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DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / CR O SSR O ADS T H IS W E E K Waywayseecappo Wolverines forward Noah Oughton dangles past a Virden Oil Capitals defender to put himself in scoring position as the teams opened the 2025-26 season in Waywayseecappo on Friday, Sept. 19. The Wolverines would earn a 4-2 win on home ice, while Virden would win the rematch 3-1 on Saturday, Sept. 20 in their own home opener.
M ASC office reop ens in Shoal Lake The reop en in g of the M ASC offices in Shoa l La ke a n d Virden ha s brought ren ew ed op tim ism to loca l fa r m ers RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT Cro ssro a d s This W e e k
The reopening of the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) office in Shoal Lake has brought renewed optimism to local farmers and the rural community. Alongside Shoal Lake, the
MASC office in Virden is also now back in operation, marking significant progress in restoring in-person agricultural support across the region. This resurgence comes after the provincial government’s decision in 2021 to close 21 MASC offices across Manitoba, including key locations such as Birtle, Ha-
miota, Russell, Shoal Lake, and Virden. The closures were part of a government initiative aimed at downsizing and shifting toward more virtual and phone-based services, reducing the physical presence of agricultural support in rural areas. The recent reopenings signal a shift back toward accessible,
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community-based support. The new offices are expected to serve hundreds of farmers and agribusinesses, providing essential inperson assistance with crop insurance, lending, and risk management programs. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn emphasized the significance of this development.
“The reopening of these offices reflects our commitment to strengthening rural communities and supporting our farmers. We recognize the importance of local access to vital services, especially after years of limited in-person options.”
SEE SE R VICE CE N T E R S , PAGE 2