May 3, 2024

By

Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

This art exhibit was draw-dropping and brushtakingly beautiful

Manitoba. The event was hosted by the Hamiota Mid-West Art Club. The judges had their work cut out for them, as they had to critique 103 pieces of submitted works completed by 61 artists.

Since 1979, the Westman Region Juried Art Show has been an annual event organized by the Arts West Council and hosted by various arts clubs and councils in the Westman Region of Manitoba. The purpose of the show is to provide amateur and emerging artists a venue for professional critique and to show the general public. Arts West Council member Gerry Oliver was the afternoon emcee.

The judges for this art show were Leona Herzog who graduated with a BFA in 1975, and completed a Master of Arts and visual artist Ben Davis who has an expanded practice, working across a diverse range of media and approaches.

There were four winners in the youth categories sponsored by Janzen’s Paints and Decorating and the New System Store.

Youth ages 11 – 13 two winners. Brookelynn Chipelski of Foxwarren for her piece “Truck in Field” and Raelynn McNair of Binscarth for her piece “Looking for the Light”. Youth ages 14 – 19 two winners. Charlie McGowan of Brandon for his untitled piece and Ava Blair of Killarney for her piece “Mystery Man”. Best in Show was sponsored by Gerry Oliver. This was presented to the most outstanding work in the Juried show as selected by the jurors. The winner was Glenda Cairns Poirier of Sinclair with her piece “Mid-Century Mule”. The theme this year for the theme category was ‘Chasing the Light’. There were 38 entries in this category alone. This category was sponsored by Lasting Image. The most outstanding entry in this theme was Joel Desjardins of Virden for his piece “On a Bike Ride”. The last category was the People’s Choice also sponsored by Lasting Image. The crowd had an opportunity to select their favourite piece and submit a secret ballot during the show on Sunday. Kerri Wilson of Hamiota with her piece “Imagine” gathered the most votes.

Twenty pieces from the show were selected to be a part of the Westman Travelling Gallery. This gallery has begun its journey at the Hamiota Heritage Centre in Hamiota. It is a must see. Ten pieces were also selected for an exhibition in the Rural and Northern Art Show sponsored by the Manitoba Arts Network. This art show will be Aug 1-24 at MB Arts Network, 210 Princess St, Winnipeg. The Online Show is available Aug - Sept https://artgallery. manitobaartsnetwork.ca.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Best in Show winner Glenda Cairna Poirier. Peoples Choice winner Kerri Wilson.

Youth ages 11 - 13 winner Brookelynn Chipelski

Youth ages 14 - 19 winner Ava Blair.

103 pieces of submitted works completed by 61 artists.

The judges for this art show were Ben Davis and Leona Herzog.

Youth ages 11 - 13 winner Raelynn McNair.

Theme Category winner Joel Desjardins.

Neil StrohScheiN

Laws that cannot be broken, Part II

The look on my father’s face said it all. An early hail storm had inflicted severe damage on a portion of our wheat crop. It was still early in the growing season. The plants were still quite small. But they were also quite delicate and showed significant bruising. We put in a claim for hail insurance and waited for the adjuster to arrive. Two weeks later he did. He carefully examined the crop. Then he looked at my dad and said: “I know you won’t believe me, but you will be surprised at how well this crop will come back and how big your yield will be.” He was right-both times. We didn’t believe him; and we weren’t expecting much from that field. But we were pleasantly surprised when it yielded 60 bushels per acre of top grade wheat-one of our best harvests ever. This experience illustrates another of God’s unbreakable laws. In last week’s column, we looked at the first law-you always reap what you sow. This week we look at the second law-you always reap more than you sow. Every farmer I know firmly believes this. We go through the same routine every spring. Soil tests are done, required amounts of fertilizer are applied and the seed is sown. On our farm, we planted roughly two bushels of wheat per acre. In an excellent year, like the one noted above, we would harvest 50-60 bushels for every two that we plantedalways reaping more than we had sown.

The same law applies in life. Everything we say and do has consequences-and they are always greater than the initial words spoken or deeds done. We can look back in history, for example and remember how millions of people were moved by Winston Churchill’s speeches in which he said that the British people would defend their island “to the last person” and that they would never surrender. Or think of Martin Luther King’s famous speech: “I have a dream.” And let’s not forget the words that Jesus spoke during his time on earth-how they moved those who followed him and how they continue to speak to those who read and reflect on the portions of his words that were written down and preserved for this day.

For the other side of the story, we need only consider the case of King David. He committed one act of adultery and one murder to cover it up. At least five acts of adultery and as many murders-all in David’s house and all committed by members of his family-can be linked to David’s actions. And for the rest of his life, David had to live with the ever present threat of insurrection and conspiracy, most of which came from within his own civil service.

This law is unbreakable. But how it applies to your life or mine depends on how we use it. We can use this law to our advantage. If we want to receive acts of kindness from others, we must first do acts of kindness for others.

But there are some who will use this law to further their evil schemes. They will try to use, abuse, intimidate and manipulate others so that they get all the benefits while those they victimize suffer loss. But be warned. Those who manipulate others for selfish gain will one day be manipulated themselves. And they will lose far more than they ever gained.

From last weeks front page

Lamb Family retiring from Rivers Tempo

Submitted By Sharon Lamb

For more than four decades, the Lamb Family in Rivers has operated The Tempo Place Emporium. It is with much emotion, excitement and all the in between feelings, that we are confirming that we have sold the entire business effective May 2, 2024, with May 1 being our last official day. For now, and the foreseeable future, the business will run under the Tempo name, our staff, the menu, and recipes will stay the same and yes… the Tempo sauce and wings are staying. We are grateful to have been able to provide service to this community for the past 43 years. We have had hundreds of staff members over the years, and we cannot begin to thank each and every one of you for your commitment to our business. To our current staff, there are no words to express our appreciation. We cannot thank our community enough for their support and words of encouragement over the years and for their well wishes on our retirement.

The new owners, Brijesh Patel, Dhrupal Patel, and Dhrumil Patel are no strangers to this area. They operate TJ’s in Hamiota, Circle S in Shoal Lake and Fast Gas in Onanole. They also own Chicken Chef in Roblin. It is our hope that our loyal customers will continue to support the new owners and welcome them to our community.

Wawanesa Flea Market and Craft Sale

May 11 from 10am - 3:30pm Located at Wawanesa rink $5.00

Perspectives

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

File your taxes and watch them be wasted

ust about everybody has filed their tax returns by now and people should be disappointed. Whether your income tax bill was a few hundred, a few thousand or many thousands of dollars, you have good reason to be disappointed. The federal government is wasting tax dollars, yours and mine.

When they decided they needed to have a computer based app to track Canadian citizens coming home, they wasted millions on a computer program that did little more than the old fashioned passports did. Hundreds of millions of dollars were wasted on scurrying around and worrying about bogus isolation plans that seemed silly and proved to be silly.

The federal government is spending upwards of $50billion on EV car battery plants. It’s insane, as EV cars will become more popular likely, but why would we subsidize them. Currently EV cars are useless for rural Canada travel. There’s more promise for hybrid cars perhaps but the distances required for rural travel makes EVs, at best impractical and, at worst, dangerous.

Ever wonder why the car makers and the government downplay the life expectancy of an EV battery and the cost of replacement. It’s because if you knew, you would be really annoyed. Why is the federal government subsidizing the CBC to the tune of $1.4billion per year? It’s insane. Why is the federal government subsidizing newspapers, including this one? Why doesn’t the government buy ads in Canadian newspapers instead? They buy ads on social media and that money leaves Canada the moment

Laughter and Legos

T“ The federal government wastes millions of dollars on overseas trips and “climate” conferences. Enough said.

they press the send key. If they spent that money in Canadian newspapers it would make more sense.

The federal government wastes millions of dollars on overseas trips and “climate” conferences. Enough said. The Governor-General, regardless of who it is, spends a lot of money on foreign trips. Why?

Have you ever asked yourself why the feds spend so much in First Nations communities and rarely on the programs and projects that the FN people want?

That has been going on since 1867 and you have to wonder why the FN people are still among the poorest of the poor, the most underserved and the most distressed in our country. It’s because the department is misguided and very poorly run. It seems they spend more money on conferences and changing the department’s name

than they do actual work.

”

From 50 plus years of working in government and observing government, I can assure you that, yes, there is waste in government and lots of it.

If you want more information on places the government shouldn’t be spending your money, go to the websites for the Canadian Taxpayers Association and the National Citizens Coalition. Their research is very good but, heads up, it could cause indigestion.

The next federal election can’t come soon enough. Maybe, just maybe the Conservative Party of Canada can do better.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in thiscolumn are the writer’s personal views andare not to be taken as being the view of the Banner & Press staff.

he cycle of life just keeps on spinning. Seated around the supper table where grandchildren and great grand children, however, the scene was a replay of when my children were young. Remember getting the giggles or being silly when the cousins came over? Well, the great grands are cousins, and the table behaviour got silly! Those spasms of giggles even when there is no real trigger…Cousin the Elder had been reminded that as the oldest perhaps she could set an example. It was really too late to stop the laughter, for even a calm, almost sincere, ‘hello cousin’ had cousin the Younger snorting food! Other than become ogres, which I did not desire, all of us adults tried to carry on as normal human beings. The end result was that both young ladies ate an adequate amount of real food before earning their treat- a great grand privilege of dispensing small amounts of chocolate. I think I’ve got this- a side of stove top stuffing ensures that something gets eaten, and I will learn to have ranch dressing for dipping… Just like the grands wondered if the only cookies I knew how to bake where chocolate chip, their children will come expecting stuffing! And I did/do know how to bake other kinds of cookies!

Supper cleared away and the Legos appeared. Uncle had granted permission for some of his vast collection to be played. One of the items was a fairly large base, about twelve inches by twelve. But two players. Without missing a beat I ran a strip of tape diagonally and there was no discussion as to who used what part of the surface. I haven’t forgotten much about children….And right on cue, there was an awareness of the tiny gold coins, and a chest to contain them. Yikes- that was a flashback. Equal numbers distributed and a second chest created. And the play proceeded smoothly. One of my great grands is also a homebody. After supper is served, it is time to go home. I distract with games and reading a story. The Legos were the game, and the story was ‘The Monster at the End of this Book’ starring lovable, furry, blue Grover. This book is also being read to the third generation. And just as my grands enjoyed my voice over as Grover, so do the great grands. The first time I read the book a few weeks ago, Cousin the Younger simply stared at me the whole time, standing solemnly at my side. We’ve made progress, Cousin the Elder sat on my lap, turning the pages on cue, but Cousin the Younger continued to keep a safe distance from scary hairy Grover. I don’t think they are quite ready for me to use my oversized Grover as the reader!

It’s a joint clean up before departure, ensuring that I don’t step on Lego, and that Arie doesn’t chew on Lego or other toys. I am adamant that hugs are optional, high fives with a few down lows work. When I get a hug it’s all bonus. There are a series of silly waves that see them off, just like the grands...I am so blessed!

Ken Waddell Right in the Centre

RCMP found missing man’s body in a pond in the RM of Oakview

By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner

The search for Jamie Wade, since October of last year, has come to an end.

Officers found items that belonged to Wade in a pond on April 20. Jamie’s body was recovered from a pond in the RM of Oakview by RCMP Major Crime Services and the Underwater Recovery Team.

55-year-old Jamie Wade was positively identified by the Forensic Identification Services that assisted with the investigation. The autopsy concluded that his death was non-criminal.

Rivers United Church Thrift Sale

The Farmer and the Seed

Submitted By DianneKowalchuk

Spring is in the air! The farmers are starting to scratch around in the fields. The gardeners are checking their seed supplies and mapping out garden plots in their heads. These people of the land are anxious to start working in the dirt. To them, the seed is a thing of wonder. The seed, with water and sun, will grow into something that will provide beauty and sustenance. How lucky we are to live on the Prairies where we can see with the naked eye the growth of produce that helps to feed the world! And all that comes from a tiny seed!

Unfortunately, vast areas of the world do not grow enough to feed their people. Knowing this, Canadian farmers in the 1970s started to look for a way to share the abundance of their crops with the hungry around the world. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB) was formed in 1983 and now provides emergency food assistance and long-term development support in over 30 countries.

Rivers Women’s Institute (WI) was pleased to welcome Ray Ba -

loun from Minnedosa to its April meeting. Ray served 11 years on the national board of the CFB and is a passionate ambassador for the organization. He has taken three trips, checking projects in Africa, India, and Laos. When speaking to the WI ladies, Ray emphasized two points: 1) every dollar donated (in cash or crop) can truly save lives in countries enduring famine, and 2) to the hungry, the “seed” is truly a miracle. It brings not only food for an empty stomach, but also hope for a despairing heart. WI members were pleased to make a financial donation to this worthwhile organization.

Rivers WI will hold its next meeting on Friday, May 10 at the home of Michelle McFadden. Members and guests will learn about Friendship Force, an international travel group that has a chapter in Brandon. As is the custom at WI gatherings, the April meeting ended with refreshments and a good visit. Learning, laughter, and a cup of tea are always a good mix! For more information about Rivers Women’s Institute, contact Michelle McFadden (328-7441) or Dianne Kowalchuk (3287690).

PUBLIC NOTICE

REGARDING THE 2024 FINANCIAL PLAN

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 162(2) of The Municipal Act that the Council of Riverdale Municipality intends to present its financial plan for the fiscal year 2024 at a public hearing on the 7th day of May 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 633 Second Avenue . Council will hear any person who wishes to make representation, ask questions or register an objection to the financial plan, as provided.

9

Copies of the draft financial plan are available for review and may be examined by any person during the regular office hours of Riverdale Municipality at 670 – 2nd Avenue, Rivers, MB on or after April 17th, 2023

Marci Quane, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer

Contact: 204-328-5300 or cao@riverdalemb.ca

Volunteer Heather LeBlanc showing off just one of the many treasures to be found at the Rivers United Church Thrift Sale. A very successful event and many thanks to all the volunteers that make this happen.

Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

1-1/2

1/2

Cheesecake Filling: 2

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil.

2) Mix shortbread crumbs, flour, and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in butter using 2 knives or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press over the bottom of the prepared pan.

3) Bake in the preheated oven for 15 mins.

4) Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and white sugar using an electric mixer until well blended. Add eggs and flour. Mix well. Blend in lemon juice, lemon zest, and baking powder. Pour filling over the crust.

5) Bake in the preheated oven until centre is set, 25 to 28 mins. Let cool completely, at least 45 mins. Refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hrs. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar right before serving.

Mother’s Day, the florist shops are busy

Submitted

By Patricia Hanbidge

All over the world, we honour our Mother’s in different ways. I hope that you honour them every day but here, we do have a special day that is devoted to our Mother’s, and that day this year is May 12. My Mom’s birthday was May 2 and that was closely followed by Mother’s Day. As she was a gardener and an orchid grower and it also is the spring of the year, it was fairly easy to find her amazing presents. Those presents were often gifts that grew!

On Mother’s Day, the florist shops are busy and so are the restaurants. Personally, I always chose to cook for Mom (as long as I was geographically close), rather than go out on the town. Also, we generally would choose to honour her with plants that had some longevity to them. Cut flowers are always appreciated but do have a limited shelf life. As I come from a strong matriarchal family – this is one special day!

It is also kind of fun to honour all kinds of Mom’s on this day. So on May 12th, I choose to also recognize Mom’s of dogs, cats, fish, parrots, rabbits and any other critters. For those of us who act as both parents, what is wrong with honouring those who are caregivers and not perhaps the traditional type of Mom?

Historically, we need to thank Anna Jarvis for conceiving Mother’s Day as a way of honouring the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. After gaining some financial backing, in May of 1908 she organized a Mother’s Day celebration in a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. Although Jarvis remained unmarried and childless for her whole life, she also started a massive writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging recognition for a special day that

honoured motherhood. Her rationale was that most American holidays were based towards male achievements. It took a few years but in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing that the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Other celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to Ancient Greek and Roman times as they would hold festivals in honour of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. Indigenous cultures recognize mothers and caregivers as the heartbeat of the family, as leaders in the community and as rolemodels towards a better future for the generations to come. Mothers are matriarchs and lead their families and communities with great care and love.

you, worries about you and laughs and cries with you. The love of a mother is absolute, pure and everlasting. Mom is a fierce mother bear, the fortress that protects the family and the rock with the strength that we thought was not possible.

Some kind of cool trivia surrounding Mother’s Day include that this is one of the busiest days for phone calls. Phone traffic increases by as much as 37 percent on Mother’s Day and more phone calls are made on that day than any other day of the year.

How about making this Mother’s Day something unique? Mother’s come in all forms and so why not make this day something as unique as whomever you consider your Mom? In my mind a “mom” is someone who loves you unconditionally, teaches you, punishes

I hope that all of the Mom’s I know, all the Mom’s I have known and all the Mom’s that I have never met have a special day doing something that honours them in all of their individuality.

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?

Clivia in bloom.

Pro wrestling night in Rivers

continued from page 1

There were seven matches held in the ring, and sometimes not in the ring. The night started with “The Headline” Shawn Martens vs Cam!!ikaze. Cam!!ikaze won and had the full support of the crowd behind him.

The second match was “The Boston Bruiser” Kevin O’Doyle vs “The Mighty” Leon Lokombo. “The Mighty” Leon Lokombo was a crowd favourite. Unfortunately, he was defeated by Kevin O’Doyle who cheated by distracting the ref while his teammate “The Mastermind” Kevin Cannon knocked out “The Mighty” Leon Lokombo.

“Hotshot” Danny Duggan took on Josh “Cheeks” Holliday in the third match. “Cheeks” received all the cheers from everyone in the audience. After some cheating on “Hotshots” part “Cheeks” was defeated.

The last match before intermission was between “The Mastermind” Kevin Cannon and WWE Legend Savio Vega. Savio Vega had “The Mastermind” lined up to loss when all the heels came out to rescue Cannon. The attack from “The Headline”, “The Boston Bruiser”, and “Hotshot” on Savio Vega was not going to be tolerated by the good guys. Cam!!ikaze, “The Mighty”, and Josh

“Cheeks” Holliday came to Savio Vega side to protect him for the four-man attack. This led to a special 8-man tag team elimination main event that would end the night.

Two kids won action figure door prizes donated by Richard Brown. Emma Johnston won a WWE action figure of The Rock. Cohen Potvin won an autographed action figure of Cameron Grimes.

After intermission, Rivers favourite wrestler Sammy Peppers wrestled Dragneel. A special referee, Hanna ‘Rivers’ Brown from Rivers was brought in for this match. Sixteen-year-old Hanna has been working towards becoming a wrestling ref and has refed six matches. Hanna has done some professional wrestling training in Winnipeg and hopes to become a wrestler in the future. Most of the kids in the audience could not remain in their seats as they watched their favourite wrestler defeat Dragneel.

The crowd took their seats again to watch the CWE Heavyweight Championship match between ‘Rebel’ Bobby Collins and CWE Champion ‘Zombie Killer’ Mentallo. Collins attempted to defeat Mentallo using brass knuckles. He pinned the champ, but ‘Zombie Killer’ had his leg on the ropes. Collins thought he

had won, only to have the belt ripped from his hands and the match restarted. Minutes later Mentallo was victorious again.

Before the final match of the night, Organizer Marty Gold and CWE Champion ‘Zombie Killer’ Mentallo had a special presentation for Firefighter and night organizer Richard Brown. Richard has been a member of the Rivers fire department for fourteen years. He takes pride in training Rivers to the high level of fire rescue services and helped train several fire departments across Manitoba. Richard was given his very own Championship belt for being such a great part of the community.

The final match was the 8-man tag team elimination match. The match went back and forth between team Vega and team Cannon. After all other fighters were eliminated, the match was down to Savio Vega and Kevin Cannon. Savio finished off Cannon with a kick and pinned him for a count of three. The night ended with Savio Vegas team dancing in the ring.

The Rivers Firefighters Association would like to thank their sponsors, volunteers, and partners for making this fundraiser possible. And a big thank you to the community for all their support and generosity.

Attack from “The Mastermind”, “The Headline”, “The Boston Bruiser”, and “Hotshot” on Savio Vega

Sammy Peppers slams Dragneel to the mat.

Dancing the night away! Good guys win!

Sammy Peppers rewards one huge fan with one of his headbands.

“Zombie Killer” piledrivers ‘Rebel’

PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER

Emma Johnston and Cohen Potvin won the door prizes.

Marty Gold introduces Hanna ‘Rivers’ Brown as referee in her home town.

Colouring contest winner Ryder Elliot gets his picture taken with Cam!!ikaze.

War Amps 2024 key tags en route to Rivers

Submitted War Amps

rounding area residents can expect to receive their 2024 War Amps key tags in the mail starting this week. Each key tag has a confidentially coded number. If you lose your keys, the finder can call the toll-free number on the back of the tag or place them in any mailbox, and The War Amps will return them to you by courier, free of charge. The War Amps receives no government grants. With the public’s support of the Key Tag Service, the Association is making a difference in the lives of amputees, including children, by providing financial assistance for the cost of artificial limbs, peer support and information on all aspects of living with amputation. Those who do not receive their key tags in the mail can order them at waramps.ca or call toll-free 1 800 250-3030.

PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER

Kenton Ladies Auxiliary hosted the spring supper at the Kenton Legion. Left to right: Linda Drake, Lesli Burke, Marilyn Brazeau, Marianne Whyte, Celia Nolan and Nora Crampain.

CLACKS FAMILY HERITAGE MUSEUM FOUNDATION INC

invites applications for the position of supervisor for the 2024 season.

Must be 18 years of age or older, possess a valid class 5 drivers licence and completion of recognised grade 12 certicicate. Must be available to work weekends.

Responsibilities include supervising summer students, daily record keeping, guiding tours and performing daily duties as directed by the board.

Employment consists of Wednsday to Sunday, commencing June 15th through Aug. 25th, 2024. 40hrs/wk 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. salery based on education and experience.

Please send resume to Susan Citulsky, Box 116, Rivers, MB. R0K 1X0. Deadline for applications is May 24th, 2024.

We are hiring!

We have a new opportunity to highlight:

Instructor, Practical Nursing

Full-Time, Term (May 18, 2024, to May 22, 2026)

Competition #: 144-23/24

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 more information, please visit our careers website at www.assiniboine.net/careers

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.

Assiniboine’s campuses are located on the traditional territories of Treaty No. 1 and Treaty No. 2, and the shared traditional lands of Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dene and Anishinabek/Ojibwe peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.

If you are interested in this career opportunity, please email your resume and cover letter with reference to Competition #144-23/24 to: careers@assiniboine.net

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

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds

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 theAssociation’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com

URGENT PRESS RELEASESHave 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. HIRING? NEED CLASS 1 DRIVERS or Construction workers? Registering Spring

Programs? Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31 Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Now booking Winter and Spring advertising for 2024. 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

EVENTS

JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER. RIDE DAY – SATURDAY MAY 25, 2024. 10 AM start – Earls Polo Park (Winnipeg). Visit: ridefordad.ca/manitoba to register or make a pledge FEED & SEED / AGRICULTURAL FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

ReVolution Trailers

Spring Readiness Special

Inspect tires, brakes, suspension, travel lights, LP, CO2 & Smoke alarms, roof and trim sealant, repack wheel bearings $269 single, $319 dual 1480 Springeld Rd Winnipeg, MB www.revolutiontrailers.ca Call Now: 204-955-7377

Core Competencies:

- Excellent organizational and problem solving skills

- Ability to prioritize

- Able to work alone or in a group

- Must be 16 years of age. A class 5 driver’s license is an asset.

-

Submitted

RM of Elton

Rural Municipality of Elton Draft meeting minutes - April 16, 2024

Members present Reeve Bollman, Councillors Waldner, Campbell, Paterson, Pankratz, Hales, Bromley, CAO Paulsen; and Admin. Assistant Christy Burdeniuk.

Others Present: Public Works Operator Kerry Moorehead; Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, Mike Kohinski and Jennifer Pugh; Blue Hills RCMP Staff Sergeant, Clint Wikander.

Hales/Paterson-WHEREAS the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton recognizes the need for strategic planning to guide its future development and growth;

AND WHEREAS GovFox Municipal Consulting Inc. has presented a comprehensive and wellresearched Community Strategic Plan tailored to the unique needs of Elton;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipality Council endorses and officially adopts the Community Strategic Plan as amended and prepared by GovFox Municipal Consulting Inc;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that copies of the Community Strategic Plan will be distributed to all relevant departments, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure widespread awareness and alignment with the Community Strategic Plan’s objectives.

CARRIED

PUBLIC WORKS (ENGLISH AND MOOREHEAD)

Kerry Moorehead, Public Works Operator, attended and advised Council the following:

Sandison Road east of PTH #10 to the half mile mark will need to be upgraded in 2025.

Madford Road was upgraded in 2023 and is holding up well.

Picks are still on graders; straight blades will be installed in the week.

Scott Draper, Seasonal Operator returned on April 15, 2024.

Mike Kohinski and Jennifer Pugh from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure attended as a delegation to provide information to Council regarding the road lifts that will be applied on PTH #10 from the Brandon Municipal Airport to PTH # 25 in 2025.

Staff Sergeant Clint Wikander attended as a delegation to discuss the 2024 policing priorities and reviewed the first quarter stats with Council.

Waldner/Pankratz-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby accept and file the Financial Statement for the month ended March 31, 2024.

CARRIED

Hales/Paterson-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby approve General Cheque Nos.12691 to 12747 in the amount of $114,537.27; and Direct Withdrawals in the amount of $53,600.95 for a total of $168,138.22. CARRIED

Hales/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give third and final reading to rescind By-law 1470 (Reserve Fund for Utility Capital Infrastructure), and consider it passed. CARRIED

Waldner/Bromley-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give third and final reading to rescind By-law 1471 (Reserve Fund for Utility Distribution System), and consider it passed. CARRIED

Pankratz/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give second reading to By-Law No.1662 (Emergency Reserve), as revised. CARRIED

Bromley/Hales-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give third and final reading to By-Law No.1662 (Emergency Reserve) and consider it passed. CARRIED DRAFT BY-LAW (WATER TANKER REPAIR

& REPLACEMENT RESERVE FUND) (DISCUSSION). Council has combined the contents of this By-law with the newly formed Emergency Reserve By-law No. 1662.

Hales/Waldner-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give first reading to rescind By-Law No. 1294 (Employee Agreement & Benefits).

CARRIED

Paterson/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby give second reading to rescind By-Law No. 1294 (Employee Agreement and Benefits). CARRIED

Waldner/Bromley-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby rescind Policy No. 28-2012 (Community Centers).

CARRIED

Paterson/Hales-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby rescind Policy No. 59-2017 (Community Centres Capital & Non-typical Operating Expenses). CARRIED

Pankratz/Bromley-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton (Elton) hereby approves the Water Tanker Agreement detailing the terms and conditions for Firefighting Service in the City of Brandon involving the Water Tanker jointly owned by Elton and Rural Municipality of Cornwallis; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Council authorize the Reeve and CAO to execute all necessary documents. CARRIED Campbell/Hales-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby enter into Road Use Agreement with the City of Brandon respecting the north access into the Brandon Municipal Airport off of Road 62N (Kirkham Road); AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Reeve and CAO are authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of Elton. CARRIED

Waldner/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby grant Douglas Community Recreation Association a $10,000.00 grant for the kitchen upgrades.CARRIED Paterson/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby approve the quote submitted by TTES Consulting Inc. in the amount of $17,914.60 plus taxes for a total of $19,441.87; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the approved work is subject to conditional approval from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as obtaining consent from all affected landowners and finalizing an agreement between Elton and the landowners.CARRIED

Council discussed that they will not be amending the payment timelines for Dust Control Policy No. 35-2013 at this time.

Councillor Paterson reported on his attendance at the Weed Supervisors Conference in Russell.

Public Works has steamed culverts in Wards 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.

Reeve Bollman reported that the 2024 AMM Spring Convention was very beneficial this year.

CAO Paulsen reported that a notice will go out on Connect to advise of the Financial Plan Hearing and Annual Citizens Meeting on April 23, 2024, that Administration will be attending the MMA Leadership Summit on April 26, 2024 (office will be closed), and spring clean up campaign begins April 26 - May 6th, roll off bins will be placed at transfer sites in Forrest and Douglas.

Reeve Bollman was excused from the Council meeting at 1:28 p.m. and Deputy Reeve Bromley took the chair.

BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby authorize Rod Paterson, Councillor; Shawna Paulsen, CAO; Scott Price, MEC; and Christy Burdeniuk, Administrative Assistant to attend annual Manitoba Association of Municipal

EmergencyCoordinators (MAMEC) Conference in Winnipeg on June 18, 2024, at a cost of $250 per attendee; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that all registration and normal out of pocket expenses be authorized as per Policy 24-2012. CARRIED Hales/Campbell-WHEREAS the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton recognizes the importance of establishing clear guidelines and policies for its employees; AND WHEREAS an Employee Handbook has been prepared in consultation with legal counsel; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality hereby adopts the Employee Handbook presented, effective April 16, 2024;

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that all employee policies currently in force are hereby repealed and superseded by the policies outlined in the adopted Employee Handbook. CARRIED Waldner/Hales-WHEREAS the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton has approved an Employee Handbook setting forth guidelines and policies for Elton’s employees;

AND WHEREAS an Agreement detailing the terms and conditions of employment will be presented to each employee individually;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby undertakes to enter into personalized employment agreements with each employee individually. CARRIED

Bromley/Pankratz-WHEREAS Shawna Paulsen, CAO has been awarded a scholarship to attend the 2024 CAMA conference in Banff, Alberta; AND WHEREAS Shawna Paulsen, CAO has personally covered the costs of her travel to and from the 2024 CAMA conference; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton grants authorization to Shawna Paulsen, CAO, to charge all hotel expenses related to the 2024 CAMA conference to Elton in accordance with Policy No. 24-2012. CARRIED

Councillor Hales reported that work is being done on the wells to determine if they are viable.

Campbell/Paterson-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby approve the submission of the capital projects for financial consideration for 2025-2030 to be included in the Manitoba Water Services Board 5-Year Capital Plan. CARRIED

Paterson/Campbell-BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Elton hereby enter into a Cost Sharing Agreement with Manitoba Water Services Board respecting the Forrest Lagoon Expansion with cost split equally (50/50) up to an estimated project total cost of $1,500,000; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Municipal portion will be funded by the Utility Reserve; AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Reeve and CAO are authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of Elton. CARRIED

Councillor Waldner reported that following the Regular Meeting on April 16, 2024, the Roads Committee will convene with Public Works to review spring work plans and equipment.

Councillor Pankratz shared that he attended the Evergreen Environmental Technologies meeting on April 15, 2024. During the meeting, it was noted that the gasifier is scheduled for servicing on April 17, 2024, and the new cell is expected to commence operations tentatively in July 2024. Due to Provincial regulations, Clean Farms will no longer be collecting chemical jugs, resulting in Evergreen no longer accepting these jugs as well.

Discussion was held regarding the transfer sites in Elton

Councillor Pankratz reported that the upcoming Minnedosa Vet board meeting is scheduled for April 18, 2024. He mentioned that although the vet student will not sign an agreement to commit to staying, she will complete her term as planned. Additionally, expansion planning is ongoing, with an estimated timeline of up to two (2) years, and there is contemplation about utilizing an ATCO trailer during this period.

Rivers 2024 Grad Bottle Drive Fundraiser

An Important Message from Rivers Super Thrifty Pharmacy

Effective February 1, 2025, Rivers Super Thrifty Pharmacy will welcome a new Pharmacy Manager and store owner. After 30 years in Rivers, Gary Pomeroy will be retiring. He will remain as a staff pharmacist in a part time capacity and continue to sit on the board of Super Thrifty Drugs Canada Ltd.

Leann McCannel will become our new Pharmacy Manager. Leann comes to Rivers with a wealth of knowledge from over 18 years experience. She is very excited to begin the transition in September 2024.

Under the Dome

Pay more, get less seem to be theme of NDP budget

Submitted By Greg Nesbitt, MLA

Manitobans will pay more and get less in 2024, as the NDP’s first budget raises taxes, drives up debt, cuts frontline services and infrastructure, defunds public safety, and offers no vision for Manitoba’s economy or future.

Here’s what Wab Kinew and the NDP do not want Manitobans to know about Budget 2024:

•Provincial property taxes are increasing $150 million. The Progressive Conservative plan to increase the educational property tax rebate to 75 percent was scrapped, leaving it at 50 percent for this year. Next year this tax rebate will be replaced by a rebate for up to $1500 of educational property tax. However, this will apply to primary residences only, and not to owners of commercial rental properties.

•The NDP is borrowing $6.2 billion more and adding $1.9 billion in net new debt. That means interest payments of 10 cents on every dollar.

•Infrastructure spending has been slashed by $163 million. That means fewer road projects, more potholes, and fewer water treatment plants.

•New school construction has been slashed by $100 million. That means nine cancelled school projects and over 660 cancelled daycare spaces.

•Policing and justice have been defunded by $9 million, including cuts to provincial police, prosecution and correctional services, court operations, crime prevention, victim services, Legal Aid, the Manitoba Criminal Intelligence Centre, and more. That means less law enforcement to protect Manitobans.

•Park infrastructure has been cut in half by $6 million. That means fewer new campsites, yurts, or other muchneeded improvements - just as camping season is about to get underway.

The NDP’s lack of fiscal discipline is only compounded by a lack of planning, particularly in healthcare. Not only does Budget 2024 offer broad targets with no plan to retain, train, and attract staff, the NDP’s commitment to raise taxes and increase housing costs will only drive more healthcare workers away.

The NDP budget also neglects to offer any alternative to their ill-considered decision to cut Manitoba’s short-term surgical capacity, leaving Manitobans who are in pain today

with no immediate help.

Even with a billion dollars more in federal transfers, the NDP have brought in a budget that seems as though it was slapped together at the last minute. The time for deflection and distraction is over. The time for accountability is now.

The store will remain as Super Thrifty Pharmacy and will contiue to deliver the same quality care. More information to follow as it develops.

Rivers Super Thrifty Pharmacy

501 2nd Avenue, Rivers, Manitoba • (204) 328-7420

• A huge omission from the NDP’s first budget was the Building Sustainable Communities program.

For years under a Progressive Conservative government, community organizations received funding for projects on a 50/50 basis. However, there was no mention in the budget of any type of program for 2024-25.

Last year, organizations in communities throughout the Riding Mountain constituency received $1.2 million in funding to advance projects that were important to citizens in their communities.

Unfortunately, the NDP do not seem to believe infrastructure such as recreation facilities are important.

• I love Manitoba Parks, and was proud of our government’s efforts to modernize and expand our 93 provincial parks.

Last year as the Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development, I announced a 10-year $224 million capital program for parks. Half of this money was to go to parks infrastructure, while the other half would be used to improve roads leading into parks.

As was stated earlier in this article, the NDP slashed the 2024-25 portion of the Parks capital budget in half.

Earlier this spring I introduced Bill 211, to establish specialty Manitoba Parks license plates, allowing Manitobans to show their love for provincial parks while helping to revitalize the natural spaces they treasure most.

Manitobans care deeply about their provincial parks and this bill provides a positive way to show support.

If Bill 211 is passed by the Legislature and given Royal Assent, I will work to ensure that the proceeds from sales of this new licence plate go into the Provincial Parks Endowment Funds. These funds generate $1 million annually for projects that improve trails, make beaches more accessible, build new playgrounds, restore habitats, protect cultural sites, and invest in other critical park infrastructure to enrich visitor experiences.

The funds were created in 2021 to support Manitobans wanting to give back to provincial parks through philanthropic donations and legacy gifts. The former PC government endowed the funds with an initial $20-million investment.

To date Bill 211 remains in second reading debate, with the NDP being reluctant to move it through to the committee stage.

Glen Simard, the Minister responsible for Tourism and the MLA for Brandon East, does not believe we need a plate

that recognizes our parks.

In debate on the Bill on Thursday, April 18, Simard said: “And so we already have a Parks plate. It’s a beautiful, Friendly Manitoba plate. Let’s keep it at that.”

It is my hope that over the next few weeks, the NDP will come to their senses and see the wisdom of a beautiful Parks license plate that motorists who choose to support our provincial parks can proudly display on their vehicles.

• Congratulations to Rebecca Okemow of the Strathclair Community School on receiving the prestigious Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education at a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislature on Friday, April 19. Okemow, who has achieved her Masters in Counselling, is a guidance counsellor who promotes and supports Indigenous perspectives within and beyond the school.

• Just a reminder that when contacting our office by email or via social media, please include your address and phone number, so either my constituency assistant Judy Snitynsky or myself have a way of reaching you.

• The 1st Session of the 43rd Manitoba Legislature will break for the summer on Monday, June 3, resuming for the remainder of the session on Wednesday, October 2.

• Greg Nesbitt is the Member of the 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.

Greg Nesbitt, Riding Mountain MLA

Rivers Grads gathered bottles and cans on Thursday, April 25, for their bottle drive fundraiser. Nathen Olsen, Logan Creighton, and Jacee Jewar in front - Hailey Plewes, Sierra Bourdin and Kennedy Wood in back.