• High-yielding, 00 early Enlist™ E3 soybeans with good field emergence
• Average iron chlorosis tolerance score • Average Phytophthora field tolerance (1C gene)
t Great Disease Package
Banner & Press
Spruce Plains
RCMP arrest four
Submitted
On Feb.13, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Neepawa RCMP received a report of suspicious activity on Highway 261, approximately four miles west of Glenella.
As officers were on route, the Operational Communications Centre (OCC) advised they received two more complaints about suspicious people in the same area as well as a possible stolen vehicle.
Officers arrived on the scene, on Highway 261 near Road 77 West, and found a truck and snowmobile which were both unoccupied.
Shortly after arriving, a male drove up to the scene advising that the snowmobile, along with an ATV, had been stolen from his father’s property. He advised that two unknown males had been seen walking away from the abandoned truck and snowmobile while two other unknown males
• Pods up very well and has a shorter internode length, shows some branching in the field
armed with a firearm had fled on the ATV.
Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS), along with officers from Amaranth and Portage la Prairie Detachments and Sandy Bay Manitoba First Nations Police Service, were called in to assist.
A short time later officers arrested the two male suspects on Highway 261, that had fled from the truck and snowmobile on foot.
With the help of a drone, officers located the stolen ATV that was stuck in deep snow in a field. PDS was able to locate the two male suspects and they were both arrested without incident. No firearm was recovered with the two suspects, but officers did locate one in the ditch where the snowmobile and truck were left.
Ethan Beaulieu, 26, Brendon Spence, 27, Rambo Roulette, 38, and an 18-year-old male, all of Sandy Bay First Nation were charged with numerous offences and remanded into custody. The investigation continues.
The 2025 edition of Winter Fest in Neepawa arrived a little late, but still proved to be a day of family fun. Due to the extreme cold temperatures on Louis Riel Day, the event set for the Flats were rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 23. On this day, the weather was warmer, as were the spirits of everyone who attended.
Rock’N Animal House changes hands
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
Some changes have come to a selection of Neepawa businesses recently. One of these is a transition of ownership for local pet supply store Rock’N Animal House.
Previously owned and operated by Danielle Bell, new co-owners Kevin Kitson and Derena Scott have stepped up to the plate to continue the business. The date of their official ownership was Jan. 2, 2025.
“I guess the biggest deciding factor was that I wanted to be at home more,” said Kitson, previously a long-distance transport driver of 30+ years. “It was time for a change. Having missed out on a lot of growingup with my children, and we now have 11 grandchildren, I didn’t want to miss out on them growing up. So it seemed like a no brainer.”
While Kitson and Scott do not have prior experi -
ence operating a retail business such as Rock’N Animal House, the pair were eager to try something new.
“We had a lot to learn and we are still learning everyday,” said Kitson. “We have one employee, Hannah MacDonald. She’s our professional groomer. She started her schooling in September 2019 and, upon completion, started working for Rock’N Animal house in June of 2021. We are very lucky she decided to stay with us, as she knows the business inside and out.”
Kitson added, “We have been welcomed greatly in the past almost two months with overwhelming support.”
Kitson and Scott are looking ahead to many years of serving Neepawa and the surrounding area. This includes a few plans that they seek to implement in the future.
“We’re planning on expanding the business to include at least one more line of Canadian
made food brand and an expanded line of frozen meals for dogs and cats,” said Kitson. “We have various expansion projects to continue to grow the business.”
Best of luck to the new owners on their new venture!
To read about the changes made with the remaining businesses, please see the story on Best Choice Auto and Provost Signs on Page 6.
Pictured: Rock’N Animal House, a pet supply store located at 405 B, First Avenue, in Neepawa.
Inset photo: The store’s new co-owners Kevin Kitson (left) and Derena Scott (middle) with employee Hannah MacDonald (right). MacDonald started at Rock’N Animal House in 2021 and has remained there through the recent change of ownership.
AgNeepawaExpo
Online Timed Auction
March 25-27, 2025
Team up with Neepawa Ag Expo to get your products and services promoted on a local and national scale!
The proceeds from this auction will go towards the Neepawa Titans Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club and 10% of auction proceeds will be donated to Yellowhead Community Recreation Centre for HVAC upgrades in Hall.
Convenient & easy bidding on the timed auction will be powered by DLMS Farmgate Timed Auctions www.farmgatetimedauctions.ca
Neepawa Ag Expo Online Timed Auction is brought to you by the Neepawa Titans Junior A Hockey Club, and our area Ag industry.
For more information or to book a spot: Matt Lowry 204-841-2389 Cam Tibbett 204-841-3060 Scott Newton 204-841-4727
PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN
1900: Hotel Hamilton manager announced
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
125 years ago, Wednesday, February 28, 1900
Note: The entries for 1900 are from The Neepawa Register, as The Press for that year is not fit for regular handling.
Franklin: To-day one of Glendale’s fair damsels will leave the ranks of Glendale and go to join with Neepawa. We wish them every prosperity and happiness.
The news that the Boers are firing shells into Ladysmith charged with sauerkraut and plugged with limburger cheese is disquieting. Why doesn’t Buller hurry up?
Note: This entry appears to be in regards to General Sir Redvers Buller and the town of Ladysmith in South Africa during the Boer War, though further context in relation to the phrase ‘shells charged with sauerkraut and plugged with limburger cheese’ is not known.
100 years ago, Friday, February 27, 1925
Glencairn: W. Adaulph and son, bought a team of horses at Glenella, and bought them very cheap by paying cash.
Edrans: Mrs. James Farmer came back to Edrans after 65 days in the Brandon hospital; having made splendid progress since her serious operation and long course of scientific treatment. She speaks most enthusiastically of the Bigelow Clinic and the hospital. Her recovery is considered a modern
miracle and although she will be very weak for some time, her ultimate restoration to sound health is thought to be assured. Mrs. Farmer returned to Wellwood on Saturday.
Dog races on Mountain avenue yesterday afternoon, after school hours, attracted the attention of the entire juvenile populations together with a liberal portion of adults. Dogs at large and dogs in harness became very much entangled at times, much to the amusement of the crowd, but eventually someone got away and beat it for the winning post. Winners in the different classes were Arthur Beard and Gordon Riley, Mike Veale being second in one event. Arthur Beard was winner in the final.
75 years ago, Thursday, March 2, 1950 Fenwick’s Foods, Neepawa’s newest store, located on the south side of Hamilton St., opened for business this morning. Early shoppers on entering the new food store in the remodeled building which formerly housed the Co-op General Food Store, were agreeably surprised by the changes made by the proprietor.
50 years ago, Thursday, February 27, 1975
The family of Robert H. Scott, formerly of Eden, Man., and now a resident of East View Lodge, hosted a dinner in his honor Sunday at the Bamboo
Garden Rose Room to mark the occasion of his 86th birthday, which took place Feb. 25.
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Smith were honoured on their 56th anniversary by about 100 guests in the afternoon of Feb. 13 with a Come and Go tea at the Lutheran Church in Plumas.
There was almost a 100 per cent turnout of minor hockey players, both boys and girls, at the hockey school held Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Glenella Arena.
The posters and advertisements announcing the snowmobile races that are to be held here Mar. 9 may tell readers what is scheduled for that day, but they give little indication of the work and interest that has gone into the project.
Bob Delaloye, the driving force behind the races here in Neepawa, said the present readiness of the race course and the program of races is a result of hard work and community cooperation.
20 years ago, Monday, February 28, 2005
Five of Winnipeg’s seven SAAN stores will be closing at the end of MArch, but the fate of many rural stores, including Neepawa, has not been disclosed… SAAN started in Winnipeg as a war surplus outlet. It’s now considered a junior clothing, footwear and accessories.
A very happy birthday to Mrs. Lizzie Ames of the Dinsdale Home in Brandon celebrated her 106th birthday Saturday, Feb. 26.
The Manitoba Transport Board will begin a series of public meetings Mar. 9 on proposed cutbacks to rural and northern bus service. Association of Manitoba
Municipalities president Ron Bell, of Birtle, has already criticized the proposed move, saying cutbacks will destroy a major lifeline...
Greyhound and Grey Goose Bus Lines Ltd. applied to the Motor Transport Board in December to eliminate service to 36 towns and reduce it to many others across the province.
Under the application, Neepawa, Gladstone and Minnedosa will retain bus service. But all three communities will lose one daily bus from Winnipeg and one from Brandon.
Ashly Larsen, of Erickson, has been nominated for a Young Leaders in Rural Canada award...
Larsen was nominated as a motivational speaker for her efforts in raising awareness of the effects of mad cow disease.
With an impressive regular season all but in the books and the possibility of a long playoff run in front of them, a good season got better for the Neepawa Natives last week.
That occurred when chairman Bert Lowry and the Power Smart AllStar Challenge committee handed over a cheque of $17,360 to Natives’ Booster Club president Wayne Jacobsen, who in turn passed the funds over to the club’s executive.
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.
Lewis A. Clark, who assumed management of the Hamilton Hotel in late February of 1900. Clark first came to Canada from Scotland with songstress Jessie McLaughlin. His subsequent activities included management of different hotels and clubs, as well as being a commercial traveller. He was a member of the first battalion to leave Winnipeg for World War I in August, 1914.
Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (The Living Bible)
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES
Perspectives
By Chad Carpenter Tundra
I’d rather see ice in the rink, not on the road
It’s the peak of hockey season at every level in this part of the world. Earlier this month, millions of Canadian hockey fans held their breath while Canada beat the United States at the Four Nations Face-off. Canada beating the U.S. at hockey always sits well with Canadian hockey fans but given the political tension being caused by the American president, the Canadian victory was just that much sweeter.
The older level teams in our papers’ coverage are all hitting the ice with vigour these days. At the time of this writing (Feb. 23, 2025) the Virden Oil Capitals are battling for a playoff spot, while the Neepawa Titans have already secured their place in the MJHL’s post-season.
As for over in the Tiger Hills Hockey League, the Rivers Jets, Minnedosa Bombers, Virden Oil Kings and Neepawa Farmers are all still involved in their league’s post-season play. And all still representing their communities proudly.
On this particular day, my wife and I were planning to drive two hours to see a great-grandson play in his league tournament. Unfortunately, heavy fog and ice made the decision to keep us two old(er) folks off the road. Guess we will try and keep in touch by way of the newly acquired Live Barn video service that is in most rural arenas now. It’s not the same as being there, but it sure beats driving two hours in the fog. It’s a busy week ahead for me and when I heard that a second vehicle in our family succumbed to a deer strike, that pretty much made the decision to make the stay-
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
at-home call.
And speaking of deer versus vehicles, our first vehicle in the family this year to be victimized by a wayward deer will have been out of service for four months by the time we get it back on the road. I am told that body shops are backed up with dozens of vehicles at this time and I have also been told it’s all across the province. It is partly because MPIC (Autopac) has made some bad computer decisions and wasted $millions in the process. I knew Autopac, and by extension their customers, were in trouble when Autopac decided to downplay the role of their agents and offer a computerized on-line service so customers could renew policies themselves, make claims and changes. Yeah right! That’s all we need is less personalized customer service and more automated on-line junk. It didn’t work, it annoyed Autopac’s very important agents and was a total flop for customers. A recent, relatively simple policy cancellation that I had to make took at least 20 minutes at the agent’s office and two phone calls to the Autopac help desk. The final answer was new and unusual even for the help desk person and was very difficult to put
into effect. I am not the brightest bulb when it comes to computers but I have been using them to make a living for over 35 years and there’s no way I would have gotten that transaction done without an agent and the help desk.
Anyway, back to hockey, it’s more fun than wrecked cars and Autopac.
In every arena at this time of year there are playoffs and tournaments. Local and regional hockey has been a great way to get past the chilling days of January and February for decades now. This season is good for families, for communities and for business. Arena lunch counters, restaurants, hotels and gas stations can all thank hockey for a bit of mid-winter prosperity.
So from International hockey to the TimBits and every age in between, I wish you a good safe hockey and travels. Spring is coming, you can tell by the weather and by the season’s activities we all love.
Drive safe and play safe.
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
Weebles Wobble…
This past decade, heck, my whole live long life!, I have felt like a Weeble. What is a Weeble? For my generation, and I concede that in today’s world the world may have an entirely different connotation, a weeble was/is a child’s toy person that had a weighted bottom. They rocked, swayed, staggered and rolled but always ended upright. The other comparison would be a toy my children played with; an inflated clown with a weighted bottom and could be punched and whacked and after ducking and weaving, returned to the upright position. Ours was known as Boppo. Commonality is, of course, the weighted bottom providing stability!
The weighted bottom is also one of my commonalities with both the Weeble and Boppo. There have been times in life when I have definitely identified more strongly with the clown! Times when life went so sideways that rather than crying, hysterical laughter erupted. The Weebles were a much more sedate image than the clown, appearing more real than ludicrous. Much like vast portions of my life, and probably of anyone’s life.
How many times does life go according to our plan? So many of my generation grew up with the dream of secondary education, marriage, family, career- not always in that order. Tried as I might, and I wrote the blessed exam for European History 100 three times! I was not able to have a diploma for completing grade twelve. That, and choices, changed the trajectory of my life. My first marriage, ended in divorce, and I became a single parent with two dependants. I was in no way aware of abusive or alcoholism, until it became a part of my life. I choose to live in safety. First in my family, my faith family and my community to be an official single parent. A heck of a lot of bobbing and weaving, all Boppo!
Second marriage, combined households, four children aged six to thirteen, no real courting time, simply married with children. Thankfully my husband, not only older than I, was wiser than I! Negotiating those years we were a family of Weebles! How do you adjust to have siblings you don’t even know, changing your place in a family unit, using the terms ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ for strangers? Yup, I recognise there was a whole lot of swaying, staggering and bobbling, for all of us.
I keep thinking that life must get easier. And there are smooth places– delightful lengthy even paths I wanderhowever the challenges simply change. Years ago the sciatic nerve on my right side was damaged by a misplaced medical injection. Part of my daily routine includes a particular set of exercises to allow me continued easy, pain free, use of my leg. That’s a Weeble I live with. Now I am, like many others, waiting for an appointment to have the progress of my cataracts. More swaying, not dangerously, just a bit off balance. All things considered, for an older person I’m in wonderful condition with a fabulous support system!
The weight that keeps me grounded, keeps me upright, and ready for the next assault, is always my faith in a loving God. That’s grounded.
On faith and trust
This has been an amazing month.
Our Prime Minister announced his intention to resign. Several high profile members of the governing party are running to replace him; and suddenly (some might say miraculously), they all seem prepared to either cancel or significantly modify Canada’s tax on carbon. While most Canadians are encouraged to hear that, we are also wondering what will replace it.
One of the most valuable lessons life teaches us is that promises are easy to make; but can be hard to keep. That is true of politicians, of business people, of community leaders and of ordinary people like you and me. None of us will ever find keeping our promises to be as easy as making them. That’s life.
Six hundred years before Jesus’ time on earth, a prophet named Jeremiah wrote these words: “Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the LORD...Blessed are those
who trust in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD.”
(Jeremiah 17:5, 7)
Dr. Howard Hendricks, late Professor Emeritus of education as Dallas Theological Seminary, tells of a student who approached him after class and posed what he called one of the most insightful questions he had ever been asked. “Prof,” the student said, “Have you ever known of any person in all of church history; a person who was mightily used by God to touch and change the lives of many, who did not have glaring personal weaknesses?” Hendricks thought for a while and then said: “No, I don’t.”
In my lifetime, I have met many brilliant people. Some are well educated, with multiple post graduate degrees. Some are self-taught. Their knowledge comes from years of
reading, personal research, career specific seminars and on-the-job training. Their talent, creativity and expertise in their chosen field is second to none.
But the highly educated and the self-taught share one thing in common with the rest of us. We don’t know everything, we can’t do everything and we aren’t always right. The only one who possesses those qualities is Almighty God.
Our weaknesses should never be seen as signs of God’s displeasure with us. He made us weak to teach us the importance of recognizing strengths in others and working together with them to achieve things we could never achieve alone. And by honestly acknowledging our own weaknesses, we will not be so quick to criticize the weaknesses we see in others. We will ask
ourselves how we would feel if we were in their position and people said the same things about us.
In a few weeks, we will know who has been chosen as our next Prime Minister. This coming October (maybe sooner) Canadians will vote in a general election and decide which political party will form our next government, pick our next Prime Minister and lead our country for the next four years. I am trusting Canadians to chose a party and Prime Minister who will set political ideologies aside and act in the best interests of every citizen; not just those who voted for them on election day.
But if Canadians choose a party and PM with whose policies I don’t agree, I won’t be joining those who will predict doom, gloom and disaster for our country. I will trust our leaders to do what is best for us all. But my faith is in the God who has supplied all my needs for over 70 years, and who I know won’t ever let me down.
Gladstone cattle market report
By Tyler Slawinski Gladstone Auction
This weather is a little easier to take; mind you, the cattle may be finding it a little hard to adjust so quickly. Warmer temperatures have cattle easing off the feed, but maybe putting on a few extra pounds and easier gains.
As uncertainty may still be looming as political politics threaten tariffs over the Canadian cattlemen, it wasn’t all doom and gloom in the Tuesday, Feb. 25 market. The market was much similar to last week for the most part; it was steady to stronger in spots and slightly lower in a few others. We saw stronger cattle futures and a lower Canadian dollar, which was positive for Tuesday’s market. Grass cattle are selling very strong, in some cases grass cattle that are being purchased now are selling for similar dollars per
head as the heavier fed cattle.
We saw a very impressive set of cattle on Feb. 25 and very good quality. First cut cattle are selling strong, most of the feeder cattle sold well showing signs of market stability for the time being. Second and third cut cattle are definitely seeing discounts; if they don’t fit the orders, they are soon sorted from the packages.
Looking at that from a buyer’s perspective, with the cattle being worth so much, it’s not hard to see why if the buyers are paying a premium, the cattle should fit the order.
The cattle are still in strong demand, and I expect to see supply and demand create market stability moving forward!
We sold 2,105 head of cattle through the ring and on the video sale in Gladstone on Tuesday! Cows and bulls are trending with higher averages. Feeding
type cows and heiferettes are still selling stronger than yielding cows. Yielding cows still traded with strength from 178.00 to 195.00 looking like strong demands. Feeding type cows are ranging between 185 to 215.00. Bulls traded stronger ranging between 225.00 to 235 with sales to
250.00 per pound! With these prices it’s not hard to see why we are still seeing plenty of cows and bulls trading weekly.
Some highlights from the sale, crossbred steers weighed 473 traded for a decent 583.00 per pound! Black steers weighed 561 and traded for 518.00. Black steers weighed 637 and brought 463.75. Charolais steers weighed 753 pounds and they hit 409.00. A set of fancy buckskin steers weighed 865 and they checked out at 374. Red X steers 978lbs brought 350.00. Heifers, red white faced heifers weighed 445 and traded for 550.00. Black hided heifers weighed 545 and brought 485.00. Crossbred heifers weighed 651 and made 406.50. Char X heifers weighed 718 and traded for 388.. And last but not least, a big set of 946 pound Black and red cow makers that sold locally for 322.50.
Letters
If Carney wins, Canada loses
The Liberal Party leadership race is well underway, and we must pay close attention to the man being groomed as the next leader: Mark Carney. It’s hard not to feel like this is just another attempt by the Liberals to sneakily manipulate Canadians into electing them for a fourth term. And if Carney succeeds Trudeau, the damage we’ve already seen could pale in comparison to what’s coming.
Carney has been at the heart of the Liberal government’s economic failures for nearly a decade. He’s the one who advised Justin Trudeau on the disastrous policies that have nearly crippled our economy. Under Trudeau and Carney’s watch, housing costs have doubled, food bank lineups have grown exponentially, and the national debt has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, our economy has become weaker, and we’ve become increasingly vulnerable to threats like Trump’s tariffs. Carney was the one urging these policies on, yet now he’s trying to present himself as the man who can fix it all.
But Canadians need to be aware: Carney’s solution is just more of the same. For years, Carney has been a staunch advocate for the carbon tax. He’s pushed it relentlessly, even going as far as saying that carbon taxes have been “applied sparingly” and are “set far too low.” So, when Carney says he’ll “change” the carbon tax, don’t be fooled. He won’t axe it—he’ll raise it. Not only that, he plans to get rid of the rebates that have offered some relief to Canadians. And the real kicker? He’s hiding his true intentions. He won’t tell us how much more his new, bigger carbon tax will cost Canadians. This is a plan that will only hurt everyday people, all while lining the pockets of government coffers.
Continued on Page 18
Do you know why there are no potholes in heaven? Because they are in Neepawa, Manitoba!
Bob Tremaine, Neepawa, MB
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out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale
Quilting
My mother would cut up old clothing or used scraps from her clothes making to make quilts. Her quilts were about keeping her family warm in prairie winters. That was the case for many women. The immigration from Europe to North America brought many ethnic patterns, designs, and techniques that were used for quilts. Some examples are: Irish Chain pattern came from the Irish immigrants, Dresden Plate, from Germany, LeMoyne Star originated from France.
Quilts tell stories through patterns. The inspiration for quilt patterns are innumerable. Some notable and popular ones are: the Log Cabin pattern is named for the way this quilt and a log cabin is put together. The small central square, represents the heart of the home. In the USA before the Civil War quilts were said to be used as signals in the Underground Railroad, with specific quilt patterns conveying messages to escaping slaves. An example was the flying geese pattern meant to tell the escapees to follow the geese north to Canada.
During the last quarter of the 19th century Crazy quilts were made by sewing together various scraps of fabric together often silk, satin and velvet without any kind of pattern. Often a piece from a wedding veil, or a piece from a beloved family members clothes or other sentimental items were used in the quilt. The elaborate embroidery stitches was the crowning touch of showmanship.
From the mid to late 1800s the Double Wedding Ring pattern was a popular choice for quilters who made it for newly married couples. It featured interlocking rings that symbolized love, and marriage. The design’s popularity took off again during the depression era as it could be created using leftover scraps of fabric thus affording a gift to the newlyweds. During those years when money was scarce many goods came in cloth bags. The manufactures began putting pretty designs on their flour, sugar and livestock feed bags. These bags were then used for clothes and quilting. Quilt patterns that could utilize scraps of fabric and were particularly popular as they helped stretch every penny. The Postage Stamp pattern was so named because many quilters used pieces of fabric as small as a postage stamp to make this quilt.
A woman’s life in the 19th and early to mid-20 century was hard work and at times there were few occasions for social outlets. Quilting bees provided opportunities for shared work and companionship. It gave women a chance to exchange stories, pass down quilting skills, recipes, home remedies, fabric scraps and lasting friendships. Friendship quilts were made by women of a community or church parish as a gift for a friend moving to a new home far away. Each person made a block and signed it then it was into a quilt by the group. They had special meaning as they could look at the quilt and remember friends and family left behind. Some communities made quilts like these with all the ladies names to be raffled off for fund raisers such as the Red Cross.
I would like to say a thank you to the Victoria Quilt Canada ladies in Neepawa who provide homemade quilts to people living with cancer. Their hard work brings comfort to those dealing with cancer and lets them know that they are not alone. My husband received such as quilt and was so touched to receive it!
When I am in my sewing room I like to make simple meals to free up my time to sew. Try these two tasty recipes for your sewing day or any day when you are busy.
Pork chop casserole
1 Tbsp. oil
6 pork chops
1 medium onion
1 stalk celery
1/2 red pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
In a frying pan heat the oil and brown pork chops. Place 3 chops on the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish. Sauté onion and celery in the pork chop drippings. Layer raw rice over the pork chops in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the onion, celery and peppers over the rice. Cover with remaining chops. Combine the broth and Worcestershire sauce and pour over chops and rice. Bake covered at 350°F for 1 hour or until rice is cooked.
While the oven was on I made this simple but sensational dessert.
Blueberry float pudding
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3 Tbsp. butter melted
2/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 cup boiling water
In a small bowl toss the blueberries with the cinnamon and lemon juice. Layer the berries in a lightly greased 8X8 inch baking dish. In a bowl combine the flour, 1/3 cup sugar and baking powder. Stir in the milk and melted butter and then spoon evenly over the berries. Combine the 2/3 cup of sugar and cornstarch and sprinkle over the batter. Slowly pour the boiling water over all. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until cake tests done.
An ‘opportunity to expand’
Provost Signs bought by Best Choice Auto, businesses relocate
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
Some changes have come to a few Neepawa businesses recently. Among these businesses are Best Choice Auto and Provost Signs.
Best Choice Auto is being relocated to 149 PTH West 16, with the move scheduled to be done by March 1. Val Subah, of Best Choice Auto, stated that the move provides the business with additional space to accommodate their upcoming expansions. The official date of possession was Feb. 3.
“In the future, we will offer services including body wraps, tinting, and tire alignment,” said Subah. “We are excited to expand our reach and serve a broader community, fully leveraging our capabilities to deliver exceptional value and meet a wide range of needs.”
The former Best Choice Auto properties have since been listed for sale.
Also in line with Best
Choice Auto’s expansion is the purchase of Provost Signs, which is also moving to 149 Main Street West to increase its accessibility and potential to serve the growing customer base. This move will also be completed by Mar. 1.
“What drew us to acquire the business was the opportunity to expand our services, leverage its strong reputation, and reach a larger customer base in a thriving market,” said Subah. “We were inspired by the creativity and impact that custom signage and decals have on businesses and communities. The ability to bring unique,
personalized designs to life and help clients enhance their brands was a driving factor in our decision to get involved.”
Subah added, “At this time, we’re focused on continuing to provide exceptional service, but we remain open to new opportunities as the business evolves.”
Best of luck to the owners on this new, and expanded, venture.
Another business which changed hands in recent months is Rock’N Animal House, which is featured on Page 2 of this week’s Paper.
Dr. Gerard Murray Optometrist
Neepawa Town CouncilFeb. 18 meeting
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The latest meeting of Neepawa Town Council was held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, and covered a variety of municipal topics, including:
• Councillor/Deputy
Mayor Murray Parrott updated the rest of council on a recent meeting with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) executive. The agenda featured a varied degree of topics. Parrott noted this provided a good sharing of information which should benefit the Town.
• Councillor Yvonne Sisley discussed the postponement of the LouisRiel Day festivities due to the cold temperature on that day, and the rescheduling of those events for the next weekend.
• Councillor Jason Nadeau offered news from a Western Manitoba Library Board meeting, held on Feb 10. He noted that proceeds from a grant for a planned book-mobile in the area has fallen through. On Feb. 13, Nadeau attended a Spruce Plains Justice Committee meeting. Some new positions have opened up on that board and the annual general meeting is scheduled for April.
• Councillor Darryl Gerrard said that the Finance Committee met on Feb. 10 with Administration. A review of municipal spending is underway, as requests from various departments are being submitted. Gerrard noted that development in the community has presented a few challenges. They are also talking about investment into road construction for around the new hospital. While the cost will be shared by various local municipalities, Gerrard did state that Neepawa will be at the forefront of expenditures, when it come to infrastructure.
Manager of Operations
The latest report from Denis Saquet informed
Council of recent meeting with the Finance Committee. They discussed the planning for several projects, including work around the new hospital site and the intersection of Highway #16. ‘
Finance
A special service plan has been brought forward related to garbage expenditures. Basically, there would be a special levy on taxes based on volumes. So people could see modest increases to the rates based on their usage. There will be a public hearing further explaining the plan on Tuesday, Mar. 11.
Currently, the Town spends $633,000 a year on garbage and recycling transportation and disposal, with 27 per cent of that recovered through grants from Manitoba MultiStewardship Association.
New Business
Handi-Van Neepawa has asked Council to consider a $1.80 per capita donation to assist with operations. Based on the current official population (5,685), the total request is for $10,233 for 2025. Council approved the request.
The Beautiful Plains Community Medical Clinic’s Recruitment and Retention Committee has asked for a funding increase. For the last decade, Council has committed $2,500 towards this effort. The requested increase is for $2.00 per capita donation, which would come out to $11,370, once again based on population. Council approved the request.
The Town of Neepawa has submitted an application to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Climate Adaption Initiative. The request is for support in coverage of the local action plan related to severe weather events.
The design of a 65 metre retaining wall has been approved for the Hamilton Street expansion being built in the amount of $9,500, plus time and material provided
Neepawa Habitat for Humanity update
Expected to confirm first family in near future
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
The Neepawa chapter of Habitat for Humanity is on the cusp of reaching a major milestone. Don Walmsley, a member of Habitat for Humanity Manitoba - Neepawa, has reported that the organization is nearly finished with the family selection process for its very first house.
“We’re very hopeful that we’ll be able to announce, very soon, the recipient family,” said Walmsley. “We’re hoping it’s fairly imminent.”
The process of selecting a family is a rigorous one, with applying families needing to provide information such as financials, employment, current status of the family and more. The selection committee then reviews each application based on some initial criteria to narrow things down. A credit rating process is then conducted by the parent organization of Habitat for Humanity.
“And really, it’s to see, ‘could this family that’s being recommended, given their current debt load or income, handle the mortgage?’,” said Walmsley. “Nobody’s going to set anybody up for failure, that’s not the point here.”
An exciting step forward
Walmsley also noted that, even if a family does not pass through the initial criteria, they can still apply again in the future. He also shared that securing
- 5:00 pm
a family selection, in some cases, is the biggest challenge.
“We’ve heard that from other jurisdictions. It’s not a done deal, because it’s a rigorous process to go through,” said Walmsley. “It’s not simply one hoop to jump through. It’s a defined process, it’s well worked out.”
In addition to this soon marking Habitat Neepawa’s first ever family, this milestone is also important for a few other factors.
“[It] puts faces to the project. Real faces, local faces, which is really the exciting part,” said Walmsley. “And [the homes] are built to accommodate the number of bedrooms the family needs.”
In other words, the family selection means that Habitat can then begin designing the floor plan according to how many family members there are.
“The project is really moving along. We are optimistic that we will be breaking ground in spring or summer. We’re enthusiastic to go,” Walmsley shared.
Planning for a public meeting
In the meantime, there are still things going on
behind the scenes. Habitat Neepawa is in the process of organizing further fundraising initiatives and pursuing an expansion of their volunteer base. The organization plans on having a public meeting to update the general public and present volunteer opportunities in the near future.
“Anybody can participate,” said Walmsley, noting that it could be
as simple as handing out flyers. Those looking for an opportunity to support Neepawa’s Habitat for Humanity in the meantime, and have some fun while doing so, are encouraged to participate in its upcoming community bingo night. This will be held on Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m., located in the Neepawa Curling Club.
A closer look at Lake Irwin’s long-term viability
Neepawa Wildlife Association hosts public meeting
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
It was an educational night in Neepawa on Wednesday Feb. 19, for some of our local hunting and fishing enthusiasts. On that evening, the Neepawa Wildlife Association hosted a public meeting at the Boston Pizza team room examining the management of fishing at Lake Irwin. The gathering included a presentation from our regional Biologist with MB Fisheries, Brody Kitch, who updated those assembled on the Province’s fish stocking program and fishery regulations. It was also a chance for members of the Wildlife
Association to have their questions answered on an array of topics. Some of the items discussed included:
•Regulation requirements for the upcoming Fishing Derby;
•The potential introduction of new fish species to Lake Irwin;
•Suggestions for improving the Lake’s spawning habitats; and
•Whether or not a Fish Ladder should be constructed at the Dam.
A request was also made to MB Fisheries for an oxygen test for Lake Irwin to be scheduled sometime in the winter months. Kitch said that is something he’ll arrange for in the very
near future. Along with the information shared by the MB Fisheries Biologist, everyone was also provided an update on the Lake’s new aeration system. The system was installed in late 2023/early 2024 and is operated by the Neepawa Wildlife Association.
During the meeting, it was said that the new system has made a noticeable improvement to the water’s clarity. It was anecdotally shared that fishermen using underwater cameras have been able to see a lot better than previous years.
Fish measuring changes
During the meeting, de-
PAC and NUASM ladies
“Tie
tails on the upcoming Lake Irwin Classic Ice Fishing Derby were also clarified. Conservation officers were on hand to explain changes to the fish measuring procedure for this year.
Volunteers will be strategically positioned in different areas of the lake to measure fish. When a fish is caught, anglers will need to signal for a volunteer, who will attend to the location and measure the fish.
Anglers are ask to not transport fish to the measuring stations. This will reduce stress on the fish and alleviate issues with anglers possessing/transporting oversize fish.
One On”!
Ladies from the congregations of PAC and NUASM have been working together over the winter on a service project to make denim blankets for the Bear Clan to distribute to homeless people in Brandon. Over the course of three work bees the ladies finished six denim quilts backed with fleece. We would like to thank Giant Tiger for their generous donation of fleece throws and winter coats.
For the whole world to see Frozen Fire Studios releases an array of local programming online
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
Frozen Fire Studios in Neepawa has broadened the reach of some of its most positive programming.
Earlier this year, our local music and recording studio launched Chat Away Live on Facebook Live.
Originally started during the peak isolation period of COVID-19, Chat Away Live brings together people from across the globe to socialize and discuss a range of topics. The conversations can range from daily activities, family and music, to much deeper subjects such as mental health, trauma, and addiction. Ultimately, it was created to be a supportive and safe place for everyone that needs a break from the negativity.
Jeff Desender of Frozen Fire Studios said the program originally began several years ago on TikTok, but they choose to shift it over to Facebook for a number of reasons.
“We shifted Chat Away Live over to Facebook Live due to the concerns with TikTok in various parts of the world, the complications for the platform in
the American sector was a portion of that decision,” noted Desender. “[As well], we ultimately decided to move it to Facebook Live due to a lot of the initiatives and non-profits that we work with wanted to be able to sit in on some of the livestreams, but didn’t have the ability on that platform. This way it can be shared and engaged in by a wider demographic on a platform with many more years under its belt.”
Beyond the Mask/ Behind the Music
But Chat Away Live is not the only local endeavour to expand globally for Frozen Fire. A television program known as ‘Beyond the Mask,’ which ran for two seasons with WCGTV in Brandon, has now been released on YouTube. Those episodes are in a similar vein to Chat Away Live, discussing matters pertaining to mental health, trauma and addictions.
Desender said they wanted each of these episodes to be available to anyone and everyone who was interested.
Continued on Page 17
Oak Lake rancher awarded producer of the year
By Ken Waddell Farmers’ Advocate
Manitoba Angus Association 2024 Commercial Producer Of The Year: The Sawatsky Ranch
The Sawatsky Ranch is located south-west of the town of Oak Lake. It has always been a family venture beginning in 1930 when our grandfather bought it and our grandmother had a market garden to help support it. Jake and Rosie Sawatsky took over the operation in 1950 and their seven children all participated in agricultural activities.
The five girls have families and live in Manitoba, coming out frequently to make themselves useful.
Dan received a heifer calf from his uncle when he was born, drove tractor at the age of nine, and has been on the place full time since the mid-seventies.
David started by buying a bred heifer from proceeds of his trapline.
He works the first part of the year as a tax professional and the remainder on the ranch.
David’s sons grew up doing chores and working with 4H calves and are part of the labour pool.
Nathanael is studying at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon and working at Heartland Virden while building a cow herd.
Oliver is employed at Brandon Bearing’s rebuild shop.
The operation consists of four sections of owned or rented land, with 10 quarters of pasture, five of hay and one of cropland. The grazing land is divided into four one-bull and one
three-bull pastures with stocking rates of twenty pairs per quarter. Most years cows graze until late November.
Beginning in 1970 there was usually an Angus bull
in the herd, and in 1990 we began buying only Angus bulls. The branding program being developed showed potential and we recognized the calving ease as well as the maternal strength of the breed.
Calving starts in midMarch and is mostly done in six weeks. The calves are sold in mid-October with thirty replacement heifers retained.
We attended 23 consecutive Cattleman Connection sales and have also bought bulls from Stewart Cattle
Co., Ramrod, Youngdale, and the Swindon Ranch.
Manitoba Angus breeders have done an excellent job of developing good cattle which have increased in popularity throughout the years. Manitoba feeder cattle have gained a reputation for quality, and Angus beef is a top tier product.
The above article was written by Dan Sawatsky and taken from the Manitoba Angus Association website.
Nominations for the Commercial Producer of the Year are accepted from the membership each year and are decided on by the board. The winner is presented with their award at an MAA event. Dan, David, Nathanael and Oliver were all able to be at Ag Days 2025 where they were presented with the sign.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
From left to right are Dan, Nathaneal, David, Oliver receiving the Commercial Cattle Producer of the year award for 2024. Presenting the award is Taylor Ginter, Director on the Manitoba Angus Association board.
Ducks Unlimited Canada rewards Manitoba farmers for outstanding agronomy
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has recognized five farms in southwest Manitoba for exemplary techniques in establishing perennial forages.
The winning fields were judged to have the highest plant density, height, diversity and lack of weeds in new acres seeded in 2024 through DUC’s Forage Program. Landowners shared $10,000 in bonus incentives.
“To help make farms more profitable and sustainable, DUC provides programs and incentives for farmers who choose to restore and conserve habitat,” explains Alex Griffiths, lead agrologist for the Forage Program in Manitoba. “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these top producers who increased biodiversity on their land by converting cropland to grass.”
The Top Five In 2024, landowners in DUC’s Forage Program seeded 5,200 acres in southwest Manitoba and received over $750,000 in incentive payments. Among the 47 farms which participated, these five were deemed to have the best establishments:
• Bridgeman Land & Livestock, Rapid City, Man.
• Bill and Nina Cowan, Hartney, Man.
• Ekford Ranch, Rossburn, Man.
• Blaine, Hilary and Van Damme family, Baldur, Man.
• Greg and Pam Wesley, Carroll, Man.
“We truly live in pothole country,” says Blaine van Damme, who operates a mixed grain and cattle farm with his family. “For us, there’s a ridge that’s always disappointing with grain farming so that’s what we wanted to get rid of. We did seed at a heavy rate which, I
think, really does give you a better stand. I watched the DUC video on seeding tips and used all the varieties recommended so there’s lots of different species. And it turned out really well! We appreciate all the help we got from DUC.”
“We were struggling with some sour, salty areas and looking at options to get it back where we wanted and decided to go with grass,” explains Del Cowan, who accepted the Top 5 award with his father Bill. “We did not do a cover crop, but historically, we would have. Based on input from DUC, we didn’t. It turned out pretty good.”
A record of forage success
Farmers use perennial forages to feed livestock but environmental benefits include reducing soil compaction, building organic matter and increasing water-holding capacity. Perennial forages also capture and store more carbon than annual crops, which helps mitigate climate change.
Research shows DUC’s Forage Program is helping bring back declining populations of grassland birds and waterfowl.
The Forage Program is a partnership with Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and funded in part by Manitoba’s Conservation Trust. Participating farmers receive $125 per acre to plant forages with top-up incentives awarded for best agronomic practices. Custom seed mixes and on-farm advice are also offered. The average producer payment in 2024 was $12,500.
“We sowed a NorthStar seed blend at the end of May,” explains Dallas Kominko from Ekford Ranch. “I work for an ag retailer and sell three to four thousand acres of grass seed a year and I preach the importance of putting the seed in the soil without a nurse crop. We went with a real high rate – 17 pounds per acre. We got a good catch. Cut it in mid-August and we had a heck of a regrowth.”
DUC’s Forage Program is offered in all prairie provinces. Introduced in Manitoba in 2015, the program has helped 433 farmers establish 39,000 acres of forage. DUC also funds research into hay establishment practices evaluating variables including seeding rate, use of cover crops and phosphate application.
“DUC is led by science,” explains Griffiths, “and our success with forages is science-backed and field tested.”
To apply for the 2025 crop year or find out more about DUC programs, call Alex Griffiths at 204-8480514 or visit ag.ducks.ca/ programs/manitoba/.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Manitoba Beef Producers concerned for US trade
By
Manitoba Beef Producers believe the threat of tariffs applied to the Canadian Beef industry could be very harmful. MBP General Manager Carson Cowan said in in interview with The Farmers Advocate, “Tariffs would harm the integration of the Canadian and United States beef industry. They would increase prices on both sides of
the border and be detrimental to producers and consumers.”
Carson said, “Feedback from US producers indicates they know the importance of the integration.” Beef is produced, processed and consumed in both countries. Canada exports 50 per cent of live cattle and processed beef and 75 per cent of the exports go to the US. Canadian exports amounted to about $6 billion in 2024
Keystone Agricultural Producers announces hiring of new General Manager
Submitted
KAP Media Release
“Following an extensive recruiting process, I am pleased to announce that our Board of Directors has selected Colin Hornby as the new General Manager of Keystone Agricultural Producers,” said KAP President, Jill Verwey. Hornby has been with KAP since June 2022 in the role of Manager, Communications & Stakeholder Relations. Prior to this, he worked in government at both the provincial and federal levels, serving elected officials and providing strategic advice to senior staff and cabinet
ministers. He also had a previous career working in human resource management.
Hornby is a graduate of the University of Manitoba, where he achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as RRC Polytech where he received a certificate in human resource management.
“I am thrilled to be taking on this new opportunity with KAP,” said Hornby. “Since joining the team in 2022, I have been focused on ensuring KAP lives up to our vision of ensuring a prosperous future for all Manitoba farmers. I look forward to serving them in this new role and
advancing their interests through our continued collaboration and forging of partnerships across the agricultural landscape.”
Plant a seed in your customers’ minds... Put your ad here to cultivate their interest!
Ken Waddell Farmers’ Advocate
NACI Varsity Boys win Zone 7 Basketball title
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
The Neepawa Tigers Varsity Boys are Zone 7 champs, after defeating Minnedosa on Tuesday, Feb. 25, by the score of 82-67. After an even first half of action, Neepawa held on to a slim 39-35 lead. But early in the third quarter, Neepawa scored 10 of the first 12 points, including eight unanswered, to go up 49-37. The teams would exchange chances for the rest of the third, and early portion of the fourth. With just over 4:00 left in the 4th quarter, the Tigers took over, outscoring Minnedosa 12-6, ensure the win and bragging rights. Neepawa was undefeated this year in Zone 7, going 6-0 in the regular season and perfect in the playoffs. This is the third straight year that the Tigers have won Zone 7, allowing them to move on to Provincials. Congrats to Neepawa on another successful season out on the hardwood.
Thanks for supporting the Neepawa Banner & Press
MJHL Standings
Neepawa Titans are playoff bound!
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
For the second straight year, the Neepawa Titans have secured a spot in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s postseason. The team officially earned the honour with an impressive 5-2 win over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Yellowhead Centre.
Game results
Thursday, Feb. 20 Neepawa 5-3 Virden First Period
05:55 NPA M. Hartley (18)
ASST: J. Kohut (8), C. Kasprick (14) 19:36 VDN N. Englot (16) PP ASST: B. Sabel (13), E. Guthrie (15)
03:32 VDN B. Bryant (11) ASST: N. Schaefer (5)
13:30 NPA L. Paquette (8)
ASST: G. MacDonald (6), K. Skrupa (14)
16:22 C. Hegarty (19) PP
ASST: NPA R. Gower (10), C. McLeod (9) Third Period
03:43 NPA J. Clark (6)
ASST: Unassisted
17:32 VDN N. Englot (17)
ASST: T. Dodgson (14)
18:42 NPA D. McCann (12) EN
ASST: Unassisted Scoring 1 2 3 Total PP NPA 1 2
NPA: M. Lobreau (W) - 28/31 saves
L. Morin (L) - 20/24 saves
NA - Tundra Oil & GasPlace
Saturday, Feb. 22 Neepawa 5-2 Wayway
03:34 NPA L. Paquette (9)
(9)
K. Weisgarber (20), M. Hartley (22)
NPA C. Hegarty (20)
T. Tychonick (26), C. McLeod (11)
00:18 WAY C. Hunter (7) PP
J. Grosdidier (21), O. Pringle (14) 08:22 WAY J. Grosdidier (21)
ASST: A. Herring (22), D. Duzan (1)
15:06 NPA C. McLeod (7)
ASST: R. Gower (11), C. Hegarty (20)
17:06 NPA C. Kasprick (12) PP ASST: J. Clark (5), C. Hegarty (21) PP
WAY: L. Morin (L) 25/29 saves NPA: M. Lobreau (W) 28/30 saves Attendance: 340 - Yellowhead Centre
Tuesday, Feb. 25
Neepawa 7-1 Wpg Freeze
First Period
08:48 NPA T. Tychonick (18)
ASST: C. McLeod (12), C. Hegarty (22)
09:01 WPF C. Crutcher (3)
ASST: C. Kingerski (17), S. Dell’Acqua (2)
15:20 C. Kasprick (13)
ASST: T. Wallis (11), M. Hartley (23)
Second Period
09:00 NPA D. Andries (5)
ASST: G. MacDonald (7), K. Skrupa (15)
Third Period
10:25 NPA C. Kasprick (14) PP
ASST: Unassisted
12:08 NPA C. Hegarty (21)
ASST: C. McLeod (13), O. Durigan (1)
13:39 NPA C. Kasprick (15)
ASST: T. Wallis (12), M. Hartley (24)
16:13 NPA C. Hegarty (22)
ASST: C. McLeod (14), T. Tychonick (27)
Scoring
Goaltender
WPF: B. Chornomydz (L) 51/58 saves
NPA: M. Lobreau (W) 22/23 saves
Attendance: 277 - Yellowhead Centre
This win in regulation assured Neepawa at least third place in the MJHL’s West Division. Now with six games left in the season, Neepawa hopes to surpass the Northern Manitoba Blizzard in the standings and secure themselves home-ice advance in their first round series.
Back to the game against Waywayseecappo, Neepawa took the lead early on, off of a great one man effort from Logan Paquette. In the second, Neepawa took advantage of an extended power-play (more on that later) with Talen Lewis and Caden Hearty scoring goals
For the third, the Wolverines clawed back with two consecutive goals, before the Titans replied with two more of their own within the last five minutes of regulation. It was Carter McLeod and Cooper Kasprick who picked up these goals to seal the win. This result improved Neepawa’s record to 26-19-2-3 on the season.
That’s (at least) a suspension!
Perhaps even more impressive than the win for Neepawa was the composure the entire team showed during the game, after what some people might describe as a shameful non-hockey incident which occurred early in the second period.
Just six-seconds into the period, Wolverines forward Xander Mecas threw a pair of punches at the nearest
Club 55 Bowling
The Neepawa Titans celebrate a goal, a win and
Titans player. After the Titan was knocked down, Mecas proceeded with three additional unguarded punches before the officials were able to step in. Mecas, who has played just 12 games this year for Waywayseecappo and contributed all of a single point in that span, was tossed from the game.
These actions have also resulted in an indefinite league wide suspension for Mecas. This incident was likely in retaliation to a first period penalty against Neepawa. Midway through the opening frame, Logan Paquette was assessed a game misconduct for head contact on a Wayway player. He served a one game suspension for the play.
After the game, Titans centre Caden Hegarty, who had a three point night (1 goal - 2 assists) and was named the game’s first star, discussed the second period incident. He said it would have been easy to just retaliate, but that the coaching staff was able to reel in that emotion.
“Seeing a couple of guys go down to honestly some dirty plays, you just want to get them back. But, that’s not the best way to win and we got more important things to do than just beat up on Wayway. We needed to get a win and keep going this season. So, [the coaches] talked to us about channeling that energy to put into the scoreboard. And I think we did,” said Hegarty. As for the success achieved by the team these last two years, Hegarty said it’s something all the players are glad to be a part of.
“The group we had last year was a good group and
obviously making the playoffs was great, but now we want to achieve a bit more. We just want to keep that going, this year and not just making the playoff, we want to win something.”
Neepawa followed up on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with an impressive 7-1 win over the Winnipeg Freeze. Team captain Cooper Kasprick, who was playing his 150th game in the MJHL with the Titans, scored a hat-trick in the victory. He was also named the game’s first star.
a place in the MJHL playoffs, during their 5-2 win over the Waywayseecappo Wolverines on Saturday, Feb. 22.
It’s win or go home time for the Neepawa Farmers
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The Neepawa Farmers are on the brink of elimination in the Tiger Hills Hockey League playoffs, after dropping a pair of games to the Killarney Shamrocks.
The first defeat was a 7-1 result at the Shamrock Centre in Killarney, on Friday, Feb. 22. Shane Byram scored the lone goal for Neepawa, with Ethan Winters and Dillon Birch assisting on the play. Killarney, meanwhile, was led by five point performances from Ty Enns (3 goals - 2 assists) and Colton Miller (1G - 4A). Other Shamrock scorers were former Neepawa Titan Rylan Gudnason (2G - 2 A) and Colton Miller, who played his junior hockey with the Virden Oil Caps.
The next game was on Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Yellowhead Centre. Unfortunately, the change in venue did not change the end result, with Killarney
winning 7-2. Gudnason (2G -1A) and Enns (1G -2A) once again contributed multipoint efforts, while Jesse Bernard chipped in a pair of goals. Myles Willerton and Garett Rempel scored for Neepawa.
Game three in this bestof-five series will be played Feb. 28 in Cartwright.
Minnedosa/Rivers series tied
The East Division series between the Minnedosa Bombers and Rivers Jets could go the distance, as the teams have split the first two games. Rivers dominated in game one, winning 5-0. Former MJHLer Dylan Thiessen scored twice for the Jets, while Josh Elmes, who spent five seasons in the ECHL, also had a two point performance. Joben Smith also scored twice for Rivers.
Game two was much closer, and ended in a more positive way for Minnedosa, as they won in overtime 2-1. Wes Lewis, a 17-season veteran, who’s time with the
NACI Tigers dominate Major Pratt Trojans
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
The Neepawa Tigers simply steamrolled over the Major Pratt Trojans recently in Westman High School hockey action, winning 9-1. The Tigers outshot Major Pratt 58-18 over the course of the game, which was played at the Yellowhead Centre on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Bombers, stretches back to their North Central League days, scored both goals. Matt Saler, another mainstay of Minnedosa hockey (2009-present) assisted on each goal as well. If these two ever decide to hang up the sweaters and call it a career, the locals should perhaps consider putting those numbers up in the rafters for what they done all these year representing their community.
Back to the series, game
three will be in Rivers on Feb. 28 and game four returns to Minnedosa for Mar. 1. Both those games have 7:30 p.m. start times. Game five, if needed, will be on Mar. 2 in Rivers and has opening face-of set for 8:00 p.m.
Meanwhile in the West Division semi-finals, the Virden Oil Kings swept the Melita Bisons 3-game-to-0 and the Hartney Blues lead the Boissevain Border Kings 2-game-to-0.
Cohen Kulbacki collected six points on the night, with a goal and five assists, while Ian Foster and Wyatt Njegovan each contributed a pair of goals and an assist. Kellen Hockin (1 goal - 1 assist) Carter Cruickshanks (1G -1A), James North, and Chase Pasloski also scored.
Goaltender Jase Eros picked up the win for Neepawa.
Neepawa returned to the ice on Sunday, Feb. 23 against the league’s
best club, the undefeated (32-0-0) Vincent Massey Vikings. Unfortunately for us, the Vikings remained perfect on the year, defeating the Tigers 8-2. Neepawa put forth a solid effort, but just could not keep pace over the course of 60 minutes. Luke Nicholson and Wyatt Njegovan scored for the Tigers. These recent results put Neepawa’s record on the year at 20-8-3, with just one regular season game remaining on the schedule, versus the R.G.G. Raiders on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The results for that contest were finalized just after the Banner & Press publication deadline. Those details from the final game, as well as the playoff schedule will appear in the next edition of the Banner & Press.
Neepawa Golf & Country Club holds its AGM
By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press
2024 was pretty much par for the course for the Neepawa Golf & Country Club (NGCC). The club held its annual general meeting at the Neepawa Curling Club on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to inform members of what was accomplished and what they’re setting out to do in 2025.
Board president Warren McLeod noted that, for the most part, the Club very much moved in the right direction last year. He said the completion of several major upgrades, both at the clubhouse and out on the course over the last several years have them in a solid position for the future. He added the installation of the new irrigation system, in particular, is a huge project they’re very happy to have completed.
A closer look at the financials
After McLeod’s opening statement, he passed the meeting on to Craig Johnston, who went over the
financial statements for the year.
The total revenue for 2024 was $616,563, which was $10,205 less than the previous year. That decrease can be explained away, however, as Neepawa Golf had received a one time grant in 2023 of $10,000 to improved accessibility at the Country Club.
As for the largest increases to revenue last year, that came from cart rentals (+ $19,001 year-over-year), followed closely by memberships (+ $17,443).
Expenses, meanwhile, rose yearover-year, going from $602,012 to $612,137. Those combined results meant the NGCC saw a net positive for the year of $4,426.
One special bit of revenue
There is one other item, however, that has had a major impact upon NGCC’s financial statements in 2024. The Club made $165,000 in income from its ‘golf cart lease recovery’. In layman’s terms, that is referring to the sale of Neepawa Golf’s old carts.
While that extra $165,000 does technically make the net income for
the year $169,426, it is being used to subsidize the previous purchase of 35 new E-Z Go Golf Carts.
General manager’s report General manager and CPGA head golf professional Landon Cameron spoke next, reporting that there were 274 full members of the Club in 2024. As well, participation in the Sandy Bay Associate membership was also up slightly, with 685 rounds play.
Green fees were down last year, but that was due to a tough spring. The weather not being great early in the season, combined with the installation of the new irrigation system, were contributing factors.
Tournaments, both external and internal hosted by NGCC, were very well supported. Cameron added that they were looking to keep the majority of the same tournaments going for next golf season, and possibly looking into adding some new ones.
He also informed members that Neepawa have been approached by Golf Manitoba about hosting the 2026 Senior Men’s Provincial
Championship. This year’s event, along with the Women’s Senior is being held at Glendale Golf in Winnipeg in mid-August.
Neepawa is also scheduled to host the Canadian Prairie Classic Junior Championship in 2026.
One other particular highlight that Cameron spotlighted was the increased interest in the Ladies Night Golf initiative.
“One of the brightest spots on I found [in 2024] was our Ladies Night. It was a new addition to the mix. Joanne Freeman, Candace Newton, Britton Nugent and Karla Hackewich took over the planning of the nightly games this season and helped promote the Wednesday night. Our numbers of new golfers increased dramatically. They did a fantastic job of rejuvenating our Wednesday night ladies program. There’s lots of new ladies coming out Wednesday nights, which only makes the future of our club stronger,” stated Cameron.
The local junior program has also strengthened its number, as Cameron said every year has more kids playing, which is better for
everyone moving forward.
Superintendent’s report Mark Kerkowich said 2024 was a pretty good year overall, with the irrigation project being a big part of that.
“It’s a huge improvement, makes my life easier. It makes everybody’s life a lot easier. So it’s gone well. There are just a few tweaks to kind of get it tied up and running at 100 per cent [for this year], but at 90 per cent it’s heck a lot better than what we used to have.”
Kerkowich also shared that the Cottonwoods located just behind the #10 green must come down. Meanwhile, the #6 green has been getting worse over the last few years, with failed drainage and sinking. A reconstruction began last fall, with the improvements planned to continue in the spring. Weather permitting, it should be completely renovated with better drainage in place by mid-July, New projects coming up this year include reseeding the Blue Tee at #15 and a resod of the Ladies tee on #9.
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
The Neepawa Farmers hosted Killarney in Game two of their best-of-five East Division Series on Sunday, Feb. 23. Killarney won that game 7-2.
Classifieds
Thank You
Thank you to Dr. Sonoiki and all staff for the excellent care. Carolyn Kohinski
Auctions
Meyers Auctions & Appraisals. Call Brad at 368-2333. www.meyersauctions.com
Obituary
Jean Kathleen Alice Morley nee Bowbrick
Jean was born in Cranleigh England on April 11, 1928, to Charles and Alice Bowbrick. Jean had three siblings: Sid, Margaret and Hilda. In 1945 Jean married Private Mervin Edwin Morley and they moved to Manitoba where they started their family. Together they had seven children. Joan (Steve), Joyce (August), Gwen (Niel), Arnold, Marion (Roy), Kathleen (b./d.1967), Ken (Lesley) who grew up in Riding
Jean enjoyed several return trips to England over the years to visit with her family and friends. Jean loved England and especially enjoyed sharing her adventures there with her 10 grandchildren through stories, pictures and gifts from her trips.
Jean leaves to remember her children Gwen, Arnold, Marion, Ken, Lesley, ten grandchildren and their spouses/ partners, eleven great grandchildren, extended family and friends in Manitoba as well as England.
“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.”
Hans Helin Andersen, born on 02 June 1921 in Tyndall, Manitoba passed peacefully on 12 Feb 2025 in Burnaby, British Columbia. He was 103 years, 8 months, and 10 days old.
The son of immigrants from Denmark and Finland, Hans grew up near Tyndall, in Winnipeg, and around the Woodside area in Manitoba with his parents and younger brother Nels. His four older siblings all left home by the time Hans was 10 years old, though they would often return home to visit.
A member of the Greatest Generation, Hans learned hard work and survival from his parents. Hans’ family struggled in Tyndall so around 1929 at the beginning of the Great Depression they moved to Winnipeg. They rented a small house, shared with another family, but the store they ran was not successful in these hard times. In 1932 they sold everything for two horses, a wagon, and a plow and moved to the Nora School district in the Woodside area. At the beginning of World War 2, in 1939, Hans’ two older brothers, Kristian and Diver, joined the Army in Vancouver. Returning home to the Yukon from his recruitment process, Diver was killed in an airplane crash, and Hans lost his first brother.
Hans joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles on 25 June 1940 at the age of 19. He conducted his final training in Halifax before deploying to the United Kingdom on 28 August 1941. There, he changed units to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada to be with his older brother, Kristian. He partook in the invasion of Sicily and Italy. He was stricken with malaria and was evacuated to north Africa to have his appendix removed, then returned to duty in Italy. His brother Kristian was wounded and sent home. Hans was taken prisoner by the Germans on 23 May 1944 during the battle to break the Hitler Line north of Cassino, Italy. He was moved north to Germany where he remained a Prisoner of War in Stalag 7A until he was liberated and listed as safe in the United Kingdom on 16 May of 1945. During his 11 months in captivity, Hans’ brother Nels was killed in action when his Halifax Bomber aircraft crashed in Germany on 21 Feb 1945. Hans had lost his second brother, and one whom he was very close to. Hans returned to Canada after the war and release from the Army on 29 September 1945. Hans moved back to Woodside and took over the family farm from his parents who retired to Vancouver in 1948. Hans married Thelma Sneesby on 6 November 1948. They spent a few months in Vancouver, then returned to the Nora farm. In November of 1952, with their three young daughters: Darlene, Helen, and Judith, they moved closer to Thelma’s parents where they established their Woodside farm. This move changed the struggle from dry wind, dust, and flies to Spring flooding. At their new
Classified Ad Deadline: Tuesday Noon
• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines
• Please check your ad when first published the Neepawa Banner & Press will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.
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Personal
Crisis Pregnancy Centre Winnipeg: Need to talk? Call our free help line, 1-800-6650570 or contact our Westman office: 204-727-6161
Notice
Alanon meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa - Old Co-op Store. Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call 204-841-2192
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa, Thursdays at 7 pm. Call Don 204-856-9072 or Debbi 204352-4065
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
Notice
Neepawa Banner & Press offers full research and re-print services from our archives that go back to 1896. Additional copies of papers, $2 each depending on availability. Re-print of a page from past copies, $2 per page. Archival research, $25 per hour with a $10 minimum. Individual photos on photo paper $5 depending if we have a suitable original in our digital, print or photo archives. Ken Waddell, publisher
For Sale or Rent
Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson's 204-385-2685, 204-3852997 Gladstone
For Rent
Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419
Coming Events
Danish Music Award winner musicians, Gangspil, Live experience rich in humor and stories. Gladstone 55+ Drop-in Centre, 7 pm Mar 3. Tickets available at local businesses or at the door.
Coming Events
All word classifieds must be
before printing
Notice
It’s not too late to start your high school courses. Minnedosa ALC’s March course registrations start Mon. March 3rd. Contact Val Gawel in Room 2 of the Minnedosa Collegiate 74 Armitage Ave. Phone: 204-867-2519 or email alc@ rrsd.mb.ca
Thank You
Thank you
The Kreutzer Family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care and support given to Bernard provided by Pastor Vosper, Dr. Poettcker, nurses and staff at the Neepawa Hospital. Your compassion, expertise, and commitment to providing exceptional care is greatly appreciated during this challenging time. Thank you to our family and friends for the love and support you provided in so many ways, from flowers, phone calls, cards and meals.
Thank you for walking alongside us during Bernard’s illness and for providing comfort and joy to Bernard. He loved every visit, phone call and time spent together, and we appreciate everyone who travelled near and far to visit him and our family.
6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Access the presentation via link on the Rolling River School Division (RRSD) website homepage https://www.rrsd.mb.ca/
A summary of the proposed budget will be available on the RRSD website by February 28, 2025 links as follows:
Governance - Budget/Finance - Upcoming Budget
TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
Kindergarten Registration for the 2025 Fall Term
will be held during the regular school hours between March 3 and March 28, 2025 at the following schools:
Alonsa School Tele # 204-767-2168
Glenella School Tele # 204-352-4253
Ste. Rose School Tele # 204-447-2088 McCreary School Tele # 204-835-2083
farm, they would have one more daughter, Caroline, and their son, Calvin. As a pioneer famer, Hans was a tradesman in multiple skills, many of them self-taught like welding and black smithing, building his own forge and fabricating farm implements. Their farming practices changed over the years from pigs to cattle then eventually grain. Their children would grow up and leave the farm so in 1982, Hans and Thelma sold it and retired to Gladstone, Manitoba.
Hans was an active member of his community, including a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He worked on the local ambulance. He enjoyed square dancing, curling, bird carving, and gardening. He also enjoyed road trips across western Canada to visit family and explore the country. His wife Thelma passed on 22 November 1995.
Hans moved to Penticton, British Columbia in June of 1996 where he met Midge Carroll. Hans moved to Coquitlam, British Columbia on 09 December 1996, where Midge lived, and they married on 26 December 1996. He would continue to square dance and travel and enjoy his well-earned retirement with Midge and his new family.
Hans and Midge moved to Maple Ridge, British Columbia in 2010 where he remained an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, placing the Prisoner of War memorial wreath every year at the Remembrance Day ceremony until age 101, when he was unable to physically attend the ceremonies.
Hans is predeceased by his first wife Thelma Emeline née Sneesby and second wife Marie (Midge) Helene née Walker, formerly Carroll. He is also pre-deceased by his parents Hans Peter Andersen and Hulda Karolina nee Hellén, Luhtaa, his siblings: Ingeborg Lucy Judith Helen Walmsley (formerly Leach, and before Halford), Kristian Hellin, Doiva (Diver) Hellin, Marie Fanny Helga Hellien Hatfield (formerly Nilson), twins Fritz and Hans (died in infancy), and Nels Peter Helin. Hans is also predeceased by his son-in-law Ken Hook. Hans was the only child of Hans Peter and Hulda to have children. Hans is survived by his children Darlene and her husband John Brown and their children Lisa and Jason and one grandchild, Helen and her husband Henry Kopp and their three children Kerry, Christopher, and Tarin and four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Judith and Guy Comeault and their child Michelle and her two children, Caroline and Ian Chapman and their two children Michael and Stuart, Calvin and his two children Leah and Hans, and one grandchild, and Penney Hook and her two children Robert (Bob) and James (Jim) and four grandchildren.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Hans’ name to the Royal Canadian Legion.
Details regarding his celebration of life will be posted at a later date. Please check Clarke’s Funeral Home website for details in May 2025 for a likely early June date. Clarke’s Funeral Home Gladstone/MacGregor www.clarkesfuneralhome.com
With love and thanks, The Kreutzer Family Donna, Harold & Mary, Jamie & Joy and our families
Obituary
Helen Muirhead (nee Graham) Helen Muirhead (nee Graham) of Carberry Manitoba, entered into rest February 11, 2025 at the age of 81 years with her family by her side. Predeceased by her parents Bert and Helen Graham, her brothers in law Bev McConnell, Norm Wyborn and Virgilio Fabbro, as well her sister in law Lois Fabbro, and her grandson Dale Jerome (Jenna). Helen is survived by her loving husband and best friend Clayton Muirhead of 64 years.
Daughter Karen (Rob), Granddaughters Jenna (Dave) Jordanna, Ashlyn. Brittney (Sean). Grandson Taylor (Toni). Son Ray (Lorna), Erica (Chris), Madison, Kendall (Kelsen). Sisters Marg Wyborn and Shirley McConnell. Nephew Darcy Fabbro, numerous nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in Somerville, Manitoba, holding numerous jobs at the bank, Telephone office, government, paralegal etc in Carberry and Brandon. She also drove a grain truck and help with various farming duties for Wallace Marshall. She was a very dedicated and hard worker! She was active in bowling and curling in her younger years as well she had a great fondness for her flower gardens and yard work and cooking, to which she handed down to her daughter and grandchildren. Helen had a great love of animals, always having a dog or cat. She leaves to miss her, Rio her dog. Helen played a significant role in the construction and overseeing of two seniors complexes in Carberry Manitoba, Marshall Memorial Centre and Marshall Place she was very dedicated and also contributed 20 plus years as manager, caretaker.
In later years, mom and dad liked to go for drives and out for supper and coffee, mom also enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and her small projects around the house as she was quite handy with carpentry, electrical and plumbing always tackling some projects, lots of laughs.
Mom you will be greatly missed by all whom new her. Rest peacefully mom until we meet again….. see you on the other side.
We are once again proud to offer a Full-Time Kindergarten Program. All children born on or before December 31, 2020 are eligible to register. To register you will need to bring your child’s Manitoba Health PHIN# and one of the following: Birth Certificate, Baptismal certificate, Certificate of live birth, Health card or Statutory declaration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call your school today.
TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
École
Laurier French Immersion
Inscription à la maternelle Kindergarten Registration
L’inscription à la maternelle à temps plein aura lieu du 3 mars au 28 mars, 2025.
Tous les enfants qui sont nés avant le 31 décembre, 2020 sont admissibles. Veuillez apporter à l’école, votre carte d’immatriculation ainsi qu’un des suivants : le certificat de naissance de votre enfant, le certificat de baptême, une déclaration de naissance vivante ou une déclaration solennelle. Nous sommes une école d`immersion française, la pré-maternelle à la 8ième année, et nous offrons une excellente éducation dans les deux langues officielles.
Full Time French Immersion Kindergarten registration will take place from March 3 to March 28, 2025.
All children born on or before December 31, 2020 are eligible to register. To register you will need to bring in your child’s Manitoba Health PHIN# and one of the following: Birth Certificate, Baptismal certificate, Certificate of live birth, Health card or Statutory declaration. We are a Jr. K-8 French Immersion school and provide an excellent education in both official languages.
École Laurier Laurier, Manitoba 204-447-2068
Thank you for reading the
Hans Helin Andersen
Help Wanted
FOODS
Industrial Plant Cleaner (NOC 65312)
Why join our team?
HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 10 positions.
The current starting wage is $22.20/hour with incremental increases to $23.55/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement Quick Facts:
• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world
• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant
• 2500+ employees worldwide
• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment
What we can offer you:
• Competitive Wage
• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement
• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan
• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)
• PM Shift
• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Employee Referral program - $500!
• Free parking
• Company events
• And more!!!! Your duties may include:
• Cleaning and sanitizing butcher and slaughter production areas and everything in between to ensure top-quality food safety standards.
• Operating cleaning equipment like high-pressure hoses to clean production equipment.
• Using cleaning chemicals with respect and following Material Safety Data Sheets.
• Ensuring all Quality Assurance checks are performed.
• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility.
• Collaborating as a team to meet tight deadlines, ensuring production floors operate on time.
We are looking for people who are:
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and climbing.
• Available to work an 8-hour Night Shift from MondayFriday, between 11:15 PM to 9:00 AM
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time
• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in sanitation, or industrial cleaning, or heavy-duty cleaning
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Able to effectively communicate in English
• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement
HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.
Ways to apply: Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393
H yL ife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.
Be a part of the HyLife experience
– your journey starts here!
We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted
FOODS
Hog Receiving Barn Worker (NOC85100)
Why join our team?
HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 5 positions.
The current starting wage is $19.25/hour with incremental increases to $20.55/hour based on tenure
Quick Facts:
• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world
• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant
• 2500+ employees worldwide
• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment
What we can offer you:
• Competitive Wage
• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation
• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan
• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)
• PM Shift Premium
• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Employee Referral program - $500!
• Free parking
• Company events
• And more!!!!
Your duties may involve:
• Receiving and unloading hog deliveries.
• Sorting hogs into appropriate receiving pens.
• Ensuring humane and safe handling of hogs in our facility.
• Completing hog receiving documents to CFIA standards.
• Scraping trailers.
• Working outdoors and in a barn environment.
To excel in this role, you should possess:
• Respect for animal welfare, food safety, and workplace safety. Understanding of animal behavior
• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience working with livestock
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and crawling
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks
• Able to effectively communicate in English
• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement
HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.
Ways to apply:
Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com |
In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393
HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.
Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!
We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted
Municipality of WestLake-Gladstone Employment Opportunity
Public Works Labourer - Seasonal
Start Date: April 2, 2025 End Date: October 31, 2025
To apply or for further information such as salary range, benefits, etc. please visit www.westlake-gladstone.ca/p/employment-opportunitiesDeadline to apply is March 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.
FOODS
Industrial Butcher (NOC 94141)
Why join our team?
HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 150 positions.
The current starting wage is $16.45/hour with incremental increases to $24.60/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement
Quick Facts:
• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world
• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant
• 2500+ employees worldwide
• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment
What we can offer you:
• Competitive Wage
• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement
• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan
• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)
• PM Shift Premium
• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression
• Employee Referral program - $500!
• Free parking
• Company events
• And more!!!!
Your duties may include:
• Slaughter, eviscerate, and mark hogs for further processing;
• Debone edible parts and remove inedible organs for parts;
• Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further processing, cutting, or packaging for local, national, and international premium markets.
We are looking for people who are:
• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role
• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time
• Open to working in colder/warmer environments
• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in meat cutting or slaughter or completed a program in Industrial Meat cutting
• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience
• Able to effectively communicate in English
HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.
Ways to apply:
Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com |
In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0
For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393
HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.
Be a part of the HyLife experience
– your journey starts here!
We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted
Farmland for sale by owner in the RM of Rosedale. SE34 17 15W. 154.5
The RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ROSEDALE Is inviting tenders for the gravel crushing. Refer to MERX or contact our office for tender. admin@rmrosedale.com • 204-476-5414
The RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF ROSEDALE Is inviting tenders for the application of gravel to municipal roads in 2025. Please contact our office for a complete tender package. admin@rmrosedale.com • 204-476-5414
TURTLE RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
invites applications for Kindergarten Here I Come Instructor April 2025 - June 2025
Applications close at noon on Friday, March 14, 2025. For more information
Contact Bev Szymesko (204) 835-2067 Submit letter of application and resume to: bevs@trsd.ca or Bev Szymesko, Superintendent Turtle River School Division, Box 309, McCreary, MB R0J 1B0 Phone 835-2067, Fax 835-2426 Turtle River welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations may be available upon request. All applications are appreciated, only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Successful candidates must complete a Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry check.
NOTICES
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. mcna.com.
URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/ HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www. mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.
NEED CLASS 1 DRIVERS? SEASONAL HIRING? SELLING SOMETHING?
‘Behind The Music’ highlights local bands
Continued from Page 8
Help Wanted
Neepawa Dental
is currently seeking a
Registered Dental Hygienist
We are a small, locally owned practice in a freshly renovated space.
Benefits include:
- Competitive Wage ($50-55/hr)
- Flexible schedule - work anywhere from 1-5 days a weekwhatever suits your schedule! No evenings or weekends required
- In-house dental plan
- Scrubs provided
- CPR training provided
- Reimbursement for licence fees
- Signing bonus/moving allowance available for more information e-mail: danieljzettler@gmail.com or text/call: 204-803-0402.
We are hiring!
We have a new opportunity to highlight:
Instructor, ECE (Early
Childhood Education)
School of Health & Human Services Full-Time, Terms (March 10/25, to Aug 8/25) Competition #81-24/25 Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba Classification: Instructor
Salary: $63,431 to $97,078 annually ($33.65 to $51.50 hourly) (Educational Supplement: Masters $1.52/hour; PhD $3.03/hour)
As an Instructor in our Early Childhood Education program, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of ECE education. Reporting to the Chairperson or Program Coordinator, you will develop and deliver curricula, evaluate student performance, and engage in various administrative functions. You will also support college promotion, student recruitment, student placement, and industry liaison.
For more information, please visit www.assiniboine.net/careers.
Assiniboine welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, persons of all abilities, members of visible minorities, all genders and sexual orientations, and all other groups protected by the Human Rights Code.
Assiniboine College is privileged to provide learning opportunities on the lands of the Dakota Oyate, Nakoda Oyate, Ininiwak, Nehethowak, Nehiyawak, Anishininewuk, Denesuline, Anishinaabeg, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
For accommodations or alternative formats, contact careers@assiniboine.net or 204 725 8729.
If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to Competition #81-24/25 to: careers@assiniboine.net
We thank you for your interest. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Announcement
“We decided to take it back to home grounds due to paywalls, service restrictions for some, which takes away from our purpose of doing the show. We didn’t do it to make money or help anyone else profit from it either, even though we understand costs associated with design, production and what it takes to go into making each episode. We do the show to showcase how many different individuals from all aspects of life have trials and tribulations in their lives and that no one is every alone in their struggles.”
But it’s not all serious topics for Frozen Fire, as the business is first and foremost about music; more specifically local music.
A project known as ‘Behind The Music’ is highlighting local bands, industry professionals, and venues from all over Manitoba. That goes in depth to discuss their inspirations and goals within the music industry and spotlight upcoming releases or concerts.
All three project from Frozen Fire Studios can be found online. Chat Away Live is held weekly on the businesses Facebook stream (@FFireStudios), while Beyond The Mask and Behind The Music release new episodes monthly on YouTube. Anyone interested in learning more, or being a guest on one of the programs can contact frozenfirestudios@outlook.com to learn more.
SERVICES GUIDE
Classified ad deadline Tuesday noon
Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.
A busy time for Expressive Dance
Members of Expressive Dance with Crystal, who performed at the Neepawa Care Home late last month. This was just one of a series of events that have kept the dance studio and dancers busy recently!
Pictured,
Front
Expressive Dance with Crystal has been buzzing with activity recently. Medal tests were held in the studio on Thursday, Feb. 13 under the examination of Karen Baird. Baird is assocaiated with the Scottish Dance Teachers’ Alliance, travelling all the way from Scotland to oversee the tests!
In all, 21 dancers completed a total of 68 exams. Some exams included three dances, as well as demonstrating techniques. Additionally, many dancers completed up to four exams.
Included in the exams were Highland dance, Scottish Nationals, Irish Jig, choreographies and theory. The dance studio noted that everyone was successful and all theory participants received top honours. According to the information provided, the marking system was: “Dance Stars up to Preliminary receive Achieved, Pre-Bronze up to Award 6 receive Pass, Pass Plus, Commended, Commended Plus and Highly Commended.”
Crystal Scott said, “Several dancers received Commended Plus and Highly Commented for their hard work. [I’m so proud of my]
dancers as they continue to set goals and strive to keep reaching new achievements.”
Congratulations to all on their successful exams.
Scottish Pavillion
Prior to the Medal Tests, 21 dancers also participated in the Scottish Pavilion held at the Victoria Inn, located in Brandon, on Saturday, Feb. 8.
The Expressive Dance with Crystal Highland dancers performed three dance sets. According to the studio, these dance sets showcased “the diversity of these traditional dances and unique choreographies.”
The participating dancers hailed from Erickson, Lake Audy, Shoal Lake, Strathclir, Gladstone, McCreary, Minnedosa and Brandon.
Robbie Burns Day
Also on the docket for the dance studio, and its dancers, was an entertaining performance for the residents of the Country Meadows Personal Care Home on Jan. 25, 2025 on Robbie Burns Day.
To participate in the day’s performance, the dancers travelled from Shoal Lake, Gladstone, McCreary, Minnedosa and Brandon.
Kiwanis Club coming to Neepawa
When the phrase “It takes a village...” is brought up, it often evokes imagery of healthy communities going above and beyond for the overall good, or in another word, service. This word is at the heart of every Kiwanis club. Kiwanis members stage more than 152,000 service projects, devote more than seven million hours of service and raise nearly $390 million for communities, families and projects. Key Club members pitch in 12 million hours of service each year, and CKI members add another 500,000 hours. Aktion Club members donate another 92,000 hours of service every year to communities. Add it all up and that’s more than 19 million hours of service every year, but that number will be a little higher if Kiwanis International representative, Kendra Morris has anything to say about it.
Kiwanis International is traveling
to Neepawa during the week of Apr. 7 with the hopes of starting a new chapter of Kiwanis to help benefit the city. They will be meeting with interested community members to help share valuable information to develop impactful service opportunities as they work to launch this new community service club. The team will be calling and making appointments with schools, business leaders and individuals and will be able to meet with anyone who is interested in the organization or has questions.
The Kiwanis Defining Statement is “Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.” Their focus is children, and it is stated on their website that a Kiwanian, on average, impacts the lives of hundreds of children each year.
Kiwanis International has been around since January 21, 1915…110 years and is in 85 nations. It has been actively engaged with the Aktion Club
Letter:‘Carney needs to come clean’
Continued from Page 5
Then there’s Carney’s troubling secrecy around his financial interests. He’s avoided being transparent about his ties to Brookfield, a company he led while also overseeing the decision to move its headquarters from Canada to New York City. Before he takes the reins of the country, Carney needs to come clean. Canadians deserve to know if he’s using the office of the Prime Minister to further enrich himself. He must reveal the full scope of his financial interests, including his compensation from Brookfield and his current role in the firm. If he’s going to ask us to trust him, he has to earn that trust by being honest.
But perhaps the most concerning thing about Carney is his willingness to play both sides. He says one thing in English, and something entirely different in French. When he was asked about pipelines, Carney told English-speaking Canadians that he would use federal emergency powers to build them. But when asked the same question in French, he promised never to build a pipeline against Quebec’s will. This is the kind of sneaky double-speak we cannot afford in our leaders. We need someone who will make decisions based on what’s best for all of Canada—not pander to one group over another. Carney has also shown his true colours when it comes to fiscal responsibility. Last week, he introduced a troubling “accounting trick” to hide billions of dollars in new Liberal spending. Instead of being transparent about government debt, he wants to put it on two different credit cards to make it look like there’s less spending. It’s a deceptive plan that only benefits the government, while Canadians are left paying the price through higher taxes and inflation. Mark Carney may try to present himself as the solution to Canada’s economic woes, but we can’t afford to let him sneak into power. He’s been part of the problem for years, and his plans for the future will only hurt Canadians more. Before we trust him with the country’s future, Carney needs to come clean about his intentions, his finances, and his contradictory statements. It’s time for the truth.
Levi Cottingham Birtle, MB
(adults with disabilities), CKI (college and university students), Key Club (high school students), Builders Club (middle school students), and K-Kids (elementary school students). Kiwanis helps meet the needs of children in local communities and around the world by raising money, awarding grants, and providing resources to clubs and members. Members also support Young Children Priority One (From Pregnancy to age five), BUGS (Bringing Up Grades), Terrific Kids (Character Development), and Key Leader (Leadership Retreat for Teens ages 14-18) Programs.
If you are interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club coming to the Neepawa area, a community kick off meeting will be held on Thursday, Apr. 10, 2025, at Arts Forward, 293 Mountain Avenue at 7:00pm. Kendra Morris is also available by email at: kmorris@kiwanis.org or by phone at +1-740-357-5720.
Banner Staff Neepawa Banner & Press
SUBMITTED PHOTO
back row (left to right): Brinley Marnock, Emily Warwaruk, Scarlett Watson, Samantha Gooden, MacKenzie Cole, Heather Gooden, Sophia Cliplef, Cearan Scott, Crystal Scott (instructor), Clara Johnson, Blaire Luhowy and Jocelyn Zalluski.
row: Camryn Konsorada, Annie Birch, Matthew Gooden, Isla Watson and Lucy Johnson.
to Watch the Eclipse
Schinkel,
Work with a family member to make an eclipse at home. Flashlight or a desk lamp
Time (PDT): 11:26 p.m. (March 13)–12:31 a.m. (March 14)
One person holds the basketball, which represents Earth.
Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT): 10:26 p.m.–11:31 p.m. (March 13)
Hawaii Standard Time (HST): 8:26
Another person holds the baseball, representing the moon.
In a dark room, point the light at the basketball.
The person holding the baseball moves it into the shadow of the basketball. That’s a total lunar eclipse!
Tyler works as an Account Manager on the Agriculture and Business side at Stride Credit Union. He has been in the industry since 2017, working in Carberry and the Central Plains area.
Tyler was born and raised in Portage la Prairie and is now raising his family here. He grew up spending countless hours at the rink, playing for Central Plains Capitals and then the Portage Terriers of the MJHL. These experiences have led to many connections throughout Manitoba and across Canada for Tyler.
As an Account Manager, his role is to take a holistic approach to servicing our Agricultural & Commercial membership base. This includes commercial lending, account management, and assisting with payment solutions for our members.
Credit Unions are different than the big banks and Stride is no exception. Connection is important to Tyler and our whole team and he enjoys the community and relationship-based approach that the Stride team takes with our membership.
Are you looking to move your Ag or Business account to Stride Credit Union? Get in touch with Tyler or any of our other amazing Account Managers and experience the exceptional service that Stride has to offer.
Call us at 877-228-2636, email contactus@stridecu.ca or visit stridecu.ca.
