RiveRs BanneR
Beever headed to Senior AAA nationals
Baseball Manitoba will be sending a team to Senior AAA National Championships in Tecumseh, Ontario - Aug 21 - 25. L-R Kai Ryden will be attending his first national championship. Scott Beever has attended four national championships. Mitch Olson will be attending his thirteenth national championship. Mitch will be player/coach this year. Team Manager/ Head Coach is Derek Shamray.
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
Scott Beever is looking forward to competing against the country’s best.
The Rivers product has been tabbed for a Manitoba select squad that will compete at the Baseball Canada Senior AAA Men’s Championship. The event will be held Aug. 22-25 in Tecumseh, Ont.
“It is always nice to see a higher quality of ball and get to play with some guys you don’t normally play with,” Beever said. “It’s always fun being on the ball diamond.”
He believes it is his fourth appearance at a senior or junior national championships. This summer Beever helped his hometown Rivers Comets make it to the South West Baseball League playoffs. On Team Manitoba, he will be joined by some SWBL foes as well as players from other parts of the province. The Oak River Dodgers will be represented on the team by player Ty Paddock and organizer Derek Shamray.
Two members of the Deloraine Royals, who beat the Comets in an exciting SWBL semifinal series, will now become Beever’s teammates. Regarding players from various teams coming together to compete, Beever said:
“A lot of the guys do know each other a little bit anyway. ... We’re all there to try to do the same thing. We’re all there to try to win the last game of the tournament. When you all got a common goal like that, it is pretty easy to gel.”
Shamray said that Beever is “one of those guys that’s been around and provides veteran leadership.” Team Manitoba will
utilize Beever primarily as a pitcher.
“I like it because ‘m kind of in control,” he said of pitching. “Nothing happens until I do something. I like to go out and compete ... being able to pitch and trying to outlast and out compete the other team. Just do the best I can and hopefully give our team a chance to win.”
Shamray said the team knows Beever will give a quality start. In the SWBL this past regular season, Beever paced the league with a 7-0-0 record and 82 strikeouts. His earned run average was 2.43.
“He’s a natural talent, but he puts the work in and loves the game,” Comets coach Alastair McFadden said. “He’s got great mechanics, throws hard, hits his spots, and can change speed to keep hitters off balance. The amount of strikeouts he threw this year is absolutely ridiculous. He’s a pretty laid-back dude, but when he steps on the mound, he gets that fire in his eye and the competitive spirit comes alive. Look out, it’s game on.”
McFadden said that Beever has long been “the guy” on the mound. He noted the Rivers, Oak River and Cardale areas have been blessed with great coaches. After developing his game locally, Beever went on to play at the University of Jamestown and for the Weyburn Beavers of the Western Major Baseball League, where he “ continued to refine his skills,” McFadden said.
“He’s arguably the best pitcher in the province and has been for some time,” the coach said. “Hopefully he’s got some gas left in the tank, and he can have a great performance at nationals in a few weeks.”
SUBMITTED
13U AAA Midwest Baseball Team
Submitted
By Andrea Martin
Ryan Lamb, Scott Beever and Ryan Shaw were our 3 non-parent assistant coaches, and their commitment and dedication to developing this team should be commended. We had 28 games. Ryan Shaw and Scott Beever played for the Comets so they only
missed for those games and Ryan Lamb coached 2 other teams so he only missed for those commitments. They are incredible role models for these boys and their commitment and passion for the game challenges, inspires, and strengthens. This team was very fortunate to have them this season along with head coach Aaron Tycoles.
Notes from the minutes for Riverdale Municipality July 16, 2024
By Ken Waddell Rivers Banner
In attendance Mayor Lamb and Councillors Mason, Veitch, Creighton, Pod and Smith. CAO Quane RegretsPeters. Council approved the list of accounts for a total of $640,681.55. Council approved several items regarding the Legion Road Rally on August 10.
VEITCH/MASONWhereas Riverdale Municipality advertised a tender for sidewalk construction for 2024; Whereas five tenders were received; Therefore be it resolved council award the sidewalk tender to Brad Nixon for the submitted cost of $47,498.50. CARRIED Mosquito Control was discussed. VEITCH /POD - Whereas Riverdale Municipality is planning for
the construction of a Bulk Water Station; Whereas Riverdale Municipality would require engineering and financial assistance; Therefore be it resolved that Council request assistance from the Manitoba Water Services Board.
CARRIED
COUNCILLOR’S REMARKS & SUGGESTIONS: Councillor Pod – Staff appreciation lunch will be held July 30. There was a concern regarding commercial businesses washing equipment and material with potentially hazardous goods, and what the impact or environmental rules would be regarding this. This is under Provincial authority and the CAO is to pass on the information.
Councillor CreightonWould like an update on
insurance claims through MPI from the hail damage on the RDFD trailer. Would there be an update on the lots for sale by the hotel and what price they are listed at.
Councillor Veitch- Suggested methods of spraying dandelions around the community.
Councillor Mason -Chamber will host a thankyou BBQ on September 14 11am-2pm at the Legion. Councillor Mason asked for the Chamber notes and the link to the chamber be added to the municipal website.
MAYOR’S REMARKS & SUGGESTIONS: Concerns regarding the maintenance at the Rivers Cemetery Columbarium. We want to ensure it is looking good when people are going to the cemetery to visit their loved ones.
The team is comprised of players from Rivers, Neepawa and Minnedosa minor ball associations. They played league games against Winnipeg, Pembina Hills, Brandon and Oil Dome and participated in tournaments in Brandon, Melville, Stonewall and Ile des Chenes for a total of 28 games.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY ANDREA MARTIN
Back row left to right: Ryan Lamb, Scott Beever, Cooper Soltys, Ethan Duncan, Liam Chandler, Zack Morrison, Jayce Peters, Ryan Shaw, Aaron Tycoles Front Row left to right: Brooks Hockin, Carter Chudley, AJ Tycoles, Nolan Edwards, Jayden Ford, Asher Rothnie, Bowe Bridges, Bridger Kent.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
The truth we need to hear
Ihave never been a huge fan of social media. I recently closed my Facebook account (I still use Instagram) and have become very selective in the content I watch on YouTube.
I follow several “Do It Yourself” channels, hosted by wood and metal workers, and small farmers using sustainable practices to improve their soil, control weeds and conserve moisture. I have used some of their ideas in my flower gardens, with amazing results.
One of my favorite presenters visits communities throughout the United States, filming and then posting videos of small museums and other attractions. His programs are well researched, and show immense respect for the places he visits and the stories he tells. His videos enable me to visit more communities and see more attractions than I will ever be able to visit in person; which is why I like them so much.
Our family farm is just over three miles east of the CN Rail main line between Calgary and Edmonton. My brothers and I would often watch
freight trains and Dayliner passenger trains as they passed through my home town. I have been a rail fan ever since.
Today, thanks to minute-by-minute videos taken from the Engineers’ cabs on modern trains, I can travel through communities in Europe, the United States and Canada; seeing the natural beauty that train crews see every day, and experiencing some of the dangers they face as they move huge, heavy trains along their routes.
If at all possible, I avoid posts that deal with politics, religion and endless debates over social, political and religious issues. I have no desire to listen to or watch people attack and condemn those who do not share their political or religious views; or continue the endless debate on the best ways to deal with climate change, pandemics, etc.
These debates divide society into two groups. One group (about 10 per cent of the population) do the debating. As for the rest of us (the 90 per cent), the more we listen to those debates, the greater the chance that we will become people like St. Paul described in Ephesians 4; people who are “tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming.”
St. Paul offers us a way to avoid being taken in by people’s trickery and deceit: “(By) speaking the truth in love,” he says, “we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ...”
(Ephesians 4:14-15)
In today’s world, we no longer talk about absolute truth. We talk about “your” truth, “my” truth, or “his” truth, “her” truth, or “their truth.” If we don’t like what someone says, we say: “They just spoke ‘their’ truth.” So we can ignore it and move
on; thinking what we want to think, saying what we want to say and living however we choose to live. But God demands that we speak “the” truth. And “the” truth we must speak is that our world is filled with people whose thoughts, words and deeds have been corrupted by sin. And the only way to solve the problems our world faces is for us to turn from our sins, believe in Jesus Christ and let God, by his Spirit, change how we think, speak and live.
You won’t see many people sharing that truth on social media. It’s not a popular truth. But it is “the” truth. It is the truth we need to hear-and the truth we need to heed.
Locally created crossword
1 – New York State Iroquoian people
– Sweets, candies
– Tennessee postal abbr.
House coolers abbr.
Short letter
Inflating process, plural
– Large, briefly
– Musk of Tesla and Spacex, and others
named
– Trudge labouriously
– Scottish hat
– Rubidium’s symbol on the periodic table
– Arranged A to Z
– Belonging to the country whose capital
Cars on a track
Constellation The Hunter
School terms
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Perspectives Simply walking…
Dead wood in many places
The Town of Jasper is but the latest victim of a wildfire. The Jasper situation is really bad, with hundreds of homes burned and the whole town evacuated.
Many years ago, it was pointed out to the federal government that a national wild fire strategy was needed. How many more homes and businesses have to be destroyed before reality sets in and solutions come to the surface?
I could be way wrong, and would welcome being corrected, but it seems to me that Parks Canada’s efforts to do anything in a correct, pro-active and effective way is lacking in evidence.
I am told by people familiar with the Jasper situation that Parks Canada has been warned for years about how dangerous the dried out dead trees affected by the pine beetle are to the environment. Once the pine beetle has been in a stand of trees the only way to reduce the fire hazard is to harvest them for lumber, for biofuel or to clean burn the area. Clean burn takes out all the little bugs, birds and animals too, so that’s another problem. Some forest areas are almost impossible to access so that is admittedly another problem
From my observations, Parks Canada stumbles around under a burden of internal incompetence and on-going political interference. The politicians, who often don’t know much, are backed by bureaucrats who are more interested in hiring by quota than by competence. It’s a bad mix where citizens, residents and businesses are all seen as annoying hindrances to a political agenda dreamed up
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
by people who are not affected by the outcomes.
There’s also a misconception about Canadian forests, at least prairie forests. There are no “old growth” forests on the prairies. Well, very few anyway. When the buffalo roamed and the indigenous people hunted them, there were very few trees. Between lightning strikes and strayed campfires, the trees never got going very well. When European settlers came, the prairies were, well prairie, with few trees anywhere. Yearly wild fires didn’t mix well with log/sod cabins, fences and crops so vigorous fire control attempts were imminent. Fire guards were plowed, vigilant watch was kept and the dreaded prairie fires were largely controlled. Trees grew more readily, although a lot were cut down for lumber and firewood over the decades
I guess my point is that Parks Canada is chasing a myth, that is that everything has to be left to nature. I disagree. Trees need to be harvested or burned from time to time. Property needs to be protected. Lightning can’t be controlled but fire fighting could be more effective if the proper planning and resources were applied. It’s very costly to do fire control
but who is going to pay for the re cent disaster in Jasper. Individuals will bear a terrible emotional and financial load but so will taxpayers and the insurance buyers. You can bet that insurance rates will be higher for everyone after the Jasper disaster. I get very upset when I see how little leadership is provided by our governments. I see a lot of chasing around after some Zebra mussels or pretending that trees live forever as long as we close our eyes and minds. Perhaps the Canadian Forestry Service needs to be strengthened.
A good start to a national forestry policy would be a major house cleaning in the bureaucracies at PC and CFS as the forest isn’t the only place where there seems to be a lot of dead wood.But I think the big housecleaning that is required is the mentality of politicians. They are very reluctant to spend tens of millions of dollars to reduce forest fire risk in the future...but,... they are very happy to show up with cheques worth of hundreds of millions to give to communities impacted by a forest fire.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
Rita Friesen Homebodies
Walking has always been an activity that relaxed and rejuvenated me. From childhood on being outdoors, walking with a purpose or aimlessly, is a part of my daily routine. Years ago, when the farm at Riding was home, a set of bachelor brothers would stop their beloved blue truck, roll down the window and ask if I was ok. I always assured them that I was just out walking. It became their habit to still stop, but after the window was open, to look me in the eye, chortle, and say- just walking…A concept that appeared to be foreign to them!
The walk the other day included the loop around the Back Forty Bike Park. I was pleased to see riders out enjoying the trails. One young lad, under the guidance of an adult, attempted a steep incline. He didn’t quite make it, and needed a helping hand up. As I witnessed the care provided, and the new route carefully chosen, I wished for an opportunity to speak to them. The scene took me back to my early days of bike riding; borrowing a neighbour’s bike to learn. The soil in the area was sandy and therefore one needed strength and endurance to get anywhere. There was the summer we visited cousins living in Charleswood- back when it was almost rural- and my first experience riding on pavement, and down an incline! Let’s just say there was an inglorious dismount involved! Which was a practice run for the bike and barge tour that my friend and I enjoyed in Holland to celebrate my seventieth birthday. There was also an inglorious dismount involved- much to the consternation of the owners of the bike, and my co-riders. Not certain who was more worried at that point! It is safe to say that one bruises more easily as one ages, for I sported several magnificent blacks and blues.
The walk led me through an area of dried grasses. I could smell fall in the air. The golden rod and asters were reminders of the season as well. The chokecherries are beginning to turn, and the swallows assembling on the lines. I’m not quite ready for a change in seasons….. My favourite section of the trail is through the tall trees, just east of the cemetery. Miss Daisy and Henry Hoover (former beloved dogs) loved this area as well and would break into a run- up the hill preferably. Arie (current canine companion) doesn’t like the shaded trail at all. There is a contest of wills before we enter from the north, and her resistance continues until we hit the clearing. No amount of calm explanation calms her, obedience and a strong hand on the leash do win. I have no idea what causes her hesitancy. That is the only portion of the trail we walk that she doesn’t like.
The days slip away like pearls off a broken strand. Each one is precious and rare. It is time walking that allows me to meet the pressures of the days and weeks. It is time walking that allows me to take note of the changing scenes. It is time walking that allows me to continue to be me.
Letting it happen – Self-Seeding Annuals
Submitted
By Patricia Hanbidge
This time of year any plants growing in the garden are welcome! Those plants that come back year after year are especially welcome! Enjoying annuals that will set their own seed and come back year after year have a special appeal, although they need a bit different culture than the other more regular “perennials”. Self-seeding annuals are exactly what is needed in some areas in the garden. They are also a huge benefit if you are planting a pollinator garden. Not all annuals are self-seeding, but if the seed packet says “self-sows freely” or “Hardy Annual”, chances are that it will. Soil conditions and climate determine what will self-seed. For example, late-blooming annuals such as zinnias may not have time to set seed and mature prior to frost. Furthermore, not all annuals will grow true from seed or in other words, look exactly like their parents. To get exact replicas, you need open-pollinated or heirloom seed. If the annual in question is one of the many hybrids now available, the offspring revert to the original parent colours. In my garden, the mauves, blues and whites, of the original packet of bachelor buttons have almost entirely gone back to the “cornflower blue” of the original plant.
When I plant new an-
nuals in my garden I sometimes plant them after the first hard frost in late fall but more often don’t remember to plant them until spring, usually several weeks before the last frost date. It is obvious, but in order to self-seed, there must be seed. So don’t deadhead right up to frost. Mid-august usually allows enough time for the last flowers to set seed and mature. And while plants are designed to seed themselves, I sometimes shake poppy seed heads in new corners of the garden, or sprinkle a handful of bachelor button seed heads where I feel more colour is needed. In spring, watch for the new seedlings poking their heads up from the ground. And watch that spade because it is easy to wipe out the new flowers along with the ubiquitous weeds. However, you may also quickly discover that there are far more seedlings than you want or they are about to strangle out something else. The simple remedy is to thin them out. Choose the largest, sturdiest seedlings and remove the rest, sometimes transplanting to new chosen spots. It is easy to do with small seedlings - a trowel-full of dirt with the seedling in the middle and most of them don’t notice they’ve been moved.
Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoeas) self-seed profusely and they come in many shades of pink and red, singles and doubles.
You are invited to attend
Hamiota Children’s Business Fair 2024
August 24, 2024 3:00Pm – 7:00PM
Hamiota Community Center
Enjoy different displays from Hamiota’s young entrepreneurs as they showcase their startup business ideas and creations!
Open to all Hamiota residents aged 6 to 15!
To join visit: www.childrensbusinessfair.org/hamiota or email at hedc@hamiota.com
Calendula officinalis or pot marigolds have daisy¬ shaped flowers of orange, rust, yellow, cream, apricot. They love the sun and good drainage. Expect them to revert, over time, to simpler forms and fewer colours. Sunflowers will pop up in places you didn’t expect and sometimes leaving one or two in an unlikely spot creates a relaxing informality. California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), Oriental poppies (Papaver orientale), johnny jump-ups (Viola cornuta), sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), lovein-a-mist (Nigella damascena), forget-me- nots (Myosotis sylvatica) will all weave their way through your garden without consultation.
Self-seeding annuals are undemanding and reliable. The problem is that you have little idea and less control over where they will turn up. Depending on your point of view, they help to create an unfussy, relaxed, cottage garden with new surprises each spring. Or they create disasters which need immediate help. If you are ready to let go of some (or most) of the control in your garden, then welcome to the world of self-seeding annuals.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort. com; by email at info@ orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.
Special thanks to our local sponsors:
Italian Cheesecake Cookies
A little bite of heaven! Try topping with strawberry or blueberry pie filling.
INGREDIENTS:
1 pound ricotta cheese
16 oz cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsps cornstarch
3 tbsps all-purpose flour
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
1/2 pint sour cream
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup cherry pie filling
DIRECTIONS:
1) Cream together the ricotta and cream cheese. Add sugar and continue beating until smooth. Add lemon juice, vanilla, flour, and cornstarch, beating well after each addition. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Gradually beat in melted butter. Blend in sour cream, continue beating all ingredients until well blended.
2) Pour into ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) for 1 hr. Turn off oven and leave inside for 2 hours.
3) Cut into squares. Top each with strawberry, blueberry, or cherry pie filling. Note: Bars can be frozen.
Grazing can improve watershed health, buffer climate change
Submitted
By
Ryan Canart
With cattle a key economic driver in the area, Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD) can help agricultural producers make the best use of local land and water resources through livestock grazing practices.
There are as many forms of grazing as there are graziers, from continuous grazing or set stock grazing to twice-over grazing and rotational grazing, to name a few.
Today’s rotational grazing has also come to have many variations. Mob grazing, AMP grazing, and management intensive grazing (MIG) are all types of rotational grazing. These methods move cattle more frequently and rest parts of the pasture to avoid overgrazing that occurs when animals graze a plant a second time before that plant has recovered from a first grazing.
Today’s rotational grazing has been called an art and a science, and the method you employ depends on your intended outcome and what suits your ranching operation.
Animal weight gains or performance, soil health, pasture resilience or yield, and maximum productivity are typical goals of rotational grazing. Conversely, if your goal is to minimize your workload and time invested, then other forms of grazing come into play such as continuous grazing.
Rotational grazing has many benefits over continuous grazing but requires more time and resources to accomplish. Much like everything in life, the general rule is: you get out what you put in, i.e. when it comes to grazing - more effort typically pays off in the form of more grass, better animal performance or more resilient landscapes.
Adaptive multi-paddock grazing (AMP) is a form of rotational grazing that uses multiple small paddocks to provide short duration / high stock density grazing followed by long recovery periods for each paddock. This, in many ways, mimics the grazing patterns of the Bison herds that helped create our fertile prairie soils. The plants are allowed to grow deep root systems resulting in higher quality forage benefiting soil, plant and animal health as well as water management.
AWWD recognizes and supports producers who choose to invest in the tools and time required to practice AMP grazing. This is done through grants for infrastructure and incentive payments
for certain grazing practices.
WHY does the Watershed fund these efforts? Because science is showing that AMP grazing provides many ecosystem and watershed health benefits that should be encouraged such as increased carbon sequestration, improved water infiltration and water quality, increased biodiversity, and improved drought, flood, and climate resilience.
Livestock producers can access these funding supports for grazing infrastructure and practices by applying through their local offices at Oak River, Miniota or Inglis.
Producers who practice AMP grazing within the watershed have seen many positive changes to their land and livestock herds. Some short videos of these positive changes can be viewed on our website.
Ryan Canart, General Manager of Assiniboine West Watershed District, www.myawwd.ca
Honey Bees and Canola: Teaming Up for Success
by the
Canola farmers and beekeepers make a dynamic team. As with any team, communication and a clear game plan are key to their success.
Canola fields are a nectar jackpot. The bright yellow flowers are attractive to honey bees: they are easy to see and the shape of the flowers is easy to land on. Canola pollen is a good source of essential nutrients for bees, including amino acids, proteins, and fats, and canola nectar is high in sugars giving bees energy to fly, forage, and pack away stores.
The benefits go both ways. Research has shown that having pollinators near canola can lead to higher yields and improved seed ripening. An Australian study1 revealed a decrease in the number of canola pods per plant as the distance from beehives increased.
“While there are many variables involved, we are seeing a one to two percent canola yield increase when there are bees present,” says Ian Steppler, farmer, and chair of the Manitoba Bee-
keepers’ Association. The Steppler family farms 4,000 acres of canola, sunflowers, wheat, oats, and soybeans, they manage a 650-cow calf operation and tend to 1,500 hives near Miami, Manitoba.
There are close to 1000 beekeepers in the province and 115,000 hives. Commercial beekeepers manage the vast majority (95 percent) of those hives. This mutually beneficial partnership between bees and canola is an economic win for both beekeepers and canola farmers.
Manitoba produces more than 8,500 metric tonnes (nearly 20 million pounds) of highly prized smooth, water-white honey per year – with a value of over 50 million dollars(2). The managed bee industry (honey bees and leafcutter bees) contributes up to 150 million dollars in increased pollination to canola, alfalfa and other crops grown in the province per year. Protecting canola from insect pests While a thriving beekeeping industry brings economic benefits to Mani-
BUILDING FOR TENDER
The highest or any tender is not necessarily accepted. Tenders at the Virden admin office up until 5:00 pm August 23rd. The building must be moved by September 27; for each day past that, it will be subject to a $1,000 per day fine.
To arrange viewings, contact the Admin Office 747 6700 or admin@valleyview.coop
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Submitted
Manitoba Canola Growers
Young Ellis Canart learning how to move cows and manage grass for a more resilient landscape.
toba, canola crops are susceptible to various insect pests which can significantly affect production and nectar yields for bees.
Every growing season is different, and insects vary by location and field conditions. Properly scouting canola fields at the correct timing to assess the level of damage or infestation can help farmers manage insects throughout the season for a successful crop.
In Manitoba, common canola insect pests include flea beetles, cutworms, diamondback moth, lygus bugs, and grasshoppers.
The Canola Council of Canada recommends farmers scout fields weekly for each of these pests, and if/ when insects begin to approach action thresholds, sample more frequently to determine if insecticides are necessary.
Most canola purchased in Manitoba will be pretreated with an insecticidal seed treatment for early season protection from pests like flea beetles, but scouting is still required as protection declines over time. Many crops require an additional in-season foliar insecticide application in late May or June to protect against yield loss.
The damage levels from these pests vary, and at higher population levels, they can cause damage detrimental to grain yield in canola and pest control may be required.
“We work with agronomists to monitor thresholds. If we see patches for example, we might not pull the trigger on an insecticide, but if we start to see widespread damage, we will apply a pollinator-safe insecticide,” says Steppler.
There are insecticides on the market that offer control of key insect pressures with minimal impact on bees and other pollinators, which is ideal for integrated pest manage-
ment programs. Though these insecticides typically come at an increased cost, they can be highly effective and add a diversified mode of action into farmer’s insecticide programs helping to manage resistance development. Farmers can consult their local retailer for these targeted and effective options.
Best management practices
If insecticides are warranted, there are best management practices that can minimize detrimental effects on nearby beehives.
First and foremost, keeping open communication between beekeepers and farmers is crucial. Beekeepers should inform farmers of nearby fields on hive locations as they are placing them. A new app called FieldWatch that helps improve communication between farmers and beekeepers is currently being trialed in Saskatchewan and may be coming to Manitoba soon.
The Manitoba Bee Act states that all beekeepers must post a sign with their contact information at any apiary site. Farmers are also encouraged to take note of any hives near their fields. Giving a beekeeper 48 hours notice before any application can give them enough time to relocate or cover nearby hives as necessary.
“It may not only take time for a beekeeper to reorganize their schedule or prepare equipment or staff to move colonies, but they also need to organize the new site where colonies will be placed,” says Matthew Polinsky, Program Lead of the Manitoba Knowledge and Research Transfer Program for Apiculture (KRTP). “Bees can only be moved under specific conditions so that move needs to be well-timed with weather, site access, and distances. It usually also takes
Stay Safe This Harvest Season
place under the cover of darkness after already long days in the field.”
If moving bees can be avoided, application timing becomes an even more crucial factor. “Spraying in the evening is the best thing a farmer can do to protect the bees and get the full benefit of the residual effect of the product,” says Steppler.
Bees are more active during the day, so if spraying in the evening is not an option, spraying very early in the morning can also reduce exposure to bees. If possible, the Canola Council of Canada recommends waiting until the field is no longer in bloom to use an insecticide in canola to minimize effects on bees.
Flea beetle pressure can come on quickly requiring fast action from farmers. To avoid potential insecticide spray damage to hives during the critical flea beetle window (susceptible up to the four-leaf stage), Steppler notes that it’s advantageous to beekeepers if they can delay placing hives in summer yards or along fields where canola is emerging.
It is important to always read and follow product label instructions, and check pre-harvest intervals when applying an insecticide.
Beekeepers and farmers can work together by better understanding each other’s practices and communicating when preparing to take an action that may impact the other party in their shared environment. Simple steps like open communication, using treatment thresholds, considering pesticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects and pollinators, as well as proper application timing will ensure the best possible outcomes for both stakeholders and a bright future for both honey and canola production in Manitoba.
Create a safe, separate and supervised play area for children on the farm.
Harvest is just around the corner in our prairie region. We encourage everyone (farmers and the public) to take precautions and stay safe this harvest season.
On the Road
Take precautions when driving past or near slowmoving farm equipment.
Ensure all lights including brakes and turn signals are working and properly adjusted before moving farm equipment on public roads.
Keep mirrors and windows clean both in and out of the field.
Be aware of height, length and weight restrictions on farm vehicles and when permits may be required.
In the field
Inspect equipment regularly and ensure everything is in good working condition.
Ensure guards and shields are in place on all
equipment.
Ensure first aid kits/ fire extinguishers are stocked/full and in good working condition.
Clear plugged equipment after the power is turned off and keys removed.
Never trust hydraulic systems when working under a machine. Always use a safety prop if you must work under a header or other heavy machinery.
Check your tow ropes and chains when pulling out stuck equipment –try to use tow ropes in good condition instead of chains.
Have operational fire extinguishers mounted on equipment and everyone trained to use them. (recommended to have one in cab and one accessible from ground)
Have a shovel accessible on farm equipment for fires.
In the yard
National
Before moving a piece of machinery, do a walk around check to ensure no one is near the equipment and warn anyone in the immediate area that the machinery will be moving. Do not ignore your health during the harvest season. It is important to try to get adequate sleep which will help you rejuvenate from a hard day and prepare you for the next busy day. Stay alert and take breaks! Take a break to eat your meals, even a short one. Get out of the cab and walk around every few hours. If harvest becomes stressful for producers and their families, free confidential support is available through Manitoba Farm, Rural and Northern Support Services at 1-866-367-3276 (toll-free) or online at www.supportline.ca.
Trucking
feature on September 6!
Week
Submitted By Prairie Mountain Health
Fun ways to keep kids occupied over summer break
Kids look forward to summer vacation every year. The last day of school gives way to less structured days when kids can spend more time outdoors and less time cracking the books. Summer vacation can be a dilemma for parents, especially in households where both parents work full-time. A pandemicrelated increase in remote working has made that problem somewhat more manageable, but even parents working from home must find fun way for kids to stay occupied until the new school year begins. No two kids are the same, so parents may need to try various activities on for size until they find something their children enjoy doing during the lazy days of summer.
• Day camp: Day camps provide much of the structure of school without all the homework or time spent indoors. Many parks and recreation departments run summer day camps for kids. Camps can be generalized or specialized. For example, some may offer an array of activities, including sports and nature walks, in a given day, while others may focus on a single activity, like musical lessons or
science-based programs. Camps run by local parks and rec departments do not typically last all summer long, which parents should keep in mind when enrolling youngsters.
• Reading: Parents may be surprised by how much their children enjoy a good book.
A recent poll from the National Education Association found that 70 percent of middle school students read more than 10 books a year. The National Literacy Trust reports that roughly 45 percent of children between the ages of eight and 11 enjoy reading “very much.” When suggesting to children that they read more this summer, parents can note the many ways that reading for pleasure differs from reading for school. Point out that kids won’t have to submit book reports and emphasize that they can choose their own books. Depending on children’s ages, introduce kids to a series like “Harry Potter,” which is a set of seven fantasy novels that has helped millions of young people across the globe discover and develop a fondness for reading. Weekly visits to the library, where kids can pick from hundreds of books, can get youngsters even more excited about reading.
ONLINE ONLY AUCTION #2 ESTATE OF JIM DUDMAN AND LAKEWOOD GOLF COURSE DISPERSAL ONANOLE, MB WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2024
SOFT CLOSE AT 7:00 PM
VISIT www.gartonsauction.com for equipment details, pictures, and bidding
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT: commercial quality equipment including dishwasher, upright and chest freezers, other used appliances; cooking grill, oven, deep fryer; butcher block, stainless steel workstation, sink; coffee maker, warming unit; restaurant dishes, cookware, utensils, steam trays; Coca-Cola cooler, ice cube maker; cash register, etc;
GOLF & RECREATION EQUIPMENT: new and used golf clubs, carts, accessories and supplies, Sherpa vests; Swan pedal boat;
LAWN, YARD, SHOP: quantity of display and curio shelving, concrete planters, lawn ornaments, garden benches; restaurant and picnic tables, chairs; snowblowers, generators, pressure washer, tools and much much more!
• Play dates: Play dates are a great way to make kids happy and take a little off of parents’ daily plates. Arrange routine summer play dates with children’s school friends, neighbors and/or cousins. Parents can alternate hosting responsibilities so they can get work done at home and enjoy a break when it’s not their turn to host.
• Find something free: Perhaps in recognition of the need for affordable, family-friendly fare, many communities now host free events for kids and their parents each week. Weekly movie nights under the stars and concerts in community squares are popular in many communities, but those same towns also may host events specifically for kids during the daytime. A simple internet search of ‘free events near me’ may unveil a host of activities that can keep kids happy and occupied on summer days when their schedules are open. Local libraries can be great resources for free events as well. Summer vacation is a relaxing time for youngsters. Parents who don’t want that relaxation to turn into boredom can look to various activities to occupy their children’s time until a new school year begins.
WELL WATER TESTING
Assiniboine West Watershed District will be coordinating well water testing days. Shipping will be covered by AWWD. Consent form will need to be signed in order to allow AWWD to receive individual test results for the purpose of enhancing and protecting drinking water.
SAMPLING KIT PICK UP/DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Drop off samples between 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
SAMPLING KIT CAN BE PICKED UP A WEEK BEFORE DROP OFF DATE
TEST 1: $23.81
•Coliform & E.coli Use one (1) sterilized 100 ml bottle TEST 2: $66.67
•Includes Test 1, plus Nitrate & Nitrite Use one (1) sterilized 100 ml bottle Use one (1) 500 ml bottle
TEST 3: $214.29
•Includes Test 1, Test 2, plus Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Manganese, Zinc, Iron, Chloride, Sulphate, pH, Hardness, Conductivity, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Fluoride & Uranium
•Includes
MONDAY, August 12
•Erickson - Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson office
Rapid City - R.M. of Oakview satellite office
•Minnedosa - R.M. of Minto-Odanah office
•Oak River - AWWD office Onanole - Municipality of Harrison Park office
•Rivers - Riverdale Municipality office
Sandy Lake - Heritage Co-op (pick up), Fire hall (drop off)
Strathclair - Community Centre
•Newdale - Post office (pickup), Drop-in Centre (drop off)
TUESDAY, August 13
•Miniota - AWWD office
•Birtle - Praire View Municipality office
•McAuley - R.M. of Ellice-Archie office
•Shoal Lake - R.M. of Yellowhead office
•Hamiota - Hamiota Municipality office Kenton - R.M. of Wallace-Woodworth satellite office
Elkhorn - Elkhorn Village office
•Virden - Town of Virden office
•St. Lazare - Town office
WEDNESDAY, August 14
•Rossburn - Rossburn Municipality office
•Roblin - Municipality of Roblin office
•Inglis - AWWD office
•Russell - Municipality of Russell-Binscarth office
Email: info@myawwd.ca www.myawwd.ca
Rolling River School Division invites applications for EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANTS
To provide support to students under the direction of and within a program that has been developed by the school and divisional educational team.
10 Months • Days that school is in session.
Douglas Elementary, Douglas, MB
6.0 hours per day
Onanole Elementary, Onanole, MB
5.8 hours per day
Rapid City Elementary, Rapid City, MB
5.5 hours per day
Rivers Collegiate, Rivers, MB
4.7 hours per day
Rivers Elementary, Rivers, MB
6.0 hours per day
Tanners Crossing School, Minnedosa, MB
5.0 hours per day
For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca
select Employment then Support Positions link
Auctions
NOTICES
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URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication,
MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.
WANT TO ADVERTISE FALL ENROLLMENT/ CLASSES? NOW is the time to get your information published!
Book your ads now to boost enrolment! SELLING SOMETHING? Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Now booking advertising for the remainder of 2024.
Plan your success! Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book , or call
MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna. com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca AUCTIONS
MCDOUGALL AUCTIONEERS. Online Equipment Auction. POLUS COMMUNICATIONS DISPERSAL -Aug. 15. Bid on a Fleet of Hydrovac Trucks, Directional Drills & more. Emerald Park, SK MCDOUGALLAUCTION. COM. 1-800-263-4193
2024 Harding Ag Fair results for exhibit hall
By Wenda Best
There were 350+ people for breakfast and over 400 through the gates over the course of the day.
Grains & Grasses
Best Sheaf 15 years & over -Robert Stevenson, Kenton MB; Best Junior Sheaf - Lexie Hunt, Bradwardine MB; Children’s Sheaf - Rhett Hunter, Kenton MB.
Vegetables & Fruits
Most Points 1. Holly Draper, Lenore MB; 2. Morgann Hunter, Kenton MB.
Flowers & Plants
Most Points: Beatrice Janssens Dodds, Kenton, MB; Edna Sangster Memorial Best Arrangements of Lillies - Cindy Routledge, Lenore, MB; Campbell Flower Special Arrangement of Roses - Beatrice Janssens Dodds, Kenton, MB; Green Spot Special Garden/Deck Planter - Jean Ryall, Rivers, MB; Harding Ag Society Special Horticultural Arrangement - Jean Ryall, Rivers, MB; Whyte’s Special Outdoor Planter - Marlene Hunter, Kenton, MB; All About Flowers Special Garden Planter - Marlene Hunter, Kenton, MB; Westwood Ranch Garden Center Special - Beatrice Janssens Dodds, Kenton, MB; Junior Flowers Outdoor Fairy Garden - Grayson Mercer, Kenton, MB.
Cooking & Home Products
Cargill Oakner Special Most Points - Leak Obach, Kenton, MB & Sara DeGagne, Dryden, ON; Valleyview Co-op Special Best Loaf White Bread - Eileen Kent, Kenton, MB; Ellis Farms Special muffins made with honey - Beatrice Janssens Dodds, Kenton, MB; Directors Special cinnamon/sticky buns - Lisa Gardner, Lenore, MB; Lenore WI Special cake containing vegetablesJaylin Hill, Lenore, MB; Grace Kent Memorial Special Saskatoon Pie - Holly Draper, Lenore, MB; Judges
Favorite best pie entry - Marianne Whyte, Kenton, MB. Pickling & Preserves
Most Points Winnie Wolfe Memorial - Morgann Hunter; Fun with Canning - Morgann Hunter, Kenton, MB; Ready to Make Kit in a Canning Jar - Lisa Gardner, Lenore, MB.
Junior Cooking
Lenore WI Special Most Points (13-16 years) - Kennidy Routledge, Kenton, MB; Lenore WI Special Most Points (12 & under) - Georgia Hunter, Kenton, MB; Harding Ag Society Cooking Directors Special Rice Krispie Creation - Rhett Hunter, Kenton, MB. Needlework & Homecrafts
Fabricland Special - Cecile Fisher, Elkhorn, MB; Midwest Arts Council Special Best Overall Quilt - Rilla Hunter, Kenton, MB; Margaret Sangster & Pauline Campbell Memorial Special Farm Themed QuiltMargaret Hunter, Kenton, MB.
Adult Handicraft
Keith Bennett Special Open Photography - Leah Obach, Kenton, MB; Adeline Merke Special Photography people or animals - Beth Campbell, Douglas, MB; Whyte’s Lumber Special Wood Craft - Marion Crampain Harvett, Oak Lake, MB; Kenton Ladies Legion Aux. Special Original Artwork - Morgann Hunter, Kenton, MB; Marlene Hunter Creative Memories Scrapbook Special - Leith Corney, Kenton, MB.
Junior Handicraft
Pauline Campbell Memorial Special Most pointsLexie Hunt, Bradwardine, MB; Whyte’s Lumber Special Woodworking Project - Jaiah Turner, Kento,n MB.
School Work
Erica Lowe Special Map of Make-Believe Place - Matao Finnie, Harding, MB; Cargill Oakner Special Most points in Schoolwork - Myla McCahon, Surrey, BC.
BRANDON: 888-726-1995 allianceaccounting.ca
SPORTS
Comets wrap up successful SWBL campaign
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
An impressive season for the Rivers Comets came to an end in an exciting South West Baseball League semifinal series.
The senior team fell 4-1 to the Deloraine Royals on the road on Aug. 2. With the victory, the Royals clinched the best-of-five series, 3-2. The first four contests of the series were each decided by one run - and the winning marker in each contest was scored in the bottom of the last frame by the home team.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever been in such a tight series and I don’t know if I ever will again,” Comets coach Alastair McFadden said of the Royals series. “I’d argue we had stronger pitching but Deloraine are great hitters one through nine, there’s no easy outs. Deloraine has a short fence and they hit some timely home runs that would have been caught fly balls in Rivers, but at the same time we snuck a few over the wall so it’s kind of a wash. The first four games could have gone either way, a few fluke plays or a baserunning mistake/error was the difference. In game five, the law of averages kind of came back into play. We had our chances, but their hits ended up dropping and ours didn’t.”
He joked, “The Comets have never won in Deloraine since we joined the league in 2017, I think there’s a curse.”
The Royals move on to play the Boissevain Centennials for the SWBL title. Boissevain swept the Wawanesa Brewers in the other semifinal matchup.
In the 2024 regular season, the Comets more than doubled their number of wins from the previous campaign. Rivers posted a 5-11 record in the summer of 2023. This year the team was 11-5. The Centennials led the league with a 14-2 record with both losses coming at the hands of the Comets. McFadden said various factors played a part in the Comets’ upward trajectory.
“To start, I think we greatly underachieved last year, albeit we were a very young team,” he said. “This season we essentially had the same roster, but with an extra year under their belt you could really see the progress in the younger guys. Owen Wareham (.491 batting average and a team-high 27 runs batted in) was one of the best hitters in the league. Fred Hyrcak had a breakout year both on the mound (2-1 with a 4.73 earned run average) and at the plate (eight RBIs). Layton Veitch had a ton of clutch hits (16 RBIs). Jase Wareham went through some stretches of hot hitting (.295 batting average) and our Brandon boys (Braeden Clarke and Kaelen Huibers) matured as well. Going into Grade 12 this fall, Nathan Espenell from Forrest is a great raw talent that immediately improves our
team. He’s only going to get better with age.
“Obviously (Scott) Beever (league highs of 82 strikeouts and a 7-0 record) was a complete stud and stole us a few games, but I’ve always felt we belong near the top of the table, and we were able to win a few games this year that previously we likely would have dropped.
“Our defence improved - (it can always be betterbut a good chunk of our lineup is in their early 20s but I can only see us progressing more next season. We had a little taste this year, didn’t quite work out, but the boys know what we’re capable of and we’ll be hungry to start next season.”
Camaraderie has played a role in the team’s success as well. Beever, a hometown product, said:
“It’s a good group of guys we have. We have gotten a heck of a lot younger in the last few years. It’s nice to see some of the younger guys and some of the local guys coming up. ... It all comes back to wanting to be out on the ball diamond and be with the guys that we have and having some fun on a Friday night, a Tuesday night or whatever it may be. Having a good time and trying to win some ball games.”
On their Facebook page, the Comets expressed appreciation for those who supported the club. Regarding the volunteers, the team stated that it could not do it without them. To the fans, the Comets said:
“We hope you enjoyed some good baseball. A special thank you to those who traveled to support the team on away games. Your presence and support was noted and is appreciated.”
The Comets’ regular season record placed them in a tie for second place in the league with the Royals. The two teams competed in a one game playoff to determine who would represent the SWBL along with the Centennials at the Senior AA provincials. Deloraine won 11-4.
After provincial play, the Comets and Royals engaged in a hard fought semifinal series. Deloraine won game one, 5-4, while the Comets answered with an 8-7 game two victory. The Royals took game three, 8-7. Last week Rivers responded with a 7-6 win in game four to set up the final game.
Game Five
Royals 4, Comets 1
The Comets got on the scoreboard early with
Owen Wareham driving in a first inning run. The Royals came back with two runs in the bottom of the frame. They added two in the fifth. For the Comets, Beever allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out six. Rivers had eight hits.
Game Four
Comets 7, Royals 6
Although they were outhit, 15-3, the Comets secured a 7-6 victory on July 30 to force a fifth and deciding game. They capitalized on the seven walks and eight wild pitches issued by the Deloraine hurlers. Rivers scored twice in the bottom of the seventh inning to earn the win.
Hrycak had two of team’s three hits and drove in two runs. The Comets’ Ryan Shaw pitched all seven innings. He struck out four.
Public Notice BOARD OF REVISION
Public Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Assessment Rolls for Riverdale Municipality have been delivered to the Municipal Office at 670 – 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba and will be open for public inspection during regular business hours. Applications for Revision may be made in accordance with Sections 42 and 43 of the Municipal Assessment Act.
APPLICATION FOR REVISION
42(1) A person in whose name property has been assessed, a mortgagee in possession of property under Section 114(1) of The Real Property Act, an occupier of premises who is required under the terms of a lease to pay the taxes on the property, or the assessor may make application for the revision of an assessment roll with respect to:
(a) the liability to taxation;
(b) the amount of an assessed value;
(c) the classification of property; or
(d) a refusal by an assessor to amend the assessment roll under subsection 13(2).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
43(1) An application for revision must
(a) be made in writing;
(b) set out the roll number and legal description of the assessable property for which a revision is sought;
(c) state the grounds on which the application is based; and
(d) be filed by
(i) delivering it or causing it to be delivered to the office indicated in the public notice given under subsection 41(2), or
(ii) serving it upon the secretary, at least 15 days before the scheduled sitting date of the board as indicated in the public notice.
The Board of Revision will sit on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1st, 2024 at 6:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Riverdale Municipality located at 670 – 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba to hear applications. The final date on which applications must be received by the Secretary of the Board is Monday, September 16th, 2024.
Dated this 1st day of August, 2024.
Ryan Shaw batting. Layton Veitch on deck.
Reading books helps readers live longer The many benefits of curling up with a good book
Submitted By Metro Creative
The characteristics of an ideal day of relaxation differ for everyone. Some people might envision a day spent boating on a favorite lake, while others may want to plant their feet firmly in the sand of a local beach. Regardless of what serves as the focal point of a day of relaxation, it’s not uncommon for individuals to crack open a good book at some point during their day of rest and relaxation.
Books can serve as a great form of escapism, but they offer much more than that. In fact, curling up with a good book can benefit readers in ways that might surprise even the most devoted bookworms.
·• Reading helps readers understand the world. Avid readers might crack a book as a way to escape the world without realizing that this pursuit also is helping them to understand their world better. A 2015 study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that reading fiction enhances social cognition by facilitating greater activation of parts of the prefrontal cortex involved in building perspectives.
·• Reading can be therapeutic for adults with depression. A 2017 study in Clinical Psychology Review examined bibliotherapy, which involves the use of selected reading materials to support a patient’s mental health. The study found that bibliotherapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in adults over a long period of time.
·• Reading can help readers live longer. Perhaps the most significant benefit of reading relates to its apparent connection to living longer. A 2016 study published in Social Science & Medicine observed a 20 percent reduction in mortality for individuals who read books compared to those who did not read books. Curiously, reading books was more effective at reducing mortality than reading periodicals like magazines.
·• Reading can prevent long-term decline in cognitive function. Cognitive decline is a common concern for aging individuals and their families, but a 2021 study published in International Psychogeriatrics found that reading can protect cognitive function later in life. The study found that frequent reading activities were associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline for older adults at all levels of education.
Millions of people consider curling up with a good book to be an ideal recreational activity. Though cracking a book can be a perfect pastime, reading provides a host of additional benefits, perhaps making it an even better way to relax than avid readers realize.
Fresh Locally Grown Veggies Wednesdays 5 – 6:30 in Rivers Place an Order for Pickup
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY METRO CREATIVE