Free within the coverage area Franklin, MB 204-212-5032
Friday, April 3, 2026
Gerald & Rosemary Parrott
thewarmwoodsman@gmail.com
We stock outdoor wood and wood pellet/biomass furnaces, replacement parts, ThermoPex underground piping, heat exchangers, installation parts and more.
269 Hamilton Street, Neepawa MB R0J 1H0
neepawa
A Neepawa business with just over three decades of history is drawing ever closer to opening in a new location. This is Valley Optical, owned by Dr. Derek Papegnies. Currently located within the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic, Valley Optical is in the process of renovating and moving into the former Harris Pharmacy building, located at 424 Mountain Avenue. “The nerves are up for sure,” Dr. Papegnies confided, adding later, “I’ve never had to move an office before; I’m learning on the fly, so-to-say.” Dr. Papegnies shared a brief portion of the business’s history, noting that it first began within the medical clinic in 1992– making it nearly 34 years old. “Sept. 16, 1992– We ended up finding the original appointment book buried in the bottom of a filing cabinet, [and it recorded] Dr. Perkin’s first
Your success is our success.
www.patersons.ca
Banner & Press
By Casper Wehrhahn Neepawa Banner & Press
Spring is Springing! Or at least it will be soon. Longer daylight, milder weather and sunshine! As farmers begin preparing for the planting season, there’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The new season brings both opportunity and challenge. Farming requires careful planning and quick adaptation to external factors not to mention the added financial pressure of rising costs. We can help you plan. We can help you select the right product for your growing conditions. We’re here to offer advice and make recommendations as the season progresses. You can count on us.
P: 204-476-2336 | E: info@taylorlawpatersons.ca
Locally owned and operated
Neepawa’s Valley Optical on the move after 33 years
Vol.130 No. 31
chris.kulbacki@plantpioneer.com 204-966-3245 or 204-476-6449
Inside this week
all the way Downtown Kelwood Open this Friday & Saturday, April 3rd & 4th 9-7pm Open this Sunday, April 5th & Sunday April 19TH 12-2 pm
Call us at
Page 8-9: Everything for Your Farm
204-967-2007 for reservations & menu Regular hours:
Friday & Saturday 9am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm • Breakfast ‘til 2pm 1st & 3rd Sundays 12noon - 2pm • reservations recommended WE HAVE GLUTEN FRIENDLY & VEGAN OPTIONS Check out our unique gift store options.
Thank you Neepawa for your support
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
Dr. Derek Papegnies, o f Va l l e y O p t i c a l i n Neepawa.
day. It’s been a while,” said Dr. Papegnies. Of the available spaces on the market, the former Harris Pharmacy building best fit the bill for Papegnies, and a lease was signed for October of 2025. Renovations rang in the new year for Valley Optical’s upcoming location, with the process beginning early in January of 2026. Continued on Page 16
PHOTO BY EOIN DEVEREUX
Although the season didn’t end as many had hoped for in Neepawa, the Titans are still very thankful to fans, both young and old, for the unbelievable support throughout the 2025-26 MJHL season. A wrapup of the Titan’s post season, as well as a look ahead can be seen on page 10.
BUSINESS AFTER 5
Neepawa and Area Chamber presents Stride Credit Union Business After 5! Stop by Neepawa Stride Credit Union for a night of networking, snacks, refreshments & door prizes!
THURSDAY APRIL 9, 5:00 - 6:30 PM