Minnedosa Tribune - Jan. 31, 2025

Minnedosa Tribune

FRIENDLY FIRE

DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE

Despite there not being an abundance of snow piled along sidewalks within Minnedosa’s business section on Wednesday, Jan. 22, there was enough for two friends to fire off chunks of snow at each other, bringing smiles to motorists passing by. Snowball fights are a popular winter pastime, allowing friends to let off a little steam on school grounds or throughout the community.

Get ready for Groundhog Day with Manitoba

become a tradition.

As we approach Feb. 2, Groundhog Day is just around the corner! On this day, if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last six more weeks, but if it doesn’t see its shadow, spring will come early!

It is all up to our very own Manitoba Merv! This not-so-

ordinary rodent finger puppet, Manitoba Merv, has been delighting people across Manitoba for over 30 years.

So, who is Manitoba Merv?

Unlike other groundhogs across Canada, Merv isn’t a real critter… instead, he’s a puppet. Merv may not burrow in the ground, but he certainly digs deep into the spirit of Manitoba, offering weather predictions that have

In recent years, Merv has been on quite the prediction streak. Last year, in 2024, he saw his shadow, which meant more winter was on the way – and he was right! The year before, in 2023, he also saw his shadow, and yes, you guessed it, winter lingered on. In 2022, however, Merv did see his shadow, but surprise! Spring arrived early that year! So, can we

really trust Merv? It’s all in good fun!

Various groundhogs across Canada have their own stories to tell – Wiarton Willie from Wiarton, ON, has been making predictions since 1956. Then there’s Shubenacadie Sam from Nova Scotia, Blazak Billy from Alberta, Fred La Marmotte from Quebec, and Groundhog Harvey from Oil Springs, ON. Each of these char-

acters add local flavour to the day and gives communities something to cheer about.

As Feb. 2 approaches, what will Merv predict this year? Who knows, maybe this year he’ll surprise us all with an early spring! Mark your calendars! Let’s see what our puppet friend predicts, and whether or not we should start planning for those first tulips of spring.

Shoal Lake and Virden MASC offices return

RACHEAL FLINTOFT

Minnedosa Tribune

Producers surrounding the Shoal Lake and Virden regions have reason to celebrate as the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) plans to reopen offices to fill a gap in missed services.

These MASC offices reopening come after the closure of 21 regional offices, including Shoal Lake, back in 2021.

“We heard from producers loud and clear that they wanted the in-person service they used to enjoy,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “These new service centres will also help MASC staff to further build relationships with producers, allowing them to better anticipate and respond to their individual needs.”

These centres aim to improve access to important services like insurance, loans, wildlife damage com-

pensation, and more, by bringing them closer to the farming communities.

The plan is set to benefit around 1,600 MASC clients who will now find it easier to reach a service centre, with nearly all clients being within an hour’s drive. This is a significant improvement and a positive step for the agricultural sector in Manitoba.

Local agricultural leaders support this decision.

Jill Verwey of the Keystone Agricultural Producers expressed relief, stating farmers wanted more in-person service options. From the Manitoba Beef Producers, Matthew Atkinson emphasized the value of these services, especially for those needing direct consultation.

The Shoal Lake and Virden offices are expected to open by the end of summer, each staffed with dedicated employees ready to assist the farming community.

50 YEARS OF GIVING

Current and past board members, donors, and grant recipients came together on Sunday, Jan. 19 to celebrate the Minnedosa and District Foundation’s (MDF) 50th Anniversary. A slide show revealed the many projects the MDF has funded since 1974... 125 to be exact, with $1,179,604 being put back into the community since then through grants. Guests heard about the history of the organization and the Fall Intake grant recipients were called up to receive their grants. To mark the occasion $50,000 was given to the Minnedosa Active Living Centre.

NO PATH FORWARD

Assiniboine WestWatershed District decides not to move forward with Ecological Corridor Project after significant opposition

RACHEAL FLINTOFT

Minnedosa Tribune

The ambitious Ecological Corridor Project (ECP), supported by the Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD) has now been cancelled before its inception, leaving many stakeholders, including municipalities and landowners, grappling with the significant challenges it faced.

On Jan. 17, the AWWD board made the difficult decision to abandon the initiative due to overwhelming public concerns and opposition.

“I feel it’s a missed opportunity for investing a million dollars into our local watershed,” stated Ryan Canart, general manager of AWWD. “The number of concerns raised over the program was just insurmountable. I believe that we need to work to being better understood and trusted in the community after all this.”

Once publicizing the ECP, the project sparked conversations and concerns throughout the region, which was mixed with unexpected backlash from the community, according to Canart.

As discussions now shift towards what went wrong, AWWD and its collaborators find themselves questioning their initial approach and strategy.

The ECP emerged from an opportunity presented in May, when AWWD was invited to lead a proposal for recognizing an ecological corridor in the area. The application was filed on June 28, with the timeline being particularly tight. AWWD received notification of funding on Sept. 26, although formal reimbursement awaited the signing of a contribution agreement, which ultimately never occurred. The official announcement came on Nov. 29, indicating a projected timeline that extended until February 2026.

The ECP was designed to improve water quality and support biodiversity through various measures, notably erosion control and enhanced water infiltration in agricultural lands. By focusing on these aspects, the initiative aimed not only to restore ecological balance but also to provide tangible benefits to local farmers.

“Collecting data to better understanding our watershed was a main goal, we intended to build a world class hydrological model to assist flood and drought prepared-

“AWWD has always strived to maximize opportunities for its stakeholders by way of external funding sources. If we had not led this application other conservation minded organizations would have, not applying for this program would have been AWWD not doing its job.”

-Ryan Canart, General Manager, AWWD

manager emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation, resistance persisted.

“These letters had no impact for folks with strong ideologies to the contrary,” Canart said.

Concerns were quickly raised regarding the exclusion of all voices at the discussion table regarding the ECP, particularly those of local farmers and nonIndigenous agricultural producers. Canart quickly recognized this gap, stating, “The plan had always been to engage and seek input from stakeholders, but this process was cut short.”

just goes to show you how much past experiences filter future thinking.”

ness in the watersheds communities,” Canart said. “AWWD has a strong focus on water quality, so working with landowners would have focused on erosion control projects and improving water infiltration in crop lands.”

Canart emphasized that the program had a dual focus on long-term ecological health and agricultural productivity. The project aimed to reduce harmful runoff while increasing crop yields, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable farming economy.

However, the effort faced significant challenges from the outset. The Little Saskatchewan River (LSR) Watershed occupies substantial portions of seven local municipalities – Municipality of Harrison Park, Municipality of Clanwilliam-Erickson, the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Minto Odanah, the Town of Minnedosa, R.M. of Yellowhead, R.M. of Oakview, and the R.M. of Riverdale. Rolling River First Nation, Keeseekoowenin, and the Manitoba Metis Federation were also approached to support the ECP proposal.

Another four municipalities – Rossburn Municipality, R.M. of Rosedale, R.M. of Elton, and the R.M. of Whitehead – all share a very small portion of the LSR but were not approached due to the nature of the project’s lack of impact in their small LSR capacity.

Only four municipalities provided letters of support for the project with the remaining seeking more information before committing, making their reservations very evident. The lack of public consultations further deepened the rift between AWWD and community stakeholders, leaving many feeling excluded from discussions that directly affected their land.

“I underestimated the

level of mistrust and fear surrounding the federal government’s anticipated agenda, First Nations involvement, and that the language on the program website.” Canart said. “Language around Indigenous involvement identified on Parks Canada’s website was open ended and could be interpreted as a pathway to loss of land controls by some.”

Provided by Parks Canada, they stated that, “The National Program for Ecological Corridors will not contribute directly to Canada’s goal of conserving 30 percent of its lands and 30 percent of its waters by 2030. It will, however, connect existing protected and conserved areas, increasing their effectiveness at conserving biodiversity and ecological processes. Ecological corridors offer many cobenefits, which go beyond biodiversity conservation. They help species adapt to climate change, help ensure sustainable livelihoods for local communities, provide opportunities to connect with nature, and promote the coexistence of humans and wildlife.”

The long winded explanation by Parks Canada regarding the 30 by 30 initiative and ecological corridors was bound to create confusion. Furthermore, miscommunication and misunderstood language, particularly around the term “designation,” fueled anxieties about potential loss of land control, leading to an atmosphere of distrust among stakeholders. As clarifications were made, it became evident that many landowners were uncomfortable with the implications of the term, interpreting it as a potential threat to their rights. Canart attempted to emphasize the voluntary nature of the project and the history of successful incentive-based programs

but found these reassurances weak against deeply rooted beliefs.The lack of public consultation played a critical role in the project’s difficulties as well.

“No consultations had even occurred about the corridor project to the public, first nations or otherwise,” Canart admitted.

A significant misstep was the absence of initial public consultations. While AWWD highly values community engagement, no formal discussions had occurred with local farmers, residents, or Indigenous groups before the proposal was pushed forward, possibly due to the tight timeline. The lack of a clear engagement strategy only fueled doubts and fears among stakeholders.

The original approach intended to secure funding and then form a local stakeholder committee to guide engagement, but this crucial step never materialized due to the project’s abrupt halt. The absence of early discussions left many landowners feeling immediately sidelined and apprehensive about the initiative.

Opposition from landowners remained strong, rooted in concerns that the project could further empower environmental regulations at the expense of agricultural practices. For many private landowners, there were goodfaith assurances about the voluntary nature of involvement, yet these reassurances had little impact on those holding strong opinions against the project.

“At first, I tried to rest on our track record and history of the watershed district, aligning our efforts with farmers,” Canart explained. “We have delivered volunteer incentive-based programs for decades and don’t have a mandate of anything else.”

Despite providing written documents from the program

Misinformation quickly spread, and the failure to establish a comprehensive consultation strategy hampered the project’s credibility among landowners. On account, there were significant concerns raised by the community, proving overwhelming at times to rein in. Although AWWD has unintentionally experienced a step back in public perception, Canart remains hopeful for future projects.

“The best way to protect agriculture is to be proactive. We need to showcase how conservation and agriculture can grow and prosper together,” Canart said. “The fastest way to invite more restrictive ag policy is to further destroy the ecological health of the watershed. The best way to push back against restrictive ag policy is to show how we can maintain and improve environmental indicators while maintaining a healthy rural farming economy.We have examples of this… the corridor project would have helped repair some damages and built tools to tell this story.”

The notion that environmental health is fundamentally linked to agricultural sustainability is statistically true, making the aim to avoid ecological degradation the key to preventing more restrictive agricultural policies in the future.

As the dust settles on this initiative, Canart has acknowledged the need for AWWD to focus on regaining the community’s trust and addressing concerns.

“I have been told repeatedly that it’s not about us, it’s about them (federal government), and most specifically Parks Canada, who is being questioned,” Canart explained. “Having worked in Miniota my whole career, I was not aware of the animosity exhibited by some toward the national park. It

Moving forward, Canart is determined to prioritize clearer communication, inclusivity, and transparency in any potential conservation efforts. He acknowledges that gaining the trust of the community will require time and consistent dialogue, ensuring that all voices – especially those of local landowners – are heard and valued in the decisionmaking process. Likewise, Canart sees the importance of addressing misconceptions head-on, particularly regarding federal initiatives and their impact on land use.

One thing is truly apparent… the loss of the ECP demonstrates the complexities involved in balancing conservation goals with the interests and values of local communities. While the outcome is disheartening, it also opens the door for reflection and learning.

“Every setback offers a lesson,” Canart added. “We aim to ensure that moving forward, conservation initiatives reflect the aspirations and needs of the community.”

As a leader in this initiative, Canart had envisioned a project that would have helped landowners build more resilient and profitable agricultural enterprises.

“As a land manager, myself, I believe that working with and as close to within the laws of nature is our best path forward.”

Overall, the ECP’s downfall was intricately tied to communication failures and public perception, with the term “designation” becoming a flashpoint for many.

AWWD plans to reconvene with community members to share insights from this project and seek guidance on how to move forward collaboratively. The commitment to fostering a sustainable future for both the environment and agriculture remains strong, with the aim of transforming challenges into opportunities for growth within the community.

“AWWD has always strived to maximize opportunities for its stakeholders by way of external funding sources,” Canart said. “If we had not led this application other conservation minded organizations would have. Not applying for this program would have been AWWD not doing its job.”

Eliminating printer use little by little

Dear Heloise: I just found a way to use the address labels that nonprofits send you for donating to their charities. I recently moved to a retirement village and had to change my address. Since I don’t write many checks, I failed to realize that I still had lots of preprinted checks that list my old address on the front. To eliminate the time and charge for printing another set of checks that list my current/correct address, I merely covered the old checks with one of those address labels. – Cookie, via email

TALKING TO YOUR TEENAGER

Dear Heloise: One of the best hints I’ve ever heard concerns how to deal with an emotional teenager. I’m quick to offer my opinion, or if I’m lacking one, my rote response is: “I don’t know what to tell you!” Both responses never went over well with my daughter. Now I say, “Would you like me to listen? Or would you like my advice?” My daughter has expressed relief that she can ask me to simply listen to her and keep my opinions to myself! –Bobbie Carey, San Clemente, CA SLOWLY CURBING FINGERNAIL BITING

Dear Heloise: I would like to respond to Cynthia P., in Delaware, about fingernail biting. I, too, used to bite my nails constantly. They were bitten down past the quick and really ugly. I tried to quit but was unable to do it because most of the time, I had no clue that my fingers were in my mouth. And the nastytasting stuff that I bought in the store didn’t work because the bad taste didn’t bother me. My husband didn’t really nag me about my nails, but I knew that they bothered him a lot. So, I finally decided to do something about it. I decided to quit one nail at a time. I would go ahead and bite my nails all except for one. Once this nail was long and pretty looking, I quit biting another, then another, until I finally had quit altogether.

It took a long time, but it was worth it. I now have nice-looking nails, and they aren’t fake! I am in my 70s, and I was in my late 30s when I quit biting my nails. –Karen Mack, Bella Vista, AK COFFEE GROUNDS

Dear Heloise: I dropped my coffee container and spilled grounds all over the floor. Is there something useful I can do with the grounds that spilled? – Phyllis, A Faithful Reader, via email Phyllis, you can place them in your garden. Acidloving plants will be en-

BUSINESS

Hints from Heloise

hanced with coffee grounds in their soil. However, it’s best to mix the coffee grounds with some organic material such as soil or compost material. The coffee grounds release nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and small amounts of boron, calcium, copper and iron.

If you have azaleas, blue berries, camellias, hydran geas, rhododendrons or roses, you’ll help them flourish with coffee grounds. – Heloise SQUIRREL

FOOD

Dear Heloise: A recent col umn included a letter about squirrel food. You wrote to never feed a squirrel cashews, sunflower seeds, dried corn or pine nuts. I’ve been feeding my squirrels corn, cashews and sunflower seeds. I was under the impression that these were good for them. I have been feeding my backyard group of squirrels these products for some time now, and so far, the little furry guys seem to be doing okay. –Cody N., in San Antonio, TX Cody, the debate about whether to give sunflower seeds and/or corn to squirrels is ongoing. Corn isn’t high in nutritional value, and many sunflower seeds have salt, which can cause kidney problems for squirrels. Sunflower seeds also lack a number of vitamins that squirrels need.

Anything containing onions or garlic can irritate their digestive system. Chocolate contains thobromine, which can kill a squirrel. After doing some research, I found that birdseed mix isn’t recommended because it contains corn. Squirrels will eat birdseed mix, but it’s not recommended.

However, squirrels love carrots and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts and pecans. They will also eat broccoli, peas, yellow squash and zucchini. Do not feed Brazil nuts, chestnuts or cashews (which are actually legumes) to squirrels. If your little colony of squirrels is doing well, then you must be doing something right. My group of squirrels love fruit, so I chop up apples, berries, pears and other fruit to keep them happy and out of the bird feeder. – Heloise

COMMUNITY ACTION

Minnedosa Lions Club initiative leads to creation of new lifesaving emergency landing pad for STARS helicopter in community

DONALD BERGER Minnedosa Tribune

A critically ill patient was successfully medevaced from Minnedosa to Winnipeg on Jan. 3 thanks to a new helicopter landing pad arranged by the Minnedosa Lions Club. The project, spearheaded by Lion Michael Archbutt, highlights the club’s dedication to community service and underscores the vital role of collaboration in emergency care.

The new landing pad initiative began in February 2024 when Lion Archbutt identified a critical need for a suitable landing site for the STARS helicopter. Existing options were either too far from the hospital or denied by air traffic control. The Town of Minnedosa was initially approached regarding the pressing issue but could not find a viable solution. The initial sites were not suitable as being too far away and the site at the hospital was denied by air traffic control.

Recognizing the urgency and significance of the situation, the Lions Club compassionately stepped in to help address this critical need. After exploring potential sites, Lion Margaret McLenehan proposed a location in a hay field owned by Gerald Sparrow. A suitable site has to have room in two directions,

be fairly level and have easy access to the hospital. This site offered ample space, proximity to a driveway, and a mere three-minute drive to the hospital. The site was approved and prepared for use following negotiations involving the Lions Club, Gerald Sparrow, the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of Minto-Odanah, and STARS.

Having a dedicated landing pad has revitalized the STARS program’s operations in Minnedosa, which the lack of an approved site had previously hampered. The STARS pilots have praised the pad’s suitability, the support from local emergency teams, and the hospitality provided during their downtime.

“As I was the one to suggest that they land in front of

our house be assessed for use and permitting the use of our driveway I feel particularly gratified by the success of this project,” Margaret McLenehan shared. “This shows that the Lions club contributes in a real and very tangible way to the betterment of the lives of the people in Minnedosa.”

One of the primary challenges faced was organizing a reliable snow removal system to maintain year-round operations at the site. The R.M. of Minto-Odanah proactively managed this critical task. They implemented a comprehensive snow removal strategy, ensuring the pad remained clear and accessible even during the harshest winters. This effort was essential for the safety of those using the site and for minimizing

disruptions to operations caused by heavy snowfall and icy conditions, ensuring optimal functionality throughout winter.

A STRATEGIC LOCATION

The new landing site is located in a low-density area, facilitating quick and safe landings and takeoffs for the STARS helicopter. Its proximity to the hospital has dramatically enhanced the efficiency of emergency medical transports. This was notably demonstrated on Jan. 3, when a critical patient was transferred from Minnedosa to St. Boniface Hospital in under an hour.

On the day of the medevac, the STARS helicopter arrived at approximately 1:30 p.m., where Fire and Rescue

and the ambulance service met it. These teams assisted with the controlled landing, the transport of medical equipment, and the transfer of the flight doctor, nurse, and paramedic to the hospital. The patient was stabilized and swiftly returned to the helicopter for transport to Winnipeg.

Fire and rescue along with the ambulance service provided assistance with the transport of equipment and personnel to the hospital and back as well as safe landing and departure of the helicopter. Because this pad is in a hay field moving the stretcher with all the equipment and patient across the snow pack was heavy lifting. This transport would have been extremely difficult without their assistance.

“As this was a team effort there was no one individual that stood out from the others,” McLenehan added. “However, the project would not have been successful without the work of Lion Michael Archbutt, the generous donation of the land by Sparrow, the R.M. of MintoOdanah and the collaboration with STARS pilot Andrew.”

“WE SERVE”

The Minnedosa Lions Club is part of District 5M-13, meeting on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at

63 Main St. N. in Minnedosa. Guided by the motto “We Serve”, the club works tirelessly to meet the needs of the local community and beyond. Since its inception in 1917, Lions Clubs International has been committed to fighting blindness, supporting youth, and aiding in disaster relief efforts.

The Minnedosa Lions Club continues this tradition through local initiatives and fundraising projects, such as: the Pancake Breakfast held annually on the Saturday of the fair to raise funds for essential causes; partnering with the Town of Minnedosa to supply playground equipment at Hornsby Park; the 200 Club Draw; the annual high school bursary; and volunteer hours spent working at Rockin’ the Fields, to name a few.

These projects, along with their support for the STARS program, exemplify the Lions’ commitment to serving their community.

The Lions Club is always looking for new members to help with community initiatives.

“Join the Club,” McLenehan said to those interested in making a difference.

The Lions Club’s efforts to improve local resources and support emergency care are a testament to the power of community-driven action.

Friday, January 31, 2025

Letters to the editor: editor@minnedosatribune.com

Hockey teaches how to work in a team setting

First it wasn’t the extreme cold warning with wind chills peaking at -50°C Monday morning (Jan. 20) but the blizzard warning that shut down a number of events on Friday night leading into the weekend, that caused a little chaos.

As the kitchen convenor/ manager of the Shoal Lake Communi-plex one would think I would be happy, however, with the mind and body preparing for another Friday night battle at the local rink over the course of the week, it was disappointing. A personal goal wasn’t achieved!

The males may have been put on the sideline, with their game against the Big Bad Bruins of Winnipeg, cancelled due to the blizzard, however their counterparts (female) –both the U15 and U18 teams –played two games each on Jan. 18 and 19.

It’s grand to see that the Yellowhead U15 Female

Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN

Chiefs have built a solid, winning team this season backed by the philosophy of the 7 C’s: 1). Coaching, 2). Character, 3). Communication, 4). Commitment, 5). Contagious Energy, 6). Caring, 7). Consistency.

Coached by Tori Murphy (nee Eilers) (head coach), Karli Frederick (assistant), Sydney Murray (assistant) –all three graduates of the Yellowhead Chiefs program –

and Greg Facey (assistant), management is covered by Stephanie Malcolm and Steven Malcolm.

The roster consists of a number of players from the region: Alexis Duncan –Strathclair; Braylynn McAuley – McAuley; Halle Gray – Elkhorn; Kennedy Kyle – Elkhorn; Hadley Bryant – Miniota; Addison Luhowy – Rossburn, Karina Wither – Neepawa; Chloe Facey – Hamiota; Haley Chipelski – Foxwarren; Teagan Knight – Hamiota; Hayla Matheson – Russell; Brylegh Barnes – Elkhorn; Kimberlee Malcolm – Elkhorn; Avery McGonigal – Hamiota; Averi Jury – Eden; Madison Fleury – Minnedosa; and Pyper Rapley – Kenton.

Whatever this team –along with the Yellowhead U18 Female Chiefs –have accomplished hasn’t gone unnoticed by parents, grandparents, fellow family members,

and fans. Action in terms of good ole Canadian hockey is unleashed on home ice at the Shoal Lake Communi-plex, and teams as a whole, would cherish additional support from area communities. Female hockey, starting from the minor hockey ranks, is here to stay, and as a fan, I couldn’t be happier.

Both Yellowhead teams are always in it to win it and standings truly show it. As I wrote this column, the U15s were in a two-way tie for second place in the Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League. The Chiefs and Eastman Selects each had 28 points, three back of the first place Pembina Valley Hawks. Heading north for two games against the Norman Wild this past weekend, they should have come home with an additional four points thanks to two wins.

Although no Chiefs’ teams took to the ice in Shoal Lake

over the dates of Jan. 24 to 26, the rink was a hive of activity thanks to development camps of younger age groups and the Shoal Lake Curling Club’s bonspiel.

The presence of my father, the late Joe Nesbitt, captivates my spirit and soul when I walk through the doors of the arena. He, too, was a dedicated hockey fan – a diehard of the Shoal Lake Eagles senior and minor hockey teams, as well as Dave Keon and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

“Hockey is a unique sport in the sense that you need each and every guy helping each other and pulling in the same direction to be successful.” – Wayne Gretzky

From my personal perspective that quote covers plenty of sporting situations. No matter if it’s a baseball, softball, or a hockey team, every player has a role to play. Sitting on the bench doesn’t uplift spirits.

“You need a lot of leaders, but a hockey team needs a voice, not only in the community, but more importantly between the coaching staff and the players. There are always ups and downs in a season. –Joe Sakic

Should you be a member of the U15 or U18 male teams under the Yellowhead region banner, remember… Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –, You may succeed with another blow. Success is failure turned inside out –, The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell just how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –, It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.” (Words of John Greenleaf Whittier)

And I leave you this week, by saying, the heart and soul of every team are hockey moms!

The Ecological Corridor program:lessons learned and a path forward

Mercifully, the Assiniboine West Watershed District has made the decision not to sign a contribution agreement with Parks Canada for a $1 million grant to deliver programming within the federal government’s Ecological Corridor program framework. This ends a monthslong, divisive battle between a rapidly expanding group of local agricultural producers, known as the Manitoba Land Stewards Inc. (MLS), and the Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD).

The conflict has raged on since last fall, with the intensity increasing to a fever pitch leading up to an eventful Town Hall Meeting in Erickson last week (Jan. 15) where hundreds of concerned citizens and landowners packed the town’s Legion Hall to hear presentations from the MLS and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF). The rural community has been divided, feelings have been hurt, and damage has been done to all involved.

Unsurprisingly, the blame-game has begun, with some pointing fingers at the Manitoba Land Stewards and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation as the cause of all this heartache. Normally, all parties can claim some fault in situations like this.

Sorry, not this time.

The Ecological Corridor program was doomed from the start. Only a federal bureaucracy, sequestered in an office in a city far, far away could possibly have thought it was a good idea to place the Ecological Corridor program under the banner of

Letter

Parks Canada. The Corridor program is functionally a private-land agricultural conservation program, it just didn’t know it. It seems obvious that the federal folks out east who designed the Corridor program didn’t think of it from an agricultural producer perspective, which was their first mistake.

Nor would federal policy experts from far away realize that Parks Canada has a long and somewhat difficult relationship with landowners south of Riding Mountain Park, including, among other things, attempting to create a sort of “buffer zone” around the parks many years ago. Landowners have a long memory, and those feathers are still ruffled to this day.

Agriculture Canada, or Environment and Climate Change Canada would have been better choices to lead the Corridor program. Moreover, an institution like Agriculture Canada knows how to talk to farmers and is in the business of producing documents for agricultural producers. Regrettably, when it comes to rural landowners, the Parks Canada documentation for the Corridor simply could not have been worse in our view.

The program materials were hyper focused on species at risk and spoke of what “compatible activities” would be allowed within the Corridor with no clear indication of what that actually meant, only repeated refer-

ences to the need for “regulatory mechanisms.” All scary stuff for agricultural producers, so it’s no wonder there was pushback.

Perhaps the most surprising part was the AWWD’s response to the push-back. Repeatedly and systematically, the concerns of landowners were framed as “unfounded”. Minimizing your customer’s feelings are never a good approach, especially when your business relies on private land access.

Watershed Districts are chronically under-funded, so nobody can blame them for chasing federal grants to do work in their area. We can imagine that the allure of a $1 million grant from the federal government must explain how the AWWD continued to push forward when it was clear landowners were not comfortable and did not trust Parks Canada as the lead agency.

On the Corridor, questions were asked, and good answers never came. Not surprising when the nearest contact from Parks Canada for the Corridor was in Que-

bec. The lack of timely, solid information added to the growing fears, and well, here we are.

So, what now?

Trust is everything when it comes to doing conservation in rural, agricultural communities. It is hard to establish but easy to lose. So, it’s paramount now that everyone let bygones-bebygones and remember that we were all put in a bad position here by a program that essentially guaranteed a bad outcome for all involved.

We would all do well to remember that the Watershed District has always been a great organization with a solid communitybased model for conservation. The last thing we need to do now is to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Yes, the District should do some soul searching too and understand why it took this so far over a single federal grant, and we hope they will.

The Corridor program focused heavily on the need for Indigenous leadership

and laws, even though the land is vastly privately owned. But let’s please all remember that it wasn’t our Indigenous friends who designed this federal program which excluded meaningful engagement for farmers.

Lord knows Indigenous communities know better than anybody what it’s like to be excluded from planning. We look forward to reaching out to Indigenous communities to start a new dialogue without government interference.

The Corridor is stopped, and the sun rises on a new day. Federal winds of

change are blowing. Regardless of who is running the country next, we all have an opportunity for a new national conservation strategy that brings us all together instead of dividing us. A conservation re-start is needed, with a focus on good engagement for all involved. Let’s hope conservation groups and new government leaders learn from what went wrong in western Manitoba because we all need conservation.

Rob Olson, M.N.R.M Senior Science Advisor Manitoba Wildlife Federation

Local citizens presented Healthy Aging awards

DARRELL NESBITT

Minnedosa Tribune

Two outstanding people known in the Erickson area were presented with a Manitoba Healthy Aging Award (MHAA). The award recognizes Manitobans aged 65 and older who have made an outstanding voluntary contribution to improve the health and well-being of older adults as they age in their homes and communities.

“Our seniors are the pillars of the strong and prosperous Manitoba we know today. Their wisdom, resilience, and dedication continue to inspire us and shape the future of our province,” said Uzoma Asagwara, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care of Manitoba. “These awards are for Manitobans dedicated to supporting safe and healthy aging in their communities.”

Awards were presented in three categories… The Older Adult of the Year award recognizes older adults who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in advocating for seniors in their communities. The Healthy and Active Living Ambassador Award recognizes older adults helping their peers stay physically active and healthy. Lastly, the

Intergenerational Impact Award recognizes the voluntary contributions of Manitobans that have created innovative solutions to improve the health of older adults in the community through meaningful intergenerational activities.

The 2024 award recipients included Elvin Huntinghawk of Rolling River First Nation and Mary Nichols of Erickson under the Older Adult of the Year category. Both have given back to their communities and worthy of the award, as noted in their nomination application.

ELVIN HUNTINGHAWK

At Rolling River First Nation, located near Erickson, Elvin Huntinghawk played an important role in organizing an Elders council for the community. Each elder had their own teachings to give to their children and Elvin provided structure to their gatherings, recording their discussions and giving a voice to the Elders that could be passed on to chief and council. Today, Elvin is the chairperson of the Elders council, working proactively to address complaints, and in turn, making elders calling RRFN home, feel they are important and valued.

Keeping seniors in mind, he has started an initiative to address housing issues, recognizing many of the First Nation’s houses are older and have inadequate insulation.

An initiative by Elvin sees the Band assist in covering costs for heating seniors’ homes, providing wood for those using a wood stove, and paying electricity bills, allowing seniors to stay in their homes for as long as possible.

Elvin also is a director on the local Services to Seniors’ program, which creates housing for seniors with needs to leave the First Nation to take up residence in the neighbouring town of Erickson.

Noted as a gentle thoughtful man who can see beyond himself, he understands a community connection is re-

quired to make it a better place.

MARY NICHOLS

A part-time resource coordinator for Services to Seniors and a full-time volunteer, Mary Nichols has become the go-to-person in the community of Erickson.

Knowing the community is not truly age-friendly. Nichols works hard to help seniors to understand and navigate public systems, lends time to assure seniors will advocate for themselves and their needs.

A specific challenge in Erickson is a lack of services available locally. Seniors need assistance with things like transportation, but she also shares information and helps arrange everything from cleaning support, finding

handy people to do small household jobs.

Her presence has helped not only permanent but also seasonal residents stay in their homes and/or cottages longer while being a prominent citizen of Erickson, filling many roles in making a difference.

In recent years, she has also travelled to Rolling River First Nation to make sure they had the services and support needed, as well.

Other winners in this cate-

gory were Bruce Jorgenson of Gilbert Plains, Jean Marshall of Woodlands, and Jane Tully of Portage la Prairie. On a regional basis, fellow award winners embodying the spirit of healthy aging, resilience, and community engagement were… 90-year-old Frances Hutton of Foxwarren, who achieved an Intergeneration Impact award, and Judi Bewer of Winnipeg, formerly of Birtle, in the Healthy and Active Living Ambassador category.

Rolling River School Division

Personality impacts your heart health

Q: My cardiologist has cautioned me about letting my worries about my health and other things weigh too heavily on me. Not easy to do. What do you suggest? – Stuart T., University Heights, OH

A: Health is always a blend of physical, emotional and social well-being. When you have a chronic condition like cardiovascular disease (CVD) or coronary artery disease (CAD), emotional upset, social isolation, and even an inability to express your feelings can increase stress, affect blood pressure, boost bodywide inflammation, encourage poor nutritional decisions and promote sedentary behavior –all of which worsen heart woes.

A study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology recently explored this link between personality and heart health. The research shows that when a person has CAD and is a Type D personality (we’ll explain in a minute) their risk of a cardiac event over the next three years increases significantly. Another interesting finding of the study: If you have heart disease and your spouse is a Type D personality, that too increases your chances of an adverse cardiac event! If you are both Type D? That’s a double whammy.

What is a Type D personality? It’s one that is associated with depression, anxiety, and social inhibition (you’re not expressive of your emotions or connected to a supportive posse).

So, what can you do to lighten the load of negative emotions and resulting behav-

iors? Talking to a therapist can be helpful. It is also important to work with your cardiologist to design an exercise regime. It makes a positive mood more likely as it improves physical health. And we bet that adopting an antiinflammatory diet will improve your outlook and health, too. This is not something you can do alone – and you don’t have to. We’re here to lend support and advice so you can take positive steps forward. Sign up for the free newsletter at LongevityPlaybook.com and explore the heart health info at iHerb.com/blog/hearthealth.

Q: I have slightly high LDL cholesterol and am concerned with my gut health (it acts up). What is the best diet choice for me? – Donna H., Denver, CO

A: No matter what your health concerns are, some nutritional and food choices are generally smart for everyone – avoid added sugars and syrups, skip red meats and fullfat dairy, ditch highly proc-

essed foods, and opt for fatty fish such as salmon and lots of fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. In short, the Mediterranean diet serves most people a big dish of wellness. But certain diets may help address specific health concerns.

A recent U.S. News and World Report analysis of various diets says that for gut health, in addition to the Mediterranean diet, the DASH, MIND, Flexitarian and vegan diets are the most beneficial. What they have in common is the ability to nurture a healthy gut biome, in-

crease fiber and phytonutrient intake, cool inflammation and help achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Those five diets are also the premium ones for achieving a healthy LDL cholesterol level – plus there’s the TLC or Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet. It was developed by the NIH National Cholesterol Education Program and combines diet with physical activity and weight management – something we think is essential for maximum results.

These findings echo what we’ve been saying for years –

BURGESS

51 Main Street S. Minnedosa 204-867-2935

minnedosa@burgesslawofffice.net

Jonathan Richert, LLB

just check out our book “You: On a Diet, the Owner’s Manual to Waist Management, revised.” The food choices you make – along with physical activity and forming a posse and a purpose – are essential ingredients in preventing or reversing many chronic conditions.

So, take a look at what is in your fridge and on your kitchen shelves. Identify the items you are not going to replace (sugary drinks and snacks, red and processed red meats, food with ingredient labels you can’t decipher).

Then make a shopping list of your new healthier diet choices -- and get cooking with Dr. Mike’s “The What to Eat When Cookbook.”

Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevity playbook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world’s leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1’s).

Wasagaming RCMP lay two charges, recover stolen vehicle

On Jan. 20, Neepawa RCMP received a call that a vehicle stolen out of Winnipeg was tracked to a location in Neepawa.

Officers attended but the vehicle was no longer there. An update received placed the vehicle travelling towards Onanole. Dauphin, Neepawa and Wasagaming RCMP officers as well as Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) began to make their way to that location.

Police located the suspect vehicle at a business on Wapati Drive in Onanole with two male occupants. The officer was able to place the driver under arrest without incident, but as he was placing the suspect in the police vehicle, the passenger fled on foot. PDS Marook was able to track and locate the suspect a short distance away and he was placed under arrest.

A 28-year-old male of Saskatoon, SK is charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000. A 25-year-old male of Steinbach is charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Resist Arrest and was found to have an outstanding Warrant of Arrest out of Winnipeg. Both were released for a later court date.

The investigation continues.

On Jan. 23, Steinbach RCMP received a report of a possible parental abduction involving two female children (12, 8) who were supposed to be picked up at school by their father earlier this date.

The father, a 47-year-old male from the Rural Municipality (R.M.) of La Broquerie, advised that his wife, 45, had left with the two children and he believed they were attempting to leave the country. The preliminary investigation uncovered that the mother and her two children were last determined to be at the Winnipeg International Airport at around 1:20 p.m. and discovered that they had boarded a flight heading to Toronto. Shortly before 8:00 p.m., the mother and her two children were located by the Peel Regional Police Service at the Toronto Pearson International Airport attempting to board a flight destined to Turkey.

The 45-year-old female was taken into police custody on charges of Parental Abduction where arrangements will be made for her to be transported back to Manitoba for court. The two children were placed into care and will be returned back to Manitoba. RCMP continue to investigate.

On Jan. 16, as part of a joint investigation, Dauphin RCMP detachment and Manitoba RCMP Cyber & Financial Crime Unit (CFCU) arrested and charged a 40year-old female of R.M. of Grandview.

Since 2022, the female, who was the former Chief Administrative Officer, has been under investigation after a fraud complaint was made by the Gilbert Plains Municipality. The complaint alleged that she had defrauded the Municipality of upwards of $500,000 while employed. The investigation involved numerous witness statements, along with the obtaining and review of extensive financial records and other reports. She has been charged with Fraud over $5,000, Theft over $5,000 and Use of Proceeds Knowing it was Obtained by the Commission of an Offence.

“Any time you have an investigation of this duration that reaches the charge stage it’s a major milestone. However, the work is not complete,” said Constable Ricky Perkins, Manitoba RCMP Cyber & Financial Crime Unit. “We realize for the people affected; a lengthy investigation can feel as if there is no progress being made. In reality, there are many investigative steps taking place behind the scenes, and we’ll continue to work with the Dauphin RCMP Detachment until it’s conclusion.”

RECREATION 101

DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE

The owner of this fishing shack – well situated with all the necessities, including satellite – knows how to enjoy a day relaxing while awaiting a nibble on the end of the line. This home away from home is among the shelters placed on the frozen body of water known as Sandy Lake, which offers pristine catches and views over the summer. Ice fishing contests on area lakes bring friends and neighbours together with a modest number of contestants and prizes.

The hush, shush, and swoosh of winter

Now that we are, once again, in the heart of darkness… err I mean mid-winter, I am reminded of the seasonal sounds that occur around us. Or perhaps it’s the lack of sound, for winter is the season when a hush falls over the land. At least in rural Manitoba.

Occasionally, Rae and I have had the chance to travel outside Canada, often to places filled with people and their noises. Readers who have travelled to Mexico will understand what I mean. The sound of buses and trucks without mufflers, the crowing of roosters and barking of dogs, and the music from a hundred taxis and restaurants fills the air.

Upon returning home, the silence of our house can be deafening. I find my ears straining to pick up the smallest sound, attempting to reassure my brain that I haven’t been suddenly struck deaf.

The out-of-doors, similarly, can be filled with silence. On a calm day our winter world can be impressively, or perhaps oppressively, quiet. The snow dampens the sound and, given that most people are tucked up in-

Ken

MOMENTS IN RMNP

doors during the winter, there are few sounds to break the silence.

This eerie muted world can take some getting used to, and as I say, it can feel slightly uncomfortable to be traipsing about without a single sound to be heard other than your boots squeaking in the snow. When it gets very cold, the quiet deepens further. Even at a busy birdfeeder, most of the birds’ sounds are muffled as if their desire to stay warm trumps the urge to communicate. Or perhaps they are afraid that their calls will freeze in mid-air?

Chickadees quietly lisp their “dee dee” greeting, the

woodpeckers tap at the trees with more restraint, and the flocks of evening grosbeaks are muted. Ravens, with their wide range of calls, seem to prefer the quiet as they fly over.

Inevitably, the cold weather breaks its hold, and when the temperatures warm, sounds suddenly abound. It’s as if the birds are saving up all their calls just to rejoice in the warming weather. So much so that there are times when I just want to say shush.

This particularly applies to blue jays and red squirrels. Minding my own business when working outside, it isn’t unusual to be suddenly scolded by squirrels and irate jays. And they just won’t shut their yaps.

In a rare fit of huffiness on my part, Rae has looked out the window on more than one occasion just in time to witness me throwing snowballs at the irritating local red squirrels. This rarely causes these beasts to shush. In fact, it seems to encourage them to make more noise, with their squeaking, hissing, and angry stomping of little feet high up in a tree, well beyond any throw I can muster

Maamawi Park a popular spot in Dauphin

Dauphin: The Herald –Maamawi Park is proving to be a popular destination for those looking for some outdoor winter fun, and fills in the idea of a toboggan run in Dauphin, nicely. Committee member, Jarri Thompson, said the committee has been working diligently for the last four years to make the park a reality. With Maamawi meaning together in Ojibwe language, the committee felt it was fitting to have the community come up with the logo design.

Russell: The Banner – A western Manitoba First Nation, which had one-fifth ownership stake in the province’s first potash mine company near Russell, is no longer a stakeholder in the venture. While Gambler First Nation is no longer a 20 percent equity partner with the Potash and Agri Development Corporation of Manitoba (PADCOM), Gambler still continues to be in the profit sharing, said PADCOM president, Daymon Guillas.

Boissevain: The Recorder

– Although fluoridation has had some high profile challenges lately, BoissevainMorton is one of the communities that still adds fluoride to its water. Critics have argued the practice can cause

Paper Clips

health problems if people are exposed to large amounts. They point to issues such as bone damage and arthritis.

Among the firm believers in the benefits of fluoride is Dr. Danielle Mansfield, who operates dental clinics in Boissevain and Killarney under the Turtle Mountain Dental Group. It’s her belief that fluoride is very effective in tooth decay.

Dauphin: The Herald –Mountain View School Division was one of numerous school divisions across the country affected by a security beach involving software used to store student information. The U.S.-based program Power School indicated it suffered a data breach between Dec. 22 and 28, 2024. Many school divisions across North America use this program to store “a range of student information and a limited amount of school based staff information.

Whitewood: Grasslands News – A TikTok influencer surprised Tara Carter and her family of Kipling, SK, while vacationing in Anaheim, CA. While walking to the arena to

view the Anaheim Ducks NHL team in game action, they were approached to buy a stuffed duck for a dollar, and while at first it was declined, the purchase netted $1,000 and upgraded seats to front row.

Then Zachery Dereniowski upped the $1,000 to $10,000, but citing Tara grew up poor, she felt the decision to give the money up, was the right one. The lucky guy was selling hot dogs by the arena. That $10,000 made a huge difference, netting 1.6 million views.

Treherne: The Times –Team Kaitlyn Lawes, a wellknown curling team hailing from Manitoba, visited the Treherne Curling Club on Jan. 3, attracting a large audience. The visit was on behalf of Parrish & Heimbecker.

Moosomin: The World Spectator – Saskatchewan Health Covered Population numbers for 2024 show continued growth in southeast Saskatchewan, with the community of Moosomin leading the way in growth across the region. The number of active Saskatchewan health cards in the Moosomin Region is 17,500 in 2024, up 701 or 4.17 percent from the total of 16,799 in 2012. Moosomin has put a focus on growth for the last few years.

with my aging spaghetti arms.

If you think I’m just being a crank, you’re probably right. In my defence, though, these noisiest of animals seem to always make their presence known just as I am trying to hear the soft calls of a kinglet or brown creeper, or zero in on the soft tip-tap of a black-backed woodpecker.

Silence isn’t always golden, of course. I have written in the past on how I use the strident calls of blue jays to home in on sleeping owls or roving weasels as they are mobbed by the angry birds. I guess what I am really asking is for a little restraint.

And finally, swoosh. Rae and I are enthusiastic snowshoers and cross-country skiers. As activities, they get us out in even the coldest weather, when silence reigns supreme. Sliding or tromping along the trails allows us to enjoy the quiet, when often the only sound is the clink of ski poles, the crunch of snowshoes, or the creaking of trees in the wind.

Occasionally, when it is snowing, the winter silence is even deeper. It is at these

times, when slipping along a darkening forest trail at the end of the day, that I recite the Robert Frost poem “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” to myself. Its rhymes and rhythm lend themselves perfectly with gliding skis or the steps of a snowshoe-bound moccasin.

Inevitably, even at the quietest times, the silence is broken by the distant whine of a snowmobile or the crackling hiss of a jet flying high overhead. Which serve to remind me that I have a warm house to return to … and maybe I’ll turn up the tunes while we make supper. Thanks to Adrien Clemen for sending me a text abou crows and robins in Dauphin and for the questions from David Gamey about wild tur keys. I enjoy hearing from readers, and while I don’t a ways have the answers t your questions (more lik rarely), it’s fun to take a div down a rabbit hole, so t speak, in the search for infor mation.

Ken Kingdon lives in th heart of the Riding Mountai Biosphere Reserve. Send him a text at 204.848.5020 if yo have stories to share.

Email us yoursports news: editor@minnedosatribune.com

Chiefs down Hawks in overtime

The Yellowhead Chiefs earned two points in a pair of Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League games on the road over the weekend.

The last place Chiefs improved to 7-28-1, but are still a point back of the Central Plains Capitals.

WPG.BRUINS 7

CHIEFS 0

Jackson Hoes was tested just 10 times as he recorded the shutout in a 7-0 win by the Bruins over the Chiefs in Winnipeg on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Connor Vandal scored twice for the hosts, who led 20 and 7-0 at the intermissions. Single markers came off the sticks of Lucas Boulanger, Sage Dela Cruz, Shea Rollason, Kingston Gunn and Antonio Correia,

Cole Lelond and Connor Rapley combined to make 33 saves between the pipes for Yellowhead.

CHIEFS 5

PEMBINA VALLEY 4 (OT)

Riley Swereda scored at 1:58 of overtime to give the Chiefs a 5-4 win over the Hawks in Morden on Friday, Jan. 24.

The Chiefs held period leads of 1-0 and 4-0, but the Hawks rallied with four third period goals to force overtime.

Grady McNish scored twice for the Chiefs, with Chase Cochrane and Oliver Nickel potting singles.

Haiden Friesen had a natural hat trick for the hosts, with Tegan Fehr adding the other.

Connor Rapley stopped 39 shots to earn the win, while Karsen Dyck and Ryler Gates combined to make 24 saves for Pembina Valley.

NOTES – Yellowhead were scheculed to travel to Dauphin to take on the Parkland Rangers on Tuesday, Jan. 28. No results were available at press time... The Chiefs will have a two-game homestand this weekend, as they get set to welcome the Winnipeg Bruins on Saturday, Feb. 1 and the Winnipeg Wild on Sunday, Feb. 2.

PHOTO BY LILY CORNBOROUGH FOR MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE

Female Chiefs drop two of three over weekend

The Yellowhead Chiefs lost two of the three games they played over the weekend in the Manitoba U18 Female AAA Hockey League.

The Chiefs, who are 16-121 on the season, are in fourth place in the nine-team league.

WPG.AVROS 5 CHIEFS 1

Rio Pierre scored four

U15

goals as the second place Avros dumped the Chiefs 5-1 in Shoal Lake on Sunday, Jan. 26. Addilyn Nohlgren scored the other goal for the visi-

tors, who scored two unanswered goals in the second and third periods.

Emma Pollock replied for the Chiefs.

Adriana Almeida made 20 saves in the Avros’ net, while Gracie Johnston stopped 41 shots for Yellowhead.

CHIEFS 6 PEMBINA VALLEY 0

The Chiefs jumped out to a 4-0 first period lead and cruised to a 6-0 win over the Hawks in Morden on Saturday, Jan. 25. Clair Merckx stopped 23 shots to earn the shutout.

Jordyn Veitch with a pair, Brooklynn Cochrane, Presley Hodson, Emma Pollock and Courtney Cochrane scored

for the visitors. Kasia Rakowski finished with 44 saves in the Pembina Valley net.

WPG.ICE 2 CHIEFS 0

Bailey Grunewald recorded the shutout as the Ice blanked the Chiefs 2-0 in Winnipeg on Friday, Jan. 24. Kate Cairns and Halle

scored for the

once in the second and added an insurance marker in the third.

Clair Merckx made 43 saves in goal for Yellowhead. NOTES – The Chiefs will participate in a tournament at the Hockey For All Centre in Winnipeg from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2.

females head north and return with sweep

The Yellowhead Chiefs never allowed a goal as they swept a weekend series with the Norman Wild in Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League action. The Chiefs, who improved to 14-4-2 on the season, are in

second place in the league standings – three points back of the first place Pembina

Valley Hawks.

CHIEFS 10 NORMAN 0

Pyper Rapley was tested just nine times as she recorded the shutout as the Chiefs dumped the Wild 10-0 in The Pas on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Chancellors win pair of games

The Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors won a pair of games in the Westman High School Hockey League.

The Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn-Birdtail Falcons split their two games, while the Major Pratt Trojans were winless in three starts.

The Hamiota-Rivers-EltonStrathclair Huskies did not have a game scheduled.

Dauphin 11 BSRBT 1

Dauphin – Jesse Hockridge (2), Wil Busby, Samson Bourgoin, Riley Durston, Jorden Braun, Julien Lopez, Noah Hanneson, Kenai Mouck, Lyric Smith, Ethan Carnegie Birtle-Shoal Lake-

Rossburn-Birdtail – Reid Luhowy

ME 7 MP 0

Minnedosa-Erickson – Steven Tomlinson (2), Matthew Toews, Grady Burton, Zachary Lamb, William Melvin, Brody Marnock

BDWP 5 MP 0 Boissevain-DeloraineWaskada- Pierson – Tyson Polnik (2), Carter Thio, Josh Unrau, Jake Maxwell

ME 5 Crocus 3

Minnedosa-Erickson – Myles Beatty (3), Jager Atkinson, Seth Sulik Crocus – Rylan Dean (2), Konnor Mullens

ME 5 VM 1

Minnedosa-Erickson –

Zachary Lamb (2), Aiden McGorman, Myles Beatty, Brody Marnock

Vincent Massey #2 – Kalen Spence KW 4 MP 3

Killarney-Wawanesa –Jack O’Connor (2), Aubrey Cuvelier, Landon Lockhart

Major Pratt – Jakob Asselstine, Jorey Reichmuth, Conner Jordan

BSRBT 6 GCB 4

Birtle-Shoal LakeRossburn-Birdtail – Aiden Lewis (2), Carter Malchuk, Hayden Mackedenski, Grady Lee, Reid Luhowy

Glenboro-Carberry-Baldur – Lachlan Jones (2), Rylan Sedor, Brycen Anderson

Alexis Duncan and Averi Jury each scored twice for the Chiefs, with Haley Chipelski, Chloe Facey, Teagan Knight, Hayla Matheson, Braylynn Mcauley and Karina Wither notching singles.

Lennox Gagnon made 52 saves in goal for Norman.

CHIEFS 2 NORMAN 0

Karina Wither and Haley Chipelski scored as the Chiefs blanked the Wild 2-0 in Flin Flon on Saturday, Jan. 25.

NOTES – The Chiefs will host the Central Plains Capitals on Saturday, Feb. 1 and the Eastman Selects on Sunday, Feb. 2.

31,

Chiefs aim for record third straight Super Bowl

After a couple of surprising upsets in the preliminary rounds, including the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions falling in the first round, the Super Bowl matchup for this Sunday in New Orleans is a sports fan’s dream.

Kansas City Chiefs will be going for a record third consecutive Super Bowl title against NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles, who have won 15 of their last 17 games, including their impressive 5523 thrashing of the upstart Washington Commanders and their phenomenal rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels.

KC and their muchballyhooed quarterback Patrick Mahomes are slight favourites, but it would surprise no one outside of Missouri if Philadelphia prevailed. KC had a 15-2 regularseason record, which probably would have been 16-1 had they not rested many of their top players in the season’s final game, but their victories were underwhelming, to say the least. Coach Andy Reid’s team was 11-0 in one-score games, and they squeaked out another one in the AFC championship game against Buffalo Bills, 32-29. It was Kansas City’s fourth consecutive playoff victory over the Bills, who haven’t been to a Super Bowl since losing their fourth straight in 1994.

Mahomes is a master scrambler and leans on the running skills of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt and a talented group of receivers, including tight end Travis Kelce, who is the most famous Chief of all due to his relationship with megastar entertainer Taylor Swift. But the real reason the Chiefs win so many close games is because they have one of the best defences in the league. Defensive tackle

Bruce Penton

SPORTS TALK

Chris Jones, a three-time first-team all-pro, terrorizes opposing quarterbacks and defensive co-ordinator Steve Spagnuolo seems to know exactly when to blitz and when to fall back.

Philadelphia, meanwhile, is probably the most balanced team in the NFL, with a potent offence led by running back Saquon Barkley and receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Barkley ran roughshod against the Commanders with 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

Quarterback Jalen Hurts, reportedly suffering from a banged-up knee, scored three touchdowns himself. On defence, the Eagles have been especially strong, giving up the fewest points of any NFC team during the regular season.

The Eagles were hanging on for dear life against Los Angeles Rams in the divisional playoff game, up six points with a minute to go and facing a Rams’ team that had a third-and-two on Philly’s 13-yard line. One more Matt Stafford to Cooper Kupp TD pass would have killed the Eagles’ hopes. But Jalen Carter of the Eagles put a swim move on Rams’ centre Beaux Limmer and sacked Stafford at the 22-yard line.

On fourth down, Carter’s pressure on Stafford led to an incompletion and a Philly win.

The win over Washington gives Philadelphia its third Super Bowl appearance in the past eight years. They defeated New England 41-33 in 2018 and lost to the Chiefs 3835 in 2023. It’s safe to say that 2023 loss gives the Eagles more than just a little incentive to bring their A game to New Orleans on Sunday.

•A cheap shot from RJ Currie: “Shortly before retiring from the NHL, the Sedins visited kids at B.C. Children’s Hospital and played air hockey. And they kept playing – right until the puck flew into a corner.”

•Headline at fark.com: Unlike a good neighbour, State Farm won’t be there. The insurance company decides that maybe, just maybe, spending millions on a Super Bowl ad wasn’t a good look for them after cancelling all those homeowners’ policies in California.”

•A. Worthtappen, on Bluesky: “Should’ve known the Detroit Lions were in trouble when people started calling them ‘America’s team.” Have you seen America?”

•Kyle Porter of Normal Sport: “Things that have stopped Scottie Scheffler over the last 12 months: Blade putter, Officer Gillis, homemade ravioli. (Scheffler needed surgery after cutting his hand making ravioli over Christmas.)”

•Baseball writer Mark Bowman of Atlanta: “Should the Falcons call the Dodgers to see if they are interested in Kirk Cousins?”

•Comedy guy Torben Rolfsen of Vancouver: “I love watching Wild games on TV. They do the announcements

Bombers fall to visiting Souris Elks

With the regular season winding down each game in the Tiger Hills Hockey League is becoming more important.

The Rivers Jets kept their first place hopes in the Eastern Division alive with a win and remain a point back of the Killarney Shamrocks.

The Minnedosa Bombers dropped their lone start this week but still sit two points up on the fourth place MacGregor Wild with two games in hand.

SOURIS 7 MINNEDOSA 5

Zach Edmunds scored twice as the Elks got past the Bombers in a wide-open

game played in Minnedosa on Saturday, Jan. 25. Austin Gordon, Jordan Greig, Brady Henuet, Josh Archambault and Noah Edmunds added singles for the visitors, who led 3-1 after 40 minutes.

Kory Kimpinski with a pair, Dallas Drysdale, Micah Kroeker and Bryson Werbicki-Mallett scored for the Bombers.

Dawson Carlisle stopped 30 shots in the Souris net, while Devon Fordyce also made 30 saves for Minnedosa.

RIVERS 13 CARBERRY 1

The Jets turned on the af-

terburners as they recorded a 13-1 win over the Royals in Carberry on Friday, Jan. 24.

Joben Smith recorded a hat trick for the Jets, with Alastair McFadden and Riley Shamray each notching a pair. Single markers were added by Layton Veitch, Dylan Thiessen, Brock Paddock, Luke Decorby, Adam Robidoux and Jaxon Heeney.

Jaden Johnson had the lone goal for Carberry against netminder Layne Anderson, who stopped 25 shots between the pipes for the Jets.

Joel Barron made 44 saves in the Carberry net.

in both English and Minnesotan.”

•Rolfsen again: “Mark Davis of the Las Vegas Raiders fired his general manager. I thought if he was going to fire anyone, it would be his hairstylist.”

•RJ Currie of sportsdeke.com: “Controversy has hit curling with several top-tier teams uniting against

•Friday,Jan.31

Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Dauphin Kings at Virden Oil Capitals, Swan Valley Stampeders at Neepawa Titans, both games 7:30 p.m. Westman High School Hockey League, Vincent Massey Vikings at HRES Huskies, 7:30 p.m., Rivers; BSRBT Falcons at MinnedosaErickson Chancellors, 8:15 p.m.

•Saturday,Feb.1

Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League, Central Plains Capitals vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 1:30 p.m., Shoal Lake

Winnipeg U15 AAA Hockey League, Winnipeg Thrashers Blue vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 4:30 p.m., Shoal Lake

Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Winnipeg Bruins vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 7:30 p.m., Shoal Lake

•Sunday,Feb.2

Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League, Eastman Selects vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 12:00 Noon, Shoal Lake

Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Winnipeg Wild vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 1:30 p.m., Shoal Lake Westman High School Hockey League, Crocus Plains Plainsmen at HRES Huskies, 4:30 p.m., Hamiota

•Tuesday,Feb.4

Westman High School Hockey League, Neepawa Tigers at HRES Huskies, 3:45 p.m., Rivers Manitoba Junior Hockey

certain foam heads being allowed for use by World Curling. It’s not a doom and broom scenario, but certainly calls for sweeping changes.”

•Headline at fark.com:

“The Yankees spend $218 million to get Fried. That’s one hell of a party,”

•Another one from fark.com: “Caitlin Clark’s popularity soars; NBA drafts

SPORTS MENU

League, Neepawa Titans at Waywayseecappo Wolverines, 7:30 p.m.

Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Parkland Rangers vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 8:00 p.m., Shoal Lake

•Wednesday,Feb.5

Western Hockey League, Wenatchee Wild at Brandon Wheat Kings, 7:00 p.m.

Westman High School Hockey League, BSRBT Falcons at Major Pratt Trojans, 8:00 p.m., Russell

•Thursday,Feb.6

Westman High School Hockey League, RGG Raiders at Minnedosa-Erickson Chancellors, 8:30 p.m.

•Friday,Feb.7

Western Hockey League, Saskatoon Blades at Brandon Wheat Kings, 7:00 p.m.

Manitoba U18 Female AAA Hockey League, Winnipeg Ice vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 7:30 p.m., Shoal

Lake Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Swan Valley Stampeders at Virden Oil Capitals, Winnipeg Blues at Waywayseecappo Wolverines, both games 7:30 p.m.

Westman High School Hockey League, Vincent Massey Vikings at Major Pratt Trojans, 7:00 p.m., Russell; Swan Valley Tigers at BSRBT Falcons, 8:00 p.m., Birtle; GCB Wildcats at Minnedosa-

plan to introduce mandatory cornfield backgrounds.“

•fark.com headline: “Ohtani expecting his first child, announces their allowance to be deferred to 2045.”

Bruce Penton is a former sports editor of the Brandon Sun. Care to comment? Email: brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca

Erickson Chancellors, 8:15 p.m.

•Saturday,Feb.8

Manitoba U15 Female AAA Hockey League, Interlake Lightning vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 4:30 p.m., Shoal Lake Westman High School Hockey League, Vincent Massey Vikings at BSRBT Falcons, 7:00 p.m., Birtle

Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Eastman Selects vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 7:30 p.m., Shoal Lake Tiger Hills Hockey League, Virden Oil Kings at Rivers Jets, Neepawa Farmers at Minnedosa Bombers, both games 7:30 p.m.

•Sunday,Feb.9 Westman High School Hockey League, Killarney-Wawanesa Raiders at Major Pratt Trojans, 1:00 p.m., Russell Manitoba U18 AAA Hockey League, Eastman Selects vs Yellowhead Chiefs, 1:30 p.m., Shoal Lake

Minnedosa Tribune

Titans keep momentum going

The Neepawa Titans took five of a possible six points in games over the week to move into a second-place tie with the Northern Manitoba Blizzard in the West Division of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

The Virden Oil Capitals and Waywayseecappo Wolverines remain tied for fourth place after each team finished the week with a record of 1-1-1-.

VIRDEN

4 AT DAUPHIN 2

Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Credit Union Place

1st Period-1, Virden, Wright 5 (Draper, Plaisier), 12:34. 2, Virden, Bryant 8 (Light), 14:33 (SH).

2nd Period-3, Dauphin, Glover 32 (Nemis, Magarrell), 5:22. 4, Dauphin, Glover 33 (Hofer, Thomas), 12:50 (PP).

3rd Period-5, Virden, Johnston 8 7:44. 6, Virden, Bryant 9 (Johnston, Goertzen), 16:43.

Shots on Goal-Virden 3-514-22. Dauphin 14-16-9-39.

Power Play OpportunitiesVirden 0/1; Dauphin 1/6. Goalies-Virden, Morin 4-20-0 (39 shots-37 saves). Dauphin, Sheffield 22-9-1-0 (22 shots-18 saves).

A-2,112

NEEPAWA 5 AT WPG.BLUES 1

Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Hockey For All Centre

1st Period- No Scoring. 2nd Period-1, Neepawa, Lewis 8 (McLeod, Hegarty), 0:31 (PP). 2, Neepawa, Gower 3 (Clark), 9:43. 3, Neepawa, Tychonick 10 (Gower, McCann), 14:18 (PP).

3rd Period-4, Neepawa, Clark 5 3:50. 5, Neepawa, Hartley 14 (Weisgarber, Kasprick), 12:21 (PP). 6, WPG Blues, Dyck 6 (Stallman, Dolinsky), 15:55. Shots on Goal-Neepawa 1911-8-38. WPG Blues 6-15-11-32.

Power Play OpportunitiesNeepawa 3/7; WPG Blues 0/9.

Goalies-Neepawa, Lobreau 11-9-1-0 (32 shots-31 saves). WPG Blues, Couture 5-12-1-1 (38 shots-33 saves).

A-70

WPG.BLUES 4 (SO) AT NEEPAWA 3

Friday, January 24, 2025Yellowhead Centre

1st Period-1, WPG Blues, Epp 8 (Gradt, Turner), 0:40. 2, WPG Blues, Marceus 4 (Stanton, Thompson), 2:45. 3, WPG Blues, White 11 (Assailly, Matar), 10:15 (PP).

2nd Period- No Scoring.

3rd Period-4, Neepawa, Tychonick 9 (Hegarty, McLeod), 1:47. 5, Neepawa, Clark 4 (MacDonald, McCann), 10:45. 6, Neepawa,

Hartley 13 (McCann), 12:55. 1st OT Period- No Scoring. Shootout - WPG Blues 1 (Williamson NG, Epp G, Stallman NG), Neepawa 0 (McCann NG, Paquette NG, Tychonick NG).

Shots on Goal-WPG Blues 12-4-2-2-1-21. Neepawa 11-10-142-0-37.

Power Play OpportunitiesWPG Blues 1/4; Neepawa 0/3. Goalies-WPG Blues, Couture 5-12-1-1 (37 shots-34 saves). Neepawa, Couckuyt 10-6-1-3 (20 shots-17 saves).

A-411

WAYWAYSEECAPPO 5 AT WPG.FREEZE 6 (SO)

Friday, January 24, 2025Hockey For All Centre

1st Period-1, Waywayseecappo, Duzan 1 (Hicks), 6:10. 2, Waywayseecappo, Stone 5 (Grosdidier, Pringle), 15:38. 3, Waywayseecappo, Clarke 3 (Mushumanski, Fotheringham), 17:48.

2nd Period-4, WPG Freeze, Marykuca 1 (Rolston, Fedora), 1:29. 5, WPG Freeze, Genik 7 (Carlson, Seto), 1:44. 6, WPG Freeze, Gale 10 (Hickey), 3:36. 7, WPG Freeze, Carlson 5 (Vanderhorst), 5:11. 8, WPG Freeze, Carlson 6 (Gale, Kingerski), 17:31 (PP).

3rd Period-9, Waywayseecappo, Herring 11 (Grosdidier, Cyca), 2:47. 10, Waywayseecappo, Clarke 4 (Hicks), 15:29 (PP).

1st OT Period- No Scoring. Shootout - Waywaysee-

cappo 0 (Clarke NG, Grosdidier NG, Mushumanski NG), WPG Freeze 1 (Gale NG, Rolston G).

Shots on GoalWaywayseecappo 13-15-12-2-042. WPG Freeze 5-20-3-5-1-34. Power Play OpportunitiesWaywayseecappo 1/6; WPG Freeze 1/4.

Goalies-Waywayseecappo, Wareham 11-15-1-1 (33 shots-28 saves). WPG Freeze, Burdeny 5-18-0-2 (42 shots-37 saves).

A-125

WPG.FREEZE 5 (OT) AT VIRDEN 4

Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Tundra Oil & Gas Place 1st Period-1, WPG Freeze, Rolston 4 (Baldassarre), 0:42. 2, WPG Freeze, Sarna 3 (Hickey, Crump), 5:50. 3, WPG Freeze, Gale 9 (Genik, Seto), 14:39 (PP). 4, WPG Freeze, Kingerski 3 (Crump, Carlson), 16:29 (PP). 5, Virden, Englot 13 (Dodgson, Siemens), 18:11. 2nd Period-6, Virden, Goertzen 13 (Bryant, Robertson), 9:49 (PP). 7, Virden, Sabel 10 (Schaefer, Bryant), 12:48. 3rd Period-8, Virden, Light 8 (Dodgson), 1:42 (SH).

1st OT Period-9, WPG Freeze, Rolston 5 (Marykuca), 1:08.

Shots on Goal-WPG Freeze 9-4-4-2-19. Virden 13-14-13-1-41.

Power Play OpportunitiesWPG Freeze 2/7; Virden 1/4. Goalies-WPG Freeze, Chornomydz 1-12-1-0 (41 shots-37 saves). Virden, Renwick 0-8-1-

0 (19 shots-14 saves).

A-708

WAYWAYSEECAPPO 1 AT STEINBACH 5

Thursday, January 23, 2025 - HyLife Centre 1st Period-1, Steinbach, Zagari 7 (Penner), 4:22. 2, Steinbach, Zagari 8 (Miles, Paronuzzi), 18:42. 2nd Period-3, Steinbach, Miles 1 (Kaiser), 1:40. 3rd Period-4, Steinbach, Pura 1 (Kaiser, Quamme), 2:34. 5, Waywayseecappo, Perrin 6 (Stone, Wapass), 12:33. 6, Steinbach, Pura 2 (Kaiser), 16:08.

Shots on GoalWaywayseecappo 8-10-15-33. Steinbach 13-11-11-35.

Power Play OpportunitiesWaywayseecappo 0/7; Steinbach 0/4.

Goalies-Waywayseecappo, Bercier 4-6-1-0 (35 shots-30 saves). Steinbach, Green 24-61-0 (33 shots-32 saves). A-454 WINKLER 3 AT NEEPAWA 4 (OT)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - Yellowhead Centre

The Winkler Flyers moved into a tie for first place in the East Division Saturday night with their second straight shutout over the visiting Northern Manitoba Blizzard. These were two of the hottest teams in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) heading into this contest, but the Flyers have turned into a juggernaut that seems unstoppable at the moment.

Where do we begin? First off congratulations to the Neepawa Titans, who became the first team to defeat the Winkler Flyers since early December with an overtime victory last week that only seemed to fire up the Flyers even more.

Winkler still has an astounding point streak going, with at least one point in 21 straight games. Their last regulation loss was on Nov. 10 against Virden. Their record since then is a jawdropping 18-0-3, and five of those victories came in extra time, proving they can win those close games.

Netminder Liam Ernst is playing on a whole other level of late. He has eight shutouts this year already –including five in his last 10 starts. The league’s No. 1 net-

minder sports a GAA of 1.54 and a save percentage of .940. Just hand him the goalie of the year award now. The Flyers are winning by

defense. They are second in the league in goals scored at 159, but are first in goals allowed at only 75. Their chief rival, the Steinbach Pistons, have scored more but also allowed more. The Pistons have a goal differential of plus 83 –one better than the Flyers.

Those two teams combined only have 14 regulation losses – third place Portage has 11 all their own (and they’re still only six points back of these two powerhouses).

Two of these three teams will play each other in the first round of the playoffs, which seems almost criminal at this point. Maybe the MJHL should look at a situa-

tion where the top two seeds in each division get home ice and then they reseed after that.

If that were the case today, Dauphin and the Northern Manitoba Blizzard would have home-ice advantage in the West Division and Winkler and Steinbach would have home-ice in the East Division. Reseeding the next four best teams would see the first-round matchups look like this: Winkler versus Selkirk, Steinbach versus Neepawa, Dauphin versus Niverville and Northern Manitoba versus Portage.

If the playoffs were to start today, it would be Dauphin versus Waywayseecappo

or Virden, Northern Manitoba versus Neepawa, Winkler versus Niverville and Steinbach versus Portage.

You can see the pros and cons of both scenarios. Only three West Division teams would qualify in a reseeding scenario. But you also wouldn’t have the second and third best team in the league facing one another in the opening round either.

The MJHL Original 16 Players of the Week are headed up by goaltender Mitchell Kathler from the Portage Terriers. He only played one game but he made it count, winning via shutout over the Steinbach Pistons in

1st OT Period-7, Neepawa, McCann 10 (Weisgarber, Couckuyt), 4:20.

Shots on Goal-Winkler 810-19-5-42. Neepawa 10-12-2-529.

Power Play OpportunitiesWinkler 1/3; Neepawa 0/2. Goalies-Winkler, Ekblad 30-1-0 (29 shots-25 saves). Neepawa, Couckuyt 10-6-1-3 (42 shots-39 saves).

A-259

WAYWAYSEECAPPO 4 AT VIRDEN 2

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - Tundra Oil & Gas Place

1st Period-1, Virden, Sabel 9 (Miller), 6:17.

2nd Period-2, Waywayseecappo, Perrin 4 (Thomas, Chipelski), 1:42. 3, Virden, Johnston 7 (Goertzen, Bryant), 15:06.

3rd Period-4, Waywayseecappo, Perry 5 (Clarke), 5:00. 5, Waywayseecappo, Perrin 5 (Herring, Perry), 15:58. 6, Waywayseecappo, Ayotte 11 (Hicks, Cyca), 19:31 (EN). Shots on GoalWaywayseecappo 12-6-8-26. Virden 14-15-14-43.

Power Play OpportunitiesWaywayseecappo 0/1; Virden 0/5. Goalies-Waywayseecappo, Bercier 4-6-1-0 (43 shots-41 saves). Virden, Morin 4-2-0-0 (25 shots-22 saves). A-786

1st Period-1, Neepawa, Tychonick 8 0:21. 2, Neepawa, Clark 2 2:48. 2nd Period-3, Neepawa, Clark 3 (Weisgarber, Gower), 7:58. 4, Winkler, Peters 6 (Craik, Gudmundson), 10:19. 5, Winkler, Matheson 8 (Mckee, Peters), 13:31 (PP). 3rd Period-6, Winkler, Mckee 18 (Lavoie, Carlone), 6:44.

a potential first-round playoff preview.

Next up is forward Brody Beauchemin from the Winkler Flyers. In a pair of games Beauchemin scored three times and added five assists for a monster eightpoint week.

We head back to the goal for the final winner as Dauphin’s Cole Sheffield earned the nod. Not only did he win both starts and posted a 1.50 GAA and a.951 save percentage, he also chipped in with a rare goalie assist.

Derek Holtom is a freelance writer who covers the MJHL from Winnipeg.

Manitoba has lowest annual inflation rate for 2024

Statistics Canada’s report on the Consumer Price Index was released, showing on an annual basis across all the provinces, Manitoba had the lowest inflation rate in the country in 2024 at 1.1 percent, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.

“This report shows that our plan is working, as Manitoba had the lowest inflation rate in 2024 across Canada,” said Sala. “The gas tax holiday helped ensure Manitobans had more money in their pockets to help afford things like their mortgage and groceries, and with a

permanent cut to the gas tax and a hydro rate freeze in 2025, Manitobans can remain confident our government is doing everything we can to make life as affordable as possible.”

Lower gasoline prices, driven by the provincial fuel tax holiday, contributed to this slowdown, noted the minister. A permanent cut to the fuel tax was instated on Jan. 1, which was a 10 percent reduction to the fuel tax rate previously in place.

The 2024 annual Canadian average inflation rate was 2.4 percent.

CTF launching court fight against capital gains tax hike

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CFT) is filing a legal challenge to stop the Canada Revenue Agency from enforcing a capital gains tax increase that has not been approved by Parliament.

“The government has no legal right to enforce this tax hike because it has not received legislative approval by Parliament,” said Devin Drover, CTF General Counsel. “This tax grab violates the fundamental principle of no taxation without representation. That’s why we are asking the courts to put an immediate stop to this bureaucratic overreach.”

The CTF is representing Debbie Vorsteveld, a resident of Mapleton, ON. Last year, she and her husband, Willem, sold a property that included a secondary home. They had rented the secondary home to their adult children, but had to sell it when their kids were ready to move on. The CRA says the Vorstevelds must pay higher capital gains taxes under the proposed capital gains increase or face financial penalties.

The CTF is seeking urgent relief from the Federal Court to block the CRA’s enforcement of the proposed tax increase. In its application, the CTF argues the tax increase

violates the rule of law and is unconstitutional.

The government passed a ways and means motion for the tax increase last year but failed to introduce, debate, pass, or proclaim the necessary legislation into law.

Parliament is now prorogued until March 24, 2025, and opposition parties have all pledged to bring down the Liberal government. As a result, there is no realistic chance the legislation will pass before the next election. Despite this, the CRA is pushing ahead with enforcement of the tax as if it is already law.

Jan.23

1st Bob Manns / Doug Thiessen

2nd Lynn Burgess / Marg McLenehan

3rd Carol Lonsdale / Lois campbell

4th Donna Dowsett / Kathy Lane

Trees meet w inter head on and stark naked

Trees being so visible in the landscape are also the most exposed. I am always amazed by trees in the landscape but especially on the coldest days of winter when the mercury reads in the40°C range, not taking account of the wind-chill. At a temperature when cars won’t run and the human factor hardly strays outside.

In order for trees to survive the winter to again grow in spring it is really kind of miraculous! However, they must have adaptations in order to survive the cold of winter but also the severe drying conditions. Unlike the animals (and humans) they cannot change their geographical location and they certainly can’t put on or grow a winter coat. They meet winter head on without any clothes on at all. They therefore must rely on physiological and structural adaptations in order to survive. In summer, the height of trees is advantageous as there is nothing in nature that competes for sunlight at that level. However, in the winter that same height is a liability as tissues become extremely exposed to the weather. In order to survive the trees need to use a variety of strategies.

Trees will either shed their leaves or in the case of evergreens will adapt strategies for leaf retention. The leaves are a major source of water loss and would be difficult to protect in winter conditions. Deciduous trees will therefore drop their leaves to aid in winter survival. This leaf drop is stimulated by changes in the photoperiod or day length, which is followed by a radical change in the chemical and hormonal make up in the tree itself. There is a complex process where abscission layers between the leaves and stems are formed which essentially causes the leaf drop itself. You will notice that all trees do not drop their leaves at the same time, which is because the processes that occur within the tree are specific to the tree itself. Evergreens will also shed their leaves but not all of them at the same time. The exception to this is the deciduous evergreens like Tamarack and Larch who lose their leaves seasonally. Most evergreens also have a thick coating on the leaves (cetin) that assists in reducing the amount of water lost. They have a few other adaptations that include a tighter stomata clo-

Patricia Hanbidge GARDENING

sure (pores that allow air and water to pass in and out of the leaf), which further reduces winter water loss. Trees that are able to survive the winter have acclimatized to the climate. This cellular process helps to exploit the physical properties of water, which aids in survival through the winter. However, each species and in fact each individual specimen will have a killing temperature. Within the cell itself there are changes that can slightly reduce the freezing point by changing the solute concentrations within the cell. This concentration change within the cell further helps with survival by causing the area outside the cell (which has a higher concentration of water) to freeze first which in turn releases a small amount of heat energy which also aids in individual cell survival.

For deciduous trees, the biomass above ground is relatively watertight as stems and buds lose very little water. However, for evergreens, even in winter there is water loss through the leaf tissues. On sunny days the sun shining on the leaves can increase the temperature significantly enough to be above the ambient air temperature. As a result, metabolic rates rise; the internal vapor pressure increases and even with all the protective measures will cause the net loss of water and desiccation of the leaf tissue. Hence, the importance of ensuring that evergreens go into win ter in a well hydrated state. So the next day that is bitterly cold, take a few mo ments to think about the trees that surround you, and the wonders of nature and its adaptations that allow survival outside without any clothes on!

Hanbidge is the Lead Hor ticulturist with Orchid Horti culture. Find us at www.orchidhort.co, by email at info@orchidhort.com or on facebook @orchidhort.

CHALLENGE

Ourlocal history from this date 50 years ago From the Minnedosa Tribune archives

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WALTERSON (nee Rempel): Joy Mary Walterson (Rempel) was born to John and Eva Rempel in Winnipegosis, MB, on Dec. 8, 1951. Joy grew up on the family farm as the second eldest of 18 children and spoke German at home. Helping on the farm, she learned the value of hard work and a job well done. Joy would challenge her younger brothers to work as hard as she did, and they had trouble keeping up with her when baling. After an accident in 1962, Joy’s sister Elizabeth passed away from her injuries. Her sister’s experience inspired Joy to go into healthcare to help others. At 17 she moved to the big city of Winnipeg to train as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while nannying to support herself. Joy graduated from Red River Community College and began her first nursing job at Misericordia Hospital. Joy began dating Bjarni Walterson in high school and they married in 1971. Their daughter, Shannon, was born in Winnipeg in 1973. Robyn, a sister for Shannon, was born in Winnipegosis in 1975. The family lived on farms in the Winnipegosis area until they moved to Swan River in 1984 and Minnedosa in 1989. Throughout her nursing career, Joy worked in various positions in Winnipeg, Kenora, Winnipegosis, and Swan River. She was an excellent nurse and was passionate about ensuring that all her patients received high quality treatment. Joy especially enjoyed working with the elderly population and transitioned to a position as Resource Coordinator for Home Care in Swan River, then Brandon, and finally Erickson. After “retiring” from Home Care, Joy’s part time work as a reflexologist became a full-time job as her client base expanded and she was certified as an instructor. With Joy teaching and Bjarni as tech support, the two travelled Manitoba and North Dakota teaching reflexology workshops. Joy passed her knowledge on to some of her grandchildren, running a weekend course for them. Joy loved helping her clients, and walked with many through their health challenges, cancer journeys, pregnancies and deliveries. She continued this work until the time of her passing. Joy was a healer and a helper throughout her life. She had a deep faith in Jesus and exemplified the commandments to love God and love one’s neighbour. Joy loved people tangibly – she was always ready to help with prayer, medical advice,

recipes, and a listening ear. Joy loved her church and community. She had the gift of hospitality and enthusiastically welcomed everyone who visited. It was hard to get her to sit down, because she liked serving people so much. Over the years, Bjarni and Joy opened their home to numerous nieces, friends and exchange students who needed a place to live for a time. Joy made the journey home to her Heavenly Father on Jan. 15, 2025, and was reunited with her daughter Robyn, sisters Elizabeth and Naomi, brothers-in-law Dave McVey and Allen Purdey, niece Krista Walterson, parents John and Eva Rempel, in-laws Kris and Lucille Walterson, grandparents, and other loved ones. Joy’s family missing her here on earth include her husband of 54 years, Bjarni Walterson; daughter Shannon Baquie, chosen son Kelly Ellingson; grandchildren Riley Baquie (Jacob Olmsted), Emma Baquie, Nathan Baquie, and Alexandra Mummery; siblings Esther (Tim) Haverluck, John (Linda) Rempel, George (Mary) Rempel, Dave (Shannon) Rempel, Ed Rempel, Eva Purdey, Mary Bergen, Martha (Jake) Ras, Herb (Laurie) Rempel,

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Bernie (Tammy) Rempel, Jake (Carolyn) Rempel, Shirley Johnson, Sharon (Steve) Korney, Doug (Nancy) Rempel, and Susie (Matthew) Bunka; brother-in-law Laurie (Sandra Walterson) and sisters-inlaw Sheila (Clay) Bullock, Karen (Dale) DePottie, Lee McVey and Crystal Walterson, and so many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Joy also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, Maggie, who Joy firmly believed could understand every word she said. Joy loved her family deeply and showed up to watch her nieces and nephews’ concerts, plays, volleyball games, equestrian events, and everything in between. She baked cookies, held babies, and gave reflexology treatments. Her Albertan grandchildren visited her most summers, and will always cherish memories of berry picking, pickle making, and gardening with grandma. When most people think of Joy Walterson, the first thing that comes to mind is her smile. It was big, and warm, and welcoming. She was a kind and joyful person, not because she didn’t have hardship, but because she loved the Lord and shared his love with everyone she met. She impacted the

lives of many and will be deeply missed. A Funeral Service was held at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre on Jan. 21, 2025 with interment at the Minnedosa Cemetery. White’s Funeral Home, Minnedosa, MB in care of arrangements. www.whitesfh.ca.

SYSLAK (1956 to 2025): Mrs. Arla Jean Syslak passed away peacefully, with family by her side, at the Innisfail Health Care Centre on Jan. 17, 2025. She was born in Minnedosa, MB on June 21, 1956, where she grew up, married David Syslak and started a family. She spent the majority of her adult years in the Community of Innisfail,

AB building a beautiful life. Arla worked in the Insurance Industry for 25 years as a manager for Freeman Insurance Agency. She met and helped numerous people within the community, she had a real skill with clients and enjoyed being a help to all those that needed her. Arla had a lifelong love of reading and cherished her family more than anything. She was very proud of the accomplishments of her children and their families. Arla loved being a Nana to her grandchildren and had a special connection with each of them. The person she cherished most in life was her best friend and love, David Syslak, married for over 50 years. They met as young kids and have experienced their whole lives together. A true love story. Arla is lovingly remembered by her husband David Syslak, eldest son Michael (Tammy) Syslak, grandsons, Ethan and Maximus of Slave Lake, AB, the youngest son Patrick (Cherity) Syslak and grandson, Grayson of Red Deer, AB, her sister Judy McRuer, her brother Darin Scotland of Boissevain, MB and many more extended family members and friends. As per Arla’s wishes,

no service will be held but she would love us to all toast to her life and remember the great times we had with her. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre, 3942-50a Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 4E7. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www. heartlandfuneral services.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd.

COMING EVENTS

Minnedosa Adult Learning Centre’s Computer Course starts the week of Feb. 24. Contact Val Gawel in Room 2 of the Minnedosa Collegiate, 74 Armitage Ave. Phone: 204-867-2519 or email alc@rrsd.mb.ca.

Clanwilliam Snowmobile Derby, Sunday, Feb. 16. Registration 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., Roast Beef Supper 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., Clanwilliam Hall. For more information call Keith 204-867-7046 or Kevin 204867-0040.

The Town of Minnedosa invites applications for a full time, permanent position for a

PUBLIC WORKS LABOURER

The Town of Minnedosa is looking for a team-orientated individual who will be able to provide physical support and assistance in the day-to-day delivery of services and to operate a variety of equipment in the construction, care and maintenance of the Town’s infrastructure and a wide range of delivery of services.

The successful applicant will possess:

• Grade 12 Diploma or Equivalent Education and/or Experience (mandatory)

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License (mandatory), Class 3 is an asset

• Proven record of team work

• Experience in the safe operation of various types of equipment and vehicles

• The physical requirements to perform the work

This is a full time (40 hours per week), unionized, entry level laborer focused position. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Town offers an attractive benefits package.

Submit your resume and cover letter to: Stacy Moyer Box 426, Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Email: acao@minnedosa.com

Resumes will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

Newtec Irrigation Looking to Hire: Travelling Salesperson. Agricultural experience preferred. Top wages. Please call for more information: 306-260-9575.

WANTED

Licensed gun dealer looking for firearms in all classes, and anything firearms related. Inheritance assistance provided. Can store handguns during the ban. Call or text Keith 204-471-9015.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Nice 20-acre retirement or subdividing opportunity four miles west of Brandon on paved road. 1,572 sq. ft. home including appliances, wheelchair accessible, onelevel, attached garage. Also, additional adjoining subdivided fiveacre lot. Immediate possession, private sale. $750,000. Call 1-204-

723-0083 for appointment to view, anytime.

ARTICLES FOR SALE

Plan your advertisements for 2025. Maximize your business plan for a successful year. Jump on our great prices and start getting responses. Have your blanket classified ads seen in the 31-Member Newspapers which are seen in over 368,000+ homes in Manitoba. Please call this newspaper 204759-2644 to book now or call MCNA at 204-947-1691 for more details or to book ads. MCNAManitoba Community Newspapers Association. www.mcna.com

NOTICES

Private mortgage lender. All real estate types considered. No credit

checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 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.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole re-

sponsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

Urgent Press Releases. Have a newsworthy item to announce? An exciting change in operations? Though we cannot guarantee publication, MCNA will get the information into the right hands for only $35 plus GST. Call Manitoba Com-

ROLLING RIVER SCHOOL DIVISION invites applications for

SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Regular Route and Spare/Casual

To provide safe, courteous, efficient and effective school bus transportation for students. Part-time, split shift

Before and after school hours

10-month position

September to June on school days

A training allowance is provided. For more details and application information, please visit our website at www.rrsd.mb.ca

Select Employment link then Support Staff Positions link.

MEET & GREET

Friday,Feb.7

MINNEDOSA 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

50+ Activity Centre

31 Main Street S.

SHOAL LAKE

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Shoal Lake Community Drop-In Centre 605 - 4th Avenue

RUSSELL

7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Leisure Centre 529 Main Street N.

Saturday,Feb.8

SWAN RIVER

10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Westwood Inn & Conference Centre 473 Westwood Road www.obbyforleader.ca

HELP WANTED

■

has immediate openings for the following positions:

Autobody Technician

We are looking to hire an experienced autobody technician for a busy auto shop. Applicant should be able to work on all makes and models and perform quality repairs as per industry standards. Individual must be organized, highly motivated, and have a keen eye for detail. Individual should have excellent communication and people skills and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service and quality workmanship.

■ Light Duty Mechanic

We are looking to hire a full-time light duty mechanic. Duties to include, but not limited to: general mechanical repairs, oil changes, install and balance tires, perform tire rotations, etc. Individual must be organized, highly motivated, and have a keen eye for detail. Individual should have excellent communication and people skills and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service and quality workmanship.

■ Front Office Staff

We are looking to fill a full-time front office staff position. Duties to include, but not limited to: answering phones, setting up appointments, invoicing, parts orders. Individual should have excellent communication and people skills and take pride in delivering outstanding customer service. General office experience and automotive knowledge would be an asset.

Onsite training will be provided.

Drop off resumes:

Shoal Lake Rad & Glass, 316 Elm St., Shoal Lake, MB

Email: shoallakeradglass@gmail.com

Phone: 204-759-2251

We appreciate your interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

munity Newspapers Association 204-947-1691 for more information, See www.mcna.com under the ‘Types of Advertising’ tab for more details.

It’s hard to believe but not everyone has Facebook. This ad

you’re reading costs $13.50 and reaches over 5 communities and 3,000 readers every week. And next week it will be half price. Planning an event? If you tell them they WILL come. Call Michelle at 204759-2644 ext. 1.

Waterfowl Guide Wanted

Experienced waterfowl guide for 2025 resident waterfowl season for local area. Remuneration is the highest available. Two to three experienced waterfowlers with our own gear.

Please call Steven at 204-232-1500 if interested.

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY

Manitoba Public Insurance and Snoman hit the trails and roadways to highlight safety out on the snow mobile trails

January and February are great months for hitting the trails on your snowmobile. It can be thrilling, challenging, and a great way to get a sense of community with other riders. It is also true that January and February have the highest fatality rates for snowmobilers in Manitoba.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and Snoman Inc. are joining forces to highlight snowmobile safety to close out International Snowmobile Safety Week (Jan. 12-18) and lead into Manitoba’s first Winter Trails Day on Feb. 8.

MPI and Snowman held a safety demonstration, where three different components of safety were highlighted:

•Sharing the roadway

•Trail safety and trail grooming equipment

•Safety equipment for snowmobiles and riders

“By highlighting safety concerns, we are creating awareness that there are many proactive steps riders can take to make themselves safer while out on their snowmobiles, especially wearing a helmet, controlling speed, and riding sober,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “MPI doesn’t advocate for and educate about safety alone. It is through partner-

Town of Minnedosa

Steve Langston met with the Town of Minnedosa council on Jan. 14 concerning parking restrictions. Shawn Samels of MWM Environmental Ltd. regarding solid waste collection and disposal also met with council.

Third reading was given to By-Law No. 2612 Traffic and Parking was passed with all

ships, like the one we have with Snoman, that we are able to fulfill our road safety mission – whether it is on or off-road.”

From 2021-2024, there were 12 snowmobile fatalities in Manitoba. Speed was the leading contributing factor. Other factors included:

•Alcohol impairment

•Lack of helmet use

•Driver inexperience

•Careless driving Snoman emphasized that riders have to be aware of the safety concerns.

“Excessive speed is a contributing factor in the majority of incidents and can lead to fatalities,” stated Jason Wiebe, President, Snoman Inc. “Riders have to be cognizant of their abilities and to not impair their sense of control by consuming alcohol or drugs while riding. Safety is first and foremost for our organization.”

Safety is a shared goal for MPI and Snoman. When you register your snowmobile, MPI collects a $25 nonrefundable annual fee on all off-road vehicle registrations on behalf of the Government of Manitoba to support trail maintenance and development, off-road vehicle safety education and training programs, and rehabilitation of public lands impacted by off-road vehicle

Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer, MPI; and Joe Thievin,VP of Snoman Inc., from left

use.

Purchasing a Snopass to ride on 12,000 kilometres of designated provincial trails helps Manitoba invest in

grooming and maintaining trails, which contribute to snowmobile safety.

Ride safe and enjoy the snowmobile season.

Municipal Minutes

members of council in favour. Correspondence received included Cottage Area Lease Fees – Combined Document, Letters from Kevin Neufeld and Kyle Moffat, Assiniboine West Watershed district, and RCMP statistics

The 2025 Minnedosa Campground Rates will remain at the 2024 rate, noted as

Non-Service

$30/night, 15

Amp $32/night, 15 Amp & Water $35/night, 30 Amp & Water

$37/night, and Full Service

$38/night. Furthermore a monthly rate with a minimum 30 days booked, shall receive a 10% discount with no option for refund should the booking be cancelled within the 30 days.

Council will request the Manitoba Water Services Board for financial and technical assistance in completing an assessment study on the Town’s main lift station.

Councillor Mark Blais and Rick Cooper were appointed to the Lower Little Saskatchewan River Subdistrict Committee.

Wheaties win two of three on

The Brandon Wheat Kings won two of three games on their Western road swing over the past week and sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference of the Western Hockey League.

The Wheat Kings have two more road games this weekend, before returning home for a pair of games on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and Friday, Feb. 7.

PRINCE GEORGE 3 BRANDON 2

Prince George – Kohen

Ziemmer, Aiden Foster, Ben

Riche

Brandon – Jaxon Jacobsen, Carter Klippenstein BRANDON 6 KAMLOOPS 3

Brandon – Brady Turko (2), Quinn Mantei, Carter Klippenstein, Nolan Flammand, Caleb Hadland

Kamloops – Max Sullivan,

week

Emmitt Finnie, Tommy Lafreniere BRANDON 7 KELOWNA 3

Brandon – Nolan Flammand (2), Luke Shipley (2), Caleb Hadland, Dominik Petr, Matteo Michels

Kelowna – Dawson Gerwing, Hayden Paupanekis, Jakub Stancl