Friday, January 20, 2023 - Neepawa Banner & Press

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Tournament of Champions - Page 12

A health care facility built for the future

Public meeting shares first view inside Neepawa’s new hospital

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Neepawa has had its first look at the layout for its brand new hospital. The local Royal Canadian Legion Hall was packed to capacity on Thursday, Jan. 12, for a meeting outlining the details for the $127 million health care facility.

Representatives with Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), as well as Winnipeg based LM Architectural Group, who are in charge of the design work, shared the particulars.

Matthew Bowering, of LM Architectural, provided a 30 minute overview for the three-storey building that will include 60+ private inpatient rooms for medical, surgical, bariatric, airborne isolation and palliative care. The expanded emergency department will feature 14 treatment bays, with an attached ambulance bay. Cancer care, meanwhile, will have six treatment stations and renal dialysis will have nine.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX Interested Neepawa residents take a close look at some of the blueprints and artist renderings of the new hospital that is being constructed on the town’s east side.

Mom’s morning out in Neepawa

The first session of ArtsForward’s Mom’s Morning Out program, sponsored by Miles for Mental Health, got underway in Neepawa on Jan. 17. The program provides moms with a chance to get out, socialize and engage in activities together, or side-by-side, while caretakers look after their children on-site.

Above photo: Some of the participating moms talk, laugh and focus on the details of their craft activity for the day. Right side photo: A couple of ArtsForwards’ caretakers provide companionship while a group of young children observe, talk and play.

Neepawa arrest leads to massive drug/weapon seizure

Four people charged with multiple offences

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

A report on a stolen vehicle has lead to a major find and multiple arrests in Neepawa. On Jan. 10, Spruce Plains RCMP responded to a call related to the stolen automobile in a parking lot on Main Street East. Local officers were able to locate the vehicle and in the process tracked down and arrested three adults and a youth. Further investigation was also able to link a second stolen motor vehicle to the group.

A search of those two automobiles then uncovered an array of illegal items, including 64 grams of crystal methamphetamine, a small amount of cocaine, bear spray, four firearms, as well as other weapons and

stolen property. The four people arrested included:

• A 31-year-old female from Ste Rose du Lac, who has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime x 2, failure to comply, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and several firearm offences. She has been released from custody, but is scheduled to appear in court on June 20;

• A 25-year-old male from Dauphin has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, failure to comply x 3, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and several firearm

offences. As of Monday, Jan. 16, he had been remanded into custody;

• A 21-year-old female from Portage la Prairie is facing charges of possession of property obtained by crime x 2, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and several firearm offences. She has been released and is scheduled to appear in court on June 20; and

• A 16-year-old male from Regina, who has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime, failure to comply x 3, possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose and several firearm offences. He was remanded into custody.

At this time, the Spruce Plains RCMP continues to investigate.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SPRUCE PLAINS RCMP

The array of weapons, drugs and other items found by RCMP in the arrest of the four suspects.

PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

1993: Brays receive award for ‘sprucing up’

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

110 years ago, Tuesday, January 21, 1913

The directors of the hospital announce that Bert Brooker has been good enough to offer his services and one of his shorter plays which will be produced, together with a high class concert program arranged by C. R. S. Chalmers at the opera house on the night of Friday, Jan. 31 in aid of the local hospital. The play, which is entitled Suspicious, consists of two acts and was a great success in Portage la Prairie three years ago where it was first staged.

100 years ago, Tuesday, January 23, 1923

One of the first lists of telephone subscribers issued 20 years ago was recently uncovered in the renovation of a Neepawa office. It recalls such names as Amson, Burley, Boulton, Ennis, et al, but there are about 20 of the present day subscribers including Browns, Clare, Crawford and others.

90 years ago, Friday, January 20, 1933

Robert Henry Arbuckle passed away after a brief illness at the Shoal Lake hospital on Saturday, Jan. 14…

Robert Henry Arbuckle was born in the County of Carlton, Ont., in 1872, coming to Manitoba in 1889, he settled in the Wellwood district, where he has resided prior to a year ago when he moved to the Decker District. He is survived by his widow and three sons, Roy and Clarence at home and Earl, of Maple Creek, Sask., a daughter Dorothy predeceased him five years ago.

Mr. Arbuckle was one of the early settlers and was highly esteemed by a large number of friends.

80 years ago, Thursday, January 21, 1943

It was reported that the number of Germans killed or captured in the trap at Stalingrad is set at 170,000.

Oberon: Gnr. C. Martin, who is with R.C.A. at Portage la Prairie, wishes to take this means to thank the local Red Cross for the lovely box he received at Christmas time.

70 years ago, Thursday, January 22, 1953

Arden: The hockey game on Monday night between Plumas and Arden junior teams saw Plumas win 5-2. A small crowd saw the tilt.

Kelwood: A. J. Hearn and V. Kinley are the delegates attending the trustees convention in Winnipeg this week.

60 years ago, Tuesday, January 22, 1963

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Nowak of 275 Columbia, Depew, New Jersey, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 14 at a party given in their honour by their son Toni and his wife and their daughter, Rose Gembrone and husband…

Mr. Nowak, as a boy, attended school in Polonia and later lived at Mountain Road. Mrs. Nowak also lived at Mountain Road before her marriage and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Egniac Piascecki. She has a sister, Mrs. Frank (Vera) Kuharski living in Neepawa.

50 years ago, Thursday, January 18, 1973

Eugene Dutchak, of Kelvingstone, Sask., assumed duties as administrator of Neepawa District Memorial Hospital on Jan. 1, replacing Mrs. Myrtle McKenzie who recently retired.

McCreary: Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Williams on the occasion of their

59th, wedding anniversary, Friday, Jan. 12.

40 years ago, Thursday, January 20, 1983

Brandi Lynn Fuglsang arrived at 10:48 a.m. Jan. 12 to claim the honour of being the first baby born in Neepawa and District Hospital in 1983. She weighed in at seven pounds, 14 ounces. Proud parents of their first-born child are Bev and Bob Fuglsang of Glenella. Brandi Lynn will receive a host of gifts from Neepawa business firms.

Note: Brandi Fuglsang was marked as Neepawa’s Centennial baby, as 1983 was Neepawa’s Centennial year. Neepawa was incorporated on Nov. 23, 1883.

Carberry area farmer Herb McIntosh was chosen to provincial runner up at the second annual Conservation District Association in December.

McIntosh was chosen as Whitemud Watershed Conservation District winner over seven other entrants, winning mostly on points gathered in areas of wind erosion protection. He has been working at this since 1954, when he planted two and a half miles of shelterbelt.

Maple Creek: Maple Creek is this year celebrating the 100th anniversary of the arrival of steel to this point, with the first settlers arriving here during the winter of 1882-83, when construction on the rail line halted just a few miles east of here.

The community of Alonsa will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 1983.

30 years ago, Tuesday, January 19, 1993

Western Manitoba’s regional library system

may take on a very different face, now that the rural municipality of Cornwallis has dropped out.

Come spring, there’ll be a new attraction at the end of Dave and Carol Bray’s farm lane.

As recipients of the 1992 Whitemud Watershed Conservation Farm Family award, they received a gate sign from the conservation district, which sponsored the award along with Manitoba Districts Conservation Association and Pool Elevators…

“Nobody can grow spruce trees like Dave can,” [Wayne] Hildebrand said.

[Whitemud manager] Hildebrand’s comment stems from the 40-foot high spruce trees that are used as a shelter belt around the yard and surrounding land. The trees provide some visual splendor near the turnoff to Lake Irwin on Hwy. 5.

The award recognizes

soil and water conservation farm practices.

20 years ago, Monday, January 20, 2003

The Town of Neepawa is supporting a bid to host the 2005 Manitoba Senior Summer Games.

Marcel and Kristine Oswald, Elisha, Bayley and MCKenna spent a few days between Christmas and New Year’s in Winnipeg with Jane and John Busser, Christina, Carissa and Cindy. On New Year’s

Day the Oswalds visited Kristine’s grandmother, Edna Watson, at East View Lodge to help celebrate her 99th birthday.

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.

I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.

Galatians 5:16 (The Living Bible)

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

Dave and Carol Bray, pictured in January of 1993. That year, they received the 1992 Conservation Farm Family award.

Perspectives

Tundra

New guidelines announced

When I was quite young, that is in the early 1960s, our school had a number of speakers come in to our school. I don’t remember if the one particular speaker was from the government or perhaps from Alcoholics Anonymous but I do remember the message. The man said, “The only way to avoid becoming an alcoholic is to never take the first drink.” The sheer logic struck me quite clearly. The implication was that if you never start drinking alcohol you can’t become an alcoholic. Fifty years ago, alcoholism was a problem and it’s still a problem today. Everybody has seen or been affected by alcoholism.

In the many years in between now and the 1960s, the pressure to consume liquor has become a mainstay of advertising. You can’t go very far without being bombarded by how good the party will be or how good you will feel if you consume alcohol. The government also advertises how to cope with drinking and living, drinking and driving and how to get help for alcoholism.

New alcohol consumption guidelines were released Tuesday by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, or CCSA. Their studies recommend a huge reduction in consumption, down to two drinks per week. The implication is that alcohol consumption causes cancer and other diseases. Many people who have observed the onset of dementia will relate it to heavy alcohol usage. These types of warnings come in addition to the usual cautions against weight gain, possible harmful behaviour and the devastation to individuals and families due to alcohol addiction.

While all this information, both old and new, is helpful and it may actually curb consumption somewhat, it is still all about individual decisions. The

Right in the Centre

Ken Waddell

information should be put out there for all to see, but I hope the government doesn’t get too involved in the process.

Already there are pleas for more government restrictions on the sale of alcohol. Some want to see pictures put on booze bottles in the same way as pictures on cigarette packages. Pictures showing all kinds of grim health results from smoking.

People know that smoking tobacco is both expensive and harmful. People know that alcohol consumption can be devastating. I doubt that pictures will have much effect, but I may be wrong.

Anyway, the key message in the recent recommendations, that more than two drinks a week increase health risks. Seven drinks a week apparently raises risk quite high for cancer, heart attacks and strokes.

Some people already avoid these stated risks by not smoking or drinking and that’s a good thing. Some use tobacco or alcohol in moderation, but everybody knows that both are addictive. Some will say the alcohol and tobacco aren’t nearly as bad as illegal drugs, and that is true.

The point is that whatever we put into our bodies has an effect and

”

often harmful ones. In addition to the above named products, there are many prescription drugs and ordinary foods that can be harmful as well. I daresay, obesity probably wears down more people than alcohol.

That all said, my school days speaker’s advice to never take the first alcoholic drink was good advice. I admit, I have not always followed it. The never take the first one applies equally to tobacco, marijuana, illicit drugs and many other substances.

The advice doesn’t apply to food of course. Not eating isn’t an option but healthy food choices are an option, and need to be sought out.

I just hope that governments restrict their activities and public expenses to putting out accurate information and not get into mountains of regulations and expense. Put out accurate information and let people make their choices. Save us the wearisome blather and public expense.

Let people decide and please cut the regulations.

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 Banner & Press staff.

PUBLISHED

Homebodies

Don’t be a Sheldon…

The Sheldon to whom I am referring is a fictionist character, the beloved quirking genius from The Big Bang Theory show. He lacks social skills, despises change– of any type– and is quite self-centred. We (I) can chuckle indulgently when he fixates on ‘his’ spot on the couch, or rushes to provide a hot beverage when someone appears distressed. Yikes… what spot on the couch of mine am I protecting and defending? It’s a place to sit– all metaphorically. Parts of our society have become egocentric, placing their wants above the needs of others. And it is way easier to pour a cup of tea or hot cocoa as the situation demands, than to respectfully and fully listen to the burden another needs to share. I know a show is simply a show. It is, however, an accurate portrayal of human nature, and some days I am a Sheldon, some days a bossy Bernadette and very seldom am I a Howard!

Be a Harry…

“ People know that smoking tobacco is both expensive and harmful. People know that alcohol consumption can be devastating.Harry was/is a real life person. My friendship with him began after the death of his beloved wife and when Ed began singing in the choir. It was easy to sit beside Harry and chat lightly as we waited for the service to start. As life moved on and Harry became dependant on assistance, while maintaining his independence in thinking, our relationship changed. I would pop by the care home and invite him to join me for a drive. He always checked at the desk for permission, informing them of our expected time of return, and then thank them. After one such exchange, as we walked away, Harry gently said– a little thank you goes a long way. We would go for a drive and then stop at his preferred coffee shop. People would stop by and exchange pleasantries, never having the time to truly stop and visit. One day I mentioned it was nice to get out and talk with old acquaintances. With true Harry wisdom, and with a sad smile, he replied– they talk at me, not to me. And then, when I dropped him back at the care home, walked to the door with him, he would always turn and say– thanks a million. That was a thank you from the heart. The day I dropped in and invited him out, and he declined, I saw, too, that his sight had now turned inward…

Harry was the salt of the earth, and he could be the pepper when needed. He worked tirelessly for his family and his community, stepping into public positions, introducing change, and taking flack. Enjoying life as he lived, sports especially, and always humble.

There are times when we/I need to hold up the mirror, in glaring blaring daylight, and see what others see when they see me. It is easy to be a Sheldon, perhaps not even aware of the blessings of life we are missing with our narrow vision. It is a gift to others and ourselves when we are thankful, serving, humble and caring. We have the choice. I choose to try to be like Harry.

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News releases and leads: news@neepawabanner.com sports@neepawabanner.com

I doubt that pictures will have much effect, but I may be wrong.

We were born that way

The second half of Genesis 3 contains words of condemnation to which we can easily relate; because we have been living with the effects of those words ever since.

In response to the sins of our first parents; God evicted them from the earthly paradise that had been their home. They left a world in which they lacked nothing and entered a world that had become chaotic, turbulent and violent; a world in which the components fought each other instead of working together.

That’s the world into which you and I were born and in which we live. It is not a safe world. At any moment, at any place on earth, someone can become a victim of violence.

Sometimes it comes in the form of a flood, blizzard, earthquake, tornado, wild fire or similar natural disaster that damages property and with it, the hopes and dreams of those who invested a lifetime of effort in building it.

Sometimes, the violence

Faithfully Yours

Neil Strohschein

is caused by the deliberate actions of those who take the law into their own hands and exploit, abuse, misuse, torment, torture and sometimes cause the death of other human beings.

So from the moment we enter this world, we are locked in a life-and-death struggle for survival. And just like the contestants on the TV show Survivor, we must “Outwit, Outlast and Outplay” other humans and nature itself just to survive. Human history is filled with accounts of people who have extreme measures to ensure that they, their descendants, and those like them can live in a land they dominate and control.

Was it always that way? No. In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth and put the

first two people on this planet, all of creation lived in peace and safety under God’s command. But when our first parents decided to turn to their own way (see Isaiah 53:6), their selfish acts brought chaos into their own lives, into their relationship and into the beautiful world that God had created.

That chaos, fueled by selfishness, has been with us ever since. In a fit of jealous rage Cain, the first child born to human parents murdered his brother Abel. Why? Because God accepted Abel’s sin offering and rejected Cain’s. One act of jealousy, selfishness and anger was all it took to reduce the world’s population by 25 per cent.

Not much has changed since then. The selfishness and self-centeredness that Adam (the father of us

all) displayed was passed on to his son Cain. He passed those traits on to his descendants; and every generation since then has done the same. Our parents passed those traits on to us and we passed them on to our children.

Long before they were able to speak a word, we could tell by how they cried whether our children were hungry, needed a diaper change or throwing a temper tantrum. The first word they spoke was “No!” They learned it from us– and learned that if they didn’t want to do what we asked them to do, all they had to do was say “No.” That’s when we learned that the clash of wills that began in Genesis 3 was alive and well in our homes.

That selfish, self-centered attitude exists in all of us. We were born that way. But we don’t have to be bound by it. We can learn to be selfless and to put others ahead of ourselves; and we must-if we want to help save our world from total collapse.

More on that next week.

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up to the guys at the Men’s Shed. Thanks so much for all the work you do. I didn’t know who you were. You’re great for my mental health.

Thanks for all you do. Thanks for coming out of the “woodwork” for a picture.

Sherry James Neepawa, MB

A huge thank you to Blaire McLaughlin and Ron Nordstrom for providing entertainment to Country Meadows residents last Friday at Happy Hour.

The joy of the residents was obvious as they tapped their toes or clapped their hands in rhythm to the music. Near the end they started to sing along with the chorus and hoot and holler at the end of the songs. The smiles on their faces was contagious!

Marsha and staff, you did an amazing job organizing music, snacks and “refreshments” to make everyone feel special and like they were out on a night in town. Thank you for caring.

Brenda Nicholson 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

www.myWestman.ca

2023 is the year of risk management

By Cam Dahl Manitoba Pork Council

“Good riddance” is the most common response I hear to the passing of 2022. It was a year of uncertainty. We saw disruptions to supply chains, reverberations from COVID-19, the war in Ukraine impacted markets, and African Swine Fever (ASF) jolted traditional supply and demand. Will 2023 be any better? Many of the market disruptors from last year will continue. However, this year, we can see these uncertainties in advance and mitigate some of the associated risks.

An uncertain year

What uncertainties face the pork value chain at the start of 2023? The war in Ukraine is going to continue to cause significant disruption, resulting in high feed prices and price instability. What will the price of corn or soybean meal be in six months? If someone gives you firm answers to these questions, don’t believe them. Accurate prediction is challenging under the current market conditions.

Ongoing impacts of COVID-19 continue to introduce volatility. As a result of the pandemic, we shifted from a logistics system that was “just in time”

to one that is “just in case”. A “just in case” logistics chain increases the cost of inputs and pushes up the cost of getting pork to market.

There are also significant economic factors building uncertainty into the global demand for pork. Rising inflation, especially for food, will impact pork demand. By how much? This is an open question that has no easy answers. Related to rising inflation is interest rate uncertainty and exchange rate volatility.

Economics ‘dismal science’

There are other market impacts to consider. To what degree has China recovered from ASF and what will this mean for their pork demand? What about other ASF impacted countries like Vietnam and the Philippines? What will happen to European production, in light of ASF pressure, escalating feed cost and restricted feed availability, driven by the war in Ukraine? These are very big market questions for 2023.

Disease will continue to be a significant production risk in the year ahead. Will Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) be an issue this year? Will Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) enter Canada in a substantive way? Outside

of ASF, are there other diseases that we should be paying attention to?

Economics has been called the dismal science. Not hard to see why when reading this introduction to 2023, but the outlook is far from gloomy. The positive hog prices we see coming into the new year have support going forward. Pork consumption, both at home and abroad, remains strong. Pork supply is tight internationally, with European production slipping, U.S. hog numbers on a downward trend, and Asian production below average because of ASF. However, risks and uncertainty are real, and risk management is critical to realizing positive potential and securing profitability.

Risk mitigation options

Where should producers focus their risk mitigation efforts? Currency fluctuation is one area. Ninety percent of the 8 million pigs produced in Manitoba are exported, either as animals going into U.S. feeder operations or as pork shipped around the world. All this production is priced in U.S. dollars. International volatility, both financial and political, drives fluctuations in the spread between Canadian and U.S. currencies. If there ever was a time for producers to look for advice on

protecting themselves from currency risk, 2023 is that time.

Long term hedging of inputs makes sense for 2023. Forward feed contracts are one tool that can accomplish this goal. This may be an area where individual operations can benefit from additional third-party expertise. The same comment applies to examining ways of protecting prices for future hog production. This can be achieved through forward contracting with processors or using the futures markets. Again, there are professionals who provide advice on how best to manage anticipated price volatility and mitigate risk.

Offering biosecurity

Disease pressure is one of the biggest threats to profitability. This is a risk over which we do have some control, even if that control is not complete. We mitigate disease risk through rigorous adherence to biosecurity protocols, whether that risk is from diseases like PED or PRRS, or the more threatening foreign animal diseases like ASF. Animals that are brought into barns must be screened to be free of new diseases, as should feed.

out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale

Shepherd’s Pie

With inflation at the grocery store we need to learn to use all the food that we purchase. People have probably wasted food since Adam and Eve but it’s more than likely our ancestors were not as wasteful as we are today. Unlike so many other places in the world, food has been economical for us and easily obtained. In our throwaway society we Canadians are among the highest food wasters in the world throwing out 79 kilograms (175 pounds) of food every year from our kitchens. Fruits and vegetables account for 45 per cent of this food waste. Most of this waste is avoidable. Fresh produce is mainly wasted because of overbuying and improper storage. Food waste costs you money and stresses the earth’s limited resources.

Shop smart by planning ahead. By working out a menu for the week ahead, you’ll be less likely to buy things you don’t need or will not use. As part of a meal plan have a “use it up” meal each week where leftovers are used. It means changing “What would you like to eat today?” to “what do we have on hand to eat today?” It will take time and effort to become a “use it up cook” but your wallet and the earth will be thankful for your efforts.

Many leftover gravies, broths, meats and veggies can all find a second life after a little time in the freezer. Shepherd’s Pie was traditionally made with the leftover meat from Sunday’s roast and would be served up for dinner on Monday. Nowadays it is usually made from hamburger cooked just to make this casserole. I make mine from leftover meats diced finely. I just save the leftover meats and gravy (pork, beef and chicken) in a container in the deepfreeze and when I get enough meat I make Shepherd’s pie. This helps to use up those little bits of leftover meats that are often not enough to make another meal. To add to this “use it up meal” make this banana crisp. Be sure to serve this dessert warm from the oven.

Shepherd’s pie

1 1/2 pounds potatoes (about four medium)

1 Tbsp. butter

1/4 cup milk

1 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. butter

1 onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

2 slightly rounded Tbsp. flour

2 1/2 cups beef broth

2 Tbsp. ketchup

Salt and pepper to taste

2 1/2 – 4 cups leftover diced meats

1-2 cups frozen peas and carrots

1 Tbsp. melted butter to brush on top of potatoes

Peel and cut up potatoes, put the potatoes on to cook and then continue with the rest of the recipe. Put the diced onion and celery into a large frying pan with the butter and fry gently for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add the flour to the onions and stir well. Then add the beef broth and simmer gently until thickened. Stir in the leftover meats and the peas and carrots. When the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash with the butter, milk and salt. The potatoes should have a texture that’s spreadable. Add a little more milk if needed. Pour the meat mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish and top with the mashed potatoes. Brush the surface with the melted butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potato is golden brown and gravy is bubbling. Enjoy!

Banana Crisp

3/4 cup orange juice or apple juice

1 tsp. vanilla

4 bananas

1/4 cup room temperature butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup oatmeal, preferably large flake 1/4 cup walnut pieces or coconut 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix the orange juice and vanilla together. Cut the bananas into 1 inch pieces and place into a pie plate or casserole dish. Pour the juice over and stir to coat the bananas. Place the remaining ingredients into a bowl and with your fingers work the mixture together to form a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle over the bananas. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy with a scoop of ice-cream.

Revisiting a conversation with your partner

Alot of marital therapists place a strong emphasis on problem solving with the idea that if the problem isn’t solved then the therapy hasn’t worked. I’ve mentioned John Gottman in a previous article but in case you don’t remember, he is one of the gurus of marital therapy. In his studies he found that even in the strongest marriages, only a few issues get solved, most marital problems don’t get solved and instead turn into perpetual issues. These are the big ones, the trigger points in your relationship that seem to come up over and over. Gottman feels (and I tend to agree) that’s what is important with perpetual issues is how they are talked about, rather than their ability to get solved. Does the couple meet in dialogue to discuss them together or do they go to what’s called “gridlock” every time. Imagine two rams butting heads, constantly pushing each other back and forth without moving anywhere. This is what happens when a perpetual problem is met with the same wall every time it’s discussed. When following up after the conversation, if it doesn’t seem like everything has been resolved, you might be dealing with a perpetual problem so next time it comes up you can actively work on improving the exchange with your partner.

A lot of the residual pain

Your Listening Ear

Delsie Martin

that couples feel from serious discussions is not the result of the discussion but if there are repair attempts made afterward. Not all conversations are going to go well, no matter how good you think you are at having a conversation with your partner. Don’t wait for your partner to make the first move in talking to you after a serious discussion. Take the reins because they could very likely be waiting on YOU to make that move. If you are always the one to make the first move, I get that this can be frustrating but the positive benefits of taking this action for your relationship is very admirable. Make sure your partner is in a good head space before approaching them, a minimum of 20 minutes after the conversation has taken place.

I want to caution you on labelling your conversation as an overall success or failure. There are no successful or failed conversations there are just conversations with elements that may have sucked and elements that went well. When re-visiting the conversation, take responsibility for the things you may not have done well in the conversation and highlight what your partner

did well. This will hopefully cue your partner to do the same. The goal of a discussion is not to win, it is to tackle the topic together and win by finding a solution that maximizes happiness for both of you. If you are going into a conversation with the goal of winning, you are already making it a divided issue rather than a shared tackling of said issue as a team.

When you choose to pair with someone indefinitely, you do life together, plan life together, reach goals together and bear witness to your loved one’s accomplishments. If you are each doing your lives without meeting in the middle for these things, then you may be missing some of the biggest benefits of being in a serious relationship.

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.

March 10th -12th 2023

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Hockey Entries call/text Mark 841-3367 or Gord 841-3655

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neepawaincometax@gmail.com 491 Mountain Ave. Neepawa 204-476-3020

Arden Men’s Bonspiel results

The 2023 edition of the Arden Men’s Bonspiel was held from Jan. 5 to 8. The results are as follows:

Top left: The Kevin Paramor rink, which defeated the James Paramor rink in the first event final, which was sponsored by Delmar Commodities. In this photo, from right to left, are: Kevin Paramor, Jason McLaren, Hans Pedersen, Harvey Hanke and Ron Kulbacki.

Top right: Matthew Kulbacki’s rink defeated Mark Anderson’s in the second event final sponsored by Enns Bros. From right to left are: Matthew Kulbacki, Sean Boyle, John McConnell and Scott Newton.

Bottom left: The Glenn Parrott rink defeated the Ken Otto rink in the third event final sponsored by Parrish Heimbecker. From right to left are: Glenn Parrott, Ian Cook, Kent Dillabough and Grant Spraggs

Erickson 4-H Beef Club update

By Chet Woychyshyn Erickson 4-H Beef Club

On Nov. 7, 2022 the Erickson 4-H Beef Club had its reorganizational meeting at the Erickson Legion Hall.

An election of officers was held, and voted as follows:

President, Meredith Erven; vice president, Easton Paterson; secretary, Signe Erven; treasurer, Easton Paterson; club reporter, Chet Woychyshyn.

Club leaders: Geoff Paterson, Trisha Paterson and Terry Woychyshyn.

The club sponsored a wreath for the Erickson Legion Remembrance Day service, as well as helped out serving the lunch and laying of wreathes.

The club is excited to have some new young members joining this year.

Communications day is

set to take place Feb. 12 at the Erickson Legion at 4:00pm, and is open to the public!

The next meeting was held in conjunction with weigh day on Dec. 10. The member’s steers were scaled and the meeting followed.

Project books were handed out and it was decided to do the annual pie draw again as a fundraiser. The draw is to be made on communications day.

The club decided on a Christmas party at T-Birds in Brandon for some fun and games on Jan. 8, the next meeting will be held that evening.

The kids had a blast at their Christmas party and enjoyed pizza prior to their meeting. During role call each member did a short 30 second speech on a topic picked from a hat as a bit of practice run for communications day.

The pie draw tickets were handed out and are available to purchase from members.

An upcoming clipping and showmanship clinic for members was discussed for April.

The next meeting will be held Feb. 12 prior to speeches.

Gladstone Auction Mart

Cattle Market Report

Steers

3-400 lbs. $3.13 to 3.21

4-500 lbs. $3.10 to 3.31

5-600 lbs. $2.85 to 3.05

6-700 lbs. $2.71 to 2.97

7-800 lbs. $2.48 to 2.70

8-900 lbs. $2.39 to 2.54 900+ lbs. $2.10 to 2.18 Bulls $1.00 to 1.20

Heifers

3-400 lbs. $2.28 to 2.37

4-500 lbs. $2.64 to 2.81

5-600 lbs. $2.35 to 2.51

6-700 lbs. $2.15 to 2.36

7-800 lbs. $2.10 to 2.24

8-900 lbs. $1.85 to 2.11 900+ lbs. $180 to 205

Cows $0.80 to 0.95 637 head sold

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Community Foundations accepting applications for Community Services Recovery Fund

Submitted Carberry Community Foundation

Community Foundations of Canada, alongside Canadian Red Cross and United Way Centraide Canada have been selected to distribute funding to help a broad and diverse range of charities, nonprofits and Indigenous Governing Bodies adapt and modernize, so they can support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time investment of $400 million that will help charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing

Bodies to acquire the tools they need to adapt and modernize so they can better support pandemic recovery in communities across Canada.

Since the early phases of the pandemic, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies have struggled with increased demand for their services, reduced revenues, declines in charitable giving due to the rising cost of living, and a greater need to make use of digital tools as part of adapting and modernizing their operations.

“Charities and non-

profit organizations are at the heart of communities, creating a sense of belonging from coast to coast to coast. Through the Community Services Recovery Fund, local community foundations are proud to have the opportunity to support this important work as we collectively build a more just and equitable future driven by community. This investment from the Government of Canada comes at a critical time when communities across Canada are coming together to rebuild from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

–Andrea Dicks, Community Foundations of

Canada President.

Funding from the Community Services Recovery Fund will enable charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies to invest in their own organizational capacity to:

• adapt the way they deliver services to support the needs of their staff and volunteers;

• buy equipment such as computers and software;

• create new ways of working, such as developing new fundraising approaches;

• provide support for staff and volunteers, such as staff training, supports for mental health and wellbeing; and

• develop plans to receive funding from diverse sources.

As a result of the investments provided by the Community Services Recovery Fund, charities, non-profits and Indigenous Governing Bodies will be better equipped to improve the efficacy, accessibility, and sustainability of the community services that they provide.

“The Government supports a more inclusive model of economic growth that creates opportunities for everyone in Canada as the long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The Community Services Recovery Fund

will strengthen the ability of charities and non-profits to deliver services and resources where they will have the most impact. Because of the National Funders’ strong connections with local organizations, they will ensure funding is distributed efficiently to organizations that provide services to communities in need across Canada.”

– The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould.

Applications will be accepted until Feb. 21, 2023. For more information visit www.communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca.

Gladstone’s Glory Years: Gladstone School pupils from 1929

Nutrition Bite

Exploring Citrus Fruits this Winter

The winter months are the perfect time to enjoy citrus fruits. These brightly colored fruits are in season bursting with flavor and can add a little bit of “sunshine” into those often grey cold winter days!

Eating seasonal fruits has many benefits. It is an affordable and delicious way to add variety to your eating. By choosing fruits in season, there is a greater likelihood that they have had the chance to naturally ripen in the sun, will be fresher, taste better and have the highest amount of nutrition, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

These photos are all of students (and teachers) from Gladstone School and were taken in 1929. The photos appeared in the Gladstone’s Glory Years Booklet series. The names of the students and teachers were not available with the photos. It is also unknown whether this was the original format of the photos, or they were all one photo before being inserted into the booklet. If you recognize anyone, please share the details with us by contacting us at newsroom@neepawapress.com, dropping in at 423 Mountain Ave. in Neepawa, or by calling 204-476-3401.

Citrus fruits are a good source of fibre with many health benefits. Citrus fruits are known for being rich in vitamin C, which help you to absorb iron, helping to beat winter fatigue. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which helps to protect the body from damage and helps support your immune system, maintaining healthy skin, bones and blood vessels.

Here are a few different ways to add citrus this winter:

• Squirt some lemon or lime juice in your water for a burst of flavor

• Top your favourite hot cereal or yogurt with slices of oranges or mandarins

• Add slices of grapefruit or oranges to salads or wraps

• Peel and enjoy as a simple and quick snack

Check out this link for a tasty recipe: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/citrus-salad/

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

‘This will be a Christmas we’ll never forget’

Plumas family raised 23 surprise piglets in spare bathroom

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

One family in the Banner & Press coverage area rang in the new year with quite the surprise. Twenty three piglets– and all being raised in their upstairs bathroom! Janelle (Vachan) Lach lives on a farm just north of Plumas with her husband, Eric Lach, where she also owns and operates her own small business.

Janelle’s business, Mad Dog Produce, was established in 2020 with the focus of growing farm-fresh produce for her customers. This expanded to include eggs and pork, when Janelle began integrating animals into her operation during her second business year.

“I realized how important [animals] are to the overall system– that God and nature intended plants and animals to coexist and work together, and they do so amazingly well,” said Janelle. “I have an immense respect for all of the animals on our farm and my goal is to allow them to exist as naturally as possible– respecting the chicken-ness of the chicken, or the pig-ness of the pig. I learned this concept from Joel Salatin.”

Janelle added, “I move my laying hens and meat birds onto fresh grass daily to eat grasshoppers and

Janelle Lach, owner of Mad Dog Produce near Plumas; and husband Eric Lach hadn’t expected to greet fresh piglets in the winter in 2022. Nonetheless, they got quite the present going into the holidays!

Pictured above: ‘Nose’ to meet you! These piglets peeked out of the tub, having already been fed, to watch what was going on. Pictured right: Janelle Lach bottle feeds a group of piglets, as the weather was too cold to be with their mothers when, and after, they were born.

drop nitrogen onto the soil. They also scratch and dig through the soil and effectively help nutrients from manure breakdown quicker and become more available for plant uptake.”

Pigs contribute a helping hand in similar ways. In their natural environment, they are great tillers– rooting around in the dirt with their noses and turning up the soil. They also aid in the fertilization of soil for plant growth and have allowed Janelle and Eric to become

zero food-waste, both in their own house and on the farm. These benefits were noticed through raising their first pigs, which were purchased as weanlings and had been raised and sold for meat last spring.

The big surprise Meshing well with Janelles’ operation and goals, these factors led her to take a big step last summer. That season, she invested in four sows (Cher, Christina, Wilma and Betty) and

a boar (Boris) in order to produce her own pork from start to finish.

“I purchased the sows on the understanding that they were bred and would farrow– give birth– in August, or October at the latest. However, August rolled around and then September, October, November, etcetera, and no piglets,” Janelle explained. “So, we naively decided to keep Boris with the ladies in the fall and over the winter, thinking he wasn’t doing his

job anyways and knowing that pigs are companion animals and prefer to be together.”

Then, one day in early December when Janelle went out to feed the pigs, she noticed something quite different about Wilma. She was showing clear signs of being pregnant, and well along, with Cher and Christina showing similar signs.

“I remember thinking, ‘oh crap oh crap it can’t be’.

But, sure enough, [Wilma’s] stomach had dropped and she was filling up. With the gestation period of a sow being three months and three weeks, I knew [they would give birth] sometime in the winter,” said Janelle.

“The first step was moving our boar out of the pen. We built him a separate pen and moved him over, along with Betty, our open sow.”

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Doctors, nurses brought in on planning for new hospital

Continued from Page 1

New information shared by Bowering included plans for a landing pad onsite built for a helicopter, a healing garden green space and atrium at the centre of the building.

On the second and third floors, Bowering said some of the notable spaces include two operating and procedure rooms and expanded spaces for expectant mothers, including a water birthing suite. As well, there will be an Indigenous spiritual space for ceremonies on the second floor and a multi-faith space on the third floor.

As part of the planning for the new hospital, LM Architectural Group has been consulting with doctors, nurses and other staff. In total, 40 staff participated with physical mockup of the rooms that were set up at Breaker 16 in Neepawa. Bowering said the information they received from this was invaluable.

Built for the future

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Brian Schoonbaert stated that the health authority is very pleased with how the planning for this building has been coming together. He noted a lot of work has been ongoing with a particular focus on the long term needs of the community.

As for how the hospital will find the additional staff it will require to operate, Schoonbaert said that he’s feeling hopeful about attracting more health care professionals to Neepawa.

“There’s been a lot of, you know, questions about how are we going to staff this facility? So I’m going to say first of all, the facility is built for the future. So we’re not necessarily expecting that we will need to staff every single room in the building right now to start,” stated Schoonbaert. “[However], regarding the work that’s being done to try to have the [Licensed Practical Nurses] course here next year, there are a lot of things being done provincially and by the region, for recruitment. So there are a lot of things going on for recruitment so that we are ready when the time comes. We have a few months, but we are working very diligently on that. And

Questions from the public

After the presentation concluded, the public had its chance to enquire about a few specific items they were curious on. Some of these questions included clarification on:

• Pediatric care space;

• Daycare options for employees;

• Highway and road accessability;

• Mental Health resources and;

• What will happen with the old hospital?

Schoonbaert, along with Debbie Poole, the clinical planning regional lead for Prairie Mountain Health, offered clarification on those points, as best they could. The most notable comment came from Schoonbaert, as he indicated that the old hospital property could be returned to the Town of Neepawa. He did make clear, however, that it was his belief, there could be a few caveats to that transition that would need to be reviewed. Schoonbaert did not elaborate on what those caveats could be, as there are still discussions that need to be held on this topic.

The hospital timeline

The brand new hospital in Neepawa was first announced back in Dec. 2021, with the Province optimistic that construction could be fully completed by 2025.

In Oct. 2022, representatives with the Manitoba Government, as well as Prairie Mountain Health

confirmed the hospital would be located on farmland at Neepawa’s east side, close to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16. The initial ground work on that location began immediately after the announcement and is currently ongoing.

I just want to assure you that we’re doing everything we can.”

IMAGE COURTESY OF PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN HEALTH AND LM ARCHITECTURAL GROUP

An artist rendering of the new $127 million hospital planned for Neepawa.

IMAGES COURTESY OF PRAIRIE MOUNTAIN HEALTH AND LM ARCHITECTURAL GROUP

The floor plan for the three storey health centre.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

A large number of Neepawa residents gathered at the Legion Hall to learn new details on the hospital.

Assassinating Thomson comes to Neepawa Journey for Sight is back

By Moira Woods Kaleidoscope

available at ArtsForward and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 30!

Performer and creator of the show, Bruce Horak lives with limited vision and paints a key hole portrait of the entire audience while interweaving the story and the tale of celebrated Canadian painter Tom Thomson’s death. What really happened to painter Tom Thomson when he went out in his canoe on Canoe Lake July 8, 1917?

His bloated body was found days later with a gash in his head. How did he die?

Bruce Horak (creator and performer) has his artist’s palette on the table to the side of the easel as are

his brushes and the tubes under the table are paint tubes that he will use to squirt the paint on the palette. It’s a murder-mystery! Oh and also, Bruce Horak lost one eye to cancer when he was a kid (from a genetic disease) and his father asked the doctors to try and save the other eye and they did. But, he has nine per cent vision in it and it’s like looking through a key hole. In Assassinating Thomson, Bruce Horak shares his theories of what happened to painter Tom Thomson with grief, comedy, triumph, ambition, and love. A big thank you to our series sponsor: Rob Smith & Son Backhoe & Trucking, and our show sponsor: Neepawa Gladstone Coop.

Come see this amazing MTC performance in our beautiful Roxy Theatre.

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

An annual fundraiser from the Lions Club is once again hitting the snowmobile trails of Manitoba, and will be making its way to Neepawa.

Journey For Sight is a snowmobile trek that raises money for the Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba.

Lions Club member Tom Borsa said the group

that will be making a stop in Neepawa on Saturday, Jan. 21 are starting their journey in Flin Flon and will conclude the ride in Brandon.

Anyone wishing to support the Journey for Sight can do so by dropping any donations off to them at the Neepawa Dairy Queen on Saturday. The group is expected to be there between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm.

A group of snowmobilers from all across Manitoba arriving in Neepawa back in 2019, during the Lions Club Journey for Sight Fundraiser.

Draw Times:

Wednesday, Feb. 8th - 8:30am, 12:15pm, 4:00pm, 8:15pm

Thursday, Feb. 9th - 8:30am, 12:15pm, 4:00pm, 7:45pm

Friday, Feb. 10th - 8:30am, 12:15pm, 4:00pm, 7:45pm

Saturday, Feb. 11th - 9:00am, 2:00pm, 6:00pm

Sunday, Feb. 12th - 9:00am, 2:30pm

ARCHIVE PHOTO

Swan Valley wins Neepawa U11 Tournament

Back and better than ever

U-11 Tournament of Champions returns to Neepawa

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Swan Valley Stampeders capped off a dominant weekend on the ice with an impressive win in the final of the Neepawa Minor Hockey U11 Tournament of Champions. The Stampeders upended the Russell Rams in the final on Sunday, Jan. 15, by the score of 16-3. The players of the game were Merrick Huberdeau for Russell and Megan Mykula for Swan Valley.

With the victory, the Stampeders were a perfect 5-0-0 in tournament games, and closed out the weekend with an impressive 64-5 goals for and against.

Tripp Warburton of Swan Valley received the tournament MVP honour. In the consolation final, the Reston Rockets headed home with the honour, after a 6-3 win over Niverville.

Neepawa U11 Titan s

As for Neepawa Minor Hockey, it was represented by a pair of teams, Neepawa U11 Titans (Jakubowski) and Neepawa U11 Titans (Koscielny). Both clubs started the tournament off on Thursday, Jan. 12. Neepawa K were bested by Swan Valley, the eventual tournament champs. Beckham Koscielny was named the Titans player of the game (POTG).

The other Thursday game featured Neepawa J, who were defeated by the championship finalists from Russell. The Banner & Press was not able to confirm Neepawa’s POTG

in this contest.

Both Neepawa teams would bounce back the next day, with Neepawa K collecting a 5-1 win over Niverville, while Neepawa J handled Reston, and picked up a 6-2 victory. The details on the player of the game for Neepawa K were not available, though Neepawa J’s player of the game was identified as Lucas Uyaivato. Those results put both Neepawa club’s into the Championship bracket.

In one of the four quarter finals, while it was very hard fought game between Boissevain and Neepawa K, the Border Kings would come out on top over the Titans, winning 8-6. Brooks Hockin was named the POTG for Neepawa.

As for Neepawa J, they were able to beat Stonewall in their quarter final match-up, and moved on to the semi-finals to take on Swan Valley. Unfortunately for the home side, the Stamps just proved to be too much out there on the ice for them, and moved on the championship game. Connor Smith was named the player of the game for the Titans.

Tournament

All Stars

The all-stars for the Neepawa Minor Hockey Tournament of Champions were: Hudson Reimer (G)Boissevain Border Kings, Connor Smith - Neepawa Titans J, Brooks Hockin - Neepawa Titans K, Winston Kempthorne - Boissevain Border Kings, Dane Anderson - Swan Valley Stampeders and Merrick Huberdeau - Russell Rams.

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

After a two year break, a much anticipated hockey tradition is back at the Yellowhead Centre, in the form of the Neepawa Minor Hockey U-11 Tournament of Champions. The event had to be cancelled in 2021 and 2022, due to government restrictions related to COVID-19. But now, after a few years off the schedule, it has returned to our hometown in a big way.

There were 12 teams, including two from Neepawa, participating in the tournament, which ran between Jan. 12 to 15. That many clubs meant several hundred players, parents and coaches converged on our commun-

ity for four big days of hockey action. Tara McCarty served as a chairperson for this year’s edition of the tournament. She noted to the Banner & Press that being able to stage an event of this scale once again so close to home was something everyone involved was thrilled about.

“It was exciting for sure, because this is the first year in the last three that we’ve been able to operate the Tournament of Champions. To be able to do this once more, that’s a success onto itself,” noted McCarty.

“It is, as well, one of Neepawa’s Minor Hockey’s biggest annual fundraisers. So, it’s something we take seriously as a board to raise our funds for the year. It was a 12 team tournament and

included two teams from Neepawa. So to have those ten other communities join us for those four days, which is great for our community itself.”

McCarty said weekends like the Tournament of Champions is not a success without a lot of people helping out behind the scenes.

“This community didn’t even bat an eye, when it came to offering support, either through business sponsorships or volunteering their time. The 50/50, the raffle table; it’s all been completely executed by donated time from families and supporters of Neepawa Minor Hockey. It’s always one of those things, where you feel so proud to be a part of a community like this,” said McCarty.

Open for applications until February 21, 2023

The Community Services Recovery Fund is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery.

For more information visit communityservicesrecoveryfund.ca

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

A pair of teams represented Neepawa at the Tournament of Champions Jan. 12 to 15.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

The Swan Valley Stampeders, the 2023 champions of the Neepawa Minor Hockey U11 Tournament of Champions.

Kulbacki’s double hat trick helps NACI Tigers beat Vincent Massey

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

It was likely a night to remember for Jory Kulbacki and the Neepawa Tigers on Wednesday, Jan. 11 versus the Vincent Massey Vikings. First, Neepawa came off the ice with an impressive 9-4 win over the Brandon based squad. An even more impressive result from the evening however was Kulbacki’s statline, as he scored six times, a rare double hat-trick.

Kulbacki scored the first five goals of the game for the Tigers, including a shorthanded and unassisted effort early in the third period.

In total, Neepawa scored nine straight goals, Kul-

backi’s half dozen along with singles by Riley Davie, Ward Brister and Daniel Lisoway. Vincent Massey scored three in the final 3:30 of regulation, to make it look respectable.

Though Kulbacki’s night may be the one that catches the most attention, there were several other players whose contributions mattered to the end result. Along with his lone goal, Brister added three assists, while Tarek Lapointe also had four assists. Gatlyn Plett collected the win in net for Neepawa, with 28 saves.

This win, along with a 6-1 road victory in Carberry on Friday, Jan. 13, improved the Tigers’ record to 11-4-1-1.

Gladstone puts pressure on Minnedosa in the THHL standings

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

With only a few weeks remaining in the Tiger Hills Hockey League’s regular season, the Gladstone Lakers have placed themselves in a good position to take top spot in the East Division. The Lakers are currently tied for first with the Minnedosa Bombers, as both clubs have 18 points in the standings. Gladstone, however, have more opportunities in the coming weeks to collect some much needed wins, as they’ve played just 12 games so far this season, compared to 15 by the Bombers. The 18 game regular season schedule concluded for both clubs in the second weekend of February.

Out on the ice, Gladstone helped its own cause recently, with an 11-4 win over the Pilot Mound Pilots.

The victory improved their record to 9-3-0. Minnedosa, meanwhile, fell to the Virden Oil Kings on Saturday, Jan. 14, by the score of 4-3. That defeat put the Bombers at 9-6-0 on the year.

The next game for Minnedosa will be on Saturday, Jan. 21, when they host the Neepawa Farmers (6-9-0. 12 points). The Farmers had last weekend off and return to action after a nearly two week hiatus. As for Gladstone, they will be at home on the 21st, taking on the Melita Bisons (4-6-1. 9 points).

Plans falling into place nicely for Viterra Men’s Curling Championship

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

It appears as though Neepawa is primed and ready to be the centre of the curling world this February, as the Viterra Curling Championship is set for the Yellowhead Centre. Manitoba’s premier men’s curling event is scheduled for Feb. 7 to 12 will feature a 32 teams all vying to be the Provincial Champion.

Organizing co-chair Scott Newton said as they stand a few weeks out from the opening draw, the local committee is feeling pretty good about where they are at, in terms of preparations.

“Our volunteer schedules have filled up nicely. We’re currently doing some last minute recruiting for security and on-ice, but overall we’re very happy with the support from the community,” said Newton. “Overall, plans are falling into place nicely and we are looking forward to the event.”

In terms of ticket sales, Newton said they’re tough to gauge at this moment. They have sold roughly 80 week

passes so far, and expect the sales of day and evening passes to pick up as they get closer to the event. With those sales, as well as sponsorship and volunteer passes, Newton expect the event to be very well attended.

The next big job for the organizing committee will be the conversion of the Yellowhead Centre from a hockey to curling venue. The current plan is for that work to begin immediately after the Neepawa Titans’ home game against Steinbach on Feb. 3.

The Yellowhead Centre staff and volunteers will be working with Greg Ewasko, the head ice maker for the event to have the ice completed for practice on Tuesday, Feb. 7. Construction of the VIP and media areas on and along the ice surface, will also occur. Though that will make for a few extremely hectic days, Newton believes the end result will be worth it.

Anyone still interested in assisting at the event can learn more by emailing VolunteerNeepawa2023@gmail.com. As for tickets, those can be purchased at neepawacurl2023. com or at Harris Pharmacy in Neepawa (cash only).

NACI JV Tigers teams host William Morton Warriors

The Neepawa Tigers

versus the William Morton Warriors. The JV girls (on left) were bested, by the score of 53-19. As for the Boys JV squad (on right), they defeated the William Morton Warriors 83-38. On Jan. 16, the Tigers JV Boys travelled to Carberry to play the Cougars. In that game, NACI won 61-52.

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Junior Varsity basketball teams recently hosted a pair of games at the NACI gymnasium

MJHL Standings

Western

Wayway

OCN

Swan

Dauphin

Neepawa

Virden

Eastern

Steinbach

Portage

Niverville

Tiger Hills Hockey

Neepawa Titans fall to Portage, rebound against Waywayseecappo

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Titans have reached that part of the MJHL season where there are absolutely no easy opponents on the schedule, as every single team is playing for something.

nor Thompson was able to claw one back with just over five minutes remaining in the first.

tans would have one last chance to tie it just before the end of regulation.

Friday, Jan. 13

Portage 4-3 Neepawa

First Period

04:16 POR B. McCartney (4) PP

ASST: A. McLean (12)

12:01 POR K. Kohle (12)

ASST: P. Scherr (11), B. Monteith (1)

13:48 POR M. Stubbs (2)

ASST: B. McDonald (1), B. Kiesman (6)

14:54 NPA C. Thompson (6)

ASST: B. Wood (22), D. Noonan (5)

Second Period

09:08 POR D. Siso (8)

ASST: G. Klaassen (2)

12:21 NPA J. Romanyk (9) PP

ASST: C. McLeod (11), C. Trimble (10)

Third Period

18:48 NPA W. Highet (6)

ASST: B. Michalchuk (12), E. Poirier (7)

Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP

NPA 1 1 1 3 1/5

POR 3 1 0 4 1/5

Goaltenders

NPA M. Lobreau - (L) 26/30 saves

POR B. Monteith- (W) 21/24 saves

Attendance: 977 - Stride Place

Friday, Jan. 6

Neepawa 4-2 Waywayseecappo

First Period

08:22 WAY C. Baptiste (24)

ASST: L. Smith (14)

Second Period

For the Portage Terriers, they’re playing for the chance to overtake their East Division rivals, the Steinbach Pistons in the standings. For the Waywayseecappo Wolverines, it’s the hope of holding off all their West Division challengers, including the Titans, who are looking to topple them from first place. Neepawa, of course itself, is battling for a place in the playoffs and needs to step up to the challenges that are ahead of them.

A tough loss in Portage

A quick start for the Portage Terriers helped push them to a 4-3 win over the Neepawa Titans on Friday, Jan. 13. The Terriers scored the first three goals of the game early in the first period, before Neepawa’s Con-

At the midway mark of the second, the Terriers reestablished their three goal lead. But less than two minutes after that fourth Portage goal, Josh Romanyk took advantage of a power-play opportunity, to once again close the gap for the Titans. That would make the score 4-2 after 40 minutes of action in front of nearly a 1,000 fans at Stride Place in Portage la Prairie.

Neepawa was unable to find a way back into the game, until they pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker late in the third. During the extra man advantage, Will Highet scored his sixth of the season, to make it 4-3. Highet and the Ti-

Terriers goaltender Bailey Monteith, however, made a clutch save in the waning seconds to win the game for Portage, by a 4-3 score.

An important win in Waywayseecappo

A few days after their defeat to Portage, the Neepawa Titans found some redemption on Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the form of a huge 4-2 win over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.

This victory showcased the resilience of the Titans, as they trailed early in this match-up, with Carson Baptiste scoring the lone goal in the first period, for the Wolverines. Will Highet replied for Neepawa in the second on a power-

play opportunity, but Waywayseecappo would regain the lead in the third, on a Nolan Grier opportunity.

Facing the challenge of the top team in the West Division, as well as a very vocal and partisan crowd of Wolverine fans, the Titans did not buckle under the pressure. Cooper Kasprick started the comeback 7:50 into the third, tying the game at 2-2. Then with just under four minutes remaining in regulation, Hayden Stock scored on the power-play, giving Neepawa the lead. A Cody Gudnason empty netter would secure the road win for the Titans.

With this win, Neepawa is just three points out of the playoffs, and even more impressively, only four points away from second place in the extremely competitive West Division.

Next up for the Neepawa Titans will be a pair of home games at the Yellowhead Centre. First, on Friday, Jan. 20 they’ll play the Winnipeg Freeze. Then on Sunday, Jan. 22, the Titans face the Winkler Flyers.

Multiple Titans chosen for MJHL/SJHL Showcase

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

A trio of Titans will soon be challenging the best players from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and they’ll be joined by a familiar bench boss.

Briley Wood, Hayden Stocks and Mason Lobreau have all been selected to participate in the 2023 MJHL/ SJHL Showcase, scheduled from Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in Winnipeg.

Since joining the Titans back in November, after several years in the Western Hockey League, Wood has been a catalyst for Neepawa’s offensive resurgence. In 20 games, the Rivers product has 33 points, which include 11 goals and 22 assists.

Hayden Stocks, meanwhile, has also a huge contributor on offence for the Titans this year, as he also has 33 points (16 goals - 17 assists).

Goaltender Mason Lobreau is the third Titan headed to Winnipeg. In 18

games this year, Lobreau has an 116-1 record, with a 2.76 goals against average and .913 save percentage.

To go along with the three players picked for the event, Titans head coach/general manager Ken Pearson has also been selected to serve as an assistant coach for the MJHL’s U20 team.

The MJHL/SJHL Showcase takes place at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1.

Classifieds

Lyn Davies (nee Pasiechnik)

June 28, 1958 – December 23, 2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Carol on December 23rd, 2022.

Left to cherish her memory are Daughters Melissa and Nicole Kozak, Grandson Isaac Kozak, Mother Isabel Pasiechnik and Sister Sonija Pasiechnik.

Carol will be dearly missed by extended family and friends, and also by Sylvester, Sylvia, Tweety, Sammy and Suzie, her beloved furry friends.

Carol was predeceased by her father, Mike Pasiechnik.

Carol was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan until January 1968 when the family moved to Neepawa.

She excelled in all ways; Governor General’s Award at graduation, a loving mother, in the work place, as a marriage commissioner and also took great pride in her home, yard and rescue work with Cats TNR and Rescue. Intelligent, hardworking and beautiful inside and out. A fighter till the end. Her spirit remains with us all.

After cremation, a Celebration of Carol’s Life was held on Friday, December 30, 2022 in the Neepawa United Anglican Church with Reverend Chad McCharles officiating. Interment took place in Riverside Cemetery and lunch with family and friends followed.

Donations in Carol’s Memory may be made to Cats TNR Rescue Box 7, Riding Mountain, Manitoba. R0J 1T0

White’s Funeral Home Neepawa in care of arrangements • www.whitefh.ca The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a Mother

Annie Gladden 1921-2023

Her beautiful smile has faded, but she will forever be in our hearts. Annie

Gladden passed away on Thursday, January 12th at Neepawa Hospital. She is predeceased by her son, Bruce, her husband Vince, and her daughter, Joyce. She is survived by her daughter Carol Koski, grandsons Kristopher and Jason (Jenn) Koski, Jeff Lukin (Kym), granddaughter Stephanie Lukin Carr (Wayne), son in law Jim Lukin, and nieces and nephews. Her great grandchildren are Sam, Clare, Jane, and Robbie Lukin; Ethan and Jack Carr, and Kaci Koski.

She was born on a farm in Riding Mountain on June 19th, 1921. She was the baby of five siblings – Edwin, Hazel, John, Gordon, and Emma. She married Vince Gladden on November 14th, 1944 and together they built their home on 4th Avenue in Neepawa. Annie worked at various jobs in Neepawa including Lucky’s Store, the D&R Grocery, Martin’s Store, the Osborne Home, and Home Care with the Neepawa Health Unit. She was an active member of the Neepawa community including helping with Brownies and Girl Guides, bowling at Evans Lanes, the UCW group of the United Church but her passion was with flowers and gardens. She was a leader of the Junior Gardeners Club and a lifetime member of the Horticultural Club. She had a hand in many garden displays throughout the town including the memorial garden at the hospital, the garden beside the Roxy Theatre, and the many flower pots around the town. She worked in her own large garden throughout the summer and in the winter she knitted or crocheted but she always had time for a visit with friends.

Her funeral service will be held at the Neepawa United Anglican Church on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at 2:00. Refreshments will be served after at the Christian Education Building. Pall bearers are Jeff and Sam Lukin, Wayne, Ethan, and Jack Carr, and Jason Koski with honorary pall bearer Kristopher Koski. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

A big thank you to Dr. Kelly Krzyzaniak, Mary Ellen Clark, Rita Friesen, the hospital staff, and the Home Care staff for all their care and kindness to our Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, and friend, Annie.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation to the New Neepawa Hospital, Box 339, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0

White’s Funeral Home Neepawa in care of arrangements • www.whitesfh.ca

•

Classified

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines

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

Obituary

Janet Shirley Kopytko (nee Ohirko)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Shirley Kopytko on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the age of 85 years.

A private service for Janet’s family has taken place and a public celebration of her life will be held in the summer of 2023. Details will be announced at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. The family would appreciate memorial donations in memory of Janet to a much needed service in our community, the Activities Department at the McCreary/Alonsa Health Centre, Box 250, McCreary, MB, R0J 1B0. Sneath-StrilchukMcCreary Chapel 204-835-2004 • www.sneathstrilchuk.com

Bradley A. Jones

It is with great sadness, that we announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Brad at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the age of 63 years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Michelle (nee Emery).

Cremation has taken place. Interment will take place in the spring of 2023 at the Carberry Plains Cemetery with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Friends and family are invited to visit Brad’s memorial page at interlakecremation.ca, where memories and condolences may be shared.

Arrangements entrusted to: Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services

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

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

To place an ad:

Telephone: 204-476-3401/ 888-436-4242 Fax: 204-476-5073 Email: ads@neepawabanner.com

––––––––––

Personal

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

Pets

Free to a good home, Orange and white male cat. 204-967-2612

Help Wanted

Minnedosa United Church is seeking an Accompanist (pianist or pianist/organist) for Sunday morning services. This position has the potential for further musical opportunities. The rate of pay is $50.00/session, plus mileage. Start date is negotiable. Application deadline: January 31, 2023. Apply to: Ministry & Personnel, Minnedosa United Church, Box 692, Minnedosa MB, R0J 1E0.

Obituary

For Rent

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

For Sale or Rent

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

Land For Rent

Quarter section of land for rent in RM of Westlake Gladstone. NE 34-16-12. Call Howard at 431-351-0027.

Auctions

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

Plumas, Manitoba 204-386-2206 204-476-0700 tonnseeds@gmail.com

t Wheat: AAC Hodge, AAC Starbuck, AAC Brandon, AAC Viewfield t Barley: AB Cattlelac, CDC Austenson t Oats: CDC Arborg, AAC Douglas, AC Summit, ORe 3542 M

t Canola: Invigor, Brett Young, Corteva t Soybeans: Brett Young t Forages: Brett Young, DLF t Corn: DLF, Brett Young Seed Treating and Inoculants

Obituary

Effie Szymesko

Velma Irene (Cober) Paramor

Velma Irene (Cober) Paramor entered into rest on Friday, January 13, 2023. Velma was born in Pretty Valley, MB on November 27, 1931, to Charles and Emma Cober, the 14th of 15 children. She attended school in Pretty Valley and Kenville. She completed her Grade 12 at Daniel McIntyre in Winnipeg. She earned her teaching certificate and taught for a short time at Mountain Crest School. In 1951, while visiting friends in Arden, she met Walter Paramor. They were married March 1, 1952. They spent many wonderful years on the farm, raising twelve children. She was an avid gardener and was kept busy doing chores while Walter was away working. In 1985, they left the farm and moved to Neepawa, returning to Arden in 1989.

She was a member of the Church of Christ. She was an involved member of her community. Family was very important to her and she never missed a family reunion in 48 years! She was a talented artist who finally had the time to pursue her passion for art once her children were raised.

Velma was predeceased by her husband Walter in 2005. She is survived by siblings Grace, Joe (Linda) and Elva. She is lovingly remembered and will be sadly missed by her children Terry Buechler (Butch), John (Jackie), Ken, Al (Joanie), Marg Goodwill (Denis), Cindy Richards (Bill), Bill (Cindy), Heather McConnell (Garth), Kevin (Pat), Kathy Mueller (Barry), James (Tracey), Gerry (Mary Heart), 22 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Also many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire donate to a charity of your choice in her memory.

White’s Funeral Home Neepawa in care of arrangements • www.whitesfh.ca

Eugene was born on January 2, 1941 in Canora, SK. He attended Forest Hill Elementary School until grade nine and graduated in 1960 from the Canora Composite High School. He then began a career in the hospital field, starting in Canora, and further in Yorkton, and Kelvington, SK. Eugene met the love of his life (Leona Natalie Hataley) and they were married August 17, 1963 in Kamsack, SK. They were blessed with three children. In 1972, the family moved to Neepawa, MB and he continued as hospital administrator until September 1988. In semi-retirement, he worked for the local Ford dealership, and later as a custodian at the Beautiful Plains School Division until his retirement in December 2012.

Eugene's hobbies and interests included yard work, flower gardening, curling and golfing. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in school and sporting events. He was a member of and served in various committee and executive positions with Kinsmen and K-40, Knights of Columbus, St. Dominic's R.C. Church, Elks Lodge and Yellowhead Centre Board. He was a loyal church member and participated in volunteering and fund raising events in all the communities that his family lived in.

Leaving to cherish his memory are daughter Elodie (Grant) Adamyk, Braeden (Lauren), Pierson & Miller, Peyton, son Donavin (Carol), Darian (Shayla), Sydney (Trey), Amber Bennett (Sean), Miguel & Lily, Chelsey Bennett (James), Rayne and son Aaron (Becky), Ashlyn & AJ.

Eugene is survived by brothers Joe (Pauline) Canora, SK and Orest (Rosaline) Winnipeg, MB, brother-in-law Murle Hataley (Laurie) Coquitlam, BC, sister-in- law Dilly Rainkie (Nelson) Stony Mountain, MB as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Leona in 2011, father Andrew in 1981, mother Polly in 1980, sister Nellie Parnetta in 2008, brother Steve in 2007, sister Elizabeth Ratushniak in 2017, nephew Eugene Ratushniak in 1988, and brothersin-law Steve Ratushniak in 1980 and Joe Parnetta in 1981.

Funeral service was held at St. Dominic's R.C. Church on Saturday, January 14, 2023 with Father Jorge Mante officiating. Interment at Riverside Cemetery Neepawa, MB. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Beautiful Plains Community Foundation or a charity of choice. White's Funeral Home Neepawa in care of arrangements. Eternal Memory-Vichanaya Pamyat

Effie Szymesko, age 94, of Alonsa, Manitoba passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023 at the McCreary/ Alonsa Personal Care Home.

Effie was born September 6, 1928 in Alonsa, Manitoba. She grew up on the farm in Alonsa and attended Iris School until grade 8. She worked on the farm all of her life. She met John Szymesko and they were married on September 28th, 1946. John and Effie worked together planting a garden and picking wild blueberries and cranberries. They were married for 68 years.

She was an active member of St. George’s Catholic Church in Alonsa for many years.

Effie loved her community and attending community events. She attended bingos on Friday’s, played cards at the Senior’s Centre, and barbecues at the museum.

Effie had a passion for curling. She loved to curl at the Alonsa Curling Club. Whether playing on the ice, watching behind the glass, or watching on tv, she loved the game.

Effie loved her family and friends. She would visit with them over a cup of tea at the farm or over the phone. She enjoyed socializing during family celebrations.

Effie was predeceased by her husband John. Sisters Victoria Zdan, Ellie Sul, Anne Zdan, Hattie Zdan, and her brothers Tom Zdan and Sam Zdan; sisters-in-law Sharon Zdan and Annie Zdan; and brothers-in-law Mike Senkowski, and Steve Sul.

Effie is survived by her siblings Pauline Senkowski, Edward (Sherian) Zdan, and Eleanor (Erle) Stone. Her daughter Levia (Clifford) Byer, sons Philip (Sandra), Roman (Gail), Larry (Bev), Richard (Marguerite), also ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

She received great care at the Alonsa/McCreary Personal Care Home and the family would like to thank the staff there. We are grateful for your care and kindness shown towards Effie.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Funeral Service for Effie was held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 10:30 am in the Alonsa Community Centre, Alonsa, MB. Fr. Oleg Bodnarski officiated the service. Interment followed in St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Effie to St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Alonsa, MB

Sneath-Strilchuk - McCreary Chapel 204-835-2004 • www.sneathstrilchuk.com

Carol

~ Mother Therese of Lisieux

Eugene Orest Dutchak

Eugene Orest Dutchak, father, brother and Geda, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness with his family at his side on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Neepawa Health Centre.

Thank you

We would like to express our sincere appreciation and Thanks to our many relatives, friends & neighbors for their kindness shown in the passing of our loved one, Alex. For the many beautiful plants & flowers, delicious food, prayers, and words of sympathy, we will be forever grateful.

We want to thank Pastors Jim Vickers and Hildie Vickers for the touching service, Organist Sherry Hanna, and Bob Clarke and staff of Clarke’s Funeral Home – Gladstone for all their assistance, kindness and professionalism shown to our family.

Special Thanks to each of the Pallbearers and to all who attended the service and to all who helped in any way. We are truly blessed to have you.

The Koncz Family

HELP WANTED

Thank you

We wish to express a sincere thank you to family and friends for the support we received at the time of our dad, Eugene Dutchak’s, passing.

To Dr. Tariq and the Neepawa Health Centre thank you for your care and compassion. To Brian and staff of White’s Funeral Home thank you for guiding us through our time of sorrow.

Elodie & Grant Adamyk, Donavin & Carol Dutchak, Aaron & Becky Dutchak and families

Help Wanted

Full time position at Gladstone Bakery & Eatery handling day to day eatery operation.

8-4 Monday to Friday. Phone 204-385-2225

Ask for Heather or Yvonne for more info or submit resume on site.

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

Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op is hiring

FULL TIME FLOORING MANAGER at

Who we are:

Co-op does business differently. As a co-operative, we believe in working together to serve Western Canadians, delivering profits back to our communities and investing in sustainable growth. To learn more about who we are and how you can help bring our brand to life, visit us at www.neepawagladstoneco-op.crs

We are looking for:

Reporting to the Home Décor Manager, duties to include, but not limited to organization, co-ordination and direction of the Flooring Department; to achieve budgeted sales, margins and expense controls as outlined in the Budget; administrative duties and other duties as assigned. This is to be done through adherence to company programs. The Flooring Manager will provide leadership to all positions in the Flooring Department and will exemplify and promote the Co-op’s branding initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Excellent customer service and sales skills

• Highly motivated and ability to multi-task

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to operate a Forklift (training will be available)

• Must be available to work a variety of shifts, Monday to Saturday

• Will require heavy lifting and manual labour.

• Leadership experience preferred

• Previous Flooring (carpet, vinyl, LVP etc) experience an asset

Applications Close: February 1, 2023 or when position filled

At Co-op, we embrace diversity and inclusion, and we are working to create a workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We support and provide an environment that allows all to bring their whole selves to work.

Apply online at www.neepawagladstoneco-op.crs or contact us at s.fluker@neepawagladstonecoop.com for more information.

Scan the QR Code to be directed to the job posting.

Rolling River School Division

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

Student Services Coordinator 0.8 FTE Student and Clinical Services Coordinator

0.2 FTE Colony and Small School Resource Teacher

For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Teaching Positions. Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those

MUNICIPALITY OF STE. ROSE REQUIRES A PUBLIC WORKS PERSONNEL

Detailed resumes will be accepted until 12:00 Noon on January 24, 2023.

A Job Description is available upon request.

For further information, please contact: Marlene Bouchard, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality of Ste. Rose P.O. Box 30, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB. R0L 1S0

Phone: 204 447-2229 Fax: 204 447-2875

E-mail address: sterose@sterose.ca

MUNICIPALITY OF STE. ROSE REQUIRES A LABOURER FOR THE STE. ROSE RECREATION COMMISSION

Detailed resumes will be accepted until 12:00 Noon on January 24, 2023.

A Job Description is available upon request.

For further information, please contact: Marlene Bouchard, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality of Ste. Rose P.O. Box 30, Ste. Rose du Lac, MB. R0L 1S0

Phone: 204 447-2229 Fax: 204 447-2875

E-mail address: sterose@sterose.ca

FOODS

Meat Cutters/Production Personnel

HyLife is a global leader in food processing. Our mission is to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we need talented people to join our HyLife team as the company continues to grow. HyLife is committed to our employees and we have an exciting new career opportunity in the beautiful town of Neepawa, MB for you to explore!

As a Meat Cutter/Production Personnel you will be a critical member of our team in the creation of our world-class product. Our positions range from working on our production floor to shipping the final packaged product, with everything in between!

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to:

• Slaughter and eviscerate hogs for further processing

• Harvest and package edible offal

• Process pork carcasses into primal cuts

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

• Carry out other tasks related to the processing of meat for shipping to customers or storage

• Sanitation

People who will succeed as members of our team will:

• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, stable, long-term work environment

• Appreciate working in a culturally diverse workplace. We employ people from all over the world!

• Treat people with dignity and respect

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Physically Fit

• Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Current starting wage is $15.75/hour plus a $1.00/hour perfect attendance bonus!

Wage scale extends to $23.55 per hour

In addition to HyLife’s benefits, vacation time, and competitive salary our company also offers a $500 dollar employee referral bonus program!

HyLife is here to support you in building an exciting career with our team!

If you have the qualifications and the passion to meet this challenge then we would like to explore your potential.

Please apply online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or email to jobs@hylife.com or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

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

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

We have great opportunities available for BARTENDERS AND SERVERS who are 18 or over and who have availability to work at minimum during the daytime hours Monday to Friday. No experience necessary, on-the-job training provided. We are a fast paced fun and flexible employer and together we work to make memorable moments for our guests during their dining experiences with us.

Call Rio at 204-841-3281 with any questions Send resumes to dennisr@bostonpizza.com or drop off in person at the restaurant

ROSE INC.

Is now accepting applications for the position of:

DIRECT SUPPORT WORKER

In our Community Living Disabilities Program In Ste. Rose, Manitoba

Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate Good Organizational Skills, Be Self-Motivated, Possess Good Inter-Personal Skills, and Be Willing to Work as a Team.

Starting wage is $16.43 with an increase following a successful 6-month probation period and benefit package included.

Interested Applicants are invited to apply to: ROSE Inc., Attn: Stella Bramley, Box 28, Ste. Rose du Lac MB R0L 1S0

Or Contact Stella Bramley, Program Manager at 204-447-3224 ext. 2 or by email: stellabramley@mymts.net

ROSE INC.

Is now accepting applications for the position of: SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING SUPPORT WORKER

In our Community Living Disabilities Program In Ste. Rose, Manitoba

Successful Candidate Must Demonstrate Good Organizational Skills, Be Self-Motivated, and Possess Good Inter-Personal Skills.

Starting wage is $16.43 with an increase following a successful 6-month probation period and benefit package included.

Interested Applicants are invited to apply to: ROSE Inc., Attn: Stella Bramley, Box 28, Ste. Rose du Lac MB R0L 1S0

THE TOWN OF MINNEDOSA

invites applications for a permanent position for a MUNICIPAL CLERK

Under direction of the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, the Clerk shall be responsible for all aspects for the administration of the Utility Department and the execution of Accounts Payable, as well as general reception duties and other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

To view the full ad and job description please visit www.minnedosa.com

Please submit your resume, cover letter and a copy of related education transcripts to: Stacy Andrews, ACAO

Town of Minnedosa, Box 426, Minnedosa, MB. R0J 1E0 Email: acao@minnedosa.com

Resumes will be accepted until 4:00pm on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 or until the position is filled. Thank you to all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

We are a progressive, service oriented ag retailer currently accepting applications for Seasonal Class 1 and Class 3 Drivers (with Air endorsement) for our NEEPAWA/MINNEDOSA retail location:

Qualifications:

• Valid minimum Class 3 (with air) driver’s license

• Mechanically inclined preferably with a farm background

• Excellent communication skills

• Flexible work schedule with capability of working long hours

Duties and responsibilities:

• Short haul liquid fertilizer, NH3 and chemical

• Willing to be trained in and handle dangerous goods

Redfern Farm Services offers a competitive wage.

Interested applicants should submit resumes to the below address by February 24, 2023:

REDFERN FARM SERVICES 922 Douglas Street Brandon, MB R7A 7B2 Email: hr@redferns.ca

be contacted.

Or Contact Stella Bramley, Program Manager at 204-447-3224 ext. 2 or by email: stellabramley@mymts.net

Job duties:

- Slaughters animals

- Cuts, trims, grinds and prepares meat for sale to customers

- Receives and fulfills custom orders.

- Packages and displays meat

- Labels meat to indicate cut, grade, preparation date, best-by date, and other relevant information.

- Maintains the sharpness, cleanliness, and sterilization of knives and tools.

- Ensures preparation areas are kept clean.

- Closely follows all safety and sanitation procedures.

- Answers questions regarding types, cuts, and suggested preparation of meat.

- Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills Requirements:

- 1-2 years’ experience in slaughtering and butchering animals.

- Education or food preparation or meat cutting experience.

- Ability to use hand tools, stand or walk for extended periods, lift heavy items and work in cold environments.

- Knowledge of meat preparation techniques and cuts.

- Task management and customer service skills.

- Knowledge of food safety.

Language of work: English

Wage range: starts at $15/hr to $18/hr

Benefits: 2 weeks paid vacation days, Pension and Health insurance

Locations of work: Gladstone, Manitoba

Contact information: 204-385-2506

smilepinoyfoods@gmail.com

Classified ad deadline

Tuesday noon

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.

our HOME CENTRE in NEEPAWA, MB

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will

NOTICES

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

URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details. BOOK YOUR 2023 BLANKET CLASSIFIED ADS NOW in the 32 Weekly Manitoba

Community Newspapers to get your messaging to be seen all over the province! SEASONAL 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) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

EMPLOYMENT

OPPORTUNITIES / HELP WANTED

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT HIRING: AG Equipment Techs, Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices, and CVIP/Truck Techs. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers . Relocation and Signing

Bonus Offered.

PASTURES OR LAND FOR RENT AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS are presently available for rent for hay or grazing or cropping. These lands will be available for rent through an online auction. These lands are situated in the Rural Municipalities (RM)s of: ALONSA, ARMSTRONG, BIFROST-RIVERTON, CITY OF WINNIPEG, CLANWILLIAM – ERICKSON, COLDWELL, CRANE RIVERNORTHERN AFFAIRS ACT, DE SALABERRY, ETHELBERT, FISHER, GIMLI, GRAHAMDALE, HARWILLNORTHERN AFFAIRS ACT, HOMEBROOK - PEONAN POINT-NORTHERN AFFAIRS ACT, INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION & NORTHERN RELATIONS,

KELSEY, LAC DU BONNET, MONTCALM, MOUNTAIN, NORTH CYPRESS-LANGFORD, RIDING MOUNTAIN WEST, ROBLIN, ROCKWOOD, ROSEDALE, ROSSBURN, ST. ANDREWS, SIFTON, SPENCE LAKENORTHERN AFFAIRS ACT, SPRINGFIELD, SWAN VALLEY WEST, TACHE, VICTORIA, WEST INTERLAKE, WESTLAKE-GLADSTONE & WOODLANDS. A complete listing of Agricultural Crown Lands available for rent can be found online at: http:// resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx The online auction will take place

from February 6 – February 10, 2023, hosted by Garton’s Auction Service: https://gartonsauction.com For additional information, please contact your nearest Manitoba Agriculture (MA) Agricultural Crown Lands District Office (or via email at agcrownlands@ gov.mb.ca) or call Real Estate Services Branch at 1-866-210-9589. A listing of MA Agricultural Crown Lands District Offices can be found online at: https://www. gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/ agricultural-crown-landsdistrict-offices.html

Time and attention will mean money well spent

Continued from Page 5

RURAL

MUNICIPALITY

OF ROSEDALE ELECTION RESULTS

Please welcome our newest Council member: Councillor - Ward 3 Jeff Henderson Congratulations! Thank you to all of the candidates, and of course the voters who participated in the R.M. of Rosedale By-Election. More details can be found on our website at www.rmrosedale.com

Rolling River School Division KINDERGARTEN

REGISTRATION

2023-2024

Kindergarten Registration for the Rolling River School Division will be held during January 30th - February 3rd, 2023 from 9:00-11:30am and 1:30-3:00pm. Children who will be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2023 are eligible for Kindergarten. Please register at the following catchment area schools: SCHOOL PHONE NO.

Douglas Elementary 204-763-4480

Erickson Elementary 204-636-2266

Forrest Elementary 204-728-7674

Oak River Elementary 204-566-2167

Onanole Elementary 204-848-2402

Rapid City Elementary 204-826-2824

Rivers Elementary 204-328-7416

Tanner’s Crossing Elementary 204-867-2591

*Parents are required to present their child’s birth certificate and medical number at time of registration.

*Please contact the School Division Office (867-2754 Ext. 0) if unsure of your catchment area school.

Pork producers also should restrict contact with the outside world through carefully limiting barn access to only those who provide animal care. Potential for exposure through ventilation equipment or loading facilities needs to be examined. Together with the Canadian Pork Council, Manitoba Pork is offering biosecurity evaluations for producers. Plugging potential biosecurity holes is one of the most important risk mitigation efforts that producers can undertake to prepare for 2023 (and beyond). I encourage producers to call to set up an assessment.

There are reasons for pork producers to be optimistic for 2023, but there are also levels of risk and uncertainty that we have not seen before. Greater attention to risk mitigation, especially in terms of hedging input costs, hog prices and marketing conditions, and reducing the risk of disease spread will reduce the downside margin potential and flatten volatility. This is a year where time and attention to risk mitigation will be money well spent.

2023 Manitoba Beef and Forage Days

By Shawn Cabak Manitoba Agriculture

Manitoba Beef and Forage week was held Jan. 10 to 12 at four locations across the province. Austin was one of four locations participating with others being Eriksdale, Grandview and Rosa.

An informative agenda with a variety of topics included the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, a Cattle Market Update & Outlook, Ask the Vet, The Benefits of Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health and Provide Livestock Forage, Industry Association updates and more.

Lunch and coffee at Austin was sponsored by Homestead Co-op, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Farm Credit Canada, Stride Credit Union, Whitemud Watershed District, Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association, Gladstone Auction Mart and New Rosedale Feed Mill.

Kristine Tapley who works for Ducks Unlimited Canada as the national Agricultural Sustainability Lead, presented on the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CSRB). The goal of CRSB is to advance, measure and improve the sustainability of the Canadian beef value chain. Sustainability is defined around five principles that cover natural resources, people and community, animal health and welfare, food and efficiency and innovation. In Canada beef cattle production helps preserve 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in the soil, represents only 2.4 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and is home to 68 percent of the wildlife habitat capacity on the agricultural landscape.

The CRSB Certification program was created to recognize sustainable practices in beef production and processing. The participating groups are audited farms, feedlots and beef packers. Retail and foodservice demand is strong for sourcing beef raised on CRSB Certified farms and ranches. To meet the growing demand, more certified operations are needed, especially at the cow-calf level. Farms in Western Canada enrolled in the Verified Beef Plus program and audited are then eligible to participate in the CRSB program and

receive financial incentives for calves marketed.

The Ask the Vet Animal Health Update given by Manitoba Ag’s extension Veterinarian, Deanne Wilkinson reviewed the importance of vaccinations both to prevent disease and to increase productivity and profitability. By vaccinating and preventing disease, antimicrobial use is minimized, which is important to preserve available treatments and decrease the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Modified live vaccines are more effective than killed vaccines but do have to be used more carefully. Common diseases that affect cattle include BVD, BRSV, BHV, IBR, clostridial bacteria (blackleg) and scours. Producers should be using vaccines to prevent these diseases at the appropriate time of the year.

Cattle market update

The fall of 2022 saw very strong prices for calves, up

40-50 cents/pound compared to the year prior.

Brenna Grant, the Executive Director of Canfax discussed US beef cow numbers are down six percent from their peak in 2018 as a result of drought and high feed cost. This will lower US beef supplies in 2023 with beef production expected to drop 6.67 per cent on average over the next three quarters. This has helped move cattle futures markets higher which in turn in turn is fueling cash cattle prices. Beef demand was up three per cent in Canada in 2022 even with high retail prices driven by double digit inflation at the meat counter.

Over the past two weeks fed prices in Albert have averaged just over $186/ cwt, for the first half of January prices are trading around $2-4/cwt lower than January highs seen in 2015. Despite the higher price trend, the market continues to be disappointing from both a basis and breakeven perspective. On the basis

side of the market, Alberta fed prices have been trading at a $22-27/cwt discount against the US market. For the first half of January this is the weakest basis on record going back over 35 years. Breakeven wise, moving into the New Year a lot of cattle have breakevens on either side of $200/cwt on a live basis. This suggests feedlot losses are still over $200/ head on cash sales. Record large carcass weights in Canada lead to slightly higher fed beef production in 2022.

Benefits of cover crops

There has been a lot of interest in cover crops over the last few years with producers growing a range of warm and cool season grasses, legumes and broadleaves with mixes of five to fifteen plus crops and species. Cover crops that maximize growth for most of the growing season can provide forage for livestock while improving soil health. Dr. Bart Lardner is a professor at the University

of Saskatchewan teaching beef and forage production courses and has done work with cover crops.

Feed is the single greatest variable cost in a beef cattle operation and producers should increase the use of forages in extensive grazing systems to graze as many days a year as possible. The nutrition program also needs to meet the nutrient requirements of the livestock for the desired gain or reproduction level. In a survey on extensive winter systems 62 percent of producers used two to three different feeding methods.

Producers in Manitoba used bale feeders 72, bale processors 31, unrolled forage 28, bale grazed 44, stockpiled grazed 21 or corn grazed 11 percent of the time. Since a cow only retains 15-20 percent of the nutrients consumed, a lot are returned to the landscape where the animals are fed.

Can growing a polycrop mixture of fibrous and tap rooted plants, grasses and broadleaves be beneficial

and reduce compaction, improve soil structure, improve organic matter or improve soil fertility? In Dr. Lardner’s work a monoculture cereal outyielded the polycrop mixture and there were weed control issues in the polycrop. Bart prefers a more basic polycrop mix of only four to five crops, to minimize competition between crops. However improvement in soil organic carbon and root biomass with the polycrops was found.

Other presentations were provided on the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives, the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association and the Manitoba Beef Producers. It is always important to hear from the producer groups so they can tell us about all of the programs and activities they are involved in on producers behalf.

For more information contact the Manitoba Agriculture office in Portage at 204-239-3353 or shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca

Unique experience all a part of the adventure

Piglets need a fair bit of heat immediately after being born and, not having a heated barn, the Lachs had never planned to farrow in the winter. So, they did all they could and set up their two sheds as best they could, hoping the weather would be agreeable when the births happened.

Contrary to this hope, Wilma entered labour on Dec. 20 at a brisk -30ºC. Janelle and Eric kept a close watch, quickly realizing that the piglets needed more warmth to survive. They sprung into action, wrapping them in towels as they were born, and brought them into their house. With a heater set up in their upstairs bathroom, the piglets were sufficiently warmed up and bottle-fed

colostrum– the first milk produced by a sow and crucial for young piglets. Their efforts resulted in

five healthy piglets.

Part of the adventure

Even when prepared with an insulated box and heat lamps, the next births stuck with the trend of the first. Cher went into labour on Christmas Eve, birthing 11 healthy piglets in -30ºC; and Christina just two days later, in slightly warmer but similar weather, adding seven new piglets for the grand total of 23.

“Then the feeding began, using milk replacer mixed on the stove,” said Janelle. “After feeding, I placed each one in the tub so that I could keep track of which ones had eaten. And then they would move back out onto the bathroom floor to run around and sleep before the next feeding.”

Janelle added, “When you open the door they would all jump up and run because they know it means milk has arrived. It can be quite overwhelming, but

is so rewarding when you get warm milk in their bellies and they fall asleep in your lap. My husband and I have shared the duty of feeding them every two hours for two weeks now, [as of Jan. 5]. The experience has certainly given me an added appreciation for what young mothers go through.”

Bottle feeding for an extended period was necessary for these piglets because, by the time the weather was at a safe level for them, their mothers had stopped producing milk. Sows, Janelle explained, naturally stop milk production more quickly if there are no piglets around to

suckle from them.

Now, the majority of the piglets are doing well. They’ve begun to eat dry food soaked in water and have been moved into a pen set up in the Lach’s new shop. Only three piglets remain in the bathroom, all with mild infections that affect their hind legs. These piglets are being kept indoors to be treated before being moved out as well.

“In a way, I will miss hearing their little squeals and scuttling around on the bathroom floor as they play, but I am happy we now have them on straw so that they can root as they are intended. And, in another five to six weeks, we will

plan to move them to a pen outside so they can run with lots of space,” said Janelle. “This will be a Christmas we’ll never forget, that’s for sure. We love our life out here on the farm and know that experiences like these, while perhaps sometimes nonconventional, are part of the adventure!”

Janelle and Eric extend their sincerest thanks to all those who aided them throughout this effort, or simply went to visit while they’ve had to stay close at hand to tend to the piglets. Progress of the wee piggies’ growth is being shared on Mad Dog Produce’s social media.

YOUR VOTE MATTERS

Sunrise Credit Union Board of Directors Election

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Once the piglets were hearty enough, they were moved into a pen, which the Lach family set up in their shop. Pictured top left: Janelle checks on the piglets on the morning of Jan. 17. Above: All tuckered out, the pigs settle down for a nap.

NMS students featured at ArtsForward

BY THE GRADE 7 AND 8 NEEPAWA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

ART

ArtsForward held a special Gala Evening on Jan. 11, highlighting some of Neepawa’s younger artists. For the month of January, Grade 7 and 8 Neepawa Middle School students have some of their artwork on display. The pieces are all projects that had been created by the students during the 2022-2023 school year, and feature a variety of mediums. Pictured here are some samples of these works.

Other features of the exhibit include linocut rubber stamps, dream catchers made from old, repurposed badminton rackets, colour wheels and more. Anyone who has yet to see this exhibit featuring these students’ skills will have the opportunity to do so until the show’s end date on Jan. 30.