Friday, MAY 22, 2026 Volume 18 Number30 FREE TAKE ONE
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Showing off its fine acrobatic skills, this red headed woodpecker clung onto the side of a bird feeder while selecting the perfect seed for its mid-afternoon snack. A rather rare and interesting fact about these birds is that both genders look the same, as in the bird world, the males and females are usually quite different from one another.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
Boaters heading to Clear Lake this summer will need to go through a new inspection and tagging process before they can launch, and every time they take their boat out of the water.
Parks Canada introduced the mandatory program on May 14 as one of several steps aimed at slowing the spread of aquatic invasive
species in Riding Mountain National Park. Once a motorized or trailered boat clears inspection, a Parks Canada staff member attaches a tag that locks the vessel to its trailer. That tag stays on until the next launch, when staff must remove it before the boat can go back in. The process repeats each time the boat comes out of the water.
Inspections and annual permit registration are handled at the Boat
Cove station in Wasagaming, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Gates to the boat launch are locked outside those hours. Timing matters this season. Boaters whose vessels have not touched any water in 2026 have until June 7 to register and launch the same day. After June 8, or for any boat that has already been in water this year, a 45day quarantine is required before it can go on Clear Lake.
All watercraft must be cleaned,
drained, and completely dry before launching. Parks Canada is also asking boaters to keep separate equipment for Clear Lake and the park’s other lakes, including Lake Audy, Moon Lake, and Lake Katherine.
Non-motorized watercraft, towables, wetsuits, drysuits, diving gear, and multi-person inflatables also require an annual permit, issued separately for Clear Lake or outlying park waters. Additional re-
strictions for the 2026 season include a 150-metre no-wake zone from shore, non-motorized days every Monday and Tuesday, and a non-motorized quiet period overnight from 8:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Authorized operators, including the tour boat, are exempt.
Longer wait times are possible on weekends and hot days. Parks Canada is encouraging visitors to plan inspection visits during offpeak hours where possible.
To err is human, and if you’re like me, you make a lot of mistakes. But what about animals?
Every reader can easily think of quandaries that animals get themselves into, such as deer leaping into traffic or birds hitting the kitchen window. Instead, I’m writing about slightly strange incidents that involve animals.
Two incidents occurred over the past couple of weeks that got me thinking about mistakes that animals make. The most recent error was when a redpoll got stuck inside one of our bird feeders that is constructed of an up-side-down juice bottle. When the feeder is empty there is a tiny space at the bottom and somehow the redpoll squeezed through the hole and found itself inside the bottle. After a bit of fluttering about, it found its way out again.
Also, recently Rae and I spotted a mid-air collision between a goose and a swan. I often find it remarkable that there aren’t more accidents involving birds flying in large flocks or landing en masse at our bird feeder. However, it turns out that it can happen, and unfortunately, we were the cause.
Ken Kingdon
Rae and I skied out to the Lake Audy dam on a sunny spring day, hoping to see otters. As we reached the dam, we crested a snowbank only to realize that the open river had attracted about 20 geese and a dozen swans. Our sudden appearance created a stir, sending the birds flying in all directions. With the restricted airspace, a goose and swan had a mid-air collision, causing the swan to crash land in the cattails. Luckily it was a soft landing, and the swan quickly regained its composure and flew off to join its mate. We felt bad about creating such a commotion and vowed not to repeat it.
Sticking to the theme of waterbirds in spring, several
The Manitoba government is continuing its partnership with Heart and Stroke Manitoba with $150,000 in funding to support public education on stroke awareness through the FAST Signs of Stroke campaign and women’s heart health initiatives, as well as an additional $25,000 to support the new Women’s Heart Care Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced.
“Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and stroke quickly can make a lifechanging difference for patients and families,” said Asagwara. “Our government understands the importance of investing in women’s health. We know heart disease can look different in women and too often those symptoms are missed or dismissed. This partnership helps improve awareness, supports earlier treatment and strengthens womenfocused heart care in Manitoba.”
years ago a pair of loons had staked a claim to a small patch of open water near our house. This patch was close to the road and bisected by a hydro line, and so was not an ideal resting place.
One morning on the way to work, I noticed the loons flying low over the road, presumably preparing to land in the open water. In the distance, it appeared that a loon had clipped the hydro line and tumbled into the sedges. I thought I better check it out.
Sure enough, I found the loon lying on its back in the ditch, legs flailing uselessly. It seemed unhurt, but was obviously stuck on its back, and like a turtle, unable to flip itself over.
Very gingerly I lifted the loon, avoiding its “bitey” end – loons will aggressively peck anyone within beak distance – and I was able to gently place it in the water without damage to me or the loon. It swam away, joining its mate. I later saw the two
loons fly off, so I assumed all was well.
Sometimes the error can be humorous, at least for the observer. One fall morning I was travelling north in the Park when I spied a young moose in the ditch and I slowed to a stop.
The moose slowly walked toward me until we were looking eye-to-eye.
Unfortunately, it was the first cold morning of autumn, with temperatures dipping below freezing, and the condensation made the highway slick. As the moose moved onto the road, all four legs slipped out from under it and it slowly sank down to a sitting position, kind of a like a slow-motion version of Bambi stepping on ice.
It looked at me, and I looked at it. I had a hard time not laughing, and even felt a tinge of embarrassment for it. Being a moose, it didn’t seem to care, and it quickly got back on its feet and moved off into the bush, no worse for wear.
As seen above, humans or our infrastructure are the cause of many accidents involving wildlife. Sometimes, though, accidents are directly the doing of the animals themselves. And occasionally, the errors can prove fatal.
There is a freshwater spring not far from Highway 10 that stays ice-free all winter. It also happens to be very deep and filled with “quick mud,” something that I have demonstrated during snowshoe outings by dramatically lowering a long stick into the abyss. The stick releases sulphurous gas bubbles as it is lowered, and at a certain point I run out of stick, declaring that it is bottomless. Scary.
Despite, or perhaps because of, its unpleasant smell, elk and moose are attracted to the site, presumably as it is a good source of minerals. The spring is surrounded by a mat of floating vegetation, making it very unstable, and on a rare occa-
The FAST Signs of Stroke campaign helps Manitobans recognize the warning signs of stroke and encourages people to seek emergency medical care quickly. FAST stands for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911. Early treatment can help reduce the long-term impacts of stroke and save lives.
The Women’s Heart Care Clinic at St. Boniface Hospital provides specialized cardiovascular assessment, care, education and research focused on women’s heart health. Women’s cardiovascular disease can present differently than in men and is associated with different symptoms, disease progression and outcomes.
The announcement was made during the Heart and Stroke Foundation MLA engagement lunch, which brought together members of the legislative assembly, researchers, health-care leaders, advocates and people with lived experience to discuss shared priorities in cardiac and stroke care.
sion an animal will fall in and cannot escape. One April Rae and I visited the site and discovered the body of a cow elk floating in the spring, a victim of the bog. Judging by the tracks, a bear had also found it and was taking advantage of the abundant, albeit stinky, meal. It must have been a real bonanza for the bear so soon after hibernation. Waste not, want not as they say. As I say, many of the accidents that strike wildlife are directly or indirectly caused by humans. With small adaptations, such as putting up bird deterrents on windows, we can reduce the risk to animals. I’m of the opinion that these efforts are worth it, even if it saves just one individual.
Ken Kingdon lives in the heart of the Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve. Send him a text at 204.848.5020 if you have stories to share.
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
A kind, active and energetic eight-year-old girl is filling the role of Manitoba’s latest Champion Child with the announcement by the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CHFOM), being a meaningful moment because it was a miracle she could hear them.
Representing 140,000 kids who need HSC Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg each year, Ireland Gault – the 2026 Champion – was the first infant in Manitoba to have cochlear implant surgery.
In March of 2017 Ireland was born a happy and healthy baby to excited parents, Courtney and Will Gault. As part of Manitoba’s universal newborn hearing screening program, her hearing was tested before leaving the hospital. Ireland failed the test in one ear and additional testing revealed that Ireland had profound hearing loss in both ears.
Ireland’s parents worried about her development but thanks to her medical team at HSC Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, at 10 months old she had bilateral cochlear implant surgery. The implants allowed her to develop speech and language skills alongside her peers. Each day Ireland gets to enjoy the gifts of the sounds around her like music, laughter, and her parents expressing, “We love you.”
“We’re grateful that she was able to receive this miraculous surgery in a warm and welcoming environment,” said Ireland’s father Will.
Now Ireland is proud of what she calls her “ears” and is using her voice to help others. She loves gymnastics, singing, birds, and being a caring big sister to her younger sister Taylor.
Ireland’s successful surgery has made it possible for children just like her to receive cochlear implants before their first birthdays.
“She’s our little trailblazer for cochlear implants,” says Ireland’s mom Courtney. “We’re so proud of her.”
Since Ireland’s procedure in 2018, doctors at HSC Children’s have performed coch-
lear implant surgery for more than 80 children with 12 procedures done before the child turned one. Previously, kids would have the surgery around 18 months. “Our current treatment timeline for children identified with deafness at birth is to have them all implanted well before their first birthday,” says Dr. Darren Leitao, pediatric otolaryngologist.
“This is thanks to the work we have done exploring safety and benefits of the technology, and the motivation and commitment of Ireland’s family to support her hearing and listening journey in the best way possible.”
Leitao added, “Starting with Ireland, we give children almost double the head start of listening and lan-
guage at very critical times in brain development.”
Ireland’s parents are deeply grateful for experts in child health research who work to support new technology, equipment, and treatments for kids.
Sara Shyiak, Manager of Marketing and Communication, CHFOM, shared being a Champion Child means that Ireland and her family will join a group of ambassadors from across North America, which support their local children’s hospitals. The Champion program is part of Canada’s Children’s Hospi-
tals Foundations (CCHF) and the Children’s Miracle Network in Canada and the United States. They will attend several events this year to share her story and raise funds for HSC Children’s Hospital.”
“We are so excited to welcome Ireland to represent the hundreds of thousands of kids who need HSC Children’s Hospital each year and countless more who benefit from the work at Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba,” says Stefano Grande, CHFOM President & CEO. “Ireland
and her family are already making an impact, sharing their story to raise funds and awareness for Manitoba’s only children’s hospital and child health research.” Her parents concluded, “The Children’s Hospital holds a very special place in our hearts. It’s a place where fear and uncertainty are met with compassion, skill, and hope. To know that Ireland will spend the next year sharing her story and standing as a voice for so many brave children is something we can hardly put into words.”
a.m.
Friday, May 22, 2026
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
While these sayings, emailed to my work computer by good friend, Dennis Basso, were attached to photos just in case the reader and/or viewer couldn’t paint the picture in his or her mind, I am positive readers will get the drift.
So remember, “Life is like a Camera”… Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, take another shot!
So here are some of the pictures turned into works saved and shared…
We had the miniskirts, the bell-bottoms, the muscle cars, and the soundtrack of the best music ever made. Ours wasn’t just a generation; it was a vibe the world will never see again.
We grew up barefoot, bugbit, and happy.
Sometimes you just need to sit still and let water do the talking.
Always remember… your dad is the only man who’s happy when you’re better than him.
If you ever fished with a stick and string you already lived the dream. Truth is, half the memo-
ries we made came from being somewhere we weren’t supposed to be.
When I was a kid, there were two ways to meet your end – natural causes and talking back to your parents.
Kids don’t always listen to what you say… But they sure pay attention to what you do.
Back when helping out wasn’t optional – just part of being raised right.
Who remembers cutting up a brown paper bag, folding it just right, and using it to cover your schoolbooks.
Kids today lug around a 40-ounce Stanley tumbler like they’re on a trek through the desert. Meanwhile we survived on three sips from a germ infested water fountain after recess and called it a day.
Do you realize that we are the last generation on Earth
that knows what life was like before social media?
I say yes sir, no ma’am and hold the door because the people who knew better raised me.
Some memories don’t come with a date – they just come back when the air smells a certain way.
Rainy days weren’t ruined they were just a different kind of fun.
Sunday newspapers used to land on the porch so thick the held the news, comics, coupons, everything inside.
Kids today will never know the joy of finding money in a payphone coin return.
We never worried about our television being stolen in the 1970s. It took a few people just to move it inches to the right.
I grew up when gas was cheap, neighbours waved,
and people minded their own dam business.
I need a week right here.
We need more older men teaching younger men, “How to Become” older men.
Did kids have better manners in the past than today?
Who remembers putting their tooth under the pillow for the tooth fairy? What was the going rate of exchange when you were little?
The good news is I’ve made it to the golden years.
The bad news is there ain’t no gold.
Do the right thing, even when no one is looking – it’s called integrity.
Rare photo of a remote control from the 1970s.
Who else spent their childhood exploring woods, creeks, and trails for hours without a single adult around? Those were some of the best days of our lives.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the federal government to scrap its gun and confiscation scheme after an access-toinformation request filed by the CTF revealed that Public Safety Canada has no data on the confiscation’s effect on crime or public safety.
“If the government can’t show taxpayers this program will work, then taxpayers
shouldn’t be paying for it,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie Director. “Ottawa needs to listen to police officers who say the gun ban and confiscation won’t work.”
The CTF asked Public Safety for “all analysis from the department on the efficacy of the assault style firearms
compensation program and its effect on crime rates/public safety.”
The department advised that “no information related to your request exists within Public Safety Canada.”
The federal government maintains that the confiscation program is intended to make Canadians safer. Since the guns were initially banned in 2020, meaning that
it’s illegal to use them, violent firearm crimes rates have increased.
Law-enforcement experts have been saying for years that Ottawa’s program won’t work.
“We know that the gun buyback program is going to have, essentially, zero impact on the crime in Toronto,” said Clayton Campbell, the president of the Toronto Police As-
We didn’t need fitness apps, we had jump ropes, rhymes, and sidewalk champions. We didn’t need Google, we had grandpa‘s fishing tips. We used to teach kids how to respect their elders. Maybe it’s time we brought that back.
Human-beings get rich as they grow old: silver in hair, gold in teeth, sugar in blood, precious stones in kidney, and a never ending supply of gas!
The Internet could vanish tomorrow and folks my age would still be just fine. When I was a kid, there were no phones or tablets. We read cereal boxes at breakfast.
And I end with the one that captured my heart… I miss the days when the whole family was always together at grandma’s house.
sociation.
Dozens of police forces across the country have also declined to participate in the program.
All provincial governments, except for British Columbia and Quebec, have also declined to participate, citing serious doubts about the program’s effectiveness.
The government has committed at least $742 million to
carry out its gun ban and confiscation scheme, according to Budget 2025. Other experts estimate the total cost to taxpayers could reach $6 billion.
“Law enforcement experts say the gun grab will do nothing to make Canada safer,” said Haubrich. “The government doesn’t have any evidence otherwise. Ottawa needs to listen to the experts and scrap this gun ban.”
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) spent tens of thousands of dollars on a Federal Court case to fight an order to show how many people subscribe to its streaming services, according to access-to-information records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF).
“As a matter of principle, the CBC owes taxpayers transparency, but instead of being transparent with taxpayers, it’s wasting more money on legal bills trying to keep Canadians in the dark,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “The CBC bragged about its Gem subscription service and pointed to Gem as proof it’s providing value, so why is the CBC trying so hard to keep these numbers hidden?”
The CBC has spent $59,000 so far on lawyers to fight an order directing it to disclose subscriber numbers for its Gem streaming service.
The CBC launched the Gem streaming service in 2018. It has a paid and unpaid version.
The state broadcaster refused to disclose the number of Gem subscribers when asked through an access-toinformation request filed by Matt Malone, who is the founder of the transparency organization Open By Default.
The Information Commissioner ordered the CBC to provide the records, but the CBC argued the information should remain confidential and took the matter to court.
The CBC is asking the court to disregard the Information Commissioner’s order and rule that Gem records are exempt from disclosure.
CBC CEO Marie-Philippe Bouchard claimed the subscriber numbers are “sensitive commercial information,” according to the Canadian Press. “The number of people who are paying is a number we keep confidential for competitive reasons,” Bouchard said.
However, publicly traded companies disclose subscrip-
tion metrics. Streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime and YouTube have reported total paid memberships or subscription revenue in financial filings and annual reports.
Information Commissioner Caroline Maynard rejected the CBC’s competition claims. Maynard said the subscriber numbers relate to its general administration and the exemption to disclosure rule therefore does not apply.
“[While the] CBC did identify possible harms to its competitive position or to ongoing
negotiations, it did not demonstrate that there was a reasonable expectation that these harms could occur, well beyond a mere possibility,” Maynard said.
As a way to defend the CBC’s falling viewership, former CEO Catherine Tait repeatedly claimed “millions” of Canadians stream its videos through Gem.
Tait told MPs at committee in January 2024 the broadcaster had “an increase in the millions of those who are watching Gem.” Tait repeated the claim that “millions are
streaming video and audio in English and French across our platforms” at committee in October 2024.
“The CBC should be more transparent than Netflix or Amazon, so if these companies can back up their claims about their subscriber base, then taxpayers should definitely be able to hold the CBC to a higher standard,” Terrazzano said. “If the CBC doesn’t want to release the information and be transparent with taxpayers, then it shouldn’t get one cent from taxpayers.”
This isn’t the first time the
CBC has tried to withhold records from taxpayers. The CTF launched a legal challenge against the CBC as the state broadcaster stonewalled the release of senior executive bonuses. The CBC released a record showing its seven senior executives took home $3,793,000 in total compensation – an average of more than $540,000 each. But the records did not reveal how much of that compensation was bonus pay for senior executives.
The CBC costs taxpayers more than $1 billion per year.
On May 13, Virden RCMP responded to a theft of gas that had occurred at a station located on the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. The theft occurred near the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 21. RCMP learned the suspects had put $71 worth of gas into a stolen truck they were driving. Both came into the store and attempted to pay with a debit or credit card that wasn’t working. The suspects then left the store without paying and drove away, heading west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Officers located the truck a short time later on the highway and tried to pull the suspects over, but the truck continued, then turned off onto a side road. RCMP did not actively pursue the vehicle due to the risk to public safety. However, officers continued to patrol the area and located the truck abandoned at a property on Road 60 North, near Road 153 West. RCMP Police Dog Services was called in and located two suspects in a treed area near the abandoned truck. The two suspects were safely taken into custody. A 27year-old female of Selkirk is charged with: Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; Flight from peace officer; Dangerous driving; Theft under $5,000; and Failure to comply. A 30-year-old male of Winnipeg is charged with: Possession of property obtained by crime; Flight from peace officer; and Theft under $5,000. Both suspects were remanded into custody.
On May 16, Poplar River RCMP responded to a report of a missing 6-year-old female. Officers learned that the father woke up and noticed that the front door was wide-open. His 6-year-old daughter was missing as she was not found inside the residence. Officers, fire department, family and other community members started searching for the missing child immediately. As the search continued, community boats were launched in the water, the Band deployed their drone and local search and rescue volunteers assisted with
the search. The 6-year-old female was later located on the south side of the Nanowin River and pronounced deceased.
On May 14, Powerview RCMP received a report of a single ATV rollover on North Shore Road in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Alexander. Officers found a 36-year-old Sagkeeng First Nation male in the south ditch, beside the ATV. RCMP, First Nation Safety Officers and Emergency Medical Services provided first aid to the male before pronouncing him deceased at the scene. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the incident. The male was not wearing a helmet.
On May 13, Shamattawa RCMP received a report of an incident of intimate partner violence that had occurred in the community. The victim went to a safe place earlier in the day when her partner attended this place and subsequently assaulted her. Police attended immediately and found an unresponsive female inside a residence. The victim, 32, was transported to the local nursing station with lifethreatening injuries, then flown to hospital in Winnipeg for further care. On May 14, the victim died as a result of her injuries. A 27-year-old male was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with aggravated assault. That charge has since been upgraded to manslaughter. He remains in custody.
On May 12, Gimli RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, Forensic Identification Services, and the Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant on a property located in Riverton. As a result of the search, a body was located within a vehicle on the property. The suspect, a 41-year-old male from Riverton, was arrested on scene without incident. Following the autopsy and completion of the forensic investigation, we can confirm that the human remains located within the vehicle are that of Darryl Lambert, 39, who was reported missing to the Gimli RCMP Detachment on March 17, 2026. A 41-year-old male has been charged with Second degree murder and has been remanded into custody.
On May 12, Moose Lake RCMP responded to a report of an injured person at a residence located on Stagg Crescent in Mosakahiken Cree Nation. Officers attended to the address and located a 17-yearold female who was pronounced deceased on scene. Her death is being investigated as a homicide.
On May 7, Stonewall RCMP were notified that a 5-ton truck had just been stolen from a business located on Paramount Road in Winnipeg. The truck was seen travelling on the West Perimeter Highway, travelling southbound. Officers responded immediately and observed the stolen vehicle travelling south. Officers turned around and attempted a traffic stop on the stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle eventually came to a stop near the intersection
with Roblin Boulevard where officers engaged with the driver. Suddenly, the truck started moving again and struck an officer while causing damages to a parked police car. Other officers on scene provided first aid to the injured officer while waiting for Emergency Medical Services. The truck fled the scene, but officers were able to follow it as it approached the community of Oak Bluff. Officers attempted to use a spike belt, but the driver abruptly turned to avoid the spike belt and drove through the ditch onto the service road. Once at the intersection of Highway 2 and Macdonald Road, the stolen truck collided with a short bus. There were no students inside and no injuries were reported. The driver once again fled the scene in the truck and police lost sight of it. Shortly after,
RCMP received a report of a suspicious person walking in a field just southwest of Oak Bluff in the R.M. of Macdonald. Officers later located the suspect and she was arrested without incident. The stolen truck was later recovered behind a shop on a nearby property off Macdonald Road. A 42year-old female from Winnipeg, has been charged and remanded into custody for: Assault on police officer with a weapon causing bodily harm; Operation while impaired by drugs causing bodily harm; Refusal to comply with a demand; Theft of motor vehicle over $5,000; Mischief; Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; Flight from Police; Resist peace officer; and Operation of motor vehicle while prohibited. The injured officer suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering at home.
Friday, May 22, 2026
There is nothing better than planting a container full of exotic beauty to enjoy in your landscape all summer long. Summer flowering bulbs and tender annuals will help you to do this as they bring a little bit of beauty that is a bit exotic. Most of these selections originate in sub-tropical or tropical regions so are used to warmth and humidity and of course will need to be lifted prior to the fall temperatures dropping substantially.
It is these bulbs that are often the “wow” points of our gardens. Who can ignore the tantalizing tropical scent of acidanthera, the wondrous colour of the begonias in the shady parts, or the majestic stature of the cannas or gladiolus? If you are not yet growing some of these less hardy bulbs, then maybe this is the year to begin.
Acidanthera are exotic members of the iris family. They have a delicious scent that will waft over your outdoor areas if planted close. They are white (perfect for night gardens), grow about 24 inches high with a white starshaped bloom with a center of deep purple. They are naturally found in semi-alpine conditions in Ethiopia so do not need a really rich soil. Plant them about 3 inches deep with about 5 inches between bulbs.
Begonias are gorgeous in the shady areas of the garden. They come in a range of colours from reds to pinks, yellows and whites and even a number of purples and apricots. The pendulous types are great in hanging baskets while the uprights are good in beds or containers. Plant in partial to full shade and be sure you do not plant them too deeply as they are a shallow-rooted plant.
Caladiums are a showy plant that will give any landscape a tropical flair. They are actually grown for their large colour leaves. They come in multi-colours with swirls and splashes of red, green, white and pink. Plant them in the shade and even bring them in as a houseplant as summer wanes.
Canna lilies are beautiful everywhere. Their bloom colours range from white to orange, yellow, pink red and even bi-colour. They are native to the West Indies and South America so are considered not hardy. They are superb summer bloomers with
not only a great bloom but often have coloured and textured leaves. Do not plant these plants in windy areas, as the foliage will be damaged. Some species can grow up to 10 feet in height but can also be as small as 2 feet. Plant in full sun and remove spent flowers to encourage more bloom.
Oriental lilies are one of my favourite plants to incorporate into my outdoor space. The blooms will not last long, but placing them as part of the show is well worth the effort and the scents are too amazing for words.
Dahlias are easily one of the top selling summer flowering bulbs. There are literally hundreds of selections to choose from with all the colours of the rainbow. Many gardeners will pot up their dahlias a good six weeks prior to going outside to ensure the longest, loveliest period of bloom. They are long blooming so can be planted in borders, beds or containers and even make a great cut flower. Just a word of caution – once you begin to grow dahlias you might get addicted to trying them all!
Incorporating some other “exotics” like palms, crotons and other tropical plants not often seen outside is also a way to build unique elements into your outdoor space. Be creative and daring and mix some tropical plants in with some summer exotics and other regular basket stuffers to truly create a space you can call your own. Watch next week for all you need to know about planting containers!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.
A number of homeowners within the Onanole area awoke to an unreal situation on Friday, May 15, as the wind whipped and snapped large spruce trees, including an estimated four to six in front of this home on Albin Avenue, just east of the Canada Post outlet. Extensive winds that hit the region on Thursday, May 14 and Friday caused damage and widespread power outages across the province, reports Manitoba Hydro, who asked residents for patience and caution, as the strong winds saw Environment Canada issue a wind warning.
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All repairs, renovations, and new construction Cell: 204-232-9797
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Reach the entire Province: $189.00 (49 weekly papers) Westman or Eastman regions: $119.00
Oakburn Town Wide Garage Sales, Saturday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Oakburn Community Hall. Tables available for rent in the hall for $10 each. 204-234-6328.
Join The Fight Against Prostate Cancer. The Motorcycle Ride for Dad is Saturday, May 30, 10:00 a.m., Polo Park, Winnipeg. Visit: ridefordad.ca/manitoba to register or make a pledge.
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.
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
ROLLING RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION
Public Notice is hereby given that Rolling River School Division may conduct the following Pesticide Control Programs in 2026.
To control insect pests and rodents, pesticides such as Dragnet, Drione Powder, and Dr. Doom (Residual) may be used on all school division properties and in buildings.
The public may send written submissions or rejections within 15 days of the publication of the Notice to the department below.
Business Cheques and Laser Business Cheques. Call Connie at 204759-2644 Ext. 2 or email ctwprinting@mymts.net. Nesbitt Publishing, Shoal Lake.
2017 Polaris Rzr S 1000 sideby-side, red in color, 4,732 miles, winch, half windshield and mirrors. Regular maintenance. Never swamped. Second owners. Extra belt and oil included, $14,000 OBO. Located in Rossburn. Text/ call 204-859-6969.
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.
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.
Attention to all Nesbitt Publishing customers! We have been having problems with the emails that we send out going to people’s junk
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
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
Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community
DOES FACEBOOK SUPPORT LOCAL?
Hasyourorganizationevercalledup Facebookandaskedthemfora donationtoyourcause? Local businesses rely on local support to exist. Shop Local Today. 204-759-2644 smpdisplay@mymts.net (plus tax) THIS AD COSTS
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.
has immediate openings for the following positions:
We are looking to hire a JOURNEYMAN AUTOBODY TECHNICIAN for a busy auto shop. Would consider third or fourth year apprentice. Applicant should be able to work on all makes and models and perform quality repairs as per industry standards.
We are looking to hire a full-time JOURNEYMAN LIGHT DUTY MECHANIC. Would consider fourth year apprentice. Duties to include, but not limited to: general engine and mechanical repairs, electrical service diagnosis, oil changes, install and balance tires, perform tire rotations, etc.
All applicants must be organized, highly motivated, and have a keen eye for detail. Individuals should have excellent communication and people skills and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service and quality workmanship. We offer competitive pay, group benefit plan and a positive work environment. Applicant must possess a positive attitude and the ability to work as part of a team.
Drop off resumes:
Shoal Lake Rad & Glass, 316 Elm St., Shoal Lake, MB Email: shoallakeradglass@gmail.com Phone: 204-759-2251
We appreciate your interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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.
at 7:00 p.m.
VISIT www.gartonsauction.com for equipment details, pictures, and bidding. FOR INFO OR VIEWING, please contact sellers listed in lot details MOBILE HOME, TRAILERS, SHELTERS: 1995 mobile home, central air, appliances; 1997 Mountain Aire 40’ motor home; 1999 Merritt 53’ tri-axle cattle pot; other campers and trailers; 40’ Sea Can container; NEW vehicle canopies; metal livestock shelters; 4400-gal water trailer; VEHICLES, TRACTORS, ETC: 2005 Peterbilt 387 18spd Eaton transmission, etc; 2012 Subaru Forester, 280,350 km; 1975 Ford 9000 semi-tractor, V8 Detroit 9spd engine; 2010 Ford 150 250,600 km; other older vehicles; 1940 Allis Chalmers dozer; Ford 1220 tractor, FEL, 2021 hrs; JD 420 tractor; LARGE EQUIPMENT, FARM AND RANCH MACHINERY: NEW SDLanch ME15 gas-powered excavators; 2008 CAT 450E backhoe, 3 buckets, 4290 hrs; Intl 645 field cultivator w/applicator; T50 DJI spray drones, etc; JD 9610 combine 914 belt pickup, 30’ flex header, etc; NH 1431 disc bine; Morris 47’ deep tiller; tandem disks, harrows, grain augers, air carts; Hesston 814 round baler; 14-wheel V-rake; NH 1033 square bale picker; 55” rock picker, manure spreader, mowers; Elias cattle scale, 3000lb; cattle tipping chute, squeeze chute, palp cage, etc; variety of tanks, fluids, building materials, etc; LIVESTOCK: 13-yr old paint pony mare with April/26 colt at side; RECREATION, YARD, GARDEN: Beachcomber high-end 7-person hot tub-see details; 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle, 71,428 km; 2008 Suzuki motorcycle 1986 Honda Fourtrax 350, 4x4 NEW SDLanch golf carts, mini dump trucks, electric bikes, utility trucks and other vehicle types; Lund 1650 aluminum boat, 90 hp Evinrude, trailer, etc; sports, water, snow equipment, Excalibur crossbow, etc; zero-turn lawnmowers, Bear Cat 8hp chipper shredder, other lawn/yard equipment and much more! BID NOW AT WWW.GARTONSAUCTION.COM
Q: I’m reading a lot about how kids today are having their futures affected by all kinds of things they are – or are not – exposed to. I have a 9- and a 12-year-old. What should I be alert to? – Sara Y., Cincinnati, OH
A: Kids today are exposed to a lot of potentially challenging and even harmful things – from foreverchemicals and micro-plastics to excessive social media use, and over-the-top violence, anger and sexuality in music, films and television. It makes it vital that parents recognize potential trouble spots and take steps to help kids avoid or reduce exposure – and become happier and healthier.
When it comes to reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals in the environment, you can store foods in glass containers not plastic, never microwave anything in plastic, and buy organic fruits (berries especially) and vegetables (dark leafy greens, too). Make sure you wash all fruit and vegetables three times – first in warm, soapy water, then twice in plain water.
You also want to avoid stain-resistant clothing and upholstery, and have your home tested for radon levels and lead in the water and from peeling paint. Make sure kids aren’t exposed to pesticides in your lawn or garden. And look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice label on household cleaning products.
As for their emotional and physical well-being, get them exercising daily. Monitor their social media use. Encourage them to try new activities. Spend focused time talking with and listening to them – just seven minutes several times a day will do, say researchers. Also make sure they have a healthy diet that fuels their
mind and body. Stay away from highly processed foods and drinks with added sugars.
For more info, check out
“YOU: Raising Your Child: The Owner’s Manual from First Breath to First Grade” and let your pre-teen read “YOU: The Owner’s Manual for Teens: A Guide to a Healthy Body and Happy Life.”
Q: I am confused about the Alzheimer’s medications that are supposed to help control or reduce amyloid tangles. Headlines say they don’t work. Should I have my mom take them or not? –Gloria G., Salt Lake City, UT
A: I bet you’re talking about the latest meta-study out of the Cochrane LIBRAry that pooled together the results of nine medications that target amyloidbeta monoclonal antibodies associated with Alzheimer’s. Researchers looked at nine drugs, lumping together older ones that everyone acknowledges didn’t do the trick with a couple of newer ones that are approved or in ongoing phase 3 trials that
show promise. They include:
1. Aducanumab (Aduhelm’s development was discontinued in 2024)
2. Bapineuzumab (discontinued because it failed phase 3 clinical trials)
3. Crenezumab (it also failed in clinical trials)
4. Donanemab (Kisunla, approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2024)
5. Gantenerumab (trials found it did not lead to a lower rate of clinical decline)
6. Lecanemab (Leqembi, FDA approved in 2023. Over
18 months, it slowed declining cognition.)
7. Ponezumab (also discontinued when it didn’t meet its target)
8. Remternetug (is in an ongoing trial to halt Alzheimer’s before symptoms appear in folks with a strong genetic predisposition).
9. Solanezumab (it also failed to slow decline).
No one disputes that the older medications were not beneficial in the ways everyone hoped they would be. But the newer medications, Kisunla, Leqembi, and
maybe Remternetug may have meaningful benefit for people with mild cognition problems or early-stage AD symptoms. And there is one treatment that does work to reverse – not just stabilize –early Alzheimer’s: therapeutic plasma exchange. Read the research at LongevityEdge.com.
Talk with your mother’s doctor about these morepromising medications and treatments. See what the pros and cons may be for her. Also check out “Do YOU Want To Prevent Alz-
heimer’s?” online at: michaelfroizenmd.substack.c om.
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.
