Perched upon a bale along Highway 262 in Scandinavia, this red-tailed hawk was standing tall as it surveyed the ground for its next meal. These birds primarily eat rodents, but also consume other small animals like birds and snakes. The majority of these birds migrate south for the winter, but tend to be visible in Manitoba year-round.
DARRELL NESBITT
South Mountain Press
The frozen chill may not be in the air, nor a blanket of snow on the ground, but plans are underway for pure magic to roll across Manitoba, stopping in Minnedosa and Shoal Lake, on the first weekend of December.
That time of year again is very near. The lights, the music, the smell of hot chocolate and everyone bundled up with their mitts and toques creating moments, which make you feel like a kid again.
The gift to be unwrapped on Friday, Dec. 5 in both communities is the rolling CPKC (Canadian Pacific Kansas City) Holiday Train, basically a travelling masterpiece of lights, a stage, and a free half-hour show.
Working in association with local food banks, the sole thing CPKC asks is that you bring a non-perishable
food item or a few bucks to spread some cheer and help neighbours who could use a hand during the holidays.
Arrival time in Minnedosa is prior to 4:00 p.m. at 30 – 2nd Avenue NW and upon departure will roll through the communities of Newdale and Strathclair, prior reaching its Shoal Lake stop immediately east of the former UGG elevator on North Railway Avenue around 7:00 p.m.
The stage door will open at 7:15 p.m.
“Celebrating the festive season with the CPKC Holiday Train is true merriment,” said local Food Bank officials. “Thanks to CPKC’s involvement, many families have a Merry Christmas and are grateful for the support.”
Performers on the Manitoba leg of the journey are Jade Eagleson, an Ontario native, who kicked off 2025 with his fourth JUNO nomination and was recently named 2025
Sandy Lake Endowment Fund (SLEF)
Open to non-profit groups and organizations in the Sandy Lake area whose projects are already in progress. Semi-annual application intake deadline Friday, Dec. 5, 2025
To obtain an application form or for more information, contact any SLEF Committee Member: Dennis Hodgson (204) 868-8335, denjan69@outlook.com Charlene Lewandoski (204) 585-2685, charlenelewandoski@gmail.com Sylvia Budd (204) 724-4119, thebudds.sylvia@gmail.com Ian Drul (204) 859-0201, drul69@mymts.net
SLEF may support grant applications for capital expenditures. Consumable and operating expenditures are ineligible. SLEF will not consider grant applications for educational, religious, or political purposes.
Male Artist of the Year at the CCMA Awards, after winning 2024 Album of the Year, 2023 Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Eagleson’s third album, ‘Do It Anyway’, and single by the same name are available now. Joining him is breakout Canadian country artist –Teigen Gayse – who continues to build undeniable momentum with career defining milestones.
Since it’s inaugural journey in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the United States.
Celebrate the festive season with family and friends at a CPKC Holiday Train stop, as the wonderment, eyecatching light displays, singa-longs, and community togetherness will truly get you into the Christmas spirit and help others less fortunate.
Due to Remembrance Day falling on a Tuesday this year (office will be closed), it would be appreciated if advertising material could be submitted on Monday, Nov. 10 (display and classified) for the Friday,Nov.14 issue.
Display & Classified Ads
MONDAY, NOV. 10, 3:00 P.M.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Ph.204-759-2644 Shoal Lake,MB Fax 204-759-2521 smpclassified@mymts.net smpdisplay@mymts.net
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra descends on Clear Lake for Symphony in the Forest, an event that deeply touched the senses
South Mountain Press
For one remarkable evening, beneath the timbered ceiling of the historic Danceland ballroom, prairie history was brought back to life with unbridled enthusiasm – not with the jitterbug or two-step, but through the swell of strings, percussion, brass, and an angelic voice that lifted forgotten songs with passionate radiance.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) traded its formal concert hall for the rustic warmth of Clear Lake’s Danceland, filling the log hall with music, light, and the aroma of a five-course feast. It was an experience that touched all six senses –sound, sight, scent, taste, touch, and the invisible ones: anticipation and memory. From the first pour of prosecco to the last lingering note, the evening invited guests to not only listen, but to deeply feel, savour, and remember.
Two hundred guests – including visitors from Winnipeg, Brandon, Minnedosa, and beyond – surrounded the 60 distinguished musicians, seated at candlelit communal tables that wrapped the orchestra in a circle of soft glow from the delightfully autumnthemed decoration. No stage, no tuxedoed distance, no harsh spotlight, no velvet ropes. Just proximity, community, camaraderie and awe.
The result was Orchestra in the Forest: Brass, Timber, and the Sound of Resilience, a fully immersive evening where history, art, and the land met in one room over shared tables.
Organizer Karly McRae, owner of Lakehouse and Danceland, has spent years reimagining Clear Lake as an iconic four-season destination – a place where nature, hospitality and heritage intertwine.
“The idea began with a simple question,” she said.
“Could an orchestra help a place tell its story?” That question became a vision. McRae and the WSO built an evening that flowed like a symphony itself – dinner, projections, narration, and performance all blending into one seamless act of storytelling.
“It’s not just a concert,” she said. “It’s a gathering that honours the spirit of this place and the resilience of the people who shaped it.”
The night’s emotional centerpiece was the revival of Wasagaming Moon, a song written in the 1930s by musician and historian Roy Brown for Clear Lake’s then-booming resort community. The tune, forgotten for nearly a century, was rediscovered in Brown’s 1983 book Danceland’s Big Band Years.
“The piece has been newly orchestrated for full symphony,” McRae said. “It’s a love letter to Clear Lake and to everyone who keeps show-
ing up to build community in all seasons.”
The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, under the animated direction of Conductor Monica Chen, transformed Danceland’s vaulted wooden hall into a captivating experience –where the music seemed between the timbers. Chen brought a refreshing youthful energy to the podium, moved easily between grace and playfulness – part maestro, part emcee storyteller, and part dancer by the evening’s end.
The program progressed through eras and styles: the bright Canadiana of Robert Farnon’s Portrait of a Flirt, the Strauss brothers’ elegant waltzes, Gershwin’s jazzy swagger, and the smoky romance of La Vie en Rose, sung beautifully by Heitha Forsyth – known to many as “Sol James.” A teacher and music therapist with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music & Arts, Forsyth’s powerhouse vocals lifted both Piaf’s Parisian longing and Brown’s prairie moon into movingly atmospheric ballads.
Each selection transported the audience through time: from pre-war optimism to bigband bravado, to the tender ache of memory. By the final bars of Wasagaming Moon, the crowd was silent – until a standing ovation broke the spell.
Before the first note, guests were treated to A Proper
Spread – a lavish five-course dinner by Ukrainian-born Chef Yurii Frolov, whose story of displacement and renewal mirrors the event’s theme.
“I arrived in Canada in 2022, right after Russia began its war against Ukraine,” Frolov said. “Cooking became the only language I could speak clearly. Through food, I can express what I can’t always say.”
Working alongside McRae’s Lakehouse culinary team, Frolov reimagined the depression-era prairie table with elegant precision: golden beet carpaccio and smoked pickerel mousse (Roots & Waters), duck confit with apple tartare and cranberry glaze (Gathered Game), pumpkin cream soup (Ember & Ash), and venison with glazed wild boar belly (The Cutline). The finale – a silky sweet caramel cream – arrived like a gentle encore. The empty plates spoke louder than applause – a quiet tribute to the team’s talent and care.
The evening opened with a blessing by Edna Nabess followed by a facinating narrative by Aaron McKay, a photographer and storyteller from Rolling River First Nation, whose images of Riding Mountain National Park were projected across Danceland’s walls.
“As a First Nations person from Rolling River, I’m honoured to be part of this event,” McKay said. “It’s a chance for people from different backgrounds to come together – to
celebrate music, food, and storytelling, but also to think about the future. Riding Mountain is a shared space, and it’s important that the First Nation history and perspective are heard.”
Through his company Giiwe Canada, a Manitobabased, Anishinaabe-owned platform dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and history, McKay has long worked with Clear Lake Country on projects promoting truth, reconciliation, and what he calls “economic reconciliation.”
“We’re all neighbours and relatives,” he said. “We all share responsibility for this land. Everybody’s voice is valid and worth listening to.”
His soothing words reminded the audience that national parks, often seen as preserves of untouched wilderness, also hold stories of Indigenous stewardship – of the people who first kept these prairies pristine.
FEELING
Built in the 1930s, Danceland once echoed with wartime swing and summer laughter. Its famous sprung floor –layered with horsetail to give it that signature bounce – has carried generations of prairie dancers and will continue to do so well into the future. There’s no feeling quite like the joy of boots scooting across a well-preserved, timeless dance floor – one that seems to recoil gently and return a little extra energy with every step. McRae’s restoration has preserved that legacy while infus-
ing the hall’s rustic charm with accents of joyful reveries. Under the soft canopy of subtle string lights and seasonal foliage, the atmospheric space glowed – part acoustic ballroom, part spiritual chapel, part dream.
Events like Orchestra in the Forest carry meaning beyond the music or the meal. They prove that world-class artistry thrives in rural Manitoba – that you don’t need a skyline, parking meters, or traffic to feel the pulse of vibrant culture.
Yet the energy doesn’t end there. For owner and organizer Karly McRae, Danceland’s revival isn’t just about nostalgia – it’s about renewal and the path forward. Cultural gatherings like this breathe life into the shoulder seasons, extending the region’s tourism calendar and drawing visitors from across the province and beyond. Each concert, meal, and overnight stay supports the local economy while strengthening Clear Lake’s role as a destination where creativity and community share the same stage.
Manitoba shines – and what stands out is how much our communities have to offer in discovery, adventure, and cultural tourism. McRae’s inspiring creative leadership shows what can happen when vision, collaboration, and hospitality come together. Her success is a reminder that the same spirit of innovation and community pride can help shape the future of our own town as well.
Minnedosa grade 11 student Signe Erven places second in Legion’s National Youth Remembrance Contest
By DARRELL NESBITT South Mountain Press
Signe Erven, a grade 11 student at the Minnedosa Collegiate Institute (MCI), is among the youth that the Royal Canadian Legion recognizes as a pathway to tomorrow.
Erven has been taking part in the annual National Youth Remembrance Contest, put on by the Legion National Foundation, with the support of the Royal Canadian Legion and schools across the country, for four years.
Inspired to carry the torch of Remembrance, once again in 2025, Erven placed first at the local branch and provincial levels, prior to seeing her poster entry advance to the national level. Here her poster placed second in the ‘Senior’ category in all of Canada.
“My winning entry of a Veteran holding a poppy in his hand, was drawn to symbolize Remembrance and honour for those who served in war,” Erven stated. “The poppy represents respect and sacrifice, for veterans who fought for peace and freedom.”
The contests see more than 100,000 students each year honour Canada’s Veterans and foster the tradition of Remembrance through creative visual art, writing and video in the categories of Senior, Intermediate, and Junior divisions.
“The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to ensuring the tradition of Remembrance remains relevant to and supported by younger generations,” commented Barry Brooking, the member of Hugh Dyer Branch #138, Royal Cana-
dian Legion, Minnedosa, in charge of the National Youth Remembrance Contests. “We promote youth specific education regarding Veterans and Remembrance through a range of local and national initiatives.”
The contests include multiple levels of competition. Poster and literary works compete first at the Legion Branch local level, with winning entries moving forward until they reach the provincial level. Video entries compete first at the Legion Command provincial level. Provincial finalists of all contests then move forward for final judging by the Legion National Foun-
cause it shows respect for those who served and helps us remember what they did to protect our country.”
All winners at the national level are awarded a cash prize for their work. First Place Senior Winners are eligible for the Legion’s most prestigious award – a trip to Ottawa and an opportunity to represent the youth of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.
“Run annually across the nation, our Poster and Literary Competition ensures that the history and memories of our military personnel are kept alive, while giving young people the opportunity to win prizes,” added Brooking.
“Through artwork or writing, the theme of Remembrance is brought to a youthful audience, and the story of sacrifice and pride is passed on.”
dation to determine the national winners.
WHY TAKE PART?
Sharing Remembrance through visual art. Poster contest participants, like Erven, create and submit original artwork in colour or black and white. Youth explore themes of Remembrance through drawing, painting, or illustration. Erven’s submission was in colour.
“This was my first time placing nationally, however, I have won first place locally in previous years,” commented Erven. “Why take part? I believe honouring Veterans and Remembrance is important be-
Enjoying art since a young age, it was after entering high school that the daughter of Fran and Keith Erven, really got into the subject.
“I have been drawing more seriously for the past few years, and my favourite sketches are of nature – especially the landscapes and scenery around our family’s farm outside of Minnedosa,” the confident teenager stated.
But it’s not only through the National Youth Remembrance Contest that Erven pays tribute to service members and Veterans, as she also participates in the Remembrance Day service held at the MCI, and also volunteers with
the Erickson 4-H Beef Club at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Erickson.”
LEGION INSPIRES
Leading up to Remembrance Day, the Legion encourages students in Manitoba and fellow Canadian schools to promote Remembrance Day Ceremonies, and local branches are often involved in supporting those ceremonies.
As well, the Legion distributes poppies and educational materials, and offer schools the opportunity to have a speaker share stories and experiences about Veterans and Remembrance with the children.
Activities to get youth engaged in the Poppy Campaign at home includes…
1). Draw, paint, or colour poppies or images of Remembrance and put in a window.
2). Paint a poppy on a stone and place them at the gravesites of local, provincial, or national Veterans.
3). Craft your own paper poppy. Make a poppy using sheets of red and black paper, twist ties, glue, and scissors.
The most sacrosanct and central element in Remembrance is the Two Minutes of Silence… At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the month, day and time in 1918 when the First World War ceased hostilities, Canadians pause to observe two minutes of silence to honour the Fallen, and recognize the sacrifices of all who served.
For the Legion and for many across the country, Re-
membrance is a year-long commitment. The Legion inspires Canadians to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and to honour those who served and continue to serve today. Remembrance is a year-long commitment, and the Legion endeavours to promote it through programs, services, and resources.
As the cornerstone of communities across the country, Legions and/or Ladies’ Auxiliaries provide essential services and supports to those in need. Legion members who share a passion for the road are encouraged to join the Legion Riders, which offer a great opportunity to members to support their community while enjoying their love of motorcycling.
Citizens are encouraged to remember our Veterans and thank them for their service. Throughout the year, take a moment to write a thank you note, share a story, or simply express your gratitude for their service.
The Royal Canadian Legion has been committed to advocating for the care and benefits of serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members and their families since 1926.
Anyone can voice support in becoming a Legion member, striving to make a difference in Canada’s largest Veteran and community service organization. There is strength in numbers, so why not join today!
Friday, November 7, 2025
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
Honor thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. –
Exodus 20 12
The following article in the form of a poem was the second submitted by Stephen Gray of Surrey, BC, while out visiting his daughter Alison Murray at Decker over the summer. The book ‘Decker Memories’, a history from 1880 to 1970, kept him occupied for hours with plenty of poems including Decker Pioneers written by Angus McColl as shared in the Sept. 12 column and the following penned by James McGranahan.
•
•
•
Our Mother’s Way
Oft within a little cottage
As the shadows gently fall, While the sunlight touches softly
One sweet face upon the wall.
There the lonely loved ones gather
And in hushed and tender tones,
Ask each other’s full forgiveness
For the wrong that each had done.
As I wondered – why this custom
At the closing of the day, ‘Tis because,” they sweetly answered
“It was once our mother’s way.”
If our home be bright and cheery
If it holds a welcome true, Opening wide its doors of gathering,
To the many not the few.
If we share our Father’s
bounty
With the needy day to day,
‘Tis because our hearts remember
“This was ever mother’s way.”
Sometimes when our hearts are weary
Or our tasks seem very long,
When our burdens look too heavy
And we deem the night all wrong.
Then we gain a new fresh courage
As once more we rise to say, “Let us do our duty bravely
This was our dear mother’s way.
Oh how oft it comes before us
That sweet face upon the wall, And her memory seems more precious
As we on her Saviour call.
That at last when evening shadows
Mark the closing of life’s day,
They may find us calmly
waiting To go home our mother’s way.
Gentle mother … loving
mother
Sainted mother fond and true.
Resting now in peace with Jesus Loving hearts remember you.
LastWill& Testament
Doug is on his death bed and knows the end is near. His nurse, his wife, his daughter and two sons are with him. He asks for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder to record his last wishes.
When all is ready he begins to speak: “My son, Bernie, I want you to take the Mayfair houses.” “My daughter, Sybil, you take the apartments over in the east end.”
“My son, Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the City Centre.” “Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the banks of the river.”
The nurse and witnesses are blown away as they did not realize his extensive holding.
As Doug slips away, the nurse says, “Mrs. Smith, your
husband certainly must have been a hard-working man to have accumulated all this property.”
Sarah replies, “Property?... the man had a paper route!”
Ready For A Long Trip
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant
pump.
“Reverend,” said the young man, “sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.”
The minister chuckled, “I know what you mean. It’s the same in my business.”
AllINeed to Know
A Sunday School teacher decided to have his second grade class learn Psalm 23, one of the most quoted texts from the Holy Bible.
He gave the kids a month
to memorize the whole chapter. One of the girls was really excited about it, but she simply couldn’t memorize the Psalm. Although she practiced hard, she could hardly get past the first few lines.
So the day came for the children to recite Psalm 23 before the school board and that little girl was nervous. When her turn came, she stepped up to the microphone and proudly said, “The Lord is my Shepherd and that’s all I need to know!”
Marconi School near Oakburn was a reminder that great finds often hide right where you least expect them
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
I have to admit, as someone who actively seeks out Manitoba’s historical spots, running into the Marconi School near Oakburn was an unexpected joy – and a reminder that great finds often hide right where you least expect them.
This beautifully fixed-up one-room schoolhouse and attached teacher’s home, tucked away on a quiet road in the Rossburn Municipality, is a truly perfect piece of prairie history. It’s a lovely, well-kept example of our province’s promise to keep history real. While the countryside is dotted with stone markers showing where old schools used to be – silent signs of the towns that vanished – the Marconi School is a bright exception. It stands whole, a clear sign that Manitoba does a great job of keeping up with its heritage, giving us a look into lives that are too often forgotten.
The drive to the spot, down a long and seemingly endless access road, makes you stop and think. I couldn’t
help but picture the people who first made this trip: the children, walking through snowdrifts, rain, hot sunny days… quite frankly the sheer willpower needed to get an education way back when clearly shows what was valued most.
The school was officially started in 1921, and the cottage-style building was put up in 1922 by carpenter Frank Kennedy. The school was a. standard designs of the time, featuring absolutely gorgeous woodworking throughout, complete with tall windows made to fill the classroom with natural light. The school was an important centre for this community, mainly settled by Ukrainian pioneers. It opened with a huge class of 60 students – an amazing number in such a small community, and for one teacher to handle across many grades. The first teacher, Stephan H. Bellinsky, faced this massive job for a monthly salary of just $100. Imagine the energy and wit needed to teach children from six to 16, all in the same room, all at the same time!
The teacher’s life, shown
by the small, three-room living quarters attached to the back of the school, added another human layer. It was apparent to me, that small space – a combination of a living room, bedroom, and kitchen –was the entire world for the teacher, who was totally dedicated to the job, living only steps away from their work. This close living arrangement must have carried such commitment, but perhaps a lonely life for the school’s teacher as well, who relied fully on the local community for connection.
Fully restored in 1992, the Marconi School cleanup was clearly a labour of love, saving the building from disappearing into history like so many others, and earning it the name of a municipal heritage site. Stepping inside, you can instantly feel the life of the school. The open classroom is bright, featuring a special tin ceiling and tough oiled hardwood floors. The original details are still there… the blackboards, the dark wood finishes in the cloakroom and small library, and perhaps most interesting, the double desks with their
inkwells still attached, letting you easily picture groups of students working side-by-side. What a rare example of a totally complete early school site, with its original outhouses and flagpole, giving us a real, clear look into early prairie education!
By the middle of the 20th century, the time of the oneroom schoolhouse in Manitoba was quickly ending. Better transportation, along with the desire to offer specialized teaching and more advanced class plans, pushed the consolidation movement across the province. Instead of having many small school districts, local governments began joining them, building
Sunday Service................11 AM Children’s Church. . .11:30 AM Men’s Study. . . . . . . . .Sat. 8:30 AM Ladies’ Study. . . . .Tues. 9:30 AM Contact: David, 204-636-2660
Shirley, 204- 636-2861
bigger, main schools in towns, and running bus service for country kids. While consolidation was a big step forward for school quality and supplies, it meant that the community heart provided by the local schoolhouse, like the Marconi, slowly disappeared from the rural landscape.
The change meant that the Marconi School’s student count slowly went down, and it finally closed in 1959. But its most lasting puzzle is its name: Marconi. In a district so heavily Ukrainian, naming
the school after Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor of wireless technology, is a fascinating detail. It’s a name that looks beyond the local area and speaks to a shared desire for progress and connection. Even at the end of that remote road, the community looked to the man who made the world feel smaller.
The Marconi School stands today not just as a beautiful heritage building, but as a powerfully preserved human story of sticking with it, community effort, and the constant search for knowledge.
SNOWMOBILE CLUB INC.
Monday, Nov. 10
7:00 p.m. at the Hamiota Rink
NEW, CURRENT AND PAST MEMBERS WELCOME We welcome new members to keep trails functional in our communities.
8
Friday, November 7, 2025
The Yellowhead Chiefs dropped a pair of games in Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League action over the weekend.
The results left the Chiefs with a 2-5-1 record.
BRANDON 11 CHIEFS 0
The Wheat Kings won their seventh straight game without a loss as they dumped the Chiefs 11-0 in Brandon on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Daniel Flett-Neapaw had a hat trick for the hosts, while Will Preston and Kale Nicol each added a pair. Single markers came off the sticks of Sully Taylor, Mason Shorting, Jordan Lang and Brayden Olsen.
Brandon led 3-0 and 5-0 at the intermissions.
Cash Didluck earned the shutout in goal with 21 saves. Korey Stevenson stopped 46 shots for the Chiefs.
WPG.BRUINS GOLD 4
CHIEFS 1
The Bruins Gold scored three straight second period goals enroute to a 4-1 win over the Chiefs in Shoal Lake
on Saturday, Nov. 1. Tyler McCallum, Bentley Peters and Lukas Hamelin scored in the second before Hayden Brown answered for the Chiefs. Jhase Jarzyna added another insurance marker for the Bruins in the third.
Nicolas Fontaine earned the win in goal with a 24-save performance. Darby Wilson stopped a whopping 65 shots in the Yellowhead net.
NOTES – The Chiefs will travel to Dauphin to face the Parkland Rangers on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Defenseman Landon Pawluk of Shoal Lake carries the puck up ice on Saturday,Nov.1 against the Winnipeg Bruins Gold
After being blanked by the league’s top team, the Yellowhead Chiefs rebounded with an overtime win to salvage two points in a weekend road trip in the Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League.
CHIEFS 3 INTERLAKE 2 (OT)
Winston Lepp scored 1:31 into overtime to give the
Chiefs a 3-2 win in Teulon on Sunday, Nov. 2. Grady McNish had the other two goals for the Chiefs. Thoren Corbett and Da-
mon Marquart replied for the Lightning. The teams were tied 1-1 after 40 minutes.
Landon McGregor made 26 saves in the Yellowhead net, while Grayson McDonald stopped 24 shots for Interlake.
WPG.WILD 10 CHIEFS 0
Cody Farrell scored three goals and Chase Kettles
stopped all 18 shots he faced as the Wild hammered the Chiefs 10-0 in Winnipeg on Saturday, Nov. 1. Jaxon Dean and Jack Ross added two goals each for the hosts, who held period leads of 3-0 and 7-0. Single markers came off the sticks of Ryan Strilchuk, Owen Conrad and Dylan Prettie.
Rachel Lyver scored at 3:56 of overtime as the Westman Wildcats edged the Yellowhead Chiefs 2-1 in a Manitoba Female U18 AAA Hockey League game in Hartney on Wednesday, Oct. 29. Ivy Fry opened the scor-
ing for the hosts in the first period, but Jordan Woloski
tied the score on the powerplay with 59 seconds left in the third.
Indigo Stone made 22 saves to record the win in goal for the Wildcats. Kylie Hack stopped 28 shots in the Yellowhead net.
NOTES – The Chiefs are seventh in the eight-team league with a record of 2-3-2 after seven games… The team has allowed just 14 goals for a 2.00 goals against average. However, scoring has been a problem with only six.
The Yellowhead Chiefs split a pair of games in Manitoba Female U15 AAA Hockey League action over the weekend. The Chiefs sit in second place with a record of 5-2-0, four points back of the Eastman Selects.
CHIEFS 3 WESTMAN 2 (SO)
The Chiefs needed a shootout to get by the Wild-
cats in Glenboro on Sunday, Nov. 2. The Chiefs trailed 1-0 after the second period, and 2-1 late in the third before Scotia Smith tied the game on the powerplay.
Brielle McGonigal had the other goal for the visitors.
Georgia Koop had both goals for the Wildcats, who sit in fourth place.
Pyper Rapley earned the win in goal with a 31-save performance. Ivy Nelson stopped 30 shots in the Westman net.
CENTRAL PLAINS 6 CHIEFS 0
Kinley Legault had the hat
trick and Calleigh Duchart made 25 saves to earn the shutout as the Capitals blanked the Chiefs 6-0 in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, Nov. 1. Peyton Salamandyk, Lexi Phillippe and Hailey Terrick added singles for the hosts, who led 2-0 and 4-0 at the intermissions.
Kaydee Fleury stopped 23 shots in the Yellowhead net.
On Oct. 22, Shoal Lake RCMP were advised of a break-in at the Strathclair Fire Hall where significant damage was caused inside. In addition to the damage, the suspects stole a truck, trailer and UTV. The investigation determined that suspects fled westbound on Highway 16. Police later located the abandoned trailer hauling the UTV on the side of the road, approximately a half a mile outside of Russell. The stolen truck, that was towing both items, was also recovered in a parking lot in a business in Russell. Shoal Lake and Russell RCMP have obtained photos of the two suspects who were last seen driving a white motorhome with a decal on the top. It is believed they could have continued travelling west towards Saskatchewan. Russell and Shoal Lake RCMP continue to investigate.
On Oct. 30, Treherne RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Road 40 North near Road 71 West in the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Victoria. Officers
arrived and Emergency Medical Services were already on scene performing CPR on the 47-year-old male driver. He was pronounced deceased a short time later at the scene. The investigation determined the victim was travelling on Road 40 North towards Road 71 West when his grain truck began to drift into the ditch on the right-hand side of the road. The driver over corrected when trying to keep the vehicle on the road causing it to flip over. The truck did not have seatbelts.
On Oct. 30, Dauphin RCMP received information that a Wanted individual was near Keld, approximately 27 km
southwest of Dauphin. RCMP officers from the Dauphin, Ste. Rose du Lac, and Roblin detachments as well as the Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Team (CREST) and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) all attended the area to search for the male suspect. Following an extensive search, the suspect was observed near a gravel pit and was seen running into a wooded area. PDS Marook and PDS Skipper, with assistance from a drone, were deployed and began tracking the suspect through difficult terrain, including thick brush and a deep river.
The Major Pratt Trojans and Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies remain undefeated after two weeks of play in the Westman High School Hockey League.
The Trojans are 4-0-0, while the Huskies have won their opening two games.
The other two area teams aren’t faring so well. The Birtle-Shoal Lake-Rossburn Falcons have won just once in six starts, while the Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors have a 1-3-0 record. HRES 6 RMSH 1
Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair – Matao Finnie, Harlen Bridges, Reid Hutchings, Aaron Roels, Jayden Schoonbaert, Duncan McLean
Reston-Melita-Souris-
Hartney – Dayton Hay MP 3 ME 1
Major Pratt – Jorey Reichmuth (2), Dominyk Shuya Minnedosa-Erickson –Aiden McGorman BDWP 6 BSR 3 Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada-Pierson – Jake Maxwell (2), Tyson Polnik, Josh Unrau, Myles McGregor, Bristol Andries Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Grady Lee, Logan Armitage, Kyler Bray RMSH 7 ME 4
Reston-Melita-Souris-
Hartney – Chase Flannery (3), Dayton Hay (2), Owen Gray, Grayson Bennett
Minnedosa-Erickson –
William Melvin (2), Aiden McGorman (2) Virden 10 BSR 2
Virden – Dexen Routledge (4), Rhyse Gabrielle (2), Spencer Gompf (2), Mack Fefchak, Reed McGarth
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Malcom McArthur, Reid Luhowy MP 9 BSR 2
Major Pratt – Jorey Reichmuth (4), Dominyk Shuya (2), Walter Chescu, Kane Reagh, Carter Moncrief
Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn – Colby Howard, Maddox Couvier
After approximately three hours of searching, the 27year-old male was located and safely taken into custody. The 27-year-old male of the R.M. of Gilbert Plains faces the following charges: Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited, Flight from a peace officer, Resist/obstruct a peace officer, Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 x3, Mischief over $5,000, and Fail to comply with probation order x3. The male was remanded into custody.
On Oct. 24, Steinbach RCMP begin an investigation involving firearms and stolen
property in Zhoda. On Oct. 28, Steinbach RCMP along with the Manitoba RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST), East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Team (CREST) and the Ste Anne Police department executed search warrants on two properties in Zhoda.As a result of the search, police seized over 10 firearms, hundreds of ammunitions, and over 40 cartons of unstamped cigarettes. They also recovered stolen property including a hydraulic press worth approximately $6,000 and a tow behind generator worth approximately $7,000. Both were buried in mud next
to each other on the property. The hydraulic press had been stolen from a job site on Provincial Road 203 near Badger in the R.M. of Piney in October 2025 and belonged to a business in Steinbach. The generator had been reported stolen from Monominto Road in the R.M. of Springfield in January 2024. Some of the firearms seized had been stolen after two residential break and enters in March 2011 in the R.M. of DeSalaberry and in July 2022 in Pansy. Two females aged 69 and 35, from Zhoda, were arrested and released with a future court date. A 42-year-old male, from Zhoda, was arrested and remanded in custody with the following charges: Unauthorised possession of firearm x 9, Careless storage of firearms x 9, Possession of prohibited firearm with ammunition, Possession of firearm obtained by crime, Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 x 2, Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, Tampering with VIN, Tampering with Serial Number, Fail to comply with Release order, and Fail to appear in court.
Russell: The Banner – Students and teaching staff of the Inglis School made this year’s Terry Fox Run a little extra special with the dedication of a granite bench in memory of Marilyn Liske, who according to Amber Nerbas, school principal, went far beyond the definition of citizenship from her role as an educational assistant and noon hour supervisor. Kindly donated by Braendle Bruce Funeral Service, the buddy bench for all is located in the center of the school’s playground – the perfect spot. Liske, who had a brief battle with lung cancer, passed away on April 27, 2020. She truly embodied and inspired the bench’s message of “Be a friend today!”
Baldur/Glenboro: The Gazette – Philanthropist Sylvia Barr of Brandon, whose generous contribution helped bring the Peter Sawatzky Sculpture Garden at Brandon’s Riverbank Discovery Centre to life, was on hand when Sawatzky’s 200 pound bronze sculpture, Blue Herons, was lifted into place at its new home. Dean Hammond, executive director of the Discovery Centre, noted that the long-term goal is to have 16 of Sawatzky’s bronze sculptures on site. “Pieces are magnificent, and seeing them placed in a natural landscape has been a game changer for the Discovery Centre.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Citizens of the Neepawa / McCreary area, along with a host of other curling or community supporters came together at the NeepawaGladstone Co-op’s FUNDspiel in support of the Salvation Army Neepawa, and specifically to raise funds for upgrades to the Salvation Army’s cargo van. Amanda Naughton-Gale, Community Ministeries Director, said as the need for a food bank continues to grow with the addition of the McCreary Food Bank to the operations, the need for a reliable vehicle is more important than ever.
Whitewood: Grasslands News – Investigation by the Fillmore RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Livestock Investigator and Livestock Services of Saskatchewan determined six cattle were stolen from a pasture, upon a report of missing cattle from acreage near Sedley, SK. The animals were safely recovered at a nearby rural property, and as result of the investigation, a 62-year-old male was arrested and charged.
Dauphin: The Herald –Mackenna Telfer, an instructor at the Telfer School of Highland Dance in Dauphin, not only enjoyed the experience at the Luss Highland
Games in Scotland this summer, but it was here where she also passed the exam for her Highland National teaching credentials. The highlight of the trip for Telfer was competing in a dance competition.
Neepawa: The Banner & Press – Surrounded by its celebrated history, in the neighborhood of 36 people gathered at the Beautiful Plains Museum in Neepawa to discuss its’ uncertain future, as new board members and volunteers must step forward to replace five people having served their tenure. Although a few individuals volunteered at the meeting, there is still a need to fill seats around the board table.
Baldur/Glenboro: The Gazette – A blanket of dust rose beneath the bright blue prairie sky at the corner of Highways 2 and 5, as supporters of ‘Grow Glenboro’ combined 129 acres of soybeans. The initiative was created to help raise funds to support community projects, with half of the proceeds from the annual crop going to Minor Sports and the other half to various community projects in Glenboro and the surrounding area.
Killarney: The Guide –Two fond friends, Ann Magwood and Deb GuilleMacKenzie of Killarney, have joined forces to bring life back into the old graveyards, upon spending two intensive years researching and collating information about those laid to rest in local cemeteries. And now family and friends around the world can access these stories and histories through ‘Find a Grave.com’, thanks to the intrepidness, energy, and dedication of the duo.
Boissevain: The Recorder – According to DeloraineWinchester Airport Commission Chairman, Lorne Bolduc, the group is looking into upgrading the asphalt on the runway, which was installed in the early 1980s, and the 4,000-foot long surface is starting to show its age, making it less than ideal for small planes taking off, due to cracks and dips. The airport has become a regional hub for the southwest corner of Manitoba. In additional to agricultural aircraft, the airport also sees a lot of transfers for medical patients, as well as STARS and other air ambulances, and covers the whole area from the Saskatchewan border to Killarney to north of Hartney.
Matthew Kroeker Journeyman Mason Tile Kitchens, Baths Waterproof Showers Steam Rooms
All repairs, renovations, and new construction Cell: 204-232-9797
This article is all about growing grapes. Last week we focused on growing grapes for ornamental purposes and some backyard grape growing for preserves. This week it is all about growing grapes for wine!
Grapes are a very fast growing vine that needs to be pruned annually, especially if you are growing the vines for production. The flower buds develop in the fall so are of course susceptible to harsh winters and late spring frosts. They need to be planted in full sun and in colder climates are often planted at a 45-degree angle to facilitate the necessary winter protection. A trellis should be put in place at planting time as their rapid growth ensures they need a support system early in the season. Each fall, the vines are pruned back to eight buds, removed from their trellis and allowed to lay on the ground. The snow cover helps to protect the vines from winter damage.
The University of Minnesota is recognized as one of the top wine grape research programs and today has more than 12,000 cultivated experimental vines with a diverse genetic base. Their work has produced the following selections that are worthy of growing here.
•Frontenac withstands38°C, without serious injury and ripens midseason. It makes an excellent white wine with fruity flavour.
•Marquette withstands35°C, and ripens a bit earlier than Frontenac. It has good resistance to powdery and downy mildew and makes an excellent red wine.
•Frontenac Gris withstands -38°C, ripens about the same time as Frontenac and makes an excellent white wine.
•La Crescent withstands35°C and ripens late season so still a work in progress. It makes a dessert wine similar to a Riesling.
•St. Croix is the main red wine variety in Qebec (-29°C)
so it needs snow cover to overwinter here.
•Sabrevois is comparable to St. Croix but hardier to35°C. It makes a very dark wine that is often better as a blended wine. It is quite exciting to have so many new types of grapes to grow and I for one am thankful for the breeding program in Minnesota. They evaluate cold hardiness, disease resistance, viticultural traits such as productivity, cluster size, growth habit, bud break and ripening times. Once a new grape is released, nurseries get a welltested selection that has already been evaluated for 15 years or more. For example, ‘Marquette’ was first made in 1989 and was not introduced as a new variety until 2006. For fun, I planted a couple of ‘Marechal Foch’ vines this year. This grape is one of the hardiest French hybrid grapes that were developed in France during the latter part of the twentieth century. Although I would never grow this grape commercially in this cold climate, we as gardeners can push the limits with our microclimates. It will be both interesting and fun to see how it does. This year it provided a pretty good harvest so with some winter cover, next year should be even better!
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at www.orchidhort.com; by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or on facebook @orchidhort.
Friday, November 7, 2025
Q: My doctor keeps telling me that food is medicine. What does that mean? – Greg T., Asheville, NC
A: First, let’s define medicine: Merriam Webster says it’s a substance or preparation used to treat disease and Britannica says medicine is the practice concerned with the maintenance of health and the prevention, alleviation, or cure of disease. Second, let’s ask: Can food help treat, prevent, ease or cure a disease? Yes!
We’ve known for decades that Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy and eating citrus can cure it – and that a goiter is caused by an iodine deficiency that can be corrected by eating saltwater fish and iodized salt. These days, we know that eating ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can lead to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, COPD, cancer, dementia, and kidney and liver problems. And eating a plant-based Mediterraneanstyle diet with healthy oils and fatty fish like salmon can help prevent or roll back damage from UPFs.
Your body’s health depends on nutrients that can only be obtained through food and supplements. They include vitamins A, D, E, and K, C and eight B vitamins, as well as vitamin-like nutrients, choline and carnitine. Essential minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium, and trace minerals like iron, zinc, copper, iodine, chromium, fluoride, manganese, and selenium.
By getting a good supply of these through a healthy, plant-based diet, you help achieve an ActualAge that is much younger than your chronological age. (Take the ActualAge test at 4YOUngevity.com.) I also recommend taking a multi-
vitamin-mineral (half in the morning and half at night), omega-3s (1,100 milligrams of a combo of EPA and DHA) and 17 other supplements (if your doc agrees) that have more benefit than risk to most folks, ages 50 and older. For details, go to 4YOUngevity.com’s coaching program on supplements and small molecules. Next to stress management, food is the most important tool you have to stay young and defend yourself from chronic disease. So, get your daily dose!
Q: My balance isn’t very good, and my joints are stiff and achy – but I want to start exercising. How can I get started without falling or hurting myself? – Carrie P., Tulsa, OK
A: For anyone who has balance problems, mobility issues or pain, aqua exercise is often the optimal way to get started on a consistent
exercise routine. Not only does the water’s support reduce the impact of your body weight by about 50 percent, making all movement lowimpact, it also helps overcome balance issues while providing joint support. That lets you be more mobile and do more resistance exercises (yes, water provides resistance). As a result, you’ll improve your cardiovascular health, muscle strength and tone and flexibility/mobility and protect your cognitive powers, too! Tip: If you are obese or pregnant, you probably want the water to
be a bit cooler – around 8288° F. If you’re dealing with pain, arthritis or frailty, you will most likely enjoy water that’s 84-92° F. Depending on your individual condition and your comfort in the water, you can do exercises that range from simply walking in the shallow end of the pool to “calisthenics,” done while holding on to the side of the pool and actual swimming. To provide more support and greater resistance while doing aqua exercises, you may want to use foam dumbbells, water weights that strap on,
hand paddles or water resistance gloves, or a buoyancy belt that helps keep your head out of deeper water while you are exercising.
To get started, check with your doctor to confirm this is a smart form of exercise for you. Then find a local pool or YMCA that offers aqua exercise classes for newbies. The instruction, the classmates and the schedule all help reinforce your commitment to becoming more fit. The information and free newsletter at 4YOUngevity.com also are designed to help you learn
about all of your options for becoming healthier, living longer and being happier. Dive right in!
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.
Shoal Lake – 515 4th Ave. Phone: 204-759-2680
By BROOKLYN STANFORD
Gull Lake, SK / Gull Lake School
Editor’s Note: This poem placed first in the 2025 Senior Essay / Composition contest put on by the Legion National Foundation, which is implemented by the Legion.
In Honour OfHis Duty Remembrance Day holds a special place in my heart, as it prompts deep reflection, gratitude, and honouring the sacrifices made. While it carries personal significance for me due to my father’s service in the army and deployment to Afghanistan, it serves as a poignant moment for countless Canadians to pay tribute to military personnel. My childhood was spent in the midst of military life, surrounded by individuals donning camouflage attire, as my father fulfilled his duties. At that time, the full extent of my dad’s responsibilities and the impact of his absence were beyond my comprehension.
I didn’t give the uniforms much thought as a child because they were a normal aspect of base life. But I now understand that those uniforms
a touching
were worn by those who were bearing the burden of sacrifice. This load was particularly heavy for my father. His life was moulded by the military, but it also left him with invisible scars. My dad was struggling with PTSD and had changed after returning from Afghanistan. The things that happened to him abroad haunted him every day. For my father, a veteran, Remembrance Day holds a deep significance. It’s more than just a day of ceremonies and poppies; it’s a time for him to reflect on the comrades he lost, the battles he fought, and the lasting memories. For him, it’s a day to honour those who never returned and to recognize the ongoing personal struggles he faces. Diverse viewpoints exist regarding the significance of Remembrance Day. Some people find it to be a moving reminder of Canada’s role in international conflicts. Others see it as a chance to show appreciation for the freedoms we value. For my family, it’s an opportunity to honour my father’s efforts, both during his time abroad and the ongoing emotional struggles he faces. It’s a day to honour the soldiers wearing camouflage
Statement of Operating Fund Revenue and Expenditures for the year ended June 30, 2025
uniforms, the brotherhood within the military post, and all those who have served without hesitation.
Today serves as a poignant reminder of the immense significance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by our soldiers, both on and off the battlefield. Many veterans grapple with the unseen scars of PTSD, and it is crucial that we appreciate the ongoing challenges they face. By donning a poppy and participating in Remembrance Day events, we demonstrate our support for individuals like my father, who courageously confront their own battles each day, while also paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
We commemorate more than simply the past on Remembrance Day. It’s an opportunity to support our veterans both now and in the future. For my father and all veterans whose commitment has shaped their lives, this day serves as a reminder of
the value of empathy, tolerance, and understanding. This year, wearing my poppy will evoke memories of my father and the sacrifices
for
Council of the Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson (MCE) gave first reading to By-law No. 105-25, being a bylaw to license mobile homes used as living accommodations within Mobile Home Parks at the Oct. 8 meeting.
Council approved the application to the Manitoba GRO fund as prepared by CAO Edye, for assistance with paving the apron of the Erickson Airport.
With Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) owning the SW 30-17-18W and NW 19-17-18 in the MCE, which are adjacent to one another, with an undeveloped road allowance between them, DUC intends to apply for a drainage license to raise the water level in two wetlands that are partially located on the municipal road allowance. Council let it be known that it doesn’t object to DUC’s license application to Manitoba Water Resources for this work.
Council authorized the contribution of up to $20,000 for the purchase of a Utility Task Vehicle for ClanwilliamErickson Fire Rescue.
Councillor Tami Johnson was authorized to attend the Manitoba Association of Regional Recyclers Forum held Oct. 15 and 16 in Winnipeg.
The January 2026 Council meeting was rescheduled to 1:00 p.m. on Jan. 7.
Reeve Baraniuk vacated the chair for the purpose of engaging in debate and Deputy Reeve Johnson assumed the chair on discussion under Resolution #203/25: Council amend Rural and Urban Snowplowing PolicyWO003 such that residents of the “A80” Agricultural Zone who are aged 65 and over will receive plowing of their driveways by the municipal grader at no charge, subject to the satisfaction of all other provisions of the policy related to employee and equipment safety and prioritization of clearing snow from roads.
Councillor Shellborn requested a recorded vote: In Favour – Shellborn, Baraniuk; Opposed – Johnson, Burgess, Cameron. Reeve Baraniuk reassumed the chair.
Council authorized the purchase of a one-way plow for $27,521.25, with the funds to be sourced from the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund.
Council approved the request from Manitoba Hydro to bury an electrical cable under Road 103N on the condition that the road condition not be degraded as a result of the work.
The CAO advised council on a number of matters including MARR Training Day
in Erickson; Utility issues –sewer line blockage at lagoon and cracked fire hydrant; emergency notification system proposal; upcoming presentation at MARR Forum in Winnipeg, regarding the municipal transfer station.
The development officer’s report touched on building permits issued to date, and South Ditch Lake Recreational Co-op subdivision progress.
Council will next meet on Nov. 12.
Three individuals met with the Council of Municipality of Harrison Park (MHP) at the Oct. 29 meeting including Dennis Yanchycki, et al who provided an update on the Sandy Lake Sports Park. Both, Dave Toporowsky and AJ Lewis reviewed, discussed and made representation in regards to Property By-law 169 – Trailer Fees in the MHP.
The application put forth by Larry Krushelnisky, applicant and owner, to subdivide part of the NE 35-18-19 WPM was approved, subject to a conditional use be obtained for the non-farm dwelling to ensure compliance with the Zoning by-law.
Tabled – Development Agreement – Morrison – 8540.
Councillor Langston reported on proposed Phase 2 trails at Onanole, then left meeting. CAO Davies reported on the Onanole water projects and Councillor Skrudland reported on attending Parks Canada Management Plan open house.
Upon being given second and third and final reading, By-Law #174 – Unsightly Property to establish a minimum standard of maintenance for dwellings and other structures, by regulating litter, nuisances, derelict vehicles, derelict or scrap equipment, abandoned buildings, the deposit of excavated earthen material, vacant neglected lands, and unsightly property was approved.
Final two readings were also given to By-Law #176 (amend By-Law 165 – Administrative Penalties – Schedule A of By-Law #165 for the addition of unsightly property administrative penalties and it was passed.
In both circumstances regarding By-Laws 174 and 176, voting results were: For – Andreychuk, Campbell, Skolney, Skrudland; Absent – Drul, Kowalick, Langston. Notice of Motion – Councillor Kowalick to reconsider Motion #2025/124 and Motion #2025/125.
This home features a modern twist on an otherwise popular floorplan. This homey and liveable three-bedroom family residence is highly sought after.
Entry is up a couple of steps into a roomy foyer. A coat closet is located nearby, across from a powder room. Immediately to the right of the foyer is a den, featuring French doors to a covered porch.
Through an archway is the great room, with a dramatic double-height ceiling and a fireplace. The dining room, open to the great room, occupies a bayed-out area and enjoys access to a spacious terrace – the perfect spot for al fresco summer meals.
The kitchen is separated from the dining room by a prep island, so the cook will never feel isolated. The sink, set diagonally into a corner, will receive lots of light from windows on two sides. A walkthrough pantry connects the kitchen to the laundry room. With a useful coat cupboard, as well as access to the double garage, the laundry room can double as a mud room.
A U-shaped flight of stairs leads to the second floor, a portion of which is open to the great room below. The master suite features a large window that overlooks the back garden. The walk-in closet is separated from the four-piece ensuite by a
handy linen cupboard. A shower stall and soaker tub in the ensuite add a touch of spalike comfort.
The second and third bedrooms, separated by a threepiece bathroom, both enjoy an extra-wide windowsill.
Ceilings measure nine feet throughout. The double garage is large enough to contain a compact workshop.
Exterior finishes include lux panel siding and ledgestone pilasters that frame the front entry.
This home measures 38 feet wide and 54 feet deep, for a total of 1,997 square feet of living space.
Plans for design 7-3-946B are available for $835 (set of 5), $900 (set of 8) and $952 for a super set of 10. Please add GST or HST (where applicable) to both the plan price and postage charges.
Our new 52nd edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheques and money orders payable to “Jenish House Design Ltd.” and mail to: Jenish House Design Ltd., c/o South Mountain Press, #201 – 1658 Commerce Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1X 8A9 or see our web page order form on: www.jenish.com and email your order to: homeplans @jenish.com.
DEADLINE: Tuesday at 12:00 Noon
Place your Classified Advertisement by Phone, Fax, Mail or E-mail Ph: 204-759-2644 Ext. 1 Fax: 204-759-2521 E-mail: smpclassified@mymts.net
Mail: Nesbitt Publishing Ltd., Box 160, Shoal Lake, MB, R0J 1Z0
Reach the entire Province: $189.00 (49 weekly papers) Westman or Eastman regions: $119.00
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Only 15 minutes south of Riding Mountain National Park, and 45 minutes north of Brandon. INTERESTRATESAREDROPPINGANDTHISISAPERFECTSPOTTOCALLYOUROWN!
Dear Neighbour,wanting to live in a new and accessible home in Erickson!
I have personally been working on improving housing options in the town of Erickson for several years now. I want to help others to age in place in their own community, right sizing if you will.
Also, at the Erickson Lutheran Church where I am a Pastor, housing is one of our outreach priorities and I am chair of the volunteer Erickson Housing Committee.
I am working with the Compass Credit Union, Doug Paterson Lawyer, and CL Van Veen Construction Ltd. Supplies and labour were sourced locally as much as possible.
This brand-new duplex unit is all on one floor, easy access for anyone that comes with a 5 Year Home Builders Warranty. 2 bedroom,1 bathroom - 1,105 sq.ft.on a 50 by 120 ft.lot! Built June 2025 by an exceptional builder,CL Van Veen (clvvconstruction.com) Exceptional craftsmanship!
Features: Baseboard and heat pump heating, AC, laundry is on the main floor and a 4 ft crawl space with sump pit and sewer back up valve, rear deck, attached garage with a cement floor, and cement driveway! Durable high quality flooring throughout! Window coverings are included. Abrand-newfridge,stove,dishwasher,washerand dryerareinstalledandmaybeincludedinthepricefortherightoffer. A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE, RAISE A FAMILY, OR DOWNSIZE FROM THE FARM! FOR SALE! FOR SALE!
SALE PRICE
$299,900
Please call Heather at 1-204-294-9212 or hhowdle84@gmail.com
The Manitoba government has added 832 teaching positions across the province since October 2023, increasing the number of funded teachers to 13,903 total teachers this fiscal year from 13,071 in 2023-24, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced, adding this major investment is part of a broader commitment to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed.
“We’re putting more teachers in classrooms because we know what a difference it makes for kids,” said Schmidt. “More teachers mean more one-on-one time with students so they can thrive. We’re investing in the future of our province by ensuring every child has the support they need in the classroom.”
that recruiting more Frenchlanguage teachers remains a government priority.
The province has also added 577 other educators over two years, bringing the total to 8,204 this fiscal year from 7,627 in 2023-24. There are also 72 more clinician positions since 2023-24, rising to 580 this year from 508. The minister noted there have been 41 additional teaching positions added to the Division scolaire francomanitobaine (DSFM) in the last two years and 21 additional educators, evidence
In the 2025-26 school year, the Manitoba government increased operating funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools by 3.4 percent, representing an increase of $67 million and bringing the total investment in public schools to $1.8 billion to continue to provide stable, predictable funding that keeps up with enrolment and student needs.
“We are delighted to see a significant increase in the number of students enrolling in schools in the DSFM, which has a direct effect on the number of teacher hires
and academic supports we deploy in our schools,” said Alain Laberge, superintendent, DSFM.
The Manitoba government has taken steps to attract and retain teachers, including: •implementing new teacher certification requirements, which have led to a 16 percent increase in enrolment in the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Education and post-baccalaureate programs; •improving certification pathways for internationally educated teachers, resulting in a 79 percent increase in applications for certification; •increasing seats with new Bachelor of Education pro-
grams at the Canadian Mennonite University and Yellowquill University College, and 20 new Bachelor of Education seats at Université de Saint-Boniface; •launching retention strategies for French-language teachers with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society and Francophone Educators of Manitoba to support new and internationally trained teachers; and
•investing $4.5 million for new Cree and Anishinaabemowin Indigenous language immersion bachelor’s programs at University College of the North and the University of Winnipeg.
“Teaching is more than a career – it’s a vocation and a promise to nurture hope, ignite curiosity and shape the future,” said Andrew Brewster, teacher, École Sage Creek School. “I’m grateful to live this vocation within the DSFM, where the French language and culture are celebrated in a unique and inspiring way.”
In addition to hiring more educators, the province is investing in key initiatives to support student well-being and learning, including $30 million for the Universal School Nutrition program and $3 million for the smaller class size initiative.
New national data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows the Manitoba government is making steady progress in key measures that reflect a health system that is becoming more connected –one where Manitobans can see a provider faster, avoid the emergency room, and receive more care at home, Health, Seniors and LongTerm Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced. The 2024 data shows Manitoba is first in Canada for same-day or next-day access
to primary care, with 32.6 percent of Manitobans able to see a provider within a day of seeking care, compared to the national average of 26.8 percent. Manitoba also ranked second in Canada for access to a regular health-care provider, at 85 percent. These results are in part thanks to the Manitoba government’s investments in building minor injury and illness clinics, as well as evening and weekend clinics, which offer same-day or nextday appointments with physicians, family doctors and
nurse practitioners, the minister noted, adding that investments in the online booking platform MediNav have made it easier for Manitobans to see a doctor sooner.
“When people can see a doctor when they need one and get the help they need at home, the whole system works better,” said Asagwara. “These indicators show strong progress in giving Manitobans alternatives to emergency departments, reducing hospital stays and supporting safe recovery at home – all key steps toward improving wait times.
Parents across Manitoba can access current, evidencebased information on pregnancy and child development through the newly developed Parenting in Manitoba website, Health, Seniors and LongTerm Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced.
“Pregnancy and parenting open the door to a new world of responsibility and learning that can feel deeply rewarding and understandably overwhelming,” said Asagwara.
“The Parenting in Manitoba website offers clear, trustworthy information to help new and expectant parents support their child’s healthy development, from pregnancy through the first five years of life. It builds on our government’s continued investment in early childhood health, including the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit, which has already supported more than 1,200 Manitobans this year.”
The new website features over 120 articles on topics like safe swaddling techniques, tips for starting solid foods and how to tell the difference between a sore throat or strep. The site responds to recommendations made in the Mani-
toba Advocate for Children and Youth’s (MACY)Shifting the Lensreport, which addresses sleep-related infant deaths and aligns withManitoba’s Renewed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategyand Healthy Child Initiatives, added Fontaine.
“Our government is committed to implementing initiatives that improve social drivers of health for all Manitobans,” said Fontaine. “Having a centralized resource that’s easily accessible to caregivers will help improve the health and well-being of children and their families.”
More than 200 public health nurses across Manitoba provide direct support to families through home visits, newborn assessments and earlyyears programs, the ministers noted, and these nurses, alongside community partners, help ensure families have access to trusted information and care
when it matters most.
“As a new mom and a nurse practitioner in primary care, I know how quickly parents can get lost in online advice,” said Kristy DuGray, nurse practitioner, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “I see how often new and expectant parents turn to the internet for guidance. You want to do the best for your baby, but so much of what’s out there is inconsistent or lacks credible sources, and it can leave you feeling more anxious than reassured.”
Over the past several years, Manitoba’s average birth weight has remained healthy and consistent, which the ministers said is a sign of strong prenatal supports and stable access to care. Public health nurses continue to reach families across the province through early-years programs like Families First and Healthy Baby.
There’s still a lot of work ahead, but the momentum is encouraging.”
Manitoba also recorded the shortest wait in the country for hospital discharge while patients await home care services, a median of two days, compared to eight days nationally. That means Manitobans are returning home sooner after hospital stays, and beds are available faster for new patients who need them, the minister noted. There are still challenges in the health-care system after years of cuts, the minister said. The Manitoba government is focused on improving
wait times in emergency rooms, with a strategic plan led by physicians. The province has added 3,400 net new health-care workers and opened 250 staffed beds across the system to increase capacity. It has also begun to work on three new personal care homes in rural Manitoba and Winnipeg to support efforts to reduce access block. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen care delivery and ensure timely, high-quality services for all Manitobans.
CIHI’s findings show Manitoba performing above the national average in other indica-
tors of quality and safety, including lower rates of hospital re-admission, fewer cases of in-hospital sepsis and a smaller proportion of people reporting unmet mentalhealth needs.
“Complex, system-wide challenges take time and persistence to turn around,” said Asagwara. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but the direction we are headed is the right one.”
While Manitoba is seeing positive trends, the minister noted work is ongoing to relieve the pressure points across the health system.
