February 24, 2023 - Neepawa Banner & Press

chris.kulbacki@plantpioneer.com

P505MSL CANOLA

Banner & Press

Neepawa business building for the future Harris

By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

One of Neepawa’s long standing businesses is on the move but not very far. Harris Pharmacy is planning to move just down Mountain Avenue into a new, yet to be built building. The new location will be south of the Salvation Army store which, is located in the former Co-op store.

Harris Pharmacy owner and head pharmacist, Heather Todoruk said, “We would like to get into a one level new space.” The current building is actually two buildings and at one time was occupied by three businesses. The south portion was a Stedman’s store, the central part has been Harris Pharmacy for decades and the north part was Wally’s Jewellers in years gone by. Plans are being drawn up for the new facility and construction will hopefully be started by spring time. Once the pharmacy moves, the current building will be put up for sale.

Harris Pharmacy is now the third notable locally owned and operated business to move ahead with the construction of a new home within the last year. Home Hardware and Whitey’s Fitness Body Shop are the others that are progressing on new venues within the community.

Pharmacy plans relocation to soon to be built new building PHOTOS

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Stars dance and dazzle in Neepawa

The Beautiful Plains Community Foundation’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ got underway on Saturday, Feb. 18, hosted in the Yellowhead Hall in Neepawa. The event saw an incredible response, with all tickets being sold.

Pictured left: A pair of dancers take to the floor, entertaining all who were in attendance. Above: Pictured are all of the individuals who stepped out onto the dance floor for a fun-filled evening with a good cause.

Cook-off winner declared at Louis Riel Day festivities

Part of the Louis Riel Day activities on Feb. 20 was a chili cook-off. Three contestants made chili, which all in attendance were welcome to taste. Pictured above: Councillor Sisley dishes out chili for one of the attendees.

Pictured right: Blair and Arwen Chapman accept a cheque on behalf of the Margaret Laurence Home. The cheque was a donation for the organization. The MLH was also declared the winner of the chili cookoff, with ArtsForward and Touchwood following after them.

Lucky Ned

1973: Winter clearance deals at John Kerr & Co. Ltd.

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

125 years ago, Thursday, February 24, 1898

Plumas: Mr. Hodgins has sold his confectionery business to a gentleman from Neepawa.

Ed. Jasper, formerly of Neepawa, but recently of Winnipeg, started with a companion named J. Sullivan, also a recent resident of this town, to drive from the city to Portage la Prairie. Both were under the influence of liquor and when they reached Baie St. Paul a halt was made at a farm house. Sullivan had the horses put in the stable and retired to the house, forgetting all about poor Jasper lying in the sleigh. Some hours later, Jasper awoke and realizing his position called loudly for help. Inmates of the farm house promptly responded and conveyed the helpless man to the warm dwelling, where it was found his feet and legs were frozen. Next day he was taken to the Winnipeg General hospital, where he will have to remain for a time.

100 years ago, Tuesday, February 25, 1923

Neepawa is to have an additional newspaper shortly, something in the nature of eye-openers– not Calgary ones– though the new editor is a local man and has done local contributions before.

R. A. Davidson, of this town, has been honoured by the Manitoba minister of agriculture with an appointment to take charge of the immigration office about to be opened by the government in England. Not only is Mr. Davidson to be congratulated on his preferment, but the government is to be congratulated on the excellent choice made for this important work. Incidentally, the Neepawa district as a whole will approve the appointment.

75 years ago, Thursday, February 26, 1948

Miss Marjorie Walker returned to her home in Arden on Saturday three months to the day from the time she left for Toronto to undergo an operation. She was accompanied by her mother, Mrs. A. F. Walker.

Miss Walker, 23 years of age, is Canada’s oldest “blue baby”. The operation has been termed a complete success by the Toronto doctors responsible for the case. Dr. William Mustard performed the operation following tests mad by Dr. John Keith.

It was only by sheerest accident that Miss Walker learned of the new surgical treatment that could help her. Taking immediate action, she quickly completed arrangements for the trip to Toronto. With the operation successfully completed, she is now convalescing at home.

50 years ago, Thursday, February 22, 1973

Councillor Bill Guinn, liaison to the Neepawa District Memorial Hospital Board, sought council’s guidance at its regular meeting Tuesday night as to what can be done to speed completion of renovations to the hospital which have now been going on for over a year.

Councillor Guinn reported that only 14 beds are in use at present because the contractor has not finished the kitchen facilities and more patients cannot be handled until this is done. He also reported that the hospital board was disappointed with some of the workmanship and that there were many minor deficiencies which are yet to be corrected, but the contractor “seems to have lost interest in the project since they had been awarded another major government project.”

A rink from Neepawa air cadet squadron was successful in winning top prize in the second event at a weekend Cadet Bonspiel held at Russell Feb. 10 and 11 and brought home the impressive trophy and miniatures.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Proverbs 22:22 (The Living Bible)

The tradition of a community grows, in part at least, around family business which have served that community over a long period of years. When these businesses leave the family, something of tradition leaves with them.

This is the experience of Neepawa as the Martin Family has relinquished its interest in Martin’s Store that has been in their family for over half a century.

Albert Martin, who owned stores in Elrose and Brownlee Saskatchewan, and Brookdale Manitoba, purchased a five and ten cent store on Mountain Ave. in Neepawa from Emma J. Phillips in 1921. In 1922, he purchased the building that was owned by a local farmer, John Hall.

20 years ago, Monday, Friday 24, 2003 Neepawa will lose its first full-time economic development officer when Mark Fisher resigns at the end of the month.

Ironically, the man who was hired to promote Neepawa and area is opening his own business in Brandon.

“I would have liked Neepawa, but it just doesn’t have the population,” said Fisher, who is opening a furniture store. “It doesn’t have the demographics.”

Researchers from Canada, France and Japan believe they may have finally unravelled the riddle of the human hiccup.

In a report published in the journal BioEssays, the researchers propose that the hiccup is an evolutionary leftover– a mechanism that allowed our ancient ancestors to breathe both water and air.

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.

This ad for John Kerr & Co. Ltd., a clothing store that used to be found in Neepawa, was printed in the Feb. 22, 1973 edition of The Press. The prices then were quite different compared to today.

Any errors or omissions from stories (Factually or otherwise) are the result of the original print and not the responsibility of the archivist for the current version of the Neepawa Banner & Press.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

By Chad Carpenter Tundra

And just like that…

missed opportunity for unity

Like a lot of people, I read a lot of stories, especially news stories. I am always surprised and annoyed by the holes in the stories, the big gaping holes that just don’t make sense.

Last year, as the Freedom Convoy was pulling into Ottawa after many days on the road, it was big news. Everybody knew it was happening, nobody was caught off guard or shocked. Well, except our Prime Minister and the Ottawa police service.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should have known what a large majority of the convoy participants stood for. They were against heavy-handed government, against some of the way Covid-19 was handled and against the very foolish carbon tax. If Trudeau had any idea of what was happening, he certainly didn’t handle it well. What he should have done was meet with the convoy leaders, heard what they had to say and then come up with a reasonable answer. Instead, he didn’t meet with them, instead called them down, accused them of many things and told them to go away. That was very dumb and very short-sighted on behalf of a prime minister that has had as much experience as he has had.

He implemented the Emergency Measures Act and we all know how prolonged, awkward and expensive that turned out to be. It took an ensuing multi-million dollar inquiry for Trudeau to admit a year later that he wished he had used different words about the convoy participants. Trudeau was plain and simply dumb on this issue. Every conflict resolution expert will tell you that successful resolution requires time, patience

Right in the Centre

Ken Waddell

and skill. I leave it to you to decide if Trudeau exhibited that.

The inquiry report seems to indicate that he did not. The head of the inquiry, Justice Paul Rouleau is quoted as saying, “In my view, more of an effort should have been made by government leaders at all levels during the protest to acknowledge that the majority of protestors were exercising their fundamental democratic rights”. I nstead, Trudeau, and others, called the protesters a lot of derogatory names. That isn’t strong leadership.

News media people, perhaps in their hurry to get the story out don’t ask enough questions. One of my colleagues says the slack news media figure that, “being first is better than being factual.”

Closer to home, there was a sad story about an elderly couple who opted to care for the ailing wife at home rather than in a hospital. That in itself is an admirable goal. However, this story had some holes in it. Again, not enough questions were asked. The couple and the writer asked why they didn’t get the home care they were promised. That’s a good question and, after a period of their plight being in the media spotlight, they were promised

some help. Why did they have to wait? Somebody should be able to answer. But there’s another hole in the story. The husband explained that they were naturally disappointed they couldn’t travel. If they could afford to travel, then why didn’t the couple use that travel money to try to get private home care services. Maybe they did and maybe not, but the interviewer should certainly have asked if the couple had tried.

I will be the first to admit that my writings fall short, at least some of the time, and even in the two examples noted above, maybe I have made errors. The larger point is that as readers, as consumers of news and information, we all need to be more vigilant. Does the story make sense, are there real or possible errors in the story?

The convoy stories we read over the past year contained a lot of errors and most health care stories are prone to errors, some even caused by bias. It is up to writers and readers to be diligent in sorting it all out, filling in the holes so to speak.

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.

In a blink of an eye another year has slipped by. It hasn’t slipped away, for it was another good year, however, it is gone, never to return. And just like that I am seventy-seven years old. Three years older than my mother was when she died from colon cancer. And years younger than my grandmothers were. Strange how they always seemed old to me. My paternal grandmother Agatha Born Toews was only sixty-four when her husband died and she was absolutely lost without him. She did not know how to drive a car, write a cheque, read a hydro metre, pay bills…She spent a year or two spending time with her children on a rotation basis before moving into the Taber Units in Morden. Grandma was deaf, and content to simply be in her later years. She lived to be around 84. My maternal grandmother, Maria Martens Groening, 1887-1974, lived 87 years, and also always appeared old to me. She lived in her own small home in the village of Lowe Farm until being place in the care of the staff at Salem Home in Winkler. I recall taking my very young children to visit her, and the delight she had in touching the cheeks of little people. A widow for ten years, she appreciated the presence and help from her children and grandchildren.

I acknowledge that my grandmothers did not have the modern conveniences that I have, the washer/dryer, the dishwasher, the microwave…They worked hard, one bore 15 children, raising twelve to adulthood, the other had six. In my early years both of them had household help, and when we grandchildren slept over, we never asked the grandma’s for anything but asked the maids/ housekeepers instead. I know that my grandparents all loved us, even without them ever reading us stories or playing games with us. It was a very different time. My mother worked hard as well, with many modern conveniences. She was a hands on grandmother, with the story reading, the game playing, the teaching about nature…and she had those pleasures cut short…meeting all her grands and very few great grands.

Celebrating another birthday gets me thinking about all these things. How fortunate I am. Yes, I have worked hard, but have always had time to play. The modern conveniences are viewed as necessities. And I wonder….do I look old to my grandchildren? And my great grands must see me as a wrinkled specimen of humanity! They will remember me as a game player, a story teller, a mischief maker, and hugger! The grands recall our family holidays, the sleepovers, the tobogganing, the bonfires and my independent nature. I balanced working outside of the home with spending time with them, almost always successfully. Now I am blessed with great grands. I pray they will remember me, great gran, picking peas, strawberries, raspberries, and anything edible from our back yard garden. I pray they will remember reading the Sesame Street book about Grover with Grover’s voice. I pray they will remember how very much I love them.

And just like that I am seventy-seven, looking back with delight, and forward with anticipation.

Getting rid of the sting, Part One

There are some things in life that I will never be able to understand or explain. One of them happened two weeks ago; when I was informed that one of my cousins had passed away.

Now in my family, the death of a cousin is nothing new. Two aunts, two brothers and roughly 30 cousins are all the family I have left. But this death was different, because in this case, my aunt and cousin (mother and daughter) both succumbed to ALS (Lou Gherig’s Disease). That’s what makes my cousin’s death so hard to understand.

I cannot explain why some people die in their sleep after living for more than 90 years and never being sick a day in their lives; while others die in their 40s or 50s (or maybe even younger) from cancer, kidney disease, ALS, a heart attack, stroke or some other debilitating illness. Almighty God is the only one who can answer these questions; and unless he chooses to tell us his secrets,

Neil Strohschein

those questions may never be answered.

So whenever I am told of the death of a friend or family member, I look for words that can take the sting out of the pain I am feeling. I am often drawn to two portions of Scripture that give me much comfort and hope.

The first is Romans 8:3839: “For I am convinced that...nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Some of the most incredible people I have ever met have survived and thrived despite severe physical, mental or emotional challenges. Their attitude to life often puts me to shame.

They do not consider themselves to be handicapped. In fact, most of

them hate the term. They tell me that the only thing “wrong” with them is that their souls and spirits are trapped in bodies that aren’t working too well. They can (and do) feel the love that they receive from their families, friends and most of all, from God. That love sustains them in life and helps them remain strong in faith as they face the moment of their death.

That’s when they and those closest to them cling to the promises of 1 Corinthians 15; promises of a resurrection to new life in bodies that are free from all pain, sickness and disability; bodies engineered for life in the universe; bodies that sin cannot corrupt, sickness cannot attack, disease cannot cripple, and death cannot destroy.

First Corinthians 15 ends with these words: “Death (will be) swallowed up in victory. Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

My cousin is enjoying part of that victory right now. Two weeks ago, she left her body behind and went to be with Jesus. He gave her a form that enabled her deceased parents, family and friends to recognize her and welcome her home. What happened to her has also happened to all who die believing in God and trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But they have not yet experienced the ultimate victory that awaits us.

One day, Jesus will return and we will receive the bodies described in 1 Corinthians 15; bodies just like the one Jesus received when he rose from the dead. Reflecting on these thoughts helps remove the sting of a family member or friend’s death from my mind.

But I still grieve– differently, but I still grieve. And I will tell you why next week.

Gladstone’s Glory Years: Methodist Church senior class

CASA celebrates Ag Safety Week

Media Release

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), farmers, farm families, farm workers, and farming communities are encouraged to show how they commit to #FarmSafetyEveryday.

Taking place March 12-18, 2023, Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an annual public initiative delivered by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) to raise awareness about the importance of farm safety.

This year’s theme, Safety is Our Promise, is part of the three-year safety campaign “Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success.” In 2023, organizers are focusing on practical safety advice and inspiring conversations about farm safety while highlighting the reasons safety is essential for the sustainability of farming operations.

“We all know that farm accidents can have devastating and far-reaching consequences,” says Andrea Lear, CASA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Fortunately, many on-farm incidents are preventable. That’s why we want to ensure Canadian producers have the resources they need to keep their farms and ranches safe for everyone to live, work, and visit. CASA is once again looking forward to hosting conversations with individuals and organizations across the country as we work together towards a safer agricultural sector.”

For more than a decade, CASA has been raising awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through CASW, which takes place every year during the third week of March. In 2023, CASW is presented in partnership with key partners Farm Credit Canada and Decisive Farming by TELUS Agriculture. Other sponsors include the CN, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Syngenta Canada, and Fertilizer Canada.”

If there is an individual or group in this community who you think deserves a shoutout, send them a thumbs up on our opinion page to let them know they’re doing great!

If there’s something not so great, you can also send a thumbs down...

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured is the senior Sunday School class of the Methodist Church, of Gladstone, from either 1912 or 1913. Those pictured from left to right, starting in the back row, are: Wm. Vinie, Jos. Grose and Jack Robson. Third row: Margaret Hammel, Corinne Singleton, Ferne Grose, Dora Gilman, Darlene Butler and Tayce Butler. Second row: Lena Williams, Mrs. Hammel, Margaret Williams, Lottie Watson, Ida Moad, Ella Watts, Perl Wilson, Cinny Grantham, Geo. Sommerville, Jas. Grantham and Mrs. Hall. Front row: Ray Lowe, Ella Anderson, Maggie Kerr, May Dotten, Jean Hyndman, Roy Fahrni (teacher), Annie Bowles, Clarice Bozer, Bill Hall, Mr. Hammel (in front), Maurice Clayton and Ray Lowes.

out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale

Pulses

Around the world, pulses have been a staple in many diets for centuries. Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas are healthy, tasty and a great alternative to meat and there are so many ways to use them. I love to incorporate pulses into soups, tacos, salads, casseroles and more. In addition to being high in protein, beans and legumes are also a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium. They have a number of health benefits including containing prebiotics, which the good bacteria in the gut feed on and they are rich in polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. So with all the good things pulses contain, here are several recipes to help make them a healthful addition to your diet.

Move over, meat! These burritos stuffed with rice, black beans and veggies are hearty as can be and whip up in a jiffy.

Black bean and rice burritos

1 Tbsp. oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 small red pepper, diced

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 Tbsp. chili powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. hot sauce or to taste (optional)

1 540 mL can of black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cups cooked rice, white or brown

1 cup salsa

flour tortillas, warmed grated cheese sour cream if desired chopped cilantro if desired

Warm tortillas are much easier to fold. You can microwave 3-4 on a plate covered with a slightly damp paper towel for up to 30 seconds. No longer as they may harden. Or you can wrap them in foil and bake in your oven at 300° F for 10-15 minutes until fully heated through. Stacks of 6-8 tortillas or fewer works best. If you have more tortillas than this, you can do multiple packs at the same time.

Meanwhile in a large frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper, stir and cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic; cook another minute. Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the chili powder, cumin and hot sauce. Add beans and rice and cook until heated through, 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in salsa and remove from heat. Spoon mixture down centre of each warm tortilla. Top with 2 Tbsp. cheese and if desired sour cream and cilantro. Fold in sides and ends over filling and roll up. Enjoy.

Moroccan red lentil soup

A warming red lentil soup packed full of flavour and nutrition.

2 Tbsp. oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. turmeric

1/4 tsp. pepper

Aspark of joy

8 cups vegetable or chicken broth

2 cups red lentils, washed

1 540mL can diced tomatoes

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, sliced

3 cups fresh spinach

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

In a Dutch oven heat the oil; add the onions and cook stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the spices and cook for another minute. Add the broth, lentils, tomatoes, carrots and celery and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Stir in the spinach and cook for five minutes until spinach is wilted. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

Icannot tell by the weather if we are approaching, first spring, false spring or fourth winter but I do know that we are approaching the point in my household cleaning routine where I realize I have way too much stuff for my tiny space and purge, purge, purge. You know the feeling of a good purge of your house, it’s cleansing, comforting and makes you feel like you have more mental space as well as physical space. This good feeling of getting rid of clutter is no joke and studies show that living in a physically cluttered environment can contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. When I think of my favourite way to de-clutter, my mind goes to Marie Kondo’s books “The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up” and sequel, “Spark Joy”. In it she suggests an intentional, mindful evaluation of each item in your home. You are invited to mindfully hold said object, connect with it fully, assess if you feel any joy from this item and if you don’t feel joy from the item, that item is discarded. This is a dreadfully short and broad summation of her tidying concepts and I truly recommend her books if you want to know more. Sparking joy. I really appreciate the idea of mindfully connecting to something in your life to determine if it’s existence in your life brings you joy. We often don’t connect our head with our feelings and tidying up is no exception. I think of Sparking Joy when I think of evaluating the quadrants of our mental well being that

Your Listening Ear

Delsie Martin

when fulfilled, help us to be the very best version of ourselves that we can be. Looking at the mental quadrant, I would want to see if I am doing anything mentally stimulating to fill that need (ex: taking a university class or reading a book). Next to the physical quadrant, am I doing enough to nourish my physical health (ex: go for a walk, eat healthy, have a doctors check up).

The emotional quadrant follows with the question of how I am meeting my emotional needs (ex: seeing a therapist, journaling, talking to a trusted friend) and finally, the question of what I need to do to meet my spiritual needs (ex: church, walking mindfully in nature, quiet reflection). When I look at things to add or do more of in each quadrant, I want to be mindful of choosing activities that spark joy within me. If I have something going on in my life that isn’t sparking joy

and isn’t essential, maybe I could look at negotiating a different relationship with that activity. I think that taking the literal version of Kondo’s discard anything that doesn’t bring you joy in mental well being is too ridged. Sometimes we have to do things that don’t bring us joy, this is the joy of being human BUT, it also is a kindness to yourself to evaluate the number of “have to’s” in your life and ensure that you have enough things in your quadrants that spark joy in your soul.

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.

Hoping to plant the seeds of political change

Keystone Party of Manitoba hosts town hall meeting in Gladstone

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Manitoba’s newest political party has humble, but realistic expectations for itself in the upcoming provincial election. That’s because the Keystone Party is looking at the big picture when it comes to long term provincial prosperity, and is hopeful disenfranchised voters will do the same.

The fledgling political group, which began last year, held a Town Hall meeting on Friday, Feb. 17 at Stride Hall in Gladstone. A few dozen people attended the event, looking to learn more about what this new party was all about.

Keystone leader Kevin Friesen addressed the group, and outlined their platform. Some of the key points focused on fundamental rights and personal freedoms. As well, they trumpeted a need for limitations to government size and spending, the importance for equal distribution of health care and education opportunities and a tougher stance on crime.

Friesen also spoke on his move into the political forum. He noted that while he did not grow up with a passion for politics, it’s something he has been compelled to act upon, as he has learned about our provincial political situation.

“[The more I’ve learned], the more apparent it is that we desperately need a change in Manitoba. And that’s probably why you are here tonight, as well,” said Friesen. “The Keystone Party is a grassroots party, and those who believe in it will support us in the capacity that they are able. And I truly believe that if we educate every Manitoban as to what we’ve created in the Keystone Party, we will, together, be able to effectively change what our government has become.”

A realistic expectation

After his brief introduction speech and discussion of the party platform, Friesen took questions from the crowd. He was asked what the Party hopes to bring forward in terms of candidates, for the upcoming provincial election in October. Friesen said that the numbers would be dependant upon the level of support and enthusiasm they’re able to generate through these types of get-togethers. He did note, however, that the initial response suggests that eight to 10 Keystone candidates is a realistic expectation at the moment.

Friesen added that, for a grassroots party such as this, it’s more important to have quality representation, as opposed to a mass volume of names filling

the ballot.

Another question brought forward was related to vote splitting between Keystone and the

Progressive Conservative Party. Friesen said realistically, the ridings where they’ll likely be able to run have enough supporters

that lean towards that side of the political spectrum that it will not be an issue.

Local autonomy an important component

After the Town Hall concluded, the Banner & Press had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Friesen. We enquired as to what truly made Keystone different from the current options. Friesen said that the local autonomy and an active voice in policy for each constituency associations will be an important component.

“We want to empower our members and involve them in actually creating party policy. We plan to do that with solid constituency associations which we hope to set one up [here in Gladstone] tonight, where members can recommend party policies or amend -

ments to existing policies. Now, in addition, keep in mind that constituency associations will be able to choose their local candidate without interference from the party leader or the caucus as well. Believe it or not, there is no other legacy party in Manitoba that actually operates this way,” stated Friesen. “Every single political party in Manitoba says that they listen to the grassroots, but the Keystone party will actually implement it.” Agassiz is the sixth electoral district where the Keystone Party of Manitoba has held a Town Hall meeting, with three more similar gatherings planned for within the next 30 days.

The Manitoba general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 3

Our advertising deadline is Tuesday at noon!

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PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Kevin Friesen, leader of Keystone Party of Manitoba, spoke to a group in Gladstone on Friday, Feb, 17.

PRESS

Neepawa Press NEEPAWA BANNER

Just as this community has evolved over the centuries, so have the community newspapers covering all the action.

Since 1896, there have been Neepawa newspapers right there, bringing you the important, local stories.

The Neepawa Banner & Press is working to ensure this tradition continues for years to come.

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce has confirmed that the 2023 edition of the Chamber Fair will be held from May 26 to 28 this year. However, they are currently seeking volunteers to help keep things rolling.

Ally Potrebka, board and fair committee member, told the Banner & Press that, as of Feb. 15, there are currently seven committee member volunteers. To run the Chamber Fair, a total of 40 are needed to help at the various events, as well as with set up and clean up.

“The Chamber Fair is the main fundraising event for the Neepawa Chamber and it helps us serve our membership throughout the year with advocacy, training and engagement with business owners,” said Potrebka, stressing the event’s importance. “[It] brings hundreds of new people to Neepawa every year, which creates income opportunities for our local stores, gas stations, restaurants and hotels.”

Potrebka added, “It also gives community members an opportunity to give back

to their community through volunteering. It’s an opportunity for visitors to see what Neepawa has to offer, for community members who have moved away to come back and visit and for newcomers to be involved in the community.”

Every year, the Chamber Fair brings activities such as the midway, petting zoo, town wide yard sale and a social event for the town and surrounding community to enjoy. If the Chamber doesn’t have enough volunteers in time for the fair, the available events for the 2023 installment may need to be

reduced.

Potrebka also emphasized that, if Neepawa were to lose the Chamber Fair, it would not only make a significant impact on the town, but the communities in the area as well.

“We hire a number of local vendors to host events during the Chamber Fair, such as the food truck venue, midway and petting zoo,” said Potrebka. “If the Chamber Fair wasn’t able to continue, it would have a significant impact on these local businesses.”

Currently, the Neepawa and District Chamber of

Commerce has volunteer spots ranging from one hour, to the full weekend. Anyone wishing to sign up, or get more information on the involved tasks, are asked to contact the Chamber office via 204-476-5292.

“The earlier people sign up to volunteer, the better,” said Potrebka. “This way we

can plan events accordingly.”

Any non-profit groups interested in having a tent at the fair, or chamber members looking for new sponsorship opportunities, are also welcomed to get in touch with the Chamber office.

Regarding plans for the 2023 fair, office administrator Jennifer Wiebe noted

that the Chamber is looking forward to a new partnership ‘with a great midway company’.

“We will be having new rides and events this year, and we hope to have an ATM on site,” said Wiebe. “Some of your family favorites, as well as many new things, [will be] at this year’s fair.

Wiebe added, “We will be welcoming back The Clubbing Fraggles to rock out at the social! Watch for our 50/50 draw to come out and details about all the other events that weekend on our social media platforms and Chamber Chat newsletter to members.”

The Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce extends its sincerest thanks to all those who have aided with the Chamber Fair through their volunteerism in the past years.

‘The earlier people sign up to volunteer, the better’ Neepawa and District Chamber Fair activities may be reduced if aid is lacking

ARCHIVE PHOTO

A birds-eye view of the midway attractions during the 2022 Chamber Fair in Neepawa.

MJHL Standings

Neepawa Titans win over Winnipeg

Pair of victories keep Titans in contention for playoffs

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Titans collected four very important points over the weekend, with a pair of victories over the Winnipeg Blues. The first was an impressive 7-2 decision on Friday, Feb. 17. Neepawa followed that up a few nights later with a 5-2 win over those same Blues.

Game results

THHL Playoffs

East Division Quarter Finals

#1 Gladstone vs. #8 Carberry Gladstone wins series 2-0

#2 Minnedosa vs. #7 Pilot Mound Minnedosa wins series 2-0

#3 Wawanesa vs. Cartwright Wawanesa wins series 2-0

#4 Neepawa vs. #5 MacGregor

Neepawa wins series 2-1

West Division Quarter Finals

#1 Miniota/Elkhorn vs. #8 Souris Miniota/Elkhorn win series 2-0

#2 Killarney vs. #7 Melita Killarney win series 2-0

#3 Virden vs. #6 Hartney Virden win series tied 2-0

#4 Rivers vs. #5 Deloraine Rivers wins series 2-0

East Division Semi Finals

#1 Gladstone vs. #4 Neepawa

Best-of-five series tied 0-0

Sunday, Feb. 19

Neepawa 5-2 Wpg Blues

First Period

05:00 NPA B. Wood (14)

ASST: W. Highet (15), B. Michalchuk (15)

06:00 NPA B. Wood (15)

ASST: H. Stocks (19)

Second Period

00:47 NPA H. Stocks (25)

ASST: B. Wood (30)

10:24 NPA C. Bendtsen (7)

ASST: C. Trimble (14), C. Smith (18)

Third Period

02:54 WPB D. Zeller (14) PP

ASST: P. Gare (18), T. Kaufield (17)

05:26 NPA C. Trimble (8)

ASST: Unassisted

19:47 WPB K. Ekie (10)

ASST: N. Bettens (9), D. Zeller (12)

Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP

WPB 0 0 2 2 1/3

NPA 2 2 1 5 0/5

Goaltenders

WPB J. McLeod - (L) 32/37 saves

NPA G. Renwick - (W) 28/30 saves

Attendance: 225 - Yellowhead Centre

The wins were the Titans’ 19th and 20th of the MJHL regular season, but more importantly, kept them on pace with the teams they’re chasing in the standings for the playoffs. Neepawa is currently eight points out of the fourth and final playoff placement, but just 10 points away from second place in the highly competitive Western Division.

Briley Wood, who had six points for Neepawa (3 goals - 3 assists) over the course of those two games, told the Banner & Press, everyone in the dressing room understand exactly how important every single game is right now.

“We’re feeling good right now and we feel as though we’re getting dialed in. Everybody in the room

knows what’s at stake and, as a team, we’re not taking any of this for granted. If we want to make the playoffs, we have to be treating every game, from here on out, as a win or go home type situation,” noted Wood.

Goaltender Gavin Renwick earned both wins for Neepawa on the weekend, with 27 and 28 save efforts, respectively.

Some of those saves included late game heroics with the glove, stealing a

goal or two from the Blues. After the second game, Renwick said it wasn’t just him out there, as the team in front of him did an amazing job minimizing the opportunities for Winnipeg. He said he could have been a lot more busy if not for the Titans’ committment to playing smart defence.

“I was able to keep an eye out there on the shots and the boys were also putting in the effort in our own zone. It’s feeling like we’re

finding our stride out there right now.”

With eight games remaining for Neepawa on the regular season schedule, they’re hoping to keep the momentum going this weekend against the Portage Terriers. The Tians will play in Portage la Prairie on Feb. 24, and then return to the Yellowhead Centre on Feb. 25 to face the Terriers once again. Start time for Saturday, is set for 7:30 p.m.

Another winning weekend for NACI Tigers

#2 Minnedosa vs. #3 Wawanesa Best-of-five series tied 0-0

West Division Quarter Finals

#1 Miniota/Elkhorn vs. #4 Rivers Miniota/Elkhorn lead series 1-0

#2 Killarney vs. #3 Virden Best-of-five series tied 0-0

Club 55 Bowling

FEB 16/23:

Ladies’ High Single & Triple: Vivian Oswald 229 & 518.

Men’s High Single: Darrell Gabler 243. Men’s High

Triple: Len Pritchard 601.

Other Scores to Note: Judy

Gabler 181, 184; Len Pritchard 204, 173, 224; Vivian Oswald 154; Carole LeBou-

tillier 174, 207; Frank Porada 200, 162; Muriel Porada 160; Marilyn Rourke 184; Debbie Tarn 152, 150, 202.

The Neepawa Tigers played a pair of games over the weekend, winning both in dominant fashion. The first was a 12-4 win at home on Feb. 18 against the RGG Raiders. The next was an 8-1 win in Brandon versus the Crocus Plains Plainsmen. With these results, the Tigers improved their record to 20-5-4 on the season.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Briley Wood’s six points (3 goals - 3 assists) over the course of two games, helped propel the Neepawa Titans to a pair of important weekend wins over the Winnipeg Blues.

Farmers tame Wild in best-of-three playoff series Neepawa advances to next round of THHL post season

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Farmers have advanced to the next round of the Tiger Hills Hockey League playoffs, with a 2-games-to-1 series win over the MacGregor Wild.

Neepawa opened up this best-of-three series on Thursday, Feb. 16, with a 4-1 win at home inside the Yellowhead Centre. Jesse Jones started the scoring for the Farmers just before the end of the first period, as he took advantage of a puck handling miscue by MacGregor, to make it 1-0.

Then, early in the second period, Brad Marshall knocked a shot past Wild goaltender Rhett Boschman, to give Neepawa the 2-0 lead. A little later on in the period, Braden Nicoll would slip up into the back of the net for MacGregor, but the Farmers would reply just over two minutes later. It would be Dillon Birch who re-established the 2-goal cushion for the home-side, near the mid-way point of the second, to make it a 3-1 score.

For the third period, Garrett Rempel was the lone goal scorer for either side, as he collected one on a power-play opportunity for the Farmers. That would, ultimately, make it a 4-1 final in favour of Neepawa. Rempel, Marshall and Birch all had multi-point performances (1G-1A), while goaltender Reese Jones picked up the win with a 24 save night.

The Wild would bounce back in game two winning by the score of 5-2. There would be five different goal scorers for the Wild on the night, while Neepawa’s offensive output was handled by Braden Gillies alone, who picked both of the

Don’t shut us out! Send us results from your games so we can keep everyone up to date on our local teams!

sports@neepawabanner.com

Farmers’ goals for the night. This result in MacGregor on Feb. 17, would result in a one game winner take all to decide the series the next day in Neepawa. For the last game of the series, a late push by MacGregor wasn’t enough, as the Farmers were able to hold on for a 4-3 win.

Neepawa jumped out to an early lead with goals from Garrett Rempel and Braden Gillies before the mid-way point of the first period. Braden Klippenstein replied for the Wild before the first intermission, to make it 2-1. Dillon Birch added one for Neepawa in the second, as the score would be 3-1 going into the third period. For the third, MacGregor put the pressure on the Farmers early, creating several scoring opportunities. Goaltender Reese Jones came up big on a few of those opportunities, however, stopping a one-timer attempt during an early period power-play for the Wild. A few minutes later, though, another powerplay chance would be successful for MacGregor, as Kelly Rintoul scored to

make the score 3-2. The two teams would trade goals again a few minutes later, with Brad Marshall scoring for Neepawa and Braden Klippenstein collecting his second of the

day for MacGregor. That made things a little tense for the Farmer faithful with just over five minutes remaining in regulation. A last minute penalty against Neepawa would add to that drama. With the goaltender pulled and the power-play providing a two man advantage, the Wild

swarmed the Neepawa net, but were stymied by Jones and his teammates.

With the win, the Neepawa Farmers advance to the next round of the playoffs, where they will face the top-seed from the East Division, the Gladstone Lakers. Gladstone moved forward by besting the Carberry

Plainsmen in two straight games. The first game of this best-of-five series will be in Gladstone on Feb. 25. Game two will follow the very next night in Neepawa at the Yellowhead Centre. The other divisional semifinal sees Minnedosa playing Wawanesa.

Braden Gillies had 4 points (3 goals -1 assist) in three games for the Neepawa Farmers against the MacGregor Wild.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Brad Marshall (#16) scored what would be the game and series winning goal for the Neepawa Farmers on Saturday, Feb. 18 against the MacGregor Wild.

Classifieds

Classified Ad Deadline: Tuesday Noon

• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines

• Please check your ad when first published the Neepawa Banner & Press will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

• All copy is subject to approval by the Neepawa Banner & Press.

• We reserve the right to edit copy or to refuse to publish any advertisement we deem illegal, libelous, misleading or offensive

––––––––––

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

Mary-Ella Proven

Mary-Ella Proven passed away on February 13, 2023. She was born on March 29,1942 at Souris Manitoba. Her parents were Leslie and Colleen Anderson. She was their second child. Mary-Ella was predeceased by her husband, Don, her brother, Charles and her parents. She leaves to mourn her son, Ian, his wife Shelley and their children, Loren and Liam, her daughter, Beth, her sisters Margaret-Ann and her husband Leo, and their daughter, Sandra, her sister Jeannette and her sons, Steven and Peter. She also leaves to mourn numerous friends who cared for her for many years.

Mary-Ella lived at Carroll, Manitoba until she left home to pursue a career in teaching. She took her schooling in Carroll – 1-11. She attended Grade 12 in Souris, Manitoba. She earned her BA in 1976 and her Bachelor of Education in 1978. She taught school in Clanwilliam, Boissevain, Winnipeg, Neepawa and Carberry.

Mary-Ella met her husband, Don, in Clanwilliam, they married in 1965. Don and Mary-Ella were married for 56 years and lived in Carberry for 53 years.

Mary-Ella was involved in Knox-Zion Presbyterian Church in Carberry for many years. She served as minister off and on for 10 years. She served on the session at the church. She conducted many funerals and marriages and cared deeply for the families she served. She was gifted at writing sermons and many people, of all ages, attended church when she was the minister. She taught Sunday School, led the Girl Guides for a few years, served on the library board both local and regional and was on the board of Friends of Spruce Woods.

After her parents moved to Carberry she was involved in their care and well-being. After her mother went to the care home – Mary-Ella became involved in various activities at the home – she enjoyed visiting the residents and tried to bring them some joy.

Mary-Ella loved Spruce Woods Park and spent many hours walking and skiing with Don. They enjoyed the outdoors and watching the movement of wildlife and nature in the park. She also camped every summer at Killarney and had many friends at Emerald Isle Campground and around town. She loved kayaking on Killarney Lake and watching the birds and wildlife around the lake.

Mary-Ella was a free spirit. She gathered people around her young and old, and she loved her life. She had many passions. She was a collector, she loved flea markets and garage sales. At one time she had over 100 cabbage patch dolls. She loved plants and gardening. She always had a dog and spent many miles walking her dogs. She flew kites, and she loved Abba. She loved fashion and always dressed beautifully. Halloween and Christmas were special times for her when she got to see her grandchildren. She loved watching them play hockey and baseball, and she loved to watch curling on tv. She perfected many recipes and loved to cook for her family. Her laugh was infectious.

The family would like to thank the Carberry homecare and hospital nurses, Dr. T. Van Nienkirk, Dr. Azzabi, Sherri Wray, the nurses and doctors at CancerCare Manitoba and the many health care professionals that helped her over her final years.

A private family graveside will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca or the Carberry Plains Health Centre, Box 2000, Carberry, MB R0K 0H0. She stood in the storm

And when the wind did not blow her way, She adjusted her sails.

- Elizabeth Edwards

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

Personal

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

For Rent

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

2 Bedroom Apartment for rent in Minnedosa. 198 7th Ave SW. Call Wes 204210-0081 for more details. $550 monthly, 2 bedroom home in park setting. 15 min. east of Carberry. Must have own mower. 1 good dog ok. 204-402-0321 Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419

Help Wanted

Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne

PUBLIC WORKS COORDINATOR

The Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne is seeking a highly motivated individual with excellent leadership skills for the position of Public Works Coordinator/Heavy Equipment Operator. The Municipality is situated in West Central Manitoba with public works operations based out of two locations- Arden and Glenella. This position is responsible for the coordination of services and active management of the Public Works Department. This is a permanent full time position

A more comprehensive job description may be obtained upon request.

This is a permanent position to start immediately. The Municipality offers a comprehensive pension and benefit plan.

Interested applicants may submit a resume with references and salary expectations by 12:00 Noon, Monday March 6, 2023.

Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne

PO Box 10 Glenella, MB R0J 0V0

Email: rmofglen@inetlink.ca

204-352-4281

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne

SEASONAL/TERM PUBLIC WORKS OPERATORS

The Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne is accepting applications for Seasonal/Term Public Works Operators for the following duties:

- Tractor/mower operators

- Assistance with Gravel crushing

- Class 1 Gravel Truck Drivers

- Heavy Equipment Operators

Qualifications:

The successful applicant should possess the following qualifications:

- be in possession of a valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s License, Class 1 license would be considered an asset.

- have mechanical aptitude

- Ability to work in a team environment

- be able to perform physical duties as assigned. These are seasonal/term positions to start mid May and will run into the fall or as weather permits.

Interested applicants may submit a resume with references with drivers abstract (for Class 1) by 12:00 Noon, Monday March 6, 2023

Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne PO Box 10

Glenella, MB R0J 0V0

Email: rmofglen@inetlink.ca

204-352-4281

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

––––––––––For Sale or Rent

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

Auctions

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

Garden Seed Store

Opening March 1st Greenhouse opening at a later date

Reuben Martin • 86134 Hwy 260

Help Wanted

R.M. of Minto-Odanah

Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer

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

A Class 3 driver’s license would be an asset. Please send resume with 3 references by 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 10th, 2023.

Submit applications to: R.M. of Minto-Odanah

Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer 49 Main St., Box 1197, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Fax: (204) 867-1937

Email: mintoodanah@wcgwave.ca

Help Wanted

DR. GERARD MURRAY OPTOMETRIST is now hiring a RECEPTIONIST/ASSISTANT

Please send resumes to: Box 1750 Neepawa, R0J1H0 or email to: gm@nvoptical.ca

FOODS

Production Worker

Why join our team?

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

The current starting wage is $16.10/hour PLUS opportunities for pay increases and competitive bonuses.

Our wage bracket extends to $24.05 per hour

We Will Train the Right Candidate

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

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

• 4000+ employees worldwide

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

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation

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

• Secure, stable, and permanent full-time employment

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Multiple Shift Options

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

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

Located at 77 Dennis St. Gladstone, MB is looking for a FULLTIME BUTCHER

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

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

• Maintaining our sanitation program

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Ways to apply: Online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities.

If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.

We want it to be YOU! Come join our HyLife team. We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Classified

Cancellations

Help Wanted

NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy,

completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

URGENT PRESS RELEAS-

ES - Have a newsworthy

Notice

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

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.

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

50,000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

*Auto *Farm *Marine

*Construction *ATV

*Motorcycle *Golf Carts

*Rechargeables *Tools

*Phones *Computers

*Solar Systems & design

* Everything Else!

PASTURE RIDER

The Association of Manitoba Community Pastures (AMCP) is currently looking for PASTURE RIDERS at multiple pastures in Manitoba. Riders must have their own horses and tack and be able to treat cattle from horseback and be familiar with cattle and their care.

Fencing and Corral maintenance is also involved. More information is on our website. www.pastures.ca

Phone inquiries can contact Barry Ross @ 204-841-1907

Find it in the Classifieds

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

MUNICIPALITY OF McCREARY

Grader Operator/ Rural Foreman

The Municipality of McCreary is inviting applications for the position of Grader Operator/Rural Foreman. The successful candidate must have experience in the operation of a grader and will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the rural area of the Public Works Department.

The ideal candidate must possess the following: • Be physically fit and able to work outdoors in all types of weather to perform the required tasks;

• Be motivated, honest, reliable and have a good work ethic;

• A valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s Licence with a clean driver’s abstract;

• Be capable of operating and providing maintenance for municipal equipment;

• Ability to pay attention to detail, work independently with minimal supervision with a teamwork approach. In your cover letter please indicate the following information:

• Class of valid driver’s licence you currently hold;

• Types of equipment you have experience operating;

• Other transferable work experience.

Salary Range: $24.75 - $28.00 per hour depending upon experience.

Great benefits including dental/health insurance and pension plan.

Please apply with a cover letter and resume with a minimum of three work-related references to the address set out below.

Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Municipality of McCreary

P. O. Box 338 – 432 First Avenue

McCreary, Manitoba R0J 1B0

Telephone: 204-835-2309 • Fax: 204-835-2649

Email: municipality@mccreary.ca

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING 2023 / 2024 BUDGET

The Turtle River School Division invites residents, Municipal Councilors, parents, parent council members to the following Budget Consultation meeting: Division Office – McCreary March 2, 2023 6:00 pm

The purpose of this meeting will be to review the 2023/2024 Preliminary Budget and to have a discussion on opportunities being considered by the Board.

Please follow our website for more information as it becomes available

Karey Wilkinson, Chairperson

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

Kindergarten

Registration

for the 2023 Fall Term

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

Alonsa School Tele # 204-767-2168

Glenella School Tele # 204-352-4253

Ste. Rose School Tele # 204-447-2088

McCreary School Tele # 204-835-2083

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

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

École Laurier

French Immersion

Inscription à la maternelle Kindergarten Registration

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

Tous les enfants qui sont nés avant le 31 décembre, 2018 sont admissibles. Veuillez apporter à l’école, votre carte d’immatriculation ainsi qu’un des suivants : le certificat de naissance de votre enfant, le certificat de baptême, une déclaration de naissance vivante ou une déclaration solennelle.

Nous sommes une école d`immersion française, la pré-maternelle à la 8ième année, et nous offrons une excellente éducation dans les deux langues officielles.

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

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

École Laurier

Laurier, Manitoba 204-447-2068

BOOK YOUR 2023 BLANKET CLASSIFIED ADS NOW in the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers! NEED SEASONAL DRIVERS? Having an AGM, On-Line meeting or conference? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www. firstandsecondmortgages.ca

Tender

LAND LEASE FOR TENDER

Tenders invited for cash lease on either a 3-year or 5-year term (net of GST) for approximately 200 acres at NW 19-20-14W & NE 19-20-14W in the Municipality of McCreary on a per acre basis, increasing by 5% yearly.

Tenders must be submitted in writing to K & P O'Neill, Box 354, McCreary, MB, R0J 1B0 by Friday April 14, 2023. Rent to be paid in two equal instalments due May 1 and August 1 each year.

Please state clearly in the tender the following information: Contact information

Amount tendered per acre

Whether a 3-year or 5-year term preferred

Intended use of the land

Any or all tenders not necessarily accepted.

Municipality of Glenella - Lansdowne PUBLIC NOTICE

Council of The Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne will be accepting tenders for the hay for the following parcels:

One to five year term NE 16-17-14 wpm

One to five year term NE 9-17-13 wpm

Tenders should be marked “Tender” and submitted to the municipal office at the following address by noon on Monday, March 6th, 2023. Highest bid not necessarily accepted.

Dated this 13th February, 2023

Wendy Wutzke, BSc, CMMA

Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne

Box 10 Glenella, MB R0J 0V0

Phone 204-352-4281

Email: rmofglen@inetlink.ca

Municipality of Glenella - Lansdowne

PUBLIC NOTICE

LAND TENDER

Council of The Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne will be accepting tenders for the purchase of NE24-15-14 wpm (160 acres)

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Tenders should be submitted to the municipal office at the following address by noon on Monday, March 6th, 2023.

Dated this 13th of February 2023.

Wendy Wutzke, BSc, CMMA

Chief Administrative Officer

Municipality of Glenella – Lansdowne

Box 10, Glenella, MB R0J 0V0

Phone 204-352-4281 Fax 204-352-4100

Email: rmofglen@inetlink.ca

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St. Winnipeg

TF 1-877-775-8271

www.batteryman.ca

Online music lessons with Keith Irwin BA

Music. Guitar, bass guitar, keyboard. 30 min per week $25. www.keithirwin.ca 204-720-0300

Auction

Auction Sales

Attention Farmers & Ranchers

Plan to attend the following

BRED COW SALE

At the Ashern Auction Mart

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

The complete herd dispersal sale of Ron and Brenda Jonsson

103 cows 17 heifers

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

Bred to calving ease black angus bulls

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

Full health program: bovishield, covexin, ivermectin in June

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

A quiet set of cows from a reputable operation. The Complete dispersal sale of Kevin Richards

70 cows and 12 cow calf pairs

70 cows (black, red and tan)

Bred to easy calving Edie creek Angus bulls

Cows approx. 4-8 years old

Full health program Ivomectin, bovishield, blackleg, vit a/d/e, previously scourguarded

Have not pulled a calf in years

Farthing Family complete dispersal 40 cows

20 blk cows

2-5 years old

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

For further information contact: Ashern Auction Mart – 204-768-2360 Buddy – 204-768-0018 • Kirk – 204-768-0019

Elks Manor is looking to update its waiting list for 1 BR Life Lease and Manitoba Housing suites

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

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

Neepawa Novas return from Southport Competition

silver medal.

Avie (Level 1): Vault, gold; bars, silver; beam, silver; floor, gold; all around, silver.

silver medal.

The Neepawa Novas took part in the Southport Gymnastics Competition, hosted by the Southport Sapphires, recently. The results for the group are as follows:

Day one

Eliena (Level 1): Vault, silver; bars, gold; beam, gold; floor, gold; all around, gold medal.

Zailee (Level 1): Vault, gold; bars, silver; beam, gold; floor, gold; all around, gold medal.

Scarlett (Level 1): Vault, silver; bars, silver; beam, silver; floor, silver; all around,

Reagan (Level 2: Age 9): Vault, first; bars, third; beam, first; floor, first; all around, gold medal.

Kylie (Level 2: Age 9): Vault, third; bars, second; beam, third; floor, second; all around, silver medal.

Ava (Level 2: Age 10): Vault, fifth; bars, first; beam, second; floor, second; all around, silver medal.

Chaelyn (Level 2: Age 10): Vault, sixth; bars, third; beam, second; floor, seventh; all around, fifth place.

Madyson (Level 2: Age 11): Vault, first; bars, fifth; beam, fifth; floor, first; all around,

Crysten (Level 2: Age 12-13): Vault, second; bars, sixth; beam, sixth; floor, fifth; all around, sixth place.

Day two

Natalie (Level 3: Age 11): Vault, fifth; bars, fourth; beam, ninth; floor, tenth; all around, ninth place.

Jayden (Level 3: Age 13): Vault, second; bars, third; beam, third; floor, fifth; all around, bronze medal.

Kaitlyn (Level 4: Age 11-13): Vault, fourth; bars, second; beamb second; floor, first; all around, gold medal.

Jane (Level 4: Age 11-13): Vault, third; bars, fifth; beam, first; floor, third; all around, fourth place.

NFSC’s Skate MB results

The Neepawa Figure Skating club took part in the Skate Manitoba Winter Fest recently. the results for the local group’s participants are as follows:

Sydney: Star 1 Free Skate, silver.

Claire: Star 5 Artistic, seventh.

Ivory: Star 3 Free Skate, bronze.

Makenna: Star 4 Over 13, sixth.

Olivia: Star 4 Under 13, sixth.

Dimitri: Star 4 Boys, second.

Did you know that we do CUSTOM LABELS?

For

With

Banner Staff Neepawa BaNNer & press

Banner Staff Neepawa BaNNer & press

Monitoring for invasive species increased at Clear Lake

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

As of Feb. 20, staff at Riding Mountain National Park have begun increased monitoring and testing for invasive aquatic species in Clear Lake. Park staff are working alongside Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Ontario and Prairie Region) and the

Province of Manitoba for this additional monitoring and testing.

This announcement was made by Parks Canada via media release on Feb. 16, which noted that these measures were necessary after a positive test result for environmental DNA (eDNA) for zebra mussels was returned on Jan. 23.

Parks Canada stressed that zebra mussels

have not been found in Riding Mountain National Park and all three subsequent test results have been negative.

“When DNA shows up in the environment, it could be due to multiple factors,” said Parks Canada. “It is possible that DNA came to Clear Lake on a boat, water toy, or other source, without the transfer of any living mussels.”

Parks Canada added, “The eDNA does not pose a threat to the lake or the ecosystem, but can be an early warning flag and Parks Canada is taking precautions

accordingly. In the coming weeks, visitors may see park staff conducting scientific monitoring on the ice of Clear Lake.”

A temporary laboratory building on the shore at Boat Cove will also be present during the testing and monitoring period. All visitors are asked to stay well away from any research activities or dive sites.

Parks Canada greatly appreciates the cooperation of all lake users at this time, stating, “Cooperation and compliance are invaluable to our invasive species program.”

- Online Timed Auction, powered by DLMS Farmgate

April 14-15 • Neepawa Titans Developmental Camp, Neepawa Yellowhead Centre

Highlanders dance their way to victory

Medal Tests were held on Thursday, Feb. 16 2023 at Expressive Dance with Crystal’s Studio in Minnedosa. The examiner was Lynne Hamilton, who travelled all the way from Scotland! She is an examiner with the Scottish Dance Teachers’ Alliance. Twenty-five of Crystal Scott’s Highland dancers completed a total of 74 exams. Seven dancers from Brandon School of Dance/ Dance Images Studio where Crystal teaches and 18 dancers from Crystal’s Minnedosa Studio. Some exams include four dances as well as demonstrating technique. Many dancers completed one to seven exams each.

There were Highland

Dance exams, Scottish Nationals, Irish Jig, Sailor’s Hornpipe, Choreographies and the Queen’s Platinum

Jubilee Award.

The marking system is as follows: Dance Stars up to Preliminary receive a Pass,

Curling a long-loved sport

Pre-Bronze up to Award 6 receive Pass, Pass Plus, Commended, Commended Plus and Highly Commended.

Everyone was successful with their exams and they’ll receive certificates and medals at a later date.

Crystal is so proud of her dancers as they continue to set goals and strive to keep improving.

Full page $1,399

Half page $859

1/4 page $499

1/8 page $289

Business card $119

By the early 1900s, curling had become one of the most popular sports in Manitoba and almost every town had an arena.

In Neepawa, about 1893, there was one outdoor sheet for curling. Over the years, several new rinks were built to accommodate the needs of the curlers. There were men’s, mixed, farmers, veterans, school, women’s and many more leagues in Neepawa and surrounding small towns. Tanis Brown remembers how pumped she was at her first curling game at the age of eight. The Inkerman 4H group attended a Fun Day bonspiel at Helston, one sheet of ice and a very encouraging skip of Jim Deveson. In those

days of natural ice, the curlers hoped there wasn’t a warm spell, as the game would be difficult to play or be cancelled. Bernie Ross, a long time curler remembers in the early 1970s, playing in an Arden bonspiel on a warm day with water on the ice. The opposition’s Gilbert Plett threw the only rock that made it down the house and beat them with a score of 1-0.

Curling was recreational, but it was also a social event. Farmers and the working man needed the break from all their hard work and the socialization helped them keep up morale during trying times. The ladies just enjoyed getting out. The old timers dropped by the rink to watch the curling and visit over a cup of coffee. The curling rink was a social center for both curlers and non-curlers.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Pictured are some of the Highland dance students who recently underwent their dance examinations in Minnedosa.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEAUTIFUL PLAINS MUSEUM

Pictured here are Provincial Curling Finalists for the 1958 Ladie’s Playdowns: Enid Stewart (skip), Edith Dunsmore, Evelyn Montgomery, Norma Fleger.

Having an ice time in Minnedosa

A clean sweep for Gladstone high school curlers

The curling teams from William Morton Collegiate (WMCI) in Gladstone proved to be the best in the region recently, winning multiple championship banners at the Zone VII Championships. In total, the school came away with three titles in the Boys, Girls and Mixed Curling divisions. Congratulations to all the players and coaches for their success and for representing Gladstone and region at the Provincials.

Far left picture: The Zone VII Mixed Curling Champions from William Morton Collegiate (WMCI) in Gladstone. Coach Barrie Troop, Connor Braun and Jorja Buhr.

Above left picture: The Zone VII Girls Curling Champions from WMCI, which consist of Coach Sylvia Hayward, Jayden Armstrong, Skylar Winters,Laci Buydens and Lauren Armstrong.

Below left picture: The Zone VII Boys Curling Champions which include Coach Keith Koncz, Owen Ferguson,

and

Tristan Purkess, Keegan Single

Blake Rosling.

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

It was a winter wonderland of fun and festivities over the long weekend, as Skate the Lake made its way to Minnedosa Lake. Several pond hockey rinks, as well as curling sheets were set up on the frozen lake, and many people took advantage of the setup.

Farmers’

PHOTO

How rising food demand is affecting farming

Submitted

Metro Creative Connection

The population is growing and so is its demand for food to fuel those extra bodies. Harvard Business Review reports the global population has quadrupled over the last century. It’s predicted that, by 2050, the population will exceed nine billion people.

The world is not able to feed all of its inhabitants, according to Penn State. There are more than one billion people who are estimated to lack sufficient food, and two billion who do not receive adequate nutrition. Researchers from the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota concluded that, to feed the world by 2030, yields on maize, rice, wheat, and soybeans will have to rise by 60 to 110 per cent. At the start of 2023, projections show them only increasing by 45 to 60 per cent. There are a few reasons why food supply may not meet up with demand.

• Climate change: Climate change is predicted to cause issues to crop yields, especially in portions of the world where the population is growing the fastest. For example, a recent NASA study published in the

journal Nature predicts that high greenhouse gas emissions may cause corn output to decline as early as 2030, but wheat output would increase. Farmers may need to roll with the punches and shift operations to cope with the environmental changes.

• Decreased commercial farming interest: Fewer people are working in farming. Land prices for expansion, new government mandates and regulations, and the impact of immigration and trade policies have made farming less attractive than it once was.

Fewer commercial operations result in a diminished food commodity output.

• Consumer waste: Food loss and waste (FLW) is a widespread issue, posing a challenge to food security. The World Bank estimates 30 per cent of all food across

the globe is wasted, amounting to 1.3 billion tons of food per year. The average global household wastes 74 kg of food each year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s 2021 Food Waste Index. Food waste is an issue that needs a solution as the world looks for ways to feed an expanding population in the decades to come.

In order to improve output, farmers have to make some changes. These can include investment in tools and technologies that enable farmers to apply nutrients more precisely and at lower cost, advises the Environmental Defense Fund. Seeds that need less water and fewer nutrients, as well as new fertilizers that are less likely to be lost to air and water, are some additional ideas. Farmers also may want to employ green practices, such as hydroponics and drip irrigation, if they haven’t already, to improve efficiency and cut costs. The public also may need to petition their lawmakers to make it easier for farm workers arriving on working visas to man the fields.

Food demand continues to rise, and it has become challenging for agricultural operations to keep up.

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

An estimated one billion people lack sufficient food, while two billion do not receive adequate nutrition. Factors such as climate change attribute to the imbalance between supply and demand.

A look back

National Farmers Union going cross-country to film 40 sustainable farms

Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is teaming up with award-winning documentary filmmakers, Tamer Soliman and Sarah Douglas, of March Forth Creative Inc. to produce and present Depth of Field: Films About Farming – 40 short documentaries highlighting farm stories from across Canada.

In spring 2023, the filmmakers will begin traveling and filming on location, completing the films by 2024. Depth of Field will connect Canadians with a diversity of farmers who are playing a key role in the solution to the climate crisis, highlighting their sustainable initiatives. Depth of Field will give Canadians an opportunity to learn about agriculture in Canada from the farmers, farm workers, producers and land stewards themselves. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is providing the NFU with up to $253,726 in funding for this project through the AgriCommunication Program.

“In the face of climate change, our farmers are taking action to ensure their production processes are increasingly more sustainable. Organizations like NFU that showcase the sector’s leadership in sustainability are helping to build public trust in Canada’s food system,” said the

Depth of Field will help Canadians understand more about farmers, addressing an awareness gap in our food system. Several reports note that consumers “have concerns about … a lack of overall transparency [within the food system]”. Canadians are sympathetic towards farmers, but would like to know more about production practices.

In Nov. 2021 Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial Agriculture Ministers’ made a priority in the Guelph Statement, calling for “fostering awareness of sector commitment to the sustainable production [tackling climate change and environmental protection to support GHG emissions reductions] of safe, high-quality food and building public trust…” Depth of Field will feature farmers’ stories told directly, honestly, and with a focus on their sustainable practices. The NFU will share the films online and via local screenings in collaboration with other farmer organizations during the fall and winter of 2023-2024. People interested in hosting a community screening can get in touch with NFU Communications and Project Manager, Nasseem Hakimian. To learn more, visit https://www.nfu.ca/filmsaboutfarming/.

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the AgriCommunication Program.

What consumers can do to support local farmers

Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be.

All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers.

• Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market : Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t exclusive to individuals with a passion for food. Everyone needs to eat, so why not eat foods grown locally, which are generally more fresh and appetizing than imported fruits and vegetables sold at chain grocery stores?

Even individuals who

A farmer adjusts the flow of irrigation water from his cell phone.

don’t typically eat fresh fruit and vegetables can find something delectable at a local farmers market, where anything from homemade tomato sauces to locally raised fresh beef and pork might be on sale.

• Order directly from local farms. Some farmers have embraced the e-commerce

revolution and begun selling the foods they grow to consumers via their own websites. Research local farms and determine if it’s possible to buy directly from them. Farms may offer delivery or pick-up, and consumers can enjoy fresh foods even more knowing that they helped farmers

earn higher profits by buying directly from them.

• Check labels before buying in local grocery stores. Packaging labels will indicate where fruits and vegetables came from. When possible, choose items produced by local farmers. This may include fruits, vegetables, meat,

pork, or even desserts like pies. Locally produced foods often taste more fresh than items sent from overseas or distant farms, and consumers will feel better knowing they helped to support local farmers.

• Spread the word. Get the word out after a satis -

fying experience with local farms and farmers. Whether it’s buying food from farms or taking advantage of family days that let kids enjoy a day on the farm, sharing positive experiences via social media or word-of-mouth can be a great way to inspire your neighbors to support local farmers as well. Consumers can do much to support hardworking local farmers. In addition to feeling good about supporting their rural neighbors, consumers also might feel good when they sit down and enjoy a meal featuring locally grown, fresh foods.

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