South Mountain P re s s
GLARE ICE Smart Farming
DARRELL NESBITT/SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
Motorists throughout the Parkland and Westman regions of the province faced treacherous driving conditions on the morning of Friday, Nov. 7, with mixed precipitation, including snow, falling overnight to create icy roadways. Sunrays shining on the crest of Highway 10 south of Onanole showcased elements of what drivers faced until such time Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure personnel spread salt and sand on the road surface to alleviate the need for caution. Now is the time to check tires.
Province taking steps to make communities safer
The Manitoba government is delivering a bold legislative agenda that puts people first by making communities safer, defending democratic rights, protecting affordable housing and modernizing the rules that shape daily life in Manitoba, government house leader Nahanni Fontaine announced.
“Our government put forth a strong, ambitious legislative agenda focused on the priorities of Manitobans,” said Fontaine. “We’ve passed laws that make our communities safer, strengthen our democracy, and protect the rights and opportunities of Manitobans. That’s exactly what people sent us here to do.”
The province advanced the Protective Detention and Care of Intoxicated Persons Act (Bill 48), which allows for the detention of intoxicated people for up to 72 hours, to ensure they are protected for the length of a meth psychosis under the direction of health-care professionals.
The government also passed legislation to implement Budget 2025, which implements tax measures such as increasing the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit to $1,600 and increasing the maximum Renters Affordability Tax Credit to $625 from $575 and a top-up for seniors to $357 from $328, effective for the 2026 tax year.
Strathclair Theatre
Chorus set to perform in Minnedosa
Strathclair Theatre Chorus is known for making beautiful music, and will entertain Westman audiences with a series of concerts including in Minnedosa on Saturday, Nov. 29 as a fundraiser for Minnedosa United Church.
Audiences are in for a treat; the program titled “Strathclair Theatre Chorus in Concert” includes a mix of songs that will feel like a balm for the soul in these challenging times. Canadian folk melodies like Tell My Ma and Song for the Mira; songs from the 50’s and 60’s, like Good Day Sunshine and Build Me Up Buttercup; and jazz standards Java Jive and This Joint is Jumpin’.
Strathclair Theatre Chorus is directed by David Wolfe (Brandon) and accompanied by on piano by Penny Menzies (Inglis) and Zack Koscielny (Strathclair) on fiddle and bass guitar. The 50 men and women who
make up the ensemble this year come from Basswood, Birtle, Brandon, Cardale, Erickson, Hamiota, Minnedosa, Newdale, Oak River, Onanole, Rivers, Shoal Lake, and Strathclair. They rehearse from mid-September to mid-November and then perform in various communities in southern Manitoba. This year, their schedule includes concerts in Birtle, Minnedosa, Brandon, Hamiota and Strathclair.
STRAGGLERS
CINDY MURRAY/FOR SOUTH MOUNTAIN PRESS
A flock of Canada Geese found one of the few open bodies of water to take a little dip in prior to the deep freeze that hit the area last week. Although most have already made the annual trek south for the winter, these few brave stragglers embraced the Canadian fall lifestyle with a bit of a polar plunge. With above or near zero temperatures in the forecast over the next week, it seems as if winter hasn’t come to stay just yet.
EVERY ONE COUNTS
Tabs for Wheelchairs relies on community support to help raise funds for specialized
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
The tabs on top of your canned drink may not seem valuable, however, truly they are ... saved one at a time.
Now in its 27th year, Tabs for Wheelchairs founded and coordinated by Gwen Buccini of Winnipeg, has collected millions of tabs, allowing the purchase of 69 specialized wheelchairs, and bringing forth countless smiles.
The concept of the program is simple. Individuals, groups and organizations collect tabs from drink cans to help raise money for specialized wheelchairs for youngsters.
Back in 2023, celebrating the 25th anniversary Buccini was grateful to all who joined the program and made it possible to have collected over 350 million tabs.
The St. Vital resident started the campaign in 1998 when she was a teacher at Holy Cross School, and she’s continued to dedicate her time and energy to the cause since her retirement. Tabs for Wheelchairs has the support of 188 schools, 275 groups and companies, and hundreds of individuals throughout the city and prov-
ince.
Buccini said her son Anthony who died in June 2017 at the age of 32, two days before the 19th anniversary edition of the Tabs for Wheelchairs assembly, was her “main man” when it came to helping sort the volumes of tabs. Sorting the tabs from pop and beer cans helped give Anthony – who had special needs – a sense of purpose and it was something he felt good about doing. It was also an activity the pair could do together, and part of his reward for a job well done was a little treat from Tim Hortons. Bagging 80% of all the tabs that came in every year, his assistance is greatly missed, as it was something mom and son could do together and it gave Anthony a sense of purpose.
“Never would I have ever thought that this was even possible when I started the program in the winter of 1998,” Buccini said in a Winnipeg Free Press story two years ago.
“All those who save tabs can be very proud that they are part of this program, as they have made a huge and lasting difference in the lives of so many,” she added. “It has been a wonderful gift, as
well, to meet so many caring and dedicated people through this program.”
With additional schools, groups, etc. becoming involved, there are approximately 50,000 tabs in a 30 to 40 pound bag and around 300 to 250 bags (14 to 18 million tabs) get filled each year. Buccini discovered quickly the reason for only collecting the tabs of cans as opposed to the whole can came down to cleanliness and storage space.
It takes approximately 1,500 tabs to make up one pound, which converts to only 60 cents. One of the most expensive power wheelchairs to date purchased cost $18,000 and took Tabs for Wheelchairs two years to collect enough tabs to pay it off.
An annual presentation is held each June at Holy Cross School’s Gymnasium where the recipient(s) is given their brand-new specialized wheelchair. Additionally, the recipient(s) for next year is introduced so that everyone leaves feeling motivated to keep the momentum going.
The Rehabilitation Centre for Children has been working with the Tabs for Wheelchairs program since it was founded and has assisted in
choosing recipients.
“In the last few years, SMD has also played a huge part in who we have chosen to receive specialized wheelchairs,” says Buccini.” Stephanie Semotok, a Rehabilitation Counsellor working out of ourEastman (Steinbach) Regional Officehas been the main contact.”
The program founder has been thrilled with SMD’s support over the past few years, as it has opened up access to more children making the program easier and more efficient. Nominations are accepted from any region in Manitoba and the recipient must be under 18 years old.
According to the Manitoba Possible website, Western Scrap Metals Inc. at 18 Sutherland Avenue in Winnipeg operates a running account so that any scrap brought in (any size from cans to old refrigerators) can be donated directly to Tabs for Wheelchairs.
Closer to home, Wesman Salvage in Brandon at 855 49th St. East does exactly the same thing as Western Scrap Metals Inc.
Among Western Manitoba schools involved in this ‘feel good’ program, is the Neepawa Area Collegiate HOPE
equipment for youngsters
(Helping Our World Pursue Equality) group, who is collecting tabs until the end of the school year. Last year 16,160 pounds of aluminum from approximately 24 million tabs were collected for wheelchairs.
The Foxwarren Leisure Centre has been collecting tabs for Twin Valley Co-op in Birtle, as pitched by the centre itself, and via the Birtle Miniota CDC. Schools within the Park West School Division and the Rolling River School Division may be in-
volved, but searching websites came up empty in terms of information.
Individually and collectively, the wheels keep on turning in our communities all thanks to the thoughtfulness, drive and determination of countless people, young and older, to pop a top and gather a group of friends to do the same.
Buccini emphasizes that it continues to take the collective contributions of the community to make Tabs for Wheelchairs such a success!
Friday, November 14, 2025
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
Taking your yard from drab to fab
Call up yard décor ideas, and your computer screen will be flooded with endless possibilities to add decorative elements to your landscape. Why settle for plain and boring when you can make your garden more inviting for both you and your visitors.
According to Better Homes & Gardens yard décor ideas may include whimsical sculptures, a dressed up ladder, a beautiful bird bath, attractive lawn furniture, elegant lighting, a colourful garden gate, sun dial, wind chimes, glammed up garden shed, matching planters, rain chains, decorative stepping stones, garden benches, decorated rain barrel(s), a fancy fence or your very own idea. Being a Trailer Park boy as a youngster, the yard was more of a parking space or the gravel road running past the row of metal clad homes on wheels. Yard decorations
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
were few and far between, but that all changed moving to Shoal Lake in 1968, even though a mobile trailer was still home on South Chestnut Street, the yard cast a grassy playing area. A move to a home on 4th Avenue within extreme close proximity to the Buffalo Plains Inn (hotel establishment) yielded additional outside and inside space, where
plenty of school chums congregated on special occasions or not. From there, the yard circumference requiring a ride-on lawn mower, shared a wealth of outdoor living, upon moving to the former home of Orest and Mary Lewycky at the south end of town.
Here, a passion for ponies, by my late father, Joe Nesbitt, expanded into riding horses, with his first mare known as Princess, broke to his satisfaction by himself. A remembrance of the teetering well-mannered queen – as a foal – can be found at my mom’s place at the corner of Elm Street and 2nd Avenue.
Over the summer months, the golden cement form frolics in the sun, while its owner (Shirley) and a friend, a former Shoal Lake elementary school teacher, have banded together to give it a cozy look as the snow piles up around its short legs.
A letter placed on my office desk greeted myself to kick off the week of Oct. 27, reading… “Darrell, I’ve been wanting to write a poem about that pony in your mom’s yard. Well, today the words came. Here it is, and hope this will make your mom smile.” – Mary Fiel
The Pony in a Red Blanket I love to see the pony with a blanket so red, It makes me smile when I see her each day. That blanket keeps her so snug and cozy, In the cold of winter she says “Hooray!”
She has a little pal so dear, It’ll keep her company when that pup is so near. Keep us company little sweetheart, You are so dear in everyone’s heart.
Yard décor ideas stimulate
the senses even when expanded into unoccupied and in a monotone of nature’s favorite hue!
Thanks Mary, your words brought a smile to a neighbour’s and columnist’s face as well.
Tighten the Noose
Back in the Wild West, three cowboys were about to be hanged for stealing cattle. The lynch mob brought them to the bank of a nearby river and planned to string them up from a branch over the water. That way, when the men died, they’d just drop into the river and float away.
The mob put the noose around the first cowboy’s neck, but he was so sweaty that he slipped right out, fell into the water, and swam away.
When the mob strung up the second cowboy, he also slipped out of the noose and got away.
As they pulled the third man toward the noose, he hesitated and asked, “Hey would you tighten that noose? I can’t swim!”
Three-legged Dog
A three-legged dog walks into a saloon in the Old West. He slides up to the bar and announced, “I’m looking for the man who shot my paw.”
Frayed Knot
A rope walks into a bar. The bartender squints at him and says, “A rope? We don’t serve your kind here. Get out!”
The rope goes outside, ties himself into a bow, messes up his edges, and walks back into the bar.
“Aren’t you that rope that just came in here?” the bartender asks.
“Nope,” says the rope, “I’m a frayed knot.”
New federal budget is a generational burden
Canadians were told that this budget would be a “generational investment.” Instead, it’s a generational burden.
Mark Carney and the Liberal government promised to invest in our country’s future. Yet, by adding $321.7 billion to the federal debt over the next five years –more than twice what Justin Trudeau would have added –they are mortgaging the future of our children and
Letter
grandchildren for short-term political gain. This budget alone adds $10 million to our debt every hour.
Under Carney’s budget, Canada’s federal debt now stands at $1.35 trillion, with annual interest payments of $55.6 billion in 2025-26. That’s more than Ottawa collects from the entire Goods and Services Tax ($54.4 billion)
and even more than the Canada Health Transfer ($54.7 billion). It works out to $3,360 in interest per household –money that could have gone to hospitals, infrastructure, or tax relief.
Meanwhile, Canada’s real GDP is growing at just 1.1%, the second lowest in the G7, and unemployment is expected to average 6.4% over the next five years. Yet the Liberals continue to cling to their Industrial Carbon Tax,
which punishes farmers, truckers, and families while driving up the cost of everything from fuel to food.
The Minister of Finance told Canadians they would “go to sleep tonight happy.”
But I doubt many Manitobans will be sleeping soundly. Between rising grocery prices, unaffordable housing, and record tax burdens, there’s little in this budget to bring comfort to hardworking Canadians.
And once again, Manitoba has been left behind. In a budget hundreds of pages long, Manitoba was mentioned only eight times, while Quebec appeared fortysix. Ottawa seems to have plenty of attention for politically convenient regions –but not for the Prairies that feed this country and fuel its economy.
This government has chosen to grow bureaucracy instead of opportunity. A real
“generational investment” would restore fiscal discipline, reward work, support productivity, and build a stronger future – not bury the next generation under a mountain of debt.
Manitobans are used to rolling up their sleeves and doing more with less. It’s time Ottawa learned to do the same.
Levi Cottingham Birtle, MB
CTF: Budget 2025 continues to balloon spending and debt
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is criticizing Prime Minister Mark Carney for ballooning spending and debt in Budget 2025.
“Budget 2025 shows the debt continues to spiral out of control because spending continues to spiral out of control,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Carney needs to reverse course to get debt and spending under control because every dollar Canadians pay in
Opinion
federal sales tax is already going to pay interest charges on the debt.
“Carney isn’t close to balancing anything when he’s borrowing tens of billions of dollars every year.”
The federal deficit will increase significantly this year to $78.3 billion. There is no plan to balance the budget and stop borrowing money.
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The federal debt will reach $1.35 trillion by the end of this year.
Debt interest charges will cost taxpayers $55.6 billion this year, which is more than the federal government will send to the provinces in health transfers ($54.7 billion) or collect through the GST ($54.4 billion).
Budget 2025 increases
spending by $38 billion this year to $581 billion. Despite promises to control spending in future years, Budget 2025 projects that overall spending will continue to rise by billions every year.
“Canadians don’t need another plan to create a plan to meet about cutting spending, Canadians need real spending cuts now,” Terrazzano said.
“The government always tells Canadians that it will go on a diet Monday, but Monday never comes.
“And the government isn’t really finding savings if it’s planning to keep increasing spending every year.”
Budget 2025 commits to “strengthening” the industrial carbon tax and “setting a multi-decade industrial car-
bon price trajectory that targets net zero by 2050.”
“Carney’s hidden carbon tax will make it harder for Canadian businesses to compete and will push Canadian entrepreneurs to set up shop south of the border,” Terrazzano said. “Carney should scrap all carbon taxes, cut spending and stop taking so much money from taxpayers.”
IMMERSED IN HISTORY
Still shrouded in mystery, the sinking of SS Edmund Fitzgerald in Lake Superior took place 50 years ago this month
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
Fifty years ago this month, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, with a crew of 29 souls, were silenced forever by our great Lake Superior…
This past summer, my sons and I were on a quick, spontaneous trip to Ontario. Going Canada side, we found ourselves along the shores of Lake Superior, across from where the most famous maritime disaster in Great Lakes history occurred. It was an unscheduled, quiet moment where the three of us just pulled over and stared out at the cold, immense water. Both of my sons know the story of the infamous shipwreck, but we found ourselves immersed in the history once again.
For those who are unfamiliar, on Nov. 10, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a massive ship loaded with 116 tons of taconite, was headed to Detroit, Michigan, and started to take on water in a notorious Lake Superior storm. Just after 7:10 p.m. that evening, the Fitzgerald disappeared from radar, taking all 29 crew members with it.
Have you ever seen the vastness of Lake Superior?
Standing there, the sheer scale of the lake and knowing the historical weight of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the thousands of shipwrecks amongst those waters is truly unbelievable.
It’s a staggering thought that the massive Edmund Fitzgerald, also known as the Queen of the Lake, sank 50 years ago. A half century later and still… for many, this
single tragedy still feels so immediate.
LAKE SUPERIOR’S SECRETS
To understand the mystery of the Fitzgerald, you first have to understand the lake itself. Indigenous people knew it as Gitche Gumee, the Great Sea, and it is brutally unforgiving. I was stunned to learn that the Fitz is just one name on a list of over 6,000 ships that have gone down in the Great Lakes, with Superior claiming the majority.
Why is this freshwater body so dangerous?
It’s the lethal combination of depth and weather. Those sudden, late-season “November Witch” storms bring winds strong enough to generate massive waves. These aren’t the slow, rolling waves in the other great lakes; Superior’s waves are steep, continuous, and very violent. Many have talked about a phenomenon called the “three sisters,” a trio of massive, sudden rogue waves believed to have the power to split a large freighter in two. And because the water is so cold, those lost to the lake often stay there forever – a scary fact captured by Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot in his famous 1976 song, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
The final moments of the Fitzgerald are defined by one ship and one crew – the SS Arthur M. Anderson.
The two freighters were sailing together, trying to outrun the storm and reach the safety of Whitefish Bay. The “Queen of the Lake” had al-
ready sustained damage, and Captain Ernest M. McSorley radioed the Anderson to report his ship was listing and had lost both its radars. Captain Cooper and his crew on the Anderson became the Fitz’s lifeline, using their own radar to guide the stricken vessel.
As the storm became worse, the snow and waves made the Fitz’s signal flicker on the Anderson’s radar, masked by what is called a “sea return.” In one of the most haunting final messages in maritime history, the Anderson’s first mate asked how the Fitz was coping. This simple reply came back – “We are holding our own.”
Minutes later, the blip of the Fitzgerald vanished. The SS Arthur M. Anderson was the only ship close enough to respond. Although in danger also, Captain Cooper did the only thing he could… he turned his ship back into the storm to search for the Fitz. It was an act of courage. The Anderson fought the gale all night long, confirming the disaster but finding no survivors.
What I found so compelling is this… the SS Arthur M. Anderson is still sailing the Great Lakes today. This working ship is a living, breathing witness to the events that took place on that devastating Nov. 10 night.
The endless debate… so why did she really sink?
Fifty years later, and the core question remains the same. How could the 222metre giant vanish so suddenly, without a final distress call? The lack of survivors
means the sinking is still officially undetermined, which is why the mystery remains.
There are several major theories causing much debate still over the years…
The structural failure theory – Could the Fitz have passed over a low area – a shoal – that quietly damaged her hull, causing water to flood that led to her final moments?
The rogue wave theory –Did the ship, already weakened, became a victim to the legendary “Three Sisters,” which overwhelmed her deck and drove her bow down, splitting her in two?
The hatch failure theory –The official U.S. Coast Guard report suggested the sinking was most likely caused by failed hatch covers, which al-
lowed massive amounts of water to swamp the cargo hold and destroy the ship’s stability.
Fifty years later, the Fitzgerald remains a question mark frozen in the deep. We honour the memory of the 29 men by forever debating the fatal blow, but the true cause is silenced deep within the lake. The enduring mystery ensures that the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald will never really fade from history.
For those who want to explore further into theFitzgerald’s story and the entire history of the Great Lakes’ “Graveyard Coast,” theGreat Lakes Shipwreck Museum on the U.S sideis an interesting stop. Located atWhitefish Point, Michigan, where the debris from theFitzger-
aldwas first discovered, the museum is home to many of the artifact from the wreck, including theoriginal bronze bell of theEdmund Fitzgerald, recovered in 1995. The museum is open fromMay 1 through Oct. 31each year. An interesting summer vacation, perhaps?
Following the Fitz’s disappearance, both the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards continued the search. But several days later, on Nov. 14, an anti-sub plane detected an object 162 metres below Lake Superior, only 27 kilometres from the coast. It was confirmed as the SS Edmund Fitzgerald using underwater equipment a year later. All 29 crew members were never found.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Chiefs can’t crack undefeated Thrashers
In the city, the Winnipeg Thrashers rolled over the Yellowhead Chiefs and kept their undefeated record intact as they won both ends of a weekend doubleheader.
The Thrashers, who have a perfect 14-0-0-0 record, are tied with the Winnipeg Ice (13-2-1-1) for first place in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, sit
U18
in eighth place with a record of 7-8-0-0.
THRASHERS 7 CHIEFS 1
The Thrashers scored five powerplay goals in a 7-1 win over the Chiefs on Saturday,
Nov. 8.
Bradley Janzen scored twice for the visitors, who held period leads of 1-0 and 31. Single markers came off the sticks of Zennon Chernecki, Noah Russo, Dixon Hartwich, Ed Saly and Liam Flett.
Alec Strachan had the lone Chiefs’ goal, also with the man advantage.
Nolan Giles finished with 16 saves in goal for the
Wheaties’ offence in high gear
RYAN NESBITT
South Mountain Press
The Brandon Wheat Kings scored a combined 23 goals in three games last week, as they went 2-1. The goals have been coming fast and furious for the potent Wheat Kings’ offence lately, but the problem remains keeping pucks out of their own net, as they allowed 16.
BRANDON 9
SWIFT CURRENT 4
Brandon scored four times in the first period and never looked back as they downed the visiting Swift Current Broncos 9-4 on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
Cam Allard, Jaxon Jacobson, and Joby Baumuller all had two goal games for Brandon, while Carter Klippenstein, Nicholas Johnson, and Jimmy Egan added singles.
Jace McFaul, Stepan Kuryachenkov, Marek Rocak, and Caleb Potter replied for the Broncos, who trailed 4-3, and 8-3 at the intermissions.
Filip Ruzicka turned aside 27 shots for Brandon, while starter Joey Rocha allowed six goals on 20 shots before giving way to Aiden Eskit.
LETHBRIDGE 8 BRANDON 7
In a game that was more
of a horse race than a hockey game, it was the Lethbridge Hurricanes who finished first as they scored an 8-7 win on home ice on Friday, Nov. 7.
Luke Cozens led the way for the Hurricanes with two goals and seven points, while Logan Wormald and Owen Berge also scored twice. Tomas Malinek and Shane Smith notched singles for the hosts, who went three for seven on the powerplay.
Dylan Ronald and Luke Mistelbacher led the way for Brandon with a pair of goals each. Brady Turko, Caleb Hadland, and Nicholas Johnson also scored for the Wheat Kings, who outshot the Hurricanes 37-28 despite only having two powerplay opportunities themselves. Both starting goaltenders were relieved in this game, with Jayden Kraus stopping four of nine for Brandon before Filip Ruzicka came in, and Koen Cleaver allowing seven goals on 20 shots for Lethbridge before Brody Rotar took over.
BRANDON 7 MEDICINE HAT 4
Luke Mistelbacher continued to have the hot hand as he scored a hat trick to help Brandon finish their weekend road trip with a 7-4 win in Medicine Hat on Saturday,
Nov. 8.
Brady Turko scored a pair of goals for Brandon, while Jordan Gavin and Grayson Burzynski added singles.
Jonas Woo was in on the action with a hat trick of his own for the Tigers, with Bryce Pickford also scoring.
After falling behind 1-0 through the first period, Brandon led 3-2 after two.
Filip Ruzicka went the distance for Brandon, making 26 saves. Carter Casey turned aside 20 of 26 for the Tigers.
NEWS & NOTES: Brandon made a roster move, claiming import defensemen Daniil Skvortsov off CHL waivers from the Guelph Storm. Skvortsov played in two games for the Wheat Kings over the weekend, finishing with a +3 rating. The 18-year-old native of Kaluga, Russia had 19 points in 65 career games with Guelph, and skated at Calgary Flames development camp this summer... In a corresponding move, Brandon transferred import defenceman Adam Hlinsky back to Czechia... Brandon was set to host the Red Deer Rebels in their annual Remembrance Day game on Nov. 11, and will get ready to face Medicine Hat as the Tigers come to town on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Thrashers, while Sawyer Wallin stopped 38 shots for Yellowhead.
THRASHERS 4 CHIEFS 3
The Chiefs took a 3-2 lead into the third period but couldn’t hold it as they dropped a 4-3 decision to the Thrashers on Friday, Nov. 7. Zennon Chernecki tied the game just 1:01 into the third before Aiden Carty put the
visitors ahead for good just over five minutes later. Dixon Hartwich and Russell Aitkenhead were the other Winnipeg marksmen.
Alec Strachan with a pair and Oliver Nickel scored for the Chiefs, who led 2-0 after the first period.
Tate Barnaby stopped 32 shots to earn the win in goal for the Thrashers. Sawyer Wallin finished with 36 saves
in the Yellowhead net.
NOTES – The Chiefs have scored 47 goals and allowed 67 in their first 15 games… The Chiefs were slated to face the Southwest Cougars in Hartney on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and then will welcome the Central Plains Capitals and Norman Northstars to Shoal Lake on Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16 to close out a busy week.
Parkland downs U15 Chiefs
A pair of unanswered third period goals snapped a 2-2 tie and gave the Parkland Rangers a 4-2 win over the Yellowhead Chiefs in a Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League game in Dauphin on Saturday, Nov. 8. After a scoreless first period, Drew Luhowy and Rhett Legaarden scored goals just 29 seconds apart to put the hosts up 2-0.
The Chiefs tied the game before the period ended on goals off the sticks of Dexter White and Sawyer Lepp. Madden Atkinson scored what would prove to be the game winner three minutes into the third period and
Kindston Catcheway added an insurance marker with 1:43 left.
Benjamin Gardner made 28 saves to earn the win in goal. Darby Wilson stopped 38 shots in a losing cause for the Chiefs.
NOTES – The Chiefs have now lost three games in a row, and are 2-6-1 on the season… The Eastman Selects pay a visit to Shoal Lake on Sunday, Nov. 16.
High schoolhockey action continues
The Major Pratt Trojans are on top of the Westman High School Hockey League with a 5-0-0 record.
The Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies have won their first three games.
The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors and BirtleRossburn-Shoal Lake Falcons continue to struggle early in the season. The Chancellors are 1-5-0, while the Falcons are 1-7-0.
HRES 6 Crocus 4
Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Aaron Roels (3), Corbin Munz, Josh Mathison, Duncan McLean
Crocus Plains – Cale Calcut (3), Cody Johansen
MP 3 GCB 2
Major Pratt – Jordan Gambler (2), Yammi Shingoose
Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur – Austin Dubyts, Easton
Shearer
BDWP 8 BSR 4
Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Gavin Wickham (3), Myles McGregor (2), Josh Unrau, Jayce Dales, Preston Minshull
HIGH SCHOOL
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Kyler Bray (3), Logan Armitage Virden 8 ME 2 Virden – Shane Ritchie (2), Dexen Routledge (2), Reed McGrath (2), Gage Hadley, Rhyse Gabrielle Minnedosa-Erickson –Aiden McGorman, Jager Atkinson
GCB 9 ME 3
Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur
– Easton Shearer (4), Austin Dubyts, Keaton Smith, Owen McLean, Spencer Jones, Jack Sholdice, Gage Balciunas
Minnedosa-Erickson – Myles Beatty, Brody Marnock, Colton McCaughan
Dauphin 6 BSR 1
Dauphin – Hayden
Shtykalo (5), Brandon Wood
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Malcolm McArthur
NDP Bills pass as fall session of Legislature wraps up
The fall session of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba wrapped up on the evening on Thursday, Nov. 6 and Manitobans watched as the majority NDP government passed Bills that could shape their daily lives and local economy.
Among the legislative actions was the passage of Bill 49, the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Amendment Act, which will formalize the “registered-owner model” for Manitoba Public Insurance.
The legislation requires that any insurance discount or rate reduction be based solely on the driving record of the registered owner of the vehicle, rather than on other individuals who might also be driving it.
The goal of Bill 49 is to maintain stability and consistency in how MPI calculated and applied insurance premiums within our public auto insurance system. For rural Manitobans, the Bill clarifies how insurance would apply to vehicles that are often shared among family members or used for agricultural purposes, ensuring that premiums remain tied to the registered owner regardless of who operates the vehicle.
Another Bill which passed
this session makes changes to liquor licensing restricting alcohol sales in convenience stores and gas stations. While the Bill targets urban areas, rural entrepreneurs worried that similar restrictions could eventually extend to their communities, limiting their ability to diversify revenue streams.
Business owners joined with the PC opposition in bringing these concerns to the forefront, emphasizing the need for liquor licensing policies that reflect the realities of rural life.
Bill 11, the Consumer Protection Amendment Act, raised concerns with the PC opposition and consumers about unintended consequences for ru-
Parks Canada seeks input on new RMNP management plan
Dauphin: The Herald –Riding Mountain National Park has begun the process of developing a new management plan through a series of public meetings to gather stakeholders’ input. RMNP Superintendent, Tom Sheldon, feels it’s good to be listening to folks and getting their feedback, which will set the 10-year strategic direction or trajectory. The last substantive RMNP management plan was developed in 2007 and updated in 2012. Passions being shared are around trails, conserving nature, water bodies, the park itself and the town-site of Wasagaming.
Virden: The EmpireAdvance – Two retired Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Allan Preston and Dr. Everett More, were among guests at the official opening of the expansion of the Virden Animal Hospital on Oct. 22. Dr. Carla Loewen noted the importance of veterinary services that serve the community and surrounding areas in a time when many clinics are strug-
Paper Clips
News from MB/SK weeklies
gling and some are closing their doors. Having a foundation of several veterinarians committed to the Virden practice has led to a growing cadre of medical staff.
Moosomin: The WorldSpectator – Moosomin has been awarded a rating of “Five Blooms” in the National category of the Communities in Bloom competition. The bid included the town, Moosomin Regional Park and Pipestone Hills Golf Club. Last year, Moosomin competed in the provincial category, and won the overall competition with a Five Bloom rating. Angela Thorn, who was a leader in this year’s Communities in Bloom efforts, said she is proud of the committee’s efforts in making Moosomin a better place, despite not receiving a gold, silver, or bronze for having a rating over 90 percent.
ral and northern communities. While the Bill will regulate high-interest loans and payday lending practices, there are risks to consumers for access to short-term credit who do not have traditional banking options.
In communities in which financial services are already stretched thin, this overly restrictive legislation could leave vulnerable individuals with fewer choices during emergencies. Protecting consumers from predatory lending is important; however, the right balance between regulation and accessibility is very important.
The passing of Bill 40, Respecting O Canada and Other Observances Act, will mark a significant change to longstanding school traditions across the province. It eliminates the regulation that requires students to sing God Save the King at the start or
end of each school day. Manitoba schools will no longer be obligated to include the royal anthem in daily observances, though divisions may still choose to do so at their discretion for special events or ceremonies.
Bill 40 also removes the last remnants of a regulation mandating the Lord’s Prayer in public schools, which had been ruled unconstitutional in 1992, and introduces a new requirement for all school boards to develop formal policies on land and treaty acknowledgments as part of their commitment to reconciliation.
Looking ahead, the Speech from the Throne on Tuesday, Nov. 18 will set the tone for the NDP’s legislative agenda. Issues such as healthcare and hospital staffing, affordability, crime, jobs and infrastructure are just some of the issues that are top of mind for Manito-
bans, and me as your MLA.
As the new session of the Legislature begins, Manitobans are encouraged to stay engaged with the legislative process. As your MLA I welcome your views on legislation and policies put forward by this government.
As the new session gets underway, one thing is clear: the decisions made in the Legislative Building this autumn will echo across the fields, towns and highways of Manitoba communities for months and years to come.
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 gregnesbittmla @mymts.net. When contacting our office, please include your name, address and a daytime phone number.
Matthew Kroeker Journeyman Mason
Tile Kitchens, Baths Waterproof Showers Steam Rooms
All repairs, renovations, and new construction Cell: 204-232-9797
Greg Nesbitt UNDER THE DOME
Gardening in November -part 1
Although it is cold outside, and winter has hardly begun, I am sowing seeds! I guess that means I might have a bit of an addiction! However, growing useful crops helps the very long winter seem a little bit shorter... and keeps the blues away.
Gardeners get pleasure from gardening as well as the bonus of great homegrown food. We may be tired of gardening by fall and appreciate how nice it is once the frost comes and our outdoor gardening is complete, but we soon are missing the garden and what it gives to us. Thus, living in a climate that does not allow twelve months of growing outside means that for many months we need to either rely on what we have preserved, go to the grocery store to ensure we have a balanced diet or grow your own food indoors!
Remembering what plants need to grow will help us to determine how difficult it might be to grow food in the winter indoors. Plants need light, water, warmth, oxygen and nutrients to grow. As we are in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is a long way away from us in the winter months, so supplemental light is necessary in order to get good production. Thus, if we choose to grow anything other than sprouts, we need to invest in a grow light. Light is one of the most important factors to consider when growing plants indoors. When choosing plants to grow this time of year to supplement your diet, think about the light that they need to thrive and ensure your plants are appropriately situated under your grow light. Follow the directions on the seed packet and remember that generally a seed is planted twice the depth of the diameter of the seed. It is important to keep the media moist to ensure even germination so covering the pot with a plastic wrap until most of the seeds germinate is a good idea.
There are many options available to you if you wish to purchase lights to grow indoors. You can be completely low tech or go for the latest
Patricia Hanbidge GARDENING
in LED lights but all this of course also has a price tag attached. Shop around and think outside of the box. You can easily purchase an economical fluorescent fixture that you can install on chains to enable you the ability to move that light close to the plants you are growing.
Once the seeds have mostly germinated, they will need to be put directly under the grow light to ensure the seedlings develop into strong, healthy plants. If you notice that your seedlings are tall and spindly, it is likely because they are not getting enough light. As the seedlings grow, gradually raise the light to coincide with their rate of growth while leaving the light close but not touching the top of the plants.
Although light is the most important factor for success, the soil also has importance. Most plants like good drainage, so ensure your soil mixture will drain quite quickly. Do not use regular outdoor garden soil but instead invest in a soilless media like ProMix. For good production, you will also need to supply adequate nutrients through fertilizer once the seedlings have used up the nutrition provided by the seed itself. Water as needed to provide an environment that is evenly moist but not wet!
Keep reading the next week for more on growing indoors!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www. orchidhort.com; email at growyourfuture@gmail.comor on facebook @orchidhort.
Herbs kept indoors can been grown over the winter
There is a new definition of obesity
Q: My doctor just told me that I’m now considered obese. A week ago, I wasn’t
A: Don’t panic. This is important information that can increase your chances of reclaiming your health and happiness – and living a longer life.
A study of more than 300,000 people in JAMA Network Open evaluated the weight classification of folks using not only BMI (all that was used previously) but adding in more precise evaluation of body fat from waist circumference, waistto-height ratio and waist-tohip ratio. The number of folks in the study who qualified as obese using these new standards rose from 40% to 70%.
The new system: You are now considered obese if you have a high BMI plus an elevated measure from one of those newer ways to evaluate body fat or if you have a normal BMI but at least two elevated results from those added measurements.
The study also found that this new definition allows doctors to more effectively diagnose and take action to protect at-risk people, since folks now identified as obese were also found to be six times more likely to develop diabetes or heart disease, and nearly three times more likely to die prematurely than folks who aren’t obese.
Now’s your time, Claire, to adopt an effective weightloss plan.
– Discuss medications and lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, stress management, sleep style, etc.) with your doctor. I think
Dr. Roizen HEALTHY LIVING
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), a combination of two weight-loss GLP-1s, is highly effective.
– Embrace interval training with a daily walk, adding in strength-training twice a week. Making sure to sweat it – you won’t regret it – is essential.
– Improve your nutrition by reducing your calorie and saturated fat intake and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
– Ask your doc about taking supplements like omega3s, vitamin D, and a daily multi-vitamin-mineral.
Q: What can I do to avoid the brain-dulling effects of this hyper-digital age we’re living in? – Ted Y., Seattle, WA
A: There are risks associated with offloading your attention and thinking onto digital “brains” like AIpowered ChatGPT. Having those programs ask questions, write answers and do an end run around your curiosity and evaluation of ideas makes brain muscles flabby.
An MIT study found that when you use ChatGPT to write an essay for you,
there’s less neural activation and you dull your ability for critical thinking and recall of memories. And diminished brain power today may cause long-term cognition deficits, according to the researchers. But it’s not all bad news. A recent metaanalysis finds that for middle-aged and older folks, mastering the ins and outs of digital technology correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. The bottom line: Use it, don’t abuse it.
A smart way to use new digital devices to boost brain
power is by playing speed-ofprocessing games. One study shows how powerfully BrainHQ games benefit your cognition. (I do them regularly and pay for my own subscription.) Turns out doing those games for an average of just two hours a year for 10 years decreased dementia risk by more than 40%. And now we know why. A new study in JMIR Publications shows that these timed, speed-ofprocessing games boost production of a brain neurotransmitter and neuromodu-
lator, acetylcholine. And they may (we aren’t positive) have this super-power because, like strength-training a muscle, strength-training your brain transmissions taxes them and that triggers a repair gene that makes them more robust.
So, stay creative and strengthen your brainpower with the BrainHQ Freeze Frame and DoubleDecision games. Adopt brainprotective habits, including aerobic and strengthtraining exercise, and a diet with healthy fats and no highly processed foods. And
explore the brain-boosters outlined in my book “The Great Age Reboot.”
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.
South Mountain Press
Russell RCMP investigating Binscarth homicide
On Nov. 3, Russell RCMP were dispatched to a residence in Binscarth over a concern about an unresponsive female. Officers attended to the scene immediately and located a 53-year-old female with a life-threatening injury. EMS arrived on scene, and the victim was pronounced deceased a short time later. The investigation deemed her death to be a homicide. Russell RCMP, RCMP Major Crime Services, Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), along with additional support units assisted
RCMP
in the investigation. On Nov. 6, police arrested a 53-year-old woman from Binscarth and charged her with Manslaughter. The subsequent investiga-
tion has determined the two females that were known to each other were involved in a dispute that led to the victim being stabbed. Russell RCMP continue to investigate.
On Nov. 10, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP received a call with information that an 18year-old male was observed walking around the community of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi (Crane River First Nation) with a firearm. Officers attended to the residence of the male and arrested him without incident after locating a sawed-off shotgun at the rear
of the residence in a bag along with ammunition. The investigation also determined the suspect pointed a firearm at several youths in the community. The teen, from O-ChiChak-Ko-Sipi, was charged with the following and released with a future court date: Possession of prohibited firearm, Unauthorized possession of firearm, Possession of weapon for dangerous purposes, and Pointing a firearm. Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP continue to investigate.
On May 5, Virden RCMP received a report of a histori-
cal sexual assault that occurred in 1984, in a community in western Manitoba. The female victim advised police that the assault took place when she was a teen under the age of 16. The male suspect at the time was 24-yearsof-age. An extensive investigation took place that has now resulted in charges. A 65-yearold man was arrested on Nov. 5 and charged with Sexual Assault. The Manitoba RCMP is not releasing the name of the victim nor where the assault took place in order to protect her identity. Virden RCMP continue to investigate.
On Nov. 4, St Pierre Jolys RCMP responded to a twovehicle collision on Highway 59 north of the intersection with Provincial Road 311 in the R.M. of Hanover. A vehicle was travelling south on Highway 59 when it veered into the northbound lane, colliding with a semi-truck travelling north. The driver of the vehicle, a 76-year-old male from Grande Pointe, was pronounced deceased on scene. The passenger, a 73-year-old female from Grande Pointe, was transported to hospital by STARS with serious injuries.
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COMING EVENTS
Gold Leaf Events Christmas Market, Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sandy Lake Seniors Drop-In Centre. Shop from local makers and sellers. Admission $2 (12 and under are free). Market Dollar giveaways, free coffee and hot chocolate, raffle with proceeds going to the Erickson and Area Food Bank, and more.
Oakburn Lions Club Annual Grey Cup Breakfast, Sunday, Nov. 16. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Oakburn Community Hall. Adults $15. Kids 12 and under $10. Preschoolers free. 50/50 draw with Oakburn Lions donating their share to the Yellowhead Food Bank. Please bring some non-perishable food items and help us “Fill The Shelves”. We hope you will join us. You won’t leave hungry.
It’s hard to believe but not everyone has Facebook. This ad you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.
ARTICLES FOR SALE
Did You Know? We print Personal and Business Cheques! 100 Personal Cheques $99 + taxes, call for pricing on Manual Business Cheques and Laser Business Cheques. Call Connie at 204-7592644 Ext. 2 or email ctwprinting@mymts.net. Nesbitt Publishing, Shoal Lake.
WANTED
Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and anything firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Have 20 acres and a 1,500 sq. ft. house for sale, 3 miles west of Brandon. Immediate possession. Should be worth $650,000. Will take cows on trade. Phone 204723-0083 anytime.
NOTICES
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
Invest in advertising. The cost of advertising is small when you think of the number of people who will potentially attend your event simply because they saw your ad in the newspaper. If the cost of advertising is covered by just two or three admissions to your event, any additional guests you welcome is money in your pocket. Advertising does not cost, it pays! Call Michelle at 204-759-2644 ext. 1.
Does Facebook support local?
Has your organization ever called up Facebook and asked them for a donation to your cause? Local businesses rely on local support to exist. Shop local today.
Greg NESBITT MLA for Riding Mountain
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