Revving Up for the Rapid City Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
On Saturday, March 1, snowmobile enthusiasts gathered for the highly anticipated Rapid City Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby. Despite the challenging trail conditions, the event saw an impressive turnout, with over 200 snowmobile riders participating. These riders showcased a diverse array of machines, ranging from vintage snowmobiles of the 1960s to some of the latest models on the market today. The excitement was palpable as participants traveled from across Manitoba, with some even journeying from as far as Gerald, Saskatchewan.
The day kicked off with the roar of engines and a palpable sense of camaraderie among participants. Riders were eager to hit the trails, showcasing their skills and the unique character of their snowmobiles. Among these machines was the 1981 Yamaha 340 Enticer Deluxe, a classic that turned heads and carried a sense of nostalgia for many in attendance. This magnificent sled was won by Mark Humphries.
The main highlight of the day was the poker game, where skill and a bit of luck could lead to fantastic cash prizes. Travis Belcher of Hi-Way Collision from Hamiota claimed first place with the highest hand, walking away with a whopping $1,225. Second place also saw a generous payout, rewarding Travis Woychyshyn with $735, while two
lucky riders, Joel Berg and Riley Vandermeulen shared third place honors, each taking home $245. The stakes were high, and the excitement surrounding the poker game made for a thrilling atmosphere throughout the day.
Not everyone was as fortunate with their cards, though. Marty Hales earned the title of lowest hand and snagged the prize for the crappiest hand, graciously sponsored by Clark Septic Service. This lighthearted competition added an extra layer of fun to the event, reminding everyone that while winning is great, the shared experience is what truly matters.
In between riding and poker hands, the community aspect of the derby shined brightly. Riders, families, friends, and supporters came together to enjoy delicious rink burgers and sweets from the rink kitchen while perusing the exciting silent auction tables. Attendees eagerly bought tickets, contributing to the communal spirit and supporting various local causes. The variety of items available at the auction showcased the generosity of the community, as local businesses and individuals came forward to contribute.
As the event wrapped up, organizers expressed immense gratitude to all who played a role in making the day a success.
A heartfelt thanks went out to the volunteers, the generous sponsors who donated items for the silent auction, and the local landowners who graciously provided access to the
trails. Their support is what enables such events to thrive and grow, fostering a sense of unity among snowmobiling enthusiasts.
As riders packed up their gear and prepared to make their way home, excitement for next year’s derby already began to build. The Rapid City Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby has become a beloved tradition, offering a unique blend of competition, community, and nostalgia. Until next year, snowmobilers everywhere are encouraged to ride safely and keep the spirit of the derby alive throughout the season. Here’s to more thrilling rides, new friends, and unforgettable experiences.
The riders begin to gear up for the Annual Snowmobile Poker Derby on Saturday, March 1.
He shoots she scores!
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
This past Friday, the Legion transformed into a vibrant hub of hockey enthusiasm as local fans gathered for the highly anticipated Hockey Night. The atmosphere was electric, with patrons encouraged to don their favourite hockey team jerseys. Some attendees chose to wear jerseys that honoured their kids, creating a heartwarming display of familial pride amidst the spirited competition.
As the clock struck 5 PM, the night kicked off with a thrilling sports trivia event that saw seven teams compete for supremacy. The teams that brought their A-game included The PJs, Jinx, The Hawks, The Pool Players, The Golden Girls, More Beer Here, and Disposable Heroes. Each team exhibited their knowledge and passion for the sport, answering questions that ranged from historic plays to player statistics. The audience cheered for their favourite teams, creating an exhilarating atmosphere of camaraderie and rivalry.
The highlight of the trivia night was undoubtedly the triumphant performance of the team “More Beer Here,” who demonstrated a deep reservoir of hockey knowledge to clinch the victory. Their reward for this impressive feat was a round of drinks, which they eagerly celebrated with laughter and cheers. The room was filled with good-natured revelry, underscoring the collective love of sports and the special spirit of community that events like these foster.
As the trivia session wrapped up, the focus shifted to the second competition of the evening: Hockey Darts. This unique take on the classic game featured boards marked with penalties, assists, and goals, turning every
throw into a demonstration of skill and strategy. Participants took their best shots with enthusiasm, hoping to land their darts in the most advantageous spots. Wendy Peters showcased her talent by snagging 1st place, while Season Chiborak delivered a commendable performance to take 2nd place. The excitement surrounding the competition had everyone on the edge of their seats, marking another highlight of an already eventful night.
Of course, a sports night wouldn’t be complete without delicious food, and Wendy Peters delivered just that with her mouthwatering rink burgers. Patrons eagerly devoured these tasty treats, which perfectly complemented the evening’s festivities. The burgers became a crowd favourite, fueling the participants as they engaged in trivia and darts.
Overall, Friday Night Hockey Night at the Legion was a super fun evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Whether it was wearing jerseys, answering trivia questions, throwing darts, or enjoying gourmet burgers, attendees truly immersed themselves in the spirit of the game and community. The event proved to be more than just a night of contests; it was a celebration of the local hockey culture that binds everyone together.
As the night drew to a close, the sense of community and shared passion for hockey left patrons eagerly looking forward to the next gathering. New friendships were forged, jokes were shared, and memories were made, setting the stage for future fun-filled nights at the Legion. Hockey may have been the central theme, but the real victory was the unity and joy shared among all who attended.
Ref Memories
Starting in late January, and going forward until mid March, the Provincial hockey playoffs and tournaments are held each year. You play different teams from all over Manitoba to crown a champion in each category. I will be focused more on the senior side of the playoffs.
The playoff round was a best of 3 series for each round. You never knew what you were getting into as a referee as you had not seen these teams play. The North Central Hockey League and the Southwest Hockey League were leagues I was familiar with but, the other leagues not so much. The Tiger Hills and Souris Valley leagues representatives were similar to the NCHL and SWHL, so sort of knew what to expect.
Teams that came west from around Portage and Winnipeg were a different animal. Teams seemed to want to prove they were tougher and better than the local teams, which led to a lot of penalties in a game. Silly really!
Provincial hockey series also saw teams bring bus loads of fans to visiting arenas and it could be really loud in the rink which was great. Also, there may have been a pint or two drank on the way to games, some just had too much!
One year Kenton met Holland in the playoffs. The team went on one bus and there were 4 buses with spectators going to Holland, others
drove their vehicles as well, so you can imagine the time they would have had. All the teams were like this, great fan bases. Holland also had fans come to Kenton as well.
One series in particular stands out. The Ste. Rose Royals played against Kenton. What was different about this was that CKDM in Dauphin carried the game on the radio. Imagine a live broadcast from the barn in Kenton.
The Kenton rink literally had people hanging from the rafters. It was a sellout!
Ste. Rose had a defenseman that must have been at least 6 foot 9 inches on defense. He was a tree!
Ste. Rose won the series but, oh what a night that game was in Kenton. The fellows from Kenton that played in that game some 40 plus years ago, still talk about that game.
All the teams in the NCHL had people follow their teams all season, and there were lots of fans. It made for a great atmosphere and lots of excitement in these rinks. Unfortunately for the NCHL, eventually the league folded as there were not enough players to play, but oh for the memories they left behind. I could talk for along time about Provincial senior hockey but I will leave it there for now.
Next week I will talk about some of the crap officials put up with, so stay tuned!
PHOTO BY CAROLYN PHILLIPS
Left to right : Season, Ron, Jeff, Crystal and Mark.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Walking the road of misunderstanding
The people of Jerusalem had never seen anything like this. Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth, had just entered the city, riding on the back of a donkey’s colt. “This,” they said, “is what we were told to expect. This is what Zechariah the prophet said would happen on the day our Messiah, our Deliverer, our King would be revealed to us. The prophecy has been fulfilled. Our king has come. Let’s see what he will do next.”
Most of those who saw Jesus enter the city believed that he would act quickly to draft an army, lead a revolt against the Roman empire, and set up an independent kingdom of Israel. They were looking for a king who was a direct descendant of David (Jesus was) and would take back all of the land over which David and Solomon had ruled.
The priests and other Jewish religious leaders had one additional expectation. The Messiah would be subject to them. He could be the top political and military leader in the country. But they were leaders of the “state religion.” They had more power than the king and could depose him if he failed to abide by the rules they set.
But Jesus did none of the things the religious leaders and people expected him to do. Instead, he stopped at the
gates of the temple and entered its outer courtyard. He found it filled with merchants selling sacrificial animals and money changers trading common currency for temple shekels; all at inflated prices and high exchange rates.
Seeing this, Jesus took immediate action. The merchants and money changers were expelled from the temple property. “Get rid of these things,” Jesus said. “This is my father’s house. It is to be a house of prayer. You have made it a den of thieves.”
The priests and Jewish religious leaders were incensed at Jesus’ actions. This was Passover time. The merchants and money changes provided a valuable service to those who had come to worship God in Jerusalem. This was one of three fund raisers held each year to raise money for the upkeep and operation of the temple. One did not just walk in unannounced and destroy what these people were doing. But Jesus did.
And when they saw that, the people began to lose faith in Jesus. He might have ridden into the city as the prophet said he would. But when he didn’t do what they expected a Messiah to do, they rejected him just as they had rejected others before him.
There wasn’t much Jesus could do. He sadly walked away. People didn’t understand why he had come to earth. Even when he told his disciples that “he hadn’t come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many,” (Mark 10:45) they still didn’t get it. One of them eventually betrayed him to his enemies.
Jesus isn’t the only one who had to walk the road of misunderstanding. All prominent leaders (political, business, educational, community or religious) have had to deal with people who either don’t understand why they
we will always meet people who will not understand why we believe what we believe, or why we choose to live our lives as we do. Don’t let that bother you. The
Created by David Harris of Oak River, MB
Perspectives
By Chad Carpenter Tundra
The cheque is in the mail!
The old story goes that, “The cheque is in the mail”. That statement is usually true.
I was perplexed a few weeks ago when we started to hear about Post Office boxes being broken into and contents stolen. I couldn’t figure out what was to be gained by robbing Post Office boxes. Almost nobody sends cash in the mail these days so I doubted that could be the reason.
Then somebody told me that maybe credit card renewal envelopes were being taken and now that activating a credit card is more automated than it used to be, perhaps that was the reason.
Then about three weeks ago, I was checking our Accounts Receivable and came across an account from a long time local customer that wasn’t paid. That seemed strange but when I called them, they said, oh yes, that was paid. They checked their records and they had sent us the cheque and it had actually been deposited. The problem is, it had not been deposited by us, so who did deposit the cheque. The customer went to their banking institution and found out the cheque had been deposited to an account but not ours . It had been deposited to an account at a bank where we don’t have an account.
That was a mystery, but by asking at my banking institution and at the one where the cheque was deposited, this is what we think happened. The cheque was stolen from our mail box at Canada Post. It was deposited by way of a night deposit at the bank but not to the “thief’s” account but to another person’s account where the “thief” had gained access. As soon as it was deposited, they could withdraw cash. I presume there
Rita Friesen Homebodies
Victories!
IWaddell Right in the Centre
Ken
I have verified with at least three banking people that cheque fraud is rampant and that there is a ‘theft ring’ operating in western Manitoba.
would have been a cash withdrawal limit on the account but there would be nothing stopping the “thief” from going back the next day and the next and withdrawing the limit again. If the real account holder didn’t check their account or go over their statement at the end of the month, they might never know that money went in and out of their account. If the “thief” was smart, and we have to assume they are, then they would be careful to never withdraw more than the total value of the cheque or cheques they deposited. That way, the affected account wouldn’t look like it was out of balance by very much at the end of the month. Now, here’s the kicker. I have verified with at least three banking people that cheque fraud is rampant and that there is a “theft ring” operating in Western Manitoba. Isn’t that comforting to know.
I was also told that the RCMP are on it but, I assume it will be difficult to prove for sure. I believe bank machines are protected by surveillance cameras. In contrast, there are many Post Offices that have been broken into but Post Offices apparently don’t have security cameras.
I find all this very upsetting. It’s not that we don’t have enough to worry about with everything else that is going on in the world. I was told by a banker that the RCMP are looking into this and many other problems. I was so frustrated that I muttered, it would be best for the “thief or thieves” if the RCMP catch them before I did.
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.
t’s not often that I am stymied when making a quilt. I was. The colours are perfect, the design pleasing, the presentation acceptable. The original plan was to ‘quilt as I go’. I’ve done that before. This time, no matter how carefully I watched the tutorials, yes-plural!- nothing made sense. Okay, so simply start and surely the work will fall into place. No. The end result was opening/unstitching an entire row of the quilt. Thankfully I conceded before trying more rows. Plan B then. Tying the quilt. I’ve done that before as well. Place the backing wrong side up, layer in the fill, place the pieced quilt top on top and start tying. Knots every five inches in any direction. Problem. I’ve shared with friends that my thumbs are more decorative than useful and I proved it. The backing is a fairly tight weave fleece like fabric. There was no way I could insert the needle and bring it back up without using a thimble to push the needle down, and a needle nose plier to pull it all the way through. Push, pull, tie and repeat for every knot required. The end result wasn’t what I had envisioned but the gift was well received anyways. That project was on the go for weeks longer than it should have been. I would pick it, try again, sew, pick apart and walk away. And now it’s done!
Last week, I scheduled an oil change for the car. Between the temperature, the wind factor and the icy walking, I chose to bring my tablet and read a book. On line. Forgot that detail. I’m not familiar with the settings on the tablet, barely find my way around my phone. Too proud to seek help, I sat and thought it through. Aha! Log in as a quest with my phone and it will sync to the tablet. I did, it did, and I happily read away. For many folks that was a no brainer. For me, a major victory.
It’s almost nine years that I have lived in this home. I have grown accustomed to lights flickering, replacing burned out bulbs in one room in particular, and having a light dim when the printer is in use. I’m used to older homes and flickering lights. The other day when the microwave was in use it was surging, and the toaster was struggling. That was the tipping point. At the urgent urging of my housemate I called a electrician, who recommended one. Within an hour a pleasant, knowledgeable professional was solving the problem. The electrical panels are on the outside wall of the laundry room. Somehow, between the vibrations of the train thundering past and the washer and dryer jiving away, some connections had slightly loosened. After checking all visible connections we were asked to turn on the appliances- the oven, the microwave, the dryer, the toaster, the kettles, the fans and the lights. Not a flicker! Not a dimming light or flicker anywhere. Major victory.
These past few weeks I have been struggling with clear thinking, grief will do that. I’m improving daily. I rejoice with every victory, great or small!
Members
The Three Brains: Unlocking the power of mind, heart, and gut
Holistic Wellness Certified Hypnotherapist
Marie Evelyne Gingras
Did you know you have not one, not two, but three brains? Yep, you read that right! Science has been blowing our minds (and our guts and hearts) with discoveries that show we are way more complex than we ever imagined. While we have always given our head brain all the credit, it turns out that our heart and gut have a lot to say, too. Ready for a fun deep dive into your inner intelligence network?
The Head Brain: The Mastermind
First up, we have the head brain. The one that gets all the glory. It is the boss of logic, problem-solving, and creativity. It takes in all the information from the outside world, processes it, and decides what to do next. The head brain is not the only decision-maker in the body. In fact, our heart and gut have a much bigger influence on our emotions and intuition than we ever realized. The head brain is great at calculations and
rational thinking, but sometimes, it overanalyzes, creating doubt. That is when the other two brains step in.
The Heart Brain: The Feelings Expert
Next, meet the heart brain, the one that makes you feel all the feels. Ever had your heart race when you see your crush? Or felt a literal ache during a heartbreak? The heart sends more signals to the brain than the other way around! That means your heart is influencing your mood, stress levels, and even your gut instincts more than you think. Ever heard the phrase “follow your heart”? Well, it turns out, there is science behind it!
The Gut Brain: The Ultimate Wingman
And now, let us talk about the gut brain, or as some call it, your “second brain.” With millions of neurons running along your digestive tract, this brain controls digestion, metabolism, and immune function. But here
is the real kicker: it produces most of your serotonin, the happy chemical that keeps your mood in check. Ever had a “gut feeling” about something? That is your gut brain in action, trying to steer you in the right direction. Your gut is literally helping to keep you happy!
These three brains do not work in isolation. They are in constant communication through the vagus nerve, which connects them like a superhighway. When they are in sync, you feel great. You are balanced, clear-headed, and emotionally strong. But if one is off, it can throw everything out of whack. This explains why stress can cause stomach issues or why feeling emotionally drained can make thinking clearly a challenge.
Turns out our three brains are working together every second of the day, shaping how we think, feel, and move through life. When we listen to all three, we make better choices, feel more balanced, and navigate life with greater ease. So next time you get a gut feeling, a heart-pounding moment, or a genius idea, take a second to appreciate the magic happening inside you. Your body is way smarter than you give it credit for!
Eggless Orange Cake
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour 2 tsps baking powder
14 oz sweetened condensed milk 2 tbsps white sugar
1 orange, zested 1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 cup freshly squeezed and strained orange juice
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch cake pan.
2. Mix cake flour, baking powder, and sugar together in a large bowl and make a well in the middle.
3. Combine condensed milk, orange juice, orange zest, butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl. Pour mixture into the flour well. Mix by hand using a whisk until smooth, about 5 minutes.
4. Combine baking soda and vinegar together in a small cup until bubbling. Fold into the batter using a spatula. Pour batter into the prepared pan and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 45 minutes. Allow to cool.
New Book “The
Green Path: Thriving with Gastroparesis” reveals a natural path
to healing
can feel like an uphill battle, with traditional treatments often leaving patients frustrated and searching for alternatives. In the groundbreaking new book, The Green Path: Thriving with Gastroparesis, author Marie Evelyne Gingras shares a deeply personal journey of overcoming the condition using holistic, non-medical approaches that have restored her quality of life.
Refusing to accept that medications were the only option, Marie Evelyne explored alternative methods, including hypnosis, food alternatives, relaxation techniques, pressure points, and more. In The Green Path: Thriving with Gastroparesis, she reveals the strategies that have helped her regain control of her health, offering hope and practical guidance for others facing the same struggles.
“I wanted a different path – one that supported my body’s natural ability to heal,” says Marie Evelyne. “The Green Path: Thriving with Gastroparesis is the book I wish I had when I was first diagnosed. It is about more than just managing symptoms; it is about reclaiming your life.”
This book is a must-read for:
• Anyone diagnosed with gastroparesis looking for natural and sustainable solutions
• Individuals seeking holistic approaches to digestive health
• Those interested in mind-body healing and alternative wellness practices
With a compassionate and encouraging voice, The Green Path: Thriving with Gastroparesis empowers readers to take charge of their health and explore natural methods that can make a real difference. It is not just about survival – it is about thriving.
The book will be available on February 20, 2025 in paperback, eBook, and hardcover formats. For more information, interviews, or review copies, please contact Marie Evelyne at (204-512-0573).
About the Author
Marie Evelyne Gingras is a certified holistic hypnotist and advocate for holistic healing who has successfully managed Gastroparesis in a holistic way. Through extensive research and firsthand experience, she has discovered alternative methods that work and is passionate about sharing her story to help others on their journey to better health.
Gingras
Submitted Rivers Banner
Post Office attacks: need to get tough on crime
Dan Mazier
Member of Parliament
Dauphin - Swan River - Neepawa
Over the past few months, rural post offices across our communities have been under attack. I am aware of at least 250 mailboxes that have been broken into in various communities throughout our region.
Criminals have targeted post offices with break-ins, theft, and vandalism in the communities of Neepawa, Minnedosa, Rivers, Kelwood, Arden, Austin, MacGregor, Carberry, Rapid City, Erickson, Onanole, and Sandy Lake – with more stories emerging every week. This is not a coincidence; this is the work of repeat offenders who have no fear of consequences.
I have been meeting with law enforcement, post office representatives, and my colleagues in Ottawa to address this issue. And while I find it troubling most post offices do not even have security cameras, seeing there is a clear pattern of behaviour from these crimes, I’m confident this series of attacks on our post offices are by the same individuals who would not be deterred by a camera.
This wave of crime has forced some post offices to lock their doors at night, denying rural Canadians access to their own mail. This is unacceptable. Unlike in urban centres, rural residents do not have home delivery. When these criminals strike, they are not just stealing mail; they are robbing families, seniors, and businesses of their essential services.
Section 356(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada makes mail theft a serious offence – in fact, this offence is punishable by up to 10 years in prison – yet time and time again, these criminals walk free.
This pattern of repeat offenders is not limited to our post offices though. As I meet with countless victims of crime in my role as your Member of Parliament, it has become very clear that
too many offenders are out on bail, enabled by laws like Bill C-75, which allow criminals to be in jail one day and out on bail the next. We need real consequences for repeat offenders who prey on our communities, not a revolving door that lets them walk free to strike again.
Meanwhile, violent crime is up 50% in Canada, and instead of strengthening our justice system, the LiberalNDP coalition in Ottawa is putting criminals first and communities second. This must stop. We need stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and the necessary resources for law enforcement.
There is also a growing number of rural Canadians who are being targeted by criminals simply because of where they live. Criminals deliberately prey on rural Canadians knowing the response time from law enforcement is delayed.
That is why I worked with my Conservative colleagues to introduce Bill C-364, which would have amended the Criminal Code by adding an aggravating factor for purposefully targeting an individual in a rural area who is far from emergency services. Bill C-364 would have also changed the Crim inal Code’s legal definition of “dwelling-house” to “place”, because many break-ins hap pen to barns and sheds. It is no secret that valuables are kept in storage in rural areas. Unfortunately, when Justin Trudeau shut down Parlia ment through prorogation, he prevented all legislation from moving forward.
Progressive Conservative urged the NDP to fill critical paramedic shortage
Grant Jackson
MLA of Spruce Woods
Progressive Conservative
After a busy few months meeting with residents and organizations in my constituency, it’s time for me to return to the legislature for the spring sitting of the legislative session. It will be an eventful spring as my colleagues and I in the Official Opposition push the NDP government to account for Manitoba’s declining economy, rising taxes, worsening health care and lack of a strategy for pending, potentially devastating U.S. tariffs.
The 25 per cent tariffs planned for Canadian goods and services heading to the U.S. are the most serious economic threat in years to our province and its industries, though Wab Kinew and the NDP have offered no real plan whatsoever to defend Manitoba and the jobs our families need. The premier only made a show of trying to appease the U.S. Trump administration’s border security concerns by announcing in Emerson that Manitoba conservation officers, already overworked, would begin border patrols as an addition to their regular tasks without additional training or more officers hired.
The uncertainty over the tariffs comes as our provincial economy is already severely weakened by the premier’s anti-business attitude and this government’s tougher regulatory barriers that have driven away private investment, dropped Manitoba to the bottom of national business rankings and increased unemployment from four per cent to 6.2 per cent in 2024 - a 55 per cent hike in joblessness that amounts to more than 15,000 additional Manitobans out of work. Meanwhile, mining company Vale is considering a possible departure from northern Manitoba.
The safety of our communities must be protected. The catch-and-release, softon-crime policies must be repealed before more harm is inflicted on our communities.
Rural Canadians deserve better.
Dan Mazier Member of Parliament Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa
Manitobans.
Manitoba Hydro rates are rising as well, after the premier’s broken promise to freeze them. No proposed rate freeze has been submitted to the provincial Public Utilities Board for approval yet this year, despite the NDP’s advertisements for a freeze on billboards and social media. However, at their cabinet table, Kinew and his ministers previously set an annual hydro rate increase of up to four per cent.
The government’s misleading advertising has reached into health care, too, as the NDP congratulates itself for what it describes as progress. At the same time, overcrowded hospitals, ever-longer waits for emergency treatment, MRI tests and hip and knee surgeries, and severe staff shortages point to a system in crisis. The recent death of a patient waiting in a Winnipeg emergency department, and a national report’s listing of four Manitoba hospitals among the eight worst hospitals in Canada, indicate the NDP’s health-care advertising is not only misleading, but insulting.
Here in Westman, Brandon Regional Health Centre was almost forced to shut its maternity ward in January because of a shortage of staff, and emergency rooms in other communities have closed. In December, only seven of 30 emergency rooms in the Prairie Mountain Health region were at full capacity and reliably open round the clock. Hospitals throughout our region were shut down for a total of 89 days in December while emergency departments, such as in Carberry, were closed for most of that month. Unfortunately, a Prairie Mountain board member resigned in recent weeks as Kinew’s NDP tried to shift blame to health authorities for the government’s weak allocation of resources. It isn’t only hospitals in crisis in this region. Our Progressive Conservative caucus has urged the NDP to act immediately to fill a critical paramedic shortage at emergency medical service stations in Westman. In mid-January, Shoal Lake had only one paramedic for 13 intended positions, Virden had nine paramedics at a station intended for 17, Russell had five paramedics for 13 positions and Erickson had filled two of four paramedic spots. These dire shortages are threatening the safety of Westman residents and could lead to deaths. Our caucus is calling for expanded training for primary-care paramedics in rural and northern areas, and for accommodations for paramedics in Shoal Lake to help bring staff to that EMS station.
In fact, Kinew has yet to present an economic plan for the province after his NDP formed government almost 18 months ago. What he has done, instead, is drive up the provincial deficit to $1.3 billion this year after running it up to $1.9 billion last year and simply push taxes higher on families and businesses. The NDP’s stoppage of a phase-out of education property tax will hit cottage and commercial property owners hardest. And their removal of a tax credit on the basic personal amount will have the effect of an income tax increase on skilled professionals whom we must recruit and retain. Moreover, the government’s move to end its fuel tax holiday will hurt all
A lot is at stake as the House resumes sitting in March, and our opposition will push Kinew and this government to stop driving Manitoba into decline and forcing all of us to pay the price.
Full Time Music Teacher Wanted
Boundary Lane Colony School is seeking a full time music teacher applicant to teach music at school for grades 1 through 12 near Elkhorn MB.
• Looking for singing teaching but instrumental talents also very welcome.
• Preferably 2 different sessions for the different age groups of students.
- Flexible times available.
• Would preferably like someone with a Christian faith background willing to teach in a Hutterite context setting.
Contact Jason @ 204-851-3965 for any inquiries.
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Province issues flood outlook
Predicts low-to-moderate risk of Spring flooding
Submitted
By MB Government
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released its February Flood Outlook Report, which indicates a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding in most Manitoba basins.
Spring flood risk is largely dependent on weather conditions from now until the spring melt and throughout the spring. Currently, there is a moderate risk of flooding along the Red, Assiniboine and Pembina rivers and in the Interlake region including the Fisher and Icelandic rivers. The risk of spring flooding is low along several other rivers, including the Roseau, Rat, Saskatchewan and Churchill rivers. Water levels are expected to remain below community flood protection levels. The risk of flooding is low for most Manitoba lakes throughout the spring period. Most lakes are expected to be within the desired operating ranges after the spring runoff.
The Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion are only expected to be operated under unfavourable weather conditions. Additionally, minimal operation of the Portage Diversion may be necessary to mitigate ice-related water level rises on the
lower Assiniboine River (from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg).
The Shellmouth Reservoir is being operated in consultation with the Shellmouth liaison committee to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Assiniboine River, while also providing sufficient storage for water supply and recreation.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is conducting normal spring ice-cutting and breaking work along rivers to reduce ice-jam related flooding. Icecutting and breaking is currently underway on the Red River. Ice-cutting and breaking will start along the Icelandic River once breaking is completed along the Red River.
The Manitoba government, local authorities and First Nations communities are proactively preparing for any spring flooding. This includes reviewing emergency plans, information sharing between governments and preparing resources used in flood responses.
The 2025 spring flood outlook report is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/floodinfo/ pdf/2025/february_2025_flood_outlook_report.pdf.
The next flood outlook is anticipated to be released in late March.
Jets shutout Bombers, advance to play Shamrocks
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
After the Rivers Jets shut out the door on the Minnedosa Bombers, they are headed to the Tiger Hills Hockey League Eastern Division finals.
The senior squad shut out the Bombers three times as it won its bestof-five THHL Eastern Division semifinal series 3-1. After the teams split the first two games of the series, Rivers took a 2-1 lead with a 4-0 victory. The Jets closed things out with a 7-0 game four win.
“We got back to playing our game,” Jets coach Ryan Lamb said. “We played with speed and generated more traffic in front of their net.
The Jets advance to play the Killarney Shamrocks. The first contest of the Eastern Division best-offive series will be on Friday
in Killarney. The Jets host game two on Saturday night.
Shamrocks Scouting Report
During the regular season, the Jets beat the Shamrocks 4-3 in overtime and 5-2. The Jets were 13-3-0-0 in the regular season, while Killarney topped the division with a 14-1-1-0 record.
Ryan Lamb said that the keys to playing the Shamrocks will be similar to the last series: “play with speed, move the puck, and stay out of the box. If we can do those three things, I like our chances.”
Killarney swept its semifinal series, 3-0, against the Neepawa Farmers. In the playoffs, Ty Enns has paced Killarney with 10 points in three games. Enns and Rylan Gudnason have each scored five goals so far. In net, Brian Archibald led Killarney with two wins. Archibald and teammate
Evan Svoboda each had a 2.00 goals against average. Playoff Stats
Jets goaltender Riley Lamb backstopped the team to three shutouts against the Bombers. As of March 2, he led the THHL playoffs with a miniscule 0.47 goals against average and a .978 save percentage. Riley Lamb now has six shutouts in the 20242025 campaign between the regular season and postseason.
“We’re really lucky to have one of the best tandems in the league,” Coach Ryan Lamb said. “Riley’s numbers this year are crazy, and Layne (Anderson) can beat anyone. Riley did exactly what we knew he would, he stepped up and made big saves when we needed him to. We did a good job minimizing chances but when they got one Riley was there to bail us out.”
Josh Elmes has paced
the Jets in scoring in the playoffs. He had six points in four games. Joben Smith leads the team with three goals in as many games.
Eastern Semifinals Game Three Jets 4, Bombers 0 Riley Lamb stopped all 17 shots he faced to backstop the Jets to victory. Rowin Richmond scored
the game winning goal just less than six minutes into the game. In the second period, the Jets scored three times. Riley Shramray, Bo Tibbatts and Jaxon Heeney did the honours.
For Minnedosa, Devon Fordyce made 37 saves.
Game Four Jets 7, Bombers 0
Riley Lamb made 28
saves to help the Jets wrap up the series. The Jets led 3-0 after the first period and 5-0 at the second intermission. Scoring for Rivers were Kale Bomback (two), Josh Elmes, Smith, Kayden Sutherland, Richmond and Josh Belcher. Sutherland had three points on the night. Fordyce stopped 40 shots.
Hamiota Huskies take silver in provincial tournament
of the rink. Congratulations to both teams!
In Pool B the final featured Minnedosa vs Oakville. Earlier in the weekend, these two teams had played in round robin play and had a 0-0 tie, so you know it would be close. Again this game went into double overtime.
What a hard fought game this was. Minnedosa won the gold medal with a 2-1 victory and claimed the gold medal, Oakville the Silver. This game was decided by a good clean shot that beat the goalie high on the glove side. This was also a very entertaining game. Both teams left it all on the ice, what a game!
The Pool A championship game had the host Hamiota squad up against their counterparts from Virden. Virden came out strong and scored 3 goals by the halfway mark of the first period and never looked back, winning this game 6-2. This was also a well played game by both teams. Virden won the Gold medal and were very deserving of it in this game. Hamiota had a couple of chances to get back in this game when they had a two man advantage for a brief time, but Virden really bore down and killed these penalties very effectively. Congratulations to the Virden U13 squad on the Gold medal. Hamiota played really well and should be very proud of winning the silver medal.
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
Hamiota hosted the U13 female provincial hockey tournament this past weekend. There were actually two championships declared at the event.
Pool A consisted of the host Hamiota team, Deloraine, Virden, Grand Plains and Altona. The Pool B consisted of teams from Minnedosa, Oakville, Arborg and La Broquerie. The teams played a round robin
format with the top teams moving on to the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal games. In the Pool B division, La Broquerie defeated Arborg 5-2 to capture the Bronze medal.
In Pool A division play, Altona defeated Southwest 3-2 in double overtime. The winning goal deflected in off a defender’s hand. Southwest were also shorthanded at the time while serving a penalty. What an entertaining game, lots of chances to win at both ends
No tournament is as successful as this without the work of a lot of volunteers. To Nicole Wilson who was the convenor of the weekend and her recruits, what an excellent job you all did. Hamiota has a great complex to host these events. The canteen was busy too, so thanks to all who gave their time to make this a great tournament.
Just a reminder as well, as the Hamiota High School team begin their playoffs Thursday March 6 in Hamiota at 8.00!
Rivers Jets players cannot wait to get on the ice.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Players: Jocelyn Knight, Eveline Wilson, Kaliegh Argue, Brielle McGonigal, Kaiden McTavish, Gracie Muir, Natalie Couvier, Callie Sonnenberg, Blake Airey, Aria Elliott, Prairie Chiborak, Charlie Mayor, Ella Rogasky, Jada Ironman. Coaches: Henry Wilson. Tanya Airey, Doug Sonnenberg
Armchair Gardening
Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge
This is the perfect time of year to become an armchair gardener. Winter is still in full force and there is enough snow outside that not much can actually be done. There is time to sit and read, cover to cover, each seed catalogue that arrives in the mailbox........and if you are not receiving enough catalogues - just ask your friends or turn on the computer! There is a whole world of gardening possibilities at your fingertips! The new varieties, the tried and true, the heritage, the odd and unusual or hard to find seeds are all out there.
If you find you are having trouble deciding what new seeds to order for the garden, there is plenty of help available. A good source for searching out catalogues is as close as your home computer. Type in ‘garden seed sources for the prairies’ or any variety you can think of and you will be amazed at what appears. If you subscribe to any of the gardening magazines they too will usually contain a listing of different seed suppliers. You have just enough time to read through these listings, pick out a few, order the catalogues or shop online. After all, we likely still will have a few days of winter ahead.
In order to have the most success possible it is helpful to understand a little bit about the common terms used in seed catalogues. Reading the small print about each selection is important. Vegetable varieties are listed with days to harvest, which means from seeding date to when you can actually harvest your vegetables. This will always vary within a week or two depending on the weather.
In Saskatchewan you can usually rely on a late spring frost so be prepared.
Other terms you might need help deciphering include: heirloom, heritage, open-pollinated and hybrid. Many plant varieties are hybrids meaning the flowers of two related species have been crosspollinated to produce a new flower or vegetable variety that exhibits superior growth or hybrid vigour. The seed from hybrid varieties will likely be sterile, however, if it does germinate, it is unlikely that the flowers or vegetables will be like the parent plant. In fact, the plants may be sterile and not produce flowers at all. If you wish to save seeds from what you plant, then it will be important to grow open-pollinated, also commonly called heritage or heirloom plants. These plants, as they breed true, are not a hybrid cross so saving seeds from these plants will produce very similar plants when the seeds from these plants are grown.
Last but not least, it is important to understand the difference between annual, biennial and perennial. Annuals are plants that will complete their entire lifecycle in one growing season – germinate, grow, flower and set seed. In less severe climates, what we consider annuals are often perennial in nature – but for us on the prairies they are most definitely annuals. Biennials will take two years to complete their lifecycle and will often only produce vegetative growth the first year and flower and fruit in the following year. Perennials are plants that survive our winter in the great outdoors and live for three years or more.
Spend your time wisely – expanding your knowledge while armchair gardening!
