July 7:17

RIVERS

BANNER July 7, 2017

ersary v i n Celebrating our 109th An

Gazette-Reporter

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 108 years

T-bone at Tempo Volume 110, Issue 1

89¢ + tax

(WARNING: Story not about steak, so stop salivating)

This Kia required towing after a 6:40 p.m. accident on Hwy. 25 near Tempo Place Emporium in Rivers last Wednesday.

Photo by Guido Tews

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

T

he crashing sound of metal impacting metal on Wednesday evening, June 28 could be heard inside nearby buildings. But it was no industrial shredder or a demolition derby making the noise, it was an accident.

Rivers/Daly Fire Chief Richard Brown said, “We got dispatched at 1840 hours. to a twovehicle motor vehicle accident at the corner of Hwy. 25 and Quebec Street; we responded with seven members. There was no extrication required as all occupants were out of the vehicles upon arrival. We sent two members east and west to redirect traffic down Ontario and Columbia streets. Other members stabilized the vehicle, which means disconnecting the batteries to de-energize them for the tow trucks, prevent secondary air bag deployment and to prevent any sparks that could happen while getting moved.

We also contain the fluid leaks.

Rivers Police and EMS were

also dispatched; there were no injuries.”

But victim Tracy Tews and her 14-year-old daughter Nora Gates, both from Rivers, might beg to differ with that claim.

Five days after the accident (Monday, July 3) the employee at Springland Mfg. said, “I thought I could work better today. I’m really sore and I have tons of bruises. As soon as I went to put my first thing of lids away, I couldn’t even do it because my shoulder just hurt.

Then I stubbed my toe, which is a regular occurrence,” she laughed, “and I couldn’t believe how that hurt my whole body.

You just use different muscles at work I guess, and it is heavy lifting, bending and twisting, not household chores. Nora’s arms are less damaged, but she has a cut on her ear and a bruise on her head. Everything is on her left side; we think she must’ve hit the inside console that opened up.”

Da l las Mur ray of R ivers made a left turn off Hwy. 25

when it was unsafe to do so and Tracy, who was travelling west on the highway, couldn’t help but hit the passenger side of his 2004 Ford F150 truck head-on.

“I felt really bad for Dallas when it happened, but after a few days of being sore and trying to figure out how to get a car back… The last thing I want is the tongues to waggle before they know what they’re talking about. Dallas is not the victim as I’ve heard is being said around town. Dallas was saying, ‘I’m sorry. I just followed the truck in front of me like a puppy dog and I didn’t even look. I’m so sorry.’

If people would just be reasonable; an accident is an accident.”

Tracy continues that the truck was pulling “not a fun trailer, more a utility trailer — I don’t really remember exactly. All I know is it was a big truck and a trailer and then boom! There was somebody in my way who wasn’t supposed to be there.

I said to the policeman, ‘If I wasn’t so paranoid about speed-

ing, I would’ve sworn I was going faster,’ because both airbags went off and just the impact.

The ambulance checked us out and we were ok, but by the time we got out of the ambulance, Dallas had driven away; we had to be towed. He definitely got the better end of it.”

The Tews family is now currently waiting on Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and police reports to find out about a replacement vehicle.

“We were dealing with Bob [ Futrell, sergeant with Rivers Police Service] and he’s on holidays now. And MPI said it’ll be five to seven days before we hear from the adjustors, so we can’t rent a car or anything until we know. Our car insurance coverage doesn’t cover loss of use; that’s only an extra $50 a year or something, but I guess you don’t know what you have half the time. You just insure your car and that’s that.

If it is 100 per cent his fault, I’ll be able to rent a car and put it on his bill, but we’re waiting to

find that out too. Even though he admits it, it has to come from the police I guess. We’re sad that it happened because we don’t think we’re going to be able to replace our car. It’s going to be hard to get what we put into it because vehicles depreciate. It was a 2014 Kia Sportage with only 20,000 kilometres on it; it was our retirement vehicle and it had everything, so we’re kinda bummed.”

When police Chief Bruce Klassen returned to work on Tuesday, July 4 from the extended Canada Day long weekend, he only said, “This matter is still under investigation.” As to further Banner questioning regarding why charges were not being laid as fault was admitted and speed and alcohol were not factors, he simply replied, “Sgt. Futrell is on holidays and Dallas came in last minute before he was leaving. I’m sure it will be addressed in a timely fashion.”

Futrell returns to duty the end of July; Dallas denied comment.

2 RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017

July 11: RM of Oakview meeting, council chamber, Oak River, 9 a.m.

July 13: Farmer’s market starts, Rapid City beach, 5:30-7 p.m.

July 16: MGRA horse show, Oak River fairgrounds, 4 p.m.

July 17: Oak River fair’s parade, 9:30 a.m.

July 19: Summer games, Valleyview Senior Centre, Rapid City, 12 p.m.

July 21: Harding fair July 22 and 23: Drag racing, Baseline Dragway, Rivers, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 28: Cinema Under the Stars, Rapid City Museum, 9:30 p.m.

July 31-Aug. 3: Derek Laxdal hockey camp, Riverdale Community Centre, Rivers Aug. 18-20: Senior provincial A baseball championship, Rivers Aug. 21-25: Daily vacation Bible school, Rivers United Church Sept. 5: Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary meeting, upper hall, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: Rivers Legion branch meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 13: Rivers & Area Game & Fish Association meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 16: Community craft and farmers market, Riverdale Community Centre, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sept. 17: Open Farm Day, Colin and Ann Hunter’s farm, Riverdale Municipality Sept. 23 and 24: Drag racing, Baseline Dragway, Rivers 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sept. 27: Riverdale District Health Auxiliary meeting, Kiwanis Courts, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 2: Rivers Legion Ladies Auxiliary meeting, upper hall, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: Thanksgiving supper, Harding Community Center, 4:30-7 p.m.

Nov. 3 and 4: Rapid City Drama Club production, Rapid City Legion Hall Nov. 19: Strathclair Theatre Chorus, Rivers Collegiate, 7 p.m.

Nov. 25: Christmas bazaar, Rivers Legion Hall Dec. 2: Santa Claus parade, Rivers Every Monday Crib, (first and third) Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Every Tuesday Coffee/games, Rivers Civic Centre, 8:30 a.m.

Table shuffleboard, Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Rivers Piecemakers, Rivers Collegiate, 7 p.m. (alternate weeks; 204-728-7592) TOPS, (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) 529 Second Avenue, Rivers, 7 p.m.

Every Wednesday Bingo, Rivers Legion Hall, 7:15 p.m.

Every Thursday Floor curling, Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Farmer’s market, Rapid City beach, 5:307 p.m.

Crib, Rivers Legion Hall, 7 p.m.

Every Friday Sticks and Strings, St. James’ Anglican Church Rivers, 9:30-11 a.m., alternate weeks, (204-328-7546) Card bingo (second and fourth), Rivers Civic Centre, 2 p.m.

Meat draw, Rivers Legion clubroom, 6-7 p.m.

Every Saturday Mass, Catholic church, Rivers, 4 p.m.

Sunday - church service times Anglican, Rivers, 9 a.m.

Evangel Worship Centre, Rapid City, 10 a.m.

Pentecostal, Rivers, 10:30 a.m.

United, Cardale, 11 a.m.

United, Forrest, 11:15 a.m.

United, Kenton, 12 noon United, Rapid City, 1 p.m.

Baptist, Rivers, 7 p.m.

Six-month statistics

By Bruce Klassen Chief Rivers Police Service attended 58 calls for service for the month of June, here is the breakdown of those calls.

Criminal Code charges amount to four, one break and enter and three various other crimes, such as breaches, public mischief, harassing phone calls, etc.

There have been a total of 22 Criminal Code cases in the first half of 2017; there have been two assaults, two break and enters, two thefts under $5,000, one offensive weapon and 15 others.

Traffic duty resulted in four charges under the provincial Highway Traffic Act, for offences such as speeding, driving an unregistered vehicle or without a licence, etc. To date there have been three federal traffic charges (all impaired driving) and 27 provincial charges, one driving without care and 26 others.

There were two accidents reported to police in June and a total of seven accidents in six months.

Liquor and Gaming Control Act remained clear last month and only has one charge in 2017, that being for possession of liquor in an unauthorized manner. Intoxicated Persons Detention Act/breach of the peace was enforced once and has been done so four times so far this year.

Rivers Police Service enforces the local nuisance, animal control, burning and traffic bylaws. To date we have been called 22 times for these matters and four were done in June; all have been for animal control except for one, which was a burning charge.

Members continue to assist the public in large numbers; nearly 40 per cent of last month’s workload was helping others. We provided 10 Criminal Records Checks, assisted RCMP in the former RM of Daly five times, other agencies five times and the public three times, a total of 23 calls. Thus far your members have helped the public nine times, other agencies 19 times, RCMP 21 times and we’ve done 67 Criminal Records Checks.

As with assistance, miscellaneous files numbered 23, with one mental health call, four community relations, one alarm, five noisy parties/disturbances and 12 other miscellaneous items which includes unfounded complaints. There have been 98 miscellaneous files opened in 2017: three for mental health, three 911 calls, a dozen community relations, three missing persons (all located), 10 alarms, 16 parties, one insecure premise, one sex offender registration, one firearm turned in and 48 miscellaneous.

LUD of Rapid City, June 12: Minutes from the April 3 meeting were adopted. The service plan, as amended, to provide the following: door-to-door household garbage pick-up, sidewalk repairs, street lighting, beautification, a portion of town foreman wages, dust control, street improvements/snow removal, hiring summer students, drainage, animal control, urban renewal; throughout the entire LUD; a rate of $70 to be levied on all residences/businesses.

The LUD recommends to main council to replace a headstone that was damaged by maintenance staff.

Administrator Bonnie Wright will be working out of the Oak River office on Thursdays. Work started on the beach today, black dirt and sand was moved, sod is to arrive on Wednesday. The next meeting is at the call of the chair.

Riverdale Municipality, June 20: More information will be obtained on having an electronic waste day. Mayor Todd Gill reported on a drainage meeting held in Hamiota. The group decided on two council representatives from each municipality form a drainage task force; appointed to the same were Gill and Dave Falkevitch. An inventory of culverts will be taken to determine how to effectively drain without negatively impacting land owners downstream. Landscape work is being done on west side of the civic centre.

Finances: Accounts of $204,355.54 and utility of $10,287.32 were passed for payment. A cemetery administration program from Munisoft at a cost of $1,402.92 will be be funded by Rivers Cemetery Trust. Connor English was awarded the municipality’s citizenship award of $200; Jordan Vander Velde was awarded the municipality’s $100 scholarship for highest mark in essential math 40S; Kaysi Dziver was awarded the municipality’s $100 scholarship for highest mark in biology 40S. LUD of Oak River, June 22: Minutes from the second meeting (April 4) were adopted. Grants were approved and three students were hired. Crack filling was completed in May on certain streets. Some gravel

was applied on certain streets before dust control on June 8. Committee member David Bullock reported on information received and options that may be available to improve the drainage concerns between Co-op and EDR. A concern with a barking dog and cats were discussed; the animal control officer has enforced the bylaw a few times; cat owners are to be reminded to have collars on their pets. A billing error from Oak River utility has been corrected; a security camera has been installed at the water treatment plant. Flowers were purchased from Oak River Colony; Ann Rothnie and the CAO Diane Kuculym volunteered to plant the large planters. The tax sale property has been levelled and grass seed planted. The condition of trees on certain lots was brought to the attention of the committee. Concerns with MTS cell and Internet service were discussed. The next meeting is at the call of the chair.

RM of Oakview, June 26: The Roads and Drainage Committee reported on a meeting with contractors to review two projects to be completed in Ward 2. A hole in the pavement in Cardale and its repair options were discussed. The former recycling shed in Rapid City was demolished; a request to relocate the recycling containers was heard. Councillor Walt Froese reported on the L.U.D. of Oak River meeting he attended on June 22. An engineer has been requested to provide a report on the Cardale Lakes. Rapid City Beach & Reservoir Committee has completed its project; a grant is to be applied for by office staff. Midwest Planning District was contacted regarding the enforcement of the property standards bylaw; the condition of a former church in Rapid City was discussed. Administrative assistant Holly Brown has completed her sixmonth probation period; therefore, council agreed to increase her wages retroactive to June 1. More picnic tables are to be made for Rapid City. An inquiry regarding the use of a well on on an undeveloped road allowance was tabled. Accounts of $83,119.58 and unpaid invoices of $58,493.27 were passed for payment.

The next meeting is July 11 at 9 a.m.

Council clips

From our files

RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017 3

65 years ago, paper on holidays 55 years ago, July 5, 1962 CBC’s radio show Manitoba Mirror is in Rivers July 1-7 showcasing various organizations, farms and businesses. Fire of unknown origin last Saturday morning destroyed Carnegie Cooperative Pool elevator and the 20,000 bushels of grain it contained; also destroyed were the station house and two boxcars. The elevator was built 10 years ago and was located 10 miles southeast of Rivers. Rev. Glen Tindale, his wife and son arrived in Rivers on Tuesday to begin work with Rivers United Church; formerly of Russell, he succeeds Rev. Muldrew, who left June 20 to study theology at University of Edinburgh. Mr. and Mrs. E. Grant were returning home to Rivers when they were involved in a car accident near Jamestown, N.D. on Tuesday.

Gene is relatively fine but an ambulance was dispatched from Brandon Wednesday morning to bring Vernie back to Manitoba for treatment. High winds on Thursday caused extensive damage to the Frank McPhaden farm near Oak River; a large granary was demolished and trees were uprooted. Shamrock Beauty Salon opened on July 3; the business is located in Evergreen Lodge, Wheatland. A Rivers-based quartet, Country Gentlemen, is performing at Brandon’s Provincial Exhibition July 2-7; musicians are Barry Forman, Ray Power, Ted McLachlin and Hank Redekop. Closed since January, Rivers Chamber of Commerce opened Rex Theatre June 29 and 30 with showing Oceans 11, the newest film starring Frank Sinatra; Dick van Tongeren is the projectionist. Bev Beever married Lanny Westwood on

June 30; Nora Wood married Neil Oakey on June 27; Helen Slastukin married Richard Poersch on Friday.

Mr. and Mrs. William Reid celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 29; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Knight celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 1. At a rally in Virden in which 26 groups participated, Harding 4-H Club won first in the parade and second for their display.

45 years ago, July 6, 1972 For the first time in the history of Rivers fair, held on July 1, there were no heavy horse entries; still, approximately 900 people passed through the gates. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Plaseski celebrated their 25th anniversary on Sunday; Mr. and Mrs. Slim Eastcott celebrated their 25th anniversary on July 2; Mr. and Mrs. Lorne McCallum celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 23. Mr. and Mrs. Wes Paddock had a girl July 4; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Campbell had a boy July 1; Mr. and Mrs. Mac Campbell had a boy July 1; Mr. and Mrs. Ken Dillon had a boy June 28.

Coleen Robertson married Ron Dunn on Friday; the Hanlon-Pilous wedding was a Saturday event.

35 years ago, July 7, 1982 Len and Marge Harvey hosted an outdoor breakfast meeting for Rivers Chamber of Commerce on June 30. It was reported then that $5,900 had been applied to the cinema debt; another $4,600 is owing. A three-day reunion of the Rutherford family was attended by 300 people; 100 of those ended the party on Sunday at Tarbolton Church. At its June meeting, Friendship Rebekah Lodge presented a 45year veteran jewel to Aggie Elliot and a 25-year jewel to Charlotte MacDonald. Married on July 3 were Sue

Kenton celebrates Canada Day

By Paulette Wiens

Saturday, July 1 in Kenton began with Kenton United Church’s pancake breakfast. It was very nice to see the young ladies of Kenton serving the crowd; good job ladies!

People then gathered at Kenton Memorial Hall at 10:30 a.m. to start the Kenton and Area Lions Club car rally. At the end of the rally, questionnaires and poker hands were checked to declare the winners: Roma Stevenson, Scott Routledge and Wyatt Black (poker hands) and Dallas Gray for questions. Approximately 150 hands were sold.

Kenton Community Park Project kids fair behind Kenton Memorial Hall included giant bubbles, face painting, stick and yarn art, painting, volcano construction and other crafts. For interested adults during this time, Devon Caldwell led a yoga session behind the hall.

Celebrations of the day were held at Kenton Legion where both the clubroom and patio were open.

Harding Agricultural Society held its 30th annual pit barbecued beef and pork supper. It was a very delicious supper and a lot of visiting took place among those in attendance. Following supper Robin Hill of Lenore auctioned off the leftover roasts and buns; it was a great fundraiser for the society.

Kenton Community Park Project teamed up with Kenton Community Enterprises to co-ordinate events at Kenworth Dam. There was swimming and crafts, along with live music provided by Martin Finnie, Henry and Nicole Wilson, Sheena Blanchard, Danny and Trisha Turner (who looked after the sound system). David Caldwell played along with the music group Rollin’ and Tumblin’, which consists of Brett Hemrica, Cameron Nolan and Hayden Crampain. At dusk there was a bonfire and fireworks.

A big bouquet from the community to all those who organized events and took part in the festivities as well.

We will look forward to celebrating again next year!

Rivers Baptist Church 447 Edward Street

Phone 204-328-7882

Worship service/Sunday school – 7 p.m.

Youth (Gr. 5-12) — 204-328-7854 for details.

Professional counselling *Marriage *Family *Depression *Addictions *Grief *Abuse Phone 204-573-3362 for an appointment.

Pastor Wil Warkentin, MA in counselling

17071GG0

879-3rd Avenue, Rivers

Zion Church

Pastor Barry Mossip: 204-573-6434 Sunday school/morning service at 10:30 a.m.

Visit our website: rivers.paoc.net or like us on Facebook: RiversZionChurch

Schafer to Gilbert Ducharme, Margaret Turton to Leonard Froebe, Pat Green to Harold Dyck, Debbie Hillier to Dave Citulsky.

25 years ago, July 8, 1992 Chapman Museum celebrated Canada 125 on July 4 and 5, which was the 25th anniversary weekend of the museum; more than 250 people toured the 14 buildings on site. Because of inclement weather, organizers of Rivers’ Canada 125 party on July 1 moved all outdoor activities into Riverdale Community Gardens; fortunately rain had subsided enough to have the fireworks. Susan Anderson married Ross Scarrow on July 4. Mr. and Mrs. Stan Elliott celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 21; Mr. and Mrs. Russell Bridgeman celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 28. Pat McTavish, formerly of Cardale, won silver in the provincial senior games, for golf. Mr. and Mrs. Randy Kelso had a boy June 13.

15 years ago, July 6, 2002 At the annual inspection of Brandon’s Air Cadets last month,14-year-old Joni Szapko of Bradwardine won the best first-year cadet trophy and the citizenship award. The annual beef pit barbecue supper at Rivers fair on July 3 was considered a sell-out as three-quarters of the food was eaten by some 670 people; those who came later were entitled to a reduced rate. At Kenton’s annual Canada Day celebration, 250 people ate breakfast and 300, the beef pit supper; 141 hands were sold in the car rally poker derby. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bridgeman celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 29; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hutchings celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 29.

Oak River Equipment closed its doors on June 28; the business was started in 1980. Dan Burke moved from Penticton, B.C. to Oak River; he began running Fabtech Design in the former Oak River Equipment building on July 1. Prairie Grain Bakery in Rivers closed its doors on June 30; it has been here for five years and is now running its business in Brandon.

5 years ago, paper on holidays

17071BB3

Rivers Banner Perspective

4 RIVERS BANNER

In case of emergency

Tundra

L

by Chad Carpenter

Take action, please!

T

The public response to the graffiti has been fierce and that’s good

o the person (or persons) who decided to deface the Town of Neepawa sign, the Legion and some other spots around town, please let me say a few words.

I would like to talk to you, I sincerely would. But seeing as you are unlikely to come and see me, here is what I would like to tell you.

You may have thought it funny to spray-paint racist, nasty words; it isn’t funny.

You may have been trying to impress your friends and if they were impressed with such actions, you badly need some new friends.

If you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then you better quit, because you can obviously not handle them.

If you did it for a power trip, please be advised that you have no power in this community. In fact, if there can be such a thing as negative power, your actions have gained you that. You are certainly being held in very low esteem in this town.

To deface the Legion is about as low as you can go. Please remember the Legion represents men and women who fought and died so we could have a peaceful country. In some countries, if you had done what you have just done and were seen, you might have been shot dead. Just think about that the next time you take your freedom for granted.

There is redemption. Nobody is perfect, we all make mistakes or do things we should not have done. You can confess and then publicly apologize. It wouldn’t hurt if you went to the Legion

RIVERS

BANNER Est. 1908

STAFF

JULY 7, 2017

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

KEN WADDELL and the Town and asked if you can make amends by volunteering some hours to show you care. I am sure you care and we all hope you care enough to do the right thing and get yourself past this low point in your life.

The public response to the graffiti has been fierce and that’s good. As of print deadline a community fund raiser has been set up whereby people can donate towards the cost of re-painting the affected areas.

We need to go further as a caring community. We all know that we have a housing issue in Neepawa, an overcrowding issue that has become dangerous. I posted this recently on Facebook and it is similar to what I said from the mayor’s chair in 2012 and in editorials since then.

“As the world watched in sad horror at the terrible fire in London, perhaps we should look at our own situation. In Neepawa, we may well have very dangerous housing situations. The problem is that the local Town authorities are not allowed to conduct fire inspections in residences (Fire

ars 00 ye Celebrating more than 1

Gazette-Reporter Serving the Rivers, Rapid City, Oak River areas and more

Commissioner rules I am told).

The only way our fire chief can conduct a residential inspection is if he is asked by the owner or the tenant. The third option is for the Town to go to court and get a judge to order an inspection.

That just seems wrong. I think that provincial law needs to be changed. Our fire chief should be allowed to conduct house inspections.”

Local Filipino leaders are asking for these inspections to happen, along with education about house insurance and householders insurance.

I say, “Screw the rules”. We need to act now and do a systematic, house-by-house inspection.

You can come and do my house first if you would like. We have a skilled, very caring fire chief in Neepawa and we need to get this inspection job done. Let the Fire Commissioner squawk all he wants. When disaster strikes, it’s not his friends who are going to die in a house fire, it’s ours. It isn’t his town that is going to carry a black mark, it’s ours. A little civil disobedience is in order here.

ast week, 18 rural Manitoba communities found out that they would be losing their EMS stations. The changes are part of a province-wide reorganization of health care and the closure of these low volume stations was one of the recommendations in a 2013 report on the province’s emergency medical services.

In making the announcement, Health minister Kelvin Goertzen said that while 18 stations would be closing, five new stations would be built, in Miniota, Cowan, Alonsa, MY M a n i g o t o g a n PERSPECTIVE and Eriksdale, and the stations in Virden and Glenboro will be KATE upgraded. These JACKMAN-ATKINSON new or upgraded stations will all be staffed 24/7. This wasn’t the case with all of the stations slated for closure, many of which operated on a part-time or on-call basis.

Goertzen tried to calm fears by saying that the new stations would allow ambulances to be more strategically located and staffed, thereby improving response time. The province has said that wait time guidelines, which aim to provide care within 30 minutes, for 90 per cent of the population, 90 per cent of the time, will continue to be met under the new plan. The general public, however, is hesitant about any plan that will reduce health care in rural communities.

The Paramedic Association of Manitoba showed support for the plan, which will result in the hiring of 29 additional full-time paramedics. The Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union, which represents paramedics in rural Manitoba, said that the new hires are a step in the right direction, but don’t go far enough towards filling the 400 paramedics it says the province needs.

On the flip side, communities that are losing their stations are concerned and some paramedics in those communities have spoken up. On July 2, in a widely circulated article, a Wawanesa paramedic questioned the plan, noting that when he’s on call, he makes $3.70 per hour. During this time, he can go about his regular business, provided he can make it to the station within 10 minutes. He notes that he’ll be replaced with someone in Glenboro being paid $30 an hour to wait for a call to come in.

Within the Banner’s coverage area, only one station is facing closure— McCreary. The community of McCreary will be covered by a new EMS station, to be built in Alonsa, 39 km to the east. The two communities share a hospital, the McCreary-Alonsa Health Centre, which is located in McCreary. However, the facility has no emergency or acute care services.

According to data released by the government, in 2015-2016, the McCreary EMS station responded to 284 calls, the combined total of daytime and night time calls to locations nine minutes, 15 minutes and 30 minutes away from the station. For comparison, the neighbouring stations in Ste. Rose, Kinosota, Gladstone and Neepawa had 2015-2016 call volumes of 588, 2,773, 404 and 622 respectively.

The future station, to be built in Alonsa, has a projected call volume of 99. The McCreary reshuffling leaves some residents along the east escarpment of Riding Mountain National Park more than 30 minutes away from the remaining stations, but brings service closer to residents along the north-west shores of Lake Manitoba.

Goertzen rightly points out that it is ambulances and paramedics, not stations, that show up at your door in the case of a medical emergency. He notes that what’s important is where the paramedics are being deployed, not necessarily the location of their home base. The success or failure of the plan will depend entirely upon the realities of its implementation. If service levels remain consistent and communities are served by well trained and equipped paramedics and ambulances, then it will have been a good move. But there’s a lot at stake; with many rural centres struggling to retain emergency services in their hospitals, EMS has been touted as the solution, the work around to ER closures. An ambulance may look a lot like an emergency room, but it has to be able to make it to the patient, in a timely manner, for it to do any good.

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY 529 Second Avenue, Box 70, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0 AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 5 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Telephone: 204-328-7494 Fax: 204-328-5212 E-mail: info@riversbanner.com Website: www.riversbanner.com Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or picYearly Subscription Rates (excluding taxes): $40.00 in Manitoba, $50 elsewhere in Canada

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Staff Sheila Runions, Maggie Smallwood

Members of:

FRIDAY, JULY 7, 2017

H

e’s been in the NHL since he was 19. He’s now 38.

He’s played for five different teams. In 1390 regular season games, he’s scored 525 goals and added 609 assists to his record.

But Marian Hossa won’t be suiting up for the Chicago Blackhawks this fall. For the past few years, he’s been battling a progressive skin disorder. He’s on medication and it’s helping. But the side effects are so severe that he’s decided to take the next year off, get the best medical help he can get and see what can be done to address this increasingly serious condition. He’s doing this with the full support of his family, his teammates, the Blackhawks’ management and their medical staff. I know his fans (of which there are some in Manitoba) wish him all the best.

Marian Hossa is in good company. There are thousands just like him—people who are waging a quiet war with serious illness. They

O

Opinion Waging a quiet war FAITHFULLY YOURS NEIL STROHSCHEIN live in every community in The Banner’s coverage area.

They suffer from a wide variety of physical and emotional problems. Every case is unique. Some are recovering—slowly, but they are recovering. Some are coping; thanks to regular visits to a doctor, appropriate medication and good self-care. Some are fighting what they know could well be a losing battle; but they refuse to give up hope for a cure and ultimate complete recovery.

Like Marian Hossa, few of these people will speak publicly about the challenges they face. They don’t want to be called “whiners” or “complainers.” They know that they aren’t the only ones with problems—they don’t need (or want) to be constantly reminded of that fact.

Home again, home again…

nce again, it was great to be away and it is great to be back home! This homebody strayed, first off to Iceland and then over to France, experiencing new foods and scenes, and refreshing family ties. The plot began when my daughter-in-law expressed a desire to return to France. Being a strong support buddy, I assured her that I would go with her (Sue may be more careful what she says in my presence!). I comfortably left all the travel arrangements and holiday plans in her most capable hands. I have no regrets. Not certain how my travel companion feels.

We began with an overnight in Edmonton, before f lying to Iceland. Tickets for a day at the Blue Lagoon Spa, whale watching, puffin watching and an inland bus tour were all in hand. I must say, I was impressed with the way the island addressed tour-

HOMEBODIES RITA FRIESEN ism; transportation to and from our accommodation, pick up for the tours at our door, consideration for our luggage the day we were departing, always prompt and so considerate. Our guides were knowledgeable, informative, and usually entertaining. It would be difficult to choose a highlight, but sitting in a small crowded café and seeing a Manitoba license plate hanging on the wall could rate as one. We found quaint corners for dining and were never disappointed.

Paris is breathtak ing.

There were days when the heat also took my breath away. Our afternoon in the

Observation

By Addy Oberlin

A

Nor are they looking for magic words that will make the pain go away or that might bring about an instant cure. They know such words don’t exist. They’ve heard words like this before and quite frankly, they haven’t helped all that much.

So, what can we who care offer these valiant warriors?

One thing—the assurance that they are surrounded by people who will love them unconditionally and accept them as just as they are—no questions asked, no strings attached. We can be faithful friends who will take their hand, stand with them and stay with them until the war is over; even if that means watching one or more of them slowly fade and ultimately pass away.

Being such a friend will

not be easy. It will stretch our faith—sometimes to the limit. But God will give us the strength we require to be the faithful friends hurting people seek.

My final words are to the warriors themselves. I want you to know that you are not alone. There are people in this community who love you and care for you. Some of us have had experiences like those you are now going through. We know how it feels to suffer. We have battled the same feelings of hope and despair. We understand how you feel. We are in your corner. Quietly and behind the scenes, we are supporting you in our thoughts and prayers.

We are here to help if you need us. We will not inflict ourselves on you. But we will never be far away. If you fall, we will pick you up. And we will do for you what others did for us in our time of need—we will point you to the God who is helping us cope with the challenges we face; and we will pray that He will do the same for you.

certain amount of little piles of papers are covering my table. They are all very important. Some are bills that need to be paid, others are birthday cards that need to be sent and then a box with buttons I plan to make for the special reunion we have in August.

I had it all planned until suddenly there was a big change in my plans. It is difficult to grasp that I have to hurry

gardens of Versailles was a roasting plus 40. Thankfully, I had spent slow, gentle hours there years ago, and so I coasted, just moving from place to place, staying present. Again tickets for the Eiffel Tower tour, the tour of the Louvre and then the catacombs were pre-purchases. No lines, no long waits, just meet at the appointed place at the appointed time. My daughter lives just outside Paris and if she wasn’t driving us somewhere, she was accompanying us on the train and Metro. It is/was an incredible gift of her time and talents. The supper on the Seine was memorable, as were the companions with

which I shared it.

Much of what I saw in Paris I had seen before. Not the catacombs and that afternoon is something I will long remember. For me, the time in Normandy, both at Juno and Omaha Beaches, were moving and significant. We spent time in the museum at Juno. So much history and deeply spiritual. As I walked the beaches, quiet waves lapping at my feet, I felt at peace. With the honor and respect extended to the men and women who served, the gratitude still offered for their sacrifices, their memories maintained, the shores are now a place of peace.

As is my custom, I journal, and leave the picture taking to others. I faltered in my resolve twice – attempting to capture the beauty of the bed and breakfast at which we stayed in Normandy, and the welcoming front door of the little home in Chantilly.

up and work ahead of my schedule because something is cutting into my time and I do not know how long it will take before I can return to my planned schedule. I am very much aware that sometimes our plans do not coincide with God’s plans and He is ultimately in control of what happens in our life. I have seen sadness, disappointments , but also happy occasions and I know that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord, My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8,9).

The Lord will give us all the comfort we need.

RIVERS BANNER 5

Five priorities to achieve free trade success within Canada As Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments prepare to implement the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) as a birthday gift for the nation on July 1, CFIB has identified five immediate priority areas for the newly-formed Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table (RCT) to tackle.

“The devil is in the details,” said Laura Jones, CFIB executive vice president. “CFTA is a huge accomplishment, and we want to celebrate this agreement, especially in light of Canada 150. Now the hard work begins.

The deal will only succeed if the various jurisdictions can effectively find mutually beneficial solutions to make trade within Canada easier for small businesses.”

Provincial, territorial and federal officials will use the RCT to tackle the obstacles to doing business interprovincially across Canada, one by one.

“If the premiers can maintain this momentum, the agreement will provide the federal, provincial and territorial governments with an unprecedented opportunity to drive significant economic growth by reducing trade barriers within Canada,” said Corinne Pohlmann, CFIB senior vice president of national affairs. “We are now looking to the RCT to make sure that the framework put together in the CFTA works on the practical level for Canada’s small businesses.”

Five mission-critical priorities requiring immediate action CFIB has sent a letter to each of Canada’s premiers and the Prime Minister, congratulating them for this historic agreement and urging them to quickly address key areas identified by small business owners as being the most significant impediments to interprovincial trade when the RCT group convenes: 1) Simplify corporate registration – Small businesses wanting to do business in another province that does not recognize their existing registration need to pay hundreds of dollars in order to do so and complete extra, often duplicative paperwork, just to get their goods across the border. CFIB calls for a common corporate registry or mutual recognition between jurisdictions.

2) Mutually recognize food inspections – Some food products are easier to import from other countries than from other provinces. CFIB calls for mutual recognition of food inspections and related regulations. If a food product is deemed safe to consume in one province, it should be considered safe to consume in another.

3) Align transportation regulations – Getting a product from one end of the country to the other is unnecessarily expensive in Canada and adds up to real costs for consumers, sometimes in the thousands of dollars.

CFIB urges all parties to consider aligning wide-load regulations, implementing single-trip fuel permits and recognizing commercial vehicle registrations, among other suggestions.

4) Create common professional and trade licensing – A worker certified in one province is still not able to easily work in another. It should be much simpler for professionals and skilled tradespeople to go where the work is, but regulations often get in the way. CFIB calls for further cooperation and mutual recognition of certifications and professional designations.

5) Improve mutual recognition of Worker’s Compensation and Occupational Health and Safety – Each jurisdiction mandates different types of fall protection even though the force of gravity does not change by province. The rules vary considerably between jurisdictions and businesses with workers in multiple jurisdictions needing to register with each Worker’s Compensation Board and/or safety body. CFIB calls for better alignment of rules and mutual recognition of provincial and territorial registration.

Laura Jones and Corinne Pohlmann, Canadian Federation of Independent Business

6 RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017

Record broken for Canada 150

A dozen vehicles for show and shine purposes were parked on the east side of the towering Rapid City Museum; behind the vehicles, the row of tractors.

Photo by Sheila Runions

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

A

s reported last week, a number of events were planned on the grounds of Rapid City Museum as they celebrated this nation’s 150th birthday on Saturday, July 1. The committee set an ambitious goal to give away 50 dozen hot dogs and while they did not meet those aspirations, they did break the previous record of 35 dozen, when they successfully passed out 37 dozen dogs. The wieners were cooked by Neil Wilson and Joyce Ringland, who were assisted by Mary Phillips and Chris Martin in bunning them or supplying drinks.

All the food was free, but a donation bucket collected $1,045 for their fundraising efforts to convert the basement into a daycare. Another large donation came in the form of plots purchased for a cow plop; Irene Phillips of Brandon won $1,010, which was half the proceeds from nearly 300 squares which were sold.

Other events at the museum, all being free, included a human fooze ball tournament in which four teams entered. Last year’s inaugural event had so many teams that game time was reduced from 10 to five minutes and play continued until 5 p.m.; this year’s competition consisted of 10-minute games. When the round robin was over at 1 p.m., Sexy Six was named the championship team.

Shelley Meakin emceed a fashion show through the decades, which included men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories from the 1930s-1990s. The oldest item modelled during the 35-minute show which included 15 models, was a 1914 wedding dress. A large number of people sat under and outside a tented area which served as the catwalk for the models who changed in the museum. On the opposite of that sidewalk was an area manned by Lenny DeSchutter, who helped youth play ladder ball, giant Jenga (pieces of four-by-four) and a giant Kerplunk game. East of the fashion show area was another tent full of carnival games, a craft table and face painting station. Once the fashion show was completed, museum volunteers prepared for the cupcake walk, which was another popular children’s activity.

They had planned for 150 kids but not quite that many participated so once that segment ended, volunteers wandered the grounds to provide free cupcakes to adults.

The final attraction at the grounds was a show and shine in which 10 tractors and 12 cars, trucks and a Jeep were entered. An anonymous donor provided $150 in prize money for this portion, which was split into six

draws of $25 given to entrants selected at random. Winning the cash were Sue Belcher for her 1977 Trans Am, Clarence Michie and his 1950 John Deere, Jim McRae who brought a 1952 Buick, Billy Jack Hinsburg’s 1972 Chevy truck, Ken Phillips’ John Deere 60 and Carl Landry’s 1973 Plymouth. Of the 22 entries, all were from Rapid City except McRae and Landry.

Rapid City’s annual Canada Day celebrations began with a pancake breakfast at Valleyview Golf Course; an estimated 125 people attended. The club sold 50/50 tickets then and Dan Mazier of Forrest won $123. Following breakfast 30 people played the nine-hole course in a two-person best ball tournament; cousins Dustin Harvey (Rapid City) and James Sanderson were deemed the winners.

With the recent demolition of the old recycling depot, those entering Rapid City from the west were greeted with a colourful visual of a newly levelled lot topped

with beige crusher chips and a bouncy castle near Rapid City & District Co-op. The store/gas station provided approximately 450 free slushies to children from 1-6 p.m. The co-op also sponsored the bouncy house and allowed kids to play in there during the same time frame.

Across Hwy. 24 in the beach area, several families with children of all sizes were seen using the newly bermed, sodded and sanded shoreline, with older youth taking full advantage of jumping off a new dock into Little Saskatchewan River. Children also used the playground equipment and young adults played beach volleyball.

These activities were primarily practised following the 11 a.m.-3 p.m. events at the museum. The final festivities of the day were an open house at Valleyview Seniors’ Centre between 2 and 4 p.m., a roast beef supper from 5-8:30 p.m. and then a fantastic fireworks display at 11:30 p.m.

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RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017 7

Religious group recognizes rural life

Cotton candy, popcorn, period dress, a barn and the Canadian flag made for an impressive visual at this July 1 party.

Photos by Sheila Runions

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

C

ornerstone Family Worship Centre in Hamiota was successful in receiving $2,000 grant funding from the federal government to host a Canada 150 party. The celebration was held at the farm of Pastor Orland Usick, 1.5 miles northwest of Oak River. As he said during opening ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. on July 1, “I’ve seen lots of celebrations planned, but none are in rural Canada or about rural Canada.”

Their party certainly had rural f lair: guests parked on the gravel road and were greeted at the oversized U-shaped driveway through the farm by people in period costume.

Women with long dresses and matching bonnets directed guests to the farm, which had men wandering around in Abe Lincolnstyled top hats, old suit jackets or vests with pocket watch chains. A “road” sign on a power pole between barns did not show deer or moose crossing in the yellow diamond warning, but rather geese — and geese did cross and wander the farm at will. Barn cats came and went, as did dogs, and people.

A guest book was on the supper table and this reporter talked to a few men who didn’t even know it was there; likely many more hungry guests were oblivious to its presence.

A mere 53 people signed the book but towns represented included Oak River,

Rapid City, Crandall, Rivers, Hamiota, Arrow River, Sandy Lake, Cardale, Brandon, Minnedosa, Shoal Lake, Griswold, Sioux Valley, Oakner and Saskatoon, Sask. During the evening campfire when the assembly had dwindled from its estimated 150 people to some 30 folks, introductions were made and more towns were listed: Newdale, Niverville, Alexander, Winnipeg and the country of Hungary.

First on the food list was cotton candy, popcorn, sunflower seeds and cake, all served after the halfhour opening ceremonies which began at 3:30 p.m.

Supper consisted of barbecued hamburgers or hot dogs, crockery dill pickles, watermelon and R ice Krispie cake, all available for consumption before 6 p.m. and until after 7 p.m.

By 8 p.m. the bannock station at the campfire was busy. When the entertainment stage and farmer’s market shut down around 9 p.m., marshmallows were roasted at the campfire — food abounded on the farm.

Entertainment consisted of a number of songs

by Jaimie Rose formerly of Hamiota and now of Brandon, Aleca Antonakis of Brandon, Joel Usick of Saskatoon and Ed Brown of Oak Lake. Ed is not only a singer but a cowboy poet, so he recited several poems. The market consisted of two vendors, one that packed up at 7 p.m.

Other attractions in-

cluded a small show and shine with four cars and two tractors as well as an assortment of lawn games and face painting. An art show in the barn loft housed canvas paintings (2D and 3D) and sculptures

by Sarah Usick, Aleca Antonakis and Viktória Marczisák, who each displayed work from their undergrad years of study at Brandon University.

The barn was divided without walls into six different areas, which allowed guests the opportunity to relax on old church pews, in rockers, on couches or old kitchen chairs. These seats provided opportunity to truly enjoy not only

Cowboy Poet Ed Brown

specialty coffee and homemade ice tea served from the loft’s bar, but also the company of guests, known or unknown.

Although the govern-

ment and five other businesses f inancially supported the event, donation jars were placed at all eating stations. More than $350 was collected, most

of which will be donated to the pool liner fund for Hamiota Aquatic Centre; a few additional expenses will be paid for from the donations.

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The loft in the barn on the Orland and Sheri Usick farm was somewhat partitioned into six different areas, some completed with an assortment of furniture so guests could visit more comfortably. A rustic bar provided an assortment of liquid beverages.

An interesting windsock indicated which direction the flags on the classic cars would fly.

Oak River’s Canada 150 party

Photos by Sheila Runions

Jude Davison was having a blast in a gunny sack race.

A gaggle of geese entertained all ages with their constant chatter and attempts to eat anything.

RIVERS BANNER July 7 2017 9

Rapid City’s Canada Day

Clockwise from top left: Julianne Phillips models a denim hat and “shirt of shirts” (the fabric is patterned with shirts) Shelley Meakin wore as a girl in 1973; Leila Fulford displays Shelley’s 1970 Rapid City Centennial dress.

A winning youngster in the cupcake walk selected her prize from the table full of choices.

A giant game of Kerplunk kept children entertained.

Teammates, referees and spectators follow the soccer ball in the human fooze ball competition.

Canteen “chefs” Neil Wilson and Joyce Ringland are oblivious to the work done by Mary Phillips (running for something) and Chris Martin (bending for something).

Photos by Sheila Runions

10

RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017

Rural Canada 150 Are you ready for

a tornado?

Initially looking for a means to make a living, he went to Regina to the RCMP training depot. Tacan worked as a probation officer and as a jail guard, before working By Anne Davison

By Vern May at the court house. Tacan was eventually elected chief.

Canada’s Confederation was celebrated on July 1, “I wound up being chief, negotiating for self-govTornado warning for Brandon, conrmed touchdown Environment Canada is the authority on weather rural style, on a beautiful day in the relaxed atmosphere ernment.

We’ve been negotiating for that for 20-some t Manitou, funnel clouds spotted at Killarney. If there is bulletins, though we may also hear from Manitoba of Orland and Sheri Usick’s farm near Oak River.

Apnything that the severe weather over the past few weeks Weather Network and other localthing media outlets more years, the most intimidating is sitting at the Senate, proximately 150itpeople from Brandon to Oak Lake and has taught us, it’s this: CAN happen here. There were immediately.

A tornado watch isI issued when weather answering their questions; had questions of my own… probably many of to us Arrow stayingRiver tuned attended over the weekend as conditions“Iarereally favourable to produce a tornado; however, he Rossburn the come-and-go like the words about reconciliation,” he alerts were being a warning is more serious.

A warning indicates thatAnd a inafternoon and issued. evening on the farm. said, referencing Usick’s opening comments.

In the event thatopening a tornadoceremonies, warning wasOrland issued acknowledged for your tornadodeed has Tacan occurred or has a high likelihood of being During is looking for further reconciliation; he is own today, do you whatpeople to do? are Arenot youenthusiastically familiar about to occur. that some ofknow Canada’s looking to have Canada’s official terminology for the with your community emergency response plan and the The safest place to be during a tornado is a low spot celebrating this anniversary of Confederation. But, Dakota people to be replaced. He went on to explain nformation for the community that is included in that in an interior room away from windows, such as an inpointed to to Canada as a land many nations, theinjuxtaposition ancestors’theplace plan? Ithe may be time get familiar withwhere that document ner room the basementoforhis underneath stairsintoCanada’s the many people groups, are challenged to come together history – one of fighting for Canada United o you know what to do to keep your family safe. basement. Rooms that have extra support in against the walls and live in harmony, which he said was also Christ’s States – yet being considered refugees within Canada.

Behind only United States, Canada sees the most tor- such as bathrooms are also ideal as bathroom pipes challenge — to each love our nado activity annually yearneighbours.

– focused on southern provide extra to the walls.inMobile homes and War, “I hadsupport two grandfathers the Second World Thethe first guest invited to the microphone was Sioux Ontario and three Prairie provinces.

With the peak camperlost trailers very members] unsafe places take yet shelter aswe’re a feware [family overtothere, today ctivityValley for tornadoes any time between notconsidered anchored to the ground.

Dakotaoccurring Nation Chief Vince Tacan.April Tacan they ex- are still refugees.

I have two letters from the nd September, at the heart how of ahis potential informed andofstay safe.as For more as information plained a we’re little ofright his own history, father beforeGet Department Justice, recently five years ago, mergency righta now.

Onand average, 43turn tornadoes visit: Public Safety Canada http://www.publicsafety. him was farmer, he in his took up occur agriculture, stating we are refugees. So, I’m working hard to turn ach year on the prairies. gc.ca/res/em/nh/to/index-eng.aspx or Environment preferring livestock to grain. that around.”

Do you know the difference between a weather watch Canada http://www.ec.gc.ca.

“It’s been a real hardship trying to stay in farming…

Tacan spoke of the struggle of living under The Innd a weather warning?

I’ve got about 20 cows right now,” said Tacan. dian Act, and of the fact that Sioux Valley has become

a self-governing community – the only community in Manitoba and in several provinces to be self-governing.

This status opens the door to doing business, owning land and becoming responsible for their future.

Tacan said a warning came (through spiritual means) some generations ago to the Dakota, to respect the land; he said it is once again time to heed that wisdom.

“We’ve got to start appreciating what we have. We’ve got a lot of clean water here in Canada, we’ve got a lot of good land, we have lumber; we have all kinds of resources here. We’ve got a lot of things to be thankful for and, you know we have a better health care system here than in the US.” The latter remark brought a rise out of the crowd.

RM of Oakview Reeve Brent Fortune greeted the crowd.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate Canada’s 150, which is a milestone. On behalf of the RM staff and council, I’d like to congratulate you on your day – have a great day with friends and family.”

Dick Heapy was asked to say a few words about the history of the area and of Oak River as a community in particular.

Continued on page 11

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HyLife Foods a division of the HyLife organization is engaged in the dressing and processing of hogs for both domestic and world markets.

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

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

Responsibilities / Duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter, eviscerate and mark hogs for further processing • Cut pork carcasses into primal cuts for further detailed specifications intended for commercial, industrial, institutional or wholesale use • To de-bone edible part and remove inedible organs or parts The successful candidate should possess the following qualifications: • Be able to work in a culturally diverse workplace • Have a good work ethic • Focus on treating people with dignity and respect • Appreciate a stable long term work environment • Experience as an Industrial Butcher or trimmer is required • Completion of secondary school may be required Current starting wage is $13.25/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

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

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

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

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

FOR SALE

Parts & full trailer repair, trailer safeties & Autopac Trailer Repair.

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

Need help with your kitchen design and layout? Want real value?

We serve most rural Manitoba communities with 30 years experience. Fehr’s Cabinet Warehouse. 1- 80 0 75 8 - 6 9 2 4 o f f i c e @ fehrscabinets.com

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Evelyn Beever

A come and go tea is being held at her residence, 4-707 Fifth Avenue, Rivers, from 2-4 p.m.,

Sunday, July 9

MEDICAL TR ANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Online training from an employer-trusted program. CareerStep.ca/ MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training today!

Dream job. Live in caregiver/housekeeper in Winnipeg and Florida!

204-997-4629

Continued from page 10 He began by explaining the history of the name Oak River; apparently Hamiota was originally named Oak River. Heapy painted a very interesting picture of bygone days when the town of Oak River was a going concern.

Pastor Barry Mossip of Zion Church in Rivers is a Metis man; he was asked to deliver a blessing in his native tongue of Cree, which he later translated. The party was doubly blessed, as following Orland’s opening speech he, too, asked a blessing on the celebration and on Canada.

The final speech delivered on the decorated flatdeck stage was given by Sarah Usick, who co-ordinated an art show in the loft of her family’s barn. She said, “This is a retrospective show. Acknowledging the past of this country on the 150th anniversary of Confederation is a sobering task. It seems that, from its birth until now, the ultimate challenge of Canada — built on Indigenous people and immigrants from around the globe — is the struggle for every culture’s autonomy, amidst the desire for a cohesive cultural unity.”

Through the day, children played organized lawn games.

Some were followed relentlessly by a gaggle of very tame young geese, to the amusement of everyone.

Live entertainment included Ed Brown, who held the audience with ballads of cowboys, horses and real living. The day closed with the party moving to the campfire, as fireworks lit up the calm prairie night.

Notice

celebration In honour of

Help Wanted

FOODS Meat Cutter/Production Personnel

FOR SALE

SUMMER SPECIALS AT KDL FURNITURE! $ 3 9 9 queen pillow top mattress set. 860 pocket coil pillow top RV mattress $475. $599 Beautyrest queen set.

Queen adjustable bed with wireless remote and Beautyrest mattress $1499 (King adjustable $1899). Good selection of twin mattresses starting at $149. $499 five piece table set including 32x48 inch table and four chairs. $599 rocker reclining upholstered chairs by England Furniture (a Lay-z-boy Company).

Selection of clearance solid wood bedroom suites in seven or eight piece sets in queen size bed at 45% savings.

Limited selection of three piece occasional sets for $299. See staff or contact KDL for more information.

Mon-Fri 9-8, Sat 9-6 & Sun 11-5. Call KDL Furniture at 204-5711971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon.

Canada Day at Oak River

BU and ACC students: BU Residence has space available. Single and Double Occupancy for 2017-18 year.

• Secure, comfortable, furnished rooms • Hundreds of events and programs • Delicious, nutritious food program.

Call 204-727-9761 or 204-727-7394

DOREEN WEDDERBURN Doreen Elizabeth Valentine Wedderburn (nee Wolfe). A memorial service for Doreen, who passed away on January 10, 2017, will be held at Brockie Donovan, 332 Eighth Street, Brandon, on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 2 p.m. A tea will follow at Central United Church, across the street at 327 Eighth Street, Brandon, MB. A private interment at Tarbolton Cemetery will follow at a later date.

Obituary BOB RAMSEY Robert John Ramsey passed away in his 91st year on June 24, 2017 in Birch Lodge personal care home, Hamiota, Manitoba.

Bob was predeceased by his parents John and Jeannie Ramsey, his sisters Mable Wright and Gladys Pollock (Harold) and his brother Lyle. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (nee Lints); his four sons Ron (Jo Ann) of Hamiota, Don (Suzan) of Rivers, Wayne (Melva) of Cardale and Cam (Shelley) of Oak River; grandchildren Brett (Terrin), Cali, Lexa, Carrie (Darren), Robbin (Corey), Matthew (Sarah), Craig and Marty (Kaitlyn); 13 great-grandchildren.

Also left to mourn are Dan and Roberta Ramsey, their children Jennifer (Kevin), Charles and James (Jana), and their families; brother-in-law Herb Wright, sister-in-law Helen Ramsey and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was born July 26, 1926 in Rasharkin, County Antrim in Northern Ireland and came to Canada with his parents in 1928. The family moved to the farm north of Oak River in 1931. Bob and Dorothy moved off the farm and retired to Oak River in 1988 and then to Hamiota in 2010. Bob moved to Birch Lodge in 2013. In his almost 4.5 years there, the staff made it his home.

He loved his family, his community and the land. He coached his boys in hockey and baseball, and loved following his grandchildren’s activities. Bob was a Boy Scout leader, a Lion, a member of Oak River Legion for 70 years, worked at Oak River Quick Freeze for more than 20 years, served on the Oak River rink board and was an active ball player and curler. Although not actually old enough, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1944. Bob successfully farmed for more than 60 years. He also really loved people. A highlight for Bob was being inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame as a player with the McConnell baseball teams of 1949-54. .

Bob was loved and respected by his family and many friends, and will be dearly missed.

Officiant Linda Clark gave a fitting tribute to Bob at the funeral service held Wednesday, June 28 in Oak River United Church.

Interment was in Oak River Cemetery. Donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or to a charity of one’s choice.

Messages of condolence can be placed at www.campbellfuneralhome.ca.

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

Relocating?

Services

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867-3981

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Call the municipality of Pembina home. Located in south central Manitoba, we welcome you to our warm and safe community.

Raise your family here – retire here. Affordable housing – low taxes. Great amenities – local shopping, education, health care, indoor and outdoor sports & recreation, culture & arts. Short drive to many employment opportunities.

Live Here- Grow Here – Play Here!

Check us out at

www.pembina.ca

Thank You Thank-you to everyone who attended the memorial held June 17 in honour of Irwin's life. A special thanks to everyone who stopped for a visit, sent cards or brought food. An extra special thanks to Rivers Legion Ladies who prepared and served the luncheon. All was appreciated and will never be forgotten. Mary Walker and family

RAMSEY: Words cannot express our gratitude to the staff at Hamiota’s Birch Lodge personal care home. Bob resided there for almost 4.5 years and during that time, staff took time to sit with him, to make him comfortable and to find activities he could enjoy. The family couldn’t have received more support during Bob’s final days. Birch Lodge and its caring staff are so important to our community.

DOROTHY RAMSEY AND FAMILY RAMSEY: The family of Bob Ramsey would like to thank: Dwayne Campbell and his staff; Linda Clark; Carol Forsyth and the choir; Oak River Legion and Oak River Rink volunteers; those who provided food, floral tributes and cards; those who provided support to family members in the loss of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Thank-you.

Dorothy, Ron and Jo Ann, Don and Suzan, Wayne and Melva, Cam and Shelley and families.

12 RIVERS BANNER July 7, 2017

corner

By Justin Froese

A whirlwind week has come and gone with the final few regular season games in the books and our upcoming playoff dates set in stone.

On Wednesday, June 28 we faced Elkhorn in our final home game of the season. Ryan Shaw struck out five over seven innings to lead Rivers to a 6-3 win over the Expos, our third consecutive victory! Shaw also helped his cause at the dish, going 2-3 and knocking in three runs. Mike McFadden went 2-4 to brace the offence for Rivers Comets.

Friday brought different results when Comets hit the road for their only match up with Deloraine. It was a tough loss as human error and a walk-off home run on the ensuing pitch sealed their fate in a 9-8 loss to the Royals. Down 6-0 early after a plethora of unearned runs, Comets came alive offensively and ground their way back into the lead before ultimately falling in the bottom of the seventh inning. Dana McNish started and lasted three innings, striking out a couple before giving way to McFadden who pitched 3.3 innings. Ryan Shaw took the loss, pitching one-third of an inning in a save situation. Offensively, McFadden hit a three-run home run while McNish, Cale Shaw, Al McFadden, Justin Froese and Eric Truscott each added two hits.

Comets wrapped up their season on Monday, July 3 in Hamiota with a 9-6 loss to the Red Sox. Cody Nolan allowed six runs in 3.3 innings before giving way to Eric

Gerald Kuculym missed the pitch during a home game.

Trustcott, who struck out three in relief. Mike McFadden homered for the second straight game, and also added a single for the Comets. We finish the year with a 7-8 record and sit fourth in the South West Baseballe League, north division.

We begin our best-of-three first round playoff series this week when we take on Oak River Dodgers. Game 1 is set for Friday, July 7 in Oak River at 7 p.m., game 2 is in Rivers on Sunday, July 9 at 6 p.m. and then game three, if necessary, is back in Oak River on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 p.m. Come out and cheer us on!

While we have your ear/eyes lent, Comets want to

Photo by Sheila Runions

make it known that we need your help! As you may know, we are hosting Senior A Provincials at Comets field Aug. 18-20 and are looking for volunteers to help make the event run successfully and smoothly. Currently we are looking for individuals to work shifts for gate admission, canteen and beer gardens. If you are at all interested, we urge you to sign up at our remaining home games or contact Kenzie McNish at 204-573-4824. All volunteers will receive a weekend pass for their efforts.

Thanks in advance!

For more up-to-date Comets information, check out Rivers Comets Baseball Club on Facebook!

17071MC1

STRATHCLAIR C•R•E•D•I•T

U•N•I•O•N

Tuesday, July 11 MEET THE PERFORMERS

6:00 p.m. until dark at Shoal Lake Communiplex

Wednesday, July 12 AIRSHOW DAY!

Parking/Busing opens at 3:00 p.m. & ends at 6:45 p.m.

Airshow starts at 7:00 p.m. with the Snowbirds!

Come as early as you can! Bring a bag chair or blanket, sunscreen and bug spray.

CASH is the show currency.

Admission will be sold at parking lots

Children’s Activities

on BOTH days by: