Mar. 3, 2023 - Neepawa Banner & Press

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Brand new and significant medical investment is coming to Neepawa, courtesy of the Province and Assiniboine Community College (ACC). The Manitoba Government announced on Monday, Feb. 27 that it is providing $2.1 million to the Brandon based community college to establish a one-time, 25 student practical nursing diploma program in Neepawa. The investment will go directly towards the combined operating and capital costs in the initiative.

In a media statement confirming the new program, Health Minister Audrey Gordon was optimistic about what this project could mean for the future of health care in rural areas.

“Investment in training practical nurses helps fulfil the Manitoba government’s goal to add 2,000 healthcare providers as laid out in the Health Human Resource Action Plan,” said Gordon. “Getting more practical nurses into the health-care system means that more Manitobans will have access to care in hospitals and clinics.”

Continued on Page 19

One-time diploma program to be operated by ACC

No such thing as too simple, or complex

Minnedosa creative studio hosts Open Studio Nights

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

A Minnedosa business is offering up creative space to artists. Dubbed Open Studio Nights, Inspire Studio opens its doors every Monday evening– excluding holiday Mondays– from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. free of charge. All are welcome, needing only to bring a project you’d like to work on and the supplies to do so.

“The purpose behind it is to get creative weekly and surround yourself with others who also want to do the same,” said Marlies Soltys, owner and operator of Inspire Studio. “This way, you can get some ideas while discussing with others, get valuable feedback or hints and, most of all, get inspired to create more.”

Soltys added, “There’s a lot of people who enjoy doing things like this, but don’t have the space. It’s nice to be able to offer them that space and get them together with like-minded people, creating again.”

Sometimes giving people a space and creative freedom is all that’s needed to achieve that. Although

Inspire Studios has only just held their third Open Studio evening, the attendees have already made a wide variety of art using different mediums.

“We’ve had people paint, create neurographic art, mosaic, colour, scrapbook,

paper art, zentangle, felt, crochet and more,” Soltys enthused. “It’s been fabulous to see such variety already. Needless to say, it seems that people enjoy having a space available to get creative,”

Anyone wishing to get

involved can do so at any time, as there is no need to register and no planned cut-off date for the service.

“Just come with whatever project you wish to work on,” said Soltys. “There’s no such thing as too simple or too complex.”

PHOTOS BY MARLIES SOLTYS

Inspire Studio,of Minnedosa, began hosting Open Studio Nights recently. Pictured above left and right: A group of artists get together and enjoy the free space given, working on their individual projects using the supplies they brought with them to the studio.

1898: New rink may be constructed in Neepawa

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

125 years ago, Thursday, March 3, 1898

A project is on foot (and there seems no doubt of its being carried out) to erect a skating rink at the north end of town. It is proposed to have two sheets of curling ice on one side and skating space equal to three sheets of curling ice on the other. This will afford an opportunity for hockey matches and no doubt lead to the formation of a club here; and it will avoid the dangers of collision between skaters and curlers on the ice as is the case where skaters circle around the curlers.

Mr. Samuel Farrell is to construct and manage the rink having received assurance of sufficient patronage to justify the undertaking.

According to the Auditor Generals report, the Neepawa post office ranks fourth in Manitoba in revenue receipts. The figures of the six highest are: Winnipeg, $98,125.49; Brandon, $12,513.96; Portage la Prairie, $7,401.92; Neepawa, $3,494.04; Morden, $3,150.78; Carberry, $3,038.83. The salary and commission of Neepawa post office is $1,350.83.

The post office department has refused to grant a license to sell postage stamps in Neepawa outside of the post office on the grounds that the office being situated in the centre of the town, there is no necessity for a stamp vendor within the town limits. This is in reply to an application made by Fred Leach for a license to sell stamps during such hours as the office wicket might be closed.

100 years ago, Friday, March 2, 1923

Hallboro: Roads are very bad. Pete says so. He very near ran over Benny. Everybody is doing fine though.

Arden: A gang of three C.P.R. men are repairing the water tank and pipes from the power house.

Birnie: Quilting bees must be coming into fashion again. Mrs. Neil McIntyre held one of the aforesaid on Wednesday afternoon, when the ladies around town spent an enjoyable time.

75 years ago, Thursday, March 4, 1948

The [Legion] bonspiel which was held on Feb. 25 was a great success with lots of fun for all, some were there who hadn’t thrown rocks before and of course there were those who had played for years. But none the less, everyone got together with the different rinks being drawn out of a hat.

The winners of the First event were C. Farrell, skip; Jack McCallum, D. Anderson and K. Hughes.

The annual bonspiel of the Eden Memorial Curling rink has been completed. The bonspiel opened with 19 rinks in four events with three special prizes. The five events were by Kerrs John Patrinka and the 1948 bonspiel special.

50 years ago, Thursday, March 1, 1973

Twenty-four students from Neepawa Area Collegiate and two escorts left Neepawa early Friday morning, Feb. 16 for St. John’s, Newfoundland. The purpose of the student exchange is to give young Canadians an opportunity to see how their peers live in other parts of the country.

The Glenella Skate-a-

thon got underway at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24 with some 44 participants… Preliminary estimates indicate that well over $600 will finally be turned in.

20 years ago, Monday, March 3, 2003

The town of Neepawa is applying for a conditional use permit for construction of a community daycare, over the objections of two councillors– John Douglas and Bill Stilwell.

The permit would allow the daycare, spearheaded by the Neepawa Area Development Corporation, to be constructed on the former Champs property.

MacGregor Collegiate was evacuated a week ago Monday, following a chemical spill.

Pine Creek School Division superintendent Wes Wellborn said 225 students and 24 staff were sent home at 10:30 a.m. after a chemical-filled cabinet in the science room fell off the wall…

Wellborn said Workplace Health and Safety officials advised evacuation of the school.

Many happy returns of the day are extended to Mrs. Lizzie Ames of Dinsdale Home in Brandon, who cele-

brates her 104th birthday

Feb. 26. Mrs. Ames was a former resident of Brookdale for many years.

Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.

Proverbs 14:22 (New International Version)

NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

This advertisement from R. D. young, Neepawa Boot & Shoe House was placed in the Mar. 3, 1898 edition of The Press.

By Chad Carpenter

Farmer’s daughter leads to love of animals

Keystone Party trying to feed hunger for change

Manitoba is about to experience a fifth political party. Only three parties, the Progressive Conservatives, the NDP and the Liberals have seats in the Manitoba legislature. The Green Party doesn’t have a seat and as far as I can remember, it never has. There are a number of other parties that can, at best be called fringe parties but party number five, the Keystone Party, may be a force to be reckoned with starting this year.

Last week, the Keystone Party held a meeting last week in Gladstone, one of several with a few more planned around the province. Keystone leader Kevin Friesen, a Manitou farmer, outlined their platform. Some of the key points focused on fundamental rights and personal freedoms. As well, they trumpeted a need for limitations to government size and spending, the importance for equal distribution of health care and education opportunities and a tougher stance on crime.

Most Manitobans would see these as desirable goals although the NDP and Liberal parties tend to get a bit carried away on spending a lot of borrowed money and appear to be softer on crime than the PCs. The question needs to be asked, why a new party and why now?

New parties almost always emerge out of discontent with the status quo. The seeds of discontent in Manitoba have had a fairly large garden to grow in. The perceived need for a new party is largely sprouting in the garden known as the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba.

To understand why that is happening it’s necessary to go back to the 1980s and 90s. The political success of PC Premier Gary Filmon ruled the 90s decade. Filmon won three consecutive elections and only lost the fourth because

Right in the Centre

Ken Waddell

of a dumb plan by a handful of back room operatives to set up a vote splitting scheme. When Filmon lost, the party did some introspection, largely in the back rooms and without much attention to the grassroots and especially the rural grassroots. A nice man named Stu Murray became leader. While he had a lot of Liberal connections, the party bosses felt that Murray could do the job and lead the party back to power. He didn’t and he was knifed in the back at a revolt at a party convention. I was at that convention and saw it all happen. At least I saw the more public part.

So the people who knifed Stu Murray plotted to find an even nicer, kinder, gentle person to lead the party. The chosen one, again picked by the party elites, was Hugh McFadyen. He lead the party to two defeats in 2007 and 2011 respectively and resigned.

So, the hunt was on again but only one man stepped up, Brian Pallister. Pallister made no pretence of being anything but conservative. Lo and behold, he won two elections by a large margin. Admittedly, Pallister’s victories were held against a back drop of a tired and floundering NDP party. A series of events and characteristics lead to Pallister resigning. He did a lot of good things, not the least of which was assembling and enabling a very good group of MLAs. They all have their faults for sure, but I would say that,

for the most part, the Pallister group was very good. But along came Covid-19, a bungled federal approach to the pandemic forced upon the provinces and a slow but sure wearing down of Pallister’s patience. He gradually wore out and lost the confidence of his supporters.

Pallister leaving created a vacuum and once again, the party elites seized matters into their own hands, didn’t consult the members very well and orchestrated the hurried election of Heather Stefanson. That plan was almost overturned by a grassroots movement headed by former MP Shelly Glover, a plan that fell only a few votes short.

The party’s meandering decades long search for leadership only had electoral success with strong conservatives, namely Filmon and Pallister. Many feel that Stefanson’s leadership is throwback to the days of leaders without the characteristics of Filmon and Pallister. That in itself provides fertile ground for new party seeds. Add to that the fact that it seems no amount of money or pandering to what seem like unrealistic demands from various unions, people like possible Keystone Party supporters believe a new approach is needed. Played out against a backdrop of a federal Liberal party and leader dropping in popularity, public opinion is leaning towards change. Whether the Keystone Party can capture that longing for change remains to be seen.

‘I think that I could turn and live with animals. They do not sweat and whine about their condition. Not one is dissatisfied.’ Walt Whitman

The poet has a point. I also disagree with him for I believe some are dissatisfied, though they have no recourse in changing their conditions. An animal caged all its life knows nothing else; that does not mean it is satisfied or content. So I’ll go with the part I agree with- I think I could turn and live with animals.

In my early years as a farmer’s daughter, we always had cats and dogs. They were practical contributing members of the farmyard. The cats kept the mice numbers down and the dogs took care of the rats, gophers and errant critters. None of them were pedigree creatures. The dogs were trained to be useful rounding up cattle and herding sheep. I recall with delight training Rena, a golden haired medium size dog, to work with the sheep. After watching me gallop and twirl and bark fiercely, it looked like enough fun that she joined in the game/work. We didn’t have a lot of dogs, but always one. And with being sheep keepers the dog needed to be neutered or there was no insurance on the flock. Made/makes sense.

The cats didn’t become house cats until there were less children in the home, possibly because my mother loved canaries and always had a ‘Peter’ in a cage. Yep, she named everyone of them the same name. Cats and canaries are the stuff of the Bugs Bunny Show! Once cats were allowed to be house pets, they were inside outside beings, calling all the shots. Very cat like.

Having a household of my own, we soon incorporated cats and dogs as house pets. One the farm Jo was allowed in the entry way but not the house proper. He would sit, chin on the kitchen floor, eyes imploring someone/anyone to let him join his family around the table. The patriarch of the clan took some convicning. Out on the acreage we needed a cat, heck two cats couldn’t keep up with the rodents! Two cats and traps and we still heard the shrews scampering on the attic ceiling. Logic had shifted, whereas one cat would have been too many at one time, one cat alone would be lonely, so we got two. Logic I could agree with! We went from two ordinary farm dogs, one a stray that stayed after the youngest family member thawed a pound one hamburger for a hungry wandering canine, and the other a shared pet with our adult children. In their time, they grew old and died. The place felt a little desolate with only two cats, so we got one little dog, and then another. The household sat at two adults, sundry children, two cats and two dogs, all living in peace and harmony.

I found it extremely difficult to say – see you later- to my little dogs, and was very quick to dispose of all items connected to their care and keeping. In the recent past I have been entrusted with the care and keeping of other’s pets. Works for me!

Getting rid of the sting: Part two

On the last Sunday of June, 2015, I preached what I thought might be my last sermon as a Transition Minister. One of the questions I was asked that day was how I planned to spend my retirement years. I joking said that I knew I would not be doing one thing. I would not be conducting any more funerals for parents or parents-in-law. My reason? I had run out of my natural market. Both of my parents and both of my wife’s parents had died; and I had conducted the funerals for all four.

Of all the things I have been asked to do in my career, conducting these funerals has been, by far, the greatest honor I could have ever been given; and I will treasure it to the day I die. These and other similar experiences have taught me some valuable lessons about grief and grieving. This week, I want to share four of them with you.

First, I have learned that

Neil Strohschein

there is no such thing as the right way or the right time to grieve. My mother shed very few tears at my father’s funeral. “I spent the last four years caring for and cleaning up after him as he fought a losing battle with leukemia,” she said. “I’ve done all my crying already. I’m ready for his suffering to end so he can be at peace.” Our entire family followed her example. We were just as prepared for his death as he and mom were. His funeral was vibrant witness to his faith in Jesus Christ. But about three months later, something triggered a reaction in me and I started crying uncontrollably. All the feelings of gratitude for his influence in my life and the loss of his presence in my

life hit me at once; and the tears began to flow. That’s what happens some times; because we all grieve at different times and in different ways.

Second, I have learned that we never stop missing those death takes from us. From the day I entered ministry until the day he died, my father took time each day to pray for me. I still remember the day he phoned to ask me the date and time of my first funeral and promised that he would be praying for me on that date and at that time. Those prayers ended 26 years ago when he died. Then my mom stepped into his shoes and continued them until 2005 when she died. I still miss their prayers and

the regular phone calls I received from them, encouraging me and assuring me of their love and support.

Third, I have learned that the death of the last of our parents and parents-in-law is the hardest to accept. When my wife’s mom (the last of the four) died, I felt a sense of loneliness that I hadn’t felt before. A dear friend told me that those feelings were normal, because I was now an “adult orphan;” an adult with no living parents. Knowing that didn’t make the adjustment any easier; but at least I knew why I felt that way.

Finally, I have learned to cling to my faith. You see, I have read the book. I know how the stories of all who believe in Jesus Christ will end. I still grieve; but I look with confidence to what the Scriptures promiseresurrection, reunion and eternal life with God in bodies that sin cannot corrupt, sickness cannot cripple and death cannot destroy.

4-H Communication Night

By Rebecca Davidson Neepawa 4 -H Club

The Neepawa Belles, Beaux, and Builders 4-H club had their communication night on Feb. 13 at NACI. We would like to congratulate the following participants:

Emmie Somers (1st place) and Rachel Davidson (2nd) in Cloverbud level.

What time is it anyways?

Change of time from Standard to Daylight and back again can be a disruptive event for many people. In particular it always caused upset in the baby’s schedule. Just when you thought you had the baby on a schedule that you could more or less rely on, the time would change and put everything out of kilter.

As I spent more time with my elderly parents I realized this potentially has the same effect on older people. It is not the sleeping patterns that are so much affected as are the eating patterns.

My father reached a point in this time evolution that he did not want to change the clocks to reflect the current time. He felt it was too destructive and preferred to stay on standard time. “If Saskatchewan can do it, why can’t we?” he would lament. It may also have had something to do with failing eyesight.

There are about six clocks around the house. Not one of them is set at the correct hour and minute, so on top of being one hour out, either way, each clock has its own peculiarity of time depending on whether it runs a little fast or a little slow. Some clocks if they happen to be set on daylight savings at some point in the past would remain so. One can envisage the scene! Twelve o’clock on one clock, 12:07 on another clock, 1:03 on another, 11:00 on another and so on. Not to mention the numbers on the stove clock being only partially lit so that one is never sure if it is 1:00 or 7:00, 3 or 8.

For the Junior speeches, Abby Zubert finished 1st, while Addison Somers was in 2nd place.

In the Junior Visuals category, Caitlyn Pankratz was 1st and Rosie Davidson finished 2nd.

Next in Intermediate speeches, Alex Zubert was 1st, Rebecca Davidson 2nd, and Chloe Pankratz was in 3rd place.

Lastly, for Senior speeches category,

The top four were Trent Tominiko (1st), Allison Beaumont (2nd), Claire Beaumont (3rd) and Makenna Sumner (4th).

Everyone had a really good speech! Anyone who got 1st and 2nd has the option to move on to Zones on Mar. 12 at NACI. We would also like to thank the judges who volunteered their time to make 4-H speeches a success!

Highlanders secure medals, certificates

In this maze of clocks and time my elderly parents go about their day unfazed. They know when it is lunch time, when favourite television programs are on, when to get to a medical appointment, when it is bedtime. I marvel at this capacity in two people who sometimes seem confused with other, more simple events.

Much better than I could manage whenever I happen to be staying over for the weekend! Is it bedtime yet? What time during the night did I get up to the bathroom? Is it time to get up for breakfast yet?

It occurred to me that adjustment to time and events may well have some biological basis. Maybe we don’t need clocks after all or are too much a slave to them. Maybe my parents are trying to show me something. In the meantime we continue to have lunch at 11:00 am according to my clock!

Lorraine Adam

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up to a policeman. A few weekends ago, my teenage great grandson and his friend were roaming the streets of Neepawa, when they happened upon a policeman putting a very angry individual in the police car.

The boys were very impressed by the calm way the officer handled the situation. When the officer closed his car door, he looked at the boys and said “make good choices” Impressive!

Kathy Enns 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:

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Medal Tests were conducted on Feb. 16 at Expressive Dance with Crystal’s Studio in Minnedosa. There were Highland Dance exams, Scottish Nationals, Irish Jig, Sailor’s Hornpipe, Choreographies and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award. Pictured here are some of those who took part in the exams, and will be receiving honours for their success.

out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale

Naan

Naan is a flat bread that is traditionally served with Indian cuisine and used to scoop other foods and sauces or served stuffed with a filling. Naan is typically made of maida, a refined wheat flour and baked in a tandoor, a large clay oven layered with glowing charcoal that reaches extremely high temperatures. While skewers of meat, poultry, or fish broil inside the tandoor, naans are stuck to its walls to bake. Traditionally, naan is served hot from the oven, slightly charred, brushed with ghee, which is Indian clarified butter, and it is eaten with a variety of dishes. To make garlic naan: mince 5 to 6 cloves of garlic, and sprinkle a teaspoon on each rolled-out dough circle, pressing it in firmly before cooking.

Naan

1 tsp. sugar

1/2 cup warm water

2 tsp. active dry yeast

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1 Tbsp. oil

2 -2 ½ cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 to 2 Tbsp. whole cumin seeds, sesame seeds or caraway seeds (optional)

3 Tbsp. melted butter or ghee

In a bowl, add the sugar, warm water, and yeast together. Stir to combine and leave for about 10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly. To this add and mix in the yogurt and oil. Mix 2 cups of the flour with the salt. Add the flour to the yeast mix. Stir until you have a soft dough. Add more flour if necessary. On a floured surface knead the dough for 5 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Lightly oil dough and bowl. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Divide the dough into 6 to 7 equal portions. Roll each piece into the shape of your choice; round, oblong or tear drop shape making them about 1/8 inch thick. If using seeds sprinkle on seeds. Roll seeds in.

To bake the dough in the oven; preheat oven to 450°F. Stone baking sheets work well for this. Put Naan breads on the preheated baking sheet. Cook in oven for 4 to 8 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed up. Take them out and brush with the melted butter. To bake the dough in a frying pan; heat up a heavy frying pan (cast-iron preferred) over high heat. Place the dough on the skillet. When it puffs up and bubbles and burnt spots appear, flip it over and cook the other side. Repeat the same until all naans are done. Stack the naan wrapped in a foil in a warm oven until ready to serve. Store naan, well wrapped, at room temperature for two days; freeze for longer storage. Vegetable curries are an easy and simple way to make a meal using basic ingredients like onion, tomato, and spices. This one-pot dish that’s ready quickly and is great with naan bread.

Coconut, sweet potato, chick pea curry

1 Tbsp. oil

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tsp. ground ginger or fresh, finely minced

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. cumin

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes

1 cup water

1 397mL can diced tomatoes

Connecting with your community

When it comes to relating to others, people seem to fall into a couple of camps. The first group of people have their family, and their friends. They make choices that benefit their family and their close loved ones and put their all into maintaining these relationships. They seek the connection of others but only those that they trust and have built a relationship with. They keep their proximal spaces like their houses well cared for and contribute their extra energy at the end of the day to bettering their home space and the well being of their loved ones.

Your Listening Ear

Delsie Martin

your home. The idea of being community minded is that you recognize that the place you live in is special, you share it with other souls and that kindness and generosity make your community better.

it feels. Don’t know where to start? Here are some ideas:

• Smile and say hello to two people you don’t know at the grocery store

1 397mL tin coconut milk

1 540mL can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 to 3 Tbsp. Thai red or green curry paste, or to taste

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 Tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnishing rice or naan for serving (or both)

To a large frying pan, add the oil and onion and sauté over medium-high heat stirring occasionally until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic, ginger, coriander and cumin, and stirring cook for about 1 minute more. Add the sweet potato, water and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and gently simmer for about 10 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are mostly tender.

Add the coconut milk, chickpeas, curry paste, salt, pepper, and stir to combine. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes more until sweet potatoes are just tender. Add brown sugar; taste and add more curry paste, salt, pepper, etc. to taste. Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve immediately. Read your weekly news, find a new recipe, look for jobs, go house hunting, even scout out

The other camp of individuals do all of the things that I just mentioned, but also find some time and satisfaction in contributing to what’s outside their immediate environments, their communities. I believe that both kinds of individuals are important, and their experiences are valid, but I want to look a bit more at folks who take the steps to contribute to their community. What does it mean to be community minded? I believe that volunteering is a cornerstone of a small community and that volunteers keep communities flourishing. Not everyone has time to volunteer in the same ways, but even the smallest amount of contribution makes a huge difference. Small communities have limited job markets because there are less people, less positions, and less resources to go around. Small communities also have big needs that can’t be met by the resources that are provided. This is where volunteers come into play, they add to the community in ways that are essential but cannot always be funded by municipal and provincial governments. Volunteering doesn’t have to be as big as joining a club or doing a weekly thing, it can be small events. It’s not the amount you do that counts (though its admirable) but it’s the fact that the effort has been made to build the community you live in to be a stronger place.

If volunteering is not your jam, there are so many other ways to contribute to your community and it begins by turning your efforts outside

Neepawa is such a kind and relational community and the amount of unique activities and dedicated volunteers is heartwarming. People choose to live in a small community like Neepawa because of the qualities that a small town offers, local business, interesting folks, relationships, kindness, and the ability to smile and greet a stranger at the grocery store because we care about other humans. People choose to live here because of the goodness of the people that live in it and the fact that this goodness is gladly shared.

Today, I want to encourage you to do one thing that contributes to your community and I promise you that you will love how good

• Shovel a driveway for one of your neighbours or make some cookies and surprise them

• Make a call to your favorite local organization and ask about volunteering

• Write a letter to the Banner and Press talking about why you love Neepawa

• Pick up garbage on the streets or parks next time you go for a walk

Delsie Martin (BA, BSW RSW, MSW candidate) is a masters of social work student with the University of Calgary. Anyone who may have feedback on the column or wish to have a question anonymously answered as part of the weekly column may reach Martin at delsiemartin@ trueyoutherapy.ca. Martin’s podcast, The Relationship Review, can be found on Apple, Amazon, Google and Spotify podcast platforms.

Helping producers manage their operations

Manitoba Agriculture conducts livestock, forage seminars

By Shawn Cabak Manitoba Agriculture

Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of livestock and forage webinars led by various presenters aimed to help Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations. Find out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by participating in these virtual sessions. The February session covered Cattle Marketing and Prepping Your Calves for Sale. You can participate by watching on your computer, smartphone or tablet. All sessions are recorded so they can be watched at a later date.

Register for the StockTalk webinar by going to Manitoba Agriculture’s homepage and clicking on the StockTalk link on the right hand side of the page. Future webinars will take place on: Mar. 9, 2023– Bull Soundness Exam and Bull Buying Tips; Apr. 13, 2023– Forage and Pasture Management. For more information visit: www.manitoba.ca/ agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html

Keeping calves healthy

Dr. Reynold Bergen, BCRC Science Director wrote an article that originally appeared in the February 2023 issue of Canadian Cattlemen magazine.

Calving season can be stressful on producers and livestock so it is important to keep both healthy during this time. Since considerable expense and effort goes into wintering and calving cows, we want to get newborn calves off to a strong start at birth. Three leading causes of preweaning death loss are diarrhea, navel ill and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Not all calf illness and death can be prevented, especially when the weather gets bad, but remembering some basic principles can help avoid some of them.

Dr. John Campbell (Western College of Veterinary Medicine) led a team of researchers and producers from the 2013-18 Western Canadian CowCalf Surveillance Network to study calf diarrhea, navel ill and BRD.

The keys to reducing the risks of these diseases in calves were:

• Social distancing, allowing cattle to spread out and calve on clean ground.

• Not letting germs build up by calving heifers and cows

separately and away from winter feeding grounds.

• Not buying more germs by introducing newly purchased cows or calves

during calving or before breeding.

• Minimizing stress with less handling

• Strengthening immunity with optimal body condition scoring and vaccinations.

Work with your veterinarian to develop a prevention-based herd health plan tailored to your facilities, landbase, workforce and disease history. Review your vaccination program (calves and cows), and how you usually prevent and treat calfhood diseases when they arise.

Optimal nutrition ensures cows and heifers are in good body condition score at calving, give birth to a healthy calf and produce high quality colostrum. This will also help cows rebreed sooner after calving. Allow newborn calves to get their fill of colostrum before tagging, vaccinating or castrating them.

Soybean and pea production

A soybean and pea production meeting will be held Mar. 8 at the Canad Inns in Portage starting at 8:30 am. This is a half

day seminar to help equip Manitoba’s soybean and pulse growers with tools to face production challenges and market access issues. Topics on pea and soybean agronomy, pests, disease ID, weed management, soil health and more will be covered.

Registration begins at 7:30 am, to pre-register go to manitobapulse.ca/ getting-it-right. The event is free for MPSG members. Please contact the Manitoba Agriculture office in Portage at 204-239-3353 or shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca for more information.

PHOTO BY CINDY JACK Manitoba Agriculture has begun hosting online seminars. The seminar for February covered cattle marketing and preparing calves for sale.

Neepawa sets water/sewer priorities for 2023

Town Council meeting - Feb. 21, 2023

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Neepawa has set its water and sewer upgrade priorities for 2023 and hopes the Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) will help them get those enhancements going.

Every year, the MWSB asks communities for their five year ‘wish list’ for support on important local projects. These lists are then reviewed and prioritized by the crown corporation, with technical and financial assistance provided to a few of those lucky projects.

This initiative has assisted Neepawa on a some of its most significant water and sewer projects of the past decade. The Town’s local priorities for 2023 are the following and in no particular order:

• The addition of a third raw water well site location (Total project cost is $2 million, though at this time, 50 per cent of that total cost has already been guaranteed to the Town);

• The Highway 16 water main extension project, a.k.a. the services that will be going to the new hospital. (Current projected cost — $4.8 million);

• A meter pit at HyLife Food. (Projected cost — $300,000)

• Water Tower repairs and maintenance (Projected cost — $2 million);

• The Mill Street lift station relocation (Projected cost — $1 million).

Roxy Theatre to feature Filipino cinema

An exact timeline for the Manitoba Water Services Board to notify communities on whether or not they’re receiving any type of support is not known at this time.

Councillor reports

• Councillor Darryl Gerrard provided an update on municipal budget discussions. He noted one item that has already received approval for this year is a small roof repair at the Beautiful Plains County Court House. The maintenance project’s cost is estimated at around $3,500.

• Councillor Yvonne Sisley shared positive news on the Louis Riel Day festivities at the Flats in Neepawa. Around 100 people attended the pancake breakfast, which raised just over $1,000 for the Jaws of Life cutter attachment that is being purchased for the Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department. Sisley noted that the purchase price for this type of equipment is around $6,000, so this support brought in through the pancake fundraiser will go a long way towards assisting in the purchase. As well, a chili cook-off took place, with the submission from Margaret Laurence Home taking the top prize. A thank you to everyone who participated to make the day, from volunteers, town staff and local businesses. A Handy-Van meeting was held on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Dr. Gerard Murray Optometrist

418

It was reported that there were 478 usages of the service in January, including two casino trips. An additional two casino trips were planned for February, as well as a shopping trip on Mar. 1. Sisley also thanked Kathy Jasienczyk for her years of service on the Handy-Van board and welcomed Liwayway Cabrera, who has taken over Kathy’s board position as secretary for Handy-Van. Sisley concluded her report by acknowledging a pair of recent events. First, she thanked Heather Todoruk, Scott & Candice Newton, as well as all the local volunteers for their efforts during the Provincial Curling Championships at the Yellowhead Arena. As well, she commended the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation and its’ Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, held on Saturday, Feb. 18. • Councillor Jason Nadeau summarized recent meeting for Westlake Employment Skills & Services and the Western Manitoba Regional Library Board. He noted that the Neepawa Public Library’s participation on the board saves them $140,000, though it was not elaborated upon how and where those savings were tabulated.

This month, The Roxy Theatre in Neepawa will be bringing in a little piece of Filipino cinema. On Mar. 17 and 18, the theatre will be showing Partners in Crime, a recently released Philippine action-adventure comedy film starring Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi. It was one of the official entries for 2022 Metro Manila Film Festival and became the top-grossing film of the festival.

“We were trying to think outside the box to find new releases that might be of interest to the Neepawa community,” said Kate Jackman-Atkinson, chair of the Neepawa Theatre Centre Inc, the not-for-profit that owns and operates the Roxy Theatre. With a large number of Filipinos in the Neepawaarea, the board wanted to see if there was interest in a movie aimed at this audience.

The film revolves around two former sweethearts, who are now competing media personalities and reunite as sworn enemies. The two are sent to interview the richest man in the Philippines, who survived 99 assassination attempts. When he is found dead, the two enemies find themselves caught up in the crime and forced to work together.

The Roxy shows movies every week,

except December and June, and if attendance is strong, they will look at bringing in more Filipino movies.

Showtime for Partners in Crime will be 7:30 p.m. on both Friday, Mar. 17 and Saturday, Mar. 18 and it carries a PG rating. The movie is open to all and will be screened with English subtitles.

23031gm6 23033gm1

Submitted Neepawa Banner & Press

STAR FILM MEDIA AND VIVA FILMS

“Partners in Crime” stars Vice Ganda and Ivana Alawi.

Robertson rink tops U16 events

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

Area locals were busy at the rinks once again.

On Feb. 19, the Erickson Legion Junior Bonspiel got underway and was declared a huge success. Team Robertson, comprised of curlers all from Neepawa and Gladstone, took the top spot in the U16 Division. Madisyn Robertson was skip, with Lily Stewart as third, Lena Stadnyk as second and Paige Johnson as lead.

Shortly after, at the Clanwilliam Youth Bonspiel on Feb. 26, Team Robertson would once again claim victory. Comprised this time of Madisyn Robertson, skip; Lily Stewart, second; Jorja Buhr, third; and Alexis Jacobsen as lead, the rink competed among seven other teams to be crowned winners of the U16 Division once again.

The Neepawa Banner & Press extended congratulations to the team and wishes them luck on any future events.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Pictured are members of Team Robertson for the Clanwilliam Youth Bonspiel (left) and the Erickson Junior Bonspiel (right). Pictured left, from left to right: Lily Stewart, second; Alexis Jacobsen, lead; Jorja Buhr, third; and Madisyn Robertson, skip. Pictured right: Madisyn Robertson, skip; Lily Stewart, third; Lena Stadnyk, second; and Paige Johnson, lead.

Pair of Neepawa Tigers win year-end awards He shoots, he scores!

A pair of Neepawa Tigers received year-end honours just before the final regular season game of the Westman High School Hockey League (WHSHL). On Sunday, Feb. 26. Jory Kulbacki (on left) received a trophy for being the WHSHL ‘s leading scorer, while Ward Brister was honoured as the league’s top scoring defenseman. Kulbacki closed out the year with 113 points (58 goals - 55 assists) in 32 games, while Brister had 67 points (18G - 49A) in 31 games. Congratulations to both players, and the team as a whole, for an impressive regular season.

A Neepawa Tigers defender for the varsity team makes a huge block on a player from the Rivers Rams, during a Varsity Boys basketball game on Thursday Feb. 23. The Tigers would ultimately defeat Rivers in this matchup, by the score of 81-34. The win improved the Boys squad’s record to 10-0 on the year.

The Varsity Girls team also played Rivers that day and won 49-40, improving their record to 9-1. Both teams closed out the regular season with home games on Thursday, Mar. 2 versus the Carberry Cougars.

Denied!

You don’t need the luck o’ the Irish when you can count on the Banner & Press for reliable news, printing and advertising!

Neepawa Tigers forward Jory Kulbacki added a few more goals to his year-end stats on Sunday, Feb. 26, scoring in the first period on a breakaway (pictured above). Kulbacki would add one more in the first, giving the Tigers the early advantage.

Neepawa’s opponents, the Dauphin Clippers battled back, however, to make it a close contest. The Tigers had to score late, with Myles Willerton collecting the game winner, to earn a 7-6 victory. The win improved Neepawa’s record on the regular season to 23-5-4 and ensured a fourth place finish in the league standings.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Eileen Clarke MLA for Agassiz

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

MJHL Standings

Titans’ playoff hopes slim after losses to Portage Terriers

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

While the Neepawa Titans are not yet mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, a pair of weekend losses to the Portage Terriers have made solving that equation near impossible. The MJHL’s top team blanked the Titans on Friday, Feb. 24, by a 6-0 score. This effort at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie capped off an impressive three game home stand for the Terriers, as they had posted three straight shutouts

Game results

THHL Playoffs

Club 55 Bowling

FEB 23/23:

Ladies’ High Single & Triple: Carole LeBoutillier 200 & 484. Men’s High

Saturday, Feb. 25

Portage 3-2 Neepawa

First Period

05:29 NPA M. Hartley (5)

ASST: C. Bendtsen (11), J. Romanyk (17)

15:12 POR B. Kiesman (11)

ASST: G. Klaassen (7), S. Stanick (20)

19:18 NPA C. Trimble (9)

ASST: K. Reynolds

Single: Darrell Gabler 255. Men’s High Triple: Calvin Goetz 610. Other Scores to Note: Judy

Gabler 160, 150; Len

Pritchard 196, 168; Calvin Goetz 190, 245, 175; Carole LeBoutillier 165; Lawrence Smith 199, 155; Frank Porada 241; Muriel Porada 179; Eleanor Scott 155; Darrell Gabler 168; Ray Criddle 207, 203.

February Bowlers of the Month: Calvin Goetz & Muriel Porada.

The next night, these two teams would meet once again, this time in Neepawa at the Yellowhead Centre. Early in the first period, the Titans would end the Terriers’ shutout streak at 235 minutes and 36 seconds, with Mason Hartley capitalizing on a partial breakaway to beat goaltender Bailey Monteith.

The Terriers would tie it up about ten minutes later, but Cameron Trimble would reply for Neepawa just before the end of the first, knocking home his ninth goal of the year.

The second period felt a touch disconjointed, as the on-ice officials decided they needed to get involved. A queue of back and forth penalties created an air of frustration for both teams. To add to the drama, Portage received a penalty shot just before the end of the second, though Titans goaltender Mason Lobreau ensured nothing came of it, as he stopped Ryan Botterill.

Unfortunately, Neepawa suffered from more penalties just before the end of the period, giving the

Neepawa’s Mason Hartley and Portage’s Parker Scherr during a Titans’ home game on Saturday, Feb. 25. While Hartley would score the first goal for Neepawa on this night, it was the Terriers who would win this game, by a score

Terriers 5-on-3 power play. Just a few seconds into the 2-man advantage, Bryden Kiesman sniped home a goal, his second of the night, to make it 2-2 after 40 minutes.

Portage was able to get its first lead of the game at around the mid-way point of the third period, with yet another power-play opportunity. Mike Stubbs scored, what would turn out to be the game winner with 10:41 remaining in regulation. Portage would finish the night 2-for-6 on the power

ATTORNEY TAMMY D. BARYLUK

Hunt Miller & Co. LLP

Attorneys-at-law

Thursdays 10a.m.-3:30pm

14 Main St. (HMS Office)

Carberry, MB

Phone 204-834-2044

play, while Neepawa was 0-for-5. These two wins were the Terriers sixth and seventh in a row, and put them six points clear of their nearest competition in the East Division. As for Neepawa, those losses, combined with wins by Virden, OCN and Swan

Valley, have the Titans on the edge of elimination. The next home game for Neepawa will be on Sunday, Mar. 5 versus the Steinbach Pistons. Start time is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Yellowhead Centre.

• Personal Service

• Accuracy

• Integrity

Specialists In Tax Preparation

Open Monday Through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Special Appointments Available

• Affordable neepawaincometax@gmail.com

491 Mountain Ave. Neepawa 204-476-3020

Nutrition Bite

March is Nutrition Month and the Neepawa Eats Healthy Committee is excited to be introducing the Meal in 30 Project – A partnership with local community groups, agencies, the health region and the Neepawa Gladstone Co-op and Neepawa Safeway Grocery stores. The goals of this project are to encourage local community members to cook and prepare healthy, budget friendly meals at home, build food skills, eat healthy and shop local. In addition to the March recipe feature, look for new recipes being released in the month’s of April and May too!

Here is how everyone can get involved:

• Pick up the monthly featured recipe at Safeway or the Neepawa Gladstone Co-op

• Look for the tagged food items with the Neepawa Eats Healthy Logo on the grocer shelves

• Take home and cook up your tasty meals/once you are done….

• Scan the recipe QR code to complete a short survey for a chance to win a free grocery pack drawn each month.

1 Onion

March Meal in 30 Recipe: Quick Chicken Quesadillas

1 Green pepper

10” whole wheat flour tortillas

2 Tomatoes

2 Chicken breasts (Cooked)

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

Sour cream (optional)

Salsa (optional)

Vegetable oil

Cheddar cheese (block or 1 packet shredded)

Chop up the onion and green pepper. Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Add the onion and green pepper and cook until the vegetables are soft. Set aside. Chop up the tomatoes. Chop up the cooked chicken. Place 1/4 of the onion, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and chicken on each tortilla. Fold in half. Place in oven and bake for 8 minutes until browned. The cheese should be melted, and the filling should be hot! Enjoy!

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

of 3-2.

Playoffs going according to plan for Gladstone Lakers

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The playoffs appear to be playing out exactly as expected in the Tiger Hills Hockey League (THHL). In the first round, three of the four match-ups ended quickly, with 2-game-to-0 series sweeps for the higher ranked hockey clubs.

For the most part, it’s been much of the same in the next round, with Miniota/ Elkhorn and Minnedosa already advancing with impressive 3-game-to-0 series wins. Gladstone and Killarney, meanwhile, were on the cusp of moving on just before the Banner & Press publication deadline, as they each held 2-to-0 series leads. For the Gladstone Lakers, those wins were at the expense of the Neepawa Farmers.

notched the shutout, with 29 saves on the night.

The very next evening, these two clubs would go at it again, this time at the Yellowhead Centre in Neepawa. In this game, the first 40 minutes was a much more closely contested bit of action, with the Lakers holding a slim 4-3 lead going into the third. Yeroschak, Geddes and Toth all scored, once again for the Lakers, while Stephen Kleysen added his first of the series for Gladstone, as well. Neepawa, meanwhile, found its scoring touch through the efforts of Garrett Rempel, Brad Marshall and Kyle McDonald.

NACI hockey/HOPE Group support local Food Bank

The NACI HOPE Group, along with the Neepawa Tigers hockey team, recently collected donations for the local Food Bank, located at the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Mountain Avenue and operated by Neepawa Community Ministries.

In total, 338 pounds of food and $757.60 in monetary donations were raised from the student’s efforts

In game one in the bestof-five series on Feb, 25 in Gladstone, the Lakers were able to hold the Farmers off the scoreboard for a full 60 minutes, winning by the score of 4-0. Jesse Toth opened up the scoring with a pair of goals in the first period. In the second, Cory Yeroschak and Jory Geddes contributed with goals, to help the Lakers cruise to victory.

Gladstone took over in the third, however with four unanswered goals, making the final 8-3. Geddes added two more goals to earn the hat-trick, while Riley Bruce and Ethan Winters added the others on the night. Once again, it was Derwin collecting the win in net for Gladstone, with 34 saves.

Andrew Derwin

The two clubs played game three on Wednesday, Mar. 1 in Gladstone, with its start time occurring just after the newspaper’s publication deadline. Immediate update on the results can be seen online at THHL.ca, or the Banner & Press social media.

Minnedosa Bombers ground Wawanesa’s Jets

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

It’s been a relatively smooth path through the Tiger Hills Hockey League (THHL) playoffs, so far for the Minnedosa Bombers. After knocking out the Pilot Mound Pilots in two straight games in the opening round, Minnedosa has followed that up with an equally impressive effort versus the Wawanesa Jets.

In the first game of the best-five five scheduled series, Minnedosa earned a 4-1 at home. Shane Jury, who leads the Bombers

in playoff points, scored a pair of goals and added one assist in the game. Ricky Kowalick and Matt Saler had the other goals on the night for Minnedosa, while Kyle Johnston had the only goal for Wawanesa.

Game two on Saturday, Feb. 25 in Wawanesa proved to be the first real challenge the Bombers have had to face in the post season, as they trailed 3-1 going into the third period. Up until that point, Ryan Heino had the only goal for Minnedosa. In the last 20 minutes of regulation, Minnedosa’s scoring prow-

ess returned, as Sales had a pair and Clay Bergeson scored, what would be the game winner, with just 3:27 left in the period. A late push by Wawanesa with the extra attacker was unable to find the equalizer, as Minnedosa would leave town with the 4-3 win.

The third, and what would end up being the final game of the series was played back in Minnedosa

on Tuesday, Feb. 28. This game and series, would be put to rest by Minnedosa’s Shane Jury, who scored a natural hat trick for the Bombers to secure a 4-2 win. Clay Bergeson collected the other goal for the Bombers on a power-play late in the third period. With the series win, Minnedosa moves on to the East Division final to face the winner of the Gladstone/Neepawa series.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Classifieds

Notice

Alanon meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa - Old Co-op Store. Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call 204-841-2192

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa, Thursdays at 7 pm. Call 204841-0002

Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call 204-368-2202

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

To place an ad:

Telephone: 204-476-3401/ 888-436-4242

Fax: 204-476-5073

Email: ads@neepawabanner.com

All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

Notice

Neepawa Banner & Press offers full research and re-print services from our archives that go back to 1896. Additional copies of papers, $2 each depending on availability. Re-print of a page from past copies, $2 per page. Archival research, $25 per hour with a $10 minimum. Individual photos on photo paper $5 depending if we have a suitable original in our digital, print or photo archives.

Ken Waddell, publisher

Obituary

Personal

Crisis Pregnancy Centre

Winnipeg: Need to talk? Call our free help line, 1-800-6650570 or contact our Westman office: 204-727-6161

Help Wanted

CARE TAKER - Minnedosa United Church is seeking a Care Taker for 43 hours per month/average 10 hours weekly. Hours are flexible. Successful candidate will be able to work independently, take initiative and have the physical ability to perform all duties. Knowledge of WHMIS and Workplace Safety Standards an asset. For more information call 204-8672674. Closing Date: March 17, 2023. Apply to: Ministry & Personnel, Minnedosa United Church, Box 692, Minnedosa MB. R0J 1E0

Shur-Gro Farm Service is looking to add to the operations staff in Neepawa Manitoba. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of operations of an Ag retail outlet including; Anhydrous Ammonia, Seed, Fertilizer and Crop Protection Products, while providing service to a growing customer base. Custom Application experience would be a bonus. Please apply by resume by Mar 31/2023.

Contact: Gary Rossnagel, Box 455, Neepawa, Mb R0J

1H0 Phone: 1-431-276-0386 email: garyrossnagel@shurgro.com

October 7, 1988 - February 10, 2023

Age 34 years

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joshua Buchanan on February 10, 2023, at Stormville, New York.

Joshua will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his Dad Greg; Step Mom Diane; his sister Roxanne; niece Delilah; brother Joel; grandpa Macklin; grandma Irene(pre-deceased); uncles Myles(Cathy), Randy(Val), Neal (Brenda); aunt Kerry(Ken); as well as his cousins Shawn, Stacey, Shantel, Brianna, Brett, Jannelle, Erika and numerous family and friends.

Joshua-Shane was born in Ottawa, Ontario where he spent most of his life. Josh loved his family and friends, he would go out of his way to help them and anyone in need.

I can recall several trips to the principal’s office because Josh stood up to some bullies picking on another kid. The short end of the stick usually went to Joshua, but that never stopped him from taking a stand against the bullies out there. He believed you could change anything for the better!

Joshua loved to joke around and have fun with family and friends. He loved music, reading, learning different languages and other cultures. He loved cars, travel and Josh enjoyed hiking, going for walks, canoeing, skiing and he loved to bowl just like his grandpa Mac! Joshua’s selfless nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him and I’m sure he is still helping others in need.

Psalm 100: 3-5

3. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.

Cremation will take place in Ottawa, Ontario. Final interment will occur late in spring at Sidney Cemetery in Sidney, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at https:// gofund.me/268597e5 which is titled Help Raise Funds For Josh’s Funeral Expenses or to Greg Buchanan, Box 22, Sidney, MB R0H 1L0 Cards and prayers are cherished!

For Rent

2 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Minnedosa. 198 7th Ave SW. Call Wes 204210-0081 for more details.

Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419

For Sale or Rent

Land for sale. 145 acres NW 34 16 12. 125 acres cultivated. 204-841-4148

Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson's 204-385-2685, 204-3852997 Gladstone.

––––––––––

Real Estate

Farm For Sale:157.4 acresne 9-17-12W1 in the Westlake Gladstone Municipality.

Contact: Ken Oswald 204386-2223

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Services

Bauman Construction. We do all types of cement work, barn stabling repairs, house foundation repairs, and some carpenter work. Call Bruce 204-466-3088 or 807-8611012.

Auctions

Meyers Auctions & Appraisals. Call Brad at 368-2333. www.meyersauctions.com

Thank You

Our most sincere thanks to everyone who reached out to us at Herb's passing. The many beautiful cards and the phone calls were greatly appreciated and your attendance at the funeral was special.

Ruth Block and family.

Obituary

Sharon Leigh Buchanan

Dec. 1, 1945 – Feb 13, 2023

Sharon Leigh Buchanan passed away on February 13, 2023 at the Country Meadows Personal Care Home, Neepawa, MB. at the age of 77. Left to mourn are Sharon’s husband Terry Buchanan, daughter Tara Lee Buchanan (Shawn Tibbatts) and son Bryce Buchanan (Lisa), Grandchildren Wade and Jillian Waskul and Henry and Daniel Buchanan. Sharon will also be deeply missed by her identical twin sister Beverley (Ken) Donaldson of Selkirk, Mb., brothers Richard (Laurie) Slezak, Grant (Leanne) Slezak, and sister Tannis Slezak (Barrie Butler) all of Calgary. Sharon was also pre-deceased by sister Leanne Wharton of Calgary. Thank-you to all the care givers from the many facilities that cared for our Wife, Mother and Grandmother over the many years of her illness. A funeral will be held at a later date. White’s Funeral Home, Neepawa in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca Terry, Tara Lee, Bryce and families

Help Wanted

Municipality of WestLake-Gladstone

Employment Opportunity

Recreation Director

Full Time Position (35 hours per week)

Permanent, Flexible Working Hours, Some Evenings and Weekend

To apply or for further information such as salary range, benefits, etc. please visit westlake-gladstone.ca/p/employment-opportunitiesDeadline to apply is March 9, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

The Beautiful Plains Museum in Neepawa MB requires a summer student curator

May 8, 2023 to September 1, 2023 • $15.00 / hour

Duties include but are not limited to:

• assist with the promotion and maintenance of the museum, exhibits and activities

• Help with collections research and designing new displays

• Staff front desk, answer visitor questions, and assist with tours and special events

• Submit articles for the web site and update Facebook posts Beautiful Plains Museum is an equal opportunity employer. Send resumes to beautifulplainsmuseum@gmail.com For further information phone Helen at 204-476-2723

Agricultural Mechanic and/or Operator

• Grain Farm located in the Brookdale - Neepawa Area

• Ideal candidate would have experience in being an Agricultural/Truck Transport Technician and/or Agricultural Equipment Operator

• Class 1 license would be an asset

• Strong ability to work and manage their time individually

• Depending on experience duties could include machinery repair, truck transport repair, seeding, spraying, tillage, combining, trucking.

• Yard and Building Maintenance

• Previous experience is an asset but willing to train the correct individual.

• Possibility of completing apprenticeship hours

Competitive compensation will be based on experience. A more comprehensive list of the job description available upon request. Send Resume in confidence to chockin@live.ca

Rolling River School Division

in southwestern Manitoba, Canada near Riding Mountain National Park and Brandon.

SUMMER STUDENT POSITIONS

Maintenance Worker Assistant (16 weeks - May 8 to August 25, 2023)

Mechanic Assistant/Detailer (7 weeks – July 17 to September 1, 2023)

Positions are based at division offices in Minnedosa, MB. For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Summer Student Positions.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

R.M. of Minto-Odanah

Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer

The Rural Municipality of Minto-Odanah is accepting applications for a Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer & Water System Labourer. This position is full time seasonal and scheduled to start approximately May 1st, as weather permits. Duties to include operation of various municipal equipment and other general duties as assigned.

A Class 3 driver’s license would be an asset.

Please send resume with 3 references by 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 10th, 2023. Submit applications to:

R.M. of Minto-Odanah Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer 49 Main St., Box 1197, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Fax: (204) 867-1937 Email: mintoodanah@wcgwave.ca

Jarvis Trucking Ltd,

Gladstone, MB.

Class 1 drivers & Owner Operators

Operating super B grain hoppers, prairie provinces only. Contact Steve, 204-385-3048 or 204-871-5139

Email kjarvisfarms@gmail.com

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

invites applications for Wood Working Technology Instructor Full Time Term September 5, 2023 –June 28, 2024

For more information

Contact Bev Szymesko

Submit letter of application and resume to: bevs@trsd.ca or Bev Szymesko, Superintendent Turtle River School Division Box 309, McCreary, MB R0J 1B0 Phone 835-2067, Fax 835-2426

Although all applications are appreciated, only candidates who are selected for a personal interview will be contacted.

Retail Clerk

Full-time/Part time. No Sundays, evenings or holidays

Duties:

• Cash handling/lottery sales

• Phone call Handling

• Purolator parcel handling

• Receiving and displaying Merchandise

• Deliveries (town of Neepawa Only)

Qualifications:

• Available Monday to Friday 9-6 and Saturday 10-4

• Honest and Reliable

• Able and willing to learn new Skills

Assets:

• Class 5 Drivers License

• Ability to communicate in Tagalog

• Previous cash Handling Experience

Apply with Resume to Neepawa Pharmacy Box 367 Neepawa, MB R0j1H0 or by Email neepawapharmacy@outlook.com or in Person (A-225 Ellen St. Neepawa)

We thank all applicants for their interest only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SIMS LAW CORPORATION, O/A SIMS & COMPANY LAW OFFICE, due to a retirement, has an opening in its Minnedosa Office for a Part-Time Bookkeeper, starting immediately.

Familiarity with PC Law would be an asset.

Duties include:

- post receipts to account ledger

- receipt money in on client accounts for general and trust

- post all expenses to client accounts & GL accounts

- record all accounts payable

- write cheques for accounts payable

- post & submit sales tax monthly

- pay GST quarterly

- month end run reports for accounts receivable, accounts payable, & all taxes

- end of month bank recs for all bank accounts

- prepare Small Claims for unpaid accounts

- each month mail out A/R reminders

- diarize to pay all insurance and Autopac premiums

- record dates and pay all lawyers' insurance and professional dues

- run all year end reports and send to accountant

- enter all year end adjustment entries

Salary commensurate with experience. Hours to be negotiated.

Sims & Company is a law firm with offices in Minnedosa, Shoal Lake, Birtle and Russell. This position is for the Minnedosa office. The firm was established in 1983.

Please submit your resume, by March 31, 2023, in confidence to:

Sims Law Corporation

P.O. Box 460, 76 Main Street South Minnedosa, Manitoba, R0J lEO

Att: Norm Sims, K.C.

Or e-mail to nsims@simsco.mb.ca.

Elks Manor is looking to update its waiting list for 1 BR Life

Lease and Manitoba Housing suites

Heat, water and lights are included in the rent and free laundry facilities on each floor. Outdoor parking available with plug in for the winter. Meals can be ordered from the Yellowhead Manor and are delivered to the building. The building offers a large Multipurpose room for social gatherings with a full kitchen, pool table, shuffle board, piano and exercise equipment for tenants to use. The building is a smoke free building. All suites have balconies and mail is delivered to the building.

Call Jeff at 204-476-2112 or email nem@wcgwave.ca

Help Wanted

FOODS Production Worker

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing. Our vision is to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we need talented people like you to join our team. HyLife creates limitless opportunities for passionate individuals, and we have an exciting new career opportunity located in Neepawa, MB for you to explore!

The current starting wage is $16.10/hour

PLUS opportunities for pay increases and competitive bonuses.

Our wage bracket extends to $24.05 per hour

We Will Train the Right Candidate

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility – Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant

• 4000+ employees worldwide

• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation

• Benefits package – dental coverage, vision care, extended health care, & more!

• Secure, stable, and permanent full-time employment

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Multiple Shift Options

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

• Slaughtering hogs (eviscerate, hide removal, etc.)

• Butcher and package pork primal cuts into value-added specifications for local, national, and international premium markets

• Maintaining our sanitation program

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

• Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/

or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. 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.

We want it to be YOU! Come join our HyLife team.

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Notice

NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

URGENT PRESS RELEAS-

ES - 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.

BOOK YOUR SPRING 2023

CLASSIFIEDS NOW! Be seen in the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging all over the province! NEED DRIVERS? Have a service to offer? For Sale? New Service? Having an On-Line meeting? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW 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

Notice

NOTICE OF DIRECTOR ELECTIONS

ELECTRONIC VOTING

MEMBERS OF ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED (the “Credit Union”)

TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE CREDIT UNION

VOTING FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TAKE NOTICE THAT the Annual General Meeting of the members of Access Credit Union will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. CDT via virtual means, for the following purposes:

1. 2022 Financial Statements

2. Board of Directors Report

3. Appointment of Auditors

4. Announcement of Patronage Allocation and Cash Redemptions

5. Director Elections

All eligible members wishing to participate in the General Meeting are required to register online at www.accesscu.ca prior to April 18, 2023, at 4:00 P.M. CDT. More information about the virtual General Meeting can be found at: www.accesscu.ca.

DATED this 3rd day of March 2023

ACCESS CREDIT UNION LIMITED

By Order of the Board of Directors

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. 122 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, Manitoba

DATE & TIME:

March 20, 2023 at 7:30 P.M.

GENERAL INTENT OF BY-LAW No. 122:

A map amendment to re-designate an area of land in the Town of Neepawa

FROM: INDUSTRIAL AREA

TO: RESIDENTIAL AREA

AREA AFFECTED BY BY-LAW No.: 122

A 1.72 acre area of land located west of P.T.H. No. 5 and north of P.T.H. No. 16 and located on the north side of Gill Drive in the Town of Neepawa more particularly described as being Lot 1, Blk. 2 Plan 6965 NLTO (Roll No.156400.000) in Pt. SE32-14-15WPM as shown on the map below.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In accordance with S. 41 (5) Trustee Act (R.S.M. 1987)

IN THE MATTER OF the Estate of Edwin Norman Craik late of the Town of Gladstone, in Manitoba, deceased.

All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration, must be filed with TRADITION LAW LLP, Estates & Trusts, at their offices at 701 – 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6, Attention: Krista Clendenning on or before April 3, 2023.

DATED at the City of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, the 3rd day of March, 2023.

TRADITION LAW LLP

Estates & Trusts Solicitors for the Administrator

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In accordance with S. 41 (5) Trustee Act (R.S.M. 1987)

IN THE MATTER OF the Estate of Robert John Craik, late of the Town of Gladstone, in Manitoba, deceased. All claims against the above estate, duly verified by statutory declaration, mustbe filed with TRADITION LAW LLP, Estates & Trusts, at their offices at 701 – 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6, Attention: Krista Clendenning on or before April 3, 2023.

DATED at the City of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, the 3rd day of March, 2023.

TRADITION LAW LLP Estates & Trusts Solicitors for the Administrator

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

Kindergarten

Registration for the 2023 Fall Term will be held during the regular school hours between March 1 and March 24, 2023 at the following schools:

Alonsa School Tele # 204-767-2168

Glenella School Tele # 204-352-4253

Ste. Rose School Tele # 204-447-2088

McCreary School Tele # 204-835-2083

We are once again proud to offer a Full-Time Kindergarten Program. All children born on or before December 31, 2018 are eligible to register. To register you will need to bring your child’s Manitoba Health PHIN# and one of the following: Birth Certificate, Baptismal certificate, Certificate of live birth, Health card or Statutory declaration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call your school today.

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

École Laurier

French Immersion Inscription à la maternelle

Kindergarten Registration

L’inscription à la maternelle à temps plein aura lieu du 1 mars au 24 mars, 2023.

Tous les enfants qui sont nés avant le 31 décembre, 2018 sont admissibles. Veuillez apporter à l’école, votre carte d’immatriculation ainsi qu’un des suivants : le certificat de naissance de votre enfant, le certificat de baptême, une déclaration de naissance vivante ou une déclaration solennelle. Nous sommes une école d`immersion française, la pré-maternelle à la 8ième année, et nous offrons une excellente éducation dans les deux langues officielles.

Full Time French Immersion Kindergarten registration will take place from March 1 to March 24, 2023.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jeff Braun, Development Officer, Neepawa & Area Planning District Office 275 Hamilton Street, Neepawa, MB Phone: 1-204-476-3277 • Email: jeff@neepawaareaplanning.com

All children born on or before December 31, 2018 are eligible to register. To register you will need to bring in your child’s Manitoba Health PHIN# and one of the following: Birth Certificate, Baptismal certificate, Certificate of live birth, Health card or Statutory declaration. We are a Jr. K-8 French Immersion school and provide an excellent education in both official languages. École Laurier Laurier, Manitoba 204-447-2068

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.

HIP/KNEE

Replacement?

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum refund

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help: 204-453-5372

Find it in the Classifieds

Auctions

Neepawa welcomes nursing announcement

By Ken Waddell Neepawa BaNNer & press

Last week’s announcement about a Neepawa nurse training project for Neepawa was welcome news to Town of Neepawa CAO Colleen Synchyshyn. “We have been lobbying for months for this.

Once we knew Neepawa was getting a new hospital, we knew that

there would be a shortage of staff. We have been lobbying government for accreditation of existing residents for health care and other occupations as well.”

Synchyshyn explained that the College of Nurses has very clear guidelines about building standards. The Town has been looking at several buildings but one in particular, the former RCMP station is

subject to some planned changes. Synchyshyn said nothing is certain yet but it is hoped the former station can be upgraded to meet the needs of the new training course.

“We are looking at trying to have a building ready for late fall of 2023.” It is hoped that the course could start in early 2024 so that graduates would be available when the new hospital opens.

SERVICES GUIDE

Birnie Builders

Auctions

Attention Farmers & Ranchers

Plan to attend the following BRED COW SALE

At the Ashern Auction Mart

Saturday, March 4th at 1:00 p.m.

The complete herd dispersal sale of Ron and Brenda Jonsson

103 cows 17 heifers

95% sim angus black cows 5% red, tan or grey

Bred to calving ease black angus bulls

Turned out June 16th (March 28th start date)

Full health program: bovishield, covexin, ivermectin in June

cylence in December, Scourbos 9 January 23rd and heifers boosted March 3rd

A quiet set of cows from a reputable operation.

The Complete dispersal sale of Kevin Richards

70 cows and 12 cow calf pairs

70 cows (black, red and tan)

Bred to easy calving Edie creek Angus bulls

Cows approx. 4-8 years old

Full health program

Ivomectin, bovishield, blackleg, vit a/d/e, previously scourguarded

Have not pulled a calf in years

Farthing Family complete dispersal 40 cows

20 blk cows

2-5 years old

Bred to Black angus bulls March 15th start calving 20 black and Charolais cows bred later

For further information contact:

Ashern Auction Mart – 204-768-2360

Buddy – 204-768-0018 • Kirk – 204-768-0019

Licence #1128

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

*Auto *Farm *Marine

*Construction *ATV

*Motorcycle *Golf Carts

*Rechargeables *Tools

*Phones *Computers

*Solar Systems & design

* Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg TF 1-877-775-8271 www.batteryman.ca

Accounting

Construction

Neepawa Eats Healthy: Meal in 30 project

The Neepawa Eats Healthy Committee is excited to be introducing the Meal in 30 Project – A partnership with local community groups, agencies, the health region and the Neepawa Gladstone Coop and Neepawa Safeway Grocery stores.

March is Nutrition

Month and Neepawa Eats Healthy is launching “Meal in 30” kits on Mar. 1, at the participating grocery stores. Shoppers can look for the featured “Meal in 30” recipe, try it at home, tell the committee what they think by answering a short questionnaire and have a chance to win a grocery prize pack at the end of each month. The project will also run during the months of April and May.

Neepawa Eats Healthy is a group of dedicated partners representing local organizations and community members working together to improve healthy eating outcomes in the community.

“The goals of this project are to encourage local community members to cook and prepare healthy, budget friendly meals at home, build food skills, eat healthy and shop local” commented Amanda Naughton Gale,

committee member of the Neepawa Eats Healthy group.

In the next three months, look for a recipe of the month that is quick and easy, includes vegetables and/or fruit, has easy substitutions (based on some basic shelf ingredients) and is budget friendly!

Brittney Bartecki, Registered Dietitian from Prairie Mountain Health is also part of the Neepawa Eats Healthy committee and is also excited about the project. “We are encouraging our community to find ways to cook more at home, experiment with new recipes and have some fun in the kitchen! Hopefully helping to take some guess work out of meal planning by helping to add a few new meal ideas into your week.”

Here is how everyone can get involved:

• Pick up the monthly featured recipe at Safeway or the Neepawa Gladstone Co-op

• Look for the Tagged food Items with the Neepawa Eats Healthy Logo on the grocery shelves

• Take home and cook up

your tasty meals / once you are done….

• Scan the recipe QR code to complete a short survey for a chance to win a free grocery pack drawn each month.

By picking up the Meal In 30 recipe card and purchasing at least 3 of the featured items, people will also receive a Neepawa Eats Healthy Reusable Grocery Bag (while supplies last!)

The committee is excited to have the participation of the Neepawa Titans supporting this project. Players from the local hockey club spent a day in the kitchen acting as guest cooks for the 3 recipes that will be featured on NACTV, help-

ing to create awareness and encourage everyone to get involved. “Their participation has been lots of fun and we hope the community will get behind the project and will try the featured recipe over the next three months,” commented Bartecki.

For any questions about this project please contact Sherrill-Lee Hyra, Health Promotion Coordinator, Prairie Mountain Health at shyra@pmh-mb.ca or call 204-578-2192

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Members of the Neepawa Titans hockey club honed their cooking skills at the Neepawa Eats Healthy program.

Assiniboine Community College pleased to contribute in rural health care training

Continued from Page 1 Advanced Education and Training Minister Sarah Guillemard added that “The one-time offering in Neepawa will provide students with training close to home, allowing them to study, work and strengthen health care in the region.”

As for the Assiniboine Community College’s involvement with the endeavour, ACC president Mark Frison said the institution is pleased to contribute in training people for careers

in health care throughout the province.

“Nursing is Assiniboine’s largest single program and our graduates have a track record of getting jobs and staying in Manitoba,” stated Frison.

“This welcome investment by the Manitoba government allows us to respond to needs in Neepawa and we look forward to working with the community to expand access in this growing region of the province.”

An exact timeline on the establishment of the program, as well as the official

It’s beginning to look a lot like Home

location were not released in the media release.

There has been some speculation within the community as to where it will be housed, but the province is not commenting at this time.

This nursing training program announcement is the latest positive news for Neepawa in terms of health care. Back in late 2021, the province announced plans to construct a new Health Centre in the community, nearly four times the size of the existing Health Centre.

The delivery and set up of product for inside of the new Home Hardware Building Centre in Neepawa is well underway. Home Hardware owner Michelle Gerrard told the Banner & Press, “We hope to be in the new building by the end of March. We are looking at a soft opening first and then a grand opening in May.” The new building is being filled up with stock and clearance sales are being held at the current location. As to what business will utilize the current Home Hardware building is yet to be announced. The current location has been a hardware store for many decades, as well as once upon a time it was a garage, a bowling alley and part of the building was home to the Neepawa Press prior to the current newspaper location being constructed in 1932.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF NEEPAWA HOME HARDWARE SOCIAL MEDIA

Minnedosa local part

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

Hockey Manitoba proudly announced a historical first recently. For the first time ever, its U18 Team Manitoba coaching staff is comprised of an all-female team. Part of this first for Hockey Manitoba is Minnedosa local Cassandra Groen, a member of the coaching staff for the 2023 season.

“It feels surreal. It’s such an honour to be chosen to be a part of such a groundbreaking moment in Hockey Manitoba History,” Groen enthused. “Working with such a talented and great group of female coaches is beyond amazing. I can honestly say that the staff wasn’t built with only publicity for Hockey Manitoba in mind, it is truly because we have a strong caliber of female coaches in the province.”

While some may know Groen for her work as the manager of parks and recreation for the Town of Minnedosa, others may know her for her extensive coaching career. Groen got her start as a volunteer coach for a learn-to-skate program at just 13 years old, instantly falling in love with the feeling of watching and helping kids stand on skates for the first time.

“Their joy and excitement that they’d finally

achieved their goal after all of their hard work was something I knew I wanted to be a part of or help individuals

find,” said Groen.

This passion led to a coaching career of 13 years to date, not just for skat-

ing but for hockey and ringette as well. Groen has conducted training for goaltenders in the past, who were

competing provincially.

However, she had never been on a roster and gone to the Canadian Winter

Games as a coach.

That is, until now. Groen is currently in Prince Edward Island attending the aforementioned games until Mar. 6.

“We’re competing every day– we got our start on Monday, Feb. 28 and will keep going until Sunday, Mar. 5,” said Groen. “If we’re doing really well, we’ll get Thursday off.”

Groen added, “On top of competitions, the athletes practice for 30 minutes each day, along with some recovery sessions and activities put on by the hosts.”

In addition to Groen, the coaching staff consists of Tess Houston, Maggie Litchfield-Medd, Ashley van Aggelen and Karissa Kirkup.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOCKEY MANITOBA

Pictured are the staff of Hockey Manitoba’s first ever all-female U18 coaching team. Pictured from left to right are: Tess Houston, Maggie Litchfield-Medd, Ashley van Aggelen, Karissa Kirkup, Cassandra Groen.