South Mountain P re s s
Friday, JUNE 19, 2026
Volume 18 Number34 FREE TAKE ONE
GREAT VIEWS
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
With a four-legged companion in tow, two gentlemen were among Riding Mountain National Park visitors to enjoy the paved walking paths and scenery within the heart of Wasagaming on the morning of Friday, June 12. As the pair shared conversation park staff paid attention to garbage disposal units next to the beach area. With its closeness to the cities of Brandon and Winnipeg, guests are growing in numbers each weekend
Nesbitt says parks plate process
RACHEAL
South Mountain Press
Manitoba is getting a new specialty licence plate celebrating its provincial parks, and Manitobans are being invited to help choose the design. But for Riding Mountain MLA Greg Nesbitt, the announcement is a bitter end to a process he started more than two years ago.
Premier Wab Kinew announced that Manitobans can now vote on five proposed designs for a new parks-themed specialty plate, with a portion of proceeds from every plate sold going to the Manitoba Provincial Parks Endowment Fund through The Winnipeg Foundation. The fund supports park improvements related to ecological integrity, public safety, accessibility, and visi-
tor experience.
“As we continue to enjoy our Manitoba summer, I know families across the province will be heading to one of our beautiful provincial parks for a camping trip or a day at the beach,” said Kinew. “Manitobans love our parks, and so we want to hear from you on the best design to represent that pride in our parks as a new provincial licence plate.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes encouraged anyone who loves Manitoba’s 93 provincial parks to take part in the vote, which runs until July 31 atengagemb.ca.
For Nesbitt, however, the announcement marks something else entirely.
The Progressive Conservative (PC) MLA introduced the Drivers
and Vehicles Amendment Act –Manitoba Parks Licence Plates, in April 2024, after years of working to establish a parks plate program. The bill passed in June 2024. Nesbitt said he immediately began working with stakeholders and the public to have plates ready for the 2025 camping and tourism season.
FLINTOFT
Original design featured work by photographer
w ith local connection
Central to that effort was a local design. After Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) indicated it did not have the resources to create a specialty plate design, the PC Caucus opened a public call for submissions. More than 70 designs came in from across the province – photography, paintings, illustrations, and graphic designs. A wildlife photograph by Matthew Henry, a photographer with ties to the region who has contributed work to area publications including the South Mountain Press, was selected from a shortlist developed with input from the Manitoba Provincial Parks Cabin Owners Association.
PC Caucus staff and MPI then began working to prepare that design to meet legislative requirements and manufacturer specifications.
The NDP now say that design will not appear on the final plate.
When the Kinew government launched its EngageMB survey, none of the five designs available for public vote came from the more than 70 submissions gathered through the PC process. The new survey is hosted on an Americanbased platform.
Nesbitt said his office made repeated efforts to bring the NDP government into the initial process. Environment Minister Moyes, his predecessor Tracy Schmidt, their deputy minister and Manitoba’s Director of Parks all declined his requests to participate in design discussions and stakeholder outreach, he said.
“Every step of the way I’ve tried to be collaborative with the NDP government to create a licence plate that truly captures Manitoba’s beloved natural heritage,” Nesbitt said. “I immediately began working with stakeholders and the public to launch the new plates in time for the 2025 camping and summer tourism season. The only hurdle I encountered was the NDP, who delayed the project for two years just to redo work that’s been done, for the sake of putting an NDP stamp on it. It’s a redundant use of taxpayer dollars.”
When asked about the delay during question period, Moyes dismissed the significance of the plates altogether, stating, “I know that the parks plate is the most pressing issue in our environment. Actually, no, I’ve never heard that from any
from page 1
environmental group, anywhere, or any Manitoban.”
The new plates are now expected to be available in 2027 — two years later than Nesbitt’s original 2025 target.
The Winnipeg Foundation’s involvement in directing proceeds to the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund, established by the previous PC government in 2021, carries over from the original initiative. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is also named in the government’s announcement as having brought forward the application for the new plates.
Since 2011, MPI has administered the Specialty Licence Plate Program and currently offers 19 plates. To date, more than 208,000 specialty plates have been sold, generating more than $6.2 million in charitable proceeds.
Nesbitt said his intention throughout was to keep the
initiative collaborative.
“My goal was always to keep this initiative nonpartisan. This was an opportunity to show Manitobans that PCs and NDPs are able to work cooperatively,” he said. “Given my role in initiating and advancing this project, the lack of transparency or integrity from the
“The only hurdle I encountered was the NDP, who delayed the project for two years just to redo work that’s been done, for the sake of putting an NDP stamp on it. It’s a redundant use of taxpayer dollars.”
-MLA Greg Nesbitt
Congratulations and Best Wishes for the Future to All Rolling River School Division Graduates from the RRSD Board of Trustees and Employees
NDP is disappointing.”
Regardless of the political dispute over its origins, the parks licence plate program will move forward, with
Manitobans now deciding its look from five newly selected designs.
Manitobans can view the five proposed designs and
cast their vote atengagemb.ca/manitobaparks-licence-platedesignsbefore July 31.
MLA Greg Nesbitt holds the previously selected design from photographer Matthew Henry,which he says is only being changed so the government can put ‘an NDP stamp on it’
Friday, June 19, 2026
Poor roads endanger drivers who use them
Poor roads affect us all. They make us late, cause delivery delays, damage our vehicles, and, most importantly, endanger those who use them.
CAA’s (Canadian Automobile Association) annual Worst Roads campaign gets roads fixed. Each year, CAA invites Manitoba drivers, cyclists, transit riders and pedestrians to participate in the campaign and tell us which roads need improvement.
“Over the years, we have heard about potholes, congestion, poor road signs and other safety concerns,” a press release stated. “Nominating a road in your community provides us with an important snapshot of the state of our roads. CAA uses this list to advocate on your behalf to the government and key decision makers to prioritize maintenance and infrastructure investment. And it really works!”
Manitoba’s top 10 Worst
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
Roads in 2026 are: 1). Provincial Trunk Highway 34 (second straight year); 2). Provincial Road 307; 3). Kenaston / Route 90, Winnipeg; 4). Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg; 5). Richmond Avenue, Brandon; 6). Gateway Road, Winnipeg; 7). Leila Avenue, Winnipeg; 8). 1st Street, Brandon; 9). Provincial Road 422; and 10). St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg. Within the Westman re-
gion, the top four including #1 – Richmond Avenue, are all in Brandon, while the fifth is Provincial Trunk Highway 2, Souris / Glenboro.
The Parkland region, on the other hand, shows Manitoba 45 and Mountain Road, both in the Dauphin municipality, sitting respectively #1 and #2. Manitoba 366 (#3) and Manitoba 357 (#4) are within the Grandview Municipality and #5, Road North, is in the Gilbert Plains Municipality.
Can’t be that many CAA members within the rural areas, as Municipalities along Provincial Trunk Highway 45 from Russell to Highway 10, have been dealing with cracked and crumbling pavement for years. It seems complaints to the Provincial Government are going on deaf ears, as thus far no signs on a major road construction project is going to happen this spring, summer or fall.
Instead, drivers, and cyclists, will have to adhere to the countless potholes filled with cold pavement one shovel at a time by the lone young person on it for the time being, and perhaps a layer of hot asphalt when the Manitoba Transportation & Infrastructure paving crews hit a number of highway jurisdictions once summer rolls around. Personally, I know why Highway 34 running from Gladstone to Holland is chalked up as #1 in the province, although Highway 5 from Neepawa to Highway 1 at Carberry can’t be that far behind. Closer to home, Highway 24 from Highway 83 (Miniota) right through to Highway 10 (Rapid City), will test your shocks and other parts of a vehicle. On top of the roughness of these highways, the width of the pavement and outer edge missing, also causes concern upon meeting semi-tractor-trailer units (damn near every
farmer has one these days) sharing the road.
According to CAA, its Worst Roads campaign, which began in 2012, has influenced real change, leading to swift and coordinated responses from various levels of government. They can’t do it without your help; so have your say next year!
Here are the Top 10 Driving Quotes presented by Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority, as some days you need a little inspiration for your drive…
1). Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead. –Mac McCleary 2). Leave sooner, drive slower, and live longer. –Author Unknown
3). Never drive faster than your guardian angel can fly. – Author Unknown
4). Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car. – E.B. White
5). If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. –Lewis Carroll
6). Adventure is worthwhile in itself. –Amelia Earhart
7). People don’t take trips – trips take people. – John Steinbeck
8). Wherever you are, be all there. – Jun Elliot
9). Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure. –Anonymous
10). If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough. – Mario Andretti
Until next week… Short or long there are few experiences quite like taking a long road trip and venturing somewhere you’ve never been before! It’s one of the few forms of travel where it’s all about the journey – the people, the stories, and the moments.
Finance Minister Sala fails budget test
By GAGE HAUBRICH
When you flunked a test in school, you could try to soften your parents’ reaction by pointing out that your classmates did worse.
Finance Minister Adrien Sala can barely make that argument.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) just released its annual report cards for all provincial finance ministers. Sala is tied as the second worst performing finance minister in the country based on his latest budget.
Sala received an overall grade of D- this year. That’s a slight improvement over the F he received last year, but still not good enough for taxpayers. Finance ministers were graded on spending, debt, debt interest costs and tax relief. And Sala finished near the bottom of the class because he continues to balloon the debt, ramp up spending and make life more expensive for Manitobans.
Sala is increasing the debt by $3.2 billion to $39.7 billion
Opinion
by the end of this year.
That debt comes with an annual interest bill of about
$2.4 billion. That works out to almost $1,600 per Manitoban. That’s the second highest per person debt interest costs in the country (only Newfoundland and Labrador’s is higher).
The Manitoba government spends more on debt interest than on everything but health care and education.
It’s the third largest line item in the budget.
Debt interest payments are costing taxpayers about $6.5 million per day. That’s about the equivalent of Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey’s annual salary being lit on fire every single day.
And the debt keeps growing because Sala keeps spending.
That $3.2 billion in new debt should have set off alarm bells inside the finance minister’s office. Instead, Sala increased spending by $1.5 billion more this year.
If Sala had simply held spending at last year’s record spending, the government could have reduced borrowing by about $1 billion this year.
Manitoba is now spending more per person than any other province in Western Canada. Other provinces are still delivering services at a lower cost. Manitoba has no excuse.
And there’s the tax relief. Or rather, the lack of it.
Premier Wab Kinew’s government is touting its sales tax cut on ready-made foods like rotisserie chickens as a way it’s making life more affordable. That’s a good way to provide relief to families at the grocery store, but it conveniently leaves out the bracket creep income tax hike the government snuck in last year.
Bracket creep is a stealth tax hike. It happens when the government stops indexing its tax brackets to inflation. Inflation then pushes taxpay-
ers into higher tax brackets and raises their tax bills even though their purchasing power has not improved.
In total, all the tax relief announced in Sala’s budget will save taxpayers about $71 million annually.
Bracket creep cost Manitoba taxpayers $82 million last year. The cost of the tax hike will keep increasing until Manitoba indexes tax brackets to inflation again.
Sala is handing you pennies with one hand while taking dollars out of your wallet with the other. That’s sneaky
and underhanded tax grab that certainly isn’t making life more affordable.
Kinew promised to lower costs for Manitobans when campaigning in 2023.
A Manitoba family making $75,000 a year paid the highest taxes in Western Canada when the NDP were elected. That same family still pays the highest taxes in Western Canada today.
Taxpayers have waited long enough for action. Taxpayers can’t afford another year of the same lousy homework.
Sala can earn better marks next year because taxpayers are clear about what he needs to do: Pay down debt, stop spending more per person than every other government west of Ontario and reverse his sneaky bracket creep tax hike. That’s what delivering looks like and Manitobans deserve a finance minister that delivers for taxpayers.
Gage Haubrich is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
welcome your comments on editorials, columns, or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name,address and a daytime phone number will be considered for publication.
Sleep really is the key to your health
Want to know a way to decrease your chances of Alzheimer’s? Let’s talk about sleep...
Not the “you should get eight hours” lecture you’ve heard a hundred times. The actual, fascinating, slightly unsettling science of what is happening inside your brain while you’re unconscious every night, and what happens when you’re not getting enough of it.
Because this one matters. A lot. Your brain does something remarkable while you sleep. It has its own waste clearance system, researchers call it the glymphatic system, that essentially acts like a dishwasher for your brain, flushing out toxic proteins and metabolic waste that builds up during the day. One of the things it clears out is amyloid beta, a protein that, when it accumulates and forms plaques in the brain, is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Let that sink in for a second. Your brain cleans itself while you sleep. And if you’re not sleeping well, that cleaning cycle gets disrupted. One more way to get Alzheimers.
Research has shown that sleep deprivation increases the buildup of protein in the brain. Studies in both animals and humans have found that levels of amyloid beta rise when we’re awake and fall during sleep. Chronic poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired and foggy the next day. Over time, it may be quietly contributing to the kind of neurological damage that shows up decades later.
A major study published in the journal Neurology in 2025 found that people with chronic insomnia… defined as trouble sleeping at least three nights a week for three months or more, had a 40 percent higher risk of de-
veloping mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The researchers noted that chronic insomnia was the equivalent of accelerating brain aging by 3.5 years.
And here’s the part that should get everyone’s attention. Dementia is no longer just a disease of the very old. Early onset dementia, diagnosed before the age of 65, is increasing. Cases are being identified in people in their 40s and 50s. Researchers are still working to understand all the reasons why, but lifestyle factors including poor sleep, chronic stress, physical inactivity, and diet are consistently showing up in the data.
One rough night of sleep is not going to cause Alzheimer’s. But the pattern matters. Consistently getting five or six hours and telling yourself you’re fine is worth reconsidering.
Here’s something else worth knowing. Most of your body’s growth hormone release, the hormone responsible for muscle repair and cellular recovery, happens during deep sleep, primarily in the first few hours of the night. This is directly connected to everything we talked about in the
MPI encourages customers w ith storm damaged vehicles to open up their claims now
Following the latest storms, over 8,000 claims have been reported to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) so far, which include hail, flood, and wind damage. However, these are still preliminary numbers as customers continue to report claims and it is expected the number will increase over the coming weeks.
Based on current numbers, MPI is expecting the recent events to exceed the impact seen following the hailstorms in 2023. This week has brought major weather events to our province, and our hearts go out to our customers who are experiencing damage and disruption to their property and lives. We have updated our processes to ensure we are fully responsive to our customers’ needs at this time.
MPI is asking customers to open their claims in different ways, depending on the type of damage that has occurred.
GLASS REPAIRS
Customers with glass damage can contact an accredited autobody or glass re-
pair shop to open a claim and arrange for a temporary repair. They can do this whether or not they have already begun the claims process with MPI over the phone or online. Customers will be required to pay their deductible at the time the temporary repair is done.
After the temporary repair is complete, customers will be contacted to book an estimating appointment at an MPI location to determine if the vehicle can be permanently repaired.
DAMAGED,AND NOT DRIVABLE
Customers whose vehicles cannot be driven due to storm damage should call MPI’s Contact Centre directly at 204-985-7000 or toll-free at 1800-665-2410 to report their claim. We are prioritizing the most severe claims through our Contact Centre.
Customers with damaged vehicles that can still be safely driven are encouraged to open a claim with MPI online at openclaim.mpi.mb.ca.
MPI is monitoring the severity and volume of reported claims and planning next
steps to ensure vehicles are estimated as soon as possible, including opening a centralized location for customer appointments.
Given the high volume of claims MPI is receiving, customers may experience delays in being contacted by MPI to collect more details about their claim or to book an estimating appointment. Patience during this time is appreciated.
Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Closed for Lunch Hour) Friday –
last column regarding muscle loss and aging. If you’re not sleeping well, you’re not recovering well. Your muscles aren’t repairing. Your brain isn’t clearing waste. Your body is running a tab it will eventually have to pay.
The good news is that sleep is one of the most responsive things you can improve without spending any money or going anywhere. Consistency matters more than duration, and going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends, is one of the single most effective things you can do for sleep quality. We all know “how” to sleep well – keeping your room cool and dark, limiting screens in the hour before bed, having a routine... but do we follow this advice?
We are living in a time when the conversation about dementia has shifted from “something that happens to the very old” to something that researchers are increasingly linking to how we live in our 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Your brain is doing a lot of work for you every single
night. The least we can do is give it the time it needs to do it.
THIS WEEK,TRY THIS
For the next seven days, pick a bedtime and a wake time and stick to both, no exceptions, including the weekend. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be consistent. Notice how you feel by day four or five. Sleep responds faster than most people expect when you stop moving the goalposts on it
every night.
The information in this column is intended for general wellness purposes only. Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine. Racheal Flintoft is an editor and writer for Crossroads This Week, a certified personal trainer, and the founder of Nü Strength Wellness.
Eltsar Rasheed ALLORDE
Hometown:Erickson
Parent:Arvin Allorde
Future Plans: To attend the University of Manitoba, to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.
GUSTAFSON-TREMBLAY
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:JenniferGustafson & Christian Tremblay
Jäger Charles Patrick ATKINSON
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:Craig Atkinson & Heidi McBratney Future Plans:To work for year in a trade, then applying to Fire College to pursue a careeras a FirefighterorEMT.
Adeline Rose BAIRNES
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Misha Burns & Jessy Bairnes Future Plans:To pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and go on to study Psychology.
Hometown:Rolling
Myles Thomas Kenneth BEATTY
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Ryan Beatty & JenniferRitchie Future Plans: To join the workforce and work alongside his father Ryan.
Hometown:Onanole
& Tusa
Chace Logan BLUNT
Hometown:Sandy Lake
Parents:Shawna Misanchuk & Murray Blunt
Future Plans:To attend Assiniboine College, pursuing his Weldercertification.
David Lawrence COURCHENE
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation
Parent:Yvette Courchene Future Plans:To enterthe workforce.
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation Parents:Lynda Norquay & Danny Lepine
Mathia Malbec
Kaius Jasche William KROEKER
DanielErnest LEPINE
Graduates of ERICKSON 2026
Donovan Robert MARCISCHUK
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:Meagan Langlois & Dave MacDonald Future Plans:Undecided.
Chelsea
Natasha
SANCHEZ BONILLA
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:Joaquin Sanchez & Julia Bonilla
Future Plans:To attend Brandon University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts, to study Psychology.
Jesslyn Blair TURNBULL
Hometown:Snow Lake
Parent:Shanna Morrison
Grandparents:Sandy & Millie Morrison
Future Plans:To attend Brandon University, to study either Psychology or an Education
Hometown:Sandy Lake
Parents:Marnie & Darryl Marcischuk Future Plans:To attend Assiniboine College to complete the Agribusiness program.
Adam James SHINGOOSE
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation
Parents:Kristine Shingoose & Cory Shannacappo Future Plans:To enterthe workforce.
Nicholas Rudy USICK
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Gloria Usick & Richard Prosken
Future Plans:To attend Assiniboine College in Brandon, to study Carpentry.
Benjamin William M cINNES
Hometown:Erickson
Parent:Melissa Braschuk
Grandparents:John & Kim Braschuk Future Plans:To attend Brandon University, working towards his Bachelorof Education.
Sierra Rowan SHURVELL
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Miranda & Dan Shurvell
Future Plans: To enter the workforce in Early Childhood Education.
Blake WILSON
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation
Parents: Lauressa Wilson & Greg Carter
Stepparent:Guy Burton
Grandparent:Marcia McIvor
Ayden Joseph James MEDICINE
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation Parents:Jeannette Shannacappo & Brad McKay Future Plans:To enterthe workforce.
Parker Joseph SOLTYS
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Kathy & Clayton Soltys
Future Plans: To attend the University of Manitoba, to study Kinesiology.
Erica Ruth MIKO
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:Terrace & Koreen Miko
Future Plans:To attend York University, to pursue a Bachelorof Science in Kinesiology and Health Science, and play with the York Lions Women’s Hockey Team. Following undergraduate studies, intends to pursue a degree in Chiropractic Medicine.
Seth Carter SULI K
Hometown:Erickson
Parents:Chantel Porteous & Chad Sulik
Future Plans: To attend Minot State University, to study Exercise Science and Rehabilitation.
A time for looking forward, a time to set new goals, to dream new dreams, to try your wings and see what lies beyond. SiriSvana-Rae M acDONALD
AfterDegree.
Future Plans:To attend Brandon University, to pursue Bachelor of Arts degree with a majorin Sociology.
Hometown:Onanole
Parents:Karly McRae & Jason Potter Future Plans: To attend the University of Calgary, to pursue a
Marc Reese TESSIER
Hometown:Rolling RiverFirstNation
Parents:Tracey & Luc
Grandparents:Marie & Nackie
Future Plans:To take a gap year and work, and then attend college taking Digital Arts.
GRADUATION...
IS A CELEBRATION
A time for looking back on lessons learned, adventures shared, bright moments filled with special meaning.
IS A FAREWELL
A time for saying goodbye to old friends, to good times you’ve known. A time for packing away memories, treasures for tomorrow.
IS A BEGINNING
Ellie Rose POTTER
June 19, 2026
Elkhorn stop huge inspiration for athlete
Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – Mady Kennedy of Beausejour and now living in Winnipeg is biking across Canada to fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society and raise awareness for families and individuals who have struggled with cancer. Leaving from Peggy Cove, NS on April 27, Kennedy inspired by her uncle Sheldon Kennedy, was looking at June 14 (her 30th birthday) in reaching the Pacific Ocean at Vancouver. Upon stopping in Elkhorn, and travelling through Manitoba, marked the halfway point in her journey. With family in Elkhorn, Virden, and Brandon, the stop was a huge inspiration for the endurance athlete.
Boissevain: The Recorder – The Lyleton Handicraft Club celebrated their 50th anniversary on May 6 with many visitors on hand at the special craft show featuring a wide range of articles including sewing projects, acrylic paintings, old and new quilts, and works of art. Formed in October 1976, it was the Lyleton Women’s Institute who initiated the club.
Roblin: The Review – Jarret Newton, his boys Ty and Ryder, and their neighbour Kenton Johnston, are starring in the new documentary being put forth by Randy Frykas called Icemakers. Icemakers is still in its production stages and tells the story
Paper Clips
News from MB/SK weeklies
of a number of passionate and dedicated Canadians who love hockey and brave the elements to build outdoor rinks for their own families, their friends and their communities despite the challenges of climate change.
Whitewood: Grasslands News – Whitewood residents are being urged to get moving this month – and help the community chase a potential $100,000 prize in the process. Once again, the Town of Whitewood is taking part in the 2026 ParticipACTION Community Challenge, a nationwide initiative encouraging Canadians to become more active while competing for national and regional recognition. Last year Whitewood posted an impressive showing by finishing second overall in Saskatchewan, and ranking among the top 50 communities in Canada.
Virden: The EmpireAdvance – At Virden and Elkhorn fire stations dinner and awards evening, May 23, families gathered as honours were bestowed. Five members received Governor General Exemplary Service Medals. They were Cory Nixon (20 years), Blaine Rhodes (20 years) Chuck Heaman (30 years), Curtis Smith (40
years) and Brad Yochim (45 years). Special recognition was also given to the new fire chiefs, Aaron Lewis and Nixon, for their leadership.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – The Town of Neepawa has a new long-term strategy in place for the maintenance and repair of trees at the Riverside Cemetery. Council has approved a five-year plan brought forward by administration, that’s designed to address growing concerns related to tree health in the area. A surge in recent years of invasive insects, such as spruce beetles, along with other pests at Riverside is forcing this significant issue. The plan will see the removal of 20 infested trees per year, over the next five years, to coincide with a reforestation program to replenish the tree canopy.
Treherne: The Times –Dr. Andrew Turnbull, and his son, Judah, are currently cycling across Canada on a 7,500-kilometre journey to raise awareness and support for the mental health of Canada’s nurses. The “Ride for Resilience” stopped in Treherne on the May 30 weekend to meet and spend time with Dr. Turnbull’s aunt Joan Turnbull, before continuing on their journey. The fundraising goal of $15,000 was also met with more than $11,000 being raised since June 2.
BUSINESS
Keep the gardener in mind this Father’s Day
As Father’s Day is coming up, I thought it might be fun to write about gardening and men (specifically fathers). As I do with all writing, a bit of time was spent on searching what else is out there and whether there is any appreciable marketing around this theme. Well, what a surprise – it was the gadgets, the tools, the toys that are advertised for those fathers that are also gardeners. In comparison, for Mother’s Day, you see purchases of flowers and all things traditionally womanlike that are the biggest sellers. Given that a woman is physically different from a man and generally not as strong (in brute strength), one might think that the tools of the trade might be a better gift for a woman who is a gardener!!
At any rate, it was an interesting perusal. Many men are very avid gardeners and many of those men are traditional in that pursuit. They do not need all the latest gadgets but instead just get enjoyment from the act of growing and nurturing itself. So what do you get “Dad” the gardener?
Every gift with thought behind will usually turn out to be the most appreciated. So if your “Dad” is that type of gardener, perhaps the best gift might be a perennial or shrub that he loves. Any plant that grows for many years is truly a gift that is appreciated long term. For instance, the ‘Morden Sunrise’ rose is a smaller hardy shrub rose from the Parkland series. It has attractive dark green shiny foliage and a very unique orange and yellow bloom that brings a sunrise to mind. It will bloom all summer long and has no appreciable disease problems.
If your “Dad” is a gadget guy, then a trip to any of your local garden centres will fulfill your gift needs. From a quality pair of secateurs or a handy hoe, tools that are needed every day in the garden will be appreciated. The sky is the limit with gadgets so how much
Patricia Hanbidge GARDENING
you are willing to spend will be your guideline. Feature items in the garden are also a good choice as well. A new obelisk to support a climbing rose in a style that will fit the current garden decor is another gift that will last for years. Fountains for the tabletop or for the garden itself will not only bring beauty but all the birds in your neighbourhood. A nice gift for anyone who enjoys sitting outside in the garden.
If you just can’t make up your mind, then there is still yet another solution. Get a gift card for one of the garden centres that Dad might frequent. It is a sure fire way to ensure he gets what he really wants!
Last but not least, if your Dad is not a gardener, why not give him your labour for a chore that he does regularly but does not really enjoy. Perhaps mowing the lawn might be a great chore to take over. Hand-made cards entitling him to pass on that chore by choice is a gift that not only says I love you, but I understand that you may not like mowing the lawn but do it because it is a chore that needs to be done. Happy Father`s Day to the fathers of children, of dogs, and of course Mother Earth!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture @gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.
Making sense of losing your sense of smell
Q: I know vision and hearing can fade with age, but lately I seem to have less ability to smell things, from flowers to garbage. Is that age-related too? – Cindy R., Memphis, TN
A: We’re learning more and more about the sense of smell. Recently, scientists created a map of how the 220 million smell receptors in the nose are neatly arranged and coordinated with the 6 to 10 million neurons in each nostril that communicate with neural circuits in the brain that say, “Hey, smell that!” And they’re hopeful this will lead to remedies for loss of smell using stem cells or even brain-computer interfaces.
We also know that smell is linked in the brain to cognition. Data from the National Institute of Aging’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging reveals that the loss of the ability to smell is correlated with loss of brain volume, especially in areas that are important for thinking and memory.
To protect your sense of smell, you want to do the same things that help slow brain aging and enhance the vitality of all your organ systems. Ditch highly processed foods, added sugars, red and red processed means, get quality sleep, exercise (aerobics and strength-training) as much as possible, develop a posse and a purpose, and destress. For help with these important ways to promote healthy longevity, check out “The Great Age Reboot” and explore the benefits of therapeutic plasma exchange at
LifeSpan-Edge.com. And there’s one more effective technique: smell training, which can promote smell nerve regrowth and improve brain connectivity. The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery suggests you set up a smell program for at least 12 weeks using rose (floral), lemon (fruity), cloves (spicy), and eucalyptus (resinous). Take sniffs of each scent for 10 to 20 seconds at least once or twice a day. After each scent, take a few breaths and concentrate on your memory of that smell. Then, move on to the next fragrance. Give it a try!
Q: I’m taking a GLP-1 because of obesity, but I feel like I’ve won the lottery, with all the ways it can help keep me healthy. My doctor mentioned something about preventing the spread of cancer and other benefits. Can you explain? – Kathy R., Shreveport, LA A: GLP-1s are receptor blockers that not only lower the glucose level in your
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION OF PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION
Please be advised that a general election will be held on Oct. 28, 2026.
Prospective school board election candidates must register with the Senior Election Official (SEO) during the registration period before they may begin to accept contributions, incur expenses, fundraise or borrow money for their campaign.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I will be receiving candidate registrations between June 30, 2026 and Sept. 22, 2026 at the RRSD office, 36 Armitage Avenue, Minnedosa during regular hours of business.
To obtain a registration form contact the SEO at the email or telephone number listed below.
Dated at Minnedosa on June 19, 2026.
Jean Garbolinsky jgarbolinsky@rrsd.mb.ca
Senior Election Official (Work) 204-867-2754
Rolling River School Division (Cell) 204-868-0104 36 Armitage Avenue (Fax) 204-867-2037 Box 1170 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0
blood but work to damp down inflammation and modulate your immune system. That gives them positive influence over a lot that is going on in a body that’s contending with obesity, diabetes, and kidney, liver and heart disease. And that’s led to preliminary research that indicates even wider benefit from the medication – but (and isn’t there always a but) more research is needed before GLP-1s are approved for those uses.
For example, we have indications from a study done at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute that GLP-
1s can slow progress and recurrence of stage I-III colorectal, liver, breast and lung cancers in folks who started a GLP-1 drug after their cancer diagnosis.
There’s also data suggesting the medication reduces the risk of 10 obesity-related cancers. And other amazing research has recently found that GLP-1 hormones are in your joints, and that suggests that high doses of medications like Wegovy could ease inflammation associated with arthritis, lessen bone damage and reduce pain. Then, there’s another massive
study just released that says that these medications significantly reduce the risk of heart failure, heart attacks and premature death.
So, if you are taking GLP1s for weight loss or diabetes, you may be gaining these benefits too! And in the future, they may be prescribed for these many other reasons. But whether you are taking a GLP-1 or not, taking steps to dramatically reduce your risk of diabetes, obesity, multiple organ disease, cognition woes, arthritis and premature death are laid out for you in simple terms in “YOU:
Getting Older, the Owner’s Manual for the Golden Years” (available for preorder).
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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Reach the entire Province: $189.00
OBITUARIES
EWASIUK: John Ewasiuk of Onanole, MB, passed away peacefully at the Erickson Personal Care Home on Jan. 18, 2026, at the age of 80. John was born on March 14, 1945, in Dauphin, MB, to Tony and Rose (nee Genik) Ewasiuk. He was their only child. At the time of his birth, his father was working as a Park Warden. John spent his early years growing up in the Keld and Seech areas, where his father was stationed. He attended the Seech country school until his parents later moved to Onanole. John spent his teenage years in Onanole, attending school there before going on to high school in Minnedosa. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Audrey, through his cousin at a dance in Elphinstone, where they both attended school. After high school, John moved to Winnipeg, where he began his first job at Ken Hawkins Taxidermy. There, he developed skills and knowledge in taxidermy, which he continued to practice at home in later years. During this time, Audrey was also working in the city, and on Oct. 9, 1965, they were married. Together, they built a life filled with many close friendships and good times. In 1968, John began working for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 901 as a branch manager. During this period, he also worked evenings and weekends for Ron Telesky Taxidermy, whose shop was nearby. He did this for a couple of years, until he and Audrey moved and purchased their first home in Westwood. Missing country life and his love for the outdoors, John and Audrey moved back to Onanole in 1978, where they built their present home. Over the years, John worked in pipeline construction, participated in a one-year bear study for Manitoba Natural Resources, and later worked for Parks Canada. He also operated his spring bear outfitting business, Pacey Lake Outfitters, until his retirement in 2005. John greatly enjoyed fishing and hunting with his friends, as well as fall bird hunts with his American friend, Bob. In 2008, John suffered a slight stroke; however, this did not stop him from continuing to enjoy many of the activities he loved, especially fishing and hunting, often accompanied by one of his friends. In 2022, due to health issues, John entered a personal care home, where he spent the last four years of his life. John leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory
his wife of 60 years, Audrey, and his sister-in-law, Shelley.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
A thank you to family, friends and my great neighbours who called and visited, sent cards, flowers, food, and goodies or made donations. I am grateful for your condolences. Also, a thank you to friends that came and brought food or goodies or just had a visit with John, he always enjoyed your company. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.raesfs.ca. Rae’s Funeral Service of Erickson and Shoal Lake were in care of arrangements.
KONOPSKI: Joyce Konopski beloved wife of Stan Konopski passed away March 3, 2026 at the age of 88 years. A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 33912th St., Brandon, MB with lunch to follow.
Classified Advertising Rates
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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
COMING EVENTS
It’s hard to believe but not everyone has Facebook. This ad you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.
ARTICLES FOR SALE
Hiring for the summer? Selling something? Doing an online event? Let us help you book your blanket classified ads and Response and Power Builders ads across Manitoba to increase your marketing presence. Your ad will be seen in the MCNA Member Newspapers, 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. Taking advantage of our great pricing. MCNA - Manitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com
Did You Know? We print Personal and Business Cheques! 100 Personal Cheques $113.99 + taxes, call for pricing on Manual Business Cheques and Laser Business Cheques. Call Connie at 204759-2644 Ext. 2 or email ctwprinting@mymts.net. Nesbitt Publishing, Shoal Lake.
WANTED
Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and anything firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.
SEED FOR SALE
Forage Seed For Sale: Organic & Conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Birch Rose Acres Ltd., 306-921-9942.
NOTICES
Attention to all Nesbitt Publishing customers! We have been having problems with the emails that we send out going to people’s junk or spam folders by mistake. So if you are expecting a reply from an email or an invoice please take a moment to check your junk and spam folders just in case it’s in there. We hope to get this resolved soon. Thanks for your patience.
Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-543-0927. www.firstand secondmortgages.ca
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sponsibility 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
RCMP respond to fatal motorcycle collision
On June 13, Selkirk RCMP responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Provincial Road 320 and the access road to Highway 4, in the R.M. of St. Andrews. Officers were advised that a large group of motorcycles were travelling north on Breezy Point Road (PR 320) and were proceeding to turn west onto the access road to Highway 4 when one of the motorcycles attempted to turn west and was struck by a southbound pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck, a 26-year-old male from the R.M. of St. Andrews, was not injured. The driver of the motorcycle, a 65year-old male, and the passenger, a65-year-old female, both from Winnipeg, were pronounced deceased on scene. Selkirk RCMP, along with the Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services, continue to investigate.
On June 10, RCMP received a report that an individual had pointed a firearm at two other people inside a hotel on the 2400-block of Saskatchewan Avenue West in Portage la Prairie. Officers learned that a teenaged couple had been standing outside earlier that afternoon when they got into an argument with a male they knew who was also
RCMP Briefs
staying at the hotel. During the argument, the suspect pulled a handgun out and pointed it at the male victim. The suspect then left. Out of an abundance of caution, a hold and secure was briefly placed on hotel guests – as well as students and staff at a nearby school – while RCMP investigated. Officers obtained and executed a warrant on the suspect’s hotel room. The suspect was not in the room, but a handgun, ammunition, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia were found and seized. RCMP are continuing to investigate.
On May 29, Falcon Beach RCMP officers received notification from the Special Investigations Unit of Manitoba Finance regarding a significant contraband tobacco seizure located within a commercial mo-
tor vehicle at the Weigh Station, located at West Hawk Lake, by a Motor Carrier Enforcement Officer. Falcon Beach officers arrived on scene and placed the two vehicle occupants, a 40-year-old male driver from Brooks, AB, and a co-driver, a 70-year-old male from Toronto, ON, under arrest for Trafficking contraband tobacco under the Criminal Code of Canada. Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services officers then arrived on scene and took carriage of the investigation. The semi-trailer was impounded and upon its search, officers located and seized 781 cases of contraband tobacco, with each case containing 50 cartons (10,000 cigarettes), for a total seizure of 39,050 cartons (7,810,000 cigarettes). The street value of the seized contraband cigarettes is estimated at between $2,343,000 and $3,124,000. The two suspects were later released on an Appearance Notice for court in Steinbach where they will face charges of Possession of contraband tobacco under the Excise Act, Possession of contraband tobacco for the purpose of distribution under the Criminal Code and Possession of unstamped tobacco under the Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act. The
Manitoba triple tax penalty on this seizure is $0.90 per cigarette, for a triple tax fine of $7,029,000 and an additional Excise Tax (Federal) of $0.17 per cigarette for a fine of $1,327,700.
“I commend the Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement officers and the strong collaboration with the RCMP and Manitoba Finance’s Taxation
Special Investigations Unit, which was critical to this significant contraband tobacco seizure,” said Chief Kevin Mantie, Manitoba Motor Carrier Enforcement. “These efforts help protect a fair, lawful market while disrupting organized crime and sending a clear message that illegal activity will not be tolerated. This inspection also resulted
in five offences for tampering with electronic logging devices and two for major mechanical defects, resulting in approximately $15,000 in fines. Thorough inspections, strong Hours of Service compliance, and rigorous cargo securement enforcement remain essential to ensuring commercial carriers operate safely on Manitoba’s roadways.”
