Recreation and Tourism Remediation of the Main Beach Pier at Clear Lake was required due to erosion on the eastern side, and the need for the placement of large rip rap on the west and north sides of the structure. With Parks Canada nullifying motorized boats for the second straight summer, the only waves breaking the calmness of the crystal blue waters are man-made from a leisurely outing using a canoe, kayak or pedal boat.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
Graduation 2025 is just around the corner, and you can feel the buzz of excitement in the air… Students, families, and staff come together to celebrate something truly special – years of hard work, growth, and achievement! With that, schools across the region are getting ready to hold their annual ceremonies, each one full with joy as graduates prepare to step
into the next chapter of their lives.
Erickson Collegiate (ECI) is filled with excitement as graduation festivities are now returning to past traditions.
“This year marks the return of having a graduation banquet for the first time since 2019 – this is being hosted at Danceland after our ceremony and Safegrad will also be there too,” explained Vice-Principal Tricia Robson, ECI. “We’re always so proud of the graduates from ECI; they are proof that big success can
come from small places.”
Minnedosa Collegiate Principal Veronica Robinson, reflected on the class’s journey.
“I am very proud of Minnedosa Collegiate’s graduating class of 2025,” Robinson said. “We have an exceptional group of graduates with such unique and diverse backgrounds. We have strong academic students, exceptional athletes, talented artists, and committed humanitarians. These young adults are intelligent, kind, and caring hu-
mans who will do great things in our community and for our country.”
Giving recognition of how far these graduating students have come and what lies ahead details have been finalized for the remaining area schools, and are as follows:
ERICKSON COLLEGIATE (ECI)
school but will be moved into the gym if weather does not cooperate. The graduation ceremony is open to the public.
COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE (MCI)
The full day of events for MCI’s grads begin on June 20 with the official graduation ceremony starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre.
ECI will hold a public graduation ceremony on June 23, at 2:00 p.m., to be held outside of the SEE GRAD PAGE 2
Friday, June 20, 2025
The traditional graduation parade will wind through Minnedosa at 3:30 p.m. followed by a banquet and safe grad in the evening.
A public SCS graduation ceremony will take place June 23. The graduation parade will take place at 4:00 p.m., followed by a graduation ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Bend Theatre in Strathclair. There will also be a musical performance by a graduating student duringthe ceremony. There will be a supper to follow for graduates, their families, and invited guests at Elphinstone Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
As the regional ceremonies unfold, it is evident that the milestone of graduating represents a new beginning for these young graduates.
“We are very proud of each and every one of you… you have worked hard and accomplished a goal,” said SCS Principal Derek Cald-
well. “We hope you take the lessons learned and apply them to have success as you strive to achieve your next goal.”
Families, friends, and community members are all invited and encouraged to gather and honour the dedication and hard work of each graduate. The journey ahead holds many opportunities… the sky is truly the limit on your future accomplishments. As we get set to celebrate area graduation ceremonies, these lasting moments will be remembered as a significant chapter for each student and their family.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on your impressive achievement, and best wishes on your future endeavours. Be sure to mark your calendars for these memorable events and join in the celebrations as grads are sent off with a heap of wellwishes for what lies ahead.
The placement of a sign by the Erickson Housing Committee showcases the location of where a proposed rental apartment complex development will be constructed. Today, simply a grassy piece of land on Railway Avenue S. with views of Leda Lake, the committee in association with the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson stands proudly behind the fact that Erickson is the commercial and cultural centre of the municipality. Enhanced by the area’s natural beauty, the new complex will allow applicants to rent a one or two-bedroom apartment with less worries than owning a home.
South Mountain Press
When kids experience loss, their way of grieving can look very different from an adult… As I stepped onto the sprawling grounds of Circle Square Ranch in Austin, located 80 kilometres east of Brandon, I was excited to participate in a grief camp that spanned the weekend of May 23-25.
The air was filled with a unique blend of anticipation and hope because this was not just any ordinary camp; this was Camp Bridges – a threeday grief camp for Manitoba kids, youth, and teens who have experienced a death of someone significant in their lives. As a volunteer cabin leader, I witnessed firsthand the transformational power of this extraordinary weekend, where children and youth learn that they are not alone in their grief process.
Founded in 2006 and in their 17th year, Camp Bridges was inspired by a simple yet powerful message: children need a place to grieve, but also to play and be kids.
“Camp Bridges helps to address the gap in bereavement services by building a community of caring,” said Melissa Peters, a regional palliative care coordinator at Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), and a key figure in the camp’s organizing committee. “Our mission is to provide a camping experience for bereaved children and teens within a safe, supportive, and fun environment.”
As mentioned, this year’s camp was located at Circle Square Ranch, and if you’ve never been… it’s a place that feels like stepping into a Western town, with cabins, open spaces, and plenty of fun activities. The kids stayed in cozy cabins, enjoyed hearty meals, and gathered around campfires each night, roasting marshmallows. They played games, explored nature, and just enjoyed being kids – even if only for a few days.
Open to applicants from across the province, Camp Bridges is run by the PMH Palliative Care Program, with a focus to help children and teens process their loss.
“This campprovides a safe environment where the campers have opportunities to interact and share their feelings with other children in similar circumstances,” Peters explained. “They may learn to understand their grief, recognize that they are not alone, and that their feelings are normal. The camp is not designed to provide grief therapy, but we will acknowledge the loss and grief, honour memories through memorial activities, and have some fun, too.”
As kids do grieve differently, some may cry openly, others withdraw into themselves. Some may act out their feelings, while others try to hide them. Grief can be confusing for a child – it’s not a straight path, and there’s no one right way to walk it. Children process grief in unique and varied ways, influenced by their age, personality, experiences, and emotional devel-
opment. That’s why Camp Bridges is so important. It offers a safe space where kids can be themselves, share their feelings if they want to, or simply be with others who understand what they’re going through.
Each year, up to 40 young campers from across Manitoba, between the ages of seven and 15, gather for a weekend of healing and recreation. The camp offers a delicate blend of traditional fun activities like horseback riding, rock climbing, ziplining, and archery, alongside meaningful individual and group memorial exercises as well.
“We alternate between memorial activities and regular camp activities,” Peters said. “The structure of Camp Bridges is run by rotating through activities throughout each day, some are with the entire group together, and sometimes they are split into age categories.”
Beyond fun, Camp Bridges offers meaningful activities to honour loved ones and process grief. This year, campers created hope stones, memory boxes and decorated picture frames, filling them with photographs and treasured mementos of those they lost.
It can often be extremely emotional during the creation of the comfort pillows. With the help of volunteers, children sew pillows from the clothing of their deceased loved ones, a tactile and therapeutic way to keep those they miss close to their hearts.
“They learn to understand
their grief, and recognize that they are not alone,” Peters shared. “Camp Bridges helps to address the gap in bereavement services by building a community of caring.”
There were also moments of reflection, like a memorial service and a butterfly release, where children have the space to say goodbye and remember. Other activities included art, music therapy, and even dog therapy, all aimed at giving campers space to express their feelings in their own way.
Grief is often an isolating journey, especially for children and teens, who may not yet have the tools to articulate their feelings. Supporting kids through their own individual process, Camp Bridges emphasizes that grief is not a onesize-fits-all experience.
“Children handle grief quite differently, and this camp recognizes and respects each child’s way of processing,” Peters said.
For some, talking openly helps. For others, making art, creating keepsakes, or simply playing outdoors is what they need most. The camp provides outlets for these different expressions, acknowledging that every child’s journey through grief is unique.
With so many memories built over the three days, for me, along with countless of the other volunteers and coordinators, it was heartwarming and an honour to seeing many of the camp kids start to come out of their shells. On the Friday of camp, many of campers were quiet and unsure, carrying the weight of their grief.
grieve in their times of need
But by Sunday, something had shifted. They’d made new friends, shared laughs, and started to express themselves in positive ways. Watching that change unfold really solidified the importance of the unique space that Camp Bridges provides. It was clear that the camp offered more than just fun – it gave the kids confidence, support, and hope.
According to Peters, Camp Bridges couldn’t happen without the dedicated volunteers who step up every year. From staying with campers in the cabins to leading activities, their roles are diverse and indispensable.
“We usually accept 20 volunteers to participate,” Peters added. “We always welcome volunteers; camp would not happen without them.”
Building community and comfort, the camp’s goal is simple… to let kids know they are not alone. At Camp Bridges, kids and teens meet others who understand, share their feelings without judgment, and learn that expressing grief is okay. The experience helps them recognize that their feelings are normal – and that healing can happen in small, meaningful steps.
As a vital experience for many during their healing process, Camp Bridges ensures that memories are honoured, friendships are formed, and new strengths are found.
To attend Camp Bridges, applications are required each year. Funded by donations from individuals, community groups, and grants, Camp Bridges ensures that no child
should have to face financial barriers to attend.
“There is no fee to attend the camp,” assured Peters.
Criteria for children attending Camp Bridges includes:
•Must be seven to 15 years old.
•Must have experienced the death of someone close to them – we recommend at least three months has passed since the date of death to attend camp.
•Must live in Manitoba.
•Must complete and return the application prior to the deadline date set each year.
•If more than one child per family is eligible to attend, siblings are encouraged to attend camp at the same time.
“After carefully considering the child’s application form, the final decision of applicants accepted is at the discretion of the Camp Bridges Planning Committee,” Peters said. “However, we do accept 40 campers every year.”
Hot dogs, campfires, marshmallows, bugs, and sleeping bags… what more could a kid ask for at camp? How about a place where laughter intermingles with tears, where children learn the important lesson that it’s okay to grieve, and that they don’t have to brave it alone. As I left the camp, I carried with me the reflective gratitude of having been a part of something so profoundly healing. The Camp Bridges moto is that love builds bridges where there are none…
Kids need space to grieve differently, and that’s okay.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Graduating from high school or college is an exciting moment in anyone’s life. Those years of late-night study sessions, group projects, and final papers have all been leading to this day. It is a significant moment in anyone’s life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t approach it with a good sense of humor.
Graduation is such a special time, both for the grad and the people who love them! It’s when you not only toast to your scholar’s success but also help send them off on their next great adventure.
Next week, a new batch of graduates from across the region will celebrate with family and friends, each spreading their wings as young adults, to conquer goals and live their dreams. A large percentage will leave the small town nest for good, seeking ambitions in cities across the nation. Others
may return, or remain, as small towns do offer a sense of serenity.
On that note, these messages of gratitude, are directed to the Class of 2025…
Happy Graduation
Your journey has just begun, and the world is full of possibilities.
You have worked hard,
overcome challenges, and grown stronger each step of the way.
This achievement is proof that dedication and passion can take you anywhere.
Keep believing in yourself, keep dreaming big, and never stop reaching for the stars.
The best is yet to come –and it starts now.
Funny Graduation Quotes
Don’t be frightened: you can always change your mind. I know: I’ve had three careers and two wives.
You may feel some creative energy coursing through your body. Don’t ignore it. If you feel the urge to create and discover and to do something that will bring you fulfillment and happiness, do it now while you’re young. You will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells than you have today.
Life is an improvisation.
You have no idea what’s going to happen next and you are mostly just making things up as you go along.
A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that “individuality” is the key to success.
Remember, when it comes to applying for jobs, books are judged by their cover!
Life has no remote –get up and change it yourself.
Do not take life too seriously — you will never get out of it alive.
Minds are like parachutes — they only function when open.
Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is
keep moving towards them.
Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.
Be the best of whatever you are.
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground.
It’s not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.
A Graduation Blessing
Embarking on a journey, which began some time ago, how could have you imagined all the things you’d come to know.
You learned to each challenge as an opportunity, to overcome each problem – despite adversity. It wasn’t always easy to keeping up with things at school, but you held on to
your beliefs, and followed “the golden rule”. You found your voice and chose a path that honours who you are, and that, I think, may be your greatest lesson learned thus far. For no one could be prouder of the person you’ve become, and that is why I’m confident that the best is yet to come.
May you never waste a moment wishing life was not unfair. Rather use the gifts God gave to you, to change the world out there.
Your Graduation signals us that you are on your way. So spread your wings and fly my dear, forever and a day.
–Author, Barbara D. MacAdam
Until next week… Graduates live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Congratulations!
The spring sitting of the Manitoba Legislature ended in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 3.
Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan was welcomed in the legislative chamber as Leader of the Official Opposition for the first time on May 6.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget. I’m honoured and humbled to be in this position, and I’ll work hard for Manitobans each and every day,” said Khan.
“This is the beginning of a new PC era. We will hold Wab Kinew’s NDP government to account, but we will do it in a dignified way because Manitobans have told us that we must do better. And we will.”
One of the ways PCs did better for Manitobans was by putting Manitobans first and voting to pass Bill 47 – the NDP’s Fair Trade in Canada Act.
“These are unprecedented times when all Canadians –regardless of political stripe –must stand shoulder to shoulder against Trump’s tariffs and for a stronger Canada.
That’s why we cooperated in passing Bill 47,” said Khan.
“It was disappointing that the NDP voted against our freetrade legislation earlier this year, but Manitoba can’t lag behind the rest of Canada. Our PC team will continue to fight for free trade and labour mobility across the country.”
Previous PC governments have been leaders in removing interprovincial trade barriers in Canada as a participant in the New West Partnership Trade Agreement alongside Saskatchewan, Al-
berta, and British Columbia.
Economic growth and prosperity, including strengthening interprovincial trade, have always been a priority for PCs, and always will be. The NDP, unfortunately, introduced 46 other bills before introducing their fair trade legislation last month, missing the deadline to guarantee its passage.
“Due to the poor planning and mismanagement by the NDP, this important bill might not have passed until the fall of 2026 without the PCs’ support,” said Khan.
Other highlights from the sitting include:
•The independent Public Accounts Committee approved the 2023 audited statements, confirming that the previous PC government posted a restated $373 million surplus for 2023. The NDP deficit for 2024 could possibly be as high as $1.9 billion.
•Bill 232, introduced by Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen, was unanimously passed on May 1, to commemorate victims of impaired drivers.
•PCs passed a resolution for the Legislative Assembly to sing ‘O Canada’ daily when the house is in session.
“We posted a number of wins this spring, but we recognize that there’s much more work to do,” said Khan.
“We will continue working hard over the summer, listening to Manitobans, and gearing up for the fall, where we’ll continue to hold Wab Kinew and his NDP to account on behalf of all Manitobans.”
Manitobans have also been voicing their disappointment in the NDP throughout the spring.
•Tens of thousands of Manitoba property owners were shocked to see historic increases to their education property taxes by as much as 50 percent due to the NDP school tax scheme.
•Hundreds of Manitoba Nurses Union members protested outside the Legislature against the NDP’s broken healthcare promises, giving the minister and Kinew government a D-minus on health-
care.
The summer fair, festival and parade season is officially underway.
I was excited to participate in Oakburn’s 155th celebration on Saturday, June 7, taking in the pancake breakfast before being a part of the parade.
I look forward to connecting with the citizens of the Riding Mountain constituency at community events over the summer months.
Greg Nesbitt is the Member
of Legislative Assembly for the Riding Mountain constituency. He can be reached at 204-7593313, toll-free 1-844-877-7767 or by email at gregnesbitt mla@mymts.net. When writing to MLA Nesbitt, please provide your name, address and phone number.
smpcirculation@mymts.net
DONALD BERGER
Mountain Press
South
Hearts across the prairies beat heavy as news broke of the passing of Dr. Greg Powell, the visionary founder of STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service).
While Dr. Powell died peacefully on April 30 at Foothills Hospice in Okotoks at the age of 77, his impact continues to resonate in places like Minnedosa, where his lifesaving legacy touches down – quite literally.
Just this past January, Minnedosa witnessed the tangible value of Dr. Powell’s vision when a critically ill patient was airlifted from our community to Winnipeg, thanks to the newly established STARS landing pad. That lifesaving infrastructure was spearheaded by the Minnedosa Lions Club, notably Lions Michael Archbutt and Margaret McLenehan, with the full support of the Rural Municipality of MintoOdanah and landowner Gerald Sparrow. It was a moment of community triumph made possible by the mission Dr. Powell built his life around: timely access to world-class emergency care, no matter how rural the location.
toba’s business and philanthropic circles – had been actively promoting a local benefit for STARS. When he died, the event was rededicated as the Al Babiuk Memorial Fundraiser, drawing hundreds who came to honour him and support the service he passionately believed in. Though Al had only recently moved to Killarney, he embodied the spirit of STARS – driven, compassionate, and dedicated to improving rural lives.
These sad stories of passing on may seem separated by distance and title, but they are deeply connected by mission: ensuring that hope, help, and healing are not a matter of geography.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Powell family,” said Margaret McLenehan, reflecting on the January medevac. “His work directly saved a life
here this year and countless more across the Prairies. We are grateful to be part of a community effort that carries his mission forward.” As STARS continues to serve Minnedosa and our neighbouring rural communities, supported by local initiatives and volunteers like those in Minnedosa, it remains a lifeline Dr. Powell built, but that we, as a community, must continue to sustain. Our local chapter of the Lions Club would appreciate donations to ensure that STARS, Dr. Powell’s beacon of lifesaving legacy, is carried forward for many generations. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs urgent STARS help, it’s never too far. In this moment of loss, we gain undeniable clarity: recognizing a legacy that must be honoured and uplifted.
Born of battlefield urgency during the Vietnam War, Powell’s idea for a helicopter-based medical response system evolved into one of Canada’s most trusted emergency care services. Since 1985, STARS has flown more than 60,000 critical missions. To many in rural Manitoba – including Minnedosa – it’s not just a helicopter. It’s a promise. That promise is upheld not only by those in flight suits but also by people like Al Babiuk.
Just weeks before his untimely passing in Killarney, Babiuk – former CEO of Loewen Windows and a respected figure across Mani-
The Manitoba government has launched MB Ready, a centralized portal designed to keep Manitobans informed during emergencies, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization (EMO), announced.
“In times of crisis, timely and accurate information makes navigating uncertainty a little bit easier,” said Naylor. “Our government is proud to launch this tool that will ensure every Manitoban,
no matter where they live, can stay informed and connected during emergencies.”
MB Ready, managed by the EMO, will provide timely information on events as they occur and supports available to impacted Manitobans.
The site will continue to evolve in the coming weeks and months, with new features and updates aimed at improving accessibility and responsiveness.
EMO co-ordinates and manages the response to
emergencies and disasters on behalf of the Manitoba government, including:
•overseeing emergency preparedness;
•managing, directing, and co-ordinating the response of all Manitoba government departments to a major emergency or disaster;
•supporting recovery efforts following an emergency or disaster; and
•implementing mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts over time.
It took a lot of hard work to reach this goal. You had to show up every day, whether you felt like it or not. I hope you feel great about what you’ve accomplished, and I hope you’ll continue to be a person who shows up day in and day out for those things that are worthwhile and important in life. Enjoy your special day!
I made a grisly discovery amongst the strawberry patch this spring. While raking off the straw covering the plants during the winter, I found a muskrat curled up among the plants. It looked like it had just burrowed its way in for a quick nap, so I breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out to be as dead as the proverbial doornail.
These types of discoveries make me think “hmm what is this all about?”. Why did the muskrat die in this particular spot, and where did it come from? The why was fairly obvious. It looked in great shape, and given its great condition, I suspect that it had crawled into our strawberry bed in early spring, looking for protection from the cold.
Where it came from, though, is a more interesting question. As readers know, muskrats are aquatic rodents and are rarely found far from water. In the case of the muskrat in our strawberries, the nearest permanent water was over 200 metres away. That’s a long way to waddle.
What then would cause this fellow to leave its home, especially when the weather conditions were so bad as to be terminal? Muskrats are very territorial. They will aggressively defend their patch of turf, or in this case water, and often inflict (and receive) many bite wounds during these battles for supremacy. In fact, the fights regularly result in the death of one of the combatants.
The one exception is that over the winter, muskrat mothers will share their home territories with their offspring. Come spring, these teenagers disperse to new areas. The mating season is triggered by the melting of the ice in spring, and the death of this individual may have been a case where the youngster was “asked” to leave, providing its mother with space and resources to raise her next litter.
Muskrats are interesting beasts. You’d be forgiven to think that they are closely related to beavers, since they share many of the same traits. You know the score … a thick layer of fur, webbed hind feet, a streamlined body for swimming with ease, and the several adaptations which enable them to travel and forage under the ice for nearly 6 months each year.
They even look similar in terms of their orangey teeth, small beady eyes, and penchant for building domed homes in our sloughs. Yet beavers and muskrats, despite both being rodents, come from completely different lineages in the evolutionary tree.
Beavers are actually in a family of their own, with most of their ancestors now extinct. An interesting note: some of the ancient members of the beaver family were the size of bears, so you can imagine the havoc they would wreak on culverts if they were still around today
And despite the name, they are not closely related
to rats either, even though they share a fairly similar appearance, including being about of similar size and having long, hairless tails.
In terms of the family tree, muskrats are kissing cousins to voles and mice. Being related to voles explains a lot about the muskrat’s disposition and ecology. They lack the strong teeth of a beaver, so they eat only cattails and other soft vegetation as opposed to gnawing on trees. Like a mouse, they tend to be quite feisty when cornered and will gladly take on the family dog in a one-on-one cage match.
Also, like mice, muskrat populations regularly go through bust and boom cycles, with populations peaking every 10 years or so. These cycles are evidently independent of predators, with the sudden and steep decline in the population more likely to be due to conflict between muskrat neighbours and the sudden rise in lethal diseases such as tularemia.
Drought is the other major determinant on muskrat populations. When there is lots of water in local sloughs, there are generally
lots of muskrats to hang out in them. However, when drought strikes, muskrat populations plummet, and intraspecific conflict (ie: fighting between muskrats) grows, with many muskrats being driven out of the slowly shrinking ponds. Only the strongest and meanest are able to maintain their home territory.
All other population controls, including trapping and predation, are generally thought to have minor impacts on their numbers. By the way, the most common predator is mink, with great horned owls making up a surprisingly significant portion of muskrat kills.
As you can likely guess, a muskrat’s life is short and vicious. Sure, they look cool, calm, and relaxed sitting on
their mud pads, but most muskrats don’t live more than a couple of years. It’s a muskrat-bite-muskrat world out there.
So, if you are like me and have taken these watery rodents for granted, I encourage you to take a second look at them this summer.
As the “gophers of the wetlands,” they are one of the easiest mammals to observe, especially from a floating boardwalk, dock, kayak or canoe.
Regardless of the mode of observation, you are almost guaranteed to see at least one of these rodents motorboating past, doing whatever muskrats do. Happy observations to you!
Ken Kingdon lives in the heart of the Riding Mountain
