SMP - Dec. 12, 2025

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Friday, DECEMBER 12, 2025 Vo lum e 18 N um b e r9

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CIN DY M U R R AY / F O R SO U T H M O U N T AIN PR E SS The sight of leftover apples still dangling from a tree is one of delight for birds, especially the pine grosbeak, as one sits down for an all you can eat buffet last weekend. Here’s hoping that scavenger animals got their fare share of food, as the massive snowstorm that blanketed Westman this week means food sources have now become more scarce.

Cop ing w ith grief over the holid ays Blue Christm a s services w ill be held a cross the region , a ckn ow ledgin g the ha rdship s the sea son ca n brin g RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

As the region gears up for the festive season rush, several local churches – including locations in Erickson, Minnedosa, Birtle, and Russell – are offering a quiet contrast to the usual holiday cheer.

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To :

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These solemn gatherings, known as Blue Christmas or Longest Night services, provide an important space for those coping with grief, loss, and loneliness. The Christmas season can be extremely difficult for many, and these services acknowledge the hardship beneath the surface of celebration.

This year, the services will be held throughout the area in the days leading up to Christmas – Erickson Lutheran Church will hold its service on Dec. 15 at 7:00 p.m., followed by St. George Anglican Church in Birtle on Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m. Minnedosa United Church will hold its service on Dec. 21

starting at 11:00 a.m. Also on this day Knox United Church in Russell will hold their Longest Night service at 7:00 p.m.

The Christmas season, often defined by feelings of happiness and family closeness, can increase feelings of isolation and sadness for those dealing with loss – whether

it be the death of a loved one, a difficult divorce, job loss, or chronic illness. These unique services create a necessary spiritual and emotional space, giving participants permission to feel their sadness in a community setting.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

Self-defense cla ss em p ow ers Erickson residents various techniques with partners and were encouraged to continue practicing at home to ensure quick, instinctive reactions if needed. By the end of the session, attendees reported feeling more confident and enthusiastic about the skills they had learned.

Flannigan, who also teaches the local karate program, was a familiar face to many in the group. His experience and approachable teaching style contributed to the success of the event.

Due to the positive response, the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson Recreation Department is considering offering another selfdefense class in 2026.

Unlike traditional, festive Advent or Christmas services, the tone is reflective and quiet, often featuring low music, candle lighting for remembrance, and scripture focused on hope found in darkness.

Churches hosting the services offer the message that while the world may be celebrating, those who are hurting are not alone as they navigate the season’s emotional demands.

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from p age 1 Community members are encouraged to attend and find comfort. With services also taking place in many other communities, those seeking comfort are advised to contact their local church, ministerial association, or community funeral home to inquire about a Blue Christmas/ Longest Night service happening nearby.

Province sup p orts roof reb uild at Foxwarren d istrict recreation centre The Manitoba government is contributing $100,000 through its From the Ground Up – Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program to help rebuild the roof at the Foxwarren District Recreation Centre (FDRC), Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced.

“These critical repairs will help ensure the FDRC remains the heart of the community, providing residents and visitors of all ages with a safe facility for recreational and social events,” said Simard.

“Our investment in rebuilding the roof will benefit the region and help keep kids on the path to a bright future.”

The FDRC is a not-forprofit facility built in 1949 that includes an ice rink and com-

Instructor Scott Flannigan ofW estm an N ew W orld S hotokan in Brandon gave lessons in escaping real-life scenarios

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“This provincial grant is a boost to our efforts to complete exterior and interior repairs to meet fire code regulations before opening in summer 2026,” said Mark Wotton, board member, FDRC. “Extensive support from local organizations, as well as personal and business donations, has allowed FDRC to get closer to our goal of raising an additional $200,000, and we have raised $118,000 to date. The board is extremely grateful for everyone’s generosity.”

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On Tuesday, Dec. 2, residents of Erickson took part in a hands-on self-defense class aimed at building confidence and practical skills for personal safety. The session, led by instructor Scott Flannigan of Westman New World Shotokan in Brandon, attracted 10 participants eager to learn techniques for escaping grips and holds in reallife scenarios.

Flannigan emphasized the importance of staying calm and confident when faced with threatening situations.

The goal of self-defense is not to fight, but to create an opportunity to escape and remove yourself from danger.

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Friday, December 12, 2025

3

THE COOLEST GUY I KNOW If you a sk m e, the a bsolute bestp a rtof the w in ter sea son is F rosty the Sn ow m a n – top ha t, sca rf, a n d a ll

RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Every winter, there is a moment that I know. It usually occurs during the first heavy, wet snowfall. You look out into the yard, or the park down the street, and you see him.

He is standing there, usually leaning a little to the left, wearing a scarf that has seen better days. He doesn’t have a mortgage, he doesn’t have a job, and his lifespan is entirely dependent on the thermometer staying below zero.

He is, of course, Frosty the Snowman. And if you ask me, he is the absolute best part of the winter season.

While December often gets taken over by the hustle of shopping and the logistics of turkey dinners, Frosty stands apart from all of that. He isn’t demanding. He doesn’t need a gift receipt. He is just there to remind us that, even in the frigid cold… winter is actually supposed to be fun!

I think we all have a bit of Frosty nostalgia rattling around in our brains. It has been a long time since I built a proper snowman – my kids are older now – but I recently decided I needed to get out there and build one for myself.

Do you remember building him? It wasn’t just a casual activity... it was a construction project. It started with that tiny snowball in your hand. You rolled it through the yard, watching it pick up everything in its path – leaves, twigs, maybe a lost mitten.

For this latest attempt, I discovered a universal truth... not all snow is packing snow! To build a good snowman, you need that heavy, wet stuff. Early season snow is often too light and fluffy. So, I had to work extra hard, patting and compressing, just to get the base done.

By the time I had the foundation built, it was an immovable boulder. You had to shout for help just to move it into place. Then came the middle section, which was heavy enough to make you really work, and finally the head, which you had to carefully balance on top like a cherry on a sundae.

But the real magic wasn’t in the snow...

The song tells us that Frosty came to life with an “old silk hat” found by a magician. But let’s be honest, none of us had silk top hats lying around the house. We had to improvise, and that is where the true character of

our snowmen came from.

I remember using a faded dad-hat with a tractor logo on it. I remember seeing snowmen wearing straw hats that belonged to a gardening grandmother, or a bright neon toque, left over from deer season, that was pulled down over their ice-eyes. I’ve seen Frosty wearing a plastic colander, a bucket, and once, a lampshade. And you know what? It worked every single time. The magic wasn’t in the silk; it was in the imagination we poured into that final accessory.

Then there was the face.

The “button nose” and “eyes made out of coal” are the classics, but in the real world, we were scavengers.

We raided the kitchen. If mom wasn’t looking, Frosty got a fresh carrot. If she was guarding the fridge, he got a pinecone. I remember one particularly resourceful winter where my snowman had eyes made of blue Gatorade bottle caps. He looked a little surprised, but he definitely had personality.

There is something so wholesome about the fact that this icon of winter is made of nothing but frozen water and old items laying around. He is a temporary masterpiece. We built him,

we loved him, and we knew he wouldn’t stick around forever. He is a kid-friendly lesson in enjoying the moment while it’s here… and we sure did!

Frosty has always captured my heart. I have so many different variations of him that fill my home every December. What I love is the true imagination and hope he embodies.

Think about it… winter can be a tough, dark, and gloomy season for many. The cold settles in, the days are short, and sometimes it can feel like a long struggle until spring. But Frosty, in his simple, cheerful way, is the one character who carries us through it all. He is nothing but light, fun, and optimism.

He is the happy face on what can feel like a heavy season, reminding us that there is still joy and magic to be found when the world is wrapped in white.

F R O ST Y ’S ST O R Y Frosty’s history is part of his charm. He started as a song in 1950, recorded by Gene Autry, right after the success of “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer.” The intent was to create another happy, non-commercial Christmas hit. And it worked! He

quickly became an icon of winter resilience and temporary joy to get us through. He symbolizes the goodness of childhood and the pure fun that comes with the first snow. It’s that brief and special quality – you build him, you love him, and you know he’ll return again someday – that makes his spirit so beautiful.

Regardless of your age… next time it snows, I say we head out there. Grab a hat – doesn’t matter if it’s silk, straw, or a beat-up baseball cap. Find a couple of rocks

for eyes. Roll up a giant, lumpy ball of snow.

I think we should all take a page out of Frosty’s book.

He doesn’t take himself too seriously. He’s happy with a corn-cob pipe and a broomstick. He dances around even though he knows the sun is coming out eventually, still excited to experience the long Manitoba winter! Let’s make the best out of the winter, too! And don’t worry too much about your Frosty creation… “he waved goodbye, saying don’t you cry, “I will be back again someday!”

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4

OPINION

Friday, December 12, 2025

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D on’t be re-p un-da nt, sh a red by good friends Material in this week’s column is all thanks to Dennis and Marlene Basso, who were on a fall hiatus in terms of emailing notes and funnies, due to computer issues.

down.”

Puns – there’s got to be at least one in here that will get a groan out of you.

Have you ever tried eating a clock? It’s really time consuming, especially if you go for seconds.

A lumberjack went in to a magic forest to cut a tree.

Upon arrival he started to swing at the tree when it shouted, “Wait! I’m a talking tree!”

The lumberjack grinned and said: “And you will dialogue.”

I tried to come up with a carpentry pun that woodwork. I think I nailed it but nobody saw it.

I didn’t think, orthopedic shoes would help. But I stand corrected.

Darrell

Nesbitt AR OUN D T OW N A slice of apple pie in Jamaica is $2. It is $2.50 in the Bahamas. These are the pie rates of the Caribbean.

I accidently passed my wife a glue stick instead of a chap stick… She’s still not talking to me.

Yesterday I saw an ad that said, “Radio For Sale, $1, volume stuck on full.” I thought, “I can’t turn that

C ar K eys & Golden Years As I left the hardware store the other day, I was fumbling for my car keys and could not find them.

They weren’t in my pockets.

Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car.

Frantically, I headed for the parking lot.

My wife has scolded me many times for leaving my keys in the car’s ignition.

She’s afraid that the car could be stolen. As I looked around the parking lot, I realized she was right. The parking lot was empty.

I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, and confessed that I had left my keys in the car and that it had been stolen.

Then I made the most difficult call of all to my wife: “I left my keys in the car and it’s been stolen.” There

was a moment of silence. I thought the call had been disconnected, but then I heard her voice. “Are you kidding me?” she barked, “I dropped you off!”

Now it was my turn to be silent. Embarrassed, I said, “Well, come and get me then”. “She retorted, “I will, as soon as I convince this cop that I didn’t steal your stupid car!”

“Welcome to the Golden Years”.

63 and Pregnant A woman went to the emergency room, where she was seen by a young new doctor. After about three minutes in the examination room, the doctor told her she was pregnant.

She burst out of the room and ran down the corridor screaming.

An older doctor stopped her and asked what the prob-

lem was; after listening to her story, he calmed her down and sat her in another room.

Then the doctor marched down the hallway to the first doctor’s room.

“What’s wrong with you?” he demanded. This woman is 63 years old, she has two grown children and several grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?!!”

The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said: “Does she still have the hiccups?

Senior S m iles I don’t need a hairstylist – my pillow gives me a new look every morning.

At my age, I don’t need anger management – I need people to stop annoying me.

I’m not old – I’m just chronologically gifted.

My joints are more reliable than the weather forecast – they ache before the rain starts.

I don’t need a hearing aid, I need people to speak louder, slower, and with subtitles.

I don’t have gray hair – it’s wisdom highlights.

We may move slower, but our wisdom travels fast.

To grow older is to gather more truth, more love, and more grace.

Senior citizens are like oak trees – rooted deep, standing tall, and weathered with wisdom.

The elder who shares wisdom shapes the future.

Age brings wisdom, love, and stories worth listening to.

Retirement… Half the time I don’t know what day it is… and the other half, I don’t care.

Lab our and im m igration is not so sim p le

By CAM D AHL Immigration is a hot button political issue. High unemployment rates for young Canadians, housing shortages, and skyrocketing rents have many politicians calling for dramatic changes to Canadian immigration policies. For example, some have been calling for an end to critical programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and slashing the number of new permanent residents.

The policy of the Government of Canada from 2015 to 2023 was one of wide-open doors, with Canada admitting a record number of newcomers. Facing housing shortages, rising rents, and high unemployment for youth and in some immigrant populations, the Government of Canada took a 180-degree policy pivot, cutting immigration targets.

The targets for 2025 were almost 20 percent below the 2024 levels with further reductions planned in the years to come. The initial allocation for the Provincial

Op inion Nominee Program was cut in half. These broad shifts do not serve the Canadian economy nor new Canadians.

The drivers behind the policy shift are real. Canada’s big cities do have a housing crisis. Canadian youth are facing a difficult time finding jobs. Some regions of the country have seen an increased strain on social services and health care. Too many people have been admitted to Canada without a link to employment opportunities. However, a country wide onesize-fits-all immigration and labour policy is not the right answer.

What is needed for Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal is not what is needed in other parts of the country.

Pressures in other regions of Canada are not the same as in our large cities, and new Canadians are a critical part of the Manitoba labour force in places like Notre Dame de Lourdes, Neepawa, Brandon,

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and Winnipeg. Provinces, not the federal government, are best positioned to manage the labour requirements in their own region.

Lack of access to labour is an issue today for hog producers. There are current cases where farmers have shuttered barn sites due to labour shortages. This problem will only be exacerbated if further restrictions are placed on immigration.

To ensure ongoing sustainable hog production and pork processing, Manitoba producers and processors rely on immigration programs like the Provincial Nominee Program. The sector hires foreign workers and supports them on a path to permanent residency to fill vacant positions.

This approach successfully matches newcomers with stable full-time work.

There is a high retention rate of foreign workers brought in by the hog sector.

Foreign workers receive training and put roots into the communities where they settle. Neepawa is a prime

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example of a town that has been revitalized by the influx of new Canadians. The town is one of the fastest growing in Canada, boasting a new hospital and new road infrastructure because of investment by the hog sector and immigrants brought in to support the industry.

The negative impacts of labour shortfalls on hog producers and pork processors go beyond productivity losses. The sector has invested heavily in improving biosecurity and the ability to manage production diseases like Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), as well as keeping foreign animal diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) out of the country. Labour shortages make this work more difficult and add strain to producers’ efforts to protect the animals under their care from disease.

The impact of diseases like PED and PRRS are not theoretical. The last major

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outbreak of PED in Manitoba, which began in the fall of 2021 and ran through the spring of 2023, is estimated to have cost the industry more than $100 million. Current estimates indicate that PRRS in the U.S. is costing the industry there $1.65 billion annually.

Hog production and processing in Manitoba have the opportunity for growth, if barriers like labour shortfalls can be overcome. New building and investment not only provide on-farm and spin-off employment opportunities but also help build and sustain Manitoba’s rural communities through population growth, increased school enrollments, additional small business opportunities, and enhanced community services.

Budget 2025 included commitments to prioritize immigration for rural, remote and tariff-hit businesses and to increase the number of new Canadians that are coming to fill specific jobs. These are positive announcements. However, it

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is not all that is needed.

First, we need to abandon a blanket approach for all of Canada. Canada is a vast country with different needs for every region. Canadian immigration policy should reflect the country’s diversity. For example, the Provincial Nominee Program has successfully helped meet regional needs. This program needs to be enhanced, not reduced. Second, policy should shift emphasis to the quality of immigration, versus a primary focus on the number of people entering Canada. More newcomers should have skills aligned with market needs, like the hog sector in Manitoba.

Immigration and labour needs vary widely across Canada. Rather than governments delivering, short “social media ready” soundbites we should be focused on thoughtful immigration and labour policies targeting regional, and sectorial, needs.

Cam Dahl is the General Manager of the Manitoba Pork Council.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

5

THE BOOM IS BACK

F or R ossburn ’s Y a rem chuk fa m ily, keep in g fla vour on the m en u is key to their m ission w ith K a boom Coa tin g M ix es RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Based in Rossburn, Kaboom Coating Mixes is a proudly family-owned business with a mission to bring a beloved local flavour back to kitchen tables.

For the Yaremchuk family, owning a food business wasn’t always the plan, but a love for great flavour changed everything. The story actually began back in 2018 with the Yule family, who created the original recipe. But for Tim Yaremchuk, the current co-owner, the real journey started in the spring of 2020. A friend introduced him to the “Fish Original” coating, and the impact was immediate.

“From the first bite, I knew it was the best coating mix I’d ever tasted,” Tim said. “From that day on, it became our family’s go-to choice for fish.”

However, things took a turn in the summer of 2024.

Production of the mix stopped, and the bags started disappearing from store shelves. Tim became determined to ensure his family would never have to go without it.

“I bought every package I could find – from The Fishing Hole to Safeway locations across Manitoba – while searching for a way to secure more,” Tim explained.

Realizing he couldn’t just hoard the remaining supply, he reached out to the founders. He met with the Yule family at their home to discuss purchasing the recipe.

The meeting went exceptionally well, and in 2025, the Yaremchuk family officially took over to continue the

Tim Yarem chuk,fam ily friend Gord Fidierchuk, and D ylan Yarem chuk legacy.

A true family operation… today, the business is run by Tim and his son Dylan, with “invaluable support” from his wife Roseanne and daughter Robyn. They are proud to keep production right at home in Rossburn.

“Our location in rural Manitoba is a core part of who we are,” Tim said. “We value the strong community ties that come with being a rural family business.”

This isn’t a faceless factory; they are neighbours who support local game and fish organizations. Tim em-

phasizes that their commitment is “to deliver a consistently high-quality product at a reasonable price… every single time.”

They learned the ropes quickly.

Tim admitted, though, that like many small family businesses, they faced early challenges, describing the process of “learning food-production requirements, rebuilding relationships with suppliers, and doing all of the production with limited hands.”

However, the family worked hard to overcome these obstacles to build a

strong distribution network, and by April 2025, Kaboom was back on the shelves.

M O R E T H AN JU ST F ISH While the name is famous for frying up a great catch, the family wants people to know it is surprisingly versatile. Because the Yaremchuks are avid outdoorsmen who love hunting and fishing, they know exactly how good the product tastes on wild game.

Tim confidently recommends Kaboom for “venison, moose, elk, ruffed grouse, geese, ducks, and other fa-

vourites.” Of course, it also works wonders on chicken, seafood, and even vegetables.

“All of the flavours can be used on multiple types of coating dishes like onion rings, cheese sticks, battered mushrooms, veal cutlets, etc,” he explained.

Currently, they offer six explosive flavours variations: Fish Original (also available with No MSG), Chicken Original (also available with No MSG), Cajun, and Wild Joe’s Canadian BBQ. Cajun and BBQ blends were specifically created for “adding spice to both fish

and chicken as well as meat,” Tim added. “The products have an explosive flavour and one that customers love. That’s why the name is Kaboom!”

The family is already cooking up something new.

Tim teased that two new flavours – both featuring a hint of lemon – will be launching in 2026.

Where can you find Kaboom?

The family is currently handling all the distribution themselves. This allows them to stay connected to the community while allowing the ability to keep shipping costs low and maintain personal relationships with every retailer that they work with.

You can now find Kaboom Coating Mixes in roughly 100 retail locations across Manitoba, including grocery stores, hardware stores, and sporting goods shops. They have also successfully expanded into Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario.

At the end of the day, the Yaremchuk family has a simple goal.

“We want families, friends, and communities to enjoy delicious meals together – time and time again,” Tim said. “Whether it’s fish, chicken, domestic meats, wild game, or vegetables, we want Kaboom to be the flavour that brings people together.”

As they continue to expand beyond Rossburn, the family is dedicated to maintaining that personal touch, making a great Christmas gift! To find a store near you, order online, or find a great new recipe, you can visit their website by searching for them online, or through social media.

Sa nta Cla us is com ing 2026 Dated Goods Erickson gets setto hostthe big m a n , w ith a slew of even ts on D ec. 14 a s p a rtof the Sa n ta Cla us P a ra de RYAN N ES BITT

So uth M o unta in Pre ss

The streets of Erickson will be full of holiday cheer as the big man himself, Santa Claus, makes a visit to town for the Erickson & District Santa Claus Parade & Day on Sunday, Dec. 14.

The action will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the commencement of the parade, as local businesses and individuals show their Christmas spirit through the artful decorating of parade floats.

Departing from the Erickson and District Skating Rink, the parade route will head west on 2nd Street North to Railway Ave. From there, floats will turn south, heading to Main Street where they will head east to Queen Elizabeth Way, finally going south past Health Care facility before looping and returning to the Skating Rink.

Following the parade, Santa will be staying at the Erickson and District Skating Rink, and will be hitting the ice with local youth from 2:00

to 4:00 p.m.

For those in need of a warm up for their body and hearts, the Erickson & District Fire Department will be holding a Food Bank Bonfire at 2:00 p.m. The event will see hot dogs and hot chocolate for sale for $1 or the donation of a food item in support of the Erickson & Area Food Bank.

Other events in the community include a Child & Bannock Supper at the Erickson Legion in support of the Erickson Community Youth Travel Club.

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6

SPORTS

Friday, December 12, 2025

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U15 F em a le Ch iefs p a rt of sta ndings logja m A pair of losses over the weekend for the Yellowhead Chiefs have created a logjam atop the Manitoba Female U15 AAA Hockey League.

The Chiefs are tied with the Eastman Selects for first place, however the Selects have a game in hand.

Just a point back is the Westman Wildcats, who have two games in hand on the Chiefs and one on the Selects.

The fourth place Central Plains Capitals are two points out of first place with three games in hand on Yellowhead and two on Eastman.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 5 CH IE F S 4 The Hawks took a 5-1 lead into the third period and hung on for a 5-4 win over the Chiefs in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Gianna Yaschyshyn led the visitors with four goals, with Allie Huck adding a single.

Alexis Duncan with a pair, Brielle McGonigal and Ella Rogasky replied for the Chiefs, who trailed 2-1 after the first period.

U15 Maddie Flannery finished with 37 saves in the Pembina Valley net. Pyper Rapley stopped 19 shots for Yellowhead.

BR AN DO N 3 CH IE F S 1 The Chiefs took a 1-0 lead into the third period but the Wheat Kings scored three times in under four minutes to record a 3-1 win in Shoal Lake on Friday, Dec. 5.

After Fergie Bertholet tied the score, Natalie Hees notched the game winner.

Cora McBeth then followed with an insurance goal.

Ella Rogasky scored for the Chiefs.

Alana Champagne stopped 30 shots to earn the win in goal for Brandon. Kaydee Fleury made 17 saves for Yellowhead.

NOTES – The Chiefs will not play a league game again until Sunday, Jan. 4.

Laney George ofVirden shields the puck from a Brandon defender on Friday,D ec.5

PHOTO BY D ARRELL N ESBITT/ SOUTH M OUN TAIN PRESS

Two w ins help Chiefs close in on a p layoff sp ot The Yellowhead Chiefs moved to within two points of a playoff spot in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League after winning two of three games over the past week.

The Chiefs are now two points back of the eighth place Parkland Rangers, but the Dauphin-based club has two games in hand.

CH IE F S 5 IN T E R L AK E 3 Alec Strachan recorded a hat trick as the Chiefs got by

U18 the Lightning 5-3 in Arborg on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Nolan Kozak added a pair for the visitors, who held a 21 lead at the end of the first and second periods.

Kyler Zulyniak, Thoren Corbett and Corwyn Bear scored for the Lightning.

Landon McGregor earned the netminding win for the Chiefs, stopping 25 shots.

Grayson McDonald finished with 34 saves in the Interlake net.

W PG.BR U IN S 11 CH IE F S 0 The Bruins outshot the Chiefs 50-20 in a lopsided 11-0 win in Winnipeg on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Mitchell Hill and Joshua Shaganya each scored twice for the hosts, who led 3-0 and

9-0 at the intermissions. Single markers came off the sticks of Luka Fay, Ryland Moore, Mateo Ferreira, Mason Chubey, Chace Gregg, Crewe Schimnowski, and Danny Cross.

Zak Matheson recorded the shutout for the Bruins.

Landon McGregor was between the pipes for the first 26 minutes of the game for the Chiefs, before being replaced.

CH IE F S 3 PAR K L AN D 2 Winston Lepp scored two goals, including the game winner, as the Chiefs defeated the Rangers 3-2 in Shoal Lake on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Nolan Kozak opened the scoring for the hosts in the first period, with Lepp adding his two goals in the second.

Brayden Budolowski scored in the second period and Dayson Martin notched a third period goal for the

Rangers.

Landon McGregor played a strong game in goal, stopping 33 shots for the win.

Carter Sigurdson suffered the loss, making just 10 saves.

NOTES – The Chiefs will host the Norman Northstars on Saturday, Dec. 13 and the Wpg. Wild on Sunday, Dec. 14. In a midweek game, the Chiefs were scheduled to travel to Portage la Prairie to face the Central Plains Capitals on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Results leave Fem ale Chiefs sitting in fourth The Yellowhead Chiefs split a pair of home games in the Manitoba Female U18 AAA Hockey League over the weekend.

The results left the Chiefs in fourth place, four points back of the Westman Wildcats.

E AST M AN 7 CH IE F S 0

U18 Isabelle Labossiere made 24 saves for the shutout as the first place Selects blanked the Chiefs 7-0 in Shoal Lake on

Sunday, Dec. 7.

The Selects used a balanced scoring attack with Kennedy Carriere, Emilie Carriere, Summer Wray, Delainey Rigaux, Chloe Carrierie, Isabella Carriere and Mya Grenier each finding the back of the net.

The visitors held period

leads of 3-0 and 4-0.

Gracie Johnston stopped 27 shots in goal for the Chiefs.

CH IE F S 3 W PG.AVR O S 2 Presley Hodson’s goal with 6:39 remaining in the third period proved to be the game winner as the Chiefs edged the Avros 3-2 in Shoal Lake

on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Haley Chipelski had the other two goals for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs led 1-0 after the first period, with the Avros tying the game in the second.

The hosts went ahead 3-1 before the Avros pulled to within one with less than a minute left.

Braya Kapusta had both goals for the visitors.

Kylie Hack made 29 saves to earn the win in goal. Adriana Almedia finished with 34 stops for the Avros.

NOTES – The Chiefs will not play again until they host a pair of games in Shoal Lake on Dec. 20 and 21.

U15 Chiefs earn weekend sp lit in a p air of gam es The Yellowhead Chiefs split a pair of games in the Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League over the weekend.

After blanking the Interlake Lightning on the road, the Chiefs dropped a close one to the Central Plains Capitals on home ice.

The Chiefs are 4-11-1 on

U15 the season.

CE N T R AL PL AIN S 5 CH IE F S 4 The Capitals held period

leads of 3-1 and 3-2 and escaped with a 5-4 win over the Chiefs in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Dec. 7.

Scoring for the Chiefs were Travis Lamb, Collin Beatty, Wyatt Cochrane, and Dexter White.

Owen Lovie had a hat trick to lead the Capitals,

with Darren Sweetland and Reid Munro adding singles.

Darby Wilson made 28 saves in the Yellowhead net, while Connor Braun made a whopping 60 saves for the Capitals.

CH IE F S 6 IN T E R L AK E 0 Six players figured in the

scoring and Darby Wilson recorded the shutout as the Chiefs blanked the Lightning 6-0 in Stonewall on Saturday, Dec. 6.

Mason Stebeleski, Wade Kulbacki, Collin Beatty, Landon Pawluk, Travis Lamb and Wyatt Cochrane scored for the hosts, who held period

leads of 2-0 and 5-0.

Wilson made 14 saves in the Yellowhead net, while Connor Lemieux stopped 43 shots for Interlake.

NOTES – The Chiefs will host the Winnipeg Wild Green on Friday, Dec. 12 and the Parkland Rangers on Sunday, Dec. 14.

South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

7

MAKING THE CALL

M in n edosa ’s R on Shew chuk hon oured w ith w ith the M itch Ba ll M em oria l Aw a rd a s W CBL Um p ire of the Y ea r

By RO BIN W ARK

fo rSo uth M o unta in Pre ss

Minnedosa’s Ron Shewchuk was honoured to receive an umpiring award named in memory of a good friend.

The Western Canadian Baseball League (WCBL) presented Shewchuk with the Mitch Ball Memorial Award for 2025. The summer collegiate baseball league annually gives out the honour to the WCBL Umpire of the Year.

“Mitch Ball and I were very good friends,” Shewchuk said. “Unfortunately, he passed away from the complications of COVID on May 1, 2021, one day short of his 48th birthday. We umpired professional baseball together in the Northern League, and the

Western Major Baseball League/Western Canada Baseball League. We also attended numerous national championships together.

Mitch was just an incredible human being. Winning this award meant everything to me because of the relationship that we had not only as umpiring colleagues, but more importantly, as friends.”

In a media release, Rob Allan, the league’s supervisor of umpires, called Shewchuk “a leader on and off the field.” He noted the veteran umpire has been with the WCBL since 2014. The league features players who compete in the post-secondary ranks at various levels.

“I enjoy the challenge of going out every night and umpiring at a collegiate level,” Shewchuk said. “In total, I umpired 69 games, including the All-Star Game and nine playoff games. I especially enjoy the challenge of working the playoffs as the quality of baseball increases greatly because the series are two out of three. This means that pitching staffs are reduced to the top three pitchers on each staff and the magnitude of every pitch and play increases. I was fortunate enough to do the third and final game of the playoffs behind the plate in front of 2,000 screaming fans in Sylvan Lake.”

The WCBL has 12 teams

spread across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Shewchuk said the league provides its umpires with accommodations in Moose Jaw, SK, and Redcliff, AB. These are used as hubs and the umpires drive rental cars to games in neighbouring communities.

“Needless to say, there are thousands of kilometers driven every summer and, in a lot of cases, this is more taxing than the umpiring of games,” Shewchuk said.

“There are times when we will travel three hours in one direction, do a game and then return to a central point after the game. It makes for a long day.”

A Manitoba Baseball Hall of Famer, Shewchuk believes

strongly in developing umpires. The WCBL implemented a new program where a group of supervising umpires, including Shewchuk, would watch videos of recent games. They would make suggestions to crews on such facets as improving gamehandling situations, umpiring mechanics, and rotations.

“This was a very innovative program that provided a great deal of feedback to the umpires of the WCBL,” Shewchuk said. “I believe I did 91 of these evaluations, which involved looking at over 1,000 hours of video.”

Allan noted that on most days Shewchuk would watch on video two games from the previous day and then work a

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FRIDAY, DEC. 26 & FRIDAY, JAN. 2

South Mountain

game. He said, “Ron is instrumental to umpire development in the WCBL.” In the media release regarding the Mitch Ball Award, WCBL president Kevin Kvam said, “This prestigious award goes to one of our long-time umpires, Ron Shewchuk, whose commitment and dedication to the WCBL and umpiring in general is outstanding. Ron’s desire for making every umpire the best they can be solidifies his selection as the recipient of this award this year. This desire follows in the legacy of Mitch Ball, who the award is named after.”

Virden-native Robin Wark is a freelance writer who lives in Sooke, BC.

Press

A regular edition plus the annual Christmas Greetings edition will be dated Friday, Dec. 19.

Our office will close at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 and re-open for business on Monday, Jan. 5 First edition of the New Year is

Friday, Jan. 9

Happy Holidays from the Management & Staff at Nesbitt Publishing Ltd.

8

South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

R CM P urges p ublic Busy w eek of h igh sch ool h ockey to p la n a h ea d in snow y conditions

RCMP Briefs Provincial Roundup mobile, or ATV while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Before heading out, find a designated driver or plan to take public transit, a taxi or rideshare service home. Similarly, put your cellphone down when behind the wheel.

“Educating yourself on how best to prepare for severe winter conditions will go a long way towards ensuring your safety and wellbeing as well as the safety of those around you,” said Hume.

THE

As the snow falls and temperatures plunge, Manitobans are being reminded to take the necessary precautions to remain safe when travelling out on the highway.

“Manitobans may feel like they know all about snow and ice, but the reality is that RCMP respond to a number of serious incidents on roadways, every winter that could have been prevented,” said Sgt. Mark Hume, of the RCMP North West Traffic Services. “We want everyone to stay safe this winter by being prepared, driving to conditions and respecting closed highways.”

Already this winter, there has been a number of vehicle collisions that can be attributed – at least partially – to motorists failing to drive to conditions. As cooler temperatures and snowy conditions continue to blow through the province, those incidents are likely to be compounded in the coming weeks with incidents involving snowmobiles. There are a number of things Manitobans can do to stay safe: Check the forecast before heading out.

Knowing what the weather is going to be like can better inform your decision-making, including whether you should be driving. Checking highway conditions at manitoba511.ca is a good idea if planning to hit the highway, as is making someone else aware of your travel plans. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter.

Equip your vehicle with winter tires, which provide improved traction. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk in case you run into a problem, such as booster cables and tow straps, blankets, nonperishable food, water, and a shovel. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before you hit the road, as snow blowing off a roof can be a hazard to both yourself and other drivers. Make sure your cellphone is charged, in case you need to call someone for help.

Drivers, slow down. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, not winter weather.

Slow down and increase your following distance on icy or snowy roads. Be aware that conditions are generally just as slippery at 0ºC than when it’s -20ºC or below, and ice usually forms on bridges and overpasses before roads.

Dress to the conditions. If you are heading out on the road during winter, be prepared.

Ensure everyone in the vehicle has winter clothing in case your vehicle gets stuck, or you need to pull over due to highway conditions. Drive sober and without distraction.

No matter the time of year, never drive a vehicle, snow-

It was a busy week for area teams in the Westman High School Hockey League.

The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors played five games and came out with three wins. The Major Pratt Trojans split their two games, while the BirtleShoal Lake-Rossburn Falcons emerged with three of a possible six points, while the Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies lost both of their games.

RGG 7 M E 4 Roblin-GrandviewGilbert Plains – Cash Kitzul(2), Nolan Ducheck, Ryder Newton, Coy Dixon, Zach Rolland, Blake Galbraith Minnedosa-Erickson –

HIGH SCHOOL

Brody Marnock, Colton McCaughan, Aiden McGorman, Kaius Kroeker BD W P 7 HRES 5 Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Skylas Sicinski (2), Gavin Wickham (2), Preston Minshull, Myles McGregor, Jonah Artz Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Clay Munz, Sam Rivas, Harlen Bridges, Nash McMaster, Carter Rozdeba Sandy Bay 5 BS R 4 (SO ) Sandy Bay – Jarome Starr (2), Dylan Spak (2) Birtle-Shoal Lake-

Rossburn – Brody Lane, Dallen Brown, Reid Stainer, Logan Armitage M P 6 C rocus 2 Major Pratt – Nathan Miller (2), Otello Derkach, Jorey Reichmuth, Luke Halwas, Dominyk Shuya Crocus Plains – Cale Calcut, Brady Reid Virden 3 M E 2 Virden – Dex Routledge (2), Brayden Rowan Minnedosa-Erickson – Jager Atkinson, Myles Beatty BS R 5 GC B 4 (SO ) Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Dallen Brown, Jake Muir, Malcolm McArthur, Brody Lane Glenboro-CarberryBaldur – Gage Balciunas, Dalton Potvin, Tucker

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

On Dec. 4, Portage la Prairie RCMP were dispatched to an assault with a weapon that occurred in a parking lot at a school located on 3rd Street Southwest. Officers responded to the scene immediately and located a 15-year-old male student being treated by Emergency Medical Services for a stab wound. The student was transported to hospital in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. The investigation determined that a confrontation occurred between the victim and two other male teens. During the confrontation, the victim was assaulted and stabbed. The two suspects, one of them known to the victim, fled on foot. The school was placed in a hold and secure as a safety measure for those students and staff that were still inside. Portage la Prairie RCMP along with Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services undertook extensive patrols for the suspects. Later that day, officers located the two suspects at a residence in Portage la Prairie, and both were arrested without incident. Once the suspects were in custody, the hold and secure was immediately lifted at the school.

Two 14-year-old males have been charged with the following: Aggravated assault, Assault with a weapon, Carrying a concealed weapon, Possession of weapon for dangerous purposes, Resist/obstruct peace officer, and Disguised with intent to commit offence.

One of the youths was also charged with fail to comply with a release order. They were both held until their court appearance on Friday.

Portage la Prairie RCMP continue to investigate.

Forbes, Max Janz Virden 4 M P 2 Virden – Dexen Routledge (2), Rhyse Gabrielle (2) Major Pratt – Dominyk Shuya, Luke Halwas M E 9 BS R 5 Minnedosa-Erickson – Aiden McGorman (3), Myles Beatty (2), Liam McVey (2), Kaius Kroeker, Seth Sulik Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Reid Luhowy, Reid Stainer, Kyler Bray, Malcolm McArthur M E 5 HRES 4 Minnedosa-Erickson – Aiden McGorman (3), Reese Trotz (2) Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Duncan McLean (2), Harlen Bridges, Sam Rivas

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

The challenge is to fill every row across, every column down, and every 3x3 box with the digits 1 through 9. Each 1 through 9 digit must appear only once in each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE 6

1 8

9 7 True C hristm as cactus bloom s in D ecem ber

1

Easter,Thanksgiving and C hristm as C acti

9 3 6 2

7 3 #4136

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GAR D EN IN G plant segments will collapse towards the pot and begin to turn yellow. If over-watered, the segments will break off of the plant. The Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti need to be kept cooler but the plant will shrivel and die if the soil is not kept evenly moist.

Overwatering any of these cacti will result in root rot and dying top growth that often appears to be shriveling.

All of these cacti are considered popular holiday plants. The plant bodies are flattened, so what we call the leaves are actually stems.

Flowers are produced from notches in the stems. Fertilization should occur before and after flowering.

If you wish to propagate your cacti so you can share it with your friends and family members, this is not a difficult chore. Take a short cutting from the tip of a stem that consists of at least two or three joined segments. Ensure you take the cutting from healthy foliage to be the most successful. Let the cutting sit to dry for a few hours prior to potting it up. Place the cutting into slightly damp media in a well-lit area but not in direct sunlight. Do not overwater at this stage and succulents root better if the moisture is limited. Within a few weeks, there should be evidence that the cutting is sprouting roots and at this time, can be potted up if you so choose. Do not overwater at any time and increase the light gradually.

Once it is well-rooted, then fertilization can also begin.

Happy holidays to all of you and may you have many holiday plants gracing your space!

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www. orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.

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THE

Hanbidge

THE

As we move into the holiday season, it is a good idea to talk about plants, we often see gracing our homes throughout the holiday season. These three popular houseplants are very similar but there are some differences that are worthy of discussion. They are cherished in many homes as a multigenerational plant and often get to be quite large! All three are considered “short day” plants so cool temperatures and lengthy periods of darkness will cause them to bloom. They all are native to Brazil and happily hang out in the tropical trees that also grow there. They are not really cacti, but are succulents, which are plants that are drought-resistant and have leaves, stems or roots, which become fleshier as they are a tissue, which can store water.

The true Christmas cactus (Schlumberger gridgesii) will generally bloom in the month of December. The cousin considered the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncate) will generally bloom a bit earlier.

Both are native to the rain forests of Brazil. The Christmas cactus has teardrop or scalloped edges to the leaves while the Thanksgiving cactus has claw-shaped points on leaf edges. These cacti need cooler temperatures of around 55 to 65°F (12 to 18°C) in order to initiate bloom. The flowers are a unique, tube-shaped double flower with a neon pink stamen. At lower temperatures, the flowering buds will fall off. When not in bloom, these cacti can be exposed to full, direct sunlight.

The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri) will bloom in the months of April or May, which is typically closer to Easter. The flowers are starburst shaped with yellow stamens and crimson coloured petals. They need a more humid environment than the Christmas cactus and prefer warmer temperatures of about 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C). These cacti are native to the natural forests of Brazil and thrive in partial sunlight.

Both cacti have epiphytic tendencies so will be found growing on rocks or trees. As a houseplant, we tend to grow them terrestrially so it is important to ensure that we are indeed giving these plants the proper conditions for growth.

The Easter cactus should be kept evenly moist, but never soggy. If under-watered, the

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South Mountain Press

Friday, December 12, 2025

Diet can fuel chronic inflam m ation Dr.

Roizen H EALT H Y LIVIN G foods that tamp down and prevent chronic inflammation.

Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are packed with inflammation-quelling soluble and insoluble fiber.

And vitamin C in citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and spinach, carotenoids in green leafy veggies, and carrots, and oranges, vitamin E in vegetable oils, whole grains and nuts, and polyphenols in everything from olive oil and nuts to avocados and coffee, all help prevent chronic inflammation. Omega-3s in fatty fish like salmon also do a good job of keeping you cool.

Q: I’m 62 and have had genital herpes for years. Although it’s pretty well under control, my doctor says I have to worry about how it affects my brain! Is that true? – Frankie Y., Akron, OH A: Around 12% of folks in the U.S. have herpes simplex virus 2, or genital herpes. It’s easily transmitted through sexual contact, and there’s no cure. Staying in optimal health and avoiding inflammation does help control

Ink Cartridges

symptoms – which we now know include cognition problems.

New research published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia looked at eight years of data on almost 600 folks (mean age 71) and saw that over that time span, 30% of participants developed cognitive impairment and 17% were diagnosed with dementia. The researchers then checked for info on participants’ chronic viral infections and found that if older folks have HSV-2 or two other viruses – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Chlamydia pneumoniae – it impacts their

brain health.

HSV-2 and CMV infections are significantly associated with problems with working memory, problem-solving, emotional control and adapting to new situations, AKA executive functioning. Chlamydia pneumoniae is linked to reduced ease in speaking, listening, reading and writing.

CMV is generally asymptomatic, but if you have a weakened immune system, you can experience fever, tiredness and sore throat. Chlamydia pneumoniae is a respiratory infection that’s usually mild, but antibiotics are sometimes

needed. A simple blood test can tell you if you’re infected with these viruses. If you are, you can manage them by bolstering your immune strength. That involves eating a plant-based diet free of highly processed foods; avoiding red and processed meats and added sugars; doing aerobic and strength-building exercises; managing stress with a supportive posse and meditation; practicing speed-ofprocessing games; adopting healthy sleep habits; and cultivating a sense of purpose.

I’m also regularly getting therapeutic plasma exchange

to tamp down inflammation and protect my cognition – and at 79, I’ve never felt better!

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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Q: I have Type 2 diabetes and pretty bad arthritis. I’ve heard that there are foods that will tamp down inflammation and might ease joint pain and improve my glucose control.

Can you let me know what might work? – Gloria T., San Diego, CA A: Chronic inflammation plays a role in causing and perpetuating conditions that include heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, osteoarthritis, liver and kidney problems ... you name it! It can happen when you aggravate your immune system by cranking it up with sedentary behavior, overweight or obesity, poor nutrition, poor sleep habits, and especially stress.

The immune system thinks it’s protecting you from infection, but it’s really making you more vulnerable to chronic disease.

Your diet can be a major player in fueling chronic inflammation. Eating a lot of red and red processed meats has been shown to lead to increased risk of cancer and heart disease, which, says the Cleveland Clinic, go hand-inhand with inflammation. Eating foods loaded with added sugar is associated with persistent low-grade inflammation and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Artificial sweeteners can inflame your gut biome and intestinal lining and fuel gut inflammation and IBS. In addition, the additives in ultra-processed foods ignite chronic inflammation that leads to all kinds of chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis and Type 2 diabetes.

But there are many tasty

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Ph: 204 636 2314 35 Main Street Fax: 204 636 7743 PO Box 336 Erickson, MB R0J0P0 Email: kristy.vermiere@north star.ca

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Cell: 204 761 6680 Fax: 204 848 7320 JodyHanlon@royallepage.ca www.royallepagebrandon.ca

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South Mountain Press

DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon

Friday, December 12, 2025

11

Classified Advertising Rates Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 25¢ (plus GST)

Place your Classified Advertisement by Phone, Fax, Mail or E-mail Extra weeks are one-half original cost • Not responsible for errors in handwritten submissions Ph: 204-759-2644 Ext. 1 Fax: 204-759-2521 E-mail: smpclassified@mymts.net Special rate for Obituaries, Cards of Thanks, In Memoriams Mail: Nesbitt Publishing Ltd., Box 160, Shoal Lake, MB, R0J 1Z0

Reach the entire Province: $189.00 (49 weekly papers) Westman or Eastman regions: $119.00

IN M E M O R IAM S

AR T ICL E S F O R SAL E

LUNDMAN: In memory of Morley Grant Lundman. For a friend lost far too soon in December 1977.

We will forever remember the brief time we shared at University of Manitoba, long ago. Fond memories of friends and back row chats. No chance for goodbyes but you are not forgotten.

-Always remembered by your friends, Rod, Alf, Nils and everyone from class you touched. Rest easy friend. -December 2025.

Did You Know? We print Personal and Business Cheques! 100 Personal Cheques $99 + taxes, call for pricing on Manual Business Cheques and Laser Business Cheques. Call Connie at 204-7592644 Ext. 2 or email ctwprinting@ mymts.net. Nesbitt Publishing, Shoal Lake.

CO M IN G E VE N T S Sandy Lake Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Museum’s St. Nicholas Day Celebrations, Friday, Dec. 19, Sandy Lake Drop-In Centre. Bake Sale 1:30 p.m., Program and St. Nicholas 2:00 p.m. Lunch 2:30 p.m. Silent Auction. Please bring a shopping bag to carry home your purchases. Everyone welcome.

Shevchenko’s Malanka Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, Sandy Lake Community Hall. For tickets and information 204-8492171.

It’s hard to believe but not everyone has Facebook. This ad you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.

W AN T E D 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.

Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 20¢ (plus GST) • It is preferred if Obituaries can be emailed.

Any obituary copy that is typeset by our staff will be subject to proof approval prior to publication.

No discount for municipal or government ads • Ads not pre-paid by Thursday Noon are subject to a $2.50 billing charge

of the number of people who will potentially attend your event simply because they saw your ad in the newspaper. If the cost of advertising is covered by just two or three admissions to your event, any additional guests you welcome is money in your pocket. Advertising does not cost, it pays! Call Michelle at 204-759-2644 ext. 1.

Urgent Press Releases. Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations?

Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for only

$35 plus GST. Call Manitoba Community Newspapers Association 204-947-1691 for more information, See www.mcna.com under the ‘Types of Advertising’ tab for more details.

Does Facebook support local?

Has your organization ever called up Facebook and asked them for a donation to your cause? Local businesses rely on local support to exist. Shop local today.

CLASSIF IED S get h uge results

PR O PE R T Y F O R SAL E Have 20 acres and a 1,500 sq. ft. house for sale, 3 miles west of Brandon. Immediate possession.

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LET US QUOTE ON YOUR NEXT PROJECT!

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Friday, December 12, 2025

South Mountain Press

W ill th e N eep a w a Lily F estiva l be resurrected?

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – For 18 years, the Neepawa Lily Festival was a signature, go-to event for thousands of people across Manitoba, to some extent across Canada, and for a number of international travellers. The festival was the vision of Eleanor Nicholson and the late Barrie Strohman, who founded the Lily Nook, which is still in business today with his son Nigel operating it.

With the last Lily Festival being held in 2014, the time has come to ask even though the community attraction has plenty of history, is there a future?

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – ERCO has been a leader in sustainable chemical manufacturing for over 125 years worldwide. Closer to home ERCO’s facility at Hargrave, situated approximately 12 kilometers northwest of Virden, has been a larger manufacturer and supplier of sodium chlorate, chlor-alkali, and sodium chlorite, however, due to major repair costs and equipment failures, the company has decided to shut down the facility, resulting in the loss of 22 Manitobans losing a source of employment.

Moosomin: The World-

Paper Clips News from MB/SK weeklies Spectator – Moosomin Dairy Queen was recognized with an award on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 14 in Regina for selling 7,880 blizzards on Miracle Treat Day this year, raising more than $41,000 for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Jada Kook of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation nominated owners, Joanne and Morgan Kerr, for the award, sharing they are community builders and champions for children and families in Saskatchewan.

Boissevain: The Recorder – A new dock is the next enhancement project planned by the Turtle Mountain Wildlife Association, who made a presentation to the Boissevain Lions Club, in hopes to find a partner on the project.

The fishing/boat dock will be built on the Boissevain Reservoir, located just southeast of town. Although presently there is a dock in place, it’s felt that one a little larger and more stable would add a new element of enjoying a recreation pastime.

Dauphin: The Herald –

Since the pandemic took away its customers, the Countryfest Company Community Cinema in Dauphin, has been struggling to lure them back, and, as a result, is fighting to keep the lights on. As part of a three-pronged approach to raise an urgently needed injection of capital, the cinema has launched a GoFundMe campaign. Amounts required are $30,000 to support operations and $80,000 in the longterm.

Pilot Mound: The Hometown View – Will Mateychuk of Zhoda, an outstanding baseball player, who calls Kent and Debby Lambkin of Pilot Mound his grandparents, was named the Baseball Manitoba U15 Player of the Year. The 15-year-old was unable to attend the Nov. 8 awards banquet because he’s also a talented hockey player, suiting up with the AAA U17 Eastman Selects, who were playing in McCreary that night.

Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $200,000 in annual funding to Caring Hearts to expand its grief and trauma counseling services for residents across the province. Keeley WightYoung, executive director of

Caring Hearts, a communitybased organization that provides a range of specialized support services for people experiencing grief and trauma due to situations such as the loss of a loved one to suicide, said the funding will help the organization respond more quickly to people who need support. By expanding services, the overall mental health of communities, is

strengthened.

Russell: The Banner – Should you be travelling Highway 83 between Russell and Roblin, you may want to take a glance at your speedometer from time to time or better yet set your cruise.

Why? Well, on Nov. 9, a 34year-old driver from Grandview and a 20-year-old driver from Roblin wished they did, nailed for speeds of 148 km/

VS.

hr and 134 km/h respectively by the friendly RCMP staff.

Baldur/Glenboro: The Gazette – Vox Performing Arts once again filled the community with laughter and applause through their latest production, Holy Mother of Bingo, a lively, interactive murder mystery comedy written by Patrick Walsh. The show ran from Nov. 21-23 in the Glenboro School.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 10 7:00 P.M. vs. LETHBRIDGE

UPCOMING

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FRIDAY, DEC. 12

7:00 P.M. vs. KELOWNA

ORDER TICKETS AT WWW.WHEATKINGS.COM | 204-726-3535

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