November 22, 2024 by Rivers Banner

THE BLANCHARD

Sun, Oct 6,

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

206 Woodworth Avenue Kenton, MB R0M 0Z0 www.woodworthdodge.ca

RIVERS DAM SPILLWAY AND DAM REHABILITATION

RiveRs BanneR

Purpose and Need

Local People. Local Stories.

The Rivers Dam is on the Little Saskatchewan River and located to the east of the Town of Rivers in the R.M of Riverdale. The dam and the reservoir were constructed between 1958 and 1960 by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration.

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City, Forrest, Kenton, Oak River, Hamiota and Oak Lake areas for 116 years

The dam consists of an earthfill embankment with a gated riparian conduit and adjacent fixed crest concrete chute spillway.

Shopping for the holidays with the Rivers Legion Holiday Market

In late June 2020, two large rainstorm events resulted in more than 130 mm (5 inches) of rain in western Manitoba and led to record flooding on the Little Saskatchewan River. Shortly after the rainstorm events, record flows and levels were present at the Rivers Dam.

Status

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The local vendors of Rivers and Area showed up to help everyone enjoy the Rivers Legion Shop the Block at the Legion Hall on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. Beautiful, delicious, and free admission for all who attended the Christmas market! Around 125 people braved the snow to shop at the Legion.

Twenty-three vendors came and set up their tables on Saturday morning. A great turn out from the Rivers and surrounding communities came out to support local crafters and bakers. Traffic was steady all day with many vendors expressing that they had a great sale. The Holiday Market has been around for many years and plans to continue to be

The rehabilitation of the Rivers Dam low level conduit is complete. A contract for rehabilitation and upgrade of the spillway and dam embankment was advertised for competitive tender in June 2024 and has been awarded. The contractor is scheduled to mobilize to site in late September 2024.

The proposed work is anticipated to proceed in two phases over a two year period and will include:

- Raising the existing earthen dam embankment by approximately 0.6 m to provide additional freeboard for the inflow design flood

- Increasing the capacity of the spillway by raising the

- Reconstructing the stilling basin which will include raising the walls, and increasing the length and thickness of the

The spillway and stilling basin construction work will be restricted to fall and winter months to ensure that spillway is fully operational during the spring and summer. Starting at the end of September the reservoir water level will be lowered to 0.6 m below the spillway crest to facilitate construction of a temporary cofferdam. No artificial drawdown of the reservoir will be necessary for spring and summer. The construction work is projected to

an annual event for many years to come. It was a great way to get started Christmas shopping.

Lunch was served and they received a good response to the hamburger soup or chicken tortellini, bun, dessert, and drink market goers were able to enjoy for only $10. Approximately 40 people enjoyed the lunch.

The organizers of the market also collected nonperishable food donation for the Riverdale Food Bank Christmas Cheer. Christmas Cheer members, Carolyn Phillips, Barb Sviestrop and Kathrine Zetterstrom, were very grateful for all the donations for the hampers.

“Thank you so much for braving the elements on Saturday to be at our sale,” says Carolyn Phillips, Legion event coordinator. Christmas Cheer 50/50 raffle of $136 was won by Jaimee Waldner of Rivers.

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PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Rapid City and District Wildlife Association supports Rapid City DayCare Committee

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The Rapid City and District Wildlife Association do -

nated to the Rapid City and District Daycare Committee for a total of $8,368.80 to go towards the new daycare for Rapid City.

The Daycare Committee helped with the Wildlife Series 15 Chase the Ace which runs every Saturday night at the Queens Hotel in Rapid City which started on Dec 16, 2023, and ran to Aug 24, 2024 when it was won by Glen Bell of Rapid City.

The Daycare is presently helping with Series 16 of the Wildlife Chase the Ace.

Cally Brown, Daycare Chair, is receiving a cheque from Gary Phillips, Vice-President of the Rapid City and District Wildlife Assoc.

Trivia Night in Kenton

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

On Friday, Nov. 16, just after Chase the Ace at 7pm, the Kenton Legion hosted a trivia night for all to join. It was fantastic fun. The trivia questions ranged from local history to music to movies and other topics in be -

tween. If you were lucky enough to get all the answers correct, you would have a score of 100 points. Each team was of five to six people. There were six teams in total. Each team was able to make up their own name for their group such as, the Defenders, Dillions Gals, Unnamed, Blue Bombers,

Christmas is in the Air at the 4th annual MidWest Arts Artisan Market in Hamiota

By Celia Nolan Rivers

Crafters from areas all over Manitoba have their beautiful creations on display, making your Christmas gift buying an enjoyable experience.

The Market is open Mon, Wed, Fri from 11am to 3pm and Sat. 10am to 4pm, starting Nov 16 and ending Nov 25. Come for a visit and let these crafters show you the Magic of Christmas.

Kentonanaters, and the Bar Brats. The Unnamed team took first place with a score of 66 points.

The winning team received beautiful glass steins which they could have filled once at the bar for free.

All teams had a lot of fun playing no matter what the score board said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

PHOTOS BY CELIA NOLAN

Banner

FAITHFULLY YOURS

Neil StrohScheiN Achieving “balance” in life

Let’s be honest. Nothing in this life is ever as easy as it seems. From the day we leave home, the pressure begins to build. First we focus on making a living. Then we concentrate on building a life and dealing with the challenges we face in the process.

We change jobs; hopefully getting ones with higher wages, better hours, benefits and working conditions. Families grow as we establish permanent relationships and have children of our own. Before long, we need bigger houses, better vehicles and more money to meet higher living costs. As our families grow, so do the demands on our time and resources. And so does the pressure to meet

or exceed those demands.

Coping with the items listed above is hard enough. But if a family member is dealing with a chronic illness, or is recovering from a serious injury or major surgery, the list of demands can increase radically. And if you experience a sudden death in your family, they will increase even more. That is when we need a strategy that will enable us to cope with the increased demands and avoid a physical or mental breakdown.

I am no expert on this topic. The suggestions I share today have helped me in the past; and I hope that something you read in the following paragraphs can help you.

First, know your limits. You cannot be all things to all people. Neither can I. We need to identify the things we can do well, the things we can learn to do if and when necessary, and the things we need others to do for us. Don’t be afraid to say “No” if you are asked to take on a job or volunteer position for which you do not have the time or skill set.

Second, be content with where you are and what you have. God never promised us a life of luxury. But he does promise to supply all of our needs “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) He will give us

From last weeks front page

more than enough to meet today’s needs. He asks that we set aside the excess to help meet future needs and share some with those whose needs are greater than ours. And since God knows how many tomorrows each of us has; and what we will need for each of them, we don’t have to worry about running short of cash. God will supply those needs as well.

Third, identify your priorities. Here, the choices are easy—your job and your family. For most of us, being good at our jobs and taking care of our families will use up most of our available time and resources. We are free to use any remaining time for visiting friends, participating in community activities or pursuing personal interests. Fourth, don’t neglect self-care. There is no substitute for getting proper amounts of rest, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise. We need to be in good physical and mental health ourselves before we can be a good support to those around us. Failure to follow this guideline can lead to mental breakdown, burnout and lengthy recovery times. I have learned this lesson the hard way—twice. So I know how important self-care is. Finally, if you are still finding it hard to cope with the challenges of life, talk to someone.

You are not alone. You do not have to deal with overwhelming pressures on your own. Help is available. More on that next week.

Perspectives

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

Inevitable changes are coming

It’s been a few years now since the Manitoba NDP government of the day enforced amalgamation on municipalities. Their theory was that rural municipalities with less than 1000 residents needed to join forces to form a larger entity. The initiative was not met well by many affected municipalities for several reasons.

For starters, people don’t like being told what they have to do and then have it forced by legislation. Some municipalities saw that amalgamation had some advantages and went along somewhat willingly. Others fought it tooth and nail and are still bitter about the move to this day.

The NDP government wasn’t wrong, in that some municipalities and towns needed to amalgamate. The problem was that it was forced by law. Many people don’t know or understand that the province, by way of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, can set up or dissolve a municipality with the stroke of a pen. But just because they can do it, most ministers don’t and that’s wise.

But, as stated above, many towns and RMs should have amalgamated and many more should do so while they still have basic services.

It’s getting pretty tough to find councillors and reeves as it is also getting difficult to find Chief Administration Officers (CAOs) and and other skilled administrative people. That is in part because the rules and paper work involved in running a municipality or town has become onerous to say the least. Many municipalities are still declining in population and some are aging too so it’s difficult to provide the services, finance them and administer everything that people want and need in 2024.

I have seen some very unnecessary duplication of services across west-

Right in the Centre

Ken Waddell

ern Manitoba. Providing rural and urban water treatment and pipelines is a huge cost and the maintenance is pretty steep.

There’s another factor that causes rural grief and that is the cost of road construction and maintenance. Most RMs can’t afford any more than two grader/snow plow units and I hear many complaints about road grading and snow clearing and the delays in service. In addition, as one reeve from a few years ago stated to me, the towns should just leave the RMs alone as all they to do road gravelling and snow clearing. Well life has gotten a lot more complicated than that. Municipal governments now involves water and sewer as noted above as well as recreation services, health care, handi-van service and libraries.

Rural people want and need a higher level of service than many expected 30 years ago.

As a matter of full disclosure, I served twice as mayor of Neepawa and I will be the last one to say that I had all the answers. That said, we all need to look at better answers or our communities won’t survive. I can actually remember back 70 years and there are dozens of communities that used to be able to provide retail and educational services. Little towns used to have stores, an elevator or two, a school, skating and a curling rink. Those dozens of communities

are in many cases, simply gone or are inhabited by so few people there isn’t even a coffee shop.

A few years ago, somebody in Saskatchewan suggested that the largest 14 or 16 towns and cities should become a hubs for the surrounding areas. Seeing as there are 296 RMs in Saskatchewan, the suggestion may have merit. Manitoba has 79.

I think that many more towns and RMs need to seriously look at amalgamating, but another attempt by government to force it would be ill-advised. I can guarantee that many towns will continue to dwindle, services will continue to disappear, farms will continue to get larger. Citizens will have to figure out how to make it work. Those areas that figure it out will survive and thrive. Those areas that don’t figure it out will not survive. It’s a definite problem, but it’s only being made worse when stubborn refusal to talk is the first answer.

Most people don’t want change and don’t want to pay more taxes. Unless, they allow for change, which means development, they will be driving a lot further for services. I guess it just depends on how far you want to drive.

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

A simpler time…

Half awake and yet not back in today, the images and scents that filled my mind where those of my childhood. Seated on a three legged stool, my forehead settled against the warm flank of Penny, the one horned Jersey cow, and the sound of the milk filling the pail moving steadily from the ping on the empty metal to the splash on the half filled pail, to a gentle whoosh when the task was nearly done. I felt the comfort of the beast, trusting in me, and my ability to care for her. I felt her solidness. I felt her life and purpose. Still safe in my bed I smelled the warm cow patties, the hay in the manger and the straw in the alley. Separating the smells I located the sheep at the other end of the barn and the chickens roosting on the stall walls. All familiar, endless smells that speak to me of a simpler time, a time when we moved with the flow of the days, the weeks , the seasons and the years.

My mind moved to the chores just before the milking. A quiet barn was much preferred when a job allowed one to sit. The sheep had been fed. Once all the old girls lined up at the hay bar, the lambs had space to frolic. They pranced and danced, leapt and dashed, challenging each other, away from the watchful eye of their mammas. No chore was a single action. While feeding them one watched for signs of illness or perhaps a lamb that was not getting enough to eat. It was easy to lean on the rail and observe the state of their union. The pigs, not many but just enough, were always fed first. Their high pitched squeal needed to be silenced. Here, too, it was pausing to note the health of the herd and gratitude for their role in the farm economy.

In my imagination, I stepped further back into the early morning. The household was just rousing when I had slipped out to chore. The fire in the furnace had been stoked, shaking down the embers to glowing coals that welcomed the fresh fuel. Breakfast was routine; porridge and toast, none of this cold cereal or yogurt, and skipping breakfast wasn’t an option. The days were long and filled with activities and the human furnace needed to be fed as well.

It was with reluctance that I re-entered my real world. Perhaps it was that I was tired of being strong. Perhaps it was the words of the song ‘Grandpa, tell me about the good old days’ that lingered and fermented. Perhaps, for just a moment, I wanted to be free from decision making and responsibility. In that simpler time, and I acknowledge that it may not have been a simpler time for my parents! but in that simpler time, for me, I did what needed to be done, in the way that I had been taught to do it. It simply was. Giving thanks for cherished memories, shaking the past to make way for the present and the future, fuelled by coffee, hello today!

Faith & Family

The basics of Advent

Submitted Metro Creative Tara Kauenhofen

Age is just a number

We recently went on a cross Canada trip to surprise my sweet sister-in-law for her 40th birthday!

Her wonderful husband pulled off the surprise and we got to watch her face light up in shock and joy as she realized what was happening.

On the drive up, the topic of age was one we talked about a lot!

But we found ourselves coming back to the same questions, who decided which ages were the ‘big ones’? Why 40? Why 50? Why are we told to act our age?

After hours of conversation, we can get to the conclusion that, despite the cliche, age is just a number! You can be 95 and feel like you did on the inside at 35! You can be 25 and feel 65 on the outside!

Age is simply a way to mark time that has passed. How you take care of your body, your soul, your mind is what ages us.

If we spend our days eating junk food, sitting on the couch and filling our brain with nothing but social media and TV, our bodies become stiff, our mind becomes mush, and our soul becomes lifeless.

But the good news is, if we exercise and stretch regularly, if we fill our minds with God’s living word, good conversation, literature and more, if we spend time with friends and family, if we fuel our bodies with food that is whole and good for us, we stand a chance to feel young and vibrant for many years to come.

We came to the convicting conclusion that we only have ONE life, ONE body, ONE mind and ONE soul to take care of.

God gave us each one vessel to steward well and I think I can say with honesty that most of us (myself included) have not always taken care of ourselves in a way that would be considered good stewardship! But when I think about the difference my choosing to take care of myself now will make for when I am 50, 60, 70, 80 years old, I am reminded why I take the time to take care of myself and I encourage you to do the same, so that age is simply a number for you to.

The month of December can be a busy time of year. Social engagements related to the holiday season can run the gamut from office parties to school pageants to dinners with extended family. Despite the hectic pace of the holiday season, millions of people still find time to celebrate their faith. For adherents to Catholicism, that includes celebrating the season of Advent.

What is Advent?

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reports that Advent is a time of preparation for practicing Catholics, who use the four-week season to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ and for the celebration of the birth of Christ, which is commemorated on Christmas Day.

What does “Advent” mean?

The Catholic News Agency indicates that the word “Advent” is derived from the Latin “ad” and “venire,” which loosely translates to “to come” or “to come toward.”

When does Advent begin?

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas. In 2024, the celebration of the season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 1 and continues until Tuesday, December 24.

What is the significance of Advent wreaths?

The Catholic News Agency notes that Advent wreaths have been in use since the Middle Ages. The evergreen wreaths remind Catholics of the eternal

life in Jesus Christ. Each Sunday during Advent, one of the four candles on the Advent wreath is lit. Why is one Advent wreath candle a different color than the others?

Three of the four candles on an Advent wreath are purple. The candle lit on the third Sunday of Advent is pink, and priests even wear pink vestments on this day. The USCCB notes that the third Sunday of Advent is known as “Gaudete Sunday.” The word “Gaudete” means “rejoice,” and the unique color of the candle lit on Gaudete Sunday commemorates that the season of Advent is halfway through.

What is the significance of the Advent calendar?

Advent calendars are among the more notable symbols of the holiday season for Catholics, and Christianity.com notes this tradition can be traced back to the mid-nine -

teenth century. Advent calendars typically feature 24 doors or boxes to open (one for each day between December 1 and Christmas Eve), and they are used by families counting down the days until the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many families with small children utilize Advent calendars to teach youngsters about their

faith, which can help to redirect adults’ and children’s focus to the true meaning of the season during a period when it’s easy to grow distracted by other things.

Advent is a season of celebration for millions of individuals who want to emphasize their faith during a joyous time of year.

The Dirt on Composting

Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge

Last week the column was all about that dark, crumbly, sweet smelling material that is the product of aerobically decomposed organic material called compost. We know that it greatly improves the structure of the soil as well as its capacity to hold and provide nutrients to plants. We learned that in order to compost four main components are needed: organic matter; moisture; oxygen and bacteria. In addition to bacteria, larger organisms including insects and earthworms are also active composters and have the ability to break down larger materials in the compost pile.

The amount of time needed to produce compost depends on several factors, including the size of the compost pile, the types of materials, the surface area of the materials, and the number of times the pile is turned. A good size for efficient composting is a pile/bin that is between 3 to 5 cubic feet. This allows good heating of the centre of the pile. By breaking down the materials into smaller parts by chipping, shredding or mulching will help to more quickly allow the compost to be made.

Turning the pile every 2 to 4 weeks will also help to speed up this process as it takes a couple of weeks for the pile to heat which will promote maximum bacterial activity. Do ensure when turning the compost pile, make sure that materials in the center are brought to the outsides, and that materials from the outside edges are brought to the center. With frequent turning the compost can be ready in about three months in our warmer season.

When using the compost, it is best to incorporate compost into your garden as you prepare the soil in the spring. Cover the area with 3-4 inches of soil and till it into at least the upper 6 inches of soil. Add compost to soil in vegetable gardens, annual flower beds, and around new perennials as they are planted. It may also be used as a

mulch around flower beds, vegetable gardens, or around trees or shrubs in landscape beds. Apply a good 3-inch layer but be careful not to apply mulch close to the main stem or trunk of the plant.

As the summer wanes into fall you can alter your composting to vermicomposting or the process of making compost with the help of a specific type of worm. The most common type of worm for this process are red wigglers (Eisenia foetida). They are voracious eaters who can easily eat their way through your kitchen waste and in the process convert that waste into a useful product.

Any container will do but I find that Rubbermaid totes are ideal. It is necessary for the bin to have oxygen so you can either poke holes in the lid or cut an opening in the top and cover it with a fine screen. To set up the container when you are starting you will need to provide a combination of “bedding” along with a small amount of garden soil. The best bedding is light and fluffy to allow a good exchange of air. Newspaper is a good bedding material and is readily available. Simply tear the newspaper into

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2-3 teaspoons milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined.

• Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream, mixing until just combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crusts, filling each cup about 2/3 full.

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until combined. Drop small dollops of the cinnamon mixture onto the cheesecake batter and swirl gently with a toothpick.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze. Drizzle over the chilled cheesecakes before serving.

3 – 5cm strips and moisten it slightly by soaking it in water for several minutes. Ensure you squeeze out the excess water prior to adding the newspaper to the soil as the environment must be moist but not soggy. Your worms will also need to be fed a balanced diet of good kitchen waste.

Good foods to feed your worms include most kitchen scraps including: vegetable and fruit peelings; tea bags; coffee filters; egg shells (crushed); dry bread etc. It is important to avoid: meat; fish; cheese; butter; animal products and large amounts of citrus peels. Worms need to be fed regularly in order to continue the process of composting.

Your new pets (the red wrigglers) will live quietly in their dark box. You will not have to do much to keep them happy and as long as they have a good environment they will eat their way into producing a good amount of compost for you. Keep the composting factory in a spot where the temperature is between 17 and 27 C. Compost will be ready to harvest in 3 – 4 months and you will be ready to begin the process again.

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at info@orchidhort.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort.

Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?

From Calgary to cowgirl

By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner

Morgann Hunter was born and raised in the city of Calgary, Alberta. She took all her schooling there. Upon graduating, Morgann went to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for 2 years and enrolled in administrative technology computer. After graduating from there she worked at Goulder as an assistant for 4 years.

Morgann and Dillon were introduced to each other by a mutual friend and were eventually married and have made their home in Kenton.

Morgann works from home for the Atlas Global Company. This company fights with the city to lower taxes in all of Alberta except for Edmonton which has its own company. Glad someone is fighting against tax!!! Morgann is much busier here than in Calgary. She has discovered there are many more opportunities here in rural

Manitoba. Things we may take for granted in rural Manitoba are not available in the city. Examples of that are painting classes, gardening, pets, and the arts. It is also easier to make friends and get to know people. Morgann says she already has more friends here in Kenton than she had in Calgary. I asked her if she missed Calgary and would move back to the city and the reply was emphatic no! Morgann wants to be here and is very happy here.

Morgann loves animals, particularly chickens which she has purchased and is raising. These pets have names, and the chickens now are laying rainbow eggs. What are rainbow eggs. These eggs are produced by the breed of the chicken which determines the colour of the egg. Black and white chickens lay brown eggs. Grey hens cream colored as to Speckled Sussexs. Olive eggers lay various shades of green or white eggs and others lay bluish green

Collaboration

MB Leadership Announcement

Submitted Westoba Credit Union

Three Manitoba financial cooperatives whose members voted overwhelmingly to merge in June announced their board of directors, chief executives and senior leaders for the new entity today. Not surprisingly, it reflects the unique attributes that each bring to the merger.

The merger partners had always maintained the board and employees of the new entity would fairly and accurately reflect the talent and deep experience of Assiniboine Credit Union, Caisse Financial Group and Westoba Credit Union.

“We have spent the last few months making sure we will have the right leadership team in place that includes all of the senior leaders from the three organizations,” said President & CEO Kevin Sitka. “If we’re going to build the most uniquely Manitoban credit union, we’ll need all the talent, experience and passion that got us this far”.

Last month, Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine announced its board of directors will be chaired by Garnet McBurney, the former chair of Westoba Credit Union - a clear recognition of how important the rural and agriculture sector will be to the new entity.

As well, the commitment to ensure that a minimum two of the 12-person board would be Franco -

eggs.

Morgann has 15 hens, 8 of which are laying right now! She intends to expand her flock to include other breeds as well, because she has the time and the space to do so. Couldn’t do that in Calgary.

Morgann her favorite time of the season is spring when all the newborns are arriving. Morgann also intends to have donkeys and pigs going forward.

In just a short time, Morgann has become very involved in our community. She volunteers at Harding fair, the Harding fair pit BBQ supper July 1st held in Kenton and is treasurer of Kenton Community Enterprises! Morgann has really just grafted into the community, and it is so nice to have Morgann and Dillon chose to live here in Kenton and take such interest in the town.

Oh yes, and if you like, she will be selling eggs, maybe you will find your favourite at the end of the rainbow.

phone has been exceeded. In fact, 42 percent - or five out of 12 board members - will be Francophone when the merger is official on January 1, 2025.

Current President and CEO of Westoba Jim Rediger, and Caisse CEO Joël Rondeau have joined the executive team reporting to Kevin Sitka. They will directly guide what will be a complex merger considering the size, geography and diversity of the three organizations.

Additionally, the leadership teams from Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba have accepted positions at the senior leadership level in the new Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine.

“I don’t think we could have imagined a better team to lead us. I am very proud that the entire Caisse leadership that I’ve been working with all these years will be there with me as we create the new Assiniboine Credit Union / Caisse Assiniboine together,” said Rondeau, Chief Strategic Project Officer of the new organization. “I’m inspired by the fact that at least 26 per cent of all the individuals who are on the board, executive and senior leadership teams are Francophone”.

The agriculture, rural and urban portfolios just got stronger with the combined leadership of Assiniboine, Caisse and Westoba, who have practical experience working in rural Manitoba, with farmers and small, medium and large agricultural and commercial businesses.

“When we look at the board, executive and senior leadership team, over 50 per cent of those individuals have lived in a rural community or has career experience in agriculture. This further confirms that this merger is the right thing for our members. Our combined leadership team has deep experience in this area that’s going to benefit our membership and make a difference in our rural and urban communities,” said Rediger, Chief Strategic Project Officer of the new organization.

The new entity will have 216,000 members, $9.6 billion in assets and the widest geographic reach of any credit union in Manitoba.

The merged organization will continue its dedication to work with partners for mutual benefit and the common good, dedicated to the International Co-operative Principles and the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence. We believe a merged credit union will have even greater capacity to create value for our members, and communities we serve.

“It is no surprise that the leadership team is well balanced. The leadership accurately reflects what each organization brought to the table in members, financial assets and experienced employees. We are all excited that they have accepted the challenge to build the most unique credit union in Manitoba,” said Sitka.

For more information, please visit CollaborationMB.ca.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Morgann Hunter is hanging out with her chickens in her polka dot painted chicken coop.

Rivers and Area Community Foundation holds annual Granting evening

Submitted

By Donna Morken

On Friday, November 15, the Rivers and Area Community Foundation held their annual Granting Evening at the Behlen Curling Lounge at the Riverdale Community Centre. This year’s theme was Canadian Trivia. Director Jocelyn Beever lead those in attendance in two rounds of Trivia between the scholarship and granting presentations. Two scholarships and 10 grants culminated in over $30,000 presented to projects within our area and two scholarships combined for $2500 were given out. As each scholarship and grant was presented the recipients were asked to inform those present what their scholarship was going to or what their project was all about. They were as follows:

• Society of Friends of Rivers Collegiate Committee Mem-

Director Gerry Gourlay.

ber Jane Brown presented Emily Oldenberger with a $1500 scholarship from their fund for university.

• Riverdale District Health Auxiliary Fund –Past Members Lynn Madden and Susan Ramsey presented Emily Oldenberger with a $1000 scholarship for a student taking university courses in the medical field.

• Clack Family Heritage Museum – Porch repairs –accepted by Maxine Shamray & other members of the Museum Board $3500 presented by Director Lawrence McFarlane.

• Rivers Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 75 Ladies Auxiliary– Veteran Banner Project - accepted by Ladies Auxiliary Secretary Jane Brown $3500 presented by

• Rivers United Church – Parking A rea Backstop and Planter Area- accepted by Heather Lamb $4400.00 with a donation from the Lorrie Dyer Memorial Fund and the RACF. Ian Dyer and daughter Danielle Lafreniere assisted in presenting the cheque with Director Rod Veitch.

• Riverdale Health Centre – 20 PCH Tables & 5 Rehab bedside tables project –$2400. Unfortunately, no one was able to attend, however the RACF worked with the Rivers Health Foundation to have the whole project funded.

• Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association – Completing the Shotgun Range Sports Equipment and Cement Pad – accepted by Kelvin Lamb, Jason Lamb $2100. By Director Jocelyn Beever

• Rivers Fire Fighters A ssociation – Safety Equipment –accepted by firefighters/paramedics Jim Duthie, David Creighton, Robby Brown, Byron McMurchie, Braden

Johnston $5,000. With a donation from the Al & Donna Morken Emergency Services Fund and the RACF. Al and Donna Morken assisted in presenting the cheque with Director Aaron Tycoles.

• Oak R iver Legion – Exterior Painting Memorial Hall – accepted by Iv y Heapy & Carol Black $1900. Presented by Director Susan Citulsky.

• Rivers Early Learning Centre – Daycare # 2 – Classroom Equipment/Materials accepted by Samantha Kolesar & Krista Clark, Courtney Miller, Gabby McFadden $2500. Presented by Director Gerry Gourlay

• White Bank Lea Cemetery – Historical Markers for Unmarked graves accepted by Jack Stewart and Sharon Simms $1300 Presented by Director Larence McFarlane.

• Friends of Rivers Lake – 2 Outdoor Metal Tables accepted by Dave Falkevitch with Charley Beever for the Sibbald fund $3,900. The RCAF worked with the Bill and Helen Sibbald Legacy Fund to provide this grant with Directors Rod Veitch and Aaron Tycoles.

Snacks were provided, as well as a 50/50 draw. Director Lawrence McFarlane won $180. as a share of the 50/50 draw. The winning “trivia” table of Aaron Tycoles, Ian Dyer, Danielle LaFreniere won boxes of smarties and Norwex products.

Two draws were held for games, “Manitobaopoly” was won by Carol Black and “Heritage Editon 2000 Canadian Trivia” was won by Charley Beever.

All monies raised during this evening, in conjunction with the yearly Endow Manitoba Giving Challenge week goes to the Rivers and Area Community Foundation General Endowment Community Fund.

The Rivers and Area Community Foundation is comprised of volunteer directors who are community minded people. Under their guidance, the income earned from invested funds is used to provide grants in the areas of health, culture & heritage, community service, recreation, education, youth and seniors, environment & conservation, and agriculture. Only the interest of the funds is ever spent on providing these community grants.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the scholarships and grants.

By Gerry Nolan Rivers Banner

With hockey season starting up for another winter I thought I would share some officiating memories with you. Seeing the game in a different light, comes through the eyes of an official.

I was a referee for 25 years in the Westman area. I went as far north as Roblin, MB. south to Pierson. MB. as well as from Moosomin, SK to Winnipeg, MB. with a lot of stops in between. You will hear of some familiar names as well as some hockey people you won’t have met.

Hockey people are special. They care about the game. They are

one of a kind. They are passionate about their team. They are a brotherhood and while they compete hard against each other, they also lean on each other in real tough times. An example of this was the Swift Current and Humbolt tragedies. As a youngster, I loved watching Hockey Night in Canada. I really lived for Saturday Night Hockey. I also listened on the radio to Sunday Night hockey on CBC radio.

Foster Hewitt, who is a Canadian hockey icon, was probably my favourite announcer. On television, it was Bill Hewitt and Danny Gallivan who did the play by play. When the NHL expanded in 1967,

I listened to Lloyd Petit from Chicago and Al Shaver from Minnesota. Where were you when Foster Hewitt yelled Paul Henderson shoots he scores?

Still get shivers from that game, we won the series, but barely. As a kid, my dad would take me up to Kenton to watch Griswold play in the North Central Hockey League. Most of the Griswold players were from Sioux Valley. Cliff Mazawacuina and his brother Carl along with Wilf Hapa were my favourite players.

When I watched Hockey night in Canada for some reason, I started paying attention to the officials and how they worked the games. At that time there was one

referee and two linesmen doing the game. Ron Wicks and Lloyd Gilmour were my favourite referees and John D’Amico and Ray Scapinello were my favourite linesmen.

I continued to watch officials and when I went to Kenton to watch Griswold play, I watched how those officials worked as well.

Today they use the four-man system, two referees and two linesmen. Personally, with so many officials out there how do they miss so many calls?

I wasn’t really looking to officiate but one day the door just sort of opened and I walked through. I got a phone call asking if I would officiate a minor hockey

game, so I said yes, and the journey began. I wasn’t a certified official the first year or so but eventually I went to an official clinic and was a registered official and it was game on.

Over the course of 25 years of officiating I was Referee-in-chief of the

North Central Hockey League for 17 years, 4 years Referee-in-Chief of the Yellowhead region and was Refereein-Chief of the Junior C league in Manitoba. It all began when.......,Next part of the story in next week’s edition, so stay tuned!

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Director Gerry Gourlay presenting the fundraising group of Riverdale Early Learning Centre Daycare # 2. With a grant for materials for the Daycare # 2 project. L- R Director Gerry Gourlay, Gabby McFadden, Samantha Kolesar, Krista Clark and Courtney Millar.

Gerry Nolan, former referee, and aspiring writer.

Under the supervision of the Manager of Finance, the RM of Oakview is seeking to fill a full-time Administrative Assistant - Recreation position.

The Rural Municipality of Oakview is located in southwest Manitoba, with a population of 1,630. The R. M. of Oakview has an office in Oak River with a satellite office in Rapid City.

General duties include reception, clerical duties, maintaining the municipal website/social media, cash receipts / deposits and maintaining the accounts receivable and utility system. Recreation programming experience or a willingness to learn is desired.

Work will be primarily assigned in the Oak River office, although assistance may be required in other locations.

Requirements:

• Minimum Grade 12, post-secondary education in a related field is an asset

• Minimum of three years’ experience in an administrative role, preferably in a municipal setting.

• Strong computer skills and experienced with Windows and Microsoft applications and have good oral and written communication skills.

• Possess ability to deal with public over the phone and/or in person.

• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy while meeting deadlines.

The successful applicant can expect a competitive salary and benefits package.

Individuals interested in this position should send their resume with cover letter to Mark Humphries, Chief Administrative Officer of the R. M. of Oakview at cao@ rmofoakview.ca or mail to: Box 179 Oak River, MB R0K 1T0.

Applications will be reviewed as early as November 18, 2024, however the posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is located.

We thank all those who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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PC Caucus pushing NDP on issues that matter

By Greg Nesbitt

A new Legislative session is now underway after the Speech from the Throne was read on Tuesday, November 19, and I am looking forward to following up on the success that our Progressive Conservative caucus has had in addressing issues that matter to Manitobans.

During the previous session that wrapped up on November 7, our PC team brought important attention to the need for a lower breast cancer screening age for Manitoba women.

A bill introduced by Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, would reduce the breast cancer screening age from 50 to 40, set a hard deadline for doing so and ensure annual public reporting on it. Though the NDP government has blocked this bill from passing, our efforts have brought awareness to this critical health issue, and we will continue to push for this change in law, in the months ahead.

At the same time, we are proud to have passed another health-related bill that is important to Manitobans. The Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week Act, introduced by Dawson Trail PC MLA Bob Lagasse, designates the week immediately preceding Father’s Day as a time to promote mental well-being for men. Recognized officially at the federal level and in several other provinces, this issue is about workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and various other life challenges that are too often dangerously overlooked.

Our opposition caucus congratulates MLA Lagasse for getting his bill passed by the legislature and, in doing so, for bringing men’s mental health concerns to widespread attention in our province for years to come.

Health care has been an increasingly pressing issue for our caucus this fall as we push the NDP to do more for Manitobans.

An urgent need for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner in the Portage la Prairie area is another

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focus for us, and we have stepped up our calls for the government to invest in such a diagnostic machine for the planned Portage Regional Health Centre currently under construction. Despite MRI wait times in Manitoba increasing to as much as 49 weeks at HSC Winnipeg and nearly 24,000 people across the province waiting for MRI scans this past summer, an MRI machine is not planned for the new Portage hospital scheduled to open by early 2026.

Doctors have said an MRI machine there would perform about 8,000 scans per year, significantly easing that backlog in Winnipeg and province-wide. Our MLA for Portage la Prairie, Jeff Bereza, is listening to the doctors and area residents, and has played a leading role in urging the NDP to include an MRI scanner at the hospital. Following a petition on which nearly 4,000 people had added their names to the request for an MRI machine in Portage, MLA Bereza organized a town hall event that brought hundreds of people together on October 22 to discuss this matter and how to move it forward.

He has also discussed the MRI issue with Indigenous communities in Portage’s surrounding areas, to determine their needs for improved diagnostic resources. As residents of the Portage la Prairie area raise their collective voice for MRI scanning at the new hospital, we will keep pressing the NDP to do this for them.

Outside of the Legislature, I am excited about the leadership race underway within the PC Party of Manitoba. More than 200 supporters attended a forum on October 30 in Winnipeg, to hear from leadership candidates Wally Daudrich and Obby Khan, about their ideas and vision for the party’s future, including a question-andanswer session with the audience.

The successful candidate next spring will begin leading our united caucus in holding the NDP accountable to people across the province and, I believe, will become the next premier of Manitoba.

Residents of Westman and province-wide need and

deserve a government that is more focused on outcomes than optics. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect families, reduce taxes, ensure accountability and put the well-being of all Manitobans ahead of politics.

As this new legislative session gets underway, I am working with our PC team to keep the NDP’s attention on what is best for Manitoba’s people and its future. Greg Nesbitt is the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain constituency. He can be reached at 204-759-3313, toll-free 1-844-877-7767 or by email at gregnesbittmla@mymts.net. When contacting MLA Nesbitt, please include your mailing address and phone number.

MLA of Riding Mountain

Sutherland’s strong start to season helps Jets stay perfect

PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER

Rivers Jets #24 Jaxon Heeney, #21 Ryder Richmond help defend the Jets net with Goalie #35 Riley Lamb.

By Robin Wark Rivers Banner

Kayden Sutherland continued his strong start to the season last Friday night as the Rivers Jets beat the Boissevain Border Kings.

On Nov. 15, Sutherland recorded a team-high three points as Rivers won 6-3 at home. The victory improved the Jets’ record to 4-0 in Tiger Hills Hockey League play.

“We had all four lines working hard and it opened up some chances and the boys capitalized,” Sutherland said.

Through four games, Sutherland has posted four goals and seven points. That already surpassed the six points and three goals the Hamiota product posted in 14 games last winter, which was his first senior season. What has allowed him to put up points this campaign?

“Just trying to play loose and not overthink the game, but my teammates are a big reason why it’s possible,” Sutherland said. “They have been working hard every night and getting to the right spots.”

Sutherland has played defence for most of his hockey career. He played some forward at times. With a number of defencemen on the Jets this season, Sutherland opted to move up front this season. It has certainly been working well

for him and the Jets.

In 2020-2021, Sutherland started his junior career with the Revelstoke (B.C.) Grizzlies of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in a season severely shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic. He split the next campaign almost equally between the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Portage Terriers and the OCN Blizzard.

Sutherland capped his junior career by playing for the Blizzard in 2022-2023. The move to the senior ranks last season involved some adjustments.

“Everybody is a lot stronger and bigger than junior so you really got to work hard and bear down,” Sutherland said. “It’s also a change not skating everyday and not playing as many games.”

Against the Border Kings last week, Sutherland lit the lamp once and recorded two assists. The Jets led 3-1 after the first period. They went up 5-1 in the second session. Early in the third period, Rivers scored to increase its lead to 6-1. The Border Kings scored twice before Josh Elmes got an empty net marker for the Jets.

Captain Riley Shamray and Dylan Thiessen each lit the lamp twice for Rivers. Joben Smith

and Josh Belcher recorded two assists each. After opening the season with two shutouts, Jets goalie Riley Lamb finally allowed a goal - and two more. He finished with 32 saves.

Jay Pringle stopped 36 shots for Boissevain. Scoring for the Border Kings were Ryan Patterson, Skylar Canada, and Tyson Pringle.

Things got physical late in the contest. There were eight infractions called in the last six minutes. Rivers’ Riley Boles ad Boissevain’s Carter Cowlthorp each received five minutes for fighting and 10 minute game misconducts.

On Nov. 23, the Jets wrap up a three-game homestand with a big game against the Killarney Shamrocks. Both senior teams sport 4-0 records. They are tied on top of the THHL Eastern Division. The Jets have 30 goals for and a THHL best six against. Killarney has scored 23 goals and allowed eight.

PARCEL

EXC ALL MINES, MINERALS, COAL OR VALUABLE STONE AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER NO. 24401 IN NE 1/4 23-12-21 WPM. - 365 1ST AVE., RIVERS

45000 LOTS 17 AND 18 BLOCK 27 PLAN 249 BLTO EXC FIRSTLY: OUT OF LOT 18 WLY 25 FEET AND SECONDLY: ALL MINES AND MINERALS, MINERAL OILS, PETROLEUM, GAS COAL AND VALUABLE STONE AS SET FORTH IN TRANSFER 53067 IN S 1/2 26-12-21 WPM AND N 1/2 23-12-21 WPM - 860 5TH AVE., RIVERS

156100 ALL THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION NINETEEN (19) IN TOWNSHIP TWELVE (12) AND RANGE TWENTY-TWO (22) DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION FOURTEEN HUNDRED FEET FROM THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, THENCE WESTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDRED FEET; THENCE NORTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF TWO HUNDRED FEET, THENCE EASTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDRED FEET THENCE SOUTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT., ALL THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION NINETEEN, IN TOWNSHIP TWELVE AND RANGE TWENTY-TWO DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION THIRTEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY FEET FROM THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, THENCE WESTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FEET, THENCE NORTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF THREE HUNDRED FEET, THENCE EASTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDERD AND FIFTY FEET, THENCE SOUTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT, EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL THAT PORTION OF THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION NINETEEN, IN TOWNSHIP TWELVE AND RANGE TWENTY-TWO, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, FOURTEEN HUNDRED FEET FROM THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, THENCE WESTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDRED FEET, THENCE NORTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF TWO HUNDRED FEET, THENCE EASTERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE LAST MENTIONED DIRECTION FOR A DISTANCE OF ONE HUNDRED FEET, THENCE SOUTHERLY AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT. - DESC SE 19 12 22 W, DALY

late June 2020, two large rainstorm events resulted in than 130 mm (5 inches) of rain in western Manitoba and led to record flooding on the Little Saskatchewan River. Shortly after the rainstorm events, record flows and levels were present at the Rivers Dam.

Status

rehabilitation of the Rivers Dam low level conduit is complete. A contract for rehabilitation and upgrade of the spillway and dam embankment was advertised for competitive tender in June 2024 and has been awarded. contractor is scheduled to mobilize to site in late September 2024.

Rivers Dam spillway and dam rehabilitation

Submitted

By Manitoba Government

Purpose and Need

proposed work is anticipated to proceed in two phases a two year period and will include:

Raising the existing earthen dam embankment by approximately 0.6 m to provide additional freeboard for the design flood

The dam consists of an earthfill embankment with a gated riparian conduit and adjacent fixed crest concrete chute spillway.

grade of the spillway and dam embankment was advertised for competitive tender in June 2024 and has been awarded. The contractor is scheduled to mobilize to site in late September 2024.

restricted to fall and winter months to ensure that the Starting at the end of September the reservoir water level facilitate construction of a temporary cofferdam. No artificial and summer. The construction work is projected to be spillway.

The proposed work is anticipated to proceed in two phases over a two-year period and will include:

• Post-tensioned anchoring of the spillway crest

• Installing a new seasonal safety boom

• Raising the existing earthen dam embankment by approximately 0.6 m to provide additional freeboard for the inflow design flood

Increasing the capacity of the spillway by raising the existing upstream wingwalls and and spillway chute walls

• Increasing the capacity of the spillway by raising the existing upstream wingwalls and spillway chute walls

Reconstructing the stilling basin which will include raising walls, and increasing the length and thickness of the stilling basin floor

Status

The rehabilitation of the Rivers Dam low level conduit is complete. A contract for rehabilitation and up -

• Reconstructing the stilling basin which will include raising the walls, and increasing the length and thickness of the stilling basin floor

• Installing new drainage systems underneath the spillway

Installing new drainage systems underneath the spillway

Post-tensioned anchoring of the spillway crest

Installing a new seasonal safety boom

The spillway and stilling basin construction work will be restricted to fall and winter months to ensure that the spillway is fully operational during the spring and summer. Starting at the end of September the reservoir water level will be lowered to 0.6 m below the spillway crest to facilitate construction of a temporary cofferdam. No artificial drawdown of the reservoir will be necessary for spring and summer. The construction work is projected to be complete in June 2026.

spillway and stilling basin construction work will be restricted to fall and winter months to ensure that the spillway is fully operational during the spring and summer. Starting at the end of September the reservoir water level be lowered to 0.6 m below the spillway crest to facilitate construction of a temporary cofferdam. No artificial drawdown of the reservoir will be necessary for spring and summer. The construction work is projected to be complete in June 2026.