January 19, 2024 by Rivers Banner

Friday, January 19, 2024 • Vol.116 No. 19 • Rivers, Manitoba IN STOCK or CUSTOM ORDER

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U15 Tournament of Champions

PUBLIC NIGHT WITH KENTON FIREFIGHTERS P11

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Cameron Schoonbaert 1, Kayden Elliot 33, Corbin Munz 3, Jesse Bourdin 4, Clay Munz 5, Jillian Schoonbaert 6, Nathan Hillis 7, Stella Roulette 8, Chase Airey 10, Samuels Rivas 11, David Waldner 12, Duncan McLean 15, Kirk Bayes 16, Aaron Roles 17, Coby Burt 18, Rynan Taylor 19. Missing from team photo is Rynan Taylor.

Our local Rivers Jets U15 co-ed team spent the past weekend, January 11 – 14, in Souris attending U15 Tournament of Champions. The tournament hosted 12 teams Souris/Wawanesa Wild, Morden Hawks, last years champions Swan Valley Stampeders, Virden Oil Caps, Russell Rams, Prairie Storm Thunder, Selkirk Fisherman, Deloraine/Hartney Royals, Notre Dame Hawks, Dauphin Kings, Stonewall Blues, and the Rivers Jets led by coaches Jamie Brown, head coach and Richard Hillis, assistant coach. Round robin started Thursday night with Rivers beating Deloraine 4-1, Notre Dame beating Souris 8-3. Friday was a busy day starting at 9am with Dauphin beating Virden 10-0, and Russell defeating Morden 8-2. Submitted By Crystal Bourdin

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Tournament top players: G - #1 Cameron Schoonbaert - Rivers Jets, D - #7 Nathan Hillis - Rivers Jets, D - #17 Lyric Smith Dauphin Kings, F - #5 Hayden Billett - Dauphin Kings, F - #15 Duncan McLean - Rivers Jets

RIVERS U9 HOCKEY TOURNAMENT P2

2 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

Rivers U9 Hockey Tournament

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

ournament was a big success. Ten teams, Rivers Elliott, Rivers Kendzierski, Virden Reimer, Virden Renard, Brandon Storm, Brandon FY I Doctors, Bra ndon East Side Mario’s, Onanole, Dauphin and Shoal Lake. There was no winner. All teams played three games each. At the end of every game, players of the games were handed out a prize donated by CJs on Ice.

Growing herbs in winter indoors

Sometimes winter is wonderful! Sometimes winter is not so wonderful! One of the ways that I have always dealt with having no ability to garden outdoors is to garden inside. Growing edible herbs indoors when it is cold outside, helps to keep the winter blues away. It is also so wonderful to have fresh herbs that taste amazing in the comfort of your home. In my life, if I am not growing, I am most likely to be found in the kitchen. There is nothing better than to enjoy the wonderful aroma and flavour of food cooked with fresh herbs. Not all herbs are suitable for growing indoors, but there are many that are really quite easy to grow. If you are new to indoor gardening, grow herbs that you will use to enhance the food that you like to cook. Secondly, try to grow those herbs that are compact in size so they don’t get too large for your growing area. Most herbs are sun worshipers. The light in our homes – even if you place your herbs in direct sunlight will not be sufficient to promote healthy growth. You will have to provide supplemental light for your herbs. There are many options to supply adequate light for production growth. Many economical LED light fixtures are now readily available and use minimum electricity. Ensure you do some research on what works for your space as the light will need to be adjustable to ensure any plants get enough light throughout their lifespan. Be aware that the amount of foot candles or lux (both common measurements of the brightness of light falling on a given area) hitting your plants decreases substantially with the distance the light is away. Ideally you never want to have your lights further away than about 8 inches from the lowest leaves. Although light is the most important factor for success, soil or media also has importance. Herbs almost always Submitted By Patricia Hanbidge

like good drainage, so ensure your soil or media mixture will drain quite quickly. Feed your herbs once a week while they are actively growing and water less often and more thoroughly. If you wait until the soil is dry to the touch, you will ensure that you do not “drown” your herbs before you have a chance to enjoy them. Many of the herbs you may wish to grow are readily started from seed. Basil, dill, oregano, cilantro and mint are all easy to grow from seed. Other herbs like rosemary, lavender and lemon verbena need to be started by taking cuttings. Cuttings are a type of asexual propagation that is also referred to by some as cloning plants. Each part of a plant will be genetically identical to the parent plant and will not display the diversity that occurs when growing plants from seed. General directions for taking cuttings are to select a healthy plant to take a cutting from. If possible, take a 4 to 6-inch piece of stem with the leaves attached ensuring there are a number of nodes present where the current leaves are growing. Use scissors, secateurs or a sharp knife that is clean and remove all but two of the leaves at the top of the stem and gently pinch back the very top leaf or tip of the cutting. By removing the apical meristematic tissue (the top leaf or point of growth) will cause a number of internal processes that will help the plant to more quickly grow new roots and to then continue growing stems and leaves. By removing the lower leaves, the nodes where the leaves were once located are usually the easiest point for new tissue to develop. Place cuttings in a damp soilless mix, vermiculite or peat moss. Tent some plastic over the cuttings to retain the humidity and place the cuttings in bright light. Monitor the cuttings until you see roots and new growth. Gradually remove the humidity tent and if necessary plant up in growing media.

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January 19, 2024 Rivers Banner 3

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From last weeks front page E

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FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein

4. seventh 8. games 12. bonspiel

t is January 20, 1961; and we are standing in Washington, DC, in front of the east portico of that city’s Capitol Building. Today it has been turned into a stage and at precisely 12 noon, Chief Justice Earl Warren will administer the Oath of Office to John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the youngest person ever to be elected as President of the United States. Immediately after taking the Oath, now President Kennedy stepped to the podium to deliver his inaugural address. It took just 10 minutes to deliver but it contained a sentence that will be forever linked to his name. After reviewing the domestic and international challenges his country was facing, Kennedy uttered these immortal words: “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Kennedy’s words would not be welcomed by some people today. They would turn them around to read: “Ask not what you can do for your country; ask what your country can do for you.” That, in my view at least, is a most dangerous question. I am not a prophet; nor am I the son of a prophet. I am a country preacher, the son of an Alberta farmer. But I have been around long enough to witness a very significant change in Canadian society. We are rapidly losing the independent, entrepreneurial spirit that filled past generations. They did not expect their country to do anything for them. Accepting any form of government assistance was something they did as a last resort. They learned to work together and help each other. They invested in their farms, their families, their local communities and their churches. They build community halls, ice skating and curling rinks, schools and outdoor recreational activities. They worked with local governments (many of them serving as municipal councillors) to build and maintain roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure as needed. They knew that they would never live to see the full benefits of their hard work and dedication. But that didn’t stop them. They were building for the future; doing what they could for their country. In his inaugural address, President Kennedy noted that every generation of Americans has been asked, at one time or another, to rededicate themselves to the task of helping to make their world a better place for all people. If all Americans “did what they could for their country,” they could help make Kennedy’s dream come true. Those words also apply to you, to me and to all Canadians. By diligent work habits, caring for our families and managing our resources carefully, we can provide for our basic needs and (except for cases of dire emergency) eliminate the need for outside help or support. By looking after our homes and property, we can reduce the workload on municipal employees. Through quality self-care, we can maintain the best possible physical, mental and relational health; thus, reducing the stress on our health care system. And let’s not forget the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling consumable products. These are just a few of the ways we can do something significant for our country. I would encourage you to add your own ideas to this list. But don’t just add them to a list. Pick one or two and do them consistently. Do something for your country, even if it is something small. By working together, we can achieve great things and, in the coming year, do much to help make our country and our world better places for all of us.

4 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

Tundra

Perspectives Homebodies

By Chad Carpenter

Rita Friesen

Talents and skills…

A PC Party of Manitoba begins the rebuild

ast fall I wrote a column on the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba and their less than enviable record for choosing how to elect a leader. When the party replaced Gary Filmon around 2000, there was a coronation of Stu Murray. In 2006, the election of Hugh McFadyen was pretty much a coronation. Then the party selected Brian Pallister in an acclaimed race. The party elite did their best to make the selection of Heather Stefanson a couple of years ago a coronation. Now, after years of fumbling around in the back rooms of Winnipeg, the party met last weekend to select a leader using a points system that is a bit like the method used by Conservative Party of Canada to select their leaders. It’s a point weighted system designed to level out the influence of all areas of the country to theoretically get a leader that has the backing of a wider group of people. The CPC was basically forced into this system by former PC Party Canada leader Peter McKay. The PC Manitoba meeting last week was anything but clear in how members could participate. I know of no delegate selection process.The meeting was not open to the media either. The basic problem is that running a political party takes a lot of work, tons of money and quite frankly, PC Manitoba doesn’t have many staff, an inconsistent organization, and almost no vision as to how to run the province. I know many of the MLAs and I think they are frustrated. The party has a headquarters in an awkward old building at 23 Kennedy Street in Winnipeg. Depending on funding and the whims of the board or leader, the HQ operates sporadically to say the least. Most of the local electoral district organizations are pretty sketchy in

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Right in the Centre Ken Waddell how they operate. In some city electoral districts, there is no organization at all. Even in strongly held ridings, the boards are almost non-existent. If the PC Party of Manitoba is looking for advice, and based on past experience they usually aren’t, they should go slow with the leadership selection process. It should be well laid out with clear criteria, reasonable admission deposits, and lots of time before deadlines. Unlike the past leadership events, the current MLAs should not state their preference publicly. Endorsements carry a lot of weight but abundant endorsements did not yield the best results in several of the past leadership races. The electoral records show that quite clearly. There has been a correlation that shows that a high number of MLA endorsements has not yielded electoral success by the chosen leader. PC Manitoba needs a major overhaul that includes a better HQ building in a much better location. Nobody, even urban people, want to go to 23 Kennedy. It’s hard to get to, hard to find parking and it’s a very inaccessible building. More important than HQ location, PC Manitoba needs to clearly define itself. In the last election, they defined themselves as not liking Wab Kinew and refusing to even discuss how to recover bodies of murdered women. I agree that spending a $100 million or more on recovery of bodies from

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the landfill is a lot of money, but the PCs should have at least sat down and talked it over. As far as slamming Wab Kinew, I personally advised Premier Stefanson not to do that, but if she agreed with me, she didn’t stand up to the campaign team and she should have. Slamming people personally isn’t the best approach, especially when there are policies to be debated. As far as Wab Kinew is concerned, he openly admitted that some of his actions in younger days were not what they should have been. He made that very clear in a speech. On a personal basis, I have met Wab Kinew a few times and he has been very polite and respectful to me. On a few occasions, he has met me in the halls of the legislature and has always taken a moment to talk to me. I think that is an important thing for a politician to do. The PC Party of Manitoba needs to shape up as an organization. They have some very good MLAs and some really smart organizers but they need a lot more of both. We’ll see if they can strengthen the party to be an effective opposition and perhaps form government again. 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 Banner & Press staff.

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question posed in a ref lective book I’m currently re-reading– ‘ What talents or skills did your parents give to you?’. The chapter enlarged upon the time and effort it requires to pass both of these things on to our children– remembering that they learn as much from our words and actions, and attitudes, as they do from formal instruction. I appreciate the question, and took the time to wonder what I learned from my parents. Not having any brothers, I got to be the outside girl, often helping my father with farm work, and after a few years of learning, being left in charge while he pursued an education and then accepted teaching positions. So I know/knew how to milk a cow, feed chickens and pigs, wrangle sheep, bale hay, run the swather or combine, plow, cultivate and harrow. I know/knew the importance of raising livestock for breeding, sale, or consumption– don’t give some critters names! Fencing, crafting a water resistant bale stack, repairing corrals, and working with time constraints and under a supervisor were also skills taught by words and example. Dad, a life-long learner, would take work breaks to discuss world events, faith theology and human nature, leaning up against a rail fence or tractor fender, or resting on a pitch fork anchored in the earth. We could work and think at the same time. The life lessons did not include auto maintenance! The lessons I learned from my mother were taught; how to embroider, sew, repair and patch. She taught me how to keep a clean house, how to prepare basic meals and fundamental baking. It was my Aunt Tillie that worked with me to master baking bread and pies. Looking back, I recognise that my love of gardening and growing food was handed down from my mother as well. I honestly can say that I would rather spend a summer afternoon stacking the small square bales than weeding the garden, but I know the weed types and how to eradicate them. I recognise wild f lowers, birds and the different kinds of trees growing in our province due to her inf luence. The book shelf had a wide variety of information on the f lora and fauna of the prairies. Both parents encouraged great work ethics, a love for reading and taking time for family, and table games. Along the way I formulated my own faith journey, finding my own compass, and becoming me. The other question, in conjunction with the first-‘ Which ones can you pass on to your children?’. For me, now, its’ not so much which ones can I pass on, but which ones did I pass on. And if you spoke to any of my five children the answers would vary, greatly. It’s a little challenging to teach creative kitchen skills when I had/have none, and no desire to attain them. I did give all the children free range in the kitchen, including conscripted times for meal prep, table setting and after meal clean up. I hope that all of them learned honesty– to themselves and others, self-acceptance, and an inner compass. I hope…

Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the managing editor or publisher and only when time and space permit. We are not responsible for fax and e-mail transmissions which are not confirmed either in person or by phone.

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January 19, 2024 Rivers Banner 5

Lon Schwartz (Chief of Police) Rivers Police Service Hit and Run Collision at Tempo Gas Bar on New Year’s Eve: On New Year’s Eve, a hit and run vehicle collision was reported at the Tempo gas bar. The incident resulted in damages to the rear passengers’ side bumper of the involved vehicle. If anyone witnessed this event or possesses information, please contact the Rivers Police Service. Incident at Westwood Lodge: Police were summoned to the Westwood Lodge following a report of an elderly male with facial injuries and evident pain. Despite the man denying any assault, it was revealed that he had fallen the previous night. In need of medical attention, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called, and the man was transported to Brandon Hospital for assessment and treatment. Subsequently, he returned home. Well-Being Check on Rivers Man: A call requesting a well-being check on a Rivers man, who was reported to be highly intoxicated and damaging furnishings in his apartment, was received by the police. Upon investigation, it was determined that the man was having a difficult day, intoxicated, and upset.

Being the sole occupant of the premises, owning the furnishings, and not committing any offences, he declined police assistance. Incident at CN Rail Yard Aggressive Individual Subdued: Police received a complaint of an intoxicated male on the train tracks at the CN Rail yard south of Rivers. Upon arrival, the same individual from the previous complaint was found sitting on the train tracks, yelling, and displaying signs of distress. As officers approached, the individual became aggressive and threatened the police officer. The Taser was deployed to subdue the male to affect the arrest. He was subsequently taken to Brandon Hospital

This potato soup comes together quickly with basic ingredients. Ingredients: 1 pound bacon, chopped 1 onion, chopped 8 potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 tbsps butter 1 cup heavy cream 3 tsps chopped cilantro (optional)

2 stalks celery, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp dried tarragon salt and pepper to taste

Directions: 1) Gather all ingredients. 2) Place bacon in a Dutch oven and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain bacon pieces on paper towels. Drain off all but 1/4 cup of the bacon grease. 3) Cook celery and onion in the reserved bacon drippings until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes. 4) Add cubed potatoes and toss to coat. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Return bacon to the pan and add enough chicken stock to just cover the potatoes. Cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. 5) Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in heavy cream, tarragon, and cilantro. 6) Bring cream mixture to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add cream mixture to the potato mixture; stir to combine. 7) Transfer about 1/2 of the soup to a blender and purée. Return to the Dutch oven. Adjust seasonings to taste. 8) Serve hot and enjoy! Add additional cheddar cheese, bacon pieces and chopped green onion.

for a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment before being lodged in Brandon Police Service cells. Upon sobering up, the individual was released on charges of uttering threats and resisting arrest. Conditions of release include abstaining from alcohol or other intoxicating substances. The court appearance is scheduled for next month in Brandon Provincial Court.

LUD Kenton Committee meeting notes November 23, 2023

Submitted Rivers Banner Present in Office: Chairperson Hemrica, Councillors MacDonald, Good, ACAO Vercaigne and Kenton LUD Manager Sigurdson. MacDonald/Good: THAT the October 2023 Kenton LUD Financial Report be hereby adopted as presented. Carried. The Kenton LUD Committee reviewed the 2023 Service Plan. A draft of the 2024 Service Plan will be presented at the December meeting. Kenton LUD Manager Sigurdson shared information on potential recycling; garbage; and dog waste stations with the Kenton LUD Committee. The Kenton LUD Committee advised Kenton LUD Manager to include the purchase of two garbage and recycling bins from Recycle Everywhere and two dog waste stations to the 2024 budget. The Kenton LUD Committee discussed a potential sidewalk project in 2024. Administration will gather more information to be presented at the next meeting. Committee member Good reported on WSS insurance and upcoming activities. The Kenton LUD Committee discussed dust control at Kenton Dam.

6 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

SPORTS

Westman High School Hockey League Leaders 2023-24

uring the Tournament of Champions in Hamiota on the weekend of January 5 to 7 a skills competition was held to test players on an individual level. The skills competitions was an added excitement for the kids for the weekend. The fastest skater was timed on full lap. Winner was Tyce Carter from Hamiota The shootout winner was Grady Hay from Virden. Goalie winner from the shootout was Ian Shingoose-Clearsky from Tri-Valley. Puck handling, which was done via stick handling around pylons, was won by Emmitt Allison from Elkhorn. By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Nathan Espennel, an assistant captain and grade Submitted 11 student from Elton Collegiate has been an Rivers Banner excellent leader for the H/R/E/S Huskies. He is a player who excels in all scenarios of the game, even strength, power play, and penalty kill. He is an excellent defender, and a guy you can look to at any time throughout a game. His competitiveness, consistent work ethic and attention to detail is something you don’t always see in a young athlete. All of these things have contributed to his development as a leader on this team. Nathan is also quite involved in the community and other sports as well. He has been playing ball out of Brandon for a few years, making the A A A programs and Team Manitoba, and he has started reffing at the minor hockey level.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

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n Friday, January 12, 2024, the Huskies defeated the Virden Golden Bears in Rivers with a score of 5 - 2. The Huskies started the game off strong with two goals in the first and Bears scored one. In the second, Hamiota hit the back of the net with one more goal. The game finished with the Huskies final two goals in the third. The Bears put in one more in the third. Their next game will be played on Friday, January 19 at 8pm against the Vincent Massey Vikings in Hamiota, followed by a Sunday game in Rivers against Crocus Plains Plainsmen at 5pm. By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

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SPORTS Joben Smith scored twice and added three assists as the Jets improved to 10 and 4 on the season with a 6 -2 win over Carberry on Saturday, Jan. 13 in Rivers. Brock Paddock added a goal and three assists to pass the 100 -point mark in his career playing in the NCHL and THHL. He is also the franchise leader in penalty minutes with 234. Riley Boles, Keaton Moore and Kale Bomback added a goal each in the win, while Riley Shamray and Kaden Sutherland both had two assists. Brock is one of our leaders on and off the ice and has been a big part of the Jets success since our comeback to senior hockey. For the moment the Jets stay two points ahead of Hartney for second place in the division with a game at hand, in what has become a tight top of the standings in the West. Next action is Saturday January 20 when the East Division leading Killarney Shamrocks come to town for a 7:30pm start. Submitted Rivers Banner

January 19, 2024 Rivers Banner 7

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner Hamiota Huskies SV Girls Basketball The Hamiota Huskies SV Girls basketball team played in the Sabres Shootout at the Souris School. They placed eighth in the tournament. Rivers Rams SV Girls Basketball The Rivers Rams SV Girls basketball team played in the Sabres Shootout at the Souris School. After defeating the Steinbach Christian High School with a score of 42-37, they placed sixth in the tournament.

Winter Fun is

IN SEASON! Continued from page 1 Friday games continued, Swan Valley tied Notre Dame 4-4, Prairie Storm beat Virden 9-2, Stonewall took Morden 7-0, and Swan Valley won 5-2 over Souris. The Rivers Jets took on the Selkirk Fishermen. Both teams battled through penalties, with the Jets out shooting Selkirk 3320, ending in a tie game 2-2. Saturday brought on another great day of hockey. Selkirk won 7-0 over Duncan McLean with Deloraine, Prairie Storm player of the game from won 6-3 against Dauphin, Swan valley game and and Stonewall beat Russell 8-1. That wrapped up the Forward of the TOC. round robin. Dauphin out played Selkirk 5-0, Souris beat Stonewall 5-1, while Swan beat Russell 10-5. Rivers took on the Prairie Storm with Stella Roulette popping in the first goal assisted by Kirk Bayes and Jesse Bourdin, Stella went on to score the second goal with assists going to Chase Airey, and Rynan Taylor. The third goal went to Sammy Rivas, assists going to Aaron Roels and Nathan Hillis. The second period had some penalties and no goals.

WE CAN HELP YOU PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS DURING In the third Jesse Bourdin put one in from the Ski & Snowboard Month, Skating Month & blue line assisted by Rynan Snowmobile Safety Week This January & All Season! Taylor. The Storm managed to squeak one in by Rivers Banner ~ 204-328-7494 ~ info@riversbanner.com Cameron Schoonbaert, Rivers answered back with another goal this time Nathan Hillis putting one in, and on the Dauphin Kings then another from our own end in an empty net. This for the Final. While it was a great game our guys wrapped up Saturday’s hockey. On Sunday, January 14, Delorane sent Virden home and gals just ran short after a 2-1 game, Morden took out Notre Dame 5-2, on fuel but managed to hold the Kings of 1-0 Dauphin beat Souris 6-0. Rivers took on Swan Valley in what ended up being a most of the game ending in a loss of 2-0. What a nail biter of a game! Rivers Sammy Rivas scored the first goal of the game well played weekend of assists going to Duncan McLean and Ap Jace Woloski, Hockey our team played Swan answered back in the second with their first goal their hearts out and it tying up the game. On to the third our Ap Sawyer Lepp showed. Everyone left it banged one in assisted by Rynan Taylor and Kirk Bayes. all on the ice. Congrats Five minutes later Swan rallied back making it 2-2. With to all the players and 1:53 left Duncan McLean got one by them, assist going to Coaches. Three of the six all Rynan Taylor, and at 1:16 left again Swan Valley tied the Stella Roulette receiving game up 3-3. This led to over time being played 3 on 3 stars of the weekend player of the game from the for 10 mins. The teams had a quick break for a flood and were from the Rivers Praire Storm game. right back into it for a second over time. Fifteen seconds Jets team. Top goalie was in Duncan McLean scored the winning goal assisted by Cameron Schoonbaert Sammy Rivas. Those smart watches were registering heart of Rivers. Top forwards were Duncan McLean of Rivers stopping moments out there among the fans. This put and Hayden Billett of Dauphin Kings. Top defense players were Nathan Hillis of Rivers and Mac McCorrister of Rivers into the final game. After a very quick rest of one game the Rivers Jets took Souris/Wawanesa Wild.

Final game for the Rivers Jets against the Dauphin Kings.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

8 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba kicks off national student writing contest Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 are invited to share what home means to them in an annual national writing contest that is now open and accepting entries. Submissions are online at meaningofhome.ca or through mail until February 23, 2024, every student who enters the contest will help Habitat Manitoba build safe and affordable homes. This year, Habitat Manitoba’s goal is 3315 student submissions locally, and 15,000 across Canada. Every student who enters the contest will help Habitat Manitoba build safe and affordable homes by earning a $10 donation. In May, three grand prize winners will be chosen and receive a $30,000 grant to help their local Habitat for Humanity build homes for families in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners-up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Last year, there were 2710 students across Manitoba who entered which lead to Grade 5 Harleen from Winnipeg winning a $30,000 grant for Habitat Manitoba for her entry: “Home, a Place for Love and Laughter”. There were also two additional runner up students including Grade 4 student Simon (Meaning of Home), and Grade 6 runner up Armeen (In My Baba’s Arms) who both won a $10,000 grant for Habitat Manitoba. Housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, including children, who understand how it can provide them with a safe place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life.

By Christa Mariash Vice President, Marketing

SUBMITTED PHOTO

“I encourage all eligible students to participate. Your words have the potential to inspire action and bring about positive change in the lives of Habitat Partner families,” says Jamie Hall, CEO, Habitat Manitoba. “The Meaning of Home contest sheds a light on the pressing issues of the housing crisis in Canada and the role of future philanthropists in our community.” Founded in 2007 by SagenTM 1, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2.3 million while encouraging more than 100,000 students to become more active and

compassionate citizens. Last year over 12,000 entries raised $302,000, helping families in 42 communities across Canada build a brighter future through affordable homeownership. The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor SagenTM and awards sponsors Urban Systems Foundation and Face to Face Games. Please visit meaningofhome.ca for further contest details.

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Autopac accredited repair shop Aftermarket parts & accessories Glass replacement & Towing hiwaycollision1984@gmail.com

FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Jack Cram, Lawyer Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

Serving all from Hamiota to Brandon & Surrounding Areas

Homes

KEN KIRK KE

Acreages

204-764-2904 20

Farms

REALTOR®

Cabins

KenKirk@royallepage.ca Ken

Investements

Making your Realty Dreams A Reality..

Commercial

WWW.KROEGERBACKHOE.CA EXCAVATION-GRAVELACREAGE DEVELOPEMENTSEPTIC SYSTEMS 204-761-8765

Stewart Endeavors Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating

Ph. 204-724-6870 Fax 204-328-4407 alepp@redlinetransport.ca Dry bulk transportation

Way-Mor Agencies Ltd. Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

Brandon - Rivers

204-761-2192

stewartend2015@gmail.com 204-365-0086 Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE TO YOU STARTING AS LOW AS $14.50 PER WEEK CALL 204-328-7494 OR EMAIL INFO@RIVERSBANNER.COM

STIMATE

All prices exclude taxes Prices do not include 5% GST

Section

anner Reporter

Careers

Insertion Date

Ad Size

Jan 19, 2023

3 col x 5.2347”

January 19, 2024 Rivers Banner 9

Price

CLASSIFIEDS TOTAL PRICE

Help Wanted

In Memory

We are hiring!

In Loving Memory

We have a new opportunity to highlight:

Instructor, Practical Nursing

Full Time, Term (Jan 29, 2024, to March 15, 2024) Competition # 97-23/24 Virden, MB Salary: $62,187 to $92,384 annually ($32.99 to $49.01 hourly) (Educational Supplement: Masters $1.52/hour; PhD $3.03/hour) For full position details or to view all career opportunities visit: www.assiniboine.net/careers.

Assiniboine Community College is committed to reconciliation and ensuring that its policies, practices, and systems are free of barriers. Assiniboine values diversity and promotes full participation to ensure dignity, respect, and equal access for all employees. Assiniboine welcomes applications from all qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, persons of all abilities, members of visible minorities, all genders and sexual orientations, and all other groups protected by the Human Rights Code.

James Irvine

March 12, 1950 to January 20, 2016

Remembering Jim and all the best of times. Unforgettable, your laugh until you cried, your mischievousness and your joy. We are thankful for the memories but wish we still had you here with us. We imagine you are fishing, golfing and dancing with all our family and friends. Your memory will be kept alive by our stories and laughter. May God keep you in his loving care as we continue to love you and miss you. Lovingly Dora, your family and friends.

careers@assiniboine.net

Announcement

NOTICES Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions

on our website at www. mcna.com. URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for ONLY $35.00 + GST/HST. Call MCNA (204) 947-1691 for more information. See www.mcna.com under the “Types of Advertising” tab for more details.

Buy and Sell

For Sale

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HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC

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Auctions

RTM’s

Plan your advertising for success in 2024! Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Now booking advertising for January, February and March. Please Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW to book, or call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna. com

Holding a community event? RiveRs BanneR

If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to:

We thank you for your interest. Those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds

529 2nd Ave., Rivers, MB 204-328-7494 info@riversbanner.com

10 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

RM of Oakview - meeting Hamiota notes Municipality

November 27, 2023 Submitted Rivers Banner C o u n c i l l o r s present:Aaroe,Evans,Reynolds and Hyndman Absent: Gill CAO: Marci Quane Reeve Robert Christie presided. Reception of Delegates-Rapid Cit y Fire Department, Chief English, MWM Environmental, Shawn Samels & Environmental Consulting Solutions, Brandi Bertholet Manager of Public Works, Brad Kingdon Reynolds/Aaroe:Whereas the new 2024 grader will require new attachments. Whereas Toromont Cat has provided the municipality with trade in values. Therefore, be it resolved that Council authorize the trade in and purchase of the V-plow, lift group, and install for the net cost of $49,000 plus applicable taxes and subject to 2024 Financial Plan approval. Carried Reynolds/Evans:Whereas the Degelman Mower is in need of replacement. Whereas a trade-in value for the mower and sidearm has been provided. Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the RM of Oakview authorize the trade in and purchase of a 2023 Degelman Rev1500

from Dionco Sales for the net total of $78,429.08. Carried. Council approved second and third reading to By-Law 2023 -8, being a by-law to establish rates for the Rapid City water and wastewater utility. Hy ndman:Evans:Therefore, be it resolved that Council give first reading to By-Law 2023 -10 being a By-Law to repeal Town of Rapid City By-Law 8 -91. Carried unanimously Evans/Hyndman:Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the RM of Oakview transfer the sale proceeds of $50,000 to the Rapid City Fire Reserve. Carried unanimously Hyndman/Reynolds:Whereas Subsection 252(2) of The Municipal Act indicates that utility charges and labour to carry out private works, on private property, may be collected by the municipality in the same manner as a tax may be collected. And whereas there are overdue utility bills; Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the R. M. of Oakview authorizes the C.A.O. to add over-due bills outstanding on December 15th, 2023, to the taxes of the benefiting properties. Carried unanimously Aaroe/Hyndman:Therefore, be it resolved that Council approves t he a nnua l 1/2- page advertisement for the Westman Tourism magazine for 2024. Car-

ried unanimously Offer to Purchase Property for Development - R. Franken Lloyd left the room. Resolution No: /23. 9.8 Request for Compensation - E. Evans. That the Council of the R. M. of Oakview approve payment of $1,000 to E. Evans for reimbursement of the deductible for insurance claim #3779855. R e y n o l d s / Hyndman:Therefore, be it resolved that Council of the RM of Oakview approve the adjusted a nnua l f ina ncia l st atement s submitted by MNP November 24, 2023. Carried unanimously Hy nd ma n/A a roe:B e it re solved that we do hereby approve for pay ment G ener a l Cheque’s #10376 - 10400 and #10402 - 10429 Payroll Cheques # 55257 – 55277 including preauthorized payments amounting to $168,917.21. Carried unanimously Hyndman/Reynolds:Be it resolved that the RM of Oakview accept the October 31, 2023 financial statement as presented. Carried unanimously Reynolds/Hyndman:That the Council of the R. M. of Oakview approve payment of general cheque # 10401 payable to Gill Farms Ltd. Invoice #4856 in the amount of $1,328.78. Carried unanimously.

Rivers Banner ~ 204-328-7494 ~ info@riversbanner.com

- meeting notes

November 15, 2023 Submitted Rivers Banner Mayor Lints chaired the meeting and councillors Gray, Andrew, Tiller, Brethour and ACAO Robin Cripps were present. Reports of Committees: MWPD Nov. 2, 2023, Meeting Minutes - Ed Brethour. Health Stakeholders - Randy Lints Education Stakeholders - Randy Lints Tiller/Brethour: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality agrees to participate in the 2023 Christmas Calendar and provide $50.00 in Chamber Bucks. Carried. Tiller/Brethour: RESOLVED that Council of the Hamiota Municipality approve accounts in the amount of $114,224.95. Carried. Andrew/Gray: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality agree to give 1st Reading to By-Law 2023-05 Being a By-Law of Hamiota Municipality to create an Aquatic Centre Reserve Fund. Carried. Gray/Tiller: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality accept the resignation of Councillor Tammie McConnell, effective November 15, 2023. Carried. Brethour/Gray: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality agree to appoint Robin Cripps as the SEO (Senior Elected Official) for the 2024 By Election. Carried 8.2 Lend a Hand, Throw Some Sand (idea from U of R) Brethour/Tiller: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality approve the expenditure up to $1,000 from the Health Spending Fund to secure rental accommodations for the new International Medical Graduate. Carried. Gray/Brethour: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality agrees to contract Richmond Land Surveys for the surveying of a Road Allowance Access to SW2-15-23W for $2,050.00 plus GST. Carried. Brethour/Gray:RESOLVE THAT the Council of Hamiota Municipality authorizes Mayor and CAO to sign and enter into an agreement with Hamiota Health Centre Foundation and Waterford Global Inc. Carried. Andrew/Brethour: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality approve a $500 per month bonuses to Marla Edmundson, Chantal Debin and Robin Cripps for the months of October, November, and December. Carried Andrew/Gray: RESOLVED that the Council of Hamiota Municipality agree to increase Robin Cripps salary to $60,000 effective November 15, 2023. Carried

January 19, 2024 Rivers Banner 11

Public night with the Woodworth Fire Department Submitted By Chris Routledge, Kenton Fire Chief On Jan. 10, 2024, the Woodworth Fire Department held a public info night in the legion hall in Kenton. Some of the topics discussed were: 1) The Kenton department have twenty active members with four junior members. They are always looking for new recruits. 2) Some of the courses the members have taken are Level One, Ground Search and Rescue, Surface Water Rescue, Vehicle Extrication, Farm Accident Rescue, Fire Ground Management, Wildland Firefighting, Traffic Control, Heavy Rescue, Grain Rescue, Electric Vehicle Response Training, and STARS Landing. They use this training locally, within their mutual aid and have been called to help within other areas of Manitoba. 3) The department gets dispatched by Provincial Dispatch 911 in Brandon, and they use a phone app “Dispatch ME” to receive their pages which gives a phone call, text, and an email. 4) The meeting also included a discussion of the fire halls inventory. They have a Rescue unit which carries air packs, extrication tools, first aid supplies, radios, and water rescue suits. These tools were out for the public to see at the meeting. They have a Tanker which holds 2500 gallons of water and have a porta tank on the truck as well that will hold 2500 gallons. The pumper truck which carries 1500 gallons of water and has all of their hose and nozzles and four air packs. The one tonne bush truck has a 300-gallon skid unit on it with forestry hose and assorted rakes and shovels. Also, in the hall the team has a Water rescue boat and trailer. They also have a grain rescue tube and Auger. The team is very fortunate to say that the Rescue unit was fully funding by the “building Manitoba fund” the Grain rescue equipment was funded by Cargill, Vitera, Redferns, and Decisive Farming, and the Rescue boat and trailer was purchased using local donations. After reviewing everything with the public, the floor was opened to questions and conversation. They displayed a full set of turn out gear, an air pack and mask and had some of our extrication tools.

Top of the line gear for our rescue team.

Turn out gear hanging and ready to go.

The Rescue unit and firetrucks sit full of equipment, prepped and ready.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Manitoba Government announces new agricultural crown lands leases and permits regulations now in effect

The Manitoba government’s amendments to the Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Leases and Permits Regulation have now come into effect, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today. “Manitoba producers felt abandoned by the previous government whose changes to Crown land leases hurt their livelihood,” said Kostyshyn. “Our government is committed to supporting producers and making it easier for them to put food on the table for families in Manitoba and around the world. These changes provide more certainty for producers as they make investments in their operations.” The following amendments to the ACL Leases and Permits Regulation have now come into force and include: • forage capacity will be determined when the lease is issued and will remain for the entire length of the agreement. • a five-year extension on a 15-year lease term is available to leaseholders that complete and implement a forage management plan for at least the last five years of the 15-year lease term. • unlimited transfers of a 15-year forage lease or renewable permit to any eligible lessee for the remainder of the lease term. • legacy leaseholders will be able to nominate the next leaseholder, subject to the Treaty Land Entitlement and consultation assessment; and • in the last year of the lease, outgoing leaseholders that choose to be compensated for improvements must obtain an appraisal from an accredited appraiser indicating the

Submitted Manitoba Government

FILE PHOTO

value of the eligible improvements. The appraised value will be posted at the time of allocation and if the lease is reallocated within two years of expiry, the successful bidder must pay the outgoing leaseholder the posted amount. “The Agricultural Crown Lands program improves forage productivity, expands the livestock industry and aims to advance sustainability,” said Kostyshyn. “These amendments add options for leaseholders while ensuring use of the lands for traditional purposes and exercising

of treaty rights.” Manitoba’s agricultural Crown lands are parcels of land leased to producers for agricultural use including grazing, haying or annual cropping. Agricultural Crown lands are important public assets economically, environmentally, and socially. These Crown lands are essential to supporting and growing the livestock industry in Manitoba and provide mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

12 Rivers Banner January 19, 2024

Keystone Centre announces new CEO and General Manager By Jared McKenzie Director of Marketing The Keystone Agricultural and Recreational Centre Inc. (Keystone Centre) Board of Directors are pleased to announce the promotion of Connie Lawrence to the position of CEO & general manager. Starting her journey with the Keystone Centre in 2015 as the assistant sales manager, Lawrence has exemplified strong leadership, and dedication to the continued success of the Keystone Centre. Her outstanding performance and tireless commitment saw her quickly rise to V.P. of sales, and assistant general manager, a position which she has held since 2019, overseeing all event operation at the Keystone Centre. Lawrence’s wealth of experience within the industry makes her the perfect candidate to guide the Keystone Centre to continued success. As CEO & general manager, Connie Lawrence, who has been the acting general manager since October of 2023, will continue to strengthen the Keystone Centre’s reputation as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and events, driving the Centre’s growth and helping foster the Centre’s relationship with Brandon and the entire community of Western Manitoba. “I am excited to embark on this journey as the new CEO & GM of the Keystone Centre,” says Lawrence, Keystone Centre’s newly hired CEO and general manager. “This is an important organization that has been a cornerstone of this community, bringing people together and fostering economic growth for the region. I look forward to working closely with the talented

team at the Keystone Centre, community partners, and stakeholders to build upon the Centre’s legacy to create a bright future for the facility.” Prior to joining the Keystone Centre, Lawrence was a small business owner, and assisted in the operation of her family farm in Fleming, Saskatchewan. In addition to her role as Keystone Centre CEO & general manager, Lawrence is a mother, and grandmother. “We feel very fortunate that we have somebody as qualified and wellexperienced as Connie Lawrence elevated into the role of CEO/GM. She is well-qualified, has a wonderful resume, and has come up through our organization,” says Keystone Centre Board Chair Bruce Luebke. “Connie has shown great dedication to the Keystone Centre and its stakeholders during her tenure with us. She is a great fit to be our next CEO/GM and lead us through an important time as we navigate the financial stability of the Keystone Centre both short

and long term.” In addition to a growing events calendar, the Keystone Centre currently has a lot of projects on its plate, including the Dehumidification/Cooling and seat replacement projects to be completed in the summer of 2024, as well as a Master Site Plan that will give insight into the long-term plans for the Keystone Centre grounds.