DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
Grain producers in the area took advantage of the ideal farming conditions over the past week. This producer was found harrowing in a stubble field in the vicinity of the intersection of Highways 10 and 45 on the morning of Friday, May 23. Although it delayed seeding, the rain received was welcomed across the region by farmers, but more is still required.
Across the region, roughly half of the expected crops have been seeded, according to the most recent provincial crop report. Locally, rainfall has been uneven, but despite the sporadic showers, moisture levels still aren’t enough to fully stabilize the ground.
Although spring seeding is still moving ahead well, the early part
of the season has been particularly difficult, with initial dryness raising concerns about moisture availability. Just as seeding began, a cold snap hit, followed by hot weather and even more heavy rain. This back-and-forth weather pattern caused issues like grass fires and made it difficult for producers to establish their crops confidently.
Despite these hurdles, there is slow, but steady area progress, however, crop development varies
across the region – oats and barley are over half seeded, with some fields already sprouting. Wheat has advanced considerably, with some fields reaching early growth stages. Corn seeding is about 50% complete, and peas are fully seeded. Soybeans are only about halfway, showing slower progress, and canola planting is slightly behind schedule but still ongoing.
Forage conditions have improved recently after a delayed
start caused by cooler temperatures. The recent development in growth and greenery is promising, and pasture growth is generally good. Many cattle herds are now being turned out into summer pastures, which is a positive sign for livestock producers.
Some weather-related setbacks affected seeding in early May, especially due to overland flooding and cooler, windy conditions. However, recent rainfall events and rising
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temperatures are helping crops and pastures recover.
Despite a challenging start to the season, seeding and crop growth are picking up pace in southwestern Manitoba. Producers remain watchful of weather patterns and moisture levels but are optimistic about a productive season ahead. The progress so far, while unpredictable, is showing that 2025 is on target for an abundant growing season ahead.
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to the Superintendent of Riding Mountain National Park in addition to this newspaper.
Dear Superintendent,
I am writing to request Parks Canada hold an inperson, public meeting to explain its sudden reversal on motorized watercraft access to Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park. The decision to impose a ban just before the May long weekend with inadequate notice, consultation, or clear justification, has blindsided the community and undermined months of preparation.
Businesses, families, and visitors planned their season based on Parks Canada’s earlier commitment to the “one boat, one lake” policy. That plan had wide support.
Now, without explanation, it’s been abandoned. As the Brandon Sun reported, “Parks Canada did not directly answer the Sun on the question of what changed between January and May...”
This lack of transparency has only deepened public frustration.
Worse still, emails reveal
that as late as May 12, 2025, Parks Canada was still telling the public that motorized watercraft would be allowed on Clear Lake under the “one boat, one lake” policy.
“The current plan is that both motorized boats and non-motorized watercraft... will be allowed on Clear Lake” stated an email obtained by my office.
Parks Canada is a public agency. It is accountable to the people it serves. Yet increasingly, the public feels shut out of decisions that deeply affect their lives and livelihoods. That must change.
I urge you to hold a public, in-person meeting with at least one week’s notice, so the community can hear directly from your office and ask questions. It is your responsibility to restore transparency and rebuild trust.
I await your timely response to this important matter.
Regards, Dan Mazier Member of Parliament Riding Mountain
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation to bring down interprovincial trade barriers and help grow the province’s economy, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced.
“Manitoba is dealing with both American and Chinese tariffs and now is the time to build up this country we love so much,” said Moses.
“Through this legislation and co-operation with other provinces, territories and the federal government, we will unlock more economic opportunities for people across the country. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient economy that will support Manitoba workers and bring our country together.”
Bill 47, the fair trade in Canada act, would remove trade barriers for goods and services between Manitoba and other jurisdictions in Canada. The proposed legislation is based on mutual recognition similar to other provinces, the minister noted.
If the federal government, a province or a territory has legislation or an approach similar to Manitoba’s for removing barriers to trade in
goods and services, the Manitoba government may designate it as a reciprocating jurisdiction.
Under mutual recognition rules, the goods and services of a reciprocating jurisdiction that meet its standards and approvals would be recognized as meeting the comparable standards and approvals in Manitoba.
The mutual recognition rules would not apply to goods and services that are provided by Crown corporations. With this legislation, the Commemoration of Days, Weeks and Months Act would be amended to proclaim June 1 of each year as Buy Manitoba, Buy Canadian Day.
This legislation builds on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on economic co-operation signed by the governments of Ontario and Manitoba earlier this month, the minister noted. The MOU asks both provinces to introduce legislation using reciprocal mutual recognition to reduce trade barriers. Other provinces, including British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, have introduced similar legislation.
It’s funny how I never thought I’d become so dependent on my phone. I mean, I knew I spent a fair amount of time scrolling through social media, but lately, it felt like I was constantly on it – morning, afternoon, night – any free moment I had. And honestly, I started to wonder… when is it too much? When does scrolling become a distraction rather than a connection? The beginning of social media and its rapid growth seems like a lifetime ago, and sometimes it’s hard to a remember a time without it. Invented just a little over 20 years ago, social media started gaining traction in the early 2000s, with platforms like Facebook launching in 2004, followed by Twitter (now X) in 2006, and later Instagram in 2010. Before that, our online interactions were mostly limited to emails and forums. Do you remember My Space? As simple platforms evolved, so did our ability –and desire – to stay connected
all the time. Today, social media is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It’s not just used for staying in touch with friends and family but also for business, news, and entertainment. I think about how, back then, I used to spend maybe an hour or two on social media per day. Now, studies show that the average person spends over 3.5 hours daily scrolling – sometimes even more. And from a Canadian source I read recently, it turns out we spend around 4 hours per day in various ways on social media platforms. That’s 28 hours every week dedicated to scrolling… So, what is the impact of being “connected”? For me, at first, it felt harmless. I’d catch up on friends’ photos, see what people are doing, or read interesting things… watch cute cat videos! But over time, that constant flow of information started to weigh on me. Sometimes I’d find myself mindlessly checking my phone in the middle of a conversation or while doing a task. Have
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you ever checked social media, thinking, “Just a few minutes,” but then realizing an hour had slipped away?
The truth is in the numbers. Social media is engineered to keep us engaged. Algorithms show us content tailored to keep us scrolling longer. But here’s the thing… do I really need to check the latest updates every five minutes? Or is this constant connection turning into a distraction from what’s happening right in front of me?
I started asking myself –when is it too much? And honestly, the line isn’t always clear. For me, it’s when I notice that social media is interfering with my sleep, my work, or my time with loved ones. I realized I’d been waking up and immediately reaching for my phone, scrolling before I even got out of bed. That’s when I knew I was too dependent. It’s also when I catch myself feeling anxious or overwhelmed after a quick scroll – comparing my life to others, agitated, or just feeling mentally exhausted. That’s a sign
Taking a break from my phone and social media has shown me that scrolling was more about distraction than connection
By RACHEAL FLINTOFT South Mountain Press
that maybe I need to step back.
The power of a digital detox is a real thing… I decided to take a break –what I’d call a social media detox. At first, I thought it would be difficult. After all, social media had become a way to relax, to feel connected, or even to escape. But I found that a break was exactly what I needed.
During my detox, I set specific goals – like staying off social media for a week, turning off notifications, and setting boundaries on my screen time. I used my smartphone’s built-in features to monitor how much time I spent on each platform. To my surprise, I spent about 3 hours daily on social media – way more than I thought. Knowing that number made me realize how often I was reaching for my phone out of habit rather than necessity.
One thing I learned is that life becomes richer when I’m truly present. Without the constant interruptions of notifications and scrolling, I started noticing small things,
and concentrating on what matters more.
When I put my phone away, I felt more connected and less anxious. I also realized that I don’t always need to be updated or “connected” every second. Is social media really connection anyways?
So, why a social media detox is more important than ever in today’s world?
Taking a break isn’t about abandoning social media altogether but about gaining control over our habits. With technology everywhere, our digital lives are so immersive that it’s easy to lose track of time and space. I think many of us forget that our mental health benefits from moments of silence, contemplation, or simply being present without a screen.
In this age, it’s crucial to
ask ourselves… how much time are we really spending on social media, and how is it affecting us?
My experience showed me that even a short detox can make a big difference. It helped me feel calmer, more focused, and more appreciative of the little things. I found I enjoy my free time more when I’m not constantly checking my phone. So, if you feel overwhelmed or distracted by social media, maybe give yourself a break. Set small goals –like a day or a weekend – put your phone away… and see how it feels. You might discover that life is more peaceful and fulfilling when you step back from the screen. Sometimes, a simple pause is exactly what we need to reset and find stability again. Erickson Collegiate’s Annual
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to the editor:
In my younger years as an employee I didn’t mind taking a break away from my office chair and computer, but then I was a smoker who needed to inhale and exhale on a fairly regular basis.
Since quitting the bad habit, time spent away from the work computer, is far less, but as this motivational quote states…
Life is all about balance –you don’t always need to be getting stuff done. Sometimes it’s perfectly okay, and absolutely necessary, to shut down, kick back, and do nothing.
Remember, “If you can do what you do best and be happy, you are further along in life than most people.”
The Magic Bank Account
The author is not known.
This note was found in the billfold of Coach Paul William “Bear” Bryant, after he
died in 1982. Bryant was considered by many to be one of the greatest college football coaches of all time, and was best known as the head coach of the University of Alabama football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, for 25 years starting in 1958.
Imagine that you had won the following “prize” in a contest: Each morning your
bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules, as follows:
1. Everything that you didn’t spend during each day would be taken away from you.
2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.
3. You may only spend it.
4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day.
5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, “Game Over”. It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.
What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for
people you don’t know, because you couldn’t possibly spend it all on yourself, right?
You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?
Actually, this game is real… Shocked? Yes! Each of us is already a winner of this “prize”. We just can’t seem to see it. The prize is “time”.
1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.
2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is “not” credited to us.
3. What we haven’t used up that day is forever lost.
4. Yesterday is forever gone.
5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time without warning…
So, what will you do with your 86,400 seconds?
Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.
So take care of yourself –be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!
Here’s wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start “spending wisely”.
“Don’t complain about growing old… some people don’t get the privilege!
Best ofFriends
Two Kinds ofPeople Somebody said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and there are those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good Lord, it’s morning.”
Until next week… Do one thing everyday that scares you!
Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, “Now don’t get mad at me… I know we’ve been friends for a long time… but I just can’t think of your name! I’ve thought and thought, but I can’t remember it. Please tell me what your name is?” Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, “How soon do you need to know?”
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to Ron Hallman, the President and CEO of Parks Canada Agency, in addition to this newspaper.
Dear Mr. Hallman, There comes a time when leadership must be held accountable not just for a single decision, but for a sustained pattern of failure. That time has come in Riding Mountain National Park.
The sudden reversal of the “one boat, one lake” policy –announced mere hours before the May long weekend – was a deeply destabilizing moment
for residents, businesses, and visitors, and the final breaking point in a long-standing and worsening pattern of disregard for this community. For months, Parks Canada staff repeatedly assured the public that the policy would remain in place for the 2025 season. Based on those assurances, business owners hired staff, families booked vacations, and operators made significant investments. Then, without notice or credible rationale, those plans were up-
ended.
Let us be clear: this is not just about a policy decision. It is about a persistent culture of opacity, exclusion, and disregard. In our letter dated Sept. 3, 2024, we raised these exact concerns and offered practical solutions – including a renewed framework for collaboration. In your office’s response of Oct. 23, 2024, we were assured that transparency and engagement were priorities, and we were directed to local staff to begin deeper conversations.
Despite this, those conversations never materialized,
and those local staff you asked us to engage with have since stepped away from the Field Unit. Instead, the situation has deteriorated further. Under the current leadership, communication from the Riding Mountain Field Unit has become increasingly dismissive. Transparency has collapsed. Community input is ignored. Questions go unanswered. Stakeholders feel they are not treated as partners, but as nuisances.
The residents and stewards of this area – our members included – have consistently offered to help, to engage, and
to be part of the solution in protecting Riding Mountain’s ecological integrity. We have done so in good faith. But again and again, that good faith has been met with indifference or outright contempt. This is not leadership. It is dysfunction. And it has broken public trust and galvanized support for immediate action.
We are calling on you to replace the Superintendent of the Riding Mountain Field Unit with someone who will rebuild what has been lost –someone who will lead responsibly, engage transparently,
and view local residents not as adversaries, but as allies in the stewardship of one of Canada’s most treasured national parks.
Riding Mountain is not simply a vacation destination. It is a vital part of life for the people who live near it, work within it, and care deeply about its future. They deserve – and have repeatedly asked for – leadership that reflects that reality.
Christian Robin President Clear Lake Cabin
Owners’ Association
Editor’s note: The following letter was sent to the Hon. Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in addition to this newspaper.
Dear Minister Dabrusin, I am writing to express deep concern over Parks Canada’s abrupt reversal of its decision to allow motorized boat access on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park.
The decision to impose a ban just days before the May long weekend with inadequate notice, consultation, or clear justification, has blindsided the community and undermined months of preparation. Businesses, families, and visitors planned their season based on Parks Canada’s earlier commitment this year to the “one boat, one lake” policy.
That plan had broad support and was understood to be in place for the 2025 season.
As recently as May 12, 2025, emails obtained show that Parks Canada was still advising that motorized boats would be permitted on Clear Lake. Then, without any public consultation or explanation, that guidance was abruptly overturned. When pressed for clarity
Parks Canada officials offered no explanation, leading the Brandon Sun to report that the agency “did not directly answer the Sun on the question of what changed between January and May”.
Minister, communities around Riding Mountain National Park are losing confidence in the agency you are
responsible for. Many now feel that Parks Canada has lost sight of the fact our national parks are meant to be enjoyed by all Canadians –not managed behind closed doors at the expense of the very people who live near, work in, and visit the park.
I urge you to take immediate steps to rebuild that
trust. Specifically: 1. Reverse the decision and reinstate the previously announced “one boat, one lake” policy, which allowed responsible and controlled access while addressing environmental concerns.
2. Assign new local leadership to the Riding Mountain Field Unit. Trust in the
current superintendent’s office has been severely damaged, and a change is necessary to restore confidence. I hope you will take this matter seriously and respond with action.
Sincerely, Dan Mazier
Member of Parliament Riding Mountain
DONALD BERGER
South Mountain Press
A respected name in Minnedosa’s care and compassion community is ready to grow.
Frontier Trading Company
Inc., a non-profit that has provided over 40 years of support to adults with developmental disabilities in Minnedosa, has launched a fundraising campaign to build a new, modern day program building – right in the heart of town.
While many locals know Frontier best through its bustling Thrift Shop on the corner of Highway 16A and 9 Ave. SW, few may realize the scale of the organization’s impact. Frontier currently operates two group homes, a supported-independent living program, and a life-changing day program that blends skillbuilding, social engagement, and supported employment –all run by a team of over 24 Minnedosa-based staff and a dedicated group of over 15 adults with developmental disabilities who proudly work within the thrift store.
Each year, Frontier contributes more than $100,000 into the local economy, making it both a compassionate
force and a quiet economic engine for the community. Now, with community demand growing and the need for enhanced accessibility and expanded programming, the organization is setting its sights on the future.
The Thrift Shop will have an expanded footprint and take over the full space of the current building. The upcoming day program facility will be constructed on the current site of Frontier’s operations, offering an array of new features designed to enhance the experience for people. The building will provide ample space for engaging programming and social activities, fostering increased community engagement because of the upgraded facilities and atmosphere. Accessibility is a top priority, with
modern washrooms and entrances designed to be wheelchair-friendly, ensuring everyone can navigate the facility with ease.
The facility will focus on individualized support and include a dedicated sensory room thoughtfully designed to cater to persons with specialized sensory needs. This room will offer a calming and conducive environment for relaxation and engagement. A fully equipped kitchen will serve as a practical space not only for meal preparation but also as a learning hub for teaching essential life and work skills, empowering individuals with valuable, real-world abilities. Additionally, a significant feature of the new facility will be the expanded footprint for the Thrift Shop, which will occupy the entirety of the current build-
ing’s space. This enhancement will not only provide a wider selection of goods for the community but also create more opportunities for participants to gain experience in retail and customer service
“The new facility will not only improve the quality of life for supported individuals but also ensure that we can meet the varying needs of our growing community for years to come,” said Greg Lawson, long-time member of the Frontier board.
Frontier has assured the public that the Thrift Shop will continue to operate during construction, with minimal disruptions to daily routines.
Frontier’s legacy in Minnedosa is proudly local. Many staff, supported indi-
viduals, volunteers and board members are lifelong residents. The friendships, mentorships, and workplace bonds formed at the thrift shop and day program have touched generations of families across town.
“It’s not just a building –it’s a place of belonging,” said Jordan Shand, Frontier Resident and Participant Representive of Frontier’s Board.
“Frontier gives people a purpose, a community, and a chance to shine,” added longtime supporter, volunteer, and board member, Jean Horwood.
That spirit of inclusion and possibility has kept Frontier thriving for four decades – and now, it’s inviting the community to help write its next chapter.
As the building campaign gets underway, Frontier in-
vites individuals, businesses, and community groups to get involved. Every contribution makes a difference, whether by donating, sponsoring, or volunteering with the fundraising committee. Stay tuned for a couple of our upcoming fundraisers – The Ultimate Summer Giveaway Raffle and a Fashion Show in September.
Anyone interested in supporting the project can stop by the thrift store or email the organization.
“We want this new day program space to be something the whole town can be proud of,” the organization’s Executive Director, Bailey Jonsson noted. “With Minnedosa’s help, we know it’s possible.”
On May 21, Selkirk RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 8, located at the intersection with Highway 67, in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of St. Andrews. Investigators have determined that a semitrailer, travelling south on Highway 8, collided with a westbound SUV, as it crossed the intersection. The 18-yearold male driver of the SUV, from Stonewall, was pronounced deceased on scene. The 43-year-old male driver of the semi-trailer, from Winnipeg, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Selkirk RCMP, along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
On May 20, Falcon Lake RCMP received a report of a structure fire located in Block 11 in Falcon Lake.Officers attended the scene and observed a cottage completely engulfed in flames. The local fire department, with assistance from the Province of Manitoba Wildfire Service, attended and extinguished the blaze. No injuries were reported.The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
On May 16, officers from
the Dauphin RCMP Detachment received a report of an iPhone crash notification within a short radius of Highway 5, near Ochre River. A short time later, an update was received that reported a single-vehicle rollover had occurred on Road 140N in the R.M. of Lakeshore.Officers attended to the scene and observed a single vehicle had entered the water filled ditch and rolled. It is believed the eastbound vehicle lost control on the gravel road when it crossed the rail line. The driver of the vehicle, a 59year-old female from Ochre River, had been pulled from her vehicle by several passersby, who had come across the scene of the collision. EMS arrived on scene and provided medical assistance to the victim who was
later pronounced deceased. Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.
On May 15, The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a stabbing outside an address located on Hogan Avenue in The Pas. Officers arrived and located a 49-year-old male, from Cormorant, suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was transported to hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries. The investigation led to a suspect being identified and later arrested for Aggravated Assault. A search warrant was drafted and executed at a residence where the suspect had been apprehended by officers earlier. As a result of this search, officers located the suspects clothing, worn at the time of the offence, and several knives. A 28-year-old male of Chemawawin, was charged with Aggravated Assault and Robbery. He was remanded into custody. The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.
On May 14, Island Lake RCMP received a report of a UTV rollover that occurred in Minithayinikam (St. Thresa Point First Nation). Officers have determined that the
UTV, being driven by a 31year-old male from Minithayinikam, along with a 34-yearold female passenger, also from Minithayinikam, was travelling in a field, near the community, when the driver
lost control of the UTV, as a result of driving carelessly, causing it to roll. The male driver, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. He was taken to the Nursing Station where he was pronounced deceased. The female passenger was also taken to the Nursing Station where she was treated and released. Island Lake RCMP continue to investigate.
The Minnedosa Mavericks opened Santa Clara Baseball League play with a home and home series with the Carberry Royals. The teams played to a tie in Minnedosa, with the Mavericks earning the win back in Carberry.
MINNEDOSA 11 CARBERRY 8
George McNeil singled, doubled and homered as the Mavericks outslugged the Royals 11-8 in Carberry on Sunday, May 25. McNeil’s effort – a triple short of the cycle –drove in seven runs. Victor Lamb had a double and single, while Devon Foord
SANTA CLARA BASEBALL LEAGUE
chipped in with a double. Luke Gugin, who worked the first four innings, picked up the pitching win. He allowed four runs on six hits. Liam Bachewich gave up four runs on four hits over the final three innings.
MINNEDOSA 10
CARBERRY 10
The Mavericks and Royals played to a 10-10 tie
in Minnedosa on Wednesday, May 21.
Devin Foord went the distance on the mound for the Mavericks, giving up 12 hits and issuing six bases on balls.
Cory Billiaert worked the first four innings for the Royals, with Eric Truscott tossing the final three. The pair combined to allow 12 hits and walked five.
Brayden Stewart doubled and stroked a pair of singles for the hosts, while Carter Hedley, George McNeil and Foord each singled twice.
Jared Bridges homered and singled for the Royals.
