Dawson Trail Dispatch January 2013

Sprague Students Turn Plastic Bags into Bench

By Marianne Curtis The students from Ross L. Gray School in Sprague have taken recycling to a completely new level and found a way to help their school in the process.

Since the fall of 2008, elementary schools in Manitoba have collected over one million plastic bags for recycling into free Frisbees for their schools through a program called Bag Up Manitoba.

Through the program, elementary school students are asked to collect as many plastic shopping bags as possible and bring them to their school for recycling. The top schools that collect the most bags during the challenge are eligible to receive a bench made from recycled plastic bags from Trex.

This year Ross L. Gray School placed within the top five after students collected over 30,000 plastic shopping bags.

Danielle Charrette, Ross L. Gray Principal said she is very proud of her students.

“I am really proud of the students; they even got creative this year and invited schools in Roseau to participate,” Charrette explained.

She added that our American neighbours do not recycle plastic bags like we do, yet the students from elementary schools across the border joined in on the fun.

“They were collecting bags for us in their classrooms,” Charrette continued. “It was great to see how enthusiastic the students were. We received our prize two weeks ago.”

This fall 160 schools across Manitoba participated in the

The elementary school students at Ross L. Gray School in Sprague won this bench after doing their part by keeping over 30,000 plastic bags out of the landfill.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

MMSM Bag Up Manitoba program, keeping a record 1,065,961 bags out of the landfills.

The bags collected will be baled and shipped to Trex, for recycling into composite decking material and other products. Each participating school received two birdhouses created from recycled plastic and wood composite material. Based on school population the top five collecting urban and rural schools will receive a composite bench.

Ross L. Gray is the province’s most southeastern school with a student population of about 135 students from kindergarten to grade 12.

Trex Company is headquartered in Winchester, Virginia, with manufacturing facilities in Fernley, Nevada and Winchester, Virginia and is the largest U.S. manufacturer of woodalternative decking and railing products.

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Regional Well Testing Completed

The Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) has recently announced the results for a region wide well testing campaign.

In 2008, in partnership with the Province of Manitoba’s Department of Water Stewardship, the SRRCD began an inventory by collecting information about the location and condition of drinking water wells within the conservation district

boundaries.

According to Jodi Goertzen, manager of the SRRCD, this past year the Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) summer technicians wrapped up the well inventory program in the last municipality, the RM of Piney.

“The well inventory program has allowed landowners to have their well water tested free of charge and

learn more about proper well maintenance,” stated Goertzen. “We are thankful to all the residents who participated.”

Since the program began, a total of 4,200 wells were identified by the SRRCD summer technicians and 3,822 were tested for total coliform and E. Coli bacteria.

“Over-all quality of the water in the SRRCD is good, with only 16 percent

of wells testing positive for total coliform and 1 percent testing positive for e-coli,” Goertzen confirmed.

The test results came from wells tested within the boundaries of the RM’s of La Broquerie, Ste. Anne, Hanover, De Salaberry, Ritchot, Tache, Stuartburn, Springfield, Reynolds, Montcalm, Franklin, Piney, the City of Steinbach, St. Pierre, Ste. Anne and Niverville.

Steinbach Coach Named Coach of the Month

Jamie Peters, coach of the Steinbach Regional Secondary School Football team.

The founder and coach of the Steinbach Regional High School football team was recently named as the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association’s Coach of the Month.

Jamie Peters, of the Steinbach Regional School Football team, was named November’s Subway Urban Coach of the month at the beginning of December.

Peters is responsible for starting the football program from the ground up at Steinbach Regional and his enthusiasm and passion for the game is contagious. While the team suffered two winless building years, they capped off their third season with a 10-1 record and recently won the Andy Currie Division Championship game with a score of 31-6.

Peters was recognized for his tremendous ability to instill in his athletes many positive characteristics that will definitely lead to greater successes in all aspects of their lives. He is dedicated to player development and challenges his team to “Be Better” on and off the field.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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Local Financial Adviser Wins Hospital Lottery

By Marianne Curtis Ste. Anne area resident and businesswoman Anni Markmann is well known to our readers as the writer of a monthly column called “A Taxing Time”. Most recently, she became known as the winner of the HSC Lifestyles Lottery. Her prize was a $1.2 million custom built home and $10,000 cash or $1 million in cash.

“We decided on the cash instead of the house. We like where we live, enjoy being part of the community of Ste Anne. The house, while beautiful and very large, would not suit our lifestyle; we live in a modest home and have a fairly simple life,” stated Markmann. “I had to explain to our cats that we are sorry, they won’t be able to run around in a house of over 4,000 sq feet!”

As a financial adviser, Markmann already has a few ideas on what she is going to do with her windfall.

“I think most people would do practical things like we are. Pay off debts, put away enough for retirement, share some with family and share some with organizations that we have supported in the past, buy a few things that we’ve wanted to and put away the rest for future purchases,” Markmann explained.

“We might buy a few things that we’ve wanted to and put away the rest for future purchases including upgrading of vehicles and maybe some future home renovations.”

Even a seasoned financial pro like Markmann believes in seeking second opinions. “I will be consulting another financial advisor for a second opinion before making some major investment decisions and around estate planning,” she said.

Markmann has some advice to offer other lottery winners.

“Don’t make big decisions in a hurry; speak to more than one financial advisor, we all have expertise and experience in different areas: tax, estate planning, investing. If you don’t understand an investment recommended to you, don’t buy it!” she stresses.

Markmann said this win will not change her lifestyle much. She intends to continue to operate Anni Markmann Financial Services, although she does plan on taking a little more time off.

“I love what I do: helping people with their taxes and finances and retirement planning,” Markmann concluded.

Municipal Equipment Off Limits for Private Use in La Broquerie Ratepayers in the RM of La Broquerie who may be thinking about going to the municipality to help move a driveway, remove a culvert or clean a private drain will have to look elsewhere since the municipality recently adopted a new policy that shuts the door on using municipal equipment on private property.

The RM of La Broquerie council recently adopted a policy that clearly states that council will no longer allow municipal equipment to be used for work on private property.

According to council, the Municipal Act allows municipalities to use their equipment to do private work on private property.

“The RM of La Broquerie has not carried out private works for some time,” noted council. The new policy states that, “private works (will) not be undertaken by the RM of La Broquerie public works equipment and staff under any circumstance.”

Private works is work carried out on private property, which is normally outside the responsibility of the municipality. Municipalities are required to adopt a private works policy that sets out rates or charges for private work.

Several other municipalities in the region have policies in place that allow limited ‘rentals’ of municipal equipment and employees at special rates to undertake projects such as snow removal, ditching or driveway/ culvert issues when municipal equipment would otherwise be sitting idle.

Anni Markmann and her husband, Daivid Andersen were the recent winners of the HSC LifeStyles Lottery. They won a cool million dollars.

January 2013

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More Than Just News!

January 2013

Dawson Trail Dispatch

The Keepers of the Gates Most Canadian have a fair idea how politics work or have perhaps a fair idea on why politics doesn’t work. Most of us should get a sense of security in knowing that there are instituted oversight individuals and committees, which are mandated to have the public’s best interest at heart. Honest information is a must for the voting public. There is the office of the Auditor General for a starter. One other is the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). Kevin Page of the PBO was voted by at least one Canadian media organization as the impact person of the year. Pretty hard to keep this good man down, or quiet, to the chagrin of the Cabinet.

The PBO is a relatively new creation of 2008 vintage. In a fortuitous instant, the Prime Minister took one of the best pages from the American’s Legislative oversight system and voila, we had a Canadian oversight version.

If we still do not have the best oversight committee in the world, it has the potential to be just that.

The problem with the PBO is not that its mandate it is adequate but, like most politicians, the fear of appearing inadequate by their own slight of hand and propensity to occasionally fudge the facts is so petrifying to themselves that they would rather bell the cat.

Kevin Page and his organization uncovered the true costs, therefore, the shortcomings of the

F 35 (new generation of fighter jets) saga. The program went from a cost of $16 billion to $46 billion to update our needed RCAF fighter jet program. So as to remain a credible player in our “club” of nations with its implied defensive and offensive responsibilities, picking up our marbles and going home is not an option. If your grandparents were adherents of “Woodstock” and three generations later drugs and rock and roll is still your strong suit you may disagree with me, so just skip this and go on to the “funnies”.

Nevertheless, for those who believe in necessary deterrence, the price of billions in itself is somewhat meaningless unless you base it on the proper criteria of a proper timeframe and necessary ancillary costs. For instance, we would all like a brand new Mercedes but if you can’t afford the payments, insurance and the potential maintenance, looking at a Ferrari is still wishful thinking and solves nothing. A Chevy or Ford pick-up may just do the trick.

Except in this situation, we need a new fighter/interceptor aircraft and budget questions can only be answered with all the facts, with prejudging to a minimum.

Also, in this case, trusting the government for truthful answers was ill conceived and wishful thinking. It would be nice to be able to trust a politician. It should be a principal norm, but in this day

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, Raylene Snow, Eileen Lewis, Travis Olifirowich Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck, Monica Guetre and Wilma Priebe Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre

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committee? “To provide independent analyses to Parliament on the state of the Nation’s finances, the Government’s estimate and trends in the Canadian economy and upon request from a committee of parliamentarians to estimate the financial cost of any proposal for matter which Parliament has jurisdiction.” By that, statement effectiveness and cost in the same breath should not be left to a politician unless it can be verified.

An honourable MP should find this principal comforting. In this and age, it is akin to a retake on Alice in wonderland. That’s what happens when we vote for insecure little people and give them a sufficient personal or collective budget to prevaricate.

Now, this F35 episode is not the extent of the services rendered to the public by the PBO. All MPs avail themselves of this teams’ findings regarding cost effectiveness, otherwise it would be nigh impossible to answer the many questions their constituents may have regarding the costs and benefits of any legislation. The controversy is that the Government of the day is now saying the PBO is subverting its mandate by looking at the cost effectiveness of cancelled programs, rather than staying with the costs of existing programs.

So what is the mandate of said

Hooded Thief Sought by RCMP The Steinbach RCMP are investigating a break and enter to a residential garage that occurred during the early hours of December 11 in Kleefeld. The culprit was confronted by the homeowner and was scared off. The thief was described as being 6’0" tall, being of average build, wearing blue jeans, a green hoodie and a dark ski mask. He had light eyes and light hair.

The RCMP are asking for public assistance in identifying the suspect. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477(TIPS) or SUBMIT a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or TEXT: TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Youth Debate Reform over the Holidays At the end of December, I had the opportunity to observe the members of the Youth Parliament of Manitoba meet and debate legislation in their model parliament. The Youth Parliament of Manitoba is a non-partisan institution comprised of young people aged 16-20 who meet every December to debate legislation in a five day model parliament at the Legislative Assembly. I was very impressed by the intelligence and skill demonstrated by these young people. Bills ranged in topic from democratic reform, sports participation to regulations for protests. Debate was lively and entertaining.

Having an organization like this in our province is a positive thing.

Youth need to be more engaged in the political process. One of the things many modern democracies struggle with is the perennial problem of low voter turnout, and more specifically, low youth voter turnout. As a province, we need to look into how to engage young people early in critical thinking about the political process; and the Youth Parliament of Manitoba is a very good way of doing that.

One thing the youth parliament could use more of is rural young people. YPM has been proactive in trying to promote themselves to rural youth. They have recently collaborated with private sector firms to provide funding for rural Manitobans to attend their annual

same vein, our Government’s integrity rests on the principle that all elected independent MP’s are paramount. To this end, quality information from the PBO is essential.

In March, Kevin Page’s 5-year term is up; much political ado will unfold regarding the necessity of the office, mandate or other controls to muzzle the PBO. This is the best new program we have seen in a long time, we should do our utmost save this institution and not curtail its mandate.

session. They try to speak to as many teachers and schools as possible. The urban/rural divide in this province is a daunting challenge and it affects YPM as much as anything else does.

It is more difficult for rural people to come to Winnipeg to participate in this session, and given the fact that it takes place over the Christmas holiday makes it more difficult for some. However, having rural and urban youth engage each other in debate at YPM is a way to bring unity among the young people in our province. Plus, it looks like a whole lot of fun. Not only do you debate bills, sit in committee and get to make new friends, you also get to attend political luncheons hosted by each party in the legislature and meet actual politicians.

If there’s anything a young person who is interested in politics should do, it is attending the Youth Parliament of Manitoba. I think it is a great opportunity and experience.

There are plenty of engaged and intelligent rural young people who would enjoy their time there. I want to encourage all rural youth to apply. You certainly won’t regret it.

Correction: Throughout last month’s article, I referenced the provincial debt. It should have read “net debt” and I apologize for any confusion relating to this oversight.

I welcome all comments and concerns you may have. If you’d like to contact me, please feel free to call my office by phone at 204424-5406, by fax at 204-4245458, or by writing to Box 889, La Broquerie MB, R0A 0W0. You can also email me at dennis.smook@leg.gov.mb.ca.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

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January 2013

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Delivering Results for Canadians As we enter the beginning of a new year, now is the perfect time to reflect on the year that was.

I’m proud to say that together in 2012 we were able to build a stronger, safer and more robust Canada. And I am excited for what 2013 has in store for us. But, in order to make the most of the upcoming year, we need to address the challenges that we still face. The biggest of those challenges remains the economy.

We know that, above all else, in order for Canadians to be prosperous, we need a strong and stable economy. That’s why economic growth has been, and will remain, our top priority.

The truth is that our recovery—while strong internally—remains vulnerable to outside forces.

There is serious concern that the global system could face a shock similar to the one experienced in 2008.

That’s why we must continue to build on what Canada has accomplished with the support of our Economic Action Plan: - Over 880,000 net new jobs since July 2009, - The soundest banking system in the world 5 years in a row, - And, retaining our triple-A credit rating while other nations face downgrade after downgrade.

Our Jobs and Growth Act follows through on the promises made in our Economic Action Plan; it continues to promote the responsible development of our natural resources, supports small businesses, allocates taxpayer money efficiently and has a plan to return to a balanced budget in the medium term.

Unlike the Opposition parties, we do not believe that “one-size-fits-all” biggovernment spending programs benefit the economy. Unnecessary spending and regulation actually have the opposite effect: they kill jobs and they stifle growth.

Our practical solutions for the economy and the deficit stands in stark contrast to the NDP’s demands for at least a $56 billion increase in spending over the next four years.

Unwinding the Spin The NDP and Premier Greg Selinger currently employ 192 communicators and marketing staff across government. The job of these 192 staff people includes spinning government news to make good news look great and bad news look not so bad.

When it comes to the economy and the province’s finances, Premier Selinger keeps these communicators busy. But, the message is hardly consistent. On any given day, you can expect to hear members of the NDP government talking about how well Manitoba has weathered the economic uncertainty that began in 2007 with the global financial meltdown. Some go as far as to say things in Manitoba are booming. But, the very next day, it wouldn’t be uncommon to hear that same NDP government member saying how hard Manitoba has been hit by the international economy and using that as the reason the NDP continues to run record deficits.

So which is it? Has Manitoba weathered the economic storm or are things so bad that record deficits are justified? From the perspective of the NDP and its spinners, it just depends. If you want to make it look like you are good managers, its booming. If you are talking about the deficit and debt, then there is trouble in the land.

Of course, you can’t really have it both ways, regardless of how many communicators you have.

The fact is that revenues going to the Manitoba government have never really been impacted negatively over the past six years. In many years, government revenue has gone up. The trouble is that NDP spending has gone up even faster.

In fact, half way through the current fiscal year and the provinces revenues are $63.7 million more than budgeted. Yet the NDP still expect to run a deficit on core government operations of $600 million this year. Revenues are going up in Manitoba but the NDP are spending it faster than it is coming in. And all the while, the province’s debt keeps going up, now more than double the amount it was when the NDP came into government.

So while the NDP alternate their stories between Manitoba booming economically and being mired in the mud of a global economic slowdown, the truth is quite different. What the numbers show is that Manitoba, as it usually is, is steady. Neither boom nor bust. Revenues have been steady or have increased.

The real impact on the finances has been spending. The NDP have not managed finances well and spent at record levels.

In short, the problem the NDP has is a spending problem, not a revenue problem and no amount of spinners and communicators can change that reality.

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 (204) 3469913, by e-mail at kelvin.goertzen@leg.gov.mb.ca or by visiting my website at kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

One of these demands was to change the EI work year to only 45 days. That move alone would cost Canadians roughly $4 billion per year, while solving nothing.

They are also touting a $21 billion carbon tax as a key part of their platform. The outcome of this proposal would be disastrous to our economy: higher costs for both producers and consumers. It’s a no-win situation.

The Liberal Party on the other hand are getting ready for their big leadership race, or coronation – I forget which one it is. As per usual, they’re more concerned with themselves than with the issues Canadians will be facing in the New Year. Our Prime Minister said it best when he noted that, “the one difference between the NDP and the Liberal Party is at least the NDP brings bad ideas to the table, whereas the Liberals bring no ideas to the table.”

Rest assured, our Government would continue to bring common sense, responsible ideas to the table to help ensure that 2013 brings further economic recovery and prosperity for Canadians.

From my family to yours, I wish you all the best in the New Year.

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 1-866-333-1933 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.

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

January 2013

Southern Health Establishes Identity

By Marianne Curtis

cultures, and the contiguous shapes demonstrate energy and forward movement. The symbol also incorporates a human element reaching out The board of the new Southern Health has unveiled a new name, logo and embracing a growing community, evoking the compassionate nature and mission statement after the recent amalgamation of all former regional of the service provided by Southern Health, she added. health authorities.

Further to this foundational milestone, the Board of Last May South Eastman Health ceased to exist after the board Directors and Senior Leadership Team of Southern Health voted unanimously to merge with Central Region. The decision Santé Sud gathered at a workshop to define and was made as a result of the province’s decision to reduce the articulate core values, vision, and mission. number of regional health authorities from 11 to five.

“This is a solid foundation to our new beginnings,” Now that the merger is complete, the new board of directors Harder continued. “We are confident with the has agreed on Southern Health as its new name and process we have taken to develop the established a new logo, mission statement and new Southern Health Santé Sud core policies. values, vision and mission and feel According to Denise Harder, Southern these will remain timeless as we Health Chairperson, the logo was work collaboratively with our developed in-house and products partners towards a healthier bearing the new name and logo will be tomorrow.” released within the organization in the Southern Health’s mission is to next few months. support people and communities “The colour blue appeals to a sense of in achieving optimal health by service, trust and integrity. It also suggests providing innovative, sustainable The amalgamated water and sky (reaching out). Red is the and quality health services with health authority has color of energy, vitality and life force and the aim to lead the way to a announced a new also signifies the Red River,” explained healthier tomorrow. name, Southern Harder. “Three stylized S shapes represent Southern Health is the second Health, and a new the most prominent letter within the name. largest region population wise, but has logo.

They also depict the Red River, a meeting ground the smallest geographical area. Based in between the two former regions, echoing a spirit of coming together.”

Portage La Prairie it includes Steinbach, Ste. Anne, Vita, St. Pierre-Jolys, The river symbolizes water, which has a universal life-giving role in most Carman, Morden, Winkler and Altona.

Local Health Groups to Help with Lines of Communication Recent amendments to the Regional Health Authority Act require all RHAs to continue to work closely with local communities on health issues by creating Local Health Involvement Groups.

Manitoba Health and the new RHA Boards have been inviting local individuals, families, and communities to share their ideas. In November and December, community meetings took place across the province to gather feedback

from local individuals and organizations to determine how the groups can best function.

Seven meetings occurred in Southern Health. Southern Health CEO, Kathy McPhail, said the process is an important one.

“Once the community meetings are completed and all of the feedback from the public is reviewed, a “made in Manitoba model” will be developed,” stated McPhail. “The structure and functions of the Local Health Involvement Groups, membership

School Division Changes Leadership

By Marianne Curtis The Hanover School Division will begin 2013 with a significant leadership change. After five years, Hanover School Division’s superintendent Ken Klassen has officially handed over the reins to former assistant superintendent Randy Dueck.

Klassen served as superintendent of Hanover school Division for five years after spending five years as assistant superintendent. Under his guidance, Hanover School Division has experienced significant growth, which led to the construction of two new schools in Steinbach. Klassen will be joining the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents as Executive Director.

Dueck, who started his teaching career in Blumenort, has high praise for his predecessor.

“During his tenure there have been abundant reminders that he never wavered from his focus on learning,” recalled Dueck. “His learning leadership will have lasting impacts on the staff and students.”

Dueck said he is ready to take over as leader of one of the fastest growing school divisions in the province.

“I am very thankful for the confidence the board has placed in me; as assistant superintendent I gained great understanding of the current challenges and goals for the school division,” Dueck said. “I look forward to this new role.”

Dueck began his teaching career within the Hanover School Division in Blumenort before accepting a position as assistant superintendent five years ago.

“It is an exciting time for growth in the division,” Dueck continued. “We are in very good shape, our schools are strong. We are a division that is doing very well and moving forward in the right direction.”

Chris Gudziunas will remain in his position as Hanover School Division’s Assistant Superintendent, a position he has held alongside Dueck for the past five years.

and relationship with the RHA organizations will be determined at that time.”

She noted the size of Southern Health could present challenges to communication so health forums become a valuable tool in getting ideas across so the process is integral to maintain continuity within regional healthcare system.

The 2011 summary census, ‘Manitoba Health Population Report’ on population for the

Manitoba Regional Health Authority reports a population just under 180,000 people in the amalgamated districts of South Eastman and Central.

The new Interlake Eastman region population was slightly under 123,000 and the Prairie Mountain district that amalgamated the Assiniboine, Parkland and Brandon Regional Health Authorities had an estimated 164,000 people.

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RCMP go Three for Three in Vehicle-Related Incidents One Steinbach RCMP officer did not have any difficulties targeting drivers whose high-risk behaviour put the public in jeopardy. The first three vehicles that were stopped all resulted in charges.

In the first vehicle stopped, the officer determined that the adult female driver was operating a vehicle while prohibited from driving as a result of a recent Impaired Driving conviction. Again she was found to be driving while impaired and was subsequently charged with Driving while Prohibited and Operating a Motor Vehicle over 80 mg%. She is scheduled to appear in court in January 2013.

The second vehicle that was stopped was an unregistered vehicle. Charges were laid under the Provincial Highway Traffic Act and the vehicle was towed.

The third vehicle encountered by the same officer, the driver refused to stop. He drove through a residential area in a dangerous manner. The occupants then exited the vehicle and ran on foot. Three adult males have been charged with Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop for Police and Obstruction. One of the adult males has also been charged with Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. Two of the males have been released from custody with court appearances scheduled for January 2013. One of the adult males had an outstanding warrant for arrest in regards to offences related to property crimes, Failing to Comply with Court Orders and Sexual Assault. This adult male was remanded in custody to the Winnipeg Remand Centre.

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Water Retention Dyke Complete in De Salaberry

Trapping Banned from Provincial Parks As of the beginning of December, the province has banned trapping in most provincial parks including several areas within our region.

On December 6, the province announced that all licensed and permitted trapping has been banned immediately in provincial parks that have heavy year-round use by families and pets. The decision was made after two family pets, in separate incidents, died after being caught in traps.

Trapping is banned in St. Malo Provincial Park and Sandilands Provincial Parks specifically in the areas of Marchand, Moose Lake, St. Malo and Woodridge.

Signs will be posted and natural resource officers have being working with the Manitoba Trappers Association to notify registered trappers to remove traps.

Trapping is also banned within 50 metres of developed areas and designated trails including hiking, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, ATV and horse trails in all provincial parks. The new regulations will remain in place until the province undertakes a full review on how to manage traps while maintaining public safety.

The 1.5 mile-long dyke now sits up to 2.2 metres high, 18 metres wide at the bottom and three metres wide on the top.

By Marianne Curtis

capacity of 376 acre/ft.

“The construction had to The biggest water retention precisely follow the engineered project to be undertaken in the RM design plan approved by the of De Salaberry in the Seine-Rat Province of Manitoba and was River Conservation District’s 11under close inspection during the year history is finally complete. entire process,” Goertzen The De Salaberry Crown Land explained.

Water Retention Project has just He praised Unger Excavating for become the largest water retention achieving that accuracy by using project the Seine-Rat River state-of-the-art GPS monitoring Conservation District (SRRCD) technology. The 1.5 mile-long dyke has undertaken in all 11 years of now sits up to 2.2 meters high, 18 its existence. metres wide at the bottom and According to Jodi Goertzen, with three metres wide on the top. The SRRCD, the project has a holding entire retention site consists of

three quarter sections of crown land and a quarter section of private land for a total of 376 acres.

“The conditions for construction were ideal this year as the lowlying area was drier than it had been in 35 years,” Goertzen continued. “Wet weather in October actually assisted the project by adding moisture which helped with the compaction of the dry soils.

“The puddles accumulated on the surface of the dyke showed the impermeability of the dyke and this was a good sign of success,”

Goertzen added.

During high water events water may be detained for up to three weeks, while at the same time a constant flow is allowed though a passive outlet structure. An emergency spillway was also installed.

The cost of the project was about $200,000. It was funded through in-kind contributions from the RM of De Salaberry and the Province of Manitoba.

55 Plus Housing Coming to St. Adolphe Council for the RM of Ritchot has given the green light to a new housing complex for residents over 55 to access. Twenty-five units designed for the 55 plus crowd will start to take shape next spring at 694 Main Street in St. Adolphe, just inside the north dike.

According to council, this new development will offer great housing alternatives for 55 plus residents who seeks to remain in the community.

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Dawson Trail Dispatch

January 2013

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Village Connection Celebrates New Location

By Marianne Curtis Last month the community of St. Pierre-Jolys celebrated the grand reopening of the Village Connection after it recently relocated to the main floor of the community’s most historical buildings.

The Village Connection Inc. is a new name for an organization that has operated in the community for 40 years, as a non-profit organization comprised of volunteers who donate their time.

Volunteers run a program that offers an opportunity to purchase quality used clothes at an affordable price.

Its mission is to support and promote healthy individuals, families, communities and to offer a better quality of life by assisting community groups and by helping

individuals and families in need of financial support.

It started out as a small operation in a private home and then moved to the municipal office. Then it found a home in Robidoux Lumber’s office and finally to Novak’s Clothing Store under the name of La Boutique. In December, the organization opened their new home, St. Pierre Trading.

Under the direction of Anita Gagne and her husband Raymond, over 45 volunteers have invested more than 5,000 hours towards the success of the organization.

To date, the Village Connection Inc. was able to help children in care with a Christmas Party and Christmas Hampers, Daycare Les petites Grenouilles, Campership Program, Little Métis Project,

TFSA’s Get a Boost January 2013 the annual contribution limit for the TFSA has been increased to $5,500 from the $5,000 per year it has been since the Tax Free Savings Account was introduced.

Since TFSAs were made available in 2009, Canadians (18+) have been able to earn tax-free investment income on contributions of up to $5,000 per year.

Any interest, dividends and capital gains earned in a TFSA are not subject to tax. You can put more than just a savings account in a TFSA. Much like RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans), it can be a high interest savings account, mutual funds, guaranteed investment certificates or term deposits, shares in companies, and other types of qualified investments.

Unused TFSA contribution room is carried forward and accumulates for future years, so if you haven’t purchased any TFSA (like me) you now have $25,500 available room as of January 2013.

Funds in your TFSA can be withdrawn tax-free at any time for any purpose (make sure you know if there are any fees that may be charged). You can re-contribute withdrawn amounts in the same year but only if you have unused TFSA contribution room. Otherwise, you need to wait until the following calendar year.

Income earned in the TFSA and withdrawals do not affect your Guaranteed Income Supplement, your GST credit and other income tested benefits and credits.

So should you buy a TFSA or a RRSP? That’s a common question.

Generally, TFSAs are favoured unless your taxable income now is more than $43,000 and you expect it to be less in the future (retirement).

Everyone’s taxable income is different, so a good review of your current income and a guesstimate of your future retirement income needs to be completed.

Finally, don’t rely on your yearly personal income tax notice of assessment to find out how much TFSA contribution room you have.

Keep track of it yourself to ensure you do not exceed the contribution room and face stiff penalties and interest.

And as a follow up to my November article called Create A Great Funeral Day, I am co-hosting a funeral-planning seminar on Friday, January 25, from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at Club Jovial in Ste Anne.

Jeannette Brigit, a funeral officiate will join me to present Your Funeral, Your Way - create your own personalized funeral. It is a free seminar with a light lunch provided. Seating is limited, so for your complementary ticket please contact me!

Happy New Year; Bonne Année, Godt Nytaar, Gluckliches Neues Jahr Anni Markmann is a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and a Tax Expert living, working, and volunteering in our community. Contact her at 422-6631, annimarkmann@mymts.net or 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.

The ribbon is cut at the official opening of St. Pierre Trading, a division of the Village Connection Inc., a non-profit organization that sells second hand goods to support a variety of organizations.

various school projects for the St. Malo and St. Pierre-Jolys schools, scholarships, Service to Seniors, Chalet Malouin, Repos Jolys. They also support local festivals such as the Frog Follies, St. Malo Summer Festival. Their helping hand extended to students who traveled to Rwanda to provide humanitarian aid, Hike for Hospice, École d’Évangélisation, Youth for Christ, Skate Park and the St Pierre-Jolys Fire Department.

Most recently, the Village Connection Inc. donated 80 bags of clothing to Siloam Mission for Baby Blessing, a program for inner city moms, and 1,465 bags of clothing to Centre Flavie.

Driver of Light Buick Sought in Hit and Run On November 30 at approximately 7:50 pm, the Steinbach RCMP received a report of a hit and run at the Brandt and McKenzie intersection. It was reported that a northbound vehicle had been traveling down Brandt Street and had been struck by a vehicle turning eastbound onto McKenzie Avenue. The suspect vehicle is believed to be a light, newer Buick.

RCMP are asking for public assistance in locating the vehicle and the driver that fled the scene. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or SUBMIT a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com or TEXT: TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Tenant Wanted for New Woodridge Restaurant

By Marianne Curtis

rebuild but costs exceeded their insurance policy and the plan was A year after a devastating fire squashed. For residents the loss destroyed the Woodridge Inn, was significant; regulars, many residents and visitors of the who are older, no longer had a community are eagerly waiting for daily meeting place in the rural the opening of a new meeting community. Several residents place. Over the past two months, have attempted to fill in the need construction crews have been for a community-meeting place by busy constructing a new setting up chip-wagons and restaurant on the site formerly opening up the recreation centre occupied by the community’s main for coffee and toast, but this was hangout. only a temporary solution.

On December 13, 2011, a fire Enter Ron Loeppky, owner of leveled the restaurant and lounge Fairway Ford from Steinbach. Over leaving several people the past few years, the unemployed. Damages were businessman has purchased estimated at about $1 million. several key properties in the Initially the owners planned to community and revitalized them to

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 drop by the Centre, Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm, call 204-320-4600 or online steinbach55plus.com.

Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $25 per year due in January of each year 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.

Up and Coming Events: 10th Annual 55 Plus Fundraising Banquet on Monday, January 28. Cost $40 and includes a $25 tax receipt per ticket. Raffle tickets are available at 4 for $5 and 10 for $10. Many prizes to be won.

Workshops/Groups - Monthly Programs: Birthday Party - 1st Wednesday of the month, from 2 - 3:30 pm. All members with a birthday in that month are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2.

Low Vision Crafters - 2nd Wednesday of the month from 1 - 3 pm.

Hastings Hearing Clinic - 1st Friday of the month from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm by appointment. Call 1-800-782-0078.

Beltone Hearing Clinic - 3rd Friday of the month from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm by appointment. Call Kim or Dave 1-800-661-2653.

Kildonan Hearing Centre –Tuesdays, contact1-888-925-4580 for an appointment.

Toonie Movies - 4th Wednesday of the month at 2 pm. Cost $2 includes refreshments.

Potluck Supper - 2nd Thursday of the month at 6 pm. Bring a large salad or dessert. Cost is $5.

Diabetes Support Group - 3rd Monday of the month at 1:30 pm. Contact Marilyn Wieler at 326-4499.

Foot Care - The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9 am - 3 pm.

Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost $30. Bring your own towel.

Call the centre to book an appointment.

Dance Lessons- Most Tuesdays and Thursday at 7 pm. Check schedule.

Single Ladies’ Night Out - The first Friday of the month at 5 pm. Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the centre for the place to meet.

Weekly Programs: Monday 9:30 - 10:30 am Fitness Class with DVD 1 - 4:30 pm Model Trains 1 pm Canasta 6 pm Wood Carving 7:30 pm Tai Chi Tuesday 8:30 am - 3 pm Circle of friends Adult Day Program Wednesday 9:30 am Tai Chi 10 am Choir Practice 1 pm - 4 pm Cribbage 1:30 pm Floor curling 7 pm Old Time Country Band Practice Thursday 9:30 am Fitness 1 - 4 pm Whist Friday 8:30 - 3 pm Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5. Call 204-3204605 by 9 am to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend.

Monday to Friday 1 - 4 pm – Billiards 9 am - 12 pm and 1 - 4 pm - Computer Lab. Cost $1. Lessons available every other Wednesday from 9 am - 12 pm. Call the Center for more information and to book an appointment.

Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists.

“For anyone who jumps on their sled in the winter and their motorcycle in the summer and want to go for a ride, Woodridge is that place to go...” encourage new people to settle in the area. His latest venture includes building a brand new restaurant for the community.

“Woodridge isn’t Woodridge without a restaurant,” explained Loeppky. “For anyone who jumps on their sled in the winter and their motorcycle in the summer and want to go for a ride, Woodridge is that place to go, and without a

restaurant, Woodridge isn’t the same.”

Loeppky said his family has spent a lot of time quadding or sledding in the area and considers the community a “second home.”

He adds that he “loves Woodridge” and wants to see the community prosper, not disappear into nothing like other hamlets.

Loeppky has no partners in this

enterprise but is looking to lease the building to suitable tenants with a restaurant venture in mind.

“I am seeking the perfect tenant,” Loeppky said. The new restaurant, which is being built

by Twin Rock Construction, is expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of March.

Every winter the Woodridge Inn was a major pit stop for snowmobilers out to enjoy the pristine Sandilands Forest but for the people in the area, this was more than a restaurant. Over the years, it had become the heart of the community that has a population of about 300 residents.

A new restaurant is being built in Woodridge and expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of March.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Toy Swapping Merry Christmas everyone!

Okay, it’s a little late but who says we have to stop wishing it so soon? Not me!

Much like every year, for this last Christmas my wife and I took our time buying our children their presents. While we know that there is no such thing as a perfect gift, we do try to match the gift to the child that it will fit the best. For example: for our oldest son we bought Lego and some action figures, our daughter received toys that were in keeping with her baby dolls (milk bottles, diapers, a small teddy bear and even a toy potty), our youngest son received some trucks and tractors that are of the size that is perfect for pushing around the house (he even makes the best brumming sound as he drives across the floor).

My wife and I know that we did a really good job this year by the way they were so very excited after having ripped off the wrapping paper and seeing the great toys that we’d bought them.

There is one thing does give me something to shake my head at though. Why is it that after having been so excited to receive their gifts that it isn’t long before they are off playing with one of their sibling’s toys? After all, if I received a really great power-tool I wouldn’t be off looking at my wife’s kitchen appliance. No way, I’d be trying to find a way to get that bad boy plugged in and making some noise.

With our children’s gifts, after they’d been unwrapped and removed from the packages that have a hundred ’n one ties – seriously, does it really require that many strings of plastic to keep one tiny toy pig strapped into a cardboard box? It’s not like it’s really going to try and get out. But I digress...

With our children, it wasn’t long after breakfast that I saw my oldest son playing with my youngest son’s trucks, my daughter was playing with the action figures and my youngest was pawing through the baby doll items and trying to drink from the toy bottles. Who knows, maybe he was reliving his baby years.

Thankfully, things have righted themselves and all the children are now playing with the toys that were bought for them, give our take a few times of “involuntary sharing.” All in all, it was a pretty great Christmas.

God bless you all this season and throughout the New Year.

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

More Than Just News!

January 2013

11

Rain Garden a Success Story

Susan Selby won the 2012 Conservation Award for the rain garden she successfully established with the help of the Seine-Rat River Conservation District.

By Marianne Curtis It may be January but the avid gardener is already fantasizing about what their garden will look like next season. Some may already be poring over seed catalogues or discussing

landscaping ideas. Nothing teaches us more about our yards than looking back at previous seasons.

For those that have trouble spots, specifically zones where water pools, the solution may be to plan a rain garden.

This past year the Seine-Rat River Conservation District (SRRCD) encouraged homeowners to create a rain garden. Susan and Wayne Selby took the initiative to implement the new technique for on-site water management within an urban area.

For this, the Seine-Rat River Conservation District decided to recognize them with the 2012 Conservation Award.

Hearing about rain gardens Susan applied to install a 281 square foot rain garden in the area where their sump pump and a buried downspout were discharging in their yard.

Upon approval from the SRRCD and with the support of her husband, Wayne, the construction of the rain garden was set in motion

by excavating the existing heavy clay soil and replacing it with sandy compost. Susan then went on to choose a variety of native watertolerant plants to absorb the discharging rainwater.

Jodi Goertzen, SRRCD spokesperson, congratulated the Selbys on their ingenuity and encourages other gardeners to create their own rain garden.

“The Selby’s success hinged on their persistence and ingenuity to establish the rain garden as 2010 and 2011 were very wet years,” stated Goertzen. “Today their rain garden flourishes with its constant water supply and inspires other SRRCD residents to go ahead and try a rain garden for themselves!”

To give the fledgling plants a chance to establish, an old washbasin was buried up to ground level in the centre of the garden and used as a catchments where excess water was manually emptied after a heavy rain event.

Stolen Dodge Ram from La Broquerie On the morning of December 15, Steinbach RCMP were advised that a vehicle was stolen from Simard Street in La Broquerie. Sometime during the night, suspect(s) broke into and stole a 2001 Silver Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. The suspect(s) removed the licence plates from the vehicle and began to driving erratically around the community of La Broquerie.

On Sunday morning, Steinbach RCMP located the vehicle abandoned on Rue Des Pignons in La Broquerie. Police have reason to believe the same vehicle may have been involved in other criminal behaviors in and around the immediate area.

Police are looking for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the theft. If you have any information you are asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1800-222-8477 (TIPS) or manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes (274637).

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Lambert Found Near Whitemouth Lake

By Marianne Curtis

Grand Opening Celebrated at Arborgate

By Marianne Curtis Almost 300 people came out to La Broquerie to help celebrate the grand opening of the newly completed Arborgate School two-story addition.

Teresa Yestrau, Arborgate School Principal, said it was wonderful to see the halls full of people who came out to tour the new school.

“There were a lot of years, a lot of people and a lot of packing and moving responsible for our arriving that day. It was well over ten years of discussions, and many people who attended the night played starring roles in various parts of the journey,” stated Yestrau. “People like Roy Seidler and Elaine Wilson were a huge part of the initiation of the process and we want to thank each and every person for their part in making the new school a reality.”

The Arborgate School Choir treated those in attendance to a performance.

“The construction was the brick and mortar part of the process.

However, there was so much more than building,” continued Yestrau.

“One huge part of the process was the amazing staff at Arborgate.”

Yestrau explains that prior to the final move, some staff was forced to pack up and move the entire school

twice. At another point, there were 60 Grade 1 students in the library, 43 Grade 4 students in the Science lab and the Grade 3 students moved three times.

“The staff made lemonade out of those lemons and created fabulous learning experiences for the students,” the principal praised. “It is a testament to the strength and flexibility of the staff that things went so well.”

The new addition at the Arborgate School has been designed as an LEEDS (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Facility that is expected to serve the needs of the community for many years to come.

The two-story Arborgate School expansion adds new classroom space without losing any playground space, will have a capacity for 450 students, up from the previous capacity of 330 students and increases the size of the school by almost 40,000 square feet.

The arrival of a scruffy, bedraggled man at the Marchand Country Store last month had the entire country talking when Brad Lambert turned up after spending 21 nights lost in the bush.

Forty-six year old Lambert was last seen November 15 in the Marchand area on his way deer hunting. He was reported missing when he failed to report to work a few days later. Police and hundreds of volunteers scoured the densely forested area. Aircraft were called in.

Residents and business owners throughout Manitoba and Ontario were asked to check any buildings such as outdoor sheds, abandoned structures and garages on their properties.

Police called off the search on November 28 and a few days later Lambert turned up in the same place he was last seen.

Matt Wiens, a Marchand resident, was in the Marchand Country Store when Lambert walked in.

Lambert was found by a passing angler who was leaving Whitemouth Lake.

“He was found alive after being lost in Whitemouth all this time, really scruffy and starving but alive!” stated Wiens. “He called his wife from the store and was crying so hard. He bought a whole bunch of stuff to eat because he was starving and the lady at the store said it was on her and let him take it. This is amazing.”

Lambert told police he had planned to go hunting for one night but his truck was stuck. He said he had enough fuel to keep his truck warm for five days and he stayed warm with extra clothing. Temperatures ranged from three to -26 during the three-week period of his misfortune.

Melting snow for water and without food, Lambert waited with his truck in hopes search parties would find him.

“I could see some planes. At night there were some aircraft as well,” Lambert said. He added that he tried to make himself noticeable by wearing bright orange hunting gear and lighting signal fires. “Unfortunately they did not see me.”

Lambert said he is grateful to the many people who participated in the search.

“It means a great deal,” Lambert stated.

Lambert finally left his truck and found a trail that he followed until he hit a road where he was found by a passing angler who was leaving Whitemouth Lake.

RCMP would not confirm if this area was included in their search. They have since gone back and recovered Lambert’s vehicle. The investigation is now closed.

The Seine River School Division and staff recently gathered with 300 people to celebrate the grand opening of the new Arborgate School.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

Ritchot Recreation Services Under Review The RM of Ritchot has established a new Recreation Steering Committee, guided by St. Adolphe Councillor Jackie Hunt. Under her direction, the new committee has

Gall Darn It!!

What happened? How did the size of a dinner plate get so huge? How did that baking fly into my hand? Why are those cheese varieties on the tray all calling, “Taste me, taste me?” And the crab dip that everyone said, “Oh my gosh... is this ever good!” is now on a cracker heading for my mouth.

Geez Louise!! There is no such a thing as controlling my eating during the holidays and naturally the scale chuckles at its Christmas gift of bigger numbers.

I assume everyone might feel like that “stuffed” turkey now that all the holiday eating is over. If it is necessary to burn the calories we take in, I can’t imagine what wild and wooly behaviour I will need to perform to use up this entire intake. Just ‘cutting back’ never works for me. Weight loss programs seem to miraculously disappear in a few weeks.

Aggressive exercise only makes me so sore I give up. Working out has never been a priority for me.

Friends, family, medical professionals and Google, have told me that choosing leaner meat, having 3/4 of your diet all vegetables and fruit, keeping away from the “whites” (flour, sugar) and avoiding getting really hungry, will certainly pump up your metabolism. Carry good snacks (apples, nuts, etc.) and eat them often. Stay away from processed food and fast foods. Be realistic with your goals and don’t try to lose weight fast since new eating habits need to become part of your life. And, most important, burn as many calories as you eat! Now, that’s just plain common sense.

Here are some ideas: - Play board games/card games/puzzles, any thing to keep your mind off food.

- At socials or gatherings with music don’t drink your calories, burn them. Get up and dance all night.

- Use a list when in the store, so you can speed shop. Walk fast in the store and through the mall.

Park your vehicle far away from the door.

- Run up and down the stairs at home and at work.

- Join friends or a group to get out and away from food (swim, tai-chi, yoga, meditation, new educational course, squash, walking, bird watching, anything!).

- Go to sports games and jump up and down when you cheer (and forget the snacks!).

- Play a game of hockey or kick the can on your driveway. I think adults have more of a blast than the kids do!

- Chop wood, shovel snow, make an igloo, make a snowman, ride the snowmobile... just get outside (tobogganing with cardboard, snow shoeing, skating).

- Or just a leisurely walk every day... take your camera with you and take pictures of what you think is beautiful, interesting, or weird.

These are just a few ideas and I’m sure you can think of many more, but the big idea here is to be active. I really want to be the one who isn’t watching the scale but instead dancing around the spa singing “I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT! I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!” I honestly believe if I can make fun with my friends and family instead of just making meals for them we’ll all be healthier.

Moreover, I’ll be saying, “Gall darn it, look how healthy I am!” I will win the war making fun come before food.

This is your “food for thought” in this New Year.

So have a great 2013 and good luck eating healthier, staying active, and bringing down the weight.

Raylene Snow is the owner/operator of Raylene’s Wellness Spa located just south of Ste. Anne.

begun a wide-reaching review of recreational opportunities across Ritchot.

“This review is about assessing the recreational needs of the municipality. It will include a review of existing programming, infrastructure and green space along with determining future needs and trends,” stated Hunt. “The information collected will be used to create a policy that will help shape the future of recreation and, in doing so, provide better local service to residents of all ages.”

The study will also help the RM better utilize the resources it has, including volunteers who provide endless hours of service.

Hunt said public input will be analyzed and a set of recommendations developed will be presented to Council by the spring of 2013.

January 2013

13

RCMP Investigate Telephone Fraud On December 6, Steinbach RCMP Police are advising the public not received a complaint regarding to send funds of any sort to any suspicious phone calls to a unknown business. residence. Information was learned that the caller identified himself as “David Brown” and informed the persons that they had won $2.5 million and a new car based on being a customer with Wal-Mart, as their phone number was selected as the winner of the grand prize. The caller advised that they would arrange to deliver the money and prizes after the person forwarded $350 to an address in Montego Bay, Jamaica via Western Union wire transfer.

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More Than Just News!

January 2013

West Hawk Firehall Expansion Nearly Complete

Construction of the new addition at the West Hawk Fire Hall is nearing completion.

By Marianne Curtis Construction on a new addition to the West Hawk Fire Hall is nearing completion after one of the last steps of the project, exterior siding, is now complete.

Last winter construction crews worked diligently on completing the 2,800 square foot addition at the West Hawk Firehall. The $250,000 two-story addition includes an extra deep bay so the department can house rescue equipment such as all terrain vehicles, a chase truck complete with Jaws of Life and water rescue equipment.

On the second floor, the fire fighters will have a larger training area, which also doubles as an evacuation centre if needed. An additional tower will provide a place to dry fire hoses and give fire fighters a spot to train for high angle rescues, explained West Hawk Fire Chief Bruce Morrison.

“We are really excited about this project,” Morrison said. “We are quite proud of our department.”

Unlike most fire departments who receive tax dollar funding, the West Hawk Fire Department maintains charity status. Located within the Whiteshell Provincial Park, funding for the department is raised through private donations and more recently, service fees collected by Parks Canada, which limits the departments operating budget.

“We’ve operated this way since the beginning; we would sooner spend our money on equipment to ensure service,” Morrison continued.

He added that his crew does not receive any stipend when responding to an emergency.

Morrison said he is grateful for the hard work and dedication of his crew.

The West Hawk Fire Department provides service to over 350 yearround residents with the help of 23 dedicated volunteers.

The West Hawk Fire Department services an area that runs from the Ontario border to the RM of Reynolds boundary along the Trans Canada Highway and part of the Whiteshell Provincial Park including Falcon Lake, Star Lake, Caddy Lake and West Hawk Lake. The West Hawk Fire Station also has a satellite location in Falcon Lake.

Have you ever wanted to sing or act is a world famous musical?

Actors from the Southeast are invited to audition for the Sound of Music, a community musical theater, directed by Ed and Millie Hildebrand and produced by the Steinbach Arts Council.

Auditions are taking place January 11-12 at the Steinbach Arts Council.

“We are looking for a full cast of performers,” said Shannon Neufeld who is with the Steinbach Arts Council.

Auditions for the roles of Maria, Captain von Trapp, the Baroness, Nuns, Liesl, Rolf, and Uncle Max take place January 10, 6 - 9 pm and January 12, 9 -12 pm. The roles for the von Trapp children will be auditioned on January 12, 1 - 5 pm.

Anyone interested in auditioning

Casting Call for Sound of Music can contact (204) 346-1077.

Under the direction of Ed and Millie Hildebrand, the Sound of Music will hit the stage on April 18 through to April 21 in the Steinbach Regional Secondary School Theatre.

Tickets are already available for purchase from the Steinbach Arts Council.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Dawson Trail Dispatch

More Than Just News!

January 2013

15

In the Year 2013, We Will...

Psalm 145:1-7 ... 1) I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name forever and ever. 2) Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever. 3) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4) One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5) They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6) They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7) They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (NIV1984) I will exalt. I will praise. I will commend. I will tell. I will meditate. I will proclaim and I will celebrate. What a way to start the New Year. The Psalmist (David) is really energized. He is trying very hard to make a point and I do not think he is happy with just a silent acknowledgment that God is great. I suspect that he wants us to shout it out, maybe even going as far as declaring it openly. How about proclaiming it in song?

There is nothing as beautiful as some good old wholesome singing. Perhaps the Holy Spirit moved the psalmist when he calls all creation to praise the mighty works of God. Observation: Are we careful, watchful and cautious of what people see and hear when we are in our unguarded, casual and careless moments? How important is it? Well if we want to remember something, we will have to observe that which we want to remember. I do not remember what I have never known or seen.

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

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

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

And when I do that, I shall remember. But it means that I shall always be ready to observe His righteousness.

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

There are many ways of acknowledging the great goodness of God. He has given us the right and the nature of His Son. He has given us complete forgiveness for all our sins. Not only has He forgiven us our sins, but also He does not remember them anymore, they are gone forever! I must believe that and remember that. One more thing, you and I can come to Him in prayer any time, night or day, and He will hear our prayers. We cannot add to God’s glory, but we can certainly make it more widely known by simply stating the truth about Him in many places and many times.

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 fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen Amen”

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January 2013

COMMUNITY EVENTS EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CA OR FAX 204-422-8548

Hadashville Tae Kwon Do - Every Wednesday at 6 pm at the Hadashville Community Club (Reynolds Recreational Centre) from 6 years old to adults. Pursue a black belt or learn new skills, great stress release and have an excellent workout at the same time. Cost after registration fee is $40/month per person. Ask about 2 week free trial. Contact Shelly at 204-426-5266 or e-mail KSTA.academy@gmail.com.

Sprague Bingo - Every 2nd Wednesday.

Ile Des Chene Seine River Minor Ball – Softball/Baseball AGM - TransCanada Centre on Monday, January 28 at 7 pm. 25% Discount off 2013 Registration, free draw for a $50 HomeRun Gift Cert., make a difference for youth in your community and become a Board member.

St. Pierre-Jolys Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba – Depression support group meetings held on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7 pm.

Located at the Health Corner DeSalaberry Hospital. Contact Judy Dunn 444-5228.

Kleefeld Community Playgroup - for parents, caregivers and children ages 0-5. Activities include time for playing, stories, songs and snacks. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at the Kleefeld Rec Centre. Contact Irene Ascough 377-5013.

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

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

St. Adolphe Parents ‘n Tots Story Group - Pre-Schoolers at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre. On Thursday, January 10 from 10:30 -11:30 am. $2 includes healthy snack. Visit ffdc.ca for more information or call Siobhan Maas at 204883-2524.

Ste. Anne Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library Used Book Fundraiser – Sale of huge selection of used book proceeds will be used towards new library books. For further information call Mona at 422-9958 or drop in at the library at 16 Rue de l’Église. Cost of books $1$5.

Seine River Services for Seniors – Invite all seniors interested in the Wii Bowling game to come, try it out, and have fun. Monday afternoons, at Le Club Jovial. Contact: Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5575 Community Resource Coordinator for local Ste. Anne services or e-mail labseinerss@gmail.com.

Ste. Geneviève Library Night - Bibliothèque Taché Library at the Community Centre on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, next is Tuesday, January 8 from 6:30 - 8 pm. Selection of books in both French and English, all ages.

Over 21,000 books including audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, large print books and magazines plus they can import books from any library in Manitoba. Special requests can be made to the librarian, Brandi Schmitz at 204-878 - 9488, Middlebro Snowmobile Poker Derby – planned for bibliotachelibrary.com or in person.

February Ste. Rita Friendly Hands - Join us for Cribbage the Mitchell Breakfast and Social - every Tuesday 1st Thursday of the month, Bingo on morning, 7:30 - 9:00 am except the last Sundays at 7 pm on Ducharme Rd. Contact Tuesday of the month when the social is Marcel 204-866-2219. held instead. Lunch starts at noon at the Mitchell and Area Seniors Centre. Contact Steinbach “Dragon’s Myth”- Book Reading – At the 204-326-6944.

Jake Epp Library, on Monday, January 7 from 7 – 8 pm. Courtney Engbrecht is Niverville Moms N’ Tots Playgroup - Moms with having an author book reading to launch children up to age six. Wednesday her first book. This is a great book for mornings from 9:30 - 11:30 am located young adults and teens. in the lower level of Fourth Avenue Bible Church (62 4th Avenue S.). Free drop-in Economical Ways to Advertise - Women’s program with coffee and snacks provided, Business Network - Luncheon on along with a large open space for the kids Wednesday, January 9 from 11:30 am - 1 to play while the moms visit. Contact Karen pm at Uncle Jake’s Restaurant, lunch available. Contact Jeannette Brigit Events at klenzrpeters@hotmail.com.

Coordinator at info@ turning-points.ca.

Piney Piney Car & Snowmobile Poker Derby – Twiners, Stickers, Clingers and Hookers Steinbach & Area Garden Club - On planned for January Monday, January 14 at 7 pm at the Open Curling Bonspiel - planned for Mennonite Heritage Village. “A Lesson in Vertical Gardening” guest speaker Andrew February Fehr, Prairie Horticulturist from Sunshine Greenhouse.

Bingo - Every 2nd Friday.

Ed’s Garage - Comedy by Manitoba Theatre Centre at the SRSS Theatre, 190 McKenzie Ave. on Friday, January 25 at 7:30 pm. Ed is a former farmer and parttime mechanic who is quick to give advice to those with problems and complications arise when Cassandra, an urban psychotherapist, sets up a private practice next door. Contact for tickets 204-346Busy Bodies Playgroup – Every Wednesday 1077. from 9 - 11 am at the Reynolds School Gym. Free to parents and children. Snacks Family Literacy Day - At the Jake Epp Library provided. Contact Cassie 204-793-8290. on Sunday, January 27 from 2 – 4 pm.

Solve a giant crossword puzzle and play some Bingo. Listen to the Winners of the Richer Monday Night Bingos - to raise funds for Intergenerational Poetry and Short Story Stacey Pchajek Memorial Foundation Inc. Contest. Have Fun and Win Prizes.

The foundation provides scholarships, Children must bring their parents (and bursaries and prizes to students graduating siblings, and maybe even grandparents, grades 8 and 12. Children Under 14 must aunts, uncles, etc.) Refreshments provided. be accompanied by an adult to be on premises and must play bingo. Doors Kick-Start Your Food Product Idea – On Open at 5:30 pm at the Young at Heart Wednesday, January 30 from 9:30 am - 3 Club in Richer. MGCC License # BI/ pm. Workshop for entrepreneurs looking BO4164. Contact: Doreen Pchajek at to bring a food product to market. Cost $20 per person includes lunch. Contact 422-5243 or email doreen@spmf.ca.

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

More Than Just News!

Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Initiatives Steinbach GO Office 204-346- individual and support groups - for 6080 or joy.lorette@gov.mb.ca. persons experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, bi-polar disorder and other mental On the Road to Freedom - Mennonite health/emotional concerns. Meets on the Women of Courage and Faith by Ray Dirks first Wednesday of each month at Jake will be opening in the Gerhard Ens Gallery Epp Library from 7 – 9 pm. Contact Judy at Mennonite Heritage Village. Open Dunn 204-444-5228.

Monday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm. Information and Support Sessions Exhibit runs from Friday, February 1- March 8.

South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Green Drinks South Eastman.

Farm Sucession Seminar - Friday, February Drop in on the 3rd Tuesday of every month 8 at 9 am – 1 pm. This workshop brings at 7 pm at Lecoka 5-275 Main Street and together a group of experts to give an grab a coffee and discuss sustainable overview of their role in the process as well living.

Contact as knowledge in their expertise, followed rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. by an advisory panel with a lawyer, accountant, financial planner and MAFRI The Bethesda Regional Healthcare staff at the Steinbach Legion, 294 Lumber Auxiliary - meets on the first Tuesday of Avenue, and Cost $20/person includes every month except for the months of July lunch. Register in advance at your local and August at the Bethesda Hospital. We Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural welcome anyone interested in auxiliary Initiatives office. work. Contact Verna Thiessen at 3263028.

Annual Employment Fair - Tuesday, Steinbach and Area Lions Club February 26. Eastman Immigrant Services, Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club - meets on the second and Buller Centre invite employers to fourth Wednesdays of every month at the Employment Fair. Exhibitor space is limited Magnolia Restaurant. Contact 204-326- book early! Contact Marina at 204-346- 2313.

6609.

Carillon Toastmasters - meetings are open Decision Making Tools Workshop – to adults who want to improve their Wednesday, March 6 from 6 – 9 pm with leadership and communication skills.

Andy Sirski 42 years working with farmers Thursday evenings starting at 7 pm at the specializing in taxes, business and Jake Epp Public Library 255 Elmdale investments. Financial plan “5-legged Street, Contact Doreen 204-326-7525. stool”. Cost $20 at the Steinbach, Academy of Learning, 248 Lumber Avenue. Steinbach AA 12 Step Recovery Program Register in advance with Tracey Drabyk- Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7 Zirk at 204-268-6094 or at your local pm. Steinbach United Church, 541 Main Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural St. Ring the front door bell.

Initiatives office.

Young moms to be - Bi-weekly support Ladies Get Fit Classes - Sponsored by group starts at 4:30 pm at Anna’s House Eastman Immigrant Services, every B-11, Hwy 12N. Contact 346-0413.

Wednesday at 7:15 pm at the Woodlawn School gym. Aerobic, circuit training, Vassar weights, mats and stretching exercises. Poker Derby –planned for February Suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.

Register contact Lois 204-346-6609.

Vita Beef and Forage Days – On Monday, Hockey For Seniors (60+) - One hour of January 7 from 8:30 am – 4 pm at Vita fun, exercise, friendship at the Steinbach Ukrainian Hall. Sponsored by MAFRI. Arena on Mondays from 10:30 - 11:30 Contact Peter Petrash 204-425-5054 or am. Contact Bob Barrow, 204-392-3596, Ben Hamm 204-425-5050. bob.r.barrow@gmail.com or Darrell Delong, 204-371-0229, Whitemouth djdlong@mymts.net.

Quilt Club- Every Monday from 4 – 6 pm at the Whitemouth School in the Home Steinbach Girl Guides - Every Tuesday at Ec Room. Cost $10 per session. Contact: the United Church of Steinbach, 541 Main Patti Enns 204-369-5577 or St. Registration for girls 5-17. Develop penns54@gmail.com. personal values and well-being, self-respect and respect for others; promote fun, Shotokan Karate – For all ages, this friendship, adventure and challenges martial art uses only the body to promote through new experiences; develop fitness, self-defense and confidence. Cost: leadership and decision-making skills; give $100 for all 10 class and pro-rated after. service to the community; value the natural Classes held Thursday at 7 pm days at the environment.

Whitemouth School Gym. Contact Michel or Jenny to 204- 348-2473 Green Drinks South Eastman - South Eastman Transition Initiative presents Circuit 30 - Alternate aerobic and weight Green Drinks South Eastman. On the 3rd exercises with cool down and stretch Tuesday of every month at 7 pm at LBees, exercises. Wear comfortable clothing, 5-275 Main St. Grab a coffee and discuss clean runners and bring a bottle of water. sustainable living.

Contact Cost $2/class. Mondays from 6 -7 pm, in rebecca_hiebert@yahoo.com. the Whitemouth School Gym. Contact Carolien 204-348-2932.

Seniors (60 +) Shinny Drop-in Hockey every Monday from 10 -11 am at Centennial Whiteshell Arena. Contact Bob Barrow at 392-3596 Scenic 5 km Walk– On Saturday, January or email bob.r.barrow@gmail.com.

5 from 1 – 3:30 pm at the Pine Point Selfguiding Trail with Park Interpreter over rock The Steinbach Rotary Club - meets every ridges and spruce hollows as we discover Monday at noon at Steinbach 55 Plus how to survive in the Whiteshell winter to Centre. Contact Cornie at 326-3155. the scenic Pine Point Rapids to warm-up with a mug of hot chocolate and s’mores.

Mental Health Information and Support Free event. Contact Park Interpreter’s office sessions - for family and friends of people at 204-369-315, email with mental health issues are held the 2nd Sloan.Cathcart@gov.mb.ca.

Tuesday of every month from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Eden East building, 21 Loewen Blvd. Snowshoe 4 km Expedition – On Saturday, Contact Kim at 371-0824 or email February 2 from1 – 3 pm at the Forester’s eastmanmss@mts.net Footsteps Self-guiding Trail. Strap on a pair of our snowshoes and trek through MS Monthly Self-Help group meeting - for the snow. Along the way discover how the people living with multiple sclerosis. The forest is managed for future generations. group meets on the second Thursday Afterwards, warm-up with a mug of hot evening of each month from 6 - 7 pm at chocolate and s’mores. Free event.

Fernwood Place apartments. Contact Contact Park Interpreter’s office at 204Nadine Konyk, Rural Client Services 369-315, email Coordinator at 1-800-268-7582 or email Sloan.Cathcart@gov.mb.ca. nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.

Woodridge MS Lunch Group- on fourth Thursday of South East Sno-Riders –Club ride On every month, from 12 – 1 pm at the Village Saturday, January 12 east off Highway Green Restaurant. Contact Nadine Konyk, #210 on Tower Road, at 9 am sharp.

Rural Client Services Coordinator 326- Weather conditions will determine the 1434 or email length of ride, expected to be nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca. approximately 200 kms.

Dawson Trail Dispatch Annual Wiener Roast - South East SnoRiders on Saturday, January 26 from 12 – 2 pm at the Groomer Shed east off of Highway #210 on Tower Road. Free to members & family. Workshop talk on ‘Winter Survival’. Homemade cookies, hot chocolate, soft drinks, snacks and great tasting wieners.

Bingo - Every 2nd Sunday night at 7 pm.

General The Super Start Program, A Healthy Baby program with the Southern Regional Health Authority. Program for pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Sessions include song and rhyme time, discussions and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. Door prizes, nutritious snacks and milk coupons for all participating expectant moms or mothers who have babies up to six months of age.

Contact: Terry from Super Start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

Blumenort - EMC Church on Thursday January 3 and February 7 at 10 am – 12 pm Niverville - Community Fellowship Church on Tuesday, January 8 at 10 am - 12pm Ste. Anne - Dayspring Fellowship Church on Wednesday, January 9 at 10 am – 12 pm Kleefeld – EMC Church on Thursday, January 10 at 10 am – 12 pm St. Malo -St. Malo School on Wednesday, January 16 at 10 am – 12 pm St. Pierre-Jolys - St. Pierre Health Corner on Thursday, January 17 at 10 am – 12 pm Ste. Agathe - Community Hall Centre on Tuesday, January 15 at 10 am – 12 pm Lorette - Seine River Church on Tuesday, January 22 at 10 am – 12 pm Mitchell - Fellowship Church on Thursday, January 24 at 10 am – 12 pm Grunthal - Family Hut South Oaks School on Tuesday, February 5 at 10 am – 12 pm Free monthly bus trips to the casinos of Winnipeg for a fun day at the Casinos.

Pick up in Steinbach at 8:30 am, Ste. Anne and Paradise Village at approximately 9 am. Must be 18 years of age or older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. Bingo on the bus. Call Marilyn at 204-326-4939 for date information and to reserve your bus seat. Next scheduled trips Tuesdays, January 8, February 12 and March 13, 2013.

Southern Health’s Medical VP Honoured Southern Health’s Associate Medical Vice President has been nationally recognized by the Société santé en français.

Dr. Denis Fortier was recently recognized for his engagement and his exceptional contribution towards the development of Francophone health services in Canada at the Rendez Vous en Santé, a conference held every two years by the Société santé en français.

The Société santé en français is a national organization that assumes a leadership and coordination role in fostering access to quality French language services in the health and social services sectors.

To recognize supportive efforts across the nation, the Société santé en français has launched the presentation of excellence awards to mark the contributions of partners and their efforts in the development of health care services in French in Acadian and francophone communities across Canada.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Classes resume on January 8 for Backyard Theatre students. We hope you had a great holiday!

Speed it up or slow it down this Winter with Creative Wellness, Creative Cooking, and Kids in the Kitchen, French, and Spanish or Visual Arts classes.

15% off Visual Arts Classes Register by January 11: Adults 16+ Exploring Acrylics, Mix n’ Match Watercolor & Acrylics, NEW! Absolute Abstract, Drawing Dynamics; Teens Clay: Intro to the Wheel, Teen Art X-Treme; Kids NEW! Cartooning, Art Adventures, Clay: Hand Building; Digital Photography for Kids, Teens & Adults.

15% off Creative Wellness Register by January 11: Get fit this season with Triple Benefits, Sculpt & Tone, Power Pilates, Yoga, Zumba or Belly Dance.

NEW! Zu-Tabata – a blend of Tabata (high-intensity interval training) and fun Latin dance rhythms, focusing on full body muscle toning. Zu-Tabata increases strength and endurance and promotes weight loss and overall health.

The Dance Floor The Dance Floor, our Social Dance program, is back in full swing this January. It’s a great way to stay active, learn new steps and meet new friends. Learn the Country Two Step, West Coast Swing, Meringue – or all three.

FREE practice time is included in your registration fee.

The First Dance The First Dance workshops are perfect for Bride & Groom, Father & Daughter or Bridal Parties. Only two weeks and you’ll be good to go. January 21 & 28 at the Cultural Arts Centre. Customizable workshops also available.

Coming up in the Hall Gallery Fall & Winter Collection by new local artist Linda Leger and Unscripted by Leah Read-Schroeder. Don’t miss the Opening Ceremony from 7 - 8 pm on January 9, here at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

Performers and Visual Artists We are taking applications to perform at the Summer in the City Festival June 14-15. Applications are due March 1.

Artists!

Get your creative works on display at our Southeast Open Art Exhibit. Local artists of all ages are welcome to enter one piece of artwork. Registrations are due on January 11 so don’t delay. Download online at steinbachartscouncil.ca.

Arts4Tots Do you know a little one who has just turned three, or will be three very soon? They can now start our Arts4Tots Preschool Program in January. Arts4Tots is the only preschool program that hires professionals to teach Arts disciplines like Drama, Dance, Music and Crafts.

Acting Out Half off for ages 5-8 Acting Out! Theater classes.

Students have unlimited access to our closet full of costumes and props. Our experienced instructors will help inspire creativity and build confidence through handson classes with storytelling, puppet shows, and FUN. Pajama Party It’s a Pajama Party for the whole family! Join us at SRSS Theatre on Saturday, January 19 at 2 pm for an exciting performance by Prairie Theatre Exchange as they bring the indelible characters of Robert Munsch to vibrant life on stage. Also, enjoy milk and cookies, and stories by the winners of the Story Writing Contest for Grades 1-6!

If you would like to enter our story-writing contest, write down a story about a funny life incident, two pages max, and drop it off at the SAC office by January 14 or fax (204) 346-9777. Winners get free tickets to the show!

Manitoba Theatre Centre Manitoba Theatre Centre at SRSS Theatre, 7:30 pm on January 25. What happens when an urban psychotherapist sets up a private practice next door to popular part-time mechanic who is quick to give advice to those with problems? You will love the full-service comedy Ed’s Garage. Call for tickets. We are very excited to welcome Tracy Penner, one of the characters in Ed’s Garage, back to the home stage. Tracy has performed in countless productions and has a Bachelor Degree with an Acting Major from the University of Alberta. You may remember her from Simple Gifts, a one-woman show she wrote and produced, which she performed at the Arts Centre in 2006.

Creative Community Corporate Campaign We need your help! This year’s goal is to raise $50,000 for the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. Your support will be acknowledged on our donor wall, signage and future programs and events. Tax receipts are available.

More Than Just News!

January 2013

17

New Fire Truck in Place in Landmark

By Marianne Curtis The Landmark Fire Department is proud of their most recent equipment purchase after the RM of Tache bought the hall a brand new pumper. The new truck is a 2012 International Pumper/Rescue fire truck manufactured by Acres Emergency Vehicles.

According to Jason Kroeker, Tache Fire Hall #2 District Fire Chief the department spent a year working on designing, reviewing and planning the truck specifically for the municipality’s needs. The new truck replaces the 1987 cube van that served as a chase truck for the past number of years.

There are a number of unique features on this vehicle, including a Monitor on the front bumper that can spray up to 300 gallons of water per minute.

The truck is also designed to keep rolling while spraying water which makes it beneficial for ditch or field fires and protecting homes, all controlled

Jason Kroeker, District Fire Chief shows off the new fire truck in the Landmark fire hall.

by remote control.

Another major feature of this truck is the 35 foot 3-fly hydraulic ladder, which has become a necessity with the number of two and three story apartments and condominiums in Lorette and Landmark.

There are 30 firefighters in the Taché Fire Department as a whole, servicing Landmark, Lorette and Ste. Genevieve, as well as surrounding areas, when required. Landmark has NFPA 1001 and 472 Hazmat - Level I and II trained firefighters, and receive approximately 160 calls a year, with half of those calls being car accidents, and a third being fire alarms, paramedic assists, structure fires, vehicle fires and the rest are grass and bush fires.

St. Pierre-Jolys Chamber Recognizes Special Business Owners When the St. PierreJolys Chamber of Commerce held their Annual General meeting at the end of November several business owners were singled out for awards.

As part of the evening, several awards were handed out to both growing businesses and retirees.

The Business Improvement Award went to the Schreimers’ Garden Centre and the New Business Award was presented to Dan Malo of Rat River Sales and Service.

Two business owners who recently retired were also recognized by the Chamber for their dedication to the community. Real and Francine Mulaire of St. Pierre Pharmacy, who retired after 29 years of running the community’s only drug store, and Jo and Marcelle Robidoux of St. Pierre Lumber and Construction who recently retired after 40 years in business.

Above: St. Pierre Chamber of Commerce president Marcel Mulaire recognized Real and Francine Mulaire (left) and Jo and Marcelle Robidoux (right). Both families only retired after decades of running businesses in the community.

Left: Dan Malo accepts the New Business Award from Chamber president Marcel Mulaire.

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More Than Just News!

January 2013

Gabrielle-Roy Student Named Tri-Star

Daniel Leclaire

On December 11, Daniel Leclaire of the College Regional GabrielleRoy Les Roys Volleyball team was named Tri-Star Rural High School athlete of the week.

Leclaire, a 6' 2" middle, helped lead his team to the “AAA” Provincial Volleyball Championship. He led his team in kill efficiency and was named the Player of the Game on two occasions throughout the weekend. He was also selected to

the Championship All-Star team.

Coach Pascal Guenette said Leclair is a team player who exudes quiet leadership.

“We love Daniel’s demeanor on and off the court. He is definitely both a calming figure on the court and a pillar of consistency,” stated Guenette. “He is always positive and if he has a concern that he would like to relate to coaches he does so in the most polite manner and is considerate of the coaches’ responses and decisions.”

Guenette noted the grade 12 student maintains an average of 81 percent.

Leclaire is the second student from College Regional GabrielleRoy Les Roys Volleyball to be named as a Tri-Star Athlete this season. Last month his teammate Alex Sabourin received the honor.

During the school year, the Manitoba High School Athletic Association names two students per week as Tri-Star Rural Athlete and Athlete of the Week. Students who are named Tri-Star Rural Athlete are chosen from all of the province’s high schools.

Ritchot Looks for Tenants in Ile des Chênes

By Marianne Curtis The RM of Ritchot has hired an outside leasing agent to help them find a suitable tenant for the top floor of the TransCanada Centre in Ile des Chênes.

The municipality issued an invitation to several commercial real estate agents to act as leasing agents for the vacant space. The second floor in question is approximately 5,000 square feet of unfinished space. There has been a focus on bringing medical services to the community and surrounding area such as a medical doctor, pharmacy, dentist, and physiotherapist.

RM of Ritchot Reeve Bob Stefaniuk said that while council is assisting the process they will not be making the final decision on what tenant sets up shop in the building.

“It is up to the board what kind of businesses go in there, council is not in the business of making deals,” Stefaniuk continued. “If we handle this prudently we will have a facility that will serve us well into the future.”

As a result, the municipality agreed to contract Colliers International as the exclusive leasing agent for a term of one year. Colliers International will be working on a commission of $0.70 per rentable square foot per annum for Years 1-5 and $0.35 per rentable square foot per annum for Years 6-10 of the lease term.

Last summer the municipality received a request from the TransCanada Centre board for funding to finish the upstairs. They claimed a doctor and a pharmacist were willing to commit to the location but they needed $169,000 to finish it. The municipality denied the request.

Council then voted to block off the second floor to further use until a suitable tenant is found. A third resolution has council saying they would continue their search for suitable tenants and work with the board to pursue any leads that will result in filling the space and provide rent revenue.

The $6.7 million Ile des Chênes Community Centre was made possible with $2.77 million in federal funding through the Community Adjustment Fund and the Rural Municipality of Ritchot.

The new centre includes a hall and a bilingual public daycare for 94 children.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

New Future for Sprague Arena

By Marianne Curtis The Sprague community recreation committee is thrilled with a recent federal investment in the community.

On December 18, the group met with Provencher MP Vic Toews when they were presented with a cheque for $25,300 towards improvements to the Sprague and Area Community Arena from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

“It is exciting that as a result of this investment there will once again be an active arena in the community,” said Provencher MP Vic Toews. “In addition, this investment will help create jobs and growth and will support the prosperity of the community for years to come.”

Murray Machej, President of Sprague and Area Community Arena board, said the funding will go a long way to help the organization provide a year round facility for RM of Piney residents.

“On behalf of the Sprague and Area Arena Committee and everyone that will be lacing up their skates this winter, we want to thank our Member of Parliament and the Government of Canada for the CIIF investment

Members of the Sprague and Area Community Arena met with Provencher MP Vic Toews to discuss improvements at the community‘s only recreation facility.

of $25,300,” stated Machej. “This money will go a long way in providing the necessary repairs and renovations to the Sprague and Area Arena. Our goal of providing a year round recreation facility for residents in the RM of Piney is moving ever closer.”

Under the project the Sprague

Arena will be renovated by repairing the Zamboni room, dressing rooms, viewing area, rink boards, exterior siding and roof.

The RM of Piney provided additional funding through a large project grant of $10,000 and $5,400 from the Sprague and Area Community Arena Inc.

Take Advantage of Manitoba Real Estate As we’re writing this, we have already discovered that the Mayans were wrong. The world did not come to an end on December 21, 2012 nor the next day when “they” corrected the calculations to the Mayan calendar.

Now we wait to see what will happen with the “fiscal cliff” in the U.S. Regarding real estate… in some areas of Canada there is what is called “market correction”. What does that mean? Market correction usually means that the price of properties were unusually high and having been on the market longer than average it then becomes time to lower the price to get some interested buyer(s) to make an offer and sell the property.

What area does this happen in? It has happened in Vancouver, Toronto and area and currently is happening in areas like Kelowna, to name some.

Do you see the common theme coming through this? Uncertainty, fear, maybe even doom and gloom.

What does one do when there is uncertainty? Best thing is to get information and clarification.

Let us be thankful we live in an area of this country that is stable!

What is the real estate market doing in southern Manitoba? The forecast is good. 2012 had some recordbreaking attributes.

Maybe you’re looking for something to invest in to make your money work for you. Real estate in Manitoba is an excellent investment. There is a variety of ways to take advantage of our beneficial real estate climate. Owning your home is one good way. Buying a property to rent out is another. Some people have purchased land. In some areas subdividing is possible (always check with the municipality).

By far the best thing to do is consult with a trusted professional.

Happy New Year and all the best wishes to you and your loved ones. Until next time… Travis Olifirowich and Eileen Lewis.

Stuartburn Backs Doctor Recruitment The RM of Stuartburn council has committed to helping Southern Health recruit doctors into the area in hopes the area’s only emergency room can reopen.

Reeve Jim Swidersky said council has met with the health authority executive several times. “In an effort to understand their procedures to recruit doctors, what alternatives to emergency room service might be available and what services must be maintained in order to ensure the hospital and personal care home remain,” said council.

By virtue of resolution, the RM of Stuartburn council wants all residents in the RM’s of Stuartburn, Piney, Franklin and La Broquerie to know that they are supportive of all efforts made by Southern Health with recruitment as they attempt to reopen the emergency room.

The Vita and District Health Centre Emergency Room was closed for a second time in mid-October 2012 repeating a similar closure in 2009.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

January 2013

January 2012 Residents in Woodridge were devastated by the loss of the community’s main meeting spot when an early morning fire destroyed the Woodridge Inn on December 13. Damages were estimated at about $1 million.

The City of Steinbach started approving permits for a mystery retailer to move into town. It was later announced that a Super Wal-Mart would be open in the winter of 2013.

Residents affected by the proposed Manitoba Hydro Bipole III’s were given another chance to voice their objections or support for the project after the province asked for hearings to be held by the Clean Environment Commission.

St. Malo native, Travis Hamonic, was finally able to live his dream of playing hockey on Winnipeg ice when his team, the New York Islanders, faced off against the Winnipeg Jets on December 20 for the first time since the Jets returned to the province.

Manitoba’s Wild Pink Yonder announces that $35,000 in donations was collected from communities throughout the southeast during a unique 22-day trail ride for breast cancer research.

Toward the end of January, residents in Grunthal were given an opportunity to speak out on a $6.7 million borrowing bylaw that would allow for the construction of a multi-million dollar water treatment plant and lagoon expansion project.

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Fire crews look for hotspots in what is left of the Woodridge Inn that still smoldered 13 hours after the blaze star ted.

Fresh from celebrating their 75th anniversary, New Bothwell Cheese wowed the judges at the 84th annual British Empire Cheese Show and took home 1st place for the 6th year in a row.

February 2012 RM of Ritchot councilor Ernie Dumaine faced a judge after being charged for uttering threats against a municipal employee. After months of delays, the charges were stayed by a Steinbach judge. He was fined and ordered to issue an apology to the victim and to council.

A major reconstruction project on the emergency room at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach goes to tender for a second time. The entire project is expected to hit upwards of $20 million before it sees completion.

Despite the loud voice of opposition, the RM of Tache approved a controversial new apartment complex proposed for Landmark. Hundreds of area residents cited the location of a new 12-unit apartment complex as dangerous because of its location right across the street from a large feed mill.

A group of RM of Ste. Anne residents demanded the municipality reconsider a decision not to renew a fire agreement with the RM of La Broquerie. The municipality initially cancelled the agreement due to costs associated with the service, however they did concede and a new contract was negotiated.

Police made almost 1,100 drug seizures across the province with an increase in more rural communities. Out of 14 communities listed, the City of Steinbach made the list at number 10 with 23 major seizures taking place that year.

March 2012

Compiled By Marianne Curtis The southeast is an exciting place to call home. Let’s look back at the news that mattered to residents throughout the region over the past twelve months.

There is always good news and bad news, but sometimes that really depends on the perspective of the reader. Here is a summary of the top news stories from each issue of the Dawson Trail Dispatch during 2012.

Jonas Desrosiers and Michele Broadhurst kick out in synchronization as they exchange the Rick Hansen Relay Medal in Ste. Anne when the ‘Man in Motion’ 25th anniversary tour made its way across Canada.

Ile des Chêne’s resident Dean Carriere stands triumphantly at the top of the mountain as he pushes the limits as part of an expedition of a lifetime which will see him climbing all seven of the world’s highest mountains.

Provencher MP Vic Toews is subjected to threats and harassment for his stance on supporting Bill C-30, which could allow online surveillance of anyone suspected of child pornography. A Liberal staffer was found responsible but not before private details of Toew’s divorce was leaked to the public via Twitter.

Over a dozen homeowners in Landmark are furious with the RM of Tache council after discovering their properties had been rezoned, allegedly without their knowledge and the changes may have compromised their homeowners’ insurance coverage.

Census Canada released the latest numbers based on last spring’s census survey.

The region saw significant growth but the biggest was the RM of La Broquerie which saw a 42 percent increase in population. The RM of Hanover was second on the list, followed by the City of Steinbach.

Fifty-three year old Rosalie Chobatar, a chiropractor from Lorette, is the first Manitoban in recent history to receive six months jail time for not paying her taxes. She was also fined $162,513.

Former RM of La Broquerie administrator Lori Wood received a six month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to one count of theft under $5,000 in a Lloydminster courtroom. She was also ordered to pay back $2,902.40 to the Maidstone Arena Board.

Almost 750 Habs fans were treated to an once-in-alifetime experience when some of the greatest hockey players in Canadian history took to the ice in an exhibition game against the local boys, IDC Elks.

Thirty-two brave individuals burst from the starting line in St. Malo in a test of endurance in the first ever Actif Epica, which consisted of a 130 kilometer bike challenge from St. Malo to St. Boniface.

April 2012 Over two dozen residents from 12 suites in an apartment building on St. Alphonse Ave in Ste. Anne barely escaped with their lives when the structure was destroyed by fire the end of March. No one was injured but two cats lost their lives. Estimated loss of the structure and contents has been estimated at over $2 million.

The rescue of an abandoned bear cub in the St. Malo area by Rene Debois turned into one of the most controversial subjects of the year. In spite of community, support for Debois’s good intentions the bear was seized by the Department of Natural Resources and then released back into the wild a few months later despite protests that he was too young to survive.

Megan Gauthier from Lorette was one of six students from the province presented with a Student Citizenship Awards by the Manitoba School Board Association.

The awards recognized students who demonstrated leadership and citizenship in both their schools and the broader community.

The Town of Ste. Anne, along with South Eastman Health, celebrated the grand opening of a new bilingual centre, which offers access and referrals to a wide array of business and employment information, and services.

The Manitoba High School Athletic Association inducted Steinbach’s volleyball star Michelle Sawatsky, into the Manitoba High School Sports Hall of Fame.

An unusually dry spring made perfect conditions to spark a 240 hectares (600 acres) wildfire in the RM of Stuartburn.

Careless smoking was the cause of a devastating apartment fire in the Town of Ste. Anne that left two dozen residents who were without insurance homeless.

This little guy had a new chance at life after he was found weak and dying in a ditch south of St. Malo by Rene Dubois. His release to the wild by Conservation made national headlines with many acusing the Province of senticing him to death because of his age.

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January 2013

More Than Just News!

May 2012 South Eastman Health announced that Penn-Co Construction from Steinbach was awarded the $22 million tender for the building of the new emergency ward at Bethesda Hospital.

Shortly afterward, South Eastman Health ceased to exist after the board recently voted to merge with Central Region. The decision was made because of the province’s decision to reduce the number of regional health authorities from eleven to five.

Residents living in the Lorette Trailer park were still waiting for the RM of Tache to make a decision on a subdivision application that could see the current Mobile Home Park in Lorette divided into a 25-mobile home condominium development along with two separate Common Areas. The municipality would eventually deny the proposal.

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Four-year-old Sophia Penner from Landmark is the picture of health and happiness as she cuddles with mom Jodi and big sister Alexis. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblast Leukemia.

Eighteen-year-old Candace Maxymowich from Vita was presented the Lieutenant Governor’s Make a Difference Community Award, making her one of the youngest volunteers to be honoured.

June 2012 The province named Kathy McPhail as the new Chief Executive Officer for the new Southern Health Regional Authority. McPhail previously served as CEO with the Central authority for five years.

Two months after a devastating fire destroyed a Ste. Anne apartment block and forced 12 tenants from their homes the community raised almost $12,000 plus donations of clothing, furniture and household items that was split between the tenants affected by the blaze.

Wildfires forced 16 Badger residents from their homes after strong winds and low humidity presented a challenge for fire crews. The fire near Badger was approximately 5,300 hectares (53 square kilometers) in size, according to the Manitoba government.

Over sixty RM of Piney residents attend public open houses to discuss garbage disposal after the province ordered the municipality to look at closing some of their dumpsites. The municipality plans to spend $600,000 to establish three transfer stations and close all the dumps.

The RM of Reynolds lost its fight to keep the Reynolds Ambulance in operation after years of discussions with the province and the North East Health Authority.

July 2012

Dozens of dogs from various rescues The community of La Broquerie celebrated the long awaited opening of Le Chalet de La Broquerie, a 24-unit found their forever homes after Barry building that enhances housing and accessibility for seniors in Piasta organized and hosted the first La Broquerie. annual Niverville Dog Adoption Fair. Over Over 200 people came out to celebrate the grand reopening of the Jake Epp Library. The library was closed for 1,000 people attended the one-day event.

a year while a 1,390 square meter addition was added at a cost of $1.6 million.

The community of Niverville celebrated the completion of $2.5 million in improvements to the town’s water treatment plant. To meet increasing demand the existing water reservoir was expanded and the water treatment system was upgraded with new technology that is more effective at filtering debris.

At an emergency meeting, the RM of Ste. Anne council upheld a cease and desist order served against a gravel company operating next to Wild Oaks Campground. The order was issued after the campground’s owners pushed the issue by suggesting the operation was working illegally.

The Southeast chapter for Habitat for Humanity officially started construction of a duplex on Habs Bay for the deserving families of Veronica Banos and Maria Unrau from Steinbach.

Twenty-seven grade 6 students from Shevchenko School in Vita spent a day planting 1,000 Jack Pine trees in the Sandilands as a way to show appreciation to the fire fighters who helped to save their community from fires the year before.

Landmark School’s first principal Albert Penner and Ron Plett, former Hanover School Division trustee, and students eagerly open a time capsule that remained hidden in the brick lobby wall of the school since 1961.

August 2012 The communities of Landmark and Niverville were sent into a tailspin when Dana Dueck, a teacher from the Niverville Collegiate was killed in a motorcycle accident in Ontario. Students and teachers have since decided to memorialize her with a garden at the school.

Manslaughter charges were laid against Dillyn Carl Nodwell Friesen from Anola after 58-year-old Lothar Krieg died following a weekend assault outside his home in the RM of Tache.

Southland Community Church was recently granted a permit for Four Winds Housing, which is a two-story housing project that will provide living space in separate parts of the building for 22 men and 22 women who have addictions and life controlling behaviors.

Construction begins on a number of condominiums in the community of Ile des Chênes. The major housing project consists of the construction of 112 condominium units. On the opposite side of the road, an additional 60 townhouses and 60 multi-family condominiums are expected to be constructed within the next few years.

In Ste. Anne, 39-year-old Christopher Lyons was charged after he allegedly beat his neighbour’s Pomeranian with a hockey stick and tossed him into a ditch to die. His brutal actions led to a partnership between CrimeStoppers and PawTipsters, a crime reporting line dedicated to the reporting of animal cruelty cases.

Rodeo fans were treated to two days of cowboys, horses, and cattle when the Manitoba Ranch Rodeo hit the outdoor ring in Marchand.

Several Grade 5 to 8 students from the St. Malo School spent a day sowing seeds in a garden for the Chalet residents. The Chalet is a seniors housing complex that houses over 80 residents 55 years and older.

When the dust settled, over 1,000 spectators came out to cheer on a dozen teams throughout the region who participated in this year’s St. Labre 200.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

January 2013

September 2012 On the September long weekend, tenants began filling 11 out of 15 newly completed suites in the brand new East Borderland Community Housing Senior Housing Centre. Construction of the facility began in the fall of 2011 and was completed at the end of August.

The RM of Tache reversed its earlier decision to rezone almost two dozen properties along Main Street in Landmark. 22 properties were rezoned from commercial to residential at the municipality’s expense.

Medical services normally offered at the Ste. Anne Hospital were disrupted to accommodate ongoing construction of the Ste. Anne Hospital Surgical Project.

The $14 million project is behind schedule and not expected to open until February 2013.

When the London Paralympics kicked off, veteran wheelchair rugby player Jared Funk from Niverville and wheelchair basketball player Joey Johnson of Lorette were among the many athletes participating in the event.

Christine Friesen became the first woman to be elected to the RM of Stuartburn council in a by-election. She follows her father and grandfather’s footsteps by becoming the third member of her family to serve on council.

The Rolling Plains Motorcycle Club supported mental health in the region by raising $2,000 at a show and shine fundraiser for the Crisis Stabilization Unit in Steinbach.

Thousands of people came out to Grunthal over the course of three days when the community hosted the 67th annual Hanover Ag Fair and Rodeo.

Over 100 riders joined the community parade in honour of Dustin Reimer and Dana (Keating) Dueck who were both recently killed in tragic motorcycle accidents.

October 2012 Puratone Corporation, the province’s third largest hog producer, filed for bankruptcy protection. The Niverville based company had 30 days to restructure or sell its assets while at least 350 jobs remained in limbo.

Two weeks after the rest of the province started school, classes finally started at Arborgate School in La Broquerie. The opening was delayed so that workers could put the final changes on the expansion project.

Forty-nine year old David Delisle, from Grande Pointe, was charged with drunken driving causing death after he was involved in a head-on collision that claimed the life of a 21-year-old mother.

The RM of Hanover and the City of Steinbach signed an annexation agreement for 73.94 acres along McKenzie Avenue West. The historic agreement lays out the framework for an unprecedented level of cooperation between the two jurisdictions.

Approximately 850 people signed up for the 5th Annual Imagine Run and Walk, which took place in Niverville. Founded by Mona Stott of Niverville, the Imagine Run is held annually to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health.

A former dairy barn converted into a machine storage and repair building near New Bothwell was destroyed by fire at a loss estimated at about $1 million.

A shortage of rural doctors forced the Southern Health Regional Authority to shut down the emergency room at the Vita and District Health Centre. Initially the closure was expected to be until the middle of November. However, the emergency room remains closed to date.

November 2012

Jennifer and Cliff Friesen from New Bothwell have not left Cash’s side since he was diagnosed with a fast growing brain tumor back in August. Over $33,000 was raised during a fundraiser to help the young family of six.

Moni Loewen (left) with Recreation Opportunities accepts a cheque for $6,600 from Chrysalis Fund members Pat Warkentin and Carmel Wiebe.

While fires raged through the Vita area, local businessman Lother Dueck is considered a hero when he rescued a woman from her burning home.

Two school divisions are looking into their procedures after an incident that saw at least 29 students aged five to 13 stranded on their school bus in the Sandilands.

The incident occurred as a blizzard tore through the region closing roads and cutting power to some areas of the southeast for up to five days.

Maple Leaf Foods announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Puratone Corporation from Niverville. With this acquisition Maple Leaf will own approximately 30 percent of its hog supply into Brandon and produce approximately 1.2 million hogs annually.

The RM of Ste. Anne awarded a $697,000 contract to build a new municipal office to VonAst Construction of Niverville. The new 3,100 square foot building will replace the century old office space currently in use.

December 2012 Randy Chudyk, former sergeant of the Ste. Anne Police department, faces firearms charges after an investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. The alleged incident involved a stun gun or Taser.

The Hanover School Division celebrated the grand opening of the Clearspring Middle School. The 93,000-square-foot school is one of Manitoba’s first targeted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, (LEED) Gold school buildings.

After a few months of disrupted service at the Ste. Anne Hospital, it is back in service. This includes the reopening of eleven inpatient beds. Emergency room services and obstetrical services are once again available along with the hospital’s X-ray department and laboratory.

The Ste. Genevieve Community Centre committee received a grant of $20,964 and the Blumenort Community Centre received $27,148 towards major upgrades from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.

The lack of adequate cellular communications in various areas of the province was the hot topic at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) annual Convention. The renewed push comes after blizzards and fires in southern Manitoba left rescue personnel and residents without a means to communicate during several emergencies.

The ribbon was cut to declare that the TransCanada Centre in Ile des Chênes was open for business at a sold-out gala event.

While fire crews battled a raging wildfire, threatening the community the driver of one vehicle attempted to leave Vita only to have the bridge collapse beneath them. The fire destroyed several homes in the community but no one was injured.

Colin and Yvette Lafrenière, a husband and wife team of pharmacists, are the new owners of the St. Pierre Pharmacy in St. Pierre-Jolys. What started out as a practical rotation has turned into a new business venture for this team of pharmacists.

The search for a local man presumed lost while hunting in the Sandilands has been called off but family members remained hopeful. Police called off the search for Norman Brad Lambert after nearly two weeks of combing the Sandilands Provincial Forest. Eventually he made his way out of the bush and was rescued by a passerby.

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More Than Just News!

January 2013

Dawson Trail Dispatch

Eco-Discovery Centre Opens in Kleefeld

By Marianne Curtis The Seine Rat-River Conservation District (SRRCD) recently celebrated the completion of an outdoor classroom, which is expected to benefit schools throughout the region.

The Tourond Creek Discovery Centre (TCDC) was developed as an outdoor classroom. Located at the site formerly used as the Kleefeld Waste Disposal Site, operated by the RM of Hanover. The site, is now an eco-classroom. It boasts some amazing diversity in plant and animal life in the five micro-ecosystems found and consists of aspen forest, grassland, Tourond Creek, wetland, and rich woodland.

According to Jodi Goertzen, from the SRRCD, the site is a culmination of partnerships between government and education.

“The first school groups have enjoyed exploring the TCDC and their teachers are now developing a curriculum guide to maximize the TCDC’s potential,” stated Goertzen.

“The SRRCD also plans on constructing a picnic shelter to enhance the outdoor classroom experience, expanding its use into all four seasons.”

Trails connect the various microecosystems together, at one point passing by a lookout tower overlooking a shallow pond. A dock in the shallow pond facilitates activities such as “critter dipping” where students participate in handson learning.

From dump to outdoor classroom, the Tourond Creek Discovery Centre is a hands-on classroom for students and the public.

Constructed with donated materials from Grunthal Lumber and help from the SRSS construction class, a 20-foot lookout tower now overlooks the pond. In the future, a

new sign identifying the site will be erected on Hwy 52 and interpretive signs will be installed along the trails.

The Tourond Creek Discovery

Centre was made possible through partnerships between the RM of Hanover, the SRRCD, the Hanover School Division, Kleefeld Recreation Committee, and local

nature enthusiasts. Members were later added from Borderland School Division and the Seine River School Division.

WSO and Students Join Musical Forces

By Marianne Curtis The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops pulled into Steinbach at the beginning of December and performed before a sold out crowd of over 600 people.

On December 4, residents in the southeast were treated to a very special performance by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) at the Steinbach Mennonite Church. The performance, featuring violinist Gwen Hoebig and Maestro Richard Lee highlighted a variety of classical and contemporary holiday music including favorites from the Nutcracker and Polar Express.

The WSO was accompanied by Soprano Naomi Forman, originally from Kleefeld, and the SRSS Intermediate Female Choir, consisting of 39 female students Grade 6 student Bryce Koop directed by Kristel Peters. won the honour of playing an Another highlight of the evening was a anvil along with the Winnipeg special performance by the grades 5-6, ‘Who Symphony Orchestra during a Wants to Play with the Symphony?’ contest special Christmas performance winners. They played an interesting at the beginning of December. instrument, two anvils, to Giuseppe Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, along with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

This honour was won by Grade 6 student Bryce Koop from Stonybrook Middle School and Grade 5 student Tiara Muckosky from Niverville Elementary. The pair won this opportunity by filling out a ballot where they completed the phrase “My most creative idea for the use of an anvil is….”

Koop’s response was “a big paperweight” and Muckosky’s suggested was “an anchor for a pirate’s ship and in the middle of nowhere. They also have an ironing board.”

Tots Host Christmas Program There is nothing cuter than a preschool Christmas program and this year’s Art4Tots Preschool recitals were no exception. Taking place December 12 and 13 the recitals featured performances of poems like “Merry Christmas Mouse” and “Two Little Candy Canes.” Tots who have recently turned three years old can register for the January to June session for Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in 2013.

More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch

New Owners Take Reins of Ste. Agathe Hotel

January 2013

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Carrick Community Club to Upgrade Facility

By Marianne Curtis Six and a half years ago a welder and his wife took over the St. Pierre Hotel and turned the watering hole into Lucky Lucs.

After establishing a successful restaurant and bar in St. Pierre, the couple is hoping to duplicate that success in Ste. Agathe where they have purchased a second location.

Luc Peloquin and his wife Corinne, residents of St. Pierre, opened the doors to Lucky Lucs in Ste. Agathe on December 11.

“We have been doing quite well (in St. Pierre) and when I heard Ste. Agathe was available, I figured why not,” Peloquin explained. “We have a great location here, right along the Highway 75 and beside the Red River; we can get travelers and snowmobilers.”

Lucky Lucs Bar and Grill is already a well established name in St. Pierre. With chef prepared meals, patrons can get more than just a burger and fries from the vast menu. The menu offers wings and ribs to a variety of specialty pizzas, sandwiches and salads.

“What we have is a good thing going in St. Pierre and if we can duplicate it here it would be quite an accomplishment,” Peloquin added. “We won’t be able to offer everything here right away but we will add things as we go along.”

So far Peloquin’s biggest challenge has been to get the word out that Ste. Agathe’s Lucky Lucs is open for business. Since the

The Carrick Community Club board of directors recently met with Provencher MP Vic Toews to discuss renovations at the community’s recreation facility.

Luc Peloquin, owner of Lucky Lucs in St. Pierre invites new and old customers to come check out his second location in Ste. Agathe during a special grand opening event on January 25.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

“What we have is a good thing going in St. Pierre and if we can duplicate it here it would be quite an accomplishment.”

Flood of 97, the hotel has either remained closed or attracted a rougher sort of crowd.

“We’ve been getting a lot of customers from out of town that know of us from St. Pierre; I want to welcome the locals to come check us out,” Peloquin added.

“We are new here but we want to run a class-act establishment where everyone is comfortable and has a good time.”

Peloquin has been planning ways to make Lucky Lucs in Ste. Agathe a happening place. He plans to regularly bring in live local entertainment and welcomes people interested in events like bud, spud and steak nights.

An official grand opening with live entertainment by Ricky Smits is taking place January 25.

Everyone is welcome.

Colour Draw Promotes School Bus Safety Photos by Marianne Curtis

The Dawson Trail Dispatch Bus Safety Colouring draw supporters included school divisions and local MLAs.

Above: First Place Draw- $75 Vanessa (grade 2) and Violet Dyck (Grade 5) – Sprague (Ross L. Gray School) Bottom Left: Second Place Draw - $50 Nova Cooper (Kindergarten) – La Broquerie (Ecole St. Joachim) Bottom Right: Third Place Draw - $25 Ciinjin Wyryha (Grade 4) - Ste. Anne (Ste. Anne Elementary)

The community of Carrick will enjoy some new renovations at its community centre thanks to a recent federal grant announcement.

On December 18, Provencher MP Vic Toews met with the Carrick Community Club recreation committee to present them with a cheque of $6,700, from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) to help with building improvements.

“The Carrick Community Club is central to the community and the surrounding area,” stated Toews. “I am confident that these improvements will ensure that community functions will be hosted there for years to come.”

Under the project, the Carrick Community Club will be upgrading lighting, replacing flooring, renovating the Green Room, improving the plumbing in the canteen, and installing new cupboards in the kitchen.

“Carrick is a small but vibrant community and the Community Club plays host to activities for people from everywhere in the surrounding area,” said Jim Danilchuk, President, Carrick Community Club. “We would like to thank Western Economic Diversification Canada. With these funds we will take another step toward making the Carrick Community Club a first class facility.”

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More Than Just News!

Dawson Trail Dispatch