December 26, 2014 Neepawa Banner

Friday, December 26, 2014 • Vol.26 No.10 • Neepawa, Manitoba Do Bath es you rK r We c oom ne itchen or an h ed a f visio elp brin acelift? n to g you life! r We offer start-to-finish solutions for every project!

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MEMORIES OF COUNTRY SCHOOLS

The old way worked too

Page 2

The Art of Dance

A photo exhibit focused on the art of dance has opened in Neepawa. Laura Zeke, a Vancouver based performing arts photographer who was raised in Neepawa, opened her first solo gallery show last week at the Viscount Cultural Centre For The Arts.

The photo exhibit will be on display until Jan. 30.

Right: Zeke stands beside one of her photos, taken at Clear Lake, during the opening of the exhibit on Dec. 16.

Below: A collection of some of the works on display.

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

2 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014

Memories of a country school– the old way worked too

By Rita Friesen The Neepawa Banner “Smaller Classes will received a teacher permit enhance the quality of from the Government of education in our schools Manitoba and headed out by providing students with to Twyford, just west of more one-on-one time with Keyes, to begin her teachtheir teachers. The early ing career. There were nine years are critical to student students. Irene remembers success. We want to ensure the old pot bellied stove, that teachers are able to warming not only the room provide students with the and the students, but also support they need to get used to provide a hot lunch a strong foundation in on a winter’s day. The train tracks ran just north of literacy and numeracy.”

–Quote from the Gov- the school and on occaernment of Manitoba, sion, the crew riding in the 2014. caboose would toss comic books out to The old the children. way worked A rare treat! too!

What did League of 17-year-old Nations Irene BurIrene comton Batepleted her man, farm Grade 12 girl from and the one Eden, know year normal about teachschool before ing school? accepting a She knew position at that she a country cherished school south a dream to of Portage la be a teacher Irene Bateman Prairie. While and now the opportunity. Irene had in training, the sisters had competed her Grade 11 asked that, if possible, they and was willing to work a be given schools in close year while waiting for her proximity, and so it was younger sister, Audrey, to that Audrey taught at East complete her Grade 11 be- Curtis, and Irene, with one fore they both headed off years teaching experience, for their final year, Grade was placed at West Curtis.

12, in Neepawa. Due to the And so it was that Irene war there was a shortage of faced a classroom filled qualified teachers so Irene with 36 pupils.

Students at East Prospect School

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRENE BATEMAN

The Twyford class of 1944-45: Grade IX: Ingram Johnson, Janet Bokki.

Grade VIII: Elaine Leask. Grade VI: Sheila Burnside, Dalton Reid and Olive Reid. Grade III Joyce Griffiths. Grade I: Joan Griffith.

The school was referred to as the “League of Nations”, the area becoming home for migrant workers in the sugar beet fields. Students came from Japanese, German and Dutch decent, melding with the French and English that were already established in the community. It was not uncommon for a child to begin school with little comprehension of the English language. There was some cause for alarm, there had been a turnover of seven teachers in three short years. Miss Burton stayed three years. There were the typical childhood diseases, measles, mumps, chicken pox and pink eye.

One added task that she was not prepared for – checking each and every scalp for wood ticks in the wood tick season!

It was customary for all the country schools to compete in a track and field day in Portage. The year previous to Irene’s tenure, 1948, that experience had been extremely negative. The children with the Japanese heritage had been openly mocked, not only by fellow students but also by adults in the community. And so it was that Irene and her sister were granted permission to hold a sports day competition simply between East and West Curtis. By the following year calmer and wiser ways won out, and both schools returned to the larger field day.

The classes at West Curtis were eager to for an education and a home ec program was added. The girls learned sewing and knitting and the achievement day in spring was a highlight. Irene can recall walking to school to meet this program’s representative visiting from Winnipeg. Dressed in her best, anticipating a favourable interview, Irene slipped and fell in the spring mud and had to walk back to the boarding house to change!

The older students also asked her to add French to the curriculum to better prepare for immersion in

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the high school in Portage.

After consideration, it was agreed that a recess or two a week would be set aside for an introduction to the language, but if it should happen that the school inspector stopped by, slide that text book out of sight and look busy!

It was a heavy workload and Irene appreciated the assistance of the woman with whom she boarded.

During the day Mrs. Storey duplicated work pages on the hectograph, that pad of mauve jelly, allowing Irene to continue using it late into the night.

From West Curtis Irene went to East Prospect, just north of Portage. A much smaller school with 15 to 16 students. And then to Fleming School in Brandon, teaching a class of over 30 grade three students.

It was markedly different teaching only one grade instead of juggling time with eight different levels. In 1954 Irene married Laurence Bateman and set aside her formal teaching career.

Similar traits Small schools had common traits. Teachers boarded with a member of the community if there wasn’t a teacherage. Lady

teachers never wore trousers! The day began with ‘O Canada’ and ‘God Save the Queen’. There was the water bucket at the back, sometimes a ceramic crock with a spigot, sometimes a pail and a dipper. The outhouse, a little chilly on winter days! Lunch kits were honey or syrup pails.

And holidays were important. Valentine cards were home made, as was the card board box that held them. Halloween costumes were hand crafted and creative. These celebrations included an afternoon lunch. Arbour day signified the day to tidy and rake the school yard.

Sports days involved three legged races, wheel barrow and sack races, baseball and bon fires. The headache and highlight was the Christmas concert! Parents helped create crepe paper costumes for the drill dancers. The teacher and students made the decorations and decked the tree.

There was the welcome poem, the skits and always, the nativity scene. Hearty singing, tree alight, children in their Sunday best and proud parents filling the school room. And Santa. Santa with a candy bag for every boy and girl.

Candy, and peanuts and a Christmas orange, the best orange ever.

Irene had always dreamed of being a teacher. A basic tenet was mutual respect. Offer respect to your students and expect respect in return. Treat each child as an individual and acknowledge its strengths.

A cairn now marks each of these country schools.

From crowded classrooms offering reading (Dick and Jane and phonics), writing, arithmetic and spelling, came individuals eager to learn more, to work hard and become productive and constructive citizens.

Several students still keep in touch with Miss Burton, Mrs. Bateman.

Thank you from the Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce Thank you to all who participated in the Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights. The board would especially like to thank Safeway, Giant Tiger, the Life Skills Room and Kinley Thomson for contributions for the goody bags for the kids and the movie. BIG thanks to Santa.

The board also appreciates the loan of vehicles from Westward Ford and McLaughlin GM to transport our dignitaries.

Travel & Entertainment

DECEMBER 26, 2014

NEEPAWA BANNER 3

Community Choir performs Handel’s Messiah at sold out show

By John Drinkwater The Neepawa Banner The Neepawa & Area Community Choir performed Handel's Messiah on Dec. 13 to a sold out concert at Knox Presbyterian Church. This was the second event, the first being at Forest United Church, the previous Saturday.

The choir was formed in November, 2011 under the direction of Sangmyoung (Sam) Kim and accompanied by Sunhwa Her. It is made up of men and women from area communities including Neepawa, Minnedosa, Carberry, Forrest and Brandon, who come together through their love of singing. The choir regroups each September and continues with weekly practices and engagements into June. They are keen to grow in their singing ability and to challenge themselves with song selections in multiple languages. The concert was enhanced by guest artists : Hyunsook Chung on organ and Jusun Kim on cello.

They are always open to new members and have in fact four youth : Jeff Franks, Joshua Jackson and Nikki Tomoniko from Neepawa and Azaria Neuschwander from Gladstone.

At the close of the concert, Sangmyound Kim announced that he and his wife, Sunhwa Her would be first time parents to twins, expected in March.

PHOTOS BY JOHN DRINKWATER

A b o v e : C h o i r a n d c o n d u c t o r, S a n g m y o u n g Kim acknowledge audience applause.

Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.

Proverbs 21:3 (The Living Bible)

NEEPAWA ACCESS 12 Semi-chorus: Margo Klassen, Mary Costen, Kim Chapman and Lawrence Smith sing, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates.” Not pictured, Jim Aitken.

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NEEPAWA NATIVES:

Rough week for Neepawa

Plans for children’s centre unveiled

Natives Page 12

go to www.neepawabanner.com or call the Banner office and we can set you up!

Pulling off the tarp to unveil PHOTOS BY the new sign were HRCC Meloney and children staff Pamela Lewis, Sheena KATE JACKMAN-ATKINSON Easton Buydens, Hayden Kopytko and Jennifer Kinley, Lukas Kopp, Onyx Halashewski and Alex

Ferguson.

By Kate Jackman-Atkins on The Neepawa BaNNer HRCC has been operating allow the centre to offer out of their current afterlocation 25 years, but as enrolment for school programs should there Parents and children has be a demand. were all increased smiles last Friday as and standards have the Happy changed, RM of Westbourne Rock Children Centre board reeve unveiled Kinley explained chair Sandi David Single sits on the HRCC their plans to build a that they have Building new daycare outgrown committee, which their current location. in Gladstone. Currently is made up of parents operat- Their current ing out the the basement as space has a number well as representatives from of the of limitations, Seven Regions Health municipal it lacks natural Centre, the light, has no kitchen facilities government and local service group has been working towards in which clubs. Single explained to prepare snacks their long-term plan that they and looked at a number of building a has an insufficient napping of sites over new facility that will area. the past two better meet “It’s years, but chose the time to upgrade,” she their needs. said. new site because Currently, the centre of its location.

Having recently purchased Kinley explains that censed for eight infants, is liproperty for the new construc20 pre- tion of the centre, on schoolers new centre is two to Oct. 10, children and and four school-age staff from children. three years away, depending In addition to better the centre helped to on unveil a sign meeting how quickly they can provincial guidelines, outlining building fundraise. plans as well a new The project is expected facility will allow as fundraising goals. to cost them between $500,000 A tree was to slightly and $600,000 also planted in what increase enrolment. will be the The new and Kinley said that location, beside the playground. between savings and past elementary school, fundraisers, will also they have HRCC director Jennifer about $100,000 so Meloney helped Onyx far. a Halashewski

Alyx, Hayden, Jody, Reg Delaloye would like to thank everyone who supported Alyx’s social November 8. Alyx said it was one of the “best days of her life”. The smile on her face was priceless. A big thank you to everyone who donated prizes, Greg at GWB Auto for the limo ride, Yellowhead Centre, Brandi for the amazing cakes, friends and family.

We would also like to thank Giant Tiger, Neepawa Farmers Hockey Team, and The Little Valley Jamboree, your generosity left us speechless. Shane Houck, Debbie Strekzik, Jen Pope, Allison Campbell, for their help organizing everything and friends and family that helped out.

Thank you. There are no words to describe the generosity and the support from everyone. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.

The Delaloye’s

BOARD MEETING TODAY! tree. The tree was planted

in what will be the playground

put dirt around of the new centre.

Family New Year’s Eve Lots of special activities!

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. & midnight Daily snow conditions, visit us online:

www.asessippi.com

Sun, Dec. 28 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 ................ Curling - YH League 1:30 ......... Neepawa Calvary Chapel 2:45 ...........Dr. T’s Nature Notes - #2 ..Xmas 2014 - Palliative Care Donors 3:00 .Xmas 2014 - Messiah - Dec. 13 4:30 X . mas 2014 - Npa Figure Skating 6:00 .Xmas 2014 - Brookdale Concert 7:00 ............................ Flippin’ Pages 7:30 .Neepawa United Church Service 8:15 ..........Hockey - NACI vs Crocus Mon, Dec. 29 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 ...........Curling - Monday Mixed 12:00 ..... Card Reads by Annie - #26 12:30 ...............Xmas 2014 - Cantata 1:30 ..... Xmas 2013 - Follow the Star 2:30 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 4:15 ........ Turkey - Ruins of Ephesus 4:30 N . eepawa United Church Service 5:45 ..... Xmas 2014 - Hutterite Choir 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 ................Xmas 2014 - Messiah Tues, Dec. 30 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 .Xmas ‘14 - Brookdale Concert 12:00 .Lily Fest ‘14 - Old Time Dance 1:00 .Xmas 2014 - Npa Figure Skating 2:30 .... St. Dominic’s Church Service 3:45 .............. Travel - Tivoli Gardens 4:00 .Curling - YH Competitive League 7:00 ..............NAC TV BINGO - LIVE ...................................................Filler 8:30 ........... Selkirk Aboriginal Centre Wed, Dec. 31 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 ...........Hockey - NACI Tourney 12:00 ..............................Coffee Chat 1:00 . Xmas 2014 - Mr. Pudlo’s Class 1:45 .Xmas 2013 - Christmas at Knox 2:30 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 3:45 ..Xmas 2013 - Community Choir 5:00 ........ Carving with Doug Carson 5:30 ...............Xmas 2014 - Cantata 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ........................ News and Views 8:00 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:00 ....... Lily Fest ‘12 - Irish Dancers 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #110 10:00 ...........Hockey - NACI Tourney

Times and programs are subject to change without notice

Thurs Jan. 1 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 ...........Hockey - NACI Tourney 12:00 ..............................Coffee Chat 1:00 ...Xmas 2014 - HMK Concert #1 1:30 ...Xmas 2014 - HMK Concert #2 2:00 ........... Selkirk Aboriginal Centre 4:00 .. Xmas - A Canadian Christmas 5:30 ..............Xmas 2014 - Coraliers 6:45 ...........NFB - Shining Mountains 7:30 ............................News & Views 8:30 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:30 ..... Xmas 2014 - Hutterite Choir Fri Jan. 2 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 .........Hockey - NACI Tourney 12:00 ........................Mayor’s Hotline 1:00 .XMAS - NFB - Circle of the Sun 1:30 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 2:45 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 4:00 .......Neepawa’s the Scene 2013 5:45 ....... Xmas 2014 - NACI Concert 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 ............... Chiller Thriller Theatre 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #110 10:00 ..... Card Reads by Annie - #26 10:30 .............LVJ ‘14 - Sister Reign 11:30 ............. Chiller Thriller Theatre Sat, Jan. 3 10:00 ........ NAC TV Reads the News 11:00 ... Xmas 2014 - Hutterite Choir 12:15 ......... Xmas 2013 - Don Amero 2:00 .................NFB - Cry of the Wild 3:30 .............Curling - Monday Mixed 5:30 .........Xmas 2014 - Eden School 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:00 .Stomperfest ‘14 - Mini Stompers 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #110 10:00 ...........Hockey - NACI Tourney Sun, Jan. 4 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 ................ Curling - YH League 1:30 .Christ Lutheran Church Service 2:45 .............................. Elder Abuse 3:00 ...............Xmas 2014 - Cantata 4:00 ..... Lily Fest ‘14 - Fiddle Contest 6:30 .Xmas 2014 - Brookdale School 7:30 .Christ Lutheran Church Service 8:15 .............Hockey - NACI Tourney

NACTV 476-3351

Neepawa Banner Perspective

4

Tundra

Can’t be all things

by Chad Carpenter

The next 25 years T he last column of the year demands some reflection so it’s a good time to look back on 2014 with a peek ahead to 2015 and beyond.

On the personal side, our family went through some big changes. My brother, who was 15 years older than me, died this past fall. Ours was a bit of strange relationship as he left home when I was only two and for many years, visits were rare because of distance and finances.

As we both grew older, we grew closer and it was a good relationship. Still separated by distance, busy lives and finances, we often talked on the phone and occasionally visited. He will be missed.

Our grand daughter got married and that’s a milestone. Our first grand child to set out on her own, well actually not on her own, but with a fine husband.

And they too will not be alone for long. The ultrasound confirms that there will be a baby in the spring if all goes well.

My political career came to an end, at least for now, as I resigned as mayor of Neepawa. It’s a long story and I have laid that out in writing before. It’s safe to say that life is much easier now. Christine and I are building a small, and much needed, addition to our home. She has more time for quilting and I have more time for building and even a bit of hobby work. One full time job, being publisher, is enough for now.

We also celebrated 25 years in the newspaper business and that was fun. So much fun that I have set a goal of being publisher for another 25 years. That would make me 91 years old if I meet the goal. There are lots of 80 year olds still working and a few 90 year-olds have been regularly going to work so I say, God willing, why not go for it.

Sam McLaughlin stayed on as Chairman of the Board of General Motors of Canada until he died at 101 years of age and that was in

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Est. 1989

STAFF

DECEMBER 26, 2014

Owners/Publishers Ken and Chris Waddell

K J

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell 1972. In the intervening 42 years, people are living, on average, a lot longer than they did in 1972 so I think I have a shot at this goal.

2014 was a year of tumult for rural Manitoba, the big story was the forced and misguided municipal amalgamation. Normally the term misguided means that someone is in the background, pulling strings to make political leaders dance to their tune. This government is so directionless that it may be possible that there isn’t even a puppet master in charge. The amalgamation was a totally botched affair and, in many cases, made worse by local reaction.

Faced with an amalgamation order that could not be reversed, a different local reaction would have produced a much better result.

By way of explanation, everybody, outside of the provincial NDP government, agreed that forced amalgamation was a bad thing. That said, the minster of Local Government has the authority to force it into place, in the same way the education minister can force all kinds of things on the school boards. As I have said many times, Rivers and RM of Daly got it right. The Village and RM of McCreary got it right and so did the Village and RM of Ste. Rose. All three communities entered into logical amalgamation agreements. Gladstone, the RM of Westbourne and the RM of Lakeview got it right too but were forced into it by the province.

Neepawa, Carberry, the RMs of North Cypress, Langford, Lans-

downe, Rosedale and Glenella got it wrong. Neepawa, Rosedale, Langford, Lansdowne and Glenella should have amalgamated.

Carberry and North Cypress should have amalgamated.

The current arrangement takes the strength out of what could have been two large urban-rural partnerships that would have had both local strength and political clout at the provincial level. Currently it’s a very divided scene and maybe that’s the way the province likes it. It’s a very sad scenario that’s unfolding.

The people who said that all the existing municipal agreements would stay in place unchanged are delusional. Once the agreements are up for renewal, the Towns of Carberry and Neepawa will look at their actual costs of providing services within and beyond their borders. The RMs, unless they are willing to pay an equitable portion, will no longer be partners, they will be customers for items like fire protection, recreation and maybe even health care.

Because of all that has happened recently, our towns and RMs will be very different places in 25 years.

Hopefully, the mistakes of the past two years can be mended so that our areas reach their potential. If they aren’t mended, neither Carberry nor Neepawa areas will reach their much needed potential. Over one hundred and thirty years ago, the founders of the County of Beautiful Plains had a big vision. That vision has been diminished this year.

243 Hamilton Street, Box 699, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0 Telephone: (204) 476-3401 Fax: (204) 476-5073 Toll-free: 1-888-436-4242 (within Manitoba) www.neepawabanner.com Subscription Rates in Canada 1 Year: $56.00 (including taxes) Online subscription $34.95

Customer Account 558680-99~Postage paid at Neepawa, Manitoba Editor Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Sales Sandra Unger John Drinkwater

The Canadian government is on track to return to a surplus in next year’s budget, welcome news to most Canadians. It’s hard to argue that reducing the deficit isn’t a good idea– In 2009 to 2010, during the height of the global financial crisis, the federal government was running a $55.6 billion deficit. That deficit, and subsequent debt, means that the government has to spend more on debt servicing costs and less on programs for Canadians.

The government has undertaken a few initiatives to bring the budget back to balance. The MY main initiative, PERSPECTIVE though has been to control direct program spending by federal departate ments.

While there ackman tkinson were no doubt large-scale inefficiencies, we are beginning to see some of the cutbacks filter down to the average Canadian. The 2014 federal budget noted that direct program spending has declined for three consecutive years.

My concern is that there have also been cuts, or a lack of investment, in programs and services that Canadians want and need and that can only be provided by the federal government.

For example, immigration is important to Canada’s success.

Canadian families are getting smaller, but we continue to be a large country with strong labour market needs.

According to the 2011 National Household Survey, Canada is home to about 6,775,800 people who were born in another country. They represent 20.6 per cent of the Canadian population, up from the 2006 Census. About 17 per cent of them are relatively new to the country; around 1,162,900 foreign-born residents arrived in Canada between 2006 and 2011.

It is in Canada’s best interest to secure their ties to our country. We want them to pay taxes and buy homes, cars, goods and services. But due to either cutbacks, or a lack of investment, this is hard.

For example, once an immigrant becomes a Permanent Resident, they require a Permanent Resident card. Permanent Resident status allows an individual to apply for Canadian citizenship.

The PR card proves Permanent Resident status and allows the individual to come back into the country without requiring a visa.

The cards are valid for five years.

Existing permanent residents who want to renew their cards must wait 172 calendar days for their renewal card to come. This is up from earlier this year. This isn’t for difficult or unusual cases, this is the timeline advertised on Citizenship and Immigration’s website. Permanent residents could apply for citizenship, and therefore no longer need a PR card, but it takes 24 months to process a routine citizenship application. These times lines are an improvement thanks to a $44 million investment in the 2013 budget.

Providing immigration paperwork is one of the federal government’s key roles and it is the only level of government that can provide these services. But you wouldn’t know that from the level of additional funding the department has received. Despite cutbacks to core federal government services, they continue to provide grants to recreation facilities ($17.3 million for Lakeshore, Ont. was announced Dec. 13), libraries ($18.3 million for the new Halifax Central Library was announced on Dec. 13), transitional housing ($5.7 million for Brandon was announced Dec. 12) and public transportation ($6.5 million for Levis, PQ was announced on Dec 12).

I am not arguing with the importance of these investments or the benefits that they will provide citizens, but in four announcements over two days, the feds have provided more funding than the increase given to CIC. These investments only benefit a certain segment of the population in a certain geographic area.

Additionally, all of these projects are also receiving money from other levels of government, charities or fundraising.

The federal government should be doing a better job fulfilling the needs that only it can meet. If that means leaving individual Canadians and other levels of government to fund local projects, so be it. The federal government can’t be all things to all people.

Accounts Kay De’Ath

-A

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY NOON PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE

The Neepawa Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the editor or publisher and only when time and space permit. We are not responsible for fax transmissions which are not confirmed either in person or by phone.

Verified circulation CCNA September 6, 2014: 8,036 Production Staff Diane Ruzycki

News Staff Eoin Devereux

Member of Neepawa, Gladstone and Ste. Rose Chambers of Commerce News releases and leads: news@neepawabanner.com Printing and office supplies: print@neepawabanner.com Advertising: ads@neepawabanner.com

Opinion

DECEMBER 26, 2014

The Day After Christmas (with apologies to Clement Clark Moore) T’was the day after Christmas and all through my house, Not a creature was stirring, not even my spouse.

No stocking were hung by the fireplace with care.

We don’t have one in our house. Our TV is there.

So stockings were hung from hooks on the wall, Leaving memories and little holes; that’s about all.

I’d hoped to be nestled all snug in my bed.

But the dog woke me up.

She had to be fed, Then she hurried outside for a quick look around, Before heading back downstairs and soon sleeping sound.

So into my office, quick footsteps I took; Turned on my computer, logged on to Facebook.

There were trains to dispatch in my Train Station game; Tasks to complete in the Royal Story frame.

Some spins on some slots that just wouldn’t pay.

There was no Christmas

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein spirit in that game today.

So with phone in my hand, MP3 in my lap, I headed to bed for my 6 a.m. nap.

No need to breathe deeply or try counting sheep.

In less than a minute I was soundly asleep.

When what to my weird world of dreams should appear, But a massive red grain cart pulled by a John Deere.

With a kid at the wheel less than one half my age.

I knew right away he was no Christmas sage.

He surveyed his unit, gave each tire a poke; Then he came over to me and these words he spoke: “By now you’ve concluded that I’m not Saint Nick.

I’m his great grandson-Renegade Rick.

While Santa’s all worried ‘bout his jolly good looks, I sit in the office, keeping

the books.

Our costs for this Christmas were way out of hand.

Why, paying just one elf cost almost 30 grand.

There’s hydro and food and supplies and repairs And the suits for “Mall Santas” and all their big chairs.

The hay and the oats are too pricey I fear For reindeer who only work one day a year.

So I’d like to upgrade,” he said with a wink.

“This unit’s on test drive.

What do you think?”

I shook my head slowly.

His head hung in shame.

“I know,” he said sadly.

“T’would not be the same.

The kids love the story of Santa and sleigh And reindeer with Rudolf lighting the way.

And we’ve lived at the North Pole for so many years

Letters If we moved away now, there’d be too many tears.

Christmas with this rig would just be a joke.”

I said I agreed with him.

Then I awoke.

I paused to say thanks for God’s gifts from above; Like the privilege of working at jobs that I love And sharing good news with the people I meet In a sermon, a column or a chat on the street.

For a home that is comfy, resources to share And being surrounded by people who care.

I said thanks for my friends, both near and away And prayed that each one would have a great day.

For the gift of salvation, the hope of new life, And a faith that sustains me through heartache and strife.

It’s not just at Christmas that these gifts are found.

They’re gifts that God gives me all the year round.

So I’ll leave you today with these words of good cheer.

Hope your Christmas was great. Have a Happy New Year.

We are not alone

I

t has long been my custom to use the last column of the year as a time of reflection, looking back at events and emotions. It has been a roller coaster of a year.

In early spring I handed in my key for the workplace. For over 20 years I had been involved in retail sales, first for Myra’s Ladies and Men’s Wear and then for Ineke at It’s Time Fashions. It was time for a change in pace. My beloved had celebrated his 87 birthday and we noted signs of slowing down.

Days were spent simply being and doing. Going for coffee or out to supper. Mowing the grass and maintaining the yard, the shift to me cutting the outer yard and he cutting the inner. Quiet evening and country drives, and always the love and support of our family, faith family and community. We were

HOMEBODIES

Rita Friesen planning a gala weekend to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, hoping to invite all who felt they should have been present when we got married! All the plans for the Saturday, immediate family only day, fell into place, but somehow I could not focus on the Sunday large gathering. And then our world fell silent. In late July we received the diagnosis of stage four cancer in the left lung and the pancreas.

There would be no festive gathering, but all 24 of our family gathered to love and encourage us. And there were fireworks, food

Observation

By Addy Oberlin nother year is upon us with its challenges and blessings. The beginning of each year I start out with resolutions and it seems they never turn out the way I wanted them to be resolved. I might as well give up and tell myself and others to just live one

A

and fellowship, the opportunity to say the words that needed to be said. I refer to the year in terms of the 83 days that forever changed my life. Too short a time for leaving, too long a time to say goodbye. You take what you are given. And once again the love and support of our faith, our family, our faith family and the community sustained us. The prayers, visits, calls, notes and cards, and offerings of food and fellowship showed us just how much we are loved.

The support of the medical staff was above reproach.

Professional and personal.

NEEPAWA BANNER 5

And through it all echoed the phrase form the United Church creed that I so cherish, ‘we are not alone, we live in Gods’ world.’

Through the year I have grown and matured, in body and spirit. The gift of laughter has become more precious. The love and concern of the family is never taken for granted.

The friends that do more than stand by, but encourage you to go out for lunch or coffee, are even dearer.

I am learning. Learning to discern what kind of music I really want to listen to.

Learning what is important for me to do with all my extra free time. Learning to be more sensitive to the needs of others. And most important, learning to trust the Divine more fully with the mundane and tiring details of every day. ‘We are not alone. Thanks be to God.’

day at a time. We never know what the next day will bring.My wish for you all is that the new year will bring you many pleasant surprises like little miracles that God brings us.We need to put our trust in Him and His faithfulness. God knows what is best for us and we need to accept what He has in store for us.Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

Thanks to citizens of Neepawa and area Last year at this time, the Palliative Care committee made a plea to our citizens for donations as our program was in dire financial shape, and in danger of being unable to continue to fund the program. This year, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who assisted throughout the year in making donations, naming palliative care as the recipient of various fund raising events, as well as all the donations made in memory of loved ones.

Our program has remained very busy, providing loving and compassionate care to palliative patients and their families.

We are currently running the memory bulb program, for people to make a small donation to light a bulb on the Memory Tree. The names of the donors will be publicized by Access TV during the Christmas season, scrolling on the screen while Christmas music is playing. We would also like to publicly thank the Banner for publishing the names of donors for so many years as a free service.

We will also continue to fund raise with our “Step Up to the Line” fund raiser in early spring.

At present, our treasury is in a very positive state and we anticipate being able to continue for some years to come.

We again thank you all for your generosity over the years and in particular this past year. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015.

Marg VanBuskirk Chair of Neepawa Palliative Care Committee

Productive year for federal government The year 2014 has been an incredibly productive year for our federal government in Ottawa. Both nationally and locally, Canadians and residents of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette have a lot they can be proud of.

In February, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tabled a budget that fulfilled our promise to return to balanced budgets by 2015. Through strong, principled, conservative policies, Canada is able to return to balanced budgets on schedule and we’ve done it without raising taxes or slashing transfer payments to provinces.

Tragically, Jim passed away a few months later, but his legacy is clear: he made Canada’s economy the best in the world, the envy of the G7. His steady hands weathered the recession and created over 1.2 million net new jobs, and the overwhelming majority of those jobs are full-time.

In May, I was pleased to attend the announcement of our Government’s National Conservation Plan with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This Plan provides significant federal funding for programs that: conserve Canada’s lands and waters; restore our beautiful and natural ecosystems and connect Canadians to our incredible natural habitat. We have already seen tangible results from this program, such as the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program.

Locally, Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette has seen five federal investments in 2014 under the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund.

The federal Government has committed up to $1.4 million: for a new trunk sewer in Neepawa; to upgrade the Hayes Street Pump Station in Swan River; to renew the sewer line on 7th Street in Hamiota; to expand the lagoon in Minitonas; and to expand the Yellowhead regional water system in Westbourne.

Over the summer, I accompanied my good friend and local MP Larry Maguire to announce up to $2.9 million in funding for upgrades to the Brandon Airport.

Continued on page 10

6 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014

NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014 7

F. Kozak & Sons

Heartland Livestock

204-476-5432

204-727-1431

Remax Prairie Mountain

Dairy Queen

Neepawa

Neepawa

Westward Ford

Dave Cameron Trucking

Neepawa

204-476-7600

Neepawa Pharmacy

Brahmas Grill & Steakhouse

Neepawa

204-476-2663

Mayor Adrian de Groot

Neepawa McCreary 204-476-2345 204-835-2501 www.gillandschmall.com

Brandon

204-476-2287

Neepawa 204-476-5230 Portage 204-857-3912

Gill & Schmall Agencies

Neepawa

Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op

Neepawa

Neepawa and Gladstone

204-476-0129

204-476-2328

Tru Hardware Neepawa

204-476-2333

Stu Briese

RBC Royal Bank

193 Highway 16 West Neepawa

Neepawa

204-476-3832

204-476-2888

HyLife Foods

The COOP Restaurant

Neepawa

204-476-3393

342 Mountain Ave. Neepawa

204-476-5610

Munro Farm Supplies

Neepawa

Neepawa

204-476-5378

Robert Sopuck, M.P.

Harris Pharmacy

Century 21 Westman

204-476-3589

204-476-5125

Knight Upholstery

204-476-3071

Neepawa

Performance Exhaust and Brake Service Neepawa 204-476-5826

1-877-405-8946

Neepawa

Ag West Equipment

TAC Ventures

204-476-3675

Chalet Floor & Window Fashions

Neepawa

Eagle Agro Services

Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

204-352-4475

Pyramid Collision Centre

204-476-3807

Neepawa

204-476-3341

Glenella

Neepawa

204-476-2315

Promo Time

Neepawa

Yellowhead Windows

204-476-3736

204-476-2448

Beautiful Plains Credit Union

204-476-7580

MLA for Agassiz Constituency

Neepawa

Cheryl Campbell

204-476-2055

204-476-3331

Neepawa

Neepawa

204-476-2800

Neepawa & Area Immigrant Settlement Services

Neepawa

204-476-3321

McCreary

204-835-2226

It’s Time Fashion & Gifts Neepawa

204-476-5986

Sheri Grant

Nominee for Agassiz 376A Mountain Ave.

Have a safe holiday season.

KK Penner Tire Centres

Neepawa Motel

Neepawa

71 Main St. W. Neepawa

204-476-5566

204-476-2331

Gladstone Pharmacy

Neepawa Public Library

Gladstone

280 Davidson St. Neepawa

204-385-2051

204-476-5648

Safeway

John’s Electric

Home Hardware

Neepawa

Neepawa

Neepawa

All it takes is the good judgement to hand over your keys to a sober driver. Don’t drink and drive, and don’t get in the car with any driver who has been drinking.

When you drink and drive, you put yourself in danger and endanger the welfare of everyone else on the road.

This message is brought to you by the following local merchants: Your DOLLAR STORE with More

Viscount Cultural Center for the Arts

Neepawa

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204-476-5464

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Leslee’s Esthetics

Bamboo Garden Resturant

John’s Electric

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243 Hamilton St. Neepawa

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204-476-3391

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Rural Outlook Gladstone pleased with new Pyjama party a success WestLake federal support for regional water 8 NEEPAWA BANNER

DECEMBER 26, 2014

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The 4-H ‘Helping Hands’ group hosted a Christmas pyjama party on Friday, Dec. 5 at The Roxy Theatre, featuring the movie Polar Express. It was free admission with donation of non-perishable food items or unopened toys for our local Salvation Army Christmas food hampers. The night was a success. The girls would like to thank the Roxy Theatre executive for their support of the event, as well as the 156 people who showed true Christmas spirit and came decked in their pjs to watch the movie and make generous donations for the food drive. The girls were so excited to present the Salvation Army with two boxes of toys and four boxes of food for their hampers.

Winter soil activity

By Elmer Kaskiw Farm production advisor, MARFD Do our soils sleep during the winter months?

Certainly it would be logical to assume that our soils are essentially dead or are at least in a deep coma during our winter months given the sub zero soil temperatures. Recent research at AAFC and elsewhere indicates that biological activity does indeed continue during at least a portion of our winters, depending upon snow cover and depth of frost, with the majority of this activity likely occurring in early winter and early spring depending upon freeze/thaw cycles. So how is this activity possible?

What this research has found is that as temperatures cool to freezing, there is a shift in microbial populations or communities from summer to winter and that these microbes continue to grow in frozen soils but only at

TAYLOR LAW OFFICE 269 Hamilton Street Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

Charles D. Taylor B.A., LLB. Michael J. Davids, B.A., LLB. PH:

476-2336

a much slower rate. The mechanism for this activity seems to revolve around an increase in the composition of unsaturated fatty acids and in the production of glycerol within the lipid membranes of certain microbes. Glycerol is best known as an antifreeze medium but can also serve as a food source for some microbes. The two measurements indi-

“FREE”

cating microbial activity in frozen soils revolve around the measurement of carbon dioxide levels in the breakdown of organic matter and in the release of nitrous oxide as a result of denitrification.

The rate of winter soil respiration will vary depending upon snow cover, soil moisture and the number of freeze/thaw cycles.

Continued on page 10

Windshield replacement  Free courtesy cars Rear & sideglass replacements with $300 deductible or less  Free pick-up delivery  Long crack repairs

Stone Chip Repairs

 

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS! REMOTE CAR STARTERS (Recharges, Retrofits, Nitrogen pressure testing)

The Rural Municipality of WestLake Gladstone is looking ahead to a major infrastructure upgrade in 2015. The R.M. is one of several recipients in western Manitoba, of support from the New Building Canada Plan’s Small Communities Fund. The fund is part of the $10-billion provincial-territorial initiative for municipalities with fewer than 100,000 residents with priority public infrastructure projects.

Several other communities across the region, including Neepawa, Swan River, Hamiota and Minitonas also benefited from the federal initiative.

Reeve David Single said WestLake Gladstone is receiving $449,644 from Ottawa for the expansion of the Yellowhead regional water system.

“The total (cost) is $1,348,932. Now that’s

one-third federal, onethird provincial and onethird from the R.M. So, $449,644 times three gives us that total,” said Single.

“Our plan is to go north of Plumas. There is a pretty big cluster of people there, I’ll say about 30 there, and we’re hoping to get most of them done there.”

Single noted that deliberations on the tender process with the Manitoba Water Services Board should begin early in 2015.

“We have to talk to Manitoba Water Services.

They’re the ones that usually put the tenders together for us. They know the specification of what needs to be put in,” said Single. “I’m thinking that we’ll start talking to them early in January. Then tenders will likely go out in February or March. Work could start in late May or early June, because the frost doesn’t come out of the ground as quickly as people realize.”

Dr. Gerard Murray Optometrist 418 Mountain Ave. ~ Neepawa •Evening Appointments Available•

PHONE: 476-5919

Bundles of Joy

January 16, 2015

Parents ents Grandpar ncles Aunts & U

The Neepawa Banner will publish a special feature saluting children of all ages!

Show off the younger members of your family!

Bring in a current photo (up to 5”x7”) or email a digital photo along with your entry.

(Use form below to enter.)

All photos will be scanned and returned unharmed.

Entry Deadline:

Monday, January 12, 2015 Ad price: $39.00 (plus gst)

Have your remote starter professionally installed by a licensed automotive technician.

We solder all connections. Lifetime Warranty. Long range. Two remote Key Fobs.

Ad must be prepaid.

YOUR COMPLETE FULL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP

For further information Phone: (204) 476-3401 email: ads@neepawabanner.com

SUPERIOR AUTO SERVICE 1919 Brandon Avenue  204-726-1333

(one block west of the KEG) www.superiorautobrandon.com

Baby’s Full Name:___________________________________________________ Date of Birth: _______________________ Son / Daughter (circle one) Location of Birth: ___________________________________________________ Parents’ Names: ____________________________________________________

Dr. Greg Perkins Dr. Derek Papegnies Optometrists

499 Mountain Avenue

For Appointment ~ 476-2002

Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________ Siblings’ Names: ___________________________________________________ Grandparents’ Names: _______________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 243 Hamilton St. • Box 699 • Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Ph: (204)476-3401 email: ads@neepawabanner.com

NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014 9

Classifieds Thank You

The family of Shirley Birch would like to thank Dr. Khan and Dr. Moller and nurses on 400 floor of Brandon General Hospital, also Dr. Tariq, Dr. Wiebe and Dr. Ong for their care of Mom. The nurses and staff at Neepawa Hospital, you are a super bunch!! Some of you were really special to Mom but you know who you are without me mentioning any names!! Thank you for all the food, flowers, donations, calls and cards to support us at this difficult time. Thank you to Rev. Ball for his visits in Brandon and thank you to Rev. Woods for the awesome service!! To the UCW ladies for the great lunch. Also thanks to Brian James and the staff of White's Funeral Home for the guide and compassion shown to us as well!! Thanks to Jo-Anne, Ray and Morley at Elks Manor for all the help you provided Mom. To all the residents on 5th floor and the rest of the Manor for being good friends to Mom. Thanks to Gerry Reynolds and MarieJean Moorehouse for getting us set up with the home care we needed to allow mom to be able to stay in her suite and thanks to all the home care girls for all your help with mom. Thank you to Jim and Beth Lindsay for always being a great friend to mom and taking her on many drives, suppers or just for coffee!

And to all her other family and friends for just being there or calling her when she could not get out! The Birch family

Thank You

Thanks to those who organized the tea for my retirement from the Lansdowne Council and to all who attended. Doug Popkes

–––––––––– In Memory

In memoriam of Andrew Kostenchuk who passed away Dec. 25, 1999. In loving memory of a dear father and papa who left us 15 years ago today. There is a special kind of feeling that is meant for you alone, a place within our hearts that only you can own. Remembering you is easy as we do it every day, missing you is the hardest part that never goes away.

There will always be sadness and often a silent tear, but our lifetime of wonderful memories will help to keep you near, Forever loved and deeply missed by Charlene.

Carb, Shane, Justin, Love you Dad and Papa.

–––––––––– Coming Events

New Year's Eve Social, Glenella Hall, Dec. 31 No minors.

Music man Lunch served. 8 p.m.— 1 a.m.

Find it in the

Classifieds

Tender

Classified Ad Deadline:

• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines • Please check your ad when first published The Banner will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

• All copy is subject to approval by The Neepawa Banner.

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

Notice

Drug problem? Narcotics Anonymous can help. Meetings on Sat at 7 p.m. and Tues at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 221 Hamilton St. Neepawa _____________________ Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call Leah 368-2403 or 841-4766

–––––––––– Personal

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

–––––––––– Help Wanted

Bay Hill Inn & Suites, 160 Main St W, P.O. Box 2250, Neepawa, MB, R0J 1H0, is seeking a hotel manager with at least 3 years hospitality experience. Job duties include budget preparation, monitoring of revenues, recruitment and supervision of staff. $20-25/hr plus bonuses. Also seeking cleaning supervisor with hotel cleaning experience. Job duties include recruitment and supervision of cleaning staff, assistance with cleaning as required. $18-20/hr. Please apply with references by mail or email to m.kirit@yahoo.ca.

Craig and Lorna Marr of Silver Ridge MB intend to sell private lands: W1/2 10-21-12W

NW 03-21-12W

SW 14-21-11W

N1/2 08-21-11W

SE 08-21-11W

W1/2 08-20-01W

S1/2 30-21-11W

to Garrett Cameron who intend to acquire the following agricultural Crown land leases: SW 13-21-11 W West of PR No. 467

NW 30-21-11 W

NE 31-21-11 W

SW 31-21-11 W

SE 31-21-11 W

SE 02-22-11 W

NE 03-22-11 W

SE 03-22-11 W East of Road

by Unit Transfer.

If you wish to comment on or object to the eligibility of this purchaser please write to: Director, MAFRD, Agricultural Crown Lands, PO Box 1286, Minnedosa MB R0J 1E0; or Fax 204-867-6578.

Help Wanted

Mid-Plains Implements requires a

PARTS COUNTER PERSON

Mid-Plains Implements is looking for a reliable, eager to learn individual to take orders by phone and to assist customers in person.

This is a permanent full time position.

Benefit package available.

Renumeration negotiable Qualifications: Basic computer skills Must possess a valid driver's license Able to cross US border Knowledge of agricultural equipment would be an asset Able to lift approximately 50 lbs Able to work extended hours in busy season Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted Resumes may be emailed to fokko.midplns@mts.net or dropped off at Mid-Plains Implements Hwy #5 & 3rd Ave. Carberry, Mb Telephone 204-834-2515

Help Wanted

We are looking for 6 experienced (2-3yrs.) ,seasonal applicants to work on a bee farm as an Apiary Technician in Neepawa, MB., from April 15 to Nov 15, 2015. Must be able to work full time, including evenings & weekends.

Duties include: unwrapping/ wrapping, making nucs, feeding, medicating, supering, pulling honey, extracting crop, etc. Positions are physically demanding and must be able to handle heavy loads, work in a fast- paced environment with a combination of standing, bending, crouching and kneeling for extended periods. Positions are mostly outdoors when hot & dusty. $14-15/hr for 40 hours/week. Benefits include workmens comp. & vacation pay. Please mail resume to Grysiuk Honey Farms Ltd., 30 Granada Cr., Wpg, MB. R2Y 0P8 _____________________ Needed Now: General and Skilled Laborers, Good Pay, M-F, 7:00am -5:30pm in Gladstone. Go to: tsargent. com/careers or call Kelly at 1-515-956-4879.

Please check your ad when first published— The Banner will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion

Help Wanted Services

E1/2 14-21-11W

To place an ad:

Tuesday Noon

The Leaders in Recruitment When your company needs foreign workers

• aluminum • brass • zinc • steel • e-waste • lead • catalytic converters • stainless steel • batteries • copper www.urbanmine.ca 204.774.0192 72 Rothwell Road Winnipeg, MB (1 block south of IKEA) The trusted name in metal recycling

Help Wanted Advertise your job title and location in 49 newspapers throughout Manitoba (400,000 circulation) and have the position referred to www. firstnationsjobsonline .com for the full job description. Ad stays online for 35 days $703 For more information contact www.firstnations jobsonline.com

First Nations Jobs nline phone 306 229 6774 email: danbsully@sasktel.net

Trust CITRN to help you.

Make the right connection today...

Saskatchewan@chisca.ca Call + 1 (416) 466-3333

CITRN Canada Head Office: 500 Danforth Ave., Suite 309, Toronto, ON Canada www.citrnjobterminal.com LICENSED RECRUITERS UNDER GOVT OF SASKATCHEWAN © 2014 CITRN - CHIS Immigration Technical Resources Network

Help Wanted

Westway Inn at 153 Main St W, P.O. Box 816, Neepawa, MB, R0J1H0, is seeking a hotel manager with at least 3 years hospitality experience.

Job duties include budget preparation, monitoring of revenues, recruitment and supervision of staff. $20-25/ hr plus bonuses. Also seeking cleaning supervisor with hotel cleaning experience. Job duties include recruitment and supervision of cleaning staff, assistance with cleaning as required. $18-20/hr. Please apply with references by mail or email to m.kirit@yahoo.ca

–––––––––– Business Opportunity

Improve your health and your wealth get involved with an exciting company selling the Chi Machine. C+O=E~ Circulation + Oxygen=Energy. Call Chris Waddell 476-2846 for more information

Telephone: 204-476-3401/ 888-436-4242 Fax: 204-476-5073 Email: ads@neepawabanner.com All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

For Sale

ROUGH LUMBER, FULL DIMENSION 2x8, 2x6, 2x4, windbreak boards. Firewood slabs - 1 cord bundle $60. We buy standing spruce & poplar timber. Tri-J Industries. "Your Local Sawmill" 476-6798 or 476-6349

–––––––––– For Rent

TRAILER RENTALS: cargo, dump, equipment, auto, livestock/horse. FORK LIFT TELEPORT 729-8989 _____________________ Churchill Block, Neepawa, 2 bedroom suite, available immediately. Call 204-841-1298 _____________________ Small 2 Bdrm home in Neepawa, 538 4th, available Jan 1. F/S, W/D included.

No pets. $900 + utilities. Ph 204-476-0446. _____________________ 3 Bdrm, house with attached garage, 317 Elizabeth St. in Neepawa, available Jan 15. F/S, W/D included. No pets. $980 + utilities. Ph 204-476-0446.

Help Wanted

Parts Person T.I.C. Parts & Service is currently accepting applications for a Shop Parts Person Responsibilities • Working with Technicians in the Ordering Of Parts • Inventory control • Provide technicians with parts in a timely manner • Ordering and receiving parts • Participating in annual inventory counting • Maintain a safe, clean and organized parts area Qualifications • Excellent customer service • Organization • Computer knowledge • Parts terminology knowledge • Parts experience We Offer • Competitive Salary • Benefit Package • Company RRSP • Job related training and development For More Information Call Darrell @ 204-476-0716 Please Drop Off Resume At T.I.C. Parts & Service 220 Hwy#5 North Neepawa, Manitoba Or Mail Box 746 Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0

WE’RE HIRING DEPENDABLE PEOPLE. Our NEEPAWA CASE IH store is looking for dependable people:

• AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN RME offers competitive wages, an employee share option plan, a comprehensive benefits package, and a caring and team oriented work environment. In other words, we’re dependable.

APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.ROCKYMTN.COM/CAREERS Rocky Mountain Equipment DEPENDABLE IS WHAT WE DO.

For Sale or Rent

Feed & Seed

Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson's 204-385-2685, 204-385-2997 Gladstone.

–––––––––– Vehicles

Budget Tire Co. We buy and sell good used tires. 7268199, Brandon

––––––––––

Feed & Seed

NuVision Commodities St. Jean, MB buying feed grains, wheat, barley, peas, oats, off grades grain and custom hauling back to the Red River area. Phone 1(204)758-3401 or 1(204)746-4028.

For Sale: registered WFT 603 general purpose wheat seed. High yielding, fusarium resistent, developed by farmers, for farmers. Call Neil at 874-2206 or 868-5504 or email neilgalb@gmail.com.

–––––––––– Services

Look Music Services: Music for Weddings, Socials, Parties, etc., Disc Jockeys, Bands, Sound Systems.

1-204-726-0794 _____________________ Custom bush clearing. Call Vic Klassen 204-476-0090

–––––––––– Auctions

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

Feed & Seed

Court Seeds

Choice Semi-dwarf Variety...

AC© Summit Oats  High yields & protein levels  Good for milling, white hulls  Less thins, better returns

Plumas, MB courtseeds.ca

204-386-2354 courtseeds@gmail.com

Help Wanted

FOODS Meat Cutter/Production Personnel HyLife Foods a division of the HyLife organization is engaged in the dressing and processing of hogs for both domestic and world markets.

To reach and sustain its position as a premier supplier of quality food products it strives to employ talented and motivated people who are capable of reaching the cutting edge of their discipline.

This position is based at the operations is in the vibrant community of Neepawa, Manitoba which has a reputation for its beauty and high quality of life. Due to rapid growth we are looking for Meat Cutters/Production Personnel.

Responsibilities / Duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter, eviscerate and mark hogs for further processing • Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further specific specifications intended for commercial, industrial, institutional or wholesale use • To de-bone edible part and remove inedible organs or parts The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: • Be able to work in a culturally diverse workplace • Have a good work ethic • Focus on treating people with dignity and respect • Appreciate a stable long term work environment • Experience as an Industrial Butcher or trimmer is required • Completion of secondary school may be required Current starting wage is $12.95/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

We offer a comprehensive benefits package and competitive compensation based on experience and knowledge.

HyLife has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best-Managed Companies.

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

Please apply online at http://www.hylife.com/currentopportunities.php We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

10 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province-wide Classifieds

Real Estate

Mike Waddell Salesman

204-724-7825

mikew@bestbuyhousing.com

1190 Highland Ave. Brandon, MB

Imagine your ad here!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep. ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

For details call 1-888-436-4242

FOR SALE

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.

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING. Automotive, farm, construction, ATV, marine, cycle, golf carts, solar, phones, tools, radios, computers etc. Reconditioned, obsolete and hard-to-find batteries. SOLAR equipment. The Battery Man. Winnipeg. 1.877.775.8271 w w w. b a t t e r y m a n . c a

SERVICES GUIDE Pet Care

Snow Clearing

K-9 Country Dog Retreat

Tibbett Enterprises

(1,1) -3- 10&11 - Apr 12/13.indd 10/04/13 10:19 AM

Day care and boarding. Located on Hwy. 10 between Brandon and Minnedosa.

Call or e-mail for rates and information.

Phone 204-826-2849 or k-9countrydogretreat@hotmail.com

Thank you for reading the Neepawa Banner

SNOW REMOVAL

Large snow bucket Commercial and Residential Monthly rates and referral discounts

Phone Cam 204-841-3060

Construction

R

olling Acres eady Mix

Certified Batch Plant and Cement Trucks Concrete • Gravel Sales • Rebar Sales Custom Hauling

Irvin 204-476-6236

TAC

Ventures Inc.

Sales Cooling Down?

Garbage Bin Rentals

We buy Scrap!

Phone 476-0002 for more information

HEAT THEM UP! Contact the Banner 1-888-436-4242 www.neepawabanner.com

Residential & Commercial Contractor

NEEPAWA

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Stubble helps regulate temperatures Continued from page 8 Standing stubble with adequate soil moisture and good early snow cover can see soil temperatures remain relatively stable in the -5 to – 10 degree Celsius range for much of the winter. Soil temperature probes placed this fall into seeded winter wheat in South Parkland have found the approximate average soil temperature to date has been somewhere around -8 C, even under somewhat reduced and variable snow cover. These temperatures can allow for more frequent freeze/thaw cycles especially in the front and back end of our lengthy winters, increasing microbial activity by anywhere from 60 to 90 days.

The food source for these microbes can be found in the form of intact root systems that have gone through a cold hardening process. Under field conditions, cold hardened root systems can have a sucrose content which is eight times higher during fall and winter than that measured during the spring and summer.

This food source, along with more moderate winter soil temperatures and more frequent freeze/thaw cycles, will increase the level of winter microbial activity and ultimately impact the level of nutrients available for spring growth. The warmer the soil temperature the greater the microbial activity and the overall affect on available nutrients.

This winter microbial activity is likely why we see winter crops and fall planted

shrubs, trees and perennials get such a jump on spring growth when compared to being spring planted. These fall plantings see an accumulation of nutrients in close proximity to their root systems as a result of this winter microbial activity allowing these fall plantings to have immediate access once soils warm in the spring.

This information certainly puts a renewed emphasis on farm management practices, such as maintaining standing stubble, in helping regulate winter soil temperatures at levels which will help maximize winter soil microbial activity.

Moderating soil temperatures and increasing the level of freeze thaw cycles at the front and back end of our lengthy winters by even 60-90 days can have a significant impact on the level of nutrients available for our relatively short growing season.

Soil Facts - There are 13 billion hectares of land on earth of which only 12 per cent or 1.6 billion hectares is suitable for agricultural production - Of the 1.6 billion hectares suitable for agricultural production, 39 per cent is in Asia, 17 per cent Africa, 15 per cent Europe, 15 per cent North America, 10 per cent Latin America, 4 per cent Middle East - Every second we lose a soccer field of farm land due to soil degradation and urban sprawl - It takes 500 years to create 25 mm or an inch of soil

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Continued from page 5 Returning in September, Prime Minister Stephen Harper gave a rousing speech that set the agenda for the coming year. The Prime Minister followed up his speech with action for Canadian families: in October he announced the Family Tax Cut, a series of tax cuts for Canadian families. Starting in 2015 and applicable for your 2014 tax returns, our Government announced that it would: allow income splitting up to a maximum of $2,000 for a couple with a child under age 18; increase the Universal Child Care Benefit to $160 per month for children under age six; expand the Universal Child Care Benefit by giving $60 per month to families with children aged six to 17 and increase the Child Care Expense Deduction by $1,000 for the 2015 tax year. We have also announced that we’re doubling the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit to $1,000 and we’re making it refundable.

In October, I joined Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney and my Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus colleagues as we applauded the introduction of the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act. This legislation proposes to update a number of measures in the Criminal Code and Firearms Act that will reduce red tape while keeping Canada’s streets and communities safe. The Liberals and NDP have already pledged to bring back the long-gun registry, demonstrating that we can never become complacent about defending our way of life.

By November, Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.5 per cent, the lowest rate in over six years (and exactly half of what the unemployment rate was under Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau).

That same month, I tabled a motion in the House of Commons to study further expansions into wireless and broadband services in rural Canada; and to increase private sector investment in rural wireless services and the relevant technology. This will allow our Government to determine the best way forward for bringing more broadband and wireless services into rural communities, especially in Manitoba.

Also in November, I was honoured to be asked to accompany Prime Minister Harper and a group of my colleagues to the G20 Summit in New Zealand and Australia. A few weeks later, I tabled a Private Members’ Bill (C-637) that would amend Canada’s laws to clarify that BB guns and airsoft rifles should not be considered “firearms.”

I am proud of our federal government’s investments in Dauphin-Swan RiverMarquette and I look forward to further announcements in the future. 2014 was surely a year to remember, and it reminded me that being a team player and fierce advocate for rural Manitobans has helped our communities significantly.

From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and joyous New Year.

Robert Sopuck MP, Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette

NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014 11

Sir John A. Macdonald’s bicentennial is here

By Arthur Milnes Submitted For better or for worse, Canadians have traditionally not done a very good job in honouring our heroes, particularly past political leaders.

Unlike our American and British cousins, and peoples in many other nations, we have been collectively hesitant to do so.

Until now that is.

With the bicentennial of the birth of Canada’s Father of Confederation, Sir John A. Macdonald, being marked across Canada and in his home Canadian community of Kingston next month, the tide is turning.

From Prime Minister Stephen Harper on through historians, playwrights, historical societies, students and so many others, Canadian are, uncharacteristically, pausing to consider the life and legacy of an immigrant to our shores who went on to found and then transform a great nation.

And that is good thing.

Because in considering the story of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canadians are realizing that in our first prime minister we were very fortunate to have such a skilled man on the scene when our young nation needed leadership most. And in Sir John A. Macdonald we had a leader who would have ranked as front bench material anywhere in the world.

Before Macdonald,

joined by Cartier, Brown, McGee and select others, got to work, what was to become Canada, to use a modern phrase, was a failed state. So rife with division was it that we could not even pick a capital city. Divided by race, religion, geography and so much more, no betting person back then would have laid down serious money and backed our future.

But Macdonald of Kingston did.

“We are a great country, and shall become one of the greatest in the universe if we preserve it,” he said.

“We shall sink into insignificance and adversity if we suffer it to be broken.”

This wily politician, a man who reeked of humanity and all its juices, played the key role in bringing the Fathers of Confederation to the table. Once he had them in his pocket, he went on to extend his vision for Canada all the way to the Pacific coast.

By the time he died in 1891, in office still as prime minister after 19 years, Canada was a transcontinental reality, united by a band of steel. The CPR was a feat of engineering and raw political will that still boggles the mind and continues to spark the Canadian imagination.

By advancing his vision, Macdonald – through six majority victories and while experiencing political ups and downs that would have crushed a lesser man and leader – forever ensured the exist-

page in taking time to munities from coast-topay tribute to Sir John A. coast-to-coast this month, Macdonald. We are debat- let us, together, celebrate ing, discussing him in our what matters most: Canada schools and finally, and itself.

Sir John A. Macdonald most importantly, embracing the Macdonald legacy. would most heartily agree – It is very hard to separ- probably even hoisting one ate the Macdonald story (or more) in our nation’s from that of the Canadian honour as we approach community that defined the 150th anniversary of him most, as he in turn Confederation in 2017.

Happy 200th birthday he defined it. I speak, of course, about Kingston, Sir John A. Thank you for the counOntario. try you bequeathed As we mark Sir John (1,1) -1- 02 - May 23/14.indd 14/05/14 3:34us.

PM A.’s bicentennial in comCOURTESY SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Canada’s first prime minister Sir John A. Macdonald ence of a distinct nation, separate from the United States, on the northern half of our continent.

If that isn’t greatness I don’t know what is.

Were there mistakes made on the road to cementing the Canadian nation? Absolutely. Building the CPR came at great cost to Chinese labourers and Aboriginal peoples.

The execution of Louis Riel left divisions that still haven’t fully healed.

The Pacific Scandal makes the Watergate break-in, by comparison, seem like an amateur sideshow.

And on the personal front, our Father of Confederation’s drinking would not be tolerated in today’s less forgiving times. But historians and commentators largely agree that Sir John A. had it right when he told the Canadians of his day that “this country prefers John A. drunk to

George Brown sober.”

Indeed it did.

Upon his death it was his most worthy political opponent, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, who summed Macdonald’s continuing challenge to Canadians best. It is one we still must rise to in our own time.

“Before the grave of him who, above all, was the Father of Confederation,” Laurier told a hushed House of Commons in June of 1891, “let not grief be barren grief; but let grief be coupled with the resolution, the determination that the work in which the Liberals and Conservatives, in which (George) Brown and Macdonald united, shall not perish, but that though (a) United Canada may be deprived of the services of her greatest men, still Canada shall and will live.”

Perhaps Canadians are turning a more mature

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12 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 26, 2014

Lighting up the night

Chartrand tops big buck night

SUBMITTED PHOTO

On Dec. 6, the Neepawa Wildlife Association held their annual Big Buck Night at the Vivian Hotel in Winnipeg.

The Men’s and Junior Men’s Big Buck award was won by Daly Chartrand, with a entry measuring 146 3/8”. As the fishing season begins, the organization would like to remind people to use caution on Lake Irwin, there is open water and thin ice due to aeration.

Stu Briese MLA Agassiz Constituency PHOTO BY JOHN DRINKWATER

Riding Mountain National Park’s East Gate Registration Complex, a National Historic Site, was recently illuminated for the Christmas season. The lights were installed by local residents, Reade Tereck and Roberta Tesar. The couple are employed by RMNP and live nearby.

OFFICE: 204-476-3736 FAX: 204-476-3462 EMAIL: stubriese@mymts.net Box 23, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

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