On Sunday, October 27, at Redfern Hall, in the Riverdale Recreation Centre, a team of volunteers hosted a kid-friendly haunted house obstacle course. All kids who came in costume received candy as well as all that didn’t. More than 50 children came out to enjoy a Halloween day at the Rec Centre.
The obstacle course included four rooms, the spirit talk room with an Ouija board, the witch room with a parking lot for the witch brooms, a fortune teller and a crime scene. There was also a pumpkin patch and a cemetery. The kids had to jump through hoops, over hurdles and cross a ramp to clear the obstacle course.
When the kids were done at the Haunted House, they could move to the rink for open public skating.
Lynne Miller, a licensed REALTOR® for 15 years
this February
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Lynne finished working towards getting her real estate license in February of 2010. She also became a licensed real estate broker in May of 2022 and has worked as the Sales Manager for Sutton-Harrison Realty from June 2019 to September 2024. She is certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager through the National Association of Realtors and holds certifications as a Real Estate Negotiation Expert, Accredited Buyer Representative and Equestrian Property Specialist.
Her first year on the job, she was the 2010 SuttonHarrison Realty Rookie of the Year and continued to push herself to win Top Producer (number of sales) from 2013 through 2020. She has also been awarded annual sales production awards every year 2012 through 2023.
Lynne says, “my favourite part about being a Realtor is the flexibility. I do work a lot of evenings and weekends, but the flexibility has allowed me to see my kids on and off the bus every day and take time off when my kids are sick or have activities to attend. I love helping my clients and guiding them through the process of buying and selling. I enjoy the challenges and problem solving. I also love working from home. I love being able to putter around at home and with my horses during the day when I’m not busy.”
Lynne has lived most of her life North West of Brandon in the Forrest, Rapid City and Rivers area. She was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada with her family in 1988. Her family were dairy farmers near Forrest. In 1996 her family moved to
Prince Edward Island. Lynne came back to Brandon two years later and met her husband Mike from Minnedosa in 2006. They moved to Rapid City area in 2009. They now have an acreage between Rapid City and Rivers where they are raising their two teenage daughters, Laney and Libby and run a small horse boarding stable.
When asked why Lynne became a Realtor, she
Correction: Rivers/ Daly Firefighters
Last week the names listed under the photo were incorrect: Top row L-R: Brayden Johnston Captain, Cory Sedgwick. Bottom row L-R: Jeff Worth, Brendan Mills, Kevin Waldner, Darren Frederick, Byron McMurachy, Steve Hamm, Sean Hammond, Erin Lok, Richard Brown Deputy Chief, Sylke Heijmans, John Bigelow Captain, Josh Tait, Nathan Lenting, Jim Duthie Chief. Missing: Ryan MacLellan Captain, Robbie Brown Captain, Dave Creighton, Tyler Pod, Kora-Leigh Adam, Cody Sedgwick, Josh Currah, Gage Wood
said, “when I was buying my third house in my late twenties, I had a really good Realtor, she made the process interesting and fun, and she thought I’d be good at it. So, I gave it a try. I never imagined that it would turn into the career that it has.”
Lynne mostly works in rural residential and acreages. Currently her inventory of listings is low with only seven listings. She is also helping seven families find their new home. She has a wide area of homes up to an hour and half away. She has carried up to 40 listings at a time in the past and would be happy to help more people looking to buy or sell.
Lynne Miller is a member of the Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce. Rivers and District Chamber of Commerce plays a critical role in supporting and promoting the interests of the business community. Some key functions they are focusing on include Advocacy, Networking Opportunities, Business Resources, Promotion and Marketing, Education and Training, and Collaboration.
Overall, the Chamber serves as a vital link between businesses, government, and the community, fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development.
Joining the Chamber of Commerce is not an expense; it is an investment into your community.
Review these safety tips with your little ghouls and goblins for a happy and healthy Halloween!
Never go trickor-treating alone, and always stay in a familiar neighborhood.
Carry a flashlight and wear bright or reflective clothing, adding reflective tape to your costume if needed.
Trick-or-treat only at houses that are lit up, and never go inside of anyone’s home.
Make sure there aren’t any parts of your costume that drag on the ground or block your vision.
Stay away from pets. Even pets you know may not recognize you in your costume.
Make sure swords and props are flexible, so they can’t accidentally hurt you or anyone else.
Play It Safe on Halloween Rivers Banner
Cross streets at crosswalks, and never enter the street from in between parked cars.
Review a trick-ortreating route with parents before you go out, and be sure to obey your curfew.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Lynne Miller, Realtor for Sutton -Harrison Realty.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Thanks for service workers
It may have been a new television series; but its theme was far from new.
In November of 2003, the Discovery Channel aired the first of three pilot episodes of Dirty Jobs. The idea for the series came from the old saying: “It’s a dirty job; but someone has to do it.” The show’s creators wondered how many “dirty jobs” existed. Then they hired Mike Rowe to try his hand at some of the most difficult, strange, disgusting, and downright messy occupational tasks the show’s research staff could discover. Rowe worked alongside those who did these tasks every day. Viewers got to see what the workers do to provide the services we often take for granted. Over the next 20 years, 187 episodes of Dirty Jobs were produced. They featured hundreds of people completing tasks that the rest of us might not even consider trying; and having fun doing them. I am sure that, had they so desired, they could have easily extended the series for two or three more years. But viewers’ tastes change and the last episode of Dirty Jobs aired in 2023. The dirty jobs, however, are still with us. Every
day, in cities, towns and rural areas throughout this province; we can see people doing some of the same dirty jobs that Mike Rowe tried for his TV show.
These dedicated workers clean our streets, pick up garbage and unplug clogged sewer lines. Some clean rural septic tanks or haul liquid manure from farm slurry pits to fields close by. Some will go out in -40 degree temperatures to investigate a suspicious death, fight a house fire or rescue passengers who have been hurt in a car crash. Others climb hydro poles to reconnect broken transmission lines and restore interrupted service.
To these, we add those who work rotating shifts in health care, emergency services, protective services, transportation, communication, industry and infrastructure. They, or those who work with them are always on the alert, ready to respond when calls for help come in; ready to do all they can to save lives and protect property; and ready to stay behind, if necessary, to offer comfort and counsel to those who are hurting. We hope we never need to access their services; but it’s nice to know they are here when needed.
I have lived in Neepawa for 27 years. In that time, I have met very few of the people to whom I referred in the previous paragraphs. I may not have seen them actively at work; but I have seen and appreciated the results of their work.
So it is to them that I direct the closing words of this column. By your willingness to take on the difficult and often dirty jobs, you enhance the
quality of life in our towns and the surrounding communities. Thanks to your dedicated service, people can commute to and from work on safe roads. Students and the elderly can walk on well maintained sidewalks. And thanks to you, we can count on reliable municipal services (water, sewer, hydro, gas) that will accommodate times of higher than normal demand.
When I think of all the work you do and all the benefits I and others enjoy because of it, my emotions prevent me from putting my feelings of gratitude into words. So I offer a simple “thank you.” to you and to all who take on the dirty jobs that keep our community beautiful, safe and well serviced. May God bless and protect you all.
Would the person who mistakenly took our two 25 foot metal culverts and joiner from our field Friday October 18th at about 7:30 PM please return them. In case you thought we didn’t want them we were waiting for final government approval to install them which came this week.
A red and black Versatile Bi-Directional tractor loaded with two culverts was seen heading north a few miles south of Hwy. 25 on road #115 in the dark.
Anyone with information please call Dave 204-724-3667.
Marvin Rivers,
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
And the winner is…
Ihave been asked many times recently, “Who will win the U.S. presidential election?”
My answer is simple, “I don’t know.”
What I do know is that if Donald Trump is elected, it will be because people are sick of the stands taken by the Democrats who are shamelessly backed by the majority of the media and the entertainment industry. That stand, if you can actually call it a stand or platform, is contrary to what the majority of people believe. I call the Democratic stand “the accepted narrative”.
Many people are sick and tired of being told what they have to think, what they have to believe, what they have to say, what they can and can’t say.
Most people know that the socalled Woke Movement is mostly nonsense and some of it is just destructive to individuals and to society. Even left-leaning commentators like comedian Bill Maher have turned on the Democrats saying the “woke” movement is largely nonsense. I think the breaking point for Maher came when the woke promoters said the U.S. is worse off than even before. He quickly shot down that theory by comparing today to the U.S. slavery days, the 1950s segregation days, the levels of education compared to past eras, the average life expectancy and the level of prosperity compared to many decades ago. Yes, there is a lot of progress that needs to be made, but to say the Americans are worse off than ever before is just plain silly. If the U.S is such a bad place, then why are people willing to risk dying to get into the country.
The left wing, or the Democrats,
Ken Waddell Right in the Centre
could easily lose a very winnable election because they are so out of touch with the beliefs, desires and needs of the average citizen.
In addition to all the things listed above about the “accepted narrative” the Democrats are out of touch on the issue of abortion. Abortion is inevitable in some circumstances. I have studied, pondered, spoken about and actually grieved over this topic. The bottom line was accurately summed up by former Democratic U.S. president Bill Clinton who said that abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Most people especially believe in that last part, rare. Today’s Democrats are going out of their minds about abortion being necessary or a right, almost something to be sought after. They call themselves “Pro-choice” but they conveniently ignore the fact that abortion results in the death of a baby and that baby does not have a choice. And when babies are little more than young children, those same Democrats are promoting how it’s necessary for those children to access gender surgery.
If the Democrats lose the upcoming election it will be due to them having lost their way. They have strayed away from common sense, from their faith principles and from reality.
But what about Trump? People
will say he’s an idiot and a huckster. Well, he’s smart enough to find a way to appeal to a large number of voters. He is aware that a successful politician has to be in sync with the voters. He knows the U.S citizens got tired of wars pretty fast in the 20th century. They were late into WWl and WWII. They got whipped pretty badly in Vietnam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump knows that and he, along with many others believe it’s better to threaten war than it is to go to war. Wyatt Earp was successful not just because he was good gunfighter but because his enemies believed he was a good gunfighter. He survived some battles and died of old age, peacefully at his home. It will be interesting to see if the U.S. voters accept a verbal gunslinger, who is a bit of a con artist, or a person who doesn’t really know how out of touch their words put them versus the majority of citizens.
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.
Homebodies
Rita Friesen
I simply stood…
With the change in the daylight hours, the household patterns have changed as well. Arie, my dog, usually waited until it was walk time to step outside; she is smart enough to know that walk time will be later, preferably when the sun is shining and the temperature above ten degrees!! Now she is eager and willing to utilize the back yard as her relief centre and heads right back into the warmth of the house. I no longer step out with bare feet, and usually grab a light jacket before joining her outside. The sunrises have been spectacular. There is calmness in the air, and quietness, as the colours spread and stretch across the heavens. On some mornings the western sky reflects the glory of the eastern sky. This one morning in particular, I simply stood. It was the calm, the quiet, and the colours that spoke to me. There is a freshness in the air I breathe, there is the reminder of the seasons change in the layer of leaves covering the yard, and a affirmation of a wisdom beyond mine as I hear the call of the geese, an age old call that does not disturb the silence, rather accentuating it. ‘I am a child of the universe’ sounds within me.
My home has been busy this past month with much coming and going. A grandson, at my invitation has moved in; Marie a friend of more than fifty years made her annual visit; a trip out to Alberta shortened the month, so along with the words I speak, the month sped by. I was at the kitchen window, not doing dishes, making a cup of tea. I chanced to look up and out. To really look. And again, I simply stood. This time the colours filled the western sky. Out of habit, I turned to the now empty rooms and invited others to share the moment with me. Aware that I was alone, I continued to stand and absorb the magnificence of the scene before me. Now that the leaves are mostly off the trees, and when there are no loaded rail cars on the siding, I can see the escarpment. The sunset was brilliant, shifting and smoothing pinks and oranges and soft purples across the horizon. I am really not great at simply standing, but all I could do, all I wanted to do, was to stand and watch as darkness slowly covered the earth and the stars began to appear.
Perhaps it is because Marie and I spent much time at Park Lake watching the migrating geese, and took many long walks- immersed in conversation and quiet- that I am more ready to be still. Perhaps it is that once again, I am adjusting to changes in life cycles. Perhaps it is because I am getting older, and wiser. Perhaps hearing the Desiderata read twice this month triggers it. Perhaps it is because I have an increased desire to be at rest, with myself, and the universe, especially with the Creator of the universe. I am learning to pause, and simply stand, with ease.
Faith & Family
Tara Kauenhofen
Cherish the moments
Iheard it said once that motherhood can be described like this, your heart breaking with joy. With each milestone, each new skill learned, each new year that passes, every tooth that falls out and is replaced with an adult tooth.
With each baby feature that slowly turns into a toddler’s face, and then into a boy’s, and then into a floppy haired goofy grinned pre-teen, and then the glimpses and flashes of what will come as a teen and then adulthood.
With every success they have, with every moment they used to need you and don’t anymore, there is a heartbreaking mix of pride that you never knew you could hold for another human being and an equally surprising depth of sadness as another stage comes and goes.
So this past week, when I went to look at the calendar to go over our weekly schedule, I found myself doing a double take and sure enough, my fourth baby boy is almost one.
I found myself scooping him up in my arms and begging him to stay little a while longer, trying to snuggle him close while he wriggled away to get to his big brothers to play.
I found myself watching him, and with every beat of my heart came an ache that was both joy and pain as I willed him to be little a little bit longer.
And like Mary holding Jesus, I found myself pondering these things in my heart.
The memories of all four boys growing flashing in my minds eye like a slideshow of the last almost ten years of my life and all I could think was, God please let me cherish every moment before it is gone and we are on to another stage yet again!
So as my heart aches with joy, as it is filled with the depths of both pride and sadness, I am doing my best to soak it all in.
To stop the hustle and bustle and watch them more, to sit down on the floor in front of them and study their faces, to enjoy them today exactly as they are for only this day, to let the aching and joy co-mingle in my heart and take the time to feel the sadness when it comes to the surface just as much as I do the joy.
To remember in all of this that they co-exist for a reason, they twist and turn and wind through our memories and hearts as a reminder to not take this time for granted and know that someday the pitter patter of little feet will be long gone, the remnant of peanut butter finger prints and dirty shoes will have faded and been washed away and what will remain are only the faint memories of what will feel like a lifetime ago.
Micro moments for connection
Delsie Martin Your Listening Ear
Emotional distance is something that every person in a relationship will experience at some point. There are many reasons for emotional distance including being in a long-term relationship, having children, busy schedules etc… As we go on in our relationships our lives become busier with more commitments which can get in the way of taking time to connect with your partner. Early on in relationships it’s easier to find the time to connect because we are driven to do so in a way that we aren’t as time passes. Even the most motivated of us can struggle to carve out some time for our partners so we must focus on connecting in other, more time efficient ways. I like to call these ‘micro moments for connection’. Micro moments of connection are these small but big impacting things that we can do throughout our days to make a connection with our partner.
Micro moments can begin as soon as the sun rises. Good morning hugs and kisses are a great way to set the day out on a positive note. Don’t forget the, “I love you” as you part for the day. While at work, finding time for connecting can be especially tricky but there are some quick tips at this point of the day. First, send a text message during the day when you are thinking about them or if something ridiculous happened at work. Second, maybe a quick Facetime hello at lunch break or even take it to the next step with a
great for self esteem but great for building emotional connection.
lunch date. Not everyone has the capacity to text or call during the day, for these folks, might I recommend a cute note strategically placed in a lunch kit or in a wallet/purse?
Or, if you have the opportunity, a delivery of a special coffee or treat to your partner’s work. Sharing appreciations with your partner is another way to connect, telling them when they do something that you appreciate is not only
Coming home from work is a transitional period and is often a difficult time to connect, especially in households with children. Make sure that you acknowledge your partner when you see one another after the day. At this point you don’t necessarily have to get into how your days were (unless you have the time). Cooking supper together can be another opportunity for connection or if you prefer cooking solo, having your partner keep you company while you cook can be a great point of connection. After supper is hopefully your relax
time (I’m talking about after kids have gone to bed), this time provides you with many opportunities. Maybe you enjoy sitting on the couch and watching TV. How about switching it up and instead of sitting on opposite ends of the couch, you sit near one another or do this and hold hands. Maybe you sit together, have a coffee and exchange stories about your day or maybe you have a crib competition. Before sleep can be a peaceful (or fun!) time for a couple. Try to use these last moments of the day to connect with good night wishes, I love yous and hopes for a day of connection tomorrow.
Kenton Fall Supper
The Woodworth Ladies Auxiliary of the Woodworth Legion hosted their annual fall supper in Kenton on Friday, October 25. Everyone was welcome to attend the homemade turkey, and ham supper. The meal included stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, beets, mixed vegetables, pickles, and cranberry sauce, all prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary. There were also multiple cakes to choose from for dessert. The fruits were well represented at the dessert table with peaches, apples, blueberries, and pineapples baked into various cakes, and of course there was chocolate!! Approximately 70 people came out to enjoy the supper.
Pipe Band bench has been installed
By Donna Falkevitch
The bench we fund raised for to commemorate the Rivers and District Pipe Band has finally arrived and been installed! Rapid City Memorials made the installation Monday Oct 28 and we as a group couldn’t be happier. The bench has been installed in front of the Riverdale Community Centre.
The inscription on the bench reads “The Rivers and District Pipe Band was formed in 1959 under the direction of Pipe Major Don Mitchell with the support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #75, Rivers Fire Department and interested citizens. For many years the group, which included pipers, drummers and highland dancers, served as ambassadors for Rivers and area at local and international events. The Rivers Service Station, formerly located on this site, often served as the departure point as pipe band members, instructors and chaperones travelled to performances and competitions across Manitoba, western Canada and northern USA, as well as at Expo ‘67 in Montreal, Toronto, Texas, New Orleans and Scotland. The group disbanded in the late 1990’s”.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsps vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted & halved
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the dark chocolate chips and fresh cherries.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still soft.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
Lesley McFadden (with grandson Sterling), Mayvis MacLellan, Donna Falkevitch, Jamie Mc Fadden, Heather Bayne and Carol Fortune at the new bench installation.
Manitoba Ag-Ex results
Pumpkins for the Prairies
Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge
As Hallowe’en is again upon us, it somehow seems fitting to devote some time to the pumpkin!
There was a time when homegrown pumpkins were a rare thing on the prairies as they are native to Central America and Mexico. The growing season there is lengthier than ours so pumpkins that usually need more time to reach maturity do well. Luckily for us, new varieties are coming out every year with shorter and shorter seasons needed to complete their growth.
Pumpkin seeds should be started indoors in late March and planted outside when the ground has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. They need to be planted in full sun but can be pruned to be less “sprawly” in limited space. The large leaves growing low to the ground shade to roots and keep moisture in.
If your pumpkin plant is healthy but not producing any fruit, the problem is most likely that it is not being pollinated. Pumpkins have separate male and female flowers and are best pollinated with the help of bees. You can tell the males from the females because the females have what looks like a tiny fuzzy green pumpkin just behind the flower.
There are many cultivars that you might like to grow so read on and try as you have
for:
‘Autumn Gold’ is a classic mid-size pumpkin, with great orange colour. This is one of the first pumpkins to ripen in the season and will turn orange even before it’s fully ripe. The fruit grows about 10 inches in diameter and a foot tall, perfect for carving. They weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and can be used for anything: cooking, baking and carving.
‘Spooktacular’ is a smaller variety, about 2 to 5 pounds, 6 inches across. It’s a smooth skinned yellow-orange pumpkin that’s great for pies.
‘Big Autumn’ is the best large pumpkin for a Northern climate. It takes the same amount of time to reach maturity as the smaller short season varieties, but will grow to about 12 inches and weigh anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds.
‘Lumina’ is one of the newly developed white skinned varieties. These pumpkins have bright orange flesh but are, honest to goodness, all white on the outside. It makes a tasty and more interesting dish because of the colour contrast but is also great for carving or just painting on. The Lumina grows to 8 inches by 12 inches tall and can weigh up to 15 pounds.
‘Jack Be Little’ is a delightful ornamental pumpkin. One plant should produce a lot of the tiny, slightly flattened looking fruit. They make great décor for Halloween as well as Thanksgiving.
Often the weather will force the harvest of the pumpkin before it is fully ripe. Simply place your pumpkin in a warm sunlit room and rotate it if need be to ensure all sides get an equal amount of light and you’ll see your
slowly turn orange. Happy Hallowe’en!
Fresh, Modern Renovation Coming to Minnedosa Food Store
After years of planning, Heritage Co-op is excited to announce a major renovation at the Minnedosa Food Store. This renovation project, set to begin the first week of November, will bring a host of new features and improvements to the store which was built in 2000. Updates aim to modernize and enhance the shopping experience for our valued Members and customers.
Renovation Highlights:
• Expanded area for Deli and Bakery, with increased variety including a curry bar, hot lunch offering, and soft serve and ice cream cakes.
• Produce section will expand with a larger, more diverse selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Updated display cases in the Deli and Bakery, Produce, and Meat Departments.
• Refreshed or expanded production areas for the Deli and Bakery and Meat Departments.
• Removal of the office area on the main sales floor to add square footage.
• Enhanced customer service area at the tills and additional self-checkouts stations for faster service.
• Fresh look both inside and out.
“We are thrilled to embark on this renovation project,” said Business to Customer Operations Manager Reg Clake and Food Division Manager Lori Pollon, “Our goal is to create a shopping environment that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our customers. We believe these improvements will make a significant difference in the overall shopping experience.”
We are committed to minimizing any inconvenience to our customers during this process. We appreciate your patience and support as we work to bring you a better shopping experience.
pumpkin
JMB Duplicate 402M, owned by JMB Charolais (Bert McDonald & Judy Hart), Brookdale, was slapped Grand Champion in the All Breeds Bull Jackpot Show at Manitoba Ag-Ex. Judges were Randy James, Melissa McRae and Michael Hunter. Duplicate was also Bull Calf Champion in the Charolais Show, judged by Chad Hollinger.
Chase Airey, HTA Charolais, Rivers, exhibited the Champion Yearling Female - Cay’s Tanya 21L, in the Manitoba Ag-Ex Junior Show on October 26, judged by Nolan Glover.
JMB Malibu 401M, owned by JMB Charolais, Brookdale, was Champion Charolais Heifer in the Little Lady Classic at Manitoba Ag-Ex, and was also Champion Heifer Calf in the Charolais Show.
Madisyn Robertson, Neepawa, was slapped Champion in Senior Showmanship by judge Amy Bonchuk at Manitoba Ag-Ex on October 26. Madisyn exhibited JMB Lilac 303L.
PHOTOS BY SHOWCHAMPIONS
Countryside Studio & Gym wins big
By Anne Davison Rivers Banner
Last week a Hamiota business was the top winner of Community Infusion entrepreneurial contest. Fusion CEO Darwin Johns declared Countryside Studio & Gym as the 2024 Community Infusion Final Five winner in front of a packed house in the Aspen Lodge at Credit Union Place.
Based in Hamiota, Countryside Studio & Gym is receiving $20,000 in grant monies to expand their operations.
Community Infusion, an initiative designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in local communities, is sponsored by Fusion Credit Union.
“The dedication and commitment that all finalists have for their business ideas was demonstrated on stage last night,” states Johns. “They all have a passion for what they do, which is truly inspiring. Community Infusion was created to support economic development initiatives in our communities and we’re happy to have provided a
PMH receives national accreditation recognition
By Blaine Kraushaar Prairie Mountain Health
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that it recently received its national accreditation designation—its third since the health region was formed in 2012—following on-site surveys that took place in the region in May. Accreditation Canada affirmed PMH was successful meeting 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. PMH also met 23 out of 30 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs). Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum framework affects everyone in the organization and helps assess all aspects of operations, from Board and Leadership, to care and services, to infrastructure.
“The survey results reinforce what we know, and what we are so proud of, which is the professionalism of our staff, our accreditation teams, physicians and health partners who are dedicated to providing care to the patients, residents and clients that we serve,” Slate stated. “This designation demonstrates PMH’s commitment towards quality improvement efforts by continually monitoring, evaluating and enhancing all of our programs and services to provide better care within our region”.
Accreditation Canada, which conducted the on-site assessments May 26- May 31, helps improve outcomes
through independent assessments against global standards. Some highlights noted within the final report included:
• The survey team, consisting of 17 surveyors from across Canada, evaluated PMH programs and services against 23 standards sets across 49 locations in multiple programs and services;
• Since the last review in 2022, surveyors noted PMH has successfully managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient’s focus group recognized the efforts of the staff in supporting patients and the community throughout this unprecedented period;
• Stakeholder and health partner engagement was acknowledged and recognized. PMH works to obtain feedback from patients on their programs and services to advance quality care and ensure there is constant connections with individuals served;
• Recruitment and retention of staff remains a challenge. Surveyors noted the region continues to advance strategies to hire appropriate staff, often engaging in innovative approaches. Educational partners, municipal officials, and community partners recognize the challenges facing the organization while, at the same time, confirming the commitment that PMH has made to engage with them and deliver on shared solutions;
• Surveyors also noted the lack of a consistent electronic patient record across the system. Additional work is required to modernize medication administration systems.
In compliance with provincial regulations, complete accreditation results are posted on the PMH website under the “about us” (Regional Reports) section or you can view the full report here.
platform to showcase all the amazing ideas. We are proud to have participated in this part of their journey and we wish them all continued success.”
Friendly’s Grocery Co-op from Inglis was declared the second-place finalist and received $4,000 in grant money. Other finalists included MultiCook from Brandon, Parkland Radon from Inglis and Systems Beauty College from Brandon. These three finalists all received $2,000 each to grow their business ideas.
Community Infusion is an initiative where community engagement meets entrepreneurial passion. Each spring, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, or an expanding business. This year, Fusion received 18 submissions. Based on scoring criteria, eleven businesses moved onto the next round, which involves the submission of a business plan.
Five finalists then pitched their business idea to a panel of judges at Credit Union Place in Dauphin.
As a locally based financial institution in the Parkland and southwestern Manitoba, Fusion considers community impact and contribution to be a top priority. “The Community Infusion program is a way in which Fusion can play a role in supporting job creation, entrepreneurial support, and business development,” says Mike Csversko, Brand and Business Development Manager at Fusion. “Our goal for Community Infusion aligns with the priorities of Countryside Studio & Gym, and their plans to grow in the community of Hamiota. We are encouraged by their drive to grow commerce in the region, while committing to employment creation,” adds Csversko. “We look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”
Full details regarding the event can be found at www. fusioncu.com.
24111WW2
Many thanks to all those who attended my bridal shower and to those who contributed to the community gift.
Your generosity and support for Ryan, Kelsie, and I are greatly appreciated.
Candace Kowalchuk
PIANIST REQUIRED
Minnedosa United Church is seeking a PIANIST for Sunday morning services, 10:00 am to Noon, September to June. Position will start as soon as possible. Monthly salary. To provide keyboard accompaniment for congregation & choir. May include hymns, anthems, special music, prelude, postlude selections. Organ available. For more information call: 204-867-2674, Minnedosa United Church, 9:00am – 3:00pm Tuesday to Friday
Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds
SHIELD YOUR LUNGS
As the seAsons chAnge, so do the risks to your lungs.
Take sTeps To proTecT your breaTh Talk To your docTor or pharmacisT Today abouT seasonal immunizaTion.
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The data, citizen accounts highlight need for another MRI Portage La Prairie town hall calls for MRI in new hospital
By Anne Davison Rivers Banner
If an MRI unit becomes a reality in Portage La Prairie, as people from the area are asking, it could be beneficial for everyone in southwestern Manitoba and possibly for Winnipeggers as well. One more MRI unit could help reduce wait times for a Brandon test, which is where most patients from Westman are referred to for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
According to statistics from the Government of Manitoba, the province has 14 MRI units. Two of these are in Prairie Mountain Health region (Brandon and Dauphin). Southern Health Authority has one MRI unit for their populous area, and that is in Winkler.
A town hall event, hosted by Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, was attended by over 200 people last Tuesday, Oct. 22. as part of an ongoing push to include an MRI unit in the new Portage District General
Hospital.
Bereza said the meeting “showed that Portagers and Manitobans will continue raising their collective voice for the tens of thousands of people waiting for MRIs in our province.”
In 2023-24 MRI diagnostics were used 97,712 times in Manitoba.
Brandon Regional Health Centre averaged 868 tests per month. According to data for August 2024, there were 982 on the Brandon waiting list (excluding emergency scans).
An MRI scan can provide different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan.
In answer to the Manitoba’s wait times of about seven weeks at Brandon, 19 weeks at Winkler, and over 50 weeks for a scan at Health Sciences, some Manitoba patients head south.
According to a CBC story by Arturo Chang posted Sept. 13, “The Unity Medical Center in Grafton,
N.D. — just over a two-hour drive from Winnipeg — says it receives between 15 and 20 Canadian patients every month.
‘They’re just coming down because they can’t get into Canadian doctors on a timely manner when they’re in so much pain,’ said radiology services supervisor Jess Tanke. ‘We can usually get them in within two weeks for an MRI, at the latest.’”
PORTAGE CITIZENS
SPEAK
The Portage town hall included a broadbased panel including local educator James Kostuchuk as emcee; Southern Health-Santé Sud Implementation Lead Kyle MacNair; Long Plain First Nation Councillor and Elder Liz Merrick, who is on the governing board for Southern Health; and Portage resident Judith Jeffries, who shared her and her husband’s experience having to travel out of province, and pay out of pocket, to receive MRI
scans.
Attendees were also invited to ask questions, express their concerns, and share their stories.
“So many Portagers stood up to speak to the issue and courageously share their own stories,” said Bereza.
“We heard from a young woman with a family history of breast cancer whose life was saved thanks to an MRI, but now worries for her daughter. We heard from a
young Indigenous man who is currently in incredible pain and was told by Shared Health just yesterday that he’s going to have to wait 44 weeks for an MRI.”
He said, “The main focus last night was to hear from the community and show to the government that this is a people issue, not a political one.”
Wab Kinew and health minister Uzoma Asagwara were both in Portage la
Prairie on Tuesday, but did not attend the town hall. Bereza said he repeatedly reached out to Asagwara— in the Legislative chamber and via letters and emails to the department—to attend the event, originally offering the minister to choose a preferred date. Southern Health board chair Adam Monteith concluded the town hall with an encouraging statement.
Things you should never plug into a power strip
Submitted Rivers Banner
In our modern, technologydriven world, power strips have become an essential part of managing the multitude of electronic devices we use daily. While power strips are convenient for expanding electrical outlets, it’s crucial to use them responsibly to avoid potential hazards. Here are 9 items that you should never plug into a power strip:
Major Appliances:
Power strips are designed for low-power devices like chargers, lamps, and computers. Plugging major appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, or washing machines into a power strip can overload it, leading to overheating and fire hazards. Major appliances require dedicated circuits to handle their power demands.
Space Heaters:
Space heaters draw a significant amount of power to generate heat. Plugging them into a power strip meant for lighter loads can overload the circuit, posing a fire risk. It is advisable to plug space heaters directly into wall outlets to ensure they receive the necessary power without compromising safety.
High-Wattage Devices:
Devices with high wattage, like power tools and kitchen appliances, should be directly connected to a wall outlet. Attempting to power such devices through a power strip may lead to overheating, voltage drops, and increased fire risk. Always check the wattage requirements of your devices and use them accordingly.
Multiple Power Strips in Series:
Daisy-chaining power strips, or plugging one power strip into another, can overload the electrical circuit and pose a serious fire hazard. Each power strip adds resistance and potential points of failure, increasing the risk of overheating. Instead, use a single high-quality power
strip with sufficient outlets.
Electric Grills and Cookers:
Cooking appliances that generate heat, such as electric grills and cookers, should never be connected to a power strip. These devices draw a considerable amount of power and are best suited for direct wall outlet connections to ensure safety and prevent potential electrical fires.
Air Conditioners:
Air conditioners are power-hungry appliances that require a dedicated circuit due to their high energy consumption. Plugging an air conditioner into a power strip can lead to tripped circuits, overheating, and, in extreme cases, fires. Always connect air conditioners directly to wall outlets to avoid these risks.
your aquatic pets and the longevity of your aquarium equipment, connect these devices directly to a wall outlet.
Medical Equipment:
Laser Printers and Photocopiers:
Printers and photocopiers, especially laser ones, have high power demands during operation. Plugging them into a power strip designed for lighter loads can lead to electrical issues and compromise the lifespan of the devices. Connect these office appliances directly to wall outlets for optimal performance and safety.
Aquariums:
Aquariums with heating elements and filtration systems can draw a significant amount of power. Plugging them into a power strip may overload the circuit and disrupt the equipment’s operation. To ensure the well-being of
Devices like oxygen concentrators, CPAP machines, and other medical equipment are essential for many individuals. It’s crucial to connect such devices directly to a wall outlet to ensure a stable power supply. Using a power strip for medical equipment may lead to power interruptions, jeopardizing the user’s health.
Understanding the limitations of power strips is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient electrical setup. By avoiding the connection of high-power devices, major appliances, and multiple power strips in series, you can reduce the risk of electrical hazards and ensure the longevity of your electronic devices. Always prioritize safety and follow manufacturer guidelines when using power strips to create a secure environment for your electrical appliances
Jets win first game of season
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
The Rivers Jets were flying in their season opener.
In front of their home fans, the Jets posted a 6-0 victory over the Deloraine Royals. Hometown product Riley Lamb stopped all 16 shots he faced to open the campaign with a shutout.
“The game itself was good for us,” Jets forward Luke DeCorby said. “I think it showed we have a strong, tight knit group of guys. I hope we continue to improve and push towards our goal of a championship.”
The Jets’ depth was on display offensively. Six
different players lit the lamp. Five Jets recorded two points.
Rivers’ own Laytonn Veitch scored and earned an assist in his Jets debut. He played last season for the Virden Oil Capitals of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. DeCorby, a fellow newcomer, also collected a goal and an assist. Last winter the Binscarth product captained the Superior International Junior Hockey League’s Red Lake Miners.
“it was a lot of fun,” DeCorby said of his Jets debut. “Great group of guys in the room. There was a lot of fans in the stands, which was nice to see. It was cool to play on a line again with Layton
Veitch as we had played together before.”
Recording two assists for the Jets were Joben Smith, captain Riley Shamray, and Dylan Thiessen, a former Oil Capital who joined the team after time in the U.S. and Canadian uni -
versity ranks. Besides Veitch and DeCorby, Rivers’ other goals came from Josh Belcher, Kale Bomback, Keaton Moore, and Josh Elmes, a former pro who joined the team from the Moosomin Rangers senior
Rec Hockey is soon starting in Kenton for another season
By Gerry Nolan Empire-Advance
Calvin and Anna Tolton
have been running the program for the past fourteen years. They first started in Hamiota, then moved it to Kenton for the 2016/2017 season due to more flexible times for practices and games.
Calvin and Anna got involved with the Rec Hockey program as their kids, as well as others wanted to play, but couldn’t due to other commitments, 4H, piano, dance, and other school sports. The cost of belonging to a full-time hockey program was also an issue parents were having to deal with.
The age range for the Rec Hockey program is five to seventeen. There are three teams and they are coed. Calvin coaches and Anna is the manager.
Anyone that wants to play is welcome. They even find equipment when needed. The season starts in mid November and practices are held in Hamiota until Kenton’s ice is in. Players get equal playing time, no matter what their skill level.
Tuesday nights are practice with games on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The players come from many communities, Strathclair, Shoal Lake, Oak River, Rivers, Hamiota, Oak Lake, Lenore and Kenton. What a great way to meet and make new friends.
Occasionally there are one day tournaments and trips to Alexander,
Rapid City, Forrest, Virden, and Redvers for games. The cost is approximately $125.00 for the older kids and $100.00 for the younger ones. Parents can get involved as well, reffing, working in the canteen, selling 50/50 tickets, and running the clock.
If your child would like to play Rec Hockey in Kenton, getting fresh air, exercise and lots of fun call Calvin and Anna Tolton at 204 838 2290 or Text 204 319 0209!
This is such a great investment for everyone involved, kids, and parents. Volunteer as Calvin and Anna do and make some great memories!
squad. The Jets sent 57 shots at Deloraine netminder Billy Patmore. He stopped 51 of them.
In the second period, the Jets’ Jaxon Elmes, who like his brother Josh joined the team from Moosomin, dropped the gloves with McCullough Park. Both received five minutes for fighting and a 10 minute game misconduct.
The Jets play in Souris on Nov. 2. They are back at home Nov. 8 to host the Neepawa Farmers.
Calvin and Anna Tolton, with daughter Haydn.
Sandhill Cranes are having a social gathering
Hundreds of Sandhill Cranes fill a field just outside Kenton, Manitoba as they are preparing to migrate south. These cranes can be heard for miles around when they make their trumpeting call. In their wintering areas, they form flocks over 10,000. One place this happens is at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, 160 kilometres south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
