February 21, 2025 - Neepawa Banner & Press

Plumas, MB courtseeds@gmail.com courtseeds.ca 204-386-2354 Esma Barley

‘It’s

Curling

for

a Cure sweeps past 100k

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

The sixth annual Curling for a Cure has been declared a huge success. According to event organizer Chad Yanchycki, the Minnedosa-based bonspiel fundraiser swept in a grand total of $40,060. These funds will be split 50/50 ($20,030 each) in support of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer and the Neepawa Community Cancer Program.

“To raise $40k was amazing, our organizing crew was speechless. It’s a testament to the amazing support we have from sponsors, the curlers and the spectators who came out to watch and donate to the event,” said Yanchycki. “None of this happens without each and everyone of those people.”

The funds raised this year also saw Curling for a Cure smash past the $100k, making for an overall total of $134,611 raised over the past six years. This landmark is one Yanchycki noted came four years earlier than anticipated.

“[We] had a goal to hit $100,000 in 10 years, so to be at $134,611 in only six years is truly amazing,” Yanchycki enthused. “It’s amazing to see what this event has grown into, especially when you factor in that year one we raised around $3,500.”

Continued on Page 2

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The organizational crew, and associated youth, pose for a photo with a large cheque at the conclusion of the 2025 event. A grand total of just over $40,000 was raised this year!

Team capacity increasing for 2026 Curling for a Cure

Continued from Page 1

With the tremendous support this initiative has been receiving following its inaugural event, and waiting lists being made, it seems that team registrations sell out quicker and quicker! On Monday, Feb. 17, Curling for a Cure opened registrations for the seventh annual event to be held in 2026. Within 10 minutes of registration being opened, all 24 team slots were sold out.

In response to this lightning speed sell-out, Yanchycki noted there will be adjustments made to accommodate some additional teams.

“We have now decided to expand next year’s event from 24-32 teams. We will open up those next eight spots for registration within the next week. We expect those to sell out VERY fast, as we have a lot of teams wanting in,” said Yanchycki.

He added, “To sell out a year in advance is amazing and something I would have never dreamed could happen, but it’s a testament to how much fun the event is, the atmosphere and of course the amazing cause of the event. It’s a very fun environment all weekend long with the most generous people. Truly, if you haven’t been to it before, you gotta come check it out.”

The organizing team will now be taking a few well deserved weeks off. After that break, the team will begin planning and preparations for 2026.

Bonspiel winner

The winning team of the 2025 Curling for a Cure

Members of one of the many curling teams playing during the busy weekend dutifully sweep as a curling rock glides towards the ‘house’.

fundspiel is Team Dream Ride, of Neepawa. Congratulations to Grant Babcock (skip), Gary Forgue (third), Michelle Babcock (second) and Marsha For-

Dollars are important but emergency treatment ranks higher

By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

A recent report and article from the Manitoba Association of Health Care Providers says 28 per cent of paramedic positions in Manitoba are vacant and call volumes have increased by 64 per cent, Shared Health operates the ambulance system, so I asked Shared Health, “Do you know how many positions are vacant in Prairie Mountain and how many ambulance trips per year are made out of Neepawa hospital for CT scans?”

The answer to the question is attributed to a Shared Health spokesperson and they answered the ambulance trips for CT Scans question by saying, “In the current fiscal year, the average number of times an ambulance trip was made from the hospital in Neepawa to a CT scan appointment each month is 7.6 per month”

However, they were evasive on the number of vacancies in Prairie Mountain Health, so we have to depend on the 28 per cent vacancy rate across Manitoba as stated by MAHCP.

That 7.6 trips per month for CTscans figure would extrapolate to 91 trips year. At a half day per trip, that come to 45 days of paramedic time x two as ambulances have a staff of two people. It also comes to 9,100 miles of ambulance travel.

In planning sessions for the new hospital at Neepawa, requests have been made for a

CTscan. While it’s been reported that there is room in the building for a CT scan. The reasons given for not having a CT scan at Neepawa is cost and a shortage of trained CT technicians.

If a CT scan was installed at Neepawa, it would save 90 ambulance trips and 9100 miles of travel. If we assume there are three private travel CT scans that could be done at Neepawa for every one ambulance transported case, that means there may be a total 450 scans that come out of the Neepawa area per year and 45,000 miles of travel. For a government that seems intent on keeping cars off the road, and sparing carbon emissions, one would think that 45,000 avoided miles would be a nice goal.

In addition, there are several trips a year by way of the local Handy Van to get CT scans.

The biggest thing any doctor will point out is that sending a patent (especially stroke patients) to Brandon from Neepawa’s hospital catchment area, to only find out that they actually need to go to Winnipeg for emergency treatment then the Neepawa to Brandon and then to Winnipeg trip wastes a couple of hours of precious treatment time. Likely many of the 90 ambulance trips from Neepawa to Brandon are emergency trips so, you do the assessment. Is saving lives really important to Shared Health or is stubbornly sticking to a “no CT scan” decision more important?

Continued on Page 8

gue (lead).

A good effort was put in by all who participated. The Neepawa Banner & Press wishes all the best of luck for 2026!

Jodie Byram MLA for Agassiz

PHOTO COURTESY OF CURLING FOR A CURE

The winning team of the 2025 Curling for a Cure bonspiel, team Dream Ride. Pictured: Grant Babcock, Gary Forgue, Michelle Babcock and Marsha Forgue.

PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

1975: McCreary residents receive coconut by mail

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

125 years ago, Wednesday, February 21, 1900

Note: The entries for 1900 are from The Neepawa Register, as The Press for that year is not fit for regular handling.

Bridge Creek: We are pleased to see Miss McGill at her post at the Iroquois school again.

Bridge Creek: Harnessmaking has been done cheap around here lately–no house rent having to be paid.

Bridge Creek: I see by the Neepawa Press that the editor boasts about the news that his paper contains; but all the news I could find in a friend’s copy of it was that the price was to be advanced from $1.00 to $1.50. I could find no news of the war, nor of the final in the inter-provincial hockey match at Montreal.

100 years ago, Tuesday, February 17, 1925

McCreary: The old settlers cup arrived on Friday of last week and is on exhibit at Rainkie’s store. It certainly is a beauty and something that the old timers may be proud of in

the future. It is the intention of the old settlers union annually to hold an old time picnic and keep fresh the memories of the olden days, when the country was new and when the sports were real sports and all local.

Those were the happy days, even if we had to bog through water and mud and fight the mosquitos by the myriads and you did not have an automobile to go to the picnics with, wagons or horse back being the means of transportation. The above cup is to be competed for by the curlers in the bonspiel and is open to all comers.

Brooker’s confectionary store has undergone complete renovation and some alterations. The lunch room and ice cream parlor has seating capacity for 50 people and is well lighted and tastefully furnished. Townspeople are reminded that they cannot legally purchase groceries in any of the fruit and confectionery stores after 7:00 p.m. It is not fair to the general merchants who close at 6:00 that competitors should do business at all hours. Hence the bylaw passed at last meeting of the Town’s council.

75 years ago, Thursday, February 23, 1950

An audience which filled the Roxy Theatre to capacity attended the John Deere Day show here Thursday afternoon.

A former resident of Neepawa is a member of a small band of young airmen– adventurers who are smashing down the barrier of Newfoundland’s ancient loneliness.

He is Jack Barton, who until recently was instructor for the Neepawa Flying Club. Barton, who has logged 6,000 air hours is the most experienced pilot with a new mercy-mail charter service that provides consistent transport among the villages of insular Newfoundland and Labrador for the first time in history.

Barton is an India-born Englighman who has flown with T.C.A. and Royal Dutch Airlines.

Arden: A successful Valentine and pie social was held in Winchester school on Feb. 14. Contests, 20 Questions and stunts were enjoyed. The pie eating contest was won by John Snelgrove.

50 years ago, Thursday, February 20, 1975

The local fire brigade was called into action Wednesday morning when a fire of uknown origin completely gutted the interior of the home of Tony Halibisky.

As any business man who operates in a small community will attest, the support of the residents of that community is essential to his survival, particularly in a highly competitive business. In Neepawa, one business is not getting that support and is facing serious doubts about its future.

Hares Cartage is

This coconut went on a journey through the postal services from Hawaii to McCreary in 1975. Jack and Irene Little received the coconut in late February. It was sent by Irene’s brother-in-law and sister.

operating in what is perhaps the most competitive industry in the Westman region and the overall condition of the trucking industry is not healthy.

The grand opening of the new I and W Laundromat in McCreary was held Saturday, Feb. 15. Approximately 200 people visited the premises during the day.

A coconut was received by mail recently by Jack and Irene Little, of McCreary, from Mrs. Little’s brotherin-law and sister, Dick and Gladys Halliburton of Delta, B.C., who are holidaying in Hawaii. The coconut is still in its husk.

20 years ago, Monday, February 21, 2005

Brookdale: Les and

Magaret-Ann Harburn enjoyed a 10-day holiday in Costa Rica and attended the wedding of Clyde and Julie McCallam of Carberry. Several vehicles were egged and a parked car was smeared with mustard in the latest round of vandalism to hit Neepawa.

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.

“And so I am giving a new commandment to you now—love each other just as much as I love you. Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

John 13:34-35 (The Living Bible)

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

Perspectives

By Chad Carpenter Tundra

Thinking before acting might have been better

Ihave been watching various news releases about Zebra Mussels in Clear Lake for a couple of years now.

Initially, government officials vowed to fight off the mussels by insisting that boats be scrubbed between uses. I laughed inside a bit about that. For the last 40 years or so, few, if any, jurisdictions, have been able to control these nasty little, pipe clogging, boat encrusting, sharp-shelled critters.

First, the government restricted boats, even boats that never left Clear Lake. They restricted rental paddle boats for heaven’s sake and they don’t leave Clear Lake either. Then they put up a dam around the infestation, but they forgot to get permission from the wind and waves and the plastic dam was destroyed in a matter of days.

The whole affair would be quite laughable actually if it weren’t so serious and sad. The government wasn’t going to be able to contain the mussels, they spent a lot of money trying and they placed a whole batch of restrictions, causing havoc with the tourism business at Clear Lake. I think the government and Parks Canada were pretty dumb on this issue.

Then, just last week it was reported in the Winnipeg Free Press that, “In a late-January news release, Parks Canada announced it would reopen the lake to boaters in 2025, albeit under a “one boat, one lake” program, after finding hundreds of young zebra mussels on the eastern side of the lake — a couple of kilometres east of the main marina where staff first found evidence of the invasive species.

“Data gathered in 2024 demonstrated that zebra mussels are much more spread out in the lake than

Ken Waddell Right in the Centre

” “ “As such, an eradication attempt would not be feasible”

initially thought,” Parks Canada said in an email.

“As such, an eradication attempt would not be feasible.”

I think anyone with an ounce of intelligence had that “more wide spread” statement figured out long before the Parks Canada people did.

At a press conference on August 12th, 1986, US President Ronald Reagan said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’”

That statement still rings true unfortunately!

This whole Zebra Mussels debacle at Clear Lake didn’t stop the mussels and most of us knew they wouldn’t stop them. The government spent a whole lot of money for nothing and cost Clear Lake people a fortune in lost business.

It’s still a matter of discussion, but it is reported that Zebra Mussels may actual clean up lakes, but perhaps

Clear Lake doesn’t need cleaning. Just the same, an internet search shows that “Mussels are filter feeders, which means they feed by clearing nutrients from the water passing through them. The rate of reproduction and spread of zebra mussels make them efficient cleaners of Great Lakes water, but whether that’s a positive or negative thing depends on who you’re asking.”

There is no doubt that Zebra Mussels are persistent in reproducing, they clog water intake pipes and encrust just about everything they come in contact with. They can be controlled by using potassium in the water but that topic would need some more research. That would be a good idea in the same way that it would have been better if Parks Canada researched how ineffective their efforts of the past two years have been.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.

Rita Friesen Homebodies

Still learning!

By the time you are reading this I will have celebrated my79th birthday. Really quite an achievement. I am now older than my mother was when she died. I have outlived friends and classmates. With a quick research on line I see that in many countries the life expectancy of a woman is in the mid 80s, and there are too many countries where that number is under 60. There are so many determining factors: culture, heredity, affluence and location for example. What I do know is that I am so blessed to live in Canada, am able to eat well, live safely and enjoy recreation and entertainment! But that’s not the learning I’m referring to! (The learning to which I am referring… for the editors out there!) I admitted, out loud, that I do not like washing my face. I do, regularly, but I don’t like it. As I shared this with a family member they were not at all surprised– ‘you don’t like water’. I do to drink it. I do enjoy a shower. I do not enjoy swimming pools, lakes, water skiing and anything else that requires me to be in the water. I have done my share of all of the above to be a brave parent and grandparent. I could not, would not, show the children how afraid I was to be in a boat, or on the water skis. It took a very long time for me to trust a life jacket. There may be a story of early childhood trauma. When speaking to another family member of another generation, my admission about not liking to wash my face elicited the very same reply, ‘you don’t like water’. Hah, my family know me and they love me.

I have learned, am learning, that it’s okay to accept one’s limitations. Reading had always been important to me. After the surgery on a brain aneurism way back in 2002, I needed to re learn to read. I went back to easy reading, old familiar books from my childhood, and was able to recover enough to keep up with my studies– the reading was assigned well in advance and I realized that reading 20 pages at a time allowed me to retain more information– and up side. Now I need to read books with large print while awaiting cataract surgery. The great thing is that our library has an incredible selection of large print books, knowledgeable staff that directs me to the type of reading I enjoy, and can order in books I need to read, in large print!

I am certain that as I age, I will find that I will continue to need to learn to adapt. I am learning to adapt! I have embraced chair yoga for seniors for flexibility. I have a set of exercises to strengthen the sciatica and expanded them to maintain flexibility in my ankles. They work. I did a graceful four point landing on the icy street. Not quite a tuck and roll, but when the force of momentum ceased, my face was inches from the ice. Not bruises, no sore spots, a little humiliation. What will my next lesson be?

Don’t fear the road ahead

Since January, 2000, I have spent many hours “on the road,” driving from my home to appointments, speaking engagements or family responsibilities. While they were still in operation, I also spent many hours aboard Greyhound busses, traveling to various locations in BC and Alberta. Whenever possible, I sat right at the front of the bus. This gave me an unobstructed view of the road ahead. It also lead to some interesting conversations with bus drivers; from whom I obtained many helpful driving tips. For their safety and the safety of their passengers, Greyhound drivers were each assigned a specific portion of a specific route. For example, on a trip from Edmonton to Prince George, BC, one driver took us as far as Jasper. A second driver took us the rest of the way. Most of my trips happened overnight; forcing drivers to be doubly vigilant to ensure that they got their busses, passengers and cargo safely to their destination.

Neil Strohschein

Highway 16 from Jasper to Prince George is not for the faint of heart. The road from Jasper to Valemount, BC is a major truck route. Traffic can be quite heavy at times. From Valemount to Prince George, the road narrows. It winds around mountains, passes through river valleys, and over high hills. Nothing compares with the beauty one sees when traveling that route during the day. At night, it’s a different story.

Professionals who drive this route know the location of every steep hill, every sharp curve, every side road leading to a logging site and every danger spot. They know where deer and other animals like to hide out; and how addicted they are to the salt that the Highways Department uses to keep the roads ice free. To navi-

gate this route safely, drivers must stay alert and always keep their eyes on the road ahead; because one never knows what danger may be lurking around the next bend in the road.

In one of my recent times I reserve for thought, prayer and personal reflection, I thought of how much my life has been like that road from Jasper to Prince George. There have been many happy times; many incredibly beautiful experiences, the memories of which I will treasure until I die. There have been times when everything in life was going well and I felt like I was on top of the world and could achieve any goal I set. There have also been “deep valleys”-times of grief, pain, uncertainty, worry and fear. Every day has been like that winding road--I never know

what might be around the next bend.

I often fell asleep while riding the bus on the second leg of that trip. I knew that I had no reason to be afraid. My driver knew the road ahead and I could rest in peace, knowing that with a skilled driver at the wheel, I would make it safely to my destination.

What was true for me then is true for all of us today. We don’t need to fear the road ahead. We have an unseen guide who will safely lead us through the rough times we might face today. With Jesus Christ as our traveling companion, we have nothing to fear. We can join King David in saying: “I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.”

(Psalms 4:8)

Don’t fear the road ahead. Face each day with dignity, courage and faith in God. He will be your guide and companion from here to eternity.

Cost of convenience

My great grandmother was 100 when she graduated to heaven in 2015.

I can remember visiting her and the smell of her green coated peppermints on the coffee table that had been left open knowing we were coming, homemade pickles and bread, the Chinese checkers board set out with care ready to whoop our butts with her many years of practice; all fond memories!

But as I ponder back on these memories, I think of the stories she told of years gone by, a lifetime ago, another world it would seem from the one I knew and was growing up in.

My mind would be flooded with images of horse drawn carriages, one room schoolhouses, railways being built, horses hauling steam engines across the raw and wild prairies.

Pushing, pulling progress forward into the future

whether it was kicking and screaming Or with joy.

Progress was inevitable. But what I have realized now as an adult, looking back, is that for all the progress made, we lost so much in the process.

In two generations of growth there was a whole way of life that was lost. Growing food and working hard with your hands to provide.

Hunting and gathering.

Fellowshipping as a family.

Trading posts and community.

These things have thankfully started to slowly make a comeback in some circles and for some (like myself) I was blessed enough to have parents who taught me these values and this way of life and how carrying on these skills was actually a way to honour those that came before me.

Making sure the legacy of those who bled and

died for this country, who poured their blood, sweat and tears out on the soil to tame this wild and raw land and work along side it to make it a home is kept in tact.

My deep fervent prayer is that more people come to an equilibrium when it comes to progress and honouring our ancestors and history.

That we start to explore with deep curiosity the way of life that was the steppingstones to getting us where we are today and in our own way, adopt some of these ways back into our lives.

Bring back deep friendship and fellowship, bring

Any Middle East plan must include a hope and a future

In response to Ken Waddell’s column “In Search of Truth”, I believe a more thorough look at World War I and II history is needed. The heavy costs of war reparations after Germany lost WWI led to extreme inflation and allowed Hitler to rise to power, by promising and delivering employment and a more liveable income for the working class.

After WW II, the Marshall Plan, spear-headed by the United States, actually helped Germany rebuild and restore its economy, avoiding further fascist takeovers for 80 years, up until the present time. (Unfortunately we now see the rise of the AfD, many coming from what used to be East Germany, where the economy has lagged behind the rest of the country.)

I have little hope that a Trump takeover of Gaza will in any way promote peace in the Middle East. His plan does not include a hope and a future for the people of Gaza.

Hildegard Vickers

Would you like to send in a letter to the editor? Email news@neepawabanner.com to submit yours. Letters are limited to approximately 400 words The Banner & Press reserves the right to edit letters to fit available space.

Thumbs up, thumbs down

back trading skills to bless others, bring back teaching a friend a skill they don’t have, bring back community suppers and gratefulness.

Bring back remembering and honouring the legacy of how progress became.

Thumbs up to the Town of Neepawa, for keeping the roads and paths at the Riverside Cemetery, clear and ice free. Making it the safest place to walk in town. I was visiting family and was surprised how well maintained the cemetery is.

James Lee Winnipeg, MB

“Anything for a Neighbour” No truer words were spoken then those by the Springhill Colony. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the colony for allowing the use of their wheelchair van so that I wouldn’t miss my appointment in Winnipeg when all other options fell through.

Ron Le Boutillier Neepawa, MB

Thumbs way on up… to the men who move the snow in Franklin.

Harvey Fleger Franklin, 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

Tara Kauenhofen

Faith & Family

In years past, winters had more annual snowfall than they have today. As a child on the farm I remember lots of “snow days” as the snow plows could not clear the roads because the snow was too high. Eventually the municipal caterpillar came and cleared the road. In our yard the packed snow banks were wonderful for making forts and tunnels. Since the prairies have been settled there were times when roads were closed for days on end before the snow could be cleared. There were drifts literally deep enough that they would bury a train on the tracks.

Canada’s railways were important to open Canada from sea to sea. The biggest challenge to maintain the rail lines was the harsh Canadian winter. Snow and ice have a big effect on the movement of trains. In the earlier years thousands of men were hired each winter to clear snow from the tracks with shovels. In the mid-1800s, rail ploughs made of steel were fitted to the front of locomotives like cowcatchers so they could remove snowdrifts as they made their way up and down the line. How well they worked would depend on the trains’ speed and weight and the type of snow. Powdery snow would basically blow away. The large hard packed snow drifts could stop a train and they would have to back up and hit the drifts again. On occasion the snow derailed the trains and sometimes the trains got caught in the drifts and had to wait to be rescued.

So what to do with all that snow on the tracks? In 1869, Canadian dentist J.W. Elliot invented the rotary snow plow. A few years later the Leslie Brothers improved on the design and began production of them. Powered by a locomotive-sized boiler, the rotary snow plow had

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Prairie blizzards and trains

several rotating steel plates, like a propeller. The snow was ejected by centrifugal force through an opening at the top clearing the tracks.

From The Canadian Encyclopedia: “The worst blizzard in Canadian railway history occurred between January 30 and February 8, 1947, when 10 days of blowing snow buried towns and trains from Calgary to Winnipeg. Some Saskatchewan roads and rail lines remained impassable until spring.” To add insult to

injury on Feb. 3, Regina set a North American record with a temperature of - 60°C (60 degrees celsius). When the storm ended railway lines across the Prairie Provinces had to close operations for weeks. Most of the train tracks over the flat prairies were entombed under twenty foot snowdrifts. One train was buried in a snow drift 1 km long and 8 m (26 feet) deep. This of course caused supply issues. Between the snow and the cold, it was almost

impossible to get deliveries or to go out for home essentials, like food and coal. Farmers had to chop holes in the barn roofs to be able to get to their livestock or dig out tunnels to their barns. Talk about getting snowed under!

Today snow clearing is still an important part of running railways in Canada every winter. Every storm sees plows clearing the tracks but there is still occasions when the tracks get snowed under despite the plows best efforts.

My “cheater” baked beans

This easy, semi-homemade baked beans recipe uses canned beans instead of the dry type, so it is quick and easy to prepare. These savoury beans fill the house with wonderful aroma on a cold prairie day.

8 slices bacon, cooked and diced

1 medium onion, chopped 4- 398 mL cans pork and beans, not drained 1- 540 mL cans six bean blend, drained and rinsed 1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

1/4 cup cider vinegar

2 tsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir well. Transfer to a large baking dish or roaster. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 325°F. Place in oven covered and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Uncover and bake for 10 minutes.

Pork Chili

Spicy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying, chili is the perfect dish to combat the winter chill.

2 level Tbsp. flour

1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. powered garlic

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper, if desired

1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper

3 Tbsp. oil, divided

2 pounds boneless pork, cut into 1 inch cubes

1- 540 mL can diced tomatoes, with liquid

2 cups frozen corn

2- 540 mL cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup water

In a large plastic bag combine the flour and spices. Add the pork pieces and shake to coat. In a large frying pan add 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add half the meat and brown stirring the meat pieces. When browned remove the meat, add remaining oil and meat and repeat. Place the meat in a large heavy bottomed Dutch oven. Add the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until pork is tender.

Little Valley The Jamboree Thank You

The Little Valley Jamboree Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in supporting our 2024 recipients: Isla, Evie and Daphne, as well as many other kids in the Westman area, with their medical needs. Because of YOU we were thrilled to present cheques for $13,000 to each recipient.

Gold Sponsor $3000+

Crocus Grain & Stock Farm Midnight Metalworks Minnedosa Mens Shed & Evelyn Lewandoski

Mountain Park Pharmacy

Rocky Mountain Equipment Sure-Line Auto

Bronze Sponsor $500+ Birch Construction Ltd.

C. Burton Enterprises Compass Credit Union

Elkhorn Resort & Klar So Nordic Spa

Erickson Lions Club

Grand Valley Animal Clinic

Hillside Plumbing & Heating

Ken Beatty Construction Ltd.

Lee Island Farms Ltd.

Minnedosa Legion Ladies Auxiliary

Minty’s Moving

Neepawa Nurses Worksite 12

Parkline Auto

RM of Harrison Park

Rob Smith & Son Backhoe

Rockin The Fields of Minnedosa

Royal Canadian Legion Br #138 Minnedosa

Royal Canadian Legion Br #143 Erickson

Slater Transport Ltd

Stride Credit Union

The Stowaway Inn

Town of Minnedosa

Not to mention other numerous businesses who donated to us in order to make our 2024 event come true!

H To the MC’s & Bands who volunteered to come; Many bands have been coming for several years right from the start, showcasing their amazing talent, and we appreciate you all so much. Both of our MC’`s were amazing and took an entire day to come spend with us.

Quentin Derhak (MC)

Steve Langston (MC)

Barnyard Bandits

Valley Women

The Steven Smith Trio

The Bad Marleys

The New Highway 25

Better Than

Brad Johnson & The Talent

Trevor Crook

J4K

Meagan Ferguson & all the kids!

H To the JAM committee who volunteer to keep the kitchen, refreshments, support staff, set up and take down running smoothly; Erickson & District Chamber of Commerce

Erickson & District Recreation Centre

Erickson Skating Rink

Little Hands Early Learning Centre

Erickson Kiddie Kollege

Clanwilliam-Erickson Fire Rescue

Erickson Lions Club

H To anyone who sold tickets, helped collect donations, tech support, volunteered, made purchases of tickets and auction items… we need you ALL to make Little Valley Jamboree a success!

In total for 2024- $42,000 was donated to kids from Westman in need. It is our hope that your medical journeys will be a touch easier because of everyone we just mentioned!

We are now diving into our 2025 event planning and can’t wait for you to see some amazing changes in the works!

Much love, The LVJ Committee

SUBMITTED PHOTO

RCMP release video stills in recent business break and enters

Blue Hills RCMP are asking for assistance in identifying a person and vehicles of interest involved in two Break and Enter and Theft Over $5,000 incidents.

On Jan. 8 and Jan. 29, Blue Hills RCMP were called to a business in the R.M. of North Cypress-Langford for the report of break-in that occurred overnight.

RCMP have released stills from video footage of a break and enter at the R.M. of North Cypress-Langford. Police are asking for assistance in tracking the individual responsible.

On both occasions, a male suspect broke into a Sea-Can container on the property and stole plumbing and refrigeration copper wire. The value of stolen goods is estimated at over $40,000. If anyone has any information they are asked to call the Carberry RCMP at 204834-2905, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

One suspect arrested in connection to vehicle theft in Austin

Submitted RCMP Media Release

On Thursday, Feb. 13, at approximately 11:15 a.m., Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver in Ebb and Flow First Nation. Officers immediately began patrols for the suspect vehicle, described as a pickup truck, and located it near the arena in the community being driven by a lone male.

RCMP followed the vehicle to attempt a traffic stop, but the driver abandoned the vehicle at a residence on Lake Road N.E. and fled on foot headed into the bush. While running away from officers, the suspect removed some of his clothing and left it behind.

Officers discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen from the community of Austin, and upon its

search, officers located and seized a sawed-off shotgun.

RCMP Police Dog Services, Manitoba First Nation Safety Officers from Ebb and Flow First Nation and the local fire department all arrived on scene to assist in the search, some on snowmobiles. A drone was also deployed by one of the Safety Officers.

The suspect was located in the bush in very deep snow by officers on a snowmobile. While trying to apprehend him on foot, the suspect managed to escape and fled the scene on their snowmobile.

An RCMP drone was deployed which led to the discovery of the suspect, still on snowmobile, a short distance away. When the suspect became stuck, he began walking towards the road. Officers were finally able to apprehend the suspect, who by this

time, was not wearing shoes and suffering from extreme frostbite.

He was transported to hospital by EMS in serious condition.

Blake Beaulieu, 33, of Sandy Bay First Nation has been charged with numerous offences including Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Peace Officer, and Possession of Firearm.

On Feb. 14, at approximately 8:00 a.m., officers were advised that the suspect had left the hospital with the assistance of an unknown person. It is believed he fled earlier in the morning.

Thanks to tips from the public, Blake Beaulieu was located in Sandy Bay First Nation and returned to the hospital due to his serious injuries.

IMAGES COURTESY OF RCMP

‘Never hesitate to call 911’ for emergencies

Continued from Page 2

Shared Health added some extra information about future plans by saying, “Manitobans should never hesitate to call 911 or their local emergency phone number when experiencing a medical emergency. Emergency medical services (EMS) throughout the province deploy resources based on the probability of call activity, and if any particular ambulance is out on a call –whether it is transporting a patient to an appointment or responding to another emergency – resources are adjusted and other ambulances shift their locations to ensure responses are as timely as possible. We do recognize that staffing challenges exist in rural communities. As these challenges developed over a long period of time, they will similarly take time to reverse. The Manitoba Government has made a renewed commitment to address staffing shortages in healthcare, which includes a $16 million investment to staff an additional ambulance stationed in Brandon and add 16 additional training seats at Red River College Polytech for advanced care paramedics to work in rural and northern Manitoba. Other work to expand job opportunities

Parenting as a team

Tfor paramedics, make jobs more attractive and improve patient care includes:

•Providing refresher training for advanced care paramedics;

•Hiring clinical service leaders in various communities, including those in the Prairie Mountain health region;

•Developing community para-medicine units across the province, which support patients with chronic health and social issues; and

•Expanding the Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resource Service (VECTRS), which helps in determining the most appropriate location for a patient to receive care in urgent, emergent and critical situations, based on their clinical needs.

VECTRS now triages all emergent and urgent patient inter-facility transfers in the province.

Shared Health is committed to the successful negotiation of a new and fair collective agreement for our province’s professional technical/paramedical sector employees. We will continue to work with the Manitoba government and the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office to grow paramedic staffing throughout the province.”

he parenting alliance is the component of the marriage that involves parenting together. It is how spouses provide support and respect for one another in their parenting journey. A satisfying intimate relationship is the foundation for a strong parenting alliance. Parenting in and of itself can challenge an individual’s self esteem and ability to regulate. Having a strong parenting alliance with your partner can help you to feel more secure in your personal role as a parent. It helps you both to respond to your children warmly and empathetically because you feel confident in your role as a parent due to the support from your partner. Good listening skills are your number one tool to survive this period. When your partner needs to talk, stop everything and attune yourself to them. Physically turn your body toward them, maintain eye contact and give minimal encouragers like head nods. Even if there are little ones creating chaos around you, these small things in the moment can show that your partner’s needs are important. Do ask open ended questions to encourage your partner to share more and try to avoid planning what to say next to your partner. Listen to understand, not to respond.

Do talk about your hopes, fears and frustrations with your partner. It can be helpful to begin your sharing by saying what you need from them. As an example, “I’m feeling really frustrated right

now and I just need to vent and for you to listen to me”. Sometimes its hard as the receiving partner to know what you need from them and many turn to providing solutions when this isn’t what you actually need. Your partner may share these hopes, fears and frustrations but be too scared to vocalize them with you. When you and your partner connect at the end of your days, ask, “what was good about your day” and “what was challenging”. When your partner talks about their good, react enthusiastically and show interest. When they talk about what isn’t so good, validate their emotions, normalize the difficulty and provide them a compliment or affirmation about why they are an amazing human. These things help to build emotional connection and friendship which will keep you going during periods of time were connecting emotionally is especially hard. Disagreements in parenting will come up, that’s

Delsie Martin

inevitable. Talking about each other’s perspective can really help this process. Don’t enter a disagreement with the goal of being correct, rather, enter with a mind of curiosity to try and understand your partner’s perspective. Also ask yourself, is this disagreement worth pursuing? If this isn’t a serious life or death parenting disagreement, can you find any points of commonality? Can you compromise? Can you agree to disagree? Effective co-parenting is key in maintaining the health and well being of your entire household. Effective co-parenting can have better outcomes for behavioral regulation in your kids because you are able to maintain consistent boundaries. Difficult moments are temporary and will pass and I know that you can get through this.

Delsie Martin (BA, MSW, RSW), is a Registered Social Worker working out of The Wellness Clinic in Brandon. She can be reached at dmartin@wellnessclinicbrandon.ca.

Neepawa artist captures the ‘joy

Works of Shannon Desjardins featured

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

Paintings hold the potential to evoke memories known only to their beholder. Perhaps that is what visitors will find while taking in ArtsForward’s latest exhibit, ‘Joie De Vivre’ (Joy of Living) by Neepawa artist Shannon Desjardins. Artist meet and greet sessions were held throughout the day on Feb. 13 for students and the general public, giving people the opportunity to not only view the exhibit, but meet the artist behind it.

Desjardins’ current passion is painting from life, often taking the ‘plein air’ approach. She masterfully captures those living scenes in oil paints, her primary medium.

“I did a challenge in September– the Strada Easel Challenge– and many of the paintings in the exhibit come from that. However, I was interested in ‘en plein air’ painting a little before that,” Desjardins shared. “I had gone on a vacation and done a little sketch. I found the sketch again later and I was amazed at how the memory of that moment was locked in.”

Desjardins added, “There is joy in living life, and there

is joy from painting from life. It’s exciting to paint something with that limited time. And, if I can tell those moments, a piece of art can trigger beautiful memories and help people connect with those memories.”

Desjardins particularly enjoys painting farmland and prairie scenes, with many being done in Neepawa and the surrounding area, such as Amaranth. However, there is something that trumps the place and the subject matter for Desjardins… light.

“That’s what we paint–not things, but the effects of light,” said Desjardins. “Take a door knob, for example. With the right lighting, even something as simple as that can become interesting. The light in a scene changes the subject’s character.”

She also noted that she takes a unique approach to light in her paintings. Rather than using warm tones for lighter areas and cool tones for shadows, Desjardins reverses them. This technique is one she has

adopted from her mentor.

“I owe a lot to my mentor,” Desjardins enthused. “I think it’s very important that, no matter what we are doing, that we have mentors.”

In the future, Desjardins looks forward to experimenting with pastels, abstract art and to becoming a mentor herself.

Those who have yet to take in this exhibit may still do so, as it remains on display at Neepawa’s ArtsForward until the end of February.

PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN, ART BY SHANNON DESJARDINS

Pictured left: Shannon Desjardins, of Neepawa. Her artistic works are currently on display in the local gallery, ArtsForward.

Pictured right: ‘Park Passage’ by Shannon Desjardins, painted with oils on canvas. This is one of the many pieces in the exhibit.

Archive history: Steve Patrick

OF

Steve Patrick (pictured), from Glenella, was announced in July of 1980 to have been selected as one of the top defensive players of the half century for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was a member of the squad for 13 years at that point and played in six Grey Cup games on four championship teams. He was also team captain for four years. He was also a familiar face in Neepawa, as he participated in baseball tournaments here.

Don’t forget!

Our advertising deadline is Tuesday at noon!

Helen works out of our MacGregor branch but was born and raised in the Austin area. Helen worked for 10 years as a hairstylist while starting her own family, which led to many connections in the area. She completed college courses related to small business accounting to help with her and her husband’s farm and small business venture. Helen is now a Financial Experience Officer at Stride Credit Union, working in retail lending, offering product knowledge and assistance.

Helen notes that she loves serving such a friendly town and the surrounding area. The communities she’s involved in show passion for togetherness and growth, whether it be personal, education or commercial. She enjoys building relationships with Stride members and seeing the confidence level change when members come in with a dream, knowing she can help bring it to life for them whether it be their first vehicle, a mortgage or helping them with any account products.

A fun fact about Helen is the strong ties she has to the Carberry area, showing the connections that people make when living in small towns. Her husband used to work in the Carberry area, she has a large group of family and friends there, and they enjoy stopping in at the Casino near Carberry once in awhile to have a little fun.

Are you looking to make the move to Stride Credit Union? Get in touch with Helen or any of our other amazing Financial Experience Officers and experience the exceptional service that Stride has to offer. Call us at 877-228-2636, email contactus@stridecu.ca or visit stridecu.ca.

Looking to the future?

Be sure to book your ads and submit all necessary info and materials prior to the deadline!

Ad booking deadlines are Tuesdays at noon! To book an ad, contact us at: 204-476-3401 or ads@neepawabanner.com

Meet Helen Smith!

COURTESY

THE BEAUTIFUL PLAINS ARCHIVES

The Johnny Cash Experience comes to Neepawa

Cold Hard Cash takes to the Kaleidoscope Concert stage at Arts Forward on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., and advance tickets are selling fast!

Since 2011, Cold Hard Cash has been entertaining audiences with their energetic and soul-capturing tribute to Johnny Cash. Described as the most sought-after Johnny Cash tribute band in the country, you don’t want to miss this concert

Different eras are brought to life with the band’s authentic vintage instruments and sharp formal dress changing alongside the distinct styles of Cash’s music. Cold Hard Cash draws the audience in with humour, unique history, and dynamic stage presence.

Cold Hard Cash is currently filling theatres, playing large music festivals, and performing across

SUBMITTED

Johnny Cash tribute band ‘Cold Hard Cash’.

Canada alongside acts such as The Statler Brothers, Loverboy, and Prism. Don’t be disappointed - get your tickets now and save money. This event is made pos -

sible by the generous sponsorship of the Stride Credit Union, as well as a grant from the Manitoba Arts Council.

YOUR AD LOOKS GOOD IN PRINT

Place your ad in the 423 Mountain Avenue, Neepawa, MB Ph: 204-476-3401 -OR- Email: ads@neepawabanner.com

Editorial: Strength matters

I love walking into a gym or seeing people out on the trails sidewalks and sidewalks in the winter staying active. Activity is a huge part of improved mental health. I want to talk about an aspect of our fitness that most people don’t consider.

Walk down an icy street, this time of year they are the norm, not the exception. In a moment your foot slips and for some this can be a life and death moment. In seniors a fall that breaks a hip as many as 25 per cent can lead to fatality within 12 months, in 50 per cent of cases it can lead to loss of independence. Unfortunately for women they are the most at risk, because of osteoporosis and muscle loss. This is scary stuff and unfortunately we all know someone that this has happened to.

Develop muscle that protects the skeletal system

One of the things that we train during a normal Grit Force Fitness class is explosive movement. I know to many this is not something we want to consider doing. Learning to move explosively is counter intuitive to our thought process. Explosive movement forces us to get out of our comfort zones and often feels awkward or reckless. Why would anyone want to feel this way?

When we think strength training we

think of moving a weight a distance whether it be weights or body weight and doing this repeatedly will improve strength. Strength training done consistently and properly leads to improved strength, but are we training all our muscle systems this way?

Let’s introduce the idea of dynamic lifting like power cleans, snatches, thrusters and other explosive lifts. Why would anyone especially someone older benefit from something like this? This seems like an activity for the young.

Dynamic lifting, sure it looks cool or scary, but at its core what are we doing. Yes a dynamic lift moves a weight a distance like strength training, but there is a big difference. A dynamic lift is about generating power very quickly and landing balanced. This skill developed in a gym setting is the same skill that can protect or reduce the risk of a fall. With strength training we also develop muscle that protects our skeletal system. If you have questions, reach out to Grit Force Fitness about joining us and learning these valuable life skills. We have functional training classes 6 days a week there is a time and option right for you.

Darryl Gerrard

Functional training coach

Grit Force Fitness

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Three games in five nights just wasn’t enough for the Neepawa Tigers Hockey Team last week, as two of their three games ended up going into overtime.

Unfortunately for Neepawa, the results in extra time were disappointing both times, as they lost two straight.

After defeating the GCB Wildcats on Wednesday, Feb. 12, by a 6-3 margin, the Tigers returned to action on Friday versus the Minnedosa/Erickson Chancellors. This game was also the annual ‘Tigers fight Cancer’ game, which sees NACI wear its special pink the rink sweaters. This game is the club’s annual effort to raise support for a variety of local cancer care programs.

As for the actual game portion of the festivities, Neepawa jumped out to an early 3-0 lead. Cohen Kulbacki scored twice, while Kane Lapointe added the other.

In the second, however, Minnedosa climbed back into it, with a pair of shorthanded goals by Aiden McGorman. William Mel-

Neepawa and Minnedosa go to OT in ‘Tigers Fight Cancer’ game

Cohen Kulbacki scored the first goal of the night for Neepawa, in their game versus Minnedosa/Erickson, on a breakaway chance. This was his 45th goal of the WHSHL season. He would add one more, while Kane Lapointe and Kellen Hockin also scored for the Tigers, in a 5-4 overtime loss.

vin then tied things up at 3-3, just before the second intermission. Matthew Toews scored late in the third, giving the Chancellors their first lead of the game. Neepawa replied back, though , with Kellen Hockin scoring with only 3:38 left in regulation. In overtime, it was Zachary Lamb, who secured

operations. Partnerships with industryleading suppliers like Cummins and CAT® help the tractors balance superior performance, value and power. Experience every imaginable comfort with the largest cab in the industry and excellent 360-degree visibility for reduced operator fatigue. Now

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the win for Minnedosa/ Erickson, as he scored his 30th goal of the year.

Neepawa was back at it on Sunday, Feb. 16, playing Swan Valley. This game also went to overtime, and would see Swan Valley collect the 7-6 win.

Zach Plett went off for Neepawa in the third period, scoring three times,

including the tying goal with only 19 seconds left in regulation. Swan Valley, however, would win in OT. These results drop Neepawa’s record in the Westman High School Hockey League to 19-7-3. The Tigers remain in fifth place in the standings with 41 points.

Titans hosting Hockey Fights Cancer Night

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Titans are hoping their fans are in a generous mood this weekend, as the MJHL club is hosting its inaugural Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Board member Jamie Denbow said this is a brand new endeavour for the organization.

“This is a new initiative. We got thinking about things that impact so many people within the community that the Titans serve, and cancer care came up first on the list. This is year one of a major multi-year initiative,” stated Denbow.

As a part of their onice showdown with the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Saturday, Feb. 22, the Titans will be wearing speciality jerseys designed to spotlight the need for research and support in the battle against cancer. Those jerseys are up

currently for auction, with all profits being donated to Neepawa Cancer Care. Bids on the Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys can take place right through to 9:00 p.m on Feb.22, right until the end of the second period.

The link to the jersey auction can be located on the team’s Instagram account and at https:// www.32auctions.com/TitansCancerCare2025.

If a winning bidder is in attendance, the player can sign the jersey right off their back.

To go along with the jersey auction, the Titans are also raising money from the 50/50, and a homemade pierogi supper. The supper will start at 6:00 p.m. and continue throughout the game. There will be a special edition of chuck-a-puck with all proceeds going to Neepawa Cancer Care.

MJHL Standings

Titans win at home over Oil Caps

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Titans are inching closer and closer to securing a place in the MJHL post-season. The team helped their cause in a big way on Saturday, Feb. 15, by defeating the Virden Oil Capitals 4-2.

Friday, Feb. 14

Dauphin 7-1 Neepawa

12:14 NPA C. Kasprick (10)

ASST: L. Paquette (16)

12:51 DAU B. Magarrell (1)

ASST: E. Stewart (19), H. Simchuk (10)

13:13 DAU D. Hoad (6)

ASST: D. Helary (7), D. Miko (1)

13:18 DAU N. Hofer (6)

ASST: J. Schmidt (9)

15:09 DAU G. Bugeaud (13)

ASST: G. Nemis (32)

19:05 DAU H. Simchuk 99) PP

ASST: E. Stewart (20), T. Pratte (20)

01:21 DAU M. Thomas (12)

ASST: G. Bugeaud (14), J. Kubas (7)

12:34 DAU T. Pratte (5)

ASST: G. Nemis (33), H. Simchuk (11) Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP NPA 0 1 0 1 0/3 DAU

MJHL Player stats

Saturday, Feb. 15 Neepawa 4-2 Virden

First Period

05:47 VDN C. Robertson (4) PP

ASST: B. Siemens (5)

14:42 NPA T. Wallis (8) PP

ASST: R. Gower (8), T. Tychonick (25)

19:45 NPA T. Tychonick (16) ASST: C. Hegarty (18) Second Period 05:16 VDN T. Draper (6) ASST: T. Plaisier (12) Third Period

13:58 NPA C. Kasprick (11)

ASST: T. Wallis (10), R. Gower (9) 19:32 NPA T. Tychonick (17) SH

ASST: C. Hegarty (19) Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP VDN 1 1 0 2 1/5 NPA 2

VDN: L. Morin (L) 25/29 saves NPA: M. Lobreau (W) 28/30 saves Attendance: 340 - Yellowhead Centre

Club 55 Bowling

Feb. 14, 2025: Ladies’ High Single & Triple: Elsie Slimmon 245 & 642. Men’s High Single & Triple: Russ Taylor 206 & 542. Other Good Scores: Russ Taylor 176, 160; Frank Porada 190; Laurie Kohinski 150, 190, 174; Iain Greig 151; Vivian Oswald 177, 168, 191; Judy Gabler 171; Caroline Harding 172; Darrell Gabler 155, 184; Carole LeBoutillier 157; Chuck Morden 172, 176; Elsie Slimmon 190, 207; Muriel Porada 167.

While the Oil Caps trail Neepawa in the MJHL standings, they have been on a bit of a run, as of late. Since returning from the Christmas break. Virden has gone 8-3-2, and had started to gain a bit of ground on the Titans in the West Division. If Neepawa were to lose this game, it could make the final 10 games of the regular season a bit more dramatic.

Fortunately, for the Titans, they were able to match Virden’s intensity throughout the game, and

Neepawa’s Jackson Kohut (#10) keeps an eye on the puck, while also covering Virden forward Marshall Light (#29).

even kick it up a notch in the third to secure the win. Cooper Kasprick scored the go ahead goal in the third period, while Tim Tychonick secured the vic-

tory, with an empty netter. Tychonick also scored in the first, as did Talen Wallis. Next for Neepawa will be a game in Virden on Thursday, Feb. 20. They will follow that up with a home game versus Waywayseecappo on Saturday, Feb. 22. Start time at the Yellowhead Centre will be 7:30 p.m.

Farmers advance in Tiger Hills playoffs

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Neepawa Farmers have reason to celebrate this week, after defeating the MacGregor Wild 2-games-to-1, in their first round playoff series.

After losing game one 4-3 in overtime, Neepawa faced elimination in the second game on Saturday, Feb. 15.

The Farmers would bring their best effort in this one, claiming a 3-0 victory. Zak Hicks, Callan Denbow and Brad Marshall all scored for Neepawa, while Nate Braun stopped 46 shots and earned himself the shutout.

The third and deciding game was played in MacGregor on Monday, Feb. 17.

For this one, Neepawa jumped out to an early lead, as Shane Byram, Garett Rempel and Brad Marshall all scored goals within the first 5:12 of action. Byram added one more in the second, while Kyle McDonald also chipped in late in the third, giving Neepawa a 5-0 lead.

Signs

MacGregor scored one late in the game, ruining Nate Braun’s chances at a second straight shutout, though he still did stop 45 of the 46 shots he faced.

The Neepawa Farmers will face the Killarney

Shamrocks next. Due to scheduling conflicts at the local arenas, game three will be played in Carwright and game four, if needed is being planned for Gladstone.

Elsewhere around the Tiger Hills Hockey League, the Minnedosa Bombers defeated the Carberry Plainsmen 2-games-to-0, while Melita and Hartney advanced in the West Division.

East Division Semi Finals

#1 Killarney vs.

Virden vs. #4 Melita Feb. 19 - 8:00 pm in Virden Feb. 21 - 8:00 pm in Melita Feb. 22 - 8:30 pm in Virden

*Feb. 26 - 8:00 pm in Melita

*Feb. 28 - 8:00 pm in Virden

#2 Boissevain vs. #3 Hartney Feb. 19 - 8:00 pm in Boissevain Feb. 23 - 8:00 pm in Hartney Feb. 26 - 8:30 pm in Boissevain

*Feb. 28 - 7:30 pm in Hartney *Mar. 2 - 7:30 pm in Boissevain * - If Necessary

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

The Farmers celebrate a goal during their 3-0 win over MacGregor on Saturday, Feb. 15.

M.P. Mazier: Post Office attacks highlight need to get tough on crime

Over the past few months, rural post offices across our communities have been under attack. I am aware of at least 250 mailboxes that have been broken into in various communities throughout our region.

Criminals have targeted post offices with break-ins, theft, and vandalism in the communities of Neepawa, Minnedosa, Rivers, Kelwood, Arden, Austin, MacGregor, Carberry, Rapid City, Erickson, Onanole, and Sandy Lake – with more stories emerging every week. This is not a coincidence; this is the work of repeat offenders who have no fear of consequences.

I have been meeting with law enforcement, post office representatives, and my colleagues in Ottawa to address this issue. And while I find it troubling most post offices do not even have security cameras, seeing there is a clear pattern of behaviour from these crimes, I’m confident this series of attacks on our post offices are by the same individuals who would not be deterred by a camera.

This wave of crime has forced some post offices to lock their doors at night, denying rural Canadians access to their own mail. This is unacceptable. Unlike in urban centres, rural residents do not have home

delivery. When these criminals strike, they are not just stealing mail; they are robbing families, seniors, and businesses of their essential services.

Section 356(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada makes mail theft a serious offence – in fact, this offence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison – yet time and time again, these criminals walk free.

This pattern of repeat offenders is not limited to our post offices though.

As I meet with countless victims of crime in my role as your Member of Parliament, it has become very clear that too many offenders are out on bail, enabled by laws like Bill C-75, which allow criminals to be in jail one day and out on bail the next. We need real consequences for repeat offenders who prey on our communities, not a revolving door that lets them walk free to strike again. Meanwhile, violent crime is up 50 per cent in Canada, and instead of strength -

Dan Mazier

Member of Parliament Dauphin - Swan River - Neepawa

ening our justice system, the Liberal-NDP coalition in Ottawa is putting criminals first and communities second. This must stop. We need stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and the necessary resources for law enforcement.

There is also a growing number of rural Canadians who are being targeted by criminals simply because of where they live. Criminals deliberately prey on rural Canadians knowing the response time from law enforcement is delayed. That is why I worked with my Conservative colleagues to introduce Bill C-364, which would have amended the Criminal Code by adding an aggravating factor for purposefully targeting an individual in a rural area

who is far from emergency services. Bill C-364 would have also changed the Criminal Code’s legal definition of “dwelling-house” to “place”, because many break-ins happen to barns and sheds. It is no secret that valuables are kept in storage in rural areas. Unfortunately, when Justin Trudeau shut down Parliament through prorogation, he prevented all legislation from moving forward.

The safety of our communities must be protected. The catch-and-release, soft-on-crime policies must be repealed before more harm is inflicted on our communities.

Rural Canadians deserve better.

By Tyler Slawinski Gladstone Auction

As uncertainty may still be looming as political politics threaten tariffs over the Canadian cattlemen, it wasn’t all doom and gloom in Feb. 18’s market. The market for the most part was steady to stronger in spots, to lower in a few others. The futures were lower to start the day on fat cattle and stronger on the feeder cattle, but as the day went on they were both showing signs of increases.

We saw a very impressive set of cattle and very good quality. First cut cattle are selling strong, most of the feeder cattle sold well and much similar to trade from three to four weeks ago. Second and third cut cattle are definitely seeing discounts, if they don’t fit the orders they are soon sorted from the packages.

The cattle are still in strong demand, and I expect to see strong prices until the next political debate!

We sold 1,516 head of cattle through the ring in Gladstone! Cows and bulls are trending with higher averages. Feeding type cows and heiferettes are still selling stronger than yielding cows. Yielding cows still traded quite reasonable from 170.00 to 195.00 with sales to 204.00 looking like strong demands. Feeding type cows are ranging between 190 to 215.00. Bulls traded stronger ranging between 210.00 to 236.25.

Classifieds

Personal

Crisis Pregnancy Centre

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

Notice

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

Alcoholics Anonymous meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa, Thursdays at 7 pm. Call Don 204-856-9072 or Debbi 204352-4065

Notice

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

Drug problem? Yellowhead Narcotics Anonymous meets Sundays at 7 pm, at the Minnedosa Town Hall basement.

Minnedosa Handivan 204868-8164 Mon-Fri 9:00-3:30

Obituary

Wietse (Bill) Boersma

Wietse (Bill) Boersma of Neepawa, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025, at the age of 89, with his family by his side at Neepawa Hospital.

Bill was born on May 25, 1935, in Wijtgaard, Netherlands. At 15, he immigrated to Canada with his family, settling in Manitoba. He met Olive in Portage la Prairie, and they married in 1962. Together, they raised five children, moving throughout the province for Bill’s work as a mechanic before making Neepawa their home in 1980.

A skilled mechanic, Bill had a gift for fixing anything in need of repair. He spent many years running G&B Auto, where he helped countless people with their mechanical needs. Beyond his work, he loved fishing, camping, and gardening, but nothing brought him more joy than his family, especially his grandchildren. He also had his first great grandchild on the way, a baby boy expected to arrive in June.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, and his son, David (1981).

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Olive; his brothers, Cy and John; his sister, Hinke; and his children, Greg (Shannon), Trish (Brian), Marijka (Curtis), and Darcy (Heather). He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Chantel (Brenden), Travis, Cody (Jade), Kendra, Ryan, Holly, Tristan, Riley, and Brooklyn.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care Neepawa or Parkinson Canada in Bill’s memory. White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca

Notice

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 3 mars au 28 mars, 2025.

Tous les enfants qui sont nés avant le 31 décembre, 2020 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 3 to March 28, 2025.

All children born on or before December 31, 2020 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

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

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

For Sale or Rent

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

For Rent

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

Auctions

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

All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION

Kindergarten Registration for the 2025 Fall Term

will be held during the regular school hours between March 3 and March 28, 2025 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, 2020 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.

NOTICE OF BY-ELECTION

TOWN OF CARBERRY

Notice is hereby given that a vote of the TOWN OF CARBERRY will be taken to elect a COUNCILOR from the following duly nominated candidates:

For the office of Councillor: 1. DOBBIN-WATERS, Lisa 2. VANDAMME, Samantha VOTING PLACES

Part Time Driver Wanted Super B experience required For more information, please contact Terry at 204-476-0129

Find fetching opportunities in the classifieds!

• Job opportunities

• Coming events

• Sales and more, all in one place!

Voting places will be open for voting on TUESDAY the 18th day of MARCH 2025 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at:

CARBERRY DROP-IN CENTER, 132 MAIN STREET, CARBERRY, MANITOBA

IDENTIFICATION MAY BE REQUIRED BEFORE BEING ALLOWED TO VOTE. A person may be required to produce one piece of government issued photo identification (for example - driver’s license or passport) or at least two other documents that provide proof of identity.

ADVANCE VOTING

For the purpose of accommodating persons who are qualified to vote, but who have reason to believe that they will be absent or otherwise unable to attend their proper voting place on election day, an advance voting opportunity will be located at:

CARBERRY DROP-IN CENTER, 132 MAIN STREET, CARBERRY, MANITOBA and will be open SATURDAY the 8th day of MARCH 2025 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

MOBILE VOTING

For the purpose of accommodating persons who are qualified to vote, but reside at a health care facility, a mobile voting station will be set up at the following health care facilities on election day (March 18, 2025):

1. Carberry Health Center between 09:00 and 11:00

APPLICATION TO VOTE BY SEALED ENVELOPE

A voter who is unable to go in person to the voting place or vote in advance, may apply in person, in writing, or by email to the senior election official at 44 MAIN STREET, BOX 130, CARBERRY, MB R0K 0H0 or cao@ townofcarberry.ca.

If applying in person*, a voter may apply between FEBRUARY 18th and March 15th.

*A voter applying in person may pick up a sealed envelope ballot package at the time of application.

If applying by mail or email**, a voter may apply between FEBRUARY 18th and MARCH 7th.

** A voter applying by mail or email will receive a sealed envelope ballot package by regular post, or by making alternative arrangements with the senior election official.

Grady Stephenson, SEO Town of Carberry cao@townofcarberry.ca 204-834-6628

NOTICE OF APPLICATION RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ROSEDALE REVISED WATER RATES KELWOOD WATER UTILITY

February 13, 2025

The Rural Municipality of Rosedale (RM) has applied to the Public Utilities Board (Board) for revised water rates for Kelwood Water Utility (Utility) as set out in By-law No. 2-2024, read the first time on September 13, 2024. Rates were last approved in 2020 in Board Order No. 24/20, with current rates coming into effect April 1, 2022.

The current and proposed rates are as follows:

*Based on 14 cubic meters

Details of the RM’s application are available for review at the Municipal office or the Public Utilities Board’s office. Any questions concerning the application for revised rates, or the operation of the Utility, should be sent directly to the RM.

If you have concerns/comments regarding the RM of Rosedale’s application for water rates, please go to www.pubmanitoba.ca and provide your comment. Please note all comments will be forwarded to the RM.

Questions or comments should be sent on or before March 30, 2025.

The Public Utilities Board is the provincial regulatory agency that reviews and approves rates for water and wastewater utilities in Manitoba, with the exception of the City of Winnipeg. The Board’s review process involves:

• the Utility filing a rate application to the Board,

• a public notification of proposed rate changes,

• the Board’s review of the application through a public hearing or paper review process, and

• the issuance of an Order which outlines the Board’s decision on the rate application and the rates to be charged.

The Manitoba Ombudsman has privacy guidelines for administrative tribunals. The Board is mindful of its obligations under those guidelines. Its decisions in respect of the application being considered will be sensitive to the guidelines. Personal information will not be disclosed unless it is appropriate and necessary to do so. However, the Board advises participants that these proceedings are public and that as a result, personal information protections are reduced.

The Board will then decide whether any further notice is required and whether to proceed with a public hearing or paper review process. All concerns received by the Board will be considered in the Board’s decision on rates to be charged.

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IN CONSIDERING THIS APPLICATION, THE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD MAY OR MAY NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO DETERMINE RATES DIFFERENT FROM THOSE APPLIED FOR BY THE APPLICANT.

Note: All proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the Board’s Rules of Practice and Procedure, which the Board may vary in order to constrain regulatory costs. The Rules are available at www.pubmanitoba.ca.

Jennifer Dubois, CPA, CMA

Assistant Associate Secretary Manitoba Public Utilities Board

Help Wanted

Neepawa Dental

is currently seeking a Registered

Dental Hygienist

We are a small, locally owned practice in a freshly renovated space. Benefits include:

- Competitive Wage ($50-55/hr)

- Flexible schedule - work anywhere from 1-5 days a weekwhatever suits your schedule! No evenings or weekends required

- In-house dental plan

- Scrubs provided

- CPR training provided

- Reimbursement for licence fees

- Signing bonus/moving allowance available for more information e-mail: danieljzettler@gmail.com or text/call: 204-803-0402.

Classified ad deadline

Tuesday noon

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.

Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Neepawa is accepting applications for

OPERATIONS CLERK (CL4)

Under the supervision and direction of the CAO, the Operations Clerk will be part of the Administration team and will be required to perform moderate to complex financial and clerical work requiring a solid understanding of, and the ability to interpret and comply with Acts, Regulations, By-Laws, policies and procedures.

Qualifications: Grade 12, Certificate/ Diploma or Designation in a related field such as Business Admin/Accounting/ Municipal Admin and/or experience in a financial, administrative or municipal environment. Strong communication skills. Experience with municipal software an asset.

Permanent, full-time position (35 hours per week Monday to Friday. Rate of pay is $24.78-$28.03/hr

Applications, including Resume, accepted until 4:00 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2025 @ Town of Neepawa, P.O. Box 339, 275 Hamilton St., Neepawa, MB, R0J 1H0

E-Mail: cao@neepawa.ca

REGARDING SPECIAL SERVICE PLAN 01/2025 - BY-LAW 3235-25 FOR SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL

The Council for the Town of Neepawa has scheduled a public hearing at 275 Hamilton Street, in Neepawa, Manitoba on the 11th day of March, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. to present the following service proposal:

By-Law 3200-20, being a by-law to establish rates for solid waste and recycling collection and disposal in the Town of Neepawa expired on December 31, 2024. To carry forward with the special service levy for 2025 to 2027, it is expedient that a new by-law be considered inclusive of a reasonable rate increase.

The Special Service Levy will be imposed on all properties in the Town of Neepawa, which encompasses all taxable, grant-in-lieu, otherwise exempt and Class 52 railway properties, and includes vacant lands.

ESTIMATED COST OF THE SPECIAL SERVICES

The method for calculating the special service levy will reflect an equal rate per residential dwelling unit; a rate of 60% of the prescribed residential dwelling rate for four (4) identified non -profit assisted living/supportive residential housing units; an equal rate per small commercial unit with incremental rates based on volumes of materials generated and number of carts in use; a set rate for schools to cover the cost of collection and disposal; set rates for large multi-residential, institutional, commercial and industrial properties based on approximate volumes delivered to the regional landfill by a private contractor; and a set rate for all vacant and railway properties.

Help Wanted

FOODS

Industrial Plant Cleaner (NOC 65312)

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 10 positions.

The current starting wage is $22.20/hour with incremental increases to $23.55/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

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

• 2500+ employees worldwide

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

What we can offer you:

Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

• Cleaning and sanitizing butcher and slaughter production areas and everything in between to ensure top-quality food safety standards.

Operating cleaning equipment like high-pressure hoses to clean production equipment.

• Using cleaning chemicals with respect and following Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Ensuring all Quality Assurance checks are performed.

• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility.

• Collaborating as a team to meet tight deadlines, ensuring production floors operate on time.

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and climbing.

• Available to work an 8-hour Night Shift from MondayFriday, between 11:15 PM to 9:00 AM

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

• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors

Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in sanitation, or industrial cleaning, or heavy-duty cleaning Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Able to effectively communicate in English

• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement

HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.

Ways to apply: Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

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. NEED CLASS 1 DRIVERS?

SEASONAL HIRING? SELLING SOMETHING? Jump on our great prices and start getting responses! Book your blanket classified ads, seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book, or call MCNA at (204) 9471691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

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

A written objection may be filed with the Chief Administrative Officer, at 275 Hamilton Street, Neepawa, Manitoba prior to the commencement of the hearing. At the hearing, Council will hear any potential taxpayer who wishes to make a presentation, ask questions, or register an objection to the special service proposal.

All objections, written or verbal, must be filed prior to the adjournment of the hearing and must include the name, address and property description of the person filing the objection and the grounds for the objection.

Copies of the special service proposal are available at the Municipal Office, 275 Hamilton Street in Neepawa, Manitoba and can be found by accessing the Town’s website at: www.neepawa.ca

Dated at the Town of Neepawa this 14th day of February, 2025 and issued pursuant to Section 318 of The Municipal Act. Colleen Synchyshyn, C.M.M.A, CAO, Town of Neepawa Box 339, 275 Hamilton St. Neepawa,

Ph: (204) 476-7600;

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

Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!

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

FOODS

Hog Receiving Barn Worker (NOC85100)

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 5 positions.

The current starting wage is $19.25/hour with incremental increases to $20.55/hour based on tenure Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant 2500+ employees worldwide

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

What we can offer you: Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may involve:

• Receiving and unloading hog deliveries.

• Sorting hogs into appropriate receiving pens. Ensuring humane and safe handling of hogs in our facility.

Completing hog receiving documents to CFIA standards.

• Scraping trailers.

• Working outdoors and in a barn environment.

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• Respect for animal welfare, food safety, and workplace safety. Understanding of animal behavior

• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors

• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience working with livestock

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and crawling

• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks

• Able to effectively communicate in English

• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement

HyLife i s dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

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

Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!

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

FOODS

Industrial Butcher (NOC 94141)

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 150 positions.

The current starting wage is $16.45/hour with incremental increases to $24.60/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

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

• 2500+ employees worldwide

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

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

• Slaughter, eviscerate, and mark hogs for further processing;

• Debone edible parts and remove inedible organs for parts;

• Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further processing, cutting, or packaging for local, national, and international premium markets.

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role

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

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in meat cutting or slaughter or completed a program in Industrial Meat cutting Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Able to effectively communicate in English

HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com |

In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

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

Be a part of the HyLife experience

– your journey starts here!

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

REMINDER

Estate & Moving Feb 26th @ 7:00PM

Estate & Moving March 8th @ 7:00PM

McSherryAuction.com 204-467-1858 or 204-886-7027 mcsherryltd@gmail.com

Birnie Builders

Birnie Builders

Birnie Builders

Varsity Tigers host Boys Basketball Tournament

The NACI Tigers Varsity Boys Basketball Team hosted a tournament in Neepawa on Feb. 14 and 15. Their first game was scheduled against Ebb and Flow. Ebb and Flow was unable to attend, however, so Neepawa received a bye into the semi-final to face the Virden Golden Bears. For this game, Neepawa was able to win 103-61. Next would be the final against the Souris Sabres. In this game, both teams exchanged the lead on multiple occasions, and ultimately had to go into overtime. Souris would eventually earn the tournament win, with a 94-88 victory. Congrats to Souris on the win and to Neepawa on putting together an exceptional weekend of basketball.

Dr. Jane Goodall was the rst person to study chimpanzees in the wild! She learned many new things about chimpanzees.

It All Started with Reading

Naming the Animals

Before Jane, chimps were each given a number. Jane was different. She gave the chimps names based on their appearance or personalities. For example, she named the chimpanzee that first approached her David Greybeard because he had a gray chin.

Jane’s Discovery

Replace the missing words.

… everybody laughed at me. Girls couldn’t dream of doing that.”

Do you know the answers to these questions? If not, nd them on today’s Kid Scoop® page! Where did Jane dream of going when she was a child?

What is the name of Jane’s favorite toy?

Arriving in Africa

In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane was finally able to travel to Africa. She got a job studying chimpanzees in the country highlighted on the map.

What did Jane see chimpanzees use?

What did chimpanzees use rocks for?

MyScavengerEnvironment Hunt

Jane was the first

A Woman I Admire

PC leadership hopefuls visit the region

By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba is in the midst of a leadership election. Both candidates, Obby Khan of Winnipeg and Wally Daudrich of Churchill, have made visits to the Neepawa Banner & Press coverage region. Khan had a coffee party at Minnedosa’s 50 Plus Centre on Feb. 7 and

Daudrich had a meet and greet at Chicken Chef in Neepawa on Feb. 18. Both candidates opening statments in their pamphlet read alike.

Khan’s says, “Obby will rebuild the PC party” and outlines several points of concern about how the party has been operating.

Daudrich says he wants “To put the party’s house in order” and promises to return to running the party

to the grassroots.

The similarity of the candidates’ statement may well be based on the public’s perception of the previous leadership race where Heather Stefanson won the position put amidst controversy about the leadership race being rushed. Also, the Stefanson led campaign was not received well by the party members or voters as the PCs went down to defeat.

Khan is a sitting MLA and Daudrich is a tourism operator from Churchill but when not at Churchill, they live at Morden, Manitoba.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS Obby Khan (left) and Wally Daudrich (right), candidates in the leadership election for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba.