PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER, EVELYNE NOLAN, & ANNE DAVISON
Beautiful
decorated bikes rode by proud Canadian Kenton kids at the Kenton Canada Day celebration.
Kenton’s Multi Court grand opening took place on Canada Day, dedicated to George M. Whyte. Sarah
at Hamiota Canada Day celebration.
Filipino women gather at their booths to display crafts, traditional foods and framed original art pieces in Hamiota on Canada Day.
Emma Frazer from Beulah cooks up tacos. Born in Mexico, she’s a Canadian now in Hamiota.
University of Manitoba honours agricultural leaders with 2025 Certificate of Merit Lawlor’s Ballers Past Canada Day events
Submitted University of Manitoba
The University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences celebrated the 45th anniversary of its Certificate of Merit by recognizing three outstanding alumni for their exceptional contributions to Manitoba’s agricultural sector and rural communities.
This year’s recipients — Kim McConnell, Cathey Day, and Fred Greig — were celebrated at a special ceremony on June 19 for their lasting impact on the province’s farm and food landscape. “We are proud to honour these three remarkable leaders in this milestone year,” said Martin Scanlon, Dean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.
Kim McConnell grew up on a family farm near Hamiota, where his early experiences instilled a deep respect for agriculture and rural life.
He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. His connection to the faculty has remained strong ever since, offering mentorship, marketing expertise, and strategic guidance to multiple deans and countless students.
In 1984, Kim founded Fieldstone Marketing and Communications from his basement. This entrepreneurial venture evolved into AdFarm, one of North America’s largest and most respected agricultural marketing firms. Under Kim’s leadership, AdFarm developed iconic brands for industry giants such as Bayer, Cargill, Corteva, RBC Royal Bank and Farm Credit Canada.
The company was repeatedly recognized as one of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” and “Best Places to Work in Canada.” After stepping down as CEO in 2007, Kim remained a strategic advisor while dedicating his energy to advancing agriculture, rural Canada, and youth leadership.
He has mentored countless students and young professionals, including Indigenous youth and young women entering leadership roles and was directly involved in the structural re-alignment of two provincial 4-H organizations.
Recipient of Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Certificate of Merit: Kim McConnell (Hamiota).
In 2012, he was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame—the youngest recipient at the time. In 2017, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to agriculture and youth development. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, was named Canada’s AgriMarketer of the Year, Calgary’s Inspiring Business Leader of the Year, and was made an Honourary Member of 4-H Canada.
Today, Kim resides in Alberta with his wife Carolyn, where he continues to inspire, lead, and support the next generation of agricultural leaders. However, you may find Kim making a summer visit to his hometown of Hamiota.
Heaven on Earth Cake
This heaven on earth cake is an easy summer no-bake dessert that can be made up to 2 days ahead.
2. Place half of angel food cake pieces in the bottom of a deep 8-x-8-inch or 9x9inch baking dish in an even layer. Spread 1 cup cherry pie filling over top of cake. Top with remaining cake pieces in an even layer.
3. Whisk together vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and sour cream in a large bowl until slightly thickened and smooth, about 1 minute.
4. Pour pudding mix over top of cake and spread evenly.
5. Spread thawed whipped topping over pudding layer. Dot with remaining 1 cup cherry pie filling. Using a toothpick or spoon, swoop and swirl pie filling into the whipped topping. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours. Garnish with sliced almonds.
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
Back in the day when I was playing fastball, oh about probably 40 years ago, on July 1 Canada Day, Antler
Saskatchewan would host a fastball tourney for the day. The Lenore Aces and the Kenton Cougars would have the hungry nine guys if we combined forces and went and played as a team in Antler. Teammates for a day, pretty darn nice thing to do.
It was a lot of fun to play with some of the Lenore players as they were just a bunch of fun-loving guys out to play fastball and have some fun and play a game of ball.
We competed against each other in the old Virden and District fastball league. We would also meet up against one another in tournaments around the area or in provincial playoffs and league playoffs as well. Lenore seemed to get the upper hand on us more often than not; they were a real solid team. It was two good teams playing a silly kid’s game that we all loved.
A couple of memorable games against Lenore was the night we played in Lenore, and we won for a change 2-1. We played a 9-inning ball game in and hour and 15 minutes, that was quick. Another night in Kenton all of the Lenore starting lineup hit a home run. That is correct, nine home runs and they kicked our butt, badly! Even Garry Draper hit one that night. The wind must have been behind him, maybe ask Garry about that! Anyway, it was fun to compete against their team, both teams usually brought their A game.
But back to July 1 and Antler when we would get together and form a team. Well, we needed a name for the team, right? Now back in the day and I will shorten this up a bit, Jack Lawlor had a garage in Kenton. Jack and his staff could fix and repair anything from cars to trucks, tractors to lawn mowers, they could fix it. Out of all this came our teams name, Lenore and Kenton would be known as Lawlor’s Ballers! That name has stood the test of time and if you played even on one of those July 1, you are a part of history. You are a Lawlor Baller! I think this will bring a smile to those who played on that day for this team!
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
His words live on
It was January 20, 1961. Newly inaugurated John Fitzgerald Kennedy stepped to the podium to give his first address as the 35th President of the United States. His words, carefully chosen and clearly spoken, challenged the nations of the world to “bear the burden of a long, twilight struggle…against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.” (For complete speech, see www. jfklibrary.org)
Then, he made three statements that have never been forgotten. “And so, my fellow Americans,” he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country…My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man…Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here (referring those seated behind him on the platform) the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.”
Those words may have been spoken 64 years ago, but they are as relevant today as they have ever been. They demand radical changes from every Canadian and from every citizen of our world. We must accept, as fact, that we are in a fight for our very survival—and that we must work together to defeat tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself. That work must begin in our own lives, in our homes and families, on the streets where we live, at the
places where we work, in the sacred spaces where we worship the God of our understanding, and in our communities, province and country.
God has assigned responsibility for beginning this process to those who believe in him and who have welcomed his Son, Jesus Christ into their lives as Redeemer and Lord. We must take seriously the promise God gave to King Solomon many years ago. “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) And we must do what these words call us to do, whether or not what we do is noticed, appreciated or has any immediate impact on those around us in our community or in our nation.
We must humble ourselves before God, and allow him, by His Spirit, to show us where we have allowed selfishness and self-centeredness to affect how we vote in local, provincial and federal elections; and what we ask of the governments we elect.
We must pray, and ask God to do what only he can do—to heal the divisions that exist in our land; to bring together indigenous and others, to break down the barriers of race, color and creed, and to help build a world in which all people are recognized as unique creations of an almighty God and accepted as people of value and worth.
We must turn from our evil ways; acknowledge our sinfulness and come to God in repentance and faith, knowing that he will have mercy and abundantly pardon.
This is what we can do for our country. This is how we can help heal our land and our world. This is what we must do, and I hope you will join me in saying: “And this I will do.”
Locally created crossword
New Horizons donation
Submitted By Linda Wilson
Hamiota Senior Citizens Park Residence Ltd. is pleased to announce that we have received funding under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for our project of upgrading the washroom facilities in both buildings by converting the bathtubs to walk-in tubs.
This federal grants and contributions program supports projects that are led or inspired by seniors who are making a difference in the lives of other in their communities.
The funds will be used to convert seventeen bathtubs in the suites to have a walk-in entrance enabling the residents to shower without the fear of slipping or tripping while getting into and out of their bathtubs. The ease of bathing safely will allow our residents to remain in their suites longer enjoying the comfortable of their own homes.
Thank you to the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program for the funding support provided to Hamiota Senior Citizens Park Residence Ltd. It will make a significant difference in the lives of seniors in our community.
For more information, visit New Horizons for Seniors Program – Community-based projects.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
New walk-in bathtubs for Seniors at Hamiota Seniors Park Residence.
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Getting along in a complicated world
One day when Jesus was teaching, the Pharisees were putting him to the test abut the wording of the Bible. In Matthew 22, “One of them , an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”
When people express themselves in the spoken or written word, it’s important to take Jesus’ words to heart. I really try to do that, but sometimes I have failed, I admit that. But falling short is not an excuse to stop following Jesus’ words.
I learned something long ago and that is anger is a choice. People will say that someone “made me so mad.”
I think I have said that a few times myself but it doesn’t change the fact that people may do things that are very annoying and beyond, but it’s still a choice to get angry.
The above quoted Bible verses lays the foundation for solving all our problems, be they personal, social or political.
I think I am tired of the excuses. When people come to me with a problem, I try to listen. If there hasn’t been an opportunity for them to come up with a solution in the first discussion, then I suggest a solution or solutions. If the complaining side of the discussion comes up again, I suggest that unless they come with a solution, then they are more inter-
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
ested in complaining than they are in solutions.
• After nearly 70 years of observing Canada Post, I am pretty much done with the complaining by Canada Post management and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW).
Yes, I can readily remember going to the Post Office 70 years ago when I was seven years old. It was a fascinating place where you could get your mail, buy a stamp or a money order. You could pick up a parcel or a package from Eatons mail order catalogue or once a year a birthday card or a little gift from my Aunt Jean in Calgary or Aunt Vi in Winnipeg.
The Post Office was the hub of the community. Today it still is to a limited extent but between CUPW and the Canada Post bureaucracy, they have just about killed off the institution. The exception is the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association. As the name implies, it’s the organization that represents the postmasters and they have struggled on in spite of the impediments thrown in their path by CP and CUPW. These two latter organizations have made life and work unreasonable for the CPAA folks. The rules
and regulations that they insist upon are just plain silly.
Canada Post has lost hundreds of millions of dollars with no end or solution in sight. Our papers left Canada Post a long time ago. As I have written before, we have been through seven postal strikes and all they have done is be annoying, costly and taught us how to get along without Canada Post.
CUPW and Canada Post insist on five or six days a week door-todoor service in urban areas. That is ridiculous. They insist on sorting rules that make no sense. The delivery times on newspapers can be from three days to three weeks as we have experienced personally.
It would be very sad to lose the Postal Service but I am not optimistic that it can survive. Small town offices get from 1-3 courier deliveries a day. CP and CUPW need to wake up or they will all be out looking for work and they will take the local post offices and CPAA workers with them.
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
‘I
invite you to stand’…
Atruly delightful effect of travel is seeing new things, learning new things, and incorporating them, if suitable, into everyday living. Some of my friends delight in new foods, making mental and physical notes of combinations of spices and foods, tastes and textures, and taking them home to try. Not me. As I worshipped with the faithful in the ancient Iona Abbey I noted, and recorded, phrases and ways of saying things and doing things that made sense.
It has been my custom to invite worshippers to stand as they are able. That implies that if someone does not stand they are not able. The wording, ‘I invite you to stand. It is an invitation, please do what is comfortable and appropriate for you.’ Resonates with me. It is an invitation, not a request. Please do what is comfortable and appropriate for you….having a tough day? Please, I’m thankful you were able to join us. Back, feet or legs sore? Again, thank you for making the effort to attend the service. Heck, if you are more comfortable with a cup of coffee in hand, that’s acceptable too!
This whole invitation wording sent me down a rabbit hole. The youngest of my children often was treated like an only child. The other four were nine to sixteen years older than her, and had left home before she was needed to be a working part of the household. The custom had been that I would ask one of the children- ‘would you like to help with dishes tonight’, or any given chore, and they knew that it was an assignment. However, the first and only time I asked the youngest if she would like to help with the dishes, her calm reply of ‘no thanks’ changed the wording! When I tried explaining that it wasn’t really a request, she accurately refuted that indeed it was. And no, she would not like to help with the dishes, not washing nor drying. (This coming from the same individual that logically explained that one could not go ‘back and forth’ for how could one go back if they had not been forth? Henceforth we went ‘forth and back’, something I say to this day!) Back to being invited or asked to do something. We had home schooled our youngest from grade five through seven, and then she choose to take grade eight by correspondence before attending a local school for grade nine. Nicely into the year I received a call from her history teacher. My child had not done her homework. I thought that very strange and asked if she could remember how the assignment had been worded. Well, he had asked them to do it. Aha! I explained that he needed to tell her to do it, preferably with a time line. Thankfully he was willing to work with us. There were no more complaints.
I think there is a strong similarity between the two illustrations. Very few of us like to be told what to do! Sometimes we need assignments and invitations. Much lies in the tone of voice, the actual words and intentions. There is a time for ‘I invite you…’
A look at interprovincial trade challenges
By Matthew Atkinson Manitoba Beef Producers
Needless to say, the past few months have been rife with trade uncertainty, with the threats of tariffs coming to fruition only to be rolled back on multiple occasions. The situation has definitely raised a lot of blood pressures in the cattle sector. Hopefully some of that is behind us, but with ongoing trade uncertainly, combined with an upcoming Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) review, we can expect it to remain front of mind.
Taking the optimistic approach that we should never waste a good disaster, there is opportunity here to investigate further trade diversification with other nations and to address some of the tariff and nontariff trade barriers that are slowing those relationships. It also forces us to look in-
and, being in Manitoba, we know cattle from our sales end up destined to move to locations either to the east or the west of us.
wards at what hurdles and limitations we have here in Canada.
That brings us to the big flavour of the day most people have seen and heard a lot about: interprovincial trade. In the beef industry this is something we really weigh in on with a few different perspectives. First off, we see a lot of live cattle move all across the country
While most of this flow can happen quite freely, there is room for improvement. The transport rules in Canada that are federal in origin are then provincially enforced to different standards. And then there are a number of transport-related matters that fall under provincial jurisdiction all together. For example, we don’t have standardization for truck configurations, such as number of axles, lift axles, drive axles or highcapacity steer axles. We also have higher speed limits in some provinces that exceed the maximum speed allowed by speed limiting devices in other provinces. This means it’s hard to make some of this transport as efficient as it could be when doing specifications
and outfitting trucks to travel across the country. There have been a few different proposed solutions for this, from working on national standards to making a standardized national transportation corridor, such as on our Trans Canada Highway. Area such as these, in transportation, are ones where we continue to work towards uniformity and consistency. Having uniformity and consistency in standards is important in other areas too when it comes to interprovincial trade. One of the topics of conversation that came up at times during our recent federal election discussion was around interprovincial trade in meat. There is considerable complexity around this. A large volume of Canadian beef is destined for export markets around the world.
It must meet the standards our customers require as part of trade agreements, which means this meat must be processed in federallyinspected plants.
By comparison, a small amount of all beef processed in Canada is done at provincially-inspected abattoirs, with each province and territory independently setting the meat inspection standards for these facilities. At this time the provincial standards for these types of plants are not uniform and do not necessarily meat the same standards required for federally-inspected processing facilities. It is essential that Canadian meat destined for export meets the trade obligations as we would not want to see a situation arise where meat from a provincially-inspected plant inadvertently get into
a shipment destined for export, creating possible trade-related challenges. As such, until there is continuity of standards among the plants, interprovincial meat trade is not something that we are pursuing. If there was an appetite among the provinces to set an agreed upon highest-common denominator for provincial inspection standards, that might change our opinion. As it sits right now, with the quite low percentage of provincially-inspected meat, combined with the inequities in inspection, we have questions about whether the potential risks associated with interprovincial trade are greater than the potential reward. We believe more analysis and discussion is needed before there is movement on this file.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Matthew Atkinson, the President of the Manitoba Beef Producers.
Preparing for the 2025 Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup
The Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up Committee has been hard at work throughout the winter planning the 18th annual Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up. The 18th event is scheduled to be held August 1st, 2nd & 3rd at the Beautiful Plains Ag Society in Neepawa Manitoba.
For 18 years Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up has prioritized educational events and clinics, team bonding, and friendly
competition. We encourage juniors to “Take The Lead” in 2025 as our weekend theme!
We are excited to host the popular competitive events that our three day event has offered in the past, such as the Cookoff, Team Judging and Individual Judging, Ag Challenge, Scholarships, Judging Clinics and the Agribition Judging Team. We are also pleased to be working on some new
D.M.W. Repair
fresh and exciting events as well as getting back to the basis teaching our participants grooming and showmanship work shops, grazing management, photography and marketing, to name a few!
We offer an all breeds cattle show with classes for heifer calves, bull calves, yearling heifers, 2 year old cow calf pairs and mature cow calf pairs as well as a market steer show. Round Up is pleased to offer a free entry to any 4-H champion female as well as a parade of champions to acknow-
ledge these juniors for their well deserved success! Entries are now open until July 9th and can be found on Facebook or the Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up website, mbyouthbeefroundup. weebly.com. Watch our Facebook page or website for details on how and when to apply for the scholarships Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up has to offer. 4-H members and commercial and purebred producers from the age of 6 to 25 are welcome to attend. Events and compe -
ELECT RIC LTD
titions are friendly for all age groups! Watch for our Facebook page “Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up” for further announcements or how to enter! Entry deadlines are July 9. We invite the public to come check this event out and see first hand great things the up and coming Canadian Beef producers are up to!
Take me home, country road...
BY ROB WADDELL
This tree-lined road is one of many inviting country trails in the Farmers’ Advocate region. This particular trail is in the Kelwood area and like the country and western song says, it will take you home to the place you belong.
PHOTO
HAMIOTA COLLEGIATE 2025 AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
SEV ANTONIO TJ’s Convenience Guild Insurance
SARAH CHAPPELL Midwest Arts Council Hamiota Community Foundation Lions Club of Hamiota
ALEXIA DALE MNU Local 83 Lorne Foundation Hamiota Co-op Park West Bursary Adrienne Angus U of M Chown Entrance General Proficiency in the ACE Business Program
JAXEN DZIVER Park West Bursary Guild Insurance
CALEB HAMILTON Lorna Hamilton Memorial
SETH HAMILTON Campbell Flowers Hamiota Community Drama Rosemary Poole
ADDISON JOHNS Fusion Credit Union Woodworth Grazing Club CUPE Local 3037
HAILY JOHNS Valleyview Co-op Jim Sterling Memorial Fusion Credit Union Knight Seeds Woodworth Grazing Club Kenton History Book Archie Gilchrist Governor General Award
CARTER KNIGHT Knight Seeds
KAYLEIGH KNIGHT Hamiota Community Foundation Fusion Credit Union IBEW Local 2034 HCI Student Council Dr. J.E. Hudson Memorial Hamiota Minor Hockey
TARA KNIGHT Yellowhead Hockey Hamiota Municipality Volunteer Archie Gilchrist
MADISON MANN AC One To Watch Fusion Credit Union Hamiota Ag Society Lorne Foundation Hamiota Hotel
TRISTIN MCTAVISH Dallas Strachan Memorial Adam Stevenson Memorial Fusion Credit Union Hamiota Red Sox Villages United HCI Student Council Sandra Cochran Memorial Archie Gilchrist
LANE NYKOLIATION Lenore Community Club Manitoba High School Rodeo Garden City Community College
HAILEN POMPANA Apprenticeship Tuition Bursary
CAMRYN RAMSEY Hamiota Collegiate Staff U of R Out of Province Entrance
CHAEL ROZEDEBA Hamiota Red Sox Park West Bursary Archie Gilchrist MHSAA “A” Male Athlete of the Year
CARSON SMITH TJ’s Auto Torey Haggarty Memorial
KYLAN SOLOMON Hamiota Municipality Health Care MHSAA “A” Female Athlete of the Year
PEYTON TOLTON RM of Wallace-Woodworth Kenton Kraftsmen John & Ons Schellenberg for Ag & Pre-Vet Woodworth Legion Branch 118 Fusion Credit Union Woodworth Grazing Club Hamiota Minor Hockey
ROGUE TOTH Student Council Sunshine PWTA
CALLI WILSON-DAVEY Hamiota & District Health Foundation Hamiota Ag Society
ZOE ZETTL Charles Randall General Proficiency in the High School Program
GOVERNOR GENERAL AWARD
RIVERS RIVERS
Pacey Marks
Parents: Cheryl Champion & Rod Marks
My favourite part of school was having helping teachers. When I was 12, I wanted to be a electrician. After graduation I plan to fulfill my electrical work.
Hamiota celebrates their graduating class
Following the Grand March, graduates partnered with a parent, friend, grandparent or classmate to take a whirl on the dance floor.
On Tuesday afternoon, June 24, the Hamiota Grade 12 graduating Class of 2025 said farewell to 13 years of classes at Hamiota as they were presented with diplomas by Park West School Board trustee, Jennifer Andrew, and HCI teacher Mr. Chris Obach who joined the emcee, principal Beccy Ardiel on stage.
For the first time, graduation exercises were not held in HCI gym but in Hamiota & District Sports Complex where about 400 people gathered. The arena was beautifully draped in black offset with gold and white balloons.
With 48 scholarships for this class of 37, the largest Hamiota grad class in many years, students received monetary awards toward the next step in their education.
The Grand March and dance capped off activities in the arena and then Hamiota residents got a glimpse of the grads as they toured the streets in their unique rides. A dinner was held following that, and many families celebrated with private barbecues.
PHOTO BY ANNE DAVISON
By Anne Davison Rivers Banner
IN LOVING MEMORY KERRY NEELY
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kerry Allen Neely, who died peacefully at home on June 17th, with his wife and daughters by his side. He was 70 years old.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Debbie Neely, his loving daughters, Laura (Thomas Carter) and Jennifer (Keith Van De Kerckhove), and his grandchildren, Aidan, Elijah, Samuel and Finnley, as well as many extended family and friends. Kerry was pre-deceased by his parents, Bill and May Neely, brother Brian Neely, and sister Sharon McMahon (Neely).
Born in Ashern and raised in Petersfield, Kerry spent much of his youth in Eriksdale with extended family. He met the love of his life, Debbie Haslund and they married in 1974. Together they had 2 daughters, Laura and Jennifer, moving to Rivers to raise their family.
Kerry’s abilities were vast and varied. He was an avid outdoorsman, builder, mechanic, electrician, & technology specialist. There was no skill he couldn’t master. Generous with his time, he has passed so many of his skills on to so many to carry on his work. Whether it was a broken heart, broken down car, scraped knee or nosebleed, Kerry’s girls could count on him to make it better.
There was nothing Kerry enjoyed more than spending time with his family; on the lake, in nature, or at home. He will be remembered for his smile, mischievous pranks, sometimes inappropriate jokes, and most of all, how much he loved his family. He will be forever in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Rivers Legion Hall, Rivers, MB. All who knew him were welcome to attend and pay their respects. Interment took place at the Rivers Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Kerry’s memory to the Rivers Game and Fish Association, PO Box 984, Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0 or to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave Rm ON 1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 9Z9 (www. cancercarfdn.mb.ca).
Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota were in care of the arrangements.
LAND FOR SALE
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has the following land for sale:
Property 1:
Prairie View Municipality
NW 27-16-25 WPM & W ½ of SW 27-16-25W 238.50 acres
Approximately 105 acres in tame hay/pasture with remainder in natural grass/bush/wetland. Majority of tame forage stand was sown/established in 2023. Property being sold subject to the registration of a ‘No Break, No Drain’ Conservation Easement Agreement. Cultivation of tame forage will be permitted once every 10 years for rejuvenation purposes. No restrictions on haying or grazing. Two five-acre parcels (one on each quarter) will be excluded from the Conservation Agreement to allow for future building/yard site development.
Property 2:
Asking Price: $223,000
of
acres
Approximately 204.34 acres in tame hay/pasture with remainder in natural grass/bush/wetland. Tame forage stand was sown/established in 2024. High tensile perimeter fence recently installed. Property being sold subject to the registration of a ‘No Break, No Drain’ Conservation Easement Agreement. Cultivation of tame forage will be permitted once every 10 years for rejuvenation purposes. No restrictions on haying or grazing. Two five-acre parcels (one on each quarter) will be excluded from the Conservation Agreement to allow for future building/yard site development.
Asking Price: $530,000
Interested parties should rely on their own inspection of each property. Properties will be sold as listed above. All quarters within each listing will be sold together. Offers on individual quarters will not be accepted. Highest or any offer not necessarily accepted. Property information packages, including a sample copy of the Conservation Agreement are available – call Scott Henowitch at 204-761-5106 to have one emailed or mailed.
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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
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FINANCIAL SERVICES Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca
Ducks Unlimited Canada Land Sales
2-545 Conservation Drive Brandon, MB R7A 7L8
ADVERTISE HERE
How to meditate without becoming a blissed-out pretzel
So, you have decided you want to meditate. Maybe you read somewhere that it will
make you calm, focused, and able to levitate (spoiler alert: it will not). Or perhaps you just want five minutes of peace before your brain starts reminding you about that embarrassing thing you did in 2009. Either way, congratulations, you are about to embark on a journey that requires no fancy equipment, no subscription fees, and no contorting yourself into a human croissant. Let us start by debunking the myth that meditation is all about emptying your mind. If that were true, none of us would get past 30 seconds. The goal is not to evict every thought from your head but to notice your thoughts without chasing them around like a cat after a laser pointer.
Step One: Find Your Spot: You do not need a mountain cave, a $300 cushion, or a forest glen where deer serenade you. Pick a spot where you will not be disturbed like your bedroom or your office. Sit comfortably.
Step Two: Breathe Like a Person Who Likes Oxygen: Close your eyes and pay attention to your breath. Do not try to make it deeper or slower or more poetic. Just notice
it. Inhale. Exhale. If you think, “Wow, I am really bad at this,” congratulations, you are meditating. Recognizing distraction is part of the gig.
Step Three: Observe the Circus in Your Head: Thoughts will come. They will say things like, “What is for lunch?” or “You forgot to reply to that email.” That is okay. Imagine your thoughts are clouds drifting by. Just let them float past. Release them as they enter your mind.
Step Four: Use a Focus Anchor: If you need a little help keeping your mind from replaying your entire high school experience, pick something else to focus on: Your breath moving in and out, the feeling of your hands resting on your lap, a word like “calm” or any word that is soothing for you.
When your mind wanders (because it will), gently guide it back. Think of it as training a puppy. You do not yell at the puppy. You just say, “Hey buddy, over here,” and try again.
Step Five: Start Small: You do not need to sit there for an hour pretending you are the Dalai Lama. Start with five minutes. If you can do that without throwing your phone across the room, you are doing great.
Step Six: Keep It Light: Meditation is not a performance. Some days you will feel like a Zen master, and some days you will feel like a squirrel on espresso. That is normal.
So go ahead and close your eyes, take a breath, and let the calm begin. You might be surprised by how good it feels just to sit still.
Marie Evelyne Gingras
fellow umpires were because that morning before we left Virden, I put on my long underwear and thermal top. Good thinking Gerry!
Ref to writer
Gerry Nolan
T hanks for your support this past year.
With July 1 just passing us by as you read this, I want to tell you about a July 1 day spent umpiring in Brandon at the annual Manitoba Senior baseball League tournament.
Bright wishes to you now and in the year ahead.
I do not remember the year, but Bob Senff, and Dwayne Barkley headed down the road to Brandon to work some games. Our first game was at Kinsmen Stadium just
across from the university. It was scheduled for 10 A.M. Well, it was so darn cold it was actually snowing, and the wind was blowing. It was cold. Only in Manitoba EH! The snow did not gather but there were definitely snowflakes.
The Brandon Cloverleafs and the Elmwood Giants were featured in this game. I was calling the balls and strikes so between the catcher and the batter I was getting some protection from the wind. Now everyone is freezing their butt off, it is cold! I was cold but not as much as my
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After this game we went up to the new ballpark in the corral center. I did a game on the bases, and it was pleasant for me, not so much for the other guys.
The next game that day that I did was Riverside vs St. Boniface Native Sons, the top team in Winnipeg.
Right from the outset of the game St. Boniface was complaining about my strike zone. It was not helping that when the catcher caught the ball, he was falling one way or another, but whatever. I guess they thought their pitcher only threw strikes and as the innings passed St.
Boniface’s frustrations grew. The manager in particular and the catcher were getting annoying, but I figured hey a cold day, you can stick it out too, with the rest of us.
In the bottom of the 4th inning the center fielder from St. Boniface came up to bat. He said how is your day going so far. Bloody cold out here, right? He said do not pay any attention to the manager or the catcher, from my position in centerfield you have an excellent strike zone. I told them to shut up and play the game.
In the bottom of the inning, Dale Hunter from Riverside comes to the plate to bat. The catcher is still whining about my strike zone and Dale said to him, how about you just shut
the hell up. Now Dale is a big boy, and I think the catcher realized that too. The catcher said he is squeezing the strike zone on us. Dale said how would you like it if I just squeezed your head and shut you up for a while. The manager hears this and yells out to me, “Hey he can not say that.” I said, “Yes, he can, and he is about ready to demonstrate to you just how he does that!” Never heard a word for the rest of the game. Riverside wins 15-4. I had gotten to know Dale
when he played hockey with the Souris Elks in the Southwest hockey league. He was one of the first guys that would come up to you and say hey, how are you? Great guy! Dale also had a nickname, Sally. Dale is gone from us but is in baseball heaven. Just an absolute gem of a guy in my books. Thanks, Dale, for sticking up for me that day, I have never forgotten that moment. Rest easy Sally, until we meet again big guy, I will be keeping an eye open looking for you!
SWBL: Espenell develops for Cardinals
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
The River Comets are benefiting from the development of young player Nathan Espenell.
The Forrest product, who recently wrapped up Grade 12, is batting a career-high .310 in the South West Baseball League. Although Espy, as his teammates know him, only recently finished high school, he is already in his third season with the local senior team. Espenell plays on the left side of the infield and is deployed as a catcher.
“He brings a lot of energy to our team even given his youth,” Comets player/organizer Mike McFadden said. “He’s got speed and good baseball IQ, which makes him an asset for any ball team.”
A former Team Manitoba player, Espenell has spent time developing his game in Saskatchewan with the Saskatoon-based Going Yard baseball program. Of Espenell’s time in the organization, Going Yard’s Jordan Draeger said:
“What stood out most was his toughness and teamfirst mentality. He was built to work hard, never shied away from the grind, and carried himself with a strong sense of purpose every time he stepped on the field. He’s a fierce competitor who always put the team ahead of himself, and that kind of attitude made him a great fit at Going Yard.”
On June 25, the Comets fell 18-8 to the visiting Brandon Young Guns. Jase Wareham drove in three runs
for Rivers. His teammate Scott Beever hit two triples and had two RBIs. McFadden also drove in two runs.
The Comets wrap up their regular season with three games this week. They were to play in Oak River on July 2 after the Banner deadline.The Rivers team plays in Deloriane on July 4 before returning home on July 6 to play the Brandon’s RFNOW Cardinals.
Oak River Dodgers
The Dodgers fell 12-1 to the Boissevain Centennials on June 26. It was a match-up of the SWBL’s two undefeated teams. Ty McKenzie drove in Oak River’s run.
The Dodgers rebounded with a 14-12 home win over the Reston Rockets. Reston led 7-6 after two innings. The Dodgers took the lead with a five-run third inning. The Rockets tried to battle back, including a four-run fifth inning, but were unable to tie things up.
Ty Paddock hit a home run and drove in six runs. Max Paddock had three RBIs. Brayden Heapy drove in two runs.
Kent Wheaton started for the Dodgers, but Mitch Battersby got the win after throwing 2.66 innings in relief. Chase Anderson threw a partial inning before Riley Shamray came on. With 2.66 innings of work, he earned the save.
The Dodgers were to host the Comets on July 2 after the Banner deadline. The Virden Oilers visit on July 4.
Hamiota Red Sox
The Hamiota Red Sox have an action-packed week as they wrap up their regular season with four games. The team played on the road against the Brandon Young Guns on July 2 after the Banner deadline. The Red Sox host the Reston
Rockets on July 4. On July 6, the Deloraine Royals and Virden Oilers visit to end the regular season.
On July 27, the Red Sox fell 9-4 on the road to Brandon’s RFNOW Cardinals. Nolan Drake started for Hamioita and struck out a game-high six batters.
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Rivers Comets #6 Nathan Espenell slides into second to beat the toss from the out field.
PHOTO BY DALE DAVISON
Rivers Legion Golf Tournament
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
On Saturday, June 28th, the annual Rivers Legion Golf Tournament took place at the picturesque Riverdale Golf Course, basking in perfect sunny weather that set the stage for a day filled with friendly competition and camaraderie. This beloved event brought together 19 teams of four, showcasing not only the skills of the golfers but also the community spirit that underpins the Rivers Legion.
Participants arrived early, eager to tee off and take in the glorious day. With a rich blue sky overhead and a gentle breeze to accompany the golfers, conditions were ideal for a thrilling tournament. The course, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and challenging holes, provided a perfect backdrop for the day’s activities.
After a day filled with spectacular shots and spirited play, the tournament concluded with an impressive showing. The overall winning team, consisting of Cam White, Rod Foster, Kent Wareham, and Trevor Madden, excelled with a remarkable score of -11.
The tournament also celebrated its winning mixed team, which showcased a fantastic score of -6. Jarett Plewes, Jennifer Burns, Jen Bone, and Derek Mazawasicuna were crowned champions of the mixed category, adding their names to the tournament’s illustrious history.
As the golfing concluded, the fun didn’t stop there. Participants and supporters made their way back to the legion for a hearty supper that truly hit the spot after a long day on the course. The menu featured a delicious pulled pork meal, accompanied by a selection of fresh vegetables. To top it off, fresh fruit for dessert provided a satisfying end to the meal. Attendees enjoyed the food while socializing and sharing stories from the day, further reinforcing the strong bonds within the community.
Cold refreshments of all varieties flowed freely, allowing participants to relax and unwind after the vibrant competition. This gathering served as a reminder of what the Rivers Legion stands for—a place where friendships are forged and memories are made.
The Rivers Legion Golf Tournament exemplifies not just a sporting event, but a celebration of unity and community pride. As teams came together to compete, they also came together to support one another, embodying the spirit of sportsmanship that defines the Legion.
In conclusion, the Rivers Legion Golf Tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of community spirit, friendship, and the love of golf. Many thanks to everyone who participated and contributed to making this day such an unforgettable event. Here’s to more sunny days and successful tournaments in the years to come!
PHOTOS BY CAROLYN PHILLIPS
Jen Bone, Derek Mazawasicuna, Jennifer Burns, Jarett Plewes winners of the mixed category.
Kent Wareham, Cam White, Rod Foster, Trevor Madden winners of the full tournament with a score of -11.
