frayed wires, loose connections and sockets that are cracked, and replace anything that is damaged. - Check to see if the lights are safety certified - All decorations should be unplugged before changing fuses or bulbs. - Never leave sockets empty. - Use only outdoor rated extension cords and light strings outdoors, and keep them clear of snow and standing water. - Decorate with care when working near power lines or service entrances. - Don’t let children or pets play with electrical decorations. Even small lights can produce a deadly electric shock if misused. - Be careful not to overload extension cords. They may over heat and cause a fire. - All outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). For more information about holiday safety, visit Manitoba Hydro’s Web site at www.hydro.mb.ca, and follow the links.
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A Historic Announcement Galatians 4: 4-7 (NIV) 4) But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5) to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. 6) Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba Father.” 7) So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir. Christmas reminds us of the fact that Jesus came to this Earth at just the right time. In our text today we are told that when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son. Have you ever thought that there was a right time for Jesus to come? It is an incredible statement. Does this mean to say that there was one time in all human history when all things were perfectly in line for the first coming of Jesus; and that there was no other time when Christ could have come? I believe that is precisely what the text is saying. It is saying that Jesus came at just the right time. Our celebration of Christmas highlights that perfect timing of His coming … as our text for this month says that when the right time came, the time that God had declared it would happen; Jesus was born, born of a Jewish woman by the name of Mary. We know the Christmas story so well, but how often does that familiarity cause us to forget or overlook what happened in the Land of Palestine before Christ was born? I know this is true of me. We get so busy with our own preparations that we lose sight of all the activities and preparations behind the scene in Palestine before the birth of Christ. Just as we prepare for the Christmas season so there were preparations for this special Child that was about to come down from heaven to be born in a manger. There were political preparations for His coming: We learn from Scripture that God directed the necessary events so that all prophesy would be fulfilled. Little did Caesar Augustus know that when he was in power and called for a census, he was in fact doing God’s will? That census required all the people to return to their place of birth to be counted. That meant that a pregnant woman and her husband had to make a historic journey to Bethlehem. Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus, was guided by the Holy Spirit of God to the place prophesied in the Old Testament where Christ would be born. Can you see the hand of God at work here? God had planned how this was to happen long before this night in Bethlehem. He had a reason for this event. You can feel the love in the heart of God as He is about to reveal His plan of salvation to all peoples. This is what the first coming of Christ provided for us. At the right time, God sent His Son, and He … that is Jesus … can be trusted to do things in our lives at the right time, as well. We are invited to become children of God, heirs together with Christ. And He is leading us not only to reign with Him in eternity, but also to rule in victory in this life. This is what Christmas has done for us … “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be the sign unto you, ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:11-12 NIV)) Thus, when the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, unable to contain heaven’s joy any longer, the angels exploded with the cry of jubilation, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.” Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful New Year. Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honor Your Name.” Amen.
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Richer Singers Featured on CD By Marianne Curtis Two gentlemen from Richer are featured on a new CD that was recently released, called Bonnes Chansons du Manitoba, which translated means “Good Songs of Manitoba – Family Memories”. The CD of traditional FrancoManitoban songs, Bonnes Chansons du Manitoba, was launched on November 21 at the St Boniface Cathedral by the Federation des Ainés FrancoManitobain (FAFM). “Congratulations to our two local artists,” exclaimed Patricia Gendreau from Friends of Prayer in Richer. Alphonse Fournier, a Richer resident, and Raynald St. Hilaire, born and raised in Richer, were two singers of a cast of twelve artists featured on the disc. Fournier was raised in La Broquerie and from a tender age was surrounded by a musical family who enjoyed singing and playing the violin and harmonium. He has been
Foundation Pays Pledge in Full South Eastman Health has finally received the last installment of $250,000 towards the completed Cancer Care Center in Steinbach. The payment was the last installment of $1.5 million commitment that was pledged by the Bethesda Foundation. Garth Reimer, Chairperson for the Bethesda Foundation, said the organization is very proud to have supported the project. “We felt it was important to support the construction of the new birthing center because the old facility ran short of room to be able to handle the growing demand,” explained Reimer. “The Bethesda Cancer Care center has always been considered one of the best in the province but professionals were forced to work out of closets in the basements – we needed adequate facilities.” South Eastman Health CEO Monique Vielfaure MacKenzie said she is blown away by the support of the foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a vibrant and passionate foundation to work with,” Vielfaure MacKenzie added. “They are true partners.” Now that the Cancer Care Center and Birthing Center are paid off, the Bethesda Foundation has already set its sights on a new project. The foundation has announced that they are committed to raising $1.4 million towards the future construction of a new emergency room at the Bethesda Hospital.
Raynald St. Hilaire
Alphonse Fournier
a member of the Intrépides and will be singing for the 50th consecutive year Minuit Chretien at the midnight mass this year. St. Hilaire began singing at church services under the watchful eye of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Richer. Like Alphonse, Raynald was blessed
with a musical family who sang and enjoyed music on a daily basis. Raynald sang many times at the Enfant- Jésus Church as well as in many other festive community and family events. The CD can be purchased by calling (204) 233-2556.
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Firefighters Support Men’s Health Thirty-five people joined the fire fighters from the Steinbach Fire Department when they banded together to raise awareness of men’s health issues by participating in “Movember.” On November 1 the Steinbach Fire Department kicked off Movember, which is a unique initiative that makes the mustache the ribbon for men’s health and raise money for prostate cancer. According to team captain Mark Loewen, the team is calling themselves the “mobros with hose”. Each fire fighter started off the month clean shaven and committed to allow it to grow for thirty days while collecting funds for prostate cancer. The 35-member team raised $1,200 for the cause.
MADD Red Ribbon Campaign Launched Steinbach MLA and Conservative Justice Critic, Kelvin Goertzen, participated recently in the launch of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Red Ribbon Campaign to discourage people from drinking and driving during the holiday season and all year round. “No parent or loved one should ever have to go to the funeral of someone killed by a drunk driver. While there has been a change in thinking about drinking and driving over the past many years, it’s a message that still has to be reinforced by both public awareness and tougher laws,” said Goertzen. Project Red Ribbon encourages Manitobans to tie a red ribbon for the next two months to their vehicle’s antenna or their key chains as a reminder of those who have lost their lives to drinking and driving and as a reminder to not drink and drive. “The best events and holidays are the ones that everyone returns home
Conservative Justice Critic Kelvin Goertzen along with MADD President Doug Mowbray at the launch of the MADD Red Ribbon Campaign.
from safe. That has to be the goal now and throughout the year,” said Goertzen. Goertzen noted the campaign runs
until the first week of January and red ribbons are available at his constituency office at #3- 227 Main Street, Steinbach.
4th Annual Heritage Centre Gala The Niverville Heritage Centre annual fundraising banquet for the details for the 2011 banquet to be released shortly. was a buzz last in early November Niverville Heritage Centre with with the conversation of welldressed patrons and the sound of the Prairie Voices choir. Steve Neufeld COO of the Heritage Centre was pleased with the turnout, and it appeared that it was the best attended gala to date. Master Corporal Paul Franklin The issue of hidden surveillance cameras throughout the RM of La delivered a great message on hope and perseverance through great Broquerie municipal office has been closed by the current council. At a special meeting of council the municipality passed a resolution challenges as he spoke of coming back after a suicide bomber hit his that states that the municipality will “not reactivate the camera system in the Municipal Building envoy in Afghanistan. This year’s gala focused on the permanently”. The resolution which was moved by councilor Darrel Unger and seconded by Wildred Chabot was the first time that the PCH to be built and Gordon Daman from Heritage Holdings municipality acknowledged that the hidden cameras actually existed. Several months ago the Dawson Trail Dispatch revealed that there delivered an update and showed preliminary plans for the personal were a number of hidden cameras located throughout the municipal office. The former council denied these claims even though care home. The gala is the main photographs surfaced that clearly showed the cameras and monitoring system.
Cameras Remain Off in La Broquerie
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Goertzen Prepares for Election at Annual Meeting Manitoba Progressive Conservative Deputy Leader, Kelvin Goertzen, said the recent Annual General Meeting of the Party in Brandon was focused on getting individual candidates and their campaigns ready for next year’s provincial election. “It’s less than a year till the campaign so we are very much in a heightened state of preparation. A number of candidates, particularly in ridings we don’t currently hold, have been door-knocking for the past year so they are well into their campaigns. The convention was about making sure everyone was focused, on the same page and ready for the year ahead,” said Goertzen. About 200 delegates attended the weekend convention including several from the Steinbach Constituency. The agenda included workshops on election finance rules, campaign organization and fundraising. Goertzen noted that the Party is expecting to have a record year for fundraising this year and expects to double its membership from where it was four years ago. “The Party itself, in a word, is strong. It’s strong financially and strong organizationally. While, there is still work to do in terms of putting together a plan to take to Manitobans, the energy and excitement from delegates Some of the Steinbach P.C. Delegates at the Party AGM in Brandon (Back Row): Doug Hamm, Kelvin Goertzen, Kim Goertzen (Front makes me believe everyone is up to the task,” said Goertzen. Row): Gary Reimer, Ed Penner, Neil Warkentin
Accidental Discharge of Firearm Sends Man to Hospital On November 20 at about 3:15 pm, the RCMP St. Pierre Detachment was dispatched to a rural location on Waverley Road in the RM of Ritchot regarding an incident involving firearms. Preliminary investigation into this incident indicates three adult men, well known to each other, were in a shop on Waverley Road in the RM of Richot getting ready to go and butcher livestock when a rifle, held by a 23-year-old man from St. Adolphe, discharged, striking the 59-year-old victim from the RM of St. Andrews.
The 59-year-old remains in critical but stable condition. At present, no charges have been laid in this incident and the investigation continues.
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Big Freight Driver Named Driver of the Year Earl Coleman of Big Freight Systems congratulates one the company’s drivers, Bill Gagnon, after he was named Driver of the Year by the Manitoba Trucking Association.
By Marianne Curtis When the Manitoba Trucking Association recently honored the best and brightest of the industry recently at an awards banquet, a Big Freight employee was recognized as one of the best. On November 19, Bill Gagnon from Big Freight Systems in Steinbach was named Driver of the Year by the Manitoba Trucking Association. The award was presented to him during the sixth annual awards banquet that took place in Roblin. Gagnon, who was nominated by Big Freight, has 43 years of driving experience and is known for going “above and beyond” other drivers in the company. Prior to driving for Big Freight he was a driver for the Canadian Armed Forces. “He has a customer first attitude,” said Adrian Van Rassel, operations and planner with Big Freight. This is not the first award that Gagnon received for his years of service to the transport industry. This spring he was one of three recipients of the Manitoba Trucking Association’s Custom Truck Sales Inc Industry Excellence Award. Each year members of the Manitoba Trucking Association nominate industry peers to receive several awards based on contributions they have made to not only the association, but to the trucking industry in Manitoba as a whole. Awards were handed out in five categories.