March 6, 2015 Neepawa Banner

Friday, March 6, 2015 • Vol.26 No.20 • Neepawa, Manitoba

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HOME HARDWARE FIRE :

Blaze destroys store, apartments Pages 2, 9, 10, 11

Cultivating the love of reading

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEN HANKE

On Tuesday, Mar. 3, members of the Neepawa Natives hockey club went to Hazel M. Kellington school to participate in I Love to Read Month. The campaign is geared towards getting students excited about reading. One of the players, defensemen Sam Stormoen (pictured) read to the kids and also helped around the classroom. Turn to page 3 for more information.

2 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

The start of a long process

Turn to pages 10 and 11 for more coverage of the Feb. 25 fire

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson The Neepawa Banner

A

lmost a week after the fire, Neepawa Home Hardware owner Pat Guilbert has a long road ahead of him. On Wednesday evening, he watched the store he bought in September 2008, and expanded since then, burn. Like the tenants, he too long irreplaceable items in the fire.

About 13 people were employed by the store and Guilbert said that making sure that they were looked after was his primary concern. The next step is to look after the store. “It’s just a process, we have to go through everything. It’s day-by-day, week-by-week,” he said, “We have to get through the first stage of the process.” One of the initial steps is to determine that value of what was destroyed by the fire.

The Office of the Fire Commissioner has pegged the damage at $3 million, but Guilbert didn’t want to give a figure until they had gone through everything.

While it’s still too early to know definitely plans for rebuilding, Neepawa Home Hardware customers can continue dealing with the company through stores in neighbouring towns.

PHOTO BY KATE JACKMAN-ATKINSON

On Thursday, Feb. 26, the morning after a fire destroyed the Neepawa Home Hardware building and four suites above, fire crews were still on site dealing with hot spots from the fire. A block of Mountain Ave. was still closed as heavy smoke continued to rise from the fire site. Ice hung heavily on the tree in front of the building after about 958,000L of water were used fighting the fire.

PHOTO BY KEN WADDELL

PHOTO BY KATE JACKMAN-ATKINSON

On Thursday morning, Pat Baker was busy sorting through the wreckage. He played a vital role the night before as fire crews tried to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

Social to help those displaced

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson The Neepawa Banner A benefit social has been planned to help those who lost their homes in the fire at Neepawa Home Hardware last Wednesday night. To be held March 21 at the Yellowhead Centre, the social evening will be held in two parts, offering something for everyone.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., an old time dance will take place, featuring the Happy Rock Olde Tyme Dance Band from Gladstone.

Following the dance and a lunch, the hall will be cleared for a second social, starting a 9 p.m. This second social will feature a variety of local entertainment, including singers and dancers. The entertainers for both events have donated their time in support of those displaced.

Is now accepting GRANT APPLICATIONS from registered charities.

Grant application forms are available at: • BPCF Office—487 Walker Avenue, Neepawa • BPCF website www.mts.net/~bpcfinc/ • Neepawa Public Library Deadline for applications is March 31, 2015 For more information call (204) 476-2681 Please go to www.beautifulplainscf.ca to complete our survey

The events are being organized by local resident Val Wilson whose house was destroyed by fire in 1983. Fortunately, a baby sitter was able to get the children out of the house, but all of the family’s possessions were lost. “It changed our lives… I can empathize,” she said.

In addition to the donations from the entertainers, individuals and businesses have stepped up, volunteering time and covering costs.

A silent auction and 50/50 draw will be held that evening and any donations of auction items can be dropped off at Kerreen’s Clothing or CWD Satellite.

Once available, tickets to both events will be for sale around the community.

KUDOS

A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the firefighters, Pat Baker and Crew, RCMP, Hydro/Gas crews and Town of Neepawa workers for a job well done in sub zero conditions during and after the fire.

You contained what could have been a more disastrous situation than it already was - to the town, business district, and community.

In appreciation,

Beyond the Garden Gate owners and staff Tannis, Brent, Ginny, Marlene and Lori

While the building was completely destroyed by the fire, some merchandise remained untouched. A few bright spots in the wreckage.

Spring Forward Remember to set your clocks ahead

one hour

Saturday night.

Home and Office Delivery Easy and Convenient Self Fill Station open 24 hours

$2.00 per jug with our Smart Cards Jug cleaning is available Monday through Friday 9-5 Come in and let us help you today Introducing our New In store exchange program 3 and 5 gallon jugs available

Jennifer & Kevin Enns

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Travel & Entertainment

MARCH 6, 2015

Outerbridge brings magical night to Neepawa

NEEPAWA BANNER 3

Helen Drysdale OUT OF HELEN’S KITCHEN

Lemon delight dessert This dessert is easy and economical to make. Because it uses a pie filling mix it has the taste of lemon pie with a twist.

Lemon delight dessert 1 1 1 1 1

PHOTO BY JOHN DRINKWATER

Harrison Lowe (left) joined Ted and Marion Outerbridge on stage for one of their acts.

By John Drinkwater The Neepawa Banner Outerbridge - Clockwork Mysteries Tour performed at the Roxy Theatre on Feb. 25. Ted Outerbridge, an illusionist, was joined on stage by his wife Marion, a dancer. She choreographs the show, designs, makes the costumes and assists in the illusions. The show was put on by Neepawa’s Kaleidoscope Concert Series. The final tour stop was in Brooks, Alta. last Saturday. In July they will be performing and lecturing at one of the biggest

magic conventions, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, being held in Jacksonville, Florida. Ted said, “The experience of wonder should come from the heart, not a magic store catalogue.”

When he is not performing, he devotes much of his time to designing and creating his own personal style of high-tech illusions. Go to www.youtube.com/TheNeepawaBanner to see video of some of the show.

Neepawa Natives lend support to HMK’s reading program

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner Students at Hazel M. Kellington School in Neepawa recently received some extra support for I Love to Read Month. On Tuesday, Mar. 3, members of the Neepawa Natives hockey club participated in the campaign, which is geared towards getting students

excited about reading.

Players read to the kids and also helped around the classroom.

Principal Allen Hanke said they appreciate the players assisting with the program in this manner, because it helps create a love of reading in the local youth.

“It was great to have [the Neepawa Natives] out at

Corrections • In the Friday, Feb. 27 edition of the Neepawa Banner in the article titled “Alumni game raises money for Neepawa Health Centre”, team coach Dave Clark was incorrectly identified as Dave McIntosh.

• In the Friday, Feb. 27 edition, the front page story “Fire destroys Neepawa Home Hardware” incorrectly said that the fire took place Tuesday night. The fire occurred on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 25.

We wish to apologize for the errors.

the school. The guys were here and they were energetic in the classrooms.

They just did such a great job with the kids,” said Hanke. “And, of course, all the students were excited to have the players coming to the school and read with them. I think the kids got a big kick out of those big guys there. Working with them and reading with them. I think it was a great experience, for everyone involved.”

The wicked are punished in place of the godly, and traitors in place of the honest.

Proverbs 21:18 (The Living Bible)

SNOW MUCH FUN! SKIING, SNOWBOARDING AND SNOW TUBING! Daily snow conditions, visit us online:

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The entire month of February was I Love to Read Month and featured a large variety of activities to honour reading and books, including dress-up days and a running account of every word read through its accelerated reading program. Hanke said a grand total of 8,140,867 words were read as a part of the initiative.

Rotary Book Sale Minnedosa 50+ Centre

March 10 to 14 Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

cup flour cup oatmeal cup coconut cup sugar 1/2 tsp. baking powder

3/4 cup butter 1 package lemon pie filling mix 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Mix flour, oatmeal, coconut, sugar and baking powder.

Using a pastry blender blend the butter in until crumbly.

Save 1 1/2 cups for the topping. Press remaining crumbs into a very lightly greased 9 x 13” pan.

Make the lemon pie filling mix according to instructions with the exception of using the whole egg and not just the yolks. After cooking the filling add the tablespoon of lemon juice.

Pour the hot pie filling over the bottom crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining crumbs on top. Bake in 350° oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool and serve.

WINNIPEG CASINOS

Celebrations Dinner Theatre & Dirty Dancing March 25th & 26th Included: Transportation to Winnipeg by motorcoach, hotel room at Club Regent, Celebrations Dinner Theatre production & Dinner.

All this for only

$129

Phone Wendy, Sharon or Jackie 48 Main Street North Minnedosa, MB 204-867-5777 or 1-800-431-4442

NEEPAWA ACCESS 12

Sun Mar. 8 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 .Npa Natives vs Swan River -3/3 1:00 ..... Holy Week Meditation Music 1:30 .. Neepawa First Baptist Church 2:45 ......Curling - Thurs. Night Men’s 5:15 ............NFB - Land for Pioneers 5:30 ..........Farmers vs Carberry-2/22 7:30 .. Neepawa First Baptist Church 8:15 ..........................Curling - Mixed Mon Mar. 9 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 .........................Curling - Mixed 12:00 ..... Card Reads by Annie - #13 12:30 .-Farmers vs Carberry - 2/28 #5 2:15 ........ Turkey - The Blue Mosque 2:30 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 4:30 N . eepawa United Church Service 5:45 .Lily Fest ‘14 - Southern Country 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 . -Farmers vs Carberry -2/28 #5 9:45 ... Cameron Streicher in Concert Tues Mar. 10 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 ....Hockey-NACI vs Russell 3/2 12:00 .Charlie Sage Fiddle Contest ‘14 2:30 .... St. Dominic’s Church Service 3:45 ................... Folklorama Kick-Off 7:00 ..............NAC TV BINGO - LIVE ...................................................Filler 8:30 .........Selkirk Aboriginal Centre Wed Mar. 11 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 .......... Farmers Playoff Hockey 12:00 ..............................Coffee Chat 1:00 .Johnny & His Musical Mates ‘11 2:30 ...Neepawa First Baptist Church 3:45 ..... SHOWCASE 2015 - Feb. 26 6:15 ....... Turkey - Ruins of Ephesus 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ........................ News and Views 8:00 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:00 ..The Frugal Gardener - 4/28/12 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #119 10:00 ..Hockey - NACI vs Russell 3/2

Times and programs are subject to change without notice

Thurs Mar. 12 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 ........ NAC TV Reads the News 11:00 .........Stomperfest ‘14 - Jigging 12:00 ..............................Coffee Chat 1:00 .Corn & Apple Fest - Parade 2013 2:00 ........... Selkirk Aboriginal Centre 4:00 ..Hockey - NACI vs Brandon 3/7 6:00 .......... NAC TV Reads the News 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:00 ............ Farmers Playoff Hockey Fri Mar. 13 6:00 ......Community Announcements 10:00 .......... Farmers Playoff Hockey 12:00 ........................Mayor’s Hotline 1:00 ......NFB - Alexander Mackenzie 1:30 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 2:45 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 4:30 ......Curling - Thurs. Night Men’s 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 ............... Chiller Thriller Theatre 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #120 10:00 ..... Card Reads by Annie - #13 10:30 .....NFB - Through a Blue Lens 11:30 ............. Chiller Thriller Theatre Sat Mar. 14 10:00 ........ NAC TV Reads the News 11:00 .......... Farmers Playoff Hockey 1:00 .... Old Time Dance - Feb. 21/14 3:30 ..........................Curling - Mixed 5:30 .......... NAC TV Reads the News 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 ..........................Mayor’s Hotline 9:00 .......Stained Glass - Wilf Walker 9:30 ...........................Wrestling #120 10:00 ....Curling - Thurs. Night Men’s Sun Mar. 15 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 ... SHOWCASE 2015 - Feb. 26 1:00 .Choraliers at Country Meadows 1:30 .Neepawa United Church Service 2:45 ......Curling - Thurs. Night Men’s 5:15 .....Amisk Lake - A Tour - 9/6/14 5:30 ..Hockey - NACI vs Brandon 3/7 7:30 .Neepawa United Church Service 8:15 ..........................Curling - Mixed

NACTV 476-3351

Neepawa Banner Perspective

4

It could have been better

Tundra

by Chad Carpenter

Succession planning important

I

n commercial business and in the Ag community, there’s been a lot of talk about succession planning for many years.

In its simplest terms, what will happen to a farm or a business when one of the key people dies, becomes disabled or moves on to some other career. In farming and other business enterprises, it can be a fairly simple process.

Unless there’s is a succession plan, the assets get thrown up for sale or auction and are scattered among the remaining players in the industry. This scene has played out hundreds of thousands of times across our land. Its especially apparent in rural western Canada. Farms are much bigger than they used to be, businesses are much bigger too and as a direct result, many communities, have disappeared.

Succession planning is important for businesses but it’s also important for communities.

Evidently, many communities have not done a good job of succession planning as is evidenced by the complete disappearance of hundreds of communities and the disabling of many more.

In southern Manitoba, few communities have done their succession planning very well.

One can point to Steinbach, Winkler, Morden, maybe Stonewall and then the list gets pretty thin. It could be argued that Neepawa has done a good job of succession planning but that’s questionable. Neepawa held it’s own for population for 50 years or so and then saw a boost in population. The holding period was, in its simplest terms, picking up population based on the decline of surrounding villages and RMs. The increase period was a direct effect of immigration to bring workers to Hylife so they could get their staffing up to 1,050 people from the 350 people that were there when Hylife bought out Springhill Farms.

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.com

Est. 1989

STAFF

MARCH 6, 2015

Owners/Publishers Ken and Chris Waddell

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell In many towns, there have been investors and visionaries who have seen the future and embraced it and have tried to bring their communities, kicking a complaining into the 21st century. Sad to say, most have been met with negativity. In Neepawa’s case, if it had to not been for Mike Wollman, of Springhill Hutterite Colony and Mayor Homer Gill in the 1980s, we would not have a hog plant at Neepawa.

Now Hylife is a “big” example but there are many smaller victories that communities might achieve. Why, for example, does this area tolerate the BPSD basically ignoring the use of two good schools, namely Brookdale and Eden, as they cram more and more students into HMK and NACI into “huts”? On one hand, we, as a community, are letting two good school buildings rot away and at the same time are spending large amounts of money on temporary, less than ideal classrooms. It’s crazy really and all because the leadership of the BPSD are afraid to lay out a plan that would utilize schools that would be actually better facilities than HMK or NACI. Communities need to decide what they want to be, not just sit back and accept what governments, corporations and local politicians and bureaucrats give them. Neepawa needs a new firehall. It’s just a large machine shed for heaven’s sake. Many farms

have bigger sheds on their yards.

Rosedele/Eden needed a firehall and a new fire truck so they went out and got one. Imagine that, a real decision? Arden needed water and sewage so they went out and got it. Bet nobody in Arden wants to take it out now.

Neepawa got a raw water line and a new water treatment plant.

Bet they were darned glad they had it the night Home Hardware burned down as water treatment plant staff were able to keep a tower full of water all night to fight the fire AND still have capacity to allow Hylife to open up the next morning.

Towns need vision, it goes without saying, but towns also need action. Neepawa needed doctors and a clinic. They got both through cooperation headed up largely by the Neepawa Area Development Corporation (NADCO).

Towns can sit on their butts and wait for corporations or governments to magically come along and wave the investment wand but it doesn’t usually work.

Communities have to go out a get what they need, what they want and what they can afford.

Some towns and municipalities are sitting on their financial reserves and on very low interest borrowing capacity and still little is happening. Now is not the time for sitting, now is the time for action.

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

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

Sales Sandra Unger John Drinkwater

Accounts Kay De’Ath

Last week was an eventful week here in Neepawa, and not the good kind of eventful. On Wednesday night, a fire levelled the Neepawa Home Hardware building, taking with it one of the town’s major retailers, the homes of eight people and the jobs of 13 people.

Our friends and neighbours woke up Thursday morning without a home and without a job.

Despite the complete loss MY of the Home PERSPECTIVE Hardware building, fire fighters were able to save the neighbouring businesses. ate The building ackman tkinson on the other side don’t appear to have suffered any ill effects from the destructive blaze in their midst. On Thursday, the fire was still smouldering and that block of Mountain Ave. was closed to traffic, but the destruction was limited to the one building.

It could have been better, it could have been worse.

The eight people who lived in the four apartments above the building lost everything in the fire. Most left with just the clothes on their backs. Irreplaceable photos and mementos were lost.

Not only do they have to find new homes, but they also have to fill those homes with new housewares, furniture and clothing, replacing what was destroyed.

Our fire was the second major fire that day in the province. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a fire destroyed a farm house near Kane, in the southern part of the province. That fire broke out while most of the family was asleep. While three of the children were sleeping on the lower floor and were saved, the four boys sleeping upstairs couldn’t be reached. Both parents were hospitalized for smoke inhalation trying to reach the boys after the second floor was engulfed by the flames.

In Neepawa, no one was hurt, no one was even injured. It could have been better, it could have been worse.

In Neepawa, the loss of the Home Hardware store will leave a big hole in the town’s landscape, in every sense. The store carried a wide range of products and gave shoppers another option, another reason, to shop at home. Hopefully other local merchants and Home Hardware stores in other communities can meet the needs of the store’s former shoppers.

But every lost local store makes it more likely shoppers will bypass shopping locally, assuming they can’t get what they want.

Every dollar spent locally gets recycled into wages and support for local initiatives. Without Home Hardware, some portion of this money will leave the community.

The loss of the store will also leave a physical mark on the community. In 2004, a fire destroyed the 100 year old Hamilton Hotel. The spot stood vacant for about three years until The Bargain Shop building was built on the site. At this point, the plans for reconstruction of Home Hardware aren’t known. For those of us wanting to see a vibrant, bustling downtown, a vacant lot in the middle of the retail core isn’t a good sight.

We were lucky, the fire broke out on a site served by three hydrants and in a building that had a relatively large buffer around it: parking lot to the north, a back lane to the west and a garden centre to the south. The new garden centre was very quickly cleared to create a fire break. Few downtown retail buildings are as disconnected from their neighbours as the Home Hardware store was.

It could have been better, it could have been worse.

The fire did give us a chance to see the compassion, thoughtfulness and supportiveness of the town’s residents. Even as the building was burning, friends and strangers mobilized to get the tenants anything they might need. On Thursday morning, the Salvation Army opened its doors to donations of items. By Friday they had found a way to be able to accept cash donations for those displaced. A social has been planned and volunteers have stepped up in great numbers. People have opened their hears and their wallets.

Last week, we saw what our town was made of. In this respect, it could have been worse, it couldn’t have been better.

K J

-A

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

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

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

News Staff Eoin Devereux

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

Opinion

MARCH 6, 2015

Let’s heal together

T

his past week has not been an easy one for residents of two southern Manitoba communities.

In Neepawa, one business was destroyed, 12 jobs were lost and four families lost their homes and all their belongings when fire destroyed the Home Hardware store on Mountain Avenue. As I write these words, piles of twisted metal and charred bricks are all that remain on the site.

Meanwhile in the little community of Kane (west of Morris on Hwy 23), the entire population is in shock after four children died when their home was also destroyed by fire.

There are no words that can adequately describe the grief their parents must be feeling at this moment. They are not alone.

Their grief is shared by people across this province who this past Sunday, in churches of all faith traditions, offered prayers for them and asked: “How can we help?”

While I was serving my first church, the homes of

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein two of our families were destroyed by fire. In less than 72 hours after each fire, the victims had found alternative accommodation and were receiving donations of food, clothing and household effects from the community. Trust funds were set up at the local bank. Area churches accepted donations which were then forwarded to the victims. In each case, the victims were overwhelmed by the love and support they received.

That’s one of the things I love about living in a small town. When tragedy strikes, we become more than a community—we become a family and the solidarity we display is second to none.

I am seeing that same solidarity in Neepawa and in Kane. Random acts of kindness, encouraging

words, handshakes and hugs will be a tremendous help as the victims of these recent tragedies begin to rebuild their lives. So will the gifts of food, clothing, furniture and housewares given to community agencies like the Salvation Army, who will then use these gifts to help these families get established in different homes; and share what they don’t need with other families who do.

I want to conclude by sending a message to those who lost a business, jobs and homes; to the parents of the four who were lost in the fire at Kane; and to their siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

I want you to know that you are not alone. You are part of a caring community. You are our neighbors.

You are our friends. We are

family. We ache with you.

We grieve with you.

We promise to be here for you. We will not smother you. We will give you the space you need. We will respect your privacy. We will let you heal at your own pace.

We have shoulders for you to cry on and Kleenex to wipe away your tears.

If you need to talk, we will listen. If you need help, ask—and we will do what we can to assist you.

We may not be able to answer all of your questions. We won’t have any magic words that will make your pain go away. But we will stand with you and stay with you as long as you need us.

We are motivated by love and gratitude. We love our communities. We love the people who live in them.

We love you! We are grateful for the things you have done to make them better places in which to live. In the past, you have been there for us. We lovingly offer you the gifts we have received. Let us walk with you; let’s heal together.

People always need to have fun

I

had the opportunity to meet with several youngsters that I didn’t know really well. Before embarking on a teaching session, I took time to get acquainted. Asking questions about favourite colours, birthdays and ages, and special toys, I gained some insight into interests and strengths.

One little person didn’t have a favourite toy, but does have a “blankey”. I could identify with that!

The youngest in our family had/has a rag tag remnant of her blankey. Hers had been loving created by an elderly member of the faith family. It went to private school and university with her. Blankeys I understand.

For every question I posed, I offered my answer as well. I first asked if someone my age could have a favourite toy. One child gave me an abrupt

HOMEBODIES Rita Friesen laugh and a “no”. Another interrupted with an “of course you can. People always need to have fun.” I concur. I confessed that my toys are also my pets. Real live dogs, not stuffies that lifelessly sit on my bed, but real warm bodies that warm my ageing bones!

I deeply appreciated the insight of a child, the wisdom expressed. We do all need to play, to have fun, to laugh. There is/should be, a progression in what activities bring this joy. For some of my more senior friends the light in their eyes and the warmth of their smile when sharing

Observation

By Addy Oberlin

I

t is exciting to know that the month of February is finished and we spring ahead this weekend by turning our clocks ahead one hour. We will have more daylight in the evening and it feels more like spring is just around the corner.

In life, we sometimes spring ahead also. I know that the family springs ahead this year with the birth of three great grandchildren. It brings excitement into the fam-

a cup of tea or a stolen visit, equates with the joy of any new doll, train set, or Lego. (Remember when toys were not battery operated or dependant on invisible air waves?) There must be something, in each day, to cause a flash of an involuntary smile. A sigh of deep contentment. It can be warmth of the blankey snugged around us as we court sleep. A worn stuffed animal tucked in the curve of an arm. Or, a call offering the sound of a loved ones voice; music swirling, mounting in crescendo and ebbing to a soft conclusion; fingering

a heritage tea cup filled with a steaming fragrant memory; softly paging through the photo album, each picture triggering a poignant reminder.

I confess that I have to work a little harder for the flash of a smile. It comes.

It comes with the invitation to coffee or supper. It comes when the night sky is enlivened by the dancing Northern Lights, when the sun glistens of the brilliantly white snow. It comes as the gentle sigh when I find an opportunity to serve, to meet the needs of others, to share thoughts, dreams and dreads. It comes when the time spent crafting a quilt from fabric scraps – a concrete toy!- becomes a warming gift.

Thankfully, we are never too old to have toys. To have fun. To bring joy to others with our joy.

ilies to see new life being born. God has been gracious.

The last few weeks the obituary has shown several people who did spring ahead into a different life. Some were still quite young, others in the prime of their life.

A few were relieved of their suffering and were waiting to “spring ahead” to their Heavenly Home.

We need to be ready whatever life brings. A doctor can tell a patient the prognosis of life, but it is God’s ultimate decision when we will be born and when we shall die, as long as we leave the decision to a God who loves us and cares for us (1Peter 5:7).

NEEPAWA BANNER 5

Letters

Thank you I would like to extend a huge thank you to the following people for everything that they did on the night of February 25 to help battle the fire at Home Hardware.

Thank you to the Neepawa Subway, Tim Hortons, St. Domonic's Catholic Church, Calvary Chapel, Shop Easy, Yellowhead Arena and all the individuals for the abundance of food, hot drink, and support that was given.

Thank you to the Gladstone and Minnedosa fire departments for sending trucks and men to help battle the blaze when the Mutual Aid call was put out.

As well, thank you to the Spruce Plains RCMP, local EMS, Manitoba Hydro, Town of Neepawa Public Works and water treatment plant employees and especially to Pat Baker for the use of his equipment, which was a huge help.

It was awesome to see all of these different departments come together and work as one unified body helping and supporting each other and I hope that now we can come together as a community to help those who have lost so much with the destruction of this business and these homes.

Craig Unger Neepawa and Area Mutual Aid District Co-ordinator

The Farmers’ Bipole 3 The Bipole 3 debate started almost five years ago, and despite expert opinions and those from former Manitoba Hydro employees, the Manitoba NDP has directed the project down the west side of the province. The long term effect for you and me will be dramatically higher hydro rates and a public utility that will be hampered by crushing long term debt.

What we have not discussed is the over 400 private landowners whom will be forced to sell their land to Manitoba Hydro, most by expropriation. We have always talked about this as a Manitoba issue, it’s time we bring it a little closer to home. This year, a number of farmers in Agassiz, in our backyard, will be forced to sign the paperwork to turn their land over to Manitoba Hydro, or face a legal battle, which they have slim chance of winning.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with a producer whom was presented expropriation papers to turn over his land. This particular producer will see a negative impact on his pasture, and it will remove trees that shelter his cattle. The province today has crown land one mile from his land. When he asked why Bipole could not go through crown land, the answer was that there would be too much environmental paperwork to go through crown land. I ask the question, why is it easier to bully producers than to use existing crown land? This same producer has friends two miles away, and they are constantly at flood risk with Lake Manitoba so high. The NDP have said there isn't a solution that can be completed until 2021. Why can they build Bipole III so quickly, yet it takes 10 years to complete a Lake Manitoba flood solution recommended after the 2011 flood?

The impact of Bipole III is much larger than just a hydro transmission line, it will have long term effects on producers along the line for generations.

The hydro lines will impact how the land is farmed, costly overlaps will begin immediately and application of weed and disease control may be lost as aerial application could cease to be an option. When construction begins who will enforce Club Root/ Bio-Hazard control methods? The route of Bipole III has municipalities that have confirmed Club Root spores present, according to the MAFRI Club Root map of June 2014. The spread of this disease could reduce canola rotations for farmers, this would be disastrous to farm incomes!

Manitobans already know that the west route for Bipole III is bad for them, but Manitoba and Agassiz producers will face many risks, lose landowner rights, see little compensation today, and even less protection from potential future losses.

Darryl Gerrard PC MLA nomination candidate, Agassiz Riding

6 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

History repeating itself

By Ken Waddell The Neepawa Banner

down the old building and build a new office, retail or residential building on For nearly 20 years, that site. It might generate Neepawa town councils much needed downtown have been pondering and housing and pay taxes to debating the building of the town forever. And no, a new firehall. As former we don’t need to to make Neepawa town councillor that land into a parking lot.

Monty Simon has often I live within 150 yards of pointed out, “The new the firehall, I attend church firehall has been in the within 50 yards or so of five year capital plan for that location and my office over 15 years.” is within 50 yards of that The time has come to building lot. I have never build a new fire hall. In had to park more than a fact, it’s way overdue. No block from my house, my more studies, no more office or my church and so excuses, no more delays, we don’t need more parkjust build the new firehall. ing downtown, we need The best location has more housing and more been identified at the east people downtown. side of the This conformer CN The current hall t r o v e r s y property. over a new was built in The plans fire hall approximately h a s g o n e have been sketched on way too 1952 for a out. The long. The cost of about firefightcurrent hall ers have was built $35,000 consulted in approxifar and wide, its simply mately 1952 for a cost time to get the job done. of about $35,000. It also It’s not a matter of fund served as a police station raising or putting money for a while. into reserves, it’s not a The current building matter of more delays, it’s was inspected a couple of a matter of necessity and years ago and found to be just plain logic. deficient in capacity and At a recent council structurally. It’s simply meeting, Town of Neepawa not adequate for a the fire councillors tossed about fighting needs of today. the idea of adding on to the And our firefighters do so current hall or conducting much more than fight fires. a study on the current fire Thankfully, there aren’t as hall. The time for such talk many fires as there used is long past. The firefightto be but there are a lot ers have been putting up of road accidents and they with a dilapidated and respond to every one beoutdated building for 20 ing ever ready to preserve years or more. Back in lives. It seems when we do the day, when the new have fires, they are huge police station was built, ones like the Hamilton about 25 years ago, the Hotel fire and the Prairie firehall was scheduled to Forest Fire a few years ago be replaced then. Recent or the Home Hardware fire rumours of new doors or of last week. new paint or new lights or This whole fire hall whatever are not going to argument isn’t new. In make the old firehall safe 1950, local opinion arose or big enough. The next as the firehall of that era new fire truck, which is that was on the same site overdue by a few years was an old wooden buildand constantly climbing in ing, itself described as a price, won’t fit in the old hall. Build a new hall on the CN land and sell the old building on the condition that a contractor tear

TAYLOR LAW OFFICE

“firetrap”. It was built in 1881, which predates the Beautiful Plains County Court Building by two years. Even before that old building was a firehall, it was reported to have been Neepawa’s first school.

In 1950-52, Neepawa citizens along with the Neepawa Press editor, the mayor and council went on a major campaign to get approval for the new fire hall. They were obviously successful and the new building was a major improvement over the old “firetrap”.

Today’s mayor, council and staff need to get the job done just as the council did in 1952. Every year of delay makes a mockery of our commitment to fire safety excellence and every year the costs go up. Interest rates are at a historic low so now’s the time to improve our facilities.

PHOTO PROPERTY OF BEAUTIFUL PLAINS MUSEUM

Neepawa’s old firehall as it appeared in 1950 was reportedly built in 1881.

It was deemed inadequate and a firetrap by 1950. Shown in front of the hall, which was set up originally for horse drawn fire wagons, is the 1942 Ford fire truck which is now part of the Beautiful Plains Museum collection and what is believed to be a late 1930s Dodge truck (right), which may still be in the area as it was last sighted in a farmer’s yard a few years ago.

Manitoba is opening birth records related to adoptions If you are an adult adoptee or a birth parent, learn more about accessing birth record information

15031gg04 protecting your information OR

Please visit manitoba.ca/adoptionrecords Contact your local CFS agency Or call 1-855-837-5542 (toll free in Canada and the US)

269 Hamilton Street Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

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

476-2336 Open Adoption Records

NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 7

Firehalls: past, present and future

DRAWING BY VINCE BATES

Above: A 1950s artist’s sketch of the current firehall at the construction stage showed that it included space for the library.

COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF NEEPAWA

Right: The location for the new firehall that was approved by the previous Neepawa council prior to last fall’s municipal election.

Neepawa’s

current

firehall

in

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

downtown

Neepawa.

15031gg07 PHOTO BY DIANE RUZYCKI

The relatively new Arden firehall which was built around 1980.

T h e

n e w

E d e n

f i r e h a l l

PHOTO BY KATE JACKMAN-ATKINSON

b u i l t

i n

2 0 1 4 .

Rural Outlook Deal reached at HyLife Foods “FREE” 8 NEEPAWA BANNER

MARCH 6, 2015

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

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By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner Good news for workers at Hylife Foods in Neepawa, as a new collective agreement has been reached.

UFCW local 832 president Jeff Traeger confirmed, via video on the union website, that the tentative deal was made between company management and the union, in the early morning of Saturday, Feb. 28.

“Last week, from Feb. 24 to the 27th, the bargaining committee was at the table with the employer.

On Thursday and Friday, we actually bargained late into the evening,” said Traeger. “At around 1:00 am on Saturday [the 28th], we were able to reach a tentative agreement that the entire negotiating committee unanimously recommends. It’s a very good deal and we’re working very hard at getting

Community free volunteer income tax program Submitted HAND This free program will be offered again in Neepawa & Area through Home Assistance Neepawa & District (HAND). Seniors and clients with disabilities are eligible for this free service provided by a trained Revenue Canada volunteer if they meet the following criteria. For single clients, income must be $30,000.00 or less-- for couples income must be $35,000.00 or less.

This program can not be used if your income is from: a business, farming, rental property, capital gains, investment income over $1,000, or if someone is bankrupt, deceased or other complex returns.

The drop off income tax program will start March 16 to April 27.

Drop off times are 8:00 am to 10:00 am only, Monday to Friday at the HAND office 430 Brown Ave. Arden Crocus Club , in Arden, Tuesday April 14 at 9:30 am.

Glenvilla Seniors Centre, in Glenella, to be announced.

For further information please contact Genie Barnaby at the HAND office 204-476-2009 or email handsup@ mymts.net.

This program is approved by Revenue Canada Agency (CRA) and all client information is kept confidential.

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Cows $1.00 - $1.30 1182 head sold

the paperwork together and getting the employer’s signature on the required documentation.”

Traeger said an informational meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, Mar. 22 at the Yellowhead Centre, in order to roll out the details of the agreement.

The vote on whether to ac-

cept the deal will occur the following day on Monday, Mar. 23 at the H.R. trailer at the plant between 5:00 am and 7:00 pm.

The previous five-year contract had expired on Jan. 31, 2015, but remained in effect until a new settlement was reached.

Ski club to invite students to use the ski trails Submitted Glenella Cross Country Ski Club At the most recent meeting of the Glenella Cross Country Ski Club, members and guests enjoyed a wellattended wiener roast which followed after a meeting of the cross country ski club.

Membership fees were reviewed and paid. Evelyn Zuke resigned as President and Terry Klassen was elected to take her place.

A discussion followed to invite the school children the use of the ski trails and introduce them to this great winter activity. The school board has been approached.

Donations of ski equipment would be appreciated for this purpose. Anyone with ski boots, skis and poles taking up space in the basement or garage, please phone 204 352-4407 or 204 352- 4290.

We were disappointed to see that a snowmobile took a short cut to town on our trail after it had been groomed.

Snowmobiles please stay off the trails and respect the work and expense that it takes to keep them groomed.

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NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 9

Neepawa Home Hardware building has a long history

SIMMENTAL FOCUS-43

Consigning 15 Bulls to the

By Ken Waddell The Neepawa Banner structure is consistent with building methods of the 1940s and ‘50s.

Pat and Laurie Guilbert took over the Home Hardware store from the Goldades on Sept 1, 2008 and expanded and reno-

Home hardware has been in Neepawa for a long time. Prior to 1976, the Neepawa Furniture Centre, which was owned by Roy and Joan McGillivray, had the Link Hardware dealership. Link phased out in 1976 and became part of Home Hardware in 1981 and the Neepawa Furniture Centre was the Home Hardware outlet for this area until 1984.

In 1985 Ron and Janice Goldade bought the former Beaver Lumber building and renovated it to become the Home Hardware store at the location that was lost to fire last week. Prior to being Beaver Lumber, the building was operated as Bell Lumber for many years. Local opinion is that the building was built in the 1940s and the cinder block

vated the building in the subsequent years. Four residential suites were added to the second story and a garden centre was a feature on the south side of the store.

More coverage of the fire that destroyed the Home Hardware building on pages 2, 10 and 11.

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Kelly Wilson PC candidate for the Agassiz constituency Choose a man with Integrity and Honesty, Kelly will go that extra mile to listen and raise the issues and concerns of Your Community.

Contact Kelly: 724-8419 or kellyr.wilson@yahoo.ca KEEWATINOHK CONVERTER STATION

The Taylor’s Box 1353 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Kyle (204) 867-7918 Brendon (204) 867-0229 Rick (204) 867-7551

N1 280

GILLAM THOMPSON

N2 6

N3 THE PAS Cedarr Lake

60

Lake Winnipegosiis Winnipegosis W

N4 10

6

SWAN RIVER 10

C1

DAUPHIN

16

Lake Winnipeg

Transmission Line Construction Activities (Nov. 2014 to Apr. 2015) 15031gg05

C2

Lake e Manitoba M Manitoba

Bipole III Transmission Project Access Management Seasonal activities for the construction of the Bipole III Transmission Project will continue this winter in areas identified on the map above.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to these areas when crews are active, please visit the project’s webpage at www.hydro.mb.ca/bipole3, phone 1-877-343-1631 or email bipole3@hydro.mb.ca

15031gg00

JG: 403-556-5563 DP: (403) 323-3985 GN: (780) 542-0634

10 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 11

Evening fire destroys Neepawa Home Hardware store and four apartments above

PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Last Wednesday night, fire crews from Neepawa, Minnedosa and Gladstone battled a blaze at the Home Hardware store in Neepawa. The fire, which began in the back of the building, destroyed the building, including the four apartments above. (See more pictures on page 2)

Q and A with Neepawa fire chief Scott Gibson

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner Just over a week removed from the devastating blaze that destroyed the Home Hardware building in Neepawa, Fire Department chief Scott Gibson describes exactly how the evening played out for the volunteers and emergency personnel who were the first line of defence against the flames.

When did you first receive the call?

“At around 6:13 pm, we received the initial page to a structure fire. As soon as you walked out the door that evening, you could see the smoke, so we knew we were going to something serious, right from the start. We began entry into the building. There was a key holder there who let us in. At that time, there was no smoke, no flame on the main, store level of the building. There was nothing showing on the second level, other than smoke. Upon investigation into the building, the fire was actually burning between the two shells of the old building and the new building.”

That type of scenario is a dangerous situation for a firefighter, isn’t it?

“It does [make it difficult] because usually there are no openings. There’s a

crawl space hatch inside the building, that’s where we made our initial fire attack, but it’s only about a 24 inch opening. We wouldn’t send [firefighters] into that. It’s only about a two foot space from the old roof and then a three foot space from the shell between the two buildings, I guess. So guys can’t go in there and it gives you a very limited space to spray water even on the fire.”

What about the people in the apartments upstairs?

“When we arrived on scene, we were told that an employee of Home Hardware, who also lived upstairs, had checked the apartments. Told everyone what was going on. Everyone was accounted for.

Basically, what I had been told was that there were six people that lived up there. some of them were away, but everyone was accounted for early in the effort.”

So what happened when the firefighters were ordered out?

“Yeah, we continued to attack it until the ceiling started falling in on the bottom floor. Just the tiles and stuff. We called everyone out and basically started making a plan for a defensive plan of attack.”

What did that involve?

“At one point, we were pulling away the propane tanks. Moved them away from the building. We then starting setting the trucks up, because there was no way we could actually attack the fire from outside the building when it was in that space. That’s when we pulled out, set up the trucks. We had them on four different hydrants to get the maximum volume. Then we set up a lot of hose lines in preparation of the defence.

Basically at that point, there was nothing we could do until it broke through the roof or out the sides.”

Why was an excavator brought in to take down a portion of the structure?

“We called Pat Baker in to take out the greenhouse space between the two buildings. That saved us a lot of work and potential issues later on, because there were three other buildings nearby and it could have spread. The other major concern was the hydro pole in the back lane. We had Manitoba Hydro come in fairly early.

They were telling us that if that pole went down, the town of Neepawa could have been without power for an hour or two until there was a workaround. That was a major effort, to save that hydro pole in the back lane.”

With so many emergency

crews on the scene, how difficult is it to organize communication?

“Organizing a situation like this, it becomes very demanding. Basically, myself will look after all that. Pat Baker, public works staff.

We had to let the water treatment plant go. It’s estimated, we used about a million litres of water at that fire. So to keep the hog plant going, they have to come in and start producing water like crazy as well.”

After the greenhouse space was cleared and the fire finally broke through, what happened next? Because, on the scene, it seemed to flare up, then die out, then flare up again.

“When it breaks through, like a wall or the ceiling, it gets that gust of oxygen and then it gets that big flare up. It’ll then burn whatever material that is there and then die down.

As the fire spreads, it’ll find a new source. I mean, at one point, there was the sound of popping, almost like popcorn. That was the sound of ammunition going off in the corner. While it is a concern, it’s not a major concern because there is no barrel to force that velocity in a certain direction. It’s basically just a little mini explosion of gun powder.

It sounded like a war zone at one point just with the ‘bang, bang, bang, bang!’,

but it’s really not that scary of a thing. The propane tanks that were in front of the building were actually more of a scare for us, because they could blow up.”

How many people were working on the scene for the fire department?

“We have 24 volunteers in Neepawa. We also, very early on called in a crew from Minnedosa and a crew from Gladstone. We ended up using Gladstone’s truck, as well while we kept Minnedosa’s on standby, just in case. Basically what we needed was man-power so that we could rotate through over a prolonged scene. We set up shifts.

Sending three or four guys back to the firehall. There was food, sandwiches donated from the community.

[The firefighters] would take 15 or 20 minutes and then be back. The thing about that night as well was that it was very cold and as the night went on, it seems to get colder and windier.

And of course guys get tired too. It’s good to keep fresh bodies on the front line.”

After a few hours of battling the blaze, past midnight, into the early morning. What’s the protocol at that point?

“As we shifted into the early morning, the biggest part of the fire is completed.

Basically, it’s just there to knock down the big flames,

keep it under control. It was a windy night. If this had happened in the summer months, with the amount of ash that was flying around town, I think we would have had little small fires all over town to deal with.”

Final thoughts on the evening?

“We had a great turnout [of volunteer firefighters].

Out of our entire crew, there were only two that weren’t there, and that was because they were out of town.

Working with Minnedosa and Gladstone. Everything worked very well. All the departments. RCMP and Hydro were on the scene, working with us. If hydro had gone down, it would have left communications at the firehall down temporally. RCMP were concerned with power going down. It could have turned into a domino effect, but in a lot of ways there were things that worked in our favour that weren’t in our control. I want to say thank you to the community. We had food donated to us. Brought from the local churches and Tim Hortons, Subway and the Yellowhead Arena. I know I’m forgetting some and I’m sorry for that, but the firehall was full of food. It was very much appreciated.

The community in that way took very good care of us.”

‘We lost everything, we came out with the clothes we had on’

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson The Neepawa Banner It was just after 6 p.m. last Wednesday when Arlene Vaughan first noticed smoke rising from the back of the Neepawa Home Hardware building. In addition to working in the store, Vaughan and her husband Tom lived in one of the four apartments above the hardware store.

No one who saw those first puffs of smoke could have predicted that just a few hours later, the building would be completely destroyed. In total, eight people lived in the building’s four apartments.

Vaughan explained that her and her husband were just leaving their apartment when they saw the smoke. She then rushed through the building, knocking on doors and alerting the other tenants to the fire and helping to make sure everyone got out.

Cindy Revet and her husband Adrian moved into their apartment last April.

When Vaughan knocked on their door, they had just finished dinner and were about to start watching the news. Cindy said that her husband had smelled smoke, but she had a cold and didn’t.

By the time the tenants got out of the building, someone else had also noticed the smoke and called the fire department.

Matthew Gagnon and his sister Sarah rented one of the apartments and neither of them were home at the time. Sarah was at work, while Matthew was house sitting. They had lived in their apartment since April 2013.

Also living in the building were Neepawa Press editor Chase Ruttig and his girlfriend Drae Pelletier. They lost all of their belongings in the fire.

“I’m tongue tied for words, my emotions are all over the place”

At first the fire didn’t seem like that much of a threat, it didn’t look very large and wasn’t very close to the apartments.

“We thought they would put it out and everyone would be back upstairs,” said Cindy Revet. They thought that they might spend a night out of their home, but didn’t expect to be left homeless.

“We hoped to get back up there and stay living there,” she said.

She and her husband left their apartment with nothing, they didn’t even have their car keys. “We lost everything, we came out with the clothes we had on,” she said. Their vehicle, which was parked against the side of the building, had to be towed away from the fire. They lost irreplaceable mementos including wedding and baby pictures.

For Adrian, this is the second time he’s lost everything in a fire. Cindy said that about 30 years ago, his home was destroyed by a fire on Christmas morning.

On Friday, there was still a sense of shock. “I can’t fathom, I don’t know if it’s hit me or not. I’m overwhelmed, I’d never wish this on anyone,” said Cindy Revet. Despite the loss, there was a bright side, “I’m thankful that everyone is alive and not hurt,” she said.

Revet works at Neepawa Tim Hortons and owner Anthony Chwaluk rented her a hotel room and provided her with a cell phone. They will be looking for a new place to live. “My boss is amazing with what he’s done,” she said.

Revet was thankful for all of the donations and generosity from the community.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said.

As the Revets start over rebuilding their lives, there was some optimism. “It can only get better, it can only get better from here,” she said.

“The initial shock I’ve gotten over” On Wednesday night, Matthew Gagnon was house sitting at Hillcrest. Between 6:15 and 6:30, he heard from his sister, who was at work. She told him that there was smoke coming out of the building.

He went to check it out. Apart from a few items he had with him, they lost everything.

When Matthew went back between 7:30 and 8 p.m. to check the fire, he knew it wasn’t good. He could see the smoke when he turned onto Highway 16. He went and saw the fire and then left. “It was a cold night,” he said. He went back about 10 p.m. to see what was left standing.

The fire happened the night before their grandfather’s funeral.

By Friday, Matthew said, “The initial shock I’ve gotten over, it’s mostly just stuff. But Sarah had some sentimental, irreplaceable stuff.” In the meantime, they are staying with their parents, who also live in Neepawa, and will be looking to pick up the pieces and move on. “The general feeling of being displaced is a burden, [but] we’ll keep going,” he said.

He was very thankful for the outpouring of support from area residents, both friends and strangers. Even the night of the fire, people were setting up drives and trying to make sure the tenants had what they needed. “It’s much appreciated,” he said.

“I knew we had a great town” Arlene Vaughan and her husband left their apartment with just the clothes on their backs. “We have to pick up the pieces,” she said. Looking back, she said they probably could have gone back in and saved some of their belongings, “But it was the last thing [on] my mind,” she said.

The Vaughans still had their vehicle and following the fire, they went to visit a daughter in Winnipeg. “On Monday, I’ll start with the process of what I have to do… Next, we’ll pick up the pieces,” she said. For the short term, they’ll be staying with a daughter in Neepawa.

Vaughan is thankful for all the support they have received, not just from the fire fighters but also from normal citizens.

“Everybody is so helpful and giving, even if it’s just someone to talk to and a hug…

Everybody would give anyone anything,” she said.

For Vaughan, the experience reinforced her love for the community. “I knew we had a great town, this shows it more.

We can’t get any better than where we live,” she said.

For Vaughan, the blow was doubly hard, the long-time Home Hardware staff member lost both her home and her job. The store employed 13 people.

But both groups were like family, and like all families, “We take care of each other,” she said.

On Thursday, the Neepawa Salvation Army began accepting donations of items, including housewares and clothing, for those displaced by the fire. They are also now able to accept cash donations to be disbursed to those who have lost their homes.

A benefit social has been planned for March 21 at the Neepawa Yellowhead starting at 9 p.m. Prior to the social, there will be an old time dance between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. There will be silent auction items and a 50/50 draw. Auction items can be dropped off at Kerreen’s.

Neepawa Banner Sports

12 NEEPAWA BANNER

MARCH 6, 2015

Neepawa Natives season comes to an end

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner The Neepawa Natives head into the offseason with a lot of questions to answer after a disappointing 2014-2015 season.

The team closed out its regular season on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at the Yellowhead Arena with a 3-2 overtime loss to the Swan Valley Stampeders.

The game was extremely well played by both clubs, and showed just how close Neepawa could be to being a playoff team.

In the end however, the Stampeders were able to take advantage of an opportunity just 41 seconds into the extra period to secure the victory.

Stephen Mather and Steven Phillips each scored for the Natives during the game, while Jordan Martin, Jake Schultz and Griffin Chwaliboga all contributed assists during the evening.

With the overtime loss to Swan Valley and a 5-0 loss against the Steinbach Pistons on Sunday, Mar. 1, Neepawa closes out the 60 game schedule with a record of 15-42-3, that’s one win better than their 2013-2014 season.

After the game, Neepawa coach Dwayne Kirkup reflected on the year. Kirkup said that while things did not turn out as they’d hoped, he remained very optimistic about the young core of talented players that’ll return next season.

“The record doesn’t suggest it, but I think we are going in the right direction.

There were about 20, or so, one goal games this season. A bounce here or there in our favour, could have changed the entire outlook on the year,” said Kirkup.

“We’re all disappointed. We wanted to make the playoffs so badly. The month of December wasn’t kind to us. We had lots of injuries and it really put us behind the pack. But when we were healthy, we were able to complete against any other club on any given evening.”

Meanwhile, Kirkup’s coaching contract will expire at the end of the month. He said he’s not really focusing on that right now, as he prefers to look towards the spring camp, scheduled for Mar. 27-29.

“As far as my contract, it’s done at the end of March. It’s out of my hands,” said Kirkup. “The board of the Neepawa Natives has to decide what’s best for the team moving forward. Whether it’s renewing my contract or going in a different direction.”

As for the playoffs, in the survivor series round, the seventh ranked Selkirk Steelers will play the tenth seeded OCN Blizzard. The other best of three matchup involves the eighth ranked Waywayseecappo Wolverines playing the ninth seeded Dauphin Kings. The winners move on through to best-ofseven series.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVERUX

The Neepawa Natives salute the fans and bid farewell to the 2014-2015 MJHL season.

An all-star season for Lindsay

Farmers advance in THHL playoffs

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner The Neepawa Farmers have moved on to the next round of the Tiger Hills Hockey League playoffs.

The Farmers earned the right to continue their chase for the championship by topping the Carberry Plainsmen three games to two in their best of five quarterfinal series.

Late last week, Neepawa trailed two games to one to the Plainsmen and needed a victory on the road to continue the series. After a scoreless first period, it would be the Farmers who opened up the scoring, as Jeremy Hodgins secured his first goal of the post season, just over eight minutes into the second. Carberry replied with its own goal with less than two minutes left in the period, but Neepawa quickly countered, as Bryan White retook the lead for the Farmers with just 28 seconds left in the middle frame.

In the third, Travis Mealy for Carberry tied things up at 2-2. With less than 90 seconds remaining in the the game, Devon Speiss scored his second goal of

the series and reclaimed the one goal advantage for the Farmers. Undeterred, Carberry pressed for a last minute equalizer. That hope was rewarded as Cory Rae scored with just 44 seconds left in regulation. After 60 minutes of hard fought action, the game would be decided in overtime.

With their season on the line, the Farmers pressed Carberry early in the extra period. That perseverance would pay off, as Brett Dreger tallied the game winner for Neepawa 7:43 into overtime, to secure the 4-3 victory and tie the series at two games a piece.

The fifth and deciding game would be played at the Yellowhead Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. The game quickly turned into a shootout, as Neepawa scored three goals in the opening period, while Carberry produced two of its own. Cam Tibbett, Travis Tilley and Cody James each tallied for the Farmers while Keaton Turner and Curtis Brolund scored for the Plainsmen.

In the second period, Neepawa would begin to take control of the tempo of the game and scored a

pair of goals to make the score 5-2 after 40 minutes.

Lance Nugent scored just over six minutes into the period, while Bryan White would tally one at the 12 minute mark.

In the final period, Neepawa ensured its victory with a pair of goals from Travis Tilley, who ended the evening with a hat trick. Carberry’s Connor Smith would score late in the game, but it was not enough, as the Farmers would win by a 7-3 margin.

The Farmers will next face the Gladstone Lakers, who defeated the Swan Lake Cougars in three straight games. The eastern division final began on Wednesday, Mar. 04 in Gladstone. Neepawa plays its first home game of the series Friday, Mar. 06 at 8:00 pm at the Yellowhead Arena.

In the western division of the THHL, the third ranked Hartney Blues defeated second seed Souris three games to one, while the Deloraine Royals were victorious over the top ranked Killarney Shamrocks in their best of five quarterfinal, three games to two.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Neepawa Natives forward Drake Lindsay (10) received his allstar jersey and award from MJHL commissioner Kim Davis, on Sunday, Mar. 1, just before the Natives home game against the Steinbach Pistons.

GOOD’nTHICK BEEF BULLS SELL!

11th Annual

Lot 10

Lot 22

Lot 53

WLB LIVESTOCK BULL SALE

At the farm

MARCH 24, 2015

2:00P.M. CDT

Selling 55 Black/Red Simmentals and Polled Hereford Yearling bulls.

Sale also hosted online at LiveAuctions.tv Semen tested - Free board to May 1 Catalog and video online at www.wlblivestock.com call 204 763 4697 or 729 7925 for your sale catalog.

Directions from Brookdale - 4 west, 4 south, 1 west, 1/2 north

WLB LIVESTOCK

Bill & Nancy Biglieni

MARCH 6, 2015

Neepawa Banner Sports

NEEPAWA BANNER 13

NACI wins Zone Seven basketball championships

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner The last time the NACI Tigers won the Zone Seven basketball championship, most of the players on this year’s team weren’t even born yet, so it may be fair to say that this victory has been a long time coming.

The team faced the Elton Sabres on Tuesday, Mar. 3 at the NACI gymnasium. After a closely contested first quarter, which saw Neepawa holding on to a tenuous 22-19 lead, the Tigers were able to open things up in the second, making the best of their opportunities on offence, while also neutralizing the Sabre’s size advantage. This lead to a 42-30 half time lead for Neepawa.

In the second half, the Tigers started to pull away, as they held Elton to just 19 points, while scoring 42 of their own, to cruise to an 84-49 triumph. With the victory, the NACI varsity boys squad took home the title for the first time since 1997.

Coach Brad Hackewich said that the success from this season was a true team effort.

“Winning the zones, it took all 12 [players] this year,” said Hackewich. “It was all about the team. Everybody bought into the system and was in it for the right reasons. It was a great group of players to coach, that wanted to come play every night. They were willing to do the work on defence and we had the skill to run on the other side as well.”

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

The NACI varsity boys basketball team claimed the Zone Seven Championship on Tuesday Mar. 3.

Meanwhile, in the Zone Seven varsity girls championships, it was the Neepawa Tigers dominating the Elton Sabres 68-29. Dariane Roe had 15 points while Dani Hanke had 14.

Coach Darren Roe said that this game was a perfect example of how disciplined and focused the team has

been all year.

The girls team plays this weekend for regionals at the NACI gymnasium. The Tiger’s first game is Saturday, Mar. 7 at 1:30 pm against Gimli. The regional final will be at played at 6:30 pm.

Tigers top Trojans, face Dauphin in Club 55+ Bowling next round of Provincial playoffs League (Minnedosa) Submitted The Neepawa Banner

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner The Neepawa Tigers hockey team finds itself facing a very familiar foe in the next round of the provincial high school playoffs. NACI will battle the Dauphin Clippers, the same team they defeated in the Westman High School Hockey League semi-final last week.

The Tigers earned their trip to the next round of provincials by defeating the Major Pratt Trojans, based out of Russell, two game to one. In the deciding game at the Yellowhead Arena on Monday, Mar. 2, Cody Pasowisty and Cole Tardiff scored for Neepawa, on the way to a 2-1 series clinging win. The exact dates for the series between Dauphin and Neepawa are yet to be determined.

FEB. 27/15: Ladies High Single & Triple – Vivian Oswald 208 & 535. Men’s High Single & Triple – Norman Kendall 318 & 685. Other Scores to Note: Don Denoon 192, 182, 156; Pauline Hailstone 151; Norman Kendall 198, 169; Myrnie Kroeker 154, 167, 153; Wayne Gork 169, 168; Wilfred Walker 166, 194; Vivian Oswald 160, 167; Muriel Porada 151; Abe Enns 183, 156, 152; Joe Fraser 154; Frank Porada 158, 173, 171; Lawrence Smith 152; Ellen Grudeski 154; Melvin Oswald 163, 185; Vernita Potrebka 154; Len Pritchard 229, 205, 184; Gail McGregor 195; Dorothy Moller 158; Marion Single 167; Bev Chapski 180, 176; Shirley Mickoski 159, 172; Walter Moscrip 223, 151; Thelma Gray 202, 171. February Bowlers of the Month – Ladies, Ellen Grudeski; Men, Wilfred Walker.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

T h e N A C I Ti g e r s k e p t t h e p r e s s u r e o n M a j o r P r a t t ’ s d e f e n c e a n d g o a l t e n d e r o n M o n d a y, M a r. 2 , o n t h e w a y t o a 2 - 1 w i n .

Meanwhile, the league final between the Tigers and the Vincent Massey Vikings starts Friday, Mar. 6, at the Optimist Arena in

REGISTRATION FOR HOUSE LEAGUE Tuesday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 24 at HMK 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Deadline is March 24th Cost: $50.00 Ages: 3 years to 8 years An additional charge of $25.00 will be applied after the deadline. No registrations will be accepted after March 27th. An incentive of 50% off 1 child’s registration fee in lieu of coaching will be applied at registration when you agree to coach a team.

For more information contact Kim Smith at kimsmith@mts.net

Brandon at 8:30 pm. Game two will be the following evening at 7:30 pm at the Yellowhead Arena in Neepawa. If needed, the

third and deciding game in the WHSHL final would be on Tuesday, Mar. 10 at 7:15 pm in Brandon at the Optimist Arena.

Yellowhead Chiefs AAA Bantam boys Exhibition hockey game versus North-western Ontario

Saturday, March 7 5:00 p.m.

Yellowhead Centre Neepawa, MB

TIGER HOCKEY

FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT Saturday March 7th Vs. Vincent Massey Vikings

7:30 FREE Admission

Bring The Noise!!

14 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

Pharmacist Awareness Month

Your pharmacist and you Submitted College of Pharmacists of Manitoba Your pharmacist is a valuable member of your personal healthcare team. Pharmacists that are registered and licensed with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba have met rigorous requirements to ensure they have the knowledge, skill and professional judgment necessary to provide you with quality pharmacy care.

Prior to licensing, your pharmacist has: •Undertaken at least four years of university-level pharmacy education; • Received education and training in all aspects of medication therapy management and the principles of providing quality pharmaceutical care including patient counseling; • Qualified to counsel patients in either English or French; and • Successfully completed provincial and national examinations demonstrating competence in pharmacy practice and the application of pharmacy laws and standards of practice.

Speak to your pharmacist When speaking with your pharmacist, it is essential that you provide them with information regarding any allergies or sensitivities to medication you may have,

your medical condition and all the prescription and nonprescription medication you take including vitamins, natural health products and herbal remedies. Armed with this information, your pharmacist will be able to help you and the other members of your health care team make the best decisions about the most appropriate, safe and optimal medication therapy for you. In Manitoba, pharmacists are required to provide you with individualized counseling on all of your prescription medication. It is your right to know about and understand your medication.

When you receive your prescription medication, your pharmacist should provide you with answers to the following questions: • What is the name of the medication?

• What does the medication do and why am I taking the medication?

• I have allergies. Is it safe for me to take this medication?

• How often and when should I take this medication?

• How long should I take the medication?

• Are there ways to help me remember to take my medication and what should I do if I miss a dose of the medication?

Trusted care when and where you need it Submitted Canadian Pharmacists Association Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your medications and your pharmacist.

Tell your pharmacist about everything you take Even vitamins and natural supplements matter, because they could interact with your other medication. Your pharmacist can help you avoid serious side effects. If you’re not sure how something will affect you, just ask your pharmacist.

Use the same pharmacy for all prescriptions That way your pharmacist has a list of all your medications and can keep

track for you. It will also make it easier for your pharmacist to check for possible interactions between a new medication and one you’re already taking.

medication or remembering what to take when, your pharmacist can help make it easier for you.

Take your medication as prescribed Take all of it even if you start to feel better to make sure the medication works, and follow the instructions on the label to make sure you’re getting the right dose.

Babies and children are special patients Your pharmacist can help with teething, colic, diaper rash and more. If you’re giving your child any medication, even overthe-counter products like cough syrup, your pharmacist can make sure you give the right dose based on your child’s age and weight.

Pharmacists can make it easier to take your medication If you have any trouble opening a pill bottle, reading the label, taking the

Take it back, don’t throw it out Putting old or unused medication in the garbage or down the toilet is not a safe way to dispose of

Filling your health care needs!

them. All pharmacies will take it back and dispose of it safely for you. They will also take back any needles or lancets too and give you a container for them, free of charge.

If after speaking with your pharmacist you have more questions, just ask. Remember, it is your right to know about all of the medication you take.

MINNEDOSA PHARMACY PRESCRIPTIONS GIFTWARE • CARDS

77 Main Street South ~ 204-867-2071

Help for quitting smoking If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, your pharmacist can help with support, products and medication if needed. You don’t have to do it alone.

More than just medication Your pharmacist is an expert on medication but can also help with many other health-related topics.

Just ask!

Falk Pharmacy

Mountain Park Pharmacy

44 Main Street ~ Carberry

41 Main St. West ~ Erickson

204-834-2426

• What are the possible side effects of the medication and what should I do if a side effect occurs?

• Are there any foods, drinks, activities, other drugs, vitamins, natural health products and herbal remedies that I should avoid while taking this medication?

• Can I take this medication if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

• How will I know if this medication is working, when will I feel better and if I feel better, can I stop taking the medication?

• Where should I keep my medication and how should I store it?

• Can this prescription be refilled?

204-636-2361

At Gladstone Pharmacy The Pharmacist is in!

Your pharmacist is an excellent source of health information and the most accessible health care provider in Canada.

We’re available without an appointment so stop in and talk with Mike, Sharon or Stacie about your health concerns.

OUR ROLE IS CHANGING TO HELP YOU BETTER MANAGE YOUR HEALTH!

GLADSTONE PHARMACY

25 Dennis St. Gladstone, MB

204-385-2051

NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 15

Pharmacist Awareness Month Medication safety tips for children and adults Submitted Metro News Service Prescription and overthe-counter medications can save lives and help people of all ages manage certain conditions. When used correctly and under the guidance of a physician, medications are largely safe. It’s when medicines are used off-label, shared or taken in error that reactions and injury can occur.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and their Healthy Children Organization warns that more than 7,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms every year for problems related to medication errors.

Children are not the only ones in danger. Adults can make mistakes with their medications as well. For example, seniors who may be managing several different types of medications can inadvertently cause dangerous drug interactions by mixing the wrong pills.

Pharmacists work diligently to help prevent medication errors. However, the general public can also do their part.

Here are some medication safety tips.

• When a new medication is prescribed, ask the pharmacist to explain more about it, including its intended purpose and any common side effects to be expected.

• Make sure your pharmacist knows about all the medications you are taking, including nonprescription products, herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and vitamins. Some medications do not mix with seemingly innocent ingredients. Keep a running list of any medicines you take so you can easily and accurately share this information with your physician.

• Question anything that you do not understand.

Check the prescription for

dosing information. For refills, make sure the refill information conforms to the original prescription strength.

• Fill all prescriptions at the same pharmacy and develop a rapport with the pharmacist so that potential drug interactions will be flagged. Pharmacists are well versed in medications and may be able to inform

How can the pharmacist help me?

The pharmacist protects your health by keeping a confidential, personal record of the prescription medicines you’ve bought at that pharmacy. Why? There are thousands of medications available today: • some medicines cannot be taken with other medicines, or with certain foods • some medicines cannot be taken if you have allergies • some medicines should be taken after meals, some before Your pharmacist knows what to do, and will help you. Your pharmacist can also help you manage such conditions as asthma, diatbetes and can offer information on over the counter medications and on herbal remedies.

You can expect your pharmacist to tell you everything you need to know about medicines and health care products.

Ask your pharmacist for: • advice on medication prescribed by your doctor • help in choosing other medicines like cold remedies, pain relievers, vitamins or sunscreens • information on products such as home pregnancy and glucose tests or anti-smoking aids.

A Healthy Partnership: You and Your Pharmacist.

Neepawa Pharmacy A-225 Ellen Street Neepawa, MB 204-476-2315 Toll Free 1-888-476-3828

you as to the safety or risk involved in taking an overthe-counter product at the same time that you are on a prescription.

• Many pills look the same.

If you are confused and taking multiple medications, keep medications in the original packaging and double-check the labels before taking any medications.

• Use the right dosing tools. A spoon from the kitchen is not accurate for measuring out a teaspoon of medication.

• If you take multiple medications, use a pillbox to keep pills organized.

The box makes it easier to manage medications and serves as a reminder if you have or have not taken a medication on a given day.

• Store medications as instructed on the label.

The bathroom medicine cabinet may not be an ideal place to store medications, as bathrooms get damp, and that can compromise the integrity of the pills.

Also, bathroom cabinets are readily accessible by all, including kids. It’s better to store drugs out of sight and reach of children.

Keep dangerous medications locked away.

• Routinely discard expired or unneeded medications. Medicine take-back programs for disposal are a good way to remove medicines from the home and reduce the chance that others may accidentally take the medicine.

Medicines play important roles in personal health. When used correctly, medications are assets, but caution should always be taken to ensure safe usage and storage of any medications.

Health Care Services Provided By Your Pharmacist Did you know…?

Your pharmacist is a medical expert, but did you know that they can do more than just fill your prescription? Your Pharmacist is an integral part of your health and is easily accessible to help you monitor your health and manage your medications and medical conditions. Your pharmacist is available year round, without an appointment and can offer you vital healthcare information and professional services.

Perform comprehensive medication reviews Your pharmacist is a medication expert. When performing a comprehensive medication review, your pharmacists will help you understand and be comfortable with all the medications you take. Your pharmacist will counsel you on correct dosage, when and how to take them, any possible side effects or interactions you should be aware of, and how to best handle them.

Talk with your pharmacist today about how you can benefit from the additional health care services they can provide.

Should you have any questions about the additional health care services being provided by pharmacists, please contact us!

Harris Pharmacy 424 Mountain Ave. Neepawa

476-2888 or 476-3157

16 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

Classifieds –––––––––– Thank You

–––––––––– Notice

Our Mother, Grandma and Great Grandma, Mrs. Thelma Gowan was a wonderful lady.

We would like to thank our Keyes friends and neighbours for their donation made to Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation as well to the Popkes and Radfords for your special care packages. We enjoyed it all. A huge thank you to Cory Burnside "our chore helper."

We sincerely appreciate what you all have done. Colin and Gayle Gowan and family

Beautiful Plains Archives annual general meeting will be held March 24, 7:30 p.m. at 412 Walker Ave. Neepawa.

Everyone with an interest in preserving local history is invited to attend. _____________________ Drug problem? Narcotics Anonymous can help. Meetings on Sat at 7 p.m. and Tues at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel, 221 Hamilton St. Neepawa _____________________ REIKI TRAINING Learn the simple and relaxing art of Reiki. No pre-requisites for Level I. Reiki Master/Teacher, Tracey Winthrop-Meyers is offering Reiki training sessions for 2015, Reiki Level I: Sat. Mar. 21/15, Sat. Apr. 11/15. Reiki Level II : Sun. Mar. 22/15, Sun. Apr. 12/15.

Holy Fire and Usui Reiki ART and Master Training available.

Each session is independent.

Participants may register for 1 or more sessions. Number of attendees limited. To register, contact Tracey at 204-3682333 or at traceydw@mts.net.

–––––––––– Coming Events

Old Time Dance at Plumas Community Hall on March 14, 2015. 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Band - Highway 6.

–––––––––– Notice

Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call Leah 368-2403 or 841-4766

Classified Ad Deadline:

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

–––––––––– Business Opportunity

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

–––––––––– For Sale

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

–––––––––– For Rent

2 br suite in 4plex, with deck, for rent Mar 1. New top suite, beautiful decor, over 1,000 sq ft. Age 45+, no smoker, no pets. All appliances, incl washer/dryer, and window treatments included. Includes storage, snow removal, yard care and parking for 2 vehicles. 220 Mountain Ave., Neepawa. $1,200/month.

Call 476-0678 or 476-5068, Karen. _____________________ TRAILER RENTALS: cargo, dump, equipment, auto, livestock/horse. FORK LIFT TELEPORT 729-8989

–––––––––– For Sale or Rent

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

–––––––––– Vehicles

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

Birth

Happy 95 Birthday th

Heather, Denis and big sister Sophie would like to welcome

to

Jean Scott

who celebrated her special day with family and friends on February 21, 2015.

Lots of love from all of your family.

Telephone: 204-476-3401/ 888-436-4242 Fax: 204-476-5073 Email: ads@neepawabanner.com

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

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

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

–––––––––– Personal

Birthday

To place an ad:

Tuesday Noon

Xavier James Saquet

into their family.

He was born in Brandon on November 14/14 at 10:26pm weighing 8lbs 1oz. His grandparents are Rob & Joy Wilson of McCreary and Paul & Sonja Saquet of Laurier.

–––––––––– Feed & Seed

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

–––––––––– Services

Custom bush clearing. Call Vic Klassen 204-476-0090 _____________________ MAJOR APPLIANCE and TV Service in home. Call 476-4077

–––––––––– Auctions

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

All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

–––––––––– Help Wanted

Beautiful Plains Museum in Neepawa requires a university student for the position of assistant curator May 11 to August 28/15. Must have good communication and computer skills and be returning to studies in the fall.

Apply to: Box 1732, Neepawa and to youngcanadaworks.ca

Classified Ad Deadline Tuesday Noon

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.

Engagement Barry & Lorraine Hockin and Len & Ann Kuharski would like to announce the engagement of their children Greg Hockin and Katelyn Kuharski On June 6, 2015 the wedding ceremony will take place in the Roxy Threatre followed by a dinner and dance in the Yellowhead Centre.

The couple, along with their families would like to invite family and friends to attend a wedding shower at 2pm for the couple on March 7, 2015 with a Social in their honour that evening from 9pm till 2am! Both events in Neepawa's Yellowhead Centre! Come help them celebrate!

We are very sad to announce the passing of Robert Malcolm Graham. Malcolm passed away quietly at Third Crossing Manor in Gladstone.

A life-long resident of the Gladstone area, where he farmed and worked in construction and at the Golf Course, Malcolm will be remembered fondly for his love of music, curling and golf. He lived his life with great enthusiasm and humour, and faced life’s challenges with unflagging courage. Malcolm was a devoted son, brother, husband and father, and we miss him very much.

Malcolm was predeceased by his parents, Bob & Annie Graham and sister Audrey. He will be lovingly remembered by Jean, his beloved wife of 54 years; his children Mark and Penny (Clint); grandchildren Tori and Thomas; brothers Dick and Paynter; sisters Hazel and Marion; and by his friends and neighbours.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Third Crossing Manor for their support and kindness. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Gladstone United Church with Lynne Sanderson officiating. Interment followed at the Gladstone Cemetery.

Clarke’s Funeral Home, Gladstone~MacGregor www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Program Director at Parkside Children’s Centre within Childcare-Family Access Network (C-FAN) located at 416, 2nd Avenue, McCreary, Manitoba Job Eligibility Criteria: ECE III, with a minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory/director position. Valid First Aid/CPR certificate, clear Child Abuse and Criminal Record Check and strong leadership skills are essential. Responsibilities include: Managing a 40 space facility, day-to-day duties including scheduling, licensing, monthly reports, newsletters, fundraising, meetings and other management duties as required, encouraging and mentoring staff in a professional manner, providing families with the supports needed in various situations, complying with ALL licensing requirements including the Best Practices Manual, ECERS and ITERS, maintaining a strong relationship with the surrounding community, ability to be flexible and cover any ECE position in any of CFAN’s communities on an emergency basis, extra duties as assigned by the Executive Director, accountability to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Salary is based on C-FAN’s year 1 Program Director pay scale. SEND RESUMES TO: C-FAN, P.O. Box 152, Langruth, Manitoba, R0H 0N0, by March 19th, 2015 or by email to: cfancent@gmail.com FOR MORE INFO: Please contact Leona Glover at 204-445-2295

In Memory

Personal AVAILABLE BACHELORETTE Looking for someone you cannot wait to see again!

April is a dental technician.

She is financially stable, debt free, & owns her own home. April grew up in a very small, tight knit, community. Her parents were farmers & raised her to be a very hard working, honest, & down-to-earth person. April does not have any children of her own, however, she is open to men who have children. She is looking for a man who is kindhearted, loving, positive, compassionate, someone who will be her partner and best friend in life.

She is 5’7”, 136lbs.

Ready to Join, Ready to Meet, Ready for Love 100% confidential, 100% offline, 100% Personalized Matchmakers Select 1888-916-2824 www.selectintroductions.com Agriculture, remote, country, rural. Est 15 Years.

Guaranteed Service, Customized Memberships, Thorough Screening Process.

For Sale For Sale

Obituary Robert Malcolm Graham July 24, 1936 – February 28, 2015

–––––––––– Help Wanted

Annie Lily Grudeski Peacefully on February 20, 2015 at her home in McCreary, Annie Grudeski passed away at the age of 84 years.

Annie was a housewife, mother and later in her life, she worked as a nurse’s aide at the McCreary/Alonsa Personal Care Home until her retirement.

Annie was very well known for her home made perogies and her love of watching curling.

She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, baking and tending to her children.

Annie was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 2002, her four brothers Frank, Joe, Eddie and Stanley, and one sister Sophie.

She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish many fond memories; her five children; her 3 sons Bernie and Lynn, Ken and Dieanne, Richard and Gill, her 2 daughters Jacky and Roland, Kathy and John, her 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 2 brothers Mike and Henry as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with Annie’s wishes, a private service was held.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Annie to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to a charity of one’s choice.

Sneath-Strilchuk Funeral Services, McCreary Chapel in care of arrangements, 204-8352004, www.sneathstrilchuk.com.

www.neepawabanner.com

2013 John Deere 50’ - 1830 Air-Seeder with 430 bushel 1910 cart. Single shoot, J.D. tips, 4 metering rollers, duals all around. Only done 1000 acres.

Rod Anderson 204-871-0040

Karen Gingles March 7, 2013

The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

And if I should go before you Know that part of me still remains…

You will not see me, yet I will Be there walking beside you.

You will not touch me, Yet I will live in your heart and memory always.

Have faith that we will one day walk Hand in hand in eternity.

Until then, live your life for life is good…

And know that I am with you.

Lovingly remembered by Allan, Kristy, Nat and Callan Jodi, James, Kodi and Letti

The Disability Tax Credit $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit

Nancy Ritchey March 30, 1950 March 10, 2014

Services

Gord Moffat February 16th, 1959 March 9th, 2012

In our hearts your memory lingers.

His Loving Family

$15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg)

ARE YOU AN URBANMINER? Get The Top Tips To maximize the value of your scrap metal

Covers: Hip/Knee Replacements Back conditions and Restrictions in walking and dressing

204-453-5372

GO TO: www.AreYouAnUrbanminer.ca Tip #6 can earn you 10% more on your scrap!

Tip #9 helps you get more value!

72 Rothwell Road Winnipeg, MB

R

REMINDE

The trusted name in metal recycling

Ad Deadline Tuesday Noon

NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 17

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province-wide Classifieds

Help Wanted Agricultural Service Technicians Rosetown, Sask.

Please visit westernsales.ca for full job description Email resume’s to: careers@ westernsales.ca

PINE CREEK SCHOOL DIVISION

Pine Creek School Division

Invites applications for the following position:

MacGregor Collegiate Term Full Time Assistant Custodian

or fax 1 306 882 3389

For further information visit www.pinecreeksd.mb.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted

Help Wanted

Great opportunity to be part of a remarkable team!

T.I.C. Parts & Service is an agricultural business that focusses on shortline brands in Neepawa, Manitoba.

They are seeking applications for an agricultural mechanic to join their expanding company.

Qualifications • Completed Agricultural Technician Course Level 2 or higher • Driver’s License • Works well individually and as a team We Offer • Competitive Salary • Benefit Package • Company RRSP • Job related training and development For More Information Call Darrell @ 204-476-0716 Please Drop Off Resume At T.I.C. Parts & Service 220 Hwy#5 North Neepawa, Manitoba Or Mail Box 746 Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0

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

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

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

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES Requires: 2 Resource Workers Permanent Position

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES Requires: 1 Social Worker Permanent Position DEADLINE DATE: March 16, 2015

Submit applications to: Human Resources Coordinator Opaskwayak Cree Nation Submit applications to: Child and Family Services Human Resources Box 10550, 225 Waller Road Coordinator Opaskwayak, Man. Opaskwayak Cree Nation R0B 2JO Child and Family Services For full job description Box 10550, 225 Waller Road please visit Opaskwayak, Man. www.firstnationsjobsonline.com R0B 2JO For full job description please visit www.firstnationsjobsonline.com DEADLINE DATE: March 16, 2015

Are you looking to hire Aboriginal job seekers ?

Post a brief description of the position required in 49 newspapers throughout Manitoba (over 400,000 circulation) and have it referred to on our Aboriginal recruitment website.

For more information contact www.firstnations jobsonline.com

First Nations Jobs nline email: danbsully@sasktel.net Saskatoon, SK

OWNER OPERATORS REQUIRED

(In the Winnipeg area)

Requirements: • Trucks must be 2010 or newer.

• We will inspect older equipment.

• Clean driver’s abstract/ CVOR/FAST Card.

• Minimum 2 years cross border exp.

APPLY TO: recruiting@ rosedale.ca

OR CALL TOLL-FREE:

Current starting wage is $12.95/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE

Private land for sale by tender in RM of Landsdowne SW-1-17-13 W 160 acres pasture quarter or could easily be broke.

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Forward tenders to Box 118 Plumas, Mb. R0J1P0 Ph. 204 386-2850

FARM LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER 160 Acres in the RM of North Cypress NW 31-11-15W,

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted, Potential Potato land Mail tender to; Land tender Box 1160 Carberry MB R0K-0H0

Feed & Seed SEED GRAIN FOR SALE

Certified Carberry Wheat and Certified Summit Oats Certified Tradition Barley

WILL CUSTOM CLEAN CANOLA

Wilmot Milne 204-385-2486 Gladstone, MB Cell: 204-212-0531

Best Herbicide Prices Guaranteed Featured Products:

SEASONAL AGRO HELP

For the upcoming season for both our Neepawa and Gladstone locations.

1 Ton Truck Drivers

Applicants must possess a Class 5 Driver’s License.

Length of employment may vary from 2-6 months.

• Clever – one pass cleaver control • Smoke – loaded glyphosate • Foax – green foxtail and wild oats • Diquash - desiccant

Tandem Truck Drivers

Dealers in most areas (new dealers welcome)

Sprayer Operator

306 477-4007 info@gng.ag www.gng.ag

Applicants must possess a Class 3 w/Air Driver’s License.

Length of employment may vary from 2-6 months.

Applicants must possess a Class 5 Driver’s License.

Length of employment will be approx. 6 months.

Fertilizer Plant Operators/Yard Attendants

Applicants must possess a Class 5 Driver’s License.

Length of employment may vary from 2-6 months.

Excellent compensation for a few months of work!

If you would like to join our team, please complete an application form at either of our Agro locations OR send a cover letter and resume to: Email: a.haywood@neepawagladstonecoop.com Or mail to: Box 879, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 www.neepawagladstoneco-op.com We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING. Automotive, farm, construction, ATV, marine, cycle, golf carts, solar, phones, tools, radios, computers etc. Reconditioned,

Tender

For More Details

Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op is presently recruiting for

the ad; Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such ads. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

Tender

1-855-721-3962

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

AUCTIONS

Meyers, Coin Auction. 10 a.m. Sunday, March 8.

Arden, MB. Canadian & US coins & currency. Over 900 lots. 204-476-6262. www.meyersauctions.com Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post

Attn: Rome Molsberry

Agricultural Mechanic

program. Visit: CareerStep. ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

TONN SEEDS

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 readers weekly.

Call this newspaper NOW or email classifieds@ mcna.com for details.

REFORESTATION NURSERY SEEDLINGS of hardy trees, shrubs, & berries for shelterbelts or landscaping.

Full boxes as low as $0.99/ tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-8733846 or www.treetime.ca.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. SAVE! NEW! WRAPPED! Queen Pillow-Top Bed Set $395 (Double set $375)!

Tender FOR SALE BY TENDER Kelwood garage building with or without post hoist and tire changer. 4 lots 30' X 120' not including gas tank and pump.

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Please send tenders to: Earl Burton Box 101, Kelwood MB, R0J0Y0 Tenders close March 20 2015

Plumas, MB

BARLEY: Austenson, Desperado OATS: AC Summit, Big Brown CANOLA: Invigor, Brett Young, Nexera CORN: Pickseed, Elite FORAGES: Brett Young, Pickseed OTHER: Radish, Turnip, Millet

8-piece solid wood Bedroom Suite including Queen bed, dresser, mirror, chest & 2 night stands $2,295. 12 Drawer Queen Storage Bed $595! 5 piece 42” round drop leaf set $595. 3 piece 36” drop leaf table set $299 (expresso or maple). Power Reclining, black, leather set including sofa, loveseat, center console & chair $2,295. WINTER CLEARANCE SPECIALS extended until the end of March.

SAVE 20-60% on available stock! Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6 & Sun 12-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-571-1971.

660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon.

MOBILE HOMES

SPRING IS COMING! Own your home at 2014 prices!

Move-in ready at Rapid City. Show homes in Brandon. Glendale Mobile Home Sales, 260 Glen Avenue, Brandon 204-724-7907

REAL ESTATE

By Tender: SW1/4 10-7-28, NW1/4 10-7-28, MASC Class F. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. 1-204526-7374. Deadline March 20. Box 261, 23-845 Dakota St., Winnipeg R2M 5M3.

STEEL BUILDINGS

REALLY BIG SALE! All steel building models and sizes.

Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring.

Pioneer Steel 1-800-6685422 www.pioneersteel.ca STEEL/METAL BUILDINGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www. crownsteelbuildings.ca

Notice

WHEAT: AC Brandon, AC Carberry

Todd 204-386-2206 Darren 204-386-2072

Church Worship Times Prepared by the Neepawa Ministerial St. James Anglican 11:00 a.m.

First Baptist 11:00 a.m.

Calvary Chapel 10:30 a.m.

Knox Presbyterian 11:00 a.m.

Roman Catholic Sat. 7 p.m. Sun 11:00 a.m.

Ukrainian Catholic 9:00 am every second Sunday Neepawa United Church 11:00 a.m.

Brookdale United 9:30 a.m.

Christ Lutheran 9:00 a.m.

Filipino Church 1:30 p.m.

Waldersee Lutheran 11:00 winter 10:00 summer

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE

MUNICIPALITY OF McCREARY 2015 PESTICIDE CONTROL PROGRAM

• Hyland corn seed • Alfalfas • Clovers • Bromegrass • Fescues • Timothy • Ryegrasses • Orchard grass • Millets • Wheatgrasses • Native grasses • Lawn seed • Full line of forages

Phone Jim Pollock

204-476-2526 Cell 204-476-0772

CourtSeeds Faller Wheat

 High yielding, dark northern spring

 Short strong straw; good disease package  Now taking bookings for Spring 2015

Plumas, MB courtseeds.ca

obsolete and hard-to-find batteries. SOLAR equipment. The Battery Man. Winnipeg. 1.877.775.8271 w w w. b a t t e r y m a n . c a

204-386-2354 courtseeds@gmail.com

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Municipality of McCreary intends to conduct the following Pesticide Control Programs during 2015: 1. To control noxious weeds on Municipal owned property within the Municipality of McCreary and on streets, sidewalks and boulevards from May 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 by use of: Allowable pesticides as per Regulation #286/2014.

2. To control noxious weeds and brush on road allowances and right-of-ways within the Municipality of McCreary from May 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015 by use of:

• Tordon 101 • Glyphosate

• Garlon Ultra • 2, 4-D Ester LV 700 • Tordon 22K

3. To control rodents at the McCreary Waste Disposal Site, being NE 3-21-15W and SE 3-21-15W in the Municipality of McCreary at various times during the year using Bromadiolone or other chemicals as used by Orkin.

4. To control insect pests such as mosquitoes and grasshoppers within the Municipality of McCreary by use of Malathion and Eco Bran as well as those larvicides recommended by the Province of Manitoba, from May 1, 2015 to November 30, 2015.

The public may send written submissions or objections within 15 days of the publication of this notice to the department below: Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Environmental Approvals Branch Suite 160 - 123 Main Street WINNIPEG, MB R3C 1A5

18 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

Lots of fun at Gym-a-thon

Help Wanted

CASUAL CUSTODIANS

Beautiful Plains School Division has an immediate need for casual custodians in Carberry Schools.

Duties include the cleaning and maintenance of buildings and grounds under the direction of the Head Custodian. These positions will be on an on call/relief basis as needed. The wage is $15.26 plus 4% holiday pay.

Locations include: R. J. Waugh School and Carberry Collegiate in Carberry, MB Successful applicants must complete a Criminal Records and Child Abuse Registry check.

Applicants should submit a resume by NOON, Wednesday, March 25, 2015 including the names of references to: Mark Hutton Maintenance Supervisor Beautiful Plains School Division Box 700 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Phone: (204) 476-2387 Fax: (204) 476-3606 Email: bpsd@bpsd.mb.ca

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Auction Sales

McSherry Auction Service Ltd.

Meyers Auction

ANNUAL SPRING GUN AUCTION

Coins

March 8, 2015 March 28, 2015

Saturday, March 21 at 9:30 am

Household Consignment

Location: Stonewall, MB - #12 Patterson Dr OVER 300 Guns * Long & Restricted * 22s * Shotguns * High Power * Military * All Calibers * Modern & Vintage * Ammo * Related Access * Military Items * Compound Bows * Preview/Pre-Register Friday, March 20, 1 - 8 Contact Heather @ (204) 467-1858

Stuart McSherry 204-467-1858 or 204-886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

April 11, 2015 Guns & Ammo

To consign call

Meyers Auctions & Appraisals Arden, MB Bradley Meyers, Auctioneer 204-368-2333 or 204-476-6262 Detailed List & Pictures at www.meyersauctions.com

The Neepawa Gymnastics Club hosted a Gym-A-Thon on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Hazel M. Kellington School. The Gym-A-Thon was a fundraiser for the club. This was the first year the group had put together the event and it went really well, as the club was able to purchase new safety mats for their beams with the money collected.

SERVICES GUIDE Construction

Legal

P. BAKER BACKHOE SERVICE • Excavations • Bale Hauling • Trenching • Landscaping • Gravel • Topsoil • Shale • Certified Installer for Holding Tanks, Septic Tanks and Drain Fields • Laser Ditching • Construction Site Prep • Dozer work • Brush Clearing

Matt Rempel Birnie, MB

Cell: (204) 841-0988

matt@rempelbackhoe.ca

Brown’s ConstruCtion “When quality and experience matters” With over 8 years of experience in the industry

Specializing in roofing, soffit and fascia All types of siding Decks & much much more!

Travis Brown 204-648-6616 travissb@outlook.com www.facebook.com/travisbrownconstruction

Trenching • Ditching • Water & Sewer Dugouts • Demolition • Brushing Trucking • Sand & Gravel Snow Removal • Winter Parking Lot Sanding

Contact Pat Baker at 204-476-0712 p.baker@wcgwave.ca

www.neepawabanner.com

R

Ventures Inc.

We buy Scrap!

Phone 476-0002 for more information

Irvin 204-476-6236

Classified Ad Deadline: Tuesday Noon

B - 116 Main St S Minnedosa (across from the main entrance to the Co-op Food Store)

867-3981

http://www.ajaxlaw.ca

Are you unable to go to the salon to get your hair done?

We can help you out!

Please contact Lori Ogilvie at Venus Hair & Body Care 204-476-3677 A licensed, professional hairstylist willing to do your hair in your home, or, if needed at the hospital.

Sarah’s Mobile Hair Care Can’t get out to have your hair done?

Call for your home appointment...

Ph: 1-204-476-2452

olling Acres eady Mix

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

Venus Hair & Body Care

TAC

Garbage Bin Rentals

Hair Care

HILLSIDE ACCOUNTING Place your ad here!

Call (204) 476-3401

INCOME TAX AND

ACCOUNTING Glenn Wohlgemuth Phone: 204-841-0098

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.

glennw@agapemail.com

Neepawa, MB or

1-204-841-3056

Pet Care

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

K-9 Country Dog Retreat Day care and boarding. Located on Hwy. 10 between Brandon and Minnedosa.

Call or e-mail for rates and information.

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

NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015 19

Another successful Showcase for NACTV

NWA hosts fishing derby

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEEPAWA WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION

Neepawa Wildlife Association’s Lake Irwin Classic Ice Fishing Derby was held last weekend! In total, 104 anglers attended and caught a total of 34 fish.

Above: Youth anglers were well represented at the fishing derby.

Stu Briese MLA

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

This year’s NACTV Showcase featured a variety of local talent. In addition to being televised live on NACTV, people could come down to the Roxy to watch the show in person.

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner Representatives with NACTV are very pleased with the response from its annual Showcase. The event was held on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Roxy Theatre and featured a wide variety of performers helping to raise money for the local access channel.

NACTV Office manager Jackie Snider said around $9,000 has been raised from the evening, with more donations still arriving.

“The response from everyone has been really positive. I think the [NACTV] committee is pleased,” said Snider. “We brought in about $9,000, but those numbers could change. We’re still tallying some late donations, so it could be more. People were happy with the entertainment, it was a nice variety of local acts and generally, it was a wonderful night.”

Committee president Bill Gade said the level of support that was garnered

from the Showcase is greatly appreciated. He noted that this response shows just how valuable locally generated programming can be to a community.

“We’re very happy to receive this type of support, but it’s not just about the money,” said Gade. “It’s about the people seeing value in what’s being done through NACTV. They appreciate all the time and work that goes into creating this type of programming.”

NACTV general manager Ivan Traill could not be reached for comment by the printing deadline, but in an interview with CJ97, he noted that people had been calling in donations from as far away as Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia and that they also had a donation come in from California this year.

The money raised from the NACTV Talent Showcase will be used primarily to cover the station’s operating costs.

TIRED OF RENTING????

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DR. R. P. ASHCROFT OPTOMETRIST DR. K. MENZIES OPTOMETRIST

Monday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

37-2nd Ave., N.W., Dauphin NEW PATIENTS WELCOME CALL FOR APPOINTMENTS

638-3223

Ask Us for details:

aboveallpropertysolutions@gmail.com Barry 204-720-4199 or Melanie 204-782-3963

Agassiz Constituency

Ian was the smallest a n g l e r o f t h e d a y.

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

Banner NEEPAWA

.com

Weekly circulation of south-western Manitoba rural weeklies

Neepawa Banner 8036 Neepawa Press 4940 Crossroads This Week (Shoal Lake) 2694 Virden Empire Advance 2189 Minnedosa Tribune 1983 Rivers Banner/ Gazette-Reporter 1693 Killarney Guide 1485 South Mountain Press 1340 Boisevain Recorder Carberry News Express Deloraine Times and Star 746 1191 946 Reston Recorder Melita New Era Souris Plaindealer 549 1104 756 Based on Manitoba Community Newspaper Association audited circulation numbers

20 NEEPAWA BANNER MARCH 6, 2015

New regional hospital badly needed Changed conditions must be considered

By Ken Waddell The Neepawa Banner

Municipal officials from a wide area will be meeting with the Prairie Mountain Regional Health Authority (PMRHA) on March 13 to discuss a proposed new regional hospital.

Back in 2007, the 11 doctors that were serving the Neepawa and Minnedosa areas teamed up to promote the establishment of a regional hospital between the two towns at Franklin. The proposal to have a regional hospital was largely doctor driven, specifically lead by Dr. Ong of Neepawa and Dr. Roche, formerly of Minnedosa. It certainly was a well stated case back in 2007 but a lot has changed in the intervening years. The proposed hospital was suggested as a way of replacing aging health care facilities in both towns and at the same time, creating enough hospital beds so as to attract, and keep, a large number of doctors. The thought being that the larger the number of doctors, the fewer nights per month of on-call duty and the wider the range of available medical skill sets. The idea gained a lot of momentum and attracted little opposition.

However, a lot has changed since 2007 and those changes must be considered. Assumptions made back in 2007 are no longer valid. Several factors that no one could have predicted in 2007 need to be brought to the table. Municipal officials and PMRHA officials need to have a very frank discussion about those changes on March 13.

The Town of Neepawa and the Neepawa Area Development Corporation (NADCO) has had considerable success with the new community financed and owned medical clinic.

Unlike many towns in south-western Manitoba, Neepawa and area has not depended as heavily on the Prairie Mountain Regional Health Authority to bring in doctors. Recruitment has been a winning combination of both a doctor-driven and a community-driven process. Neepawa currently has six doctors, a seventh, a surgeon, is confirmed to join the clinic in early summer and possibly two more after that. The community owned and upgraded medical clinic has played a huge role in doctor recruitment

and retention. The Town of Neepawa and surrounding municipalities have all contributed to a doctor recruitment fund. In addition, the clinic has a suite in the lower level that accommodates medical students while they are doing their practicums.

Population figures: 2006 Minnedosa: 2,474 Neepawa: 3,298 2011 Minnedosa: 2,587 Neepawa: 3,629 As of 2015, Neepawa’s population now exceeds 4,000 and with over 300 Hylife employees working towards their Permanent Residency (PR) status and wanting to bring their spouses and children to Neepawa, that figure is expected to go to 4,600.

School enrolment: Neepawa 2006: 786 2014: 904 Minnedosa 2006: 613 2014: 519 Location: High River Carcass Wt. 040868 795 040869 874.4 040870 814.4 040872 892.8 040874 745.4 040877 890 040879 897.2 040880 859.8 040881 813.2 040883 847 040884 826.4 040886 860.2 040888 838 040891 944.8 040892 897.6 040893 821.6 040894 841.6 040895 924.6 040896 901.4 040897 901.6 040899 882.4 040901 994.8 040903 890.3 040904 905.2 040905 830 040906 914.2 040907 859.8 040908 875.4 040882 795.4 040871 827.2 040873 818 040875 853 040876 901.4 040878 945.6 040885 862.6 040887 839.6 040889 795.6 040898 920.8 040900 852.4 040902 874.6 35458.2 Total Carcasses CID

Carcass Desc.

AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AAA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA AA

PHOTO BY DIANE RUZYCKI

Doctors: 2006 Minnedosa: 6 Neepawa: 5 2014: Minnedosa: 3 Neepawa: 6 (with 3 pending) The Country Meadows Care Home site was intentionally built by the RHA with enough space for a hospital and with adequate laundry and kitchen capacity for a hospital. Regardless of location, the PMRHA still plans to use Country Meadows facilities for laundry. The Franklin site will require an additional $5 million for sewer, water, gas and hydro services, costs that would be much less in Neepawa.

Neepawa and area has the doctors, the clinic and the majority of the population for a regional hospital.

For a much smaller cost than the proposed Franklin site, infrastructure can be provided at Neepawa.

Doctor and staff travel times would be somewhat reduced. And perhaps it’s

Neepawa’s Country Meadows Care Home was built to accommodate the land, laundry and catering needs of a new hospital, attached to the care home. a small point, but when you go to visit someone in a hospital, you expect to be able to find food and accommodation, neither of which exist at the Franklin site For all the above reasons, the best place for a new hospital for the taxpayers of Neepawa and our immediate surrounding area is Neepawa and we need to make sure that discussion has all the right information in place to make the right decision. The regional hospital is predicted to cost $100 million. The local taxpayers will be charged for 10 per cent on the first $60 million. Should the province and the partners ever be able to come up with the money for a new hospital, it’s imperative that we all get the location right.

Local costs won’t end with the $6 million if a hospital is located at Franklin.

If Neepawa’s hospital is

closed down, Neepawa’s clinic would have to be expanded again to allow for laboratory diagnostics work, as everyone from Manitoba Health officials, to doctors, to PMRHA officials believe that some lab work would still have to be done in Neepawa. It’s being assumed that the Minnedosa Hospital will stay open with a revised mandate and supposedly the lab might continue to function at that site as well. Somebody, be it the PMRHA, the doctors or NADCO will have to foot the bill for lab space.

While the Franklin proposal has merit, it doesn’t have near as much as it used to have. In the bluntest of terms, both Neepawa and Minnedosa should have as much hospital facilities as possible. How those facilities will look, what size they are and what functions those hospital will serve will be dependent on the

respective numbers of doctors and population.

It’s up to our municipal leaders to lead the way to the best result.

Editor’s note: The former Assiniboine Regional Health Authority insisted that the Neepawa care home be located on 10 acres of land so that a hospital could be built at the same site.

Both laundry and kitchen facilities were designed to accommodate both a care home and hospital. That plan should be adhered to as the extra local investment in land and facility capacity has already been paid for by the RHA and the municipalities of Neepawa, Langford, Lansdowne, Rosedale and Glenella. A significant portion of the $3 million in locally generated funds went towards the extra capacity built in to accommodate a new hospital.

Kill Date: 12/04/13 YG 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

41

This is an example of a load of steers of Leptin TT bulls that also carry gene for yield.

We have been using TT bulls and offspring of TT bulls the last 11 years!

cigar

•TT cows raise 31 More pounds calf than CC cows.

Do the Math: 200 cows X 31 lbs X 2.80 = $17,360 more Proft for you!

•Feed saving on steer $70-$80 and yield higher grades for a greater return.

•Each TT cow on average will raise 2 more calves per lifetime than CC cows.

Your largest source for TT bulls in Manitoba! c Ph: (204) 352-4343

M Kay Charolais Glenella, MB. R0J 0V0

C: (204)476-6982