South Mountain P re s s
SNOW CAPPED
Although real bears are still hibernating, this carved wooden bruin greeting guests to the Elkhorn Resort & Conference Centre is a beautiful attraction no matter the season. Along with yard or business decorations, young children and their parents have taken the time to get outdoors and build a snowman, a snow fort, or go for a toboggan run.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
As many across the region are preparing for Valentine’s Day, local health officials are asking residents to look past the chocolate and flowers to focus on the actual muscle behind the holiday. February is officially Heart Month, and according to data from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the news for our communities is sobering. Nine out of 10 Manitobans currently live with at least one risk factor for heart disease or stroke. While the timing often focuses on romance, health experts are using the mid-month holiday to highlight the modifiable risks. These are factors like blood pressure, activity levels, and nutrition that individuals can control to prevent life-threatening events.
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To help people understand their own health, the Heart & Stroke Foundation has launched a free online risk screen tool. This digital resource provides a personalized action plan based on a person’s lifestyle, medical history, and specific life stages, including pregnancy and menopause.
cated in Brandon, the health authority has made it accessible to residents throughout the wider region who may live several hours away.
For those navigating heart conditions or recovering from surgery, PMH offers a regional Heart Program. While the physical centre for the program is lo-
The initiative provides one-onone education and weekly group sessions held every Tuesday.
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
CHANCELLORS PINK THE RINK
The Minnedosa/Erickson Chancellors played host to the Neepawa Tigers as the Westman High School Hockey League squad held its 11th annual Pink the Rink game on Friday, Feb. 6. While the Tigers tried to play spoilers, claiming a 6-2 win in the contest, nothing could dampen spirits of everyone in attendance as $3,080 was raised in support of CancerCare Manitoba.
Even small steps help
To ensure distance is not a barrier to care, these classes are available virtually, allowing residents to participate from the comfort of their own homes. The sessions cover essential topics such as cardiac nutrition, medications, exercise, stress management, and a basic understanding of heart anatomy.
Referrals for the program are accepted from healthcare providers, but residents are also encouraged to self-refer by calling the program directly if they feel they need extra support.
The push for awareness is so important. On Feb. 22, the 2026 Mega Heart Event will take place at the Wellness Institute in Winnipeg. This is a free, family-friendly afternoon that includes CPR demonstrations, science activities, and fitness sessions like Zumba to get people of all ages moving.
Health officials urge everyone to take at least one small step this month. This could be
starting a conversation with family about health history, adding a walk to the daily routine, or cooking a hearthealthy meal.
If you are looking for more information, please refer to:
•PMH Heart Program – 204578-4225 or 204-578-4204
•Chronic Disease Education – 1-877-509-7852
•Heart & Stroke Manitoba: 204-926-3132 or kaitlyn. archibald@heartandstroke.ca from page 1
AUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to Section 194 of The Municipal Act, that the Auditor’s Financial Report for the year 2024, together with the related Financial Statements have been deposited in the office of the Municipality of Harrison Park and is available for inspection by any person during regular business hours.
Dated this 6th day of February, 2026.
Chad Davies, CMMA Chief Administrative Officer
FAMILY MEDICINE
Minnedosa’s new physician Dr. Moazzam Raza talks about his journey in medicine, his approach as a physician, and his plans in the community
By DONALD BERGER South Mountain Press
Prairie Mountain Health, along with Sabine Chorley of the Minnedosa Economic and Community Development Office, has shared encouraging news regarding the successful recruitment of two new physicians this year. The first is Dr. Moazzam Raza, who will begin practising in Minnedosa this September, with a second physician expected to arrive later, with details to follow as they are released.
For Dr. Moazzam Raza, medicine has always been shaped by a simple but powerful question: what does it mean to grow up without reliable access to health care?
As Minnedosa prepares to welcome a new physician, the Tribune spoke with Dr. Raza about his path into medicine, what drew him to small-community practice, and what he and his family are looking forward to as they prepare to make Minnedosa home.
Tribune: Welcome to Minnedosa Dr. Raza. Can you please tell our readers a little about your path into medicine and what led you to family practice?
Dr. Moazzam Raza: What does it mean to grow up without access to health care? That question has guided much of my path into medicine. Coming from an immigrant family that moved from Pakistan to a small town in New Jersey, accessing care often meant long drives, unaffordable costs, and difficult decisions about when medical attention was truly necessary – a reality
for many Canadians today.
I earned my medical degree at Windsor University School of Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis before training and working as a general practitioner in Sudan. There, in a resource-limited setting with high patient need and mortality, I learned the importance of adaptability, early access to care, and continuity of care to help improve the well-being of a community.
I later completed a Master of Public Health at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University and worked in multidisciplinary and virtual clinics across Ontario and other provinces. My move to Manitoba followed clinical work at Red River clinics, along with family and friend connections in Winnipeg and Minnedosa, where I saw firsthand the impact strong primary care can have on patient well-being.
Applying to the MLP IMG Family Medicine program was a full-circle moment for me. It allowed me to reconnect with my close friend Dr. Ali Elgheriani in Minnedosa and bring together decades of caring for patients across different continents, cultures, communities, and health-care systems.
Tribune: What interested you in rural or smallcommunity medicine, and what drew you specifically to Minnedosa?
Dr. Raza: For me, rural and small-community medicine represents where family medicine has its greatest im-
pact. These are settings where continuity of care matters, relationships are built over time, and physicians are deeply connected to the communities they serve.
After working across different health-care systems and practice models, I found that smaller communities allow for the kind of comprehensive, relationship-based care that first drew me to family medicine.
Minnedosa came onto my radar through a close friend and colleague, Dr. Ali Elgheriani, who encouraged me to visit. From the very first trip, the community felt like home – from the lake and walking trails to the ski hills and proximity to Clear Lake. It felt like the kind of place where my wife, Afadia, and I could raise our kids – Areebah (15), Kinza (11), and Muzammil (4) – while enjoying a meaningful balance between family life, work, and community involvement.
Tribune: How would you describe your approach to patient care, particularly in a close-knit community, like ours, where relationships matter?
Dr. Raza: I believe medicine works best when it’s practised with time, trust, and understanding. My approach is holistic, focusing not only on symptoms but also on the social, emotional, and environmental factors that shape a person’s health. In close-knit communities, relationships are central, and I see that as a strength. I want patients to feel heard, informed, and supported, and
to know that their physician understands their story – not just their diagnosis. Often, the most meaningful part of care is consistency: being present, accessible, and invested over time.
Tribune: What are you most looking forward to as you prepare to begin practising in Minnedosa this September?
Dr. Raza: Our family is very much looking forward to putting down roots in Minnedosa. We are currently building our home with the help of local builder Leo Van Veen and his team, who have been incredible to work with and have made the process seamless, especially during the busy demands of residency.
More than anything, we’re excited to settle into our new home, become part of the community, and begin this next chapter together in September.
Tribune: Outside of medicine, what do you enjoy doing in your downtime?
Dr. Raza: Most of my free time is spent with my wife and kids, whether that’s exploring the outdoors, going for walks, or discovering new places together. I’m also a big basketball fan – both playing and watching – and I enjoy movies and family game time.
Playing video games with the kids is another favourite pastime, although I usually lose and like to claim it’s intentional.
Tribune: Is there anything you’d like Minnedosa residents to know as you begin
this new chapter?
Dr. Raza: First and foremost, I want residents to know how genuinely welcomed my family and I already feel, and I’m excited for my wife and children to experience that same warmth when they arrive in July.
From a medical standpoint, my interests include managing metabolic conditions such as weight management, diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol, while also addressing mental
health and substance-use concerns. My goal is to support healthier, more resilient communities and, in doing so, help reduce pressure on emergency services through strong, accessible primary care. And finally, if you happen to see my family and me wandering around town in search of the best walking trails or interesting places to see, please don’t hesitate to say hello – or point us in the right direction.
INVITATION TO ATTEND
VIRTUAL PUBLIC PRESENTATION
Rolling River School Division 2026 2027 Proposed Budget
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:00 p.m.
Access the presentation via a link on the Rolling River School Division (RRSD) website homepage.
www.rrsd.mb.ca
A summary of the proposed budget will be available on the RRSD website by Feb. 27, 2026. (links as follows): Governance – Budget/Finance – Upcoming Budget
South Mountain Press
Friday, February 13, 2026
FCC continues to support local 4-H clubs
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
For over a century, 4-H Canada has been one of the most highly respective program development organizations in the country.
Its goal to help young Canadians “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive and fun environment is backed by a wide range of supporters. Among them is the Farm Credit Corporation (FCC), which is proud to be 100 percent behind Canadian agriculture and food. FCCthrough its 4-H Club Fund continues to support 4H, delivering hands-on learning experiences for youth in communities across the country In 2025, a total of 203 clubs
across Canada including 17 within Manitoba received grants, helping to offset program costs, support club activities, and enhance learning opportunities of members nationwide.
“FCC’s long-standing partnership with 4-H Canada plays an important role in strengthening local clubs and the volunteers who lead them,” said4H CanadaCEO, Christina Franc. “Through the FCC 4-H Club Fund, volunteers are better equipped to create engaging, safe, and inclusive spaces where young people can build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong connection to agriculture and their communities.”
4-H Manitoba Club recipients to earn a grant upon ap-
plication to the FCC program included three local clubs within the area. They were Decker Country Riders, Erickson 4-H Beef Club, and the Minnedosa Multipurpose 4-H Club.
“Supporting youth at the community level is essential to building a strong and sustainable future for Canadian agriculture,” said Todd Klink, chief purpose officer at FCC. “Through the FCC 4H Club Fund, we’re helping local clubs deliver hands-on learning experiences that build leadership, confidence, and practical skills young people will carry with them into the future.”
In Manitoba there are over 90 interesting hand-on projects like beef, equine, photography, outdoor living,
machines, crafts and more uplifted by over 130 4-H clubs. Graduates from the program, can reconnect with their 4-H roots by joining the online hub known as 4-H’s Club 1913.
In that year, 4-H in Canada all started right here in Manitoba!
The community of Roland is recognized as the birthplace of 4-H in Canada, as it was the site of the first organizational meeting for a Boys and Girls Club in 1913. Since then 4-H in Manitoba has evolved significantly over its more than 100-year history.
The 4-H Museum located in Roland is the official Museum in Canada. It opened in August of 1990 and now has over 220 artifacts from across
Canada and the United Sates. Artifacts and memorabilia consist of anything related to 4-H such as trophies, uniforms, banners, records, scrapbooks, and articles made in projects. In honour of the 100th anniversary celebrations, the museum also received special items from each of the provincial 4-H organizations, which are houses in a custom-built display cabinet.
The oldest artifact is a medal for a flower competition in 1911 donated by Walter McDonald (an original member of the Boys and Girls Club formed in Roland.
The 4-H Museum welcomes any artifacts or memorabilia that club, provinces or states would like to donate. Historical paper docu-
ments can also be sent to the Provincial 4-H Office for placement in the private archive section of the Province of Manitoba.
Open in July and August, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages from all over the world, including bus tours and 4-H exchange groups.
Better yet, closer to home, why not take in a public speaking competition or achievement day where hometown youth showcase knowledge, dedication, and enjoyment of 4-H by showcasing a topic of their choice. Members also build selfconfidence, communication, and leadership skills by being involved, which provides a strong foundation for future growth.
Strathclair Drama Club readies Big The Musical
By BECCY ARDIEL-VOTH
January brings the start of a new year, but for members of the Strathclair Drama Club, it signals the beginning of something especially exciting – the start of another musical season. This year marks the 42nd musical to take the stage at the Bend Theatre in Strathclair.
What many people may not realize is that planning for each production begins almost as soon as the previous one wraps up in April. A search committee is formed to begin shaping the next show, starting with the selection of a directing team. This year, Stan Runions returns
as stage director, joined by music director Kat Yanchycki. The production team also includes co-producers Amber Menzies and Sydney MacLellan, and choreographer Jill DeSchutter. Assembling the creative team is only the first step. Next comes one of the most challenging (and exciting) decisions: choosing the show. Directors must consider the strengths of the current membership, the interests of the audience, and the capabilities of both the club and its facility. While some patrons love familiar classics, others delight in discovering something new. So what’s in
store for Strathclair audiences this year?
The Strathclair Drama Club is proud to present MTI’s Big The Musical. Based on the beloved 1987 motion picture fantasy, Big is a heartfelt and humorous theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. Featuring a book by John Weidman and a score by David Shire and Richard Maltby, Jr., the musical tells the story of 12year-old Josh Baskin (Carter McKerchar – Strathclair), who makes a wish to be “big” after an embarrassing moment at a carnival. When his wish is magically granted, Josh wakes up
as an adult overnight (Eric Menzies – Shoal Lake), though his heart and mind remain those of a child. Confused and frightened, he turns to his best friend Billy Kopecki (Emerson Pentecost – Minnedosa), who helps Josh navigate the adult world while keeping his secret. Josh soon lands a job at the MacMillan Toy Company, where his imagination and genuine love of play impress executive Susan Lawrence (Rowena Martin – Rapid City). His fresh perspective brings unexpected success and puts him at odds with ambitious coworker Paul Davenport (Luke Palson –
Minnedosa). As Josh begins to enjoy the freedoms of adulthood, he also finds himself in a romantic relationship with Susan, forcing him to confront the emotional consequences of growing up too fast.
Meanwhile, Josh’s mother, Mrs. Baskin (Marnie Marcischuk – Sandy Lake), desperately searches for her missing son, unaware that he is hiding in plain sight. As Josh begins to realize that being “big” comes with responsibilities and sacrifices he isn’t ready for, he must decide who he truly is and where he belongs. Big is a joyful and moving story
about imagination, friendship, and the importance of staying young at heart. Fans of the movie may be wondering how the production will tackle the iconic giant floor piano – there’s only one way to find out! Production week runs April 20–25, with evening performances Monday through Friday and a Saturday afternoon matinee. Tickets go on sale to the public on March 21 by phone only. Watch for an advertisement in this newspaper for full ticket details, and join us as we celebrate the Strathclair Drama Club’s 42nd production.
Province strengthens farm technology for ag producers
The Manitoba government is making additional investments to improve and promote greater communication between different brands of agricultural equipment and machinery, allowing machine-to-machine connectivity that will enable agricultural producers to operate mixed fleets, share data and automate tasks without compatibility issues at lower costs, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
“Manitoba’s producers deserve technology that works for them, not against them,” said Kostyshyn. “By supporting farm equipment innovation, we are helping farmers cut costs, reduce downtime and make better use of the tools they already have. This investment strengthens our homegrown manufacturers, opens doors to new global markets and ensures producers can choose the equipment that fits their operation, not just the equipment that fits a single platform.”
The Manitoba government is directing $25,000 to the
Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) to support interoperability initiatives.
Interoperability refers to the ability of machines, software, and digital systems from different manufacturers to work together, allowing producers to operate mixed fleets with digital systems from different manufacturers, share data and automate tasks without compatibility issues. Many agriculture companies currently build closed platforms, forcing producers to manually move data or stay within a single equipment brand.
This investment brings the Manitoba government’s
total funding to PAMI to $990,000 for digital agriculture and engineering projects in Manitoba. The funding enables PAMI, in partnership with Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC), to continue exploring effective ways to improve interoperability.
“The ongoing investment and engagement from the Manitoba government into solutions that support and create environments for Canadian manufacturers to continue to innovate and produce world-class agricultural equipment is vital,” said Donna Boyd, president of the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada.
In 2024, the Manitoba government committed $330,000 per year for three years to strengthen Manitoba Agriculture’s engineering section’s work to encourage the technology needed to lower costs, reduce downtime and improve sustainability for Manitoba producers. The 2026 fiscal year represents the third year of that funding.
Manitoba Agriculture’s engineering services team is investigating the technical requirements needed to support interoperability technologies that will improve Canadian manufacturers’ access to the European Union and other emerging markets that are adopting similar standards.
This work supports manufacturers as they diversify markets beyond the United States.
Other digital agricultural projects supported through the engineering services team include: soil moisture sensor
evaluations; variable-rate irrigation systems; remote monitoring equipment; smart cattle devices; enhanced drone imagery; and solar lift stations for subirrigation.
DEFENDING THE MOTHERLAND
As the invasion of Ukraine began, former Canadian Military member Drew Luhowy felt compelled to figh t for his homeland
By RACHEAL FLINTOFT South Mountain Press
“I can’t recall the exact day I decided I would go, but I remember it was the first I heard reports of orphanages being hit by Russian attacks... I called my dad and told him that I had to go – I booked my ticket that evening.”
In the early weeks of 2022, Drew Luhowy was defined by the steady, predictable rhythms of rural life. A local resident who grew up on a modest mixed farm in the Yellowhead Municipality and graduated from Rossburn Collegiate Institute, his career path was one of service and community.
After spending nearly five years in the Canadian military, he had transitioned into the world of agriculture, completing his diploma at the University of Manitoba with the class of 2018. Back home, he was a familiar face at the local John Deere dealerships, working in sales and living on a small acreage just a short distance from the family farm. To most, he was a successful man with deep ties to the local community. But as the invasion of Ukraine began in February of 2022, his roots began to pull him toward a conflict 9,000 kilometers away. To Luhowy, the images on the news were not a distant tragedy but a direct challenge to the values he was raised on.
As a man of Ukrainian descent, Luhowy found himself looking at his own life through the lens of those who came before him.
“I thought about the faith it required of my Ukrainian ancestors who first migrated to Canada hoping it would lead to better lives for them and future generations.”
It was then that Luhowy realized that the privilege of his life here in Manitoba was a direct result of their courage.
“The reporting and everything being shown on the news caused me to deeply reflect on who I was as a person and what I think is important in life,” Luhowy explained.
“I thought about the incredibly privileged life I now live because of their courage to do so and how their sacrifice led to that better future,” he said. With each passing day, that feeling of “dutybound compulsion” grew until it was all Luhowy could think about. He simply re-
fused to tolerate seeing the freedom of his ancestral homeland being stripped away.
The gritty reality of humanitarian aid is something most of us are unaware of.
When Luhowy arrived in Ukraine in April 2022, he entered a country where the basic building blocks of life had been shattered. The initial shock of the invasion had paralyzed the infrastructure. Fuel was a luxury, and the mass departure of millions made even simple logistics a nightmare. In those early months, the work was less about strategy and more about survival.
“In the very beginning of the war, in my opinion, the most vital aid item was food and water,” Luhowy recalled.
He noted that medicine
was a close second. Luhowy described that period as a “herculean task” of delivering basic necessities to the most impacted areas.
“Providing food and water kept people alive until they had a chance to evacuate,” he said, “or until the infrastructure could adjust to accommodate their needs regularly.”
Rather than working as a solo volunteer, Luhowy sought a way to scale the help. He teamed up with three other motivated individuals to co-found a coalition of NGOs known as the Renegade Relief Runners. There was no corporate office and no “magical formula” for their success. Instead, they relied on the same grit Luhowy was used to from life on his Manitoba farm. The
group bought their own vehicles with their own money, rotated drivers constantly, and lived a life of total frugality.
“Often rotating drivers, sleeping in our vans or with contacts in different cities, and eating out of gas stations to save money,” Luhowy said, talking about the earlier days in Ukraine. This lean operation ensured that nearly every cent donated went directly to aid. Luhowy also emphasized the importance of that accountability.
“Because we controlled the purchase and delivery of aid, we knew that 100% was getting in the hands of Ukrainians who needed it the most,” he explained.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Friday, February 13, 2026
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
OPIN ION
Community correspondents valuable part of paper
Crossroads This Week extends a sincere thank you to all those individuals who have contributed local news from the Foxwarren, Newdale, Rossburn, Sandy Lake and Shoal Lake communities over the years.
Your contributions were always informative and served as a way to keep that “small town feeling” alive and well. We have no doubt that submitted contributions have been and will continue to be sadly missed by our readers.
Should you be interested in becoming a district news correspondent for the towns noted, please get in touch with the paper at ctwdistrict@mymts.net.
Anyone who has any thing – congratulations regarding anniversaries, births, birthdays or weddings, travelling somewhere or welcoming guests, etc. from these communities, even on a cas-
Darrell Nesbitt
AROUND TOWN
ual basis, please don’t hesitate to contact us or your local correspondent as note on the district news page.
Smiles for the Week
It’s a good day. The bulb burned out on my check engine light. Dogs aren’t the only animals you can train. I had a goldfish that could break dance on the carpet, but only
for like 20 seconds.
I didn’t realize how bad my driving was until my GPS said, “In 400 feet do a slight right, stop, and let me out!”
If you serve your kids frozen pizza or chicken nuggets for dinner, you are a terrible parent. I don’t care how busy you are. Find the time to microwave them.
The longest drum solo was 10 hours and 26 minutes long and was performed by the child sitting behind me on Delta flight 963 from Los Angeles to Tokyo.
The richest wealth is Wisdom. The strongest weapon is Patience. The best security is Faith. The greatest tonic is Laughter, and surprisingly all are free.
When punishing kids, don’t take away their electronics. Take their charger. Watch the agony as their battery slowly dies.
In every relationship there is one person who
stacks the dishwasher like a Scandinavian architect, and one who stacks it like a raccoon on crystal meth.
They ask me why I don’t have tattoos, so I told them, Have you every seen a bumper sticker on a Ferrari?”
Why do eggs come in flimsy cardboard carton and batteries come in a package only a chainsaw can open.
A recent study found people who take their coffee black are more likely to exhibit psychopathic traits.
And people who order a quad shot, non fat, vanilla soy, extra foam, light whip with caramel drizzle are more likely to be their victims.
No matter how stupid you feel, remember, Little Red Riding Hood couldn’t figure out a talking wolf in drag wasn’t her grandmother.
I you want to know why Gen X’ers are always mad it’s
because we had to replace our record collections with a tape collection that was then replaced with a CD collection that was then replaced with MP3’s and now we need a subscription to listen to music.
That moment when you spell a word so wrong that even auto correct is like, I’ve got nothing man!
I’m at the age where my mind firmly believes I’m 29, my humour suggests I’m 12, and my body possibly died in the civil war.
Tribute to Bob Hope
I hope this will put a smile on your face and in your heart… From the mouth of Bob Hope…
On turning 70 – ‘I still chase women, but only downhill.’
On turning 80 – ‘That’s the time of your life when even your birthday suit needs pressing.’
On turning 90– ‘You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.’
On turning 100– ‘I don’t feel old. In fact,I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it’s time for my nap.’
On his six brothers –‘That’s how I learned to dance. Waiting for the bathroom.’
On his early failures – ‘I would not have had anything to eat if it wasn’t for the stuff the audience threw at me.’
On going to heaven – ‘I’ve done benefits for ‘all’ religions. I’d hate to blow the hereafter on a technicality. Give me a sense of humor Lord, give me the grace to see a joke, To get some humour out of life, and pass it on to other folk.
Until next week… Life is so much brighter with readers like you.
Ottawa forced to retreat on gas and diesel car ban
The federal retreat from a ban on new gas and diesel vehicles is a win for taxpayers, but the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) will continue to fight for affordability as the new federal policy is rolling out billions in corporate welfare and subsidies as well as expensive new regulations.
“Ordinary Canadians forced the federal government to make a major retreat and admit Canada simply can’t af-
Opinion
ford to ban the sale of all new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Canadians forced Ottawa to retreat, but the federal government is replacing the electric vehicle mandate with a package of unaffordable policies.
“Taxpayers can’t afford to pay for billions in corporate welfare and subsides.”
Today the federal government announced it is ending its ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles by 2035 through its electric vehicle mandate.
Most Canadians opposed the government’s ban on the sale of new gas and diesel vehicles, according to a Leger poll commissioned by the CTF.
However, the government also announced $3 billion in subsidies to the auto manufac-
turing industry. The government also reintroduced subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, which will cost taxpayers $2.3 billion.
The federal government has already put taxpayers on the hook for up to $31.4 billion for subsidies for battery factories and the electric vehicle supply chain, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
The federal debt is now $1.3 trillion and going up by about $80 billion this year. In-
terest charges on the federal debt are now higher than federal health-care transfers or the total amount Canadians pay through the GST.
The federal government also announced it is imposing new regulations that push automakers to reach “75 percent EV sales by 2035 and 90 percent EV sales by 2040.”
“Canadians forced Ottawa to retreat from its wildly unrealistic plan to ban all new gas and diesel vehicle sales in
less than a decade, but now Prime Minister Mark Carney is using less transparent subsidies and regulations to impose a plan that’s almost as unrealistic,” Terrazzano said. “From runaway borrowing to hidden carbon taxes and now electric vehicle subsides and regulations, the prime minister needs to stop trying to hide bad policies and end them entirely to make life more affordable for taxpayers.”
Government needs to stop bailing out Canada Post
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the federal government to end the bailouts for Canada Post after Ottawa announced another $1-billion so-called loan for the failing Crown corporation.
“The government shouldn’t bail out Canada Post with taxpayers’ money,” said Franco Terraz-
zano, CTF Federal Director. “The last billion-dollar bailout didn’t solve anything at Canada Post so why would another billion-dollar bailout be any different?
“The government needs stop wasting billions on failing Crown corporations like
Horod Derby
SUNDAY, FEB. 22, 2026
Registration 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Horod Hall
Canada Post.”
The federal government announced it’s giving Canada Post “up to $1.01 billion in repayable funding.”
This is in addition to the $1.03 billion the government gave Canada Post in 2025 in “repayable funding” to “prevent insolvency.” Canada Post is supposed to pay that funding back to taxpayers
“in so far as [Canada Post’s] revenues are sufficient.”
Canada Post has lost money for seven straight years. The Crown corporation’s losses total $3.8 billion since 2018, according to its 2024 Annual Report.
The Crown corporation says its “2025 losses are expected to be the most significant of any annual losses in
Canada Post’s history.”
The federal government is already borrowing about $80 billion this year. Debt interest charges will cost taxpayers $55.6 billion this year, which is more than the federal government will send to the provinces in health transfers or collect through the GST.
“The government is
broke and taxpayers can’t afford to bailout every Crown corporation that goes to Ottawa begging for more money,” Terrazzano said. “The government needs to sell Canada Post or the Crown corporation needs to figure out how to survive without relying on taxpayer bailouts.”
Battlefield has changed since 2022
To understand the weight of Luhowy’s current role, one has to understand how the war has changed since he first arrived. What began as a traditional ground invasion has turned into a high-tech, brutal war of attrition. By early 2026, the statistics have reached a level that is difficult to comprehend. International estimates suggest that combined military casualties
those killed or wounded –have surpassed 1.5 million people. Civilian deaths, while officially recorded at over 15,000, are likely much higher in areas that remain under occupation.
The geography of the war has also narrowed. While the initial days were about the defence of Kyiv, the conflict is now a grinding struggle in the East and South, specifically around the Black Sea where Luhowy’s unit now operates. It is a war of drones, electronic warfare, and constant strikes on power and water systems… a Ukraine where “more hours of the day are spent without power and water than with,” according to Luhowy. It was within this environment that Luhowy decided his role as a humanitarian volunteer, while vital, wasn’t enough. He had been through too many close calls with artillery and missiles, and he had seen people die because they didn’t have immediate tactical medical care. According to Luhowy, he wanted to be better prepared to help those around me.
“Although I did what I could to help, at the time I had very little training in tactical medicine,” he said. This realization led him to take Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) and Combat Lifesaver (CLS) courses, eventually leading him to sign a formal military contract as a combat medic.
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
Life as a combat medic, today, Luhowy’s days are measured by the precision of a syringe and the timing of a reconnaissance mission. A typical day begins in the early morning, with team workouts, followed by training that ranges from 14kilometer reconnaissance exercises on foot to briefings on the latest drone tactics.
The transition to the medic role has been his biggest challenge yet. With no prior medical experience before the war, Luhowy had to master complex skills under extreme pressure. He identifies the administration of fluids and medication through intravenous (IV) delivery as particularly difficult.
“Dosing and effects of different medication vary and
can be difficult to keep straight in high stress combat or mass casualty situations.”
While training helps, Luhowy does acknowledge that nothing can fully replicate the intensity of real-life scenarios.
“You must be ready to do your job at the highest level,” he said. “It is crucial to constantly study and practice skills in order to stay sharp and be ready to work on your guys when needed.”
As the war enters 2026, the technology of the battlefield has shifted the threat.
Speaking of the “unprecedented and devastating” surge in drone warfare.
“Many nights civilians and soldiers alike have to cope with the buzzing of UAV’s, impacts of missiles, and blast waves of bombs,” he said. Luhowy describes an atmosphere where you can “feel anxiety in the air” and see the exhaustion in the eyes of everyone you meet.
One of the most surprising aspects of Luhowy’s service is the lack of basic funding for life-saving gear. Despite being a formal military unit, they are largely responsible for sourcing their own PPE, vehicles, and specialized equipment like thermals and optics for night missions.
“Having reliable gear increases the survivability of our team,” Luhowy explained. “It makes sure everyone comes home and maintains a dominant position in the AO’s (areas of operation) where we operate.” He points out that the better equipped they are, the higher their capacity to continue the work.
Despite the global “war fatigue” that has set in, Luhowy remains determined. He believes it is imperative that Canadians don’t look away.
“If we allow it to happen to Ukraine, it happens to the world and we will all feel the impact of the consequences,” he warned.
Luhowy sees his work on the front lines as a simple necessity. To him, the world needs warfighters just as much as it needs firefighters, farmers, or teachers. He credits his family, friends, and the people of Rossburn and the surrounding communities for the support that has allowed him to sustain this effort for nearly four years.
“To me it’s less about
whether the risk is worth it or not, there is risk in every-
thing we do in life and that includes doing nothing at
all,” Luhowy says. He admits that he is not without fear but believes that carrying out the task in spite of that fear is the true definition of courage.
“We need good people everywhere doing what they believe is right regardless of the risks involved,” Luhowy added.
As he looks toward the future, Luhowy does so with the conviction of a man who knows he is exactly where he is supposed to be.
“I simply believe this is the right and decent thing to do and it’s where I’m supposed to be in life right now… helping my people and having faith that my actions will lead to a better life for future generations.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Luhowy and his unit are currently seeking donations for tactical gear, night-vision optics, and medical supplies to increase team survivability. For those looking to help, Luhowy can be reached directly via email atdrewluhowy@outlook.com. Godspeed, Drew! Our thoughts are with you.
8
Friday, February 13, 2026
Female Chiefs pick up three of four points
The Yellowhead Chiefs picked up three of a possible four points in Manitoba Female U18 AAA Hockey action over the weekend.
With just one game remaining in the regular season, the Chiefs will finish in fifth place.
INTERLAKE 2 CHIEFS 1 (SO)
Teagan Bragg had the shootout winner as the Lightning edged the Chiefs 2-1 in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 7. Avery McGonigal gave the Chiefs a 1-0 first period lead but Blake Darragh pulled the Lightning even in the second.
Eleanor Sugmoto made 32 saves in goal for the Lightning. Kylie Hack stopped 26 shots for Yellowhead.
CHIEFS 3 PEMBINA VALLEY 1
After the spotting the Hawks a 1-0 first period lead the Chiefs roared back with three unanswered goals for a 3-1 win in Shoal Lake on Friday, Feb. 6. Courtney Cochrane, Rose
Cochrane and Callee Despiegelaere tallied for the hosts, with Delaney Darby scoring for Pembina Valley.
Gracie Johnston earned the netminding win, finishing with 24 saves. Hannah Bannister made 36 saves in goal for the Lightning.
NOTES – The Chiefs will close out their 28-game regular season on Friday, Feb. 13 in Winnipeg against the league-leading Ice.
RIGHT: Chiefs’ defender Haley Chipelski of Foxwarren prepares to fire a shot at the Pembina Valley net during play in Shoal Lake on Friday,Feb.6
PHOTO BY DARRELL NESBITT SOUTH MOUNTAI N PRESS
Chiefs see offense explode for 16 goals in pair of wins
The Yellowhead Chiefs exploded for 16 goals in a pair of Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League victories over the weekend.
The Chiefs improved to 1825-1-2 on the season but are 10 points back of the final playoff spot occupied by the Parkland Rangers.
CHIEFS 10 KENORA 3
The Chiefs had their offence in high gear as they hammerd the Thistles 10-3 in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Feb. 8. Grady McNish recorded a hat trick for the hosts, who held 4-1 and 8-1 leads at the intermissions. Carter White chipped in with a pair of goals, with Winston Lepp, Redden Richmond, Wyatt
Njegovan, Nolan Kozak and Ethan Turchinski adding singles.
Ethan Rody, Keinan Teahan and Jeremy Hutchinson replied for the Ontario-based squad.
Landon McGregor finished with 33 saves in the Yellowhead net, while the duo of Tyson Ponton and Keanu Waasa’aanakwad combined to make 39 stops for Kenora.
CHIEFS 6 PARKLAND 5
Grady McNish and Nolan Kozak each scored twice as the Chiefs edged the Rangers
6-5 in Dauphin on Friday, Feb. 7.
Winston Lepp and Redden Richmond added singles for the Chiefs, who led 5-3 after the second period. The teams were tied 1-1 at the first intermission.
Ashton Dutkewich had a pair of goals for the Rangers, with Alex Campbell, Brayden Budolowski and Landyn Garton notching singles.
Sawyer Wallin recorded the win in goal for Yellowhead making 34 saves. Eddy Person blocked 21 shots in the Parkland net.
NOTES – The Chiefs will play three of their last four games on home ice in Shoal Lake beginning with a match against the Winnipeg Wild on Sunday, Feb. 15.
U15 Chiefs fall to Eastman
The Eastman Selects had no trouble with the Yellowhead Chiefs as they skated to a 10-3 win in a Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League game in Landmark on Sunday, Feb. 8. With the loss the Chiefs fell to 7-18-2-0 on the season.
Ryder Olfrod recorded a hat trick for the hosts, while Jonathon Brunel and Braeden Gilbertson each added a
pair. Nixon Gaudet, Reed Everett and Reed Sherry had the other Eastman goals. Collin Beatty, Wyatt Cochrane and Mason Graham tallied for the Chiefs, who
Yellowhead Chiefs’defender Ella Rogasky ofShoalLake battles with a member ofthe Pembina Valley Hawks during action in ShoalLake on Saturday, Feb.7
U15 Female Chiefs blank
visiting Pembina Valley
trailed 5-1 and 7-2 at the period breaks.
Lenny Nekipelov recorded the win in goal, making 21 saves. Korey Stevenson stopped 45 shots in the Yellowhead net.
NOTES – The Chiefs will host the Pembina Valley Hawks in a pair of games in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 14 and Sunday, Feb. 15.
Pyper Rapley made 23 saves for the shutout as the Yellowhead Chiefs blanked the Pembina Valley Hawks 3-0 in a Manitoba U15 Female AAA League game in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 7.
The win moved the fifth place Chiefs above .500 in
U15
Maddie Flannery stopped 20 shots in the Pembina Valley net.
NOTES – The Central Plains Capitals will pay a visit to the Chiefs in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 14.
the standings to 11-10-0. Brielle McGongial scored in the second period for the hosts, with Eveline Wilson and Kenzie Gardner adding insurance markers in the third.
PHOTO BY DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAI PRESS
RCMP investigating offensive posters in Portage
On Feb. 9, Portage la Prairie RCMP received the first of multiple reports of offensive posters being placed overnight on storefront windows in the community. The posters include a partial image of a swastika and contain racial references to white nationalism and white power. Posters have been reported being placed on various buildings and parked vehicles along Saskatchewan Avenue. Manitoba RCMP take all instances of suspected hate-motivated crimes seriously and are investigating to identify a suspect. Under the Criminal Code, individuals found
guilty of public incitement of hatred and/or wilful incitement of hatred can face a sentence of up to two years in prison.
On Feb. 5, RCMP responded to a report of several shots being fired by an individual near a trailer park in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Kelsey. RCMP from The Pas arrived at the scene within minutes and determined a suspect had fired a long-arm firearm in the general vicinity of an individual working in the area. Police then began going from building to building in search of the suspect, with the assistance of Manitoba First Nation Police Service officers. During this search, the suspect was located exiting a building and arrested. Offi-
High schoolhockey results
The Major Pratt Trojans won a pair of games in Westman High School Hockey League action over the week.
The Trojans are in seventh place but are just two points back of the Virden Golden Bears with four games in hand.
The Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies won two of their three games and sit in ninth place.
The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors, who are 11th, lost both games, while the 14th place Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn Falcons managed a point in their three games with an overtime loss.
Major Pratt9 RMSH 8
Major Pratt – Dominyk Shuya (3), Nathan Miller (2), Jorey Reichmuth (2), Brody Cook (2)
Reston-Melita-SourisHartney – Dayton Hay (4), Owen Gray, Tyler Drummond, Chase Flannery, Parker Elliott
Sandy Bay 1 HRES 0 Sandy Bay – Kristopher Richard Swan Valley 7 ME 4 Swan Valley – Rylan Laderoute (2), Cole Fletcher (2), Payton Thompson, Sam Lacasse, Jaxon Mykula
Minnedosa-Erickson –Kaius Kroeker (2), Aiden
McGorman, Myles Beatty
Neepawa 6 ME 2
Neepawa – Ian Foster (2), Zach Plett, Luke Nicholson, Ethan Bray, Ben Richard Minnedosa-Erickson –Aiden McGorman, Colton McCaughan
RMSH 6 BSR 5 (OT)
Reston-Melita-SourisHartney - Korbin Forster (2), Owen Gray, Parker Elliott, Glen De Guia, Chase Flannery
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Malcolm McArthur (2), Grady Lee, Reid Luhowy, Ashton Evans
Major Pratt9 RGG 3
Major Pratt – Kane Reagh (2), Jakob Asselstine (2), Brody Cook, Carter Moncrief, Nathan Miller, Dominyk Shuya, Otello Derkach
Roblin-Grandview-Gilbert Plains – Kenai Mouck (2), Ryder Newton
HRES 5 Crocus Plains 4 (OT)
Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Aaron Roels (2), Matao Finnie, Carter Rozdeba, Duncan McLean
Crocus Plains – Dale Calcut, Brady Reid, Cody Johansen, Gradyn Ramage
HRES 6 Virden 4
Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Carter Rozdeba, Duncan McLean, Matao Finnie, Nash McMaster, Harlen Bridges, Corbin Munz
Virden – Reed McGarth (2), Dexen Routledge, Beckham Clarke Dauphin 15 BSR 0
Dauphin – Hayden Shtykalo (7), Wil Busby (2), Josh Yakielashek (2), Cody Zurba, Parker Freiheit, Brandon Wood, Layne Wolfenden Virden 9 BSR 3
Virden – Reed McGrath (3), Beckam Clarke (2), Hayden Southam, Brayden Rowan, Shane Ritchie, Dexen Routledge
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Malcolm McArthur (2), Reid Luhowy
Hasyourorganizationevercalledup Facebookandaskedthemfora donationtoyourcause? Local businesses rely on local support to exist. Shop Local Today.
cers then searched the building he had exited and recovered a firearm. A 32-year-old male of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation has been charged with: Using a firearm in the commission of an offence; Possession a firearm when unauthorized; Possession of a restricted firearm; Uttering threats; Weapons possession contrary to order; Possession for the purpose of distributing; and Failure to comply with release order x2. He was remanded into custody.
On Feb. 7, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollo-
ver on Tower Road in the R.M. of North Norfolk. The rollover was reported by a passerby who came upon the vehicle rolled over in the ditch. The driver, a 29-yearold male, was located outside of the vehicle and had died at the scene. The cause of the crash is being investigated.
On Feb. 2, RCMP attempted to pull over an SUV travelling west on Main Street in Swan River for a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the SUV sped up. A short time later, the vehicle hit the curb on 9thAvenue
North, with the occupants then exiting the SUV and attempting to flee from police. Officers caught up with the suspect on foot and took him into custody.A subsequent search of the vehicle led to a seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia. A 46-yearold male, from Swan River, faces charges of: Possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking x2; Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was released on a release order.
FRIDAY, FEB. 13
7:00 P.M. vs. PRINCE ALBERT
MONDAY, FEB. 16
2:30 P.M. vs. SASKATOON
FRIDAY, FEB. 20
7:00 P.M. vs. PENTICTON
Friday, February 13, 2026
A ssiniboine College celebrating special anniversaries
Dauphin: The Herald – In 2026, Assiniboine College recognizes a remarkable milestone – 65 years of delivering post secondary education and supporting communities across Manitoba. This year, the College will also celebrate 40 years of its Parkland Campus – four decades of learning, opportunity, and connection in the Parkland. A highlight for the Parkland took place on Feb. 11, when alumni, former staff, retirees, and friends of Assiniboine and Parkland Campus joined together at an alumni awards dinner.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Members of the community of Carberry and local dignitaries unveiled a commemorative plaque on the McCain Foods grounds in late December, recognizing the historical significance of a World War II flight training centre, once located on the McCain grounds. The No. 33 Service Flying Training School was constructed in Carberry between 1940 & 1941.
Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – A committee has been struck to work on a solution to a lack of ice time in Moosomin, including exploring the possibility of where and how to build a second rink in the town as one of the potential solutions. Rec Director Mike Schwean says the issue has snowballed to the point where almost all of Moosomin’s minor hockey, rec hockey and senior hockey teams are practicing out of town at least once a week, often at inconvenient times.
Treherne: The Times –The Manitoba government is transferring $1.2 million to the City of Portage la Prairie to help fund the redevelopment of the former Agassiz Youth Centre (AYC). Redevelopment includes creating affordable childcare spaces, housing and commercial development. The previous government permanently closed the AYC in July 2022, eliminating 100 jobs.
Killarney: The Guide –Dawson Keen, 41, who grew up in Manitou, and now calls Killarney home, is one of 25 members of Team Canada who will be competing in the International Precision Rifle Federation World Championship. The event will take place outside of Fort Worth, TX, at the Gravestone Precision Shooting Range, over the dates of Sept. 23-28.
Dauphin: The Herald –Dauphin’s long-anticipated Community Safety and WellBeing plan is ready for implementation. Centered on the foundational principles of accountability, collaboration, compassion, diversity, equity, inclusivity, compassion, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, innovation, proactivity, recon-
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News from MB/SK weeklies
ciliation and respect, the strategic framework’s goals – and actions required to teach them – are around five priorities. Those five priorities are Housing & Houselessness, Mental Health & Addiction, Crime & Safety, Access to Services & Support, and Sense of Belonging. Mayor David Bosiak said while the planning process didn’t reveal any hidden surprises it was a worthwhile undertaking.
Whitewood: Grasslands News – The Saskatchewan sports community is mourning the loss of Glenn Reeve, a longtime leader in the sport of softball who passed away in December at the age of 87. Raised in Grenfell, Reeve became deeply involved in the sport as a coach and organizer. For his passion of softball, Reeve was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame on 2001 as a builder.
Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – Kipling town council passed a motion to recognize wheelchair curler, Gilbert Dash, with a sign at the entrance to town. Dash is a member of Canada’s national team and a three-time world champion. This year he will be in Canada’s starting lineup for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, March 6-15, in Milano Cortina, Italy.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Blaine Huston of Gladstone and Tyler Slawinski of McCreary, both of whom can be found at the Gladstone Auction Mart, competed with 25 other auctioneers at the Livestock Marketing Association’s Qualifying event in Bowsman, ND last month. This event is one of several regionals that select individuals to compete at the 2026 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship (WLAC). Brennin Jack, branch manager of Heartland Livestock Services at Virden, has made the list for the WLAC competition slated for South Dakota in June.
Pilot Mound: The Hometown View – Two members of the Windygates 4-H Beef Club, William Derksen of Thornhill and Lillian Seward of Darlingford, took home first place in the Junior and Senior divisions respectively at the Manitoba Young Speakers for Agriculture speaking competition. Presenting to a full auditorium at Manitoba Ag Days, Seward received a $1,000 prize and a $1,500 bursary to support her trip to Toronto, where she and Derksen will compete in the Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
RAVEN’S CALL
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
Many large birds caw as a way of communicating with each other, but crows and ravens are best known for making this particular cry. Among their other calls, ravens make short, repeated, shrill calls when chasing predators or trespassers, and deep, rasping calls when their nests are disturbed. Ravens are big. An adult raven can be near 70 cm tall, beak to tail, with a wingspan of 130 cm. The raven, spotted on Rolling River First Nation, is a sacred animal in many cultures around the world.
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Gifting flowers is a beautifulgesture for Valentine’s Day
As we get closer to Feb. 14, floral shops become very busy, and the price of purchasing flowers increases. When I am doing floral classes, I never schedule them for right around Valentine’s Day, as the product price is too expensive. I often wonder how trends develop over time, so I thought a bit of history surrounding this special day would be interesting. Valentine’s Day originated from a mix of Roman, Christian and romantic traditions and evolved to include gifting flowers. I get that gifting flowers is a beautiful gesture as who doesn’t smile when presented with a beautiful arrangement – or even a single stem of something bright and beautiful? For me, my life is enhanced because throughout the year I buy flowers for myself and don’t even need a special occasion. This all began in the 18th century.
If we go back even further, the origins of this special day was linked to the Roman festival of Lupercalia which was a celebration of fertility. This day is named after a 3rd-century Christian martyr – St. Valentine and Pope Gelasius I declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day around 496 AD. Geoffrey Chaucer linked the day to romance in the 14th century, associating it with spring and courtship.
King Charles II of Sweden introduced the Persian tradition of Floriography or the language of flowers to Europe. Specific blooms and colours of flowers conveyed secret messages. Victorian people used flowers to express their emotion and had specialized dictionaries to help people to understand the sentimental meanings of bouquets. Floriography was popularized in the 19th century as it allowed people to convey sentiments that were deemed improper to express verbally. How the flowers were arranged and even how the ribbon was tied held specific meaning. Talking bouquets or tussy-mussies were
used to communicate complex emotions. Today, floriography continues to influence floral design, wedding planning and the symbolic giving of flowers, adding deeper and more thoughtful meanings to arrangements.
Red roses are closely tied to Greek and Roman mythology as the flower that symbolizes love, passion and beauty. It was believed that the red rose was the favourite flower of Venus/Aphrodite who are the goddesses of love, beauty and fertility. Roses continue to be the top choice for people today to purchase and to express love.
Some common colours of Valentine’s flowers have special meanings. The red rose expresses deep love, passion and romance. Pink flowers convey admiration, joy and gratitude and yellow flowers convey friendship and new beginnings. White flowers, not surprisingly, convey purity and innocence. Specific flowers also have meanings. The orange blossom conveys innocence and forget-me-nots remembrance. Delphiniums are considered haughty and hydrangeas heartless. Cabbage/kale depicts profit or wealth and sunflowers convey adoration, loyalty and happiness. What an interesting way to build an arrangement!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.
Making sense of the upside-down pyramid
Q: I’m confused. You say it’s bad to eat red meat and whole dairy, but now they are at the top of the new food pyramid. What gives? –Frankie T., Denver, CO
A: You remember what happened to Bernie Madoff? He got a 150-year prison sentence for his pyramid scheme. And you can lose years of a free-and-easy life, too, if you are taken in by the red meat and whole dairy that now appear at the top of the food pyramid chart. That positioning implies they’re foods everyone can – and even should – be eating. And just as shockingly, fiber-rich, 100% whole grains are languishing at the bottom of the pyramid.
Now, if you have no heart, cholesterol, diabetes or weight issues, aren’t at high risk for specific cancers, contending with chronic inflammation from an autoimmune condition, or aren’t highly stressed or having sleep problems, then occasionally eating red meat (say, once a month) or full-fat dairy (once a week) isn’t likely to do you harm. But even the healthiest folks can damage their wellbeing with those foods, because red meat changes your microbiome, producing chronic inflammation. You want to be guided by choosing foods you love, that love you back.
And if you’re one of the 75% to 90% of Americans who are dealing with those potentially life-shortening health conditions mentioned above, it’s vital you avoid inflammation-causing foods. That’s why red and processed meats, as well as sugar and
syrups and ultra-processed foods, are on my “just say no” list. And you definitely do want to eat nutritionpacked, fiber-filled, proteinrich, brain-loving 100% whole grains daily.
So, most folks’ job is to reclaim their good health by avoiding those challenging foods. And if you become truly free of any chronic conditions that can be fueled by inflammation, why would you want to risk returning there?
Q: My doctor says my risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, digestive problems and Alzheimer’s disease is related to my metabolism. Can you explain what that means day-today for me? – Kathy T., Chattanooga, TN
A: First, let’s define metabolism: That’s a word used to describe how your body turns food and drinks into energy that powers your body’s activities in every cell and organ system and in your blood and muscles. These activities include moving energy around your body, making glucose levels rise or
fall, and influencing how your digestive system processes food. Your metabolism is the underpinning of your breathing, thinking, movement and building and repairing tissue. You have more than 6,000 metabolites in your body – molecules such as amino acids, vitamins and hormones – that are formed by metabolic actions and reactions.
That’s why what you eat and drink is so important to your health – and to preventing diseases of the brain and body. For example, one longrange study identified 235 me-
tabolites (like bile acid and certain lipids) that are associated with an ever-increasing risk of Type 2 diabetes. Turns out that they’re linked to insulin resistance, visceral fat deposits and liver function. But reducing belly fat through diet and exercise tamps down the danger those metabolites can pose.
The study also found that beneficial metabolites associated with higher levels of physical activity and higher consumption of coffee/tea and vegetables tend to be associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes.
One more example of the importance of nurturing health-promoting metabolites: A too-high blood sugar spike (that’s a metabolic reaction) after eating increases your risk of dementia and worsens Alzheimer’s – even in folks without diabetes.
The bottom line: You want to encourage healthful metabolic processes and can only do that if you get plenty of physical exercise and feed your body food and beverages that keep you younger longer: fatty fish, whole grains, beans, veggies and fruits. To help you adopt a
metabolism-loving lifestyle, check out 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.
Province strengthens farm technology for ag producers
The Manitoba government is making additional investments to improve and promote greater communication between different brands of agricultural equipment and machinery, allowing machine-to-machine connectivity that will enable agricultural producers to operate mixed fleets, share data and automate tasks without compatibility issues at lower costs, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
“Manitoba’s producers deserve technology that works for them, not against them,” said Kostyshyn. “By supporting farm equipment innovation, we are helping farmers cut costs, reduce downtime and make better use of the tools they already have. This investment strengthens our homegrown manufacturers, opens doors to new global markets and ensures producers can choose the equipment that fits their operation, not just the equipment that fits a single platform.”
The Manitoba government is directing $25,000 to the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) to support interoperability initiatives.
Interoperability refers to the ability of machines, software, and digital systems from different manufacturers to work together, allowing producers to operate mixed fleets with digital systems from different manufacturers, share data and automate tasks without compatibility issues. Many agriculture companies currently build closed platforms, forcing producers to manually move data or stay within a single equipment brand.
This investment brings the Manitoba government’s total funding to PAMI to $990,000 for digital agriculture and engineering projects in Manitoba. The fund-
ing enables PAMI, in partnership with Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada (AMC), to continue exploring effective ways to improve interoperability.
“The ongoing investment and engagement from the Manitoba government into solutions that support and create environments for Canadian manufacturers to continue to innovate and produce world-class agricultural equipment is vital,” said Donna Boyd, president of the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada.
In 2024, the Manitoba government committed $330,000 per year for three years to strengthen Manitoba Agriculture’s engineering section’s work to encourage the technology needed to lower costs, reduce downtime and improve sustainability for Manitoba producers. The 2026 fiscal year represents the third year of that funding.
Manitoba Agriculture’s engineering services team is investigating the technical requirements needed to support interoperability technologies that will improve Canadian manufacturers’ access to the European Union and other emerging markets that are adopting similar standards. This work supports manufacturers as they diversify markets beyond the United States.
Other digital agricultural projects supported through the engineering services team include: •soil moisture sensor evaluations, •variable-rate irrigation systems, •remote monitoring equipment, •smart cattle devices, •enhanced drone imagery, and •solar lift stations for subirrigation.
This four-bedroom, two storey home boasts a “flex room” that would make an ideal studio, or exercise room, or even serve as a “rec room,” where teenagers could play their music and watch TV.
Plans include an unfinished basement that could eventually become an in-law suite or mortgage helper.
Entry is through a covered porch into an angled foyer. The den is to the left, and to the right and ahead is the U-shaped staircase that leads to the second floor.
The great-room complex lies just beyond the staircase and includes a gas fireplace that will cast its warm glow into the open-plan dining area and kitchen. French doors lead to a patio looking out to the back garden.
The dining room is separated from the great room by a prep island fitted with a double sink. The L-shaped counter configuration will save steps for the cook. Natural light will flow into the area through the dining-room windows and those over the double sink.
Natural light will flood into the kitchen through the window over the double sink. The Lshaped counter configuration will save steps for the cook, who will never feel isolated because the kitchen is separated from the dining area and great room only by a threeseat eating bar and prep island.
The laundry room includes a roomy cupboard for coats and there is a two-piece lavatory
adjacent.
On the second floor, the master suite includes a roomy walk-in closet, as well as an ensuite with double sinks and a shower stall, plus a soaker tub with its own window.
The three secondary bedrooms share a three-piece bathroom with a tub and a double sink.
The flex room is located over the double garage, which has access to the laundry room, allowing it to double as a mud room. The laundry room includes a coat cupboard with folding doors, as well as a washer and dryer and a sink.
All ceilings measure nine feet high.
This home measures 32 feet wide and 55 feet deep, for a total of 2,418 square feet of living space.
Plans for design 7-4-1015 are available for $915 (set of 5), $985 (set of 8) and $1,041 for a super set of 10.
Please add GST or HST (where applicable) to both the plan price and postage charges.
Our new 52nd edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: Jenish House Design Ltd., c/o South Mountain Press, #201 – 1658 Commerce Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1X 8A9 or see our web page order form on: www.jenish.com and email your order to: homeplans @jenish.com.
Friday, February 13, 2026
South Mountain Press
DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon
Place your Classified Advertisement by Phone, Fax, Mail or E-mail Ph: 204-759-2644 Ext. 1 Fax: 204-759-2521 E-mail: smpclassified@mymts.net 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
COMING EVENTS
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.
WANTED
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.
LAND FOR SALE/FOR RENT
Wanted: Farmland to Rent in Erickson/Onanle area. Phone 204720-7267.
ARTICLES FOR SALE
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. Now booking classified ads for 2026. Let us help you book a blanket classified ad across Manitoba
and be seen. Plan for your success this year. Your ad will be seen in the MCNA Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please call this newspaper 204-759-2644 to book now or call MCNA at 204-947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com
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Living as a raven is the life
On long road trips when the girls were young, we would occasionally pass the time playing “What’s your favourite animal?” and its corollary “If you could be any animal you wanted, what would you choose?”
Occasionally, I still go through the list. Snake or gopher? Too reviled, and too apt to get run-over. How about something engaging like a chickadee? Alas, their lifespan is too short, and their lives are surprisingly violent, with one gang of birds attacking others for home turf.
Next up is a bear, given that they are intelligent, well adapted for life in the area, and can live to 30 years of age. The only drawback is that they sleep away the coldest months, which means that they miss one of the best seasons in Manitoba.
Which is why I always settle on being a raven. During the frigid days of January, they are one of the few animals you can see moving about, flying in the bitterest winds. Not even the coldest parts of the country are off limit to them, as they spend the winter as far north as Baffin Island. They are tough.
Additionally, the upsides to be re-incarnated as a raven are many. First of all, they are relatively long-lived, especially for a bird, with some living more than 20 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity. As a raven, you can also pretty much eat anything you like.
While science frowns
Ken Kingdon
MOMENTS IN RMNP
upon ascribing human emotions to animals, I’ll even say they enjoy life, playfully doing barrel-rolls and dives while soaring overhead. They create life-long bonds with their mates, establishing and protecting territories while excluding other ravens from these areas.
Which brings up an example of their intelligence, and their communication skills.
Ecologists have found that if the resident ravens find a good food source nearby, such as a dead deer, they will remain quiet so as not to draw attention to the area.
However, other nonresident ravens, upon discovering the same food source, will begin “calling” for others to join them. It is assumed that they understand that, while a single raven might not be able to stand up against the resident pair, a gang of ravens can usurp the kill site. Smart and sassy.
Socially, ravens are quite adaptable, and can tolerate living in crowds. If you visit an old-style garbage dump, which admittedly are getting
rarer to find, you can find tens if not hundreds of ravens hanging out together, sharing in the bounty of food scraps.
These unpaired ravens roost together in large groups too. On several occasions I have come across winter roosting spots located in thick patches of spruce, where the foliage offers protection from the wind and the overhead branches provide insulation.
While rare to find, ravens aren’t the greatest at keeping these sites secret. At sundown, watch for small groups of ravens flying in a single direction, indicating where to start your search.
Zeroing into patches of dense forest, you’ll know you’re close to a roost when you hear the ravens squawking and muttering to each other high in the trees as they presumably jostle for the best spot under the forest canopy. Occasionally, a raven must trespass into some other bird’s space, as there will arise a great screeching and flapping of wings, but soon calm and quiet prevails again as the night darkens.
While ravens are now quite common locally, historically being a raven has had more ups and downs than their flight paths. Two hundred years ago, naturalists reported seeing ravens throughout the grasslands, feeding on dead bison and other carrion.
Life got harder as the bison disappeared, and to add to their woes, ravens were highly susceptible to being
killed by traps and poison placed at bait sites aimed at killing wolves and coyotes. As a member of the muchmaligned crow family, they were also regularly shot as nuisance animals. The result was that ravens were uncommon in agriculture portions of Manitoba by the 1950s.
With the changing times, ravens are expanding their range once again. With reduced persecution, plus the on-going availability of food in the form of dead deer on the side of the road, choice and varied menu items on livestock farms, and abundant plastic garbage bags in urban centres, ravens are once again making the prairies home.
And while the population has expanded every winter for quite some time, as young birds temporarily leave their boreal forest homes, some ravens are claiming territory on the prairies all year round. Raven nests are now relatively common in patches of farm bush, and even on hydro structures in treeless areas.
I recognize that I often choose to write about animals that others find objectionable, including ravens and wolves. I guess I just like
an underdog. However, if you share my passion for ravens, I highly recommend reading “The Raven in Winter” by Bernd Heinrich. It’s an easy read, filled with facts, lore, and great anecdotes.
And if I have swayed you to looking at ravens in a new light, I’m glad you’ve joined the pro-raven club. After all, the Vikings, the Haida, and Edgar Allen Poe can’t all be wrong!
And one final note related to my last article on cats. I received a note from Annabelle Pirie from Strathclair who pointed out that one thing that does separate individual cats is personality. I can’t argue with that, as I have encountered many different cats, and few have been identical. In fact, some are very, very, memorable. Rest in peace Clyde, you sixtoed wonder…
Ken Kingdon lives in the heart of the Riding Mountain
Biosphere Reserve. Send him a text at 204.848.5020 if you have stories to share.