When coming across Whitetail deer, a group of does tend to be the more common sight within the municipalities of Clanwilliam/Erickson and Minto/Odanah at this time of the year. These four – a little camera shy – opted to run across a snow covered stubble field on the afternoon of Thursday, April 2, heading for seclusion within a stand of trees. Motorists are reminded to pay careful attention while driving Highway 10, as a doe, a deer, just may be near.
New fishing rules are now in effect
Anglers across the area will see some changes this year, as new regulations take effect along with h igher fees
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
Local anglers getting their gear ready for the spring will notice a few changes this year, including higher costs and updated rules following the release of the 2026 Manitoba Anglers’ Guide. These new regulations, which cover all fishing across our region, officially kicked in on April 1. The walleye and sauger season in the Southern Division is now closed. This break, which started on April 6, runs until the season opens back up on May 9. On top of that, Dauphin Lake and its surrounding tributaries are currently off-limits to all fishing. These clo-
sures are in place for a good reason – they protect the fish during their spring spawn. By giving walleye and sauger a chance to lay their eggs in shallow reefs and rivers without being disturbed, this helps ensure our local lakes stay well-stocked for years to come. Getting out on the water will also cost a bit more this year. A standard annual license for Manitoba residents has gone up to $29.40, while a one-day permit is now $13.65. While we just had a license-free weekend during spring break, you’ll need a valid license to head out now. Also, don’t forget that if you’re planning to fish within Riding Mountain National Park, you still need a federal per-
The province is also doubling down on keeping our waters clean from invasive species. With so many boaters travelling between lakes in our region, the rule is still “Clean, Drain, and Dry” for all your equipment.
PBR Mazergroup Chute Out
w ill return to Brandon in May
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
Adrenaline fueled fans of Professional Bull Riding (PBR) action will fill the Assiniboine Credit Union Place over the dates of Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, for the fifth consecutive year, as PBR Canada’s elite Cup Series is once again bucking into Brandon.
The PBR Mazergroup Chute Out held over two nights, as was the case in 2025, will have added significance as the lone PBR Canada Cup Series event in Manitoba during the 2026 season.
PBR Canada’s Cup Series, which set tour records in 11 cities last year, welcoming more than 75,000 fans, regularly features Canada’s best
riders alongside some of the organization’s top international athletes, squaring off against the rankest bucking bulls from across the nation.
Fans will witness exhilarating eight-second rides and wrecks throughout the unpredictable, action-packed event as the PBR’s courageous bullriding athletes face off against their 1,800-pound opponents born to buck.
The PBR Mazergroup Chute Out will mark the third event of the 2026 regular season for PBR Canada’s premier Cup Series.
Jake Gardner (Fort St. John, BC) went a perfect 3-for3 to win the 2025 event.
Gardner got off to a quick start in Round 1, delivering the second-best score when he rode Red Rust (Vold Rodeo)
from page 1 Double
If you are coming out of a designated invasive species control zone, you are required by law to decontaminate your boat and gear to stop the spread of zebra mussels into our local watersheds. Most of the distribution has moved online this year, and you can find the full 2026 Anglers’ Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com.
If you prefer a paper copy, they should be arriving at hardware stores and tackle shops soon. It’s always a good idea to double-check the guide before you head out, as some of our local lakes have their own specific rules on bait and fish size that might be different from the general provincial laws.
for 84 points. The British Columbia native then overtook the top spot on the event leaderboard courtesy of an 86point ride in Round 2 aboard Kraken (Skori Bucking Bulls).
With the first pick in the championship round bull draft, Gardner selected Patiently Waiting (Skori Bucking Bulls). Nodding with confidence, Gardner reached the requisite eight for 86 points to clinch the victory.
Other past PBR Canada
Cup Series event winners in Brandon were Weston Davidson (2024 – Strongfield, SK), Aaron Roy (2023 – Yellow Grass, SK) and Blake Smith(2022 – Abbey, SK).
Professional Bull Riders, which has events in four countries, has competed in Canada since 1996 where it operates two tours. Joining the Touring Pro Division, the Cup Series debuted in 2016 as the nation’s first cross-country, nationally televised series.
Mind over matter in sport ON THE RAIL SERIES THE
Whether it’s with a rope in hand, or on the back of rough stock, in rodeo one’s mental outlook is key
Editor’s Note: South Mountain Press Writer and Photographer, Darrell Nesbitt, has stood ‘On the Rail’ embellishing the life of a cowboy from little britches to professional. This article is the 12th in his “On The Rail” series, touching on various aspects of the sport, action, and people.
Lending 10 years of my life as media representative of the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association, one on one talks with gifted athletes at community events uplifted the knowledge and dedication to the sport.
True, when it comes to rodeo, skill, strength and practice are essential, but really what matters the most in making a great eight-second ride at the rough stock end of the arena or backed into a timed event chute aboard a trusted fourlegged partner with a rope in hand is a mental outlook.
Mental performance is an athlete’s ability to manage thoughts, emotions, and focus to perform no matter
the circumstances or sport competition.
“It’s not just about handling pressure in the arena – it’s about developing the mental toughness, confidence, and resilience that will carry a cowboy or cowgirl through challenges in both competition and life,” wrote Katie Hollingsworth, a mental performance coach and founder of KRAVE Coaching, in an edition of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) magazine. “Success is built on three pillars – Physical, Technical, and Mental.”
Physical touches on strength and endurance, while Technical focuses on mechanics, timing and execution. In terms of Mental it constitutes as focus, confidence and composure.
When you’re younger, learning a new sport including rodeo, much of the child’s success depends on the physical and technical pillars. But as athletes mature as a competitor –hockey, baseball, soccer, volleyball or rodeo – the mental
pillar becomes the key to reaching your goals.
“The real game-changer is your mindset,” shared Hollingsworth. “By training the 90 percent that matters most, success from an individual or team concept will come through.”
Written in a column in the March 2025 NHSRA Times, Hollingsworth shared three action steps to strengthen an athlete’s mental game…
1). Master your self-talk –Your thoughts directly impact your performance. If you spend all week criticizing yourself, then try to hype yourself up at the last minute your brain won’t believe it. Instead of forcing confidence, come from a place of truth, as your brain accepts truth much more easily than empty hype.
2). Find small wins – If you only focus on what went wrong or what you need to fix, you will chip away at your confidence. Instead, start looking for small wins in every practice and competition. Maybe you had a
stronger start, made a smarter decision in the moment, or improved your reaction time. Recognizing progress helps you stay focused on the process, not just the outcome.
3). Control what you can control – In rodeo, so much is out of the athlete’s hands including the draw, the stock, and the weather. Instead of using energy worrying about things you can’t change, focus on what you can control – your effort, attitude and preparation. By putting your mental health over physical, you intentionally train your mindset and will set yourself apart as a competitor in the arena and in life.
The Manitoba High School Rodeo Association has changed considerably over the years on different fronts other than executive members and national directors.
High school rodeo brings positive dividends to other associations bringing the sport of rodeo to life on
Manitoba soil. However, on the flip slide, less is not more, especially when rough stock – bareback riding, bull riding, and saddle bronc –entrants are few and far between. Low competitor numbers at the high school level often equal that same problem within the Heartland Rodeo (amateur) and the Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys (semi-pro) levels.
Manitoba towns hosting semi-professional rodeos or professional such as Morris are extremely grateful for the athletes hailing from fellow Canadian provinces, the United States, and Australia, who travel countless kilometers each weekend to uplift the sport in the Keystone province.
Take for instance the weekend showcasing events in Swan River, Austin, and Waywayseecappo First Nation at their Brandon location. Broncs and bulls of various sizes and athleticism, up against a wellrounded human athlete, pack the stands with knowledgeable fans or people
wanting to learn more about the sport.
The official stock contractors at these events have been in the business for many years. Themselves and their staff are dedicated and committed in keeping animals healthy, as it’s their livelihood. At Swan River you find Prime Time Rodeos (Jim & Leanne Lawrence & family) of Kennedy, SK, at Austin one will find White Line Rodeo (Ward Macza) of High River, AB, and Top Line Rodeo (Murray Clearsky & family) are the people that showcase stock on the northern edge of Brandon.
All around rodeo can be described as a family sporting event that involves horses and other livestock. It’s time to dig out the cowboy hat and take a stand on the rail in Oak Lake over one or two weekends in May, and once again enjoy action provided by rodeo’s finest in terms of generations of families on the road.
Riding a saddle bronc is often termed as like being in a rocking chair showcased by a semi-professio nalcompetitor in Rossburn last summer
Friday, April 10, 2026
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
Decluttering living space is a breath of fresh air
Most of us have hidden clutter – inside kitchen cabinets, nightstands and the dreaded junk drawer. But some items simply aren’t worth keeping and should be tossed, recycled or donated immediately, writes Alyssa Gautieri in Good Housekeeping.
While professional organizers recommend tossing expired spices, stained linens and junk mail, items like clothing and books may still be useful to others. “If you no longer use something but know it has value or could benefit someone else, it’s safe to let it go,” says Amelia Meena, a professional organizer and founder of Appleshine. Before donating, check with your local center to ensure they accept the item, or contact your sanitation department for recycling options.
One important thing to keep in mind, before you tackle the project of declutter-
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
ing one, two, or three rooms is to simply focus on one and only one, as I have come to learn it’s harder than you think to bid goodbye to certain keepsakes.
Here are the top things organizing experts say you should declutter as soon as possible…
If your fridge is packed with condiments or your cabi-
nets are overflowing with spice jars, it’s time to take stock. Toss expired ingredients, condiments, and spices to free up space and avoid potential health risks.
Instead of letting books gather dust in the closet or pile up on the nightstand, donate them when you’re done reading. “Books in good condition can go to book sales, libraries or thrift stores,” says Julie Stobbe of Mind Over Clutter.
Avoid collecting excess reusable shopping bags by keeping just a few favorites –around two or three per person – and donating the rest.
Keep only the clothes you currently wear and love. Donate well-maintained clothing items and discard any torn or damaged items. “Donating sooner rather than later ensures items will be in style and can be sold by thrift or consignment stores,” says
Stobbe. “Clothing stored for years often gets damaged and ends up in a landfill.”
Check under the bathroom sink, where clutter builds up quickly, says Rachel Rosenthal, a professional organizer at Rachel and Company. “It’s a great spot to find expired or unnecessary items.” Clear out expired cosmetics, skincare products, medications and bulky packaging to free up space.
If your linen closet is overflowing, toss any stained or torn linens. Donate gently used sheets and pillows that no longer fit your beds to local charities, and give old towels and bedding to animal shelters.
With kids, toys and games pile up fast – whether in the living room, playroom or bedroom. Donate anything they’ve outgrown (when’s the last time they played with that baby doll?). Toss or repurpose
books, puzzles and games with missing pieces, and clear out broken crayons, dried-out markers and incomplete toy sets.
Searching for a charger in a tangle of wires is frustrating. If you don’t know what a cord belongs to, toss it! “There’s no need to keep cords for devices you no longer own,” says Rosenthal.
Get rid of unworn shoes, from worn-out sneakers to uncomfortable heels, and donate any pairs in good condition. “Don’t hold onto shoes that are too tight or uncomfortable,” says Rosenthal.
Ditch cheap plastic containers, especially those that are stained, cracked or missing lids. Sort through your kitchen cabinets and recycle any that haven’t held up.
While you’re at it, toss chipped dishes, glasses and damaged kitchen gadgets.
A beautiful bouquet often comes with a glass vase, but how many do you really need? Keep one or two for your favourite blooms and donate the rest to a thrift store – or try selling them.
As you sort through mail, toss junk mail and takeout menus straight into the recycling bin. If a stack is piling up in your junk drawer, now’s the time to clear it out. Be sure to shred any mail containing personal information.
English-isms
When cheese gets its picture taken, what does it say? No one ever says, “It’s only a game” when their team is winning.
If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?
Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites?
And until next week… You never really learn to swear until you learn to drive.
Kinew gives taxpayers more debt, no tax relief
Manitoba’s latest budget did not make life more affordable.
Instead, it covers up tax hikes and piles the cost of government debt on current and future generations of Manitobans.
The government is highlighting its so-called tax relief in the budget.
The government is removing the Retail Sales Tax from a few more grocery items. Most grocery items are already RST free, but the government is extending the exemption to ready-to-eat items like rotisserie chickens. This will save taxpayers $32 million annually.
The budget is also changing the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit so some homeowners will save on their education property tax bill.
Opinion
However, homeowners with homes valued at more than $1 million will be paying more.
This is really a bait and switch for taxpayers because those savings are washed out by a sneaky income tax hike called bracket creep. Last year, the government stopped indexing income tax brackets to inflation. That’s a sneaky tax hike called bracket creep. When the government stops indexing tax brackets, it means that inflation can bump taxpayers into a higher bracket and increase their tax bill.
Bracket creep cost taxpayers $82 million last year. All the tax relief in this budget will save taxpayers about $71 million. That means taxpayers
are worse off overall. And bracket creep will take more of your money every year because of inflation.
Before finally getting rid of bracket creep in 2024, Nova Scotia had not indexed it’s tax brackets since 2000. A taxpayer who made $40,000 in 2000, and only got cost-ofliving raises since then, paid about $1,300 more in taxes in 2023 because of bracket creep. But that’s only part of the story because that same taxpayer paid more in taxes because of bracket creep every single year in between.
And despite taking more from taxpayers, the government is still borrowing money this year.
The government is increasing the debt by $3.2 billion compared to last year’s budget. By the end of the
year, the debt will be $39.7 billion.
That means every Manitoban’s share of the provincial debt will be more than $26,000 this year.
Debt interest payments will cost taxpayers $2.4 billion dollars this year and is still the government’s third-largest expense behind only health care and education.
That should frustrate taxpayers because the government is taking in record amounts of revenue and still overspending.
Revenues went up $1.8 billion this year, but instead of paying down the debt or deliver relief for taxpayers, the government is hiking spending by more than $1.5 billion.
In fact, the Manitoba government is spending more per person than any other prov-
ince in Western Canada.
The government is projected to spend about $18,150 per person this year. That’s more than the provincial governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
That includes the big spending and borrowing British Columbia government that received a credit rating downgrade because of the reckless borrowing in its budget.
And Manitoba is on the same path to ruin. A credit rating down grade makes it more expensive for the government to borrow money. And for every increase of one per cent in interest rates, the cost of debt interest payments increases by $60 million.
The government is still promising to balance the budget next year, with a
razor-thin $8 million-surplus.
One extra tariff, natural disaster or other unexpected hit to the revenue column can destroy that projection in a flash.
That means if the government doesn’t get its spending problem under control, that balanced budget promise is as good as gone.
This government has a spending problem.
Raising taxes to deal with it is the same as taking out another, bigger credit card to pay back your first credit card. It’s not a real solution. The only real solution is to find savings and cut spending so the government can start to pay down debt.
Gage Haubrich is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Kinew should bring back the gas tax cut permanently
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Premier Wab Kinew to permanently cut the provincial gas tax after he referred to the previous cut as “the most important thing that a provincial government ever did in the history of Manitoba.”
“Taxpayers agree with Kinew that cutting taxes and saving them money is a very important thing,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “And it’s even more important when drivers are paying record prices at the pump. It’s time for Kinew to bring back the gas tax cut and save Manitoba drivers serious money.”
Opinion
The price of gasoline in Manitoba has jumped by more than 30 cents per litre since March 1.
The Manitoba government previously cut its provincial gas tax by 14 cents per litre for the entirety of 2024. The government hiked the gas tax to 12.5 cents per litre on Jan. 1, 2025. A Manitoba family pays about $9 in the provincial gas tax every time they fill up a minivan and about $11 when they fill up a pick-up truck. Over the course of a year, that family will pay about $550 in gas taxes when filling up their
‘DANGEROUS AND UNACCEPTABLE’
Local Member of Parliament Dan Mazier introduces legislation to ban drug consumption sites near children
Local Member of Parliament Dan Mazier introduced legislation in his role as the Official Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Health that would ban supervised drug consumption and injection sites from operating within 500 metres of schools, daycares and playgrounds.
Mazier calculates that more than 80 percent of federally approved sites are currently operating within that zone.
“Allowing drug consumption sites next to children is dangerous and unacceptable,” Mazier said. “No parent should have to worry about their child stepping on a used needle in the playground or walking through a cloud of fentanyl smoke on the way to school.”
Supervised consumption sites are facilities where individuals can use illegal drugs because the federal Minister of Health has granted a legal exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
According to Health Canada, fentanyl is the most commonly used drug at federally approved consumption sites, accounting for nearly half of all visits, followed by meth. Mazier referred to these sites as “drug magnets,” citing hundreds of reports to Health Canada with concerns relating to drug dealing, property damage, aggression, and the littering of drug paraphernalia.
“The Liberals have been approving drug consumption sites next to children without checking who is next door,” said Mazier. “When I asked the Health Minister at committee how many approved sites are located next to schools and daycares, she could not answer because her own department does not collect that information,” he added.
REAL CONSEQUENCES IN COMMUNITIES
At a press conference on Parliament Hill following the bill’s introduction in the House of Commons, Mazier pointed to specific cases to illustrate the impact these sites are having on families and communities.
He highlighted the example of Sandy Hill Child Care, a daycare in Ottawa that was forced to shut down in 2023 after a supervised consumption site opened blocks away. The daycare documented a significant increase in open drug use and aggression. Before the closure, the daycare had to hire a private security guard to accompany children for outdoor activities.
Mazier also highlighted a letter sent by the Ottawa Po-
lice Chief to the federal government in May 2025, requesting that supervised injection sites be moved away from schools and daycares. The request was disregarded, and the federal Health Minister approved the site’s renewal later that year. When Mazier later raised the issue at the Standing Committee on Health, Minister Marjorie Michel refused to rule out approving more supervised consumption sites next to schools and daycares.
WHAT BILL C-272 DOES
Mazier’s legislation, Bill C-272, amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The federal government authorizes supervised consumption sites through two separate mechanisms under the Act. The first is a direct approval, granted by the federal Minister of Health on a site-by-site basis. The second is a blanket permission issued to provinces and territories that allows them to establish their own sites without seeking individual federal approval.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew’s NDP government has been pursuing a supervised consumption site in Winnipeg through the provincial class exemption mechanism. Bill C-272 applies to those sites, meaning the site in Manitoba would not be allowed to operate if the legislation passed.
Mazier says he is watching the spread of drug enablement policies across the province and country with growing concern. He fears it is only a matter of time before advocates begin pushing for supervised consumption sites in rural communities.
NEW SCIENCE RECENTLY PUBLISHED
In Parliament, Mazier cited a new peer-reviewed study published in a leading scientific journal, Addiction, that found closing a supervised consumption site in Red Deer, AB did not increase mortality or emergency department visits. In fact, the study found an increase in users connected to life-saving addiction treatment following the site’s closure. Mazier says this evidence proves that consumption sites do not treat addiction. “Treating addiction effectively cannot be achieved by enabling the continual use of the poison that’s killing Canadians,” Mazier said.
“Calling these sites ‘safe’ has been one of the biggest lies from politicians over the last decade,” Mazier said. “If you wouldn’t tell your own child that injecting fentanyl on a daily basis is safe, you
have no business calling supervised drug consumption sites safe either. That false premise has been used to guilt Canadians into supporting a policy that has failed miserably.”
Since the study was published, provincial governments have announced closures of supervised consumption sites. Mazier argues there is a clear need for federal leadership given that the federal Minister of Health is directly responsible for the legal authority that allows these sites to operate in the first place.
MORE WORK STILL TO BE DONE
Mazier acknowledges the bill does not go as far as he believes the evidence warrants but says passing legislation that goes further in shutting down sites is unlikely to gain support from the other political parties needed to pass in the current minority Parliament.
“Left-wing politicians who championed drug enablement and normalization are not ready to admit that their policies failed the Canadians they claimed to be helping,” Mazier said.
“The evidence is shifting, and as more Canadians see the consequences of these failed policies in their communities, that shift will only accelerate. That conversation is coming but today is about protecting children and I am hopeful that every Member of Parliament will support this bill,” he concluded at his press conference.
RCMP make arrest after home invasion
On April 1, Selkirk RCMP were notified of a home invasion that had just taken place at a residence on Mclean Avenue in Selkirk. Officers responded immediately and spoke to a male resident who advised a male suspect, known to him, had kicked in the door of the home. The suspect demanded money from the victim and assaulted him with a knife before fleeing on foot. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury and was treated by EMS on scene. A description of the suspect was provided and officers – including Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) – began patrolling the area. A short time later, the suspect was located walking on Main Street by PDS Stewie and was arrested without incident. A 41year-old male of Scanterbury, has been charged with the following: Assault with weapon x3; Assault causing bodily harm; and Breaking and entering with intent. It is believed that this was a targeted incident and that the victim and suspect are known to each other.
Selkirk RCMP continue to investigate.
On March 31, Lac du Bonnet responded to a twovehicle collision on Highway 11, south of Lac du Bonnet, near Road 84 North. Officers responded immediately and learned that a pickup truck was travelling on the highway when a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction lost control in front of him. The pickup truck then collided with the vehicle. The driver of the pickup truck, a 71-year-old male from Beausejour, was not injured. His passenger, a 69-year-old female, was transported to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The driver and the passenger of the other vehicle – 71- and 66year-old males, both from Lac du Bonnet – have died. This morning’s road conditions, and heavy snowfall are believed to be a factor in the collision. Lac du Bonnet RCMP, along with aforensic collision reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
On March 30, Dauphin RCMP responded to a report of a pedestrian that was hit
by a vehicle near Pine River. The incident happened on the 500-block of Second Avenue, when a vehicle hit a 36-yearold pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to hospital in Winnipeg in critical condition. He remained in hospital at last report. The driver of the vehicle left the scene. A suspect was located a few hours later and arrested. A 46-year-old male of Pine River has been charged with: Failing to stop after accident resulting in bodily harm; Impaired operation of a motor
vehicle causing bodily harm; and Failing to comply with demand (alcohol). He remains in custody.
On March 28, RCMP patrolling Main Street South in Dauphin saw an adult male outside a convenience store who was breaching the conditions of his release order. An RCMP officer from the West District General Investigation Section arrested the male, who initially resisted, and safely took him into custody. A subsequent search of the
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bag the suspect was carrying uncovered multiple weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun, a knife, ammunition and a road flare. Drug paraphernalia was also found inside the bag. A 42-year-old male, from Dauphin has been charged with 14 offences, including: Resisting a peace officer; Failing to comply with a release order x4; Carrying a concealed weapon x2; Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose x2; Weapons possession contrary to order x3; Unauthorized possession of a firearm; and Possession of a prohibited firearm. He was remanded into custody.
Notice is hereby given that a copy of the VOTERS LIST may be revised at the Harrison Park Municipal Office located 43 Gateway Street, Onanole, MB between the hours of 9:00 a.m.
– 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
At these times the Senior Election Official (SEO) will be available to update the voters list by:
(a) adding the names of voters who are entitled to have their names on the list;
(b) deleting the names of persons who are not entitled to have their names on the list; and
(c) making such other correction of errors to the list as required.
VOTER ELIGIBILITY:
A person is eligible to have their name added to the Voters List if he or she is:
1) a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age on election day; and
2) a resident of the local authority for at least six months prior to election day, OR a registered owner of land in the municipality for at least six months prior to election day.
NON-RESIDENT VOTERS:
For municipal elections only, non-resident landowners are eligible to vote in an election. (see Voter Eligibility above)
A maximum of two Non-Resident property owners, per property, are permitted to vote in a municipal election. In order to be placed on the Voters List, each of these voters must obtain written consent from a majority of the registered landowners, and file this with the Senior Election Official (SEO). Consent forms can be obtained from the SEO.
Non-resident consent forms are available upon request and must be filed by Sept. 22, 2026 to be included on the Voters List.
NON-RESIDENT VOTERS QUALIFIED IN MORE THAN ONE WARD:
In accordance with Section 25(2) of The Municipal Councils and School Boards Elections Act, any non-resident voter who owns property in more than one ward is responsible to notify the SEO in writing, not later than Sept. 22, 2026 of the ward in which they desire to vote. Failing the foregoing, the voter’s name will be placed on the list as the SEO may select.
APPLICATION FOR PERSONAL SECURITY PROTECTION:
A voter may apply in writing to the SEO (at the address/email below) no later than Sept. 22, 2026 to have their name and other personal information omitted or obscured from the voters list in order to protect the voter’s personal security. The application may be submitted in person, by mail or email and must include your name, address and include proof of identity. All changes to the voters list must be completed on or before Sept. 22, 2026.
Dated at Onanole in the Province of Manitoba, on Feb. 23, 2026.
Chad Davies
Senior Election Official (SEO) Municipality of Harrison Park Box 190, Onanole, MB R0J 1N0 Phone: 204-848-7614 admin@harrisonpark.ca
Email
A PART OF HISTORY
Six former Yellowhead Chiefs have helped the Waywayseecappo Wolverines advance to the second round f or the first time ever
ROBIN WARK forSouth Mountain Press
Six former Yellowhead Chiefs U18 AAA players have helped the Waywayseecappo Wolverines make history.
For the first time in franchise history, the local squad made it to the second round of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) playoffs. Finishing third in the West Division, the Wolverines swept the second place Dauphin Kings 4-0 in the first round.
“Winning the first round was a huge accomplishment for our team and for our community,” Wolverines goaltender Jase Wareham said. “Our fans brought the energy, and we fed off of that to get through the first round. We are excited to get going with the second round against Niverville.”
Now in the league’s semifinals, the Waywayseecappo team trails the top-seeded Niverville Nighthawks 2-1 as of Tuesday, April 7.
The Wolverines having been getting big contributions from former Chiefs, Ben Roulette, Kurt Rookes, Jase Wareham, Max Collyer, Cole Hunter, and Adam Chipelski. Look for more on Hunter and Chipelski in a future issue of Crossroads This Week. The players all benefitted from their time with Yellowhead.
“Playing for Yellowhead helped me develop as a player and as a leader,” Collyer said. “They taught me the importance of discipline, respect, hard work, and coming together as a team.”
BEN ROULETTE
Rivers’ Roulette played two seasons for the Wolverines before spending 20242025 with the North American Hockey League’s Minnesota Wilderness in Cloquet, MN. He is pleased to be back in Waywayseecappo.
“I’ve enjoyed going to the rink every day and working towards a championship with my team,” Roulette said. “We’ve put in a lot of work over the season and we’ve learned to embrace the grind, and have a winning mindset going into each game, and believing in each other that we could make history with this team. It’s sad to see my junior career is almost over but I’m happy I got to spend it playing in Waywayseecappo
and Cloquet. I made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime each and every year.”
During this past regular season, Roulette was second on the Wolverines in points (70) and goals (25) in 51 games. He finished sixth in the league in scoring. Wolverines head coach Landyn Cochrane, a Silverton product, praised Roulette’s hockey IQ.
“Ben always puts himself in great spots to receive the puck from his teammates and can finish from any area in the O-zone,” Cochrane said. “Ben creates offence from being in great areas and his ability to compete for loose pucks.”
Roulette’s junior success has earned him an opportunity to play at the U Sports level. He recently committed to play for and study at the University of Regina.
“I got the chance to go on a tour at U of R with the head coach (Trevor Keeper), and after seeing the campus and facilities they have for the athletes, I fell in love with it pretty quick. It’s a rebuilding program right now, but I believe a lot in what Trevor is doing there and he has a very impressive resume. Also, with Re-
gina being close to home, it makes things easier for my family and I. I couldn’t be happier with my decision and am excited to get there and meet the team.”
KURT ROOKES
Manson’s Rookes also returned to the Wolverines after some time away. He was the squad’s Rookie of the Year in 2023. He played for the Western Hockey League’s Wenatchee Wild and Swift Current Broncos the last two seasons.
“Being back with the Wolverines has been awesome,” Rookes said. “Being close to home and playing with guys who I’ve grown up playing with is always the best.”
This past winter, Rookes was third on the team in scoring with 57 points in as many games. He has played both forward and defence.
“What’s helped him succeed is his high compete level and willingness to embrace whatever role the team needs,” Cochrane said. “He communicates well and brings the same intensity regardless of where he’s playing.”
Like Roulette, Rookes will join the U of R Cougars next season. He plans to
study business and said, “With it being close to home for me, a good degree, and allowing me to play in the top university league in Canada is a very good opportunity. After having numerous conversations with head coach Trevor Keeper, it solidified my decision to commit to the U of R.”
JASE WAREHAM
In the first round of the playoffs, Wareham, the Wolverines’ goaltender, averaged 35.4 saves per game. During the regular season, he had a 3.07 goals against average and a .955 save percentage. Cochrane praised Wareham’s athleticism.
“Jase will always make the first save look easy and can move freely in his crease to make the second as well,” the coach said. “He is ultra competitive and will never give up on a puck.”
Wareham has played all three seasons of his junior career with the Wolverines. He started playing goalie when he was seven, but did not play the position fulltime until he was 13.
“I enjoy being a goalie because you are the backbone of the team,” Rivers’ Wareham said. “You get to have a huge impact on the
business in university. Where he does that and whether he continues to play hockey is yet to be decided he says.
MAX COLLYER
Onanole’s Collyer is in his first season with the Wolverines. He spent his rookie junior campaign with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Flin Flon Bombers and the MJHL’s Northern Manitoba Blizzard. Collyer is pleased to be playing in Waywayseecappo.
“The community support is incredible here,” he said.
“It’s an honour playing in front of such a supportive community. They treat us very well here and it’s been such a fun year with this group of guys and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
The forward had 12 goals, 12 assists, and 24 points in 41 games this season. Cochrane said Collyer’s strength is his compete level.
“Max is always hard on the forecheck and around the puck. Max is one of our hardest workers and brings it every night.”
Virden-native Robin Wark is a freelance writer who lives in Sooke, BC.
outcome of the game.”
Wareham plans to study
Former Yellowhead Chief Jase Wareham has been a star for the Waywayseecappo Wolverines thus far in the playoffs.The Rivers native sports a 1.79 goals against average and leads allgoaltenders in the playoffs with a save percentage of 944.
PHOTO BY DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAI N PRESS
RCMP bomb squad’s robot detonates old dynamite
The Banner
Dynamite originally found in a barn on a farm near St. Lazare, managed by the Natural Conservancy of Canada, was safely detonated by the RCMP bomb squad’s robot. RCMP in Russell was notified of the find on March 11 at 11:45 a.m., who in turn contacted the RCMP bomb squad, which found several boxes of dynamite had degraded due to age and had become very unstable and much more likely to ignite while being moved. Through the use of the robot, the dynamite was safely dragged from the barn into a field where it was detonated.
Dauphin: The Herald –Ste. Rose is set to celebrate 100 years of pole archery in the community. Originating in the 11th century in Belgium, the sport was brought to Manitoba in the late 19th century when a group of settlers immigrated to the Ste. Amelia area. Pole archery involves shooting vertically with a blunt–ended arrow, aiming 110 feet into the air at a triangular-shaped frame housing wooden featheradorned birds. Within Manitoba, there are only three clubs – two in Winnipeg and the Witty Belgian Archers in Ste. Rose, which along with Ste. Amelie operated as separate clubs from 1926 to 1934, at which time they amalgamated. The club, encouraging new membership, begins shooting in early May and continues until the fall in the town’s Burnside Park.
Paper Clips
Whitewood: Grasslands News – A new chapter in female athletics is being initiated in the Parkland region, as a group of dedicated volunteers and former players work to launch a brand new football program based out of Yorkton. The main goal of the new organization to operate under the name ‘Prairie Female Football’, with two teams, a junior and a senior squad, competing as the Renegades, is aimed at expanding opportunities for girls in the sport.
Boissevain: The Recorder – On March 8 in Shilo, Murray Dalrymple received his Quilt of Valour for his service in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Boissevain native’s 30-year career started in 1975, serving his country around the world. The Boissevain Legion Branch #10 nominated the recipient to receive the quilt presented by Quilts of Valour Canada Society.
Pilot Mound: The Hometown View –Ashley Morrow of Pilot Mound, a University of New Brunswick student and athlete, was back in her
Municipality of Harrison Park
2026 FINANCIAL PLAN
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to subsection 162(2) of The Municipal Act, that the Council of the Municipality of Harrison Park intends to present its 2026 Financial Plan at a public hearing: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 9:30 a.m.
Harrison Park Municipal Office 43 Gateway Street, Onanole, MB Council will hear any person who wishes to make a representation, ask questions, or register an objection to the Financial Plan.
Copies of the proposed financial plan and the procedures to be followed at the hearing are available upon request at the Municipal Office, 43 Gateway Street, Onanole, MB during regular business hours. Questions and remarks may also be directed by letter to the Chief Administrative Officer or through our email address at admin@harrisonpark.ca.
Dated this 10th day of April, 2026.
Chad Davies, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer Municipality of Harrison Park Phone: 204 848 7614
home province over the dates of March 5-7 for the U Sports (Universities from across Canada) Track and Field Championships in Winnipeg. The nominee for the U Sports Women’s Field Athlete of the Year threw a new personal best in the women’s weight throw of 18.62 m, finishing just off the podium in fourth place.
Baldur/Glenboro: The Gazette – The Pleasant Valley Golf Course – an oasis for golfers and non-golfers alike – and the area was flooded, thanks to an unexpected event (ice jam) on the Pembina River, prompting Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure to address the situation promptly. A track hoe was brought in to break up the obstruction to get the water moving down the river, and allow the water to recede, bringing relief to golf course management and property owners.
Virden: The EmpireAdvance – A small group of concerned citizens gathered at the Knox Church in Bran-
don on March 19 to learn more about two new mega projects in Southwest Manitoba – the Manitoba Hydro’s gas plant in Brandon and the Deep Sky’s DAC facility in the Pipestone area. Sustainable Brandon and Climate Action Team Manitoba put forth the presentation.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – A plethora of cultures were on display at the Belonging and Cultural Diversity celebration held on March 21 in Neepawa. Thea Krystabel Duka, executive assistant, of the Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services, said the day truly felt like a genuine celebration of community.
Whitewood: Grasslands News – Cowessess First Nation welcomed a herd of 20 buffalo to its prairie lands near Broadview last month. The animals were transported from Peepeekisis First Nation on March 16, with band members from both communities celebrating the return of the buffalo, a powerful moment to wit-
ness.
Boissevain: The Recorder – The sun has set on one of Melita’s biggest supporters and helping hands in terms of community. A year ago, the members of the Melita & Area Lions Club made a decision to ‘wind down’ citing the membership number had diminished to eight. Although the community wanted the Lions to remain in operation, it was difficult to find new members to serve, thus the club, which began in 1976, has signed off for good.
Updated annually, Manitoba’s minimum wage is regulated through theEmployment Standards Code. This year’s increase of 40 cents per hour will raise the minimum wage to $16.40 from $16. The adjustment reflects Manitoba’s 2025 inflation rate, rounded up to the nearest five cents. Minimum wage to increase to $16.40 on Oct. 1
Manitoba Labour and Immigration is notifying Manitobans the provincial minimum wage will increase by 40 cents to $16.40, effective Oct. 1.
A fossil that you can actually grow
It is interesting to think of growing something that has been around for 150 million years. I can’t even begin to imagine what a time frame of that nature actually means. The fossil tree better known as the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) or maidenhair tree is a survivor from ancient times. In fact, 150 million years ago, huge forests of ginkgo covered a good part of North America and Asia. Ginkgo was native to SE China but became extinct centuries ago. The only ginkgoes to survive were those enclosed in gardens within the temple walls where they were grown for their edible seeds. Now, the ginkgo is a prized addition to the landscape in many parts of the world growing upwards of 30 m and spreading. In our local landscapes the ginkgo will survive but will not likely ever become a towering tree.
The leaves on a ginkgo are perhaps one of the most interesting characteristics. Growing a tree with such a unique leaf shape is for sure a draw to cultivate this tree. They have a distinctive lovely fan shape and grow to about 3 inches in size. The name biloba obviously is a descriptive word that describes the leaf itself as the center of the fan-shaped leaf is notched dividing the leaf into two lobes. The veins in the leaf radiate out from the petiole or leaf stem. What a perfectly lovely leaf!
The ginkgo is a dioecious tree meaning that male and female parts are contained on different trees. The male trees have drooping catkins while the female trees have drooping flowers. Both trees will flower in March/April depending upon the climate in which they are growing. It is preferable to grow the male trees as the female fruit, which appears in autumn is very smelly! The fruit ferments creating quantities of butyric acid, which is reminiscent of smelly old Billy goats! In spite of the terrible smell, the fruit is consumed in Asia and commonly referred to as Japanese Silver Apricots.
If you are growing a ginkgo tree and have no idea the gender, then it is advis-
Patricia Hanbidge GARDENING
able to plant it far away from other ginkgoes in order to avoid the very smelly fruit. They do take a long time to grow from seed but they really are a lovely landscape specimen. They flutter beautifully in a breeze bringing a lovely sound to your garden you will be sure to enjoy.
The ginkgo is also very tolerant to a host of rather adverse conditions. They grow beautifully in soils with salt, pH and even in highly polluted areas. They are deeprooted and are fabulous when used not on the beach but definitely close to it as salt spray does not affect them. They are not tolerant to soggy soil conditions. They are what you might call – the ideal tree as they are considered hardy from Zone 3 to 8, require very little maintenance, and are not susceptible to many pest or disease problems.
To grow an attractive tree, prune it early to encourage one central leader. This will ensure a beautiful landscape specimen in the future. Seeds are available for purchase in shops specializing in Asian food. They are actually quite tasty. Extracts are made from the seeds that are utilized to help with a host of medical conditions including senility, poor circulation and to enhance mental performance.
So, perhaps you gardeners who strive to grow something different … might like to try growing the fossil tree in your garden and trip back to the time of the dinosaurs!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us atwww.orchidhort.com; email atgrowyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.
The ginkgo or maidenhair tree is a survivor from ancient times
Benefits of cell phone bans at school
Q: My daughter’s high school has banned cell phone use except for emergencies. It is making her furious. How can I help her understand it’s for the best? – Gracie W., Fort Wayne, IN
A: Studies show that when left to (and with) their own devices, kids spend way too much time on their phones when they’re in school. A recent study in JAMA Network Open found that phone use occupies around 33% of teens’ school day – and most of that time they’re watching entertainment and engaging with social media.
Another study in JAMA Pediatrics found that digital media use by children and teens leads to behavior problems, depression, self-injury, substance abuse and lower self-perception and academic achievement. The frantic pace and the often nasty tone are so destructive.
I think you can help your daughter understand why it’s important not to have access to her phone during class by making her aware of how she’s being manipulated by social media and entertainment companies who aim to get kids hooked on their product – not for the kid’s wellbeing, but for profit. Then talk about how important it is to her future that she is able to find pleasure in being calm and thoughtful, not jazzed up and distracted. It doesn’t just increase her chances of doing well academically, getting scholarships, and finding a future she wants to pursue, but it also means she will increase her own self-esteem and sense of agency. She will
be in control of how and with whom she acts, interacts and reacts. And that’s the foundation of health and happiness.
This is a two-way conversation, so don’t forget to ask her why she thinks she should have her phone in school and what she thinks school should do for her today and for her tomorrows. And I think you and she should check out my book
“YOU: The Owner’s Manual for Teens: A Guide to a Healthy Body and Happy Life.”
Q: I recently moved to New York, and I’m worried that all the traffic and other kinds of air pollution will be bad for my health. Am I just being paranoid? – Pat R., Brooklyn, NY
A: Yes and no. Many recent studies reveal how damaging air pollution from traffic, forest fires, industrial plants, etc., is for everyone, young or old. For example, a recent study in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that repeated exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate
matter increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in folks, ages 65 and older, especially if they have worked in a polluted environment. Other studies from various countries have found that ALS and other motor neuron diseases can be related to higher residential exposure to traffic-related air pollution, even at levels below European Union air quality standards.
But you don’t have to live in a city to have health risks from air pollution. High ozone levels (typically in the summer) are associated with res-
piratory problems, even for healthy young adults. And inhaling smoke from wildfires (that spreads for hundreds of miles) is causing more than 24,000 deaths annually, according to a new study in Science Advances.
So, you want to be aware of local pollution levels and avoid outdoor exercise when they’re elevated. Instead, head to the gym or a mall, and avoid exercising near traffic, even when pollution levels register low. Opt to walk and exercise in green spaces in urban areas. There may also be
occasions (like when fire smoke is dense) when you want to wear an N95 mask outside. And it’s just as important to upgrade your indoor air quality by using HEPA air filters and dusting surfaces regularly.
But remember, your health and longevity depend on many things – your choice of food, stress management, your happiness quotient, sleep quality, and even whether you have a dog or not! So, concentrate on addressing more than your exposure to pollutants.
To discover how, sign up for the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at www. 4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions @4YOUngevity.com.
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ARTICLES FOR SALE
Comic pocket book sets, large variety, excellent condition; large display of dinky toys c/w cabinets; Heddon fishing lures and metal signs c/w cabinet. Call Bob 204348-7731, pictures at https:// bobscollection.crd.co/
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Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and anything firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.
SEED FOR SALE
Forage Seed For Sale: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome,
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Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Birch Rose Acres Ltd., 306-921-9942.
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