SMP - Jan. 30, 2026

South Mountain

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WINTER WONDER

Friday, JANUARY 30, 2026 Vo lum e 18 N um b e r14

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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 With not much more than their eyes peaking out of layered winter clothing, a family braved the extreme cold of Friday, Jan. 23 to enjoy the wonderment offered by the town-site of Wasagaming and Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP). RMNP, open year-round, is home to a staggering diversity of living things and winter is an excellent time to explore all that the park has to offer.

M innedosa h osts m edica l students The com m un ity w elcom ed future p hysicia n s for a ha n ds-on m edica l w orkshop through P ra irie M oun ta in H ea lth D O N ALD BERGER So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Minnedosa played host to a new generation of future rural physicians last weekend, welcoming medical students from across Manitoba as part of the Medical Student Rural Interest Group

(RIG) weekend.

Thirty first- and second-year medical students spent a full day in Minnedosa participating in hands-on clinical workshops designed to introduce them to the realities – and rewards – of practicing medicine in rural communities.

The Minnedosa sessions were part of a larger RIG weekend involving 75 students overall, split between Brandon and Minnedosa.

The workshop was organized through Prairie Mountain Health, in partnership with Health Careers Manitoba and the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady Col-

lege of Medicine. The goal of the RIG program is to give medical students early, practical exposure to rural health care settings, while building personal connections with communities they may one day serve.

In Minnedosa, students rotated through a series of skill-based sta-

tions led by local physicians and residents. Stations included casting, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), airway intubation, and suturing – all core skills in rural practice where versatility is essential.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, January 30, 2026

D r.N olan Brackenreed facilitates the casting station during the M edical S tudent Rural Interest Group w orkshop in M innedosa

Ba nq uet h eld SNOW PAVILION in Bra ndon to close w eekend BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

Beyond the clinical learning, the weekend also highlighted the social and cultural side of rural medicine.

A banquet held in Brandon featured live music by The Wetlands, a band fronted by Minnedosa physician Dr. Nolan Brackenreed, underscoring the close-knit, community-rooted lifestyle often cited as a strength of rural practice.

from p age 1

Programs like RIG are seen as an important part of long-term rural physician recruitment, offering students first-hand experience with rural hospitals, mentors, and communities before career paths are firmly set.

THE

For those who adore the colder months, parks offer an array of events and attractions to energize the soul. Take for instance Riding Mountain National Park, where this massive snow fort, built from ice blocks harvested from Clear Lake, welcomes individuals and families to view the exquisite design that is decorated with intricate carvings. The $30,000 structure, known as Klar So Snow Pavilion, is meant to give a boost to winter activities, spark imagination and wonderment, and be a winter hub for ice skating.

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Erickson 4-H Beef Club rep ort nications Day being held on Sunday, Feb. 8. Everyone is hard at work preparing their speeches.

Our club would like to wish everyone all the best for 2026!

Leo Kostenchuk is the club reporter of the Erickson 4-H Beef Club.

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By LEO KO STEN C HU K The Erickson 4-H Beef Club is in full swing for another year. We have 12 members this year ranging in age from six to 16. We have had four meetings so far this year and we have been busy starting on our projects.

Members helped with the Remembrance Day Service at the Erickson Legion by laying wreaths and helping serve lunch. In December, we had our first Weigh Day, which is always a fun and busy day! This year was really cold but our calves are all looking great. The next day, we decorated a float and took part in the Erickson Santa Parade. This really helped us get in the holiday spirit. Our Christmas party took place on Jan. 4 at the MacGregor Tubing Hill. This was a blast for kids and parents both!

In January, a few of our members cheered on the Brandon Wheat Kings for 4-H night. Next up is our Commu-

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Friday, January 30, 2026

3

A QUIET TRADITION

A sm a ll circle of n eighbours ha ve ga thered a n n ua lly a lon g the Little Sa ska tchew a n for a da y of frien dship a n d horsem a n ship D O N ALD BERGER So uth M o unta in Pre ss

For nearly three decades, a small circle of neighbours living along the Little Saskatchewan River valley south of Minnedosa has gathered once a year for a simple tradition rooted in friendship, horses, and shared land.

Friends of Riverdale is not a club in the formal sense, but a loose committee of local riders, wagoneers, and landowners who maintain trails through the valley for their own enjoyment and for neighbours to ride together amicably through

the rolling landscape. What binds them is not organization, but familiarity – people who know the land, the river crossings, and one another.

Each summer, the group comes together for a onceyearly ride through the valley, followed by a shared meal and an evening of visiting. Over the years, the gathering has remained informal by design: a day spent outdoors, a campfire stop along the trail, and a supper built around shared effort rather than tickets or schedules.

Food has always been part of the tradition. After

the ride, riders and neighbours gather for a barbecue supper, accompanied by donated desserts and plenty of fireside conversation. Music often drifts through the evening – the kind meant to be listened to, or quietly sung along with, rather than performed.

In recent years, small auctions of leftover food and donated items have grown naturally out of the supper, with all items offered by community members. The proceeds are used first to cover basic costs, with remaining funds quietly directed to local causes chosen by the group.

Last year, donations were made to both the Minnedosa and Erickson Personal Care Homes to support recreational programming for residents, reflecting the group’s appreciation for the care those facilities provide to families and friends within the riding community.

A future donation has been earmarked for STARS Air Ambulance, a service with deep importance in rural Manitoba.

What has allowed the tradition to endure is its simplicity.

There are no fees to ride, no formal fundraising goals, and no effort to grow beyond

what the land, the horses, and the people can comfortably support. It remains, as it always has, a neighbourly gathering – one that values continuity, trust, and quiet

generosity over attention.

Along the Little Saskatchewan, that approach has proven more than enough.

,

M u n .o f M unicipalM inutes H a rris o n Pa rk

The regular council meeting of the Municipality of Harrison Park (MHP) was held on Jan. 14 in Onanole with Reeve Ian Drul, Councillors – Jeremy Andreychuk, Gloria Campbell, Taresa Kowalick, Steve Langston, Wade Skolney, and Barry Skrudland, along with Tamara Sellman, Assistant CAO and Quinn Greavett, Finance Officer of Administration in attendance.

Gravel tenders for 2026, 2027 and 2028 road gravelling,

based on crushed gravel, were awarded as follows: South Area – Gerrard Resources, Central Area – Balan Gravelling Inc., East Area – Ken Beatty Construction Ltd., and West Area – Balan Gravelling Inc. The MHP appointed Robert Ewashko, as Enforcement Officer, and also appointed the following employees of Commissionaires Manitoba, as Enforcement Officers, with such individual appointments to end upon termination of employment with Commissionaires Manitoba: Kevin

Williams – Manager By-Law Services, Anna Oliveira – Supervisor By-Law, Norbert Pelland – BEO, Jesse Adair – BEO, Russell Jeffery – BEO, Cory Chetyrbook – BEO, and Emma Skillings – BEO. Quinn Greavett read a report on Sandy Lake Garbage & Recycling RFQ. Reeve Drul declared a conflict and left the meeting while the matter was dealt with.

The MHP will enter into a Project Contribution Agreement with The Government of Manitoba – Manitoba Growth, Renewal, and Oppor-

tunities (Manitoba GRO) for Solid Waste Management and Organic Diversion – Transfer Stations, ending March 31, 2029.

Tabled – Partnership Agreement with CLC Destination Marketing Inc. The MHP will enter into the Form 1 Agreement for the Minnedosa Veterinary Services District dated Jan. 1, 2026.

Council approved the expenditure of $30,000 for the grant to the Sandy Lake / Elphinstone Handi Van, funded by a transfer from the Special Administrative Reserve to General Operating.

C ontinued on page 7

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OPINION

Friday, January 30, 2026

Le tte rs to the e d ito r:

sm pnew s@ m ym ts.net

R eserve 911 ca lls for rea l em ergencies

RCMP Operational Communication Centre employees provide a critical service within the RCMP by supporting both public and officer safety. But plenty of the calls are not life-threatening emergencies at all, as in 2025 calls ranged from misdials and false alarms to serious incidents regarding matters of public safety.

Does running out of toilet paper constitute as an emergency worth calling 911?

It did in Saskatchewan, as the RCMP in that province recently released its top 10 worst 911 calls from 2025, and hitting the ‘end of the roll’ kick-started the list.

“We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 911 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a lifethreatening situation,” Jocelyn James, manager of the Saskatchewan RCMP OCC, said in a statement.

Darrell

Nesbitt AR OUN D T OW N James said Saskatchewan RCMP 911 call-takers and dispatchers fielded 422,378 calls in 2025. That is a 15 percent uptick compared to 2024.

Here are the top 10 calls that missed the mark last year: 10). A frustrated person called to complain that they were out of toilet paper.

9). A person called in upset because they had to drive

their expensive vehicle through a construction zone.

8). A caller advised that they dialed 911 because the TV show they were watching inadvertently triggered their phone to place the call.

7). Someone called to complain that a shopping cart was left in their driveway.

6). A frustrated person called looking for a phone number for a taxi service.

5). Dispatchers got a call from a concerned person about their neighbours not following the rules of laundry day.

4). A person called to omplain that a restaurant was taking too long to make their lunch.

3). Someone called because a family member’s loud snoring was keeping them awake.

2). A person called in distress because their friend cooked their pork chop without permission.

1). Dispatchers got a call from someone saying they had lost their phone and were wondering if an officer could call the phone so they could hear it ring.

A couple provinces over to the west, here are British Columbia’s E-Comm’s top 10 frivolous calls of 2025…

1). Their luggage exceeded the carry-on limits.

2). Walmart wouldn’t return an air fryer.

3). Their dishwasher was broken.

4). Someone parked at Starbucks and went into a grocery store instead.

5). A non-electric car parked at EV charging station.

6). They wanted to complain about traffic.

7). They got locked out of their Airbnb.

8). They left their iPad at the SkyTrain station.

9). They wanted help get-

ting a hornet out of their apartment.

10). They were unhappy with their haircut.

There are ramifications for those who misuse 911. Not only is there a chance or preventing someone with a lifethreatening emergency from getting help., there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2,000.

The use of 911 is reserved for emergencies in which lives are at stake, and when crimes are in progress.

Not sure if the RCMP within Manitoba release the top 10 worst 911 calls each year, but if they do, sure would love to track them down. Tried social media, but no results with MB.

Here is a story shared by the son of a 911 caller reporting he hit a six foot chicken…

My dad called 911 late one night to report hitting a 6 foot tall chicken while driving and running off into the ditch. He had just crashed his car and his voice was a bit shaky on the phone, so the operator asked him to repeat himself a couple of times and then promised to send someone to help.

The first cop on scene got out of his car with a breathalyzer in hand. By the time he got to the back of my dad’s car, he was laughing hysterically over his radio telling people that it wasn’t a DUI call; my dad actually did hit a 6 foot tall chicken.

And that’s the story about the night a dad and all the local cops learned about emu farming.

Until next week… “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

F oreca sting for Ca na dia n a griculture in 2 0 2 6

By CAM D AHL How did Canadian agriculture fare in 2025? What trends will continue from 2025 into 2026 and what does that mean for export dependent farmers?

A year ago, I predicted that 2025 would be filled with global uncertainty that disrupted markets. I was hoping that this forecast would be proven wrong, but unfortunately it was not. Our neighbour to the south is focused on “America First”. U.S. policies are moving away from supporting free and open trade. Canadian agriculture faced a short period of tariffs but ultimately was protected by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). However, we don’t know if this will continue until the end of 2026 as CUSMA is up for review. This is the most important policy file for the 90 percent of farmers in Canada that depend on international markets. The agreement will either be extended to 2032, put into a cycle of annual reviews, or terminated. The outcome of the review will determine the fiscal sustainability of many farms across Canada, including Manitoba.

Tariffs are a threat, but they are not the only protectionist measures faced by farmers and food processors.

The revival of country-oforigin labelling in the U.S. and individual state legislation that is fragmenting the North American market (e.g., Proposition 12 in California) are just two other examples of protectionist policies threatening Canadian agri-

Op inion

culture and food exports, and the U.S. is not alone. China has targeted agriculture commodities in retaliation for Canadian tariffs on electric vehicles. The European Union continues to block Canadian agricultural and food exports using non-tariff trade barriers.

Uncertainty in world trade is costly for both Manitoba farmers and processors.

Unfortunately, this uncertainty will remain throughout 2026 and will likely intensify during the review of CUSMA. Securing the North American market, offsetting the cost of trade uncertainty, and trade diversification need to be at the top of the policy list for all governments in 2026.

Food and agriculture need to be top of mind at every Canadian negotiating table in 2026. Canadian governments and negotiators need to be continuously reminded that food and beverage processing is the largest manufacturing sector in Canada with sales worth about $175 billion. The sector accounts for over 20 percent of total manufacturing sales. Meat products comprise the largest proportion of the food manufacturing sector in both Manitoba and Canada. If agriculture and food are left behind in trade discussions, livelihoods in every region of Manitoba will be significantly impacted.

Manitoba hog farmers continue to be world leaders in disease prevention and

management. The entire sector has recognized the need to work together to effectively protect the health of animals under our care.

Sometimes this means that parts of the value chain take actions that are not in their short-term fiscal interest but will deliver long-term benefits to the entire sector. This level of collaboration is not often found in other countries or regions. Manitoba’s pork sector should be congratulated for this accomplishment.

Working with the entire value chain to prevent and mitigate disease impacts is a key priority for Manitoba hog farmers in 2026. This includes preventing diseases like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus where possible and limiting their spread when it is not.

We are also working with processors, veterinarians, transport companies, and Manitoba’s Office of the Chief Veterinarian to keep foreign animal diseases like Foot and

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Again, collaboration is the key factor in developing effective disease prevention and response plans.

On the economic front, 2025 was a profitable year across the hog sector. Profitability is being driven by strong pork demand around the world, relatively affordable pork prices for consumers, especially when compared to beef, disease pressures in other pork producing regions, and reasonable feed costs. I expect profitable conditions to continue into 2026, at least for the first half of the year. Profitability in the second half of 2026 will depend in large part on the world trade situation.

Given current profitability, 2026 should be a year of renewal and growth for Manitoba’s hog sector, but investing in the future is difficult when markets and trade patterns remain uncertain. Financing barns with a 25-year lifespan becomes more costly and difficult with growing

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uncertainty. Manitoba’s Economic Development Plan recognizes the impact of international uncertainty on the province’s investment climate and recognizes the need to reduce our reliance on trade with the U.S. a priority for 2026 will be to develop ways to partner with government and industry to offset some of these financial risks and costs to facilitate industry renewal.

In some ways, 2026 will likely look a lot like 2025. We will continue to see significant trade and market uncer-

tainty, with the potential to see this uncertainty increase going into the CUSMA review. Positive profitability should continue, based on strong demand, disease pressure in other jurisdictions, and manageable feed costs.

The question at the end of 2026 will be whether the potential negatives coming from the political environment outweighed the natural potential positives of the market.

Cam Dahl is the General Manager of Manitoba Pork

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Friday, January 30, 2026

5

MANITOBA’S GIANTS

The Lin ea r M oun ds in the southw estern p a rt of the p rovin ce a re a N a tion a l H istoric Site da tin g ba ck to the 1800s RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

My weekdays are usually a bit busy… so my weekends have become slower, and honestly, doing absolutely nothing and puttering around the house is often the highlight of my week. But I’ve always had a soft spot for a good adventure, especially if it involves nature, a bit of local history or geography that most people have forgotten about.

I was looking for a reason to get out of the house when I heard about a spot south of Melita that sounded too strange to be true. I’m talking about the Linear Mounds, and a weird mystery from the 1800s involving “Manitoba Giants.”

The drive toward the village of Coulter feels like heading toward the edge of the world this time of year.

As the valley starts to break up the flat horizon, the landscape changes. It stops being just another field and starts feeling like it has a real story to tell.

When I finally pulled up to the site, the first thing I noticed was the silence. In the middle of winter, without

the summer crowds, the mounds are stark. They are these massive, straight ridges of earth… one of them is almost three football fields long. Standing there in the cold, it hits you that these aren’t just hills. They were built by hand, basket by basket, over a thousand years ago.

While I was taking pictures, I kept thinking about the stories I’d read. It’s honestly insulting to look back and see how early European settlers handled this discovery. Because they were so blinded by their own ideas of “superiority,” they flat-out refused to believe that the local Indigenous Peoples had the engineering skills or the sophistication to build something this massive.

Instead of giving credit where it was due, they let their prejudices run wild.

They convinced themselves they were going to find giant skeletons in armour or artifacts from a Vikings. It’s a reality check to realize they would rather invent a total fantasy about wandering Europeans than acknowledge the brilliance of the people who actually belonged to this land. It wasn’t until much

later when researchers proved the truth… these were sacred burial sites built by bison-hunting cultures about a thousand years ago.

F IN DIN G Y O U R W AY If you want to check it out for yourself, the drive is a great way to spend a Saturday morning. From Melita, just head south on Highway 83 for about 17 kilometres.

Turn onto Highway 251 toward Coulter.

The mounds are right at the edge of the valley overlooking the river. You’ll want to find the Sourisford (Coulter) Park entrance; the mounds are on the flat ground just a bit past the park’s displays. Even with the snow, you can clearly see the long, straight ridges against the horizon. Spring and summer months are a bit better for viewing though!

According to the Manitoba Historical Society, artifacts found in the mounds have included stone tablets, clay mortuary vessels, and shell gorget masks made from Gulf Coast conch shells.

While the mounds are a powerful thing to see in the winter, the full story is

tucked away in the Antler River Historical Museum in Melita. Like most of our local treasures, the museum is closed for the winter, but it’s a must-visit once the weather warms up.

Open from June through August, the museum is located in the old 1905 schoolhouse at 41 Ash Street. They have an incredible collection of artifacts and information specifically about the Linear Mounds and the “Devil’s Lake-Sourisford” burial complex. If you want to see the actual evidence of the sophisticated trade networks that stretched across the conti-

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nent long before we got here, that’s where you’ll find it.

What really stuck with me was the view. These Indigenous Peoples chose this specific spot for a reason.

Even with the wind biting at my face, I could see why they picked it.

Most people drive right past the turnoff on Highway 83 without a second thought.

But being there and feeling that weight of history

changed the way I look at that area of our region. We think of Western Manitoba as “new,” but standing on those mounds makes you realize we are just the latest chapter in a very old story.

If you need to get out of the house, take the drive and stand in the silence for a bit.

You won’t find any giants, but you’ll definitely find the truth.

Rolling River School Division KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2026 – 2027 Kindergarten Registration for the Rolling River School Division will be held during Feb. 2 - Feb. 6, 2026 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Children who will be 5 years of age on or before Dec. 31, 2026 are eligible for Kindergarten.

Please register at the following catchment area schools: SCHOOL PHONE NO. Douglas Elementary..........................................................................204-763-4480 Erickson Elementary..........................................................................204-636-2266 Forrest Elementary.............................................................................204-728-7674 Oak River Elementary........................................................................204-566-2167 Onanole Elementary.........................................................................204-848-2402 Rapid City Elementary......................................................................204-826-2824 Rivers Elementary...............................................................................204-328-7416 Tanner’s Crossing Elementary.........................................................204-867-2591 * Parents are required to present their child’s birth certificate and medical number at time of registration. * Please contact the School Division Office (204-867-2754 Ext. 0) if unsure of your catchment area school.

6

SPORTS

Friday, January 30, 2026

Em a il us yo urspo rts ne ws:

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Ch iefs drop p a ir of ga m es versus H a w ks

The Yellowhead Chiefs dropped a pair games to the Pembina Valley Hawks in Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League action in Shoal Lake concluding on Jan. 25.

With only eight games remaining in regular season play, the ninth place Chiefs need to win games if they hope to catch the Southwest Cougars for the eighth and final playoff spot. Yellowhead

U18 trails Southwest by 10 points, with the Cougars also having two games in hand.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 9 CH IE F S 6 The Hawks directed 58

shots at Chiefs’ netminder Sawyer Wallin as they rolled to a 9-6 win in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Jan. 25.

As in game one of the weekend series, Tyson Pettybridge led the attack with a pair of goals. Single markers came off the sticks of Nolan Bravo, Ocean Fehr, Jackson Froese, Carson Hiebert, Caden McMahon, Cole Secord and Paxton White.

Winston Lepp and Grady McNish each scored twice for the Chiefs, who trailed 3-0 and 6-4 at the intermissions.

Redden Richmond and Nolan Kozak chipped in with singles.

Brody Peters made 32 saves in the Pembina Valley net.

PE M BIN A VAL L E Y 6 CH IE F S 4

Tyson Pettybridge scored three goals, including the game winner, as the Hawks downed the Chiefs 6-4 in Shoal Lake on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Also scoring for the visitors, who led 2-1 and 4-3 at the intermissions, were Ragnar Gillis, Paxton White and Caden McMahon.

Carter White with a pair, Redden Richmond and Nolan

Kozak replied for the Chiefs.

Koen Bleznuk stopped 33 shots for the win in the Pembina Valley net. Landon McGregor was much busier in the Chiefs’ net, blocking 51 drives.

NOTES – The Winnipeg Bruins will be in Shoal Lake for a pair of games on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1.

U15 Chiefs ham m er Central Plains Cap itals 8-1 Bentley Goulden scored three times as the Yellowhead Chiefs hammered the Central Plains Capitals 8-1 in a Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League game in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, Jan. 24.

U15 With the win the Chiefs improved to 5-15-2 in the

West Division standings.

The Chiefs jumped out to a 4-1 first period lead and added another in the second to head into the final period up 5-1.

Dexter White chipped in with a pair of goals as the

Chiefs unleashed a 60-shot barrage of shots on Central Plains netminder Kaden Pottinger. Cooper Soltys, Sawyer Lepp and Travis Lamb chipped in with singles.

Jackson Ross was the

only Capital able to beat Yellowhead netminder Darby Wilson who finished with 32 saves.

NOTES – The Chiefs have a busy weekend on the horizon with three games in three days all in Winnipeg.

They open against the Thrashers on Friday, Jan. 30, take on the Bruins on Saturday, Jan. 31 and finish off against the Norman North Stars on Sunday, Feb. 1.

U15 Fem ale Chiefs finish 1-1 on the w eek After splitting a pair of games in Manitoba Female U15 AAA Hockey League action over the past week, the Yellowhead Chiefs find themselves in fifth place.

The Chiefs, with a record of 10-8-0, are a point back of the Brandon Wheat Kings but also hold a pair of games in hand.

U15 BR AN DO N 4 CH IE F S 1 The Wheat Kings held 2-1 and 3-1 period leads enroute to a 4-1 win over the Chiefs in

Brandon on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Shayla Duncalfe, Ivy Beaulieu, Chelsea Sun and Fergie Bertholet scored for the hosts.

Scotia Smith tallied for the Chiefs.

Alana Champagne made 34 saves for the win in the Brandon net. Pyper Rapley blocked 41 shots for Yellowhead.

CH IE F S 11 N O R M AN 1 Alexis Duncan and Scotia Smith each recorded hat tricks as the Chiefs pounded the Wild 11-1 in Shoal Lake on Friday, Jan. 23.

Kenzie Gardner and Ella Rogasky had a pair of goals each for the Chiefs, who held period leads of 3-0 and 6-0.

Eveline Wilson had the other Yellowhead goal.

Mia Leask scored for the Wild, who played the game with just 12 skaters.

Kaydee Fleury finished with six saves in the Yellowhead net. Zoey Phair-Boucher stopped 75 shots in goal for Norman.

NOTES – The Chiefs have

U18 Fem ale Chiefs b lanked b y W ild cats Indigo Stone stopped 25 shots as the Westman Wildcats blanked the Yellowhead Chiefs 3-0 in a Manitoba Female U18 AAA Hockey League game played at the Hockey For All Centre in Winnipeg on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Ivy Perkin opened the score on the powerplay in the first period, and Hadley Rob-

U18 ertson and Ivy Fry added to the offense in the second for the Wildcats.

Kylie Hack made 27 saves in the Yellowhead net.

two games in the friendly confines of the Shoal Lake Communi-plex this weekend against the two top teams in the league. Yellowhead will face the second place Westman Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 31 and the league-leading Eastman Selects on Sunday, Feb. 1.

STOP! Natural gas smells like rotten eggs.

Recognize, react, report it!

NOTES – The Chiefs took a break from league action on the weekend and took part in the FWSSC Tournament in Winnipeg. The Chiefs finished with a 1-3 record. Scores of the games are in the Scoreboard… Yellowhead will travel to Morden to take on the Pembina Valley Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 31.

H igh sch ool a ction continues Only four games involving area teams were played in the Westman High School Hockey League over the past week with a frigid weather conditions prompting cancellation.

The Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies squeaked out a pair of wins, while the Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors dropped both of their starts.

D auphin 9 M E 0

Dauphin – Hayden Shtykalo (3), Josh Yakielashek (2), Ethan Zalischuk (2), Noah Myme, Cale Morrison HRES 4 RGG 3 Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Reid Hutchings, Carter Rozdeba, Aaron Roels, Duncan McLean Roblin-Grandview-Gilbert Plains – Maddox Andres (2), Kenai Mouck GC B 5 M E 2

Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur – Gage Balciunas, Max Janz, Owen McLean, Tucker Forbes, Jack Sholdice Minnedosa-Erickson – Becks Atkinson, Reese Trotz HRES 4 BD W P 3 (O T) Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Aaron Roels (2), Sam Rivas, Reid Hutchings Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Gavin Wickham (3)

Learn more. hydro.mb.ca/safety

Reader Photos of the Week Em a ilu syou rs:sm pn ew s@ m ym ts.n et

South Mountain Press C ontinued from page 3 A grant of $208.10 will be provided by the MHP to Oakburn Game & Fish.

Taxervice Inc. will be hired to manage tax arrears recovery on the MHP’s behalf for a term of three years. The administrator was authorized to sign the engagement letter on behalf of the Municipality.

Outstanding Accounts Receivable balances greater than 90 days will be added to property taxes with council’s approval. The total amount under Resolution 2026/020 was $3,619.31, while under Resolution 2026/021 the figure was $12,978.38. Under Resolution 2026/022, council approved accounts totaling $91.60 be written off as bad debt.

Variation Application 2026 V-01 – Stephen Duncan was

Friday, January 30, 2026

M unicipalM inutes approved, allowing the applicant and owner of Lot 3, Plan 6346, 22 Evergreen Place, reduce the front yard (east) setback from 30’ to 5’ and the side yard (south) from 10’ to 5’ to allow for a new garage and carport.

Policy 1.6 of the Park Development Plan No. 138 reads: “The boundaries of the designated areas shown on the land use maps in Part Six are intended to demonstrate the general arrangements of future development and land use in the municipality.

Where a boundary coincides

with a physical feature on the map, such as a roadway or waterway, the boundary shall be deemed to be that feature.

However, where a boundary does not coincide with a physical feature on the map, it is intended to provide Council with a degree of latitude in determining the precise location of the boundary, with more precise boundaries provided in the Zoning By-law(s).

Therefore the Council of the MHP deems the boundary of the designated Neighbourhood Area located in PT. SE 24-19-19 WPM, to include the area ly-

ing west PTH No. 10 on lot 1, Block 2, Plan 7062, on Subdivision Application Map filed with Subdivision Application No. 4609-25-8799, with the resulting change being from Central Commercial Area to Neighbourhood Area.

The MHP will enter into a development agreement with Harold Minty.

Gillian Sullivan will be allowed to move in a dwelling on Lot 12/13, Plan 5129, Central Road, subject to three conditions: 1). The applicant enter into a building permit/ performance agreement with

the Municipality; 2). Exterior of structure to be completed within one year of permit approval date; and 3). The applicant providing security in favour of the Municipality, in the form of a performance bond, letter of credit, or similar security in the amount of $5,000.

Reeve Drul reported the Rossburn Subdivision Trail Association has applied for a grant to upgrade their tractor.

Councillor Langston reported that a Manitoba Trails Grant application has been submitted to complete and continue

7

the trail program in Onanole and area.

Council reviewed the following communications: MPI Speed Signs report for July to September 2025, and Ken Wozney regarding Road Allowance gate concern.

First readings were given to By-Law No. 177 to regulate the use and development of land, and to By-Law No. 178 – Development Plan – Amend By-Law No. 138.

Reeve Drul reported the Sandy Lake Lions Club applied and received a grant for an AED for the community that will be accessible 24 hours a day through AG Days Gives Back grants. Councillor Langston gave a shout out to the Snoman trail groups for a great job on clearing the paths.

Y ellow h ea d R CM P resp ond to fa ta l w orkp la ce incident On Jan. 21, Yellowhead RCMP were called to a workplace incident that resulted in the death of a 55-year-old male.

RCMP, EMS staff and local firefighters responded to a construction site east of Hamiota, after receiving a report that the driver of a skid steer had accidentally backed the equipment into a deep hole that had been dug. The male’s death was confirmed at the scene.

Yellowhead RCMP and Manitoba Workplace Health and Safety are investigating.

RCMP Briefs Provincial Roundup sworn. Both were released on an appearance notice.

On Jan. 20, RCMP seized over 50 grams of cocaine and $22,000 in cash after executing a search warrant at a home in Camperville. The warrant was executed by Winnipegosis RCMP, with assistance from the Manitoba West District’s Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST) and Dauphin Police Dog Services.

In addition to the drugs and money, a weapon was also seized. Two people were arrested at the scene. A 33-yearold male and 27-year-old female face charges of: Possession for the purpose of trafficking; Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. Their names cannot be released at this time, as the charges have not yet been

On Jan. 19, RCMP executed a search warrant at a property in the Municipality of Harrison Park as part of an investigation into a missing off-road side-by-side vehicle stolen earlier this month. The warrant was executed by the RCMP West District’s Crime Reduction Enforcement Team (CREST), with assistance from Yellowhead RCMP and Police Dog Services. No one appeared to be home when RCMP officers arrived. A search of the property led officers to a recently plowed trail leading to a wooded area behind the home, where the missing side-by-side – reported stolen from a business in the R.M. of Oakview on Jan. 11 – was found. Later that day, officers went to a second property owned by the suspect.

After initially being told by a female at the residence that the suspect was not there, officers followed foot tracks leading into a shed at the back of the property. Marook, a police service dog, was deployed to assist after attempts to call out to the suspect were not responded to. The suspect was then seen trying to go into the shed, at which point he was told he was under arrest and taken into custody. A 41-yearold male of Shoal Lake has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, as well as three court breaches. He was remanded into custody.

On Jan. 12, Gimli RCMP received a complaint of a break and enter in progress at a residence on Highway 229 in the R.M. of Armstrong. A male was found by a homeowner asleep on the garage floor when the owners returned home. Officers responded immediately and learned the male had woken up, was throwing things around and assaulted one of the homeowners, who managed to escape.

When police arrived, they located the male sleeping inside a locked vehicle inside the garage. As soon as police woke him up, he started to fight officers. After many attempts to

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change his behaviour, a taser was deployed successfully. The male was arrested and transported to hospital as a precaution. After being assessed, he was released to police. An officer responding to this complaint was injured during the process and is expected to make a full recovery. A 40year-old male, from Winnipeg, has been charged and remanded in custody for: Assault peace officer x 2, Break and en-

ter, Assault with a weapon, and Resisting arrest.

On Jan. 10, Blue Hills RCMP were notified that liquor and cigarettes had been stolen from a hotel bar in Glenboro following a break-in. Surveillance video revealed two males dressed in black and partially disguised broke into the business and stole bottles of alcohol, approximately $2,000 in cigarettes and multi-

ple cases of alcoholic cooler beverages. The suspects then fled in a dark-coloured, fourdoor SUV with a dual sunroof.

RCMP believe there may be a connection between this break and enter and one that occurred at a business in Baldur on Dec. 30. In that case, two similarly dressed male suspects broke into the business and stole multiple cases of alcoholic cooler beverages.

26015GM1

8

South Mountain Press

Friday, January 30, 2026

M unicipalM inutes

Council of the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson have third and final readings to two by-laws at the regular meeting on Jan. 7 including to By-Law No. 99-25, a by-law to adopt a Development Plan for the MCE. Also passed was By-Law No. 105-25 as amended, a by-law to licence mobile homes used as living accommodations within the MCE. In favour of both bylaws were Reeve Baraniuk, Councillors Burgess, Cameron, Johnson and Shellborn.

Third and final reading was also given to By-Law No. 106-25, a by-law to provide for the indemnities to Members of Council and remuneration to Members of Council, Officers, and Employees of the MCE. All council members were in favour of Resolution No. 9/26.

Council approved the 2026 agreement with the Minnedosa Veterinary Services District.

Victor Baraniuk was appointed as Chair of the Board of Revision and Ian Edye will serve as secretary.

Council appointed Wes Huyghe as municipal weed inspector.

All council members, the CAO, and Assistant CAO were authorized to attend the Association of Manitoba Municipalities Spring Convention in Brandon on April 2123.

The Designated Year for which properties in arrears be offered for sale by auction will be 2025 (meaning all properties with outstanding taxes from the year 2024 or prior). The tax sale date was set for Nov. 12.

The Recreation Director position was created and initiated in 2023, and since that time council has found no fault in the performance of the employee occupying the said position. Council feels community attendance at recreation events organized by the Municipality, and volunteers to assist with groups and programming, have generally fallen short of levels required to justify the financial commitment needed for the said position. It’s also felt that MCE’s proximity to Riding Mountain National Park likely reduces the need for recreational programming in the municipality, so therefore council was in favour under Resolution No. 15/26 to discontinue support for the position of Recreation Director, effective Feb. 1, 2026.

With restrictions on public gatherings are no longer in effect, council will no longer live stream regular meetings, initiated during Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Council will continue to offer online

C ontinued on page 11

EVERY DAY BEAUTY

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

The winter season, much like the other three, creates picturesque views and wonderment for the general public travelling major or minor routes within the area. In a ditch along Highway 10 within the Erickson area, bulrushes stand tall over a blanket of snow. The tall, grass-like wetland plant known for its cylindrical stems – often hollow or triangular, and topped with brownish, spiky flower clusters – grow in marshes and shallow waters, providing habitat and food for wildlife.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

THE

M u n .o f Cla n w illia m E ricks o n

participation at public hearings for the annual financial plan, special service and local improvement levies, and land use planning matters.

Under the CAO’s report, council learned of the FCM grant application progress – Climate Ready Plans and Processes, Assiniboine West Watershed District, urban recycling pickup update. skating rink and fitness centre operations, and snow removal in Erickson.

Council appointed Wade Shellborn and Alison Burgess to have signing authority for the Erickson & District Skating Arena.

D ec.17 m eeting No potential taxpayers under the plan were in attendance at the public hearing regarding Special Service ByLaw 107-25 held in conjunction with the Dec. 17 meeting.

No written representations were received as well.

Rebecca Gray met with council on the following… Updates to curling club to make use of space where Kiddie Kollege was; financial update, occasional rentals, other fundraising efforts; front door replacement; approximately $20,000 in projects currently underway; and ice plant upgrade is outstanding, and fundraising options are being looked at.

Gordon Allen, who along with his family has owned the mobile home court in Erickson for five years, also met with council. Citing the mobile home is restricted to residents aged 55+, many or all of whom are on fixed incomes.

Allen requested that By-Law No. 105-25 not be passed, or if it was passed, that it be delayed to allow people to adjust. He also suggested the increases in fees should be incremental.

Council gave final two readings and passed By-Law No. 104-25, a by-law to amend By-Law No. 75-22, which provided for the expenditure and borrowing of funds for purchasing property, constructing road and drainage works, and subdividing former road area for consolidation with existing land parcels as a local improvement. In favour: Reeve Baraniuk, Councillor Burgess, Councillor Cameron, Councillor Johnson, and Councillor Shellborn First readings were given to By-Law No. 106-25 – Indemnity By-Law and By-Law No. 107-25 to establish a rate for clearing snow from Main Street sidewalks as a Special Service for the years 2027 to 2031 inclusive.

Council approved the subdivision of Lot 11, Plan 675 NLTO subject to the following conditions: That variances be obtained varying the minimum required site areas of the proposed new lots from 6,000 sq. ft. to 5,800 sq. ft., and that a variance be obtained varying the minimum required side yard of the Proposed Lot 1 from 12 to 0.5 feet.

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South Mountain Press

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Hanbidge nificant amount of water to grow and for all the stages of processing required before you purchase that brand new t-shirt. My long-term habit of not following trends has helped me to clothe myself more sustainably and very little of what I wear ends up in the dryer.

Cold weather reduces the humidity in the air. Our skin is dry, our lips are chapped and inevitably we are not drinking enough water. Our plants look sickly, and there are more pest problems too.

Do not succumb to overwatering your plants as unless they are under grow lights, they are really not growing and thus need less water. You need to drink more water – your plants do not.

Turn down your thermostat and if you feel chilled put on a sweater. For every degree below 20° C, you can save a small percentage of your heating costs. If you are not home, turn down the thermostat as well. Fans are useful for moving around warm air as well. Your plants will be happier and have less stressors as well.

Recycle everything you can and do it according to your local guidelines. Paper and cardboard from purchases and ordered goods can be easily put in recycling bins. Returnable cans and bottles can be donated to good causes or if you are so inclined, learn how to do that as well.

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Regardless of where you may live, winter is still winter. Living in the northern hemisphere means that in winter, our days are shorter and the nights seem so dark!

Those that suffer from seasonal fatigue really feel the darkness of this time of year.

I find that my sleep/wake cycles are definitely different from summer. I welcome these cozier times and am thankful for the added rest. It also helps if you keep yourself busy!

One of the many things that I do to ensure I do not succumb to the winter blues is to spend this time planting, and ensuring I do not feel like I am drying up like the leaves do at this time of year.

Time is also spent ensuring I focus on making sustainability a priority. Making ecofriendly choices helps me to feel more powerful and able to create more mindful habits for myself and my family.

Let’s start in the heart of the home – the kitchen. When it is cool outside, I may grill a bit less but still enjoy using the barbecue and smoker as much as possible. Composting never stops – even in the dead of winter. It is simply amazing how much of our waste is actually compostable. Spending a bit of time creating meals out of what you already have in your fridge or pantry is enjoyable and the extra heat generated by cooking long and slow is especially appreciated. Take a moment to look also at your cookware, as this is somewhere most of us can improve. Stainless steel, titanium and ceramic coated stainless steel are infinitely better and last longer than your non-stick Teflon or uncoated aluminum pans.

Inevitably we wear more clothes in winter so it is a good time to take stock of your wardrobe. I love to shop at second-hand stores as what I purchase is generally of more quality and made of more natural substances than purchasing new from retailers. Organic cotton bamboo and hemp are my first choices as polyester is made from fossil fuels and rayon is made from wood pulp contributing to deforestation.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, January 30, 2026

HBP is m ore serious than you realize Dr.

Roizen H EALT H Y LIVIN G Your job is to maintain a healthy weight, don’t smoke, drink not at all or sparingly, see that you get 300 minutes of exercise weekly, eat a plant-based diet and manage stress with meditation, good sleep habits and, if needed, talk therapy. Also work with your doctor to find an antihypertensive medication that works for you and monitor your progress with your at-home blood pressure cuff. For more body-loving techniques to achieve a healthier, happier future, check out 4YOUngevitycom.

Q: How is it possible that three-fourths of American adults are overweight or obese? It’s terrifying to think obesity is becoming an inescapable reality. What can I do to make sure my kids are healthy for their entire lives? – Pat R., Memphis, TN A: A research letter in JAMA Network Open revealed that if we ditch the often-inaccurate BMI (body mass index) evaluation of obesity for a method that looks at the relationship of waist circumference to height and to hip size, we end up with a truer evaluation of who is overweight.

That shift revealed that 75%

of the population is carrying too much visceral fat – accelerating their risk of premature aging and disability.

This epidemic of excess fat is caused by an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, damage from food additives, hormone disruptors, plastics in food, air and water, and a lack of knowledge about how to minimize those risks. And unfortunately, epigenetic changes associated with excess fat can be passed on to the next generation, making them vulnerable to health challenges such as diabetes

at an ever-younger age.

But you can fight back and win – for yourself and your children. I’m a prime example of how to dodge many of those risks. At 80, my ActualAge is in the mid50s.

I attribute that to getting 10,000-plus steps a day, eating lean proteins and fatty fish like salmon and fresh fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed foods that contain mysterious ingredients, toxic fats and added sugars. For adults, the AI coaching program at

4YOUngevity.com also recommends 17 supplements, including vitamin D2/3, a multi, CoQ10, and creatine.

Therapeutic plasma exchange also provides protection.

So, as I outline in an article about the Million Pound Challenge in my free newsletter (michaelfroizenmd. substack.com) titled “What Happened Tuesday at the National Press Club,” let’s all join forces to change this from a national epidemic to a national rebirth. That will protect you and your chil-

dren from the lifeshortening dangers of obesity.

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 blood pressure is a little high. My doctor is making me do constant at-home testing, take medication and check in with a nutritionist.

Is it all necessary? – Claire T., Pittsburgh, PA A: While you may know that high blood pressure (HBP) is related to an increased risk of coronary and peripheral artery disease, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, it can also damage your kidneys, brain, eyes, bones, immune system and sexual functioning.

When HBP damages blood vessels to and in the brain and causes them to accumulate plaque, which can trigger cognition problems, mini strokes and lead to fullscale dementia. In the eyes, constricted blood flow can cause increased pressure on the retina and blur vision. In the kidneys, HBP can stiffen and narrow vital conduits that help the kidneys clear out toxins and waste. HBP can send too much calcium into your urine, leading to bone breaks and fractures, especially in older women.

And the inflammation it causes impairs immune function. Add to that the way reduced blood flow impacts sexual arousal, and your HBP is something to take very seriously.

The primary causes of high blood pressure are smoking, being overweight and sedentary, drinking too much alcohol, stress, excess salt consumption and genetics. Sleep apnea and thyroid, adrenal and kidney disease are also possible culprits.

Unfortunately, around 27 million Americans have uncontrolled HBP because they don’t know they have it or they aren’t taking their medication as prescribed.

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South Mountain Press C ontinued from page 8 The 2026 Emergency Plan was approved.

Citing grants from external sources were received that made the Endowment Fund 2025 disbursement of $1,076.10 allocated to the ClanwilliamErickson Fire Rescue for the purchase of a Utility Task Vehicle unnecessary, the money will be reinvested.

M unicipalM inutes Council approved the extension of the contract with Tanners Crossing Planning District for building inspection services for 2026.

Whereas the 2023 airport runway paving project was funded partially from dona-

tions by community members; And Whereas not all allocated funds were spent on the project in 2023, and $45,000 in revenue was budgeted in 2025 from nominal surplus for any follow-up projects including runway painting and land-

DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon

Friday, January 30, 2026

scaping; And Whereas these budgeted projects were not completed in 2025. Therefore $45,000 will be transferred to the Airport Reserve Fund.

Council adopted the 2026 Interim Operating Budget, totaling $825,000.

Council will request assistance from Manitoba Water Services Board in 2026 for desludging and increasing ca-

pacity of the sewage lagoon.

The CAO advised council on a number of matters including AMM Convention, airport usage update, meeting with new doctor in Minnedosa, Leda Lake Park committee meeting, and congratulations to municipal clerk, Kim Gibbons, on her retirement at the end of 2025.

Council also learned from

11

the development officer that the Railway Avenue subdivision was now complete.

Council approved the appointment of Wes Huyghe as proposed.

Council was in favour of dissolving the Erickson & District Skating Rink Board and furthermore assume municipal management of the facility.

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

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

O BIT U AR IE S

HAWKING (Dec. 6, 1941 to Jan. 21, 2026): Donald Kenneth Hawking passed away in Brandon Regional Health Centre and was happy to have his three favourite girls at his bedside. He had wonderful care, especially from Dr. Dalcolmo and Dr. Fourie. Don was born in Boissevain, MB and was raised in Brandon by his parents Edith and Ken Hawking, together with his big brother Barry, who he loved dearly. Although a true westerner, Don married Carol, an easterner from Toronto in 1969. Don wore a variety of business hats, starting with being a Brandon Sun paper carrier. Extended education led him to electronics, where he worked in Toronto and Chicago as a nuclear electronics service/sales manager. This job involved world travel and left him with a huge “travel bug”. After Jennie was born in Chicago, they moved back to Don’s hometown of Brandon with Tara soon to be born. With a newborn, a toddler, and two black labs they opened DK’s Family Restaurant, specializing in authentic English fish n’ chips. Real estate had always been in Don’s DNA so eventually he became owner/man-

ager of Century 21 Westman Realty and helped it rise to #1 in Brandon area. During that time Don and Carol purchased the Manigaming Resort in Clear Lake.

Carol and the girls ran it for 17 years and during that time Don took on the distinguished title of “poolboy”. Through the years Don enjoyed bird hunting, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and loved boating on Clear Lake. Eventually, Don had a passion for NASCAR, especially being at the track in person to hear the roar of the engines.

After retirement he discovered the love of golf. He thoroughly enjoyed his men’s golf groups and the camaraderie that came with it. On Sundays you could often find him in his recliner, control in hand, switching between NASCAR races and golf tournaments. The travel bug clicked in eventually and Don and Carol travelled extensively, including 10 years RVing in Mexico, then settling in a 55+ community in Florida, then multiple cruises to continue exploring. Never a dull moment in 56 years of marriage.

Don is lovingly remembered by his family, Carol, Jennie (Eva), Tara (Brent), and Kobi, Baylee and Evan – his grandkids who he adored.

Also extended family and a multitude of friends from literally all over the globe. Don’s wishes are to be cremated and celebrated at a small family gathering after the snow is

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gone. If you would like to share special thoughts or memories of Don, go to the Brockie Donovan website brockiedonovan.com.

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- 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.

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Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and anything firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.

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12

South Mountain Press

Friday, January 30, 2026

Turns out that cats w ill b e cats When you spend time with ecologists, biologists, and other “ologists,” you run across regular axioms. While most have to do with the complexity of nature, one of my favorites is that cats are cats are cats. I’m not a cat person, for a whole host of reasons that are too long to write here (I started writing about it but after outlining the reason for my antipathy towards cats, I realized that it made this article at least 500 words too long).

That being said, and before I receive angry texts from readers about my anticatness, I have recently been won over by our daughter Katrien and son-in-law Ben’s cats, much to my chagrin and their surprise, which demonstrates, contrary to the old adage, that leopards can indeed change their spots.

Okay, enough about me, let’s get back to the main point of the story. There are several traits that cats possess no matter whether they are wild or domesticated, large or small, or live on the plains of Africa or in the far north. Behavior is one of them.

Weirdly, as every cat

Ken

Kingdon M OM EN T S IN R M N P owner knows, cats have a natural affinity for cardboard boxes. Even wild cats, as demonstrated by YouTube videos of bobcats, tigers, leopards etc. love playing in them. I suspect that if you left a fridge-sized cardboard box out on the Serengeti, you’d find a pride of lions sitting it the next morning.

The second trait of note is that cat species look remarkably alike. They generally have round heads, and their snouts are short. Their gaits are pretty distinctive, and a running cat looks pretty much the same, whether you are watching a cheetah or a Siamese.

And then there is the famous aloofness of cats. Who hasn’t been ignored by Fluffy, queen of the house?

They can also be hyper focussed, making it very difficult to break their concentration when they are lasered in on some prey item, including humans from time to time.

Cue the crouching tiger with twitching tail…

These characteristics are juxtaposed with dogs and their wild kin. Dogs have a bewildering array of skull shapes and sizes, from long muzzled Afghans to shortfaced bull dogs. They also have been bred for a wide range of purposes, with some annoying OCD-like behaviors, whether it’s the need to herd other animals as found in Australian shepherds, or the relentless urge for a blood hound to follow a scent, any scent. Good luck with training a cat to do either of these things.

Why all these cat musings, you may ask? This article was sparked by my observation of a lynx in early December, starting when I came across some fresh tracks going down the Central Trail in Riding Mountain National

Park.

The conditions were great for tracking as the trail was covered by a couple of centimeters of fresh snow. Yet the snow cover was thin enough that I could still bicycle along the trail. This point is important, as I find trying to catch up to a wild animal while on foot is almost impossible.

As I say, upon coming across the lynx’s prints, I madly biked down the trail in pursuit. The track was easy to follow, and you could get a sense of the lynx moving through the landscape. At one point it caught and ate a small rodent, judging by the blood-stained snow and the small pile of intestines left behind.

Occasionally the lynx would make forays into the bush, and I would despair that all was lost (I’m basically too lazy to try to follow an animal through dense bush). What drew its attention off the trail, I’m not sure, perhaps it was following the scent of a squirrel or hare. Regardless, luckily the lynx always rejoined the trail and my chase continued.

After about 15 minutes of tracking, covering two kilo-

meters, I cried Bingo! There in the distance, perhaps 300 meters ahead of me, was the lynx. Its long legs and pure cat-like movement made identification easy, even without binoculars.

I followed at a distance, trying to remain off its radar.

With the lynx so far ahead, I soon lost sight of it around a bend, its tracks the only sign that I was still hot on its trail. I cycled on.

Suddenly, judging by the tracks, the lynx had galloped down the trail. Had it spotted me, despite my careful tailing? Had it seen something to eat up ahead and was giving chase?

Whatever the cause, the tracks veered off the trail and into a stand of spruce. I looked around carefully for signs that it had killed something. No luck. Once again, I was pretty certain that I had seen the last of the cat, and unlike the song, it wasn’t coming back.

At the same time, I got a sense that something was watching me. I scanned the bushes, then looked up into the spruces. There it was, perched a couple of metres off the ground, resting on the

spindliest of dead branches, its fur making it almost invisible against the grey of the tree trunk.

The lynx sat quietly, watching me through half closed eyes, like it was just about to fall asleep. To all appearances it was entirely relaxed, radiating aloofness like any imperious house cat.

Taking the hint, I left the area, allowing the cat, in its apparent indifference, to its own devices.

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.

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