in January and February on semi-loads of certified seed. Contact us for details.
Banner & Press
Congratulations to Daniel and Kayla Waldner, who are the proud parents of the Neepawa Health Centre’s first newborn child of 2025.
Mateja Waldner was born on Monday, Jan. 6 at 6:13 p.m. and weighed in at 8lbs 5oz.
The Banner & Press congratulate the family and wish them happiness and peace for the years ahead.
By Ken Waddell
The building has long been a feature of Neepawa’s historic architecture as it was built in the
The Kerr Building in Neepawa has been renovated over the last
this month.
NACI HOPE Group appreciates community support with successful initiatives
By Anastasiia Artiukh and Makenna Sumner NACI HOPE Group
The Neepawa Area Collegiate HOPE Group (Helping Our World Pursue Equality) has had a busy start to the 2024-25 school year with the organization and completion of some hands-on community projects.
The group arranged another annual fall “Scare Away Hunger” food drive that brought in 3,725 pounds of food and $400 in monetary donations. All collected items from the food drive were successfully delivered to the Neepawa Salvation Army. Throughout the months of November and December, a “Bundles of Hope” drive was initiated to bring kindness and warmth to individuals in need through a bag collection. The care packages included essentials such as new hygiene products, gently used jewelry and winter accessories.
The Neepawa Salvation Army received some of the bags to be able to give to clients in need while the remaining 70 filled bags were taken to Brandon for distribution. The Brandon locations that were recipients of the bags included the Samaritan House Food Bank, Mary’s House, the Safe and Warm
Frozen Fire Studio wins Canadian Choice Award
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
For the second straight year, Neepawa’s Frozen Fire Studio has been recognized on a national level. Earlier this month, it was announced that the local recording and production studio was a winner of a 2025 Canadian Choice Award (CCA). The prizes are bestowed each January by the national organization to spotlight the achievements of small to mid-size Canadian based businesses.
said Desender. As for what an acknowledgement like this actually does for the business, Desender noted it that it has helped to get their name out there. That being said, while it has opened doors, the way they do business and treat customer, has kept them open.
Shelter, and the Women’s Resource Centre. HOPE would like to acknowledge and thank Manitoba Hydro in Neepawa for their generous contribution to the “Bundles of Hope” campaign and a big thank you goes to Neepawa Arts Forward for providing the HOPE group with a com-
munity drop-off location. HOPE would also like to send a special thank you to the Neepawa and area community for their generous donations and efforts towards supporting the local causes. December also saw HOPE members encourage community involvement throughout NACI by selling bells from the Salvation Army Bell Campaign to collect money
for Christmas Hampers. A total of $425 was raised by NACI staff and students.
HOPE continues to collect tabs to support children in need of medical treatment and any donations from the community can be dropped off at the NACI main office. As always, keep an eye out for all upcoming activities the HOPE group has planned ahead!
This year, Frozen Fire was singled out for the best Live Audio Services (DJ Services) category. In 2024, the company was honoured for its work by CCA in a separate category, Best Recording & Production Services (Small Business).
Jeff Desender, the owner and operator of Frozen Fire, said being recognized once again this year, especially in relation to a different aspect of the business, is flattering.
“We are so humbled that people think of us enough to vote for us and nominate us for these awards, we always feel so loved when we get news like this, even though we don’t do what we do for the accolades, we do what we do because we whole heartedly love what we do,”
“After winning the award last year, we focused heavily on showcasing what makes us stand out from the rest of our competition in the industry all while still keeping the ‘You’re not a client, you’re family,’ customer service mindset. It did help actually, after winning [in 2024], we ended up doing some studio work for some musicians that were in various locations around the world. Nashville, California, Texas and more. It also helped to increase our views for the multitude of artists on our numerous series and playlists to help them gain more traction with their music.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO
NACI HOPE’s annual collection of tabs to support children in need of medical treatment was extremely successful in 2024.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Representatives with NACI’s HOPE Group present Amanda Naughton-Gale with a cheque to assist with the operation of the Neepawa Salvation Army Food Bank.
2005: Neepawa SAAN store’s fate up in the air
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
125 years ago, Wednesday, January 17, 1900
Note: The entries for 1900 are from The Neepawa Register, as The Press for that year is not fit for regular handling.
Orange Ridge: Our photographer is very busy these days.
The Harry Lindley Co. will open here on Friday evening, Jan. 26, having postponed their appearance here.
100 years ago, Tuesday, January 13, 1925
Arden: Under the auspices of the boys work board lantern slide pictures of an interesting type will be shown on Wednesday evening in the Oddfellow’s hall. Everybody welcome.
Kelwood: A small fire broke out in Shaw’s blacksmith shop Saturday morning, and in the evening of the same day, another broke out in Tyreman’s garage. Both fires were extinguished without calling out the fire brigade, but F. Tyreman, who had his hand burned while carrying a can of burning petrol out of the garage, found it necessary to have Dr. Dicks dress the burn.
This town has natural facilities for tobogganing,
but little use is made of them. Hence a suggestion. Why not clear the brush from Brown Avenue down the hill northward from the Salvation Army corner? It would not cost much There is no traffic in that vicinity so that no danger of collision with vehicles such as exists on other hillside roadways.
75 years ago, Thursday, January 19, 1950
Parents in Neepawa will be pleased to know that a ballet dancing class is being formed in Neepawa and arrangements have been made to have one of the most competent instructresses of the Winnipeg Ballet Club come to Neepawa to teach the youngsters this beautiful form of dancing: Mrs. E. Vopni, who is known professionally as Joyce Clarke, it is believed will come here to instruct the class.
50 years ago, Thursday, January 16, 1975
Jack Friesen, president of the Plumas Rink Committee, claims that the town of Plumas was settled 100 years ago, during the period 1875-1885. It was named in 1888 by James Anderson, early postmaster, who came from Plumas County, California. Prior to that date, it was known
as Richmond….
Mr. Friesen feels that something should be done to mark the Centennial. The Rink Committee’s project will be to build an addition to the north end of the arena, 76 feet by 12 feet.
A number of Neepawa Press readers have been asking about the progress (or lack of it) being made in the development of the huge iron ore deposit which lies beneath our feet and we are pleased to publish a report on the editorial page in this issue, written by C. H. Bethel, a freelance writer in Victoria and a shareholder of Tudale Explorations Ltd. which drilled a test hole four miles southeast of town last summer.
Mr. Bethel says the iron ore find is being bypassed by the government bodies concerned. “I get the impression that projects sponsored by the provincial government as well as the federal government are in a large part instigated by lobbyists and their advocates, or are tradeoff deals between the various governments,” he writes. “Therefore I submit this report on a huge natural resource, iron in Manitoba, which I fear is being bypassed in favor of something so infinitesimal in comparison, that I cannot remain silent on the subject.”
We talked with William Kohowski, LL. B. of Winnipeg, secretary of Tudale Explorations Ltd., who confirmed the facts in Mr. Bethel’s story and added further that talks are underway with representatives of the provincial government to study sources of financial assistance to carry out the drilling of at least three more test holes to prove out the extent of the iron ore deposit.
A scale model Beaver
223 locations were undergoing a nationwide liquidation following the sale of the retail outlet to Toronto-based SAAN Acquisition Corp.
home constructed and raffled by NACI students was won Friday by a 10 year-old Virden resident, Cindy Lynne Elliott.
Two Neepawa residents will compete in the Winnipeg to St. Paul 500 snowmobile race as two of more than 300 contestants who are vying for some $35,000 in prize money.
Robert Delaloye and John B. Jensen, both sponsored by Green Acres Farm Equipment, will operate identical John Deere 340/S snow machine in the race scheduled for Jan. 21 and 23.
20 years ago, Monday, January 17, 2005
Workers at Neepawa’s SAAN store may be anxious about the fate of their jobs. But if they are, they’re not talking about it– at least not publicly…
Neepawa’s SAAN is one of 223 locations undergoing a nation-wide liquidation, following the sale of the retail outlet to Toronto-
based SAAN Acquisition Corp.
The company has already moved its headquarters from Winnipeg to Toronto, letting go of 200 workers in the process.
And SAAN executive vice-president Robert Sorensen said that’s just the beginning. He said the money-losing chain, which owes creditors at least $48-million, will be closing a “significant” number of stores to survive.
The closing of Brandon’s SAAN has already been confirmed, but the fate of several rural Manitoba
stores, including Neepawa, Dauphin and Russell, hasn’t been announced.
Neepawa’s water tower required emergency repairs during the holiday season, after a leak was discovered in a pipe.
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.
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
(The Living Bible)
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES
The Neepawa SAAN store was the talk of the town in January of 2005, as its fate was speculated. Around this time,
Perspectives
By Chad Carpenter Tundra
Some housing and immigration questions
Population growth and immigration numbers are in the news again.
In 2023, 2,656 people left Manitoba, 25,591 people moved into Manitoba, 11,994 people died and 17,146 babies were born. The Province of Manitoba wants to bring in another 12,000 foreign worker immigrants in 2025. Companies are begging for more workers to fill waiting jobs in many sectors. Universities and Colleges are protesting cuts in foreign student numbers imposed by the federal government. Educational institutions have been charging much higher fees for foreign students than Canadians. There’s a lot of forces at play here.
The federal cutback on foreign students is coming as many places in Canada simply can’t find housing for the extra students or workers. An internet search on January 13, 2025 showed eleven real estate listings for Neepawa, 52 for Virden, eleven in Rivers and 103 for Brandon. Some of those listings are empty lots so they are likely a year away from a liveable house. It appears that in rural Manitoba a serviced lot for a single family home runs around $45-60,000.
The upcoming Liberal leadership race and the likely soon to follow Canadian election will be fought on many issues but two of the big ones will be immigration and housing. How many newcomers does Canada need or more importantly, how many newcomers can be housed?
In some smaller towns, there has always been the question as to why not convert unused retail space into housing. There is a general rule,
Right in the Centre
Ken Waddell
enforced, I believe, by the province that only the back half of retail main floor space can be used for housing. In Neepawa, new apartments have to have one and a half parking spots per residence. That seems restrictive.
Some rural towns have strict regulations against modular homes and almost no provision for so-called “Tiny Homes”. That’s a bit ironic as there are, in most small towns, some very small one bedroom houses that have been there for many decades. Back in the day, people built what they could afford as opposed to building the most you can finance nowadays.
Now this is an interesting point. If you add up all the homes in Canada and all the families or people that need homes, we likely have way more than one home per family. How so? Just count up the number of times where people own two or three homes and I don’t mean rental properties. If you figure in all the cottages and summer homes, there are way more homes in Canada than we “need”. If we lived in a communist country, and that wouldn’t be a good thing, there would be more than enough houses as one family would only theoretically be “allowed” to own one home.
There’s another little secret and that is Manitoba Housing. It has, at times, been a gong show where there are empty MH units in rural towns. Some have been sold off, some aren’t rented and some have been let go to ruin. I guess that shows up the bad side of government owned housing.
The Conservative Party of Canada, or at least their leader Pierre Poilievre, claims to have a lot of solutions to housing. It looks like they could be in power in a few months so it will be interesting to see how they handle housing and immigrations.
One thing, when towns started to get a larger number of foreign workers, there were a few people who objected that the newcomers were “taking our kids jobs.” It didn’t take long to debunk that idea by simply asking, “Oh, where are your kids now?” The answer was often a city far away. Newcomers didn’t take “kids’ jobs”, the kids left a long time ago and many wouldn’t take the kinds of jobs newcomers would do anyway.
The next few months will be interesting times.
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.
Winter wonderland…
The daily walks are invigorating, breath taking, challenging and delightful. Several times this winter I have walked past the light pollution of our town, into the darkness, and simply gazed at the beauty of the winter night sky. There is the silence, there is the depth of darkness, and there is the glory of the stars, the moon reflecting on the snow, the vastness of our world. ‘My little dog must think it queer to stop without a town house near’…..(Robert Frost mutilated!) Arie sits patiently, a steady companion, alert for any unusual sound or movement, delighted with the tracks of deer and rabbits. We stand but for a lengthy moment for it is winter, in Manitoba. Day time walks have been wondrous this winter as well. We had the magnificent hoar frost, on the coldest days there are exhaust fumes lingering and fogging up the streets, and the stark dark of barren branches against the icy blue sky. These are the scenes I embrace, sense and feel –even after donning a quilted walking skirt, the warmest parka, boots and mitts for me and a warm jacket for Arie and applying foot wax on all four paws. There are days we grab two short walks for safety rather than one long one. This is a part of my winter wonderland.
There is another part! It is my winter wonder land. I wonder if it pays to clear the drive or wait until the next blow comes through. I wonder if my garden and lawn area are damaged when I scoop salty snow slush off the drive and out of the garage on to the sleeping yard. I wonder if I should be borrowing or buying an roof rake and removing some of the snow from the house and garages. I wonder if the wind chill indicates that Arie and I should skip taking a walk. One doctor advised me that if I thought it was too cold for the dog, perhaps it was too cold for me to be out long as well.
My winter wondering expands, and I am good at imagining….I wonder who would I call if the power went out while I was in full recline in my powered recliner!!!I had a test run of that a while ago. I am still agile enough to clamber over the side to safety, but it ain’t pretty! That five minute trial also had me wondering where the flashlights and candles were and which ones needed new batteries. I wonder if we will see blizzards like I have seen in the past. I can’t say that I ever walked on snow banks high enough to touch the telephone wire- back when we had lines and poles for our telephones- but I know folks who did. I can recall family members needing to be dug out of their farm homes, the snow being high enough to block exit by door or window. I can recall trenches deep enough that one could not see over the edge to the horizon for highway travel- Southern Manitoba, but I remember.
I shall attempt to focus on the wonderland, not the wonder land.
What we really need
Ispent much of January 7-8 watching video clips of people’s reactions to hearing Prime Minister Trudeau announce his impending resignation and call for robust nation-wide campaign to find a new Liberal Leader and Prime Minister.
That experience left me disappointed in all our political leaders; wondering what, if anything will change after the next election, and desperately seeking something that would renew my hope for Canada and all Canadians.
I found what I was seeking while watching a funeral that attracted more viewers from around the world in a single day than any of the video clips I watched could ever hope to draw.
The funeral, as you’ve probably guessed, was that of the 39th President of the United States, James Earl Carter, known to everyone as “Jimmy.” As I watched the tributes offered during services in the Rotunda of the US Capital, in the state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral; and finally
during the small service from Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia; I finally understood what made him the influential person he was as President and after he left office.
One of the clips that I viewed was of the eulogy Carter gave at the funeral of President Gerald Ford. He began by speaking of the healing Ford helped bring to the United States following the Nixon-Watergate scandal. He then spoke of the work that Ford had done on several international files, highlighting Ford’s efforts to help Egypt and Israel negotiate a lasting peace. Carter respected Ford’s work so much, he said, that he made sure Ford received regular briefings on these and other projects; and Carter welcomed Ford’s insights and advice as
he continued the work Ford had begun. It was a far cry from the “get back and get even atmosphere” that fills today’s halls of government.
I was moved to tears by Carter’s recollection of the meeting between himself, Egypt’s Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Menachem Begin in which they negotiated the Camp David Peace Accord. With an agreement in hand, Carter, Begin and Sadat boarded Air Force One for the flight to Washington, DC where the agreement would be officially signed. “On the way back,” Carter said, “We made one phone call– to Gerald Ford– to tell him we had a deal.” Three years later, after an assassin’s bullet ended Sadat’s life, Carter and Ford were together aboard Air Force One; flying to Cairo, Egypt to attend his
funeral. Those hours aboard Air Force One, Carter said, were the beginning of what would prove to be the longest and strongest friendship and working partnership between two ex-Presidents in American history.
A favorite quote of the late Ronald Reagan (who defeated Carter four years later) went like this: “There is no limit to the good that a man can do if he doesn’t care who gets the credit.”
Presidents Ford and Carter lived by this motto. Ford was a healer. Carter was a builder. Together, they left their nation and their world in much better shape than it was when they found it.
Now– if they could do that in their time, why can’t Canada’s leaders do that today-and what is keeping us from demanding that they do so? I still pray for our leaders. But after watching Carter’s funeral, I am asking God to bless our country, our neighbors and our world with what we really need-a moral and spiritual revival. More on this next week.
Stepping out in faith
During the winter months we spend a lot of hours at the rink.
Our oldest son plays U11 hockey this season and the commitment level for him has jumped exponentially and the skill level all around his team has also risen.
For the past two seasons, and part of this one, he has wrestled through the feeling of not knowing where he belongs on the ice, feeling less skilled than others, and not feeling quite in the right place.
For a year and a half we have seen his talent and confidence and skill grow in the goaltending position.
This was not what he thought he wanted at the time, this was not the goal scoring, power forward, glory position he had envisioned for himself when he plays mini sticks or on my dads backyard rink.
We have watched him wrestle through this, cry
tears over what HE thought he wanted, grieve to some degree the vision and plans he had made for himself that weren’t working out the way he thought they would.
This second half of season, he has come to admit that he truly LOVES the thrill of goaltending!
The tracking of the puck and the game, the heart racing adrenaline of someone coming towards him and slapping a shot at his head.
(Not my cup of tea and I might have a heart attack and finally get some grey hair from watching him yet, but hey! If he loves it, I’ll breathe through!)
He has come to see his
skill level and the improvement in his game, and understanding that stopping a shot is as important as scoring a goal!
He has stepped into his own, and allowed himself to let go of what he thought he wanted and what he thought the plans and the future would be.
This made me think about all the times I’ve wrestled with what God has asked of me, where my talents and giftings lie, where I thought my life would go.
The plans I had that God says no to, or that he says actually were going this direction.
Sometimes I fight tooth
Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up to participating choirs The Choraliers, Santo Domingo Choir, The Hims and hosts the Neepawa and Area Community Choir and Neepawa United Anglican Shared Ministry for a wonderful service of Lessons and Carols on December 15. And thanks to the community members who came out to enjoy an evening of Christmas song and story...and who donated over $1600 to the local Salvation Army Community Ministries.
Blair Chapman and Susan Salmon, Neepawa Area Community Choir Directors
and nail to get away from him and his perfect plans that looked nothing like what I wanted.
Sometimes I kick and scream and pitch a fit.
Sometimes I grieve and cry over what I thought I wanted.
Sometimes we have to grieve and we fight back, sometimes we have to wrestle with the letting go of our human dreams and let the fear we feel of the unknown go and step out in faith.
Just like my son coming around, seeing and believing in his gifts and talents.
Just like him slowly loving the thing that he wrestled with in the beginning.
I always come to the conclusion that God’s plans are far greater than mine.
That I CAN rest easy, in the knowing that he knows me, and that the plans he has for me far exceed my grandest imaginings.
Why is it that when the latest flu or covid or influenza strain comes out almost every trucker/farmer/ mechanic/restaurant owner etc becomes an expert in the medical field instead of following what the thousands of people in the field who deal with it daily have to say? When my tractor breaks down, I don’t get my wife to fix it. I might get her to pay for it, but I will go to the expert to fix.
PS: If you want to continue to put a strain on the medical system, keeps listening to whatever google tells you instead of the experts.
Jim Krzyzaniak Neepawa, MB
Neepawa Middle School would like to extend a Thumbs Up to Mr. Bob Ferguson for his continued procurement of games, books and supplies for students to enjoy. He goes above and beyond helping teachers, new and old, find supplies for various activities that enhance student learning. Thank you from the NMS Teachers!
Ms. Marina Cewick
Grade 8 Teacher
Neepawa Middle School
Thumbs up to Yvonne Sisley, Miles for Mental Health, the craft/program directors, and the child minders for running the Mom’s Morning Out program at ArtsForward. It is a fantastic program that all the moms really enjoy!
Leanne Zettler 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
hear local perspectives, so if you have an opinion on something, send it in and your words could be featured in our letters section!
email: news@neepawabanner.com fax: 204-476-5073 or visit: 423 Mountain Ave. Neepawa
Strohschein
Tara Kauenhofen
Faith & Family
out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale
The Alphabet Line
In 1903, the Grand Trunk Railway from eastern Canada established a subsidiary, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway (GTPR) to build a transcontinental railway running from Fort William, ( now Thunder Bay) Ontario to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The CPR had been given generous land grants from the Canadian government but because the GTPR received no federal grants, it purchased forty-five thousand acres of land for eighty-six town sites. It advertised them as “towns made to order.” The first mention of the new town of Rivers in the media came on July 22, 1908 when the Brandon Sun headline declared: “RIVERS WILL BE GOOD TOWN.” Rivers was just the right distance from Winnipeg to be designated as a divisional point. It would require a large station, a roundhouse and a host of storage, maintenance and house facilities.
Construction on the track proceeded west to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1907, Edmonton, Alberta in 1909, and through Jasper, Alberta into the Yellowhead Pass crossing the Continental Divide in 1910-1911. The last spike ceremony celebrating the completion of the rail line across the prairies, and through the Rocky Mountains to the new seaport at Prince Rupert, British Columbia was held on April 7, 1914.
The Grand Trunk Pacific Railway faced severe competition from the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Canadian Northern Railway, both of which had excellent branch and feeder lines on the prairie. The CPR occupied the more populous southern route in the prairies. Construction costs, war time restrictions, a decline of people using train travel, and the lack of worthwhile branch lines brought the GTPR into receivership. As the Canadian Northern Railway was also in difficulties, a Royal Commission was appointed by the Government in 1916 to investigate the railway situation in Canada. On January 31, 1923, both railways were acquired by the Government and integrated into one system to form the Canadian National Railway system. (CN)
When the GTPR built their railway across the Prairies, they chose the alphabet as the way to name either sidings or stations and operating points east to west starting in Manitoba. I am sure some letters of the alphabet presented a challenge, especially X and Z. Today, the section of railway between Portage la Prairie and Jasper is fondly known as the Alphabet Railway. Some of the alphabet stations have become towns and villages, others have faded into obscurity. Starting with a wee speck on the map close to Portage La Prairie was: Arona, Bloom, Caye, Deer, Exira, Firdale, Gregg, Harte, Ingelow, Justice, Knox, Levine, Myra, Norman, Oakner, Pope, Quadra, Rea, Stenberg, Treat, Uno, Victor and into Saskatchewan was Welby, Yarbo, Zeneta, Atwater, Bangor, Cana, Elroy, Fenwood, Goodeve, Hubbard, Ituna, Jasmin, Kelliher, Leross, Mosten, N?, O?, Punnichy, Quinton, Raymore, Semans, Tate, Undora, Venn, Watrous, Xena, Young, Zelma, Allan, Bradwell, Clavet, Duro, Earl, Farley, Grandora, Hawoods, Ivana, Juniata, Kinley, Leney, Mead, Neola, Oban, Palo, Reford, Scott, Tako, Unity, Vera, Winter, Yonker, Zumbro, Artland, and so on. My husband Allan, was an elevator agent in the little town of Pope. There he learned all the names on the train line during the slow times in the winter. Several Saskatchewan communities along the main line bear the names of GTPR executives: Biggar is named for the Railway’s general counsel William H. Biggar; Melville for president Sir Charles Melville Hays; and Watrous for vice-president and general manager Frank Watrous Morse. In tribute of the Alphabet Line is an alphabet soup recipe. I made this for my kids when they were young. I did not use the canned tomatoes as they did not like them and substituted a can or two of tomato soup instead. This soup is super flexible. If you don’t like a particular vegetable, swap it out for another.
Alphabet soup
2 Tbsp. oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
2 celery stalks, diced small
1-2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2-3 cups frozen or fresh mixed vegetables; carrots, corn, peas, green beans
1 tsp. dried Italian herbs
1 or 2 bay leaves
2 tsp. Dash 1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper, or to taste
1-540 mL can diced tomatoes, not drained
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup dry alphabet pasta Garnish if desired: fresh parsley, minced
Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese
To a large Dutch oven, add the olive oil, onion, celery, and sauté over medium-high heat until they begin to soften. Add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute; stirring. Add the remaining ingredients except the alphabet pasta. Bring to a boil; put a lid on the pot, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes. Add the alphabet noodles and cook for about 7 to 9 minutes; do not overcook. Top bowls of soup with garnish if desired.
M.P. Dan Mazier: ‘Parliment needs to get back to work’
Member of Parliament Dan Mazier shared his reaction to Justin Trudeau’s (inset photo) decision to step down as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader, first announced on Monday. Jan. 6.
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
Dan Mazier was very much looking forward to getting back to work for the constituency of Dauphin— Swan River—Neepawa in early 2025. Those plans have come to a standstill, however, due to the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
On Monday, Jan. 6, Trudeau announced he will step down and end his nine-year stretch as Liberal Party of Canada leader and Prime Minister. Trudeau has faced growing calls to quit since early December when deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland abruptly resigned. The Prime Minister said he would stay on in office until his political party can choose a new leader, and that Parliament would be prorogued (suspended) until Mar. 24.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” stated Trudeau.
Our local Member of Parliament Dan Mazier
Specialists In Tax Preparation
Open Monday Through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
voiced his reaction to the news in a recent phone interview with the Banner & Press. Mazier noted that the suspension of Parliament should be disappointing to all Canadians, as it halts any and all progress for the next three months.
“Progress that should be made will not be made,” noted Mazier. “Important legislation is now stuck in limbo. It all stops and that’s not just paralyzing Parliament, but it paralyzes Canada.”
Mazier also stated that with the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump
as the new President of the United States, Canada needs to focus on the proposed tariffs he has suggested implementing, and not the uncertainty of our nation’s leadership.
“If these proposed (25 per cent) tariffs on imports from Canada are put in place, it will impact us directly right here in western Manitoba and there is nothing we can do about for the next several months.” Mazier said. “We have so many issues that need the government’s attention. Parliament needs to get back to work.”
Carberry Chamber AGM highlights community efforts
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
The Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting (AGM) recently. With it came some recognition for a number of individuals from that area. The AGM to review the 2024 year included the return of Awards Night, spotlighting individuals and businesses for their efforts and achievements.
The awards were announced by Marie Bodnarchuk and presented as follows:
• Outstanding Youth of the Year– Corbin Knol. Knol is a volunteer with the North Cypress-Langford Fire Department Cadet Program, the social media representative for the Carberry Collegiate Student Council and has worked at the Fox Tail golf course and Petro-can Gas station.
• Community Member of the Year– Grady Stephenson. Stephenson is Carberry’s current chief administrative officer (CAO), but has served in many other roles with the Town and the Municipality. These roles have included town fore-
man and manager of parks, facilities and sanitation. He also has a long history of volunteerism, such as with coaching for the local hockey team. Stephenson has also initiated the Cadet Fire Fighter Program, aided in the establishment of Mental Health Awareness Day and more.
•Business of the Year–Callaghan’s. This award recognizes the dedication, hard work and positive influence of the store, owners and staff team. Callaghan’s has supported a variety of local causes and is recognized as a leader in the business community.
•Volunteer of the Year–Deanna Letkeman. Letkman is the vice president of the Carberry Ag Society and has been involved with several community activities and fundraising events. She is also involved in leading the committee of volunteers who are fundraising for Carberry’s future Splash Park.
• Lifetime achievement– Brad Wells. Wells has held a number of leadership roles,including as councillor and for the RM of North Cypress and reeve, president and secretary/ treasurer with the Wellwood Community Club, a member of the Carberry
Neepawa hydrants in top-tier condition
L.A. wildfires spotlights importance of hydrant maintenance
Banner Staff
Neepawa Banner & Press
The tragic wildfires in Los Angeles has spotlighted the importance of consistent fire hydrant maintenance. Over the last two weeks, the world has watched as large sections of America’s second largest city burn. The issues started from the dangerous combination of smouldering embers, high winds, and dry land. Unfortunately, the problems have been made worse, with several media outlets reporting problems with the operation of fire hydrants across L.A. A lack of consistent inspection has been cited as part of the reason-
ing for the issue. In the past, there was a time when Neepawa’s fire hydrants were not checked and flushed regularly. That all changed over 20 years ago, and it has remained a part of the community since.
The Banner & Press contacted the Town of Neepawa recently, curious about the consistency of hydrant examination and maintenance. Town staff confirmed that they mandate an inspection and flushing of the lines a minimum of once a year. It is usually done in the fall during the annual winterizing process.
This examination of the
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
These individuals were honoured at the recent Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce AGM.
Pictured left: Corbin Knol receiving the Outstanding Youth Award from Marie Bodnarchuk.
Pictured above: Brad Wells, Deanna Letkemen and Grady Stephenson.
Recreation Board and more. Congratulations is also extended to all those who were nominated for the listed awards.
Official business
During the official AGM, the executive went to a vote to elect individuals for seats in the Chamber. The executive of the Chamber for the 2025 year is: Marie Bodnarchuk, chair; Pamela McTavish, vice-chair; Don Forbes, treasurer; Shandar Elmhirst, secretary; and
economic development officer Karra Burney (nonelected member of executive).
Chamber representative Karra Burney provided additional comments on Jan. 10, noting that the Carberry & District Chamber of Commerce now has 96 members, up the previous year from 75.
“In just two short years, our membership has grown from 32 members to just under 100,” said Burney. Burney also shared information on community
projects and growth.
“2024 & 2025 were earmarked by the Chamber to update our community signs, no small task and continue to get our business community in the spotlight, regionally. We are working really hard on some projects that will be collaborating with other Chambers in the province,” said Burney.
“Our Main Street in Carberry has boomed to 98 per cent capacity in 2024, with 90 per cent of those businesses being Chamber members and supporting each other in their success.”
Carberry & District Chamber president Marie Bodnarchuk added a final comment, noting, “We have had some great firsts over the last couple of years. November 2023, we had our inaugural career fair/tradeshow. 2024 we started our business after five events. We had a December activities committee who did amazing work creating new events and changing up some old ones, creating a full month of fun in Carberry.”
Town’s 228 hydrants (current 2024 number) has been since part of the schedule consistently since 2004
Gladstone business gains national recognition
Butterfly Whispers receives Canadian Choice Award
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
A Gladstone business has been spotlighted on a national scale recently. Butterfly Whispers Custom Silk Florals and Gifts, owned and operated by Jackie Gould, of Gladstone, has received a Canadian Choice Award. These awards are organized into different categories and given out annually to celebrate small businesses in Canada. Butterfly Whispers received an award in the Gift Shop category.
“I was completely shocked. I didn’t even know that I had been nominated.,” said Gould. “I’d received an email from the Canadian Choice Awards [previously], stating, ‘hey, you are a top contender in this category’. And I went ‘well who nominated me?’– it’s anonymous, I don’t know who did. But I found out you needed more than 10 nominations to get on a finalist list.”
Gould added, “I was completely beside myself. I didn’t realize I made that much of a difference.”
Butterfly Whispers Custom Silk Florals and Gifts specializes in alternative options for floral arrangements suitable for weddings, funerals, birthdays, graduations and more.
Gould noted that she has been making floral arrangements herself for approximately 10 years, but only officially started her business approximately three years ago. It was an interest that carried through the generations, with her grandma teaching Gould’s mom and then Gould herself receiving the same. Florals and handmade gifts, such as crocheting, were common in her family.
“I took an interest when I was young. I never thought anything of it, I just took it on as a hobby,” Gould explained. “Then I had made some bouquets for a friend of mine and she said ‘these are incredible, you should take
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
this further’. And then I also had the support of my husband saying, ‘you’ve got the skills, put it out there’.”
Gould added, “The biggest thing is, I don’t do it for the money, I do it for the satisfaction of helping someone… Like I said, I took it on as a hobby and I grew to love it because it made so many more people happy. And with the way the world is nowadays, if I can make one person happy, I’ve done my job.”
Gould’s efforts on that front have taken different forms, such as unique plans for families with lower budgets, annual graduation deals on items such as corsages and more.
“I’m incredibly humbled by the whole experience and to know that I make that much of a difference really makes it worthwhile. I hope one day that my kids want to take over. I have a little girl now, and my son, he watches me make these flowers and he goes ‘mum, they’re so pretty. You’re doing so good!’,” said Gould. “Knowing that I have that support from my kids alone, and my husband, my friends and my family, it’s made a world of difference. I used to look at it as ‘well, it’s not good enough’ but now I can say ‘yes, I am good enough’.”
Canada Post’s struggles continue
Difficulties pop up locally for mail delivery in Birnie
By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press
After many weeks of a labour strike by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers that wasn’t actually solved, Canada Post now has some local issues.
The Neepawa Banner & Press was notified by Katherine Birch of Birnie that Canada Post would not be able to deliver mail to Birnie as of Monday, Jan. 13. The CP customers at Birnie were advised that their temporary delivery point would be McCreary Post Office, a one way distance of 24 miles.
What brought on that change was a driver for a 28 customer rural delivery route to the south and east of McCreary retired and CP wanted to add those 28 drops to the Birnie delivery person, Allison Gilmore of Kelwood. Gilmore’s current route which includes dropping mail off at community drop boxes at Birnie and Kelwood said, “ I decided to decline the extra route. Combined with the extra time required, the extra driving on country roads in all conditions, I just didn’t want to take it on. We also farm so there’s only so much time you can be away from the cattle. Canada Post is requiring my resignation.”
Birch said, “They keep destroying the Canadian postal service, it’s too bad somebody has to lose a job.” Birch can well remember when a few years
ago, Birnie had it’s own Post Office but it was changed to community drop boxes. The problem with community drop boxes is that a customer may not be able to get parcels and buying stamps has be done at a post office in a larger centre.
A request by the Neepawa Banner & Press to Canada Post was referred to Canada Post Media Relations. They replied by email as follows, “Thank you for reaching out to us.
At the end of December, one of our two delivery agents for the community of Birnie resigned, followed by the second employee just last week. We did begin the hiring process early this month and are close to staffing the position.
Until we’re fully operational in Birnie, we will be delivering mail to the community Monday and Friday. We will then move to two to three times a week, as coverage permits, until the position is filled.
By that response, CP is indicating they plan to keep delivering to Birnie depending on availability of staff.
Just by coincidence, on Jan. 13, the day that Gilmore’s job ended, Canada Post raised the cost of a First Class stamp to $1.44 for a single stamp. As Canada Post is facing huge losses, many have suggested that doorto-door delivery, five days a week in cities is hardly necessary. Many also question whether rural farm-to-farm delivery is needed any longer. Most people who live on rural delivery routes drive to town, sometimes daily, so end of lane mailbox delivery is deemed redundant by many observers. And as mentioned above, customers have to drive to a town anyway to pick up packages or buy stamps As of Jan. 13, the postal strike still hadn’t been settled and workers remain under the old wage agreement and that isn’t expected to change until Spring 2025.
If customers have questions regarding their postal services, they can contact Canada Post’s Customer Service team online at canadapost.ca/support or by telephone at 1-866607-6301 (TTY: 1-800267-2797).”
Above: Jackie Gould, owner of Butterfly Whispers in Gladstone. Bottom left: A sample of Gould’s work.
NAISS and Westlake Employment band together
Submitted
This Partnership Statement formalizes the collaboration between Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services and Westlake Employment Skills and Services Centre, Inc.
Neepawa Immigration and Settlement Services (NAISS) is a rural-based agency dedicated to supporting permanent residents and refugees on their journey to successful integration in Canada. NAISS serves the area of Neepawa, Minnedosa, Plumas, Gladstone, and others in the region.
Westlake Employment Skills and Services Centre (WESSC) is a nonprofit organization whose mandate is to assist the unemployed and under-employed, to prepare for, find, and maintain employment by providing a variety of short-term employment-related services. WESSC works with clients, employers, and communities in the Town of Neepawa, the Rural Municipality of Rosedale, and the surrounding Municipalities of Glenella-Lansdowne, North Cypress-Langford, and Westlake-Gladstone. Both parties are committed to working together to provide integrated services to newcomers, immigrants, and refugees, enhancing their settlement and employment outcomes in Manitoba.
Purpose
The primary objective of this partnership is to support the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into the Manitoba community by offering comprehensive settlement and employment services. This collaboration aims to:
1. Improve Settlement Outcomes: Ensure newcomers
receive the support they need to adjust to life in Manitoba, including access to language training, cultural orientation, and community integration resources.
2. Enhance Employment Opportunities: Provide job-seeking services, career counselling, information on skills development and training, and referrals to resources to improve employability, facilitating their access to meaningful employment.
3. Create a Supportive Network: Build a network of services that address both settlement and employment needs, promoting selfsufficiency and economic inclusion.
Roles and responsibilities
Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services:
•Provide settlement services including assistance with housing, healthcare, education, language training, and cultural orientation.
•Facilitate community connections and ensure access to social and community services for newcomers.
•Offer information and referrals to employment services.
•Work with employers for recruitment tours for immigrants and refugees to be able to get into the Manitoba workforce.
Westlake Employment
Dr. Derek Papegnies Optometrist 499 Mountain Ave.
Beautiful Plains Community Medical Clinic
For appointment please call: 204-476-2002
Neepawa’s settlement services and Westlake Employment formed an official partnership recently.
Skills and Services Centre:
•Offer employment services such as job readiness workshops, resume and cover letter building, interview coaching, and career counselling.
•Connect jobseekers to employment opportunities through community job boards, job referrals, information and recruitment sessions, job fairs, and other employment-related resources.
•Provide resources about training and skills develop -
ment to enhance employability.
•Provide information and referrals to Training and Employment Services for training assistance/funding and to community resources for other services
•Free use of public computers for job search and accessing employmentrelated resources
Collaborative activities
•Joint Workshops and Training: Conduct joint
workshops on job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation, to enhance job readiness.
•Information Sharing:
Share relevant information and resources to help clients access both settlement and employment services.
•Outreach and Promotion: Promote available services through coordinated outreach efforts to raise awareness in communities served.
•Referral Process: Develop a streamlined referral process to ensure that clients
receive the necessary services without delay.
Monitoring and evaluation
Both parties will collaborate to evaluate the effectiveness of this partnership. Regular meetings will be held to assess client progress, identify gaps in service delivery, and determine how to enhance the partnership for greater impact.
Conclusion
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the settlement and employment outcomes in Manitoba. By combining the resources and expertise of both organizations, we aim to create lasting, positive impacts on the lives of those we serve.
Santa’s Holiday Hoedown at Brookdale
On Dec. 19, the Grade 5 to 8 pupils at Brookdale Elementary School performed a festive theatrical piece known as ‘Santa’s Holiday Hoedown’. This surely put everyone into the spirit of Christmas ahead of the winter holidays!
Celebrating 30 Years of Community Impact!
On January 1, 2025, the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation proudly marked its 30th Anniversary! To honor this milestone, we’re giving back $30,000 to the community through grants to local non-profits. Non-profits can apply for a chance to receive funding ranging in various amounts throughout the year. Check out our website for the funding amounts breakdown.
Eligibility Requirements:
Your non-profit must operate within the community served by the Foundation Applications must be received by the deadline of February 14th 2025. Applications are available on our website or by contacting our office.
Please contact our office with any questions or inquiries
Stay Tuned on our website and Facebook Page for all updates
*This is not our regular grant intake for 2025* info@beautifulplainscf.ca | 204-476-2681 | www.beautifulplainscf.ca
SUBMITTED PHOTO
PHOTO BY JOHN DRINKWATER
Five things to know before the show
Submitted
Canada’s largest indoor farm show will kick off the three-day event on Tuesday Jan. 21. This year’s show will include over 550 exhibitors with both indoor and outdoor displays at the Keystone Centre, in Brandon Manitoba. Here are five things to know before the show:
1. This year’s theme is Produced on the Prairies. The theme will be evident throughout the show as we bring you products, equipment and speakers who got their start on the prairies. At the top of the main ramp you will find our NEW, one-of-a-kind vendor market featuring different local food and beverage products each day. You can get a jump start on the show, and the theme, by joining us on Monday, Jan. 20 at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building for a food and beverage tasting event, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $40 at www.agdays.com/craft-beerevent.
2. The Kickoff Breakfast will take
place at the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Dome Building from 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21 and is presented by Heritage Co-Op. The Murray Auto Group shuttle bus will pick you up at your vehicle and deliver you to the doors of the Keystone Centre and Scotiabank has provided a safe and secure, complimentary coat check at the south end of the Flynn Arena.
3. Our biggest ever Innovation Showcase features seven categories and 34 contenders, and is presented by the seven brands of Glacier FarmMedia.
Patrons can read about the innovations here and can visit the exhibitors at the show to ask questions, check out products first hand and see how these innovations might fit in their operations. Look for the green light bulbs hanging in the show to signify Innovation Showcase entries. The Winners of each category will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10:00 a.m.
4. This year’s complimentary speaking program includes a line up you can not miss! For all the details head
to www.agdays.com/schedule There is something for everyone, with over 60 speakers and topics ranging from selecting canola varieties to managing your cattle herd and from planning for big yields to predicting global markets. The program includes 33.5 approved continuing education units for Certified Crop Agronomists.
5. Admission tickets are on sale now for the Early Bird price of $15 per day. You can purchase your tickets at www.agdays.com/tickets 50/50 tickets are also on sale now at www. agdays.com/buy5050 (LGCA 4206RF-44642) Last year’s winner took home $66,930.00! The winner will be drawn on January 24th at 9:00 am on Facebook Live. We are a not for profit show and any profits made on the show are paid forward to community projects and services through our Ag Days Gives Back Fund.
For more information and the latest updates please visit https://www.agdays. com/ or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok @mbagdays.
The Keystone Centre - Brandon, MB. - January 21, 22 & 23, 2025
World Class Complimentary Speakers at Manitoba Ag Days
Submitted Manitoba Ag Days
Manitoba Ag Days is recognized as having the premiere speaking line up on the ag show circuit and this year is no exception. The 2025 complementary speaking program includes over 60 speakers and offers a wide variety of formats and topics. We have speakers on the topics that are important to YOU!
Markets
Price Outlook for Oils & Fats: Implications for Canadian Canola - David Milke - Oil World
Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11:15 a.m. in the FCC Theatre
Economic Outlook: Risks and Opportunities for Canadian Agriculture in 2025- Graeme Crosbie - FCC
Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m. in the FCC Theatre
Geopolitics: What Lies Ahead? - Jacob Shopiro - The Beskope Group
Thursday, Jan. 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the FCC Theatre
Digging Into Cattle Market Data - Brian Perillet - More Than Just Feed Thursday, Jan. 23 at 2:00 p.m. in the MNP Theatre.
Agronomy
Why Doesn’t Your Nitrogen Stay Where You Put It? - Bryce Geisel - Koch Agronomic Services
Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. in the FCC Theatre
Did Verticillium Knock You Down in 2024? - Justine Cornelesen - BrettYoung Seeds
Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the FCC Theatre
Pushing the Limits: More Bushels per Acre - Brian Hefty - Ag PhD
Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the FCC Theatre
Fertility? Tillage? Crop Rotation? How do They Compare? - Kristin Simmons and Ezra Aberle - NDSU
Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. in the FCC Theatre
ROI and Balancing Your Nutrient Profile in Soils- John Heard - Citizen at large
Thursday, Jan. 23 at 9:30 a.m. in the FCC Theatre.
Livestock
Do’s and Dont’s of Banding Calves - Jodi Suchoplas - Cattle producer Thursday at 1:00 p.m. in
the MNP Theatre
Going Green With Implants - Dr. Kim Ominski, Betty Green and Dr. MaryJane Orr
Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the MNP Theatre.
Produced on the Prairies
Small Town, Big Dream - Steve Langston - Langston Lane Ltd. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the MNP Theatre
Produced on the Prairies Panel - The E Butchery on Main, Engrained Flour Co and The John Howard. Society with mod-
erator Steve Langston
Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 2:15 p.m. in the MNP Theatre.
Testing Ag Tech on a Commercial Farm - EMILI and Rutherford Farms Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. in the MNP Theatre
The full speaker schedule can be found at agdays. com/schedule You are sure to find sessions of particular interest to you on each day of the show. Three-day show passes are available for just this reason! Visit agdays.com/tickets to purchase your admission tickets today.
Neepawa host 2025 U11 Tournament of Champions
Neepawa Minor Hockey and the U11 Neepawa Titans hosted their annual Tournament of Champions at the Yellowhead Centre from Jan. 9 to 12.
The U11 Titans were perfect in the round robin portion of the tournament, going 3-0. After defeating Souris in the semi-final, they faced the Pilot Mound Pilots in the final.Though they put in a great effort, Neepawa was finally bested over the weekend, falling 3-1. Despite the loss, the Titans players and coaches, as well as everyone involved with the organzation of the TOC should be extremely proud of the results.
Gladstone Auction cattle market report
By Tyler Slawinski
Happy New Year! The weather has been an absolute roller coaster, from snow and howling wind, from minus 30 to plus temperatures, mother nature seems to be as crazy as these latest cattle prices!
These conditions are not favourable for livestock to remain healthy. Mild conditions and precipitation, make it tough to keep pens freshly bedded and cattle looking their best. Cattle are still in strong
demand. Not only have we started 2025 off with big numbers, we also saw record prices again this week. Fat cattle are very strong, futures are positive and the Canadian dollar still in our favour for trade seems to be adding to the market positivity.
The market was nearly up in leaps and bounds in just about every weight class, with lots of buyer representation and quality cattle to market it created a very strong sale this week. We sold 1,355 head of cattle through the ring in
Gladstone on Jan. 14!
Cows and bulls are trending with strength, as lots of the back-log was caught up over the Christmas break. Feeding type cows and heiferettes are still selling stronger than yielding cows. Yielding cows still traded quite reasonable from 165.00 to 180.00 with sales to 185 looking like stronger averages. Feeding type cows are ranging between 185 to 192. Bulls traded stronger ranging between 195.00 to 214.00.
With these prices its
not hard to see why the cow herd isn’t growing very quickly, could we be starting to see the results? Could we be starting to see a beef shortage? Its been a long time coming for the hard working Canadian Cattlemen lets just hope the market is as stubborn as we are to change!
Highlights
Some highlights from the sale, Charolais steers weighed 385 traded for a whopping 645.50 per pound! Black and Red steers weighed 457 and
traded for 596. Crossbred steers weighed 555 and brought 537.00. Crossbred steers weighed 686 pounds and they hit 456.00. Mixed steers weighed 756 and they checked out at 429.00! Heifers, red heifers weighed 366 and traded for 573.00. Black hided heifers weighed 473 and brought 515.00. Crossbred heifers weighed 580 and made 435.00. Mixed heifers weighed 658 and traded for 404.00. And last but not least a big set of 775 pound Red and Black hided heifers that fetched 362.00.
PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX
PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX
Gladstone
Gladstone Auction
MJHL Standings
Relatively rough start to 2025 for Titans
January calendar features Neepawa facing three best teams in the MJHL
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
Player
The Neepawa Titans were thrown right into the deep end of the proverbial pool to start 2025, facing the top three clubs in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). They opened up the second half of the season with the Steinbach Pistons, a team that boasts the best record league wide. While the Titans gave it their best, the depth of the Pistons proved too much, as Steinbach won 5-3. Dawson Andries had a pair of goals for Neepawa, with Jackson Kohut contributing the other.
On Tuesday, Jan. 7, Neepawa went down to Winkler to take on the defending league champs, the Flyers. This game was a great effort for the Titans, as they
Tiger Hills Hockey
Club 55 Bowling
Jan. 9, 2025 Ladies’ High Single & Triple: Laurie Kohinski 206 & 577. Men’s High Single & Triple: Darrell Gabler 234 & 598. Other Good Scores: Russ Taylor 161, 172, 169; Frank Porada 187; Laurie Kohinski 167, 204; Iain Greig 173; Vivian Oswald 181; Judy Gabler 177; Darrell Gabler 167, 197; Carole LeBoutillier 178, 159; Chuck Morden 203; Elsie Slimmon 161, 196.
matched Winkler goal for goal, sending it to overtime and eventually a shootout. The Flyers would secure the extra point, however, winning the shootout and securing a 3-2 win. Caden Hegarty and Mason Hartley scored in regulation for Neepawa.
The most recent game on Jan. 11 would be the Portage Terriers, who are third overall in the league in points, and currently battling with Steinbach and Winker for top spot in the East Division standings. Though Portage dominated in shots on goal,
Mason Lobreau staged an impressive performance and stop 45 shots on the night. At the end of regulation, it would be tied at 3-3, as Jack Clark, Talen Wallis, and Cooper Kasprick scored for the Titans. The Terriers would win in overtime, scoring on an extra time powerplay chance, making it a 4-3 final. While Neepawa was bested in all three of its games, they were still able to secure two points in the standings, giving them 40 points overall. That has them 10 points better than Virden in the West Division standings. The next two games for Neepawa will also be challenging, as they’ll once again face the league leading Steinbach Pistons (277-2-0. 56 points) and the Winkler Flyers (27-6-2-0. 56 points). That matchup with Winkler will be here at home at the Yellowhead Centre on Jan. 21. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m.
- 5:00
Neepawa Farmers defeated by Virden
Updates from across the Tiger Hills Hockey
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
An impressive offensive push in the second period proved to be enough for the Virden Oil Kings to claim a 5-2 win over the Neepawa Farmers on Saturday, Jan. 11.
The Oil Kings scored three goals, including the eventual game winner from Shane Keown, to collect the win on the road at the Yellowhead Centre. Former Miniota/Elhorn C-Hawks
Dillin Stonehouse and Jason Bowles also scored for Virden, with Bowles adding a pair of assists. Tanner Koroscil and Shane Price had the other goals for Virden.
As for Neepawa, it was Garett Rempel and Tarek Lapointe earning the goals for the Farmers. For Rempel, it was his sixth goal and 13th point overall this season for the home side. Lapointe, meanwhile, now has eight points in 11 games for Neepawa, in this his first full season with the Farmers.
This result improved Virden’s regular season record to 10-2-0-1, and has them in first place in the THHL West. As for the Farmers, the team has fallen
to 2-8-1-0 and are settled into fifth place in the East.
Minnedosa lose to MacGregor
An aggressive late game effort from Minnedosa backfired, handing them a 4-1 loss to the MacGregor Wild. After Kelly Rintoul scores a go-ahead goal for MacGregor with just 5:26 left in regulation, the Bombers were forced to take a chance and pull their goalie looking for the tying goal. It wasn’t too be, however, as the Wild scored twice on the empty net to secure the victory. Ryan Heino picked up the lone goal for Minnedosa, with an unassisted marker early in the third.
The loss dropped the Bombers record to 7-3-01, which still has them five points ahead of MacGregor in the standings. The defeat will make it more difficult though for them to catch Killarney and Rivers in the East Division, as the Shamrocks and Jets are eight and seven points clear at this time.
The next game for both Minnedosa and Neepawa will be on Saturday, Jan. 18, as they will face each at the Yellowhead Centre.
Start time in Neepawa will 7:30 p.m.
Carberry nearly defeat Killarney
League
The Carberry Plainsmen took the Tiger Hills Hockey League best team, the Killarney Shamrocks, to the absolute limits on Saturday, Jan. 11, before falling 8-7. In total, seven different players registered goals for the Plainsmen, while Jesse Bernard scored a hat-trick for the Shamrocks.
Tigers Hockey win two of three
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute (NACI) Tigers are back from the Christmas break, having played three games in the Westman High School Hockey League. Their first game was at home on Jan. 8 against the Crocus Plains Plainsmen, and saw the Tigers fall in overtime 3-2. Crocus Plains came back from the holiday hiatus ready to go, and it showed in the first period, outshooting Neepawa 17-9. They’d also scored a goal in the dying seconds of a power-play to take the lead in those first 20 minutes of action.
Neepawa’s Luke Nicholson replied back with a power-play goal late in the second, to make it 1-1. Both teams would then add one more each in the third, with Wyatt Njegovan being the goal scorer for the Tigers. Shots on goal in the third were again one-sided, going 18-8 for the Plainsmen. The game winning goal was earned in overtime by Crocus Plains, making it a 3-2 final score.
On Jan. 10, Neepawa went on the road for a game against the Birtle
The NACI Tigers faced Crocus Plains on Jan. 8, losing in overtime after Crocus Plains scored the winning goal.
Falcons. In this one, the Tigers had a much better start, scoring three in the first period on the way to a 6-4 win. Like the previous game, Njegovan and Nicolson scored, with Wyatt contributing twice. Other scorers included Kellen Hockin, Brock Pasloski and Ian Foster. Jase Eros faced 24 shots and earned in the victory in net for Neepawa, his fifth of the WHSHL season.
Neepawa’s final game of the week was down in Boissevain versus the Broncos on Jan. 12. This one was a full return to form for the
Tigers, as they dominated on the way to an 8-3 win.
Cohen Kulbacki scored the first goal of the game for Neepawa a little under eight minutes into the opening period. He’d also add three more goals as the night progressed, including the last two, late in the third period. Kulbacki’s four goal and six point overall night, gives him 54 points on the season, and places him fourth in league scoring race.
Ian Foster, who is also in the top-10 for league scoring also had a great game, with four points (2G -2A).
Wyatt Njegovan also scored
a pair, and added one assist. Goaltender Harley SmithBellisle was credited with the win in goal for NACI.
These results improved Neepawa WHSHL record to 12-6-0 in league play and places them in sixth place overall amongst the 17-team league.
Neepawa’s most recent home game was on Wednesday, Jan. 15 and concluded after the Banner & Press publication deadline. Details on that, as well as the game versus Roblin on Friday, Jan. 17 will appear in the Jan. 24 edition.
A social afternoon
A Senior’s Social Afternoon was hosted at ArtsForward in Neepawa on Dec. 20. This event was a collaboration between ArtsForward, H.A.N.D. and the Stride Credit Union, offering fun, food and fellowship to seniors in Neepawa.
Above: A portion of those who attended the event. Below: Old time music was performed live for all to enjoy.
Camo Cattle named Manitoba Angus Purebred Breeder of the Year
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
An area agricultural business has been recognized as the Manitoba Angus Associations’ Purebred Breeder of the Year (The VanDaele Award) for 2024. The recipient of this award is Camo Cattle, owned and operated by Cam and Kristin Tibbett. Cam, who spoke with the Neepawa Banner & Press in January 2025, shared that this honour came as a surprise.
“It was pretty humbling. We didn’t think that we were in the running for that, as we’re pretty new to the purebred industry in Manitoba. We started in 2016,” said Cam. “It was a huge honor for our herd to be recipients of the 2024 VanDaele Award. We would like to thank Penny Rooke for her nomination.”
The Manitoba Angus Association recognizes operations with this award who represent and promote angus cattle, produce quality cattle that meet market demand and contribute to “the affairs of the Association” and volunteer
time to association events. The award was presented to the Tibbett family at the Manitoba Magic sale held on Dec. 6.
Sharing further details on the operation at Camo Cattle, Cam noted that the Tibbett family started Camo Cattle in 2016 through the purchase of their first female from JAS Red Angus.
“Cattle were kept at the McLaren Family farm until 2020 when we purchased the Guillas farm home ½ section and moved just east of Eden,” said Cam. “Farming has been in the family for many years and is currently a multi generation farm covering 1500ac.”
Since then, Camo Cattle has expanded, bringing the operation to 100 registered Red Angus cattle and a commercial herd that floats 250 cows.
The bulls Camo Cattle produces are sold at what is known as the Buy the Beef bull sale, which is held the first Tuesday in April.
This particular sale was started by the McLaren family 20 years ago. It has expanded from a Red Angus sale to become what is now known as one
of Manitoba’s best Angus bull sales, bringing in guest consignors leading the black division– Nolan Cattle Company and Madsen Angus.
At its core, it is evident that the business is a family affair, with everyone putting in the hard work needed to get the job done right.
Cam and Kristin farm alongside their two children, Hannah and Hunter. Cam’s dad, Glen, is also heralded by the family as a daily staple for the farm, leading the tractor operating division. Mother Cindy is the book keeper, uncle Dunc joins the operation seasonally and is the lead seeder and combine operator. In-laws Wayne and Joanne Nelson also provide backup as babysitters and aid as cooks for the farm. Holly Madsen was also added in spring of 2024 as herdswoman and mature boss.
“We would like to thank all our family and staff for the dedication and hard work to make this all happen. To our previous customers and future ones we look forward to working alongside your herd as we grow together,” said Cam.
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN
SUBMITTED PHOTO
The Tibbet Family was honoured with the receipt of the VanDaele award for 2024.
Pictured: Kristin and Cam Tibbett with Hannah and Hunter being presented the award by Manitoba Angus president Devon Boiston
Classifieds
For Sale
Farmland For Sale by Owner in R.M. Of Odanah NW 16-13-17 on Rd 75N and 99W 150 acres. Interested parties should rely on their own inspection. Highest or any offers not necessarily accepted. Wanting $500,000. or best offer. Written bids to be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2025 at 5:00 pm to: Connie-Lou Preisentanz RR#2, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0
For Rent
2 bdrm apt in senior s 4 plex în Neepawa. No smoking/pets. $1236/mon. Exc appliances, Ideal kitchen, 1144 sq ft, AC, electric heat. Yard care. 204 868 5266 For Rent
Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419
Obituary
Marion Kolesar
Surrounded by her family, Mom passed away on January 10th, 2025. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Jim, children Denise (Alex McLean), Tom, Cindy Williams (Jim), Jerry (Gloria), and Mark (Nancy), by her beloved grandsons Riley (Chelsey Schoepp), Hayden, Austin, Cody, Nate, and Mason and her new baby great grand-daughter Sutton. Also surviving are her sisters Irene Capek and Carolle Prawdzik, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Bill and Jessie (Krutkewich) Safroniuk, parentsin-law Henry and Helen (Grudeski) Kolesar, and brothersin-law Victor Capek and Gordon Prawdzik.
Mom was born on August 30th, 1944 in Mountain Road and lived from a young age on the farm next to Mountain Road church. After finishing school in Eden, she moved to Winnipeg to find work. Finding the city not to her liking, she moved back to the farm and met her future husband Jim Kolesar at a dance. At the tender age of 19, she and Dad were married on June 18th, 1963 and moved to the Kolesar family farm in Springhill. The early years of mixed farming were hard with chickens and pigs to feed, cows to milk, and a large garden to upkeep all while raising their five children.
Mom was a master in the kitchen, from baking the best cinnamon buns, donuts, and cream puffs, to making perogies and canning fruits and vegetables. She could make a full course meal for unexpected visitors at a moment’s notice. There was always coffee on whenever someone came to visit and dainties (especially butter tarts) in the freezer if we didn’t sneak them first when she wasn’t looking. It didn't matter if she was camping or at home, you never left her table without something fabulous to eat.
She was generous with her time, making meals for neighbors when they most needed it, sharing produce from her garden, or crafting a cherished gift. She knitted or crocheted many a baby blanket over the years. Ice cream parties at the Kolesar’s were a neighbourhood tradition. Mom was a member of St. Elizabeth’s in Polonia and then St Dominic's in Neepawa and the Catholic Women's League for over 15 years. She was always available to help make perogies, bake pies, or cook and serve at the fall suppers or pilgrimage.
Mom and Dad did everything together, working on the farm, helping with our various 4-H endeavours, and watching their kids’ and grandsons’ many, many, many sporting events. They travelled Canada from Vancouver to Newfoundland and to the US as well. The best trips were with friends and family to Mexico, Hawaii, England, and Ireland. Camping was always a favorite activity with family trips to the west coast and all over Manitoba and with cherished friends at Clear Lake.
Mom loved spending time with the grandkids and loved it when they came to visit. Feeding them squiggly noodles or pumpkin pie, they never went hungry at Grandma’s house. At Halloween, her bags of caramel popcorn are remembered by her grandkids and by everyone in the neighbourhood.
Mom loved to read and do puzzles and enjoyed her cooking shows in her later years. She had a great sense of humour and was always quick with a good comeback. She had a fantastic memory and could always be counted on to supply a name to a face. She kept Dad on his toes right to the end and although her body gave way, her mind was as sharp as ever.
Mom will be missed and lovingly remembered by all those whose lives she touched. The family is grateful for the nurses, health care aids, kitchen and housekeeping staff and all who looked after her while she was in the hospital and also for the home care staff that supported her through the last few years. Thank you to Dr. Jawed for her care. A special thank you to Mary Ellen Clark who supported both Mom and the family as we navigated through the final months and days.
Flowers are graciously declined. Donations can be made in Mom's memory to the Neepawa Palliative Care Unit, PO Box 1240, Neepawa, MB. R0J 1H0
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
––––––––––
For Sale or Rent
Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson’s 204-385-2685, 204-3852997 Gladstone
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 Don 204-856-9072 or Debbi 204352-4065
Obituary
Harold John Single
Another beautiful soul and shining light to guide his family on earth. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear father, Harold Single. Dad passed away on Monday, January 06, 2025 at the age of 93.
Very few words can describe our Dad. He was and always will be one of a kind.
Dad was born on the family farm in Waldersee on June 15, 1931 to John and Ida Single. While he was growing up, he worked on the farm and attended school in Waldersee. But it was baseball that became his passion. Dad was a good baseball player in his day and as recent as six (6) months ago, he was recognized as being “that really good ball player” from the 1950’s. During the 1980’s, Dad continued his love of baseball when coaching Cripple Creek for many years – winning a number of provincial tournaments.
In fact – it was during a baseball game in the 1950’s when Dad met the love of his life, Gail Dickson. Dad and Mom were married on Oct 19, 1956, and moved to Winnipeg where Dad worked at Kimberly Clark and mom worked at The Hudson’s Bay. Sheldon was born in 1958 and two (2) years later, Janice was born. When Janice was six (6) months old, Harold and Gail moved back to Waldersee to take over the family farm. Darren was born a few years later in 1968. For many years, Dad ran the farm and drove school bus for Turtle River School Division.
In 1977, Harold and Gail decided to sell the family farm and they built a new house in Glenella. Dad was hired as the school custodian for Glenella School and continued his position as bus driver. Getting to work everyday with all the kids was tremendous joy to Dad. In 2019, Mom and Dad moved into Neepawa to be closer to the healthcare needed for mom.
Throughout dad’s life, family was a constant priority for him. He was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s greatest fan and loved watching them grow. When he was unable to visit his family in Winnipeg, he learned how to use his tablet (or “my pad” as he called it) so he could watch how his family was growing through Facebook. But it was the love between Mom and Dad that was nothing short of inspirational. Like a fairytale “they were one soul standing the test of time”. We know that Dad’s spirit will forever be with Mom.
Dad’s faith was strong and the church played a huge role in his life. He attended Christ Lutheran Church in Waldersee his entire life. When he could no long attend in person, he watched the services on his tablet. Feeling Dad’s strong faith has given strength to his loved ones during this time of grieving.
Harold is survived by his wife Gail: son Sheldon (Shannon), daughter Janice (Wayne); son Darren (Amanda), grandchildren Jerrod, Jordon & Colten, Ryan, Lindsey & Meagan, & Alex (Shayla). Great-grandchildren – Holden, Wyatt, Jonah, Hannah, Quinn, Arianna, Adrian. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews – all of whom he loved very much.
Dad was the last of his siblings and is predeceased by his parents (John & Ida), Sister (Freida & Val), Sister (Martha & Ed), Sister (Doreen & Ernie), Brother (Otto), Brother (Paul & Tillie), Brother (Gotlieb & Grace). Sisterin-law (Doreen & John), Sister-in-law (Pat & Wally), Sister-in-law (Kathy & Siggi), Sister-in-law (Arlene & Harold), Brother-in-law (Terry) and Parents-in-law (Arlie & Mae)
Funeral service was held on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm at Christ Lutheran Church, Walderee, MB. With Pastor Jim & Hilde Vickers officiating. Interment will take place in Waldersee Churchyard Cemetery. Clarke’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements.
––––––––––Notice
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
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
Auctions
Meyers Auctions & Appraisals. Call Brad at 368-2333. www.meyersauctions.com
Classified ad deadline Tuesday noon
Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.
Happy 90thMomBirthday
We have been blessed to have you in our lives for so many years and look forward to many more.
be
90th Birthday Cliff Taylor Birthday
Love
Beverley, Anne, Leona, Katherine, Valerie, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren
Announcement For Sale
Veda Grace Jackson (nee Darby) Peacefully on the morning of January 11, 2025, Veda passed away at the Concordia Place Personal Care Home.
She was born in Summerside, PEI on June 2 1933. She was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Margaret Darby.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Allan, Daniel, Margaret and Joyce and the entire Jackson and Darby family.
Special thanks to Judy and Ryan for the comfort you provided Veda while she was in the care home. As well a big thank you to the caring staff at the Concordia Personal Care Home.
A Celebration of life will take place at a later date.
GREEN ACRES
FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY
1 GREEN ACRES LANE | WINNIPEG 204-222-3241
Tributes: www.GreenAcresFuneralHome.com
Donna Lillian Nicholson
Donna Lillian Nicholson entered into rest on December 23, 2024, with family by her side. She was 94. Donna was born January 7, 1930, and was the only daughter of Robert and Lillian Marley. Donna and Bill (W.O.) Nicholson were married in the Neepawa United Church on February 25, 1950. They had three daughters Moira, Norma and Laurie.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill, daughter Moira, brother Bob and his wife Dorothy, brother Keith, sister-in-law Donna, and brother-in-law Pat.
Donna is survived by her daughters Norma (Dan) and Laurie (Lyle), her grandchildren Brad (Karla), Dallis (Kevin), Blake (Danielle), great grandchildren Kacey, Russell, Rileigh, Gavin, Garrett, Ada and Otto, brother Barrie and sister-in-law Joanne and Ann.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations in Donna's name be made to Franklin Memorial Hall in charity of choice.
A private graveside service to be held at a later date.
In Memory
William “Bill” Fedak January 14, 1918 - January 15, 2012 Husband, Dad, Gigi and Great-Granddad May the winds of heaven Blow softly and whisper in your ear
How much we love and miss you And wish that you were here.
Very much loved and missed by Eva, Greg & Leanne-Cody, Brennan & Natasha-Lincoln and Nova, Jane & Grant-Kevin and Zoe
Thank you
The family of Donna Nicholson wish to thank everyone for their acts of kindness, caring, and sympathy. A special thank you to the staff of Country Meadows Care Home.
Norma, Laurie and Family
PINE CREEK SCHOOL DIVISION
RECRUITMENT JOB FAIR
January 27, 2025 5pm to 7pm Gladstone Elementary School 116 Morris St, Gladstone, Manitoba
Please visit our website for more information at https://www.pinecreeksd.mb.ca/
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
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
Hog Receiving Barn Worker (NOC85100)
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 5 positions.
The current starting wage is $19.25/hour with incremental increases to $20.55/hour based on tenure 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
• 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 involve:
Receiving and unloading hog deliveries. Sorting hogs into appropriate receiving pens. Ensuring humane and safe handling of hogs in our facility.
• Completing hog receiving documents to CFIA standards.
• Scraping trailers.
• Working outdoors and in a barn environment.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
• Respect for animal welfare, food safety, and workplace safety. Understanding of animal behavior
• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience working with livestock
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and crawling
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks
Able to effectively communicate in English
At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement
HyLife i s 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
Clarke’s Funeral Home
Full Time Office Administration Assistant Clarke’s Funeral Home is seeking a highly organized, detail oriented Administrative Assistant/Receptionist to join our team
Qualifications: Minimum Grade 12 with previous administrative experience including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel. Professional, discreet customer service, strong communication verbally, written and electronic. Detail oriented,strong ability to multi task and recognize changing priorities
Job Description: Answering phone in a professional discreet manner, greeting customers/families, typing, proof reading, responsible for completing all aspects of documentation.
To apply, please send resume to: bobclarke204@gmail.com Bob 204-871-0692
The Town of Neepawa is accepting applications for
PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR
Reporting to the Manager of Operations, the Public Works Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations & strategic management of the Public Works Department, including Parks and Cemetery.
Grade 12, GED/Mature High School Diploma & Valid Class 5 Drivers License required. License in Wastewater Collection & Water Distribution; post-secondary education in civil engineering and business management is desirable; or equivalent combination of education/ experience. Rate of Pay is $30.44-$34.44/hr. (2024 rates) Permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week Monday to Friday with overtime and on-call work).
PUBLIC WORKS LEAD HAND
Reporting to the Public Works Supervisor, the Lead Hand will work in collaboration with the PW Supervisor in overseeing the daily operations of the Public Works .
Grade 12, GED/Mature High School Diploma & Valid Class 5 Drivers License. Municipal Public Works experience, Wastewater Collection & Water Distribution Licenses desirable.
This position is offered in accordance with CUPE Local 1735-01. Rate of pay is $27.36-$28.66/hr. (2024 Rates) Permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week Monday to Friday with overtime and on-call work). -
PUBLIC WORKS SKILLED LABOURER III
Reporting to the Public Works Supervisor, or Lead Hand, the Labourer will perform general labour duties as assigned.
Grade 12, GED/Mature High School Diploma & Valid Class 5 Driver’s License req’d. Related experience/skills an asset. This position is offered in accordance with CUPE Local 1735-01. Rate of Pay is $23.73 $25.01/hr. (2024 rates) Permanent, full-time position (40 hours per week Monday to Friday with overtime and on-call work).
Applications & Resumes:
Accepted until 4pm Friday, Jan 31, 2025 (or until suitable applicant/s are hired) email: operations@neepawa.ca
In person: 275 Hamilton St, Neepawa Mail: Box 339, Neepawa Visit www.neepawa.ca for full job description
Help Wanted
We are hiring!
We have a new opportunity to highlight: Service
Worker
Facilities Casual Competition #68-24/25
Brandon, Manitoba
Salary: $20.70 to $24.30 hourly
As a Service Worker in our Facilities team, you will play a key role in maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and functionality of our campus. Reporting to the Facilities Operations Manager, you will ensure that the environment is well-maintained and conducive to learning.
For more information, please visit our careers website at www.assiniboine.net/careers.
Assiniboine welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, persons of all abilities, members of visible minorities, all genders and sexual orientations, and all other groups protected by the Human Rights Code.
Assiniboine College is privileged to provide learning opportunities on the lands of the Dakota Oyate, Nakoda Oyate, Ininiwak, Nehethowak, Nehiyawak, Anishininewuk, Denesuline, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
For accommodations or alternative formats, contact careers@assiniboine.net or 204 725 8729.
If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to Competition #68-24/25 to: careers@assiniboine.net
We thank you for your interest. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Notice
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE PLANNING ACT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
On the date and at the time and location shown below, a PUBLIC HEARING will be held to receive representations from any persons who wish to make them in respect to the following matter:
NEEPAWA AND AREA PLANNING DISTRICT BY-LAW NO. 126 being an AMENDMENT to the NEEPAWA AND AREA PLANNING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PLAN BY-LAW NO. 108, as amended.
HEARING LOCATION:
Town of Neepawa Municipal Office, 275 Hamilton Street, Neepawa, MB DATE & TIME:
January 27, 2025 at 7:40PM
GENERAL INTENT OF BY-LAW No. 126: A map amendment to re-designate an area of land in the Town of Neepawa
1. An area of land on Plan 6965 From Industrial and Highway Commercial to Parks, Recreation and Open Space
FROM: Industrial Area and Highway Commercial Area
TO: Parks, Recreation and Open Space Area
2. Lots 1&2 Plan 6081 Southwest portion, on the east side of and parallel to Gill Dr:
FROM: Industrial Area
TO: Residential Area
3. Lot 1 Plan 28531 -The whole portion of Lot 2 (as noted in subdivision file # 4437-24-8652).
FROM: Industrial Hold Area
TO: Residential Area
4. Lots A&B, Plan 63579 -West portion.
FROM: Industrial Hold Area
TO: Highway Commercial Area
5. Lot 1 Plan 28531-West portion of Lot 1 (as noted in subdivision file # 4437-24-8652).
FROM: Industrial Hold Area
TO: Highway Commercial Area
AREA AFFECTED BY BY-LAW No.: 126
Multiple areas of land lying west of PTH No. 5 and North of P.T.H. No. 16 more particularly described as being in Pt. SE 32-14-15WPM and NE 32-14-15WPM (Roll No’s 141900, 143500, 156300, and 157600)
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jeff Braun, Development Officer, Neepawa and Area Planning District 275 Hamilton Street, Neepawa, Manitoba Phone: 204-476-3277 • Email: jeff@neepawaareaplanning.com
A copy of the above proposal and supported material may be inspected at the location noted above during normal office hours, Monday to Friday. Copies may be made and extracts taken therefrom, upon request.
MUNICIPALITY OF NORTH NORFOLK
MUNICIPAL NOTICE OF INTENT
TAKE NOTICE that on January 8, 2025, the council of the Municipality of North Norfolk gave first reading to By-law 122/2025 to designate as a municipal heritage site under The Heritage Resources Act, the structure commonly known as
“The Hay Family Barn” at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, Austin, Manitoba in the Municipality of North Norfolk.
The structure is situated on land as described in Certificate of Title No. 1989596 and 2125760 as follows:
The SW 17-11-11 WPM in the Municipality of North Norfolk.
A copy of the proposed By-law can be inspected at the Municipal Office in MacGregor, MB, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A public hearing will be held at the Municipal Office, 27 Hampton Street E., MacGregor, MB, on February 5, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. At that time, any person may submit an objection or other representation on the proposal. If there is no objection, council may resolve to adopt the proposed By-law, or not to proceed with it.
Dated at MacGregor, MB, on January 13, 2025
Theresa Bergen, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer
PUBLIC NOTICE
of Municipal Pesticide use Permit
Public notice is hereby given that the Municipality of North Cypress-Langford (including Sandhills Golf & Country Club and all subdivision within the municipal boundaries). RM of Cornwallis and the Town of Carberry intent to conduct the following Pesticide Control Programs during 2025:
1. To control noxious weeds on road allowances and boulevards within the municipalities. The projected dates of application will be from May 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025. The Herbicides to be used include:
- 2,4-D Amine
- 2,4-D Ester
- Aminocyclopyrachlor
- Aminopyralid
- Chlorsulfuron
- Clopyralid
- Dicamba
- Dichlorprop-P
- Diflufenzopyr
- Glyphosate
- Indaziflam
- Iron
- Lactic Acid
- Mecoprop-P
- Metsulfuron-Methyl
- Saflufenacil
- Triclopyr
- Adjuvants: Agral 90, Gateway, Hasten NT, LI 700
2. To control the following insect pests including grasshoppers, mosquitoes, elm bark beetles, cankerworms etc. The proposed dates of application for these programs will be from May 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025 The insecticides that may be used include:
- Bacillius thuringiensis
- Carbaryl
- Deltamethrin
The public may send written submissions or objections to specific programs within 15 days of this publication of this notice to the department below: Environment and Climate Environmental Approvals Board 14 Fultz Boulevard (Box 35), Winnipeg, MB. R3Y 0L6
NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS By-Election
The Town of Carberry
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the following days: February 4, 2025, to February 10, 2025 between the hours of 8:00 am-4:30 pm (weekdays) at the following location:
44 Main Street, Carberry, MB
I will receive nominations for the office of Councillor of the aforesaid Local Authority.
The n omination deadline is February 10, 2025, at 4:30 pm.
Nominations cannot be accepted after this day and time. All nominations shall be made in writing and shall be signed by at least twenty (20) voters of the Town of Carberry. Each nomination shall also be accompanied by the candidate’s declaration of qualification.
Nominations must be filed in person at the above location, during the date and hours specified, by the candidate or an agent. To obtain a nomination paper, and/or candidate’s declaration of qualification, contact the SEO at the telephone number listed below.
Nom ination papers not accompanied by the required documents and not properly filed shall be rejected.
Grady Stephenson, SEO cao@townofcarberry.ca 204-834-6628
Dated at Carberry, MB January 6, 2025
Birnie Builders
Birnie Builders
If you’ve got a news tip, story or event, let us know! Call, email or visit the office! 204-476-3401 news@neepawabanner.com 423 Mountain Ave.
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.
PLAN YOUR ADVERTISEMENTS FOR 2025! Maximize your business plan, for a successful year. Jump on our great prices and start getting responses! Book your blanket classified ads, seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. 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. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NEWTEC IRRIGATION. Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural Experience Preferred. TOP WAGES. Please call for more information: 306 – 260 - 9575.
PROPERTY FOR SALE / LAND FOR SALE / REAL ESTATE
Nice 20-acre retirement or subdividing opportunity 4 miles west of Brandon on paved road. 1,572 sq.ft. home including appliances, wheelchair accessible, 1-level, attached garage. Also, additional adjoining subdivided 5-acre lot. Immediate possession, private sale. $750,000.00. Call 1-204-723-0083 for appointment to view, anytime.
Opinion: Ecological Corridor Program comes up short on transparency
I am prompted to write this in response to the Federal Liberal Governments recent announcement of funding for Ecological Corridor’s in the Assiniboine West Watershed District. On the surface, this 1.2 million in funding appears to be a welcome addition to conservation programming in Manitoba. Once you dig deeper into the program guidelines and requirements, little detail or framework is disclosed, prompting valid questions from user groups on accessibility to the land, long term management plans, and the benefits such programming has in enhancing biodiversity and wildlife habitat in Manitoba and Canada.
The Ecological Corridor Program along with the Indigenous Protected Conservation Areas (IPCA) are two programs delivered by Parks Canada to meet the Federal Government’s United Nation commitment to preserving 30 percent of Canada’s land by 2030 (“30 x 30”). The overriding theme is to protect these areas according to Indigenous law and practices.
IPCA concerns
I will start with some background on the IPCA program. Parks Canada has identified nine areas including four in Agro-Manitoba for this designation. Although the federal government has no direct framework or guidelines in place to establish these areas, they have chosen to request transfer of these lands from the provinces, establish a national park and turn over management of these parks to Indigenous peoples. While on the surface this initiative may appear to aide in the country’s 30x30 objectives and satisfy reconciliation under Section 35 of the Charter of Rights, we have concerns based on similar initiatives in British Columbia, where in some cases non-indigenous access to these IPCA’s has been terminated.
The Ecological Corridor Program complements IPCA’s as they are co-designated as an IPCA. The twist, however, is that these corridors include both crown and private land with the potential to impact not only crown land access for hunting, angling, and trapping, but could also impact access to crown land for agricultural use, cottage leases, snowmobiling, and even hiking. The impact on private land use, municipal sovereignty over decision making, and the imposition of National Park management over large parts of our province should be a concern for all Manitoban’s. Simply put, non-indigenous hunters in some places in B.C. are no longer able to access land they have historically used for hunting. This raises large concerns for all other crown and private land user groups. If you read the fine print in the background documents, not only could our access be restricted, but this top-down program approach has the means to diminish rural, grassroots soil, water and biodiversity programming for generations to come and undo the goodwill and trust toward conservation programming in our rural areas.
User concerns dismissed
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) is opposed to the 30x30 federal programs and has started a Town Hall campaign to inform our members of these very real threats to hunting, angling, and trapping. In our travels, we came into contact with a group of agricultural producers in the Rivers/ Oak River area who attended our town hall in Russell. They made us aware that their local watershed district submitted an application for the Ecological Corridor program last June, and these landowners began asking questions on the details of the program. They have yet to receive satisfactory
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Thoughts?
Send them in to us! Whether it’s a letter to the editor, a thumbs up or down or just a comment to our staff, we love to hear from our readers! news@neepawabanner.com 204-476-3401 423 Mountain Ave. Neepawa
answers to their questions. As a result, we started working together to gather data and ask questions. In the meantime, the district saw fit to apply for funding and participated in the federal government funding announcement mentioned earlier, in spite of the local concerns. Unfortunately and regrettably, the local producer’s concerns were minimized, marginalized, and dismissed, creating division and animosity within the community and the watershed district.
Collaboration is crucial
I would respectfully suggest the Watershed District Board take to heart the concerns of local residents (and a respected conservation organization) going forward and focus on rebuilding relationships in the rural and agricultural communities they serve. No grant from the federal government, no matter the amount, is worth alienating community mem-
bers. MWF is committed to conservation and biodiversity programming in Manitoba. MWF fully supports grassroots watershed district activities, and watershed districts seeking funding from sources where there are no such strings attached. MWF acknowledges and supports all the great conservation stewardship work undertaken by agricultural producers (as part of Manitoba action in conservation and climate mitigation). Building strong, collaborative relationships with agricultural producers and key user groups is crucial for the success of a conservation program and plays a vital role in enhancing wildlife habitat and populations. It would be beneficial for all conservation organizations to keep that in mind.
Dennis Schindler, P.Ag. (Retired)
Senior Land Conservation Specialist
Manitoba Wildlife Federation
Some stores sell all or mostly goods. For example, a grocery store
If it has a bakery that makes birthday cakes, then it offers goods and a service in one product!
Other stores sell mostly services, such as a car wash
Complete the following to describe a store you go to:
Goods I can buy at that store: Name of a store I go to:
Services I can buy at that store:
Design a newspaper advertisement for the store you described above. Be sure to include some of the goods or services they offer. Look at the ads in today’s newspaper for ideas.
Rotor’s Bakery & Pizzeria reopens in Neepawa
Rotor’s Bakery & Pizzeria in Neepawa held its official re-opening on Monday, Jan. 13. After plenty of hard work and renovations, the Rotor’s Team is now operating at its new location at the corner of Mountain Avenue and Hamilton Street.
Pictured above: Richard Rotor, Pastor Harold Borja, Pastor George de la Rosa, Marianne Dorado, Jinky Valeiro, Mercy Rotor, Shovie Capangpangan pose for a photo together.
Pictured top right: Neepawa Mayor Brian Hedley, Mercy Rotor, Pastor George de la Rosa, Richard Rotor, Agassiz MLA Jodie Byram were together for the ribbon cutting.
Pictured bottom right: The exterior of Rotor’s Bakery & Pizzeria.
PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROTOR’S BAKERY