Dawson Trail Dispatch November 2011

The 2011 Poppy Campaign of the Royal CanadianLegion is underway in Steinbach. Steinbach LegionBranch #190 began the distribution of thousands ofPoppies to local businesses, schools and other venuesduring the two-week campaign. Members of the Steinbach Branch #190 and volunteersfrom the Stoneybrook Squadron #307 of the RoyalCanadian Air Cadet League will conduct the distributionof Poppy boxes to local businesses. Members of thecommunity will also have the opportunity to pick up aPoppy from members of the Air Cadets, Scouts and Guidesat Canada Safeway on November 4 and 5. The Poppy Campaign is the foundation of the Legion’sRemembrance Program, which provides Poppies tomembers of the community as well as the opportunity toparticipate in Remembrance Day services. The Poppyhas been a symbol of Remembrance since 1921 and isknown internationally as a symbol of collectivereminiscence to honour those who paid the ultimatesacrifice.

Lorette Girl ReceivesMedal of Bravery

By Marianne Curtis

On October 28, the Governor General, David Thompson,presented the Medal of Bravery in a ceremony at RideauHall in Ottawa. Fourteen-year-old Pazia Toyne earned theaward for her selfless action, risking her life to save the lifeof another child while her family was living in Alberta.

Fourteen-year-old Pazia Toyne from Lorette was honored with a Medal of Bravery for her role in saving a little girl’s life three years ago in Alberta.

“It just feels really strange or like it wouldn’t havehappened to me,” Pazia said in an interview, thinking backto the incident. On December 11, 2007, 10-year-old Toyne risked her lifeto rescue a five-year-old girl who had fallen through the ice

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2011 PoppyCampaignUnderway

By Marianne Curtis

Since the provincial election there has been a renewedinterest on all fronts to bring reliable cellular service intoareas of the southeast that currently don’t have serviceor have limited service. The push started when the four reeves from Stuartburn,La Broquerie, Piney and Franklin met together to discusshow to lobby for better cell phone service. The urgencyfor action was recently escalated when wildfires torethrough all four municipalities, making it dangerous forresidents and emergency crews. “The potential for fatalities was great during the fires,”Stuartburn reeve Jim Swidersky stated. “We want theprovincial and federal governments to agree to the needfor service and then act on it.” He added that the reeves are even discussing settingup their own board or planning group to pursue thismatter to a satisfactory conclusion. “It is more than justhaving the service for emergencies because businessesand industries require modern communication so theycan stay in business,” Swidersky stressed.

Southeast Cellular ServiceBecomes Huge Issue

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November 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!2

By Marianne Curtis

On October 28, UFCW Local 832 members working at Granny’s Poultry in Blumenort were informed that the Workplace Safety andHealth Division have issued an Improvement Order against Granny’s. The department of Safety and Health has subsequently issueda “Stop work warning” and given Granny’s a number of matters to deal with immediately or the stop work warning will become a stopwork order. UFCW Local 832 represents over 500 members working at Granny’s Poultry. UFCW Local 832 President, Jeff Traeger, is pleased tohave won this battle for the many employees at Granny’s. “The health and safety committee at Granny’s Poultry, along with our union representatives worked tirelessly on this complaint tomake sure the company protected our members,” stated Traeger. “For too long the company ignored the health concerns and by thisimprovement order will now be forced to ensure the safety of its workers.” According to Traeger, for years, workers have been complaining of respiratory issues and poor air quality at the poultry plant in theTurkey Evisceration Area. The health and safety committee regularly tried to investigate the problem but management refused tocooperate. After the company continually denied the complaints, the union hired an Occupational Hygienist to investigate the issuesand, along with reports and studies of poultry plants in the United States on similar issues, a complaint was made to the ProvincialHealth and Safety Division. Workplace Health Safety conducted an inspection on September 26. During the inspection, it was found that workers were sufferingsymptoms including coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore and burning eyes and seeing circles of light in front of their eyes. Thesesymptoms would go away over the course of the weekend, only to resurface during the workweek. One of Granny’s employees describes what he went through while working in the evisceration department. “I started wearing the paper mask and then had to go to a respirator because it was so hard on my lungs,” he stated. “The levels ofthe toxins are so bad that people are taking time off work to let their bodies heal. The company is worried about their bonuses and don’tseem to care about the safety of their employees.” The order dated October 19 gives Granny’s until November 18 to improve the ventilation systems because workers are experiencingsymptoms indicative of chloramine exposure. “The ventilation system in the Turkey evisceration area must be evaluated and improved by a professional mechanical engineer toensure sufficient fresh air and air circulation and to assist in diluting airborne contaminants in this area,” stated the order. “The waterfrom the chlorine baths is mixing with the turkey’s themselves to produce chloramines. This mixing must be reduced as much aspossible to reduce airborne chloramine exposure.” Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia (from the turkeys) and used to disinfect water supplies. Chloramine fumes cancause an individual to become congested and causesneezing, sinus congestion, coughing, choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma. The likelihood of becoming sick from achemical increases with exposure time and concentration. Prolonged exposure also causes skin problems, gastric and digestive issuesand kidney and blood problems.

The Department of Health and Safety has ordered Granny’s Poultry in Blumenort to address a number of concerns by November 18 or they will be issued a stop workorder.

Province Issues Stop WorkWarning to Granny’s

Photo by Marianne Curtis

The Niverville Fire and Emergency Services department isonce again looking for recruits to serve in the community asfirst responders. Keith Bueckert said that the group is looking for individualsinterested in taking the Emergency Medical Responder course.“We are looking for licensed people in town that would like to

Niverville SeeksResponders

join our group,” stated Bueckert. “Our service is to be first respondersonly, not transport patients to hospital.” When an emergency calls are made in Niverville, EMR’s respond to thesite and begin providing treatment until the ambulance arrives. Nivervillecurrently has 20 licensed EMR members who have responded to onehundred calls for service and average about 120-150 calls per year. The Niverville Fire and Emergency Services Department will be offeringa training session in the New Year, which will provide interested volunteerswith the training for their emergency responder’s license. Training isexpected to take ten months including 100 hours of in class training, twoexams and a provincial licensing exam. Anyone interested in joining or applying for the course can call KeithBueckert at 781-9113 for more details.

November 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 3

in High River, Alberta. Pazia, along with several other children, had beenon the ice while walking home from school when one of the girls walkedtoo close to a hole. The ice broke and the girl fell in the water. “Right when I said, ‘No! don’t go there!’ the ice cracked and she fellthrough.” Pazia recalled. Pazia heard the cries for help and without any concern for her ownsafety ran towards the crying victim. She found the other child up to herneck in water, clinging to a piece of ice. Pazia slid on her stomach to reachher. As she tried to pull the victim out, Pazia also fell into the water. Aftermuch effort, she managed to get back onto thicker ice and drag the othergirl to safety. Provencher MP Vic Toews praised the brave little girl. “The actions of Pazia Toyne are those that exemplify the best of us andshe is a fine example to all Canadians,” stated Toews. “The Medal ofBravery she has earned today is well earned indeed. Alberta’s loss isManitoba’s gain.” Pazia was one of 44 people presented with Medals of Bravery at thespecial event.

The municipalities have asked for assistance from a number ofgovernment officials, including recently elected La Verendrye MLA DennisSmook and Provencher MP Vic Toews. “I have raised this with both MTS Allstream and with Rogers and I amworking with the appropriate Minister in order to ensure that there’s somekind of resolution to this problem,” assured Toews. “This is simplyunacceptable that in such a large area of southeastern Manitoba, whereall kinds of risks could occur, that there’s little or no cell phone service.” Toews added that in discussions he has heard from the phone companythat they don’t have the funding to provide the service to every corner ofthe province. Premier Greg Selinger recently went on record saying that it is up to theprovince and municipalities to continue to present their case to MTS andother telephone companies. “The province could subsidize construction for more cell towers but it isup to the companies to supply the service,” Selinger stated. “I think wedo need better service coverage and we have to talk to the regulator tofind out what the minimum standards should be.”

Bravery continued...

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Cell continued...Continued from page 1

By Marianne Curtis

On October 25, the RM of Ritchot and Trans-CanadaPipelines met to finish a deal, which gives thecompany naming rights to the new state-of-the-artgeothermal community center in Ile des Chênes. In a deal cited as a first for Trans-Canada Pipelines,the RM of Ritchot was presented with a $150,000contribution from the company, which buys themnaming rights to the building. Roger Perron, with theCommunity Development Corperation, explained howthe rare deal came about. “We approached them sometime ago with this idea. They have never done thisbefore. In exchange for financial support we gave themnaming rights to the hall while the building remainsowned by the RM, which is something new for themunicipality too,” Perron stated. “The company hasbeen in the community since the 50’s and they havebeen a neighbour in the community for so long, so bydoing this it is a gesture towards supporting thecommunity.” Officially named the Trans-Canada Centre, thebuilding was officially opened for business at thebeginning of October. Doors to the hall portion firstopened October 4 when the centre was filled withpolling stations during the provincial election. Meanwhile, construction on other parts of thestructure is ongoing. The Garderie Ile des ChenesDaycare Centre is getting their space set up so thatthey can be ready for business in the New Year. Thedaycare was approved for 94 childcare spaces, whichare filling up quickly. Perron noted that discussions are ongoing to getmedical services in the building also, “We have an interested doctor that wants to build aclinic and a doctor that is interested in working fulltime at the clinic. We just have to work out anagreement,” Perron continued. “We also have apharmacist that wants to open a clinic in the building.” The Trans-Canada Centre is a first of its kind in theprovince. The structure is a LEED Silver buildingincluding many energy efficient components, such asgeo-thermal heating. This district heating system isone of the first in Manitoba because it also connectsto the IDC Arena and the RM of Ritchot Fire Hall.

Trans-Canada Pipelines SupportsCommunity Centre

Bob Stefaniuk, RM of Ritchot mayor, and Ritchot Roger Perron, Ritchot CommunityDevelopment Corporation, accept a cheque from Steve Loney on behalf of Trans-CanadaPipeline.


On November 9, the Niverville Collegiate is celebratingtheir golden anniversary with a special event andcelebration. The evening will include a formal program withspeakers from various generations who will share theirmemories and reflections on the school. Tours of theschool and several displays will also be set up. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the formal portion will beginat 7 p.m.

NCI to Celebrate 50 Years


The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaperdistributed free of charge to

50 Southeastern Manitoba communities.Published by: One One Consultants Inc.

Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768

Dan Guetre, Managing EditorOne One Consultants Inc., Publisher

News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan GuetreColumnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens,

Production/Design: Dan Guetre, Myriam Dyck,Linda Bennett and Wilma Priebe

Advertising: Karen Jorgenson and Dan Guetre

For Advertising Call:Phone: (204) 422-8548

Fax: (204) 422-9768Email: [email protected]

Serving the communities along the historic Dawson Trail and beyond.

Subscriptions: $29.95 annually plus GST for Canadian Subscriptions.$52.95 annually for International Subscriptions

Canada Post AgreementNumber 42079020

Bills are being introduced inParliament, which will haveprofound effect for years to come.Of course gun control, or the lackthereof, and the dismantling of theCanadian Wheat Board arecreating the greatest emotionalupheaval in many segments ofsociety. Nevertheless, too many insociety, myself included, believethat gun management in some formis a necessary tool going forwardas we transfer ourselves from asociety of bucolic rural mores to anurbanized and materializedpopulation. As the cost of Law and OrderOmnibus bills is becoming known,prevention of crime will still be themost effective cost managementtool but does not seem to be onthe political radar. So it is withgreat trepidation that I seeMinisters of the Crown franticallysearching for the illusive fivesecond TV clip announcing morejail cells, longer prison terms, andpromising budget cuts.

Our Government has workedhard to expand trade opportunitiesand marketing freedom for

The Political Changes are Herewith Bombastic Fanfare

The Minister in charge of findingbudget cuts has a strong taint ofmismanagement of G20 funds andit seems the law and orderMinisters are unable to connectthe dots of how society functions.Managed judges do not make anindependent judiciary, which is afoundation of our democracy. If in the future we find ourselvesin good times with a balancedbudget, sufficient coin in ourpockets and a safer society thankyour lucky stars because I’m sureit will be strictly due to how thecosmos lines up. The Government has announcedthat the information on the gunregistry will be destroyed so as toprevent future governments fromattempting to restart anythingdown that path, all the whileclaiming to satisfy the taxpayer’swill as the final arbitrator. Yet, if aprovince would want theinformation, they, being elected bythe same taxpayer, then what? Itsmells like ideology playing to aselfish libertarian streak in all of

us, nothing more and perhapseven a wee bit less. Working atbuilding a society? …..Not! For all intents and purposes theWheat Board is toast. As most ofus are not farmers, it will impactus about as much as theelimination and passage of thehistorical Crow Rate in the pagesof yesteryear. In a nutshell thiswas a subsidy to railways so as

to less painfully screw the farmer.There were pronouncements ofdoom and gloom at the time, butthe government of the daycushioned the landing. Cerealcrops became animal feed cropsand change was managed. Manyprofited. Some retired. Mostadapted quite well. Will the changebe managed again? It depends onthe government supplying theproper parachutes. I find theirlanguage somewhat facetious, the“New Conservative Government”,that is. Their line is, “Farmers aresufficiently sophisticated tomanage the markets”. Of course.Yet what about “SupplyManagement” programs whichinsult markets? For the uninitiated, this is a pricecontrol of dairy, eggs and poultryproducts mandated bygovernment, which as groceryitems probably doubles the cost tous. This program has nothing todo with supply and demand in theaccepted economic sense but plainold fashioned government control

and subsidies. I gather that in this case thefarmers cannot be trusted to besufficiently sophisticated tomanage the markets. Now in mydefense of all those supplymanagement farmers who arehaving a coronary at my deviationfrom the accepted hymn book, hereis my reasoning. Other farmers arecompeting on the world market withtheir produce, despite American andEuropean subsidies, and the cost ofthese items at the grocery storereflects this and are alwaysaffordable and in abundance. Canthe same affordability be said ofeggs, poultry and milk products?Not even close. There comes a timewhen sacred cows such as “SupplyManagement” is just too much bullto digest. So Parliament is again open forbusiness or party politics, yourchoice. I’m beginning to sympathizewith the non-voters. No, I am notjoining their ranks but if politicianscontinue to demean politics, theirranks will swell.

Support for Canadian Farmers and the EconomyCanadian farmers. In fact, a recentanalysis by the Federal MarketAccess Team shows that bycollaborating and coordinatingmarket-access efforts andactivities, we have – togetherwith the provinces, territories andindustry – succeeded inreopening, maintaining andexpanding markets for manyCanadian agricultural and foodproducts. Canadian beef exports to Russiahave more than tripled (328%)and surpassed $23 million($23.8M) in 2010 after increasedbeef access in 2009. We’ve alsosecured a more stable tradingenvironment with China afternegotiating transitional measuresfor canola seed exports, whichenabled farmers to maintainexports of canola (seed, oil andmeal) to China in excess of $1.8billion in both 2009 and 2010. We are the world’s fifth largestexporter of agriculture and foodproducts with annual exportsworth over $35 billion. Our tradein agriculture and food productscontributed more than $11 billionto our trade surplus. This market access reportclearly demonstrates our successin increasing trade opportunitiesfor our producers andstrengthening their bottom line.

By reopening, maintaining andexpanding international markets,we are making sure that Canadianfarmers can make their living fromthe marketplace and continue todrive our economy. Our ambitiouspro-trade plan has deepened andstrengthened our tradingrelationships in priority markets,opposing trade-restrictivemeasures and defending Canadianinterests. The Federal Market Access Teamreport highlights accomplishmentsbetween January 2010 and March2011 in ten key markets forcommodities including beef, pork,canola, wheat, pulses and animalgenetics. In 2009, Minister Ritz created theMarket Access Secretariat (MAS)to coordinate governmentinitiatives with industry to pursuenew and existing markets for theagriculture sector. The MAS isclosely working with the FederalMarket Access Team which gatherresources from Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada, the CanadianFood Inspection Agency and theDepartment of Foreign Affairs andInternational Trade, supported bya Senior Market AccessCoordinating Committee. Canada’s farmers and foodprocessors do more than justproduce the food for our tables –

they help drive our economy. Thepotential for growth of the sectorlies mainly in our ability to expandour markets abroad. We arecommitted to giving marketingfreedom to Western Canadian grainfarmers. A commitment we’vefollowed through on by introducingthe Marketing Freedom for GrainFarmers Act. Open markets attractinvestment, encourage innovation,create value-added jobs, and build astronger economy. Our legislationgives Western Canadian barleyproducers the freedom andflexibility to sell their own barley toany foreign or domestic buyer,including the Canadian WheatBoard (CWB). Re-opening, maintaining andexpanding markets remain a toppriority for our Government. Ourpolicies are working for Canadianfarmers across the country and wewill continue to explore new marketsto further strengthen the future forour farmers. Please feel free to contact myoffice if you have any concerns orissues you would like to discuss.You may contact my office toll freeat 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762.You may write my office at 8 - 227Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at [email protected].


I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your confidence in me andfor voting to return me to the legislature as your representative for thenew Dawson Trail Constituency. I appreciate having the opportunity towork with the communities of the southeast and to be a representative forrural Manitoba in the legislature. I look forward to continuing the work wehave started and delivering on more projects for our communities. I would also like to thank all of my friends and especially my family whocame out to help with this election. Your unwavering support andcommitment means a lot to me. My office is once again open from Monday to Friday in the CenterpointMall in Lorette.Manitoba moves forward with plan to improve health care, create jobs,expand education and training Improving health care and building Manitoba’s economy by expandingeducation, training and job opportunities are the government’s toppriorities that we outlined in the speech from the throne. Manitobans have asked us to keep building and that’s why we are gettingto work to fulfil our commitments to improve health care, create more jobs,and expand education and training opportunities for everyone. The speech outlined key priorities of your government’s new mandateincluding:Improving Health Care:- Providing Manitobans the fastest access in Canada to world-class cancerscreening, testing and treatment.- Hiring 2,000 new nurses and nurse practitioners, 200 more doctors and50 more physician assistants.- Expanding medical training by creating 22 more medical residencies.- Ensuring every Manitoban has access to a family doctor.Expanding Education, Training and Job Opportunities:- Reducing class sizes to a maximum of 20 students for kindergarten toGrade 3.- Upgrading school shop equipment and working with rural school divisionsto expand broadband Internet access.- Creating more opportunities for companies to hire apprentices andexpanding access to skilled trades training in rural Manitoba.- Constructing a new skilled trades and technology centre at Red RiverCollege.- Building Manitoba Hydro for the benefit of all Manitobans.Building Safer, Healthier Communities:- Hiring 100 additional police officers and 50 cadets to serve throughoutManitoba including 50 officers on Winnipeg streets.- Speeding up prosecutions with more prosecutors and weekend courtsittings.- Working with the federal government to strengthen the Criminal Codeby making gang recruitment an explicit crime and cracking down on knifecrimes, arson, home invasions and carjackings.- Working with police on the best way to expand the electronic braceletmonitoring program.- Creating and expanding after-school programs for youth at risk.- Building more soccer facilities, field houses, playgrounds and splashpads.Preserving Manitoba’s Affordability Advantage:- Guaranteeing Manitobans pay the lowest combined bills for electricity,home heating and auto insurance in Canada.- Helping more Manitobans renovate their homes to make them moreenergy efficient.- Taking thousands more small businesses off the tax rolls while ensuringregular and sustainable increases to the minimum wage.- Eliminating education property taxes for seniors and farm owners.- Investing in universities, freezing tuition to the rate of inflation, reducingstudent loan interest rates to prime and amending student aid rules.Protecting the Environment:- Building Bipole III down the west side of Lake Manitoba and permanentlyprotecting one of the last tracts of undisturbed boreal forest left in theworld.- Working with local governments and the agriculture industry to protectwater quality.- Continuing a five-year plan to renew and improve provincial parks andcampgrounds. As always, I appreciate hearing your comments and thoughts on theseand other provincial initiatives. I encourage you to contact me by e-mail([email protected]), by phone (878-4644), or by mail at 101-1309Dawson Road, Box 517, Lorette, MB R0A 0Y0 and together we cancontinue to move Dawson Trail and Manitoba forward.

With the 2011 provincial election campaign now complete, the business of the Legislature has resumedand the discussion has moved from election promises to the practical reality of government. As a re-elected member of the Official Opposition, I will continue to work hard to both hold the NDPgovernment to account for its decisions and offer constructive alternatives to policies on a range ofissues. One of the promises made by the NDP during the election was to cap class sizes at 20 students fromKindergarten to Grade 3. As a parent of a child in Kindergarten, this commitment has personal appealbut there have been many questions raised by school administrators about the practical implementationof this policy. In most school divisions in the southern part of Manitoba there will be many classes in the Kindergartento Grade 3 range that have well over 20 students. In the Hanover School Division alone there are over70 classes in this grade range over 20 students. With schools already overcrowded in many of ourDivisions, how are the additional classroom spaces this policy demands to be created? Is the NDPsimply planning to put up more huts on school yards that are already full of them? Last week when asked these questions, the NDP Minister of Education was unable to answer thesequestions. She was also unable to answer who would actually be paying for the additional resourcesthat would be needed to run the classes. Would the province pay? It was, after-all, their promise. Orwould it be left to the school divisions to raise taxes? The Minister did not have an answer. She also couldn’t answer how rigid the policy would be. If there is only one class that has 21students, are two new classes created with 10 and 11 students respectively to ensure that the cap isadhered to? The promise to lower class size has an immediate appeal to both teachers and to parents and we allwant our kids to get as much out of their early education years as possible. For that reason thegovernment needs to give parents and teachers some assurance that the promise will not simply resultin more unsuitable classroom space but rather real classrooms for a better learning environment. It alsoneeds to fill in the gaps as to how this promise will work in practical terms when it comes to classes verynear the cap. The promises of the election campaign are over. Its back to the work of ensuring there are practicalsolutions to the problems that face Manitoba. I appreciate your comments and concerns. If you have any comments on these or other issues, youcan contact me by writing, #3 – 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by phone at (204) 326-5763, by fax at (204) 346-9913, by e-mail at [email protected] or by visiting my websiteat www.kelvingoertzen.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

ThankYou!

From Promisesto Practical

A delegation from Shoal Lake #39 First Nation made their way through Prawda, Hadashville, Falcon Lake,West Hawk and Richer in late October as they walked to Winnipeg to raise awareness and support for FirstNation water rights in their traditional territory. For years, the community has fought against the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba’s extractionof water from Shoal Lake without their consent. Walkers began a four-day trek of more than 300 kilometers to theLegislative Building in Winnipeg on the historic anniversary of the signing of Treaty 3. Shoal Lake First Nation is located at the east end of Indian Bay, a section of Shoal Lake that straddles theManitoba-Ontario border.

Historic Freedom WalkTreks through Region


The Seine River Services forSeniors is looking for someone whoenjoys driving. The person shouldbe able to drive to Winnipeg oncea month and available mornings orafternoons. It is preferable the

Volunteers Neededfor Seniors’ Group

volunteer owns a large sizedvehicle or van. Outings are toKildonan Place or St.VitalShopping Centre and seniorswould be required to pay a fee-forservice. If there is anyoneinterested, please contactCommunity Resource Co-ordinator Juliette Rowan at 424-5575.


Your community arts center is nothing without each member of the community. Donations big andsmall help to make us what we are. Our annual fundraising campaign is underway! The Steinbach Arts council presents over 60 programsthrough the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, and now we need your help—to keep programs affordable,purchase equipment, and to maintain our vibrant facility. Our 2011-12 goal: to raise $50,000.00 SAC will acknowledge your donor support on our donor wall, signage and future programs andevents. Thank you for recognizing the importance that culture, arts and music play in our lives SAC has been working hard to prepare for our annual Young Artist’s in Concert Café Night. We knowthat by November 5th it’s going to be chilly, so we’re preparing some warm and flavorful drinks totantalize your taste buds. These are included in the ticket price for our Café Night show, and justanother reason to buy tickets now! This year’s Café Night will feature an acoustic set by members fromthe Liptonians: Michael Jordan, Bucky Driedger and Matt Schellenberg from Steinbach! Come supportlocal musicians and your local Arts Centre for only $12/adult and $6/student! Held at SteinbachCultural Arts Centre, 304 Second St, 346-1077. The Liptonians - they are Manitoba guys. They startedtheir music right here in Steinbach and have since seen their careers expand. Come join them for theSongwriting Workshop, November 5. Sunday, November 27 will be the 14th Annual Home Tour and Tea. Homes are lined up and interiordecorators, greenhouses, and florists are responding to the invitation to create unique and visuallystimulating, fully decorated homes to usher in the spirit of Christmas. Every year SAC receives absolutelypositive feedback about how neat it is to see different homes around Steinbach decorated for theholidays and then enjoy delicious desserts and coffee. Mark your calendar for the 14th annual HomeTour. Win a Limo ride for you and five friends – travel the tour in style. For every ticket sold, you canenter your name for this prize – thanks to Mr. Stretch Limo. Which PEI fiddler will play till you’re “Head over Heels”? The answer is Cynthia MacLeod! And yes,she’s coming to Steinbach on Monday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m., SRSS Theatre in Steinbach. Headover Heels is only the first of five albums released by this energetic musician. We’ve listed her in yourannual 2011-12 SAC brochure, but we didn’t have enough room to say how excited we are for thisshow! Don’t miss Southeast Artist Group’s Art Show and Sale dates: the Fall Show is Saturday, November5 at Clearspring Mall, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. near IGA and the Christmas Show is Saturday, December 3 atSteinbach Cultural Arts Centre. These professional artists will be doing live painting demonstrations,as well as displaying some completed works. There will be lots to see, and remember: these make greatChristmas gifts as well! Be well in 2012! We have winter Wellness classes to make you feel great. On Mondays, try kickboxing or pilates; Tuesdays is Body Pump; Wednesdays is Yoga. Limited spaces so sign up now. The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will be performing their Christmas POPS concert at SteinbachMennonite Church on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. The Hanover Symphony Singers will onceagain perform under Millie Hildebrand’s direction. There will be a contest to play with the Symphony.Check your schools for details. Come enjoy this annual holiday favorite An Excellent Opportunity for Age 16-30. If you love the arts and want to make a difference, SteinbachArts Council would like to invite you to be a part of our Youth Arts Council. It’s a great opportunity tobuild your resume and learn great skills! Plus get free tickets to the concerts and events you helporganize and run. Have a say in what you would like to see happening with the arts in Steinbach. Pleaseemail [email protected] now. On now at the Hall Gallery: Out and About by Kevin Friesen, photographer, from November 9 toJanuary 6. Opening night is Wednesday, November 9 at 7 p.m. at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre.

Manitoba’s Clerk of the Legislative Assembly Patricia Chaychuk mades it official last Wednesday,October 19th, signing a declaration and Oath of Office making re-elected MLA Kelvin Goertzen themember of the Legislature for the Steinbach Constituency for the coming term.

Steinbach MLA OfficiallySworn in at Legislature

By Marianne Curtis

Three community projects from the southeast are vying for funding from anationally held competition through the Aviva Community Fund. The community of Niverville is one of three communities in Manitoba competingfor $100,000 in funding through the Aviva Community Fund Competition. Ifsuccessful, the money is slated for improvements at Hespeler Park.

Niverville’s Park and Rec committee has composed an entry to compete in thethird annual Aviva Community Fund competition. If the group won $100,000 themoney would be used to create a natural, accessible playground in the community’slargest park. “We are going into year three of a 5-year plan for our park, a park which currentlyhas soccer fields, baseball diamonds, walking paths and a large picnic shelter, but islacking a playground,” explained the committee. “We would love to build a largenatural, accessible playground for the MANY children in our community and feelthat it would draw a lot more people to this 80+ acre park.” In Lorette, the Tache Community Day Care center is also looking for funds. “Weare seeking financial aid in purchasing a permanent location to provide childcareservices for the school age program,” stated their entry. The location that would bebest suited for the purposes of the daycare is Center Jubinville, which is up for saleby the Knights of Columbus. Garderie Ile des Chênes Daycare is also looking for a piece of the pie. The Daycare,which is currently under construction within the Trans-Canada Center in Ile DesChenes, is expected to open in January with space for 94 children. They are lookingfor funding so they can purchase equipment that will furnish the new center,including purchasing items that meet the development needs of children in theircare. The Aviva Community Fund Competition is an attempt by the company to make apositive impact in Canadian communities, whether that’s through providing newopportunities for at-risk youth, education, helping the environment, or culturalactivities, by funding local and national initiatives for change. To help the committees achieve their goal public participation is needed. Peoplecan vote once a day per email address at www.avivacommunityfund.org. Votingtakes place until November 9.

Groups Vie for Funds inNational Competition

“We would love to build a large natural,accessible playground for the MANY children inour community and feel that it would draw a lot

more people to this 80+ acre park.”


By Marianne Curtis

The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary is pleased to follow the success oftheir annual spring book sale by hosting their second successful fall bookfair. For three days, starting October 20, the ladies of the Bethesda Auxiliaryheld their second “Fall Book Faire” at the Clearspring Center in Steinbach.Thousands of gently used books found new homes and over $9,000 wasraised by the organization.

Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary Spokesperson Verna Thiessen is onceagain pleased with the sale. “We had many books left over from our springsale, plus we had numerous new donations,” explained Thiessen. “We hada great turnout.” Funds raised during the sale will go towards the purchase of aresuscitation unit for Bethesda Hospital’s recovery unit. The resuscitationunit is expected to cost about $40,000. “No longer will they have to sharethis important piece of equipment with the emergency room,” Thiessenadded. “Not only do we benefit from an improved facility but we also knowthat literacy improves the health of individuals by enabling them to findbetter jobs and improve quality of life.” Over the years the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary has hosted ten successfulsales which have raised over $148,000.

Bethesda AuxiliaryHosts SuccessfulFall Book Sale

Thousands of gently used books found new homes during the second annual BethesdaAuxiliary fall book sale.

“Not only do we benefit from an improved facilitybut we also know that literacy improves the health ofindividuals by enabling them to find better jobs and

improve quality of life.”

Several communities in thesoutheast celebrated theircommunity based crime preventionvolunteers during the annualCOPP’s week, which took placefrom October 23 to 29. In Steinbach, the Citizens onPatrol Program (COPP) held an openhouse on October 24. The publicwas invited to City Hall and talk toa few of the program volunteers tohear about their experiences asvolunteers patrolling thecommunity. The town of Niverville recentlyimplemented their ‘Citizens on PatrolProgram’. Angela Janz, chair of Town ofNiverville’s Protective Services,said because of this program crimerate statistics in Niverville are down.“We have a very active COPP

Communities Celebrate COPP Weekprogram in our community with quitea large membership which has beenvery effective in just keeping a watchon our community and letting thecitizens know there are eyes and earsout there,” stated Janz. She addedthat the program has beeninstrumental in helping keep crimenumbers low in Niverville. “Oncepeople know that residents are onthe lookout for crime it lessens theopportunity for vandalism andcrime,” she added. “Our crime rateis low right now and down fromprevious years.” The town of Niverville also creditsthe St. Pierre RCMP for having a fullstaff of thirteen officers for the firsttime in years as also making asignificant difference. The COPP, sponsored byManitoba Public Insurance,

continues to gain popularitythroughout the province. There arenow 66 active groups and 1,800COPP volunteers dedicated toreducing crime within theircommunities and neighborhoods,said Ted Hlynsky, vice-president ofclaims control and safety operationsof Manitoba Public Insurance. “COPP is a grassroots programspecifically designed to serve as ahighly visible crime deterrent,” saidHlynsky. “This crime-preventionand education program providesadditional eyes and ears for the localpolice agencies.” This year marks the 10th AnnualCitizens on Patrol Week.

By Marianne Curtis

Steinbach residents have rolled out the welcome mat to businessessuch as Boston Pizza after a recent referendum saw 72 percent of peoplevoting in favor of serving alcohol within the community. Voters were asked to have their say on three questions on the ballotsthat would allow beverage rooms, cocktail lounges and private clublicences. On the question of Beverage Room Licence: 2,226 people votedin favor, 999 voted against; Cocktail Lounge Licence: 2,272 people votedin favor, 958 voted against; Private Club Licence: 2,302 people voted infavor, 908 voted against. This is welcome news to Boston Pizza Director of operations JonathanEnright. “We are now moving forward with plans to open a restaurant inSteinbach,” stated Enright. “We want to make sure that we can move thisforward as quickly as possible.” The restaurant chain hopes to seeconstruction of the sports bar begin in spring with a fall opening. Keith Unger, president of the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce said hewas not surprised by the vote. “This vote was tied to jobs and newbusiness and I think our culture has changed over time throughimmigration and generations moving in and moving on,” Unger said.“Our local entrepreneurs will embrace it and take advantage of it becauseit sparks a new interest in businesses moving to Steinbach.” The City of Steinbach council is pleased to see the matter settled;however, they did voice surprise over the huge margin of support. “Myfirst reaction was ‘wow’!” stated councillor Jac Siemens. “This wassomething I didn’t expect. I think people are tired of going to a referendumon the liquor question over and over.” As per The Manitoba Liquor Control Act, City Council is required togive third reading to by-law at the Council meeting on December 6. This was the seventh time that Steinbach residents have visited thepolls specifically to vote on whether to sell liquor in town.

Taps Open inSteinbach

Residents in St. Malo and Otterburne will get their say on howthey want their garbage picked up after the municipality consultswith the public. The RM of De Salaberry council recently decided to send out asurvey to residents in Otterburne and St. Malo to determine ifthere is an interest in receiving curbside garbage pickup. The RM of De Salaberry council is also preparing a tendersubmission requesting services for garbage pickup services forboth communities. Council noted they would not issue the tender until the landfillcommittee approves it and until the survey responses are receivedfrom residents. The tender is expected to run from 2012 to 2015and include dumpster services to commercial ratepayers.

Garbage Survey Underway


My passion for green products has given me the opportunity to speakto many, many like-minded people that are thinking the same thing I’mthinking. As we see energy prices rise and hear about how vulnerable andcostly the grid really is, we realize that we like having the “things”. So nothaving the comforts of electricity is not an option. But securing our ownpower generation is affordable, especially if you live in Ontario or Albertawhere we pay double what our neighbors pay for power. There will be atime when the ratepayers will be paying whatever it cost to build andmaintain “the grid”. So the time to learn about off-grid technology is now. Educating ourselves is what many of us are doing now and fortunatelymany resources are available online for talking to someone like me. Prices of off-grid systems range from 20 to 30k installed. When youconsider that you will never have another hydro bill and you will not haveto endure the announcement of another rate increase from your powercompany, that doesn’t sound too bad. In fact, it’s better than putting yourmoney in the bank. Not to mention the value an off-grid system adds toyour home. In California, where homes have had solar power for some timeare coming onto the market and even in a depressed market the homeswith a solar system will bring three to five percent more than without andare also on the market for a shorter time. So when I get asked the question, “How much to green my world?” I saystart with installing a power factoring device along with LED bulbs, youwill spent about 1k. Then install a solar thermal system. That will cost youbetween 10k and 15k and you will have saved about 50 percent of yourpower requirements. Finally spend between 20k and 30k for an off-gridsystem. Now you have a system that has a lifespan of about 20 years. Thebatteries should do about 10 years. This system may include a little turbine,pending on the power sources available to you. Take advantage of the “Canada Retrofit Program” and receive a $1,250grant and if you are in Manitoba you can also receive a 10 percent “GreenManitoba Tax credit” when you do your taxes. Oh yeah, did I mention wecan provide financing? So look at greening your world one baby step at a time. It’s important toeducate yourself as to how much power you’re using and measure thesavings as you implement your solutions. Comment or Questions? Join the conversation at www.greening-my-world.blogspot.com.

The public is invited to join the board of South Eastman Health whenthey host their 16 annual general public meeting. South Eastman Health ishosting this year’s event on November 7 at the Vita Ukrainian Hall in Vita. The topic of the night will be Strengthening Regional Primary HealthServices with guest speaker Barbara Wasilewski, Executive Director ofPolicy & Strategy for the Health System Innovation Division Public Healthand Primary Health Care Branch. Also on the agenda is the board’s presentation of their annual report tothe community, which will focus on the many highlights surroundinghealthcare throughout the region. The board will also be presentingbursaries to several students that are participating in health care relatedprogramming. Doors open at 6:30 and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. Refreshments will beserved. There will also be various health information displays set up.

Vita to Host Health AuthorityGeneral Meeting

How Much toGreen My

World?

The fall Visual arts programming, which kicked off in September and isrunning until December, is jam packed with activities including pottery,drawing, photography, and water color. According to Shannon Neufeld, Marketing Coordinator the SteinbachArts Council, the visual arts program is doing very well. “The Visual artsprogram is alive and growing with plenty of classes for every age group,”stated Neufeld. To ensure the continued success of the program the Steinbach ArtsCouncil has hired Chelsea Beaudoin to oversee the visual arts programsand the organization’s buy or lease arts program.

Visual ArtsProgramming Underway

During the early hours of October18, several vehicles had theirwindows smashed, particularly thedriver side windows. In oneinstance, one of the vehicles wasrummaged through. It is uncertainat this time if anything was taken.Police did receive a call of a persondescribed as wearing a dark hoodieattempting to break into one of thevehicles, however, police were notable to apprehend the suspect. Theincidents occurred on Goossen,Gordon and Main Street inSteinbach. Anyone with information is askedto contact the Steinbach RCMP at326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) orwww.manitobacrimestoppers.comor text “TIPMAN” plus yourmessage to Crimes (274637).

On the heels of one of the worst wild fire incidents in the RMof Stuartburn, the Stuartburn Fire Department is putting out acall for volunteer fire fighters. According to Fire Chief Orest Paciorka the department is “indire need” of more volunteers. Anyone interested in joining the Stuartburn Fire Departmentis encouraged to contact the municipality. Training is providedto successful applicants. Meanwhile, the RM of Stuartburn council is planning to hostan appreciation dinner for the many volunteer fire fighters thatworked diligently during the recent wild fires near Sundown,Gardenton and Stuartburn. “We want to thank them for their outstanding service anddedication in fighting the wildfires which caused a state ofemergency from October 6 to October 13,” stated council. Manyvolunteers were onsite for days with little or no breaks beforefires could finally be contained. An exact date and location isyet to be determined.

The Steinbach Arts Council’s visual artsprogram is doing very well with studentssigning up to participate in a variety ofprograming including painting.

Stuartburn Needs Fire Fighters

Culprit SoughtAfter Mischief

to Vehicles


This last year, I’ve been noticingthat more and more television seriesseem to have begun to take up a muchbigger section of store shelves. I findthis quite interesting as some of these shows I haven’t heard about orseen since I was quite a bit younger. It’s almost like seeing old friendsagain after a long separation. While there are a lot of new series as well,I’m more interested in the older ones. The older ones seem to be cleanerand less crude than more recent ones. A while back, we picked up the complete seasons of an 80’s televisionshow titled, “The Greatest American Hero”. While my wife doesn’tremember watching the show, she does recognize the theme song. I canremember watching the show and thinking how great this show was. The premise is that an ordinary man is given a suit with special powersand needs to use it for good purposes. Unfortunately, within minutes ofreceiving the gift he loses the instruction manual (yes, it came with amanual) and must learn what the suit can do through trial and error. Beinga bit of a klutz this man experiences a lot of error and this adds to ourviewing enjoyment. One thing that he just can’t seem to get the hang of isthe flying aspect. There will be odd moments when he’ll be flying straightbut then his arms will wave and he’ll be all over the place. Many crashesensue. Another series that we enjoyed was Gilligan’s Island. With the humorbeing clean, it’s great to watch as a family and laugh together at the crazyantics of these stranded castaways. After all, they only went out on theboat for a three-hour tour and three seasons later they were still trying tofigure a way off the island. Secretly, I don’t think they really wanted toleave. Think about it this way, they live on this beautiful tropical island withlimitless food, no dangerous beasts, no crowds (the occasional head-hunter does stop by but that always ends happily) and they never seem torun out of clean clothes to wear. Sometimes it great to curl up on the couch and watch these shows frommy past and enjoy what I consider to be a simpler time. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Caisse Financial Group wasbestowed the award for“Outstanding Large Business”at the Manitoba BusinessAwards Gala held by theManitoba Chambers ofCommerce recently, followingtheir nomination by the Conseilde développement économiquedu Manitoba. Joël Rondeau, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, accepted the award onbehalf of the Caisse, noting thatit is the staff and Board ofDirectors that should berecognized. “We are very proud to acceptthis award as a co-operativeorganization and as a bilingualorganization, especially on theeve of celebrating our 75thanniversary and theInternational Year of Co-operatives in 2012,” indicatedJoël Rondeau. “It is equallysatisfying to be recognized forhaving been successful inbusiness while respecting ourcommunity and co-operativevalues.”

Caisse Deemed “Outstanding”

Caisse Financial Group is theresult of the merger of fourManitoba Caisses and theFédération des caisses populairesdu Manitoba on September 1st,2010. With more than $900 millionin assets, 240 employees, 30,000members and 26 branch locations,Caisse Financial Group is amongthe largest financial co-operativesin Manitoba and the only bilingual

financial co-operative. “This award is a testament toour staff and Board’scommitment, especiallythroughout our transition. I takethis opportunity to congratulatethem and thank them for theirefforts. It is because of themthat we were able to receive thisaward,” concludes JoëlRondeau.

WatchingMy Past

By Marianne Curtis

During the month of October, several thousand southeast residentsattended one of 38 flu clinics that were held throughout the region. South Eastman Health CEO John Stinson encourages residents whohaven’t received their annual flu shot to do so soon. “It is important toprotect yourself from getting the flu and more importantly to protect thoseyou love, you work with, friends and community,” stated Stinson. “Ithelps prevent illness and helps the impact on our emergency rooms andhospitals.” Anyone older than six years old can get a flu shot at no charge at anyone of the remaining flu clinics. Signs and symptoms of influenza are cough, sore throat, runny or stuffednose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. If young children areexposed to influenza, complications can arise including ear or sinusinfection, lung infections or even pneumonia. It can also make chronichealth problems worse like asthma, heart disease and diabetes.

Get Your Shot

Dawson Trail Dispatch journalist Marianne Curtis rolls up her sleeve and gets the flu shot.



Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteeropportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adultsof the southeast region. We invite you to come, pay us a visit, and considerparticipating in some of our programs. For more information, call the center320-4600.

Up and coming events for NovemberDigital Camera: Getting those digital camera pics on to your computer.Join us Tuesdays, November 1, 8 and 15. Time: 1:30 p.m. How to downloadand upload your digital camera pics. Join us in this enlightening workshop.Cost is $1.00 per session and is presented by Alex Cupples.Housing Information: Monday, November 14, 1:30 p.m. Seniors IssuesTopic: Housing. Presented by David Driedger, CEO for the Havengroup.Cost $1.00. Please call the center to register.Clearspring Mall Walkers Annual “Kick- off breakfast: Wednesday,November 16, 8:00 a.m. Meet at Centre Court, Clearspring Center. ClearspringCentre supports physical fitness and welcomes mall walkers Mondaythrough Saturday 7:00 a.m. to close. This annual “Kick Off” is an enjoyablemorning, which includes walker registration, mall, door prizes,complimentary breakfast.Old Time Country Dance: Friday, November 25. With the live band,Buckskin and Satin. Advanced tickets; $8.00 members, $10.00 non-members,$12 at the door for all.

Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5:00 p.m.Enjoy supper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet. Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:00-3:00 p.m.Run by a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $25. Bring your own towel.Call the center to book an appointment. Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m.Meat and beverages are provided. Cost: $5.00 per person. Bring along acasserole, salad or desert. Call the center to reserve your seat. Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with abirthday are invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are askedto pay $2.00. Entertainment provided. Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653for appointment. Brain Injury Support Group: Last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Parkinson Support Group: Third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.

Weekly ProgramsMonday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with instructor

1:00 p.m. Canasta7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Tai Chi

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Circle of friendsWednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with instructor

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi10:30 a.m. Choir practice1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cribbage1:30 p.m. Floor curling7:00 p.m. Old Time Country Band Practice

Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bridge and WhistFriday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m. Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5.00. Call 320-4605 by 9:00 a.m. to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your mealticket at the receptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available atthe office or in the newsletter. Bring a friend. Billiards: Monday to Friday, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Computer Lab: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00p.m. Cost $1.00. There are lessons with Alex Cupples on Wednesdaysfrom 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Call the center for more information. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and settingtables, birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up,greeters, receptionists. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships aredue in January of each year. Membership is for those 55 years of age andolder. Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings,voting rights, and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. For more information on our programs, activities or volunteeropportunities, drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00p.m. or call 320-4600 or go to www.steinbach55plus.com.

Manitobans are reminded thatdaylight saving time will end in theprovince early Sunday, November 6when clocks will be set back onehour. Under the Official Time Act,daylight saving time ends on the firstSunday in November and resumesthe second Sunday in March. The official time change back tostandard time will occur this year at2 a.m., Sunday, November 6 at whichtime clocks should be set back to 1a.m.

DaylightSaving Time

EndsNovember 6

The community of Landmark isanother step closer to seeing the endof their flooding woes after a recentpublic hearing held in thecommunity. Back in May, the province set asidea total of $740,000 to conductfeasibility studies for permanentflood protection dikes in 11municipalities, including the RM ofTache, specifically for Landmark. Residents met on October 26 inLandmark at a public open housewhere they were encouraged toshare their input on future floodprotection initiatives for thecommunity. In conjunction with theprovince, the LUD of Landmark alsoretained the services of Tetratech toreview possible flood protectioninitiatives. It has been about 13 years sincework on constructing a real dike onthe east side of Landmark was firstproposed. At the time costsassociated with the project wereestimated at $220,000, whichincluded the construction of a dykealong the east side of Landmark andimproving the ditch along the westside where Hwy 206 and Hwy 210meet, causing a “bottle neck”. The actual construction of the dikewill be funded under the CommunityDiking component of the Canada-Manitoba Flood Mitigation Programannounced on August 27, 2010.Construction will be cost-shared bythe federal, provincial and municipalgovernments on a 45/45/10 basis. Once the study is complete,construction is expected to begin inthe summer of 2012.

Dike SurveyUnderway for

Landmark


By Marianne Curtis

A trio of musicians from Landmarkfelt like rock stars when they took tothe stage before several hundredscreaming fans when they officiallylaunched their second CD. The Ripperz, consisting of singerand lead guitar player ChrisSawatsky, drummer TravisWarkentin and bassist Mark Wiebeare excited about coming out of thestudio and sharing their latestselection of music with the rest ofthe country. The group has played together onand off for the past decade and havebeen “on” for the past few. They’vebeen a steady force on the localmusic front since 2008. “Absence made us stay together.I moved to Vancouver and when Icame back it was nice to have a bandto come back to,” explainedWarkentin. “Then the album in 2008was well received and we keptgoing.” After spending months in thestudio the Ripperz excitedlylaunched their new CD titled “Youare the Moon” at the West EndCultural Center on October 27 withWest End Boys from Regina and

Landmark GroupReleases Second CD

Ripperz bassist Mark Wiebe gets the crowd going while performing one of the band’s olderfavourites when they launched their most recent CD called “You are the Moon” at the WestEnd Cultural Centre to a nearly sold out crowd.

Vibrating Beds opening. Formerdrummer Kevin Klassen also joinedthem on stage. “This event was amazing. It is onething to know that we have so manyfans, but to see this crowd all herefor us, wow! We are so grateful,”stated Sawatsky, who does all thewriting for the group. “The crowdknows every word to our songs and

I write thinking about how this partwill be awesome when the crowdsings it.” Produced by The Newform Label& BE:Cause Industries “You are theMoon” celebrates a new era for theband which has changed their stylefrom Christian Rock to Indy Folksince their releasing their first selftitled album back in 2008.

St-Pierre Jolys RCMP are seekingthe public’s assistance with theinvestigation of an assault whichoccurred on October 14. Investigation indicates that onOctober 14 at approximately 9:30 p.m.an unidentified male knocked on adoor of a residence in Grunthal,Manitoba. After opening the door, the homeowner was pushed into theresidence and assaulted, sufferingminor injuries. The assailant thenfled the residence. The suspect is described asapproximately 5’9" tall, with a stockybuild and a medium complexion. Hewas wearing black pants and a bluehooded sweater. RCMP have completed a compositesketch and are seeking the public’sassistance in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information aboutthis incident is asked to contact theRCMP St-Pierre Jolys Detachment at(204) 433-7908, their local police

RCMP Seek Public’sAssistance in Assault

agency, or Manitoba Crime Stoppersat 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You canalso submit online atwww.manitobacrimestoppers.comor text “TIPMAN” plus yourmessage to CRIMES (274637).

Some time between 9:00 p.m. on the9th of October and 6:00 a.m. onOctober 10 suspects gained entryinto Tetrault Trucking located at 210Rue Principale, La Broquerie. The suspect(s) gained entry to thebusiness by prying out a garagedoor window. Once inside thesuspect(s) gained entry to the supplyroom of the Shell Gas Station. Thesuspect(s) stole 24 cartons ofcigarettes at an estimated value of$1,800. Police are asking for the public’sassistance in locating the subject(s)responsible for this break and enter. If you have any information youare asked to contact the SteinbachRCMP at (204) 326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) orwww.manitobacrmestoppers.com ortext “TIPMAN” plus your messageto Crimes (274637).

On October 26, former SteinbachRCMP Detachment staff sergeantJake Hiebert of Steinbach wasappointed as a part-time member ofthe Parole Board of Canada. Provencher MP Vic Toews was

Thieves MakeOff with

Cigarettes

Hiebert Named to ParoleBoard of Canada

pleased to make the announcement. “Our Government is committed toensuring appointments to the ParoleBoard of Canada are based on meritand ability,” said Toews. “As anindependent decision-making

tribunal that plays a significant rolein contributing to the safety of ourcommunities, it is imperative that weappoint highly qualified andcommitted people. I look forward toseeing Jake on that board andrepresenting the interests ofCanadians as he takes on theseimportant responsibilities.” Based in Saskatoon, Hiebert willcontinue to call Steinbach homewhile he sits on parole panels across

Canada where it is decided if inmatesare ready to be released from prison. Hiebert is pleased that he got theposition and admits that it is theposition he has been trying to getfor about three years. “I am excited to hear the news,”said Hiebert. He admits that it took alot of studying, exams andinterviews before he received thisappointment. “I studied hard and Iam very thankful that the federalgovernment has faith in me and myabilities to contribute to publicsafety across Canada.”

Hiebert brings to the board 39 yearsof experience as a police officer. Hestarted his career with the WinnipegPolice Service in 1970, and in 1974with the Royal Canadian MountedPolice. Prior to his retirement in 2009,he served as the Staff Sergeant forthe Steinbach RCMP Detachment.After he retired, Hiebert wasappointed the IndependentChairperson at Stony MountainPenitentiary. Over the last threeyears, he was a member of the Cityof Steinbach EmergencyPreparedness Committee.


If you or someone you care about has a disability and is under age 50 thisarticle will be of great interest to you! First, let me clarify what “someone with a disability” means. For this program,you fit the definition if you have been approved by Canada Revenue Agencyfor the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). I spent some time last spring making sure those who I thought would qualify indeedget approved for the DTC so that they could qualify for this new savings program. I also recently met with a tax client who is fully employed, but recently qualified for the Disability Tax Credit. We spentsome time talking about this new savings program and he will participate from now to age 49 as part of his retirementsavings plan. Let me introduce the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to you. It allows the plan holder (individual or parent)to save up to $200,000 in a tax-deferred account up to age 59. You’ll notice at the top of the article I referenced someoneunder 50. That’s because after the last contribution is made, you need to wait 10 years before making any withdrawals.For most that would be up to age 49, then wait 10 years and start withdrawing at age 60. Here’s the best part about this plan: the Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds. For many the reason to set upthese plans is the financial assistance from the government. The assistance comes in two ways: an income-testedmatching Grant and an income-tested Bond. These Grants and Bonds can be paid into a RDSP up until the end of theyear in which the beneficiary turns 49. The amount of the Grant and the Bond that can be received is based on “family income”. How that is determineddepends on the age of the beneficiary. Under 18, the family income is the parents’ income. Once 18, it will be based onthe individual’s income (and spouse). Let’s look at the matching Grant first. If the family income is under $83,000, then the Grant is equal to 300% on the first$500 deposited and 200% on the next $1,000 deposited. So by contributing $1,500, the RDSP could add Grants of $3,500.You’ve taken your $1500 and grown it to $5,000! And you can do that every year up to age 49. If the family income is over $83,000, then the Grant is limited to 100% of the first $1,000 deposited. Still a good deal! Themaximum total Grants paid is $70,000 per individual The Bond available is meant for lower income families. No contribution is needed. Just open the plan and if the familyincome is under $24,000 a Bond of $1,000 is added. The Bond is prorated for incomes up to $41,000. The maximum totalBonds paid is $20,000 per individual. A new twist was added in 2011. If you hadn’t opened a plan earlier, the Grants and Bonds are retroactive as early as2008 when the plan was introduced. There are some annual maximums, so don’t wait too long. As an example, say you are an individual with lower income and open a plan now. For 2008, 2009, and 2010 and now2011, you have accumulated the Grant entitlement at the 300% rate and the other matching grant at the 200% rate. Plus,the Bond of $1,000 for each of those four years. So if you open the RDSP in 2011 with a deposit of $2000, you couldcollect $10,000 of government funds. And you still have some Grants to carry forward to another year. Is there a catch? Yes, you cannot open the plan, collect the grants and then withdraw in a short period of time. Anywithdrawal would trigger the payback of ALL the Grants and Bonds paid in the previous ten years. The plan is really meant to be a long term savings plan for a disabled person. What about provincial disability programs? When the RDSPs were first announced, it made sure that any futurewithdrawal would not impact GST credits or other federal programs. And the provinces have also stated the there wouldbe either a full or partial exemption of RDSP withdrawals for income-tested provincial disability benefits. If you need more information, please call me and I can send out some information to you. I also plan to put on a seminarbefore the end of the year specifically about this new savings plan. If you’d like to be advised when and where it will be,please contact me. Anni Markmann is a Certified Financial Planner and tax professional living, working, and volunteering in ourcommunity. Contact her [email protected] or at 422-6631 or at 36 Dawson Road in Ste Anne.

By Marianne Curtis

Walking through the doors of an Ile Des Chênes business a customermay think they are walking into a beauty salon, with the exception thatcustomers walk on four legs, not two. Since opening their doors six years ago, Tender Touches has seen theirfour-legged clientele grow to 600 due to their service, which puts theanimals’ treatment, first in a non-traditional atmosphere. Lucy Thornhill and Jane Seath, who offer over two decades of experience

Ile des Chênes Business Goes to the Dogs

Registered DisabilitySavings Plan

Lucy Thornhill, one of the owners of Tender Touches in Ile des Chênes, is very passionateabout making sure that animals entrusted to their care are treated humanely and as lovinglyas possible. Photo by Marianne Curtis

and share the same passion for animals, specialize intreating animals in their care as gently and lovinglyas the pet owners themselves. “We believe that dogs deserve to be treatedhumanely with patience, kindness, and respect,”explained Seath. “They should live and learn asstress-free as possible, protected from fear, force,and pain. We use gentle, positively reinforcingmethods.” Their methods are well established and theywelcome owners to enjoy a cup of coffee whilewatching Fido get bathed and groomed. “There are so many animals that get abused atgrooming facilities, so owners are rarely welcomed,”Seath continued. “There is no closed door policyhere. We specialize in older dogs and dogs that havehad bad experiences elsewhere.” Appropriately named Tender Touches, thegrooming service is in high demand. There is awaiting list of almost a year for evening and weekendappointments. This success has encouraged theowners to expand their services to include a doggydaycare and offer obedience classes. “Studies are showing that dogs do not like to bealone, many experience distress and anxiety whenalone and the longer time alone, the greater theaffect,” Seath continued. “We started the daycare inJune. We have room for 20 dogs to come in for theday and wear off steam.” Lucy and Jane’s Tender Touch Daycare for Dogsis open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is an outdoor playyard, indoor play area designed with the dogs safetyin mind and even items like treadmills to offer anexercise option. In addition, doggy obedience classes are also

available. Pet owners participate in a six week programled by one of Winnipeg’s best dog experts. With theholiday season coming up, gift certificates are alsoavailable for all services provided. To find out morecontact Lucy or Jane at 878-3176.


By Marianne Curtis

The RM of Stuartburn council is hoping to find a good home for a piece of history that was discovered buriedbeneath one of the municipality’s roads a few years ago. About four years ago the RM of Stuartburn was doing some ditching near Caliento which including replacingexisting culverts with new ones. While excavating near the corner of 46E and 9N near the old CN bridge themunicipal excavator made a unique discovery. Instead of a traditional metal culvert or even a homemade one made of drums welded together excavatorsdiscovered a well made antique oak culvert held together with steel rings. Jennifer Blatz, RM of Stuartburn’s acting administrator, said that the discovery was unique enough themunicipality did some research into the rare find. “I called some people inquiring as to when they thought it had been originally installed and I was alerted to thefact that the man who probably installed it was still living in Vita,” Blatz explained. “He worked with CN rail in theearly 20th century and I called him personally to see if he remembered exactly when it was installed andunbelievably he did – he indicated that the culvert was installed in or around the year of 1905.” Despite being interred for a century, the carefully excavated piece is in remarkable condition. The estimated100-year-old culvert is sitting behind the municipal office in Vita but the RM of Stuartburn council is hoping thateither a museum or collector that will ensure that this unique discovery is preserved will adopt it. “It is in remarkably good shape and not something that we see very often. So far the Morris Museum has takena piece for their displays and the reeve from Emerson has indicated an interest in taking a piece,” added Blatz. The RM of Stuartburn invites organizations or individuals interested in preserving this remarkably soundpiece of history to make a request to council.

2011 is the 125th anniversary ofboth the town of Stuartburn and ofUkrainian settlement in Manitoba.It is fitting that 2011 is also theyear that Dr. John C. Lehr’s social,economic and geographic historyof Stuartburn, entitled Communityand Frontier: A UkrainianSettlement in the CanadianParkland, will be released.

Published by the University ofManitoba Press, Lehr’s research isbased on an analysis ofimmigration, homestead, tax andschool records, pioneer memoirs,and the Ukrainian and Englishlanguage press. “Immigrants from westernUkraine settled the Stuartburndistrict of south eastern Manitobaat the dawn of the twentiethcentury,” says Lehr, a member ofthe Geography Department at theUniversity of Winnipeg. “In lessthan 20 years they laid thefoundation of a multifacetedcommunity where religious, social,political and economic valuescollided.” From the details of pioneer life,Community and Frontier reveals acomplex web of inter-ethnic andcolonial relationships that createda community that was a far cryfrom the homogeneous ethnicblock settlement feared by theopponents of eastern Europeansettlement in western Canada. “Although there are a number ofexcellent histories that deal withthe subject from a broad regionalperspective, there wasn’t adetailed study that places theprocess of land settlement in atheoretical context while retaininga focus on the human details ofthe process,” says Lehr.

Antique CulvertDiscovered in Stuartburn

The RM of Stuartburn is hoping to find a good home for this antique culvert, which has been dated as being over 100 years old.


History of Stuartburnto Appear in Time for

125th Anniversary

John Lehr

“I also wanted to demonstratethat the story of western Canadianagricultural settlement is asdramatic and interesting as thelargely mythologized story ofwestern settlement in the UnitedStates.” Community and Frontierlaunches at 7:30 p.m. Monday,November 7 at Winnipeg’sMcNally Robinson Booksellers,1120 Grant Avenue. John C. Lehr is a professor in theGeography Department at theUniversity of Winnipeg. He is amember of the Ukrainian Academyof Arts and Sciences in Canada.With Yossi Katz, Lehr co-authoredLast Best West: Essays on theHistorical Geography of WesternCanada and By their Faith Shallthey Live: The Hutterite Coloniesin North America 1874-2006.

“Immigrants fromwestern Ukraine

settled theStuartburn district of

south easternManitoba at the

dawn of thetwentieth century.”


EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO [email protected] FAX 204-422-8548

COMMUNITY EVENTSSt. MaloSt. Malo fall supper will be held at the Chalet Sunday, November 6th from 4 pmto 6:30 pm.

A Craft Show and Bake Sale will be held on Saturday, November 26 from 10 amto 3 pm at the Chalet Malouin in St. Malo. For more information contact Aline at347-5249.

“Putting on the Glitz” New Years Eve Dinner and Dance on Saturday, Dec. 31 atthe Iberville Hall in St. Malo. Cocktails at 6:30 pm, Dinner at 7:30 pm, Dancefrom 9 pm to 1 am. Cash bar. Tickets are $35. Contact Lorraine at 347-5624 orLouise at 347-5503. Hosted by the St. Malo & District Chamber of Commerce.Celebrating St. Malo’s 120th Anniversary (1892 – 2012).

St. PierreThe will be a Rainbow Auction with over 50 tables of Crafts, Baking Goods &Products on Saturday, November 5 from 10 am – 3 pm at the St-Pierre Rec.Centre. Proceeds to Physique Plus. Call Cecile at 433-3202 or Melissa at 433-3617 for more information.

SteinbachFREE MONTHLY BUS TRIPS TO THE CASINOS OF WINNIPEG. Call your friendsand neighbours and join us for a fun day at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach at8:30 a.m. and Paradise Village approximately 9:00 a.m. Must be 18 years ofage or older. Prizes and $10 cash for everyone. Bingo on the bus. Call Marilyn at326-4939 for date information and to reserve your seat on the bus. The nextscheduled trips are November 8th, December 13th and January 10th. Everyoneon the November and December bus will have their name entered for theChristmas Draw.

Tobacco Free 1-2-3 will take place Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at theBethesda Hospital in Conference Rm #1. It will run from November 10 - December1.Tobacco Free 1-2-3 is a free program that will help you learn how to quit, to beaware of medication that can help you quit. It will also connect you with otherswho are taking steps to quit. For more information and to register, please callIrene Ascough at (204) 346-6690 or Email [email protected]

MarchandMarchand Chapel is holding its first community GOSPEL MUSIC EVENT on Sunday,November 27 from 2 pm to 4 pm with refreshments served after. Concert formatincludes LyndaRose & Gary (houseband), a short open mic session, and the featureband, ISAIAH 6. There will also be a free draw for a guitar for 17 years old andunder. Admission is free but a free will offering will be held. Everyone welcome!For more information contact Gary Brown 424-5544.

NivervilleThe Niverville Fire and Emergency Services are hosting a fundraising PerogySupper on November 11 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Golden Friendship Center,118 Second Ave. Donations are welcome.

Ste. AnneThe CAP site is offering a workshop at Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library on Tuesday& Thursday 4 pm to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm. It is a beginner InternetWorkshop. During this workshop you can set a free e-mail account and can learnhow to send and receive e-mails. You will also learn how to do a basic web searchand be given the opportunity to surf the Web. Contact Nicole Starzec at (204)380-2559 or Bibliothèque Ste. Anne Library at (204) 422-9958 for moreinformation.

LoretteLorette community Christmas concert will take place Sunday, December 4 at 7pm. It will feature the Seine Singers, Lorette Community Children’s Choir, Reimer6, along with Nicholas Messner, and the Two For The Road Vocal Duo. There isalso a Sing-along. The concert will be at the Notre Dame de Lorette Church. Adulttickets - $5, School-aged children (K-12) - $3, Pre-school children – FREE. (Ticketsare available from Seine Singers choir members, or at the door.) Proceeds fromthe concert will go to Arts Lorette. For tickets or more information, call ArleneSchulz at 878-2016 or Denise Reimer at 878-2629

The RM of De Saleberry has decided that instead of spending moneypurchasing gravel from other sources it would benefit the municipality topurchase their own gravel pit. According to council, it was decided that having a municipal gravel pitwould result in an overall cost savings while meeting the municipality’sgravel needs. “This would give us the ability to plan in advance for gravelon our own roads,” stated council. “The purchase of a gravel pit will be inline with our current planning.” The RM of De Salaberry council agreed to enter into negotiations topurchase property at NW 33-3-5E for the sole purpose of establishing agravel pit which is expected to meet the municipality’s needs for years tocome. The sale is on condition that the mineral rights from the site aretransferred to the municipality. In 2011, the RM of De Salaberry spent $240,000 out of their budget topurchase gravel from other sources.

During the morning of October 5 east bound traffic along the Trans Canada Highwaywas limited to a single lane after a semi went out of control and rolled. RM of Tache fire Chief Peter Skjaerland said the truck was heading east at the timeand ended up rolling in the center ditch. While the truck sustained extreme damage,the driver walked away with a few cuts and bruises. The trailer, loaded with empty food containers, split wide open during the incident. Ittook cleanup crews several hours to transfer the load and clean up the debris.

Truck Rolls on Trans Canada Hwy


De Salaberry WantsSecure Gravel Supply

The Town of Niverville isaccepting applications for the fulltime position of Water UtilitySupervisor. As part of the PublicWorks management team, thismotivated and experienced personwill be responsible to plan, organize,supervise and direct the WaterUtility Division. This includes thetreatment and delivery of potablewater to municipal customers,regulatory compliance and relatedinspection and other duties. You are invited to submit yourcover letter and resume togetherwith salary expectation, referencesand other pertinent data [email protected] orfax (204) 388-6110. Only thoseselected for a personal interview willbe contacted. Please visit Townwebsite at www.whereyoubelong.cafor a full job description.

Water UtilitySupervisorNeeded forNiverville

A Landmark entrepreneur has entereda unique contest which could land her$1,000 and exposure for her business. Lorena Mitchell of EvolveGreen willbe competing against otherentrepreneurs with disabilities or healthconditions across rural Western Canadain a community futures video contestcalled “Just Watch Me!” The contest is open to self-identifiedpersons with a disability or ongoinghealth condition. Mitchell has MultipleImmune Disorder. The “Just Watch Me” contest issponsored by Community FuturesEntrepreneurs with DisabilitiesProgram. The organization helps rural

’Tis the season to begin holidayshopping and support two local charitiesat the same time. Agape House, theregional shelter that supports womenand their children in crisis, will hostHome for the Holidays on Saturday,November 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. atthe Brass Lantern Banquet Centre inSteinbach. “This particular event will showcasehomemade, handmade and gift productsby artisans, crafters, and giftware carriersfrom all over the area,” said Board Vice-President Melissa Perkins. In additionto the vendors, there will also be livemusic, holiday bites, children’s activities,and a holiday photo shoot where youcan have your holiday photos taken righton-site. If all of this doesn’t get youinto the holiday spirit, they will also bedrawing FREE door prizes all day. Door admission to the event is adonation to Agape House or a ‘Tin forthe Bin’ for Southeast Helping Hands. “The holiday season is a particularlybusy time for both charities and theneeds are especially high for familiesduring this period,” indicated ExecutiveDirector Tracie Rigby. For further information on this eventcall 392-4650 or [email protected].

Landmark Entrepreneur Enters Video Contestentrepreneurs with disabilities pursuetheir business goals by providingbusiness advice, training, mentorshipand access to repayable business loans. The Entrepreneurs with DisabilitiesProgram is offered by CommunityFutures – a rural economic developmentprogram funded in western Canada byWestern Economic DiversificationCanada. Community Futures offices arenon-profit organizations guided byvolunteer boards of directors and staffedwith business professionals. Together,they help communities find ways toimprove, grow and become better places

to live and do business in. The panel of judges from Canada’ssmall business community will reviewall entries and select their “top 5” videos.Once these finalists are selected andposted in the online screening gallery,voting will begin. The top 5 finalists will be announcedNovember 7 with voting starting thesame day until November 26. A winnerwill be announced on December 2. You can watch Mitchell’s contestvideo atwww.communityfuturespanwest.ca/contest/all-videos.php

Local Charity HostsNew Holiday

Shopping Event


If you have any questions call Travis Olifirowich at 371-7223 orEileen Lewis at 371-0255 at Prudential Riverbend Realty.

When most people are starting to consider buying a home one ofthe questions they ask themselves is “Can I afford it?” So off to thebank they go. Some questions that you may want to ask are obvious. Others notso obvious. Here is a suggested list you may want to consider. Why would I want a pre-approval instead of just going and findinga home first then coming to the bank or mortgage broker? By getting a pre-approval does that give me a guaranteed interestrate and if so, for how long? How much can I get approved for? What does amortization mean? What is the cost of borrowing for different amortization lengths? What are the current interest rates and are they on their way up ordown? What are the different rates for open or closed mortgages anddifferent terms? If I go with an open mortgage can I lock in at any time? If I decide to sell my house before the term is up will there be apenalty? Can I make extra payments and if so how many or how often? Can I pay my mortgage off early and if so are there any penalties? If I’m pre- approved does that mean when I complete an offer topurchase with my realtor I don’t need to include a clause that statesit is subject to financing? What other kind of closing costs can I expect to incur? If I take out an extra loan after my pre-approval will that effect mypre-approval or will I still able to borrow the same amount? What is my debt service ratio and how is it determined? What is my credit score and how does that work? How much money will I need down? What is the cost of going through CMHC and does it change withdifferent amounts of money down? What are land title fees and how much are they? If you ask the right questions I can guarantee you will save a lot oftime and energy when looking for a home. We hope this was informative and it helps you to determine theproper mortgage choice that works best for you.

The RM of Hanover has implementeda new policy that will see themunicipality establishing a specificrecreation reserve fund. According to council, the policyensures that development fees collectedfrom subdivisions and multi-familydwellings are used to assist in therecreation needs of each specificcommunity. For example, developmentfees collected from projects in Grunthalwill be used to assist recreation projectsin that community. “The purpose of this policy is toestablish criteria for the withdrawal offunds from the reserve for the purposeof recreational or green space purchasesor capital projects,” stated council. “Itis important that council know the longterm needs and capital developmentplans from each community.” Under the policy, the RM of Hanovercommits to placing development feesinto the Recreational Developmentreserve fund by community. This isexpected to ensure that money collectedin Kleefeld is not spent on projectsuntaken in New Bothwell, for example.Other money could be added to thereserve from the sale of reserveproperties and donations. Any community or organization

In an attempt to encourageresidents from throughout themunicipality to compost, the RM ofTache hosted a successful one daytruck load sale of backyard compostbins. On October 29, the municipalitymade compost bins available forpurchase at three RM of Tache firehalls. Two hundred bins forresidential use only were madeavailable at each of three locationsin St. Genevieve, Landmark andLorette. RM of Tache mayor WilliamDanylchuk said that themunicipality is committed toimplementing a waste reductionpolicy throughout the municipalityto battle climate change. “Composting is a simple andeffective way the community canhelp reduce greenhouse gasemissions and prolong the life of themunicipal landfill site by divertingorganic waste,” said Danylchuk.“We are actually diverting theproduct into a useable product thatcan go back into gardens and flowerbeds and of course this is thedirection in which the municipalityhas been going with the emissionsreduction program for the past twoyears.” RM of Tache resident and dairyfarmer, Alvin Plett, dropped in to pickup three composters for himself andtwo of his children. “I think this is a great idea;however, what I find frustrating iswith all the push to compost and beenvironmentally friendly, there isnothing for farmers,” stated Plett.“We get non-returnable drums,pallets and feedbags and we don’tknow what to do with them otherthan taking them to the landfill. Thisis something that needs to beaddressed next.” Handy Tips When Getting

Pre-Approved For a Mortgage

Seine River Services for seniors wouldlike to invite all seniors interested in theWii Bowling game to come and try outtheir bowling skills and have fun. Weare hoping to start in January, 2012, onMonday afternoons, at Le Club Jovialin Ste. Anne. We would like to form sixteams of four players each and we alsoneed a good amount of spare players aswell. Any senior who is interested isencouraged to come and play the gameand beginners are also welcome. Thosewho would like to participate in thisevent please contact Juliette Rowan at424-5575.

Hanover EstablishesRecreation Reserve

wishing to draw from the reserve canapply for funding by filling out anapplication put together by the RM ofHanover. This includes requests forprojects that require a matchingcontribution from the municipality.Council may also approve applicationsfor funding from accounts for projectsthat extend the life of existing recreationfacilities. Applications are available at the RMof Hanover office.

Wii Bowling for Seniors

Tache Encourages Composting

The compost bins were madeavailable in part through theCommunity Led EmissionsReduction program with fundingfrom the provincial government. Themunicipality is not only encouragingresidents to become moreenvironmentally friendly, they havecompleted recent upgrades to two

RM of Tache fire Chief Peter Skjaerland shows resident Alvin Plett how to assemble his newcomposter and how easy it is to use.


municipal public works shops inLandmark and Lorette to make surethey are more efficient. The community and themunicipality identified theseprojects as priority projects afterhaving collected data on theirgreenhouse gas emissions in 2008and holding public consultations.

Those in need of food assistance fromthe Grunthal area will no longer have toworry about traveling to Steinbach afterthe community recently opened a newfood bank. Paster Jarrod Chamberlin from ElmMennonite Church said the food bankwas set up to address a growing need inthe area.

Food Bank Opensin Grunthal

“It’s got to start somewhere. We arelooking at many possibilities, includingat our church. We have a hut that wemaybe can do something out of, but atthis point we’ve got to fill the need,”stated Chamberlin. “We are meeting withthe people and discussing how to get adepot in place.” The group is working with HankKlassen from South East Helping handsto get established in Grunthal. Once theorganization is fully running Klassen saidthe group will take over food bankdistribution for the Grunthal area whichwill be a “big help” to the already highlyused Steinbach based organization.


Recently defeated Dawson Trailconstituency ProgressiveConservative candidate LarryTetrault has called it quits from hisposition as administrator in theRM of Springfield. Tetrault said that when hereturned to work after the electionhe decided it was time to move on.He joined the staff of the RM ofSpringfield back in 2007 afterleaving a three-decade post withthe RM of La Broquerie. “I cameback to work and had somediscussion with council and I havedecided to resign from my positionas CAO and rest for a while,”Tetrault stated. “I don’t have anyplans for the future right now.” RM of Springfield reeve JimMcCarthy confirmed that councilaccepted Tetrault’s resignationeffective October 12. “DuringLarry’s tenure the Municipality ofSpringfield experiencedunprecedented growth in allaspects of communitydevelopment,” stated McCarthy.“Larry was an enormous asset andhe will be missed.” Tetrault resigned at thebeginning of November 2006 fromhis position as administrator in theRM of La Broquerie, a position heheld for 32 years. At the time hehad stepped down from theposition to join the race to becomethe next Progressive Conservativecandidate for the constituency ofEmerson.

Tetrault LeavesSpringfieldMunicipality


On October 25, ProvidenceUniversity College hosted its annualpublic Lecture series, this year onthe theme, “God, Government, andGospel: Christians and Politics.” Theguest lecturer for the occasion wasBill Blaikie, an ordained minister anda retired MP and MLA. For 32 years in elected office,Blaikie distinguished himself as arare Canadian politician with anability to weave together almostseamlessly his faith and his politicalaffections. Blaikie gave three addresses, “TheNaked Public Square vs. The NakedMarketplace,” “MarketFundamentalism: Idolatry andInequality,” and “Top Ten Scripturesfor Faith and Public Life.” Headdressed the audience more like aprophet than a politician. To thosein public office, he warned, “Whenwe treat the market as somethingother than a human creation we havecreated an idol.” Summarily, he calledon the public to resist the wages ofgreed and rediscover a moral centerbased on an equitable social wage.But to accomplish this, leaders neednothing short of a spiritual visionthat can comprehend both God’sgenerous love for the whole worldand the need to discern theprincipalities and powers that areworking against that generosity.Throughout his lectures, Blaikiereferred to his new book, The BlaikieReport: An Insider’s look at Faith andPolitics. Regarding the church, Blaikielamented the reality that instead ofholding governments accountable

The Steinbach Arts Council has launched a fundraising campaign withhopes of raising $50,000 to help support its many programs and initiatives. According to Shannon Neufeld, Marketing Coordinator the SteinbachArts Council, it is looking for financial help to keep programs affordable,purchase equipment and maintain their facility. “A portion of the fundsraised will help pay for improvements on the outside of our building aswell as in our entrance and the restroom areas of the center,” explainedNeufeld. “It also supports our creative arts bursary fund, designed tomake arts accessible to everyone.” Donators will be acknowledged on the SAC’s donor wall, signage andfuture programs and events. “Our community arts center is nothing withouteach member of the community,” Neufeld continued. “Donations big orsmall help to make us what we are.” New this year, the Steinbach Arts Council is offering up the opportunityfor businesses and groups to have an event named after them. “We arelooking for sponsors for concerts, exhibits, programs and special events,”she continued. Recent examples include the Century 21 Christmas HomeTour, Ledingham Celebrate the Arts Dinner or Steinbach Flooring CanadaPhotography Exhibit by Kevin Friesen. Sponsors can also supportindividual programs such as the Steinbach Dental Clinic Pottery Program. While the Steinbach Arts Council is situated in Steinbach, participantsto programs and users of the facility come from nearly every community insouthern Manitoba. Anyone interested in supporting the Steinbach Arts Council can call346-1077.

Nearly $30,000 in outstanding billsare keeping the RM of La Broqueriebooks from adding up and themunicipality intends on pursuingcollections. According to council a number ofold accounts from up to five yearsago have piled up to close to $30,000in outstanding accounts. Reeve Claude Lussier confirmedthat there are about thirtyoutstanding accounts. Many ofthem are small. However, there areseveral major ones dating back anaverage of three and a half years. “Some have to do withdevelopment and paving,” statedLussier. The municipality’s auditors andaccountants have been questioningthe municipality on why theseaccounts have not been collected. “They are accounts receivable butwe are not even sure if we can collecton some of them,” Lussier added.The municipality has written offseveral accounts for amounts lessthan $250. Any outstandingaccounts for amounts greater thanthat will be pursued. “We are trying to eliminate themso we can start the new financialyear with zero on those accounts,”Lussier continued. He added thatmost of the outstanding accountholders have already beencontacted. “The fact that we can’trespond to why they didn’t get a

By Marianne Curtis

For the second time in less than a year the volunteer-run SteinbachHumane Society has called it quits. Lisa Beauchamp Rogal said that it is with great regret that theorganization is disbanding. “Due to personal health reasonsKaren Pruden and I are resigning,”stated Rogal. “Due to the lack ofmanpower we will be closing thedoors of the organization.” Karen Pruden and LisaBeauchamp Rogal founded theSteinbach Humane Society in June2008. Without a formal location, theorganization has relied on volunteers that could foster cats and dogs untila new home was found. Over the past three years, the Steinbach HumaneSociety has saved, reunited and re-homed over 350 animals. “We have met and worked with many amazing people,” Rogal continued.“Our lives have been forever changed through the work we’ve done, andit’s been an honor and privilege to have been in the business of savinglives.” The organization offers a special thank you to the “wonderful selflessfosters” and volunteers both past and present. “Without them we could not have opened this organization in the firstplace,” Rogal concluded. Earlier this year the Steinbach Humane Society pulled the plug due tolack of financial resources. At the time, the organization owed $3,900 inveterinary bills. However, a number of fundraisers and private donationshelped pay the bills and the organization went back to business as usual.

Accountable PoliticiansRequire Ethics

for the frequently undemocratic andinequitable actions of the

marketplace, many Christians are toobusy singing the praises of themarket. Citing the biblical parable ofthe Good Samaritan, Blaikiepondered why so many in thechurch walk on the other side of theroad politically when it comes tobeing neighbourly. And when thechurch is critical, it fails to see howit is often complicit in the very termsit judges. At the same timegovernments need to create non-partisan opportunities for publicdiscourse outside the realm ofpolitics. The day ended with a panel ofProvidence faculty and studentrespondents and a healthy questionand answer period. Blaikie gave afinal reminder that, in the matter ofpublic policy, we all struggle to seethrough a glass darkly. In humility,we should not pretend we have thedefinitive flashlight.

Bill Blaikie, retired MP and MLA spoke at Providence University College recently.

The Steinbach RCMP are askingfor assistance in identifying thesuspect responsible for the breakand enter of several stores withinthe Clearspring Mall in Steinbachwhich occurred on the night ofOctober 1st. In each case, the culpritleft with an undisclosed amount ofmoney. Anyone with information on thisincident is asked to contact theSteinbach RCMP Detachment at204-326-4452, the ManitobaCrimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) orwww.manitobacrimestoppers.comor text “TIPMAN”plus yourmessage Crimes (274637).

La Broquerie toCollect Old Bills

response when they questionedtheir accounts is making it moredifficult to collect now. The RM of La Broquerie councilrecognizes there will be some issuewith collecting the accounts. Onefor about $2,000 may causeproblems because the property inquestion has changed handsseveral times since. The RM of La Broquerie councilhopes to have this matter settled bythe end of the year.

Clearspring Mall ThievesSought by RCMP

Arts Council FundraiserUnderway

Steinbach HumaneSociety Pulls Plug

Again

“Our lives have beenforever changedthrough the work

we’ve done.”




Step back in time as the Steinbach United Church offers a delightfulVictorian Christmas performance. This year’s presentation, A VictorianChristmas in Rupert’s Land, sees Governor George Simpson try to re-create Queen Victoria’s Christmas traditions at Lower Fort Garry. Hilarityensues with mistaken identity, boisterous fur traders and uncooperativeweather conditions. Many of our Christmas traditions began during the reign of QueenVictoria. In this fourth production of Victorian Christmas SteinbachUnited Church will once again create the ambiance of this era. “Our goal is to create a little piece of history so our guests experiencethese traditions. We serve high tea and flaming plum pudding,decorating with fine linens and our best china,” said Gay Boese,committee member.

No degree? No problem. Christian professionalswho wish to study at the master’s level no longerneed to complete an undergraduate degree beforebeing admitted to Providence TheologicalSeminary. The Seminary’s new Recognition ofPrior Learning (RPL) policy will offer fullacceptance to individuals with learning equivalentto a Bachelor of Arts. The policy is among the firstof its kind for Canadian seminaries(www.providenceseminary.ca/seminary/rpl/.) Itmeets or exceeds best practices as set forth by theManitoba government (www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ael/all/plar/). “Many highly skilled students want to study atProvidence Seminary,” says Marie Raynard, anRPL advocate and Associate Registrar atProvidence. “They have learning from a variety ofwork and ministry experiences. The RPL processwill eliminate duplication of that learning. If theycan prove they already have the necessaryknowledge or skills, why ask them to repeat it?” Raynard says the new policy will save studentsmoney and encourage those already working inchurch and para-church ministries to pursuefurther education. Provost Dr. David Johnsonagrees. “I believe RPL contributes to theSeminary’s goal of making accredited theologicaleducation more accessible to more people. It putsProvidence on the cutting edge of educationalservices to students.” The new policy is about opening doors tolearners, but it does have limits. “Not everyapplication for RPL will be accepted,” Raynardsays. “RPL is about learning, not just experience.Anyone going through the process will need toprove that they are currently competent in a varietyof areas.” The RPL process will require applicants tocompile a portfolio that documents their learningand matches that learning to the seminary’s list of“BA Learning Outcomes.” These outcomesoutline what the seminary expects a BA graduateto know and be able to do. Applicants will receiveassistance from administrative staff throughoutthe process. Plans are underway to develop and implementan RPL program for Providence UniversityCollege. Validating what students haveaccomplished outside of traditional classrooms

Victorian Christmas in Steinbach

While the newest offering presents a plot withManitoba flare, previous shows have highlightedDickensian England and reflected on the life of QueenVictoria and her husband, Prince Albert. “The performances have been really popular, manypeople who have attended a past performance areeager to see another. Every year our performanceshave sold out,” said Boese. Victorian Christmas in Rupert’s Land is on Saturday,December 3 and Sunday, December 4 at 3:00 p.m.The venue is the CE Building of the United Churchat 541 Main Street in Steinbach. Tickets are $17.00per person and can be purchased by calling 204-326-6857.

Attention to detail creates the Victorian Christmas Atmosphere.

Elegant Victorian decor from a previous Christmas performance bySteinbach United Church.

Sport Manitoba - Eastman isestablishing satellite offices near youto make it easier for sport clubs andassociations to tap into their services. If you are a non-profit sport club/association and looking for resourcesand information for sportsprogramming and development call268-2172 or toll free at 1-866-774-2220(ext. 6) to book a one-on-oneappointment. Sport Manitoba - Eastman Regionwould like to meet with you to discussyour club/organization’s needs.They will be at the Council MeetingRoom in Steinbach on Wednesday,November 23 and in Vita at the Vitaand District Health Centre onTuesday, November 29 between 10a.m. and 4 p.m. They will be traveling with arepresentative from the departmentof Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors.They will be available forappointments as well to discuss:- Resources for recreation programs- Ideas on how to start a fundraisingcampaign- Tips on building renovations- Direction in planning your project- Grants available to assist withprojects/programs

New Flexible Admission Policy OpensDoors to Skilled Adult Learners

will benefit both individual students and the community as a whole. Thisis one more way Providence is pursuing its mission of teaching people togrow in knowledge and character for leadership and service.

Fall SatelliteOffices for

SportDevelopment


Isaiah 2:4.... He will judgebetween the nations and willsettle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords intoplowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will nottake up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.(NIV1984) Can it be possible that someday soon the world will see the end ofwar? Is it too much to hope for a day when people will get tired ofkilling one another? Now we ask ourselves; what has happened to allthe memories of the wars of yesterday? Have we forgotten all thesuffering, all the dying? Have we forgotten the pictures of all thosebeautiful little children whose torn bodies carry the scars of a worldfilled with hate, a world that somehow has gone mad with hate, and aworld that does not know how to settle issues other than through thebarrel of a gun? Questions like these cannot be truthfully answeredfrom a human heart that does not know God. We live in a day and age when all of us see through the eye ofjournalist’s lens what happens on the battle fields; in towns, cities,countrysides. We have the journalists embedded with troops so thatwe can see the battles as they happen. Many times what we see pullsat the heart strings. We experience sadness; it is almost as if we wherethere in the battle. We see and experience death as it happens to ourvery own men and women in the Canadian Armed forces. We see thepain in the eyes of these young soldiers, sailors, airmen and supportpeople who fight back tears; but they carry on with their duties,believing in their heart of hearts that someday this war will end andthis senseless dying will experience a new age of peace. It is as though the Holy Spirit is saying, “Peter! I want you to sharewith all your readers; those who know Jesus Christ as Lord andSavior as well as those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior.That there is a day coming when we will experience such peace, nomore war, no more dying, no more temptation, no more sorrow … onlypure peace, such peace that your heart will burst out in praise withHallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! To God be the glory great things Hehas done!” We are reminded in many different ways that most nations arealmost totally ignorant of God. However, there is a day coming whenthat will change. You will hear people say, “Come. Let us go worshipthe Lord. Let us go listen to what the Scriptures teach.” In those daysthe world as we know it today will be ruled, not by guns and bullets,but by Jesus Christ Himself. The Lord Himself will settle internationaldisagreements; all nations will stop making weapons of war. They willspend their time and technology making the things that benefit theirpeople; it will be truly a time of peace. Isaiah the prophet said,“Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train forwar anymore.” I understand this to mean that all wars will stop and allmilitary training will be halted. Can you imagine what it would be like when all countries in theworld stop making war? When we could worship freely the One whosaved us from our sins or transgressions? Can you imagine the truthbehind what Scripture teaches … that Christ will never remember oursinful past if we acknowledge our sin? That Christ is this verymoment preparing a place for us … for those who have accepted Himas Lord and Savior. We do not want to miss that day, do we? Why notinvite Christ to come into your heart right now. It does not matterwhere you are. You might be sitting in a waiting room, coffee shop,restaurant or an office reading this column. Call a trusted friend whoknows Christ and let them know what you are prepared to do. Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into myheart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and myattitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that Iyearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness to fulfill myheart desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christianthat will honor Your Name.” Amen

On Oct. 30 at approximately 12:00 p.m. Falcon Beach RCMP respondedto a single vehicle rollover on Highway #1 Approximately 20 km west ofFalcon Lake. Investigation revealed that the driver of an SUV travelingwestbound went off the highway into the south ditch and rolled the vehicleseveral times. The 37 year old male driver and the 30 year old femalepassenger were taken to hospital where the female passenger waspronounced dead. Names are not being released at this time pending notification of next ofkin. Both occupants were from Ontario. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of thecollision. Alcohol is not believe to be a factor.

Is ItPossible? ...No More

War

Accident Takes Lifeof Ontario Woman


By Marianne Curtis

Three projects in the RM ofHanover will continue to proceedafter the federal government recentlyapproved $5.7 million in low-costloans to the municipality. On October 7, Provencher MP VicToews met with members of the RMof Hanover council to inform themof the approval of $5.7 million in low-cost loans for three projects toupgrade their wastewater anddrinking water treatment systems. “Our Government understands theimportance of infrastructure inmaintaining strong and prosperouscommunities,” stated Toews. “TheMunicipal Infrastructure LendingProgram has enabled municipalitiesacross Canada to invest in waterand waste services, fire halls andother housing-related infrastructureprojects that are essential to growingtheir communities”. Doug Cavers, CAO for RM ofHanover says that the municipalityis grateful for the funding. “Access

St. Pierre Jolys RCMP are seekingthe public’s assistance in locatinga missing a 15-year-old femaleyouth, Jay-lynn MCIVOR. MCIVOR was reported missingon October 13th. She is describedas 5' 7" tall and about 122 lbs. withbrown hair and brown eyes. Jay-lynn McIvor is considered tobe an at-risk youth and police areconcerned for her well-being. Anyone with informationregarding her whereabouts isasked to call the St. Pierre JolysRCMP at (204) 433-7908 or theirlocal police agency.

Steinbach Credit Unionannounced that a major milestonehas been achieved in its plans tobuild a new branch and corporatehead office in Steinbach when itunveiled the site for its new building.The new building will be locatedalong Main Street, on the propertybetween Steinbach Place andLumber Avenue. “I am pleased to announce that thenew branch and corporate office willbe on Main Street, just down theblock from our current location,” saidTed Falk, SCU Board President. “Asa town grandfather and significantmember of the Steinbach businesscommunity, it is important for SCUto remain in the heart of Steinbach”. Planning for the new branch andcorporate head office has beenunderway for some time. “We hadseveral site location options toconsider,” stated Glenn Friesen,CEO. “And in the end, we made ourdecision with the impact to ourmembers and the community top-of-mind.” One option the credit unionconsidered was to build on its

Feds Approve Loansfor RM of Hanover

Mel Schroeder, Henry Funk and Doug Cavers from the RM of Hanover were on hand whenProvencher MP Vic Toews announced that they’d been approved for $5.7 million in low-costloans for three projects in the municipality.

to secure long-term funding hasallowed our Municipality to keep up

with infrastructure needs within ourlocal communities,” added Cavers.

SCU Prepares toBuild Up in Steinbach

Steinbach Credit Union announces site of new branch

existing site. “Physically relocatingthe credit union during constructionat our existing site would havepresented great challenges. It wouldhave been an inconvenience for ourmembers, extremely expensive, andchallenging logistically,” continuedFriesen. “We believe our new sitelocation will provide the benefits ofa clean build from the ground up,without service interruption.” The Steinbach Credit UnionBoard’s vision for the new buildingis to amalgamate the branch andcorporate head office functions.“When we began operations in 1941,we had 95 members and memberassets under $1,000,” said Falk.“Today, we are Manitoba’s largestcredit union with over 80,000members and over $3.4 billion inmember assets. In order to gainefficiencies, we’d like to see all ofour 297 Steinbach employees underone roof.” Currently, the corporateoffice functions are housed in sevenseparate satellite locationsthroughout Steinbach. Negotiations to secure ownershipof the five properties locatedbetween Steinbach Place andLumber Avenue concluded recently.A memorandum of understandingwith the City of Steinbach is in place,and final legal agreements ensuringthe successful site transition areanticipated without undue delay.Plans for the new building are stillbeing finalized and construction isexpected to commence in spring2012. “This is an exciting new chapterfor SCU. We know that our newbranch and corporate office will makeSCU members and the city ofSteinbach proud,” said Falk.

The Town of Niverville council has been successfulin its bid to obtain provincial approval to turn thecommunity’s old lagoon site into natural wetlands. A year ago, council passed a resolution that saw aconcept study conducted on the transformation ofthe former wastewater lagoon. Organizations suchas Ducks Unlimited and the University of Manitobastepped forward and a partnership was formed. Just recently, the Town of Niverville council agreedto provide an annual grant to the University ofManitoba over the next three years for a total of$214,000 to aid in the research of wetland andtraditional phytorremediation of decommissionedmunicipal lagoons. Phytorremediation describes thetreatment of environmental problems using plantsthat mitigate the environmental problem without theneed to excavate the contaminant material anddispose of it elsewhere. The town of Niverville council noted that not onlywould the project be good for the environment, it willalso be benefit the community financially. It willcheaper to turn the old lagoon into a wetlands sitethan to undertake traditional decommissioning. The natural wetlands will be created as an extensionof Hespler Park.

This year students from the Steinbach Regional High School will beamong the first group across the province to participate in a new educationprogram recently launched by the province. The new program is one of three recently launched that are designed tokeep students engaged in school, active in their communities and helpthem get the support they need to succeed. The Manitoba Mentors - Connecting Learning and Work was launchedat the beginning of this school year in seven schools across Manitoba,including the Steinbach Regional High School. The program, which is partnered with the Alliance of Manitoba SectorCouncils, is a three-year pilot project that will see students matched withemployers who will provide group mentoring, speakers’ panels, site visitsto employers and businesses, small group discussions and one-to-onementoring through job shadowing, internships and job placements. By the end of year three, it is estimated over 2,500 students will beinvolved in Manitoba Mentors - Connecting Learning and Work fromacross the province. Another program that is available to students is the Youth Making aDifference Grant Program which provides students and youth workingwith teachers or adult supervisors with up to $1,000 to develop andimplement social justice and community development projects in schoolsor in the community.

The City of Steinbach is pleased to announce thatthe completion of the largest capital project in thecity’s history is finally complete. Mayor Chris Goertzen is pleased that the SteinbachLagoon Expansion project is finally complete and inoperation. “The goal of council was to equip our citywith infrastructure that would accommodate futuregrowth,” said Goertzen, “That is exactly what thislagoon expansion accomplishes. This facility willserve our present and future citizens for many years.” Only one of the three newly constructed cells willbe put to use this fall with the other two cells beingput into service as needed over the next few years.The project saw the addition of three effluent storagecells with a combined size of approximately 1.0 millionsquare metres, as well as the addition of a primarywastewater treatment cell at about 30,000 squaremetres in size. The final work of fencing, seeding, and constructionof the access road has been completed and final testresults are being reviewed by the City together withManitoba Conservation. The total project cost just over $10.5 million with

St. Pierre Jolys RCMPSeek Missing Youth

New Programs Expectedto Help Students Succeed

Steinbach Completes Lagoon Project$7.0 million infunding ($3.5million each)from theGovernment ofCanada and theProvince ofManitoba underthe BuildingCanada Fund.

Niverville Assists Wetlands Project


On Sunday, October 16, units from the RCMPAltona Customs and Excise Section and theCanadian Firearms Program: National WeaponsEnforcement Support Team (NWEST) executeda search warrant in the RM of La Broquerie.This search was the culmination of a jointinvestigation involving the RCMP Customsand Excise Altona Office and NWEST. An extensive search of a rural land location,multiple outbuildings and vehicles wasundertaken over a three day period was donewith the assistance of numerous RCMP units.They included the RCMP Customs and ExciseBoissevain Office, the RCMP D DivisionSearch and Rescue Team, the RCMP EastDistrict Containment Team, the RCMPSteinbach Detachment, RCMP D DivisionCustoms and Excise and with support from theWinnipeg Police Service. The successfulsearch resulted in 49 firearms related chargesbeing laid against James Anthony Rush, a 37-year-old resident of that location who is nowin custody. Some of the items recovered include:- 2 prohibited handguns with obliterated serialnumbers- 1 prohibited semi-automatic assault rifle- 4 non-restricted rifles- 2 pellet handguns- 2 pellet rifles- multiple high capacity magazines and- thousands of rounds of ammunition of

By Marianne Curtis

Many southeast residents spentThanksgiving weekend grateful for theirlives after a number of forest fires forcedevacuations region wide. Evacuation orders started rolling inOctober 5, starting with the RM ofStuartburn when an out of control grassfire forced 50 residents to leave their homesto seek safety in Vita. In a matter of a day,smoke smothered the area from firesburning out of control near Gardenton,Stuartburn, Sundown, Piney, Sandilands,Marchand, La Broquerie and Pansy. In the RM of Stuartburn approximately160 people were evacuated along withapproximately 100 people from Lonesandand Caliento north to Zhoda and Hwy 12.In the RM of La Broquerie approximately350 people from Marchand wereevacuated. In the RM of Piney,approximately 300 to 400 people wereevacuated from the Sandilands andWoodridge areas. In the RM of Hanoverresidents from Pansy were evacuated toGrunthal. Catherine Wiens and her family weresome of many that were forced to find asafe place to stay in Steinbach after beingtold to leave their Marchand home. “I didn’t think the fire was that bad. Isaw the fire and the smoke and but acouple hours later someone knocked onthe door. I couldn’t believe it,” recalledWiens. “There was not a real sense ofpanic but the scariest part was being inSteinbach and not knowing what wasgoing on and then reading facebook ortwitter updates from people saying thetown burned down. That was the worst.” Wiens added that she was grateful for

On Friday, October 14, Farm CreditCanada’s (FCC) Drive Away Hungerprogram finished the last leg of its eighthannual journey with 2.4 million poundsof food collected for food banksnationwide. FCC Drive Away Hunger involvesdriving a tractor and trailer throughcommunities to collect food and cashdonations for food banks across thecountry. One hundred percent ofdonations go to Canadian food banks. The FCC Drive Away HungerManitoba tour took place in thecommunities of Blumenort, Brandon,Dauphin, Grunthal, Ile-des-Chênes,Kleefeld, La Broquerie, Landmark,Morden, New Bothwell , Niverville,Portage la Prairie, St. Pierre, Ste. Anneand Steinbach. “Our employees are passionate aboutthis cause, which impacts far too manyCanadians,” said FCC President andCEO Greg Stewart. “With their support

Project ‘DEADLINE’Results in Weapons Seizure

RCMP Inspector Tyler Bates, Officer in Charge ofBorder Integrity.

various calibers. The investigation into this matter isongoing and police anticipate furthercharges may be forthcoming.

Drive AwayHunger TourHuge Success

and the help of our customers, other businesses, schools andcommunity groups, FCC has raised 7.6 million pounds offood since 2004. It’s overwhelming to see so many membersof the Canadian agriculture and agri-food industry cometogether to share their products to feed those who need itmost in our communities.” In Manitoba, 189,172 pounds of food was collected forfood banks across the province. Food collected during thetour itself ranged from soup, peanut butter, flour, pasta, driedpeas and lentils. Everyone we encountered was generous andhelped fill food bank shelves. FCC Drive Away Hunger began in 2004 when an employeein Ontario organized a local tractor tour. He collected fooddonations from his local community as a way to give backand help food banks serve people in need.

On October 25, Steinbach RCMP received a complaintthat a Suzuki 4 wheeler was stolen from the driveway of584 Main Street in Steinbach. The quad was secured tothe deck of the residence and the suspects cut thelocking device and pushed the quad away from thehouse. It appears that the Quad was loaded into anothervehicle and hauled away. The quad is described as a2008 Blue and white Suzuki LT-R450 quad racer. Anyone with information is asked to contact theSteinbach RCMP at 326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) orwww.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN”plus your message to Crimes (274637).

Quad Stolen

Municipalities Praised forProfessionalism with Evacuations

the way the RM of La Broquerie handled thesituation. “Even though it was a rush they were veryorganized. They even marked the homes thatthey’d already told to evacuate,” Wiens noted.“We had to register in La Broquerie and manyof the families were forced to leave duringsupper so it was nice that they even had foodset up for us.” Acting Manitoba fire commissioner DaveSchafer said about 75 firefighters from at leasteight departments worked on the fires non-stopover a few days before everything could bedeclared under control. Water bombers werealso called in to help contain the blaze.

Smoke rises over Marchand a few hours before the town isevaculated as an out of control forest fire threatens thecommunity.


Wind turbines will now provide Providence University College withnearly half of its energy needs. The project received support from theGovernment of Canada, the Province and the RM of De Salaberry. “This investment created jobs at a critical time for Manitoba’s economywhile improving the infrastructure that Providence University College willneed to maintain its reputation as an advanced education leader,” saidProvencher MP Vic Toews. “Our government’s support for the knowledgeeconomy has not only made a difference in the short term but also set thefoundation for future prosperity.” The Government of Canada invested $557,000 in two constructionprojects at the campus through its Knowledge Infrastructure Program.The college provided matching funding while the Province of Manitoba,Manitoba Hydro and the Buller Foundation all contributed additionalfunding. “Every step we take to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions is a step in theright direction and this will make a significant difference at ProvidenceUniversity College,” said former MLA and Local Government MinisterRon Lemieux. “This new heating unit will not only save money but willimprove the health of the environment by removing approximately 180tonnes of greenhouse gases a year, the equivalent of taking 33 cars off theroad annually.” The province invested $84,000 through the Community Led EmissionsReduction (CLER) Initiative’s competitive fund for the installation of anew biomass heating unit for buildings on the Providence UniversityCollege campus. The unit replaces natural gas heating and is expected togenerate cost savings of up to $50,000 per year. The addition of wind power to the campus’s existing geothermal heatingand cooling system will further reduce the college’s carbon footprint whilea new lecture theatre and seminar rooms for distance learning will expandthe college’s reach. “This biomass heating system is an excellent example of governments,businesses and community institutions like Providence working togetherto become better stewards of the world,” said Dr. August Konkel, president,Providence University College and Theological Seminary. “Not only willthis greatly reduce Providence’s carbon footprint, we’ve designed thissystem to be a demonstration site to showcase the crucial role ruralManitoba business can play producing non-fossil-fuel energy.”

This summer saw the City ofSteinbach’s Solid Waste Departmenttry something new in the area ofcomposting by installing communitycompost depots. From mid-May tomid-October, two compost depotswere available every Saturday at theSteinbach Junior High School andat Woodlawn School. While the compost depots werewell used, the volume of materialcollected was significantly less thanthe department initially anticipated.Solid Waste Department Head,Eldon Wallman, explained thatvolume has dropped significantly

Isabella Tweed, 15, of Ile desChênes, and Telysha Warkentin, 1,of Blumenort, recently attended TheWar Amps annual Western ChildAmputee (CHAMP) Seminar inEdmonton. This year is a special one,marking the 30th anniversary ofCHAMP Seminars, which are heldregionally across Canada. Isabella was born missing part ofher right hand, and Telysha wasborn a left arm amputee. Theyattended the three-day seminar,which dealt with all aspects ofgrowing up as an amputee. Older

The Steinbach Arts Council is looking for homeowners wishing toparticipate in the 14th annual Christmas Home Tour and TeaCommunity Fundraiser. According to Shannon Neufeld, Marketing Coordinator theSteinbach Arts Council, it is looking for homes to showcase in the14th Annual Home Tour and Tea. “This is a heart-warming event that brings the community togetherin the celebration of Christmas, fellowship and an appreciation forarchitectural, interior and floral design,” explained Neufeld. “Thisevent doubles as a fundraiser for the Arts Council so we can continueto offer a wide range of programs to promote the arts and enhancethe quality of life in our community.” The Steinbach Arts Council is looking for homes in a variety ofstyles such as Victorian, contemporary, country estate, traditional,modern, country, European, timber frame, folk and heritage homes. “Homes will be decorated for the Christmas season by florists anddesigners, and local green house and landscape designers,” Neufeldadded. The actual tour will take place on November 27 and the public willbe invited to tour the homes, and then enjoy tea and desert at theSteinbach Cultural Arts Center. The Steinbach Arts Council is also looking for communityvolunteers to serve as committee members. Anyone wishing tovolunteer or showcase their homes can contact 346-1077 for moreinformation.

New Heating Unit at Providence toReduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions

Providence College led a tour through their campus recently to celebrate its new heatingunit facility. Harold Barg, Senior board member of Providence and President of NDLConstruction, Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government, Provencher MP Vic Toews, Dr.August Konkel, President of Providence University College & Theological Seminary and CliffGraydon, MLA for Emerson had an opportunity to see the technology up close.

Homes Wanted for Christmas Home Tour

Young Local Amputees Help Mark30 Years of CHAMP Seminars

Champs were Junior Counselors atthe seminar, answering questionsand offering advice to the youngerChamps. In one seminar session,Champs demonstrated theirstandard and recreational artificiallimbs and devices to the group. The seminar covered subjects ofinterest for all age groups, includingthe latest developments in artificiallimbs, parenting an amputee child,dealing with teasing and bullying,learning to drive and the importancefor amputees of staying active.

Seminars are life-changing events,particularly for first-time attendees.“Meeting others with exactly thesame concerns, and seeing how theyhave overcome them, has aprofound effect on how they regardtheir amputation,” says CHAMPDirector Lucie Waddell. CHAMP and all its programs arefunded solely through publicsupport of The War Amps Key Tagand Address Label Service. For moreinformation, call 1 800 250-3030 orvisit waramps.ca.

Telysha enjoys the “Play and Learn” session with Alberta Junior Counsellor Emilio at theseminar.

Isabella pauses for a photo at the seminar.

CompostDepotYields

ModestResults

due to the drought conditions. “Our aim was to collect about 5tonnes of compostable materialevery Saturday,” stated Wallman.“Unfortunately, the dry summermeant less lawn mowing andtherefore much fewer grassclippings for the depots. Materialwent down to less than one tonneon most Saturdays.” Although considerably lessmaterial was collected than planned(35 tonnes), there were still otherpositive aspects to the program.Depot workers estimate that at leasthalf the people using the communitydepots were new to composting andhad never brought material to theLandfill’s compost depot. As well,comments from the public were verypositive. “People were veryappreciative of the concept andexpressed hope that we keep thecomposting program alive in oneform or another,” said Wallman. Now that the collection depots areclosed for the season the public isreminded they can still bring theirbags of leaves, grass clippings, andgarden waste to the SteinbachLandfill to be composted.

Dry conditions led to a less than anticipatedamount of materials being dropped off atlocal compost depots however the programis still deemed a success in its inauguralyear.

Documents

Dawson Trail Dispatch November 2011