SMP - Feb. 20, 2026

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Friday, FEBRUARY 20, 2026 Vo lum e 18 N um b e r17

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DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / SO U T H M O U N T AIN PR E SS From early morning to late evening on Friday, Feb. 13, the unbelievable spring-like weather attracted snowmobiles to local trails, as operators enjoyed the beautiful landscape of flat lands and rolling hills. This duo was among a group coming into Onanole from the south to fill sled tanks and additional fuel containers at the community’s lone fuel and convenience business, Fas Gas, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Once refueled, the enthusiasts continued their recreational journey.

W ea th er a lerts now colour coded by severity Ca n a dia n govern m en tla un ches n ew w ea ther a lertsystem design ed to m ore clea rly iden tify p oten tia l risks D ARRELL N ES BITT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Prairie weather is often described as unpredictable and sudden, as motorists came to learn in the western region of Manitoba over two days prior to Christmas with major highway closures and blizzard warnings bringing travel

to a standstill until such time officials gave the all clear.

The Canadian government has launched a new weather alert system to help protect not only Manitobans, but all citizens across Canada, during severe weather.

Environment and Climate Change Canada will now be using a colour-coded system to make it

easier to understand the severity of extreme weather and any risks that people might need to know about.

For each weather hazard (whether it be rain, wind, snow, tornadoes, etc.) you will see three levels of impact (moderate, high, or extreme). The weather alert colours move from yellow, to orange,

to red, as the potential risk increases.

At each level of impact, the forecast will describe how the weather will affect general daily life, travel, utilities, and services, land and structures, human health, and societal recovery.

Each type of weather alert now includes a colour – yellow, orange

or red – to show the seriousness of the weather event.

•Yellow alerts are the most common. They are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts. Impacts are likely moderate, localized, and/or short-term.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

Ora nge a lerts a re th e m ost com m on

Adverse impacts are expected due to icy surfaces and ice build up.

M oderate – yellow Travel delays due to icy routes and vehicle collisions.

Accumulation on power lines, bridges and other infrastructure.

Property damage including broken branches.

Risk of injury due to slips and falls or falling ice or debris.

High – orange Significant travel delays, multiple vehicle collisions.

Damage to power lines, bridges and other infrastructure.

Major property damage, tree fall.

Increased risk of injury due to slips and falls or falling ice or debris.

Extrem e – red Widespread, dangerous travel conditions.

Long duration, widespread utility outages.

Widespread property damage, trees destroyed.

Critical infrastructure compromised.

SN O W Adverse impacts are expected due to significant snowfall accumulations.

M oderate – yellow Travel disruptions due to route closures, vehicle collisions, and conditions.

Injuries due to exertion, falls.

High – orange Travel dangerous due to accumulated snow, route closures, and multiple vehicle collisions.

Long travel delays.

Roofs at risk of collapsing under the weight of snow.

Extrem e – red Travel extremely unsafe or impossible.

Snowed-in residents, numerous injuries due to exertion and/or collapsing struc-

tures/trees.

Essential service delays; significant delays for emergency responders.

VISIBIL IT Y Adverse impacts are due to widespread poor visibility.

M oderate – yellow Routes difficult to navigate.

Travel delays and disruptions due to route closures, collisions, and gridlock.

High – orange Travel dangerous to impossible.

Increased risk of disorientation or becoming lost over short distances.

Vehicle and passengers stranded.

Major delays for emergency response.

Extrem e – red Travel extremely dangerous and/or impossible.

Prolonged, widespread travel disruption.

Vehicles and passengers stranded for long periods.

Significant impact on delivery of essential goods and services.

High risk for mass casualty incidents affecting emergency responders and hospitals.

FLAK ES OF W HITE

Once again motorists had to deal with thick fog early in the evening of Friday, Feb. 13, which left behind a blaze of winter white on various types of trees, bushes, fences and power lines. Rolling fog, which typically refers to advection fog, a weather phenomenon is formed when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface (water or land), causing it to condense into a thick, moving bank of fog, which creates whiteout conditions, making driving dangerous.

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Additional examples can be found on Environment Canada’s website. Keep in mind that every type of weather alert – Warnings, Advisories, Watches – now has a colour when it’s issued.

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•Orange alerts are the most common. They are issued when hazardous weather may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts.

Impacts can be major, widespread, and/or may last a few days.

•Red alerts are rare. They are issued when very dangerous and possibly lifethreatening weather will cause extreme damage and disruption. Impacts have the potential to be extensive, widespread, and prolonged.

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Friday, February 20, 2026

3

WATCHING THE SKIES An a n cien tAstrologica l guide from the sta rs, the Lun a r N ew Y ea r is here, usherin g in the Y ea r of the F ire H orse

D O N ALD BERGER So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Across much of the world – and in many households right here in the Westman region – late winter marks not an ending, but a reset.

The Lunar New Year is a cultural event that brings together the jubilation of the many celebrations that Western calendars usually separate: New Year’s, Christmas, Thanksgiving, family reunions, shared meals, remembrance and reflection – all rolled into one festivity – following the cycles of the moon rather than the Gregorian calendar, which is why its date shifts each year.

This Lunar New Year began on Feb. 17, 2026, later than usual, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse under the customary East Asian zodiac. The Fire Horse is associated with motion, independence, stamina, and momentum. It is understood to bring an energy that favours action over waiting and connection over isolation – with a reminder familiar to anyone who works the land: fire is useful and warming, but unmanaged fire burns.

Traditional wisdom cautions against overextension for the year ahead – taking on too much, moving too fast, or letting emotion outrun judgment. Across cultures, the advice is the same: move forward, but pace matters. Don’t let go of the reins.

Burnout is the inevitable result of an untended fire.

SAM E M O O N , DIF F E R E N T ACCE N T S Lunar New Year is often spoken of as a single event, but it is better understood as a shared calendar expressed through different cultures, both in their homelands and wherever communities have settled.

In Vietnamese households, Tê’t follows a steady rhythm: deep cleaning before the holiday, ancestral remembrance, carefully chosen first visits into the home, and foods that speak directly to endurance and continuity.

In Chinese traditions, similar values appear through different symbols – red envelopes, reunion dinners, lanterns, and zodiac animals – all circling the same idea: renewal with intention and alignment with family, food, and the year ahead. Food during Lunar New Year is never decoration. It is message.

In Asian zodiac terms, I’m a Rat – restless, planning, always scanning ahead. My wife Thuy is a Pig

– patient, grounded, and quietly resilient. “Rat” and “Pig” have become our terms of endearment. The pairing works because one moves and the other steadies.

You don’t need to belong to a culture to be respectful of it. Many Lunar New Year customs echo practical wisdom that translates easily across communities. Homes are cleaned before the New Year begins – a symbolic clearing out of last year’s weight. Haircuts are done early, not after the holiday starts. New clothes are worn.

Red is favoured not as fashion, but as a symbol of vitality and protection. First visits matter, because beginnings set the tone. None of this requires belief to appreciate – just care.

T H E F IR E H O R SE Y E AR AH E AD Astrologically – and this is guidance, not destiny – Fire Horse years occur once every 60 years and are associated with speed, visibility, and momentum. Across my experience in Chinese, Hong Kong, and Vietnamese interpretations, one theme repeats: movement. Fire Horse years reward initiative, adaptability, and decisive action. They are often favourable for change, innovation, and long-delayed plans.

That balance feels especially familiar in agricultural communities. You don’t wait for perfect conditions – but you also don’t run headlong into weather you haven’t read.

The Horse carries unusual resonance on the Prairies. Across zodiac traditions, the Horse represents labour, endurance, independence, and partnership. On local farms and ranches, horses are not decoration; they are workmates, heritage, a source of living pride and trust. Momentum matters – but so does a steady hand.

The Fire element adds intensity: ambition, energy, and visibility. In plain terms, 2026 is expected to re-

ward those who prepare well and act deliberately, while punishing rashness.

Long before printed calendars, people tracked time by watching the moon. Lunar calendars were used by Indigenous peoples, farmers, sailors, and travellers because the moon offered something universal: a visible, reliable cycle. Planting, harvesting, hunting, fishing, tides, and migration were all tied to its phases.

M E E T T H E L U N AR N E W Y E AR AN IM AL S The Lunar New Year zodiac is a bit like a storybook cast of characters. Each animal reflects a style of personality – how people tend to move through the world, solve problems, and connect with others. No one is “just one animal”, of course, but it’s fun to see what fits.

Rat: Born 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020 – Rats are clever thinkers and strong problemsolvers. They notice patterns others miss and usually have a plan tucked away. In a busy Fire Horse year, Rats do best by staying curious and flexible – like surfing a wave instead of trying to stop it.

Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021 – Oxen are steady, reliable, and strong – the kind of people others count on. When the year feels rushed, Oxen shine by sticking with what works and moving forward one solid step at a time.

Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 – Tigers are brave, expressive, and full of energy.

They often jump in first and figure things out as they go.

In a Fire Horse year, Tigers do best when they remember that listening can be just as powerful as leading.

Rabbit/Cat: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023 – Rabbits and Cats are gentle, thoughtful, and good at making people feel comfortable. During a fastmoving year, Rabbits thrive by trusting their instincts and remembering that quiet

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strength counts too.

Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 – Dragons are imaginative, confident, and full of big ideas. They like to dream – and to do. The Fire Horse year suits Dragons well, especially when they remember teamwork makes big dreams stronger.

Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025 – Snakes are observant, thoughtful, and quietly wise.

They tend to think things through before acting. In a lively year, Snakes do well by trusting their timing – moving when it feels right, not rushed.

Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026 – Horses are friendly, energetic, and love connection. They’re natural communicators. In their own year – especially a Fire Horse year – Horses shine brightest when they pace

themselves and don’t gallop everywhere at once.

Goat/Sheep: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 – Goats are gentle, creative, and cooperative. They value harmony and shared success. This year rewards Goats who stay grounded and trust their quiet influence.

Monkey: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 – Monkeys are playful, curious, and quick-witted.

They love learning and laughing. In a Fire Horse year, Monkeys do best by sharing ideas generously – and letting others have the spotlight too.

Rooster: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 – Roosters are organized, confident, and like things done properly. A busy year suits Roosters best when they remember that rest is part of success.

Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958,

1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 – Dogs are loyal, honest, and protective. They care deeply about fairness. In a year with ups and downs, Dogs shine by trusting their instincts and staying connected.

Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019 – Pigs are warm-hearted, generous, and steady. They handle pressure better than most. The Fire Horse year rewards Pigs who stay focused and avoid unnecessary drama.

A F R IE N DL Y R E M IN DE R The Lunar New Year zodiac isn’t about destiny. It’s about story, reflection, and connection – a way to laugh, talk, and maybe see yourself (or your kids, family or neighbours) in a new light.

And if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to celebrate together.

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4

OPINION

Friday, February 20, 2026

Le tte rs to the e d ito r:

sm pnew s@ m ym ts.net

T h e ligh ter side of life a n im p orta nt m a tter Research shows humor to be an indispensable trait for effective leadership, not only as a de-stressor in challenging times but also as a promoter of workplace morale.

Even being a parent is less bumpy when humor joins the ride. Mothers with cheery dispositions are able to move through the flow of family chaos in a stable manner, thus contributing to the development of a secure attachment in their children. Marriages are shown to be stronger when partners can appreciate the lighter side of life.

Ways to help yourself see the “lighter side of life… 1).

Laugh at yourself. Share your embarrassing moments. 2).

Attempt to laugh at situations rather than bemoan them. 3). Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up.

4). Keep things in perspective. 5). Deal with your

Darrell

Nesbitt AR OUN D T OW N stress. 6). Pay attention to children and emulate them.

Far too often I take the serious versus the lighter side.

I can make a mountain out of a mole hill in a split second, but in reality it gets one nowhere.

However, these humorous short notes, did bring a smile. I hope they help you too…

Trucker S logan A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, “I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights, and a pair of running boards.”

The brand new waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, “This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights, and a pair of running boards!

What does he think this place is, an auto parts store?”

“No,” the cook said.

“Three flat tires mean three pancakes; a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up; and a pair of running boards are two slices of crisp bacon!”

“Oh, okay!” said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer.

The trucker asked, “What

are the beans for, ma’am?”

She replied, “I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights, and running boards, you might as well gas up!”

C aptain S peaking A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After reaching a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. Welcome to flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles.

The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax.

Oh, my gosh!” Silence followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you ear-

lier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant brought me a cup of very hot coffee, which ended up spilling on my lap. You should see the front of my pants!

A passenger in coach yelled, “That’s nothing. You should see the back of mine!”

C hildren versus C ash A tired homemaker opened the front door of her home to find a young minister from the neighbourhood who said, “I’m collecting donations for the new children’s home we’re building, I hope you’ll give what you can.

“To be sure,” said the beleaguered woman, “I’ll give you two boys, two girls, or one of each.”

K ing ofthe Jungle A hungry lion was roaming through the jungle looking for something to eat. He

came across two men: One was sitting under a tree reading a book; the other was typing away on his typewriter.

The lion quickly pounced on the man reading the book and devoured him. Even the King of the Jungle knows readers digest and writers cramp.

D o the M ath A mathematician wanders back home at 3 a.m. and proceeds to get an earful from his wife.

“You’re late!” she yells.

“You said you’d be home by 11:45!”

“Actually,” the mathematician replies coolly, “I said I’d be home by a quarter of 12.”

Until next week… When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato? When it’s a French fry!

R e d ta p e s te a ls a m o n th o f M a n ito b a do cto rs ’ tim e e ve r y ye a r Eliminating the 20 million hours of unnecessary paperwork and administrative tasks doctors face annually would free up the equivalent of 9,000 full time physicians, according to Losing doctors to desk work: Canadian physicians lose 20 million hours each year to red tape report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). The findings are released today as part of CFIB’s 17th annual Red Tape Awareness WeekTM. For individual doctors, this means reclaiming up to 199 hours a year, more than a full month of working time. In Manitoba alone, eliminating unnecessary paperwork and tasks could free up the equivalent of 326 doctors.

Manitoba has already made impressive early progress on this front through its Joint Task Force, eliminating over 75,000 hours of unnecessary physician paperwork according to a 2024 progress update. That work is making a difference, but this new report shows there’s much more to do to ensure doctors can focus on care, not red tape.

Manitoba physicians spend 9.7 hours per week on administrative tasks, above the national average of 9.1 hours per week. However, this is an improvement from 10.1 hours per week estimated in a 2023 survey from Doctors Manitoba, suggesting that targeted initiatives can yield meaningful results.

Op inion “Health care challenges, such as long wait times, emergency department closures, and staffing shortages, affect everyone, including family doctors that own practices. Doctors are spending too much time on work that could be eliminated entirely or done by someone else. Cutting red tape isn’t optional anymore, it’s a critical solution we can’t afford to ignore,” said Brianna Solberg, CFIB Director, Legislative Affairs.

“This is the moment to act. Reducing the crushing administrative burden and modernizing health systems will free doctors to do what they do best – deliver care.

Every step we take now means faster access to care for Canadians and stronger support for the communities that need it most,” said Dr. Margot Burnell, CMA president.

Most physicians (85 percent) said unnecessary work stems mainly from healthsystem processes, insurance companies (76 percent), government forms (59 percent), pharmacies (58 percent), and electronic record systems (51 percent). The most demanding tasks include insurance paperwork, referrals and test requisitions, and electronic documentation. The Disability Tax Credit, private insurance forms, and Canada Pension Plan Disability are among the most timeconsuming forms.

The impact goes beyond lost time. Almost all (93 per-

cent) of doctors say it disrupts work-life balance, 95 percent feel less fulfilled professionally, while 90 percent link it to burnout. More than half plan to cut their hours because of administrative burden, and 25 percent are even considering early retirement.

“Excessive paperwork and unnecessary administrative tasks continue to impact care by pulling doctors away from seeing more patients,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba. “This new report shows a modest improvement in physician administrative burden in Manitoba, reflecting some early and easy fixes to reduce our paperwork. However, the report also confirms Manitoba’s doctors still spend more time on these tasks than in most provinces, underscoring the need for more substantial and systemic changes to make a real difference for doctors and their patients.”

If the administrative burden on physicians was re-

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duced: –Most doctors (79 percent) would reinvest the freed-up time to improve their worklife balance –44 percent would spend more time with existing patients, and 43 percent would take on new ones –A strong majority (72 percent) support eliminating some administrative tasks and better system integration, particularly through the interoperability of patient care records (71 percent) –Other top recommenda-

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tions include simplifying insurer processes, delegating duties to other health professionals, and providing protected, paid administrative time.

–Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another potential solution to save time and free up resources, with 28 percent of physicians currently using at least one AI scribe tool and another 42 percent expressing interest.

The Manitoba government has indicated it will introduce new legislation this spring to limit the use of

sick notes in the province.

As changes are considered, CFIB supports a practical, collaborative approach that reduces unnecessary administrative burden on physicians while preserving the accountability tools employers rely on. Solutions such as employee self-attestation forms and standardized documentation that are developed in consultation with physicians, employers, insurers and government can help modernize processes without creating new challenges for small businesses.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

5

EMOTION IN INK

Ba llp oin tp en a rtistJa cq uelin e M ycha siw of M in n edosa is fin din g p ow er in even the sm a llestof deta ils D O N ALD BERGER

way.’ It’s something I’ve wanted to learn ever since.”

As she begins to consider making prints of her work, defining success remains a careful balancing act.

“Obviously, making money doing something you enjoy and are good at is the end goal,” she says. “But I’ve

So uth M o unta in Pre ss

At first glance, the drawings look almost photographic – a sleeping dog stretched across a couch, a child at a birthday table, a quiet moment caught midexpression. But a closer look reveals something more deliberate: every shadow, texture, and contour rendered entirely in ballpoint pen.

Jacqueline Mychasiw is a portrait artist working in a medium more often associated with notebooks than fine art. Yet the Minnedosa woman’s work demonstrates a level of control and patience that transforms an everyday pen into a tool for emotional storytelling.

“What tends to draw me to a subject is an emotion,” Mychasiw says. “When I look at a picture and I can feel something – happiness, sadness, or anything in between – it intrigues me.”

The subjects she has shared publicly so far are deeply personal: family photographs and animals that have left a mark on her life.

Because she has lived through these moments, the emotional memory becomes part of the drawing process itself.

“When I’m done drawing it, if I don’t feel those same

Minnedosa – where landscape, wildlife, and family life naturally lend themselves to visual storytelling – Mychasiw’s work feels quietly at home. It asks the viewer to slow down, look closer, and sit with what they’re feeling.

Sometimes, that’s more than enough.

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ArtistJacqueline M ychasiw ofM innedosa emotions as when I look at the photograph, I haven’t got it right,” she explains. “Generally it’s a matter of a few very small details that will bring in that emotion or likeness.”

That attention to detail – and the restraint required to build tone with nothing more than layered ink – is central to her practice. Each portrait can take 20 to 30 hours to complete, often spread over days or weeks.

“It’s not really something I can sit down and do from start to finish,” she says. “I have to be in the right mood for it. I’ll work a couple of hours a day and try not to push it unless I have time restraints.”

Mychasiw sees her work remaining largely in portraiture, where she feels emotion carries more weight than spectacle.

“I enjoy trying to convey feelings as opposed to just a drawn object,” she says.

“That’s where commissions are very rewarding – seeing that I’ve been able to do that for someone besides myself.”

The choice of ballpoint pen traces back to a moment in high school, when an art teacher showed her a portrait rendered entirely in ink.

“She said, ‘When you really learn, you can do amazing things like this,’” Mychasiw recalls. “I remember thinking, ‘That’s pen? No

P rovince la unch es grocery study The Manitoba government is launching a provincial grocery study to identify new ways to reduce food costs and improve affordability for Manitobans, Premier Wab Kinew and Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.

“Manitobans are feeling the cost of groceries every week,” said Kinew. “As a government, we have a responsibility to make sure life is affordable for families.

This study is about going after the practices that are driving up prices and making sure grocery prices work for people, not against them.”

As part of the study, the Manitoba government will examine predatory or differential pricing practices, including cases where companies use consumer data or purchasing patterns to raise prices. These practices can result in some consumers paying more than others for the same groceries.

Consumers often cannot see or understand these pricing practices at the check-

always struggled putting a price to it.” Instead, she measures success by impact.

“When I can make people cry, smile, or simply be wordless with my skill – that is success,” she says. “That’s what I believe this skill is intended for.”

In a community like

out, the premier noted, and this study will assess how pricing practices affect affordability in Manitoba and identify options to improve transparency, fairness and consumer protection.

“As finance minister, my job is to focus on two budgets, the province’s budget and your household budget,” said Sala. “This work will help identify real, workable steps to bring grocery costs down and make life more affordable for Manitobans.”

Governments across Canada have taken steps to address grocery affordability, Manitoba is taking a leadership role by launching one of the first comprehensive, province-led studies focused on understanding grocery pricing practices and identifying concrete actions to lower costs for consumers.

“It’s great to see Manitoba leading the way on ensuring a more free and fair market for its citizens,” said Vass Bednar, managing director, Canadian Shield Institute and co-author of The Big Fix. “This study comes

at a critical time, as these kinds of exploitative pricing tactics risk the fundamentals of a free market. The focus needs to be on ensuring a competitive market, grounded in privacy legislation that doesn’t allow anyone to use citizen’s data to exploit them.”

The grocery study delivers on a commitment made in the 2025 throne speech, the minister noted, and will take a comprehensive look at food prices and affordability provincewide, including access, availability, market concentration and pricing practices that contribute to higher grocery costs.

The study will build on recent Manitoba government measures, including freezing the price of a one-litre jug of milk through 2026, reducing restrictive covenants in the grocery sector to increase competition, expanding the universal school nutrition program to ensure children have access to food at school and doubling the prenatal benefit to help expectant parents manage food costs.

6

Friday, February 20, 2026

SPORTS

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W innip eg W ild d um p Chiefs U18 Cody Farrell scored a pair of goals, including the shorthanded game winner, as the Winnipeg Wild dumped the Yellowhead Chiefs 7-2 in a Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League game in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Feb. 15.

With the loss the ninth place Chiefs fell to 18-27-1.

Anthony Bedard, Mark Munday, Jack Ross, Max George and Jaxon Dean added singles for the visitors, who are four points back of the league-leading Winnpeg Bruins.

Nolan Kozak and Grady McNish tallied for the Chiefs.

Ardan Downey stopped 25 shots to earn the win in goal.

Sawyer Wallin made 43 saves in the Yellowhead net.

NOTES – The Chiefs will close out the 2025-26 season with a home and home series against the third place Brandon Wheat Kings. Yellowhead will travel to Brandon on Friday, Feb. 20 and then host Brandon on Sunday, Feb. 22.

C hiefs’forward C arter W hite ofVirden battles to chip the puck through a pair ofW innipeg W ild defenders during action in S hoalLake on S unday,Feb.15 PHOTO BY D ARRELL N ESBITT/ SOUTH M OUN TAIN PRESS

U15 Chiefs p lay to three straight ties The Yellowhead Chiefs earned three points after playing to three ties in Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League action over the past week.

The results left the Chiefs a point back of the fourth place Southwest Cougars in the league standings.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 3 CH IE F S 3 The Hawks scored two third period goals to earn a 3-

U15 3 tie with the Chiefs in game two of the series on Sunday, Feb. 15.

After a scoreless first period the Chiefs took a 3-1 lead on goals off the sticks of Collin Beatty, Sawyer Lepp and Asher Rothnie.

Jayden Veeder, Grady

Harms and Nathan Jorgenson replied for the Hawks.

Darby Wilson stopped 48 shots in the Yellowhead net, while Ethan Radke made 25 saves for Pembina Valley.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 2 CH IE F S 2 The Chiefs and Hawks played to a 2-2 tie on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The visitors took a 1-0 first period lead but goals from Sawyer Lepp and Wade

Kulbacki had the Chiefs up 21 heading into the third.

Evan Vigier scored his second goal of the game with 4:42 remaining to pull Pembina Valley even.

Korey Stevenson finished with 46 saves in goal for the Chiefs. Ethan Radke and Kael Friesen combined to make 32 stops for the Hawks.

SO U T H W E ST 4 CH IE F S 4 The Chiefs took a 4-3 lead

into the third period but couldn’t hold on and settled for a 4-4 tie with the Southwest Cougars in Shoal Lake on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Wyatt Cochrane and Travis Lamb each scored twice for the Chiefs, who led 3-2 after 40 minutes.

Skyler Deacon with a pair, Terrick Fry and Carson Swaenepoel replied for the Cougars.

Darby Wilson turned

aside 38 shots inbetween the pipes for Yellowhead, while Hudson Reimer finished with 40 saves for the visiting Cougars.

NOTES – The Chiefs will close out their regular season schedule at home in Shoal Lake with games against the visiting Southwest Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 21, followed by the Winnipeg Thrashers Blue on Sunday, Feb. 22.

U15 F em a le Ch iefs drop OT U18 fem a les fa ll to Ice decision to Centra l P la ins The Yellowhead Chiefs dropped a 4-3 overtime decision to the Central Plains Capitals in a Manitoba Female U15 Hockey League game in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The single point earned means the Chiefs will finish the regular season in fifth place as they now cannot catch the fourth place Brandon Wheat Kings.

Alexis Duncan and Scotia Smith gave the Chiefs a 2-0 first period lead but Hailey

U15 Terrick scored twice for the Capitals in the second to tie the score.

Kinley Legault gave the Caps their first lead of the game early in the third but less than a minute later Duncan scored her 15th goal of the season to force overtime. Lexi Philippe scored shorthanded

at 2:17 of the extra period to give the visitors the win.

Calleigh Duchart made 23 saves to record the win in goal for Central Plains. Pyper Rapley stopped 33 shots in the Yellowhead net.

NOTES – The Chiefs will close out the regular season with a pair of games against the league-leading Eastman Selects. Yellowhead will host Eastman on Friday, Feb. 20 and then travel to Ste. Agathe for game two on Sunday, Feb. 22.

The Winnipeg Ice got goals from six different skaters in a 6-1 win over the Yellowhead Chiefs in the final regular season Manitoba Female U18 Hockey League game for both teams in Winnipeg on Friday, Feb. 13.

The Ice clinched the regular season title with a record of 25-2-1, while the Chiefs finished in fifth place with a record of 11-11-5.

Talia Jones, Callie Adams, Aliyah Teixeira, Halle Chabluk, Cassie Carvalho

U18

and Maren Temple scored for the hosts.

Erica Miko replied for the Chiefs, who trailed 2-0 and 5-1 at the intermissions.

Isla Matthews earned the win in goal making 30 saves. Gracie Johnston blocked 39 shots in the Yellowhead net.

NOTES – Haley Chipel-

ski (9-10-19) won the team scoring championship by one point over Presley Hodson (9-9-18)… The Chiefs will face the fourth place Winnipeg Avros in a best of five quarter final series.

Game two will be played in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 4:30 p.m. and game three will be at the Seven Oaks Arena in Winnipeg on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 6:00 p.m. Game four (if necessary) will be in Shoal Lake on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8:00 p.m.

South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

7

R CM P seizes drone drop p ed drugs a t ja il On Feb. 8, Stonewall RCMP were notified by the Stony Mountain Institution that a drone had just dropped off a package suspected to be drugs. Stonewall RCMP were nearby and observed a vehicle turning west on Road 72N from Highway 7 in the Rural Municipality of Rockwood.

The vehicle was immediately pulled over. Officers approached the vehicle and observed a black hard case labeled with the name of a drone manufacturer. The two occupants of the vehicle were arrested, and a drone was

RCMP Briefs Provincial Roundup found at the feet of the male passenger. The drone had a large package attached to it that could be released when

triggered. The package contained balloons filled with drugs with an estimated institutional value of $600,000. Officers seized approximately: 355 grams of methamphetamine, 63 grams of cocaine, 60 grams of tobacco, and 59 grams of cannabis concentrate (« shatter »).

The driver of the vehicle, a 34-year-old female from Winnipeg, was released without any charges. The passenger, a 28-year-old male from Calgary, has been remanded in custody and charged with: Possession for the purpose of

trafficking x2. Stonewall RCMP continue to investigate.

On Feb. 4, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a robbery at a business in the 200-block of Main Street in Selkirk. An individual entered the business demanding money and cigarettes from the attendant. The person fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes towards Pacific Avenue. On Feb. 7, Selkirk RCMP responded to another robbery at the same business where

the individual again demanded money and cigarettes. The person fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money towards Pacific Avenue. On the same day, Selkirk RCMP responded to a third robbery, this time at another business in the 300block of Main Street. The individual demanded cash from the employee and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money. Investigators believe a single suspect may be responsible for all three robberies. The suspect is described as approximately 6

feet tall, with brown eyes and a slim build. The suspect was wearing a black face mask, black jacket, and black and white shoes. If you have any information on the identity of this suspect or any of these robberies, please call Selkirk RCMP at 204-482-1222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www. manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Selkirk RCMP, with the assistance of the Manitoba East District General Investigation Section, continue to investigate.

Actio n co n tin u e s a cro s s W e s tm a n H igh Scho o l H o cke y L e a gu e The Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies won a pair of games last week and are now tied for eighth place in the Westman High School Hockey League standings.

The Major Pratt Trojans hold down sixth place after going 2-1 in the three games they played.

The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors, who are in 11th place, split their two games.

The Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn Falcons lost all four of the games they played.

M ajor Pratt 7 RM S H 6 (O T) Jakob Asselstine, Domi-

HIGH SCHOOL nyk Shuya, Carter Moncrief, Brody Cook, Jordan Gambler, Nathan Miller, Yammi Shingoose Reston-Melita-SourisHartney – Chase Flannery, Owen Gray, Glen De Guia, Tyler Drummond, Parker Elliott, Grayson Bennett HRES 6 BS R 2 Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Harlen Bridges (3), Jayden Schoonbaert, Duncan McLean, Aaron Roels

Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Malcolm McArthur, Kyler Bray GC B 7 M ajor Pratt 1 Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur – Austin Dubyts (3), Tucker Forbes, Easton Shearer, Max Janz, Rylan Sedor Major Pratt – Brody Cook HRES 4 BS R 0 Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Carter Rozdeba, Sam Rivas, Aaron Roels, Jayden Schoonbaert BD W P 8 M ajor Pratt 6 Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Gavin Wickam (4), Jake Maxwell (2), Mackenzie Cuveilier,

Sp o rty’s O rigin a ls ’ H a n s o n n a m e d T o p M a le Pla ye r fo r 2025 Chris Hanson of Sporty’s Originals Fastball Club has been selected to receive the Edgar Stevenson Memorial Award as Top Male Player for 2025 at the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame and Museum’s Induction Banquet on May 2.

In the Westman Border Twilight Fastball League’s six game schedule, Hanson was 4-1 on the mound, and 9 for 18 at the plate, with seven RBIs, en route to being named the league’s Most Outstanding Player for 2025.

Part of the leadership team on the Originals, and on the field, one of the two start-

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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

Kyan Vandenberghe Major Pratt – Dominyk Shuya (2), Yammi Shingoose (2), Carter Moncrief, Kane Reagh N eepawa 5 M E 4 Neepawa – Luke Nicholson (2), Kellen Hockin, Carter Cruickshanks, Ian Foster Minnedosa-Erickson – Brody Marnock (2), Myles Beatty, Aiden McGorman M E 8 BD W P 6

Minnedosa-Erickson – Aiden McGorman (3), Myles Beatty (2), Brody Marnock (2), Ethan Boyd Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Sylas Sicinski (2), Jerron Wells (2), Russel Harper, Gavin Wickham M ajor Pratt 8 BS R 2 Major Pratt – Brody Cook (3), Luke Halwas (2), Jordan Gambler, Jorey Reichmuth,

Comrey Fouillard Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Reid Luhowy, Grady Lee N eepawa 12 BS R 2 Neepawa – Luke Nicholson (3), Ian Foster (3), Kane Lapointe (2), Brock Pasloski, Carter Cruickshanks, Kellen Hockin, Chase Pasloski Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Reid Luhowy, Rain Gies

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

Educa tion funding increa se doesn’t keep up w ith rising costs

Greg

Nesbitt UN D ER T H E D OM E every child receives a quality education.

The challenges facing local families do not stop at education. Constituents in my riding have been contacting my office with urgent concerns about health care failures across the region.

Many residents report difficulties accessing care, and there are widespread frustrations over the NDP’s backtracking on agency nurse supports, leaving hospitals short-staffed. Alarmingly, recent news stories have highlighted increased deaths in Manitoba hospitals, underscoring the human cost of underfunded health care services.

Families in Riding Mountain Constituency are juggling multiple pressures, from school funding that may not keep pace with rising costs to healthcare services that are stretched thin.

These experiences reflect a broader need for practical solutions that support communities without placing an undue burden on families.

Riding Mountain residents deserve assurance that essential services, from quality education to reliable healthcare, are available when needed. Manitobans are paying close attention and are looking for governments to follow through on their commitments with tangible support for families.

They want solutions that make a real difference in daily life, rather than leaving families to manage growing pressures on their own.

Greg Nesbitt is the Member of Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain Constituency. He can be reached at 204-759-3313, toll-free: 1-844-8777767 or by email at: gregnesbittmla@mymts.net.

When contacting our office, please include your name, address and a daytime phone number.

BOOT HILL

DAR R E L L N E SBIT T / SO U T H M O U N T AIN PR E SS

The name “Boot Hill” was used in several western towns for graveyards where men who died violently were said to have been “buried with their boots on.” The term fits the picture of boots gracing fence posts on a stretch of a barbed wire fence off Highway 10 in the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson, however it’s unknown why the boots were added. From cemeteries to a wedding and event venue, nestled in the picturesque countryside east of Brandon, the name has stood the test of time.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Manitoba families in the Riding Mountain Constituency may start feeling the impact of the NDP’s recent school funding announcement. Last week, the NDP highlighted a 3.5 percent increase in school funding.

While this shows some investment in education, a closer look suggests that the increase may not fully keep pace with the costs schools are facing.

For the 2026–27 school year, Manitoba’s school operating funding is set to increase by just $51 million, down from $53.1 million in 2025–26. At the same time, inflation in the province sits at 3.7 percent, meaning the funding increase of 2.9 percent is actually a cut in real terms. Schools in Riding Mountain Constituency are already feeling the pinch, and these figures indicate the pressure is only going to grow.

For example, Rolling River received a 1.2% increase, Park West 1.0%, and Fort La Bosse 1.5%. When these modest increases are considered alongside inflation and rising salary costs, school boards may face difficult choices in balancing their budgets. Many experts are warning that Manitoba families should brace for another round of significant school tax increases if the NDP continues down this path.

School nutrition programs and critical support for students, are also under strain. Funding remains frozen at $30 million, despite food prices rising nearly 6 percent across Manitoba.

This means fewer resources for students who rely on school meals and even greater financial pressure on schools already struggling to meet operating costs.

The timing of these shortfalls could not be worse.

School divisions are grappling with major new costs from teacher salary harmonization. Salaries and benefits are rising faster than provincial funding, leaving school boards with difficult choices: either reduce programs or pass the costs onto families through higher school property taxes.

Families deserve strong public schools without being forced to shoulder higher taxes. Properly funding schools to reflect real costs, rather than shifting the burden onto property owners, is the only sustainable way to support students and communities. Manitobans deserve funding that is fair, transparent and keeps taxes manageable while ensuring

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

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Hanbidge GAR D EN IN G weekly with a high phosphorus fertilizer to keep them blooming.

Watch them closely as they tend to get spider mites very easily.

One other popular plant at this time of year is the azalea. They are beautiful plants and tend to bloom for long periods of time. They prefer bright light but a cool location with temperatures around 60 F (15 C) being just about perfect. Water azaleas thoroughly whenever the service of the media feels dry.

When they have finished blooming they are usually discarded.

Pots of spring flowering bulbs, primroses and other spring plants are plentiful at this time of year. These are cheery little pots bringing sunshine into our homes when the nights are still quite long. A bonus with primroses is once we truly get spring these can be planted out in the garden in a partial shade area. Ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter!

Remember that our homes are not really welcoming to plants that would normally live in areas with brighter light and higher humidity.

Our plants in our houses are stressed during our long winter months so ensure you are giving them the care they deserve for brightening up our lives!

Hope your February is going well and your heart is full with all of what gives us joy during our winter!

Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture.

Find us at www.orchidhort.com; email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.

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Valentine’s Day is a celebration full of interesting history and customs. From its pagan roots to its Christianization and modern-day celebrations, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a day dedicated to expressing love and affection to those we care about.

The language of flowers, or floriography, adds an extra layer of meaning and beauty to this special day. Next time you give or receive flowers on Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and symbolism behind this timeless tradition.

During Victorian times, flowers were given special meanings and small bouquets would be given to sweethearts to demonstrate love.

The rose has been forever a symbol of love, beauty and peace and evidence of cultivation of roses dates back to over 5,000 years ago. Over Valentines over 250 million roses will be harvested and bring in over two billion dollars in sales!

If you received cut flowers from your valentine, then here are a few tips to prolong their life and beauty. Begin with a clean vase. If your container was previously used, then wash it with hot, soapy water to remove any debris and destroy bacteria and fungi that might shorten the life of your cut flowers.

Cut off the bottom half inch of your flowers to aid in water uptake. Ensure all foliage is removed beneath the water line. When your flowers begin to wilt, just give them a quick recut to ensure the stems are able to take water up to the blooms and rewash and refill the vase with clean water as well as more of the floral preservative if you have some.

Those who received or purchased a potted plant usually can enjoy these for a longer period of time. Miniature roses are a popular choice as a planted gift for this special day. They need bright light so place them in a south or west facing window. Miniature roses need a consistent moisture supply so ensure you water them when the surface of the media is dry to the touch. Fertilize

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

W h a t’s up p ing younger a dults’ h ea lth risks Dr.

Roizen H EALT H Y LIVIN G in five heart attacks in folks age 40 or younger. Once again, diets loaded with UPFs, obesity and inactivity are major causes.

To protect or restore gut and heart health, I recommend a Mediterranean-style diet. Also, ask your doc which supplements can help you overcome deficiencies and what exercise you can do to strengthen your immune system and heart. Find tasty recipes in my “What to Eat When Cookbook” and for more insights, check out “You know what’s been driving me crazy for 40 years?” from my free newsletter at michaelfroizenmd.substack.co m.

Q: My doctor says I must change my sleep pattern and head to bed earlier in order to take pressure off my heart health. I tend to go to sleep between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

How do I change that? – Susan R., Gainesville, FL A: Some folks seem to be natural night owls, others are early birds and some float in between. That can be a result

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of work schedules, lifestyle habits, emotional states or internal mechanisms. What we do know is that a new study that evaluated 300,000 people’s relationship between sleep schedule and cardiovascular risks found that latenighters are taking big chances with their health and longevity.

About 24,000 folks in the study said they were definitely evening people; around 72,000 were morning folks; and the rest said they fell somewhere in between the two. Compared to the “inbetweens,” night owls had a

79% higher prevalence of poor cardiovascular health and a 16% greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke over the next 14 or so years. Women’s heart health was more severely affected by having a late-night schedule – and late-nighters in general were more likely to be smokers, get too little sleep and be overweight with elevated LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

The good news is that cardio risks associated with staying up late frequently come from those modifiable lifestyle choices. That means

that you can protect your heart by heading to bed earlier (make it 15 minutes earlier nightly for two weeks; repeat until you are hitting the hay by around 9 to 11 o’clock) – and by stopping smoking, achieving a healthy weight (ask your doc about taking GLP-1s) and lowering your blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood glucose (through diet, exercise, statins).

To get started, focus on the rewards you’ll gain – a longer, healthier, happier lifespan! And for more help reclaiming a healthy cardio-

vascular system, check out my books, “What to Eat When” and “The Great Age Reboot.”

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: My best friend was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 48, and I’m recovering from a mild heart attack at age 45. What the heck is going on? We’re too young for this. – Gary W., Portland, ME A: Our understanding of who gets what and when is ever-changing, in part because we have a greater knowledge of the causes of many chronic conditions. But at the same time, the assault on Americans’ health from a tsunami of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), filled with additives and stripped of nutrition, is causing an uptick in the risk for many other diseases.

Colon cancer, for example, is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in folks age 50 and younger. And a new study published in Advanced Science shows that an epidemic of chronic inflammation (those UPFs again) is reshaping folks’ colons, making it stiffer, and increasing vulnerability to early-onset colorectal cancer.

Since the health of the gut and the immune system are intertwined, you have to ask yourself about the negative effect that diets loaded with UPFs (and the related uptick in obesity and sedentary behavior) have on colon cancer risk. Psst! I hope this encourages you to avoid fried, sugary, additive-loaded foods.

The same questions come up when we think about cardiovascular-related deaths – still the leading cause of mortality in America. In 2023, heart disease and stroke accounted for around 25% of all deaths in the U.S., with one

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Russell – 209 Main St. N. – 204-773-2106 Shoal Lake – 426 Station Rd. – 204-759-2152 Brandon – 929 24th Street – 204-727-5577 AUDRA NYCHUK, CPA, CA • KYLE PAUL, CPA, CA TIFFANY BODNARIUK, CPA, CA • IAN MCMULLAN, CPA, CA • BRETT FORDYCE, CPA, CGA

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

Jody Hanlon Sales Representative

“Your Local Clear Lake Specialist”

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WEEKLY – CALL FOR RATES 204-759-2644 B

South Mountain Press

DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon

Friday, February 20, 2026

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

CO M IN G E VE N T S 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.

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 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.

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

Window Envelopes! #20-A, 8 5/ 8” x 3 3/4” security, 500, reg. $85.99, sale $42.99; #10 Double Window, 9 1/2 x 4 1/8, security, 500, reg. $85.99, sale $42.99; #9 Window, 8 7/8 x 3 7/8, not security, 500, reg. $49.99, sale $24.99.

Inquire at Nesbitt Publishing in Shoal Lake, 204-759-2644 ext. 1.

N O T ICE S Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness,

truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

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.

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.

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.

Invest in advertising. The cost of advertising is small when you think 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

L AN D F O R SAL E / F O R R E N T Wanted: Farmland to Rent in Erickson/Onanle area. Phone 204720-7267.

AR T ICL E S F O R SAL E Now booking classified ads for

G reg NES B ITT M LA for R id ing M ountain

INVEST in your success through

NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING !

Break down the benefits...

With our weekly readership of 4,000+ there are plenty of eyes viewing your ad!

204.759.3313

Toll Free 844.877.7767 gregnesbittmla@mymts.net #7 515 4th Avenue Burlington Place, Shoal Lake, MB

Are you reaching your target audience using social media?

Take a moment to think who you are trying to attract and question if social media is the best choice to reach your target.

300 YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS

The cost of this 1/4 page ad is $126 If you are holding an event and charging $10 admission it takes only 12 people to buy tickets to pay for this ad... and remember with those 4,000+ sets of eyes you are reaching potential attendees across the area from outside your own personal network.

4,000+ OUR READERSHIP

SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT INVESTMENT. Call us today about placing your ad today. Event packages available.

South Mountain

Press

204 759 2644 smpclassified@mymts.net smpdisplay@mymts.net

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South Mountain Press

Friday, February 20, 2026

N eep a w a students lea rn th e a rt of th e jig

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – The Neepawa Middle School was proud to welcome the Ivan Flett Memorial (IFM) Dancers of Winnipeg, experiencing a part of Red River Métis culture including three basic jigging steps. The IFM Dancers aim to attract youth through the rhythm and style of the hop-hop. The day concluded with a performance featuring traditional regalia and a hip-hop remix, leaving grade 5-8 students in awe.

Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – The flags on both sides of the town of Moosomin office tower were at half mast after the passing of former long-time mayor Larry Tomlinson. Tomlinson passed away on Jan. 26 at the age of 78. Tomlinson served for 11 years as mayor until 2024, and spent six years on Moosomin town council before that. During his years as mayor, he was known for his extensive work as a member of the Moosomin and District Health Care Foundation.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – Playing softball at university has been a dream of Alexa Banga of Virden since she started T-ball. Recently, the daughter of Darin and Nicky Banga committed

Paper Clips News from MB/SK weeklies to play softball and study at Vermont State University Castleton in New England. At the small campus she will pursue a career in physical therapy.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Cattle prices remain high, no matter the auction mart. At Gladstone on Jan. 27, a black bull weighing 2,230 pounds sold for $5,686 while a pair of big cows weighing 2,070 pounds brought $4,694 per head.

Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – The town of Arcola promoted by Coca Cola across Canada. Last year was the inaugural year for the program, which recognizes and rewards communities that stand out for their brightness and kindness. In 2025, the $50,000 prize went to Jarvis, ON. The second year contest winner was Peachland, BC, receiving $100,000.

Whitewood: Grasslands News – Jeremy Roenick, who was drafted eighth overall in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks truly respects the appreciation shared at celebrity din-

ners. Inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024, Roenick wlll share stories at the upcoming Yorkton Terriers Celebrity Sports Dinner.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – A real-life story posted by Val Caldwell of Kenton received more than 44K Facebook views. The real-life story shared reflects the threat of online predators. Caldwell who shared her “Bridging the Gap” presentation at the Hamiota Collegiate Feb. 5, travels and speaks widely on this topic, educating students and kids about Internet safety in an age when even small children can find their way into onto sites like SnapChat. In 2025, Caldwell travelled close to 14,000 kilometers and spoke to a total of 7,857 kids and 1,255 adults on the subject.

Dauphin: The Herald – Development in Dauphin got a $350,000 boost over a recent weekend, thanks to the Province’s From the Ground UP – Safe Healthy Communities for All Ages. The four community projects supported included Dauphin Recreation Services arena upgrades with $100,000, enhancement to the Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre and Museum to the tune of $100,000, youth programming

through Anishinaabe Agowidiiwinan Secretariat valued at $100,000, and career education programming for youth through Career, which received $50,000.

Mayor David Bosiak said, “These investments are a meaningful boost for our community and reflect the strength of our local partnerships.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – For a number of years Virden has been known as the rodeo capital of Manitoba, and based on the number of athletes competing in the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association (MHSRA) that honour should be uplifted for quite sometime.

Thirteen of the 106 MHSRA

members are enrolled in the Virden Collegiate Institute.

To compete in high school rodeo, students must maintain passing grades in at least 75 percent of their classes. Rodeo is a sport that encourages youth, as young as a grade five student (Junior Division) to become involved.

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MADE in MANITOBA

Helping local farmers Nearly $12 million in programs each year for southwest Manitoba

You par tnrer since 1938!

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Average payment to Manitoba farmers conserving habitat is $135,000.

Receive a payment per acre for restoring drained or altered wetlands.

CALL for DETAILS 204-285-9779 ag.ducks.ca

Funding for these programs is made possible Funding for these programs is through a partnership with the Conservation Trust. made possible through a partnership with the Conservation Trust