No matter the time of day, children and their parents are screaming for the cool and tasty treat of ice cream, as seen in front of The Boardwalk in Wasagaming on Friday, July 18. Marketed in a variety of flavours, ice cream is served soft or hard from a number of summer destination shops in Riding Mountain National Park, with patrons taking a moment to cool off after a day of adventures in the sun and sand.
Record-low rainfall marks unusual summer
Quieter storm season has contributed to dryer than average conditions and growing concerns for produ cers
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
Even after recent rainfall, the region is experiencing an unusually dry summer, contrary to normal July weather patterns typically seen.
Regionally, rainfall totals vary widely. Birtle has recorded approximately 40 millimetres, mak-
ing it one of the driest areas so far. Riding Mountain National Park area has received nearly 55 mm, followed by the Russell area with around 60 mm. The Minnedosa area has seen approximately 80 mm, the highest in the region but still below average for this time of year.
Many areas have received minimal rain, with isolated heavy showers in some locations, while others remain dry. This pattern also shows a quieter storm season compared to most years, with fewer thunderstorms and lightning activity.
This below-average rainfall has raised concerns among farmers and local residents about drought
conditions and potential impacts on agriculture. While recent weeks have brought some showers, the overall trend remains dry.
Traditionally, July accounts for about one-third of the region’s annual rainfall, but this year has seen significantly less precipitation. Meteorologists note that the current summer is atypical for Manitoba, which generally experi-
ences wetter conditions in July. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts are jumping for joy; however, light rain is always needed during the short summer season. Whether the upcoming month will bring additional rain remains uncertain, leaving residents and farmers hoping for relief in the coming weeks.
HERE & THERE
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
This is a true story of two little girls born around Horrod, MB, Elsie (right) in 1932 and Lillian in 1934. Aunty Elsie, or Cha Cha as Lillian still fondly calls her, grew up more like sisters. Their farms were only six kilometres (kms) apart until Elsie and her parents moved to Sandy Lake in the mid-1940s. Lillian temporarily joined her Cha Cha and grandparents in Sandy Lake to attend school. Their teenage years were immensely enjoyed rollerskating and ice skating at the Sandy Lake rinks where Elsie was crowned Carnival Queen at age 16. By 1951, Elsie married, and Lillian attended as one of the beautiful bridesmaids. Elsie and Lawrence, also from Sandy Lake, moved to Brandon. Then soon after, to a farm a little further south,
where they lived for 13 years and moved back to Brandon.
Lillian also married a local gentleman in 1952. Matt moved his bride to his family farm overlooking Corstorphine Lake, which is 13 kms north of Sandy Lake. They farmed and raised a family for 46 years. Their son and girlfriend now reside on this picturesque family farm, which will host a special family wedding this August.
The close to 90 year friendship continues to this day. Although they are not roommates, Elsie and Lillian both reside in Sandy Lake. They celebrated Lillian’s 90th birthday together in August of 2024, and look forward to celebrating Elsie’s 93rd in November.
-Submitted by Bev Lauder
Parks Canada employees are kept busy watering an array of plants and beautiful blooms within Wasagaming and area on a daily basis, as spotted mid-day on Friday, July 18 in the vicinity of the Visitor’s Centre. The main town-site, on the south shore of Clear Lake, provides a variety of recreational activities and is filled with quaint Parkitechture, a myriad of restaurants, snack shops, and fashion galore. What stuns people about this park is it’s so unexpected – rolling hills and grasslands lead you to a prized park flanked by the northern boreal forest, wetlands, and a collection of sparkly lakes.
IT’S TIME TO
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
Editor’s note: the following article deals with sexual exploitation, reader discretion is advised.
Every moment that passes is a moment some children can’t afford to lose.
Sexual exploitation can affect children of any age, ability, ethnicity, gender, family background or geographic location. While it can happen to anyone, certain groups face higher risks – including Indigenous women and girls, LGBTQ+ youth, youth in foster care, youth experiencing homelessness and youth with disabilities.
This crime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Children are being sexually exploited every day, in every country, both in person and online. It occurs in large urban cities and smaller rural communities across the country. It is happening right now in every community across Canada. It is far more prevalent than people realize.
Sex trafficking is a Canadian issue and our nation knows it. New research reveals that 74 percent of Canadians believe that sex trafficking is prevalent in Canada, Despite this fact, more than 70 percent admit they have never had a conversation with a friend or family member about protecting themselves against sex trafficking, states the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, also known as The Centre.
“Sex trafficking is a complex and serious social issue that is not going away on its own,” says Julia Drydyk, Executive Director of The Centre. “We understand the topic may seem overwhelming, but the reality is that we all need to start talking about it if we ever hope to end sex trafficking in Canada. That’s where we believe this resource can make a tangible difference.”
To address these concerns, “It’s Time to T.A.L.K” provides four crucial steps in initiating conversation…
T
– Teach Yourself About
Sex Trafficking: There are many misperceptions around sex trafficking and it’s important to learn the realities. Sex trafficking can affect anyone. It rarely involves being abducted by a stranger. Instead, it is most often calculated and staged luring, grooming, manipulation, coercion, and exploitation by someone known and trusted by the person being exploited.
A – Approach the Conversation with Care: It is essential to create a judgmentfree space void of distractions for your discussion. While there is no “script,” The Centre provides some conversation starters around key issues such as consent; healthy relationships; self-worth; and setting boundaries; as well as some general conversation dos and don’ts.
L – Listen and Adapt: Be an active listener. You may not have all the answers, but that’s okay; discover the information together. If someone is unwilling to talk to you, ensure they are talking to someone whether that is another adult, trusted
friend, etc. And keep the door open for future communication. The Centre also provides practical tips should you discover someone you know is already being trafficked, starting with telling them that you believe them.
K – Know There is Help Available – The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is a national service providing support for those who may be being exploited or those who simply want to learn more. Independent of police or government, it operates in more than 200 languages, and partners with more than one thousand service providers across Canada to provide local assistance.
Friends and family play a crucial role in preventing sex trafficking and supporting those who are being exploited,” adds Ms. Drydyk.
“While it may seem like a basic concept, open and frequent conversations can reinforce what constitutes a healthy relationship and may identify red flags before a dangerous situation esca-
lates. Don’t be daunted; these conversations are essentially about letting people in your life know that you love them unconditionally and that you are always there to help.”
The hand signal related to human trafficking starts with an open hand, held up with the thumb tucked in the palm, and the fingers then folded down over the thumb. Once the hand signal is seen by an individual, that person can alert police by texting or dialing 911.
“Community members at large need to pay attention to this issue. They need to become aware and educate themselves about what this looks like… it’s something that is a community-based issue, and really does need community engagement to be able to make an impact,” commented Janet Campbell, President and CEO of the Joy Smith Foundation in a CTV News story regarding charges laid in sexual exploitation investigation in Brandon a year ago.
Human trafficking is a deeply gendered crime, with women and girls making up
2012 and 2022, according to Statistics Canada. Yet, trafficking (sexual and forced labour) remains largely invisible, operating in secrecy while victims are forced into grueling conditions with little to no pay, no rights, and no way out. Just over 4,500 incidents of human trafficking have been reported to police services in Canada from 2013 to 2023, states a Statistics Canada report. Hundreds of children, youth, and adults are victimized in the visible sex trade on the streets in Winnipeg and other cities each year. It is also estimated that thousandsare victimized in the invisible sex trade that takes place in hidden venues such as private homes and drug houses located throughout Manitoba. Should you suspect trafficking is occurring, call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-9001010 or by email at hotline@ccteht.ca. You will be anonymously connected with social services, law enforcement and emergency services in your community.
94% of reported victims across the nation between
Children are being sexually exploited every day,in every country,both in person and online
Friday, July 25, 2025
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
Stop imagining the worst will happen
If you have a tendency to worry about worst-case scenarios, it’s possible to get your brain on a different track and your stomach in a knot. This article comes from Patricia Riddell, PhD, in a Greater Good magazine, and citing I personally fall into this trap, it was studied and felt that it may help a percentage of the readership of this newspaper.
Imagine you have an interview for a new job tomorrow. Some people might think about what kind of questions they will be asked so that they can prepare, or imagine the interview going well. For others, the thought of an interview will cause them to toss and turn all night thinking of every worst-case scenario possible – no matter how outlandish these may be. If you’re someone who has a tendency to do the latter, you
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
are prone to catastrophizing. Catastrophizing is a tendency to assume the worst will happen when imagining a future situation – even if you have evidence that this is not the most likely outcome. People who like to feel in control (and are therefore intolerant of uncertainty) are more likely to
catastrophize. This has been linked to anxiety – suggesting that frequent catastrophizing may be a factor in developing certain mental health problems.
Catastrophizing comes from the belief that by imagining what might go wrong, we’re better able to protect ourselves from harm – both physical and mental. However, this tendency is only helpful if you’re able to correctly predict what will happen in a certain situation and how it will make you feel.
As we imagine future events, we experience an emotional reaction to the story we are creating—and we use this response to determine how we will feel in the future. But this way of predicting the future is often wrong since we’re not able to imagine everything that might happen. This can
lead to us creating the wrong emotional response for future situations in our heads.
But our belief in what will happen in the future can have a big influence on our behavior. For example, people who are optimistic (or even realistic) about the future are more likely to be willing to try new things. They are also likely to notice what has gone well in new situations. On the flip side, people who catastrophize about what might go wrong are less likely to try new things. And, when they do try something new, they are more likely to notice what has gone wrong. This will be stored in their memory and will add to the reasons why they we shouldn’t try new things in the future. As a result, catastrophizing can lead to undue stress and anxiety and may stop you
from doing the things you might enjoy or learn from.
If you’re someone who tends to catastrophize when stressed or anxious, there are a few things that you can do to help…
1). Make decisions in the morning – Remind yourself that you are not thinking rationally when you’re lying awake at night worrying about something. It can also be useful to wait until the morning to make decisions when your brain is rested.
2). Teach your inner critic to be more compassionate – Catastrophizing can be driven by our inner critic, which may use harsh language that makes us emotional.
3). Make up a better story – Even if things have gone wrong in the past, this is unlikely to be the case in the future – despite what we might tell ourselves. If you
have a tendency to catastrophize about future events, try to think instead about ways in which this event might go well, which may help you to feel less anxious.
4). Be kind to yourself –Try to be more compassionate with yourself when considering your future. This is more difficult than you might imagine – even for people who are very compassionate and empathic to others.
Compassion and empathy evolved to help us to interact well with others. Planning for ways in which things might go wrong in the future does serve a purpose – and that is to keep us safe.
Until next week… Be there for others, but never leave yourself behind.
Kinew should push for end to industrial carbon tax
By GAGE HAUBRICH
Premier Wab Kinew was right to stand against the federal consumer carbon tax.
Now he needs to take the next step and call for an end to the federal industrial carbon tax. Because it’s likely to become a lot more expensive.
That’s because Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to keep the industrial carbon tax and “improve and tighten” it.
Before the federal government set the consumer carbon tax to zero, Kinew said that Manitoba doesn’t “need that carbon tax here.”
“Give Manitobans a break,” he said. And Manitobans got that break.
On April 1, the feds cut the carbon tax to zero and drivers in Manitoba immediately started saving 17 cents per litre on gas, 21 cents per litre on diesel and 15 cents per cubic metre on natural gas.
Those are big savings, but Manitoba is not carbon tax free because Manitobans are still stuck paying the cost of Ottawa’s hidden industrial carbon tax.
Despite not directly seeing the cost of the industrial carbon tax on your bills, it still makes everything more expensive.
When Ottawa forces businesses to pay the tax, they have no choice but to pass on those costs on to taxpayers when they heat or their homes or buy potatoes at the grocery store. It also makes it more expensive for farmers in Manitoba to buy fertilizer.
Opinion
Some of Manitoba’s biggest companies that make those products are stuck paying the industrial carbon tax. This includes a fertilizer plant in Brandon, a potato processing plant in Portage la Prairie and natural gas pipelines that cross the province.
Recent polling shows that Manitobans know this too. Leger polling shows that 68 percent of those polled in Manitoba/Saskatchewan believe that businesses pass on most or some of the cost of the industrial carbon tax to consumers. Only nine percent believe that businesses pay most of the cost.
This also impacts jobs for Manitobans. When business owners decide where to invest in their companies, the amount of carbon tax they must pay is certainly going to be on their mind. If the cost rises too much and the business shifts production south, that means fewer jobs.
The fertilizer plant in Brandon employs almost 300 people directly, more than 300 work at the potato processing plant and the natural gas pipeline industry also employs many Manitobans. If these companies cut production or leave because of the industrial carbon tax, it’s regular Manitobans who are hurt the most. And it’s not just for those who are employed directly at these places, but Manitobans who work in industries that rely on these facilities could face job losses as well. Before Parliament re-
sumes and Carney begins changing the industrial carbon tax, Kinew needs to make his voice heard for Manitobans.
The industrial carbon tax currently costs businesses $95 per tonne of emissions. It is set to increase to $170 per tonne by 2030, Carney has said he would extend the current industrial carbon tax framework until 2035, meaning the costs would reach $245 a tonne. That’s more than double the current tax.
The government of Saskatchewan, which had its own industrial carbon tax that met the federal standard recently scrapped it, making Saskatchewan the country’s first carbon tax-free province. The move was met with accolades from groups around the province.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward for rural Saskatchewan,” said Bill Huber, the president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities.
“This decisive action will
provide much-needed relief to Saskatchewan’s heavy civil construction industry,” said Shantel Lipp, the president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.
Kinew knew that the con-
sumer carbon tax was making life less affordable for Manitobans. The industrial carbon tax does the same thing. It’s time for Kinew to continue to stand for affordability and demand an end to the industrial carbon tax be-
fore its cost gets hiked and Manitobans are left with the bill. Gage Haubrich is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Man arrested after charging at RCMP officer
On July 18, Dauphin RCMP received a report of an unwanted person breaching release conditions inside a residence on William Street in Dauphin. When officers arrived, the female resident was alone, uninjured but visibly upset and gave a description of the male suspect who was known to officers. Officers began patrols and located the suspect, who was advised he was under arrest for breaching court-imposed conditions but fled on foot. With the use of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) he was again located a short time later in a back alley. Once again, the suspect was advised he was under arrest, but this time charged at the officer. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed, and a short struggle ensued. He was eventually placed in handcuffs and transported to the detachment. Neither the officer nor the suspect was injured. A 33year-old male of Dauphin has been charged with Fail to Comply with Release Order x4, Resist Peace Officer and Assault on Police Officer.
On July 16, The Pas RCMP officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located in the community. In speaking with the male driver and two female passengers, officers noted open liquor within the vehicle. A further search of the vehicle led to the seizure of a substance believed to be cocaine, an extendable baton and bear mace. As a result of this investigation, officers prepared and executed a search warrant at a rural property located off of Highway 10, north of The Pas. As a result of this search, officers seized a number of firearms, airsoft guns, a crossbow, body armour, illicit pills and other drug-related paraphernalia. RCMP have arrested the three individuals who remain in police custody. Charges for the three accused, a 30-yearold male and a 27-year-old female, both from The Pas, as well as a 36-year-old female, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, are pending. The Pas RCMP continue to investi-
RCMP Briefs
gate.
On July 17, RCMP Central Traffic Services were patrolling Highway 17, in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Fisher, when a vehicle was observed travelling 139 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. A traffic stop was conducted and upon further investigation led to the arrest of the driver. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located approximately 160 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia hidden inside a speaker in the vehicle. The 23-year-old male driver, from Bowmanville, ON, was arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and issued a $561 fine for speeding, along with a license suspension for providing an oral fluid sample that tested positive for both cannabis and cocaine.The driver was released on scene with a pending court date.
On July 7, Carman RCMP received a report of a stolen
A number ofweapons and drugs
windmill off a property located in the R.M. of Grey. It is believed the windmill was stolen sometime between July 4 and 6. Due to the nature of the sheer size of the stolen property, RCMP believe someone in the area may have seen something. The windmill is 25 feet high, with a six-foot blade and is silver in colour.
Emailus today at smpnews@mymts.net or call204-759-2644 ERICKSON & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
(MUSEUM ARTICLES) Wednesday,July 30
Erickson Skating Rink 27 Queen Elizabeth Road,Erickson,MB
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Provincial Roundup
were seized from a vehicle stop in The Pas on July 16
Friday, July 25, 2025
BIG GAME PLAYER
Minnedosa’s
Callie Maguire stepped up in the most important moment for the Midland University women’s hockey team
ROBIN WARK
forSouth Mountain Press
Minnedosa’s Callie Maguire is a big game player for the Midland University women’s hockey team.
This past season the daughter of Ed and Janice Maguire scored in overtime of a pool play contest at the American Collegiate Hockey Association Women’s Division I National Championship Tournament. That marker against Minot (N.D.) State University lifted the Fremont, NE-based Warriors into the national semifinals.
“Callie’s goal was huge for us... probably one of the biggest in our program’s history,” Midland University head women’s hockey coach Jason White said.
In the national semifinals, Midland University fell to top-ranked Liberty University. The Virginia school team went on to win the national title. In each of her three seasons, Maguire has helped her team make it to the national semifinals. She has enjoyed being part of the Warriors’ winning ways.
“It is always fun to be a part of a team that has success throughout the year, and winning the majority of our games,” Maguire said.
“This year was especially a lot of fun as all of the girls on the team became very close and tight knit together, which in turn helped out a lot when the games became tough as we could all rely on
Maguire, a skilled forward, scored in both of the Warriors pool play games at the national tournament in the St. Louis, MO suburb of Maryland Heights. She was named to the 2025 ACHA AllTournament Second Team.
one another and get the job done while having the other girls cheer each other on. We are looking forward to hopefully rebuilding that type of atmosphere when our new girls come in next year as well.”
The forward is a key contributor for Midland University. She led the team last season in goals (21), points (39), and points per game (1.15) in 34 contests. Maguire was a Women’s Midwest College Hockey Second-Team All Conference selection. She scored a hat trick in November against the University of Utah. Maguire had two fourpoint games this past season.
“Callie has the ability to make big plays on the ice,” White said. “She is a natural goal scorer who is able to see the ice very well.”
In her third season, Maguire was also looked upon
for leadership. White said, “Callie brings consistency, experience, and the ability to score to help lead this team.”
Although Maguire is used to playing at the ACHA national tournament, she said each one is unique.
“Now that I have attended three national tournaments, I can attest saying that no tournament is the same,” Maguire said. “The competition is always gaining and losing players, and overall the Women’s ACHA Division 1 is continuing to get more competitive each year. This year the layout had all changed around, (we went from single game knock-out to pool-play and then best team moves onto the quarter finals) so being able to have two for sure games was a good change. When we went into the tournament this year, we were not expected
to move onto the quarters, but we played very well against Indiana Tech, and then just snuck out a win against Minot State.”
Maguire’s family’s support of her has played a big role in her hockey career.
She praised the backing of her parents and her sister Amy.
“Growing up, I was not always a hockey player, so when it finally came the time to get into competitive hockey all three of them were there to support me and help me get to where I am today,” Maguire said. “This year had some extra weight as I lost my Grandpa in November, and he was also one of my biggest supporters travelling hundreds of kilometers to watch my college hockey career, and I would not have been able to continue to play without their
support. My whole family has always been there through the good and the bad, but no matter what they are always there even when there is a long distance separating us.”
In Nebraska, when she is away from the ice, Maguire is studying exercise science with minors in nutrition and coaching.
“I have always been interested in the mechanics of the body, along with the rehabilitation process, and the background in nutrition offers more knowledge into how the body works, so I hope to enter graduate school to become an athletic therapist,” Maguire said.
Virden-native Robin Wark is a freelance writer who lives in Sooke, BC.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIDLAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Sporty’s Originals claim league championship
The Onanole Sporty’s Originals traveled to complete their regular schedule with a game versus the Southeast Express on July 16, a makeup game due to a rained out game in June, capping off the season and claiming the Westman Border Twilight League championship.
The Originals jumped out to a first inning 2-0 with a two-run double by Chris Hanson. They scored 2 more runs in the 3rd inning on a two-run homerun by Dan Fedak. They added one more run in the fifth inning thanks to a RBI double by Hanson. The bottom of the sixth inning got a bit messy for the Originals when the determined Express scored five runs to tie the game. In the top of the seventh, Ryan Clarke hit a towering three-run homerun to give the Originals an 8-5 lead. The Express managed one more run in the bottom of the seventh inning to make the final score 8-6 for the Originals.
The Originals had 12 hits in the game with Clarke going 3-4 with three RBIs, Roger Richard going 3-3 (also scored three times) and Hanson and Jody Hanlon each contributing two hits at the plate. Hanson also took the win on the mound with Terry Peppler taking the loss. Scott Soyka had a hit and two RBIs for the Express.
This is the third league championship for the team and it compliments the Softball Manitoba Master’s 50+ Championship that they won in June. All around it was another fine season for the Onanole Sporty’s Originals.
With a record of 5-1, Onanole Sporty’s Originals were
the Westman Border Twilight League 2025 Champions. Pictured, Phil Hamm of the
the trophy
Ellchuk. Other members of the team included, from left, Roger Richard,Jody Hanlon, Harv
Scott Stephenson.
Neepawa Lions Club disbands
Paper Clips
News from MB/SK weeklies
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – The Neepawa Lions Club held its final order of business on June 30, with remaining members dispersing the club’s bank account by making donations to a number of community groups. Funds went to the Neepawa and Area Collegiate –graduation scholarships for the next 10 years, Neepawa Salvation Army – community kitchen program, Touchwood Park Association – for accessibility playground equipment project, Neepawa Habitat for Humanity – for the 2025 new home project, and to the Beautiful Plains Museum and Beautiful Plains Historical Archives Society. The ownership of the Stoney Creek School in Riverbend Park was also transferred to the Town of Neepawa. The club failed to recruit new members to keep the club, charted in 1938, functioning. Baldur: The Gazette –The inconvenience of building and electrical contractors working feverishly to complete clubhouse renovations required due to flood damage sustained over the winter has forced tournaments to be shelved at the Glenboro Golf Course, resulting in a significant loss of revenue. The board was hoping to see renovations completed in June.
SOONER THAN LATER
Students attending Erickson Collegiate, home of the Eagles, may be kicking back, relaxing, and soaking up the summer rays or pocketing a little cash thanks to seasonal employment, but that’s not to say they aren’t reminded daily that school isn’t too far off. Parents will be focusing on the task of checking school supplies off a list while budgeting at the same time for the addition of a new outfit for the first day of school, sneakers for physical education, and that special new backpack.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
On the date and at the time and location shown below, a PUBLIC HEARING will be held to receive representations from any persons who wish to make them in respect to the following matter:
MUNICIPALITY OF CLANWILLIAM-ERICKSON BY-LAW NO. 99-25 “Development Plan By-law”
HEARING Royal Canadian Legion
LOCATION: 32 First Street Southwest, Erickson, MB Also accessible via Zoom at www.ericksonmb.ca
DATE & TIME: Aug. 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
GENERAL INTENT The Development Plan is the official OF BY-LAW No. plan for the Municipality of 99-25: Clanwilliam-Erickson to manage land use and development as per Section 45 of the Planning Act. By-law No.99-25 replaces the existing South Riding Mountain Planning District Development Plan and all the amendments thereto with this new Development Plan.
AREA AFFECTED BY All those lands within the BY-LAW No. 99-25: Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson.
WAYS TO MAKE Verbally: in person at the Public Hearing REPRESENTATION: or by online participation via Zoom at www.ericksonmb.ca.
In writing: contact the CAO by 4:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time, Aug. 26, 2025, using the information below.
FOR INFORMATION Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson, CONTACT: 45 Main Street, Erickson, MB R0J 0P0, cao@ericksonmb.ca, (204) 636-2431.
A copy of the above proposal and supported material may be inspected at the location noted above during the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Copies may be made and extracts taken therefrom, upon request.
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Controlling algae in your pond
Water in a landscape makes the ordinary – extraordinary! Somehow water finishes off the lovely ambiance we have in our outdoor living spaces. It attracts birds, butterflies and all sorts of other critters as well. However, this time of year the crystal clear ponds are often more like a rendition of pea soup! Read on to learn more about controlling algae in your ponds.
Algae are very primitive plants that do not have the regular plant parts like leaves, stems or roots. They reproduce by spores, cell division and fragmentation and just like land plants they need light, water, nutrients, carbon dioxide and oxygen in order to live. Knowing this is key to controlling algae, as it is usually light and nutrients that will limit the growth.
The simplest method to control algae is to limit light and nutrients. Having plants cover a good part of the surface of the pond will aid in reducing algae growth. Limiting the amount of nutrients in the water will also help. Avoid using fertilizer around the pond, as it is a great source of nutrients for the algae. It is important to have a balance between the size of the pond, the plant material and the number of fish. Do not overfeed fish, as this is one of the fastest ways to increase algae growth. Rain, pollen and falling foliage will also create a surplus of nutrients that is ideal for increasing algae growth.
There are a number of forms of algae you may experience. Suspended or planktonic algae are very common and can quickly turn your clear pond into pea soup. Algae feed on the nutrients in the water and reproduce rapidly. When the nutrient level decreases, so will the algae population and the water will clear. When large amounts of algae die, it depletes the oxygen supply in the water, which can also potentially kill fish or other animal life in the pond. It is also this anaerobic (without oxygen) water, which can be rather foul smelling.
Bacteria play an important role in keeping your pond in balance. They actually feed on nutrients that are in the water caused by decomposing leaves and leftover fish food. They will also help to decrease the sediment often found in the bottom of the pond and will also help to eliminate odours. As in most aspects of life –
just a little balance is the answer. Ensure that floating plants like duckweed or hyacinths cover 50 to 70% of the pond surface. Submerged plants or oxygenators will help keep the water smelling fresh. These plants will also help remove dissolved nutrients giving the algae less available food. If you have fish in your pond and you feed those fish, it is sometimes as simple as limiting the amount of food you feed as this is a great additive for algae.
I have a large pond, which has a waterfall and a pool skimmer to help ensure any debris is removed from the water prior to rotting thus reducing the amount of “food” for algae. However, when there is a lot of vegetative material, the pond quickly takes on a green hue. Unfortunately, the only place in my landscape where I could dig in a large pond is beneath a very beautiful and very old but selfpruning willow tree. Needless to say in spring, when the willow flowers, the pollen and catkins are instant algae food, thus requiring extra care when my tree is shedding!
As always there are a number of chemical solutions on the market, stating your pond will become pristine if you purchase and use their product, but keep in mind that any of these “quick fixes” are not long-term solutions. Ensure you read the labels carefully and follow the manufacturer directions.
Once you have an algae bloom, it takes a couple of weeks to get that ecosystem back in balance. Patience is required in order to achieve a good natural balance. Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www. orchidhort.com; at growyour future@gmail.comor on facebook @orchidhort.
Easy ways to improve your nutrition
Q: I’m trying to improve my nutrition, but it’s not easy. Can you help me feel more motivated, please? –
Jenny T., Evanston, IL
A: “You are what you eat,” may sound like an overstatement, but the nutrients in food affect the health of every organ and system in your body, impact your cognition and emotions, and can enhance – or stifle – sensual pleasure. Several recent studies clearly reveal the kinds of food choices that will bring you a longer, happier, healthier life – and that’s pretty motivating!
I love the lab study in Microbial Cell that shows that the caffeine in your morning coffee activates an important cellular fuel sensor called AMPK, which influences how cells grow, repair their DNA, and respond to stress and energy shortages. And that, according to researchers, means that caffeine may slow down aging on a cellular level! So, enjoy paperfiltered black coffee, with no added sugars or high-fat dairy!
Vitamin C is also antiaging and anti-wrinkling. According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, it turns on “youth genes” linked to skin cell growth. It does this through targeted DNA demethylation mechanisms that promote epidermal thickening. So, opt for citrus fruit, red peppers, broccoli and leafy greens, and maybe a supplement.
If you’re aiming to achieve a healthy weight, a study in Frontiers in Nutrition recommends you drop acid – not LSD – but the acid
Dr. Roizen HEALTHY LIVING
content of foods. Researchers found that when participants ate a low-fat vegan diet that slashes dietary acidity, they melted off 13 pounds in 16 weeks. Meat, eggs, and dairy are high-acid foods that promote inflammation. Leafy greens, broccoli, beets, asparagus, garlic, carrots, cabbage, many fruits, legumes, quinoa and millet are alkaline, not acidic, packed with health-bestowing nutrients, tamp down inflammation, promote gut health and naturally encourage weight loss.
Q: I feel overwhelmed by managing my diabetes, heart health and kidneys. Any tips for simplifying the process? –Candace G., Mobile, AL
A: About half of the 38 million U.S. adults with diabetes take a statin to lower lousy LDL cholesterol levels. And they may also see a specialist to make sure that the double whammy of metabolic and heart issues isn’t interfering with healthy kidney function.
Three conditions, three different doctors. But these distinct-seeming problems may not be so separate. The
American Heart Association (AHA) identifies a condition called CardiovascularKidney-Metabolic (CKM) Syndrome that’s based on the interconnection of diabetes and heart and kidney disease. Most folks with Type 2 diabetes develop cardiovascular problems, and folks with cardiovascular disorders are more likely to have kidney issues.
The result of this partnership? AHA says having Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of dying in the next 10 years by nearly 8%. Chronic kidney disease up your risk by
more than 11%. But when you have the two conditions, the 10-year mortality rate goes up 31%.
The good news is that you can use treatments and make lifestyle choices that benefit all three of these health issues simultaneously.
– Blood pressure meds (ACE inhibitors and ARBs) reduce blood pressure and protein in urine, helping protect heart and kidney health.
– Diabetes medications called SGLT2 inhibitors help lower damaging pressure in the kidneys.
– Diabetes and obesity
Sharkey
Shoal Lake – 515 4th Ave. Phone: 204-759-2680
meds called GLP-1 Ras also benefit the kidneys as they lower blood sugar, remove extra sodium, and reduce inflammation.
– Statins help blood to flow more easily to the heart and kidneys, and decrease dementia, osteoporosis and liver cancer (by over 40%).
Plus, multiple lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, stress management, sleep habits, social interactions and developing a sense of purpose) benefit every organ system –not just heart, kidney and metabolic functions. So, think of your campaign for a
younger, happier, longer life as one unified project.
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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Place your Classified Advertisement by Phone, Fax, Mail or E-mail Ph: 204-759-2644 Ext. 1 Fax: 204-759-2521 E-mail: smpclassified@mymts.net
Reach the entire Province: $189.00 (49 weekly papers) Westman or Eastman regions: $119.00
COMING EVENTS
It’s hard to believe but not eve-
ryone has Facebook. This ad you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.
ARTICLES FOR SALE
Are you hiring for right now?
Classified Advertising Rates
Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 25¢ (plus GST) Extra weeks are one-half original cost • Not responsible for errors in handwritten submissions
Special rate for Obituaries, Cards of Thanks, In Memoriams
Minimum 25 words $7.00, additional words 20¢ (plus GST) • It is preferred if Obituaries can be emailed. Any obituary copy that is typeset by our staff will be subject to proof approval prior to publication. No discount for municipal or government ads • Ads not pre-paid by Thursday Noon are subject to a $2.50 billing charge
estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstand secondmortgages.ca
20-A TWindow envelopes, 8 5/8 x 3 3/4, security, 500, regular $85.99, sale $42.99; #10 Double Window envelopes, 9 1/2 x 4 1/8, security, 500, regular $85.99, sale $42.99; #9 Window envelopes, 8 7/ 8 x 3 7/8, not security, 500, regular $49.99, sale $24.99. Nesbitt Publishing Ltd., call Michelle 204-7592644 Ext. 1.
NOTICES
Private mortgage lender. All real
Digital ads not getting results? Selling land? Having an event? Let us help you book a blanket classified ad. You will be seen in the 31Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please call this newspaper 204-759-2644 to book now or call MCNA at 204-947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com
ROLLING RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION invites applications for SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS for the 2025-2026 school year
Current Substitutes
Substitute teachers employed under a Substitute Teacher contract with Rolling River School Division in the 2024-2025 school year must call 204-867-2754, Ext. 225 or email shyde@rrsd.mb.ca to reactivate employment status as a substitute teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.
New Applicants
New applicants must complete an application package. Applicants must possess a valid Manitoba Teachers Certificate. Application packages are available on our Website: www.rrsd.mb.ca (under link Employment then Substitute Teaching) or at our administration office: Rolling River School Division 36 Armitage Ave. Box 1170 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Telephone: (204) 867-2754 Ext. 225
Invest in advertising. The cost of advertising is small when you think of the number of people who will potentially attend your event simply because they saw your ad in the newspaper. If the cost of advertising is covered by just two or three admissions to your event, any additional guests you welcome is money in your pocket. Advertising does not cost, it pays! Call Michelle at 204-759-2644 ext. 1.
Does Facebook support local? Has your organization ever called up Facebook and asked them for a donation to your cause? Local
businesses rely on local support to exist. Shop local today.
Urgent Press Releases. Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for only $35 plus GST. Call Manitoba Community Newspapers Association 204-947-1691 for more information, See www.mcna.com under the ‘Types of Advertising’ tab for more details.
Advertisements and statements
contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.
POSIT IONS
Plan, supervise and perform cleaning, minor repairs/ maintenance, safety related building and grounds checks and custodial administrative duties for assigned division building. Permanent - 12 months per year Monday to Friday
VISIT www.gartonsauction.com for equipment details, pictures, and bidding.
TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES: quantity and variety of tractors, Dresser 520B Pay Loader, Mustang 1200 skid steer; cars, trucks, farm trucks, etc. TRAILERS, CONTAINERS, SHEDS: 2003 Cougar 5th wheel camper, 28.5’; tractor-pull trailer, belly-dump gravel trailer, other trailers; shipping containers; metal clad storage sheds, garden shed, concrete stairs; FARM/RANCH MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT: combines, other field equipment, grain bins, and more; round hay balers, 160-bale picker; livestock digital scale, fence panels, feed bunks, etc; carbon steel and aluminum pieces; gantry crane on casters; floor-mount JIB crane, 500lb capacity; RECREATION, YARD, SHOP: 2006 Can-Am Outlander Rotax 400 quad; JD 500 4x4 quad, winch; 1994 Polaris 400 4x4
boats, trailers; JD garden tractor, 30” tiller; snowblower; HD Metora steel cutting hacksaw and much more! BID NOW AT WWW.GARTONSAUCTION.COM
