February 25, 2022

Friday, February 25, 2022 • Vol.114 No. 25 • Rivers, Manitoba

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Fun at the Legion

Gazette-Reporter

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 109 years

March 30, 2018

Volume 110, Issue 37

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Back row L/R: Meghan Knelsen, Erich Schmidt, Thom Heijmans, Heather Gray, Liliane Dupuis. Front row L/R: Minami Kijima, Haile Hubbard, Chassidy Payette, Morgan Ramsay, Bryce Summers, Quinn Hrabok.

(L to R) Tim and Heather Gray.

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

(L to R) Jacquie and Rob Schmidt.

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

3rd pl a ce: Sterl i ng Sklapsky and Ken Young

T he R iver s L eg ion Branch #75 hosted a crib tournament Sat. Feb. 19.

There were 12 teams that participated. For those u n fa m i l i a r w it h cr ib tournaments, the process for this tournament was: each team played four hands. At the end of the four hands they marked down their scores. At the end of 12 games the highest score wins.

Earlier in the month, T he L eg ion hosted a snooker tournament Feb.

By Sheila Runions 5-10, with eight teams.

Banner is Staff On first glance, snooker s r e p or t e d i n t he similar to pool. However, snooker is played withMarch 15 9 edition, the Grade 12 Interdiscired balls, sixplinary coloured Studies in Science class balls, and oneat Rivers cue ball.

Collegiate planned a project for Riverdale Harvest.

The balls are slightly Dubbedballs. the Boat Load of Food, larger than pool secured a canoe from Snooker tablesstudents are larger Rolling River School Division than pool tables, withbut an with intent to f ill it with smaller pockets. non-perishables. Although the

The winners were 1st place: Tim and Heather Gray 2nd place: Jacquie and Rob Schmidt

(L to R) Sterling Sklapsky and Ken Young.

Can collections for canoes

Photo by Sheila Runions

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tion to the schools. cans from the school foyer into and Chimo Beach areas for con- put away in the proper place on Pupils co-ordinated the entire the church basement the after- tributions from the community. the shelving units. They were month-long promotion, which noon of March 21, where the When all was said and done, fantastic! We are very, very culminated in a ceremonious food was weighed and sorted. the scales at Riverdale Harvest pleased.”

Elementary school staff mempresentation on March 20 to Although the project was a sen- noted a total of 434 pounds, “a Riverdale Harvest president ior students brainstorm, the en- fabulous amount,” says Heather. ber/Harvest volunteer Yvonne tire high school was encouraged “We are so pleased they decided Crouch initiated a similar camHeather Gray and Liliane.

Because the snow had melted to participate. The collegiate to help those we serve. A lot paign in her school. That threeso much, the canoe could not hosted a poor boy floor hockey of times kids don’t get enough week effort simply encouraged be portaged across the street to tournament in which to play, credit but this group of students students to leave product in Zion Church (home of River- athletes had to pay with food for certainly deserves some praise. the canoe; 87 pounds of food campaign was fully organized dale Harvest). Rather, the teens the canoe. Some students also All students stayed behind to was collected from the younger (L to R) Joey Katcher and Wrey Douglas.

(L to R) Harvey Wood and Dennis Veitch. by thatpretty class, the original idea carried bags, boxes and garbage canvassed Rivers, Oak River help check expiry dates, sort and group on Thursday, March 22.

The games were came from a suggestion made Thanks to participants intense with most of the “best two out of three”- er and Wrey Douglas by harvest volunteer Liliane style matches.

Second place: Harvey and all those who came games coming down to Dupuis.

The winners were Wood and Dennis Vietch to show their support at the last two balls.

The “I heard the idea at a meetFirst place: Joey Katchthese events. t ou r n a ment ingfeinatBrandon. u r e d St. Augustine School had tried Fill a Canoe in conjunction with the 10-day Festival du Voyaguer in Winnipeg in February. It was very successful and whenever I hear food bank, my ears always perk up!”

She then brought the sugThe canoe at Rivers gestion to Riverdale Harvest, Elementary School was which supported the idea and adequately filled.

Photo by Heather Gray asked her to present the promo-

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Examining facts

2 Rivers Banner February 25, 2022

I

t is frustrating when people don’t get the facts straight. I am the first to admit that I have made errors, lots of them.

Throughout the past few weeks, a number of errors have been committed in both speech and print. Our prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has labelled the unvaccinated as misogynists and racists, making them enemies of the state. Very few truckers are unvaccinated misogynists and racists. With the increased use of the term misogynist, many people have had to look up the meaning. A misogynist is a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women. The label “enemies of the state” is a pretty long stretch too. Isn’t it ironic that Trudeau would call truckers “misogynists and racists” and accuse them of misusing funds when, not that long ago, he turfed Judy Wilson Raybold from his cabinet?

She wouldn’t help him cover up alleged corruption and misuse of funds. In case anyone missed the irony, Wilson is a woman and a member of a racial minority group.

In a more mundane sense, it is annoying to hear other words tossed about carelessly. Repeatedly, the Ottawa trucker convoy/protest was covered mostly by the $1.3 billion subsidized CBC. They got a lot of things wrong.

And you know all those jerry cans of “gas” people were hauling around as reported endlessly on CBC. For the

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most part, it wasn’t gas, big rig trucks burn diesel, not gas.

Then on the weekend, a breathless reporter was trying to describe the famous Chateau Laurier Hotel in an attempt to explain where the action of the day was going on. He said, “In the background, you can see the spears on the corners of the building.” They are not spears, those high pointy things on the corners of the hotel are “spires”, not spears. Then he said. “You can see the bronze roofs.” Wrong again, the Chateau Laurier roof, and many other buildings in Ottawa, are sheeted with copper. Copper roofs attain a green patina with age. It is not bronze.

Those latter examples could be called petty mistakes, but if a reporter can’t be trusted with the trivial, how can they trusted with the larger issues?

Trudeau is not a Nazi, as some protesters claimed. That’s a label that is thrown around all too loosely and tends to sell short the sufferings of those who actually suffered under the real Nazis.

While Trudeau is not a Nazi, it may be fair to call him a communist sympathizer. He has, in his own words, admired the Chinese communist dictatorship. His father, mother and he have all admired Fidel Castro, one of the most avowed communists of the 20th century.

Most communist sympathizers realize they can’t make Canada a communist country, but they sure can try to turn it into a socialist state.

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

Ken Waddell Trudeau is a globalist and socialist and every step in his agenda is to convert Canada to socialism. That way, elites can keep power. We should all know by now that elites, especially government elites, are much smarter than the rest of us. We know that because they remind us of that every day. They believe we need to eliminate any private health care, discourage incentive, control the resources, the land and the people and set the table for a socialist feast.

Capitalism is not without its faults.

The level of CEO compensation at companies, banks and crown corporations is obscene. The people at the head of such organizations slant the table so they can stay in their positions by way of monopoly. It’s almost impossible to start a bank, so guess what, the existing banks have a monopoly. It’s really tough to start any company because of red tape, that long list of often unnecessary rules that claim to protect the consumer, but in fact, only harm the people in the long run.

After all the trucks go home and the

protests fade away or shift to anther issue, one thing remains.

This protest, in spite of all the words, be they misused or not, is about freedom and rights.

The central issue in question in this recent situation is mandatory vaccination. While the evidence seems to show that rates of sickness, hospitalization and deaths due to C-19 are reduced with vaccinations, the vaccine is not completely effective. Given those severe possibilities, it is not right to insist on compulsory vaccinations. If a government, a company or an individual insists on people under their control be vaccinated, it is also on the heads of those insisting when bad things happen. That in itself should be enough to make us all realize that no matter how enticing “mandatory” seems to be, it is a dangerous path to travel to try and enforce.

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

A “not so fond” farewell

s I write these words (Feb. 11), the Manitoba government has just announced that its plan to further ease COVID-19 restrictions is being accelerated. By the time you read these words, we will be a few days away from the lifting of most of the public health orders we have lived with for the past two years. Most of us will be glad to wish them a not-so-fond “farewell, adios, sayonara, ciao or good riddance.” (Pick one, or use one of your own.)

These steps have been taken carefully and with detailed analysis of the best scientific data currently available to us. Provincial news releases from midJanuary on suggested that the Omicron wave in this province had peaked. Additional data collected up to the date of writing confirmed that trend, prompting the Feb. 11 announcement.

We are not alone in taking these steps. Alberta and Saskatchewan have announced similar measures.

Ontario is expected to do the same in a few days.

The reasons given by each provincial leader are the same. The restrictions first imposed two years ago and revised from time to time since then have fulfilled their intended purpose.

As Premier Stefanson said in her Feb. 11 statement: “Manitobans have made personal, professional and financial sacrifices over the past two years and have

RiveRs BanneR Est. 1908

STAFF

done their part by getting vaccinated and following the fundamentals. It is because of Manitobans’ collective efforts, dedication, compassion and willingness to protect one another that we are able to move forward once again to lift restrictions and allow Manitobans to get their lives back.” That is a statement with which I fully agree.

So what happens now? COVID-19 won’t disappear the day restrictions are lifted. It will still be diagnosed and will still be treated, but the protocols followed will be similar to those we followed during SARS, H1N1 and other nasty f lu bugs that we have encountered over the past few years. So we will still need to be careful, stay safe and stay well.

Personally, one lesson learned over the last two years will remain with me until I die. Thanks to COVID-19, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for life than I already had.

These bodies in which we live are incredible organisms. They are the most complex of all God’s creation. But despite their complexity, they are highly vulnerable to climate changes and disease.

We need several layers of heavy clothing to help us endure the cold weather. We need portable lights to help us see in the dark. If we want to run fast, soar above the clouds or crash through walls, we need

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FAITHFULLY YOURS Neil Strohschein

a machine to help us. We don’t have the speed of a cheetah, the wings of an eagle or the bulk of an African elephant, so we can’t do those things on our own. And we all know how easily we can catch a cold, come down with the f lu, or be stricken with cancer, kidney failure or dementia.

So while I am happy to see the COVID-19 restrictions lifted, my life will not return to the “old normal.” I will still be following the basic guidelines– staying home when I am sick, getting f lu shots and COVID-19 boosters, and practicing good self-care.

But I will remember that, as King David once wrote, “my times are in God’s hands.”

He knew when I would be born. He knows when I will die. I plan to live one day at a time from now until God tells me that my work on earth is done.

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY AD DEADLINE: TUESDAY 12 PM PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE Rivers Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submissions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the managing editor or publisher and only when time and space permit.

We are not responsible for fax and e-mail transmissions which are not confirmed either in person or by phone.

Sales/Reporting Sarah Plosker

Members of:

February 25, 2022 Rivers Banner 3

Home Bodies

By Rita Friesen I ponder as I wander...

T

he thoughts f litting through my head as I go walking have changed over the last, even five, years. When I moved into town my constant companions were two little white dogs. I watched that their leashes did not get tangled, smiled indulgently as Miss Daisy bit into Hoover’s leash and led him where she willed, and picked up droppings. Last year, the walk was simply Miss Daisy and I, and I watched her bark furiously at fire hydrants and stop signs that were exactly where they had always been.

Our walkings grew less frequent. Her joints ached, and then this frigid weather was a determent. And one day I realised that I have always been a walker, with or without companions. And so I began to walk again. Now, there is no choice, after 12 years of being loved as much as she could ever have been loved, I released Miss Daisy to join her brother.

This morning as I walked, briskly, my thoughts wandered all over the place. My boots squeaked on the packed snow. Off in the distance, I did hear sparrows exchanging their day’s news, and then I saw a raven bravely f lying– I swore its wings were tucked as close to its body as possible and still remain airborne!– and ref lected on my life with dogs, and,

no surprise, the amount of snow.

I remember the winter of ‘55-56. My father drove the school route, the horse drawn van criss-crossing the fields, the shortest distance between any student pick-ups. Even at the age of 10, I was entrusted with farm chores, a task I embraced, for the warmth of the barns is a cherished memory, as is the distinct characteristics of every creature. That was not a year that I lifted that bale or toted that pail of water, it was more suited to my young and very skinny frame!

Breaking apart the square bales, some mucking of stalls, and egg cleaning. The snow that year came early and stayed late. We are not near that record amount, but, small comfort here, we have all of March to go! The evenings were quiet, all grateful for the comfort of a weatherproof home. I will remember this year’s snow, as well. Banks f lanking the driveway to the point where it is a challenge to heave the snow high enough for it not to cascade back down! Heartfelt thanks to the town crew for clearing the end of the driveway, offers me hope for the days to come.

And my dogs. Last time I washed their feed dishes.

Last time I laundered their towels, blankets and bed covers. Last time I scrubbed the marks off the front door. Last time I cleaned the wall under the living room window. Last time I set the curtains to soak, trying to remove their doggie drool marks.

Last time I listen for their claws coming down the hall. Last time I get to cuddle and snuggle a warm wriggly doggie.

My thoughts, even on the coldest of days, are warm companions. I review the past, yes, and I look to the future. Thankful for both.

From last week's front page

BY JANICE HEAPY, OAK RIVER

F B N O P S Y N F V O Q O R L

D U T E V L U E E Q C T O E Y

U B F V Z M L S N I Q T S J Z

J P R A B S A A Y O N T T O Q

K N T E R E U T R E H A R P F

V X R I R E Y S M E S R E D P

Y S S C C I A H N C V N P I G

A I N S S K Y O P E K O X O M

P I G X H M T R J F C C E U I

Tundra

By Chad Carpenter

S Q U A R E I T X C E Z D E H

D I E A U K S A H B O L L I Q

B U D P N A N G S G Q A F I X

A T A D K M E E E K K A J I C

W B P H F N D S H O B B Y C H

G N I N N A L P F I B Y W M S

AREA CENSUS DATA DENSITY EXPERTS HOBBY HONEY INCREASE MENTOR NUMBERS OVERALL PLANNING SHORTAGES SHRUNK SQUARE UPTICK

Observation

By Addy Oberlin Rivers Banner

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clear sky and beautiful sunshine and only -20°C. My home is the last house on the block and has many windows.

We love the sunshine, even my pets and the plants. We have a family of deer coming past the house and last night, they must have had a party, because of all the prints in the snow behind my window. It brings sunshine in my heart and happiness in my soul.

Just think of all the blessings, to name them one by one.

Even when we get disappointments in our life, or even death, we know that God will give us strength to endure and we can go on in His strength. His strength is everlasting and we know that when we surrender to God, He will be with us till the end.

Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 28:18 and 20 that, “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to Me. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” A precious promise.

Rivers Community Church hosts World Day of Prayer

For many years, churches in Rivers have joined together to pray for the needs of the world. After canceling the service last year, the prayer service will be held this year on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rivers Community Church at 447 Edward St. The invitation is out for everyone to join the 2022 World Day of Prayer as we celebrate the theme: I Know the Plans I Have for You ( Jeremiah 29:11). The women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland have prepared the service for this year. The service will be presented via a prepared video service that features participants from across Canada.

World Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch event that began around 100 years ago bridging social, geographic and political barriers in over 170 countries. In Canada, over a 1000 communities participate in this service. In Rivers, the World Day of Prayer services have been held since 1959. In a world currently facing many crucial situations, it is wonderful to gather together as churches to pray for the needs of the world. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Current Covid guidelines will be followed. For more information, please call Esther Krahn at 204-328-7189.

Everyone is invited to attend the World Day of Prayer service on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Rivers Community Church at 447 Edward Street. Current Covid guidelines will be followed. For more information call Esther Krahn at 204-328-7189.

Rivers Community Church 447 Edward Street, Rivers

204-328-7882

We are holding services each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., in accordance with current government regulations.

PLEASE JOIN US! If you are more comfortable sharing in our service from the safety of your home, watch our Facebook page: Rivers Community Church

4 Rivers Banner February 25, 2022

Secret Recipes from Rivers Mammas and Grannies

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

In this week’s “recipes with a story” column, our featured recipe comes from Barb Sveistrup, who lives in Rivers with her husband Hal. They moved to Rivers 52 years ago, though they spent the 1990’s in Gimli. They moved back to Rivers in 2002 and are thankful they came back as they really missed the community.

The recipe is for venison hamburger soup, which Barb has been making for nearly three decades. Hal has always been an avid hunter and f isherman, and has instilled that love to his son and grandson.

Barb and Hal are known as Amma and Afi to their grandchildren, an Icelandic custom. Their grandchildren provided this recipe in a recipe book sold as a fundraiser for Strathcona Tweedsmuir School in Alberta in 2013, so people in at least two provinces are enjoying the recipe.

The soup is supposed to be served with buns. Be sure to check out the prizewinning Grandma Rose’s Buns submitted by Donna Falkevitch, in our Jan. 28 issue available at https:// issuu.com/riversbanner.

I’ve been told by several readers that the buns are phenomenal. If you have a recipe (and a story) you would like to be featured, please email me at sarah.

plosker@gmail.com

the 13U and up age brackets also have the ability to play AAA baseball for the regional team. This year they will be competing in a provincial-wide league for the first time, playing a partial schedule. Last year was the first time a Rivers-based coaching staff coached an A A A team, with Dana McNish leading the 13U Coaching staff in 2021. Aaron Tycoles has been named Head Coach of the 13U team for 2022, with Ryan Lamb and Scott Beever, also of Rivers, serving as Assistant Coaches.

Rivers Minor Ball will be hosting their Annual General Meeting Monday, Mar. 14 at 7pm at the R iverdale Community Centre. The elected positions of Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer are up for re-election this year. The meeting is open to the public; however, only members of the association are allowed to make motions and vote.

The Rivers Baseball Association will be hosting the Senior AA Provincials Aug. 5-7 with the Comets being joined by seven of the best senior teams in the province.

The host committee will be meeting later in March to begin the final planning of the event. Check out the Rivers Baseball Association and Rivers Comets Facebook pages

for more information.

Work continues on the interior of the canteen a nd w a s h r o om ; c on struction started in fall of 2020. The goal is to have it as close to fully operational by the time of the Provincials. With the support of the Rivers and Area Community Foundation, the Brandon Area Foundation, and Baseball Manitoba, the association has begun the process of renovating an unused, overgrown diamond so that it can be used for both softball as well as baseball (softball calls for shorter distances between bases).

That would bring the total number of baseball d iamonds up to four, two of which would also be suitable for softball.

Long-term plans include creating another small diamond for softball and fixing up another unused diamond, bringing the total number of diamonds up to six, with three also suitable for softball. The goal of the Rivers Baseball Association is to create as many opportunities for boys and girls of all ages to play the game in Rivers.

T he c omplet ion of these two projects will take the tota l capita l investment at the ballpark to over $200,000 since the construction of C omet F ield (now

Venison Hamburger Soup from Barb Sveistrup 1 lb venison hamburger (beef can be substituted) 1 onion, chopped 4 carrots, chopped 4 stalks of celery, sliced 1-28 ounce can of tomatoes 1-28 ounce can of water 2 beef bouillon cubes 1½ tsp thyme 10 peppercorns ½ cup barley Parsley and salt to taste Directions: Sauté ground venison and onions. Add remaining ingredients and cover. Simmer for two hours.

Hal Sveistrup with one of the many deer he harvested.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Upcoming baseball season

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

With all the snow on t he g round, it’s hard to think that spring is just around the corner.

Believe it or not, Rivers Minor Ball registration is open now at ht t p://r iver sba l l.ra mpregistrations.com The reg i st r at ion dea d l i ne for 11U, 13U, 15U, and 18U is Mar. 13. For the younger years, the Tee Ball and 9U Kids registration deadline is Apr. 1. For readers used to the hockey updates, you’ll note that for baseball it’s 11U rather than U11 as shorthand for 10-11 year olds (and similar with other age categories).

Teams start practicing as soon as they can get onto the f ield, usually towards the end of April, with league games being played in May and June and the regional tournament at the end of June.

T he ba l l d ia mond s are located just on the outskirts of the west end of Rivers.

As an association, Rivers Minor Ball has been lucky enough to have over 70 kids registered and playing ball the last two years despite dealing with Covid restrictions and a later start to the season, and the association is opt i m i st ic about t h i s coming season. Players in

Nutrien Field) began in 2015. The association could not have done all this without the support of Rivers and the sur-

rounding areas.

If anyone has questions about ball, be it minor ball or senior ball, they can reach out by email to

22024ge0

r iver sba seba l la ssoc iation@gmail.com or call or text 204-761-6264.

The Cluck and Quack Poultry Club

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Founded by Susan Brand and Ken Buchholz in 2001, the Cluck and Quack Poultry Club brings poultry enthusiasts together, fostering a vibrant and active community. With over 120 members pre-Covid in Newfoundland, Ontario, Saskatchewan and, of course, Manitoba, the club organizes an annual spring auction of purebred species only, and an annual fall sale, which includes crafts, equipment, and other items in addition to poultry and small animals, held in a farmer’s market style. The club also hosts an annual American Poultry Association show.

The purpose of the Cluck and Quack Poultry Club is to connect people raising poultry, waterfowl,

pigeons, and other exotic and domestic animals and birds in order to exchange information, provide contacts, and promote accepted breed standards. The club provides opportunities for members to increase their knowledge in the intricacies of raising the above critters, to purchase and sell them, and to provide opportunities for members to display them for judging purposes.

Although the Cluck and Quack Poultry Club encourages the cultivation of purebred birds and animals to conserve heritage breeds, they understand there should be resources for all individuals who raise poultry and small animals, be it for eggs, meat, a rare breed, a mixed breed, or an unusual breed.

The Club engages in community activities by providing exhibits at events

and via its youth outreach programs to schools and to 4-H Clubs. For example, in April 2019, Chairperson Shannon Dawley gave a presentation at Polson School in Winnipeg and provided them with a dozen hatching eggs donated by members. This “Agriculture in the Classroom” program is set to continue as Covid restrictions let up. Further outreach initiatives include offering young people a free 1-year membership, available to 4-H club members.

ago, we promised that additional investments would be coming to support the early childhood workforce, and today, we deliver on that promise,” said Ewasko. “Our first investments will be to enhance wages for many workers who make less than the provincial average, as well as provide additional benefits to current staff, which is expected to help us retain more employees to support the youngest Manitobans.”

“Today’s ag reement builds on the great work a l ready u nder way to improve early learning and child care in Manitoba,” said Gould. “It also means more support for early childhood educators, who are at the heart of the Canada-wide system we are building with provinces and territories. I look forward to continuing to work with the province to support fam i l ies, create more child care spaces, and grow the early childhood workforce.”

As part of the close to $98 million investment, $15.5 million in funding for this year prioritizes ongoing commitments made under prev ious agreements, including supporting: af fordable child care by providing operating grant funding for over 1,800 spaces, diversity and inclusion through increased funding for Francophone and I nd igenou s prog r a mming and expanded supports for children with additional needs; and rural and northern communities to build sector capacity.

Under this extended ag reement, Ma n itoba will also introduce two new initiatives to support the ELCC sector in the coming months. This includes: a Renovation Expansion Grant to provide funding for non-prof it facilities to expand their existing spaces to meet community needs; and increased opportunities for child-care assistant certification training by improving access to the

T he gover nments of Canada and Manitoba have extended the Canada-Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Agreement, investing close to $98 million over four years to continue building and strengthening regulated child care services for children six years old and under, Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould and Manitoba Education and Early C h i ld ho o d L e a r n i n g Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today.

This w il l include a one-time investment in the early childhood workforce of more than $19 million to begin offering targeted support for the recruitment and retention of qualified staff for the early learning sector.

“When we announced the increased subsidy thresholds and fee reductions for subsidized f a m i l ies t h r ee week s

Manitoba housing market

Sarah Plosker Rivers Banner

Canada-Manitoba early learning and child-care agreement

News Media Services Gov. Canada

February 25, 2022 Rivers Banner 5

The last few years have been anything other than normal. This holds true across all aspects of life, including housing. Covid lockdowns have meant that people are spending more time at home, so naturally, people want larger homes with bigger yards. They need space for a home office or space for their kids to do their virtual schooling.

Companies have been allowing employees to work from home, which means many people don’t have to live in the same city---or even the same province—as the company they work for. They can shop around for communities with cheaper housing prices, larger lots, and lower cost of living in general. The answer? Manitoba.

The Manitoba housi n g m a rket h a s s een an increase in out-ofprov ince buyers since early 2020. Much of the growth since early 2020 is attributed to the Covid situation in a RE/MAX real estate company blog post from late December, 2021. However, the sustained rise in the market through late 2021 is being required 40-hours course through subsidized costs and expanded programming.

Building on existing supports and providing one-time retention incentives, a one-time early childhood workforce investment of nearly $19.2 million is included in this agreement, with a focus on attracting new educators to the ELCC sector and retaining current staff while acknowledging length of service. By the end of March 2022, up to $12.6 million of the $19.2 million will be used to support retention of qualified and experienced staff for the ELCC sector. This will include: increases in wages for eligible current staff that enhance economic stability and support the lowest-paid workers in the

attributed to low interest rates for mortgages.

Stewart Elston, president of the Manitoba Real Estate Association ( MREA), states: “The pandemic is still playing into it a little, bit but by and large…low interest rates are still driving the market.”

Now that it’s late Februar y 2022, the 2021 data has been crunched and 19,672 residential properties were sold in Manitoba, representing over $6.56 billion in total sales. The average sale price was $333,841, up 9.8per cent compared to 2020. “Like many parts of Canada, market inventory levels are stretched following months of sustained buyer demand,” Elston explains. “As a result, we anticipate resale price growth will continue in the months ahead and are hopeful mor e proper t ies w i l l come to market as the seasons turn.”

The latest numbers coming from the MREA show that 705 residential properties were bought and sold across the province during January, with total sales of $238.8 million. This is down 27.7 per cent and 19.6per cent respectively from the rec-

ord tallies set in January 2021. There are 1,115 new listings, down 29 per cent compared to January 2021, and the average sale price is $338,772, up 11.2per cent from January 2021. So, while there are fewer homes trading hands compared to the record sales this time last year, homes are selling quickly and typically at higher prices.

In the town of Rivers, we saw 24 residential homes sell in 2021 with an average selling price of $159,554. In 2020, we had 23 residential homes sell with an average selling price of $193,478.

Inventory is low, and we have not seen a sale yet in 2022. We currently have five residential homes for sale in Rivers, 18 residential vacant land parcels, six 100’ lots in the 7th Ave subdivision, and 12 twoacre lots in the Lake Road Development. Five commercial properties are for sale, three of which are the industrial vacant lots.

Local real estate broker Tracy Roulette at WayMor Agencies says “With inventory low, it is a great time to sell” and invites anyone to call for a free market analysis on your home.

sector to bridge gaps until the wage grid under the Canada-Wide CanadaManitoba Early Learning and Child Care Agree-

ment is implemented; Continued on page 6

Now in Neepawa Now in Neepawa and Serving Minnedosa and Serving Minnedosa Local Lawyers in Portage la Prairie, Local Lawyers in Portagefor la Prairie, MacGregor & Gladstone 50 Years MacGregor & Gladstone for 50 Years 225B Ellen Street, 225B310 Ellen Street, Box Box 310 Manitoba Neepawa, Neepawa, R0J 1H0 Manitoba R0J (204)1H0 704-4000 (204) 704-4000

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6 Rivers Banner February 25, 2022

Building on recent investments Banner & Press

Farmers’ advocate

2022: March 25 • April 29 • May 20 • June 24 • July 29 • August 26 September 30 • October 28 • November 25 2023: February 24 • March 31 • April 28 • May 19 • June 30 July 28 • August 25 • September 29 • October 27 • November 24 Friday, June 26, 2020

• B Section

Full page $959 Half page $599 1/4 page $289 1/8 page $159 Business card $99

Banner & Press RiveRs BanneR

neepawa

Farmers’ Advocate

A ray of sunshine for the future of farming

PHOTO COURTESY OF

Four-year-old CJ lives

and breathes farming,

seeding with his dad

on C.S. Farms, near Polonia.

The future farmer spends

er 18, 2020 •

a lot of time “helping”

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his dad!

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Wide circulation of 11,500 farms, businesses & households

Harvest progre ssing well for Westman fa rmers

Contact Ken Waddell at

204-476-3401

kwaddell@neepawabanner.com Farmers’ Advocate Friday, November

Banners & Pres Need Field F ood FR ive ast ? Rs BanneR Friday, August

14, 2020 • B

Section Lots of

equipmen PHOTO BY DIANE WARNER north of Neepawat was out in the fields last Friday. off Highway busy combining 5, Doug McLaren Just , with Darrell was Waldner towing tank beside.

(See harvest the grain story on Page B2)

Farmers’ Advocate

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under.

This funding will support the growing number of families that are now eligible to receive financial assistance for childcare subsidies under the increased threshold levels announced earlier this month, and reduce the administrative burden on facilities. It will also support families by allowing parents to move forward with employment or educational plans and commitments without interruption while waiting for their parent fee subsidy assessment to be completed.

This initiative will further support families with reduced out-of-pocket parent fees, ensuring Manitoba is on track to achieve a key joint commitment in the Canada-Manitoba C a n a d a -W i d e E L C C agreement to reduce outof-pocket parent fees by 50 per cent by Dec. 31, 2022.

For more information on child-care in Manitoba, v isit: w w w.gov.mb.ca/ childcare/.

neepawa

Providing a one year “top-up” of the percentage offered by Manitoba to the pension plan for centres and the RRSP program for home child care providers; and providing facilities with funding to provide staff a one-time investment in a tax-free savings account, to support increased financial security of the workforce based on years of service.

The remaining funding will be used to help grow the sector workforce, including investments in: attracting qualified workers by providing tuition reimbursements to early childhood educators (ECE’s) already enrolled in, or recent graduates from, an ECE training program; removing the barriers of entry into an ECE program by directly fund ing ECE training programs, with a focus on underserved communities; prov id i ng suppor t s to child-care assistants seeking ECE certification; and, modernizing the ELCC sector career landscape

by redeveloping competencies to better support career laddering.

The ministers noted today’s announcement builds on recent invest ment s under the Canada-Wide ELCC Agreement to expand eligibility to Manitoba’s Child Care Subsidy P rog ra m, resu lt i ng i n nearly half of regulated spaces being subsidized.

In addition to supporting the ELCC workforce, work will continue to ensure the ongoing financial stability of child care facilities, while minimizing challenges for new families applying for a child care subsidy.

To further support subsidy increases and ensure more Manitoba families have access to affordable child care, Canada and Manitoba are investing an additional$75 million to provide facilities with a six-month subsidy advance and three-month parent fee coverage, with $58.1 million in federal funding coming through the Canada-Manitoba CanadaWide ELCC agreement for children aged six and

neepawa

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Brandon - Rivers

204-761-2192 Hamiota’s

Hamiota ~ Brandon ~ Birtle  ~ Pilot Mound ~  Killarney ~ Deloraine

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HAMIOTA: 204-764-2544  BRANDON: 888-726-1995 allianceaccounting.ca

• Residential & Commercial • Farm Wiring & Trenching

Serving Rivers and area since 1906.

Phone 204-727-0694 or 1-800-897-5694 www.brockiedonovan.com

204-764-2744 FUNERAL DIRECTOR Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Frame and Stud Fra Post Farm Buildings me

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

Johan’s Construction Ltd. 204-745-7628 cell Rivers MB,

Jack Cram, Lawyer

“Building for all your farm needs!”

•

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Repair & Maintenance

•

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•

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•

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•

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•

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• Residential & Commercial • HVAC Installations • Licensed Gas Fitting • 24 hr Emergency Service • Repair & Maintenance • Septic Truck Services • Duct Cleaning • Backhoe & Skidsteer Services

Stewart Endeavors Gravel - Sand - Stone - End Dump/ Belly Dump Services - Excavating stewie13@mts.net 204-365-0086

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

Alex Stewart Box 916, Rivers MB, R0K1X0

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

Insurance, Travel, Investments, Real Estate

Phone 204-328-7540 204-566-2490

February 25, 2022 Rivers Banner 7

RIVERS

BANNER CLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR AD BY: PHONE: 204-328-7494

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT NOON

E-MAIL: info@riversbanner.com

Help Wanted

Health

Help Wanted: Looking for a driver to haul railroad crews for CN and CP. $21.00 an hour to: start Double vaccinated.

Drivers license required. Class 4 or 5. Phone 306-812-7594

Invitation Rolling River School Division INVITATION TO ATTEND Virtual Public Presentation Rolling River School Division 2022-2023 Proposed Budget 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Access the presentation via link on the Rolling River School Division (RRSD) website homepage https://www.rrsd.mb.ca/ A summary of the proposed budget will be available on the RRSD website by March 1, 2022 links as follows: Governance - Budget/Finance - Upcoming Budget

Tender Rolling River School Division PRICE QUOTATION Rolling River School Division invite price quotations for the Mowing of Grass at the schools listed below.

The price quotation will be for a Three-Year Term (2022-2024) to be agreed upon by both parties. Quotation to include the trimming around play structures, fences and any other areas that cannot be cut with a mower.

Cutting and trimming are on a minimum of twice a month schedule.

Quotations must be priced per cut.

A site visit should be made to determine what areas are to be cut and trimmed.

To obtain a price quotation form, please contact Joana Dear at jdear@rrsd.mb.ca or call 1-204-867-2754 Ext 221 These quotations are for the following schools: Douglas Elementary School Forrest Elementary School Elton Collegiate Rivers Elementary School Rivers Collegiate Rapid City School Tanner’s Crossing School, Minnedosa Minnedosa Collegiate Erickson Elementary School Erickson Collegiate Onanole Elementary School

Minimum charge: $5+GST Extra insertions: 1/2 original price

FOODS Meat Cutters/Production Personnel Our people, perseverance, integrity, and exceptional partnerships have led HyLife to becoming Canada’s leading pork producer and global exporter of high quality pork products. The growing demand for our pork in Japan and China means we need exceptional people to help deliver our company vision. We have expanded our Neepawa facility to increase our overall production by 15% and in turn created new jobs throughout the company.

As a Meat Cutter/Production Personnel you will be a critical member of our team in the creation of our world class product. Our positions range from working on our slaughter production floor to shipping the final packaged product, with everything in between! With our wide variety of jobs, excellent people, and our drive for innovation you will certainly find a job that suits you!

Responsibilities and duties include but are not limited to: • Slaughter and eviscerate hogs for further processing • Harvest and package edible offal • Process pork carcasses into primal cuts • Butcher and package pork primal cuts into value added specifications for local, national and international premium markets • Carry out other tasks related to processing of meat for shipping to customers or storage • Sanitation People who will succeed as members of our team will: • Enjoy working in a fast paced, stable long term work environment • Appreciate working in a culturally diverse workplace. We employ people from all over the world!

• Treat people with dignity and respect • Open to working in colder/warmer environments • Physically Fit • Experience as an industrial butcher or trimmer is an asset

Current starting wage is $15.15/hour plus $1.00 per hour perfect attendance incentive!

Wage scale extends to $22.10 per hour We believe that our success is founded on the strength of our team.

As such, we place a great deal of emphasis on attracting, developing and retaining good people, and consider every one of our employees to be a highly-valued member of the HyLife family. To that end, we are committed to providing a working environment that not only fosters personal growth, but also recognizes our employees’ contributions towards the common goal of our company’s success because of this HyLife has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best-Managed Companies.

If you have the qualifications and the passion to meet this challenge then we would like to explore your potential.

Please apply online at http://hylife.com/current-opportunities/ or email to jobs@hylife.com or mail to PO Box 10,000, 623 Main St E, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0.

We thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted

HIP/KNEE Replacement?

BATTERIES FOR EVERYTHING!

Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING?

50, 000 BATTERIES IN STOCK

The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $30,000 Lump sum refund.

Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide!

Providing assistance during Covid.

Expert Help:

204-453-5372

For Sale

Help Wanted

*Auto *Farm *Marine *Construction *ATV *Motorcycle *Golf Carts *Rechargeables *Tools *Phones *Computers *Solar Systems & design * Everything Else!

THE BATTERY MAN 1390 St. James St., WPG 1-877-775-8271 www.batteryman.ca

Announcement

Trucks, Trailers, Truckbeds & Tires

• Full Repair & Safeties • Vehicle Parts, Tires & Wheels • Trailer Parts & Batteries • Sales, Financing, Leasing & Rentals EBY Aluminum: • Gooseneck and Bumper Pull Cattle & Equipment Trailers • Truck & Service Bodies • Generation Grain Trailers

KALDECK TRUCK & TRAILER INC.

Hwy #1, MacGregor, MB

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Auction

BUSINESS FOR SALE Profitable Business- Gas station- Convenience Store- Restaurant for sale in Gilbert Plains, MB. Perfect location with 4 lots serious inquiries only. Call 204-548-2508 or 204-638-2643.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE M & J Farms/Glasman Farms two-year-old Simmental & Angus Bull Sale, 2:00 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27. View bulls at farm.

Videos & bidding online www.DLMS.ca . Call Jared 204-796-0999, Matthew 204-773-6055.

Administrative Assistant (16 weeks - May 16 to Sept 2, 2022

Online Timed Auctions @ iCollector.com Estate & Moving

Maintenance Worker Assistants Position #1 (16 weeks - May 9 to Aug 26, 2022) Position #2 (8 weeks - July 4 to Aug 26, 2022)

Featuring 4 Coke Machines, Signs, Oil Cans, Cast Implement Seats & More Closes Wed Mar 2 @ 7:00PM

Estate & Moving

Positions are based at division offices in Minnedosa, Manitoba.

Featuring Guns & Ammo Closes Wed Mar 9@ 7:00PM

The Aurora Plus

the 32 Weekly Manitoba Community Newspapers to get your messaging out now! Selling something?

Have an on-line store to shop at, doing curbside pickup/deliveries? Let people know in the Blanket Classifieds! Start the year off right. Don’t let COVID get you down. We are now booking Classified Advertising for 2022.

Call THIS NEWSPAPER NOW or call MCNA at (204) 947-1691 for details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

SUMMER STUDENT POSITIONS

12 Patterson Dr. , Stonewall, MB

RTM’s

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

URGENT PRESS RELEASES - Have a newsworthy item to announce?

Having a Spring/Summer event? 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.

GETTING READY FOR SPRING HIRING? Need Class 1 Drivers? Having an AGM? Advertise in

Rolling River School Division

McSherry Auctions

Consignments Welcome!

(204) 467-1858 or (204) 886-7027

Manitoba Community Newspaper Association Province Wide Classifieds

Help Wanted

www.kaldecktrailers.com

www.mcsherryauction.com

Deadline for submission is 2:00pm, Friday, March 11, 2022.

Please forward sealed quotations marked “Grass Quotation” to Fred Scott, Maintenance Supervisor PO Box 1170, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 For further information please contact Fred at the Division Office 1-204-867-2754 or the Principal at each school.

Lowest or any quotation not necessarily accepted.

For Sale

Classifieds MUST be PREPAID Visa/Mastercard accepted

For Sale

For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca select Employment then Summer Student Positions.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest in Rolling River School Division. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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8 Rivers Banner February 25, 2022

New approaches for big game survey in 2022 News Media Services Gov. Manitoba As the 2022 Big Game Survey Program begins, the Manitoba government is taking a modern approach to wildlife population assessments Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Scott Fielding announced today.

“Our government recognizes the importance of scientific data in effective wildlife management,” said Fielding. “Over the next month we will be conducting aerial surveys of selected game hunting areas using modern survey methods to collect more and better wildlife data.”

The Fish and Wildlife Branch collects a variety of information to help manage big game populations in the

province. Aerial population surveys is one method, which traditionally has used staff, a helicopter and a stratified random block method to focus on a single big game species in a hunting area.

Owyhee Air Research, experts in technology-led wildlife surveillance, will conduct the first survey project using infrared technolog y and f ixed-wing aircraft to assess populations for a variety of species for Game Hunting Areas (GHA) 30 and portions of GHA 22. Sex and age classification and other wildlife occurrences of interest will also be recorded and georeferenced. This project is funded in part by the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund.

The second survey pro-

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ject is a collaboration with Superwake Ltd. and Ryerson University to survey a portion of GHA 6A. This pilot project will test the use of a fixed-wing drone equipped with infrared and Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensor cameras, a first for North American wildlife management. Several big game species will be recorded including sex and age classification. A portion of GHA 6A will be surveyed to test the effectiveness of this new technique.

The minister noted traditional survey methods are costly, time-consuming and require a team of staff to execute. With modern technology, we can collect better data in a more efficient manner to support the critical work of wildlife management.

New board will work to build stronger economy, create better jobs News Media Services Gov. Manitoba The Manitoba government is creating a new Economic Development Board dedicated to fostering strong economic growth, attracting investment, promoting trade and creating high-quality jobs for Manitobans now and well into the future, Premier Heather Stefanson announced today.

“We recognize the critical importance of economic development and business investment to expand employment opportunities for Manitobans and address the negative impacts to our economy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stefanson.

“This is a top priority for our government and we are proud to move forward with this initiative and unveil this new team – which will work in partnership with the business

community, our economic development partners and all Manitobans – to help address the current challenges and build a stronger economy.”

The premier will serve as the chair of the economic development board and Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen will serve as vice-chair.

The board will be supported by a dedicated secretariat, led by Michael Swistun, who is an experienced and respected financial and venture capital leader in Manitoba and Canada. To support this new initiative, Tracey Maconachie moves from her role as the deputy minister of economic development, investment and trade, and assumes the role as associate secretary of the board, Stefanson added.

Building on Manitoba’s current and emerging competitive advantages, the eco-

nomic development board will focus its efforts on promoting Manitoba as an attractive investment location. By collaborating with existing investors, owners and entrepreneurs, the board will also serve as a catalyst to drive increased investment and job growth in Manitoba, the premier noted.

“As identified in the speech from the throne, this is an important step in fulfilling our commitment to Manitobans to facilitate economic growth, drive innovation and get our economy fully on track as we plan for strong economic and social recovery,” said Stefanson.

Today’s announcement supports recent changes to executive council and ministerial portfolios to better align and focus on the priorities of Manitobans and move forward to a brighter, more prosperous future for all, the premier said.