Dec. 23, 2016 Neepawa Banner

Friday, December 23, 2016 • Vol.28 No.9 • Neepawa, Manitoba

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Christmas on Ice Neepawa Figure Skating Club held their Annual Christmas On Ice show at the Yellowhead Centre o n S u n d a y, D e c . 1 9 .

Far left: Kiera Major.

Above: Some of the members of the Neepawa Figure Skating Club’s Senior Group.

L e f t : K y l a Wa h o s k i .

PHOTOS BY DIANE RUZYCKI AND EOIN DEVEREUX

Let us help you with your entertaining needs! Call us to order your: Meat & Cheese Trays • Dainty Trays • Fruit Trays • Vegetable Trays

Neepawa-Gladstone Co-op Neepawa Food Store 204-476-2320

2 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016

Crowds brave the cold for Minnedosa parade Braving the cold temperatures of -44C with the wind chill, many watched the first ever Minnedosa Santa Parade, which took place last Friday evening. The parade consisted of approximately 20 floats. It started near the personal care home and proceeded north on Main Street.

Left: Heritage Co-op float.

Right: The float entered

by Enjoy Salon and Spa even features Santa going down the chimney.

PHOTOS BY JOHN DRINKWATER

Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic set for another expansion

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson The Neepawa Banner The next phase of the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic expansion moved one more step forward last week. On Dec. 16, the deal was finalized for the Neepawa Area Development Corporation (NADCO), which owns the clinic, to purchase the property to the east of the clinic. The transfer will take place at the end of December.

NADCO chair Murray Parrott explained that the new expansion, which is set to start construction next April, will enlarge the building and provide some amenities better suited to the growing clinic. They are hoping that construction will be completed

by September. This will mark the second major expansion to the clinic since NADCO, a partnership between the Town of Neepawa and the Rural Municipalities of Rosedale, Glenella-Lansdowne and North Cypress-Langford, purchased the Neepawa clinic from Dr. Chapman in 2008 and began developing it as a community clinic.

The clinic itself is run by the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic committee, made up of councillors and community members. This group, some of whom have been involved since the beginning, have worked hard to get the clinic going and keep it growing.

The seeds for this next phase of expansion began around September of 2015, when NADCO began looking at buying the houses along Highway 16, to the south of the clinic. The first house was bought in October of that year.

The new addition will create a net gain of six

new examination rooms, which means that the clinic can accommodate 10 doctors, with two rooms each.

With scheduling, such as two doctors sharing three rooms, Parrott says that they could accommodate even more doctors. The new examination rooms will be located on the north east side of the building and a new entrance, on the south-west side of the building, will be created.

He said that the design of the expansion included input from the perspective of both physicians and patients.

In the basement of the addition, there will be a mechanical room, a larger boardroom that will be better able to accommodate the clinic’s staff for

“

It’s a perfect example of how our municipalities can work together.

”

– Murray Parrott, Chair, NADCO

meetings and a second suite for medical students.

The previous expansion included a suite which has seen regular use by medical students working in Neepawa as they complete their MD schooling or residency. Having the suite has been a very helpful tool in the community’s efforts to attract young doctors to the clinic.

The community’s Doctor Retention and Recruitment committee, which includes both community members and physicians,

has been active in getting out and talking to medical students about Neepawa.

As NADCO has undertaken clinic expansions and upgrades, the feedback from this committee has helped

create an environment that is attractive to physicians.

Parrott said that some of the amenities younger doctors are looking for include the ability to consult with other physicians and electronic filing and record keeping, both of which the clinic currently offers. The suite has also played a big part in giving prospective doctors a chance to come and get a feel for the community and its medical

environment.

The clinic expansion is being funded by the proceeds of the very successful Medical Clinic Lottery, at no cost to the NADCO partner municipalities.

Talking about the success of the clinic as it looks towards this new expansion, “It’s a real community effort,” said Parrott, “It’s a perfect example of how our municipalities can work together.”

SHOP HOMETOWN CONTEST WINNERS!

Congratulations to all the Neepawa Shop Hometown prize winners.

Winners may pick up their prize at The Neepawa Banner.

Winners in the 2016 Neepawa Shop Hometown Contest are listed below.

$1,000

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$500

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Martin Warner

Shirley Bremner

$200 Shop Hometown Bucks Charlene Bobby

Gift Certificate winners

Dr. Gerard Murray - Kyla Kaye Neepawa Tire - Linda Zachanowich Team Electronics - Nancy Pettyjohn Home Hardware - Helen Drysdale Co-op - Julie Thompson TIC - Carol Davies Giant Tiger - Sheila Bremner Neepawa Banner - Gary Salmon Diamond Waterworks - Lori McIntosh, Colleen McLaughlin Dairy Queen - Trinity Venne, Shelley Speiss, Marie Wisnoski, Victor Stinson Harris Pharmacy - Marg Hazelwood, Janis Clark

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Travel & Entertainment

Fine Arts Festival prepares for 51st edition

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson The Neepawa Banner The Neepawa and District Fine Arts Festival is getting ready to enter is 51st year. The annual festival provides a chance for singers and pianists to showcase their skills in front of an audience and receive feedback from an experienced adjudicator. There are both competitive and non-competitive classes.

At the end of last year’s festival, long-time president Carolyn Durston stepped down, though she remains involved, mentoring this year’s 11 member executive.

Cheryl Beaumont, who along with Rhonda Dickenson is chairing this year’s committee, said that they have a full executive, including members at large. “Many hands make light work– the skeleton crew has grown into a thriving group, with the thanks of the passion of the few board members that wanted the festival to continue,” said Beaumont.

The 2017 festival will take place from Apr. 6 - 8 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Neepawa. Piano participants will perform on the venue’s grand piano, which was purchased in 1997 with funds raised by the festival. Choirs from HMK and NACI usually participate in the workshop

during the day and then perform in the evening.

The festival is open to all Manitobans, but it primarily draws performers from the Neepawa area, including Brookdale, Arden, Eden, Franklin, Bethany, Birnie and Riding Mountain. Last year’s larger anniversary festival attracted performers from further away, including Dauphin, Gladstone and Winnipeg.

Beaumont explains that the syllabus, the booklet that contains all of the classes at the festival, is available at ArtsForward. Participants pick the classes, such as piano grades, or genres, such as Canadian composers, in which they want to participate. They will perform at the festival in front of adjudicator Leanne Regehr Lee, who specializes in piano and choral music. Lee has a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba and has taught junior and senior high music. In additional to valuable feedback, top performers are also recognized with awards and scholarships donated by local organizations.

The deadline for registrations is Feb. 15. Syllabus and entry forms are available from Neepawa and area piano and vocal teachers, as well as the ArtsForward office.

The committee also has a Facebook page with information that will be updated as the festival nears.

Watch for open water on Lake Irwin Neepawa Wildlife Association would like to warn people who will be out on Lake Irwin to use caution. The organization has their aeration pumps in operation at the north end of the lake, which creates open water. The pumps help keep the oxygen level higher under the ice, to help the fish survive the winter. The open water is at the north end of the lake and the organization is asking people to use extreme caution in that area. The water started to open up on Monday, as the weather warmed, and there is expected to be more open water in the next few days,

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

PHONE: 476-5919

Dr. Greg Perkins Dr. Derek Papegnies Optometrists

499 Mountain Avenue

For Appointment ~ 476-2002

NEEPAWA BANNER 3

Helen Drysdale OUT OF HELEN’S KITCHEN

Turkey and sausage soup This is a perfect way to use up your leftover turkey.

Turkey and sausage soup 1/2 red pepper, chopped 2 Tbsp. oil 1/2 cup rice 1 medium onion, diced 2 tsp. LITEHOUSE Italian 3 stalks celery, chopped herb 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups turkey or chicken 2 tsp. dried parsley 1/2 tsp. each salt and broth 1-2 cups cubed cooked pepper 1-2 bay leaf turkey 2-3 cooked Italian saus- 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce (optional) ages, sliced 1 carrot, diced In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil then add the onion, celery and garlic cloves, then sauté the veggies for several minutes. Add the broth, turkey, sausages, carrot, red pepper, rice, Italian herb, parsley, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to boil, stirring: reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked. Remove bay leaf. If desired add hot pepper sauce to taste.

Serve.

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.

Proverbs 28:6 (The Living Bible)

NEEPAWA ACCESS 12

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www.neepawaroxy.ca

Attention all captains, volunteers and patrons.

Starting January, movies will start at 7:30 p.m.

Merry Christmas to all

Sun Dec. 25 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 .Neepawa Community Choir ‘16 11:15 . .........Christmas Programming 1:00 ......... Neepawa Calvary Chapel 2:15 .Tigers Tourney- # 12 - Oct. 29/16 4:00 ............Christmas Programming 7:00 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 8:15 ..... Npa Natives vs OCN - 11/20 10:45 ....Community Announcements Mon Dec. 26 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 ........ The Destiny of Cities - #1 11:15 . ....... The Destiny of Cities - #2 12:30 .......... Christmas Programming 2:30 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 3:45 ............Christmas Programming 4:30 .Neepawa United Church Service 5:45 ............Christmas Programming 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 ............ Christmas Programming 10:00 ....Community Announcements Tues Dec. 27 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 .......... Christmas Programming 2:30 .... St. Dominic’s Church Service 3:45 .......... The Destiny of Cities - #1 5:00 .......... The Destiny of Cities - #2 6:15 ............ Christmas Programming 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 ............ Christmas Programming 8:30 ...Selkirk Aboriginal Redemption 10:00 ....Community Announcements Wed Dec. 28 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 .......... Christmas Programming 2:30 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 3:45 ............Christmas Programming 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ..............NAC TV BINGO - LIVE 8:00 .Neepawa Town Council, Dec. 20 9:30 ............Christmas Programming 10:00 ....Community Announcements NACTV programming is done by volunteers and substitutions are sometimes necessary.

Programming may also be seen livestreamed at www.nactv.tv/live .

Thurs Dec. 29 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 ........ NAC TV Reads the News 11:00 .......... Christmas Programming 12:00 ..............................Coffee Chat 1:00 ............ Christmas Programming 2:00 ...Selkirk Aboriginal Redemption 4:00 ............Christmas Programming 6:00 .......... NAC TV Reads the News 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 ..Neepawa Town Council, 12/20 9:30 ............Christmas Programming 10:00 ....Community Announcements Fri Dec. 30 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 .......... Christmas Programming 12:00 .Neepawa Town Council, 12/20 1:30 ..........Neepawa Calvary Chapel 2:45 ............. Harry’s Classic Theatre 4:00 ............Christmas Programming 7:00 ................................Coffee Chat 8:00 ............... Chiller Thriller Theatre 9:30 ............Christmas Programming 11:30 ............. Chiller Thriller Theatre 1:00 ......Community Announcements Sat Dec. 31 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 ........ NAC TV Reads the News 11:00 .......... Christmas Programming 2:00 ...Plumas Zion Lutheran Church 3:15 ............ Christmas Programming 4:00 .......... NAC TV Reads the News 5:00 ..Neepawa Town Council, 12/20 6:30 ..................................Herb Dock 7:00 ............................News & Views 8:00 .............The Destiny of Cities #1 8:15 .......... The Destiny of Cities - #2 9:30 ............Christmas Programming 10:00 ....Community Announcements Sun Jan. 1 ..............Community Announcements 10:00 .... Calvary Church, Minnedosa 10:30 ..........Christmas Programming 11:15 . .........Christmas Programming 1:00 ............. Christ Lutheran Church 2:15 ............Christmas Programming 7:00 ..............Christ Lutheran Church 8:15 ............ Christmas Programming 10:00 ....Community Announcements

Times and programs are subject to change without notice

NACTV 476-2639

Neepawa Banner Perspective

4

Revolution of relevance

Tundra

A

by Chad Carpenter

That freedom of belief is exactly what God has done for mankind (The following column was first printed in 2006. The circumstances have shifted some but the Christmas message is eternal.) n a world that seems to go increasingly off course every day, it was somewhat heartening to see some support for a Christmas tradition.

It seems that a judge in Ontario decided that a Christmas tree was the wrong thing for people to see as they entered the lobby of her courthouse. Allegedly, the offending tree was put in a side room behind closed doors.

It happens every year. Some well-intentioned (or could it be ill-intentioned) soul decides that they are offended by a Christmas tree. Or they decide that “some” people will be offended by a Christmas tree.

This year’s story had a new twist. The head of a Canadian Muslim group came to the defence of the Christmas tree.

He is reported to have said we need less political correctness and more Christmas trees. How true! A Sikh leader said that he likes Christmas trees and is reported to have said he has one in his house and his daughters look under it to see if there are more presents than the last time they looked.

Attacks on Christmas and Christians is all too common today. It has ever been thus, but today, in an age of instant communications, we can hear about these little outbursts of antiChristian sentiment instantly.

This year it was refreshing to see some support for Christian tradition from non-Christian sectors.

The Christian community in recent times has been more than tolerant of other views.

In spite of the times that wars

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

I

Ken Waddell have been fought over religion and that at times they have apparently even been instigated by Christians, it has over the years been Christians who have taught about love and acceptance. It’s nice to see groups, with widely diverse beliefs about life, death and life after death, provide some level of comfort and concern for each other.

We have a long way to go in Canada and God knows we have a very long way to go in other countries.

I am a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ. As such, I believe that the only way to Heaven is by believing in the saving grace of Jesus Christ by way of his Virgin Birth, his death on the Cross and his Resurrection.

That statement may rile some people up, but shouldn’t? Because I believe it doesn’t mean in any way that someone else must believe it. We live in a free country. People can choose to believe what they wish to believe.

Interestingly, that freedom of belief is exactly what God has done for mankind. We are created with free choice. Even if someone doesn’t believe we are created, that we just happened or evolved, there is little argument about us having a free choice. We can believe whatever we want to believe. The plethora of faiths readily prove that point, we have

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hundreds of belief systems in place.

The role of democracy is to make sure that we have freedom of religion, even if another person’s belief is far removed from their neighbour’s beliefs.

What has happened in this day and age of political correctness is that we have a hierarchy of beliefs. If you are Christian in Canada it’s OK to be scorned or ridiculed. It’s considered bad to say you are Christian, to want to see a Christmas tree, to want people to go to church, to learn about Christianity. That’s being narrow. Ironically, by accusing Christians of being narrow, the accusers prove their own narrowness.

Christmas is a wonderful reminder of the old, old story. How Jesus, the Son of God, came to be born of a Virgin. We should enjoy that story and all it means. Then we should contemplate what the birth of Jesus means and how in just a few months, we celebrate Easter, the death of Jesus and how he rose from the dead so that mankind can be reconciled with God. Christianity is so complex and yet so simple. And yes, we can choose or reject it. God made us that way. We should settle for nothing less in our society.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers. May God bless you and yours.

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

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lmost every girl who grew up in North America in the last 60 years has, at one time or another, played with a Barbie doll. Launched by Ruth Handler in 1959, the young woman with her Malibu house, pretty clothes, perfect hair and pink car have filled many young girls’ play time and imaginations.

But as time has passed, many began to question her relevance, her unrealistic proportions and perceived shallow life. But something pretty neat showed up MY in my Facebook PERSPECTIVE feed last week, farmer Barbie.

Barbie has had a number of caate reers over the years, starting ackman tkinson as a fashion model the year she was launched, but this one is different. Mattel, the company that owns and manufactures Barbie dolls, has a product line called Barbie Career Dolls dedicated to educating girls about potential careers. The dolls come with career appropriate clothes and props and along with the ice skater, nurse, teacher and chef are some less conventional career Barbies, like video game developer and of course, farmer.

In addition to the doll itself, the packaging tells girls about their Barbie’s career. For those of us interested in agriculture, the description of what farmer Barbie does tells us about how our urban neighbours perceive agriculture. It’s actually pretty positive.

According to Mattel, farmers are experts in agriculture and produce a variety of crops, livestock and materials, such as cotton and wool. Farmers have a strong understanding of nature, but also use technology, science and business skills to run a successful farm. The packing goes on to say, “Do you like caring for plants and animals? You can be a farmer, just like Barbie!”

For an industry that’s struggling with ageing producers and a smaller rural population from which to draw the next generation of farmers, promoting agriculture as a career option for young women and girls is positive for the industry’s future.

It might also be part of a larger trend focused on skilled trades.

Much of Donald Trump’s support in this fall’s American presidential election came from middle class Americans worried about their jobs. The past three decades have seen huge swaths of what were once well paying jobs dry up due to some combination of automation and outsourcing. It isn’t just manufacturing jobs– legal work, investment analysis and even writing are now being done by computer software.

It’s taken a while, but people are finally starting to see which careers are vulnerable to these changing times and which aren’t, which careers hold a future here, in our communities. It turns out that farming and other skilled trades are pretty secure.

Barbie is part of revolution of relevance. Fundamentally, a company can make cars, or clothes, or appliances anywhere. But the same can’t be said for farming. While you can ship in metals and fabric to a manufacturing plant anywhere in the world, food can only be grown in certain places. Each type of agriculture is suited to a different climate or soil type and while we can use crop selection to introduce hardiness or drought resistance, fundamentally, agriculture must remain where it is now, it can’t be outsourced to a city in the developing world.

Last month, Mike Rowe, most well known as the host of the Discovery Channels’ Dirty Jobs, and This Old House, a multi-media home renovation company, launched a new charitable campaign.

The goal is to offer scholarships in order to help educate the next generation of skilled tradespeople in the home construction and renovation industries. Rowe has been a tireless champion of the skilled trades, using his public profile to correct myths and help young people on the path to fill the large number of job vacancies for skilled tradespeople.

Like farming, it’s very difficult to outsource building construction or fixing a broken sink, both of which pretty much have to be done on site.

Wouldn’t you know it, Barbie is even dipping her toe into these waters with the Barbie MegaBloks set, which lets you design and build your very own Barbie dream mansion. Maybe it won’t be long before we see electrician Barbie!

K J

Yes, it’s up to us

STAFF

DECEMBER 23, 2016

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Opinion A gift I will always treasure

DECEMBER 23, 2016

I

didn’t think so at the time; but looking back, Christmas 2005 was probably the best Christmas of my life. It didn’t start out that way. One week earlier, Kathryn suffered the stroke that nearly took her life. All family Christmas celebrations were put on indefinite hold as we maintained a vigil at Winnipeg’s Health Science Centre. We sat, we watched, we talked and prayed together. We had only one request—we wanted Kathryn to live.

I went into Winnipeg on Christmas morning, paid her a short visit and then joined the family for a quiet Christmas dinner.

After dinner, I returned to the hospital and checked in with the ICU’s charge nurse, asking if I could go and sit with Kathryn for a while.

“Sure,” she said. “We are unusually quiet here. But if we get busy, you will have to leave.”

I went in, sat next to Kathryn’s bed and held her hand. She was asleep and remained that way for most of the next hour.

FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein Just as I was about to leave, she woke up, looked at me, smiled and squeezed my hand. That was all she could do. But that one act said more to me than a hundred expensive presents could have said. It was her way of saying: “Merry Christmas. I love you.”

Previous Christmases in our family had been quite predictable—lots of decorations, lots of gifts to be opened and a meal that took two or three days to consume completely. But in 2005, we celebrated the two greatest gifts anyone could receive—the gift of life and the gift of family.

In recalling this experience, I thought of how similar it was to the experience Jesus had on the night he was born. There were no decorated trees, no beauti-

fully wrapped presents, no Christmas dinner—just two parents gazing adoringly on a newly born baby that was fast asleep. The smiles on the faces of Mary and Joseph said it all. They were celebrating the gift of life and the gift of family.

In our day, the importance of these gifts is often minimized. Marriages and domestic partnerships dissolve at alarming rates.

Over time, everyone adjusts to the new reality of life. Former partners enter new relationships.

Children move to different communities and, for the most part, life goes on. But when special days occur— birthdays, anniversaries or holidays—we wish that we could have those we love close by, even if it would only be for a day or two.

Over the past few years I have spoken with several people who have experienced the death of a spouse, a separation, a divorce or who have grown distant from one or more of their children. I wish I could give you some magic words that would heal your hurts and restore those broken relationships. But I can’t. All I can offer you is a prayer to offer and a project to work on.

The project is this. Don’t let your current relationships suffer because of the ones you wish you could repair. God has given you a second chance. Use it wisely—or you will lose it too.

The prayer is equally easy to offer. Just tell God that you are ready to reconcile with children, siblings or other family from whom you have grown apart. Let God answer your prayer in his time and in his way.

God can make it happen and give you the added joy of celebrating with them the gift of life and the gift of family.

Solitudinous soliloquy…alone but not lonely…

O

ne aspect of the traditional Christmas story that resonates with me is the concept of being alone but not lonely. Main character, Mary, processing unheard of news, may have been tempted to feel lonely.

What other young woman had ever been asked to receive the blessing of carrying a child created by the Holy Spirit. Mary went with haste to her safe place, she sought comfort, guidance and support with Elizabeth, an older relative.

Elizabeth had encountered her own alone time, past child bearing age, she was now also with child, and her beloved husband had been denied his right to audible speech because of his doubting. These women were very alone in their circumstances but they were not lonely. They were in company that shared their fears and excitement.

Travelling down the page of the story. Now Mary and Joseph are making their

HOMEBODIES Rita Friesen way to Bethlehem to register for the census. Travel is slow, the road uneven, the donkeys gait jolting, the crowds milling, Mary great with child. I can see them.

A tiny moving island in a sea of people. Mary swaying with the movement of the beast, Joseph seeking the smoothest parts of the path. The three of them, alone, but not lonely. They are cherishing a secret; they are on a secret mission.

Impervious to the glances of their fellow travellers, they proceed.

Out on a hillside the shepherds settle their flocks for the night. Away from the hustle of the crowded ways, away from even the flickering lights of lanterns swinging through

Observation

By Addy Oberlin

T

here is one candle burning. I watch the flame.

When there is a stirring of air the flame is stirred up as well. When it is quiet, the flame spreads a peaceful feature. I can watch it for quite a while. The thought occurred to me how the wise men watched and followed that star in the sky. It must have given them peace, knowing that they would find Jesus if they kept looking up.

the streets of Bethlehem.

The sparks from their fire and the stars hovering low in the sky. One up from the swine tenders, they are low on the social economic scale. They are alone out there on the hill, but not lonely.

Or the wise men. Following a call. Away from home and hearth, following a dream? A vision? A quest?

Travelling for a lengthy period of time with only a star to guide them. They did not develop a following, history does not record men and women dropping everything to become a part of the search. Bone weary, they travel on. I see them, the wise men from afar, carrying precious gifts. I see them with their coloured

robes slowly fading under the glare of the eastern sun.

Camels tiring, slowly swaying their way across the land. Alone, but not lonely.

This Christmas we all have a choice, to be alone but not lonely. We may be pioneers in life events, an Elizabeth, a Mary and Joseph. We may be away at work, far from family and friends. We may be following a dream, misunderstood or mocked by those who do not share our vision. Being alone is not wrong. Being lonely is hard, evokes sadness and sorrow, and sometimes despair. This holiday, I have been bold and brave enough to invite myself to a friends’ home for Christmas day. I am okay home alone, but my family worry.

I have the courage to ask for shelter! May our eyes, hearts and homes be open to see others’ needs, ensure that though they may be alone, they are spared being lonely. Merry Christmas.

Are we looking up this Christmas and worship a living Savior, who was born in Bethlehem? It was already foretold in the Old Testament where Jesus would be born. Mica 5:2 tells us “But Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah ... out of thee shall He come forth... that is to be ruler in Israel... from everlasting.” In verse 5, it tells us that “this man shall be the peace...”

When we gather together with family and friends, or maybe alone in a room by ourselves, may we find peace in our heart when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas.

NEEPAWA BANNER 5

Letters Holidays can be stressful It may have hit you like a snowball in the back of the head, but December has arrived and Christmas is nearly here. The risk exists that stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. However, being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help to ward off related risks and potential mental health related problems.

Truthfully, it’s no wonder the holiday season brings unwelcome guests—such as stress and depression— with the dizzying array of expectations, demands, parties, shopping, baking and cleaning to name just a few.

The holidays can also be at time when we offer comfort, receive comfort or may be in need of comfort.

Comfort is something we all have within reach—even in the eye of the most unnerving anxiety, the inkiest depression or the heaviest grief. Comfort doesn’t guarantee joy, but you can find comfort even in the midst of pain.

With some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings.

Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.

Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect.

As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to and be open to creating new ones.

Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion.

Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: donate to a charity in someone’s name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list.

Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed.

Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.

Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.

Take a breather. Make some time for yourself.

Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.

Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

For more information on Mental Health Promotion & Education, call 204- 578-2450 Prairie Mountain Health, Mental Health Services

6 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016

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Driver clocked doing 160 km/h On Nov. 27, a vehicle was located travelling west on Highway 16, doing 160 km/hr in a posted 100 km/hr zone. At the time of stop, visibility on the highway was near zero due to heavy fog and the road conditions were icy.

The 19 year old driver was arrested for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle. Upon his arrest, the driver admitted to speeding and told police he was travelling at that speed in hopes to commit suicide by driving off the road or by collision. The male was brought to the hospital and assessed by a doctor.

The male has been charged with Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle.

On Dec. 1, Minnedosa RCMP were called to a disturbance at a residence in the 100 block of 3rd Street NE in Minnedosa. Reports made that a male was outside the residence yelling and screaming. Police attended the residence and a male was seen exiting the rear of the house into the garage. Police attended the garage and the male began to back his truck out of the garage. Police told the male to stop the vehicle at which time, the male put the vehicle in drive and proceeded to drive at the police. Members were able to get away before being hit by the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was identified as David Bold of Minnedosa.

On Dec. 4, police attended the residence of Bold and located him inside. Bold was placed under arrest at this time and began

resisting police. Bold was taken into custody and remanded to Brandon Corrections. David Bold has been charged with Assault on Police Officer with a Weapon, Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Fail to Comply with conditions of a Probation Order.

On Dec. 5, Neepawa RCMP responded to a two vehicle collision on highway 16 near The Greenhouse. Neepawa Fire Department along with EMS from Neepawa and Minnedosa responded as well. It was determined that a car travelling east had lost control on the very icy roads and crossed into the oncoming traffic. A truck travelling west was unable to avoid the car and collided into the passenger side of the car. The driver of the truck, a 41 year old from Oakbank, was treated on scene with minor injuries. The passenger of the car, a 16 year old female

from Minnedosa, who needed to be extracted from the vehicle, was transported to Neepawa hospital for her injuries and released. The driver of the car, a 17 year old female from Minnedosa, was transported to the Childrens’ ward of Health Science Center in Winnipeg for her injuries. She remains in the hospital in serious condition.

On Dec. 10, Minnedosa RCMP stopped a vehicle for a stop sign infraction.

Upon speaking with the driver, police detected a strong smell of marijuana.

The driver and passenger of the vehicle were subsequently arrested and the vehicle was searched. Police were unable to locate any drugs in the vehicle.

Upon speaking with the driver, who was now sitting in the back seat of the police vehicle, police detected the odor of liquor coming from the male. At this time, the male was detained for an impaired

driving investigation and instructed to provide a sample of his breath into a road side screening device, which he failed. The male was than arrested for impaired driving and provided two samples of breath at the Minnedosa Detachment. Readings from the breath samples were 130mg and 120 mg of alcohol in 100 mL of blood. As a result, Carey Kristalowich, of Minnedosa, has been charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

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NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016 7

The night before Christ came these strangers coming into town there are less and less places for a cat to walk without some human almost stepping on them.

Night is nice, the stars come out and everything slowly quiets down. That is when I can get down to work and check out my domain. The other cats and I enjoy a good time singing, which the baker doesn’t appreciate but we are getting better.

Speaking of night, looks like the stores are closing for now.

Well, well what do we have here? These two humans are a little late getting into town for the night, they will be lucky to find a spot for the night, every hotel and house is full.

Oh, that’s not good, the female is very pregnant.

In fact, if my eyes don’t deceive me, she could even be ready to give birth very soon. She needs a nesting place, somewhere to have this baby human and there is no place…oh good they are going to the inn, there should be room at the inn. No! He is turning them away, can’t he see how tired they are, how pregnant she is? Oh, they are going to the priest’s house, he should be able to put them up. No, no he isn’t putting them up. He is turning them

that they needed to go back to the place where their family started from.

Now talk about a waste of time, for me I am not traveling all the way to Egypt because some lion or tiger or whatever says I had to.

I am a cat and I come and I go and I do as I please.

Humans think they have free choice. Bah, only cats have free choice.

So my town is filling up with lots of strangers and this being lambing season, the shepherds have been out on the hills taking care of their sheep so the town has been fairly quiet this past while. But with all

away. Oh right, if she has the baby in his house, he will be defiled and won’t be able to go to the temple.

They are heading to my human’s house, I know there is no room there but, yes, the stable. It isn’t a room

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are heading towards the stable, well let’s just have a look and see what they are doing.

Now that’s strange, they are kneeling before that new baby and now they are right down on their faces.

Humans are strange. Going to get a little closer to see what’s going on. Did one of them just say “Messiah”?

I need to have a look at this baby who is causing all the fuss.

He doesn’t look much different than any other baby I have seen on the outside but there is something different about him. Just a little closer, he opened his eyes, he looked at me.

There is something different about him, it’s like I know him, it’s like He knows me.

I think this baby is going to change the world.

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then: What’s that noise? Yes, looks like we are having a baby tonight. There goes the man for the mid-wife.

This should be exciting.

Time passes.

Ahh, there we go, I hear that sound of a baby crying that’s good. Wait, whoa, hang on, who turned on the light out here. Wow what a star, it’s huge, it’s awesome, it is beautiful.

It’s shining right over the stable.

Huh, what’s that light out on the hills. Is that a fire? Something is happening out there, hey what in the world it’s gone. Oh well, not my problem, not my fault. Time to get some shut eye.

Hey, what’s that noise.

What are those shepherds doing in town? They should be out on the hills looking after those sheep. They

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in the inn but it is warm and the hay is clean and it is out of the weather.

Yes, they are taking them to the stable, I had better get down and make sure they get things done up right. Humans can make such a mess of things. Good, settle down in the stall, lots of nice hay and a clean blanket.

Here comes the Missus she has some nice warm food and extra blankets for the night. Good job. I gave her a tails up.

I shall oversee the stable because everyone knows that cats are great supervisors.

It appears everyone is settling down for the night. Checked the cow and her calf and they are quiet, the two horses are sleeping standing up. How do they do that? Yes, no sheep, they are all out on the hills because it is lambing season so at least we don’t have those smelly beasts around. Time for me to settle down on that rock and keep an eye and ear out.

A few hours go by and

LEON’S

There is nothing I hate worse than wet feet. Cold wet feet are the worst.

When your feet are wet, it seems every part of you feels it and when your feet are cold it seems to take forever to get warm. My favourite way to get warm is to get nice and close to a warm fire and let the heat of the fire sink in and warm me to my very bones.

When I was younger, this was never an issue but as you grow older, the things that you used to laugh at don’t seem quite so funny.

Like falling out of a tree, or being chased by dogs or making fun of the dog next door that is always tied up, until he isn’t and then the adrenaline hits and whoosh off you go looking for the nearest tree to get out of reach of those sharp teeth.

My favourite perch was sitting up on the roof of my house. You need to understand that where I am from we don’t have roof peaks; our roofs are flat because we don’t get a lot of rain and zero of that white stuff called snow. Our roofs are like an extra room and it is to this place that we go after supper to enjoy the breeze and cool off before night time.

Night time is when my humans go to sleep, you see my name is Boots and I am a cat. Well actually to the family on the east side of our town, I am Boots. I chase mice and am petted by my human children. On the west side of my town my name is Samson and I am expected to bear myself with the bearing of one who is the cat of the local priest. What humans don’t understand is that cats are owned by nobody. We choose who we will allow to take care of us.

The last six years I spend the one day on the east side and one day on the west side of the town. It took a few months to get my humans adjusted to this schedule but now that they are trained, things work quite well for all concerned.

During the day, I spend

my time lying in the sun on the roof top soaking up the rays and conserving my energy for more important things like teasing the dogs. Nothing irritates a dog more than to hiss and raise your hackles and make all the tough guy sounds, while I am standing on a branch10 feet over their heads. They go wild, barking and jumping trying to reach me. I know, low level humour but you take what you can get. Did you know what dogs are barking when they see a cat? All they are doing is yelling “CAT, CAT, CAT!” That’s right I am a cat, see my tail, see my claws and fur. Can’t you say something more entertaining than “Cat?” After entertaining myself with the dogs, I wander off to find something interesting to do like chase birds, play with light beams or sometimes I find my perch on the gate leading into town and watch the human traffic come and go. There has been a lot of traffic lately. Some really important human guy told all the humans

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8 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year nner and From the Neepawa Ba tion staff! u Neepawa Press distrib

Matthew Gagnon

Photo above: Photo right:

Back row (from left): Roberto Guray, Lori Brooking, Colin Whelan Front: Betty Pearson, Shannon Robertson, Bernadette Myker.

Missing: Crystal Oman

PHOTOS BY DIANE WARNER & KATE JACKMAN-ATKINSON

16124JM2

NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016 9

Christmas on Ice

ABOVE PHOTOS BY DIANE RUZYCKI

ABOVE PHOTOS BY EOIN DEVEREUX

TAYLOR LAW OFFICE 269 Hamilton Street

We have the aeration on at the lake and the north end will have open water.

Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

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DANGER

Neepawa Wildlife would like to warn people who will be out on Lake Irwin.

476-2336

We pump air under the ice to keep the oxygen level higher so the fish will survive the winter.

Please use extreme caution when on the lake near the north end.

Stay away from the open water as it has just started to open up December 19, 2016.

There will be a lot more ice open up in next few days.

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Neepawa Banner Sports

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Natives head into holidays on positive note

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner

The Neepawa Natives have headed into the Christmas hiatus with a little bit of momentum, picking up three of a possible four points in their last two regular season games. The MJHL club first collected a lone point on Friday, Dec. 16, in 5-4 shootout loss to the Selkirk Steelers at the Yellowhead Centre.

They’d follow that up on Saturday, Dec. 17 with a 4-3 victory in Waywayseecappo against the Wolverines.

Though there is likely a little bit of disappointment in not picking up the victory versus the Steelers in their final home game before Christmas, Neepawa should still take great solace in the fact they battled back for the single point. Early on, Selkirk completely stymied Neepawa’s efforts with its physical style of play. That, along with constant pressure from the Steelers’ top forwards provided the visitors with a 4-1 lead as the second period drew to a close. To that point, Ashton Anderson had mustered the only offensive spark for the Natives, scoring late in the first period. In the final 2:44 of the middle frame, however, Neepawa snapped back into contention, as Zach Johnson and Justin Metcalf scored, making it 4-3 heading into the final 20 minutes of regulation.

Johnson’s goal came off a breakaway, while Metcalf took advantage of a great give and go with Anderson, to make it a one goal deficit.

The third period would prove to be a great back and forth between the two teams, with neither really able to find that one opportunity to turn everything to their favour. It would be a late game cross checking penalty against Selkirk that would turn out to be the opening Neepawa needed. During the man advantage, Skyler Thorsteinson would put away the equalizer and send the game into overtime.

In overtime, Selkirk nearly picked up the extra point on two separate occasions. First, they took advantage of a two-on-none breakaway on Natives goaltender Evan Robert, but found themselves shutdown on the play. Just over a minute later, the Steelers almost ended it again, but were hampered by the tremendous effort of Robert once more. After the five minutes of OT solved nothing, both teams had to head into

PHOTO BY DIANE RUZYCKI

Neepawa’s Nolan Richards (7) is tripped up during overtime during the Saturday, Dec. 16 versus the Selkirk Steelers. There was no penalty on the play. The game would go into a shootout, with the Steelers coming out on top. a shootout. Jake Dudar was the only player for both clubs that was able to slip a shot into the back of the net, which provided Selkirk with the hard fought 5-4 win. Both Robert and Selkirk’s Hayden Dola had busy nights between the pipes, as both goaltenders registered 48 saves apiece.

The final game before the Christmas break for Neepawa would be in Waywayseecappo against the

Terriers’ Leipsic wins POTW MJHL week in review

Submitted The Neepawa Banner

Portage Terriers’ Jeremey Leipsic has been named this week’s Recycle Everywhere MJHL Player of the Week.

Leipsic, 19, recorded nine points (three goals - six assists) in four games last week. The Winnipegger continues to lead the MJHL scoring race with 18 goals and 59 points.

The runners up are 19-year-old goaltender Hayden Dola of the Selkirk Steelers and 19-year-old forward Ashton Anderson of the Neepawa Natives.In four games last week for Neepawa, Anderson put in a seven point peformance, with two goals and five assists.

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Power Rankings Winners of three in a row, the Steinbach Pistons enter their Christmas break as the top team in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The Pistons are seven points clear of the second place Winkler Flyers. Steinbach is also ranked on the CJHL Top 20 this week, as they are sixth in the nation.

Rounding out the top five rankings are the Winkler Flyers, Portage Terriers,Winnipeg Blues and Selkirk Steelers. The Neepawa Natives have moved up one position to number nine. Points in three straight games for the Natives has Neepawa back in the playoff picture. Entering this week, Neepawa was five points back of the Swan Valley Stampeders, who sit in the MJHL’s final playoff spot.

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Wolverines. A two goal night from Josh Sielsky would lift the Natives to the 4-3 win in this contest. Ashton Anderson and Reigan Buchanan picked up the other goals for Neepawa, while Tyler Gutenberg collected the win in net. With the win, Neepawa improved its record to 9-22-2 on the season. The team’s final game of 2016 will be on Friday, Dec. 30, when they host the Swan Valley Stampeders at the Yellowhead Centre.

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Christmas meat sale December 1 - 31, 2016 Sides of Beef reduced .10 to $2.79/lb cut & wrapped

We are providing an alternative to the high retail cost of meat. All our beef is from choice carcasses produced by our local cattle producers and is government inspected.

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Merry Christmas from Lorne Nagorski & staff at Oakridge Meats Phone: 204-835-2365 Cell: 204-476-0147

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Neepawa Banner Sports

NEEPAWA BANNER 11

Neepawa, Gladstone Tiger Hills Hockey League recap play instant classic

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner

If you’re a fan of basketball, mark Monday, Jan. 30 on your calendar, because that’s the day the Neepawa Tigers and Carberry Cougars junior varsity teams will once again play each other. If it’s anything like their first contest on Monday, Dec. 19th, it’ll be one to remember.

The initial matchup would see Neepawa claim a 82-76 victory, though the game was much closer than the final score indicates, as it featured constant momentum swings and a breakneck speed.

In the first quarter, it appeared as though, it would be a lopsided loss for Neepawa, as the Cougars scored the first eight points of the game and kept the Tigers completely off-balance. NACI regrouped and started to push back though, to slowly climb back into contention. This slow first half rebound would be capped off with a massive last second play in the second quarter

by Neepawa’s Rafael Castro. Castro stole the ball from the Carberry player and picked up the basket and a foul with 0.8 seconds left on the clock.

He turned it into a three point play, making it 3838 going into half-time.

In the third quarter, the Tigers got off to a sloppy start, allowing Carberry to reclaim the lead. The exceptional play of Carberry’s Gabe Araya, who had over half of the Cougars’ total points in the game, forced Neepawa back on their heels. The youngster consistently was able to drive into

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the paint for several well earned layups and high percentage shots from the low post. As the game progressed, however, foul trouble and an inability to out rebound NACI, placed the Cougars at a disadvantage.

Slowly, but surely, the Tigers crept back into the game, lead by the scoring prowess of Tanner Mann and Ben Perrett. Another last second basket to end the third quarter, proved Neepawa with the 62-58 lead, heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation.

The final quarter saw both teams dealing with foul troubles, with each side using the freebies to their advantage. As time ran down, it was a fast break and three pointer

by Neepawa’s Ben Perrett, off of a Carberry foul shot that turned the tide. That big time play provided the Tigers with a bit of a cushion in the final minute of regulation. Perrett, Mann and Castro lead the way to the win, while Araya and Burke Erickson had huge nights for Carberry. The win improved NACI’s record to 2-0, while Carberry fell to 0-2. In the JV girls game, Neepawa outpaced Minnedosa 39-19. Kailyn Hanke was the leading scorer for NACI with 11 points.

By Eoin Devereux The Neepawa Banner

East Division

G

W

L

Etl

Pts

1- Carberry

12

8

4

0

16

The Neepawa Farmers put in a dominant performance of Saturday, Dec. 17, shutting out the Melita Bisons 6-0. Matt Lowry, Cam Tibbett and Cole Krutkewich all had big nights on the score sheet, helping the Farmers to their fifth straight victory (7-4-0). Brady Plett earned the shutout for the Farmers between the pipes.

With the win, Neepawa set up a very important matchup against the Minnedosa Bombers for Friday, Dec. 23 in Minnedosa. The winner of this showdown will be tied for first place with the Carberry Plainsmen in the Tiger Hills Hockey League’s eastern division. Start time for the final game before the Christmas hiatus starts at 8:00 p.m.

2- Minnedosa

9

7

2

0

14

3- Neepawa

11

7

4

0

14

4- Gladstone

11

5

5

1

11

5- Cartwright

11

5

5

1

11

6- MacGregor

11

3

7

1

7

7- Pilot Mound

11

1

9

1

3

West Division

G

W

L

Etl

Pts

1- Killarney

10

10

0

0

20

2- Boissevain

11

10

1

0

20

3- Hartney

12

5

4

3

13

4- Souris

11

5

5

1

11

5- Deloraine

13

4

8

1

9

6- Melita

11

2

8

1

5

Minnedosa victorious A four point night by Grant Jacobsen (three goals - one assist), helped the Minnedosa Bombers defeat the Hartney Blues 7-4. Bryce Stephenson, Shane Cameron, Travis Erickson and Matt Saler also contributed goals in the win, which improved Minnedosa’s record to 7-2-0.

Upcoming schedule: Carberry dominates Pilot Mound Nearly every player on the Plainsmen roster registered at least one point in Carberry’s 15-3 shellacking of the Pilot Mound Pilots.

The biggest contributers were Dylan Kelly (two goals - five assists) and Dustin Fisher (1G - 6A) who each had massive games, while Riley Day and Mitch Doell both notched hat tricks in this one-sided contest. The win improved Carberry’s record to 8-4-0 on the year.

Gladstone loses on the road The Boissevain Border Kings were simply too much to handle for Gladstone on Saturday, Dec. 17, as they topped the Lakers 8-2. Rich Little and Eric Beaudin scored the only goals of the night for Gladstone (5-5-1), to close out their first half of the regular season. Boissevain, meanwhile kept pace with the Killarney Shamrocks in the THHL western division standings.

Friday, Dec. 23 Neepawa at Minnedosa Cartwright at Pilot Mound Boissevain at Killarney

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12 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016

Classifieds –––––––––– In Memory ______________

Mabel Lobban: Oct. 29/17 2006. Silent memories keep you near, as time unfolds another year. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.

Today, tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always love and remember you.

Lovingly, Kelvin, Gary and James.

–––––––––– Notice

_____________________ Alcoholics Anonymous meets at Neepawa United Church basement, Thursdays, 8 p.m. _____________________ Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call Leah 3682403 or 841-4766 _____________________ 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 _____________________ U.C.T. 2016 MB Councils Cash Draw winners were: $1,500, Ms. Trudy Streeter, Winnipeg; $750, Chad Cumming, Brandon; $500, Nadean Ramsey, Brandon; $250, John Gordon, Minnedosa.

–––––––––– Personal

_____________________ Crisis Pregnancy Centre Winnipeg: Need to talk?

Call our free help line, 1-800-665-0570 or contact our Westman office: 204727-6161

Classified Ad Deadline:

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

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

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

–––––––––– –––––––––– –––––––––– Help For Sale Vehicles _____________________ _____________________ Wanted For sale: piano accordBudget Tire Co. We buy and _____________________ We are looking for 8 experienced (2-3yrs.), seasonal applicants to work on a bee farm as an Apiary Technician in Neepawa, MB. 2 applicants from March 15 to Sept 15, 2017, 6 applicants from April 15 to Oct 15, 2017. Must be able to work full time, including evenings & weekends. Duties include: unwrapping/wrapping, queen rearing, making nucs, feeding, medicating, supering, pulling honey, extracting crop, maintain/ assemble equipment, etc.

Positions are physically demanding and must be able to handle heavy loads, work in a fast- paced environment with a combination of walking, standing, bending, crouching and kneeling for extended periods. Positions are mostly outdoors when hot & dusty, wet /damp. $14-16/hr for 40 hours/ week. Benefits include: Workers comp. & vacation pay. Please mail resume to: Grysiuk Honey Farms Ltd., 30 Granada Cr., Wpg, MB. R2Y 0P8

–––––––––– For Sale

_____________________ 2 bedroom bungalow, 99 Bradley Blvd. 970 Sq. Ft. Large detached garage, with appliances. 204-4762695 after 5 p.m. _____________________ 2000 chrysler 300M, fully loaded, leather, low kms, silver in color, saftied, asking $2,300, 385-2711, Bill.

ian, 60 bases, good shape. $250.00 Phone 967-2418, Riding Mountain _____________________ 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

_____________________ Churchill Block, Neepawa, 1 bedroom apartment, available immediately. Call 204841-1298 _____________________ For Rent: 71 Main Street West, Neepawa. 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, fully furnished and equipped with main appliances: 2 refrigerators, washer, dryer, dishwasher, freezer. Phone 204-212-2331 _____________________ One bedroom apartment close to downtown. Call 204-368-2362. _____________________ 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, 204-3852997 Gladstone.

sell good used tires. 7268199, Brandon

–––––––––– Feed & Seed

_____________________ NuVision Commodities St. Jean, MB buying feed grains, wheat, barley, peas, oats, off grades grain and custom hauling back to the Red River area.

Phone 1(204)758-3401 or 1(204)746-4028.

–––––––––– Auctions

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

Services Hip or Knee Replacement?

Problems walking or getting dressed?

The Disability Tax Credit

$2,000

Yearly Tax Credit

$20,000

Lump Sum + Rebate

In Memory

Forever loved, families of Murray, Glenda, Lynnette, Judy, Marlin and Ron’s children Stetson & Lacie.

Obituary Victoria Andrews

Hares Dad, Fred, Mom, Edith, Tom Mashtoler Dave, Mercedes Michael We hold our tears, when we speak your name, But the ache in our heart, remains the same.

No one knows the sorrow we share, When the family meets and you’re not there.

Gone are the days we had together, But in our hearts you are there forever.

Forever loved and dearly missed by Nancy, Freda, Brenda, Susan, Barbara and families

Victoria Andrews of McCreary, MB and formerly of Riding Mountain, MB passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the age of 76 years.

In accordance with Victoria's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Riding Mountain in the summer of 2017.

Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Victoria to the McCreary/Alonsa Personal Care Home, Box 250, McCreary, MB, R0J 1B0 Sneath-Strilchuk -McCreary Chapel 204-835-2004 • www.sneathstrilchuk.com

R

REMINDE

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

All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

Holiday Worship Times Prepared by the Neepawa Ministerial St. James Anglican: Christmas Eve, 7:00pm No service Christmas Day First Baptist: Christmas Eve, 7:00pm Christmas Day, 11:00am Calvary Chapel: Christmas Day, 10:00am Knox Presbyterian: Christmas Eve, 7:00pm Christmas Day, 11:00am Roman Catholic: St. Dominic’s – Neepawa Christmas Eve, Pageant 4:00pm Mass 4:30pm, at the Yellowhead Centre Christmas Day, 11:00 am at the church Carberry – Our Lady of the Assumption Church Christmas Eve, 8:00 pm Neepawa United Church: Blue Christmas, Wed, Dec. 21, 7:00pm Christmas Eve, 7:00pm Christmas Day, 11:00am Brookdale United Church: Christmas “Eve”, Thurs, Dec. 22, 7:00pm Christ Lutheran Church: Christmas Eve, 5:30 PM Christmas Day 9:00 AM Zion Lutheran Church, Plumas: Christmas Eve, 7:30 PM Christmas Day, 11:00 AM Waldersee Lutheran: Christmas Eve, 6:00pm Christmas Day, 11:00am Erickson Lutheran: Christmas Eve, 9:00pm Prairie Alliance Church: Christmas Eve, 7:00pm Christmas Day, 11:00am

Apply anytime of the year. Lowest rate in the industry.

Highway #16 West Neepawa, MB 204-476-3071

Vacation Notice

We will be closed January 2nd - January 7th For a family wedding.

We will be back to regular business hours January 9th Sorry for any inconveniences this may cause

PUBLIC NOTICE

MUNICIPALITY OF McCREARY Public Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Section 194 of The Municipal Act, that the 2015 Audited Consolidated Financial Report and Statements for the Municipality of McCreary have been deposited in the office of the Municipality of McCreary and are available for inspection at 432 First Avenue, McCreary, Manitoba by any person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

DATED at McCreary, Manitoba this 19th day of December, 2016.

Larry McLauchlan, Reeve Municipality of McCreary

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Work.

It’s what people turn to for the latest developments and unique insight into the business world.

The Banner probably has what you are looking for!

Help Wanted

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Find it in the

At this Holiday Season In Memory of family

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

Notice

204-453-5372

In memory of our Brother, and our Dad, Ronald (Ron) Keith McCaskill who left us 2 years ago on December 22, 2014.

There will always be this heartache and then a silent tear, We shall cherish those pleasant memories of the days when you were here.

Remembering you is easy, we do it every day.

Missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

To place an ad:

Tuesday Noon

Classifieds 35 lines Help Wanted

Winter Road Haul 2017 Class 1 Drivers needed for deliveries in MB & NW Ont. (800) 665-4302 ext. 251 or e-mail: orderdesk@penneroil.ca

GLADSTONE TRANSFER LTD.

Gladstone Transfer Limited is seeking an experienced

full time Data Entry Clerk (35 hours per week)

to join our team in Gladstone, MB Requirements Data entry experience with computerized Order Management Software Proficient computer skills including Mac Software & Microsoft Office Attention to detail Communicate with vendors regarding invoicing, missing information etc.

Monitor equipment maintenance intervals The Environment Availability for flexible hours based on job requirements Competitive salary & benefits Gladstone Transfer Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Respectively, we can only acknowledge those under consideration.

Candidates that are interested can submit a resume to traceyjgtl@gmail.com

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

Responsibilities / Duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter, eviscerate and mark hogs for further processing • Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further detailed specifications intended for commercial, industrial, institutional or wholesale use • To de-bone edible part and remove inedible organs or parts The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: • Be able to work in a culturally diverse workplace • Have a good work ethic • Focus on treating people with dignity and respect • Appreciate a stable long term work environment • Experience as an Industrial Butcher or trimmer is required • Completion of secondary school may be required Current starting wage is $13.85/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/current-opportunities/ We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

www.neepawabanner.com

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Thank you Banner for reading 243 Hamilton St. MB the Neepawa, Neepawa Banner NEEPAWA

.com

NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016 13

SERVICES GUIDE

Personal

204-476-3677

Accepting New Clients We offer: Hair Services Esthetic Services Registered Massage Therapy Coming Soon Acupuncture Evening appointments are available For more information, venushairandbody.ca or 204-476-3677

Construction

Thank you for reading the Neepawa Banner

Birnie Builders

Redi-Built and and on site Redi-Built onhomes, site Huron PVC Windows

homes, cottages, Ph/Fax: huron PVC Windows 204-966-3207

Birnie Builders Birnie Builders Phone/Fax

CAT DOZERS

• Std And Wide Pad • Bush Clearing Root Rake • Site Preparation • Pothole Infill • Field Drainage

Estate & Moving Sale

• Brush Cutting • Landscaping Hole Drilling • Snow Clearing Lane Grading • Trail Making

BILL HOPKINS • 204-867-0260 HOPKINSWELDING@HOTMAIL.COM

TAC

Ventures Inc.

Redi-Mix Concrete Sand, Gravel and Wash Aggregate Rebar & Misc. Supplies MINNEDOSA/ERICKSON

204-867-3853

FOXWARREN/SHOAL LAKE

204-847-2331 HAMIOTA

204-764-2465

Redi-Built and Redi-Built andon onsite sitehomes, homes, Harold Klassen Huron PVC 204-966-3207 HuronMB PVCWindows Windows Birnie, Ph/Fax: Cell Ph/Fax:

Garbage Bin Rentals

Harold HaroldKlassen Klassen harold.birniebuilders@gmail.com Birnie, Birnie,MB MB

harold.birniebuilders@gmail.com harold.birniebuilders@gmail.com

Phone 476-0002 for more information

204-966-3372

NEEPAWA PRESS

December 28th no paper, office closed 16124PP1

Deadline for January 4th edition: Friday, December 23rd at noon

NEW LISTING

�us��in��le ����es�n� We buy standing Spruce and Poplar �mber

Mike Ellis 204-841-4244 Dave Leflar 204-841-0025

NEW LISTING 488 Walker Ave, Neepawa. MLS# 1630779

337 Ada Street, Neepawa. MLS# 1628498

$199,500.00 Just what you’ve been looking for!

1076 sf bungalow, 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Very convenient & private location. Beautiful east-facing view!

Spacious family home, 4 bdrms, 3 bath, open concept, beautiful location!

For all your residential and farm building needs

Visit us on Facebook.com

Shawn Nugent

Journeyman Electrician

Diane Martin 204-841-0932

• 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

R

matt@rempelbackhoe.ca

olling Acres eady Mix

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

Irvin 204-476-6236

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

Liz Sumner 204-476-6362

Thinking about buying or selling?

Contact any of our Realtors to arrange your free Market Evaluation!

John Nelson 204-476-6719

Harvey Ebner 204-476-6700

www.facebook.com/gillandschmall

www.gillandschmall.com

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province-wide Classifieds FOR SALE

1-204-476-6730 comfortelectric@hotmail.com Box 2518 Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

204-476-5432

THE

Gill & Schmall Agencies

CALL NOW FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL NEEDS

135 Boundary Street, Neepawa, MB

Deadline for December 30th edition: Tuesday, December 20th at noon.

Firewood Sales

Comfort Electric

WE ARE A CERTIFIED BATCH PLANT.

(204) 467-1858 or (204) 886-7027 www.mcsherryauction.com

.com

Real Estate

NEW HOMES | RENOS | ICF BASEMENTS CONCRETE PADS | DECKS | FRAMING

• Redi-Mix Concrete & Concrete Pumping.

• Sand, Gravel & Aggregate • Skid Steer & Equipment Rental • Snow removal

Consignments Welcome!

Banner

Woodlot Management

john@trijindustries.com

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

WE OFFER:

Bobcat 773 w 700 hrs * JD 850 Utility Tractor * Yard Items * Tools * Metal Lathe * 3 PH Equip *

NEEPAWA

Rough Lumber

Cut and split firewood - Poplar and Spruce/Pine �� firewood - 10 cord load delivered to your yard

F. KOZAK & SONS LTD.

Saturday, Jan. 21 10:00 AM

We buy Scrap!

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

SERVING THE NEEPAWA AREA

Consignment Sale

Slabs $60/cord Cut and Split �� Round Wood

“Let Us Custom Design A “Let “LetUs UsCustom CustomDesign DesignAA Home For You” Home HomeFor ForYou” You”

Experience, Quality, Integrity

Saturday, Jan. 7 10:00 AM Saturday, Jan. 14 10:00 AM

Full dimension Corral Planks and Windbreak

“Let Us Custom Design A 204-966-3207 204-476-6843 204-966-3207 Home For You”

P. BAKER BACKHOE SERVICE

SKID STEERS

PRAIRIE REDI-MIX

PLEASE NOTE OUR HOLIDAY Please noteSCHEDULE our early AND DEADLINES holiday deadlines:

McSherry Auction

Construction

Venus Hair & Body Care 462 - 1st Avenue, Neepawa

Auction Sales

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post 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.

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING. Auto, farm, construction, ATV, marine, motorcycle, golf carts, phones, tools, radios, computers etc. Reconditioned, obsolete and hard-to-find batteries. SOLAR equipment. The Battery Man. Winnipeg.

1.877.775.8271 www.batteryman.ca PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 readers weekly.

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

Parts & full trailer repair, trailer safeties & Autopac Trailer Repair. Sales, Leasing & Financing of flat-deck, dumpbox, cargo, gooseneck & utility trailers & truck beds. Kaldeck Truck & Trailer, Hwy #1 MacGregor, Mb. 1-888-685-3127.

For Sale – 1996 Freightliner FLD 120 500hp Detroit 18sp. Low mileage, new rubber. Very good condition.

204-733-2542, cell 204 572-5590.

HARDY TREE, SHRUB, and berry seedlings delivered. Order online at www.treetime.ca or call 1-866873-3846. New growth guaranteed.

BOXING WEEK SALE DEC 19-JAN 8! SAVE 10-50% STOREWIDE! Limited stock on some items. Queen 800 pocket coil mattress set $495 (10 year warranty), queen spare room mattress for $199, 3 piece solid wood table set (36x48 inch) $499, 12 drawer espresso coloured queen storage bed $699, 5 piece SOLID WOOD (Canadian made) queen bedroom suite including queen bed, chest and night stand $1199. 30-45% off 100% Italian leather furniture sets in stationary and reclining (2 stationary styles and 2 reclining styles), and England Furniture (a Lay-Z-Boy Company) rocker recliners in two styles and two fabrics $695 including power option. See store for more specials. Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6 & Sun 11-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-5711971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon. Open on Boxing Day!

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Credit700.ca - $750 loans - or more.

No credit check - same day deposit. Toll free number 1-855-5274368. Open 7 days from 8am to 8pm

MOBILE HOMES

3 ONLY 16 x 80, 3 Bed, 2 Bath.

Starting at $89,900. Altona Mobile Homes, 1-800-582-4036, 1-204324-6776 Email amhl@mymts.net

MISCELLANEOUS

Building new home? Have high quality cabinets, latest colours, for entire home from cancelled custom orders. Retail from $65,000 - $78,000 each. Build to

fit & SAVE 75% off retail! 204-746-2223

HEALTH

CANADA BENEFIT GROUP - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or www.canadabenefit.ca/free-assessment

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Wanted: Class One Drivers for Winter road season in NWT. Hauling fuel to diamond mines. Top wages paid.

204-733-2542, cell 204-572-5590.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

Ad

Deadline Tuesday Noon

14 NEEPAWA BANNER DECEMBER 23, 2016

S ALE CO NTINUES ON REM AINING IN STO CK VEH ICLES

$26,500 ‘16 TOYOTA RAV-4 LE AWD

‘15 RAM 1500 SLT

$37,500 ‘15 CHEV SILVERADO LT CREW 4X4

$32,500 ‘16 RAM SXT 1500 QUAD CAB 4X4

Just like new, 22k’s

$37,500 ‘15 GMC SIERRA SLE Z-71 CREW 4X4 5.3L, remote start, back-up cam, 34k’s

$34,500 ‘16 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4 White, immaculate condtion, 20k’s

$15,500 5.3L, leather, excellent shape, 140k’s

$30,500 ‘14 FORD F-150 XLT SUPER CAB 4X4 5.0L, a treat to drive, 42k’s

‘05 PONTIAC MONTANA

7 passenger van, DVD, player, safetied, 185k’s

$16,500 ‘15 CHEV MALIBU LT ECO

Leather trim seats, hands free phone, 28k’s

TRUCKS

2016 GMC Sierra Z-71 Double Cab 4x4 5.3L, only 7000km.................................$40,500 2015 Ram 2500HD SLT Crew Cab 8 foot box, 5.7L Hemi, 28k’s...........................$37,500 2012 Ford F-150 FX-4 SuperCrew 4x4 Fully loaded, 105k’s.................................$27,500 2010 Chevrolet Silverado LT Crew V8 Lots of chrome, 110k’s...........................$20,500 2010 Ford F-150 Lariat Supercab 4x4 Diamond white, 190k’s...........................$15,500 2010 Ford F-150 XTR Supercab 4x4 Two tone paint, 125k’s...............................$18,500 2000 GMC Sierra SLE 2500HD 4x4 6.0L, Very Nice, Fresh Safety, 250k’s..............$8,500

SUVS

2017 Hyundai Sante Fe Premium AWD 22k’s.......................................................$29,500 2017 Hyundai Sante Fe SE AWD 25k’s...................................................................$32,500 2016 Hyundai Sante Fe Premium AWD 35k’s.......................................................$26,500 2016 Toyota Rav 4 LX AWD 22k’s...........................................................................$26,500

Eco Diesel, heated seats, remote start, back-up cam, 29k’s

5.3L, remote start, heated seats, 35k’s

$5,500

‘07 CHEV SILVERADO LT EXT. CAB 4X4

$39,500

5.7L Hemi, only 4,000km, electric blue

$7,500

$33,500 ‘15 CHEV SILVERADO LT DBL CAB 4X4

‘08 FORD FUSION SE

Sunroof, remote start, super clean, 120k’s

5.3L, a diamond, 45k’s

$13,500 ‘12 KIA SORENTO LX AWD Just in, safetied, looks fantastic!

130k’s

$9,500 ‘09 BUICK LUCERNE CX Buick soft ride, only 125k’s

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Quality, 20k’s.............................................$34,500 2016 GMC Terrain SLE Back-up cam, 28k’s..........................................................$24,500 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude 4x4 Fully loaded................................................$23,500 2016 Chrysler Town and Country Touring Heated leather, 29k’s.......................$29,500 2016 Chevrolet Traverse LS AWD 33k’s.................................................................$30,500 2009 Hyundai Sante Fe GLS AWD Midnight blue, 105k’s....................................$13,500

CARS

2015 Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo 1 owner, back-up cam, remote start, 60k’s....$14,500 2011 Chevrolet Impala LT Remote start, alloys, spoiler, dark red, 120k’s............$8,500 2011 Cadillac DTS (Deville) WOW!!! Just like new, only 60k’s...........................$16,500 2008 Honda Civic Si 2 dr, sunroof, 6 speed, 155k’s, rare find!..............................$9,500

SPECIAL 1998 Cadillac Deville LIMOUSINE 9 passenger, 100,000 original km’s

WILSONSWHEELS.CA

1.204.867.2699

Automotive And the winner is: 2016 vehicle of the year DECEMBER 23, 2016

By Ben Castle The Neepawa Banner Eleven vehicles from 11 different manufacturers: two trucks, four cars and five SUVs, totalling over $400,000! This year, I have marked each vehicle reviewed out of 10 for the following criteria: powertrain (engine and transmission); comfort; styling; feature content; value; practicality; fuel economy; warranty and servicing; handling and ride and controls and ergonomics, giving each vehicle a total mark out of 100. So now is the time to find out what the truck, car and SUV of the year are and, ultimately, what is the Rivers and Neepawa Banner vehicle of the year?

Truck of the year The two trucks tested were the all-new GMC Canyon V6 Crew Cab mid-size and Ford F150 Supercrew with the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost (turbo) engine full-size trucks.

If you don’t want the size or need the capability of a full-size truck, the new GMC Canyon V6 and its Chevrolet Colorado twin offer a very compelling case. They look good, have attractive interiors and offer a very refined drive and handling more akin to a large crossover than a truck. The narrower width makes Canyon more manoeuvrable than a fullsize truck, although the crew cab is still roomy and properly equipped, it will tow 7,000 pounds. GM’s

NEEPAWA BANNER 15

class leading powertrain warranty and extended service intervals also promise low running costs. Against it, although the cost to upgrade to the V6 motor is minimal, it can get pretty expensive to include all the features that you might expect and the motor is not as economical and does not feel as powerful as the official figures suggest.

It’s a narrow win for the F150 then, thanks to handsome styling, the biggest crew cab in its class, a strong range of engines that are both responsive and offer excellent fuel economy, good handling and braking for a full-size truck, due to its lightweight aluminum construction and a long list of available luxury features. My only demerits were some turbo lag on the 3.5 V6 Ecoboost tested (but you can’t argue with a towing capacity of 11,500 pounds) and relatively high list prices, but if you buy when Ford regularly offer Employee Pricing, then F150 becomes a veritable bargain.

Car of the year This year, I tested two all-new compact cars, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and 2016 Honda Civic and two slightly more established players in the mid-size class, the Chrysler 200 and the Mazda 6.

Firstly, the compacts.

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze offers standard turbo power, the best fuel economy of any vehicle reviewed this year, a refined

drive with punchy performance and an excellent ride, low running costs and an attractive cabin that is both roomy and comfortable. It’s a handsome car but the styling is quite conservative and it needs the optional 18 inch rims available with the RS package on top spec Premier trim to give it any visual aggression. The trunk is also relatively small for the class and spec-for-spec, it lacks some features as standard compared to its rivals, but it does counter this with very competitive list prices.

Conversely, the new 2016 Honda Civic sedan offers striking, futuristic styling combined with a huge trunk and a very high quality, well-equipped interior. The turbocharged models offer more power but less torque than the Cruze, so you need to rev them more and as a result, there is more engine noise and slightly higher fuel consumption than the Cruze. The Cruze rides better and is more refined but the Honda is quicker and has more precise, sporty handling. They are impossible to split on points but these two new compacts offer close to mid-size levels of refinement, space and luxury and both offer excellent value. So if you’re shopping for a new compact, both cars should make your short list.

Such was the quality of the four cars tested this year, that only two points separated first from last

16124MF1

but the two mid-size offerings impressed me slightly more.

First, the Chrysler 200.

This is one of the few midsize cars available with V6 power and even optional AWD and the 3.6 V6 Pentastar engine and ninespeed automatic transmission is without a doubt its standout feature. With 295 horsepower, you have all the creamy, refined V6 horsepower that you could ever need and, on test, I recorded exceptional fuel economy. The coupe-like styling is also very handsome and houses a very capacious trunk, although the styling does come at the expense of rear visibility. The interior is very comfortable, with ample storage and the steering very nicely balanced and well-weighted, meaning that this car is great fun to drive. Value (especially the V6 models) is strong but some trim levels lack a few standard features, the interior was a little dark on our “Limited” model and there are a couple of ergonomic gripes.

The Mazda 6 offers a more limited range of only three trim levels and one four cylinder engine but Mazda have kept it simple, nailed it and it’s not difficult to see why the latest Mazda 6 is a former AJAC car of the year. The looks are very elegant, the cabin is comfortable, roomy and very well-equipped, even in entry level spec and the cabin quality, refinement and ergonomics are all

spot-on. It may not have the power of the V6 Chrysler but for a four cylinder engine, performance is strong and the ride and handling balance comfortable and nicely judged. Unusually for the class, you also have the option of a six-speed manual transmission on all trims. The only demerits are a relatively small trunk for the class and limited storage in the cabin. It’s an exceptionally polished all-rounder and deserves its win, albeit only by one point!

SUV of the year This was the largest category this year and can be neatly divided into the more truck-like Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder and the more car-like Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Cadillac XT5.

Truck-like is not intended as a criticism, as in the Cherokee and Pathfinder you sit higher and have a more commanding view of the road and both vehicles have 4WD systems that could handle some proper off-road driving rather than just enhancing performance in inclement weather.

It’s hard not to be won over by the Jeep Cherokee, especially in trail-rated Trailhawk spec and finished in bright orange! You have a lusty 270 horsepower V6 that offers bestin-class power and towing and a sophisticated selectable 4WD system that can cope with just about anything that you can throw at it. Perhaps more than

any of the other vehicles tested, this was the one that I was most reluctant to give back! However, the exceptional capability came at a price. More body roll, a rather busy ride and the worst test fuel economy of any vehicle here including the trucks! The load area is also relatively small for the class and you do pay a premium for the Jeep image and capability.

If you need seven seats, the Nissan Pathfinder is the only vehicle here to offer that capability. Despite not being class-leading in terms of power, the V6 powertrain impressed with its refinement and response and fuel economy promises to be class-leading. Nissan has short 6,000 kilometre service intervals and the higher-equipped models (SL and above) are fairly expensive, but if you want a very practical, comfortable, seven seat family vehicle with 4WD that can tow up to 5,000 pounds, then the Nissan Pathfinder is an excellent choice.

Cadillac have done a great job with the new for 2017 Cadillac XT5. It looks fantastic, is comfortable and well-equipped, has a very smooth, refined, economical V6 powertrain and combines sporty handling and comfort very well.

However, in a very competitive market, for the relatively high price there are other options that excel more for space, capability, sportiness or luxury.

Continued on page 16

Automotive

16 NEEPAWA BANNER

DECEMBER 23, 2016

Vehicle of the year offers high end features at an affordable price Continued from page 15 Overall, the XT5 provides a good compromise between these attributes though and would make a great vehicle for an impromptu four-up road trip!

Which leaves us with the Korean pair of Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage trading punches for top honours. Only a few short years ago, there was no way that we would have found these two compact crossovers at the top of the rankings, but both manufacturers have really raised

their game. Both Tucson and Sportage look good, are spacious and comfortable, are well-equipped, ride and handle well and offer excellent five year bumper-to-bumper warranties. They were also the two vehicles that delivered closest to their claimed fuel economy figures in real world testing.

With 237 horsepower, the 2-litre turbocharged engine in the top-spec Kia Sportage SX offers over 30 per cent more power and torque than the smaller

2016 F150 SUPERCAB XLT 4X4 2016 F150 2016 F150 XLT 4X4 SUPERCAB SUPERCAB XLT 4X4 2016 F150 SUPERCAB XLT 4X4

MSRP $46,699

34,995 2017 FUSION or SE 217 $

$

2017 FUSION SE 2017 FUSION SE 2017 FUSION SE

5.0L V8, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, All Terrain Tires, Chrome Steps, Boxliner. Stock #16-082 5.0L V8, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 5.0L V8, Power All Terrain Tires, Chrome Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Stock AllSteps, TerrainBoxliner.

Tires, Chrome Steps,5.0L Boxliner.

Stock V8,#16-082 Power #16-082 Windows/Locks/Mirrors, All Terrain Tires, Chrome Steps, Boxliner. Stock #16-082

2.5L 4 Cyl., Automatic Transmission, Air, Bi-Weekly Cruise, Tilt, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Power Driver Seat, 2.5L 4 Cyl., Automatic Back Up Camera.

Air, 2.5L Transmission, 4 Cyl., Automatic Stock #17-004-1 Cruise, Tilt, Power Transmission, Air, Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Cruise, Tilt, Power Power Seat, Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 2.5L 4 Cyl.,Driver Automatic Back Driver Up Camera.

Power Seat, Transmission, Air, Stock #17-004-1 Back Up Camera.

Cruise, Tilt, Power Stock #17-004-1 Windows/Locks/Mirrors,

1.6-litre turbocharged engine in the Tucson and also a slightly higher towing capacity. This power and torque, combined with excellent handling and traction, a snappy paddleshift transmission, fantastic brakes and a decent ride probably made it the most fun car to drive. I also prefer the exterior styling and the interior, which is both comfortable and has very intuitive controls to the Hyundai Tucson. However, sadly this fantastic motor is only available in top spec

$

What clinches it for the Hyundai Tucson though is value. It may lack a few features compared to the Kia Sportage SX, but you can get an AWD Hyundai Tucson with the more powerful turbocharged engine for over $8,000 less in mid-spec Premium trim, yet it still comes with such high end features as heated rear seats, side blind zone and rear cross traffic alert. Service intervals are a relatively short 6,000 kilometres but it boasts Hyundai’s class-leading

five year/100,000 kilometre bumper-to-bumper warranty and the available finance and lease deals usually make it one of the most affordable vehicles in its class too.

So, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson, in 1.6T Premium AWD trim and priced at $31,549 is my SUV/crossover of the year as well as the Rivers and Neepawa Banner 2016 vehicle of the year.

Congratulations Hyundai!

Year End Event

COME IN TO Windows/Locks/Mirrors, WESTWARD 2016 FORD FOR UNBELIEVABLE 2016 F150 Transmission, Air, Cruise, FOCUS SE All Terrain Tires, Hitch & Power Windows/ SUPERCREW XLT 4X4 ON NEW FORD CARS, TRUCKS &Tilt,SUV’S SAVINGS 2016 F150 2016 F150 XLT 4X4 SUPERCREW SUPERCREW XLT 4X4 2016 F150 SUPERCREW XLT 4X4

MSRP $48,549

2017 ESCAPEor $228 $ 36,695 SE FWD 2017 ESCAPE 2017 ESCAPE SE FWD SE FWD 2017 ESCAPE SE FWD

Power Driver Seat, Back Up Camera.

Stock #17-004-1

MSRP $27,438

SX trim making it almost a $40,000 car. The latest Kia Sportage is a great car but doesn’t offer quite as good value as its larger sibling, the Kia Sorento.

So, the Hyundai Tucson wins by just a point. It’s not quite as quick as the Kia Sportage, the seven-speed dual clutch transmission is not quite as smooth at low speed, but at speed, it is very slick-shifting and the fuel economy is exceptional for an AWD car. It also has a slightly larger trunk than the Kia.

5.0L V8, Power

2.0L 4 Cyl., Automatic

Wiring, Boxliner.

Stock 5.0L#16-154-1 V8, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 5.0L V8, Power All Terrain Tires, Hitch & Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Wiring, All Terrain Tires,Boxliner.

Hitch & Stock Wiring, 5.0L #16-154-1 V8,Boxliner.

Power Stock #16-154-1 Windows/Locks/Mirrors,

Locks/Mirrors, Backup Camera. #16-199 2.0L 4Stock Cyl., Automatic Transmission, Cruise, 2.0L 4 Cyl.,Air, Automatic Tilt, PowerAir, Windows/ Transmission, Cruise, Locks/Mirrors, Backup Tilt, Power Windows/ Camera.

Stock #16-199 Locks/Mirrors, Backup 2.0L 4 Cyl., Automatic Camera.

Stock #16-199 Transmission, Air, Cruise,

All Terrain Tires, Hitch & Wiring, Boxliner.

Stock #16-154-1

2016 FOCUS SE 2016 FOCUS SE 2016 FOCUS SE

MSRP $46,699

Tilt, Power Windows/ Locks/Mirrors, Backup Camera. Stock #16-199

1.5L Engine, Power Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Bi-Weekly Heated Seats, Back Up Camera. Stock #17-024-1 1.5L Engine, Power

2017 ESCAPEor $119 Bi-Weekly $ Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 18,795 Heated Seats, SE AWD

Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 1.5L Engine, Power Heated Seats, Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Back Up Camera.

Stock Heated Seats, #17-024-1 Back1.5L Up Engine, Camera.

Stock Power #17-024-1 Windows/Locks/Mirrors,

Windows/Locks/Mirrors, 1.5L Engine, Power Heated Seats, Windows/Locks/Mirrors, Back Up Camera.

Stock Heated Seats, #17-062-1 Back1.5L Up Engine, Camera.

Stock Power #17-062-1 Windows/Locks/Mirrors,

Heated Seats, Back Up Camera. Stock #17-024-1

$ 29,389are plus taxes on approved credit.

MSRP Price and payments

2017 ESCAPE 2017 ESCAPE SE AWD SE AWD 2017 ESCAPE SE AWD

1.5L Engine, Power

Back Up Camera. Stock #17-062-1 1.5L Engine, Power

Heated Seats, Back Up Camera. Stock #17-062-1

MSRP $31,589

Representative Transaction: $15,000, 84 Month Term $3.99% APR, $0 down, plus PST/GST cost of $ $ borrowing $2,291.40 $ 26,297 or $149 Bi-Weekly 27,987 or 157 Bi-Weekly 29,990 or 169 Bi-Weekly Price and payments are plus taxes on approved credit.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE - 204-857-3912 Price and payments plus APR, taxes$0 ondown, approved Representative Transaction: $15,000, 84 Month Termare 3.99% pluscredit.

PST/GST cost of borrowing $2,291.40 TOLL FREE 1-877-311-3673 Representative Transaction: $15,000, 84 Month Term 3.99% APR, $0 down, plus PST/GST cost of borrowing $2,291.40

NEEPAWA - 204-476-2391 Price and payments are plus taxes on approved credit.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE - 204-857-3912 Representative Transaction: $15,000, 84 Month Term 3.99% APR, $0 down, plus PST/GST cost of borrowing $2,291.40 PORTAGE PRAIRIE - 204-857-3912 TOLL LA FREE 1-877-379-3673

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“Where Price & Quality Meet”

westwardford.com

“Where Price & Quality Meet” “Where Price & Quality Meet”

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TOLL FREE 1-877-311-3673 TOLL FREE 1-877-311-3673 NEEPAWA - 204-476-2391 PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE - 204-857-3912 NEEPAWA -1-877-379-3673 204-476-2391 TOLL FREE TOLL TOLL FREE FREE 1-877-311-3673 1-877-379-3673 NEEPAWA - 204-476-2391