A Night of Action for a Great Cause
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
On a bustling Saturday evening at the Riverdale Rec Centre, excitement filled the air as the centre came alive with the CWE Wrestling event, organized by the dedicated Rivers/Daly Firefighters. The curling rink transformed into an electrifying arena, packed with enthusiastic crowds that cheered for their favourite wrestlers and booed the fierce villains that took the ring. This annual fundraising event not only provided thrilling entertainment for wrestling fans but also raised vital funds for the Rivers/Daly Volunteer
Fire Department, ensuring they continue their essential service to the community.
The atmosphere was alive with energy as attendees enjoyed matches that showcased the skill and athleticism of professional wrestlers. With ticket sales, a bustling bar, and the ever-popular 50/50 draw, the wrestling night raised much-needed financial support for the local fire department, to help offset tax burdens, purchase necessary equipment and maintain their readiness to respond to emergencies.
Among the highlights of the evening was the inspiring story of local high school student, Hanna Brown. At just 17
years old, Hanna has dedicated herself to pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a professional wrestler, spurred on by the unwavering encouragement of her father, Richard, a firefighter himself. For Hanna, wrestling is not just a sport; it is a passion that she has been nurturing for years. Her journey has taken her across Canada and the United States, where she has immersed herself in the wrestling culture, attending numerous events and developing strong relationships with professional wrestlers.
find out more about the wrestling on page 2...
PHOTOBY CAROLYN PHILLIPS
The match between The Pissed Off Pitbull Robby Royce and Tornado Tony Kozina was refereed by Rivers own Hanna Brown.
Rivers/Daly Firefighters present CWE Wrestling
continued from page 1
This dedication has not gone unnoticed; she has played an integral role in several CWE events, volunteering behind the scenes and even taking on the responsibilities of a referee. Her experiences in the ring and on the sidelines have equipped her with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the world of wrestling.
Hanna’s commitment to the sport is commendable, and her talent speaks for itself. Despite her smaller stature, she holds her own against seasoned wrestlers. She has shown that determination and hard work can lead to success, as she plans to further her wrestling education at a specialized school in Winnipeg after graduating next year.
The support from Hanna’s family shines through her journey, and they have been instrumental in helping her balance her education and wrestling ambitions. The community’s backing has also been overwhelming, with many locals expressing their pride in Hanna’s achievements and their appreciation for the bravery and dedication of the fire department.
Heritage Arts Centre Hamiota, MB Everyone Welcome Hamiota Mid-West Art Show & Tea
Saturday, June 7, 2-4pm
Market, workshops, fleece show and sale, mill tours
Saturday June 7th, 10 am to 4 pm at Carberry Memorial Hall, Carberry Check us out on Facebook, website and Instagram
As she gears up for the next stages of her wrestling journey, the future looks bright for Hanna Brown. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles. With the pathways she is currently forging, many are eager to
The CWE Wrestling event was not just an entertaining night out but also a celebration of community spirit—supporting local heroes like the Rivers/Daly Fire Department while nurturing the aspirations of remarkable young talents like Hanna Brown. As fans left the rec centre, the shared excitement was palpable, and the hope for more thrilling evenings like these lingered in the air.
Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
This Texas-style pulled pork recipe has a tangy barbeque sauce that’s easy to make in the slow cooker.
Ingredients:
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 4 lb pork shoulder roast
• 1 cup barbeque sauce
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp prepared yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large cloves garlic, crushed
• 1-1/2 tsps dried thyme
• 8 hamburger buns, split
• 2 tbsps butter, or as needed
Directions:
1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Pour vegetable oil into the bottom of a slow cooker. Place pork roast into the slow cooker; pour in barbeque sauce, vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir in brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion, garlic, and thyme. Cover and cook on Low for 10 to 12 hours or High for 5 to 6 hours until pork shreds easily with a fork.
3. Remove pork from the slow cooker, and shred the meat using two forks. Return shredded pork to the slow cooker, and stir to combine with juices.
4. Spread the inside of both halves of hamburger buns with butter. Toast buns, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Spoon pulled pork into toasted buns. Serve and enjoy!
Graduation Edition Keepsake
tune in and watch her compete in televised matches in the near future.
PHOTOBY CAROLYN PHILLIPS
Referee Hanna Brown and her father Richard who is a Rivers/Daly firefighter.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Looking ahead
In recent weeks, my feelings of national pride have grown a lot. They have not been triggered by any announcement from any level of government, but by the reactions of ordinary Canadians to the economic, immigration and travel policies of President Donald Trump and his colleagues in the American Cabinet and Congress.
When the first round of tariffs was announced, Canadians did not wait for governments to act. “Made in Canada” labels soon appeared on our grocery shelves. We were given lists of companies that are owned and operated by Canadians and were urged to support them. And we couldn’t help but smile when a sharp-eyed reporter checked the product tag on one of President Trump’s Make America Great Again hats and discovered that it had been made in China.
But the change that has had the greatest impact has been the significant reduction in the number of Canadians crossing the border for shopping trips, vacations or to escape the harsh Canadian winters. The impact to the American economy, especially as it pertains to the border states, has been significant. But so has the honesty of people from many different countries who, when asked why they have chosen not to travel to the United States, honestly stated that they no longer felt safe doing so.
To me, that last statement reveals the greatest tragedy we have suffered since January. Trade disputes can be settled. They may take time and extensive negotiations, but they can be resolved. But when one nation is unfairly demeaned by another; and its citizens are made to feel unwelcome in a
land that once greeted them with open arms, the trust that once existed between those nations is broken and will take many years to rebuild.
But that raises another question. Are there any human leaders, anywhere in our world, who can be trusted to consistently treat all people within their borders with dignity and respect?
Canadians asked this question many times during the COVID pandemic. Our courts ruled that our governments had the legal right to impose the restrictions they did. But many citizens felt that our leaders lacked the moral authority to enforce the rules they set, especially when some of them openly (and blatantly) broke those rules.
Rebuilding damaged trust will be our biggest challenge in the years ahead. It won’t be easy. Everyone has a part to play in making this project a success. Governments, businesses, community organizations, schools, colleges, churches and families must identify things they have done to weaken, damage, or destroy the trust that once existed between themselves and others. And we all must be prepared to do whatever it takes to rebuild that trust. Our future and the futures of our descendants depend on it.
Rebuilding trust requires each of us to make three irrevocable commitments.
First, we will listen before we speak or act. Then, having listened, we will take time for careful thought before responding to serious questions or addressing significant needs.
Second, we will keep the promises we make. In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon tells us that it is better not to make a promise than to promise and not keep it.
Third, we will live within our means. We will not waste the resources entrusted to us and then demand that we be paid more for the services we render.
These three commitments can help build trust at home, in our community, in our country and in our world. But one more thing is needed. We’ll talk about that next week.
Royal Canadian Legion Woodworth Branch #118 Report
Submitted
By
Frances Wilson
Woodworth Legion Branch #118 has 145 members and would be very pleased to have more members. The Legion supports Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and RCMP. One purpose of the Legion is to support Veterans, advocate for their rights and promote Remembrance of those who served in the military. The local Legion also supports the community by supporting education, sports, special events and those in need due to illness or hard times. The Legion promotes the National Poppy Campaign and organizes an annual Remembrance Day service each year. We provide the youth and schools in our communities with the Poster and Literary contest information and materials and send the resulting entries for judging. The Legion has Veteran Grave Marker stakes available at the Legion or Whyte’s Lumber.
The graduating sons and daughters of our members who are pursuing post- secondary education at university, college or trade school are eligible for a bursary and are provided with this information and application form.
The Woodworth Legion has purchased a set of Canada’s Ultimate Story Issue books (46) from CANVET Publications for the Legion Library for people to borrow, read and return.
The Legion is fundraising for a community playground, Clubroom carpet and chair replacement by selling 50/50 tickets (available from members, businesses, and in the clubroom) and meat draws from October to April.
The Legion provides funding for Kenton and Lenore Community bonspiels, organizes an annual Legion Bonspiel and Golf Tournament, supports local recreation minor hockey teams and skating club. Many donations are also funded by proceeds from the Texas Holdem group.
The Clubroom is used by seniors each week day morning for coffee and playing pool.
The Legion Ladies Auxiliary provides several delicious suppers a year as well as coordinating the Remembrance Day pot luck lunch.
Woodworth Legion #118 leadership team: President- Vaughn Wilson, Past President- Michael Ramsden, 1st Vice- Gary Draper, 2nd Vice- Craig Whyte, Sgt. At Arms- Mathew Williams, Treasurer & Membership Chair - Blair Fordyce, Secretary, Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day Chair- Frances Wilson, Military Recognition Book Coordinator- Jack Roseveare, Sports Director- Don Carter, Meat Draw Coordinator- Linda Kent, Fundraising committee- Patrick Routledge, Nicole Wilson, Blair and Vaughn.
Membership fees are $50.00 per year (portion of fees go to Dominion Command, Provincial Command, District and Zone). Woodworth Legion would welcome new members – you do not need to be a veteran or son or daughter of a veteran to become a Legion member –any person can be. Any member of the executive would be glad to provide you with an application form. Our Legion meets in the Clubroom on the first Monday of each month about 9 times a year.
Our Clubroom is run by volunteers under the leadership of Blair Fordyce with the assistance of 2 casual staff. It is open for Texas Holdem each Thursday evening from October to July and Friday evening for Chase the Ace from October until July. The Clubroom is open weekday mornings for coffee and pool all year round. Special events such as birthday parties, anniversary parties and after celebration of life services are accommodated if requested.
Past President Michael Ramsden was honoured to receive his King Charles III Coronation Medal in the Clubroom.
The annual Woodworth Legion Golf tournament is planned for Saturday June 21, 2025 with a steak supper in the Clubroom following.
By Chad Carpenter
Never let bureaucrats get control
AMonday report in the Winnipeg Free Press, stated that “In an email to staff members, MPI chief executive officer Satvir Jatana said the Crown corporation has decided to shut down the computer program, used for special riskextension (SRE) renewals and new policies for commercial customers, and return to the paper-based system it previously employed.”
That decision would not come as a surprise to Autopac customers nor the many insurance brokers who are called upon multiple times a day to solve MPI screw-ups. I have personally seen Autopac agents struggle with the computer and phone calls to figure out what should have been a simple question about a deductible clause on an SRE policy.
Autopac has been messing with regular insurance and SRE for years now and I found out that the “regular” insurance branch doesn’t coordinate with the SRE people even when they work in the same building.
The Free Press also reported “Project Nova had been budgeted to cost $107 million when it was announced in 2020, but that price tag had swollen to $435 million earlier this year.”
The problem with Project Nova and the MPI leadership is that they simply didn’t think things through. Having customers access a computer based on-line self-enrolling, self reporting insurance application and claim system made no sense at all. Having customers apply for renewals or claims by themselves, without assistance from an agent was bound to fail. Customers might only access the computer system once or twice a year, not enough to get a real handle on how it all works. And if insurance coverage applied for by this self-administered model proved to be inadequate or defective, then where would the liability fall?
Applying on-line for your own insur-
Right
in the Centre
Ken Waddell
“ Bureaucracy assumes every problem can be solved by clicking a few keys online.
ance coverage or claim makes about as much sense as customers getting behind the counter at a restaurant and cooking their own meal. It might work, but only until there’s a problem and problems will happen and at the worst possible time.
Unfortunately, we live in a very lazy world where bureaucracy assumes every problem can be solved by clicking a few keys on-line. The assumption is that on-line solves everything, no explanation needed, nobody needs to help out and all the problems disappear into thin air. Business doesn’t work that way..
On a side note, this on-line-clicka-button approach to every problem drives me crazy. When we got new phones a few years back at our office, the sales people were very good but couldn’t understand why I didn’t want a press 1 for English, press 2 for French. Why didn’t I want music when people are on hold? Why didn’t I want to have a press 1 for sales, press 2 for sports etc.? Emphatic, “No!” All I want is a few phones lines that can be answered by our front desk staff and if the people on front desk are tied up, anybody in the building can answer the phone, hopefully answer the question
”
or take a message. The only time our answering machine kicks in should be when there’s no one in our office. In contrast banks, credit unions, Hydro, Bell-MTS and WCG and almost all companies have these multiple choice phone systems which makes me wonder, does anybody actually work at these places or do they all hide out in the coffee room hoping customers will go away?
The above little rant about phones doesn’t directly affect the Autopac fiasco but it does illustrate that Autopac, and many other entities, figure that everything can be handled on-line and without an agent or an employee actually making contact with their customers.
Large companies, including Autopac have to realize that their incompetence and indifference with customer service always causes unneccesary spending. In Autopac’s case, it was well over $400 million of “our” money wasted in a project that “we” knew wouldn’t work.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and are not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
Rita Friesen Homebodies
And, I’m back!
As many of you know much of the pleasure of travelling is planning the trip. Well, I passed on that entirely. Marie planned every detail for our getting to and staying on the Isle of Iona, and then she and Rilla planned the itinerary for Belfast and Dublin. I was perfectly ok with that! The time away was better than I could have dreamed or imagined.
Ten nights on the isle. Each day was filled with sunshine, inspiration, time for reflection and playing outside. There is theory that the Bible is the ‘little book’, and creation itself is the ‘big book’. It’s from the Celtic belief system, and I can support the theory. The isle itself is not large, approximately one mile by three. The shores are rocky with crashing ocean waves, and the coves are filled with soft sand and sculpted dunes. There are several rises, hills almost, that have challenging climbs and wondrous views. After a most delightful breakfast (I didn’t have to prepare anything!), we attended the morning chapel session, returned to our room to read or rest, then picked up a lunch and headed out exploring. Somewhere along the way, seated on an outcropping of rocks, a bench overlooking the golf course, or on the grassy bank of the beach, we enjoyed our lunch, read for a bit and returned to the hotel for a rest before supper and chapel. Do this, and repeat for nine days! My reading included a study of the fourteen Stations of the Cross, a study of Jesus’ final earthly journey, and a book by John Philip Newell, “ Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul”. Both were good for my spirit and soul. A part of the time away was indeed a time of retreat, opening my heart to healing and health, finding direction, being refreshed and encouraged. The time on the Isle of Iona, the abbey, the space and place, the friendship and the reading worked their magic. I am well.
The quiet time on a magical isle was followed by time in Belfast and Dublin. Museums, the zoo, music, great food, love and laughter! (again, I did not have to make a single decision – unless I wished to!) I was amazed and a little sad that I knew so little of the history or Ireland. In Belfast our accommodation was in the heart of the war torn zone in the time that’s known as “The Troubles”. If open warfare, curfews, and restriction zones is troubles….. We spoke with cabbies who wanted us to understand the depth of the rift and the difference between then and now. Folks who recalled clearly the fear and distrust and hatred that tore their community apart. This was in my lifetime. I suppose I was busy with my life to not have taken serious note of the conflict. The Titanic Museum was eye-opening as well and truly worth the time to simply sit in the reality of that time, the privilege and despair all part of one story. It was comforting to learn of the changes in naval laws after the sinking and horrendous loss of life.
(More next week!)
Ref to writer
Gerry Nolan
This is the last of the official memories until next fall. I have spent time thinking back to those days and have reconnected with some of the fellows from the past. There were good times and some rough times as well.
Living south of Kenton for many years I saw the Kenton Cougars play a lot of their games, as well as the visitors who provided
the opposition. The Kenton rink was not a big ice surface. Cougar teams were big and had some guys that could bang you around pretty good. Kenton teams were known as a team who spent social time together who just happened to play hockey or fastball together.
I met so many nice people over the years in each community. My peers and the officials I worked with in the past were all great guys. Thank you, fellows, for all the times we spent together officiating. Great Memories!
I do not recall the year exactly, but my fellow of-
In the spring of 1990, Virden was short of umpires. Mr. Bob Senff asked me about getting involved in umpiring, so I agreed to give it a go. I started out doing some minor ball games where they used the 2 man system. After going to umpiring school and learning so much about positioning, I was able to slow the game down to build confidence. One of the things I learned was to be standing still when making a call on the bases. Again positioning was so important. Some examples of this were, on a play at first base, you looked at the base and went by the sound of the foot hitting the bag or the sound of the ball being caught. On a close play at first they showed you how to sell the call. First base was actually the easiest base out of them all to call.
Working games in Virden, doing minor ball I began working games with Dwayne Barkley and Bob Senff. These guys were so supportive and encouraging. You wanted to be out on the diamond with them and give it your best. Going to the umpire clinic, we practised making those calls on the field and you said it out loud, that helped to give yourself confidence.
Eventually, it was not long until Bob Senff had me working senior ball
ficials nominated me for an award from Hockey Manitoba. I received the Vic Lundvist award for dedication as an official to the game of hockey. That was very humbling. Thank you so much, I have always appreciated that award.
So, over the summer I will work on some stories hopefully for the fall when hockey starts all over again in our communities. Until then I will be sharing umpiring and fastball memories. Thank you to all the fellows that contacted me when I was doing these articles, it was so nice to touch base again!
CountryFest ticket winner!
games. We were out of town covering Reston and McAuley games as well as trips to Brandon and Birtle. I relished working games with Bob and Dwayne as we worked well together. After a game we would dissect games, going over difficult plays or calls that were part of the game.
Another thing I learned was at league games the home manager went over the ground rules. At tournaments it was the umpire who gave out the ground rules.
I worked senior provincial games as well as the July first tournament games which featured the Manitoba Senior Baseball League teams.
In future articles I will share more on Bob and Dwayne. They had me well grounded and my confidence grew thanks to these men.
In the early days, one guy I worked with was Al Taylor. Al was a great umpire and always had lots of fun at games. We had some good times together and worked well as a team. A new friendship for me and I loved it. A little story to share with you. Al Taylor, Bob Senff and myself had worked a few games together and were starting to know one another a bit better. One Sunday afternoon we are umpiring a game in Reston. Now between innings it was not unusual for the base umpires to meet somewhere around second base and chat about whatever, the game, maybe not the game.
Bob Senff is behind the
plate and Al and I are calling bases. Bob was a great umpire, cool, calm and collected as they say. He never got rattled. Anyway, Al comes over to me around second base in between innings and says let’s make fun of Bob and see where it goes. We would look at Bob, point a finger at him and laugh, shake our heads and then go our separate way. Most of the time we were not even talking about Bob, we were talking about something other than the game, but Bob did not know that. He thought we were talking about him.
Finally Bob can not take this any longer and near the end of the game here comes Bob down to see what Al and Gerry have to say, as surely something is going on and he wants to know what he is doing wrong with the way we are carrying on. Bob asks, so what is so funny? Al said to Bob, we just wanted to see how long it was going to take you to come down here and find out what we were talking about. Bob, I will have you know that you are not all that and a bag of chips. That was it! Bob just goes back behind the plate to resume the game, but the plan worked. A little mind game going on between umpires and a lot of laughs after the game. The sting had worked!
Al Taylor passed away not long after that. We all missed him so much. Al was a great umpire and a better teammate and friend. Rest in peace Al, it was fun working with you and thanks for the memories!
This past winter, The Rivers Banner ran a contest open to all our advertisers with a prize being a ticket to Dauphin Country Fest. The winner was Fraser Auction Service. Shown above is Fraser Auction Service owner, Scott Campbell, receiving the ticket from Ken Waddell, manager of the Rivers Banner.
PHOTO BY CHRISTINE WADDELL
25055GE0
Gerry Nolan
Ref to writer
100 years as a United Church of Canada
Submitted By Dianne Kowalchuk
The United Church of Canada is celebrating its 100th birthday on June 10, 2025. It is a fact worth noting that the birth of this church in 1925 was the result of many years of discussion among three major Protestant denominations: the Presbyterians, the Methodists, and the Congregationalists. Formal discussions began in 1902, but the integration of these traditions was not an easy task, and then World War I stopped the discussions altogether. In the West, the need for collaboration seemed much more obvious: immigration had swelled the population of the prairies, resulting in a huge growth in the churches there. Denominations were motivated to work together to share ministers and money. In the years before formal union, many congregations in the West formed “local union” churches, and such successes played a significant role in the push for a national church.
Once the three denominations (plus the Association of Local Union Churches) came to an agreement, the church leaders approached the government of Canada to pass legislation concerning the transfer of property rights. The United Church of Canada
was inaugurated at a worship service attended by 10,000 people and held at the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto. Rivers United was one of those Local Union Churches. Presbyterian and Methodist services began in Rivers in 1908. The Presbyterians were served by the minister at Robertson Presbyterian Church at Pettapiece (formed in 1880). Ministers at Daly Methodist Church (formed in 1893) travelled to Rivers to conduct Methodist services. Services for both denominations were held in the train station waiting room, box cars, Wagar Hall, or wherever space could be found. In 1909, Knox Presbyterian Church was built at the corner of 4th and Main. In 1910, the Methodists gained their own building when the Westwood Methodist Church was moved from Wheatland to the corner of 3rd and Main. Also in 1910, Pettapiece and Rivers Presbyterian Churches became a joint charge. The next step surely was inevitable: in 1920, Knox Presbyterian entered into a local union with the Methodist churches in the area. These included congregations at Daly and Rivers. The new entity was called Rivers Union Church, and its home was at 347 Main Street (the former Knox Presbyterian Church). The Methodist church building was moved to the east side
Kenton professionalCassie Hunter
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
Cassie Hunter grew up on a farm just south of Harding, which is located 3 miles east of Kenton. When it was time to go to school, she took the trip from the farm to Kenton Collegiate where she took grades K-5. She then attended Hamiota Collegiate where she took grades 6 to 12 and received her high school diploma.
After high school graduation, Cassie went to Brandon University for 2 years to get her prerequisites to get into the Medical Laboratory Program at Red River College. Cassie was accepted into a 2-year program where she was taught at the campus in Winnipeg and the second year was a clinical year spent at Brandon Regional Health Center. She learned from Medical Lab Technologists at Westman Lab.
After graduation, Cassie got a position at Russell Lab and X-ray where she was able to go back to school to get her cross-training certification for the X-ray program which was also through Red River College.
Cassie had encouragement from her parents as her Mom was a lab
of the Union Church and was used as a church hall. A single minister served the Union congregations in Rivers, Pettapiece, and Daly for many years. Rivers United Church came into being on June 10, 1925.
The congregation at Rivers United is thankful for the saints who have gone before, thankful for the many faithful who ensured the endurance
of the church through good times and bad. We are a church that is Christcentred and Bible-based. We are a church of inclusion and hospitality. We will mark 100 years as a United Church at a service on June 8th. This service of word, music, and prayer will include participation by all ages. Please join us for this special time to mark a 100-year milestone. Cake and ice cream will be served!
technologist and shared what it was like to work in the laboratories. She also shadowed in the Hamiota Hospital where she spent time in the Lab and X-ray departments. They showed her what it was really like. Cassie said the X-ray and Lab Techs were always so kind and excited to share their knowledge with her.
Away from work Cassie enjoys reading, gardening and travel. In the summertime you will find her at the beach with family and friends. She said her true passion is travelling. She travels as much as she can on her vacation time.
Cassie has always loved science, but wanted a career where she could help people. Laboratory Science was a field she found interesting and exciting. There is so much flexibility in this career.
She was taught the 5 disciplines (Medical Microbiology, Histology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Transfusion Medicine). In a bigger centre where she is employed, she can choose which disciplines she wants to work in.
In a smaller Laboratory, you can have your hands in a bit of each discipline as well as X-ray EKG and Phlebotomy.
Some advice from Cassie to the youth today who are trying to decide which field or career choice they may have, is to see what options are out there. There are many careers that you may not know about. She says most people do not know what she and her co-workers do behind the scenes. There are so many more careers like
her that are exciting and interesting, but just not widely known. She also said do what makes you happy! You only have one life to live so live it to the fullest. Take time for yourself and enjoy the journey.
Very solid advice from Cassie Hunter, who was raised just south of Harding!
Rivers United Church will celebrate its 100th birthday on June 10, 2025.
PHOTO BY DIANNE KOWALCHUK
Cassie Hunter visited the Chichen Itza archaeological site in Mexico built by the Maya people.
Valleyview, Twin Valley working together for agriculture Co-op
Ag Equipment and new fertilizer blending
facility expand market reach
By Anne Davison Farmers’ Advocate
Twin Valley Co-op and Valleyview Co-op are working together to provide grain handling and storage equipment. A joint venture between the Virden based and Birtle/Miniota based cooperatives provides a product line-up that includes galvanized, smooth wall, large diameter bins, and a wide variety of augers and conveyors.
This venture, now into its third year, has doubled their trading area meaning greater buying power for Co-op Ag Equipment and cost-effective efficiencies that are passed on to the farmers of southwestern Manitoba and beyond. Furthermore, this benefits customers with mem-
berships in the either organization. For example, an Elkhorn producer who is has a co-op membership with Twin Valley can pick up an item, such as an auger, from the Virden location and the purchase will be credited to their Twin Valley account. Or a farmer in the Kenton area who purchases from the Miniota location of Co-op Ag Equipment can get credit on their Valleyview membership. And memberships yield dividends.
Above are a sample of the augers available through Valleyview and Twin Valley Co-ops. The co-ops also provide grain handling and storage options through both companies.
The head office for Coop Ag Equipment is at Miniota where many crop
inputs are also sold. Noni Ralston works there and says, “It’s a dynamic location.”
Twin Valley Co-op serves
Birtle, Elkhorn, Miniota, Rossburn and Russell.
But Ralston says they’ve had sales far and wide to producers from Kemnay,
Minnedosa and even into eastern Saskatchewan.
She notes that an important feature that Co-op Ag Equipment offers is a certified warranty technician for Kholer and Vanguard motors that drive the Meridian and AGI augers.
Dwayne Moncur, general manager for Twin Valley Co-op, is enthusiastic about this and other recent expansions.
Twin Valley recently added an 8,000 T fertilizer blending facility constructed at Fox Warren. While staff continue to work at the Birtle Ag centre,
this new fertilizer facility brings greater efficiencies, particularly for large farm operations. Moncur says there are market gains with this new facility and notes, “Before, we had very limited storage. Now, line-ups are reduced and we can fill a B-train in no time.” The new fertilizer facility serves all Twin Valley co-op outlets and beyond, including Rossburn, Birtle, Miniota and Elkhorn areas.
Virden’s Valleyview Co-op serves Oak Lake, Reston, Pierson, Melita, Kenton and Oak River.
Valleyview has a complete line of ag and cropping supplies as well, including a fast and efficient fertilizer blending facility installed at Virden nearly a decade ago.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
From sunrise to sunset the crop seeder rolls along
A local farmer is seeding near Hamiota as the sun sets on May 7. Unseasonably hot weather warmed the ground and gave seeds a boost before a much needed rain helped out Westman farmers. And it looks like the predicted frosts did not occur.
PHOTO BY DALE DAVISON
Canada’s farmland values continued to climb
The average value of Canadian farmland continued its steady climb in 2024, increasing by 9.3 per cent, slightly less than the 11.5 per cent increase reported in 2023, according to the latest FCC Farmland Values Report.
In Manitoba, average cultivated farmland values increased by 6.5 per cent in 2024. This followed an 11.1 per cent increase in 2023 and an 11.2 per cent increase in 2022.
“The increase in Canadian farmland values in 2024 reflects an enduring strength in demand for farmland amid some pressures on commodity prices,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “The limited supply of farmland available for sale combined with lower borrowing costs resulted in an increase in the average price of farmland across the country.”
The highest increases were observed in regions with strong agricultural activity and favourable growing conditions. In 2024, Saskatchewan again led with a 13.1 per cent gain in average farmland values, and British Columbia recorded growth of 11.3 per cent.
All other provinces experienced growth in the single digits. New Brunswick’s cultivated land values grew by 9.0
per cent, Quebec reported a 7.7 per cent change and Alberta was close behind at 7.1 per cent. Manitoba had a growth rate of 6.5 per cent and Nova Scotia reported a 5.3 per cent appreciation in value. Ontario’s cultivated average farmland value increased by 3.1 per cent and Prince Edward Island had the most stable values with an increase of 1.4 per cent.
Only three provinces reported higher growth rates in 2024 than 2023: British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick. There were insufficient publicly reported sales in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon to fully assess changes in farmland values in those regions.
Recent dry conditions across the prairies have led to a robust demand for irrigated land, with interest growing each year. Market availability of irrigated land is very limited. “With persistent dry conditions, the value of irrigated land continues to rise, reflecting its critical role in boosting production and farm profitability”, said Gervais.
Gervais points out that while farmland value appreciation is slowing, farmland affordability relative to farm income
continues to deteriorate. This makes it challenging for those aspiring to grow their land base including young producers, Indigenous peoples and new entrants.
In 2024, total Canadian principal field crop production is estimated at 94.6 million tonnes, up 2.7 per cent from 2023 and 3.3 per cent above the five-year average. Lower prices for grains, oilseeds and pulses resulted in an estimated decline in main field crop receipts of 11.8 per cent in 2024. “The profitability pressures combined with the current uncertainty with regards to trade disruptions create significant headwinds for farm operations looking to invest,” mentioned Gervais.
“Overall, the increase in farmland values is a testament to the strong outlook for the demand of agricultural commodities and the high-quality food produced in Canada,” said Gervais.
FCC has reported a national trend of increasing farmland values for more than 30 years and 2024 extends the streak. The overall trend reflects the ongoing strength in demand for quality farmland and limited supply of farmland available for sale.
Puppy love: dogs & rodeo brings couple together
By Ken Waddell Farmers’ Advocate
The Manitoba Stock Dog Association (MSDA) is a provincial organization dedicated to promoting the training and use of stock dogs in Manitoba and they are affiliated with the Canadian Stock Dog Association. The MSDA hold trials all around the province for cattle and sheep handling. A stock dog trial uses farm practical courses to showcase what you might do at home when working cattle or sheep. During a trial, 3 cattle or sheep are herded around an obstacle course and scored based on time and points.
Telissa Houston, who lives south of Arden, got into the sport after college. “When I was looking for a dog to rodeo with, I got Rosco, a Blue Heeler/ Border Collie/Aussie cross. Rosco had the instinct so I started getting lessons and training and it was so much fun working with Rosco at home and at a trials. I always enjoy it as I have a special bond with Rosco. We are a team. If I am not on point, he isn’t either. We’ve had many accomplishments since we started to compete in 2022. Last year, at the Minnedosa sheep final we won our first buckle in the novice class. The MSDA is an
amazing group of folks and we call ourselves the stock dog family. Even though we are competing against each other, it doesn’t feel like it as we are all friends, cheering each other on. The group is so great and very welcoming to newcomers.”
Houston met her fiancee, Andre Aube, at HyLife where she used to work and he was a truck driver for Steve’s Livestock.
“We started hanging out and our first date was in Neepawa where he met Rosco and played fetch with him all night to get Rosco’s approval so he could get mine. Andre was very supportive. He would watch me work my dog and drive me to lessons.
Last summer, I qualified for the Canadian Cattle Dog finals in Alberta and we headed there to compete. Campbell Forsyth, of Eriksdale, Manitoba, a long time mentor and part of the stock dog family was there. Andre wanted to get a dog of his own to do this sport with me and it just so happened that Campbell had a nice, well bred pup off his dog Pearl which we really liked. We made a deal and named his dog Hitch.”
Both Aube and Houston love dogs and fell in love with the sport which is why it made sense to do a stock dog trial as part of their social to celebrate their wedding as they both enjoy the sport and everyone in it so much.
Some places to find this pair of sheep dog enthusiasts this summer include the Souris Peacock Days in July, the Dauphin Fair at the end of June for the cattle dog finals, and the Morris Stampede for the sheep finals!
(Do you have an interesting event or organization you’d like to share? Please reach out to newsroom@neepawabanner.com
Thank you to Telissa for all your help in the writing of this article.)
Telissa Houston and Andre Aubre with Rosco and Hitch at their recent sheep stock trials. The engaged couple held a unique wedding social by inviting friends to a Stock Dog trial at their farm at Glenella.
How to Choose and Grow the Best Perennials
Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge
Perennials give you many years of beauty and should be included in the garden, in spite of the challenge of planting them appropriately. I feel that it is important to plant perennials that give you colour throughout the season and extremely attractive to butterflies and bees. They need to be well-behaved in the garden as the last thing that we need is planting a long-term problem plant. A selection of Chrysanthemums (Mums) is one of the best perennials to provide lots of great colour late in the season. However, there is a great difference between the type of chrysanthemum that will bloom in areas that have short seasons as Mums are a type of flower that is triggered by the daylength. It is actually the night length that is important but for some silly reason when plants need a certain amount of dark hours to trigger the bloom we call it “daylength”. The confusing world of horticulture and gardening continues! At any rate, Mums are a perennial that blooms late in the season when our nights are getting much longer than the day. Unfortunately, when you live in an area whose growing season is short and it is also a cooler climate, those short days (long nights) are often after we get a killing frost and daytime temperatures are not very hospitable either to growing outdoors. Thus, the Morden series of Mums began and these Mums use not only the length of night but also the temperature to trigger the bloom. So in order to get Mums to bloom prior to the temperature becoming too cold outside, it is necessary in the prairie climate to grow “Morden Mums”. For my garden, I chose a selection of Mums that will successfully give us colour in September most years when most
of the other perennials are long past blooming. Unless otherwise stated, they are all about 18 inches (45cm) in height and will spread to about 30 inches (75cm). These Mums have an upright spreading habit of growth with a very fine texture. This is truly a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefbiz’ which is also known as the Showbiz Mum was developed with a cross between Morden Fiesta and Morden Canary and has an abundance of lovely light purple pompom like flowers.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefdream’ or Dreamweaver Mum is a bit larger Mum with a height of 30 inches (75cm) and spreads 48 inches (120cm). It has lovely soft mauve-coloured flowers with flared trumpet-shaped petals on the margins and an attractive yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefdust’ or Stardust Mum produces an abundance of dusty rose flowers with fluted petals.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefstorm’ or Firestorm Mum is about 22 inches (55cm) in height and spreads 40 inches (100 cm) with outstanding deep red petals with an attractive yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jefsurge’ or
Holistic and natural solutions for tick control
Published Author,
Holistic Wellness Certified Hypnotist (C.H.)
Marie Evelyne Gingras
Ticks. Tiny little hitchhikers that no one ever invited to the picnic. Whether you are digging in the garden, walking your dog through the woods, or just lounging in the backyard, these clingy pests have a way of showing up unannounced and unwelcomed. Besides being annoying, they carry serious diseases like Lyme disease. But if you are not into soaking yourself (or your pets) in chemical sprays, no worries because Mother Nature has your back with some surprisingly impressive natural solutions.
Let us start with something that smells amazing: essential oils. You might enjoy the calming scent of lavender or the fresh zip of lemongrass, but ticks? Not so much. In fact, they hate strong plant oils like eucalyptus, cedarwood, geranium, and peppermint. You can whip up your own tick-fighting spray with 10 to 20 drops of essential oil, a splash of witch hazel or apple cider vinegar, and water. Pop it all into a little spray bottle, give it a good shake, and spritz away on your shoes, pants, arms, and wherever else ticks like to lurk. Heading out with your pup? You can dab a few drops of diluted, pet-safe oil on a bandana or cloth collar to help protect them too.
Another secret weapon from the nat-
ural world? Diatomaceous earth. Sounds fancy, but it is ancient algae that has been crushed into a soft powder and about $20 on Amazon. It is harmless to humans and pets, but to ticks it is like crawling through a desert made of broken glass. Just sprinkle some food-grade diatomaceous earth around garden beds, fence lines, and shady hangouts where ticks like to hide. It does not kill them with chemicals, but it dries them out the old-fashioned way. Just reapply after rain to keep it working like a charm.
And hey, do not underestimate the power of good habits. Wear light-coloured clothes so you can spot a tick before it settles in. Tuck your pants into your socks, yes, it is a fashion faux pas, but it is a total win for tick defense. Stick to the middle of trails when you are out in nature and try not to brush up against tall grass or shrubs where ticks love to hang out. When you get home, do a quick tick check: behind your knees, under your arms, around your waist, and behind your ears are all tickfavourite hiding spots. Toss your clothes in the dryer on high for 10 minutes, and you will zap any sneaky stowaways before they get comfy.
The best part? None of these natural tricks involve spraying chemicals all over yourself or your pets. With a little help from essential oils, some well-placed powder, and smart outdoor habits, you can keep ticks far, far away without giving up time outside. So go ahead, enjoy your garden, your hikes, and your hammock naps. Nature’s got your back, as always.
Power Surge Mum has fully double red flowers.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Jeftail’ is about 30 inches high (75cm) and spreads about 48 inches (120 cm) and has outstanding peachy-orange flower buds that open to double blossoms of tangerine that fade to light yellow.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Morden Fiesta’ has stunning purple flowers with a yellow centre.
Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Prairie Lavender’ has soft pink to lavender blooms.
It is my hope that this article will entice you to try growing the Morden Mums!
Chrysanthemums provide a lot of late season colour in prairie gardens.
Comets fall in an extra inning
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
The 2025 South West Baseball League season is underway.
The Rivers Comets opened their slate at home on May 25. They fell to the visiting Oak River Dodgers, 10-9, in eight innings.
The Comets were slated to play in Brandon against the GW Vacuum Truck Service Young Gun on May 27 after the Banner deadline. The team is in Souris on May 30. It competes in Reston on June 3.
Against the Dodgers, the hosts took a 1-0 second inning lead and were up 4-2 after two. Oak River outscored Rivers 3-1 to have a deadlocked score of 5-5. Both teams scored three in the sixth. With no runs scored in the seventh frame, the contest went to an extra inning tied at 8-8. Oak River scored twice in the top of the frame. Rivers pushed one across in the bottom but could not tie things up.
Fred Hrycak was two-for-four at the plate for the Comets and drove in five runs. Owen Wareham drew two walks and hit two doubles. Pitcher Scott Beever got the start for the Comets. He allowed eight runs - three earned - on seven hits. He struck out 12. Luke Hrycak threw two innings of relief. He allowed one run on two hits and was tagged with the loss.
Paper Run – Fourth stop Kenton
By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner
The next stop on my Thursday paper route is Kenton. Kenton is my hometown. I had spent many years living around Kenton before I moved to Virden for a few years, then came back home to live and retire in.
The sign just outside of town says, “Kenton, the best little town by a dam site.” It is true, there is a dam just south of town which is very busy in the summer. There are camping sites and on August long weekend they host their annual
swimming lessons. In the middle of town, we have a huge park which is still being developed and a stage for summer entertainment. There is also a pickleball court which is new to the town, replacing the old tennis court.
Kenton businesses that line main street include a car dealership and a shop. Next is Brierwood Creek Cafe and liquor a vendor followed by Whyte’s Lumber, a credit union Guild insurance and the Coop hardware and grocery store with a cardlock fuel station. Redferns Farm Service and All about
Oak River Dodgers
The Dodgers opened their season with an 8-7 home victory over the Young Guns. Pitching in relief, Riley Shamray earned the win as he struck out four and allowed zero runs and two hits in just over three innings of work. Shamray and Kaden Rozdeba each drove in two runs. Dylan Schroeder started for Oak River and Chase Anderson threw in relief.
In the win over the Comets, Rozdeba and Schroeder each drove in three runs. Shamray threw 2.33 innings of relief and picked up the win. He did not allow a run and surrendered only two hits. Ty Paddock started. He allowed four runs on three hits over three innings. In 2.66 innings of relief duty, Rozdeba allowed four runs on four hits.
The Dodgers are on the road June 1. They first play in Deloraine and then compete in Souris.
Hamiota Red Sox
The Hamiota Red Sox defeated the Reston Rockets, 6-2, on the road in their first outing of 2025. Joel Strachan hit a home run for Hamiota. Teammate Chael Rozdeba drove in two runs. Brady Waddell earned the win. In five innings of work, he allowed one run on three hits. Waddell struck out seven. Tyler Wood threw two innings in relief. He allowed one run on three hits.
The Red Sox play in Virden on May 30. On June 1, they are on the road against the Wawanesa Brewers and compete in Boissevain the same day.
Flowers are located near the west end of the town. Kenton also had numerous trades people in and around town.
Traille Works, Starcraft Cabinets, Woodworth Electric and Jody’s Shop just north of town are all included in this community. We have a post office as well as a town hall and a Royal Canadian Legion Clubroom. We also have a great Fire Station run by volunteer firemen! The town has a rink which is busy in the wintertime, it has natural ice and there is also a playground and ballpark and a daycare center as well as Ronin and Farmers edge. Whew, for a small town, there is a lot to see and explore. Kenton also has a walking trail that goes from the west end of town to the beach
area down at the dam. There are lots of friendly people, down to earth people which makes it a great place to live.
Kenton also has several businesses which offer lawn care and snow removal. There are several new homes, and some older homes made look newer with renovations that are really attractive.
There is a senior program as well as the town has a lot of seniors living here. For the most part it is a quiet little town, an inexpensive place to live in your retirement years. We have many new people who just come to Kenton to live.
So, take a drive this summer and pop into town, take a look around and enjoy all this village has to offer!
Letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Dear Minister Dabrusin,
I am writing to express deep concern over Parks Canada’s abrupt reversal of its decision to allow motorized boat access on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.
The decision to impose a ban just days before the May long weekend with inadequate notice, consultation, or clear justification, has blindsided the community and undermined months of preparation. Businesses, families, and visitors planned their season based on Parks Canada’s earlier commitment this year to the “one boat, one lake” policy.
That plan had broad support and was understood to be in place for the 2025 season.
As recently as May 12, 2025, emails obtained show that Parks Canada was still advising that motorized boats would be permitted on Clear Lake. Then, without any public consultation or explanation, that guidance was abruptly overturned.
When pressed for clarity Parks Canada officials offered no explanation, leading the Brandon Sun to report that the agency “did not directly answer the Sun on the question of what changed between January and May”.
Minister, communities around Riding Mountain National Park are losing confidence in the agency you are responsible for. Many now feel that Parks Canada has lost sight of the fact our national parks are meant to be enjoyed by all Canadians—not managed behind closed doors at the expense of the very people who live near, work in, and visit the park.
I urge you to take immediate steps to rebuild that trust. Specifically:
1. Reverse the decision and reinstate the previously announced “one boat, one lake” policy, which allowed responsible and controlled access while addressing environmental concerns.
2. Assign new local leadership to the Riding Mountain Field Unit. Trust in the current superintendent’s office has been severely damaged, and a change is necessary to restore confidence.
I hope you will take this matter seriously and respond with action.
Sincerely,
Dan Mazier Member of Parliament Riding Mountain
Rolling River School Division
Commercial Buildings For Sale By Tender
The Rolling River School Division is selling by tender, the following two buildings in Minnedosa, Manitoba, that are surplus to its’ needs.
Transportation Garage and Office Building 154 Main Street South, Minnedosa, Manitoba
The building is 11,306 square feet, two stories plus mezzanine, slab on grade and has a fenced compound. The parcel has frontage along Main Street South of 252.0’ and depth of 132.0’.
Maintenance Shop / Armory Building 21-1st Avenue SW, Minnedosa, Manitoba
The building was originally an armory and is 10,106 square feet, two stories plus mezzanine.
Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds
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tions on our website at www. mcna.com.
URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www. mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details. NEED CLASS 1 DRIVERS?
SUMMER HIRING? SELLING SOMETHING? Jump on our great prices and start getting responses! Book your blanket classified ads, seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book, or call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com PROPERTY FOR SALE /
LAND FOR SALE / REAL ESTATE
Nice 20-acre retirement or subdividing opportunity 4 miles west of Brandon on paved road. 1,572 sq.ft. home including appliances, wheelchair accessible, 1-level, attached garage. Also, additional adjoining subdivided 5-acre lot. Immediate possession, private sale. $750,000.00. Call 1-204-723-0083 for appointment to view, anytime. FINANCIAL SERVICES Private mortgage lender.
All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca FEED AND SEED FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
Riverdale Municipality council meeting summary
By Laura Gill
April 22, 2025
Mayor Heather Lamb called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. All councillors were present except Councillor Tyson Peters, who sent regrets. Several pieces of correspondence were received and filed, including updates from the Province of Manitoba, CN Rail, and Western Financial. Key Resolutions Passed:
• Mission and Vision Statements Adopted: Council formally adopted updated mission and vision statements focused on safety, sustainability, and modern community development.
• Fee Schedule Updated: Council approved updates to various municipal service fees, including cemetery services and map pricing.
• Credit Card Payment Policy Expanded: Amendments to Policy ADM22-02 now allow for broader acceptance of credit card payments, including utility bills, taxes, permits, and more.
• Delco Water Contract Renewal: Council approved a two-year, $66,386.54 contract with Delco Water for enhanced support at the water treatment plant.
• Gravel and Mowing Tenders Awarded: Gravel hauling awarded to Stewart Endeavors at $1.45 (loading) and $0.58 (hauling) per yard. Roadside mowing awarded to the Dueck team at $124 per mile for two cuts in 2025.
• The first intake for Donation and Grant Policy was reviewed and council approved four community grant applications, including $550 to the Riverdale Golf and Country Club and $250 to the Rivers Baseball Association; two others await final documentation. Agreements Renewed:
• Mutual Aid Agreement (2025–2029)
• MPI Speed Sign Program Councillor Mason raised concerns regarding hazardous waste collection and event planning for the upcoming
Rolling Into Rivers celebration.
Adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
May 6, 2025
Mayor Heather Lamb called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All councillors were present except Councillor Tyson Peters, whose resignation effective May 2 was formally accepted with appreciation for his service.
Lorri Matthewson provided an update on strategic plan priorities. Council reviewed correspondence from AMM, Manitoba Good Roads, and MMA.
Key Resolutions Passed:
• Fire Ban Enacted: Due to high wildfire risk, all outdoor open burning is banned, except within CSA- or ULCcertified fire pits. The ban remains until conditions improve.
• Grader Purchase Approved: Council authorized the CAO to sign lease papers for a grader under Sales Agreement 4844178 from Toromont Cat.
• Tax Levy By-Law Passed:
By-law 2025-02 for 2025 municipal taxes received second and final readings.
Committee updates were received from various departments, including Public Works, Fire Services, Recreation, Cemetery, and Transit.
Mayor Lamb congratulated CAO Marci Quane on her Women of Distinction nomination and shared positive news about Jeremy Bray’s medical progress, noting strong community support.
Adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
May 20, 2025
Mayor Heather Lamb called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All councillors were present. Several pieces of correspondence were reviewed and filed including: Manitoba Dutch Elm Disease Bulletin, Rivers Collegiate Scholarship Award confirmation, Ministerial notice of the 2025 Municipal Operating Grant Financials: Council approved accounts totalling $385,174.30, represented by cheques #15681 to #15747.
Key Resolutions Passed:
The parcel has frontage along 1st Avenue SW of 83.65’ and depth of 265’.
Both properties are zoned CC – Commercial Central Zone. As per provincial guidelines, reasonable consideration will be extended to proposals /bids whose objectives are to meet educational, recreational, or cultural needs within the community.
The properties are to be sold as is, where is, with the purchaser to assume any and all legal costs incurred.
The highest or any tender is not necessarily accepted. Tenders close at 12:00 Noon, September 2, 2025
Visit https://www.rrsd.mb.ca/division/tenders for property profile information / summary documents and the process to view the properties and submit a bid.
• Culvert Application – Clark: Approved conditional on receiving provincial water licensing approval and execution of a development agreement. All costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
• HR Policy RRSP Addendum: Policy HR-02-15 was amended to allow employees to withdraw personal voluntary contributions at any time. Employer-matched funds remain locked until retirement, resignation, or termination.
• Event Street Closure – “Rolling into Rivers”: Temporary street closures were approved in principle to accommodate CN’s Little Obie train attraction during a weekend event.
• Special E vent – Peters/ Beamish Wedding: Council approved a noise by-law extension (from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.) for a wedding on September 7, 2025, along with conditional use of municipal land for parking.
• Trail Access – J Lok: Approved in principle. Fencing and signage will be installed to discourage unauthorized access while maintaining re-
spectful river access. A formal access and liability agreement will be drafted.
• Employee Assistance Program: Council approved Riverdale’s participation in the FSEAP (Family Services Employee Assistance Program) with costs fully covered by employees.
• Memorial Drive Remediation: Council accepted a final engineering report from Burns Maendel Consulting Engineers Ltd. confirming that all deficiencies in the 2020 sewer and water infrastructure installation along Lake Road have been remediated to satisfaction. Warranty work is complete and documentation finalized.
By-Laws Considerations: ByLaw 2025-03 – Water Agreement with RM of Whitehead: Council gave first reading to formalize billing procedures for delinquent water accounts under an intermunicipal agreement.
Administration Report: CAO Quane reported on administration tasks including GST, audit, DFA, and utilities. Adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
AAO Riverdale Mun.
Local High School Rodeo Riders Shine at MHSRA Rodeo in Oak Lake
Boryskavich, Alexandria Hamiota
Member Name town
Boryskavich, Alexandria Hamiota
Nykoliation, Lane Hamiota
Bond, Boden Kenton
HS
HS Tie down roping 9
HS Team roping 2
HS Tie down roping 5
HS Team roping 1
HS Barrel racing 24
Gompf, DenverOak Lake
Lane Hamiota
By Evelyne Nolan Rivers Banner
LBond, Hudson Kenton
Logan, Jo-Hannah Lenore
ocal high school rodeo athletes from across the region highlighted their talent and determination at the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA), held on May 24 and May 25 in Oak Lake. Competitors faced off in a range of events, from barrel racing and breakaway roping to bull riding and goat tying. Riders demonstrated not only skill and grit but also the sportsmanship and camaraderie that define rodeo at its core.
Gompf, DenverOak Lake
Gompf, Garrett Oak Lake
Local riders earned top scores in their events, securing spots to represent Manitoba at the upcoming Canadian High School Rodeo Finals. For many of the young competitors, the MHSRA finals marked the end of their high school rodeo journey, while for others, it was a stepping stone to future competitions. No matter their placing, each rider left the arena with memories, lessons, and the pride of having competed among the best.
Gompf, Spencer Oak Lake
Beernaerts, Easton Rapid City
The MHSRA continues to promote rodeo as a sport that builds confidence, responsibility, and a strong connection to community. Oak Lake proved to be a fitting host, once again bringing together tradition, talent, and the true spirit of rodeo. For more details and for each of our community riders’ standings, please visit https://mhsra.ca/.
Beernaerts, Emerson Rapid City
Boryskavich, Alexandria Hamiota
Robins, Jorja Rapid City
Nykoliation, Lane Hamiota
Bond, Boden Kenton
Wright, Jessica Rapid City
Bond, Hudson Kenton
Beernaerts, Emerson Rapid City
Everyone is a volunteer on rodeo day. Riders help direct the calves to run the right direction when released from the chute during the rodeo.
Riders on deck. These riders wait just outside arena for their chance to compete at the Manitoba High School Oak Lake Spring Sun Rodeo.
PHOTOS BY EVELYNE NOLAN
U17 Volleyball Club Takes the National Stage
By Carolyn Phillips Rivers Banner
In an exciting development for local sports, the U17 Big Bear Volleyball Club has made headlines by qualifying for the National Championship, showcasing the immense talent and dedication of its players from Rivers. The four remarkable athletes representing the club are Annika Schmidt, Meadow Chiborak, Stella Roulette, and Evan Morgan. Under the guidance of committed coaches Charley Harness and Georgia Maxwell, along with the invaluable support of technical director Jeff Maxwell, these young athletes have displayed not just skill but also sportsmanship and teamwork.
The journey to the nationals began with the club’s rigorous participation in provincial competitions, where they faced a plethora of challenges but demonstrated their promise and potential. Their hard work culminated in a well-deserved trip to compete against some of the best young volleyball teams in the country at the prestigious championship held in Edmonton.
During the tournament, the U17 Big Bear Club played with unyielding spirit, representing not just their team but the entire community of Rivers and other schools in the area. The competition was fierce, with teams from various provinces showing off their talent and determination. Winning a mix of matches and learning from their losses, the Big Bear squad showed resilience and tenacity throughout the tournament.
Their performance at the national level was commendable—they finished in 123rd place out of 181 participating teams. While they did not reach the finals, the experience gained from competing on such a significant stage is invaluable. The girls had already proven their capability by battling through the provincial ranks, and reaching the nationals
itself is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the sport. As they faced off against some of Canada’s top young volleyball talent, the athletes learned valuable lessons that will undoubtedly contribute to their growth as players.
Reflecting on the tournament, coach Charley Harness expressed immense pride in the girls. “They played hard and represented our community and the club exceptionally well. “Each match was an opportunity for them to grow, and while we didn’t achieve our ultimate goal, the experiences gained here will shape them for years to come.” Co-coach Georgia Maxwell echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the tournament was not just about winning but also about building friendships, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. As the dust settles from the national competition, the focus will shift towards training and preparing for future seasons. The experiences at the nationals have undoubtedly sparked an even greater passion for the sport among the players. They have returned home with stories of camaraderie, lessons learned, and memories made. Armed with new skills and insights, Annika, Meadow, Stella, and Evan
will be stronger in their future endeavours.
The U17 Big Bear Volleyball Club’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes in Rivers and surrounding communities, proving that with dedication, teamwork, and perseverance, they too can achieve remarkable feats in the world of sports. As they gear up for what lies ahead, the echoes of cheering fans and the spirit of competition will surely motivate them to continue striving for excellence in volleyball.
From left to right: Annika Schmidt, Meadow Chiborak, Stella Roulette, Evan Morgan.