SMP - July 11, 2025

South Mountain

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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 Viewers standing on the edge of Clear Lake, truly experience the quietness of nature no matter the time of day, with motorized boats banned for the second summer in a row by Parks Canada. Visitors to Riding Mountain National Park now focus on a relaxing outing on a pedal boat or kayak, making their own ripples and memories on a clear body of water. For those who prefer the land, plenty of activities are readily available, along with splendid views.

ER services lim ited in region this sum m er RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Emergency room (ER) services across the region are facing significant reductions this summer, as announced by Doctors Manitoba last week. With the summer season in full swing, residents and visitors must be aware of these changes to ensure they can access medical care when needed.

The Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region, like many others, is

seeing its emergency rooms operate under limited hours or face temporary closures due to ongoing physician and nurse shortages.

Out of the 33 hospitals in the region, only seven, including Neepawa, Russell, and Virden, are currently offering consistent 24/7 ER service. Other areas such as Brandon, Dauphin, Killarney, and Swan River also maintain round-theclock operations.

Doctors Manitoba advised that individuals plan ahead by check-

ing the PMH website for the latest emergency department schedules.

This is particularly crucial for those travelling or camping in unfamiliar areas.

For those living in the affected areas, here’s a snapshot of the schedule for July 14 to July 20: •Minnedosa – Open 24 hours on July 14, 15, and 16, as well as July 19 and 20. No ER services past 8:00 a.m. on July 17, resuming at 8:00 a.m. on July 18.

•Hamiota – Open 24 hours on

July 14 and 15, limited hours after 8:00 a.m. on July 16, and fully closed from July 17 to 20.

•Russell, Virden, Neepawa – All three locations will remain consistently open 24/7.

Several ER departments, including Shoal Lake-Strathclair Health Centre, remain indefinitely suspended.

Doctors Manitoba emphasized the importance of personal emergency preparedness. While regional resources are on standby

during emergencies, individuals should be proactive in ensuring their own safety and that of their families. This includes knowing the nearest open ER and having a plan in place.

For real-time health advice, residents can turn to Health Links, which provides 24/7 telephone support. Stay informed and prepared this summer by checking local resources, the PMH website, and being aware of the ER availability in your area.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

Sunrise Credit Union a w a rds loca l sch ola rs RAC HEAL FLIN TO FT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

Three area students have been awarded academic scholarships through Sunrise Credit Union (SCU), after being recognized for their academic and community excellence.

Erickson’s Amanda Mielke, Annalyn Quesnel from Minnedosa, and Hayden Mackedenski, from Rossburn,

were all each awarded a $1,000 SCU scholarship.

In total, 14 scholarships, totalling $24,000, were awarded to students across southwestern Manitoba. The selection process included 60 applicants who were reviewed by a five-person committee that scored each application on academics, leadership, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, community involvement, and essay quality.

Co p in g w ith lo s in g a p e t Letter the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal not accustomed to bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting beside you.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. And, my friend, when I am very old, if God sees fit to deprive me of my health and sight, do not turn me away from you.

Rather see that my trusting life is taken gently, and I shall leave knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

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SERENITY

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

Walking hand in hand from the Elkhorn Resort & Conference Centre at Onanole to the views of Wasagaming, these senior citizens were among the visitors who enjoyed getting back to nature over the July 5 weekend. Elkhorn Resort is among the stay and play outlets which offer nature adventures, complete relaxation, and culinary bliss within the area, which serves up a perfect blend of enjoyment. As a destination getaway, the Onanole area and Riding Mountain National Park blend together, making for a trip of a lifetime.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Dear Editor: I found this poem in a cookbook and anyone with a dog can truly relate to it. We just had to put our beautiful Toby down at 15 years, 3 months and this poem said it all. If you think it’s worthy to put in the paper, please do.

–Karen Manary, Erickson A D og’s Prayer Treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for the kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by

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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

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M em bers ofthe Erickson 4-H BeefC lub for the 2024/25 season,under the direction ofthree leaders,were as follows:back row,from left,S igne Erven,Raelynn Gem by,Rebecca Baraniuk, K aden K ostenchuk,Easton Paterson;front row,from left,Brant W oychyshyn,Thom as Baraniuk,C het W oychyshyn,C olter K ostenchuk,Elijah Ginter,Leo K ostenchuk.M issing from photo: Head Leader – Am anda W oychyshyn,and Leaders – Greg W oychyshyn and GeoffPaterson.

PRIDE & PASSION

Erickson 4-H Beef Club p roudly show ca se p rojects a ta n n ua l Achievem en tD a y held in M in n edosa on Sun da y, Jun e 22 D ARRELL N ES BITT So uth M o unta in Pre ss

For 111 years, 4-H Canada has been one of the most respected positive youth development organizations in Canada, with over 19,000 members and nearly 7,400 volunteer leaders, participating in more than 51,500 projects.

Under the direction of 4-H Canada the goal of clubs including those locally, is to help young Manitobans “Learn To Do By Doing” in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment.

4-H provides youth with the guidance, resources, and opportunities, to becoming contributing members of their community and beyond.

Achievement Days are an important step in a 4-H member’s life, no matter if the

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large project is in the form of livestock or a smaller one from a home economics initiative.

According to Amanda Woychyshyn, current head leader of the Erickson 4-H Beef Club, 4-H is just the best thing out there hands down.

“It teaches us so much, from record keeping and public speaking. Compassion and caring for your animals, and pride in achieving your goals at the end of the year when you show off your hard work at achievement day.”

Leaders, members, families and friends of the club celebrated another year of growth at the Minnedosa Agricultural Grounds on Sunday, June 22, where personal and club accomplishments were recognized.

Thomas Baraniuk showed

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the top market steer, which went on to be named the Grand Champion, while Rebecca Baraniuk’s second place finisher and Best Rate of Gain animal, gaining 3 lbs. per day, earned the Reserve Grand Champion award.

The Progeny Steer class was won by Easton Paterson.

Chet Woychyshyn’s Continuation Heifer (cow/calf) project not only won that class, but also took the honours of being judged the Grand Champion Female. Colter Kostenchuk’s top Yearling Heifer project was also named the Reserve Grand Champion Female.

The top Yearling Progeny Heifer was also shown by Chet Woychyshyn.

Results of other classes were as follows: Best Kept Record Book:

Pub lishe d e ve ry Frid a y b y: N esbitt Publishing Ltd. 353 S tation Road PO Box 160 S hoalLake,M B R0J 1Z0

Cloverbud – Colter Kostenchuk, Junior – Caden Kostenchuk, Intermediate – Rebecca Baraniuk, Senior - Signe Erven.

Grooming: Cloverbud – Elijah Ginter, Junior – Chet Woychyshyn, Intermediate – Rebecca Baraniuk, Senior – Easton Paterson.

Showmanship: Cloverbud – Elijah Ginter, Junior – Raelynn Gemby, Intermediate – Rebecca Baraniuk, Senior – Signe Erven.

Beginning Beef: Leo Kostenchuk.

Camping & Survival Skills (multi-purpose project): Caden Kostenchuk.

Grand Aggregate Award – Rebecca Baraniuk.

“As someone who grew up doing 4-H and is working and making a living in the ag and beef industry, I find being a

leader very rewarding,” commented Amanda Woychyshyn.

“I think all of us, as leaders, are happy to be able to pass down any bit of our knowledge to this young crew.”

Erickson, along with 4-H clubs from Rapid City and Neepawa, took part in the

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Ryan

Neepawa & Area Fat Stock Show and Sale on Wednesday, July 2 at the Stride Exhibition Park. The Erickson club was very competitive in the ring, and finished off the 4-H project year selling seven steers at the interclub sale.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

T h e future of new s lies in th e P rovince’s h a nds

The future of community journalism is in the hands of our provincial government, at least in the way that they can help ensure our industry not only survives, but thrives, so we can continue providing news to rural Manitobans long into the future.

Under the direction of Premier Was Kinew, the Manitoba government has created an all-party committee to explore the future of local journalism, with “town hall” style meetings being held across the province over the past week and half. I took time to present to the committee at the meeting held in Brandon on Monday, July 7.

I want to be clear, the community newspaper industry is not looking for hand outs from the government.

We are simply asking to be better supported through advertising.

And when we ask to be supported, we aren’t even asking the government to change it’s advertising spend, we are simply asking them to consider reallocating the dollars they currently spend on advertising to better reflect the population demographics of the province.

43% of Manitoba’s population lives rurally, so shouldn’t 43% of the advertising dollars target those Manitobans? Rural Manitobans are just as important as those who live in urban centers.

But the way that advertising dollars are being allocated does not reflect that they are.

To illustrate my point, a recent Freedom of Information Act request distributed to the media shows how advertising dollars were spent on the government’s “Support Manitoba. Buy Local.” campaign earlier this year. Of the over $187,000 spent on the campaign, just $5,949 were spent with rural community newspapers. That amounts to just under 3.2% of the budget used to target the 43% of Manitobans who live rurally.

That amount, the least of any category, was lower than outdoor advertising at the airport of $6,450, outdoor digital posters $21,000, and outdoor billboards for $53,500. The budget also included $10,000 for digital audio, which I can only assume is podcasts. So nearly double the budget spent with locally owned rural Manitoban newspapers went to podcasts.

I hear from people in the communities that my newspapers serve all the time who feel more and more disconnected from the government, and feel that the government only cares about those who live inside the perimeter.

With advertising budgets such as this, it is not hard to see why. And this is not a new problem, regardless of the party in power, rural Manitoba has been overlooked by government after government with its messaging. But this is a problem we

Ryan

Nesbitt P UBLISH ER can fix.

Plain and simple, the community newspaper is the best way to target rural Manitobans and get a message out. It always has been, with a history dating back well over 100 years, and it’s no different today. We have loyal readers and we are woven into the fabric of the communities that we serve.

By advertising in community newspapers, the government would be getting its message to rural Manitobans and also letting them know they are valued. It would support an industry that delivers the essential service of providing news in areas where no one else is reporting the news. We are telling the stories of small towns and giving a voice to the people. And not only are we doing the work of recording history, we are running the government’s news. We support the government each and every week, and now we humbly ask for its support back.

By upping their advertising in community newspapers, the government would support local businesses who

are a source of local employment, who pay local taxes, and who donate to local initiatives. Those business owners live locally, support other local businesses, and keep kids in our schools. Advertising in community newspapers has a trickle down effect that supports the entire community and region.

I’ve seen numbers that the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association has lost 17 titles since 2017, many of them simply because a lack of advertising made it no longer viable to operate. Ask any of those communities and I am willing to bet that they feel they have lost their voice. Our industry is essential to our towns and citizens. There is now no one to tell the stories of triumphs and heartbreaks in those places, their history is now lost in the wind.

While advertising on Facebook may have it’s place, every dollar spent on the platform leaves this country and goes to a mega corporation who pays no tax and provides nothing to the Manitoba economy. One of my publications – The Minnedosa Tribune – is the oldest continually publishing community newspaper in Western Canada, serving residents since 1883. If that’s not rooted in community, I’m not sure what is.

Platforms such as Facebook have also been directly involved in the Fake News epidemic, providing misinformation, spreading hate, and serving to divide the population. By spending advertising dollars online on such platforms, the fact is, the government is making a choice to directly support those problems.

By advertising in community newspapers, everyone wins.

It is nice to finally see a government recognizing the importance of local media and what it does for small towns.

For all of our sake, let’s hoping they are not only listening, but show some follow through, to help keep local journalism alive and well in small towns.

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- N OW O P EN T U E SDAY : 50% OFF WINGS & $2.00 DRINKS FOR ONANOLE AND ERICKSON LOCALS

To the JAM committee who kept the kitchen, refreshments, support staff, set up and take down running smoothly.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors who generously gave, including our Gold Sponsors;

And to all those who sold tickets, helped collect donations, volunteered, or made purchases of tickets and auction items.

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We were happy to present cheques for $13,000 each to Brooks, John Jacob & Odin.

To our Emcee & Bands. You were the heart of our event, and we couldn’t thank you enough for keeping the event moving and engaging the audience!

dia is vital to our society – to back that up with advertising dollars. Those dollars are already being spent, largely on billboards, on Facebook, and seemingly on podcasts. Supporting the community newspaper industry directly “supports Manitoba”, a cause this government claims to champion. We are also the best way to reach rural Manitobans and to keep them informed.

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Thank You The Little Valley Jamboree would like to thank everyone involved in supporting Brooks, John Jacob & Odin, as well as other kids in Westman with medical needs for 2025.

On the flip side, the community newspaper industry gives a voice to the people. We cover local sports, provide essential news to seniors, and hold local town councils accountable. We serve only to bring people closer together.

And to reiterate, we as an industry are not asking for handouts or bailouts, we are very simply asking the government – who say local me-

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South Mountain Press

M u n ic.o f M unicipalM inutes Virden R CM P Cla n w illia m resp ond to robbery E ricks o n

On July 5, Dauphin RCMP received a report of a dirt bike collision on Road 114W in the Rural Municipality of Dauphin, located southeast of Valley River. Officers attended to the scene and observed a single dirt bike lying on the road with a 15year-old male in medical distress. EMS arrived on scene and transported the youth to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The investigation has determined that the youth had departed his home and was travelling on the roadway when his dirt bike collided with a deer. The youth, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown from his dirt bike.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the family, to the community, and to everyone who is grieving today,” said S/Sgt. Mark Smaill, Detachment Commander of the Parkland RCMP. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy that will have a lasting impact on so many within the Dauphin area.”

Dauphin RCMP, along with assistance of a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

Ste Rose du Lac RCMP has arrested a male for Possession for the purpose of trafficking in Crane River First Nation. On July 5, officers were conducting traffic enforcement on Road 481, in Crane River First Nation, when they attempted to pull over an unregistered pickup truck. The vehicle did not stop immediately and instead pulled into a driveway. A male driver exited the vehicle, with a bag over his shoulder, and attempted to walk away from police. Further investigation led officers to arrest the 17-year-old driver from Crane River First Nation. The resulting search revealed he was in possession of individually packaged substances, that appear to be marihuana and crack cocaine, in addition to Canadian currency. The 17-yearold male has been charged for Possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was released pending a future court date.

On July 1, Swan River

RCMP Briefs Provincial Roundup RCMP responded to a headon collision that took place on Highway 10, 1.5 km north of Road 224 North. When officers arrived on scene two vehicles were observed in the east side of the ditch, one of them overturned. EMS and the local Fire department were tending to the occupants involved. The initial investigation revealed that the vehicle travelling southbound on Highway 10, near Road 224 North, veered over the centre line colliding with a suspected stationary vehicle parked on the east edge of Highway 10 facing north, causing a rollover. The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 36-year-old male from Winnipeg, along with his 29year-old male passenger, from Swan River, were both transported to hospital with critical injuries. The occupants in the other vehicle, a 42-year-old male driver and his 31-year-old female passenger, were both transported to hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.

Swan River RCMP, along with RCMP Criminal Collision Investigation Team, and a Traffic Analyst continue to investigate.

On June 30, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing outside a business address, located on Manitoba Avenue, in Selkirk. Officers, along with EMS, responded immediately and located a 39year-old female with critical injuries who was transported to hospital. A short time later, she succumbed to her injuries. A 15-year-old female from Gimli has been arrested and charged with the homicide of the 39-year-old female. The two females were not known to each other.

“It is shocking that a 15year-old has been arrested for homicide, and very tragic that the female has died as a result of her injuries,” stated Sgt. Laura LeDrew of the Manitoba Major Crime Services. “The RCMP is working diligently to provide necessary support to all involved, and we extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victim. We are grateful and thank the community for their assistance, as we continue with the investigation.” Selkirk RCMP and Major Crime Services continue to investigate.

Council of the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson (MCE) sat for a public hearing in conjunction with the June 11 meeting, dealing with the application of a Variation Order for Lot 16, Plan 665 by Kristy Vermiere.

Located in the urban area of the MCE, the application to this property was as follows: To reduce the required Front Yard from 25’ to 5’; to reduce the required West Side Yard from 5’ to 0.5’; to reduce the required minimum distance between an Accessory and Main building from 6’ to 3.5’; for an Accessory building in the Residential Zone.

Councillor Johnson requested a recorded vote. After careful consideration and a vote of 4-1, council approved the Variation Order for Lot 16, Plan 665, subject to the condition that the required Front Yard shall be a minimum of 12’. In Favour –

pickup charged to properties in the Urban Ward of the MCE, council adopted the updated Schedule “B” of Garbage Pickup By-Law No. 70-20.

With funds for street paving projects being allocated in the 2025 Financial Plan, and bids were received, council selected the bid from Zenith Paving, in the amount of $149,740.

Insurance status is a barrier when requesting grant funding for improvements to Leda Lake Park, which serves community needs.

Ensuring its success is in line with municipal properties, council will add the Score Store Inc. as a liability additional insured to the municipal insurance policy, for the accessible/walking trail portion of Leda Lake Park on land owned by the Score Store, which connects the Trans-Canada Trail to the dock area.

Five overdue accounts of 120 days for Waste Site Tipping Fees will be added to the respective tax rolls.

Resolution No. 125/25 Defeated: That council will not

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

THE

On June 30, Virden RCMP received a report of a female that had been robbed at a business on Princess Street in Virden. The initial investigation revealed a 61-year-old female was approached by one male and two females who offered assistance with her shopping bags, when one of the suspects stole the victim’s wallet which contained a large amount of cash. The suspects fled before the victim was aware what had happened.

Councillors Tami Johnson, Wade Shellborn, Alison Burgess, and Cody Cameron; Opposed – Reeve Victor Baraniuk.

Rebecca Gray introduced herself as the president of the Erickson District Recreation Association (EDRA), touching on a number of matters including grants applied for, and received, for projects; and a request made to council to dedicate matching funds as needed for ice plant grant applications.

Upon being given the final two readers. By-Law No. 101-25, to regulate and control fire alarm systems that cause false alarms to be activated, was passed. All council members were in favour.

Council approved the funding request submitted

by EDRA for a new side door, to make up the funding shortfall after other grants are considered.

Citing new building construction and demolition, and changes in building use, require updating the special services levy for solid waste

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Friday, July 11, 2025

charge the Erickson Pickleball Club any fee to use the Erickson Recreation Centre for pickleball during the months of July and August of 2025, with scheduling to be determined by municipal administration. In Favour – Councillor Shellborn; Opposed – Reeve Victor Baraniuk, Councillors Johnson, Burgess, and Cameron.

CAO Ian Edye advised council on a number of matters including the Scandinavia Settlement Site, proposed improvements by volunteer group; Deaf Child signs required in Otter Lake; physician recruitment meeting; and Airport Road, road opening by-law.

Campground levels of service, dust control, transfer station operations, gravel program, a rural approach request, and 2025 culvert replacements were matters within the Public Works report.

The Recreation report touched on summer activities including disc golf, day camp, community walks and bike rides. Fall programming is to include karate.

Council was in favour of donating $500 to the 2025 Little Valley Jamboree.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

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

SUDOKU CHALLENGE 5

Ferm leafpeony is stunning butw ith a different look

Pe o n ie s a re a thin g o f b e a u ty - p a rt II

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Last week the focus was on herbaceous peonies. There is one more that needs to be mentioned, but there wasn’t enough room last week. The Fermleaf Peony (Paeonia tenufolia) is a stunning peony that has a totally different look. The foliage is striking with the leaves deeply cut into narrow, needle-like segments – resembling a fern.

The foliage is attractive even after the flowers have finished blooming. The flowers are typically single with cupshaped flowers, most commonly crimson-red with contrasting golden-yellow stamens in the center. Flowers on mature plants are up to 10 cm (4 inches) across and they typically bloom before the other herbaceous peonies.

Peonies can be used as edging or love hedges in the landscape. After the bloom is finished, the foliage remains attractive so still has definition throughout the growing season. They are also a nice addition to a perennial or mixed border and look great with finer textured flowers and foliage. Pretty with iris, roses, columbines, salvias and other cottage garden looking perennials.

Plant them in full sun in a location that will not change.

They do not transplant well so choose your location carefully. If possible, give them shelter from strong winds, as their heavy blooms will droop even without any wind. As mentioned in the last article, any of the larger flowered peonies will require good staking to be able to enjoy the bloom.

Plant peonies in the fall, when they have gone dormant. Give them at least a few weeks before the ground freezes to establish. If you absolutely have to plant them in the spring, expect that your bloom will take longer to appear than those planted in the fall. Space them with enough room to grow to their mature size. Dig a generous sized hole in good quality soil that will drain well. Once planted, ensure you water it thoroughly.

Peonies do have some problems and generally the first mentioned in their ten-

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GAR D EN IN G dency to flop. If there is wind, heat or heavy rain while blooming they end up bloom side down on the ground. Thus, staking them early in the season is essential. I usually leave a round full circle metal support on the peony all the time, as sometimes my spring is quite busy.

Powdery mildew is often also a common issue. It is a fungal condition that flourished when plants are stressed. Avoid this issue by ensuring your peony is in full sun and not over crowded so good air circulation occurs. I generally do not try to treat powdery mildew but sometimes when you see it begin to appear, pruning out some of the foliage to increase air circulation is a good solution.

Occasionally botrytis blight, which is also called gray mold, can be another fungal condition if we are having a rainy season. It initially looks like black spot with circular reddish-brown spots and buds that are brown and crusty. It is important in fall to prune the foliage and remove it to minimize any fungal challenges.

As I mentioned in the article last week, I have fallen in love once again with peonies.

Plant at least one in your garden, but if you have the space, enjoy an abundance of peonies with cultivars that boast early, mid and lateseason blooms.

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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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

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M essa ge of insp ira tion sh a red by form er H um boldt Bronco Dauphin: The Herald – Kaleb Dahlgren, a survivor of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, brought his message of inspiration to a sold-out audience of 250 people at the Ukrainian Orthodox Auditorium in Dauphin. Dahlgren spoke about his upbringing in Saskatoon, leaving home at the age of 16 to play hockey and his recovery from the crash. The evening was a fundraiser for the Parkland Pirates youth rugby program for its trip to Wales and England next spring.

Killarney: The Guide – The Killarney Lake Action Committee has launched a new pilot program, using cutting edge technology, nanobubbles. The purpose of the pilot project is to further help mitigate algal blooms.

Paper Clips News from MB/SK weeklies Nanobubble technology produces very, very small bubbles that are very high in oxygen content, after the water is extracted, sent through the machine and then back into the lake. Floating through the lake, they create higher oxygen content is at the top, middle and at the bottom, of the bottom. The more oxygen in the lake, especially at the bottom, makes a big difference to the health of the lake.

Virden: The EmpireAdvance – It may have not been a win, but Rachelle Stannage, Economic Development Officer for the Rural Municipality of Sifton, was satisfied

with a nomination for Event of the Year (Over $10,000) for the Municipality’s beloved Harvest Festival in Oak Lake at the Tourism Westman Gala held on June 11. For Stannage, who has poured her heart into rebuilding the festival from the ground up, the recognition meant everything.

The annual celebration brings the community together to mark the end of summer and celebrate rural life.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Cemeteries are a place of peaceful remembrance. Recent upgrades to a portion of Neepawa’s Riverside Cemetery have now enhanced that feeling. Upgrades included the overhaul of the Neepawa Legion Ladies Auxiliary monument, which is a tribute to honour all veterans who

DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon

served their country. The collaboration between the Town of Neepawa and the Legion Auxiliary has created a restful and tranquil spot, in an area amongst the many veteran markers. It’s hoped people will take a moment to pause and reflect and enjoy the serenity.

Whitewood: Grasslands News – Seventy-five years ago the Indian Head Rockets played their first of many baseball games in Saskatchewan. To honour the legacy left by the African American and Latino team, the Indian Head Museum collaborated with the Regina Red Sox to host a 75th anniversary tribute game on June 18 at Currie Field, located in Mount Pleasant Sports Park in Regina. Former 1952 Rockets’ players, Nat

Bates and Willie Reed, travelled from the United States to attend the game and other special events. The two men – a pitcher and a catcher – both now in their 90s, are thought to be the last surviving members of the original Rockets’ teams.

Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Neepawa newest community group – Neepawa & Area Kiwanis Club – has officially received its charter.

The June 20 ceremony helkd at the ArtsForward Cultural Centre formally marked the establishment of a club, with local president, Angie Weisgerber, accepting the certification from Western Canada District Governor McKenna Coran.

Boissevain: The Recorder – With graduating students

preparing to start the next chapter in their young lives, inspiration may be gained by the story of Dr. Riley Workman, who lived in the small rural town of Minto, attending high school in Boissevain, and now a licensed physician and partner at the Portage la Prairie Clinic. With a liking to biology, he was accepted into medical school at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, finding the program to be difficult at times due to the amount of material needed to understand, however, he also made many lifelong friendships and unforgettable experiences. His choice for Portage was an easy one, as his wife Peyton Fines, was already there working as a physician’s assistant in the emergency room.

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It is with great sadness that the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association (MCNA) offers our deepest condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Lori Penner upon her sudden and unexpected passing. Lori was kind and well loved in her community.

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She was also a dedicated and award-winning journalist to a few of our MCNA newspapers. We extend our deepest sympathy to all those who knew her in the community and who will miss her dearly, as well as to all of those who had the honour of working with her.

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South Mountain Press

Friday, July 11, 2025

How to hand le caregiver b urnout Dr.

Roizen H EALT H Y LIVIN G in my book “The Great Age Reboot.”

So, start today to do a stress-relieving activity such as gardening, walking, or reading. Also, interact socially with friends, take walks or play pickleball, join a book club, and chat on the phone. And then there’s therapeutic plasma exchange that can slow dementia and reverse sped-up-aging from stress so that you can live longer and healthier – see more on this at LifespanEdge.com.

Q: I just found out that I have high blood pressure. I was surprised because I don’t feel anything like that.

What are the usual symptoms? – John Y., Pittsburgh, PA A: Most people have high blood pressure without any noticeable symptoms – but you’re not alone in thinking the diagnosis means you should feel dizzy or short of breath. A poll from the University of Pennsylvania found that almost 40% of folks expect that they’d feel some noticeable symptoms and mistakenly assume that if they’re calm and relaxed, then their pressure must be normal. And hardly anyone

knew what a healthy BP reading is! The ideal for longevity is 115/75, but anything below 125/85 systolic is considered low risk.

Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to normalize your BP. In addition to a large variety of blood pressure medications that are very effective (you can find out which one suits you), there are self-care steps that can help you achieve a healthy blood pressure.

Get plenty of physical activity that combines aerobics, walking and strength

training. Maintain a healthy weight and reduce your salt intake by following DASH4D (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension for Diabetes) diet. (Smart even if you don’t have diabetes.)

A new study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that the DASH4D diet could lower the top number (systolic BP) by 4.6 mmHg and the lower number (diastolic) by 2.3 mmHg over the course of five weeks, even for folks already taking high blood pressure medications. The DASH4D diet contains lower

carbohydrates, higher unsaturated fats, and lower potassium than the original DASH diet. It limits sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams daily (a teaspoon of table salt has around 2,300 milligrams).

So, talk with your doc about adopting the DASH or DASH4D diet. You’ll ditch foods with added salt like snacks, canned, frozen and processed foods, ketchup, salad dressings, BBQ sauces, and fried foods. And be glad you caught your high blood pressure before you had a

stroke, heart attack or developed dementia.

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.longevityplaybook.com.

Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook. com.

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Q: I have been caring for my 75-year-old husband with dementia for the past four years (I am 72), and I’m at my wits’ end. Suggestions? – Carey T., Joplin, MO A: Being the primary caregiver can be mentally and physically taxing – and can put you at risk for health complications, and even premature death. That’s why it’s so important that you take care of yourself first. Various studies have shown just how vital that is.

One, in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience from 2009, found that dementia caregivers are at an increased risk of heart woes, lower immunity, diabetes, arthritis, ulcers, and anemia.

They’re also less likely to eat well and get exercise, and more likely to smoke, drink alcohol and have poor sleep habits. Another, published in Alzheimer’s Dementia in 2018, found that 18% of spouses of folks with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia die before their husband or wife. And then there’s the study from JAMA Network in 1999 that found that caregivers’ ages 66 to 96 who felt constant stress were 63% more likely to die over the next four years than folks who weren’t caregivers.

On top of that, being a caregiver for someone can increase your own risk for cognitive problems.

Fortunately, there are 40 ways you can protect yourself from cognitive problems -- including my favorites: having a posse and a purpose, managing chronic stress with exercise, therapy, meditation and fun; plus doing two hours of speed-ofprocessing games a week (check out Brainhq.com).

You can explore all 40 ways

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