Local

COLUMN: Don’t Mind the Mess – The guy who hated yellow flowers

Lori Penner 4 minute read 9:16 AM CDT

My dad was a farmer to the core. He was more comfortable perched high upon a tractor seat than on a couch, a lawn chair or even a church pew.

While he was a church going man, I think his most spiritual moments happened out there on the back forty, when it was just him and his maker beneath the big blue prairie sky.

Growing up in a traditional Mennonite home, we learned it was just plain wrong to work on Sunday. God rested that day, so we had to, too.

But it wasn’t always easy figuring out what exactly defined work. Could my mom bake a cake for unexpected company? Could we go out and pick a few strawberries to go with that cake? Were we allowed to make a quick trip to town to pick up a bag of buns or a can of pop, thereby supporting the retailer working on the Sabbath?

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Pair of MJHL standouts announce Canadian university commitments

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Pair of MJHL standouts announce Canadian university commitments

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Two Manitoba Junior Hockey League hockey talents are set to continue their hockey careers at post-secondary institutions across the country.

Landon Roberts (Steinbach) and Evan Bortis (Niverville) both announced their commitments to Canadian universities in the past month.

Roberts, who has 120 games of Western Hockey League experience, will be joining the Carleton Ravens. The Ravens play in the Ontario University Athletics conference and are based out of Ottawa, Ont.

The Souris, Man., forward had 30 points in 38 games for Steinbach this season, and chipped in seven points as the Pistons won the Turnbull Cup.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Landon Roberts celebrates with the Turnbull Cup after winning it with the Steinbach Pistons. The Souris, Man. born forward will be headed east, as he committed to Carleton University to continue his hockey playing career in the nations capital. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Morris ER reduces hours

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read Preview

Morris ER reduces hours

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read 9:14 AM CDT

The Town of Morris will be operating on reduced emergency department hours at the Morris General Hospital due to a doctor shortage.

The reduction in hours came into effect on May 15 when Southern Health announced the closure.

“The hours were reduced as a result of some physician shortages we’re experiencing in the Morris-Emerson area,” said Mona Spencer, director of acute community hospitals with Southern Health.

“We currently have four physicians now in the area. We have one recently departed. We have a new physician that is joining the practice this fall and we will be at that time reviewing the hours for emergency service and hoping to be able to expand those hours.”

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9:14 AM CDT

The Town of Morris will be operating on reduced emergency department hours at the Morris General Hospital due to a doctor shortage.

The reduction in hours came into effect on May 15 when Southern Health announced the closure.

“The hours were reduced as a result of some physician shortages we’re experiencing in the Morris-Emerson area,” said Mona Spencer, director of acute community hospitals with Southern Health.

“We currently have four physicians now in the area. We have one recently departed. We have a new physician that is joining the practice this fall and we will be at that time reviewing the hours for emergency service and hoping to be able to expand those hours.”

Accent Women’s Ensemble prepares for male voices

Greg Vandermeulen 4 minute read Preview

Accent Women’s Ensemble prepares for male voices

Greg Vandermeulen 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:27 PM CDT

A Steinbach based choir is planning big changes to the way they operate, changing what is currently a women’s choir into a full choir that will feature male voices.

Accent Women’s Ensemble will drop the “Women’s Ensemble” part of their name and move forward as Accent.

Their final concert as a women’s ensemble will take place June 4 at the Mennonite Heritage Village auditorium.

Director Meredith Hutchinson said she took over the choir close to nine years ago after the founder moved to another province.

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Yesterday at 3:27 PM CDT

GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON

Accent Women’s Ensemble members are preparing for their spring concert scheduled for June 4 at the Mennonite Heritage Village.

Sabres set for soccer, fastpitch and baseball provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Sabres set for soccer, fastpitch and baseball provincials

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Yesterday at 1:26 PM CDT

It was smooth sailing for the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) Sabres as the school’s baseball and softball teams cruised their way to zone championships, along with berths at their respective provincials.

The baseball team has yet to lose this season, as they were perfect in league play, went undefeated at the W.C. Miller Baseball Classic, and won the zone tournament with a final run difference of plus-66 over four games. That total includes a 21-2 victory in the championship game against Niverville, hosted in Mitchell May 25.

“Everyone up and down the lineup hit, played good defense, we had good pitching every game,” head coach Clint Brandt said.

“I’m very proud of how everyone played.”

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Yesterday at 1:26 PM CDT

Kaden Coldwell started for the Sabres for the second consecutive year in the Zone 13 final, picking up another win. The grade 10 pitcher looked strong on the mound, with strong velocity and movement before he was pulled to allow him to pitch weekend games for the Sultans. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

COLUMN: Eye on the Arts – Arts4Tots preschool registration now open

Steinbach Arts Council 4 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Eye on the Arts – Arts4Tots preschool registration now open

Steinbach Arts Council 4 minute read Yesterday at 3:15 PM CDT

The Steinbach Arts Council is excited to announce that our Arts4Tots preschool registration is open for the 2023-2024 year. This is a great way to prepare your toddlers for kindergarten and get them excited about the arts. Immerse your children in music, theatre, arts, games. Introduce them to science, math, reading, and fine motor skills. Visit our website steinbacharts.ca for more information and to register.

Summer Arts Day Camp

The ever-popular Summer Arts Day Camps are back. Gain access to the most sought-after creative summer camps in Steinbach, and experience music, drama, dance, visual art, games, sports, field trips, swimming, and of course, new friends.

The Summer Arts Day Camps run weekly from July 4 to Aug. 18 and feature a variety of themes for age groups 5-8 and 9-12. For more information and to register, please visit us online at steinbacharts.ca. If you have any questions, please call 204-346-1077.

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Yesterday at 3:15 PM CDT

The Steinbach Arts Council is excited to announce that our Arts4Tots preschool registration is open for the 2023-2024 year. This is a great way to prepare your toddlers for kindergarten and get them excited about the arts. Immerse your children in music, theatre, arts, games. Introduce them to science, math, reading, and fine motor skills. Visit our website steinbacharts.ca for more information and to register.

Summer Arts Day Camp

The ever-popular Summer Arts Day Camps are back. Gain access to the most sought-after creative summer camps in Steinbach, and experience music, drama, dance, visual art, games, sports, field trips, swimming, and of course, new friends.

The Summer Arts Day Camps run weekly from July 4 to Aug. 18 and feature a variety of themes for age groups 5-8 and 9-12. For more information and to register, please visit us online at steinbacharts.ca. If you have any questions, please call 204-346-1077.

Ritchot RM office scheduled for facelift

Jura McIlraith 2 minute read Preview

Ritchot RM office scheduled for facelift

Jura McIlraith 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:47 AM CDT

The RM of Ritchot expects to break ground on the renovation and expansion of its municipal office early next week.

The building has been at capacity for years, and the expansion will ensure there is enough space to grow for the next two to three decades said Ritchot CAO Mitch Duval. There will also be a new boardroom and council chambers.

The new office will be more than double the size including a 4,200 square foot addition and a complete renovation of the current 3,750 square feet. The office holds 11 employees now but will be able to accommodate 16-20 people once renovations are complete.

“The RM is incredibly excited over this long overdue and much-needed overhaul to the municipal office,” said Mayor Chris Ewan in a press release.

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Yesterday at 11:47 AM CDT

SUPPLIED

The RM of Ritchot municipal office will more than double its size after renovations are done.

Rotary plans for jail break

Greg Vandermeulen 2 minute read Preview

Rotary plans for jail break

Greg Vandermeulen 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:44 AM CDT

A 2022 South Eastman Rotary Club fundraiser proved to be such a success; the club is planning to do it again.They will host the 2023 jail break event on June 8, which will see local celebrities and prominent citizens “arrested” and lodged in a cell at the Clearspring Centre, from which they’ll call on their supporters to get “bail” money.“It was successful last year, and we thought it deserved another effort,” George Penner, Rotary Club member said.Last year’s event raised over $40,000 for Soup’s On Steinbach and relief efforts in Ukraine.This year funds will support mental health services through the Eden Foundation and The Bridge, a transitional housing project currently being constructed by Steinbach Community Outreach.Penner said they invited local charities to make presentations before the club to help them choose which to support with this initiative.One that grabbed their attention was delivered by the Eden Foundation.“It became clear that one of the current needs with a fair bit of public attention has to do with mental health and the issues around mental health, not just in the rest of the world but right here in Steinbach as well,” Penner said.The Bridge too captured their attention, as at the time of the presentation, the roof was being constructed. “There’s some future needs,” he said of that project.This year accused local celebrities will include former RCMP Staff Sgt. Harold Laninga, AM 1250’s Michelle Sawatzky and Eden Health Care Services board president Al Kehler.Penner estimates they’ll have close to nine celebrities involved.This year the club will be posting photos of the celebrities along with a fabricated list of crimes and the amount of bail they need to raise on social media. The public can find it on Facebook by searching for the Rotary Club of South Eastman.Penner said they’re hopeful they can double last year’s fundraising total and said the causes should resonate with Steinbach and area residents.“it’s intended to bring our community together around some common causes,” he said.Go to south-eastman-rotary.square.site to donate.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:44 AM CDT

GREG VANDERMEULEN CARILLON ARCHIVES
Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk gets the cuffs put on by RCMP Cpl. and Community Liaison Officer Dennis Redikop as former Staff Sgt. Harold Laninga looks on during the 2022 South Eastman Rotary Club’s jail break event. This year, Laninga will join the group of local celebrities getting arrested, to raise funds for mental health services through the Eden Foundation and Steinbach Community Outreach’s transitional housing project called The Bridge.

COLUMN: Viewpoint – Banning books is never a good idea

MaryLou Driedger 4 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Viewpoint – Banning books is never a good idea

MaryLou Driedger 4 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

In my opinion banning books is always a bad idea!

Recently city councils in Winkler and Altona received formal requests from community members to take certain books off the shelves of the South Central Regional Library. The Brandon School Board has heard presentations from parents who want specific books removed from their city’s school libraries.

Something similar is happening in Winnipeg. During budget presentations to Winnipeg City Council two citizens claimed there were books in Winnipeg public libraries that were pornographic and violated the criminal code of Canada. They wanted the city to stop funding libraries till these materials were removed.

In my opinion banning books is always a bad idea! People have every right to decide what they and their children read but can’t be allowed to decide what other families read. What will be left on the shelves if every special interest group can have a say in what kind of books should be in libraries?

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

In my opinion banning books is always a bad idea!

Recently city councils in Winkler and Altona received formal requests from community members to take certain books off the shelves of the South Central Regional Library. The Brandon School Board has heard presentations from parents who want specific books removed from their city’s school libraries.

Something similar is happening in Winnipeg. During budget presentations to Winnipeg City Council two citizens claimed there were books in Winnipeg public libraries that were pornographic and violated the criminal code of Canada. They wanted the city to stop funding libraries till these materials were removed.

In my opinion banning books is always a bad idea! People have every right to decide what they and their children read but can’t be allowed to decide what other families read. What will be left on the shelves if every special interest group can have a say in what kind of books should be in libraries?

Metis Ride of Hope raises funds for Ukrainian orphans

Greg Vandermeulen 5 minute read Preview

Metis Ride of Hope raises funds for Ukrainian orphans

Greg Vandermeulen 5 minute read Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

An unfinished ride and a brand new cause have come together in The Metis Ride of Hope.

Organized by Armand and Kelly Jerome, the event is partly the continuation of a trip planned in 2020 to celebrate Manitoba 150. It’s also found a brand new cause, helping orphans in Ukraine.

Organizers and volunteers gathered at Sophie’s Restaurant near Hadashville on May 20, taking part in a launch that featured live music, a fundraising meal and local demonstrations by the Reynolds Fire Department.

But the roots for this trip extended back a lot farther.

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Wednesday, May. 31, 2023

GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON

Kelly and Armand Jerome are excited to see support coming in.

COLUMN: Don’t Mind the Mess – A tribute to Mozart

Lori Penner 4 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Don’t Mind the Mess – A tribute to Mozart

Lori Penner 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

It took me nearly two weeks to write this column, because I burst into tears every time I attempted it. And while my eyes are still welling up as I sit at my keyboard today, I think my heart is finally ready to share.

People tell you that pets are just pets. That they don’t matter as much in the grand scheme of things as the people in our lives, and when they die, our grief for them should be measured accordingly. But this just isn’t true. When a creature has been part of the fabric of your days for nearly 18 years, their sudden absence leaves the same aching painful gap that any human would.

After fighting so hard to stay in this world, my Mozart, my warrior, my ageless wonder and the terror of every bird and squirrel in the neighbourhood has crossed the bridge into Heaven. His toys, his dishes, his favourite places to hide and to sleep are still and empty now, and I still find myself waiting to see him perched on my living room window ledge, letting me know he’s done with his outdoor adventures and wants to come in. I still look up, expecting to see his dark stare from on top of my cabinets. We think he must have learned to levitate to get up there.

There’s no rascal perched on my counter, waiting for handouts.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

It took me nearly two weeks to write this column, because I burst into tears every time I attempted it. And while my eyes are still welling up as I sit at my keyboard today, I think my heart is finally ready to share.

People tell you that pets are just pets. That they don’t matter as much in the grand scheme of things as the people in our lives, and when they die, our grief for them should be measured accordingly. But this just isn’t true. When a creature has been part of the fabric of your days for nearly 18 years, their sudden absence leaves the same aching painful gap that any human would.

After fighting so hard to stay in this world, my Mozart, my warrior, my ageless wonder and the terror of every bird and squirrel in the neighbourhood has crossed the bridge into Heaven. His toys, his dishes, his favourite places to hide and to sleep are still and empty now, and I still find myself waiting to see him perched on my living room window ledge, letting me know he’s done with his outdoor adventures and wants to come in. I still look up, expecting to see his dark stare from on top of my cabinets. We think he must have learned to levitate to get up there.

There’s no rascal perched on my counter, waiting for handouts.

Tiny art gallery fuels creation

Jura McIlraith 3 minute read Preview

Tiny art gallery fuels creation

Jura McIlraith 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A white box with a hardwood floor made of popsicle sticks sits at the end of 566 Hanover Street. Tiny clay people gaze at the miniature sculptures standing on pedestals and little paintings hanging from the gallery ceiling.

Amber Funk, the creator of Steinbach’s only Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG), began the project last July.

“I wouldn’t have called myself an artist before,” Funk said. “I would say I’m an artist now. It feels like a part of me.”

Funk first came across the idea for a FLAG on Instagram. It was an idea based off free little libraries that have popped up in the past few years.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

JURA MCILRAITH THE CARILLON

Amber Funk takes a look at what visitors have left in the Free Little Art Gallery that sits at the end of her driveway. This month’s theme for the gallery is ‘for the birds’, but any type of art can be left for others to see.

COLUMN: Rethinking Lifestyle – Bikes and the planet

George Klassen 2 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Rethinking Lifestyle – Bikes and the planet

George Klassen 2 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

I came across the following article (author not given) on the internet the other day. The article was falsely accredited to the CEO of a major world bank, but while it’s doubtful this piece was written in anything but a satirical manner, it still makes a good point.

“The BIKE is the slow death of the planet.

Cyclists are a disaster for the country’s economy – They do not buy a car or take out a car loan. They don’t buy car insurance. They don’t buy fuel. They don’t send their car for maintenance and repairs. They do not use paid parking. They do not cause major accidents. They do not require multi-lane highways. They do not become obese…

Healthy people are not needed in the economy. They don’t buy medicine. They don’t go to hospitals and doctors. They add nothing to the country’s GDP. On the contrary, every new McDonald’s outlet creates at least 30 jobs – 10 cardiologists, 10 dentists, 10 weight loss experts apart from the people working in the McDonald’s outlet. Choose wisely: a cyclist or a McDonald’s? It’s worth thinking about.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

I came across the following article (author not given) on the internet the other day. The article was falsely accredited to the CEO of a major world bank, but while it’s doubtful this piece was written in anything but a satirical manner, it still makes a good point.

“The BIKE is the slow death of the planet.

Cyclists are a disaster for the country’s economy – They do not buy a car or take out a car loan. They don’t buy car insurance. They don’t buy fuel. They don’t send their car for maintenance and repairs. They do not use paid parking. They do not cause major accidents. They do not require multi-lane highways. They do not become obese…

Healthy people are not needed in the economy. They don’t buy medicine. They don’t go to hospitals and doctors. They add nothing to the country’s GDP. On the contrary, every new McDonald’s outlet creates at least 30 jobs – 10 cardiologists, 10 dentists, 10 weight loss experts apart from the people working in the McDonald’s outlet. Choose wisely: a cyclist or a McDonald’s? It’s worth thinking about.

Motorcyclist faces slew of charges

Greg Vandermeulen 1 minute read Preview

Motorcyclist faces slew of charges

Greg Vandermeulen 1 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A motorcyclist in Steinbach played a game of cat and mouse with local RCMP May 20, only to be the eventual loser left without his wheels and given a long list of charges.

RCMP said in a May 23 press release, that they were patrolling on Saturday night when they spotted the red Honda motorcycle “driving recklessly and making excessive noise”.

“Members tried to conduct a traffic stop on the motorcycle but (it) took off on multiple occasions but was eventually apprehended before trying to flee again,” they said.

Police arrested a 20-year-old male from Steinbach for two counts of flight from police. He was also served numerous Highway Traffic Act tickets relating to the chase. He also faces charges of making unnecessary noise, driving carelessly, driving disqualified, driving without insurance, and driving unregistered.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

A motorcyclist in Steinbach played a game of cat and mouse with local RCMP May 20, only to be the eventual loser left without his wheels and given a long list of charges.

RCMP said in a May 23 press release, that they were patrolling on Saturday night when they spotted the red Honda motorcycle “driving recklessly and making excessive noise”.

“Members tried to conduct a traffic stop on the motorcycle but (it) took off on multiple occasions but was eventually apprehended before trying to flee again,” they said.

Police arrested a 20-year-old male from Steinbach for two counts of flight from police. He was also served numerous Highway Traffic Act tickets relating to the chase. He also faces charges of making unnecessary noise, driving carelessly, driving disqualified, driving without insurance, and driving unregistered.

COLUMN: Ask the Money Lady – Risk in retirement

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Ask the Money Lady – Risk in retirement

Christine Ibbotson 3 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Dear Money Lady, my concern is with my financial advisor and the volatility he has had me in for years. I am now 79 and wonder if this should be changed. My investments are mainly in equities: TFSA 83 percent, RRIF 72 percent, and US RRIF 99 percent. I have questioned him before and have done well over the years. I feel I need another opinion. Thanks, Sue

Dear Sue – you are right, it is too high for someone in their 70’s, it may even be too high for someone in their 50’s.

I agree with your advisor, to take advantage of market growth you must be invested in securities and equites, however I don’t agree that your advisor should have the above percentages in equities at your age. This is far too risky, especially now. The problems arise when we have downturn market swings, and you are still withdrawing funds from your portfolio. The cyclical trends that helped build your portfolio, now can cause severe damage when assets are cashed-in for retirement income. In fact, if the down turns are deep enough, it can cut your retirement portfolio in half. A retiree should expect to endure between 3 to 5 downward swings to the equity markets during a typical 25-year retirement. This is why most retirees trim down their exposure to the equity market as they age. If you are heavily invested in securities, you will need to have enough time to wait for the recovery without taking out funds when the market goes down. The question is: can you reframe from routine withdrawals when you have a depressed portfolio? Remember, you need all securities to stay in the portfolio to take advantage of the recovery. This is why it is better to use fewer volatile investments as you age and to lessen the exposure to securities. Here are five tips to consider when investing in retirement.

1. Set up withdrawals from money market funds only. Do not choose fluctuating investments such as equity funds, income trust funds, balanced funds or even bond funds.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Dear Money Lady, my concern is with my financial advisor and the volatility he has had me in for years. I am now 79 and wonder if this should be changed. My investments are mainly in equities: TFSA 83 percent, RRIF 72 percent, and US RRIF 99 percent. I have questioned him before and have done well over the years. I feel I need another opinion. Thanks, Sue

Dear Sue – you are right, it is too high for someone in their 70’s, it may even be too high for someone in their 50’s.

I agree with your advisor, to take advantage of market growth you must be invested in securities and equites, however I don’t agree that your advisor should have the above percentages in equities at your age. This is far too risky, especially now. The problems arise when we have downturn market swings, and you are still withdrawing funds from your portfolio. The cyclical trends that helped build your portfolio, now can cause severe damage when assets are cashed-in for retirement income. In fact, if the down turns are deep enough, it can cut your retirement portfolio in half. A retiree should expect to endure between 3 to 5 downward swings to the equity markets during a typical 25-year retirement. This is why most retirees trim down their exposure to the equity market as they age. If you are heavily invested in securities, you will need to have enough time to wait for the recovery without taking out funds when the market goes down. The question is: can you reframe from routine withdrawals when you have a depressed portfolio? Remember, you need all securities to stay in the portfolio to take advantage of the recovery. This is why it is better to use fewer volatile investments as you age and to lessen the exposure to securities. Here are five tips to consider when investing in retirement.

1. Set up withdrawals from money market funds only. Do not choose fluctuating investments such as equity funds, income trust funds, balanced funds or even bond funds.

Funding flows into Southeast

Greg Vandermeulen 2 minute read Preview

Funding flows into Southeast

Greg Vandermeulen 2 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

More than $2.4 million for 45 projects will flow into the Southeast as a result of a provincial announcement.

On May 16, the province announced $25 million for 428 community projects across the province through the Building Sustainable Communities Program.

Southeast Manitoba’s share comes to 10.5 percent of all approved projects and 9.7 percent of the total funding.

The grants are available to projects of all sizes, maxing out at $300,000.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

More than $2.4 million for 45 projects will flow into the Southeast as a result of a provincial announcement.

On May 16, the province announced $25 million for 428 community projects across the province through the Building Sustainable Communities Program.

Southeast Manitoba’s share comes to 10.5 percent of all approved projects and 9.7 percent of the total funding.

The grants are available to projects of all sizes, maxing out at $300,000.

COLUMN: Accent on Agriculture – Alberta embraces potatoes

Jim Rae 3 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Accent on Agriculture – Alberta embraces potatoes

Jim Rae 3 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Potato production in Canada is scattered across the country. Prince Edward Island is the largest-producing province, followed by Manitoba and Alberta.

But a huge expansion project will soon change that. The Alberta government has been pouring money into expanding irrigation in southern Alberta in the area between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. More than half a million acres is the potential size when everything is finished.

Water will start as snow or ice in the mountains of Western Alberta, melt into the rivers and head into the dry farmland of southern Alberta. Whatever water is not taken by Alberta farmers will cross the border into Saskatchewan and eventually northern Manitoba. There are regulations that govern how much water can be withdrawn by each province.

To prevent evaporation, a lot of the water storage and transport of the water will be underground. That in itself is one way to get more out of the water available. (The water entering the system and the water crossing the border both remain the same. But the underground storage and transportation of water that would normally be expected to lose a lot because of evaporation results in a lot more water that can be used by Alberta farmers.)

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

Potato production in Canada is scattered across the country. Prince Edward Island is the largest-producing province, followed by Manitoba and Alberta.

But a huge expansion project will soon change that. The Alberta government has been pouring money into expanding irrigation in southern Alberta in the area between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. More than half a million acres is the potential size when everything is finished.

Water will start as snow or ice in the mountains of Western Alberta, melt into the rivers and head into the dry farmland of southern Alberta. Whatever water is not taken by Alberta farmers will cross the border into Saskatchewan and eventually northern Manitoba. There are regulations that govern how much water can be withdrawn by each province.

To prevent evaporation, a lot of the water storage and transport of the water will be underground. That in itself is one way to get more out of the water available. (The water entering the system and the water crossing the border both remain the same. But the underground storage and transportation of water that would normally be expected to lose a lot because of evaporation results in a lot more water that can be used by Alberta farmers.)

Elm Avenue windows smashed, man assulted

Jura McIlraith 2 minute read Preview

Elm Avenue windows smashed, man assulted

Jura McIlraith 2 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

An Elm Avenue resident woke to find his only vehicle’s back windows smashed following the arrest of a suspect.

Mitesh Kumar said he and his family woke up to police knocking on their door in the early hours of May 18.

“We don’t know why it happened and why we got targeted that way,” Kumar said.

Police received multiple calls about windows being broken and yelling outside a home on the street around 1:11 p.m. They saw the suspect running through a back alley. Once the suspect was arrested, police learned that he had also assaulted a male with a weapon.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

JURA MCILRAITH THE CARILLON

Mitesh Kumar puts his plans on hold as he waits for his car window to be fixed following a string of vandalism on May 18. The suspect is now in custody.

COLUMN: Think Again – No need to fear the private sector

Michael Zwaagstra 4 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Think Again – No need to fear the private sector

Michael Zwaagstra 4 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

The province recently announced that it is partnering with a B.C.-based company to deliver virtual financial literacy programming in Manitoba classrooms. Starting next school year, Enriched Academy will provide lessons to about 1,500 Manitoba students on topics such as inflation, mortgages, and interest rates.

Enriched Academy has an impressive track record. Not only does this Canadian company work with major organizations such as the National Police Federation, but it also has active contracts with the governments of Alberta and P.E.I., along with several large school boards across the country. By all accounts, it looks like this partnership will be good for Manitoba students.

However, that didn’t stop the usual detractors from criticizing this announcement. For example, People for Public Education, a lobby group made up primarily of education professors and left-leaning teachers and trustees, posted on social media that the province should have “kept more curriculum consultants in the department of education” since these consultants could have developed “cheaper and long-term options.”

In other words, People for Public Education thinks that government workers could have done a better job of designing financial literacy lessons than a private company that specializes in providing these lessons to students and organizations across Canada. Their suggestion would be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that this group meant it to be taken seriously.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

The province recently announced that it is partnering with a B.C.-based company to deliver virtual financial literacy programming in Manitoba classrooms. Starting next school year, Enriched Academy will provide lessons to about 1,500 Manitoba students on topics such as inflation, mortgages, and interest rates.

Enriched Academy has an impressive track record. Not only does this Canadian company work with major organizations such as the National Police Federation, but it also has active contracts with the governments of Alberta and P.E.I., along with several large school boards across the country. By all accounts, it looks like this partnership will be good for Manitoba students.

However, that didn’t stop the usual detractors from criticizing this announcement. For example, People for Public Education, a lobby group made up primarily of education professors and left-leaning teachers and trustees, posted on social media that the province should have “kept more curriculum consultants in the department of education” since these consultants could have developed “cheaper and long-term options.”

In other words, People for Public Education thinks that government workers could have done a better job of designing financial literacy lessons than a private company that specializes in providing these lessons to students and organizations across Canada. Their suggestion would be laughable if it weren’t for the fact that this group meant it to be taken seriously.

Reynolds passes new budget

Jura McIlraith 1 minute read Preview

Reynolds passes new budget

Jura McIlraith 1 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

The RM of Reynold’s budget will remain relatively unchanged compared to previous years with no plans for large projects in the coming year.

Council passed the $2.2 million budget on May 10. The plan will raise mill rates by 0.14.

A large part of the budget could be taken up by the Prawda water project that could cost up to $600,000 said CAO Kim Furgala. The project aims to supply clean water to the Prawda Water Co-op.

Only half the cost will fall on the RM to cover. The other portion will be funded by the Manitoba Water Services Board. Furgala said only the residents living in the co-op area will have an additional cost to their taxes, not the entire population of the RM.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

The RM of Reynold’s budget will remain relatively unchanged compared to previous years with no plans for large projects in the coming year.

Council passed the $2.2 million budget on May 10. The plan will raise mill rates by 0.14.

A large part of the budget could be taken up by the Prawda water project that could cost up to $600,000 said CAO Kim Furgala. The project aims to supply clean water to the Prawda Water Co-op.

Only half the cost will fall on the RM to cover. The other portion will be funded by the Manitoba Water Services Board. Furgala said only the residents living in the co-op area will have an additional cost to their taxes, not the entire population of the RM.

Lorette basketball player returns to Manitoba

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Lorette basketball player returns to Manitoba

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Carmen Hiebert is back in Manitoba.

The Lorette basketball player is transferring from Douglas College in B.C. to the University of Winnipeg, and will be suiting up for the Wesmen starting this fall. After two years out west, Hiebert has three years of eligibility left in collegiate athletics.

Hiebert said while she enjoyed travelling to play, especially after COVID-19 nearly wiped out her entire grade 11 and 12 basketball seasons, the potential to play at a high-level in front of friends and family was too good to pass up.

“It was time to go home,” she said.

Read
Monday, May. 29, 2023

Carmen Hiebert is back in Manitoba.

The Lorette basketball player is transferring from Douglas College in B.C. to the University of Winnipeg, and will be suiting up for the Wesmen starting this fall. After two years out west, Hiebert has three years of eligibility left in collegiate athletics.

Hiebert said while she enjoyed travelling to play, especially after COVID-19 nearly wiped out her entire grade 11 and 12 basketball seasons, the potential to play at a high-level in front of friends and family was too good to pass up.

“It was time to go home,” she said.

Tipi Joe shares culture with students

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read Preview

Tipi Joe shares culture with students

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Students from Steinbach Regional Secondary School were on hand at the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) on Friday learning about Indigenous life and culture while building a teepee.

The Grade 11 history and ethics students listened to Joe Lanceley, also known as Tipi Joe, as he spoke about the Anishinaabe way of life.

“I saw a lot of people very interested in what he was talking about. A lot of people were asking a lot of questions about it and the awareness he brought up with the teepee,” said student Henz-Khelee Florendo.

“Honestly, I didn’t know that much about the teepee. There’s just so much more about it that I didn’t know about. The way he explains the parts of the teepee and he incorporates everything about it, I think makes a difference (to how we understand Indigenous people) in the long run.”

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON

Steinbach Regional Secondary School history teacher Reid Bouvier stretches a canvas across the “ribs” of a teepee on the grounds of the Mennonite Heritage Village on May 17, 2023.

K.R. Barkman Concerts in the park to kick off new season

Greg Vandermeulen 1 minute read Preview

K.R. Barkman Concerts in the park to kick off new season

Greg Vandermeulen 1 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

The 2023 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park schedule will feature four nights of free music in Steinbach.

A press release from the Steinbach Arts Council, on Tuesday outlined the schedule which kicks off June 1 and ends June 15.

This year LMNK and Crossfire will play June 1, followed by Scott Jodoin & Band and Lights & Kites on June 8. On June 13, The Chammartin Family and P-Noise will take to the stage and rounding off the schedule on June 15 will be Acorns & Armchairs and the Darryl Marsch Band.

The annual event hosted by Steinbach Arts Council with support from the Barkman Concrete Foundation, gives residents a chance to see a variety of local performers as part of the free outdoor concert series.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

GREG VANDERMEULEN CARILLON ARCHIVES

Scott Jodoin, pictured performing in K.R. Barkman Park in 2021, is back on the list of groups taking to the stage as part of the 2023 K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park.

Here come the waterworks

Jura McIlraith 3 minute read Preview

Here come the waterworks

Jura McIlraith 3 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

Amid the hum of electrical equipment and water running through pipes, the mayors of two cities agreed that it’s best to help out a fellow neighbour when possible.

Steinbach mayor Earl Funk and Winkler mayor Henry Siemens along with councillors and city planners toured Pumphouse No. 3, the Steinbach Secondary Water Supply System last Wednesday. The visit aimed to share knowledge and limit mistakes with building projects both cities are developing.

“We found out how similar we are and how well we can operate as friends,” said Funk. “We’ve got to keep the lines of communication open between our cities and that is how we will be successful together.”

Siemens said Winkler is in the midst of planning an expansion for their water plant and wanted to take the opportunity to learn from the precautions and considerations for the future Steinbach has in place.

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

JURA MCILRAITH THE CARILLON

Steinbach mayor Earl Funk and Winkler mayor Henry Siemens hope their shared knowledge will limit mistakes on projects each city is building. The two toured Pumphouse No. 3 last week to learn about its operations.

Steinbach feels like home for new Staff Sgt.

Greg Vandermeulen 6 minute read Preview

Steinbach feels like home for new Staff Sgt.

Greg Vandermeulen 6 minute read Monday, May. 29, 2023

After 25 years in policing, Staff Sgt. Guy Landreville has seen a lot. But one thing he never tires of is being part of an engaged community, one that is willing and eager to take ownership of community safety and shows pride in their homes.

That’s what he’s found in Steinbach, after taking over the top job of Staff Sgt. of the Steinbach detachment in April, a position that opened up following the retirement of former Staff Sgt. Harold Laninga.

“I love it when people get involved,” he said, saying he appreciates when they want to work with the police and are willing to testify when required.

“I think people want to be part of the solution for the few problems we may have here,” he added. “They don’t just turn the blinders on and walk away. They’re very involved in their community and safety’s very important to them.”

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Monday, May. 29, 2023

GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON

Steinbach Staff Sgt. Guy Landreville started his job here in April.

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