Neepawa Banner & Press

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Provincial funding fuels Neepawa infrastructure growth

By Joshua Jackson Neepawa Banner & Press

The province has pledged $4.8 million to assist Neepawa in upgrading two sections of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 16. This additional funding is expected to assist in improving access to the community’s new health centre.

Neepawa Mayor Brian Hedley said it’s a great thing to see the province investing in Neepawa.

“The provincial government’s commitment to improve road infrastructure in Neepawa is a positive development that is consistent with their acknowledgement of the growth in Neepawa and the region,” he said.

The Town of Neepawa was notified back in March that it was approved to receive a funding contribution of up to $2 million to help extend Hamilton Street east along the south periphery of the new hospital, as well as create a north-south connection to PTH 16.

Continued on Page 7

JOSHUA JACKSON

There was plenty of action in Carberry last weekend at the Carberry Fair & Races. This annual summer tradition has been organized by the Carberry Agricultural Society since 1883. Activities at the Fair included chuckwagon and chariot races (pictured above), as well as fat stock shows and sales petting zoo, home craft exhibition and trade show. Additional pictures can be seen on page 12.

PHOTO

Dr. Sydney McLaughlin returns to Neepawa for medical residency ‘Seemed like the perfect fit’

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

A former Neepawa resident has made a homecoming to the community in the pursuit of medicine. This individual is Dr. Sydney McLaughlin, who completed her first day of a two year residency for rural family medicine on Wednesday, July 2. This medical residency is a part of her employment with Shared Health and is based out of the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic.

This residency term will provide her with experience in a variety of clinical situations. In addition to time at the clinic, it can–and has– included shifts at the Neepawa Hospital’s emergency department, time in the operating room and more.

“I’m really excited to be home… I chose to come home. I always knew I wanted to do family medicine. I didn’t know, originally, if that would take me back to Neepawa, but I’ve been able to come back here a couple of times and it just seemed like the perfect fit.” said Dr. McLaughlin. “My family’s all here and I’m just so excited, and thankful, to give back to the community. Because this is the community that raised me.

A lot of the opportunities I have had, grew from this community.”

A love for rural medicine

Dr. McLaughlin’s prior experiences stem from her time studying at the University of Manitoba.

Her first four years of study there were to obtain her Bachelor of Science, with the following four years dedicated to medical schooling specifically.

During medical school, Dr. McLaughlin took part in the Home for the Summer (HFTS) Program, formerly known as Discover Health Careers.

During the Home for the Summer (HFTS) program, the participants are paid to work as a student in a clinic and are paired with preceptors (experienced practitioners who provide supervision). Through the program, Dr. McLaughlin spent eight weeks of employment with the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic during the summer of 2022. Then, in the summer of 2023, she gained experience at a variety of locations throughout Manitoba, including Neepawa, Killarney, Ste. Rose du Lac and Dauphin.

“I knew when I started medical school that I wanted to practice in a rural

Dr. Sydney McLaughlin, who started her two year family medicine residency in Neepawa last week.

community, but having the opportunity to participate in HFTS allowed me to experience the scope of practice of a rural family physician and further strengthened my decision to pursue rural medicine as a career choice,” Dr. McLaughlin said.

Dr. McLaughlin added, “HFTS taught me many things, not only about medicine, but also about life in medicine and how to cope with the challenges that come with pursuing a career in medicine. I had

a variety of preceptors throughout my time in HFTS that offered advice

on work life balance and how to build a rewarding career. It also gave me the opportunity to further develop my procedural skills, as I gained more confidence in suturing, emergency room procedures and management of obstetrics cases.”

‘Amazing doctors’

At present, Dr. McLaughlin noted that she has plenty to look forward to with her current residency term, both professionally and personally.

“There’s a lot of really amazing doctors here and I’m really excited to learn from them all. I’m excited to gain a little more independence, a little more confidence and hopefully become a good doctor,” Dr. McLaughlin enthused. “I’m also just really looking forward to being back

Carberry 140th

here in my home community and getting back to all of the things I used to do here. Going to community events, spending time with friends and family… I’m really excited to be back in rural Manitoba.”

While there is much yet to be done, i’s to dot and t’s to cross, Dr. McLaughlin hopes to have a permanent position as a doctor of family medicine in rural Manitoba once her twoyear residency in Neepawa is complete. Until then, Dr. McLaughlin extended a kind word to all who may come to the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic for the staff’s medical expertise.

“I hope everybody is comfortable coming to the clinic, regardless of anything,” said Dr. McLaughlin. “Come to the clinic and we can help you.”

Fair and Races

Manitoba’s Largest Small Town Fair! THANK YOU to our 2025 Fair Sponsors

A.D.M Agri Industries Ltd

B.R. Mitchell Sand & Gravel

Carberry Sandhills Electric

Forbes Wealth Management

Guild Insurance

Heritage Co-op

Integrity Cam

KRL Enterprise

Manitoba Starch

McCain Foods

Meyers Meats

Mid-Plains Implements

Reilly’s Home Hardware

Smart Electric

Spud Plains Farms Ltd.

Equipment Donations

Enns Brothers Brandon

Back Road Transport

Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre

Bailey Farms

Dickson Farm Ventures

Redfern Farm Services

Randy Baron

Scott & Meghan Baron

Mazer Equipment

Western Canadian Aerial Services

Westoba Credit Union

Carberry Signs

CKDM - Dauphin

Agroliquid

Carberry Autobody East End Service

Metcalfe’s Garage Ltd.

Mid man Farms

Paddock Drilling Prairie Shot

RTR Ventures

Spud City Food Mart

Super Thrifty Pharmacy Wurtz Bros

Neepawa Vet Clinic for Being on the Grounds During Races

Devin Waldner Century 21 for sponsoring “Mystery Dash for Cash”

Thanks to buyers in our Chuckwagon Calcutta

Dave & Mary Baron, Jack Naismith Memorial, & Devin Waldner

Carberry Agricultural Society

Please join us July 3, 4 & 5, 2026

Carberry Agricultural Fair and Races

PHOTO BY CASPER WEHRHAHN

2005: Chemotherapy unit opens in Neepawa

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

125 years ago, Wednesday, July 11, 1900

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

Harold, the four-yearold son of H. B. Trimble, had a narrow escape from a terrible death on Wednesday evening last. As it is, the little boy is suffering from some nasty bruises on the head and face. He was attacked by a viscous cow while playing with some other children on the vacant lots opposite the residence of W. F. Young. The animal repeatedly gored at him and had it not been for the timely arrival of help,

the result might have been more serious. The little fellow’s face was covered with blood when rescued. He is recovering favourably.

100 years ago, Friday, July 10, 1925

McCreary: Quite a large number from McCreary attended the sports day at Kelwood and were enjoying themselves when down came the rain in torrents, putting a stop to all sports except the last one, going home.

75 years ago, Thursday, July 13, 1950

Prominent Neepawa pioneer R. D. Young on July 5 celebrated his 88th birthday.

50 years ago, Thursday, July 10, 1975

More than 4,400 people attended the [Glenella homecoming] festivities which included baseball and fastball tournaments, a horse show and midway and a beer garden, as well as a parade and a pancake breakfast.

Joanne Charlene Buchanan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Merv Buchanan of Regina, Sask., formerly of Neepawa, graduated at the Annual Spring Convocation of the University of Regina on May 23, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree with Distinction.

Debbora Ruth Hurrell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hurrell, Neepawa, graduated as a registered nurse from the Misericordia School of Nursing.

Kelwood: Congratulations to Robin Baldwin who was one of the 16 Grad XI University Entrance course boys and girls chosen from Manitoba to participate in a seven-week Parks Canada Conservation Corp Program at Riding Mountain National Park.

Neepawa and district friends of Mrs. Margaret Bradford Le Claire will be pleased to hear she has received a letter of commendation from the Ontario government, represented by Milton Fisher, former administrator of Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, where

she is employed.

20 years ago, Monday, July 11, 2005

Construction of Neepawa’s new care home–first announced in 1999– is just around the corner, according to Manitoba Health minister Tim Sale.

At the opening of the chemotherapy unit in Neepawa a week ago Thursday, Sale said he expects to have a construction start date pinned down by fall.

Minnedosa: The federal government is providing $10.4-million for the construction of a new Husky Oil ethanol plant in Minnedosa.

Neepawa’s Lily Fest will take on a touch of pageantry this summer.

Reigning Miss Manitoba Anita Ves– one of her last duties before giving up her crown in August.

“I’m very much looking forward to this,” Ves said from her Winnipeg home last week. “It will be one of my last visits to a community as Miss Manitoba.”...

Ves, 23, was living in the former Yugoslavia when the Balkan conflict turned bloody. Her parents sent Ves and her younger sister out of the country on what Ves termed “a long vacation”.

Eleven years ago, the family resettled in Winnipeg.

Mountain Road: Several members of the Kostenchuk family watched with mixed

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30 (New International Version)

Health minister Tim Sale (left) and Glennis Black (right) cut the ribbon at the opening of the Neepawa chemotherapy unit around this time in 2005. An update on the construction of a new care home for Neepawa was also given by Sale at this event.

feelings on Wednesday, June 8 as the Mountain Road store was demolished.

The vacant store, also known as the Kostenchuk store, was torn down by Pat Baker using his mighty backhoe.

The store was constructed by Matey Baraniuk in 1921, and was operated by him and later, by his son Nick until 1956.

Eli and Lily Kostenchuck then moved in, taking up residence on the upper level, while maintaining the store and post office on the main floor.

The store was operated by them until 1984, then sold to John and Stella Atamachuk. The Atamachuks kept it in operation until 1989.

Mike Nernberg, the owner of the property, was reluctant to demolish the building, but the costs of renovating didn;t seem feasible.

With the loss of the store, only the church and hall remain in Mountain Road.

Disclaimer: The information gathered and used each week in the Looking Back feature is directly taken from the original print copy of the Neepawa Press and Neepawa Banner newspapers. Any errors or omissions from stories (Factually or otherwise) are the result of the original print and not the responsibility of the archivist for the current version of the Neepawa Banner & Press.

Since then, the post office was moved and taken over by Betty Levandoski and the store remained closed.

NEEPAWA BANNER & PRESS ARCHIVES

Perspectives

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

This past week, the Manitoba Legislature Committee Supporting Local Journalism met in Brandon. Several media people and journalists made presentations at Brandon and I was privileged to be one of the presenters.

I opened my remarks by saying, “Governments are starting to realize something that rural people and especially newspaper publishers knew a long time ago. Many areas in rural Manitoba are shrinking in population. Some are holding their own and a few communities are growing.

Many towns that had local newspapers don’t have one any more. There are only about 13 community newspapers left in southwestern Manitoba, less than 10 years ago, there were 20. News desert is a relatively new term but it is becoming a reality in southwestern Manitoba.”

There are two basic reasons newspapers have disappeared or are struggling

First,the kinds of corporate ownership that came in about 15 years ago turned out very badly for local community newspapers. The Corporations have admitted to me that they went about it all wrong but it’s too late for the papers that they killed off. Of the nine South-western Manitoba papers that were corporately owned, only two survived and that’s in part because we bought them both. That is The Neepawa Press, which started in1896, and the Virden Empire Advance, which started in 1885.

Second, about 10 years ago, large advertisers such as car companies along with provincial and federal governments decided to take a lot of their print advertising dollars and send them to California through outlets like Facebook instead of local media.

Those two moves, the corporate takeovers and the out of country ad buying, changed the viability of Manitoba community newspapers more than anything else in my opinion.

There have been some efforts by government to help the newspaper industry such as Canadian Heritage grants and the Local Journalism Initiative. These have been welcome but there is a better solution that governments can implement. It’s called BUY ADS!

Grants and subsidies are okay but independent newspaper people don’t want grants and subsidies, they want ads. A newspaper needs about 40 per cent ad content to survive. Less ads means less news, less news means a weaker newspaper.

Governments should want to buy ads too. They have endless numbers of press releases but without ads, there’s no way newspapers can afford the ink, the paper, labour and transportation to get the papers out every week and to the readers that can carry the releases. I have been very blunt with government and organizations, I don’t want your press releases and rarely use them. If our papers are worth having press releases, and if they think our readers will read them, why isn’t it important to have their ads in the paper?

Governments have a special obligation to buy ads. They are obliged to let the taxpayers know what on earth they

are doing. Governments have a long history of being talkers and bureaucrats but think about it, how are we supposed to know what you are doing without the voters being told, and preferably in writing. The voters deserve to know what our governments are doing and government should be proud to tell us about it.

But why local newspapers? It’s because we are reliable and accountable. You can send your ad dollars to Facebook and the internet but where is the accountability and reliability of those outlets?

Local newspapers are accountable and reliable and there’s two reasons why we are.

One, we love our communities and would never do anything to harm them.

Two, if we put something in our papers that isn’t truthful, we will hear about it by coffee time the next morning, if not sooner.

Because we are local, because we are reliable and accountable, we have earned our place in our province and communities, so just buy ads locally. Both levels of government are promoting a Buy Canadian, buy local theme and we in the newspaper industry totally agree.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.

One of the beauties of walking…

This morning the path I chose was the perimeter of the bike park, through the tall trees east of the cemetery, along the flowing river and up the 70 plus steps. Each time we walk this trail, there is something different to see, to notice, to reflect upon.

Not many weeks ago I paused to watch a turtle dig a nest not far from the trail. Watching her, I recalled a summer or two ago when I thought I spotted a large coin on the road passing the compost. When I stopped to pick it up it was a tiny turtle! Why would a mama lay her eggs so far from the water source, and how was the wee one to ever, safely, get there? I helped it across the gravel road and blessed it one its journey. Today, on the pedestrian path, across from the old lagoon, there was a ravaged turtle egg nest. Some predator had dined well.

Through the tall trees, under the spreading oaks, the thoughts have shifted with the seasons. In spring, plant your corn when the oak leaves are the size of a squirrels ears; in fall, a heavy crop of acorns is an indication of a hard winter. All year long the ancient trees remind of inner strength, the need for deep roots and the wonder of the seasons.

There was a king bird watching us. The flashback here was to my childhood. It was a Saturday afternoon, my hair had been freshly washed and as I headed to the outhouse, a kingbird, protecting its nest crapped on my head! I, too, protect my family, working with the tools I have! So, no, I have not literally pooped on anyone’s head…

The squirrels and ground squirrels tease and torment my little dog. She is never off leash for I am certain that given free rein she would follow them anywhere. I enjoy their chatter and their antics, marvelling at their daring and dexterity. Sometimes longing for the apparent freedom…Beavers and deer are common sights, depending on the time of day that we are walking. Again, I marvel at their abilities. They appear and disappear without a sound – mostly. I recognise the slap of the broad beaver tail warning all others that there is a trespasser in the area. I recognise the stamp of a hoof and the warning snort of a deer, reminding me to back off, she was there first.

It matters not how many times I walk the same path, there is always something new to see. It is a time for a slowing down, an opening of the mind, a freeing myself from the cares of today. Seldom does a walk not include human interaction. It is easy to linger in a conversation out on the trail, or on the street. It is common for the chat to go deep, to truly connect for a moment, to speak of hopes and fears, and yes, the weather and the gardens! One of the beauties of walking is that it is me time. A luxury and a gift.

Ken Waddell Right in the Centre

If you blink, you miss it

Afew weeks ago, I came across a YouTube video I never expected to see. It was shot over five days, by a content creator who drove the Trans-Canada Highway from Toronto to Vancouver, and was uploaded and viewed at four times normal speed. Fortunately, the creator included sub-titles informing viewers when provincial borders were crossed and the cities of Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary were by-passed, thanks to roads like Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway that keep through traffic from congesting city streets.

Some of the footage featured scenes with which I am very familiar, having driven from Neepawa to various places along the Trans-Canada on several occasions. But I had to pay attention. Familiar landmarks, like the “Welcome” signs at provincial borders, zipped across my computer’s screen at 400 kmph. If I blinked, I missed them.

Fortunately, YouTube videos can be rewound,

Neil Strohschein

allowing viewers to see what they have missed. But we can’t do that in daily life. The little things in life, the events that create lifelong memories, those small incidents that make each day worth living, can come and go in the blink of an eye. If we blink, we might miss them. But if we stay alert, we may be surprised at how many of these “little things” can happen to each of us every day.

For example; earlier this year one of the content creators I follow demonstrated how, by clicking a simple link, I can use the Photos app on my phone to identify the trees in my back yard; telling me which trees I can prune now and which ones (like a big elm) I can’t touch until early November. One “little thing” that keeps me from getting into big

trouble.

Another of the “little things” I appreciate is clear instructions from a medical receptionist taking me to a treatment room, an usher showing me to my seat at a concert or other public event, or people working in stifling heat, brutal cold or driving rain to control traffic on a portion of a highway that is under construction. Thank you for faithfully “standing at your post” and helping keep motorists and workers safe.

I must also compliment the staff in the stores and restaurants I frequently visit. I will never forget one incident that happened many years ago. I had been served by the same clerk in the same business several times before. I always ordered the same item and always paid with exact change.

On this day, when I arrived at this clerk’s till, I found that my order was already prepared and waiting for me to pick up. I took the order with one hand, gave the clerk the exact change with the other, said “thank you” and left; almost without breaking stride. When I got to my car I had a good laugh, wondering what the customers standing behind me in line thought about what they had just seen. These may be “little things” to some people; but the memories they create last forever. So today, I want to say “thank you.” Thank you to those who make everyone around them feel important. Thank you to those whose kind words and warm smiles ease tension in a room. Thank you to those who speak with others on the street, direct visitors to their desired destination, or help a friend in need. Your warmth, kindness and consideration make life better for all who experience it. Today, I say “thank you” to you and to God for bringing you to our communities, our province and our country.

Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up to the Neepawa Banner & Press for including articles by Ken Kingdon. Absolutely delighted. And equally a thumbs up for the colour wildlife photo by Rob Waddell. Thank you! Cathy Wroblewsky Neepawa, MB

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Farmery Brewery in Neepawa for welcoming our residents so warmly! We came home with so many treasures and memories to match.

A special shoutout to Lawrance and the incredible staff who truly went above and beyond to make our visit unforgettable. Your hospitality and kindness made all the difference.

Corrie Ford Neepawa,

Would you like to send a thumbs up or thumbs down to an individual or group in the community? Please send it our way. Submissions must include a name and must be under 100 words. We want to hear from you! In person: 423 Mountain Ave. Neepawa By fax: 204-476-5073 By email: news@neepawabanner.com

Censorship and silence is not the answer

I was very disappointed to see a letter from Emma Ball complaining about how she regards certain views as hateful and they should not be allowed to be published in the Banner.

I will not address the issue itself but I would like to say that Canada is supposedly a free and open society. Calling for views you don’t like to be censored and banned because you experience them as hateful is just plain wrong.

Disagree if you will. Present why you disagree. Offer a chance for dialogue and give correction of misinformation. However, as learned in the pandemic, Canada does not need to be silencing dissent and censoring views that don’t match a particular ideology. I congratulate the Neepawa Banner & Press for representing ALL views in our community.

Natalie Gordon BSc PhD

Alonsa MB

R-Cut best solution for 5 & 1 intersection

With all due respect to those who advocate for a different improvement to the intersection of Highway #5 and the Trans Canada, I would offer that their resistance to a so-called R-CUT is both unfounded and unreasonable. Considering the rarity of said intersections, its likely that few, if any of the petitioners have actually driven through one. Well, I have. Many times in various parts of the U.S. and I would advocate for it in this instance all-day-long.

These intersections are brilliant! If properly constructed (“properly” in this case meaning enough U-turn median, acceleration and slow-down lane length and right turn curvature is built into the project) you can actually cross a four lane divided highway with barely a slowdown. Of course there is in all likelihood a good chance that stopping may be necessary when crossing the four lane road during busy traffic, but thats been the case as this intersection is now, regardless of traffic volume.

Traversing these intersections is very simple, approaching the four lane intending to cross it or turn left, you make an easy right turn onto a dedicated acceleration lane, which you use to get up to speed to merge into traffic and change lanes toward the left U-turn slowdown lane. Now you are in your own left turn lane facing on-coming traffic and can easily see and plan your U-turn onto the opposite traffic lanes, where you transition into a dedicated slowdown right turn lane to continue on your journey, or begin your acceleration in the right hand lane to continue down the four lane as though you made a left turn onto it. EASY-PEASY LEMON SQUEEZY!

Continued on Page 14

out of helen’s kitchen Helen Drysdale

Food safety

Canada has approximately four million cases of food poisoning every year. Food poisoning is often viewed as a temporary inconvenience, a few days of stomach upset and diarrhea. For certain people it can be more than an inconvenience. Food poisoning can lead to far more serious and long lasting health problems that affect the digestive system such as irritable bowel syndrome, long term kidney damage, chronic fatigue and chronic arthritis to name a few. When I took my food safe course our instructor was a Dietician who worked on a ward with renal failure persons and many of her kidney damaged patients were there because of food poisoning. She stated that the public was unaware of the many long term consequences of food poisoning.

Many cases of food poisoning can be prevented by following safe food-handling practices. Hand washing is very important as is cleansing kitchen surfaces thoroughly and changing dish clothes and tea towels often. I am sure your tea towels could tell a story of a busy life of drying dishes, wiping down counters, pulling hot dishes from the microwave and drying hands. If you’re using the same kitchen towel for a multitude of jobs you could easily be spreading bacteria across many kitchen surfaces. To eliminate bacteria, kitchen towels should be changed often and washed in the hot cycle of the washing machine. The hot water will help kill the bacteria. Dry your tea towels either by air-drying or in a hot dryer.

Bacteria thrive in warm, damp conditions and by their nature, dish clothes and sponges are often damp. So it’s easy to see how they can quickly become a breeding ground for germs. After using your kitchen dish cloth or sponge, make sure you thoroughly rinse it and hang it to dry. If your dish cloth was used to clean up raw meat, poultry, or seafood juices, then it should go immediately into the laundry and a clean one should be used. If you are not washing dish clothes right away make sure it is hung up to dry first and not left bunched up in a ball where the bacteria will continue to grow. I often soak my sponges and dish clothes for 10 minutes in a small pail with water and Javex then let them dry before I launder them. The message of this story is have lots of kitchen clothes on hand and do not wait until it’s a bit smelly or looks grubby before washing. To be continued next week.

Enjoy these fast to make kebobs as they bring a vibrant mix of tasty sausage and colorful veggies to your grill.

Garlic sausage kabobs

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 Tbsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 ring garlic sausage, about 1 1/2 lb.

1 green bell pepper cut into chunks

1 red bell pepper cut into chunks

20 mushrooms

20 cherry tomatoes

3 dill pickles, cut into chunks

8 large skewers

Prepare skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, cover them with water in a shallow pan to soak them for 10 minutes. Mix the oil, lemon juice, oregano and garlic together. Add the veggies and let sit or 15-30 minutes. Onto skewers, evenly thread sausage, and vegetables alternating with pickle chunks. Heat grill to medium-high heat; grease grate well. Grill kebabs, turning occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until grill marked and cooked through.

These will be a hit at the barbecue!

6 larger wieners

1/2 cup grated cheese

Bacon dogs

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan 1/3 cup finely minced onion

Slit wieners lengthwise cutting almost to the ends but only 3/4 of the way through. Combine the cheeses and onion and stuff equal amounts into the slit of each wiener. Wrap each wiener with the bacon and secure ends with tooth pics. Place wieners on the grill and turn frequently during cooking. Grill until bacon is crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve in hot dog buns.

Planning for a serious conversation

In the media there are many good intentioned messages about the importance of improving “communication” in your relationship. The problem is that communication is a very big word that encompasses a lot of different things. We constantly receive messages about improving communication but not a lot of specifics on how that should be done. I would argue that a lot of relationship difficulties come from a miscommunication. You’d think it would come easy talking to the human that we’ve chosen out of so many, who we think we know best, and we hope knows us best, who we trust completely… right? Nope! Communicating with our intimate partner can be more difficult than communicating with a stranger. The reason is that we have a lot more at stake if what we are communicating isn’t accepted by our partner; the emotional investment is very real and the fear of losing that is also very real. No matter how we try to get around it, emotional intimacy is a cornerstone of a successful relationship and the only way to get emotional intimacy is to allow yourself to be vulnerable and talk to your partner

Going into a conversation without a plan (especially if it’s a serious one) can leave you fumbling for words in the moment and your brain moving into panic mode. A plan can ease your brain in the moment. Some people may need to write it out, if you have any doubts going into the conversation or feel overwhelmed before you invite your partner to conversation, I highly suggest you write points down. Reading points off a paper during your conversation may not be for you but the act of writing it down can help you to better commit the steps to memory. Don’t be afraid to write down potential positive effects of this conversation, this will help to remind you that you are being brave for a good reason.

Before you invite your partner into conversation, if you have the ability or desire, sit quietly and reflect.

Set your mental intention for the conversation and a couple of brief points you might want to remember.

This might look like this: I sit quietly, close my eyes and think to myself, I want to embody respect, openness and care. Respect, openness and care. I want to remember to not interrupt and allow my partner to finish speaking. I breathe deeply focusing my attention on my breath and open my eyes. Setting a mental intention may seem ridiculous to some but it actually works. Your brain likes to fall into automatic paths of behavior that it gets used to over time, if you want to engage in a behavior or remember something that is outside of the typical you need to be intentional in changing that path.

It seems super obvious when you say it out loud but timing of a conversation is very important but it’s something we forget to consider. Consider what times of day your partner seems most tired, irritable or disconnected. It’s natural for

us to have a slump during the day so you may want to avoid having serious conversations during that time of day. It just adds an extra variable to affect the outcome of the talk. In terms of physical location, a quiet and private space is vital for serious conversations . Your mood and your partner’s mood are two essential variables that can affect the outcome of your conversation. If you have the ability to control the timing of your conversation aim for times where you are both in tune with the world around you (not lost in your head) and in a problem solving mood.

Now that you’ve planned for your conversation with your partner, it’s time to invite them to conversation. This is what we will explore next time in, Your Listening Ear. Thank you sincerely for reading my content.

Delsie Martin (BA, MSW, RSW), is a Registered Social Worker working out of The Wellness Clinic in Brandon. She can be reached at dmartin@ wellnessclinicbrandon.ca.

Meet the R.M. of Rosedale’s new CAO Jordan Willner taked over administrative role

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

The Rural Municipality of Rosedale has recently welcomed a fresh face to its ranks. Joining the governing team is Jordan Willner, Rosedale’s new chief administrative officer (CAO).

Willner was first welcomed on June 25, as outlined by a signed Letter of Offer coordinated with the Rosedale Council. Willner steps into this role as Melissa McDonald’s successor, whose departure from the role was scheduled for June 27. Official resolutions regarding this change were scheduled for the regular council meeting on July 11.

Background

In his interview with the Neepawa Banner & Press, Willner shared that he was raised on a cattle farm just north of Rorketon.

“[I attended] Rorketon School from Kindergarten to Grade 12, with ten years in the 4-H Club. My pre-

liminary post-secondary education was obtained in Brandon, so I have been driving Highway 5 through the RM of Rosedale for over 15 years,” said Willner. Willner has also had over a decade of prior experience

in the role of CAO. He got his start in 2012 at the village of Winnipegosis. Since then, he also acted as CAO for locations such as the RM of Ste. Rose, the town of Snow Lake, the village of Marwayne in Alberta,

the municipality of BifrostRiverton and the RM of Cornwallis.

“To summarize my CAO career, I would say that I am proud of the way I bring fresh leadership and energy to municipalities that I administer,” said Willner. “My passion for making a difference and creating opportunities has resulted in getting to steer the creation of capital projects that will last in those municipalities for many years moving forward.”

Providing some final comments, Willner shared his current aspirations as Rosedale’s new CAO.

“Municipalities are a fundamental part of our democracy, and with the next general election set for October next year; I aim to administer a fair and transparent election while assisting with the transfer of institutional knowledge between the potentially changing members of Council,” said Willner.

Infrastructure funding an investment in safety for all drivers

Continued from Page 1

“This funding was approved under the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for municipalities program (Manitoba GRO) and will be completed by Neepawa. The (other) $2.8 million that is referenced relates to the improvements on Highway 16, where the new north/ south piece of road will connect with PTH 16 to create a new intersection that will access development to the north, including the new hospital, which will be completed by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure.”

Mayor Hedley noted he’s gotten feedback since the announcement, and residents are appreciative of the province’s commitment to assist the town with these road improvements.

“It is clear that the province is paying attention to what is happening in rural

Manitoba and understands the challenges associated with growth and sustainability. These investments ensure rural Manitoba and communities like Neepawa can build resilience and thrive.”

Keeping up with growth

In a press release, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard noted these improvements represent a critical investment in the future of Neepawa and the overall region.

“Improving mobility will allow residents and businesses to more easily access the expanded regional health centre, as well as a community road network that connects to a new affordable daycare, the new school, the industrial park and Neepawa’s largest employer, HyLife Foods,” he said. “These road upgrades are an important part of making sure that the

infrastructure keeps up with the growth of the community, with proposed designs targeting and prioritizing safety.”

As development continues east of Neepawa, the town is aware of the increasing impact on the transportation routes, whether specific to the highway or the internal connector roads within Neepawa.

“Currently, on the east of Neepawa, the traffic flow relies on Highway 16 for access. The extension of Hamilton Street will create an internal community connection to not only the new hospital and the new school/daycare, but will provide an alternative internal connection to the industrial park and Hylife Foods for residents. The proposed design will assist traffic flow and lessen the impact on Highway 16, improving safety.”

The Manitoba GRO program is an application-

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP make drug trafficking arest

The Ste. Rose RCMP seized this collection of drugs and cash during a traffic sweep this past Sturday.

Banner Staff

Some routine traffic enforcement recently turned into a notable drug bust for Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP. On July 5, at 11:08 p.m, police were conducting a traffic sweep along Road 481, in the Crane River First Nation. When officers attempted to pull over an unregistered pickup truck. The vehicle did not stop immediately and instead pulled into a driveway. The driver then escaped the pickup, with a bag over his shoulder, and attempted to evade police. When captured, police confirmed that the driver was a 17-year-old-male. A subsequent search of the youth’s bag revealed that he was in possession of individually packaged substances, that appear to be marihuana and crack cocaine. As well, he was in possession of a large sum of Canadian currency.

The 17-year-old has been charged for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He has been released pending a future court date.

based program launched in 2024 as part of the province’s Build One Manitoba. The program aims to support infrastructure projects that help communities grow and thrive.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said after years of being ignored, these projects reflect the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring that rural Manitobans get the vital infrastructure projects they deserve

“As the economic growth in Neepawa continues, it’s important that residents can feel safe and secure as they interact with a growing number of vehicles on the road. This infrastructure investment will ensure a high level of safety for all drivers,” she said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jordan Willner, the Rural Municipality of Rosedale’s new chief administrative office.

New book at Neepawa Library explores Antarctic project Canada’s last trailblazer

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The phrase ‘trailblazer’ has lost a little bit of its’ luster over the years, mostly due to the fact that there aren’t that many unexplored trails left to blaze anymore. But if he wanted to, Keith Byram could proudly lay claim to being one of Canada’s last trailblazers.

Byram, whose roots begin in nearby Oberon (19 km south of Neepawa), was a leading figure in the construction of a runway and airstrip at the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica, back in the early 1990s’. This project, along with several other of Keith’s exploits through the years are part of his new book ‘Antarctica Runway: Yukon’s Pelly Construction Builds for the British Antarctic Survey.’

This 330 page book, which was written by Byram and co-author Patricia Cunning, is now available to read at the Neepawa Public Library. A copy was formally gifted to the community by Byram himself, during a special ceremony on Wednesday, July 2. Though he now calls Marsh Lake, Yukon home, Keith still does have family firmly entrenched within the Beautiful Plains, including Agassiz MLA Jodie Byram. It’s those local connection’s that inspired Byram to give a first edition copy to Neepawa and area.

A brief summary of the book

Antarctica Runway covers the history of Keith Bryam’s career, from his early work for the Canadian Air Force, various projects across Canada, and eventual move to Whitehorse in the late 1960s.

The book’s main focus, however is his connection to an ambitious partnership between Pelly Construction and the British Antarctic Survey for the job of a lifetime in Antarctica. To this day, the Rothera Research Station is a centre for biological research, with Keith’s efforts being an important part of allowing that research to continue to this day.

Honoured by the Order of Canada Byram’s efforts throughout the years, both with the Rothera Research Station, and in shaping infrastructure across northwestern Canada, were also recently honoured on a national level. Back in June, Keith Byram was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is presented by the governor general, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Since its creation in 1967, only 7,600 people have received the honour. On the Order of Canada website, it proudly declares that “The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Their grit and passion inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward.”

Back home here in Neepawa, Keith Byram spoke with the Banner & Press at the book dedication. He noted the region still holds a special place in his heart, and he felt it was important to share

“Gwen and I went to school here, so we’ve always had a big interest in Neepawa, and thought it would be nice to share, what I think is an interesting story,” said Byram.

The first printing of ‘Antarctica Runway: Yukon’s Pelly Construction Builds for the British Antarctic

Pictured: Keith Byram, author of the new book ‘Antarctica Runway: Yukon’s Pelly Construction Builds for the British Antarctic Survey’, Neepawa Mayor Brian Hedley, and Agassiz MLA Jodie Byram.

Survey.’ has been sold out, but there are plans being explored to make a second printing before the end of the year. The book would available for purchase through the MacBride Museum of Yukon History, who assisted in the initial publication.

Antarctica Runway is by Keith Byram and Patricia Cunning, with the colour photography by Keith and Jennifer Bryam. Additional photography was provided by Leanne Brassard.

Grandparents Summer: Fun for all generations!

By Veronica Casigay Beautiful Plains Museum

Hello there, grandparents!

Do your kids or grandkids ever wonder what life was like before smart phones, television, and their iPads? Are they curious of what life was like without the help of electricity and automatic vehicles? The Beautiful Plains Museum has answers! We are inviting all grandparents and their little ones to visit the museum this summer and let them venture down memory lane with you.

A museum visit is the perfect way to immerse the younger generation in what life was like during our grandparents’ prime. Children will be provided with a list of questions to ask their grandparents to learn more about how older generations worked, learned

and played. A family tree is available to be filled out with the help of the grandparents. Family storytelling can help a child grow into a young adult who feels attached to the important people in their life To top off your visit, we have all sorts of fun activities for the kids! They can get dressed up with fashion styles from the past, handson interactive displays, go on exciting scavenger hunts, do word-searches, and play with all types of games and toys! We promise there won’t be a dull time during your visit.

We are open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Admissions are through donations, so while the summer sun is high in the sky, come stop by!

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The wheels are in motion for Tara McCarty and Landon Cameron on establishing themselves as an even more important part of Neepawa’s fitness landscape. Late last month, the duo agreed to terms on the purchase of Rhythm Cycle Club, located at 342 Mountain Avenue (the former Co-op building). The exact numbers behind the deal have not been made public, though the ownership transfer date has been confirmed for Friday, Aug 1.

The pair’s local sport and business pedigree is already well known, as Cameron is the General Manager and CPGA Head Golf Pro at the Neepawa Golf & Country Club. As well, Landon has been involved for many years in hockey, as a volunteer and coach on several different levels, including assistant coach with the Neepawa Titans Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club. McCarty’s sports and fitness resume is just as packed, as she is one of Neepawa’s busiest sports and event volunteers with both the Titans and Neepawa Minor Hockey. As well, she helps coach baseball in the summer, teach spin classes year round and started our local boys and girls fit clubs.

As for the decision to buy the ownership stake of Rhythm Cycle, McCarty told the Banner & Press that the timing on this opportunity was just too good to pass up.

“Owning a fitness studio is something I have always dreamed about, [but] the timing just never felt right. But when the opportunity to take over Rhythm Cycle Club presented itself, everything aligned. It felt like the right move for us, not only personally but also for the community of Neepawa. We felt it was our chance to take over something that was already established and had meaning in our community. Our hope is that we continue to grow and build this space for our current clientele, but draw in some new faces as well,” said McCarty.

In terms of any potential changes due to the new ownership, McCarty stressed that they have some pretty exciting goals for Rhythm and will likely spend the first year figuring out how they are going to

An ownership shift at Neepawa’s Rhythm Cycle Club

BY EOIN DEVEREUX

Effective Aug. 1, Tara McCarty and Landon Cameron will be the new owners and operators of the Rhythm Cycle Club in Neepawa.

get there. As for all current and former members of the Cycle Club, McCarty had this message to share.

“We are very fortunate that Rhythm Neepawa has a very dedicated following, and our goal is to continue serving them, and the rest of the community of Neepawa. Rhythm is so much more than a spin club. We are a community that supports each other, and a safe place that allows people to escape the hustle and bustle of life.” McCarty

noted. “We also appreciate our clients are our biggest sources of growth.”

The Rhythm Cycle Club offers high intensity workout programs performed on stationary bikes in a group setting.

Anyone who is interested in learning more, or offering feedback or comments is asked to please share at rhythmneepawa@gmail. com.

Water you looking at? Just

a dog living the dream!

Roxy says pool time isn’t just for the pawrents, its for us water loving pups too! She would also like to remind everyone that even doggos need to remember to practice water safety too!

Never swim alone, wear bright colours and don’t forget your life jacket!

Have a Pawsitively fabulous summer!

PHOTO

PHOTO BY THE PAWRENT

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

The Rhythm Cycle Club in Neepawa is located at 342 Mountain Avenue, in a renovated space that used to be known to locals as the Co-op Grocery Store.

Water Safety

Back row, left to right: Nolan Buchanan and Ashton Delaurier.

Front row left to right: Kristen Greigson, Kaitlyn Greigson, Austin Tucker

Not Pictured: Brandon Scott

Minnedosa

left to right: Josh Kolesar & Meaghan Graham

Back row, left to right: Allison Beaumont, Claire Beaumont, Ella Koshel, Amber Wahoski, Anastasiia Artiukh, Rhea Koshel, Jenna Beaumont, Bronson Mutch.

row left to right:Rebecca Ellis, Kammi Smith, Alyssa Nadeau, Ashley Nadeau, Kiva Koshel, Paisley Roels, Cassidy Ellis.

Pictured: Krystal Llagas.

right:Taylor Henderson, Ruby Adams, Mandy Anderson, Easton Buydens,

Carberry

Tynille Steen, Jackson McCutchin, Richard LaPorte, Zoe Cupples, Liam Denton, Quinn Thorn, Ella Baker, Dahlia Snaith.

Ride like the wind, cowboy!

There was plenty to see and do at the annual Carberry Fair & Races this past weekend. Pictured here are some additional scenes from the racing events, which drew a large crowd yet again.

Whether it was chariot or chuckwagon races, draft horse shows, or something else, there was likely to be something to catch your eye down at the fair!

A major upgrade for the Kelwood Fire Department

By Rob Waddell Neepawa Banner & Press

The Kelwood Volunteer Fire Department upgraded in a big way when this beauty rolled into town on Tuesday.

Fire chief Earl Burton took a few minutes to answer questions prior to orientation and training with members of the local crew.

“The truck was funded by a matchable grant that the RM of Rosedale applied for. This unit will allow us to carry more fire fighters safely to scene. There is more storage for tools to be carried to the fire and with foam capabilities on the new truck, water usage will be less. Even though it is

not brand new, having these modern upgrades will make fire fighting safer and more efficient. The old truck will not be decommissioned, it will be used for extra water and back up.”

You can check out the new truck on Saturday, July 26 when the Kelwood Fire Department will be putting on their aprons and firing up the grills for their annual BBQ fundraiser at the firehall. It’s a great way to support these amazing volunteers and catch up with friends and neighbours!!

Burton says “This year’s fundraiser will help us continue to purchase more hand tools and multiples of existing equipment to make our job easier and more efficient.”

is the

department

on July 6.

underwent

Seven Regions Health Foundation’s “Challenge

raises over $2,000

for seniors’ outings

to Match”

Submitted

Seven Regions health Foundation

The Seven Regions Health Foundation is celebrating the success of its first annual “Challenge to Match,” which raised more than $2,000 to provide transportation for seniors living at Third Crossing Manor. This initiative will give residents the chance to enjoy outings in the community—something many of them haven’t been able to experience in recent years.

The Foundation Issued the challenge earlier this year, encouraging community members and businesses to donate with a match from the foundation to a maximum of $250. The response was overwhelming. Supporters from across the region came together, donating generously and spreading the word to ensure every resident at Third

Crossing Manor will have the opportunity to enjoy meaningful experiences outside the care home.

“A huge thank you goes out to all the people who donated and shared this campaign,” said a spokesperson for the Foundation. “Your generosity truly makes a difference in a person’s life. Together, we’ve made it possible for every resident to have the chance to enjoy a day out and about.”

The funds raised will be used to cover transportation costs and other expenses for organized trips. These outings could include simple pleasures like going for lunch, grabbing ice cream, sightseeing around the area, or taking in community events. Plans are already in the works for residents to visit local Christmas light displays, ice cream trips, enjoy crop-checking drives, and more.

For the seniors at Third Crossing Manor,

these excursions mean more than just a change of scenery. Many have limited opportunities to leave the facility, and a day spent exploring the area helps foster joy, connection, and a sense of normalcy.

“Our seniors have given so much to this community over their lifetimes,” the spokesperson added. “This is our way of giving back—to show them they’re still a vital part of our towns and to give them moments of happiness they’ll treasure.”

The Seven Regions Health Foundation has been supporting health and community initiatives across the region since 1997. Over nearly three decades, the Foundation has provided funding for projects that enhance quality of life and improve care for local residents. From building serenity gardens to helping upgrade medical equipment, the Foundation’s work has touched count-

less lives.

The success of the Challenge to Match reflects the strong spirit of giving in the local area and the commitment of residents to care for their own.

“This is just the beginning,” said the Foundation. “We hope to make this challenge an annual event and continue finding ways to enrich the lives of those at Third Crossing Manor and beyond.”

For more information about the Seven Regions Health Foundation or to learn how you can support their work, contact the administration office at the Gladstone Health Centre at 204-385-6124. Every donation over $20, qualifies for a tax receipt. All donations, big or small, helps ensure a brighter future for seniors and others across the region.

PHOTOS BY JOSHUA JACKSON

PHOTO BY ROB WADDELL

Pictured here

Kelwood Fire Department crew in front of their brand new fire truck. The

staff

orientation for the new equipment this week, after its arrival

Ron Cornell repeats as NGCC Senior Open Champion

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

We have the making of a mini golf dynasty it seems, as Ron Cornell has won his second consecutive Neepawa Golf & Country Club’s Senior Open. This victory is also Ron’s third senior title in the last four years, as he claimed the honour back in 2022.

Cornell, who is from Brandon, but plays primarily out of the Clear Lake Golf Course, picked up this year’s victory with a solid round of 74, one shot better than Craig Richardson.

Speaking with the Banner & Press about his result, Cornell said he felt pretty comfortable out there all day, despite some cloud and light rain being a factor early on in the round.

“The rain was only around for about an hour, so it wasn’t that big of a factor. I dressed for [the conditions] and just tried to keep [hitting tee shots] pretty much

down the middle to limit the potential for mistakes. And then the sun came out, and the course is just so good, so well maintained, I was able to go from there,” said Cornell. “This course is one of my favourites, but this year, the condition of it might be the best I have ever seen. It’s always good, but I’ve never seen it in this kind of condition. It was unbelievable.”

That seemed to be the consensus for the vast majority of golfers out there on Monday, July 7, as there was very high praise for the shape of the course at the Neepawa Golf & Country Club.

General Manager and CPGA Head Golf Professional Landon Cameron said the efforts of Superintendent Mark Kerkowich and the ground crews ensure Neepawa is always a top tier golfing location.

“It doesn’t happen by accident. Our superintendent Mark Kerkowich and his

Landon Cameron congratulates Ron Cornell on his victory at the 2025 Neepawa Golf & Country Club Senior Open.

crew are phenomenal. They go above and beyond to make sure it’s in very good shape, not just for an event

like this, but all year,” noted Cameron.

As well this year, Clayton Wyborn of Winnipeg

claimed top spot in the 70+ Championship Flight with a round of 78, one shot better than Warren McLeod of Minnedosa. The 2025 edition of the Neepawa Golf & Country Club’s Senior Open. featured 146 participants from all across Manitoba, an increase of 10 competitors compared to last year.

Longest Putt

Hole 3: Dave McIntosh 41’3”

Hole 11: Dean Janz 12’3”

Closest to pin

Hole 4: Dennis Foster 27”

Hole 6: Joey Pasternak 26”

Hole 8: Barry Hockin 40”

Hole 12:George McLeod 63”

Hole 18: Dale Lyle 5”

Long Drive 70+ Merv Bohn, 50-69 Bruce Turner

Recent NGCC Senior Open

Champions

2025: Ron Cornell

2024: Ron Cornell

2023: Mike Angers

2022: Ron Cornell

2021: Troy Sambrook

2020: Clayton Wyborn

2019: Don Schmall

2018: Darren Maginel

2017: Dave Soroka

2016: Jim Franklin

Neepawa Cubs close out Santa Clara regular season

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

As the regular season comes to a close in the Santa Clara Baseball League, the results of every game takes on an added significance. For the Neepawa Cubs, their final four games will determine if they get home field advantage in the post-season.

The first of these games was versus the Austin A’s on Wednesday, July 2, and saw Zac Plett dominant on the mound, striking out 10 to lead the Cubs to an impressive 7-2 win. To go along with the double digit strikeouts, Plett also surrendered only two runs, off six hits in a near complete game. Garett Rempel came in to earn the save, collecting the final two outs of night, while Brad Wilson was the standout at the plate for Neepawa, going 2-for-3, with three RBI.

A few nights later, the Cubs were paired up against the Plumas Pirates,

a team that still had hopes of catching the league leading Portage Padres in the Santa Clara standings. Neepawa decided to play spoiler, however, defeating Plumas 4-1. With that Pirates’ loss, Portage secured first place in the overall standings, and a guaranteed spot in the AA Baseball Provincials, as the league’s representative.

As for the action back on the field, Lincoln Murray earned the win on the mound for the Cubs, with a solid five and a third innings. He picked up four strikeouts, while surrendering just four hits. Garett Rempel came in for the save.

But the story of the game was Plumas’ inability to get runners around all the bases and past the plate, as they stranded 12 over the course of the game. That included three on base at top of the sixth inning. Neepawa wasn’t perfect themselves, as they left nine runners, on base, but they did send enough

across to pick up the win.

The win improved Neepawa’s record to 5-6-2, and tied them for third place with the Carberry Royals. Plumas, meanwhile, dropped to 8-4-1, but still locked down second place and a first round bye.

W ith a chance to secure a better placement in the post-season, Neepawa travelled down the road to Minnedosa (4-7-3) to face the Mavericks on Monday, July 7. This game would see Minnedosa slow down the Cubs recent momentum, and defeating Neepawa 4-3. This loss, combined with a Carberry (6-6-2) victory over Austin (3-11-0) on Monday night, set up an important final game between the Royals and the Cubs on Wednesday, July 9. If Carberry wins or ties that game, they will secure third place and play the Austin A’s in the first round of the playoffs. If Neepawa wins, however, they’d finish third and

Neepawa Cubs shortstop Ryan Benson charges the ball in an effort to make a play to firstbase, in their game against Plumas. Benson would pick up the out and assist the Cubs to collect a 4-11 win on Friday, July 4.

play Austin. To further complicate matters, if the Cubs lose and the Minnedosa Mavericks win their last game, Neepawa will actually drop down to fifth place, losing home field advantage for the first round. So there is still a lot to be determined in the Santa Clara Baseball League.

One certainty, however, is that Portage and Plumas get a first round byes. Unfortunately, these dramatic final games started a few hours after the Banner & Press publication deadline, so we are unable to share the results with you until the July 18 edition.

PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX

A new perspective on the old problems

Candidate Dave Clark discusses campaign

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The process of running for a political seat for the very first time has been a learning experience for Dave Clark. But the fortunate thing for Clark, and perhaps for Neepawa should he win, is that he’s a quick learner.

Clark, along with Sheri Grant, are running in the by-election to fill the vacant chair on Neepawa Town Council. Final voting will take place on Wednesday July 16 at the Neepawa Civic Administration Office, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. With that date quickly approaching, both candidates have been out in the community making their final case to the public. In his interactions with the public, Clark noted that the

overall experience has been very positive, so far.

“It’s been going good, seems like I have a lot of support in the community. People are genuinely happy that I have made the decision to run for council,” stated Clark. “I have spoken to a few residents about different issues and concerns they think need to be addressed. Obviously are the state of the streets, and new affordable housing are the biggest ones. Other comments I’ve had was about the new preposed Rec Complex, the new development project on the newly acquired 320 acre parcel of land. Another comment was to how we make sure as the town grows, we still keep a vital and vibrant downtown and keep those businesses’ successful.”

Clark said discussing

these topics with people, but this time as a Council candidate, has offered him a new perspective. He hopes to bring that perspective to the conversation around the Council table

“My goal is to be part of a council that is forward thinking in the short term to address the needs of the town, but also look five, 10 and even 20 years down the road and make the right decisions to get us there.”

‘I’m your next councillor’

A final look at candidate Sheri Grant

By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press

Neepawa’s by-election is near its finale. Next week, on July 16, the regular voting session will be held to determine who the town’s citizenry wants to see step up in Council. With the main event right around the corner, the Neepawa Banner & Press reached out to candidate Sheri Grant, who noted her campaign has been going well thus far.

“I’ve had a good response from the community so far. By-elections are notorious for low voter turnout. However, people seem engaged,” said Grant. “Many have commented that they took the opportunity to vote in the early poll; it will be interesting to

see the final percentage.”

While conducting her campaign for the position of councillor, Grant shared that she noticed multiple topics of concern among the citizenry.

“People continue to want to discuss infrastructure, roads, trees, as well as other issues,” said Grant. “I read over the minutes from the last six months and familiarized myself with what has been going on at the council table– I have questions.”

Grant added, “So if you are looking for someone that will ask the hard questions, I’m your next councillor. If you are looking for someone with common sense, I’m your next councillor. If you want someone to listen to you,

I’m your next councillor. Finally, if you are looking for someone with experience to finish out this term, vote GRANT, Sheri.”

Voting for the by-election on July 16 will take place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the Town of Neepawa Civic Administration Office, located at 275 Hamilton Street in Neepawa, MB.

Letter to the editor: R-Cut is an advantage

Continued from Page 5

Those who advocate for an over pass versus this solution should seriously consider the negatives to an overpass before writing offthe R-CUT. The area in question is a wide open blizzard zone in winter. Imagine the dangers of drifting snow across the Trans Canada that an over pass would cause. That in itself is a huge concern. Then there is the challenges of entering and exiting a separated grade intersection. Whether a cloverleaf interchange where

long sweeping curves are easy to slide o of when slippery or a diamond type intersection that would force drivers turning left from the four lane onto the two lane to stop and then pull onto a bridge with hampered visibility to oncoming two lane traffidue to the hill caused by the bridge. Resolving such issues can be done, but at what cost? Plain and simple, the traffialong Highway 5 does not justify dozens if not hundreds of millions to build a full scale interchange and I would strongly suggest

that a less expensive, rural interchange would be exponentially more hazardous than an R-CUT.

Driver’s are met with a variety of hazards regardless of the type of road or conditions. It’s our responsibility to drive accordingly. An R-CUT will not impede anyone’s schedule to a measurable amount. Even that all-important heavy truck tra needs to realize this type of intersection is actually an advantage over alternatives. You may not need to come to a complete stop,

Letter: Canadian government

The Canadian Liberal Government is lucky to have Trump for a scapegoat to cover up their own poor policy. When our veterans came home from WWII, they were a nation of “Get it Done do-ers”. They installed these ideals in the first generation “Boomers”. When these people were the age of majority this wouldn’t happen to Canada. The third generation are “You can’t do that” whiners.

Premier Legault of Quebec says Canadian productivity is 30 per cent behind the U.S. Why?

We have essential service unions continuously exercising their right to strike.

We have unions whining and wanting a 32 hour week. Trudeau told the people they should get a bigger piece of the pie, now they don’t want to work at all. Business and entrepreneurs are suppressed at every turn by regulation and have to go to the U.S. to get going. Why?

The BBC World News treated Trudeau as an extreme left wing socialist. If you watched how his disgraceful antics with world leaders turned them away you would be

for a loaded Super-B, thats a good thing! It’s common to resist change, especially changing to something “new”. However this new idea is actually around fify years old. There is an awful lot of data in support of this type of intersection at this particular location. There was an emotionally tragic event that has brought this issue to the fore. Lets try not to let those emotions dictate what the best solution is.

Monty Simon Standard, AB

‘lucky to have a scapegoat’

ashamed. He insulted and laughed at Trump, he cost us the pea market in India and $1.50 bushel on Canola with China. Our CBC, paid with our tax dollars, protected and promoted him and his regime when they should have torn them apart. If we are paying a political news outlet they should work for us, not a socialist party or any party.

The Civil Service increased 43 per cent under Trudeau, nine Feds for every 1000 people. We are being controlled so bad no wonder we can’t get projects done, they’re even inspecting food vendors used one or two days a year at country fairs etc.

They let in 17,600 criminals and how many more we don’t know about and how many Islamic terrorists. Why?

When I read Alberta is pouting it tells me that people aren’t getting the facts and don’t know what’s going on.

Economists calculated that Alberta lost $500 billion. “Read it Again”. That half a trillion during Trudeau’s reign of Canadian destruction, let by Katherine McKenna followed Guilault, backed by Trudeau.

Almost 50 per cent of this would have been paid out in equalization payments, being a have not province,

how much money did Manitoba lose?

A government that blows money like ours has to have an income. We will all be pouting when they take the capital gains on our homes and businesses.

The headline reads Canada makes first shipment of pressurized natural gas to Asia. Canada did nothing but obstruct that industry but now the media is excited about it.

Alberta planted the seed three or four years ago and Danielle Smith’s recent trip to Asia finalized a deal with Japan and Japan may want to invest in a pipeline.

Carney has done nothing but try to mend fences . The obstruction to development is not acceptable if Canada is to remain a sovereign country.

Please pay attention and get your political news from several sources.

Bob Ford

Minnedosa, MB

Additonal letter on Page 17

FILE PHOTO

Dave Clark.

FILE PHOTO

Sheri Grant.

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Looking to Rent: Paying top dollar for grain land, hay land or open pasture that can easily be broken to grain farm. Dauphin to Eddystone, Glenella to Rorketon. Please call 204-922-0227 or 204621-6248.

Thank You

Thank you to everyone who shared our anniversary celebration. Family made it special and friends made it memorable. Jim & Hazel Baker

In Loving Memory of George Duncan Hazelwood

July 8, 2020

It’s been 5 years since you left my sight, But not my mind.

I think of you daily, with your “funny one liners”, And miss you dearly.

Lovingly remembered by your wife Margaret “Love you always”

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Classified Ad Deadline: Tuesday Noon

• Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines

• Please check your ad when first published the Neepawa Banner & Press will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion.

• All copy is subject to approval by the Neepawa Banner & Press.

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

Notice

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

Alanon meetings currently being held at 342 Mountain Ave, Neepawa - Old Co-op Store. Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call 204-841-2192

Minnedosa Handivan 204868-8164 Mon-Fri 9:00-3:30

HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY

Eleanor Scott

Come for Tea & Cake

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

Arden Hall, cap. 255. Park, camping and sports facilities, rink, curling ice, kitchen and lounge. Call 204-368-2202

Drug problem? Yellowhead Narcotics Anonymous meets Sundays at 7 pm, at the Minnedosa Town Hall basement.

Neepawa Banner & Press offers full research and re-print services from our archives that go back to 1896. Additional copies of papers, $2 each depending on availability. Re-print of a page from past copies, $2 per page. Archival research, $25 per hour with a $10 minimum. Individual photos on photo paper $5 depending if we have a suitable original in our digital, print or photo archives. Ken Waddell, publisher

Diana Lynn Groshuk (Nee Leverington, Jones)

December 9, 1947 – July 2, 2025

Peacefully on July 2, 2025, Lynn passed away at the age of 77 years.

Graveside services were held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Carberry Plains Cemetery, with Rev. Emma Seamone Officiating.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Friends and family are invited to visit Lynn’s memorial page at www.interlakecremation.ca, where memories and condolences may be shared.

Arrangements entrusted to: Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services

Bonny Lee Dann Bonny Dann passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Calgary, AB after a brief illness.

To know Bonny was to be her friend, she never had acquaintances. There were so many things she loves: work, gardening, dogs, good food, good wine and always getting together with friends. She will be dearly missed by every person whose lives she ever touched, and there are many. From humble beginnings in Manitoba, Bonny found her niche selling real estate. She built a very successful client list that carried over two provinces when she moved from Brandon, MB to Calgary. Never daunted by the prospect of building a new clientele, she secured a position with a new home builder and thrived in the bustling bigger city. A private burial will take place in the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery, Calgary. A celebration of her life will take place in August with announcements to follow.

Calgary, Alberta • 403-235-3602 www.piersons.ca

Wishing

Kelvin and Eileen Smith

a Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 12th, 2025

In the honour of their 50th we will be hosting a Come and Go Tea on Saturday, July 12th from 1:00pm - 4:00 pm. It will be held at the Gladstone Seniors Support Centre on 36 Morris Ave. We welcome you to join us to celebrate.

Congratulations, with love from all your family and friends

The Little Valley Jamboree would like to thank everyone involved in supporting Brooks, John Jacob & Odin, as well as other kids in Westman with medical needs for 2025.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors who generously gave, including our Gold Sponsors;

To our Emcee & Bands. You were the heart of our event, and we couldn’t thank you enough for keeping the event moving and engaging the audience!

To the JAM committee who kept the kitchen, refreshments, support staff, set up and take down running smoothly. And to all those who sold tickets, helped collect donations, volunteered, or made purchases of tickets and auction items.

We were happy to present cheques for $13,000 each to Brooks, John Jacob & Odin.

For a full listing of sponsors, please visit: www.littlejamboree.com Much love,

All word classifieds must be prepaid before printing

For Sale or Rent

Storage vans (semi trailers) for rent or sale. Anderson's 204-385-2685, 204-3852997 Gladstone

For Rent

Apartment for rent. Bri-Mont apartments, 331 Mountain Avenue. Phone 204-8414419

Light housekeeping room for rent. Includes fridge, microwave, oven, washer, dryer and air conditioner. Shared shower and bath. Newly remodeled. Access to 32x8 walkout terrace. $65 nightly or $300 per month. Heritage home located in Laurier, MB. 1-204-447-3350

Quiet 55+ 1200 sq ft apartment located at 236 Mountain Ave Neepawa. Includes fridge, stove, parking and snow removal. No smoking. No pets. One apartment available Aug 1, one available Sept 1. 204-967-2157 or cell 204-476-4682

Notice

UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE PLANNING ACT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

On the date and at the time and location shown below, a PUBLIC HEARING will be held to receive representations from any persons who wish to make them in respect to the following matter:

TOWN OF CARBERRY BY-LAW NO. 06-2025 being an AMENDMENT to the TOWN OF CARBERRY ZONING BY-LAW NO. 13-2022, as amended.

HEARING LOCATION:

Paying top dollar for grain land, hay land or open pasture that can easily be broken to grain farm. Dauphin to Eddystone, Gleneila to Rorketon. Please call 204922-0227 or 204-621-6248.

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

Property For Sale Westbourne, MB

Property For Sale Westbourne,

1,024 sq.ft. 2 Bedroom Home Including Appliances, Detached Double Garage, 100X140ft. lot, Immediate Possession. Private Sale,$89,000 Call 204-871-2421 For Appointment to View

Council Chambers, 44 Main Street, Carberry, Manitoba

DATE & TIME:

August 12th, 2025 at 7:00 pm

GENERAL INTENT OF BY-LAW NO. 6-2025

To add Daycare as a Permitted use between “Cemeteries”and “Hall” in Table 3.7 Use and Site Requirements: “OS” Open Space Zone.

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Cypress Planning District 122 Main Street Carberry, Manitoba Phone: 204-834-6618

For more Information contact: Teresa McConnel, ACAO of the Town of Carberry Phone (204) 834-6628

A copy of the above proposal and supporting material may be inspected at the location noted above during normal office hours, Monday to Friday. Copies may be made and extracts taken therefrom, upon request.

FOODS

Industrial Plant Cleaner (NOC 65312)

Why join our team?

HyLife is a global leader in food processing, with a vision to be the best food company in the world. To achieve this, we are currently expanding our team and have exciting career opportunities at 623 Main St. Neepawa, MB. We are actively seeking to fill 10 positions.

The current starting wage is $22.20/hour with incremental increases to $23.55/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant

• 2500+ employees worldwide

• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

• Cleaning and sanitizing butcher and slaughter production areas and everything in between to ensure top-quality food safety standards.

• Operating cleaning equipment like high-pressure hoses to clean production equipment.

• Using cleaning chemicals with respect and following Material Safety Data Sheets.

• Ensuring all Quality Assurance checks are performed.

• Maintaining a safe, clean, and organized work area throughout the facility.

• Collaborating as a team to meet tight deadlines, ensuring production floors operate on time.

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and climbing.

• Available to work an 8-hour Night Shift from MondayFriday, between 11:15 PM to 9:00 AM

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time

• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors

• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in sanitation, or industrial cleaning, or heavy-duty cleaning

• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Able to effectively communicate in English

• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement

HyLife is dedicated to promoting equal employment opportunities for all job applicants, including those who identify as a member of the following groups: Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Older workers, Veterans, and Visible minorities.

Ways to apply: Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

H yL ife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.

Be a part of the HyLife experience

– your journey starts here!

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Help Wanted

Now Hiring

Full Time Construction Labourers

Neepawa Based Jobsites

Please submit your resume and any questions to:

Brad Wilson • 204-476-0676

Box 1521 Neepawa, MB R0J-1H0

Email: leaky29@icloud.com

Experience considered an asset, but not necessary

FOODS

Industrial Butcher (NOC 94141)

Why join our team?

The current starting wage is $16.45/hour with incremental increases to $24.60/hour based on tenure as per our Collective Agreement

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant

• 2500+ employees worldwide

• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation as per our collective bargaining agreement

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may include:

• Slaughter, eviscerate, and mark hogs for further processing;

• Debone edible parts and remove inedible organs for parts;

• Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further processing, cutting, or packaging for local, national, and international premium markets.

We are looking for people who are:

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks and standing for long periods of time

• Open to working in colder/warmer environments

• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience in meat cutting or slaughter or completed a program in Industrial Meat cutting

• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Able to effectively communicate in English

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com |

In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.

Be a part of the HyLife experience – your journey starts here!

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

FOODS

Hog Receiving Barn Worker (NOC85100)

Why join our team?

The current starting wage is $19.25/hour with incremental increases to $20.55/hour based on tenure

Quick Facts:

• Culturally diverse – employ people from all over the world

• Fully integrated facility –Feed Mills, Barns, Transportation, and Production Plant

• 2500+ employees worldwide

• We Care about our employees, communities, customers, animals, and our environment

What we can offer you:

• Competitive Wage

• Vacation: 10 working days of paid vacation

• Comprehensive Benefits package – health coverage, dental plan, vision care, long-term disability, and pension plan

• Permanent full-time employment (74-80 hours per bi-weekly)

• PM Shift Premium

• Full training, with genuine opportunities for career progression

• Employee Referral program - $500!

• Free parking

• Company events

• And more!!!!

Your duties may involve:

• Receiving and unloading hog deliveries.

• Sorting hogs into appropriate receiving pens.

• Ensuring humane and safe handling of hogs in our facility.

• Completing hog receiving documents to CFIA standards.

• Scraping trailers.

• Working outdoors and in a barn environment.

To excel in this role, you should possess:

• Respect for animal welfare, food safety, and workplace safety. Understanding of animal behavior

• Capable of working in diverse environments, including exposure to varying temperatures, humidity, and odors

• Minimum of one (1) to seven (7) months experience working with livestock

• Fit and capable of working in a physically demanding role. Capable of bending, lifting, and crawling

• Completion of Secondary school or equivalent experience

• Capable of repetitive manual tasks

• Able to effectively communicate in English

• At least 18 years old to meet the minimum age requirement

Ways to apply:

Online at http://hylife.com/careers/ or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Fax to: 204.476.3791 | Email to: jobs@hylife.com | In Person at 623 Main ST. E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0

For inquiries contact: Phone: 204.476.3393

HyLife has an accommodation process for employees with disabilities.

If you require a specific accommodation during your employment because of a disability, please contact Jobs@hylife.com. An HR representative will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis and our accommodation policy can be forwarded upon request.

Be a part of the HyLife experience

– your journey starts here!

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Burchgrove Farms

is hiring full time & seasonal Farm Operators & Mechanics

Seeking highly motivated and independent individuals Modern equipment

Happy to pay for experienced individuals

Located 10 minutes north of Carberry on HWY 5 Call or Text Eric at 204-841-2073

R.M. of Minto-Odanah Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer

Rural Municipality of Minto-Odanah is accepting applications for a Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer. This position is full time seasonal. Duties to include operation of various municipal equipment and other general duties as assigned.

A Class 3 driver’s license would be an asset.

Resume will be received until the position is filled.

Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

Submit applications to:

R.M. of Minto-Odanah – Seasonal Equipment Operator/Laborer

49 Main St., Box 1197, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Fax: (204) 867-1937

Email: admin@mintoodanah.ca

3 Bar Land And Cattle

Nick: 204-621-6248 • Will: 204-922-0227

We are seeking qualified individuals with a readiness to work in a high paced environment as part of a team and independently when required. Be able to operate or willing to learn how to operate various farm equipment and trucking equipment class one and class three is an asset.

A valid driver's license ability to lift 50 pounds willingness to work long hours and in all weather conditions is required.

Duties include:

•Driving tractors

•Grain and silage harvesting

•Feeding cattle

•Driving tandem grain trucks

•Daily maintenance pre trip inspections, greasing, checking oils, keeping equipment clean.

Pay rate negotiated based on qualifying skills and experience we offer an end of harvest bonus based on performance, cleanliness of equipment, zero damage to equipment, showing up on time and attendance.

Please email your resume to 3barlandandcattle@gmail.com

Truck Driver Wanted

Location: T.I.C Parts & Service – Neepawa, MB

Position: Full-Time Truck Driver

Start Date: July 2025

Join the team at T.I.C. Parts & Service, where your experience is valued, your safety comes first, and your hard work drives real results.

We Offer:

Competitive pay

Well-maintained equipment

Benefits package

Supportive team environment

Requirements:

Valid Class 1/Class A driver’s license

Clean driving record

Reliable and professional attitude

Minimum 5 years of driving experience preferred Ability to complete logbooks and safety checks

How to Apply: Send your resume to Darrell.L@ticparts.com Call us at 204-476-0716

Or stop by in person at T.I.C. Parts & Service 220 MB-5

Think the Banner & Press only has local news? Think again!

You can pick up the paper to get your weekly news, find a new recipe, look for jobs, go house hunting, even scout out upcoming events or sales in the area!

Letter to the editor: Enough is enough

The Progressive Conservative (PC) Party of Manitoba should cease operations.

The last straw for me came with the outcome of the Silica Report done by a third party. The repercussions to those involved to date tells me that the present Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba cannot or will not follow their Constitution and thus should cease operations immediately.

With a $650,000 debt and 11,000 members it works out to $59 each plus $41 to wind down operations for a total of $100 per member that will cost less than that out of pocket with tax benefits allowed.

Agricultural Services

3 Bar Land & Cattle NOW BOOKING!!!

Custom chopping and combining

Competitive Rates

Willing to Travel

Full line of equipment includes:

John Deere forage harvester with 8 row header 1

John Deere Combine with 35' flex header

1 John Deere Combine with 40'flex/draper header Grain trucks

Tractors with dumpers

Case pack tractor

Contact:

Classified ad deadline

Tuesday noon

Cancellations and corrections only within business hours and corresponding deadlines.

Help Wanted

This is the responsible way making sure that all our debts are paid so that any political party in the future that is prepared to develop a Constitution with input from the grass roots and follow it should not have any problems with financing. I am not the only Conservative who shares this opinion.

I will pay my share. I hope that other party members will pay theirs.

As a lifelong Conservative “Enough is enough.”

Harvey Dann West St Paul, MB

Neepawa Dental is currently seeking a Registered Dental Hygienist

We are a small, locally owned practice in a freshly renovated space.

Benefits include:

- Competitive Wage ($50-55/hr)

- Flexible schedule - work anywhere from 1-5 days a weekwhatever suits your schedule! No evenings or weekends required

- In-house dental plan

- Scrubs provided

- CPR training provided

- Reimbursement for licence fees

- Signing bonus/moving allowance available for more information e-mail: danieljzettler@gmail.com or text/call: 204-803-0402.

Nick: 204-621-6248 • Will: 204-922-0227 3barlandandcattle@gmail.com NOTICES

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

URGENT PRESS RELEAS-

ES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.

ARE YOU HIRING FOR SUMMER? SELLING LAND? HAVING AN EVENT? Let us help you book a blanket classified ad! You will be seen in the 31 Member Newspapers, in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please Call THIS

NEWSPAPER NOW to book,

McCreary School awards

Submitted McCreary School

McCreary School Awards for the Kindergarten to Grade 11 students were held on Thursday, June 26th at 1:15 pm in the Gymnasium. The Kindergarten through Grade 6 students received certificates in recognition of a successful year.

The Dreda Ennis Award which is presented to a student in Grade 6: Highest Academic Average – Keira Borne Most Improved –Hayden Jackson

Academic Average Medals

(Gold 96-100%, Silver 90-95%, Bronze 80-89%)

Grade 7: Bronze- Isabelle Glover, Gabriella Soucy, Jaixon Ledoux, Peyton Puhach, Austin Smith, Silver – Emma Buchanan, Dominik Iwanchysko, Avery Smith, Rayla Zalizniak, Gold – Iyla Lussier, Alec Reimer, Ella Sellman.

Grade 8: Bronze- Katherine Born, Dustin Roncin, Ethan Stuhm, Silver –Davida Prince, Gold – Calleigh Duchart.

Grade 9: Bronze - Isaiah Berg, Axel Dunning, Silver – Hayden Billett, Noah Desjardins, Yelim Jun, Karlee Kohlman, Gold – no recipients.

Grade 10: BronzeNolan Borody, Brody Buchanan, Everett Smith, Kyanna Speiss, Jayden Zalluski, Silver – Tristan Reimer, Gold – no recipients.

Grade 11: Bronze- Samantha Born, Silver – Woosum Jun, Ashley Nadeau, Ashley Wilson, Gold –Alyssa Nadeau.

Grade 12 Course Awards

(Will also be acknowledged at Graduation 2026)

Chemistry 40S – sponsored by Reischek Pharmacy – Alyssa Nadeau. Electrical Trades AC Fundamentals 40Ssponsored by Molgat Shopping Centre – Nolan Buchanan.

Life/Work Transitioning 45S – sponsored by Maple Bug Café –Alyssa Nadeau. Transition Workplace, University & College 45S – sponsored by Ryan Gamache-Gagnon Seeds Ltd. – Jesse Glover.

Gr. 9-12

Athletic Awards

(MVP-Most Valuable Player, MD- Most Dedicated, MIP- Most Improved Player, or Tournament placing).

Golf: 2nd – Brody Fayant, Nathan Peeler, Micheal Tereck, Austin Tucker Cross Country Divisionals

JV Girls 2nd – Karlee Kohlman, 3rd – Lea Tereck. JV Boys- 1st – Hayden Billett, 2nd – Axel Dunning, 3rd – Noah Desjardins, Sr Girls 1st – Ashley Nadeau, 2nd – Alyssa Nadeau.

Soccer, Girls: MVPAlyssa Nadeau, MDKyanna Speiss, MIPKyanna Speiss.

Curling: Sr. – 1st Julie Grudeski, Karlee Kohlman, Yelim Jun, MVP- Julie Grudeski (presented at Graduation 2025), MDAlexa Borne, MIP – Yelim Jun.

Badminton: Zones –2nd Faith Glover & Karlee Kohlman.

Track and Field: Provincials cancelled due to weather.

MD- Ashley Nadeau, Alyssa Nadeau.

Volleyball, Girls: MVP- Kyanna Speiss, MD- Karlee Kohlman, MIP – Alexa Desjardins. Volleyball, Boys: Zones - McCreary/Alonsa Co-op team placed 1st.

Athlete of the Year Awards

Junior Female – Calleigh Duchart, Ella Sellman.

Junior Male – Dustin Roncin.

Junior Varsity Female – Karlee Kohlman.

Junior Varsity Male –Nolan Borody.

Senior Female – Ashley Nadeau (sponsored by McCreary Recreation Commission).

Senior Male – Brody Fayant, Austin Tucker (presented at Graduation on behalf of McCreary Recreation Commission).

Maverick Achievement Awards

The Mavericks Points Program is intended to recognize students’ Maverick spirit and overall commitment to our school. This program helps encourage and build school climate by acknowledging students who have distinguished themselves in academics,

athletics, leadership, school clubs, or the arts. Each student will be awarded points throughout the various areas through each school year. There are four different classes of achievement awards in which students can receive. Each class is based on the total amount of points received, at any given year end. Bronze = 45 points, Silver = 75 points, Gold = 100 points and Platinum = 130 points. Their names will go on a plaque for each achievement award along with the year in which they reached the total, which will be hung on the wall in the school for all to see.

Bronze Award: Calleigh Duchart, Karlee Kohlman, Nolan Borody, Kyanna Speiss, Derek Reimer, Brody Fayant (presented at Graduation 2025).

Silver Award: Karlee Kohlman, Ashley Nadeau, Ffion Devonald (presented at Graduation 2025).

Gold Award : Alyssa Nadeau.

Platinum Award : Alyssa Nadeau.

Matthew Sonnenberg Award

The Matthew Sonnenberg Award is presented to a student taking shops classes that excels in class expectations and responsibility. It goes to a student who displays respect for others, helping others, having a high degree of interest and ability in the shop.

This year the award is presented to: Derek Reimer

Citizenship Awards

The Citizenship Award is presented in recognition of demonstrating The Maverick Way of “Respect, Responsibility, & Co-operation.”

Elementary K-6 – Reagan Zalluski.

Junior Gr. 7-8 – Emma Buchanan.

Senior – Alyssa Nadeau.

Student of the Year Awards: The Student of the Year Award is based on a combination of academic abilities and the involvement of school activities.

Junior – Calleigh Duchart.

Junior Varsity – Karlee Kohlman.

Senior High – Alyssa Nadeau.

Erickson Collegiate awards

Submitted Erickson Collegiate

Governor General Award – Amanda Mielke.

Gold Academic Standing (Average of 90% and above) – Hannah Copenace, Magnus Edye, Amanda Mielke, Marisa Moskaliuk, Addison Murray, Mikayla Riffel.

Silver Academic Standing (Average of 85 – 89.9%) – Juan Buedron, Ava Robson.

Bronze Academic Standing (Average of 80 – 84%.9) – Shayla Gunnarson, Nevaeh Monias, Greta Myers, Larissa Shewchuk.

Bursaries/Scholarships

RRSD ELA Medallion – Amanda Mielke .

Sandy Lake Lions Highest Standing in Physics, Chemistry, Biology – Amanda Mielke (Biology/Chemistry), Marisa Moskaliuk (Physics).

Municipality of Clanwilliam Erickson – Nevaeh Monias.

Municipality of Harrison Park Award – Ava Robson. Erickson Chamber of Commerce – Hannah Copenace.

MLA Citizenship Award – Amanda Mielke.

Compass Credit Union - Amanda Mielke.

Sunrise Credit Union – Amanda Mielke .

Mrs. Indu Bala Khandelwal Memorial Bursary – Amanda Mielke.

Dr. A.S. Khandelwal Bursary –Magnus Edye.

Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce – Addison Murray.

Erickson Legion Branch #143 Honouring the Ladies Auxiliary – Marisa Moskaliuk.

Erickson Legion Branch #143 –Amanda Mielke.

Male/Female Athletes of the Year – Magnus Edye/Aurora Robertson. RRTA – Marisa Moskaliuk/Mikayla Riffel.

Uncle Carl’s Canteen Award – Juan Buedron.

SureLine Auto – Juan Buedron. Jason Kelly Memorial – Aurora Robertson.

Poor Michael’s Emporium Outstanding Achievement in Music Award – Hannah Copenace.

Poor Michael’s Emporium Diversity (GSA) Award – Ava Robson.

Erickson Lions – Nevaeh Monias.

Heritage Co-op Award – Addison Murray.

Northstar Insurance – Marisa Moskaliuk.

Jewels of Siam – Hannah Copenace. Erickson Women’s Institute – Ava Robson.

Erickson Schools PAC – Juan Buedron.

Westman Communication Group – Marisa Moskaliuk.

Assiniboine College One to Watch – Marisa Moskaliuk.

U of M. Chown Bursary – Addison Murray.

C rawford Park Hall – Quentin MacDonald.

Crewe honoured with economic development award

By Joshua Jackson Neepawa Banner & Press

A local community builder is being lauded with an Economic Development Association of Manitoba (EDAM) Award of Distinction.

The Town of Neepawa’s EDO, Marilyn Crewe, was recognized at EDAM’s 9th Annual Manitoba Economic Development Awards Gala on June 5, 2025, during their annual forum in Steinbach.

A validating experience

Crewe said it was a humbling experience, and she felt validation for the passion she has for economic development in Neepawa.

“It motivates me to work harder. Because in this field of my peers, I’ve received this award, and I feel like people are watching to see what I’m gonna do next. There’s no rest, it drives me forward,” she said. “Professionally, this is probably one of the highlights of my career. Because of the membership base this award is selected from, it means so much to me that my peers in economic development see the hard work that I

do, because I know here in the community people see it, but to know to see it at a provincial level is an amazing thing.”

The award of distinction is given to an individual in the field of economic development whose accomplishments have made a significant contribution and demonstrated exceptional best practices, such as providing leadership, mentorship and motivation to fellow community development practitioners, cultivating community economic development in Manitoba.

It takes a village

The EDO couldn’t accomplish it without collaboration and pointed to local organizations such as the Neepawa Chamber of Commerce, Westlake Employment Services, the Neepawa Area Immigration Settlement Services, alongside the town administration and council.

“I’m an office of one for Neepawa, and so the partnerships that I form in Neepawa, regionally, and across the province help me do my job better,” she said.

“I can’t do my job without a good team in the office. I

Neepawa Economic Development OfficerMarilyn Crew was recognized for her hard work within the Town of Neepawa with the Economic Development Association Award of Distinction.

collaborate with economic development organizations in the region, and we bounce ideas off each other, and certainly at the provincial level as well. The list goes on and on. I strongly believe that you can’t do this alone.”

Crewe mentioned she’s

‘Inspired Movement’

ArtsForward has been home to Inspired Movement with the Sienna Summer Dance Camp this week. Seen here are the dance camp participants with Sienna DenysPeters and her team. A total of 50 dancers took part in the program, putting on a finalperformance on Thursday, July 10. Photos from the performance will appear in a future edition of the Neepawa Banner & Press.

proud of the work accomplished for the Town of Neepawa, from the Storefront Improvement Program to What’s the Big Idea, as well as the Neepawa Training

Centre. But she said there’s more to the eye that people don’t see, like the meetings she attends, the collaborations, the partnerships, or every new idea she brings to the council. She said it’s a privilege to work in Neepawa.

“Neepawa has a history of a strong work ethic and good community businesses. A lot is happening here: the hospital, the new school that’s coming, and all the local businesses that make Neepawa a strong regional hub for shopping, agriculture, and more. Those businesses that have chosen to put down roots here, too, all together make Neepawa strong.”

Neepawa has a bright future

The EDO is excited for the future and the growth of our town. She said housing is currently our biggest barrier to growth, so that makes it my priority.

“Working on that project 320 and the first phase of getting some houses on those lots. That’s an important part of my strategy. The

attraction of a new daycare is critical. We know that the lack of daycare limits people’s work abilities, and for employers to be able to find employees, they need to have good daycare,” said Crewe. “I’m working with a new group that’s working on some doctor retention. There’s always more to do. I’m always on the lookout for that next new business that wants to come to Neepawa, or a new industry that wants to come here or expand from somewhere else to provide additional services and retail for Neepawa.”

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

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Neepawa & Area 4-H Beef Club

Achievement Day Results • July 1, 2025

Submitted

Neepawa 4 -H Beef Club

Judge: Dr. Grayson Ross, Kemnay ~ Stride Exhibition Grounds, Neepawa.

Head Leader: Shelley Bjarnarson; Leaders: Kevin Jury & Sydney Dekoning.

Ringperson: Carson Baker; Show Marshalls: Tim Baker, Amanda Bradshaw & Dalyse Robertson.

Announcer & Official Show Clerk: Jody Jury.

Senior Grooming (sponsored by Penno’s Machining & Mfg. Ltd): 1. Sveinna Bjarnarson; 2. Keegan Dyke; 3. Quinn Sawchuk.

Intermediate Grooming (sponsored by Jury Farms): 1. Averi Jury; 2. Summer Sawchuk; 3. Morgan Dyke; 4. Ava Raddysh.

Junior Grooming (Sponsored by Taylor Law Pattersons LLP): 1. Sadie Sawchuk; 2. Rachelle Madill; 3. Kooper Jury; 4. Mary Jane Wilson. Cloverbud Grooming (Sponsored by Mads Cattle Co. Madisyn Robertson): 1. Owen Marchant; 2. Aspen Emerson; 3. Hannah Tibbett; 4. Wilo Wilson; 5. Benny Wilson; 6. Oaklyn Jury.

Champion Overall Groomer (sponsored by Wayne Boxall Construction): Averi Jury.

Senior Showmanship (sponsored by Shur-Gro Neepawa): 1. Sveinna Bjarnarson; 2. Quinn Sawchuk; 3. Keegan Dyke.

Intermediate Showmanship (sponsored by Comfort Electric Ltd.): 1. Averi Jury; 2. Summer Sawchuk; 3. Morgan Dyke; 4. Ava Raddysh. Junior Showmanship (sponsored by P. Baker Backhoe): 1. Sadie Sawchuk; 2. Rachelle Madill; 3. Kooper Jury; 4. Mary Jane Wilson. Cloverbud Showmanship (Sponsored by Stellar Apparel): 1. Hannah Tibbett; 2. Owen Marchant; 3. Benny Wilson; 4. Aspen Emerson; 5. Willo Wilson; 6. Oaklyn Jury. Overall Champion Showman (sponsored by Rempel Backhoe & Gravel Ltd): Sveinna Bjarnarson.

Champion Beginning Beef (sponsored by TAC Ventures Inc): Willo Wilson. Reserve Champion Beginning Beef (Sponsored by Kulbacki Ag Supply): Oaklyn Jury.

Yearling Heifers Split 1: 1. Keegan Dyke; 2. Hannah Tibbett; 3. Benny Wilson; 4. Ava Raddysh; 5. Mary Jane Wilson.

Yearling Heifers Split 2: 1. Morgan Dyke; 2. Owen Marchant; 3. Rachelle Madill; 4. Aspen Emerson

Yearling Heifers Split 3: 1. Averi Jury; 2. Quinn Sawchuk; 3. Sadie Sawchuk; 4. Summer Sawchuk.

C hampion Yearling Heifer (Sponsored by CAMO Cattle Co. – Tibbett Family): Averi Jury.

Reserve Champion Yearling Heifer (Sponsored by Jury Electric): Keegan Dyke.

Champion Progeny Heifer (sponsored by Westward Ford Neepawa): Sveinna Bjarnarson.

Reserve Champion Progeny Heifer (sponsored by Pyramid Collision): Summer Sawchuk.

Champion Two-Year Old with calf at foot (sponsored by Hardrock Land & Cattle Co. – Robertson family): Averi Jury.

Reserve Champion TwoYear Old with calf at foot (sponsored by Reign Cattle Co.): Quinn Sawchuk.

Supreme Champion Female (Sponsored by Greenbush Angus): Averi Jury.

Reserve Champion Female (Sponsored by Greenbush Angus): Keegan Dyke.

Market Steers Split 1 (1,196 lbs to 1,241 lbs): 1. Summer Sawchuk; 2. Sveinna Bjarnrson; 3. Keegan Dyke; 4. Aspen Emerson; 5. Morgan Dyke.

Market Steers Split 2 (1,371 lbs to 1,575 lbs): 1. Owen Marchant; 2. Quinn Sawchuk; 3. Averi Jury; 4. Kooper Jury; 5. Rachelle Madill; 6. Sadie Sawchuk.

Champion Market Steer (Sponsored by Randy & Shelley Bjarnarson family): Owen Marchant.

Reserve Champion Market Steer (Sponsored by Foggy Mountain Farms – Sawchuk family): Quinn Sawchuk.

Champion Progeny Steer (Sponsored by JAS Red Angus): Sveinna Bjarnarson. Overall Grand Champion Steer (Sponsored by Jury Farms): Owen Marchant.

Reserve Champion Steer (Sponsored by Hardrock Land & Cattle Co. – Robertson family): Quinn Sawchuk. High Gainer (Sponsored by Whitemud Livestock – Sveinna Bjarnarson): Sveinna Bjarnarson.

Best Family Pair of Calves (Sponsored by Kevin Cathcart & family):

Averi & Kooper Jury.

S enior Project Books (sponsored by Rock N Animal House): 1. Sveinna Bjarnarson; 2. Keegan Dyke; 3. Quinn Sawchuk.

Intermediate Project Books (Sponsored by BEST Farming Systems): 1. Morgan Dyke; 2. Averi Jury; 3. Summer Sawhcuk; 4. Ava Raddysh.

Junior Project Books (Sponsored by Evans Family Farms): 1. Kooper Jury; 2. Rachelle Madill; 3. Sadie Sawchuk; 4. Mary Jane Wilson.

Cloverbud Project Books (sponsored by Tri-Star Cattle Co.): 1. Aspen Emerson; 2. Oaklyn Jury; 3. Owen Marchant; 4. Hannah Tibbett; 5. Willo Wilson; 6. Benny Wilson.

Overall Project Book (Sponsored by C.S. Farms Mobile Grain Cleaning): Sveinna Bjarnarson.

Judging Competition was held at our April crash day with Tim Baker being our official judge. Members are required to place a class and provide oral reasons.

Senior Judging (sponsored by E.K. Kostenchuk Aggregates): 1. Sveinna Bjarnrson; 2. Keegan Dyke; 3. Quinn Sawchuk.

Intermediate Judging (Sponsored by Stonehouse Physiotherapy): 1. Morgan Dyke; 2. Averi Jury; 3. Ava Raddysh; 4. Summer Sawchuk.

Junior Judging (Sponsored by Jack Auction Group): 1. Rachelle Madill; 2. Sadie Sawchuk; 3. Kooper Jury; 4. Mary Jane Wilson.

Cloverbud Judging (sponsored by Tri-Star Cattle Co.): 1. Aspen Emerson; 2. Benny Wilson; 3. Hannah Tibbett; 4. Willo Wilson; 5. Oaklyn Jury; 6. Owen Marchant.

Overall Judge (Sponsored by 357 Motorsports): Aspen Emerson.

Overall Members

Senior (sponsored by Neepawa Home Hardware): Sveinna Bjarnarson.

I ntermediate (sponsored by Prairie Tractor Inc.): Averi Jury.

Junior (Sponsored by JMJ Performance Diesel Ltd.): Sadie Sawchuk.

Cloverbud (Sponsored by Broadfoot Fraser Agencies): Aspen Emerson.

Top Overall Member (Sponsored by Prairie Tractor Inc.): Sveinna Bjarnarson.