December 12, 2025 by Neepawa Banner&Press

Banner & Press

Holiday Train delivers cheer

PHOTO BY JOSHUA JACKSON

Progress on Neepawa’s new hospital still on track

By Joshua Jackson Neepawa Banner & Press

Consider it a Christmas miracle, as construction on the Neepawa Health Centre continues to trudge forward, as progress on the new facility is now approximately 75 per cent complete.

According to a release from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), work on the building’s interior is progressing rapidly, with almost every area in the new health centre undergoing full construction. The interior areas are being finished sequentially, with some spaces installing interior finishes, such as flooring, millwork, and wall protection. Other areas of the hospital are at the framing and mechanical/electrical rough-in stage, and other areas are installing drywall and paint. The focus will remain on the hospital’s interior throughout the winter months.

It’s always a busy site at the new Neepawa Health Centre, as Construction crews on site are operating seven days per week,

Progress on the new Neepawa Health Centre is at 75 per cent complete. Crews are on site seven days per week, with 300-350 tradespeople on site daily. PMH expects the first patient in the new facility in early 2027.

with 300-350 tradespeople working on site daily. Once completed, the new health centre will boast:

• Sixty acute care inpatient beds, up from 35 at the current Neepawa site.

• An expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that include treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.

• A hemodialysis suite with

SUBMITTED

The interior areas are being finished sequentially, with some spaces installing interior finishes, such as flooring, millwork, and wall protection. Other areas of the hospital are at the framing and mechanical/ electrical rough-in stage, and other areas are installing drywall.

Health Centre will be approximately three and a half times the size of the existing hospital and will be positioned to better serve patients from the westernManitoba geographical area.

Prairie Mountain Health anticipates seeing the first patient in the new facility in early 2027.

nine dialysis stations.

• Enhanced space for several other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, palliative care, birthing ser-

vices, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (six treatment stations) and therapy services.

The new Neepawa

Donate today to support Christmas Hampers for Neepawa, Gladstone and McCreary areas.

Last year we assisted over 200 families and we expect that need to grow this year.

Scan the QR Code to donate on-line or drop off your donation in person at:

342 Mountain Ave (Community Services Entrance) or any of the Kettle locations All donations collected stay local.

Jodie Byram MLA for Agassiz

SUBMITTED PHOTO

1975: New elevator set to open, manager appointed

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

125 years ago, Wednesday, December 12, 1900

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

North Eden: Mr. Coak, our mail carrier, is offering himself for the position of councillor. Mr. Coak travels over one of the worst roads to be found north of Neepawa. And although it is one of the main roads travelled by Dauphin settlers, very little has been done to improve it. It is a serious drawback to that part of the country as well as to the town of Neepawa. Many of the people in the north have been going to the Arden market instead of Neepawa, owing to the impassable state of the road. Mr. Coak proposes to labor for an improvement of this state of affairs if elected. We wish him success.

Orange Ridge: Henry Bowe has rented his place and intends living in Arden.

Orange Ridge: Ed. Ramsay has bought a lot at Glenella, where he intends to build a hardware store.

Thos. Smith, while working in the Farmers’ Elevator on Tuesday, met with a very painful accident. He was putting a belt on a pulley when his arm became entangled in the shaft and was broken in several places. Dr. Poole attended the injured man, who is progressing as favourably as can be expected.

100 years ago, Tuesday, December 8, 1925

The Virden EmpireAdvance issued a special Christmas shopping number last week containing 720 inches of advertising. A similar proposal made in Neepawa was rewarded with promises of 72 inches.

75 years ago, Thursday, December 14, 1950

Neepawa Intermediates registered their first win in the Big Six Hockey League Saturday night when they opened their home game stand with a decisive 9-3 win over the Rivers Airmen.

Arden: With plans to build up his AberdeenAngus herd, Amos

Maurice Cochrane (pictured right) was to be the manager of a new Manitoba Pool Elevator set to open in Neepawa on Monday, Dec. 15, 1975. He was moved from an old structure at the north end of the town. The new elevator is pictured here at the left. It stretched more than 100 feet into the air and had a capacity of 165,000 bushels. The cost of the structure was expected to be in excess of $500,000.

Porterfield of Arden last Thursday returned from Saskatchewan where he purchased a registered purebred Aberdeen-Angus.

Mr. Porterfield and Bill Hines, in the latter’s truck, made the trip to Ryerson, 120 miles southwest of Neepawa, in quick time.

50 years ago, Thursday, December 11, 1975

Harry and Vi Connerton, newcomers to both Canada and the motel business, were recently presented with a special Award of Merit for their contribution to accommodation and visitor services in Manitoba.

The award is one of only four given to motel and hotel operators across the province and is especially rewarding considering that the couple have been operating the Neepawa Motel here for little over a year.

The new 165,000 bushel Manitoba Pool elevator, which has been under construction in Neepawa since the spring months, will officially open on Monday, Dec. 15, according to area manager Bruce Clunie.

Livingstone: On Saturday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gillespie attended the 25th wedding anniversary celebrations held in honor of her brotherin-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Moffat at the home of her mother, Mrs. W. Rawlings in Portage.

20 years ago, Monday, December 12, 2005

Construction on Neepawa’s new personal care home is expected to begin this spring, with occupancy slated for January 2008…

To keep costs under control, the RHA has already downsized the building from 120 to 100.

Partners in the regional landfill may seek legal action against the engineering company responsible for designing the facility.

Terry Volden, who co-chaired the steering committee responsible for getting Evergreen Environmental Technologies up and running, said several problems have had to be corrected since the facility opened in March 2004…

For instance, Volden said the scale used to weigh materials as they enter the compound sank, requiring major repairs.

That alone cost $25,000, money he said the Winnipegbased KGS Group doesn’t want to reimburse the partners.

The province’s Municipal Board has approved the rural municipality of North Norfolk’s borrowing bylaw, allowing it to join the Yellowhead Regional Water Supply Cooperative.

Turtle River School Division has filed an unfair labour practice complaint with the Manitoba Labour Board, accusing striking workers of failing to bargain in good faith.

Cold medications

containing pseudoephedine– one of the main ingredients in crystal methamphetamine– will be kept behind the counter beginning Jan. 15. 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.

Instead, he will raise up for you a prophet like me, an Israeli, a man to whom you must listen and whom you must obey.

Deuteronomy 18:15 (The Living Bible)

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

Perspectives

By Chad Carpenter Tundra

Canada Pension Plan says Canada not worthy of investment

In a Shakespeare play there is a famous line that says “There’s something rotten in the State of Denmark. There’s also something rotten in the state of Canada and it centres around the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and the state of investments in Canada.

CPP is supposed to invest in relatively safe investment so as to get a good return on the CPP funds and to give Canadians a solid pension income for life. The good people will tell you that they invest where they can get the best return for the CPP money.

In 2005, CPP invested 74 per cent in Canadian stocks, businesses etc. In 2025 it had dropped to 12 per cent. Take a guess where 47 per cent of the CPP money is invested now? The United States of America.

To me that is something rotten. It’s a crying shame that Canada has such a poor return on investments that our own CPP fund now only invest 12 per cent in Canada, 47 per cent in the US and 41 per cent in other parts of the world.

As a former top Finance Department official, Susan Peterson played a key role years ago in creating the stable Canada Pension Plan that we see today. But even she was surprised by the numbers.

A few weeks ago, the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) revealed that 12 per cent of the CPP’s assets are invested in Canada — its lowest level ever. The largest chunk of its $714-billion fund, 47 per cent, is currently invested in the United States — its highest level ever. Peterson doesn’t think she’s the only one surprised. “If Canadians knew out of the $714 billion such a miniscule amount was invested in Canada, I

think they would say, whoa, what’s wrong with this picture.”

Further reading and searching of history shows that investments outside of Canada are far more profitable than ones in Canada. So from a strict investment point of view, it seems that it would make sense to not invest in Canada.

Somehow that seems so wrong to a Canadian mind like mine. Canada decries that we are so dependent on the US markets but would it not make sense that since Canada depends so heavily on US markets that we create the investment environment so that everybody, including CPP would want to invest in Canada.

Lately, I have been given to say that “Good enough isn’t good enough. Excellence should be our goal.”

If our own CPP fund won’t invest in Canada, why would anyone else invest. I welcome comments and insights on this question.

*Graph Source: Canada Pension Plan Investment Board Eliabeth Thompson.

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

Jottings…

Part of my kitchen table staples is a piece of paper, well, a scattering of papers, a veritable mass of scattered papers! And on some of them are notations— things to do, people to call and ideas for future musings. This week the treasure trove of possible columns were written on a grocery sale bill. In light of the need to tidy up, I am going to address a number of topics and then I can discard the flyer rather than rewrite the list!

“The upside of the downside.” This was scribbled as I rejoiced in the reality that by not having a partner, there is no real need to regularly clear off the table, vacuum the floors, or tidy the living room. I have projects on the go, many projects, and they occupy space and create a friendly clutter. If my home was partner friendly I would be much more apt to spend time on house work. And meal prep. Too many of us know that a bowl of cold cereal and toast can just as well be supper as breakfast! Not having a partner has many downsides. Companionship for sure, for me it is a lack of clean, honest hugs. A hug with no agenda, simply to comfort and strengthen.

“Needle me this”. That was hastily penned when I found a straight pin in an almost finished quilt. This is one I caught. There was the year, many years ago, when my oldest son wanted his name brand snowmobile jacket double insulated. He had permission to ride from the farm at Riding Mountain, to family and friends in the Carman area, and he needed to be comfortably warm. So I carefully opened the back of his jacket, added an extra layer of fill, and sewed it back together. He noted a prickly feeling every once in a while on the drive down, and got his friend’s mother to check, and there, caught in the fiber fill was an errant straight pin! I believe one was also located in a gifted quilt… do I need to count the rascals?

“Dumping ground or safe haven?” That one I recorded on a day that I had received several calls of concern. It’s not like I have the answers to everything and everyone, and I don’t believe that people decide that they can dump their worries on me, so it must be, please let it be, because I am a safe place. I will listen, ask if there is anything they want, or expect, me to do. Most times they feel better having shared/dumped and then I get to process. A trouble shared is halved, and a joy shared is doubled?

“A dangerous amount of leisure time.” This was a quote from a sermon on David and his relationship with Bathseba. While other kings went to war David stayed home, got bored, and so it began. I wanted to look at that in light of my life, make the lesson applicable. An old adage I grew up with was: idle hands are the devil’s tools/playthings.

Reinforces my desire to live with a purpose!

Some of you readers are kind enough to ask how I come up with a thought every week. That’s how, take note of the moment, take notes on many moments!

Ken Waddell Right in the Centre

Gladstone Auction cattle market report

By Blaine Huston Gladstone Auction

We had another strong sale this week. We sold 923 head on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Here are some market highlights from yesterday’s sale:

•Charolais steers weighing 560 pounds bring $6.4750 a pound ($3,626 a head).

•Black exotic steer calves come in the ring weighing 618 pounds and cash in at $6.09 pound ($3,708 per head).

•Black calves weighing 758 pounds stamp there ticket at $5.20 a pound ($3939 a head)

On the Hiefer side of things:

•Three charolais heifers weighing 558 pounds bring $5.88 per pound ($3,281 per head).

•Five black white faced replacement style heifers weigh 725 pounds and fetch $4.81 per pound ($3,489 per head).

Plainer type cattle are still seeing some discounts. If your cattle are not weaned for at least six weeks, expect an aggressive discount. Calves coming straight off the cow to the sale are good to bring to town!

As you can see, we had a powerful market yesterday in Happyrock. This was our final feeder sale of 2025. We would like to wish

Thumbs up, thumbs down

A special thumbs up to Neepawa Coop Food Store for letting Citizens on Patrol sell 50/50 raffle tickets at their location during November. Congrats to the winner:

Susan Kohinski!

Barb Bohn Neepawa, MB

Would you like to send a thumbs up or thumbs down to an individual or group in the community? Please send it our way.

Submissions must include a name and must be under 100 words. We want to hear from you! In person: 423 Mountain Ave. Neepawa By email: news@neepawabanner.com

out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale

Appetizers

Are you looking for party appetizer ideas that are easy to make and have reasonably priced ingredients while delivering big flavours? I hope this assortment of appetizer recipes will please everyone on your guest list.

Bleu cheese deviled eggs

Is it really a party without deviled eggs? Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer made by filling halved boiled egg whites with a seasoned yolk mixture. The filling possibilities are endless.

1 dozen hard boiled eggs 1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 tsp. Dash 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper

everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Gladstone Auction Mart

Cattle Market Report Dec. 9, 2025 Steers

Heifers

2 Tbsp. very finely diced celery

1 Tbsp. very finely diced green onions 1/3 cup crumbled bleu cheese

Slice the eggs in half, length wise. Remove the yolks carefully and set the whites aside. In a small bowl mash the egg yolks with a fork. Add the mayo, Dash, salt, pepper, green onion and celery. Mix well, add the blue cheese. Evenly fill the whites with the yolk mixture. Garnish as desired.

Honey mustard chicken bites

Tender chunks of chicken get coated in a smooth honey mustard sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

1 pound boneless chicken thighs or breasts

For the Honey Mustard Glaze: 1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Cut the chicken into one inch pieces. Mix marinade ingredients in a bowl. Set aside 1/4 cup to use as a sauce. Add the chicken to the marinade; stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush a generous layer of the honey mustard glaze over each piece, ensuring they’re fully coated. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. Turn the chicken halfway through.

The chicken is ready when it’s golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve with the reserved marinade on the side.

Feta cheese dip

Made with simple ingredients, this creamy feta dip is ready in under 10 minutes. If you have time to let it sit for a few hours before serving, it will be even more delicious!

200g feta cheese block 1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Correction

In the Nov. 28 edition of the Neepawa Banner & Press, the article “Pathway to Owning Your Own Home Workshop held in Neepawa a success.” incorrectly stated Neepawa’s population as 5,120, when that number should be 5,685. As well, it is to be noted that Jeff Braun’s title is Senior Building Inspector/Development Officer. The Banner & Press apologize for the incorrect information.

1 small clove garlic, minced 1 tsp. Dash or dried Italian herbs

1/4 tsp. pepper 1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) pita bread, baguette, crackers or fresh veggies, for serving

Crumble the feta into the bowl of a food processor. Add the sour cream, mayo, garlic, Dash, pepper and red pepper flakes. Process in a food processor until very smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Transfer to a bowl and use a small spoon to create a swirl on the surface of the dip. Serve with desired bread or crackers.

Have some historic items?

Submit your local historical photos and articles to the Banner & Press!

To submit, simply contact us at news@neepawabanner.com Or drop in at the Banner & Press office at 423 Mountain Ave.!

Council changing its meeting time in 2026

Neepawa Town Council update - Tuesday Dec. 2, 2025

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

While many of us may be focusing more upon the Christmas and New Year’s festivities happening right about now, Neepawa Town Council is still keeping their focus on a few notable projects and plans for the future.

One of the most impactful deliberations revolved around a change in the schedule for Neepawa Town Council meetings. Starting in January, the time for the public session of the council meeting to begin will change from 7:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The dates in which these meeting occur remain the same, as they are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Some of the other topics of note from the Tuesday, Dec. 2 meeting also included:

Councillor reports

• Councillor Jason Nadeau shared details on the Westman Regional Library Board, and the passing of its’ 2026 budget. There

will be a modest levy increase seen for member libraries. Nadeau also noted that the Town’s reserve fund for local building maintenance has about $17,000 available at the regional level for our library. Nadeau also updated council on a meeting of the Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association (RSTA). A suggestion was brought forward to revise trailhead signs to direct people towards Hurrell Road and to the bike park. The RSTA is also revising its bylaws to add members-at-large and is planning to purchase a tractor for trail mowing. Their annual general meeting is scheduled for Mar. 2 at Sandy Lake.

• On Nov. 19, Councillor Yvonne Sisley attended a Recreation & Economic Development meeting, and from Nov. 25 to 27 attended the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Conference in Winnipeg.

• Councillor and Deputy Mayor Murray Parrott com-

mended Economic Development Officer Marilyn Crewe on the success related to the owning your now home workshop on Nov. 22. Around 39 families were reported to be participating in the day. As well, ArtsForward ran a very successful Wish Sale, with around 1,100 coming through the door. Parrott also congratulated ArtsForward for being one of the recipients of the Stride Forward Fund, from Stride Credit Union. The money received will help with the replacement of windows. Finally, congratulations to John and Gerry Nelson, for winning an award from the Manitoba Good Road Association. The duo won the Best Urban Home Grounds category for municipalities with populations between 2,000 to 7,500.They will receive their honour at an event scheduled to take place in Brandon in April.

• Councillor Marijka Kostenchuk shared a report from Home Assistance Neepawa and District (HAND). One of the most

notable items from the report was Michelle Kasprick, the program coordinator, being highlighted by Age Friendly Manitoba. Michelle was cited as a positive example of local programs done well.

• Councillor Dave Clark, along with CAO Colleen Synchyshyn met with members of the Neepawa Fire Department, including Fire Chief Yves Guillas. The discussion was related to the operating policy and simply reviewing a few items.

Mayor’s report

Brian Hedley and other council members attended the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Conference. The annual event gives municipal officials from across the province the chance to interact with the premier and cabinet ministers. For Neepawa, special meetings were held with the Minister of Transportation and Minister of Public Service. One of the most important topics of particular

concern discussed was Highway 16 east of Neepawa.

Manager of Operations

Denis Saquet provided council updates on a sewer contractor project, as well as a slight delay to a lift station closure. Basic operations items, such as staff training for fork lift operation and minor snow clearing are ongoing.

Miscellaneous

CAO Colleen Synchyshyn read to council a correspondence from Home Assistance Neepawa and District (HAND), noting that the levy for 2026 will remain 55 cents per capita.

New business reviewed included the agreement on a new five-year lease agreement with Western Canadian Aerial for the Neepawa Municipal Airport. The deal is at a rate of 55 cents per square foot for the hangar, as well as an annual fee of $3,500 for extended operations

IIU clears RCMP Officer in Carberry highway shooting

and became increasingly agitated during attempts to arrest her.

Manitoba’s police watchdog, the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU), has wrapped up a report on a police-involved shooting near Carberry after RCMP officers shot and injured a woman who advanced on an officer with a knife on May 12, 2025.

RCMP were notified after several motorists reported an individual erratically walking into traffic on Highway 1, throwing objects at passing vehicles, attempting to enter cars, and behaving unpredictably. When officers arrived, they encountered the individual, who refused commands

The report interviewed seven civilian witnesses, the suspect, and a witness officer. The subject officer declined to be interviewed by IIU investigators but agreed to provide a copy of the use-of-force report. According to the IIU report, the woman drew a knife and advanced on the responding officer despite repeated instructions to stop and drop the weapon. Witnesses told investigators that the officer kept his distance and attempted to de-escalate while walking backward along the highway. The report mentioned several motorists seeing the

woman slash at vehicles, climb onto a truck, and chase the officer while swinging a sharp object. Multiple witnesses heard the officer warn her that she would be shot if she continued.

IIU investigators examined the scene, which contained debris, personal belongings, shell casings, and two knives. Investigators gathered police notes, video footage, audio transmissions, and medical records.

In the report, the witness officer said he spoke briefly to the subject officer and noted that he shot at the affected person five times

and hit her with four of the shots when the affected person reportedly lunged toward him with the knife.

Civilian witnesses and the officer provided immediate first aid until paramedics arrived, and the woman was transported to Brandon Hospital and later transferred to Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre.

In an interview with investigators, the affected person confirmed she was throwing items at vehicles and holding a knife, stating she could not distinguish “who was good or evil.” She acknowledged ignoring police commands and

confirmed she continued advancing when she was told not to. The affected person denied being intoxicated but told investigators she understood officers were “just doing their jobs” and that she posed a danger to the public.

After reviewing the available evidence, the IIU civilian director stated

that the subject officer was reasonable in his actions and was left with no other options because of the affected person’s actions. The subject officer had not committed a criminal offence in this incident. The IIU recommended no charges, and the IIU investigation is now completed and closed.

A new start for ‘A Better Connection’ in Neepawa

PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

Friday, Dec. 5 brought cause to celebrate for A Better Connection (ABC) Therapy Services co-owners Shelby Gillies (Speech Language Pathologist) and Martina Villa (Behaviour Consultant) in Neepawa. That afternoon, the duo held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for their brand new location. Formerly located in the east wing of the Breaker 16 building just outside of town, ABC Therapy Services can now be found at 41 Main Street East in Neepawa.

Above: Mayor Brian Hedley (far left) and Agassiz district MLA Jodi Byram (far right) aided A Better Connection owners Shelby Gillies (middle left) and Martina Villa (middle right) in the ribbon cutting ceremony. After the ribbon was cut, the co-owners exchanged a high-five.

Photos at right: Seen here is a view of the building’s exterior, as well as some interior views of the new space.

Lowe showcases skills at the World Expo in Osaka

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jayden Lowe (centre) had the opportunity to showcase their skills at The World Expo, a global event, held every five years. The event was held in Osaka, Japan.

Submitted Article

RRC Polytech

Gahbrielle Chow and Neepawa Area Collegiate Graduate Jayden Lowe both fondly recall one of their first classes during term one of the Culinary Arts program at RRC Polytech – garde à manger with Chef Melissa Hryb.

“Chef Hryb inspired me early on. She shared her

experience in Shanghai cooking at the World Expo in 2010, opening my eyes to the opportunities and continuing to dream about travelling to cook around the world,” said Lowe. Chow and Lowe share a passion for global cuisine and travelling. When the call went out for recent culinary arts graduates to cook for international delegates at the Canadian Pavilion at

the World Expo, Chef Hryb nominated them both for the opportunity.

As a highly competitive process, it’s extremely rare that two students are chosen from one institution. Chow and Lowe were both selected.

The World Expo is a global event, held every five years, bringing together nations to showcase ideas and technologies aimed at solving some of the largest global challenges. It serves as a collaborative platform for creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.

This year’s World Expo ran from mid-April to midOctober in Osaka, Japan, where Chow and Lowe had the opportunity to showcase and hone their craft, cooking in the kitchen of the Canadian Pavilion for global dignitaries and guests.

Under the mentorship of Head Chef, Phil Cameron – Ottawa-based chef, chef-instructor and business owner – Chow and Lowe worked on a team alongside three other recent culinary arts grads from across the country.

Equipped with the skills and knowledge, work-integrated learning experience from co-op placements, plus front-of-house industry experience, Chow and Lowe were ready to collaboratively embrace the challenge of cooking for and hosting global representatives.

When they arrived at the expo in Osaka and familiarized themselves with the kitchen, some unexpected challenges arose, including availability of ingredients and adapting to a new culinary environment.

Chow and the team leaned on Chef Cameron, who has extensive experience cooking around the globe, including at the last World Expo in Dubai.

Alongside helping the team with technical side of adapting to a new culinary environment and new ingredients, Chef Cameron created space for them to be creative, encouraging everyone to try new things.

“This industry isn’t easy. [Those new to the industry] always need help and guidance from others with more experience – it’s important

for me to show everything I can and be a mentor,” said Chef Cameron.

Chef Cameron, Chow and Lowe all emphasized that there’s no “average day” cooking for guests at the Canadian Pavilion. Every day is a new adventure – they could be making canapes for 100 people, or a sit-down dinner for 40.

Throughout the six months at the expo, the team tackled theme weeks such as Martimes Week and Quebec Week, and events focused on specific produce, including Manitoba Pork and Boar.

For Martimes Week, Lowe leveraged the expertise she gained in curing and smoking during her second co-op work placement in PEI at the Inn at the Bay of Fortune.

“The expo gave me a chance to use the skills I gained during my second co-op, like curing meat alongside the butcher in PEI. Drawing on that experience, I made smoked mussels and created an oil from marigolds, inspired by what I learned about edible

flowers,” said Lowe. The goal is to highlight Canadian ingredients and dishes at the pavilion, but as Chow notes, “fusions are a nod to the multiculturalism and diversity of Manitoba, for example.”

One of Chow’s favourite dishes she created was a flounder fritter with lime salt, capers, and lemon aioli – a fusion dish that blends a fish native to Japan with Canadian elements.

As the expo came to a close, Chow and Lowe reflected on how their experiences not only helped sharpened their culinary skills but also strengthened their ability to collaborate and foster personal growth.

“The World Expo [was] a big an exciting opportunity and it certainly [was] overwhelming at times, but the team with the guidance of Chef Phil (Cameron) helped make the experience,” said Lowe.

Now that the expo is over, what’s next? Both Chow and Lowe still have the travel bug, setting their sights on “dreaming big,” and continuing to globetrot.

CPKC Holiday Train entertains massive crowd in Neepawa

Neepawa was one of the CPKC Holiday Train’s stops last week as it made its annual Christmas tour. A massive crowd of adults and youth turned out to greet the train and enjoy the afternoon’s musical entertainment. The youth were very excited for the performances, by Jade Eagleson (left) and Teigen Gayse (right) and gathered close to the stage (below).

BU Brass Ensemble makes a classy return

The Brandon University Brass Ensemble made their second annual appearance in Neepawa on Nov. 29. The performance that evening was a band booster fundraiser held in collaboration with the Neepawa Middle School and Neepawa Area Collegiate Institute band programs. Entry was by donation, with all proceeds benefitting the Neepawa band programs. The Brass Ensemble was lead by professor and conductor Dr. Edward Bach (pictured right). A large crowd attended to support the event, which was entertained not just by the music itself, but also some of the history behind the songs that were played. Many of the songs were befitting of the Christmas season.

Pictured above: Members of the Brass Ensemble had a laser focus on both Dr. Bach and their sheet music as they played.

PHOTOS BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

PHOTOS

JOSHUA JACKSON

A season of giving Words to put you in the Christmas spirit

Beautiful Plains Community Theatre has brought a classic holiday tale to life. The group hosted a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Knox Church. The day included readings from the novella by ten individuals, as well as the singing of carols from a choir. If you were unable to attend the event live, a recorded broadcast has been scheduled for NACTV on Dec. 15 (8:00 p.m.), Dec. 18 (1:15 p.m.) and Dec. 20 (1:00 p.m.).

BMO and the Kiwanis Club of Neepawa were helping the community’s youth get into the giving spirit on Monday, Dec. 8. That evening, the organizations partnered together to host a Season of Giving Event at ArtsForward. The event featured local businesses, which provided affordable items for the children to browse with a volunteer. This allows the children to finda gift for their family, all while keeping it a surprise. The parents, in the meantime, enjoyed refreshments in a separate room.

Above picture: A bright smile is shared as one of the evening’s many volunteers provides assistance, engaging in pleasant conversation and discussing some of the gift options available.

PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

The

Neepawa Tigers win thriller over Vincent Massey

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Buster MacPherson wins gold at Brandon Racquetball Classic

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

Neepawa’s Buster MacPherson has returned home from a recent racquetball tournament, with a bit of gold to add to his accolades. MacPherson, along with his partner Halin Li of Brandon, won the Men’s/Women’s/Coed Doubles B-Division at the 2025 Brandon Racquetball Classic.

The team, who were the top ranked duo in that division, claimed the championship with dramatic five-set (11-5, 11-8, 9-11, 9-11, 11-6) victory over the third ranked team on Sunday, Nov. 30.

ter advancing all the way to the semi-finals, he was ultimately eliminated from the single elimination tourney, falling to the third ranked player, Tony Cao. Halin Li would win bracket, defeating Cao in straight sets.

In the nearly two years, Buster MacPherson has played racquetball, the teenager has seen his skills improve immensely. He is currently the eighth ranked 16 and under racquetball player in Manitoba. Nationally, for all age categories, he is 359th.

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

A tremendous effort from goaltender Harley Smith-Bellisle, helped the NACI Tigers hold on to a well deserved 4-3 win over the Vincent Massey Vikings, on Sunday, Dec. 7. Smith-Bellisle made 42 saves in this clash of Westman Hockey League powerhouses, including several late game saves, as Vincent Massey battled to find the tying goal.

This game was an amazing back and forth throughout the entirety of regulation. Luke Nicholson scored mid-way through the first, providing Neepawa a 1-0 lead. The Vikings struck back quickly, however, with a pair just 14 seconds apart, before the first intermission.

The second period was a reversal of the first, as it was the Tigers collecting a pair of goals, to Vincent Massey’s one. Kane Lapointe and Ian Foster scored, with Dylan Duncalfe securing

one for the Vikings inbetween.

Then early in the third, Foster picked up his second goal of the night, and tenth of the season, giving NACI the lead. For the vast majority of the final period, Vincent Massey tried to reply, but Smith-Bellisle’s efforts in goal, combined with the Tigers’ defence locked them down.

Foster (2 goals - 1 assist) and Kane Lapointe (1G -2A) each lead the way for Neepawa, while Luke Nicholson (1G -1A), and Jude Carr (1 assist) also found their ways onto the stat-line.

The win improves Neepawa’s record to 6-2-0 on the season, and has them tied for fourth in the league standing with the Boissevain Broncos. Vincent Massey resides in third place, with an 8-2-0 record. The Virden Golden Bears, a team the Tigers have already beaten twice this season, are in first place overall, at 9-5-0.

This was the first challenge the pair faced that matched their skills over the weekend, as they had swept their opposition in the semi-finals (11-5,118,11-7) and received a quarter-final bye, due to being the top-seeded team.

Buster also competed in the Junior A Single Bounce tournament, coming in as the seventh seeded player. MacPherson excelled early, pulling off an upset of Gavin ‘Yinghao’ Bi, the second seeded competitor, in straight sets (11-5,11-9,12-10). Af-

MacPherson is already earned a chance to compete at both Provincial Championship in April and the Nationals, planned for Burlington, Ontario in May.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Buster MacPherson (on right), teamed with Halin Lee, to win gold at the 2025 Brandon Racquetball Classic.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Buster MacPherson.

Harley Smith-Bellisle made 42 saves for the Neepawa Tigers on his way to a 4-3 win over the Vincent Massey Vikings on Sunday, Dec. 7.

MJHL Standings

Ladies Bonspiel held in Minnedosa

The 72nd annual Minnedosa Ladies Bonspiel was held the weekend of Nov. 29-30. There were 15 teams participating this year, with costumes and karaoke filling the rink on Saturday night.

As for the results, Team MacFarlane made their way to first place overall in the A-side event. Meanwhile, Team Boxall, hailing from Kelwood, won the best Group Costume award.

Game results

Wednesday, Dec. 3

Portage 6-4 Neepawa

First Period

02:23 POR T. Hill (20)

ASST: D. Uhrina (16)

11:08 POR D. Uhrina (9)

ASST: J. Deschenes (5), R. Platt (23)

13:51 POR R. Thomas (7) PP

ASST: J, Deschenes (6), D. Uhrina (7) Second Period

03:24 NPA T. Lewis (6)

ASST: J. Clark (9), C. Kasprick (12)

09:59 NPA T. Wamboldt (3)

ASST: A. McIntosh (6)

11:00 POR T. Hill (21) PP

ASST: D. Uhrina (18), O. Witt (11)

11:35 NPA K. Weisgarber (7)

ASST: L. Paquette (15), T. Wallis (12)

14:51 NPA J. Clark (8) PP

ASST: DJ Meloney (11)

18:18 POR R. Platt (14)

ASST: D. Uhrina (19), B. Albers (1) Third Period

19:26 POR O. Witt (8) EN

ASST: B. Hirrschoff (7)

Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP

POR 3 2 1 6 2/4

NPA 0 4 0 4 1/5

Goaltender

POR - M. Kathler - (W) 31/35 saves NPA - Z. Burleigh - (L) 28/33 saves Attendance: 243 - Yellowhead Centre

Saturday, Dec. 6 Neepawa 3-2 Nor Man

First Period

11:32 NMB O. Wilkinson (4)

ASST: J. Adlys (7), K. Harrold (4) Second Period

18:50 NPA T. Wamboldt (4)

ASST: R. Harris (3), DJ Meloney (11)

19:47 NPA T. Wallis (14) ASST: K. Weisgarber (14), L. Paquette (16)

08:09 NPA E. Walters (3)

Unassisted

NMB I. Tomchak (7)

T. Sidor

03:13 SVS B. Groome (3) ASST: E. MacTavish (10) 06:59 SVS J. Haley (2) ASST: B. Muller (10)

07:25 NPA J. Clark (9)

ASST: C. Kasprick (13) 07:49 SVS C. Bolding (1)

ASST: R. Fequet (14)

10:19 SVS B. Groome (4)

ASST: E. MacTavish (11), C. Bolding (6)

15:58 NPA C. Kasprick (8)

ASST: J. Clark (10), T. Lewis (5)

Third Period

08:05 NPA K. Weisgarber (8) PP

ASST: T. Wallis (13)

19:25 NPA J. Clark (10)

ASST: C. Kasprick (14), K. Skrupa (11)

Overtime: No scoring

Shootout: NPA: K. Skrupa - Goal; J. Faith - Goal. SVS: B. Muller - No goal; J. Giacobbo - No goal.

Scoring 1 2 3 OT SO Total PP

NPA 0 2 2 0 1 5 1/5

SVS 2 2 0 0 0 4 0/2

Goaltender

NPA - A. Myers - (W) 38/42 saves SVS - E. Falls - (SOL) 28/32 saves Attendance: 200 Centennial Arena

MJHL Player Stats

Leading scorers (MJHL) G A Pts

1. Hayden Wheddon (NIV)15 29 44

2. Adam Vigfusson (NIV) 18 23 41

3. Rhett Platt (POR) 16 23 39

4. Trevor Hill (POR) 21 16 37

5. Bryce Bryant (VDN) 14 23 37

Leading scorers (Titans) G A Pts

1. Talen Wallis 14 13 27

2. Logan Paquette 8 16 24

3. Kyle Weisgarber 8 14 22

4. Cooper Kasprick 8 14 22

5. Jack Clark 10 10 20

Thanks to the Granite Iron Grill staff who were hard at work serving up delicious food and drink to eager curlers. Thanks as well to Cenovus Energy, Sunrise Credit Union, Heritage Co-op, and Minnedosa IDA Pharmacy.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Carberry Plainsmen defeat Neepawa Farmers in Tiger Hills hockey

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Carberry Plainsmen picked up a 6-5 win over the Neepawa Farmers on Saturday, Dec. 6. Shane McKay scored a pair of mid-game goals for Carberry, while Landon Desjardins put away the eventual game winner early in the third. Zaine McConnell, Zach Steen and Jaden Johnson also scored for the Plainsmen.

For Neepawa, it was Garret Rempel leading the way with two goals and an assist. Kyle McDonald and Bret Levandoski also had three point nights, with a goal and two assists and three assists respectively. Shane Byram and Cohen Kulbacki also scored for the

Farmers.

With the win, Carberry improved its record in the Tiger Hills Hockey League to 2-4-1 in the year, while Neepawa drops to 5-3-0. Carberry is hitting the road to MacGregor on Friday, Dec. 12 for its’ next game, while the Farmers are back home at the Yellowhead Centre for a duel on Saturday, Dec. 13 versus the Hartney Blues.

Jets outfly Bombers

ers improved to 8-1-0 and have kept within striking distance of the Killarney Shamrocks, who are now the last remaining perfect team in the Tiger Hills, at 9-0-0.

Next for the Bombers will be a pair of weekend games. First, they will go to Hartney to play the Blues on Friday, Dec. 12. They’ll then play at home the next night versus the Sandy Bay Flying Feathermen.

Be smart with your cash! Put a little out and bring a bundle in when you advertise with us!

ads@neepawabanner.com 204-476-3401 423 Mountain Ave.

The Minnedosa Bombers fell 4-2 to the Rivers Jets, on Friday, Dec. 5. Logan Robinson and Victor Lamb collected the goals for the Bombers, who dropped their first game of the year, and are now 6-1-0. Riv - vs. Virden

Club 55 Bowling Minnedosa

High

& 624. Other Good Scores: Muriel Porada 150; Darrell Gabler 183; Caroline Harding 174, 183, 178; Vivian Oswald 204; Chuck Morden 159, 258, 175; Judy Gabler 181; Eleanor Scott 174; Janice Absteiter 151; Russ Taylor 189, 178, 224; Carole LeBoutillier 166, 163; Iain Greig 168.

Single: Laurie Kohinski 217. Ladies’ High Triple: Caroline Harding 535. Men’s

Single

Triple: Darrell Gabler 294 (+124)

Above picture: Janelle Lach, Stacy Sime and Hallie McCannell (Missing from photo is skip Hailey McFarlane).

Picture on left: Cheyenne Levandoski, Melanie Maczuga, Laci Rapp, Bailey Boxall (Flower Power Sweepers)

Classifieds

Joyce Marie Toovey

March 25, 1936 – November 29, 2025

Joyce passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 at Country Meadows Care Home in Neepawa, MB, with family by her side.

Joyce was born in Clanwilliam, Manitoba to Frank and Margaret Pollon, where she was raised and attended Grey School. She was married to Ronald Toovey from 1955 to 1977 and John Josland from 1981 to 1995. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, husbands, brothers Murray, Albert, Jim and granddaughter Megan Goett.

Joyce is survived by her children Cathie, Ann (Don) Raymer, Mavis, Eric (Carol), Sandy (Matt) Waters, grandchildren Christopher Waters, Katlyn (Jimmy) Ho, Ryan Tikk and great grandchildren Emmett Goett, Macaulay Ho and Berkley Ho.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Country Meadows for their unending kind and compassionate care of Mom over the past 4 ½ years.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Joyce’s memory may make it to Country Meadows Care Home, Box 1240, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0 White’s Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca

ClassifiedAd Deadline: Tuesday NooN

• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines

• Please check your ad when first published the Neepwa 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

Thank You

Kent Douglas Dean Cochrane

Kent, son of Juanita and Dean and brother to Chrystabelle, left us way to soon in a farm accident on Oct. 30, 2025. He will be missed by many family members in BC and Alberta and across the country plus many friends.

Kent was born in Neepawa on Oct. 19, 1978 and went to school here and has many friends here. He also worked out west on the pipeline for a few years and made many friends out there. He touched the hearts and lives of those he knew. He was well liked and respected by many. Dean and I talked to him daily, he loved and respected us both and we loved him in turn. He is missed already and will be missed always.

We would like to say a special thank you to Sonya and Dan for the support they have shown and to everyone else for your support. It is appreciated so much. Juanita, Dean and Chrystabelle

Thank you to the Arden ladies for catering the lunch for the funeral of Kent Cochrane. Special thanks to Terry for organizing it. Very much appreciated from Dean and Juanita .

Real Estate

Property for sale: Ecoil recycling's full yard site of 5.5 acres (3 acres Commercial Highway). It's located close to Dauphin. Sale comes with a 24 x 32 steel shed, and a 60 x 30 shop containing modern utilities which includes city water.The property is completely fenced, with commercial entry gates. It has a 24 hour visual online, security system, and two trained guard dogs. The property is very secure and has an environmental clearance. Asking the sum of $220,000. for info call 1-204-638-1742 (cell)

All word classifieds must be prepaid beore printing

Personal

Crisis Pregnancy Centre Winnipeg: Need to talk? Call our free help line, 1-800-6650570 or contact our Westman office: 204-727-616

Notice

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

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

HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY

Gerhard Lucas van Niekerk 1951 ~ 2025 ––––––––––

Gerhard was born in the town of Randfontein in South Africa. He was the older of two sons born to the couple. He was part of a large close knit extended and loving family, and he maintained contact with them up to the time of his death.

At the age of 6 years, he became convinced of a calling to the ministry. From then on this was his goal in life and education.

At the end of high school his father declined to give any financialassistance for Gerhard to attend the seminary at Helderberg College far away near Cape Town. Instead, he proposed that Gerhard do nursing, with no financial burden since student nurses received a stipend during their training. If he was still of the same mind on completion of nursing, then he would have a means of supporting himself at seminary.

So he trained at a large mining hospital. His compassion for people and his integrity drew people to him and even some of the older staff would come to him to discuss their problems. At the end of the three years, the day he wrote his finalexams he resigned and departed for the seminary, on the long drive south to Cape Town.

At that time the college offered a four-year theology diploma. He did well in his studies. Prior to starting his studies, he had worked out and understood the concept of Righteousness by Faith for himself. Another student that he had known since childhood, apparently was not understanding this very well, so Gerhard took the time to patiently expound it. The student’s response was “let us kneel and thank God for his Great Mercy.”

In his fourth and finalyear he looked for a date for the annual banquet. A first-yearmedical student, was boarding at the college with students who travelled to a nearby university daily. He asked her out to the banquet and enjoyed her company. But he withheld from pursuing a closer relationship with her since he felt he didn’t want to interfere with her studies. Five years after graduation, in 1980 he had the opportunity to return to the seminary for an extra year of study to obtain a degree. He arrived at college with a 3.5 metre boat which he regularly took on the sea to go fishing,He had stories of good close encounters with whales and accidentally catching a seagull, among others. His friends were often invited along to enjoy a day out. He also enjoyed photography, a lifelong hobby.

He met the medical student, now in her finalyear, but he still didn’t make a move to a closer relationship. He returned to the ministry after graduation. A few years later his parents met the doctor at a wedding.

About 6 months later he discovered where the doctor was working, in another part of the country. He decided it was now or never, since he was 33 years old. He knelt and prayed for guidance, then called the hospital who put the call through to the OT where the doctor was working. The

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

For Rent: 3 bedrooms, full bathroom, 4 main applicances. Available Jan 1 2026. 204-212-2331

Auctions

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

Thank You

would like to thank all the businesses who participated in our awards night. The evening was a success and we look forward to gathering together again next year!

December 14th, 2025 to our dad (Willie) grandpa (gido) & great grandpa

rest is history. They were married a year later in November 1985. The couple celebrated their 40th anniversary in hospital during his final illness

During their marriage they served in 6 different pastoral districts over 26 years. He was highly respected for his integrity. His saying was ‘I’d rather get into trouble for doing something right than for doing something wrong”. He could be tough at times, but diplomatic. He also had compassion and mercy for those in need. He was a true and loyal friend to those who knew him professionally and also a fearless defender of Christian beliefs who was prepared to take on anyone who strayed from Bible truth. More than one friend said that he admired Gerhard for that. He was also known for his unique sense of humour and had an ability to make friends among ordinary church members. After his retirement he stayed in contact with many of his former colleagues scattered around the world.

He was a loving husband, always protective of Adria and constantly saw to her comfort in so many ways. He supported her through her career and encouraged her in interests outside her profession. He sacrificedhis annual leave for a number of years so that she could periodically work in Canada then retired early after 35 years of service, so that she could have one more year of working in Canada.

During that year, 2013, he made the suggestion “let’s stay” and so they began the procedure for immigration. They finally received Canadian citizenship in 2022

In the local congregation which they attended, he was known for his friendliness but also for his love of orderly proceedings during worship. In fact, some called him the ‘timekeeper’ reminding others to not go over time when the occasion demanded!

During his finalillness while in hospital he was still eager to proclaim the gospel to everyone that he met. Some months before his illness, he put up a printout of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 at his front door. We have the Blessed Hope of this being true. He went to sleep late on 3 December 2025. We will see him again one day at the resurrection.

Memorial service will be at the SDA church Brandon, 3319 Park Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba on December 13, 2025 at 3pm.

The service will be live-streamed and a recording will be available @www.whitesfh.ca and on Brandon MB SDA church YouTube channel.

Many thanks and deep appreciation to the following:

Nursing staff of Carberry Hospital and Drs Bushara and Alagaili

EMS based in Carberry

Pastor Wally Lyder for leading the service.

The support from the congregation of the SDA church

All the many friends who have so unstintingly given of their love and their time.

White’s Funeral Home Carberry ~ Neepawa ~ Minnedosa in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca • 204-476-2848

We all love you the very best to you on this special birthday Love your whole family

Announcement

Thank You

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Country Meadows for their unending kind and compassionate care of our Mom over the past 4 ½ years.

The family of Joyce Toovey

Thank you

The family of Lynne English would like to thank all our friends and family for their kind words and support on mom’s passing. Aspen Lea for the food and visits to help dad through this tough time. Country Meadows for the great care mom received from the staff while she was a resident there.

Elwood English Doss and Shelley Mayor

NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspapers 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.

Have an On-line

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

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!

FOODS

Hog Receiving Barn Worker (NOC85100)

Why join our team?

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?

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

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

Northwest Handi Transit is hiring Casual Position

Must have Class 4 Drivers Licence

Apply: Email your resume to NorthwestHandi@outlook.com

For More Information Contact: 204-871-4788

Criminal records check & driver’s abstract will be required.

Notice

MORTGAGE SALE

The properties commonly known as “Jarvis Meats” in and near Gladstone, Manitoba composed of the following:

a) The meat shop located at 77 Dennis Street, including the main building of about 3840 square feet and adjacent add-ons totalling about 807 square feet (as described in Title No. 3020911/3), and;

b) The abattoir located on .56 acres at 66104 PTH #16 near Gladstone (1/2 mile west of Gladstone Auction Mart) including two adjacent buildings of 1268 square feet and 940 square feet respectively (as described in title No. 3020912/3);

Will be sold as a block by public auction via videoconference on Tuesday the 30th day of December, 2025 at 10:00 am. There will be no in-person attendees at the auction. In order to participate, you must register at least 24 hours prior to the auction by contacting Gordon T. Selinger at 204-857-3436 or gord@mpslaw.ca.

The terms of sale will be as follows:

1. Cash deposit (certified check or bank draft only) of $50,000.00 at the time of the auction. The maximum amount of cash that may be provided as part of the deposit is $7,500.00

2. Purchasers will be responsible for all outstanding property taxes and penalties after December 31, 2023;

3. The Reserve Bid shall be $185,000.00.

4. The surviving encumbrances on Title No. 3020912/3 (abattoir) shall be: a) Caveat No. 96-690/3; b) Assignment of Caveat No. 1076352/3.

5. There will be no surviving encumbrances on Title No. 3020911/3.

6. The auction sale will be conducted pursuant to an Order for Sale issued by the District Registrar. Certain parties may be prohibited from purchasing the property, including but not limited to, parties who by virtue of their employment or relationship to a person involved in the sale process would have special knowledge for the circumstances pertaining to the sale. For more information and a list of prohibited purchasers please visit: www.teranetmanitoba.ca.

7. For further information call: 1-204-857-3436

8. All other conditions will be announced at the sale. Further information and copies of the Conditions of Sale may be obtained from Miller Pressey Selinger, 103 Saskatchewan Avenue East, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 3B7.

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted www.neepawabanner.com The look when you see a help wanted ad for a job you want in the

Kelwood based herd sire wins big at Agribition

By Ken Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

Shane Weatherall of Kelwood had a big win at the recent Regina Agribition. His herd sire won first in the Yearling Bull Shorthorn Class and then went on to be the Overall Grand Champion in the Shorthorn show.

Weatherall operates the farm known as Wildweather Cattle at Kelwood. In an interview with the Neepawa Banner & Press, Weatherall said, “We bought this bull at a sale in Oklahoma and used him on our cowherd this year. Calves from him will be

arriving in the spring. He’s a Pay Weight son and is the only one of that bloodline in Canada and is officially named LWFS Cargo 2410 PW.”

Because the bull was the big winner in Agribition he will be entered into a virtual World Championship show. Weatherall said, “There will be judges from many countries looking at him on-line and they will decide on a World Championship placing.”

Shane Weatherall (shown on the halter) proudly showed his Shorthorn herd sire at Agribition. The bull placed first in class and Best Oveall Shorthorn bull. Next step is a World Championship on-line competition.

Merry Christmas Minnedosa

BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Minnedosa’s holiday festivities kicked off on Saturday, Dec. 6, with their annual Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. Several community groups and businesses submitted floats to help start December off in a cheerful way.

Neepawa Figure Skating Club prepares for Annual Christmas Show

Submitted

Neepawa Figure Skating Club

The Neepawa Figure Skating Club is now in full swing and is getting ready for the upcoming Annual Christmas Ice Show.

Coach Kim Smith is excited for the skaters to showcase their progress so far. This season, we have 11 StarSkaters who skate Wednesdays and Fridays. Some of the StarSkaters are hoping that the ice show will help them get the “jitters” out before their first competition of the season in Virden on Jan, 2, 3, and 4, as well as the first test day of the year later in January.

We also have 11 CanSkaters and three Senior CanSkaters, helped out by

Merry Christmas

The Neepawa Banner & Press staff are taking a little bit of an extra (well deserved) holiday this year!

many of our StarSkaters. T hese tiny skaters are sure to put everyone into the Christmas spirit! To join in the festivities, the newly formed Regional Star 4 Synchro team will be performing for their very first time in Neepawa. This team consists of 10 skaters

from Minnedosa, Carberry and Neepawa. The Annual Christmas Ice Show will be on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Yellowhead. Admission is a silver collection as well as a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Salvation Army. Please come out and join us for some great skating!

3 331 Ellen

Our office will be closed December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026

There will be no December 26th and January 2nd issues of the Neepawa Banner & Press.

We do apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

Our emails are still open!

If you’ve got a news tip, story or event, let us know! Call 204-476-3401 or e-mail kwaddell@neepawabanner.com

Any advertisements e-mail ads@neepawabanner.com Thank you Ken Waddell, Publisher

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