PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
PHOTOS BY DONNA FALKEVITCH
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
The Daly Beach dock before.
The Daly Beach dock after.
The new dock install crew from Springland Manufacturing
Friends of the Rivers Lake crew.
Rollin’ into Rivers
Friends of the
They had great Music in the Park and served an amazing beef on a bun supper for everyone to come and enjoy.
their Third Annual
Immaculate Conception Parish families would like to congratulate the winners of our fundraising meat draw.
Winners of $200 each for gift certificates from Henry Meats were Tara Bray from Rivers and Les Kauppila of Elie.
Oak River scores support for arena Community Association Receives $10,000 Investment
Submitted By ADAMA
With the hockey season shortened to three and a half weeks last winter, the Oak River Community Association decided that depending on the weather to maintain the natural ice is no longer an option.
“Our facility has lots of life left in it, and installing an ice plant for artificial ice is long overdue,” says Tammy Recksiedler, President of the Oak River Community Association. “It’s a project that we’re in the beginning stages of because Mother Nature hasn’t been kind over the past few years.”
That also means they are in the beginning stages of securing funds for what they estimate is a half-milliondollar upgrade, so Recksiedler was pleasantly surprised when an email landed in her inbox from Thomas Heapy, Agronomic Sales Development at Redfern Farm Services in Rivers, MB.
“He knows we’ve been talking about this for a long time, and he knows how hard it is to fundraise and make money and keep our arena running,” she says. “But when I got the email, I was thinking, what is this he is sending me? Then he was calling me at the same time so I thought it must be pretty important.”
What Heapy was sending Recksiedler was a grant application for ADAMA Canada’s Stomping Grounds program. Now in its second year, Stomping Grounds was created by the company with the mandate to invest in local initiatives that support youth, health and connection.
Recksiedler submitted the application the same day and received word in April that it was selected for a $10,000 investment from the program. In early June, they were presented with a cheque by Corey Thorsteinson, Eastern Prairies Regional Sales Manager with ADAMA Canada.
“Handing that cheque over is the best part of this job,” says Thorsteinson. “I always have a good idea of the project and the people the money is going to, but when you are there in the community and see how passionate everyone
Happy BBQ season!”
for Ice Plant from ADAMA Canada
is and how thankful they are for the investment, that’s a really good feeling.”
Recksiedler says that investments from programs like Stomping Grounds mean more to her community than just having ice for hockey.
“This is just all about people that live here and love our community and want to see it thrive,” she says. “We have about 150 people in town and scattered farming families all around us. Hockey and curling and those things are
just what bring us together as a community.”
Oak River’s annual Summer Fair is one of those events that brings the community together, and Recksiedler has big plans for the big cheque she received from Thorsteinson. “It’ll go up in the rink here before we have our summer fair here in town,” she says. “There’ll be lots of people that are in and out of the rink, so then that’ll be up there and everybody will know we got this grant from ADAMA.”
PHOTOS BY WARREN SMALLWOOD
Corey Thorsteinson (left) from ADAMA Canada presents a cheque for $10,000 to Tammy Recksiedler (right) for an ice plant for Oak River’s arena.
A great Hoedown was held at the Rivers Legion on Friday, July 5. It included Merv’s Pitchfork Fondue catering with mouth-watering fondue steaks and juicy fondue chicken. Merv travels with a forty-gallon cast iron cooker to cook the top-quality beef and chicken for the crowds.
Rivers Lake held
Hootenanny fundraiser at the Rivers Provincial Park with CJ’s Snack Shack.
FAITHFULLY YOURS
Neil StrohScheiN
Fifty-five plus one morePart I
For the record, I will celebrate another birthday next week; which means I have one more year of experience at being 55.
My wife keeps telling me that “age is just a number;” and it is. But as the number increases by one with each birthday, I am taking time to reflect on the past and make some plans for the years I have left, however many they might be.
The “Biggest Change” I have made in the past year has been learning to take life one day at a time. To date, I have only taken “baby steps” in that direction. When one is used to living many weeks, months and even years in advance (as has been my practice all my life), old habits die hardand this one keeps fighting to regain total control of my thoughts. So the battle continues. I’ll let you know how it’s going in 12 months.
My “Biggest Challenge” has been dealing with the restrictions put on me by my age. I began struggling with arthritic pain in my 40s. At that time, I was told that the symptoms would gradually get worse-and they have. But, thanks to wise medical advice received over the years, I am able to deal with
the pain. I don’t move as fast as I once did; but I can do all the things I need to do, and for that I am very, very grateful.
My “Biggest source of Contentment” has been my move to Neepawa. When I moved here in 1996, I had no idea why God wanted me here. I soon found out. My stay at the church I originally came to serve ended at the end of 1999. Two months later, I accepted a request to lead worship at a church in a neighboring community. Twenty-four years later, I am still leading worship in small churches-half time in Neepawa, half time in two neighboring communities. I had To come to Neepawa to discover my true calling. I’m very glad I did. My “Biggest cause for Celebration” is my family. My wife and I share four children. All four are doing well. Getting to where they are now hasn’t been easy for any of them; but they have persevered, they have overcome obstacles and barriers, and are all doing well. I have not always been the best father or step-father I could be, but I can take comfort in knowing that I did at least one or two things right for
each of them.
My “Biggest Concern” is for our country’s future. We have become a highly polarized society; with every identifiable group competing against every other identifiable group for the support they need to achieve their goals. We need to come together as a nation. We need to put aside our differences and work together to find solutions to the problems we face-solutions that will benefit all Canadians equally.
In a few months we will have an opportunity to elect a new federal government. I hope we will choose one that will help to heal the hurts that have caused the division among us and find ways to bring people together so that as a united nation, strong and free, we can find solutions to climate change, racism, bias, prejudice and the growing incidence of violence and criminal activity in our country. I have been praying for this for several months already.
Next week, I will share my “Biggest source of Confidence,” as I face my next year of life.
1 – The main village in the R.M. of Thompson MB and second largest city in
– Nazi guard abbr.
It is abbr.
– King Cole and Hentoff
Homophone of 5 down
Readys a ship for sailing
Space aliens abbr.
in American Pie (first
Locally
turf 38 – Fried dough dusted with
and cinnamon
– Coke’s competition
– Ngerulmud is its capital
– Archaic form of sirens
Mountains of Montenegro
Rapid City Community ChuRCh
JESUS IS LORD
Perspectives
Tundra
By Chad Carpenter
Historical foundations
The following column is a re-run from July 2023. Whether it’s a review or new to you, I hope you enjoy the history and I welcome your comments.
When we look back through the archived pages of our newspapers, we get a bird’s eye view of how things were done over 100 years ago. Some things really stand out.
Perhaps the first thing that jumps off the pages is the lack of what would today we call “political correctness”. Opinions and humour back in the day were pretty much unbridled. There was no filter on the editors’ typewriters 100 or more years ago. They said whatever was on their minds and sometimes their comments very bluntly called out politicians and citizens alike.
We should probably not go back the the almost vicious commentary that appeared in the old time newspapers. That’s best left to the internet and Twitter (satire intended). At least the very negative comments in papers from days of old could be attributed to a real person who could be tracked down and held accountable. That’s often not possible in the internet world and that is a very real problem. If you can’t be identified, you probably shouldn’t be saying it.
Also, 100 plus years ago, the newspaper was pretty much the only source and place for discussion. There were no phones or computers, few movie theatres and no radio or TV stations. No internet either.
As far as advertising went it was the newspaper, perhaps posters and the Eatons, Sears or Hudson Bay catalogues. The newspaper was king.
I will be the first to admit that newspapers have a lot of competition today, but I would also maintain that
Right in the Centre
“ If you can’t be identified, you probably shouldn’t be saying it.
a good community newspaper is still near the top of the heap for local news, ads and commentary. Newspapers are sadly missed when they disappear, just ask the 20 communities in Manitoba that have lost their papers in the past five years.
One very notable difference in comparing papers today with papers from the past is that the ads were much bigger and more creative. Admittedly, some the claims in the ads were outlandish and quite unbelievable. Also unlike today, there were very large ads for cigarettes and some cigarette companies even claimed to improve your health.
Because “building an ad” was quite expensive and labour intensive, ads were used over and over again. We still have a few of those old ads, cast in lead or an early version of plastic. They were nailed to a wooden block to be placed in a frame to go on the printing press.
A review of early history, and then a review of more recent history, clearly shows that the newspaper is still has an important role to fill. King is too lofty a title but leader might be an apt description.
I think people understand that a
Rita Friesen Homebodies
Say what?
While meeting with people, and speaking with people, there are expressions used that cause me to stop and think. The statement is usually simply a part of a conversation; it is the words used and expression that makes me tuck the quote away in a quiet corner. Every once in a while I tae one out, look at it closely, and chuckle- or a least smile.
Speaking of communicating with folks that are hard of hearing (read really deaf!) one said of their relative ‘he wears his hearing aid in his hand.’ Isn’t that a perfect description on many lovely folks we know? They have accepted the fact they need the aid, they have usually been strongly encouraged ( read forced!) to purchase one, but by golly, it is their right to wear or not the wear the dang fool thing! I slip back to visiting my father in the care facility. He didn’t have his hearing aids in and there was little reason to speak hoping for communication until he wore them. I signed- where are your hearing aids? His retort- ‘check with pillage!’ The nursing station had rescued them when they found my dad washing them in the bathroom sink!
”
good newspaper has to be a leader in local news, advertising and opinion pieces. But there’s a catch. Newspaper staff can’t be everywhere, all the time. The local newspapers that are left, cover many communities stretched out over many miles. Everybody knows the cost of gas and labour so it’s no surprise that a newspaper’s staff can’t be everywhere all the time.
The good news is that it has never been easier to submit news, photos, ads and opinion pieces to the local paper. Email is a Godsend. Great stuff can be posted on Facebook for example but few Facebook posts have the reach of the local paper. Facebook contacts run in the dozens or occasionally hundreds. Most local community papers reach thousands. If a local paper circulates 2,000 papers, the industry standard is 2.3 people reached per paper printed.
Papers have changed, electronic media has its place but the newspaper is still the information foundation. That said, everyone has to help strengthen that foundation.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are the writer’s personal views and may not to be taken as being the view of the newspaper staff.
Among the work I am privileged to do in my community is that of officiating at marriages. Big ones, small ones, young couples, middle aged or old couples, same gender, different genders, no matter, if my schedule allows I am delighted to serve. One of the questions I always ask is ‘why now?’, for again- some folks are not yet old but no longer young, some are young and have been a family for a long time, so why now? The answer that has yet to be beat, by anyone, is a simple ‘I don’t believe in catch and release,’ said with sincerity and a smile. What a wonderful reason to be married.
Chatting with random folks at the coffee time we enjoy before our church service and speaking of families, one wise person offered this quote- ‘you’re only as happy as your saddest child.’ Doesn’t that summon up parenthood! There are so many times that we as parents did nothing to cause our child’s grief, and there is nothing we can do to resolve their dilemma or ease their pain, but we can be sad with them. That goes a long way with friendships too.
A quote I heard at home was ‘there’s more down cellar in a teacup.’ To a child that was a puzzling statement; what on earth would be in the basement in fine china? We learned that there really is always enough to share, perhaps slice the loaf a little thinner, add a bit of milk or water to the soup, make do, not do without. Or, if the day was really good, hold out the promise of dessert. That quote is about the same vintage as ‘I’m not so green as I’m cabbage looking’. Again referring to my father, he was often unkempt, appearances were a sometimes important thing to him. He did dress properly as a teacher, but as a farmer...he may have been cabbage looking, but never green!
Ken Waddell
Spillway and dam rehabilitation Rivers dam municipality of Riverdale
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a tender and contract for the spillway and dam rehabilitation. The tender was placed on June 28. The committee will begin reviewing the applications on July 16, 2024. Closing date will be July 18, 2024.
The reason for the tender is to prevent future damage by making some upgrades to the existing dam. It will include fifteen different steps to complete the project. A few of the items to be completed include:
• installation of joint sealant along all transverse joints and along the four existing longitudinal spillway joints;
• installation of joint armouring along transverse joint between chute and stilling basin;
• installation of new post-tensioned anchors in the existing spillway crest structure;
• removal and replacement of portions of existing handrail and fence with new handrail and fence on chute walls;
• miscellaneous concrete repairs on existing spillway structure; and
• installation of riprap and grading of outlet channel
All work relating to raising the height of the dam must
be complete by September 15, 2025. All remaining work should be finished by March 5, 2027. Replacing vegetation at the dam site and restoring the area is to be finished by July 15, 2027.
Monte Cristo Sandwich
It’s a fried sandwich with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and mustard dipped in beaten egg and pan-fried until golden and gooey for a delicious alternative to your usual ham and cheese sandwich. Great with berry jam on the side.
Ingredients
2 slices bread
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
2 slices cooked turkey meat
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
2 slices cooked ham
1 slice Swiss cheese
1 large egg 1/2 cup milk
Directions
1) Gather all ingredients.
2) Spread mayonnaise on one side of one bread slice. Spread mustard on one side of remaining bread slice.
3) Top with alternate slices of ham, turkey, and Swiss cheese.
4) Close sandwich with remaining bread slice, mayonnaise-side down.
5) Beat egg and milk in a shallow bowl until well combined. Lightly grease a small skillet over medium heat.
6) Dip sandwich into egg mixture to coat on both sides.
7) Transfer sandwich to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
8) Serve hot.
This tender was issued one year after the province took the first steps in repairing the dam. For more information about the tender contact Allison Saniuk, Allison.saniuk@gov.mb.ca or 431-279-3466.
~~~~~~~~~Rollin’ into
Love Local BBQs raising money for new Rivers Daycare
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
On Saturday, June 6, the Heritage Co-op hosted a lunch time BBQ in the parking lot at the food store in Rivers to help raise funds for the new future Rivers Daycare. A team of volunteer Heritage Co-op employees
came out to help do some outdoor cooking. They served up both Co-op Gold hot dogs and smokies. This reporter can honestly say, the Co-op Gold Smokies were very tasty, and I will be getting some of those to have at home.
Once noon hit the crowd was very steady. All the food was donated by the Heritage Co-op. The
Co-op does this in each community each summer and donates the food, drinks and time to fundraise for a local group. This year the local group was the Rivers new daycare. Heritage Co-op calls these fundraising BBQ’s ‘Love Local BBQ’s’. It was $2 for a hot dog, $3 for a smokie and $1 for a drink. They raised $794.75!
Friends of the Rivers Lake
Submitted By Donna Falkevitch
On a warm and beautiful summer day in July, the Friends of the Rivers Lake(FRL) held their annual Paddle Poker Derby. Fifty-three people registered, entered the derby and began paddling around Lake Wahtopanah.
First place with 108 points was Diane Kuculym of Oak River who won $140.
Second place with 99 points was Isla Melvin, daughter of Callum, whose entry was taken around by Scott Ramsay. This little girl is confined to a wheelchair and has donated her $80 prize money back to FRL Accessible Dock Project.
Last place with a score of 69 was Bruce Walker of Brandon. He also donated his $50 prize money to FRL.
Chamber Bucks winners were Kelly Kryshewski, Jill DeSchutter, Scott Ramsay, Connie Simpson, Virginia Gorgerat, Aaron Ellis and Andrew Bailey. Chamber Bucks were graciously donated by Rivers and Area Chamber of Commerce.
The last paddlers made it back to shore mere minutes before the skies opened up and the rain poured down.
15th Anniversary Rivers and Area Community Foundation “High
Submitted
By Donna Morken
With the sun shining, the RACF held a Road Rally to celebrate 15 of the many projects that the Foundation has been involved in. It has been 15 years since the Foundation started providing support for the community. Three rally winners were Gary Praznik of Brandon who won $95.00 and donated $20.00 back, Marguerite Lapka-Woytowich of Rivers won $57.00 and Al Morken of Rivers who won $38.00 and donated it back to the Foundation.
The winners of the Question-and-Answer quiz with 100 % were: Rhyan Caldwell of Moline who won a Gift Basket, Marguerite Lapka-Woytowich won a Rivers gift basket, Heather Lamb won a $50 Heritage Co-op gift card, Tammy Burgess of Brandon won a Heritage Co-op $25 gift card.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DONNA MORKEN The end of the rally with all prizes presented. L- R Directors Falkevitch, our Event Volunteer Pat Hillier, Directors Donna
Ryan Caldwell and the basket she won with Donna Morken.
Co-op Gold Smokies are a top of the line smokie.
Fifty-three people signed up for this years Paddle Poker
The Word Scramble winners were: Sadie Joseph of Edmonton who won a gift basket and Dave Woytowich who won a $50 Heritage Co-op gift card.
The Random Door Prize winner was Susan Citulsky who won $20 Rivers Chamber Bucks’ Special thanks
into Rivers~~~~~~~~~~
Lake July Paddle Derby
Rollers Road Rally”
Bikes on parade
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Abunch of fun events were held at the Riverdale Community Centre on Saturday, June 6, for the Rollin’ into Rivers weekend. Christine Walker, the rec director at RCC, did an amazing job coming up with different
activities for the kids of the Rivers to enjoy and through out the day.
One of the big events Christine planned was the Bike Parade. Kids were able to come down to the RCC and ride their decorated bikes in costume inside the rink area, around a figure eight course that Christine and a group of
volunteers put together for the kids to enjoy, while their parents cheered. There were some very creative ideas brought to light with the bikes and lots of balloons. The costumes were wonderful and included spiderman, a firefighter and others. Everyone did a great job and looked fantastic!
Touch-a-Truck event
By Jessica Coulter Rivers Banner
Part of the kids fun for Rollin’ into Rivers weekend was the Touch-aTruck event at the Riverdale Early Learning Center daycare on Saturday, July 6.
Nine community members brought different trucks out to the parking lot at the daycare. McFadden Farms (Al McFadden), Dr Hook Towing, Rivers Fire Department, M&M Drilling (Jeff Dickson), RM of Riverdale, Sr Jets Hockey Team, Gills Plumbing & Heating, Cale Shaw, and Stewart Endeavors (Al Stewart). The idea to run this event came from a similar event in Brandon.
All kids were allowed to go and check out the different trucks on the lot. They could sit in the drivers seat and feel what it was like to be in control of the big machines. The daycare was also open for anyone who wished to tour the facility. All participation in the event was by donation and funds will be going towards building a new daycare.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER
PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER
Directors : Susan Citulsky, Cheri Whelpton, Donna Donna Morken and Denis Rondeau.
Nine great kids came out to ride their bikes in the bike parade.
Poker Derby at Lake Wahtopanah.
Nine fantastic community members brought diferent trucks for the kids to try out.
their spouses and friends who pitched in to make the road rally work.
Special thanks to our Volunteer, Pat Hillier who came from Portage La Prairie to help with the event.
Rollin’ into Rivers
Class of 74 celebrates 50th reunion
20 of the 32 in RCI Class of 74 reunited on Friday, July 5. Back row L-R - Chris Plaseski, Mark Wolf, Kirk Bridgeman, Harold Dyck, Dave Wedderburn, Jamie McFadden, Brent Montague. Middle row - Mr. Smallwood, Don Anderson, Diane McDonald, Donna Madder, Donna Brown, Charlotte Lepp, Kevin Silvius, Lyla Coulson, Denise Wood, Mr. Rondeau. Front row - Mayvis MacDonald, Barb McFadden, Rhonda Paddock, Dianne Hastings, Penny Haggarty.
Submitted
By Donna
Morken Rivers Collegiate Class of 74 held their 50th Reunion on Friday, the 5th of July, 2024 as the start of “Rollin into Rivers Weekend.” The event was held at the Rivers Legion Lounge where 19 of the 32 graduates attended. Fortunately, 2 of our long-time teachers Mr. Denis Rondeau and Mr. Warren Smallwood still reside in Rivers and came to enjoy the
reminiscing. Don Anderson, ( a school mate until Grade 8) and considered to be a close friend to all, attended as well and ate a delicious lasagna lunch catered by Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Before we all ate there was a quiz from our school days and the winners were classified as 1st, 2nd and third. Rhonda (Paddock) Young was given an academic medal of achievement for the highest score on the quiz, while
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Diane (MacDonald) Kesanen and Warren Smallwood were given glasses in the shape of a 50 for their winnings.
There was a table filled with photos, one with Yearbooks and the Lord Selkirk 2 trip. Stories were told, more pictures were taken, singing the High School Cheer, the Grad song “The Way We Were” and all the conversations drifted back to “remember when”. Some grandchildren pictures were shared, with the legion bell being rung, more beverages were shared, and everyone seemed to have a really great time reminiscing.
Still visiting by supper time, we strolled down the street to Lee’s for a buffet, where the chatting and story telling continued. Former classmates travelled from Nanaimo BC, Jasper AB, Regina SK, Winnipeg, Pinawa, Brandon, Souris, Alexander, Cardale, Oak Bank, Moline and 9 attendees who still call Rivers and Riverdale home. It was a great time had by all. Others sent updates to be read as to what they have been up since graduating.
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IN
LOVING
MEMORY
ARLENE AUGUSTA STEINUNN ROBINS
JANUARY 21, 1937 – JUNE 18, 2024
Arlene Augusta Steinunn Robins (nee Johnson), of Rivers, MB passed away with family by her side in Minnedosa, MB on June 18, 2024 after a prolonged illness.
Arlene was born on January 21, 1937 in Riverton, MB to Einar and Cappitola Johnson. Arlene spent her early years growing up on Akri, the family farm near Riverton by the shores of the Icelandic River along with her six siblings. Her grandparents, who had emigrated from Iceland to the “New Iceland” in the Manitoba Interlake lived alongside on the adjacent property. Although the family moved into the town of Riverton when Arlene was in her early years of school she had many, many fond experiences of life along the river and on the farm and always shared stories of her early memories from that time to her friends and family. Icelandic was the only language spoken at home so Mom and her siblings often conversed in their heritage language throughout their lives and she endeavoured to teach sayings and words of affection to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren or anyone else who would listen. Arlene was very proud of her Icelandic heritage. Everyone dear to her was often referred to by their Icelandic nickname. Toasts were always concluded in Icelandic (Skaal) and she was famous for her skill in cooking and baking a myriad of Icelandic dishes. Although mostly well-known for her delicious vinarterta (layered prune cake) which was served constantly to guests and taken to gatherings near and far, Amma always had a large supply of kleinur (doughnuts), mysuostur (spread), and ponnukokur (rolled pancakes) stored away in the freezer to be ready when needed. Work bees to make rullupylsa (rolled and cured lamb shoulder) were fond memories in the Robins’ household, fueled by coffee made in traditional Icelandic manner. Frequent trips to the Interlake always resulted in coming home with a good supply of lutefisk (dried whitefish) until time for the next visit. Family was important to the Johnson’s and their relatives and Arlene’s children have many, many fond memories of gatherings in the Interlake over the years, playing with the cousins and watching the banter between the Johnson siblings and Afi Einar. The Robins’ home also played frequent host to many family and friends over the years, including numerous holiday get-togethers, planned celebrations, unannounced visits, and family stopping in from afar to either visit or stay for a few days. Arlene and Brian’s 25th wedding anniversary was held at the farm and was a very joyous occasion with many friends and family in attendance. Mom was also the go-to babysitter for so many children of neighbours and friends and was often seen drawing on her teacher’s skills to help them along on their learning journey. It was a busy household to be sure.
Upon completion of grade school, Arlene attended Normal School in Winnipeg to obtain a teaching certificate. Her first full time teaching position was at Bernice School, a one-room schoolhouse near Lauder, MB with some of her students not much younger than she. That schoolhouse still stands today. Arlene made some great connections in that first year of teaching, some as students she kept in touch with over the years and a couple who eventually became the Best Man and Maid-of-Honour at her wedding. The posting that changed her life forever was when Arlene started teaching Grade 3 at the Rivers Elementary School in 1962. It was in Rivers, at the curling rink that first winter, where Mom met the love of her life, Brian Robins, a local farmer. They were married July 25, 1964 with Clayton being born in 1967, Kim in 1969, and Kyle in 1970. Curling was always a big part of the Robins’ life, with Mom and her team from Rivers Elementary School winning the provincial silver medal at a Manitoba Teacher’s Bonspiel in the 1970’s. Mom was very proud of that accomplishment and the prize of cross-country skis is still in the house where she and Brian raised their family.
Arlene continued teaching until 1985 and then supported Brian and eventually Brian and Clayton in running the family farm until her deteriorating health required her to reside under full time care. Mom spent a number of years in and out of hospital care and eventually moved into the Minnedosa Personal Care Home, where she lived for several years and passed peacefully with family at her side. Through it all she received exceptional care and compassion from everyone involved in her caregiving, to the deepest of gratitude from her family.
Arlene leaves behind children Clayton (Rebecca) Robins, Kim Brown-Livingston, and Kyle (Maya) Robins. She was a devoted Amma, great-Amma and frequent babysitter to Robyn (Dave) Reimer and their children Landon and Blake, Sarah Brown, Quinn Robins, Zane (Bailey Caruk), Emma (Chris Tokarchuk) and Kieran (Abby Benson) Livingston, and Noah, Hannah, Joshua, and Benjamin Robins. Arlene is survived by her siblings Leonard Johnson, Melvin and Angela Johnson, Barb (Cliff) Johnson, and Donald and Fran Johnson. Arlene is also survived by in-laws Betty (Jack) Antoniak, Keith and Marlene Robins, and Sharon and Ron Basaraba. She was predeceased by parents Einar and Cappitola, brother Laurence and Edie Johnson, sister Elma and Charlie Cheyne, brother Cliff Johnson and sister-in-law Margaret (Leonard) Johnson as well as brother-in-law Jack Antoniak, sister-in-law Reta and Al Chalmers and granddaughter Joy Robins.
A Celebration of Arlene’s life will be held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332 8th Street, Brandon, on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a time for fellowship and reflection. A family interment will be held at Rivers Cemetery later that day.
Honourary pallbearers are all her beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her many, many nieces and nephews who meant so much to her.
Donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services, (204)-727-0694.
Under the Dome
Funding available to help you secure your home or business
By Greg Nesbitt
MLA of Riding Mountain
Applications are now open for the $300 security rebate program, announced by the NDP government earlier this year.
This one-time rebate is designed to offset the cost of security upgrades for homeowners, renters and small businesses.
Any purchases of upgrades such as security cameras, doorbell cameras, etc. made after Sept. 1, 2023 are eligible.
Full details are available at www.manitoba.ca/justice/ securityrebate.html.
• Portage la Prairie Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Bereza is calling on the NDP government to add a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to the new regional health centre under construction in the city.
Thirty doctors from Portage Clinic sent a letter this spring to the Premier and Minister of Health imploring them to reconsider excluding MRI services.
The doctors explained that the figure of 3,000 images that was given as a reason for not installing an MRI in the original plans is only the number of completed scans. What isn’t being considered is how many MRI appointments are missed due to economic and social barriers such as lack of transportation. Many patients, often seniors, simply have no way to get to their MRI appointment, either because they have no ride or no means to pay someone to take them to an appointment hours away.
But this figure isn’t being tracked. Neither is the number of appointments cancelled, rescheduled, or missed due to poor travel conditions.
Bereza says installing a permanent MRI in Portage would ease the burden on both Winnipeg and northern Manitoba. Grace Hospital, a mere 45-minute drive from Portage on a 4-lane highway, currently has a wait time of 27 weeks for an MRI. Re-directing some of those patients to Portage makes sense.
According to Manitoba Health, there are nearly 24,000 people waiting for an MRI scan in the province. Even with a new MRI machine running at full capacity in Portage la Prairie (8,000 scans per year), there would still be over 13,000 people on the waitlist.
The Portage District General Hospital Foundation has pledged $5 million toward the installation of an MRI and has offered to partner with Manitoba Health to make this needed service a reality. There is already a location for the equipment in the plans, along with the electricity needed to operate it. With the new hospital build rapidly progressing, time is of the essence.
Bereza says the Premier and Minister have plenty of reasons to reconsider and give Portage la Prairie and surrounding communities access to these diagnostic procedures closer to home.
• Do you need your passport renewed? Would you like to obtain a passport so you can travel outside of Canada?
Then Shoal Lake is the place to be on Thursday, July 18 when Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Member of Parliament Dan Mazier host a pop-up passport service.
Staff will be on hand and a photographer will be available to help you with renewing or applying for a passport.
The service will be available from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. in the Shoal Lake Community
Hall but an appointment is necessary. Call 1-613-996-5008.
• Manitoba families are still waiting for the NDP government to deliver a plan for $10 per day summer childcare.
Spruce Woods MLA Grant Jackson, PC Critic for Education and Early Childhood Learning, said the summer school break is upon us, and the NDP have broke their election promise and failed to roll out a plan.
Jackson said the funding was approved in this year’s budget and families deserve to know whether affordable childcare will be in place this summer and extended to non-school days for the coming school year.”
• The new $25-million Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program will offer a $4,000 incentive on new qualifying EV purchases and a $2,500 incentive on used qualifying EV purchases.
Both battery electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible. Vehicles purchased between Aug. 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024 are also eligible.
Full details are available at mpi.mb.ca.
• The fairs and festivals will soon be underway in the Riding Mountain constituency.
I look forward to seeing constituents at parades and community events over the months of July and August.
Keystone Planning District
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE PLANNING ACT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
On the date and at the time and location shown below, a PUBLIC HEARING will be held to receive representations from any persons who wish to make them in respect to the following matter:
Keystone Planning District Development Plan Public Hearing
HEARING LOCATION:
Rural Municipality of Cornwallis Council Chambers 107191 - Unit C Veterans Way Brandon, Manitoba R7A-5Y5
DATE & TIME: July 22nd, 2024 at 7 P.M.
GENERAL INTENT OF The Meeting
1.To get feedback, objections or support for the Development Plan as submitted at first reading.
Why did I receive this notice? or Why is this notice posted here?
To involve the public in the planning of our community. A notice is also posted in the office of the Keystone Planning District to inform those residents who are not neighbouring property owners about the Public Hearing. If you would like more information on this application, please call the Keystone Planning District at (204) 725-2001 or email: info@ keystonepd.ca
What if I have objections?
Objections can be raised in person at the Public Hearing or by submitting written comments to the Keystone Planning District Office at least one week before the date of the hearing - Phone (204) 725-2001; Fax (204)725-3659 or email: info@keystonepd.ca Please be advised that all correspondence received in conjunction with, or as a result of, an application that requires the Board’s approval becomes public information, therefore personal information [such as names, addresses etc.] contained in the correspondence is released in the public domain.
What happens at the hearing?
At the time and date noted above, the Chair may ask the representative to speak about the Keystone Planning District’s Development Plan and then the board may ask for questions. After that, the Chair will ask if anyone would like to speak for or against the application. When the hearing is concluded, there will be no further opportunity to address the Board.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Keystone Planning District P.O. Box 10, Site 500, RR5 Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y5 Office: Phone (204) 725-2001
24072GE0
Rivers Tractor Trek a great success
Submitted By Joan Airey
This year Rivers Tractor Trek teamed up with Clack Family Museums Board and volunteers to raise $3,360. Donations are still coming in and they should have a final total soon. The money was turned over to Hamiota District Health Centre Chemo Unit.
Twenty tractors took part in this year’s Tractor Trek. Registration took place at Redfern’s Farm Service and left at 10am on Sunday, July 7. The parade went through the town of Rivers making sure to go past the local hospital. Redfern’s bent over backwards to help the Tractor Trek make this event possible which everyone appreciated. Tractor drivers came from Oak River, Rapid City, Hamiota and Brandon. Without them this event wouldn’t be possible.
Arrangements were made with Rivers Provincial Park to make a circle around the top of the Campgrounds before heading to Clack’s Family Museum.
After arriving at the Museum refreshments and visiting were enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The local Heritage Co-op helped supply the food.
Volunteers made this all possible. One couple drove all the way from Napinka to help serve and clean up. Yesterday two men arrived at the museum from Erickson wanting to see the tractors and donate to the cause.
“Until the minute I left for town there were people contacting me wanting to help and donate,” says Joan Airey. Joane Boyd, the local Forever Ambassador donated the printing of a Rivers Tractor Trek Memory Book. Ken Hudson from Hamiota auctioned off the book and hat. Tom Ryall was the winning bidder of $350. Each year Rivers Tractor Trek have Judy Hart of Brookdale design a couple of hats especially for the Trek. Winning bidder for the hat was Dick Heapy, Oak
SWBL: Red Sox rack up runs
Sevens were definitely lucky for the Hamiota Red Sox on July 5. The senior squad scored seven runs in the first inning and in the fourth on the way to an 18-7 victory over the visiting Elkhorn Expos.
“It was nice to see our bats come to life,” player/ organizer Brady Waddell said. “We had a slow start to the season, but we know we are a good hitting team. Just had some guys slumping at the start who
are all starting to find their groove at the right time. Everyone is swinging a good bat leading up into ‘A’ provincials, and we just look to keep it going through the last three games and give ourselves a chance to squeak into the last playoff spot. Just have to do our part and hope the rest happens right for us.”
As of Sunday, the Red Sox had a 5-9-0 record and sat seventh in the SWBL standings. In a new format this season, the top four teams will make the league playoffs. Hamiota will host the Senior A provincials on July 19-21.
Against Elkhorn, Waddell batted in six runs.
(RFP) RFP #202401 – Canteen Services
Dated: July 10th, 2024
Request for Proposals
Canteen Services at Riverdale Community Centre
ISSUE DATE: July 10th, 2024
CLOSING DATE: August 16th, 2024
CLOSING TIME: 4 :30 pm
Riverdale Community Center is a municipally owned facility located in Rivers, MB. Built in 2011, this facility includes an NHL size arena, 4 sheets of curling, a 2nd-floor curling lounge, and a 300-person hall, all wheelchair accessible.
Riverdale Municipality is seeking to entertain Requests for Proposals for the operations of the canteen in the Riverdale Community Centre. The kitchen is equipped with a deep fryer, grill, dishwasher, sinks, stoves, vent hood system, toaster, microwave, freezers and a refrigerator. All other desired equipment will be the responsibility of the successful bidder.
Sealed proposals are to be submitted on or before Friday, August 16th, 2024 at 4:30 pm to:
Chief Administrative Officer, Marci Quane Riverdale Municipality P.O. Box 520, 670-2nd Avenue Riverdale, MB R0K 1X0 Full Details on the Request for Proposals can be found at www.riversdaly.ca/tenders
River at $40.
Members of the Waves of Hope dragon boat racers came out from Brandon to support the fundraiser and encouraged everyone to keep this event going. “We live in a great community where people working together help make medical care better,” says Joan.
Ben Couvier collected four RBIs. On the mound, Kayden Sutherland earned the win in a four-inning performance. He allowed four hits. Lee Nichols and Collin Crampain did not allow any runs in two and one innings of work, respectively.
The Red Sox were victorious on July 7 in Reston. They beat the Rockets 4-0. Waddell allowed only two hits while throwing a complete game. Brody Robinson hit a home run for Hamiota.
The Red Sox were to close out the regular season hosting the Oak River Dodgers on July 10, after the Banner deadline.
Rivers Comets
On the July 2, the Comets fell on the road to the Wawanesa Brewers, 7-5. The Brewers scored six runs in the sixth inning.
The Comets romped past the host Oak River Dodgers, 14-3, on July 3. Owen Wareham hit a home run for Rivers and drove in five runs. Scott Beever went this distance on the mound. He fanned 14 while allowing seven hits and two earned runs.
The Rivers squad hosted Virden on July 9, after the Banner deadline, and played in Boissevain on July 12.
As of Sunday, the Comets were second in the SWBL standings with a 10-4-0 record. If they finish in the top two, the Rivers team will earn spot in the Senior AA provincial tournament in Morden on July 19-21.
Oak River Dodgers
On July 2, Chase Anderson drove in five runs while Xavier Mowbray pushed four across the plate to help Oak River roll past the Reston Rockets, 161. Ty Paddock and Anderson both went deep for the Dodgers. Oak Rive hurler Riley Shamray only allowed one run on five hits and struck out five in six innings of work.
The Dodgers fell 14-3 to the Comets on July 3. They wrap up the season on the road. They were in Hamiota on July 10, before playing in Wawanesa on July 12 and Elkhorn on July 14. As of Sunday, the Dodgers were 4-8-0 and sixth in the SWBL standings.
PHOTO BY JESSICA COULTER
Hamiota Red Sox #11 Justin Knight up to bat against the Virden Oilers.
By Robin Wark Rivers Banner
PHOTOS BY JESSICA COULTER
Twenty tractors on parade for the Rivers Annual Tractor Trek.
Submitted
By Jeff Bereza MLA
That message has been circulating around Portage la Prairie and area for months now. But instead of a baseball ‘field of dreams’, what is being referred to is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at the under-construction Portage Regional Health Centre.
This $455 million regional healthcare facility, scheduled to open in late 2025 or early 2026, will replace the aging Portage District General Hospital. Since the first shovel hit the ground back in 2022, there has been much made about the fact that an MRI was not part of the plan. As the Progressive Conservative MLA for Portage la Prairie, I agreed with the former PC government’s decision to omit an MRI scanner from its construction plans, because the information from Shared Health Diagnostic Services—that there are only about 3,000 patients from this area needing MRIs each year, which would only support about a 50 per cent usage of an MRI ma-
chine and staff—seemed to clearly indicate there was no need for this costly piece of equipment. Patients from Portage would continue to be scheduled for MRIs at other regional health centres in Winkler-Morden, Dauphin, Brandon, or Winnipeg.
This information has not changed. What HAS changed is the information that has come to light that is not being tracked and tells a much different story. It is a story being told by over 30 doctors from Portage Clinic, who this spring sent a letter to the Minister of Health imploring the Minister to reconsider omitting an MRI from the Portage Regional Health Centre.
The doctors explained that the figure of 3,000 images is only the number of completed scans. What isn’t being considered is how many MRI appointments are missed due to economic and social barriers such as lack of transportation. Many patients, often seniors, simply have no way to get to their MRI appointment, either because they have no ride or no means to pay someone to take them
to an appointment hours away. But this figure isn’t being tracked. Neither is the number of appointments cancelled, re-scheduled, or missed due to poor travel conditions between the Portage la Prairie area and the locations mentioned above.
After speaking with the leaders of numerous Indigenous communities around Portage, I’ve become aware that there are also cultural barriers at play. According to the 2016 census, the total population in the Morden-Winkler area, where the Boundary Trails MRI conducts many of the scans from the Portage region, is just over 30,000 people. The total Indigenous population in the area was less than 100 people. The Portage Regional Health Centre, on the other hand, will have cultural space and services. Whether it’s seniors without a ride, or an Indigenous person uncomfortable receiving medical care in an area far from their culture, people are going without the diagnostic testing they require.
But this isn’t simply about wanting convenience for
locals. Placing an MRI in the new Portage Regional Health Centre would ease the burden on Winnipeg and northern Manitoba.
Grace Hospital, a mere 45-minute drive from Portage on a 4-lane highway, currently has a wait time of 27 weeks for an MRI. Re-directing some of those patients to Portage makes sense. Northern Manitobans have no option but to come south for an MRI, and with Southport Aerospace located mere minutes from the site of Portage’s new regional facility, medivac flights could transport patients much more efficiently – not to mention quickly – than they can to other centers.
According to Manitoba Health, there are 23,642 people waiting for an MRI scan in Manitoba. Even with a new MRI machine running at full capacity in Portage la Prairie (8,000 scans a year), there would re-
main over 13,000 people on the wait list. The situation is dire, but it can clearly be alleviated with the placement of a central MRI in Portage la Prairie.
This is not a partisan issue, it is a people issue, and the people have spoken. A petition circulating calling for an MRI in the new Portage Regional Health Facility now has between 3,000 and 4,000 signatures – that’s 25% of the population of the City of Portage.
Nor is it a funding issue.
The Portage District General Hospital Foundation has pledged $5 million toward the installation of an MRI and has offered to partner with Manitoba Health to make this needed service a reality. There is already a location for the equipment in the plans, along with the electricity needed to operate it. With the new hospital build rapidly progressing, time is of the essence.
The Minister of Health’s
mandate letter states their goal is to “make it easier for every Manitoban to access healthcare at every level no matter where they live.” If this is really the goal, the Government of Manitoba must partner with the Portage District General Hospital Foundation and make this MRI a reality. When I have called for the Minister of Health to consider this, the response and message is that it was not in the original plans. Today the Minister has plenty of reasons to reconsider and give Portage la Prairie and surrounding communities access to these diagnostic procedures closer to home. If you build it, they will come.
MRI wait time source: https://www. gov.mb.ca/health/waittime/diagnostic/mri. html#:~:text=MRI%20machines%20are%20located%20in,you%20are%20 having%20your%20scan.
