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Banner & Press
Minnedosa’s
By Banner Staff
Visitors to a statue outside of Inspire Studio in Minnedosa, locally known as “Art”, may have seen that he was looking a touch shorter in stature earlier this week. That’s because Art’s head was taken on a bit of an impromptu tour. That is to say, a vandal saw fit to take it.
This isn’t the first time this sort of activity has befallen Art, as his head had been broken off and taken one other time prior to this. The head had been returned, then, and Inspire Studio owner Marlies Soltys, who made the statue, used heavy-duty magnets to re-attach it. The magnets were chosen, as they could withstand gale force winds, storms and more.
This also meant that the head was removable if needed.
“We at times had taken [the head] in because someone had hit him so hard it took his head off. We would inspect and fix if needed and put it back,” Soltys explained further.
This most recent incident took place sometime during the night of July 27 to the morning of July 28.
“We have a camera on it– we are currently going through the video to look for evidence,” said Soltys.
Thankfully, the Neepawa Banner & Press can also report that Art’s head was swiftly located. Within a few days, Soltys had received a call from a Minnedosa resident that the head had been found at the local beach.
& 18
Thrills and spills at the McCreary Rodeo
The McCreary Ag Fair and Rodeo was held last weekend. The event is organized by the Heartland Rodeo Assocation, in conjunction with the McCreary Agricultural Society and is the centrepiece of the festivities for the community. Additional pictures of the Rodeo are on Page 15.
Neepawa Banner & press
PICTURE COURTESY OF INSPIRE STUDIOS
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
Lilies aplenty at 2024 Lily Daze
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
Neepawa is the selfproclaimed Lily Capital of the World. It’s no wonder, then, that Lily Daze draws attention each and every year. This event is held annually by The Lily Nook, featuring beautiful sights at the store’s location and quite the variety of locally grown flowers– primarily
lilies. Lily Daze is an event that has certainly become a long-standing tradition with the business.
“We’ve been in business for 29 years and we continued after the Lily Festival ended with our own Lily Daze,” Nigel Strohman explained.
This year was certainly no different. Despite the intense heat and humidity as of late, people could be seen
throughout each day of the sale, perusing the colorful selections on display from July 25 to 28. In addition to the sale at The Lily Nook itself, visitors were also extended an invitation to visit the nearby growing fields, where visitors can walk among the meticulously cared for flora that have been planted there.
“[It was] steady but not overly busy. We had visitors from Winnipeg, Brandon and quite a few from Saskatchewan,” said Strohman, sharing reflections on the weekend.
“Thursday and Sunday were the busiest days, probably. Those coming on Thursday wanted the best selection and those coming for Sunday was the best deal.”
And, with such welltended flowers, perhaps it is of no surprise that the most popular attraction for all was the growing field itself.
“The growing field everyone enjoys,” Strohman enthused.
Providing a final comment, Strohman added, “Hopefully next year we will arrange an event like a Judged lily show, which we skipped this year.”
Public invited to ribbon cutting for Neepawa business expansion
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
You’re invited to take a tour of the new production space for a rapidly growing Neepawa based business. This N’ That Mfg. Ltd/ Dream Concepts is hosting a ribbon cutting event on Friday, Aug. 9 at 12:00 p.m., for its modular home production facility at 559 Hamilton Street.
The recently constructed building is located just northwest of Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME), on the portion of Hamilton leading to the new hospital.
The new space is needed because of the success of This N’ That’s modular housing division.
Production manager Rob Moman of This N’ That Mfg. Ltd said they have received approval to sell more varieties of Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved homes all across Canada, which is facilitating the need for more room.
“It’s an expansion. We’re adding two more CSA stamps, or stickers, which are the CSA 240, which are mobile homes and CSA A277 (Prefabricated
buildings, and partially or fully enclosed modules and panels for buildings),” said Moman.
Moman added that the day’s festivities will begin at 10:00 a.m., as they will be hosting a tour of the building, as well as the different types of homes they are assembling. The tours are open to everyone from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with the official ceremony set for noon.
This N’ That Mfg. Ltd is the manufacturing side of the business, while Dream Concepts is the company’s marketing division.
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
The new building for Neepawa based business This N That Manufacturing Ltd./ Dream Concepts, located at 559 Hamilton Street.
PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN
Above: Lilies in the grow field. Below, left: A variety of day lily that was on display at The Lily Nook.
1974: Neepawa cadet learns the ropes at Portage
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
125 years ago, Saturday, August 5, 1899
Work on the Union Bank block is suspended until a superior quality of brick and some cut stone arrives. The determination of the bank officials and contractors is to put up a building that will be both substantial and handsome in appearance.
By the way, what has become of the proposition to erect a second curling rink in town? A committee was appointed at the last annual meeting of the curling club to look into and report on the question in a month or so from the time of meeting. But three months have now elapsed, the season is fast passing away and no talk of a rink is heard. If we are to have one it is time something was done.
100 years ago, Friday, August 1, 1924
Kelwood: Several Kelwood people have taken in some of the Eden Chautauqua entertainments.
McCreary: Hail has damaged crops about four miles east of town. The
rainfall around town was excessively heavy, about six or seven inches.
Those two men making an excavation for the new Alguire building on Mountain Avenue are doing splendid work under the more or less constant gaze of ten to twenty voluntary supervisors of unquestioned knowledge of how the work should be done. Somebody remarked that this is typical of world conditions– too few working and too many critics.
75 years ago, Thursday, August 4, 1949
Walter Slobodian and Keith Partaker, local swimmers, acted quickly to rescue a young district boy last Wednesday at the Riverbend Park Swimming Pool. Clarence Kohinski, who was attending the big community picnic, went into the water and found himself having difficulties, disappearing below the surface. The Neepawa boys quickly pulled him to the bank.
Gimli: Canadians of Icelandic descent on Sunday observed Iceland’s national holiday– Islendingadagurinn– and an old super-
stition turned out true.
Every year when the celebration committee picks the “Queen of the Mountains” for the festival, someone always brings up the belief that it will rain if a married woman is chosen, be clear if the queen is single.
This year’s queen was Mrs. H. Danielson, of Winnipeg. The result– rain came down during some of the day-long festivities, although not to such an extent that the celebrations were washed out.
About 5,000 Icelanders, many of them from North Dakota, attended the celebrations which first were staged here 60 years ago.
Riding Mountain: The Legion Hall at Riding Mountain was officially opened on the evening of July 27 by Mr. A. Cairns, provincial secretary of the Canadian Legion.
50 years ago, Thursday, August 1, 1974
The drill holes being sunk by Tudale Exploration south-east of Neepawa is now 3,400 feet deep and the company reports that it is still in iron mineralization. The assay values the samples taken from the 2,500 to the 3,000 foot level ranges from 29.06 to 46.75 per cent iron.
A second hole is being deflected off of the main hole and is now 22 degrees away from the original vertical hole.
One of the most popular forms of relaxation and recreation during the summer months is to visit some camping spot near a lake and preferably under the shade of a tree and set up a trailer or camper for a night, a weekend, a week, or a month, and enjoy holidaytime in the fresh air and refreshing breezes. People will often drive for miles to spend a few hours at their
favourite resort or they will search tourist information booklets in order to find some place new or unknown to them.
Many have never heard of Lake Irwin, and you can search the government maps in vain to discover its location, because the map makers don’t seem to know of its existence.
Lake Irwin is a beautiful, man-made lake, one mile south of Neepawa on Highway 258…
The first thing that will capture your attention is the summer cottage of Bill Calver of Shilo, which is in the process of being built…
This is the first cottage to be built at Lake Irwin, but seven or eight lots have been leased for further construction. There are presently two trailers occupying adjacent sites.
Portage laPrairie was chosen this year as the training [site] for the 1974 Air Cadet Flying Scholarship Program for selected cadets in the province of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario…
The 20 successful candidates this year include Cpl. Murray Dagg, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dagg of Neepawa. Man. Cpl. Dagg attends weekly meetings of the No. 9 RCAS.
20 years ago, Monday, August 9, 2004
A Neepawa woman who organized a 636-name petition in support of Neepawa’s palliative care program is hoping there’s strength in numbers.
“I’m hoping maybe it will make them (the Assiniboine RHA) look at their decision and leave the palliative program as is,” said Myra Bennet.
Bennet organized the petition after the RHA announced in June that it will no longer allow dona-
of undertaking flight lessons at Portage la Prairie
tions to cover the costs of service providers. One of those service providers is the Neepawa palliative care coordinator, who is paid for through local donations.
The RHA said the issue has been an ongoing problem with Revenue Canada because the coordinator is not actually an employee of the RHA.
Disclaimer: The information gathered and used each week in the Looking Back feature is directly taken from the original print copy of the Neepawa Press and Neepawa Banner newspapers. Any errors or omissions from stories (Factually or otherwise) are the result of the original print and not the responsibility of the archivist for the current version of the Neepawa Banner & Press.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES
Pictured here at the controls of a training plane is Corporal Murray Dagg. He had the honours
in 1974.
NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES
The graphic shown above is a portion of a larger ad from Robinson Stores in Neepawa. It was in the Aug. 1, 1974 edition of the Neepawa Banner & Press.
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Olympics opening ceremonies not surprising but very disappointing
The world was looking forward to seeing the beginning of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
It’s still a great show but the opening was severely smeared by a crude and lewd portions of the Opening Ceremonies. There has been enough attention given to the very bad taste shown on the stage but safe to say, the boat loads of athletes going down the Seine River was impressive but there was, well, a lot of bad stuff interspersed.
My father’s generation was not impressed with France because of their lack of courage in WWII. It’s not talked about very much but, had France stood up to Hitler’s Germany in 1939, WWII might never have happened. The French leadership of that era had a much more powerful army than Germany but they were afraid to take a stand. Their lack of courage cost the Allies a lot of lives, injuries and money. My father’s generation had a hard time with that.
I also have some trouble with the French as thousands of Canadians fought to get France and General Charles de Gaulle back onto French soil in 1944 with the Normandy invasion and the subsequent freeing of France from the Nazis. Only 23 years after Canadians died to get France back in de Gaulle’s hands, insulted Canada. In 1967, now French President de Gaulle proclaimed Vive, Quebec Libre!”, words that helped fire up Quebec separatism. He was a visitor to Canada, president of a country that Canada helped get back into French control and he had the audacity to try and inspire French Canadians to leave Canada. I have visited Quebec a few times and fortunately there is still a majority of Quebecers who see it as best that they stay in Canada.
Right in the Centre
Ken Waddell
“Lewd is lewd, crude is crude, sacrilege is sacrilege and the majority of people are not amused or comfortable.
”
Eight years later…
It was eight years ago, on a frightfully hot day, when we made ‘the move’. I say ‘we’ for I could not have done it by myself. Four able bodied men, and two strong women helped. It was moving a minimalized two-story home that needed to be relocated to a three bedroom, no basement home. The contents of a garage, a partially emptied shop, and several outbuildings then compacted into an attached garage and a two-car garage here in town. We had a system going. Load one set of units, unload them, reload and on it went!! Thankfully a wonderful friend treated us to a home cooked supper, and thankfully the house in town has a wall unit air conditioner. With dedicated help, the move was completed in one day. So, why am I revisiting a day from eight years ago? This very hot weekend I was able to assist a supportive friend in their move. Hot really doesn’t cover the temperature, outside temp and body temp! As we carried boxes and totes up stairs, down stairs and loaded them into vehicles. Hot. Plain and simple. The task at hand and the temperature reminded me clearly of the day I moved into town.
Well they should, as like Manitoba, it’s richer Canadian provinces that heavily subsidize Quebec and Manitoba. Left to their own resources, both Quebec and Manitoba would be bankrupt.
But all that considered, why are people, French and others, so infatuated with the lewd things in life. The French government and the Olympic officials “apologized to anyone who was offended.” That is political speak for, “I am sorry I got caught.” If you have ever watched the movie, Cabaret, you will see similar trends in moral lacking among the people of 1930s Berlin.
Maybe there is pattern here. Today’s French Olympic organizers and the Cabaret era 1930s Berlin organizers were purposefully hiding immorality behind a facade of artistic endeavours. What could be wrong with loud music and gaudy clothing, what indeed.
Nothing I guess unless in the case of 1930s Berlin and 2024 Paris where every kind of immoral behaviour was wrapped up in bright colours and passed off as “artistic”. People were not to be fooled and God is not to be mocked. The surprise about the Paris thing is that the organizers are surprised at the reaction to their “art”. Lewd is lewd, crude is crude, sacrilege is sacrilege and the majority of people are not amused or comfortable.
We don’t want censorship but we do expect citizenship and we didn’t get it from the Olympic organizers in Paris. Fortunately, the athletes from all countries are giving us quality citizenship, quality entertainment and true pride in our countries.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
The other reason is that I am so enjoying my home and yard. There was a clean coat of paint in the house when I gained title to it. Not my colour, but clean and fresh and well done. Slowly I added some of my colour; a soft blue in the main living room a few years ago. And this past week, I found the perfect paint colour, one I’ve aimed for, and missed, several times-like the sky just before a thunderstorm. A soft, yet intense, blue. (Yup, Annette, blue!) It is so what I want that after painting the master bedroom, I tackled the spare room. One wall in both rooms is much lighter, so I never feel closed in. And the feature wall, in one room is wall paper, and in the others well, a light blue. See a pattern here?
The yard has become exactly what I want. The freezer holds raspberries and strawberries, from my yard. The saskatoons produced just enough to encourage me to go pick at a berry farm. The gooseberry has outdone itself and the ripe fruit is a daily treat. The old apple tree is loaded, the Prairie Magic has many apples set, and the Trail has one lone apple that I’m watching closely. The produce from the vegetable patch has enhanced several meals, with extra being frozen for the winter. The broccoli and cauliflower didn’t produce the way I wanted, but the kohlrabi looks promising. I am days away from fresh potatoes and cucumbers. Tomatoes are slow. The fenced back yard is my haven and simply sitting in the shade of the old apple tree, coffee in hand and dog on the lap is rewarding. There are a few flowers to add colour, the petunias out front excelling the others. I am fit, I am free, I an faith filled. I am content. Now, if the town could change a by law and let me have chickens...
One Albertan’s pain; one Albertan’s prayer
There are some tragedies for which no words can ease the impact or the pain felt by those who must now live with their results. Of these, the devastation caused by the wildfire in Jasper National Park tops my list. Looking at the first pictures and reading online reports of this disaster have left me feeling numb—that is the only word I can use right now.
Having grown up and spent my PN (pre-Neepawa) years in Alberta and BC, the four western national parks were favourite holiday spots for me. In addition, while living in Prince George, BC, I regularly traveled through Jasper and Mount Robson parks while going to visit family in Alberta. I wonder how much of the town I remember from those days survived the fire.
It is said that you can’t feel the pain of another person until you have experienced a tragedy identical to theirs. That may be so, but there
Neil Strohschein
is one thing I can feel—and that is the pain of one whose friend has lost everything (including loved ones) in a house or business fire. I had that experience after less than a year of service in my first church; so as a friend, I can understand the anguish and grief many residents of Jasper are feeling today. As I think about and pray for you all, I am asking God to do four things. First; to assure you of his continuing protection and help. God didn’t start the fire. He didn’t send the 100 kmph winds that turned it into an inferno that no one could stop. He didn’t decide whose homes and businesses were destroyed and whose were saved.
But he did guide those who made the decisions to
evacuate the town and surrounding area. He watched over those who directed traffic so that everyone got out safely. And he has protected those on the front lines fighting this fire so that, at the time I am writing this article, no injuries to residents, tourists or emergency personnel have been reported. And he will continue to watch over and protect you all until this crisis is over.
Second, I am praying that God will supply all your immediate needs. He knows what they are. He will care for you. He will give you the hope, help and healing that you need today; and for all the days ahead.
Third, I am praying that God will give you courage as you map out your future.
I don’t know what that path will be for any of you; but God does and he will help you take life one step at a time, one day at a time, one challenge at a time. Of that, I am absolutely certain.
Fourth, I am praying that those who have promised to support you and help you rebuild your homes, businesses and lives will keep their promises. Theirs will be an enormous task. It will require months of on-site work and millions of dollars in financial aid to finish. I am praying that God will send people who, after coming to help, won’t leave you until the work is done and they are no longer needed. Today, I am asking all my readers to join me in offering these prayers for the people in Jasper and for all those who lost property and are building homes, businesses and lives following floods, fires and other natural disasters. Let us believe that God will do what he does best—bring immense beauty out of the ashes left by this fire.
Carignan breaking gender barriers
Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan. This may not be blowing the dust off of a book or a lost form of media but maybe of the uniforms that our new Chief of Defence left on her counterparts.
I have heard rumours that she doesn’t deserve the role and I want to personally put a stop to it, and take a look at why she deserves to be at the top.
Pioneering
Leadership Roles: Carignan became the first Canadian female general from a combat command when she was promoted to brigadier-general in June 2016. This promotion marked a significant step forward for women in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), showcasing that women can hold high-ranking positions in combat roles.
Combat Command Experience
Her experiences in various international military operations, including her
BP Museum: 1922 nursing grads
Pictured here are some nurses from the graduating class of 1922. From left to right are: Mae Whyte, Gladys P. Donaldson and Annie Robb. Gladys Donaldson was born in 1897 and was a Registered Nurse trained in the Neepawa General Hospital that served in Neepawa, Chicago, and Winnipeg.
Thumbs up, thumbs down
deployments to the Golan Heights, Bosnia, and Afghanistan, paved the way for her authority and credibility as a leader in combat engineering. Carignan took on challenging assignments that were once predominantly reserved for male officers, proving her capability and laying the groundwork for future female leaders in the military.
OFFICIAL PORTRAIT
Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS)
inclusion of women in combat positions during a tour in Australia. Her commitment to advocating for gender equality within the military helped shift perceptions and opened doors for female participation in previously restricted roles.
High-level Appointments
Advocacy for Women in Combat
In 2012, Carignan, alongside fellow female officers, actively promoted the
Carignan’s rise through the ranks continued as she was appointed as the Chief for Professional Conduct and Culture in 2021, a newly established position focused on preventing sex-
ual assault and fostering a culture of respect within the military. This role underscored her commitment to addressing critical issues affecting service members, particularly women.
This is why in July 2024, Carignan made history by being appointed as the first woman to serve as the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) of the CAF. This landmark achievement not only positions her as a trailblazer in Canada but also makes her the first female head of a national military force among the Five Eyes countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US), breaking gender barriers at the highest level of military leadership.
Joel Asselstine is a resident of Neepawa who is passionate about old books and theology. In the words of Mike Winger, “I’m charismatic with a seatbelt”. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and is not to be taken as being the view of the Banner & Press staff.
Well, Neepawa spring came, then summer came and now we’re heading into fall and I see that the streets all look the same. Thought they were to be fixed and that doesn’t mean spraying gravel into a water filled hole. They need to be dug up, levelled up and resurfaced, but I guess with winter coming the snow and ice will fill them for you til next year and another excuse comes up that they weren’t done. I have had friends from other towns saying they thought the streets were to be fixed, but they are getting worse, not better.
Terry Bradley Neepawa, MB
And on a second note, why has there not been anything done with all these scooters and electric bikes? No helmets, kids on them riding double and I can’t count the number of times I have been cut off, almost ran into and ran over walking out of a store. Where is the by-law officer? This needs to be fixed or is it the same as the streets and the cold winter weather will fix the scooter problem as well?
Terry Bradley Neepawa, MB
Would you like to send a thumbs up or thumbs down to an individual or group in the community? Please send it our way. Submissions must include a name and must be under 100 words. We want to hear from you!
In person: 423 Mountain Ave. Neepawa By fax: 204-476-5073 By email: news@neepawabanner.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLAINS MUSEUM
out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale
Carrots are divine
As I was digging my garden carrots, Bugs Bunny’s song kept playing in my head. The one that goes “carrots are divine, you get a dozen for a dime, it’s magic, they fry, a song begins; they roast and I hear violins, its magic.” When I feed my rabbit Miss Mollie, carrots I believe her head song mirrors Bug’s song the way she rips the carrot from my hand.
Carrots have been around for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt carrots were placed in the tombs of dead pharaohs and their art work had drawings of harvesting the carrot fields. They were not grown for food but for the medicinal purposes in the leaves and seeds. The carrots of that time were not orange but various colours including purple, red, yellow and white. As they spread around the world, the 13th century saw Europeans growing carrots in their gardens. They were on the bitter side and not the sweet carrot we know now. By the 16th century Dutch farmers doing selective plantings were successful in growing the first orange carrots. The story is the orange colour was in honor of William of Orange and the ruling House of Orange. Whether the story was true or not, those newly selected orange carrots were better tasting (sweeter) and plumper much like our carrots of today and quickly spread across the world. Today, the cultivated carrot is a daily staple on the dinner tables around the world.
When you are preparing your carrots, don’t peel the skin if possible. Carrots, like many root vegetables, have the most nutritional value just below the skin, so instead of peeling, scrub the skin clean.
I enjoy this carrot cookie recipe. These delightful little morsels are lower in sugar and quick to make up. If desired one could drizzle icing over the top for a dressed up version. I used to make mine with regular flour but now I use a combination of gluten free flour, add 1 tsp of xanthan gum and voila, I have cookies.
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
Carrot cake cookies
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 1/2 cup grated carrots
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
Victoria’s Quilts Neepawa hosts bbq lunch
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. ginger
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans or sunflower seeds
In a bowl mix together the butter and sugars. Add the egg, orange juice concentrate and mix well. Stir in the grated carrots. In another bowl add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger and stir together. Add this to the creamed mix and mix well. Add the raisins and nuts of choice. Drop by spoonful’s unto an oiled cookie sheet and slightly flatten. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 9-12 minutes until set in the middle. Do not overbake. Allow to cool on the pan for a minute then remove to a rack for further cooling.
This carrot soup with warm spices, fresh garlic and ginger is a great soup recipe to keep in your repertoire. The original recipe I used called for it to be pureed. I do not like to puree my soup so I leave it as is. It is your choice.
Carrot curry soup
1/4 cup canola oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, finely diced
4 cups sliced carrots
1 medium potato, diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 can unsweetened coconut milk
1 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 tsp. cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. (Do not brown the onions)In the last few minutes of cooking add the garlic cloves. To the pot add the carrots, potato, broth, coconut milk, ginger, curry and cumin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, put a lid on the pot and simmer soup for 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want it pureed: transfer soup in batches to a blender and puree until smooth, then transfer back to the pot and reheat over medium heat.
Thank you for
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
Visitors to the Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op Food Store in Neepawa are sure to have seen a special fundraiser taking place last week. On Friday, July 26 the store’s patio was host to a fundraiser barbecue for Victoria Quilts Neepawa from 11:00 to 1:30 p.m..
This group is part of the Victoria Quilts Canada initiative, which makes and sends quilts to those fighting cancer across the nation. Victoria Quilts Neepawa (VQN) is the only branch in Manitoba and has been sending quilts out across the whole province for a dedicated 10 years.
The Neepawa Banner & Press spoke to VQN member Audrey Heffel, who provided comment on the event, later that afternoon.
“We don’t have the final number, but we went over $150– I’d say around $175
probably,” said Heffel. “It’s a wonderful fundraiser– we’d really like to thank Co-op and Old Dutch for their donations. And of course all those who came by to support us and shared words of support and thanks.”
Heffel added, “We were really impressed with the support we received. We even had some businesses come by and bring lunch back to their offices for their staff.”
Heffel noted that this event had multiple purposes. The funds raised by the barbecue will help to cover operational expenditures, as each quilt costs approximately $100 to make. To put this in perspective, VQN sends approximately 25 quilts per month. In addition to this, another important aspect of the event was
visibility.
“Some people, even from Neepawa, may not be familiar with Victoria’s Quilts Neepawa, so we want to raise awareness about who we are and what we do,” said Heffel. “We want to provide [cancer patients] with comfort and to let them know they are not alone in their struggle.”
Heffel added, “Earlier this year, we sent out our 2,000th quilt. And so far this year, we have made about 159.”
Additional information about Victoria’s Quilts Canada and Victoria’s Quilts Neepawa can be found at www.victoriasquiltscanada.com. Victoria’s Quilts Neepawa can also be reached via email at neepawa@victoriasquiltscanada.com.
PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN
Jacqueline Olmstead and Melanie Burnett were just a couple of the Victoria’s Quilts Neepawa members that could be seen at the Co-op grocery store in Neepawa, prepping and selling hotdogs to benefit the guild and its mission.
Contemplating ‘the green’ Touchwood Park hosts 28th annual Charity Golf tournament
Join us on Friday, August 9th for the grand opening of our new shop at 559 Hamilton Street (East beside the new hospital) 10am until 2pm
There will be a ribbon cutting at noon as well as a BBQ.
Come check out some of our projects we have on the go.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Neepawa Golf & Country Club hit with minor damages
PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN Touchwood Park’s 28th annual Charity Golf Tournament kicked off at 12:30 p.m. on July 29. Results and details of this event will appear in a future edition of the Neepawa Banner & Press.
Pictured here are some scenes from the day.
Above: One of the teams takes stock of the course before them.
Left: Fore! This golfer tees off at the start of a hole.
The lush greens at the Neepawa Golf & Country Club are perfect for a round of golf. On July 25, however, it appears an individual or group of individuals, decided to use it for their own means. On the morning of July 26, Club staff discovered an incident of vandalism took place on the greens overnight while staff were off-duty.
Details provided to the Banner & Press by the Neepawa Golf & Country Club states that the damage was found on the #16 Green in particular, with tire tracks causing damage to the grounds. Additionally, a pin (flagstick) was driven over and was broken as a result.
It is currently suspected that the vandals
used either a golf cart or a similar vehicle, as the tracks appeared similar in dimension and style. Thankfully, the damage to the green was not severe.
“The damage to the green itself was minor. The crew was able to get out there and tend to the green, as well as replace the broken pin since we had extras in stock,” said Brandt Young, a representative who works in the course’s ProShop. “So it should all be fine now.”
While the damage was minor and the flag readily replaced, incidents such as these are still an inconvenience, as staff must take time to remedy the situation.
The Neepawa Golf & Country Club is asking anyone who may have information in regards to this incident to step forward.
Banner Staff Neepawa Banner & Press
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEEPAWA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
Pictured here are some of the damages found on the course at the Neepawa Golf & Country Club on the morning of July 26. Damages were quickly tended to.
Culture, quilts, cuisine and cars…
By Rob Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press
One of my fondest childhood memories is the Kelwood Ag Fair. I recall running around the fairgrounds with my brother, exploring under an old bridge just before the Cenotaph in front of Royal Canadian Legion 50, and trying to win prizes all jacked up on soda pop. Just north of the Legion, the curling club was full of conversations, a bustling canteen and in the rink itself, tables full of proud community accomplishment. That classic old curling rink may be gone, and the bridge replaced with a culvert, but the spirit of volunteerism and community pride is alive and kicking in this rural community 30 minutes north of Neepawa.
This coming Saturday, Aug. 10, Kelwood will be chock full of events including the Agricultural Fair, a parade and horse show, the Eleanor Rose Outdoor Quilt Show, a classic car show, firefighter BBQ fundraiser, Legion lunch, canteen, fair supper hosted by Cafe 37 at the community hall, and then chase the ace/meat draw and live band at Legion 50 to cap off the day.
These events require many, many volunteer hours by organizers and set up crews beforehand and more of the same in running the day filled with an impressive variety of entertainment and achievement.
Once the fair and quilt show weekend is wrapped up, volunteers turn their focus to setting up for the 18th annual Harvest Sun Music Festival as it runs the following Saturday, August 17th.
Just in case that wasn’t enough, the first annual Boomchuck Old-Time Music Camp is running Aug. 13 to 16 between the fair/quilt show weekend and the Harvest Sun festival. Workshop classes wrap up on Friday with a recital under the big top tent that will be set up at the Harvest Sun festival
Busy days ahead in Kelwood
site located at “The Barn”, home to The Farmers Daughter Restaurant and The Mountain General Store.
This year’s festival features music by award winning Manitoba band Leaf Rapids, Westman raised roots rocker Mitchell Makoons, The Wrigley Brothers (fan favourite fiddling phenom twin brothers formerly known as as Double the Trouble), and country heartbreaker Bobby Dove among others. The festival will also have a beer garden, makers market, and culinary options for a variety of tastes. Another highlight of HSMF is the campfire jams that happen when music lovers gather around a fire and share stories and songs. In my opinion, there’s nothing quite like singing, laughing and dancing under the stars with friends new and old and my favourite place to do this is Kelwood, Manitoba, Canada.
Rob Waddell is now a resident of Kelwood and a long time HSMF volunteer and performer (his band Annabella Proper is performing again this year). His opinions may be skewed, but his enthusiasm is genuine.
Pictured here are some scenes from the 2023 Kelwood Ag Fair and Harvest Sun Music Fest.
Major work resumes at Squirrel Hills pavilion
work resumed at the Squirrel Hills Trail Park in Minnedosa last Friday. Birch Construction Ltd. was up early that morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed at the trailhead as they prepared for a major pouring of concrete for the trail’s pavillion. Prep began at 5:00 a.m., with the pour itself starting at 6:00 a.m. A portion of the process of this pour can be seen here. The concrete work wrapped up swiftly ending at 8:30 a.m. The team was also scheduled to have welcomed the lumber crew to the pavillion for this week and landscapers will be prepping the remainder of the trailhead.
Neepawa Public Library ready for its’ next chapter
Caitlin Henderson settling into role as new Branch Supervisor
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
For Caitlin Henderson, a love of reading has been the story of her life for as long as she can remember. An avid reader almost from the start, Henderson spent quite a bit of time as a child wondering up and down the book shelves at her local library in the community of The Pas. It only makes sense then that her passion for being surrounded by prose, poetry and parables, turn into a full time career. And fortunately for Neepawa, that career path has led her here.
Henderson has been in the position of Branch Supervisor for the Neepawa Public Library since mid-July. She took over the role from Debbie Unger, who retired back in the spring after nine years in the position.
Coming into the job, Henderson already has about a decades’ experience of her own, mostly at The Pas Regional Library. After graduating with a diploma as a Library Technician from Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Formerly the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology), she returned to her hometown to start her career. After ten years, four
of which was spent working in a very similar role up north. Henderson decided to apply for the opportunity of Branch Supervisor in Neepawa.
Henderson said since she arrived, she has focused alot the past few weeks on acclimating herself to her new home. She notes there is a slight culture shock to the cluster of local small and quint communities we have all across the region, compared to the relative isolation of a northern Manitoba town.
On top of that, Henderson has also been learning about the larger library structure here in Westman, as Neepawa is a partner in the Western Manitoba Regional Library (WMRL).
“We are part of the [Westman] regional system, with the main branch in Brandon and a few other communities apart
of it. My role here is to maintain and make sure that this branch’s day-today operations are going well and then, as well coordinate with the other branches on larger projects and partnerships.” noted Henderson.
But be assured, Henderson’s main priority is, and will always be, the people of the Neepawa Library. She noted the first few weeks of meeting all the ‘regulars’, has been very fulfilling.
“It’s been nice meeting people, like your regular patrons. Those are usually the day-to-day things that someone in this job; we just, we don’t take for granted. See the seniors walk in and it’s their weekly coming into the library and they’re here for chat and socializing. Those interaction, you can see people really enjoy and we do as well,” stated Henderson. “But
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then my favourite is when the little kids come in and then if you’re there long enough, you start seeing them grow up and change sections in the library. That’s also the cutest thing when they’re starting to read and they’re jumping up in levels of readers and those little takeaways from this job are always like the sweetest things.”
Anyone who hasn’t had the chance to welcome Caitlin Henderson to the community can do so, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, at the Neepawa Public Library.
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
The Neepawa Public Library’s new Branch Supervisor Caitlin Henderson.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
Major
Neepawa Titans post profit for 2023/2024 fiscal year
Several significant topics discussed at MJHL club’s annual general meeting
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The recent annual general meeting for the Neepawa Titans suggests that while there are still a few challenges ahead, the Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is moving in the right direction, both on and off the ice.
The hockey team’s AGM was held on Monday, July 29 in the meeting room at the Neepawa Public Library. The gathering was the community’s chance to learn what’s been going on with the team over the last 12 months, as well as any future plans to keep the franchise viable in Neepawa.
During the review of the financial statements, the Titans board, as well as Chase Critchlow of Kinley Thomson, confirmed that the team had registered a net income of $16,998 for the fiscal year. The total revenue for 2023-24 was $584,498, while overall expenses were $571,682. That is just the fourth time in the last ten years that the team has posted a year-end profit. The club’s overall long-term debt, has decreased year-over-year, but it still stands at $370,997.
Expenses/ revenues
The majority of the team’s revenue sources all improved compared to the previous year, with advertising and sponsorships seeing the largest increase, going from $94,634 in 2023 to $164,197 in 2024. As well, game revenue ($73,007), fundraising ($241,998) and travel fee revenue ($72,025) all increased year-overyear.
Unfortunately, the majority of expenses also rose from 2023, though most of those results appear to be in line with inflation. The one notable exception could be seen in fundraising expenses ($69,282 in 2023 to $97,784 in 2024). But, the amount of overall revenue brought in from fundraising outpaced expenses, so these numbers could be seen as a positive expenditure.
The most notable expenses over the year for the team were as follows:
Subcontracts - $94,739; Hockey supplies - $65,516, Billets - $63,823 and Bus expenses - $56,549.
Neepawa Titans board chair Jamie Denbow said some of the credit to the improved bottom line can go towards changes to the
team’s sponsorship structure, which attempted to streamline the choices for businesses, making it easier to support the club. He also added that the success of the team on the ice, also helps to create a little more enthusiasm.
CEBA loan
One liability that remains on the books for 2024 is the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Program Loan. Through the CEBA Program, eligible small businesses and not-forprofits were provided up to $60,000 in emergency funding, in the form of loans that were initially interestfree and partially forgivable, to help cover a variety of expenses that could not be deferred during a period of the COVID-19 shutdown.
Titans were unable to pay before the deadline and now owe $61,074. A question was asked as to why it could not be paid off before the deadline, and the representatives of the organization said the team did not have the funds to pay back the loan when it became due.
Player draft discussed The Neepawa Titans also updated attendees of the AGM on several notable changes that will be impactful on-ice for all the MJHL clubs.
from the floor as to how that could negatively impact mid to small market clubs, such as Neepawa. The Titans brass noted the decision does create new challenges, but that they would simply need to be more creative in their ‘sales pitch’ to players on the team and the town.
Neepawa Titans head coach and general manager Ken Pearson talked about the expectations for the next season. He said they currently have about 18 returning players from last year’s roster. Pearson noted that healthy amount of returns, combined with some of the losses of key players from other teams within the Western Division, could create a opportunity for the Titans to
improve upon their results from 2023-2024.
Neepawa Titans net income or loss (2014 to 2024)
2023-2024: $16,998
2022-2023: $89,251 (loss)
2021-2022 $60,516 (loss)
2020-2021 $96,082 *
2019-2020: $64,083 (loss)
2018-2019: $59,855 (loss)
2017-2018: $48,376 (loss)
2016-2017: $1,295
2015-2016: $56,975 (loss)
2014-2015: $33,011
* - MJHL season cancelled after 10 games due to reinstatement of COVID-19 restrictions in Manitoba
If an organization repaid $40,000 of the $60,000 loan by Dec. 31, 2023, then loan forgiveness of the remaining $20,000 would apply. The Neepawa
The one topic that was of most interest was the league’s decision to eliminate its’ annual bantam player draft. The decision now gives young prospects the freedom to select which of the 13 MJHL clubs they would like to play for, when eligible. Neepawa was one of only two organizations who voted against the elimination of the draft.
Concerns were raised
Plumas Pirates, Minnedosa Mavericks advance to Santa Clara semi-finals
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The semi-finals are set for the Santa Clara Baseball League, as the Plumas Pirates and Minnedosa Mavericks have won their opening round playoff series. The Mavericks head into the next round with a 2-game sweep of the Carberry Royals, which was capped off with a 9-7 victory on Wednesday, July 24.
Minnedosa pitcher Devin Foord earned a complete game win, while Daylon Creasy took the loss for Carberry. Foord helped his own cause by going 2-for–4 at bat, with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Meanwhile, John Hutton and Josh McInnes also knocked in a pair of RBI apiece, to push the Mavs to the win.
In the other opening round series, the Plumas Pirates battled back from an early deficit to defeated the Austin A’s 2-games-to-1. After dropping game one at home, and falling behind early 3-1 in
game two in Austin, the Pirates stormed back to claim a 9-4 win on July 24.
Pitcher Rylan Denbow picked up the win on the mound for Plumas, while Justin Walker collected the save. Zac Yandeau, meanwhile homered and Riley McBride went 2-for–4 with two RBI.
The next night, the Pirates moved on by dominating Austin14-1. Plumas’ Riley McBride pitched four innings of no hit ball, for the win, while Nathan Braun surrendered just two hit in relief over three innings. McBride also drove in four RBI, while going 3-for-4 at the plate.
The semi-finals are now set, with Plumas set to challenge Neepawa, and Minnedosa matched up against Portage.
The series between the Portage Pirates and Minnedosa Mavericks could be over before you even read these words, as the first two games were played before the Banner & Press publication deadline. The first game was played on
Monday, July 29 in Portage la Prairie, and saw the Padres win by the score of 8-4. As for game two in Minnedosa, it was played on Wednesday, July 31, a few hours after the Banner & Press was sent to print.
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final series, the Neepawa Cubs hosted Plumas for the first game shortly after on the deadline on Wednesday, July 31.
SCBL Semi Finals Portage vs Minnedosa Game 1: Portage 8-4 Minnedosa. Game 2: July 31 in Minnedosa Game 3:Aug. 7 in Portage. (If necessary)
Neepawa vs. Plumas Game 1: July 31 in Neepawa Game 2: Aug. 5 in Plumas. Start time 6:45 p.m. Game 3: Aug. 6 in Neepawa. Start time 6:45 p.m. (If necessary)
Classifieds
Obituary
Gordon Thomas Campbell October 9, 1922 – July 25,2024
At 100 years young, Gordon proudly sported his Arrow River baseball uniform for the first time in over 70 years, grabbed his bat and ball and headed to the local field for a quick step back in time. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather Gordon was a man who lived his 101 years with grace and gusto. Gordon was born October 9, 1922 at home on the farm in the Blaris district near Isabella Manitoba. This was to be the start of his lifelong love of rural living. From the early age of five he was often found in his dad’s back pocket taking part in the daily life of farming. Gordon shared many stories of growing up on the farm within a very close knit family. His love of horses often lead to the recounting of him driving 4 horse teams at age 12, and being especially proud of the fact that he ran his own 6 horse team for threshing at 16. Throughout his early years he gave many hours helping others within his community. He was often being called upon to cut wood, help others on their farm, and to go out with his team of horses to get people to the doctor, the Minister to a church service during a storm, or to meet families coming and going by train. Gordon’s passing marks the end of an era, being the last surviving member of the nine children of Reginald and Violet (Grey) Campbell.
Gordon received his education at Blaris and Isabella school. Throughout his life he took part in many activities. Some of his fondest memories were hunting/fishing with family, playing baseball with the Arrow River team travelling throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan and playing hockey. While working one winter at the Iron Ore mine in Wawa he had the opportunity to play semi pro hockey. His love of sports continued throughout his life coaching youth hockey teams in the Isabella community. In spite of having to overcome polio, a broken neck from a horse accident and in later years being struck by lighting and surviving colon cancer he continued to be active all his life.
On July 12th, 1952 Gordon married Vivian Little of Decker and together they raised a family of 4 children. They established and built a family farm to include a mixed grain and cow/calf operation. He farmed until his 75th year, proudly passing his farm onto his son Ron. Gordon served as a Director on the Manitoba Pool Elevator Board and on the sub district council for 19 years. He actively participated in both Blaris and Isabella community organizations.
Even though he retired at age 75, due to health issues, he often said, “I am a farmer for life”, enjoying the many trips back to the farm for harvest. He continued to garden, cut his grass and shovel his snow up to his 99th birthday. A passion for Gordon in his later years was to go back to his love of working with wood, building 7 grandfather clocks. Gordon’s lifelong love for music started as a child sharing music with his family and singing in choirs. This love extended to Friday nights around the piano with his family where he played his mouth organ. He continued to enjoy singing right up to his final days.
Left behind to cherish Gordon’s memory are his wife Vivian and his children Pat (Alex), Ron (Wilma), Tanis (Eileen), Scott (Nikki). Also left to mourn are grandchildren Alexander (Anisa), Ashley (Andrew), Patrick (Tanya), Tyson (Alison), Aaron (Emily), Karla (David), Holly (Rey), Julie (Dylan), Jordan, Samantha, and great grandchildren Ariya, Aram, James,Violet, Campbell, Grayson, Theo, Athena, Hugo, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Gordon would often say he was proud of making his 101th birthday but what was most important to him and brought him lifelong joy, was the 72 years he had with his greatest love Vivian and the time he had with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Neepawa Chemotherapy Unit c/o Neepawa Health Centre
“Thank you Dad for your wisdom, your strong sense of family & your never ending love”
White’s Funeral Home – Neepawa in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca
Classified Ad Deadline: Tuesday Noon
• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines
• Please check your ad when first published the Neepawa Banner & Press will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.
• All copy is subject to approval by the Neepawa Banner & Press.
• We reserve the right to edit copy or to refuse to publish any advertisement we deem illegal, libelous, misleading or offensive
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Yard Sale
Multi-Family Yard Sale and Crafts, Saturday, August 3rd, 10am-2pm. 106 North, 107 West, 5 miles north of Erickson on Hwy 10, 1 mile east on Ditch Lake Road. Parking in the middle space.
Recreation
ATV'S, ATV'S, ATV'S. www.rodsatvs.com Best prices in Manitoba on New kids/adult ATV'S, DIRTBIKES, DUNE BUGGIES, UTV'S, GOLF CARTS, SCOOTERS, MOBILITY SCOOTERS AND KIDS ELECTRIC RIDE ON TOYS
$299. Kids ATV $1999, Kids Dirt Bike $1199. Kids Dune Buggy $1999. New 4 Seater Golf Cart $9475. Text or phone 204-724-2438. Email rodsatvs@hotmail.com
Personal
Crisis Pregnancy Centre
Winnipeg: Need to talk? Call our free help line, 1-800-6650570 or contact our Westman office: 204-727-6161
Notice
Alanon meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa - Old Co-op Store. Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call 204-841-2192
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa, Thursdays at 7 pm. Call 204841-0002
Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call 204-368-2202
Minnedosa Handivan 204868-8164 Mon-Fri 9:00-3:30
Obituary
Marie Elizabeth Jones
August 25, 1938 - June 14 2024
Marie Jones, beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away on June 14th 2024 in Chilliwack BC.
She was born in Glenella, Manitoba to Dan and Margaret Mcdonald in 1938. Marie was the seventh of nine children and enjoyed her childhood on the family farm. She was predeceased by her siblings Jack, Ray, Shirley, Joan, Allan, Glen, and Gilbert and is lovingly remembered by her younger sister Joyce.
Marie met her husband Victor Jones at an early age in their community and their friendship continued at Camperdown school, the one room schoolhouse they both attended as children, but moved on to different high schools afterwards. It wasn’t until after her high school graduation when Marie moved to Winnipeg for work that the two reconnected and were married in March of 1959. They stayed in Winnipeg and this is where their daughters Susan Lauren (Thompson) and Lynne Marie (Gibb) were born and raised.
In 1968, Marie and Vic moved to Thompson, Manitoba but after the first harsh winter they decided to relocate their family to the west coast and settled in Burnaby, BC in 1969. Marie began working for the Safeco Insurance company and eventually began a lifelong career with ICBC. Marie and Vic have never shied away from change and relocated several times to Aldergrove, Langley, and ultimately Chilliwack, BC in 1990. During this time Marie worked as a claims adjuster for ICBC at their Burnaby, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack branches.
Some of Marie’s favorite things in life were curling, reading, playing cards, and travelling. Vic and Marie took every opportunity they could to travel their beautiful home province of BC. Although she lived across the country from her siblings most of her life, Marie always found time to go back home to Manitoba for important occasions and remained close to her family. After retirement, Marie began travelling with her sister Joyce as well, creating memories they both cherished.
Marie’s favorite role by far was grandmother and will always be affectionately known to her grandchildren as Grammy. Mike, Kristen, Rikki, Matt, and Corey spent many weekends at Grammy’s during their childhoods and loved spending holidays playing cards and baking sugar cookies with her. Marie spent her final years known as Gigi and absolutely adored doting on her great grandchildren Addy, Jakob, Radley, Kayleigh, Brynn, Kacey, Jasper, Lilly, Jayden and Hazeley
Marie will always be remembered as a strong woman who spoke her mind, loved fiercely, and jumped in whenever she was needed. We couldn’t have asked for a better Matriarch and will miss her every day. Marie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her, including her beloved husband Vic, daughters Sue (Rick), Lynne, sister Joyce, and many nieces and nephews.
At Marie’s request there will be no service and her ashes will be spread at a later date with her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society in her memory.
All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing
Notice
Neepawa Banner & Press offers full research and re-print services from our archives that go back to 1896. Additional copies of papers, $2 each depending on availability. Re-print of a page from past copies, $2 per page. Archival research, $25 per hour with a $10 minimum. Individual photos on photo paper $5 depending if we have a suitable original in our digital, print or photo archives. Ken Waddell, publisher
For Sale or Rent
Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson's 204-385-2685, 204-3852997 Gladstone
For Sale
Firearms for sale. 12 ga pump Winchester little use $450 firm; 12 ga S/A Winchester unfired $900; Savage model 93 heavy barrel, 22 WMR $550 firm. Potential buyers MUST have and provide poof of valid P.A.L. or no sale. Call 431-362-0067
The family of Norman Henderson would like to express their sincere thanks to family and friends for the flowers and visits while in hospital and for all the food, flowers, donations, cards and messages of condolence since Norm's passing.
A special thank you to Dr Jawed, the nursing staff, health care aides, and Mary Ellen Clark for the wonderful care provided during Norm's illness.
A special thank you to Rev. Chad McCharles for the beautiful service and to the Neepawa United Anglican Church ladies for the wonderful lunch provided.
Obituary
Kristbjorg Servante Kris Servante (Eliasson) passed away peacefully on July 27, 2024 in Neepawa, Manitoba, at Country Meadows Personal Care Home. Kris was born October 2, 1925, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the second of seven children born to Jens and Helga Eliasson.
After finishing Grade 12 in Mozart, Saskatchewan, Kris attended Saskatoon Normal School then began her lifelong teaching career. She taught in one-room schools in Harvard and Mount Hecla, Saskatchewan, before moving to Manitoba, where she taught in Birnie, Tobarmore and Neepawa. By correspondence and summer school, Kris attained her Bachelor of Teaching degree from Brandon University in 1979. Until 2019, she continued to provide English language lessons in her home.
Kris married Fred Servante in 1949 and they raised five children in Birnie, Manitoba. A creative seamstress, excellent gardener and hard worker, Kris was a woman of many talents. She was very sociable, proud of her Icelandic heritage and especially enjoyed sharing her delicious vinarterta. She was an avid reader who loved stories, poetry, music and drama. Kris thoroughly enjoyed knitting, quilting or sewing gifts for her family. She was always active in church activities and clubs, as well as community groups including UCW, Health Auxiliary, Fine Arts Festival, Toastmasters, Curling, 4-H, Garden and Sewing Clubs.
Predeceased by her parents Jens and Helga (Gudmundsson) Eliasson, husband, Fred Servante, brothers Fredrik, Paul, Jakob, and Elias Eliasson and her sister Thora Robinson. Survived by her sister Alda Johnson, children Janet O’Donnell, Karin Saylor (David), Art Servante, Bill Servante (Lourdes), and Nancy Servante (Woody Kehler), 17 grandchildren: Andrea Lenton (James), Natalie O’Donnell (Jordan Stagg), Leanne Hanlan (Brent), Rebecca White (Nathan), Bryce O’Donnell (Jessica Phung), Jillian O’Donnell (Julian Coronado), Lauren Wernham (Jason), Dan Saylor (Erin Wellington), Heather Kleinsasser (Curtis), Shania Saylor, Han Saylor (Ashlyn), Dalia Davidson (Jacob), Michael Servante (Nichola), Mia Baluyut (Noel Kueh), Robin Kehler (Jean), Drew Kehler (Heather), and Monte Kehler (Sara Minogue), and 36 great-grandchildren.
Service to be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at White’s Funeral Home, Neepawa, MB. Reception to follow at Arts Forward. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa.
White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca
Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419
Auctions
Meyers Auctions & Appraisals. Call Brad at 368-2333. www.meyersauctions.com
Thank You
THANK YOU I want to thank our friends who continued to supply us with food and all those who sent cards and flowers, it was very much appreciated. Thank you to Daphne Hall for the quilt, I have lived in it. Thank you to Mary Ellen and Anita for always checking in on me. I want to thank the Neepawa Hospital and staff for care I received, and a special thank you to Dr. Wiebe for her care. On behalf of all of you I have made a donation to the New Hospital.
Sincerely, Eleanor Nicholson
TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
Invites tenders for Clear Diesel Fuel & Clear Gasoline
Tenders for approximately 95,000 litres of clear diesel fuel to be delivered to various Division owned tanks situated throughout the School Division. Tenders for approximately 170,000 litres of clear gasoline to be delivered to various Division owned tanks situated throughout the School Division. The duration of the Tender is from September 2024 through June 2025.
Tenders will be accepted until 12:00 pm CDT Friday August 09, 2024.
The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Send Tenders to: Collin Janzen, Transportation Supervisor Turtle River School Division Box 309 McCreary, Manitoba R0J 1B0 Phone: 204-835-2067 Fax: 204-835-2426 cjanzen@trsd.ca
MUNICIPALITY OF GLENELLA - LANSDOWNE PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING GENERAL BORROWING BYLAW 5/2024 TO PAY FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MOTOR GRADER
The Council of the Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne at a regular Meeting in the Glenella Community Hall located at 100 Ray Street in Glenella on August 8th, 2024 at 9:30 am will consider the following proposal to borrow $484,710 (borrowing bylaw no. 5/2024) to pay for:
The purchase of a 2024 Caterpillar 150JOY Motor Grader Th e borrowing will be repaid over seven years at a maximum interest rate of 8% per year
The annual repayment amount will be no more than $88,222.36 to be levied annually as part of the general municipal levy.
Copies of the proposal to borrow are available at the municipal office at 50 Main Street N, in Glenella and on the municipal website at: www.glenella.ca
Dated this 29th day of July, A.D. 2024
Wendy Wutzke, BSc, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Glenella - Lansdowne
Classified ad deadline Tuesday noon
Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.
FOODS
Industrial Plant Cleaner (NOC 65312)
Why join our team?
HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 10 positions.
The current starting wage is $22.20/hour with incremental increases to $23.55/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement
Quick Facts:
• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world
• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant
• 2500+ employees worldwide
• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment
What we can offer you:
• Competitive Wage
• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement
• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan
• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)
• PM Shift
• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Employee Referral program - $500!
• Free parking
• Company events
• And more!!!!
Your duties may include:
• Cleaning and sanitizing butcher and slaughter production areas and everything in between to ensure top-quality food safety standards.
• Operating cleaning equipment like high-pressure hoses to clean production equipment.
• Using cleaning chemicals with respect and following Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Ensuring all Quality Assurance checks are performed.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility.
• Collaborating as a team to meet tight deadlines, ensuring production floors operate on time.
We are looking for people who are:
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and climbing.
• Available to work an 8-hour Night Shift from MondayFriday, between 11:15 PM to 9:00 AM
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time
• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in sanitation, or industrial cleaning, or heavy-duty cleaning
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Able to effectively communicate in English
• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement
HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.
Ways to apply:
Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393
H yL ife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.
Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!
We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted
FOODS
Industrial Butcher (NOC 94141)
Why join our team?
HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 150 positions.
The current starting wage is $16.45/hour with incremental increases to $24.60/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement
Quick Facts:
• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world
• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant
• 2500+ employees worldwide
• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment
What we can offer you:
• Competitive Wage
• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement
• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan
• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)
• PM Shift Premium
• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Employee Referral program - $500!
• Free parking
• Company events
• And more!!!!
Your duties may include:
• Slaughter, eviscerate, and mark hogs for further processing;
• Debone edible parts and remove inedible organs for parts;
• Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further processing, cutting, or packaging for local, national, and international premium markets.
We are looking for people who are:
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time
• Open to working in colder/warmer environments
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in meat cutting or slaughter or completed a program in Industrial Meat cutting
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Able to effectively communicate in English
HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.
Ways to apply:
Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393
HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.
Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!
We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted
Rolling River School Division
invites applications for School Nutrition Program Worker
Under the direction of the School Administration and student support team, the School Nutrition Program Worker will deliver a school meal program including coordinate the program, purchase, prepare and serve food, and maintain the kitchen /food preparation area. Erickson Elementary School Erickson, MB 15-20 hours per week
10 months - September 2024 to June 2025 Days that school is in session
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca
select Employment then Support Positions link
TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
invites applications for the following positions Substitute Teachers & Substitute Educational Assistants For the 2024/2025 School Year
Resume, Criminal Record, Child Abuse Registry Checks, Substitute Application Form and Grade 12 or equivalent is required.
Qualified Teachers will need to submit a copy of their teaching certificate along with their resume.
Submit resumes to: Bev Szymesko, Superintendent Turtle River School Division Box 309 McCreary, MB R0J 1B0
Phone: (204) 835-2067 Fax (204) 835-2426 e-mail: bevs@trsd.ca
Turtle River welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations may be available upon request. All applications are appreciated, only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Successful candidates must complete a Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry check
MCNA Classifieds
NOTICES
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.
URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.
WANT TO ADVERTISE FALL ENROLLMENT/CLASSES? Now is the time to get your information published! Book your ads now to boost enrolment! SELLING SOMETHING? Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Now booking advertising for the remainder of 2024. Plan your success! Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book, or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered.
Rolling River School Division
invites applications for HEAD CUSTODIAN
Plan, supervise and perform cleaning, minor repairs / maintenance, safety related building and grounds checks and custodial administrative duties for assigned division building.
Onanole Elementary School
Onanole, MB
Permanent - 12 months per year
Monday to Friday
5.5 hours per day - Evening shift
Rate of Pay as per CUPE Collective Agreement
Benefits package
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca
select Employment then Support Positions link
Rolling River School Division invites applications for EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS
To provide support to students under the direction of and within a program that has been developed by the school and divisional educational team.
10 Months • Days that school is in session.
Douglas Elementary, Douglas, MB 6.0 hours per day
Onanole Elementary, Onanole, MB 5.8 hours per day
Rapid City Elementary, Rapid City, MB
Rivers Collegiate, Rivers, MB
Rivers Elementary, Rivers, MB 6.0 hours per day
Tanners Crossing School, Minnedosa, MB 5.0 hours per day
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Support Positions link
No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca
Announcement
MEMBER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE POSITIONS FULL-TIME “ERICKSON”, MB
Are you wanting to secure your future? Looking for a comprehensive benefits package for you and your family? Life is short work somewhere awesome! Compass Credit Union is currently looking for a candidate to fill the role of a Full-Time Permanent Member Service Representatives (MSR) at our Erickson Branch. If you like to commute Erickson is approximately 45 minutes from Brandon. Monday-Friday
The Position
Reporting to the Manager of Member Service and Administration, the successful applicant will be responsible for handling all cash and non-cash transactions. MSR will also provide a full range of member services such as processing withdrawals, deposits, responding to member inquiries and analyzing their needs to assist members to utilize the products and services that best meet their needs.
Experience/Education:
The successful applicant will possess a Grade 12 diploma. Strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Experience with Windows and Microsoft Office are an asset but willing to train. Previous credit union experience and CGI RFS 360 Banking Software would also be considered an asset, training is provided. Applicants with a combination of other equivalent education and work experience will be considered. The Credit Union Compass Credit Union, formerly Crocus and Erickson Credit Union, have two branches in Brandon, one in Erickson as well as a majority interest in an insurance agency. We have a membership base of about 6500. Compass has a competitive salary and wage will be based on qualifications and experience. Starting at $19.00/hour For more information on this position, please call the below writer! Looking forward to hearing from you. Please send resume and covering letter, in confidence, to: Melanie Krauss-Wakely Manager of Member Service & Administration
Neepawa Dolphins splash over to Beausejour
Submitted Neepawa Blue DolphiNs
The Dolphins swam hard at Beausejour. The weather was perfect for a day at the pool.
The swimmers had to leave early to arrive for their 8:30 a.m. warm-up.
Once the competition started, the local team was ready.
Coach Claire Beaumont had her charges going strong all morning long. The final results are as follows:
8 and under girls
Julia Ott-7th 25m back. 8th 25m free.
11/12 girls
Mya Gingras-1st 25m fly and 25m free. 2nd 50m back, 50m fly. 3rd 50m free; Kendra Ott- 1st 100m back, 25m back. 2nd 25m breast. 3rd 50m back. 4th
50m breast; Sydney Wolfe-1st 25m fly. 3rd 25m free, 50m breast, 25m back. 5th 50m free; Katiya Anderson- 2nd 100m fly. 3rd 100m IM. 4th 50m fly; and Anne Crosson- 1st 50m back, 100m IM, 50m fly, and 50m breast. 2nd 50m free.
15-17 girls
Ashley Nadeau-1st 200m IM, 100m breast, 200m free, 50m free, and 100m fly;
Alyssa Nadeau-1st 200m breast, 50m breast. 2nd 100m breast. 3rd 100m fly. 4th 100m IM; and Aliyeh Jacobsen-1st 25m back. 2nd 50m back, 25m fly, 100m back, 25m free.
11/12 Boys
Joey Smith-1st 25m fly. 2nd 50m fly. 3rd 50m back, 50m free. 4th 100m breast; and
Austin Nadeau-2nd 100m back. 3rd 25m breast. 4th 100m IM, 100m free. 6th 25m fly.
13/14 Boys
Jacey Smith-1st 25m fly, 100m fly, 200m fly. 2nd 50m back. 3rd 100m breast
Once again the Dolphins had stand out performances from Alyssa, Ashley, and Austin Nadeau, but as they participate in winter swim with Brandon, then their times, place, and team points do not count. Next up is the final meet of the season. The final opportunity for swimmers to improve upon their times and add to their personal point total.
Sunday Aug.18 at 9:00 a.m. in Neepawa. Entry fee is free, so come on down and enjoy the day.
Yellowhead Hall to welcome youth businesses
Npa.’s second annual Children’s Business Fair draws near
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa BaNNer & press
Young entrepreneurs will soon take the floor in Neepawa. On Aug. 15, the Yellowhead Hall will be home to the second annual Children’s Business Fair. This fair encourages the creativity of the community’s youth and invites them to showcase their own business ideas to the public and sell their service/product.
The Children’s Business Fair is hosted by Neepawa Economic Development with support from the Acton Academy and the Acton Next Great Adventure.
The 2023 event blew away expectations and now preparations are well underway for the 2024 edition. Additionally, Marilyn Crewe, economic develop-
ment officer for Neepawa, told the Banner & Press that the response for 2024 has been good so far.
“I have 13 businesses registered so far and have room for 30,” said Crewe. “There is more room for entrepreneurs for sure.”
Crewe added, “This is a good opportunity to keep kids busy during the summer creating arts, crafts or whatever they would like to sell. A table is provided and the kids should think about how they will display and price their items and how they will decorate their ‘store’ to attract customers. There is no cost to participate and the kids keep all the money they make.”
There is still time for those interested to register a business. To apply to the Children’s Business Fair, or
learn more, all are invited to do so via www.childrensbusinessfair.org/neepawa. Marilyn Crewe may also be contacted to answer questions about the event via 204-476-7607.
“Last year we had a really great turnout and I am hoping for the same this year. Mark your calendars for the Children’s Business Fair from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the Yellowhead Hall,” Crewe enthused.
A separate event that may perhaps spur the youth’s interest in the Children’s Business Fair took place on July 25th. This occasion was the Neepawa Day Camp’s Market and Barbecue fundraiser at ArtsForward. To learn more about this event, see Page 7 of this week’s paper!
M.P. Dan Mazier condemns cuts to 4-H Canada; Pledges to restore funding
2024 Plumas Fair parade
Many communities in the Banner & Press coverage area were hosting some festive fun this past weekend. One of those communities was Plumas, with the 2024 edition of their annual fair.
Banner & Press staff member Diane Warner was on the scene that morning, taking in the parade. Pictured above are some of the entries and individuals that could be seen as part of the procession for that day’s festivities.
Member of Parliament Dan Mazier is voicing his opposition to the federal government’s recent decision to cut funding to 4-H Canada and is pledging that a Conservative government would reverse the decision if elected.
4-H Canada recently announced it was forced to lay off staff following a major cut to its funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Mazier asserted that this funding cut is a continuation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s targeted attack on rural Canada.
“The Trudeau government has zero fiscal restraint when it comes to spending. They have spent nine years wasting taxpayer dollars, so I find it absurd that they would single out an organization that provides youth with important skills and opportunities to develop purpose and responsibility in their lives. It doesn’t make sense.” Mazier stated. “While it’s critically important that the federal government balance the budget, we know this small amount of funding plays a significant role in supporting youth in rural communities, which directly contributes to bettering our local economies,” he added.
Since elected in 2019, Mazier has dedicated his work to issues that impact rural Canada and has criti-
cized policies that negatively impact rural Canadians. He noted the important work that 4-H Canada undertakes in his constituency and across Canada.
“4-H Canada has contributed to our nation for over a century, providing youth with the skills and development they need to grow and become leaders in their communities. I recently had the chance to meet youth delegates from 4-H, seeing firsthand the organization’s incredible work to teach our youth lessons of leadership, hard work, and dedication.”
Mazier stated.
Mazier pledged that a future Conservative government would reverse the federal Liberal government’s cuts to 4-H Canada. “Under a Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre, we will stand up for rural Canadians by reversing cuts to 4-H Canada, axing Trudeau’s carbon tax, and ending the NDP-Liberal Coalition’s attacks on our farmers.”
Above: Representatives from the local Co-op were on the scene with some little helpers.
Top right: This old Mercury was a stylish entry. The colouration for the truck was a split of white (top colour) and a lovely shade of light blue (bottom colour).
Middle right: Kreutzer Farms entry featuring a tractor from the spring of 1949– “Dad’s First Tractor”. Another machine from the same entry trailed right behind, featuring a 2024 tractor that dwarfed the 1949 model significantly.
Bottom right: This float decked with frills and flags was entered by the Plumas branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Thank you for reading!
FILE PHOTO
Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa M.P. Dan Mazier.
Submitted Neepawa Banner & Press
PHOTOS BY DIANE WARNER
Day Camp Summer Fundraiser
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The Neepawa Day Camp is home to a few budding business tycoons.
On Thursday, July 25, several youngsters involved in the summer program participated in a Market and Barbecue fundraiser at ArtsForward. The proceeds brought in from the barbecue will help send those involved on a day trip to Splash Island in Portage la Prairie.
But there was another very important lesson to the day that will hopefully stick with the kids well beyond their trip to Portage, and that’s a lesson in entrepreneurship.
Day Camp Coordinator Prestyn Phinney explained that in the week leading up to the fundraiser, camp participants learned about the concept of creating a business idea, and then followed through with the creation and sale of a product.
“This was our entrepreneurship week and so the main focus was to teach the kids a bit about what entrepreneurship is and things that being an entrepreneur can get you in life,” noted Phinney.
“We had [Neepawa EDO] Marilyn Crewe come in from the Town Office and talk to us about running your own business. We did an interview with [local entrepreneur] Katy Martin about that, as well. And just throughout the week, the kids had to come up with an idea of what they wanted to sell, how much they wanted to sell it for and just go through the plan of running their own little business.”
Phinney said the kids really took to the challenge, and it provided them a chance to learn how to take an idea and bring it to life. There were several youths selling their products, which ranged from bracelets and home made jewelry.
Thank you for reading the Neepawa Banner & Press!
Action galore at McCreary Rodeo
There was plenty of action to be seen at the McCreary Rodeo this past weekend, providing a show full of bucking broncos shaking off their riders (bottom right)– or their hats (top right), roping (top
and more. With a wide variety of activities taking place, there was sure to be a show to wow all who were in attendance.
2024 RCMP Musical Ride
By John Drinkwater submitted
The Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce hosted the RCMP Musical Ride on Wednesday, July 24. Sightseers from Erickson, Wasagaming, Onanole, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Brandon and even the U.S. enjoyed the event. “Roulette” a group of artists from Amaranth/Sandy Bay/First Nation, provided a musical performance prior to the Ride.
A
Guest of Honour was Graeme Kingdon who was born into a RCMP family up in the North West Territories and moved to Portage La Prairie when his RCMP Staff Sargent father was transferred there. After his father retired, they moved to the family farm in Basswood, MB. After completing high school in Minnedosa, Graeme acquired his Diploma in Agriculture at U.of M and his Degree in Agriculture from Guelph, Ontario. However the RCMP was calling! He completed Depot in 2002 and served in Gypsumville, Selkirk, Bloodvein, Berens River, and Poplar River, all located in Manitoba. In 2007, he was accepted to a position in the RCMP Musical Ride, performing through Canada and the United States.
For 2 years he rode in the #8 position riding “Sassy” or “Ozzie.” Married in
2009, Graeme and his wife Nakella moved after he was transferred to Dauphin. In 2016 the family, comprising of Graeme, Nakella and two daughters moved again following his transfer to Wasagaming. Upon retirement from the RCMP in 2022, the Kingdom’s commenced their new family career, growing U-pick strawberries on their farm near Basswood, Manitoba.
PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX
left)
PHOTO BY JOHN DRINKWATER
scene from the 2024 RCMP Musical Ride.
Rocking the Centennial Park in Arden
Preparations well underway for second annual Whitemud Music Festival
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
A rural festival that received a smash-hit debut last year is returning for 2024. This is Arden’s very own second annual Whitemud Music Festival. This music-centric event is volunteer run and organized, taking place each year at the Lansdowne Centennial Park. There, a wide variety of musical acts– locals, tributes and more– take the stage to entertain all in attendance.
The 2024 edition of this festival is right around the corner, taking place on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. There are a total of 10 bands performing this year, including musical talents such as The B34st, tribute bands for AC/DC and Tom Petty; and Annabella Proper.
On Friday, the gates will open at 6:00 p.m., with the first band performing at 7:00 p.m., followed by two
more at 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. For Saturday, the gates will open at 11:00 a.m. and the first band will perform at 12:00 p.m., with a new band coming up every two hours.
The event will also feature beer gardens and a selection of food trucks and other vendors for attendees to enjoy.
“We had a really good response last year. We were happy with our crowd– we were just shy of 500 people for the weekend last year. That’s a number we’re happy with and we think we’re going to grow on that quite a bit,” co-organizer Rob Cameron enthused.
“Most people say they’re coming back and they’re all bringing people with them. People who couldn’t make it last year are telling us on the street that they are going to be there and they’re going to camp and that they’ve heard good things” Cameron added, “Even the bands we had last year; within the beginning of the week after it, they were even telling us that they had a really good time and how they were treated well. That they enjoyed being in Arden and the whole atmosphere… It meant a lot to our organizing committee that the bands themselves were reaching out to us after the event, thanking us for how they were treated and for the experience they had.”
Valuable feedback
According to Cameron, things are shaping up well for the second edition of the event. Preparations are well underway and the team is using last year’s experience and feedback to make changes for this year.
“It actually ran fairly smoothly last year, so we just had a few tweaks to make in a few different little spots, but nothing too major,” said Cameron. “So it’s been pretty good. We’ve had the bands booked since winter time pretty much. We’re putting together some lastminute little details, getting volunteers lined up and where they are going to work.”
Cameron also emphasized that this is a community-centered event, with all funds raised benefitting the Arden Curling Club. The event is also backed by the Arden Rec Commission and the R.M. of GlenellaLansdowne.
“Essentially we’re trying to start a slush fund in case we need to spend a bunch of money on the curling clubs sometime for an ice plant or something like that,” Cameron explained. He added, “We’re looking forward to it. We’re hoping people come out, have fun, support us and make it worthwhile– the hours put in by the volunteers.”
Additional details will appear in ads in future editions of the Neepawa Banner & Press.
One of the changes made, Cameron noted, was to the venue’s lighting. While the stage area was well lit, there were a couple areas that they had received feedback on. These were the porta potty and the festival’s camping area. The committee has also shifted away from volunteer security for 2024, using hired security instead to help that portion run a bit smoother.
FILE PHOTO
Pictured here, from the 2023 event, are members of ZZ Topless. They were one of the tribute bands who played at the inaugural Whitemud Music Festival.