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Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 105 years

Gazette-ReporterFebruary 13, 2015 Volume 107, Issue 31 89¢ + tax

By Myra Bridgeman

Rivers Collegiate hosted the Zone 7 high school curl-ing bonspiel at Rivers Curling Club on Feb. 6 and 7. Both boys and girls rinks competed for a berth to go to the high school curling provincials in The Pas. Teams from Gladstone, MacGregor, Erickson, Neepawa, Car-berry and Rivers competed.

Rivers girls’ rink was represented by skip Shayna Weir, third Nikoda Holopina, second Jolene Chacun, lead Rachel Veitch, fi fth Heidi Krahn and coach Brenda Gerrard. This year the zone berth was won by the Dori Vince rink of Carberry.

The Rivers boys’ rink consisting of skip Quinn Robins, third Justin Gerrard, second Connor English and lead Beau Bridgeman came through the bonspiel undefeated, winning both the A- and B-side of the draw. The boys got by teams from Erickson, MacGregor, Neepawa and Carberry to win a spot to represent Zone 7 at the high school provincial championships in The Pas Feb. 26-28. They will be competing against 15 other teams from around Manitoba.

Team Robins has been very active over the winter, putting in many hours on the ice competing (they have competed in three different leagues) and practising. With coach Clayton Robins, the team set three goals to achieve this year – playing for berths in the under 21 men’s provincials, under 18 men’s provincials and high school provincials. They have been successful in two out of three of their goals, winning the opportunity to play at under 21 provincials in December and now high school provincials. The third goal was close at hand

By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

Fifteen-year-old Jan Verbruggen and his father Wim left Manitoba yesterday to travel to Prince George, B.C. Jan is one of 299 athletes sent by Sport Manitoba to the

2015 Canada Winter Games. Part of Team Manitoba’s speed skating division, Jan will compete Feb. 13-20 in 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m and 3,000m relays.

The Grade 10 student at Rivers Collegiate has been speed skating for six years, typically practising twice a week. This season training has been increased with three or four skating sessions each week then fi tness training on the off days — every single day he works out for this national event. To get this far (the provincial team), Jan travelled to a speed skating competi-tion in Souris last October; he was recovering from a concussion so missed the long track qualifi er in Calgary. However, Jan was in Calgary two weeks ago training for the games and because he is part of Team Manitoba, he also travels to Winnipeg once a week to skate there. Jan has competed at provincial games in Selkirk, Beausejour and Winnipeg, and in March 2014 partici-pated in the Can-West Short Track event in Lethbridge, Alta.

Jan has no lofty goals of making a career of speed skating, but he’s “pretty sure I’ll stay in it for a few years. It’s nice to stay fi t.”

Jan skates with Westman Speed Skating Club and is coached by Pat Leech; his Team Manitoba coach is Remmelt Eldering. On Wednesday, Feb. 18 TSN2 will stream the speed skating competition live; visit www.canadagames2015.ca to watch Jan and the rest of the team. Jan is the only athlete in Rivers Ban-ner’s coverage area on the various provincial teams.

Jan Verbruggen has excellent form during a practice lap.

Photo submitted

Local youth heading to national competition

Boys to play at provincials

with Team Robins being defeated in the fi nal game of the under 18 men’s berth.

Hard work has paid off for this dedicated team and we wish them the best of luck at The Pas! Go Team Robins!

Photo submitted

L/R: Quinn Robins, Justin Gerrard, Connor English, Beau Bridgeman, Clayton Robins.

Riverdale Community Centre, curling club lounge8/table ~ $10/person

Enter as an individual or team; dress as a team. For more information, phone 204-328-7220.

FEB. 217 P.M.

2 RIVERS BANNER February 13, 2015

Community calendar

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Daily snow conditions, visit us online:

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SNOW MUCH FUN! SNOW MUCH FUN! SNOW MUCH FUN! FAMILY WEEKEND FEB. 14�16 , Fireworks Sunday at 7:30!

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Wetland restoration is a worthwhile ventureWetlands moderate the effects of floods and droughts, provide water for livestock, filter nutrients and more. Funding is currently available for landowners for wetland restoration projects. If wetlands have been drained or altered on your land, contact DUC to learn more about restoration and other programs that help maximize the benefits to you and your land.

1-866-251-DUCK (3825)du_brandon@ducks.ca

Program Funding by NAWCA,NWCA and LWBSF

Feb. 13: Rivers Women’s Institute meeting, West-wood Lodge lounge, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.Feb. 13 and 14: Tournament of Champions, River-dale Community CentreFeb. 15: Fish fry, Rivers Legion, 4:30-6:30 p.m.Feb. 16: Bottle drive, Rivers area, 1:30-4:30 p.m.Feb. 17: Pancake supper, St. James’ Anglican Church, 5-6:30 p.m.Feb. 17: Telehealth Alzheimer’s session, Riverdale Health Centre, 6:30-8 p.m.Feb. 20 and 21: Tournament of Champions, River-dale Community CentreFeb. 21: Trivia night, Riverdale Community Centre, 7 p.m.Feb. 22: Slashpark information meeting, Shelly Mom’s Kitchen, 4-8 p.m.Feb. 24: Diabetic clinic, Rivers Medical Centre, 8-9 a.m.Feb. 25: Riverdale District Health Auxiliary meeting, Kiwanis Courts, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.Feb. 25: Rolling River School Division budget meet-ing, MinnedosaFeb. 28: Ham supper, Rivers Legion upper hall, 5-6:30 p.m.March 4: Chamber of Commerce meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 12-1 p.m.March 6: World Day of Prayer, Rivers Baptist Church, 7:30 p.m.March 9: Rivers Legion meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.March 9-12: Golden Gals provincial competition, Rivers Curling ClubMarch 10: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Associa-tion meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.March 14: Fishing derby, Lake Wahtopanah, Rivers

Weed notesBy Sid Lewis Supervisor

In an article a week ago or so ago, I mentioned our Pest Management Program ad. I said we would be looking at a grasshopper program if necessary. As in other years, products to be used weren’t included in the ad; if and when an outbreak occurred, it was agreed beforehand that I could make a phone call or email and the government contact would agree to the product I requested. The main reason for this is because since 1979 when I started, I have never had to use an insect control product.

At our weed board meeting on Jan. 29 it was sug-gested that for this year we should have a product des-ignated beforehand, just in case. With all the screw-ups (sorry, no other word for it) we are facing with this forced amalgamation and cosmetic spray ban, the board thought maybe for this time we should have our ducks in a row. The product I have chosen is EcoBran; with a little extra communication with the appropriate provincial person, I think we are a go, so to speak.

It was also decided at that board meeting to adver-tise positions; hopefully next week the ad will come out indicating the need for people to work in this dis-trict. Look for it, and anyone interested please do ap-ply. May 1 will be coming very quickly and then it is wife Terry’s responsibility as to what to do with old Ragweed on a 24-hour basis.

For more years than I can remember (which is not hard for me!), I have been one of a two- or three-per-son planning committee for Manitoba Weed Supervi-sors Association training seminar in Russell. Another committee member is a lady who works in another part of the province. Most times we see eye to eye, but the odd time we have some hot discussions. Gratifying to me is the bad mood I have left her in — it will be her

hubby at night who will have to be the NATO person. The main purpose I have some days is to phone her just to “set the tone” for the rest of her day! At the end of one of our “discussions,” I indicated to her that from January to April every year, she only has to put up with me a few hours and days in that time period. On the other hand, Terry has that position 24/7, 365; the response that thundered down the phone line I chose not to repeat!

As a fi nal comment this week, on three separate oc-casions Terry had to correct a word I said in a conver-sation we were having. The next day, what seemed a good idea at the time and was different only moments later — I thought of how many times in a day can I repeat the same wrong words, and get away with it? Only a short one hour later, Terry asked, “SID! Are you losing it or are you just being the back end of a horse?” I responded I would sooner be thought of as a horse’s rear than losing it!

If you have any questions for Midwest Weed Dis-trict please phone 204-764-2128.

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From our fi lesRIVERS BANNER February 13, 2015 3

15022gg05Zion

Church865-3rd Avenue, Rivers

Pastor Nathan Klassen 204-412-0245

Sunday school/morning service at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday:Bible study, 7:30-9 p.m.

Intercessory prayer, 12-1 p.m.

Fun Zone (Grades 1-4), 4-5:30 p.m.

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At Planet Kia, I will fi nd the perfect vehicle for you

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We have in-house fi nancing and deal with

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Take advantage of our “Refer a Friend” program and receive $200. Plus....

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Present this ad at time of purchase

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Ad must be presented at time of purchase of vehicle from Terry Coleman.

415 18th Street North, Brandon, MB ~ 1-866-357-6190204-725-2566 ~ 204-761-2747, cell ~ terry@planetkia.ca

Worship service/Sunday school – 10:30 a.m.

Jr. youth (Gr. 5-8) — 204-328-7854 for details.

Professional counselling *Marriage *Family *Depression

*Addictions *Grief *Abuse Phone 204-573-3362 for an appointment.Pastor Wil Warkentin, MA in counselling

Rivers Baptist Church447 Edward Street Phone 204-328-7882

St. James’ Anglican Church pancake and sausage supper; variety of toppings!

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 5-6:30 p.m.Adults: $6; Ages 6 - 12: $3; Preschool: free

Lift to all fl oors. Everyone is welcome!

Legion newsBranch No. 75By Warren Smallwood Publicity

The Feb. 9 meeting of Rivers Legion was called to order by president Darryl Childerhose; seven members were present.

On Friday the 13th (February, not March) the clubroom will be the site of a juke box party. The admission charged will be used to pick songs from the new machine. For anyone who has always wanted to be a music man, this will be a good way to practise.

The fi rst Raise the Roof supper of 2015 is on Feb. 28; the menu is ham and scalloped potatoes.

Rivers Collegiate Grad Committee was given the usual donation of empty bottles.

Branch No. 75 has moved into the 21st century and now has a Face-book page. It can be found by searching for Legion Rivers; to support the local branch, like us and send a friend request. The business was completed in 40 minutes and everyone went home to log into Facebook. A comment was heard as the meeting broke up: “What do you mean, click on the thumbs up hand?”

65 years ago, Feb. 16, 1950 Sixty rinks entered in Rivers’ first electric six-day bonspiel, which concluded on Saturday with the fi nal game being broadcast on CKX; the Story rink of Oak Lake won the fridges. The far-thest rink came from Flin Flon. Mr. and Mrs. C. Won-nell celebrated their 60th anniversary on Feb. 8. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bowman had a girl Feb. 3; Mr. and Mrs. James Sagar had a girl Feb. 4.

55 years ago, Feb. 10, 1960 Connie Airey, 13, suffered slight burns to her arms and legs when oil exploded at the kitchen stove on Jan. 28. She then took her three-year-old sister Darlene outside and carried water inside to fi ght the fi re, which caused $50 damage to the Farnk Airey farm home fi ve miles west of Rivers. Mr. Tripp of Brandon is the new man-ager at Wheatland White Rose Garage. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Wood had a boy Feb. 3; Mr. and Mrs. W. Taylor had a boy Feb. 4; LAC and Mrs. John Donelle had a girl Feb. 7; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Treloar had a girl Feb. 16.

45 years ago, Feb. 12, 1970 The week-long ladies bonspiel in Rivers concluded on Saturday; 42 rinks entered; all min event prizes were won by Brandon rinks. Cardale bonspiel opened on Feb. 9 with 30 rinks registered. Bill Gray was married on Saturday.

35 years ago, Feb. 13, 1980 Thirty years ago on

Feb. 3 (1950) Rivers Arena had its grand opening; on Feb. 9 the grand opening following rink renovations was held. The facility has been renamed Riverdale Community Gardens and renovations included re-moval of old waiting rooms and construction of a new room with an upstairs viewing lounge/canteen, accessible by an outside ramp. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lyon had a boy Feb. 3.

25 years ago, Feb. 14, 1990 Effective Feb. 9 at midnight, all trains on CN lines from Winnipeg to Edmonton no longer haul cabooses. The end car has been replaced with an End of Train Unit (ETU) which measures air pres-sure, length of train and speed; it is equipped with a strobe light to indicate the train has no more cars. The Rivers yard has extra ETUs on hand in case repairs/replacements are needed. During the day of Feb. 9, many trains hauled more

than one caboose so these outdated cars could be transported back to Win-nipeg in a timely fashion. Rapid City girls Charissa Klemenski and Jody Pax-ton won gold medals for dance at a fi gure skating competition in Elkhorn; Talena Andrew won silver for free skate; Jody won bronze for interpretive. Donna Pennington was married on Feb. 10. Dale Beever’s rink of Ken Peters, Jerry Johnston and Jim Thompson travelled from Rivers to Winnipeg to compete in the La-batt Tankard playoffs last week; they lost but were proud to represent Zone 10 in that elite competition.

15 years ago, Feb. 12, 2000 HBH Pork near Oak River held an open house on Feb. 4 at their new hog barn fi ve miles southwest of Oak River. On Feb. 10 they received their fi rst shipment of animals — 2,000 feeder pigs for its 120- by 156- foot barn.

By April 1 owners Blaine, Dick and Ivy Heapy expect to have all three barns in operation, the second on schedule to open March 1. Both Tri-Town girls teams have fi nished league play with great success; both atom and peewee teams are preparing for provincial play next month. Bran-don Wheat Kings play-ers Jordin Tootoo, Brett Dickie, Milan Bartovic, Mike Wirill and Robert McVicor came to Rivers on Feb. 7 to practice with the peewee girls and nov-ice boys teams. They also provided free game tickets to every Tri-Town player. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Ramsay had a girl Feb. 1. Wendy Thompson married Kent Wareham on Feb. 11.

5 years ago, Feb. 12, 2010 Nigel Packwood of Brandon is the new min-ister at St. James’ Angli-can Church in Rivers; he started Feb. 7 and succeeds Paul Curtis, who retired in August 2009.

Rivers Banner Perspective

Tundra by Chad Carpenter

FEBRUARY 13, 20154

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

KenWaddell

Time to tell our story

Keeping it local

”“How many of us today want to see another dead town?

It’s life or death for communities

MYPERSPECTIVE

KateJacKman-atKinson

STAFF Owners/PublishersKen and Chris Waddell

StaffSheila Runions, Maggie Smallwood

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In my travels around western Manitoba over the years, I have been often struck by

the ability of some merchants to survive and thrive in what has to be a very tough market. I was in a store this past weekend and it was quite amazing. It was a hardware store in a small town. It wasn’t in my usual travel area so I hadn’t been in it for quite a while. Only one staff person in the whole place and two huge floors of product.

The one staff person shows that keeping staff costs to a minimum is one way to survive, but the extent and quality of the stock was also quite amaz-ing. In contrast, we all know of stores that are scantily stocked and even more that have gone out of business. So what’s the difference?

Successful stores often make the transition from first genera-tion owner to second generation and the one I saw last weekend appears to have done that. But that’s not the whole answer. The original owner has used old buildings, kept them in fairly good shape and not over-ex-tended his building and repairs budget. It helps that some of the supplies and materials come from their own store but even still, you can see how growth has been modest and steady.

Over and above the other signs of success, and in spite of the low staffing levels, the owners have always been “on the floor”, visible in the business and that’s very important. Customers want to see the owner, or the manager, and they want to see them out front and available.

Keeping the right stock and

the right amount of stock is im-portant. It has to be a constant headache for an owner to know what to stock and how much. Placing weekly orders is the backbone of a small business in a small town.

So how important is it to have a wide range of services in a small town? It’s life or death for communities. All a person has to do is look at an old map of south-western Manitoba and see what used to be and what is no more. It’s a long sad story of de-population, reduction of services, farm amalgamation and government neglect. It’s not likely to change, at least not if one is waiting for help from the senior levels of government or from the corporate world.

We can and should be thankful for all our local business people and we should be especially ap-preciative of those who try hard every day to meet our needs.

So what can we, as customers,

do to help? One thing is to plan ahead. If you know you are going to need 10 gallons of paint, you might have to give the store a heads up. Maybe they will have 10 cans of paint, but maybe they have to order. Plan ahead. We can also make sure we actually check out our local suppliers first and maybe we can be just a bit less fussy about selection too.

Today’s consumers are spoiled beyond belief and perhaps, in order to keep our business local, we might have to compromise just a touch.

As local communities, we have to look at every possible way to grow and preserve our commun-ities. It looks like the easy way is to shop on-line, to drive to a bigger centre and to make the quick purchase. Yes, it works, but how many of us today want to see another dead town? There’s plenty of those to go around already without making more.

While Canada began with an agriculture-based economy, that has changed over the last century. Today, most Canadians have lost their direct link to the farm, but

that doesn’t mean that farmers are any less vital to Canadians.In 1921, 1 million Canadians were employed in agriculture. It

was the single most common occupation and accounted for one-third of the country’s jobs. Since then, the country has grown, but the num-ber of farmers has shrunk. In 2008, just 1.8 per cent of the labour force, or 327 ,000 people, cited their primarily employment as “agricul-ture”.

While most Canadians no longer call the farm home, we are all dependent upon Canadian farmers. We all enjoy the food they produce.

While those of us who live in rural Canada know the import-ance of agriculture, the 81 per cent of Canadians who live in urban centres don’t. The problem is that since many Canadians are two generations removed from the farm, they have no idea what modern-day farming entails. The farms of two decades ago, the ones Canadians’ parents and grand-parents left to find opportunity in the city, look nothing like today’s farms. Yesterday’s farmers were frequently living a hardscrabble life characterized by hard work, gruelling hours, low income and a lack of household amenities. This is the picture many Canadians continue to hold.

I grew up in urban Canada, about three generations removed from the farm. My perceptions of farming were coloured by these outdated images. Growing up, I didn’t know any farmers, my perception of the industry was shaped by stories of previous generations and the media.

As previous generations left the farm to seek their fortunes, the number of Canadian farmers has declined and the size of Canadian farms has increased. According to Statistics Canada, between 2006 and 2011, the average size of Canadian farms increased from 728 acres to 778 acres. While a century ago, a whole family would have farmed 160 acres, today, that land and much more can be farmed by a single person. Today, farmers have been able to leverage technology to replace labour.

The biggest reality urban Canadians fail to recognize about modern farming is the scope of the operation. The majority of today’s farmers are running a highly specialized businesses. They run their business with machinery and equipment often worth millions of dollars. They must manage the land they own or rent as well as their facilities and equipment. Depending on the type of operation, they manage seeding, harvesting, grazing, stock reproduction and marketing. They manage cash flows involving expensive inputs and uncertain sales income. While they may drive a tractor instead of a desk, they are first and foremost skilled entrepreneurs.

In 2009, Canada’s total farm cash receipts totalled $44 bil-lion. Crudely calculated, that’s an average of $136,000 in cash receipts for each Canadian farmer, but the average hides the fact that many are handling far more in sales than that.

Most of the farmers I know are well educated about their industry and they are using technology to manage their busi-ness, they have to. Far from being isolated in some back woods, they are using their smart phones to find the best prices and connecting with buyers, sellers and other farmers from across the country and around the world.

The average Canadian just doesn’t know the realities of farming in 2015, but it’s not their fault, they just don’t have first hand experience. In her remarks at the Manitoba Beef Producers’ an-nual general meeting, general manager Melinda German stressed the need for producers to tell their stories to the public and to promote their profession as food producers. Canadians want to know about the food they eat and the people who produce it. It’s up to Canadian farmers to tell their story. It’s a good one and no one else will do it for them.

Opinion RIVERS BANNER 5FEBRUARY 13, 2015

By Addy OberlinObservation

The hats I wear…HOMEBODIES

Rita FRiesen

FAITHFULLY YOURS

neil stRohschein

Don’t say I didn’t warn you

season of my life, my worn and bedraggled dog-walk-ing hat is my favourite. No fashion plate here. Warm beats attractive on a winter day. Mr. Hoover, Miss Daisy and I have travelled many miles since October, only opting out when the tem-perature can’t rise above -15°. These are brisk rapid excursions, walk isn’t the correct term.

Hats I have deliberately set aside include cook, cleaner and general domes-tic! The basics get covered. My daughter-in-law gave me the best gift ever. When she left after Ed’s funeral

my deep freeze was chock full of nutritious comfort-ing food. I had run low by the time she returned for Christmas!

Then we were chal-lenged to deliberate if at times the hats we wear place us in conflict. Not so much any more, but there was a time. Slight conflict when I was a volunteer for arts festivals and par-ticipated as well. Serious conflict when my beloved asked me to preside at his celebration on life service. I declined! No conflict when I am a customer in the same retail outlet at which I work

the death of Christ. He was crucified on a Friday. The night before his crucifix-ion, there were 13 people at the dinner table in the upper room and one of them (Judas Iscariot) died that night. So, the argu-ment goes, when Friday and the 13th day of the month come together, they create chaos and disaster.

Folklore is filled with stories of unlucky events that happened on Friday the 13th. This has lead some “spiritual advis-ors” to suggest that one shouldn’t initiate a major project, go on a journey or make any significant change in one’s life or work on that day—because the day is cursed and whatever you do on that day will be cursed as well.

Don’t you believe it! It just isn’t true.

One verse written by the

Old Testament prophet Jeremiah is more than enough to dispel every myth and superstition about Friday the 13th. “The steadfast love of God never ceases,” he wrote. “God’s mercies never end. They are new (they are renewed) every morning (even on Friday the 13th). Great is God’s faithfulness.” (Lam-entations 3:22-23—words in parenthesis are my own)

The idea that Friday the 13th is a “cursed day” is just that—an idea—an idea that someone put into words, that many believed and that has now become part of our folklore. It has no basis in fact and cer-tainly no basis in Scripture. So it is a day that we need not fear.

But some of us do fear Friday the 13th. The rest of us fear other things. The fears we harbor can keep

If you suffer from Trisk-adekaphobia (the fear of Friday the 13th), you

have three days this year in which you can try to call in sick. Today is the first. The others come in March and November.

But don’t be too eager to call in sick on that day—unless you really are. Employers read this column too; and if you call in sick claiming to suffer from Triskadekaphobia, your employer may say something like this: “Look, I read Neil’s column. See you when your shift be-gins.” So—don’t say I didn’t warn you.

How the superstition surrounding Friday the 13th came to be is anyone’s guess. So is how long it has been in existence. Scholars maintain that there is no written evidence for a “Friday the 13th” supersti-tion before the mid 19th century (1850 onward); and that few of the theor-ies explaining how the superstition evolved can be proven conclusively.

One view is that the superstition is linked to the events surrounding

At a two day meeting I attended, we were challenged to con-

sider all the hats we wear. Not the kind of hat you don to keep your ears warm, but the roles we fill in our living. There are some hats that I have outgrown. I am no longer a daughter, for my parents are deceased. I am a sister. I don’t get to wear the wife hat any more either, but I am a mother and grandmother. I am carefully choosing any other hats I pick.

I cherish my faith family hat, plain, not at all fancy. This year I found my curl-ing toque, it doesn’t fit as well as it used to! But I am out on the ice and meeting new people. I carefully selected a vintage chapeau and joined the Beautiful Plains Museum board. This is a comfortable hat.

I have to admit that this

us from venturing outside, trying new things or ex-ploring new opportunities that could lead to a better job, more income and less stress in our lives. They can keep us silent when we should be speaking out on moral or social issues. They can prevent us from offering a helping hand to someone in need. They can cripple us and if we fail to deal with them, they can destroy us.

These fears are not figments of a tortured imagination. They are very real. There is only one way to overcome them—and that is through faith in God.

But faith isn’t a magic elixir that enables you to go through life without any fear. Living by faith requires us to go about our assigned tasks with confidence; taking risks at times, but always do-ing our best and trusting God to do the rest—to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Fear always backs down in the face of such faith.

part time. Some when I pro-claim peace and agitate for justice. Well, I still do that. Getting the giggles during family evening devotions – I was supposed to be the adult but the child in me escaped.

Thinking more seriously about the roles we fill in life. There are times we volunteer and there are times when responsibility is thrust upon us. There are times we evade and escape. Choices come into play. The wonder of life is that as I age there are still more hats for me to try on. New experiences and new endeavours. Some hats won’t fit at all and will be tossed, some will become close friends.

Yes, for now my dog walking hat is my first choice, but the student’s hat is never far away. My hat rack is almost full!

AT THE GREENHOUSE NEEPAWAWWW.KALDECK.COM

204-841-4079TATKEY25@GMAIL.COM

Friends gave us a gift. It was not very big, but the saying on the card was very special and a reminder for me each day. It said “You are loved.” I am one

of the very blessed ones. I have a spouse, family and friends who all love me. You might say that I am lucky and you do not have a spouse, family or even a friend.

When I checked the Bible I noticed that the word LOVE is found from Genesis to Revelation, from the beginning

in the Bible to the last book. One of the first verses we learn is John 3:16 “For God so loved …” In John 15:9 we read “As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.” In verse 12 we learn “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

God’s love is unconditional and there for us if we will only accept what Jesus has done for us, repent and live for Him. We not only receive His love but we can also pass it on to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Letters

The NDP’s failures in health care have not only led to a broken promise, but have put residents of rural communities across Mani-toba at risk through dangerous shortages of doctors and nurses.

The number of vacancies for doctors in some health regions is alarming and has grown, long after the NDP government pledged that every Manitoban would have access to a family physician by 2015. Despite that NDP promise in 2011, several Manitoba com-munities have no doctors whatsoever – and therefore no access to quality health care.

The shortages are severe. The Northern Health Region has 15 doctor vacancies. The Interlake-Eastern RHA is short 30 physicians and the Prairie Mountain Health Region needs more than 40 doctors.

The crisis has led to community forums in several towns as citizens try to find ways to deal with the problem.

Since forming the government more than 15 years ago, the NDP has lost 2,300 physicians to other places and has the worst record of doctor retention in Canada.

The shortage of nurses is also serious in Brandon and areas of rural southern Manitoba. The Prairie Mountain Health Region has a va-cancy rate of nearly 15 per cent, amounting to 278 unfilled positions. The resulting overtime hours and burnout among nurses and health care aides will prompt even more of them to leave for other jurisdictions.

Filling some of these positions with private nurses, many of them from outside Manitoba for millions of dollars, is all the NDP has been able to do to address the problem. They have no other solution.

Manitobans need a government that takes their health care seriously, and not one that only ignores this crisis leaving many patients with no access to care.

Myrna DriedgerHealth Critic, Progressive Conservative MLA for Charleswood

Rural Manitobans

at risk

6 RIVERS BANNER Febrauary 13, 2015

K-9 Country Dog Retreat

Located on Hwy. 10 between Brandon and Minnedosa. Call or email for rates and information.

204-826-2849 ork-9countrydogretreat

@hotmail.com

Ph. 204-724-6870Fax 204-328-4407alepp@escape.caDry bulk transportation

ACCOUNTING SERVICECertifi ed Management Accountants

KNIGHT Shaping the Future

CMACANADA

Hamiota: 71 Maple Ave. 204-764-2544Brandon: 20-18th St., 204-727-5927

knightcm@mymts.net

Magnum Woodworks

Finishing, custom carpentry and renovations

204-573-2120, Riversmagnumwdwrks@gmail.com

STEVEN KROEKER

Hair DynamicsStylist Heather FastStylist Wendy Harder

Stylist/nail tech Melissa RoberdsOPEN

Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Ph. 204-328-7435

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Jack Cram, Lawyer

Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays,

2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

Serving Rivers and areasince 1906.

Phone 204-727-0694 or1-800-897-5694

www.brockiedonovan.com

204-764-2744FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Hamiota’s

* Excavating * Plumbing and heating

* Gravel, stone and rip rap* Snow removal

* Demolition* Septic tanks and fi elds

Jake: 204-761-0900Tyson: 204-761-8765

Mini storage units for rent.Ph. 204-328-7893

Place Emporium

Actively serving Rivers and area on Wednesdays with competitive rates. To book appointments,

call Bryan at

204-867-2416/204-867-7558

Lakeside Septic Service

Way-MorAgencies Ltd.

Insurance, Travel,Investments, Real Estate

Phone204-328-7540204-566-2490

Funerals, Cremations, Receptions

204.727.0330 or 1.888.694.8153

www.memorieschapel.com

...because the memories are what we cherish

Specializing in residential, commercial, farm building. LEO OR CHERRY VAN VEEN

204-826-2292 orclcarpentry@hotmail.ca

CL van VeenCarpentry Ltd.

For all your electrical needs

ALEXANDER ELECTRIC204-721-4320

PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPSBUSINESS DIRECTORY

Jeannie’s InteriorsProfessional Painting & Decorating

Jeannie Bos204-573-1150

Rapid City, MBjeanniesinteriors@hotmail.com

Two cases a day

By Bruce Klassen Chief of Police

Rivers Police Service has compiled its January statistics and with 64 fi les, that’s an average of two cases per day; the numbers are as follows.

One sexual offence and one assault for a total of two violent crimes. One theft under $5,000 and one property damage equal two property crimes. One fraud and one various other crimes (eg. breaches, public mischief, harassing phone calls, etc.) makes two other crimes; the total criminal code cases in Rivers in January was six.

There were no federal traffi c charges. Four provincial traffi c charges were laid in the category of other Highway Traffi c Act (eg. speeding, unregistered, no licence, etc.). Three accidents were reported to police, bringing the total traffi c statistics in January to seven.

Liquor and Gaming Control Act charges amount to one, for an intoxicated person/breach of peace.

Rivers Police Service deals with four different bylaws (nuisance, animal control, burning and traffi c) and four fi les were opened last month, each dealing with animals.

Members assisted other agencies three times.The miscellaneous category is lengthy and is respon-

sible for the most cases handled by police. There was one 911 call, two community relations, one noisy party/disturbance, one lost property, two found properties and 28 miscellaneous reports, which includes unfounded complaints. The total number of miscellaneous statistics is 35, more than half of the 64 fi les handled.

Saving for splashingBy Leanne Miskulin

A new committee has been formed called Riverdale Splash Park Committee. Our goal is to raise approxi-mately $320,000 for a splash park to be located in the fenced area next to the existing Rivers Kids Park. A meet and greet has been scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22 at Shelly Mom’s Kitchen, 580 Second Avenue in Riv-ers, from 4 to 8 p.m. We invite everyone in and around the Riverdale community to come down and meet the board members, view our vision, ask questions, make a donation or volunteer for future fundraising events. This is a large project, but seeing the smile on our children’s faces at the end of the day will make it all worth it. We look forward to seeing you there. If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, please mail to Box 936, Rivers, MB R0K 1X0.

Volunteer tax help returns

By Warren Smallwood

Volunteers will be helping to fi le income tax returns again this year. Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a free program for people with simple tax returns with income at or below a certain level. The following income levels qualify: single people, $30,000; couples, $35,000; single parent with a child, $35,000 (add $2,500 for each additional child). This program cannot be used if there is income from a business, farming, rental property or capital gains, or if someone is bankrupt or deceased. CVITP will operate from March 2 to April 30; an information package can be picked up at Riverdale Municipality offi ce.

There are three simple steps to getting income tax returns prepared. The fi rst is to pick up the package of information at the municipal offi ce. Fill out that form and return it with all the appropriate tax slips and paperwork. A volunteer will then complete your tax return and print out several other forms. They will then phone you for permission to fi le your return electronically. They will also tell you when to come back to pick up personal material.

There is no need to mail anything, but all paperwork must be kept in case Canada Revenue Agency wants to see it.

In Rivers the program is offered by Senior Services Rivers Rapid City and District. For more information call Warren at 204-328-7251. Additional information can be found at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/volunteer.

Rummy-OBy Jessie Bell

A local senior invited three other Rivers’ ladies to a game of Rummy-O on Saturday evening past. The game began at 7 p.m. and ended at 9 p.m. After lunch and a time to visit (discussing homemade soup), they donned their winter apparel and departed at 10 p.m. into the cold winter chill. One remarked, “I’m too old for this,” and another questioned, “Whose home do we meet at next Saturday?” The hostess noted their ages were 87, 88, 91 and 96, for a total of 362 years or an average of 90.5.

B - 116 Main St SMinnedosa

(across from the main entrance to the

Co-op Food Store)

867-3981http://www.ajaxlaw.ca

Services

Help Wanted

Provincial classifi edsRIVERSBANNERCLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR AD BY:PHONE: 204-328-7494

FAX: 204-328-5212E-MAIL: info@riversbanner.com

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT 5 P.M.

Minimum charge: $5+GSTExtra insertions: 1/2 original price

Classifieds MUST be PREPAIDVisa/Mastercard accepted

RIVERS BANNER February 13, 2015 7

For Rent Help Wanted

Help WantedThe Assistant Property Manager, under the di-rection of the Property Manager, is responsible for coordinating all aspects of apartment com-munity operations and to act as main point of contact in the absence of the Property Manager. The right candidate must be a team player with a positive can-do attitude. Send Resume to:

brandybhatt@outlook.comPost available for F/T and P/T

Tel.: 647-609-1926

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

M E D I C A L T R A N -SCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

GET FREE VENDING MACHINES Can Earn $100,000.00 + Per Year. All Cash-Retire in Just 3 Years. Protected Ter-ritories. Full Details CALL NOW 1-866-668-6629 Website WWW.TCVEND.COM

MANUFAC-TURED HOMES

THREE SHOWHOMES READY FOR SPRING DELIVERY. 1584, 1632 & 1880 sqft. Custom builds also available. W.Giesbrecht Homes. Serving Manitoba & Saskatchewan for over 35 years. For fl oorplans and pictures visit www.wgiesbrechthomes.ca Phone 204-346-3231 for more information

FOR SALER E F O R E S TAT I O N NURSERY SEED-LINGS of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelterbelts or land-scaping. Full boxes as low as 99 cents per tree! Free shipping and replacement guarantee. Call 1-866-873-3846 or visit www.treetime.ca.

SAWMILLS from only $4,397. MAKE MONEY-and SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber to any di-mension. In stock and ready to ship. FREE information and DVD available by visiting www.NorwoodSaw-mills.com/400OT or calling 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT.

Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District is seeking to fi ll

one summer position to begin in May 2015, pending government funding.

The successful applicant will be required to:- be a youth aged 15 to 29 years,- be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada,- hold a valid Manitoba driver’s licence,- work within the district from the offi ce which is based in Oak River,- be willing to work outdoors and indoors,- have knowledge of a conservation district,- have some knowledge of GIS and GPS is preferred,- assist with the day-to-day operations within the district,- be a team player,- have been attending school and returning to school in the next year.Working hours will be 40 hours weekly, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Some overtime may be necessary.

Please forward resumes by February 27, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. to:

Little Saskatchewan River Conservation District

Box 209, Oak River, MB R0K 1T0 or email lsrcd.admin@mts.net.

PLEASE MARK ALL APPLICATIONS AS “SUMMER POSITION.”

We thank all who apply; however, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

The Disability Tax Credit

$1,500 Yearly TaxCredit

$15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg)

Covers:

Hip/Knee Replacements

Back conditions and

Restrictions in walking and dressing

204-453-5372

15022tt00Age 9 – rewired the family stereo. And it worked! Still have a knack for electronics? Then this is the career opportunity for you.

CN has permanent Signals & Communications Apprentice jobs available across the Prairies, from Thunder Bay, ON to Biggar, SK.

Signals & Communications Apprentices carry out duties such as burying cable, wiring equipment, bonding rail and testing signal plants. Qualified candidates must possess a strong mechanical aptitude, be adept at reading plans, demonstrate an understanding of Ohm’s law, and hold a valid driver’s license.

Join our proud team of railroaders and enjoy paid training and great benefits, including a pension plan.

Ready to get on board? Come meet our recruiters at our next Signals and Communications hiring event.

JOB FAIR DETAILS:WHEN: Tuesday February 17 at 8:30 AM

WHERE: Victoria Inn – 3550 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB

Candidates will be required to write a 2 hour entrance exam and may be asked to stay for an interview afterwards. Please schedule your day accordingly.

BRING TO THE EVENT:Your resume, along with a legible photocopy of 2 pieces of government-issued ID, including one with a photo. Be sure to arrive on time to guarantee your spot!

APPLY ONLINE Visit jobs.cn.ca to learn more and to apply online BEFORE the event. Job ID 5295.

Find your place at CNjobs.cn.ca

Attention:Tribal Councils and

Aboriginal Organizationsin Saskatchewan

and Manitoba!Are you looking to

hire Aboriginaljob seekers ?

We are getting resultsPost your job on

our website and in 135 newspapers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

(950,000 circulation).

For more information contact

www.firstnationsjobsonline.com

email: danbsully@sasktel.net

Saskatoon, SK

First Nations Jobs nline

DRIVERS WANTEDAZ, DZ, 5, 3 OR 1 W/Airbrake

• Guaranteed 40 hr. Work Week & Overtime

• Paid Travel & Lodging• Meal Allowance• 4 Week Vacation• Excellent Benefits Package

Must be able to have extended stays away from home. Up to 6 months. Must have a valid AZ, DZ, 5, 3 OR 1 with airbrake licence and have previous commercial driving experience.

Apply at: www.sperryrail.com,careers and then choose the

FastTRACK Application.

ARE YOU AN URBANMINER?

Get The Top TipsTo maximize the value

of your scrap metal

GO TO:www.AreYouAnUrbanminer.ca

Tip #6 can earn you 10% more on your scrap!

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72 Rothwell RoadWinnipeg, MB

The trusted name inmetal recycling

FOR SALEAdvertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the ad; Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and mem-bership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, complete-ness, truthfulness or reliability of such ads. For greater information on advertising condi-tions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

B AT T E R I E S F O R EVERYTHING. Auto-motive, farm, construc-tion, ATV, marine, cycle, golf carts, solar, phones, tools, radios, comput-ers etc. Reconditioned, obsolete and hard-to-fi nd batteries. SOLAR equipment. The Bat-tery Man. Winnipeg. 1.877.775.8271 www.batteryman.ca

P R O V I N C E - W I D E CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 400,000 readers weekly. Call this news-paper NOW or email classifi eds@mcna.com for details.

FOR SALES A V E ! N E W ! WRAPPED! Queen pil-lowtop bed set $395 (dble. set $375)! 8-piece solid wood bdr. ste. incl. queen bed, dresser, mir-ror, chest, 2 night stands $2,295. 12-drawer queen storage bed $595! 5-piece 42” round drop leaf set $595. Solid wood, 5-piece pedestal table set, 40” round, 4 chairs, $599. Power reclining black leather set incl. sofa, loveseat, center console and chair $2,295. SAVE 20-60% on other CLEARANCE products! Mon-Fri 10-8, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5. KDL Furniture, 204-571-1971. 660 Highland Ave., S. side of Hwy. 1, Brandon.

RECREATIONAL PROPERTY

Year Round Cottages: Asessippi Ski Area & Resort, Skiing, Fish-ing, Golfi ng, Boating, Hiking. 0% Financing. Lots Only, Custom Built or Ready to move in. Daymon 1-204-773-6228, dguillas@russel-linn.com, www.asessip-picove.com.

CAREER TRAINING

M E D I C A L T R A N -SCRIPTIONISTS are in huge demand! Train with the leading med-ical transcription school. Learn and work from home. 1.800.466.1535 www.canscribe.com. info@canscribe.com.

Two 2-bedroom suites with

attached garage, approx. 900 sq. ft. One level 50+ living in Rivers.

Available in mid-March. Call Scott at 204-761-5580/

204-328-4474 or email wramsay@mymts.net.

COMING EVENTS

It is Your Choice! Cash prizes from $150.00 to $1,000.00 to quit smoking, cut back by half, make your home smoke free or be a Quit Buddy!!: registration begins January 19 at manitobaquits.ca, 204-774-5501 for info.

STEEL BUILDINGS

STEEL/METAL BUILD-INGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 5 0 x 1 2 0 , 6 0 x 1 5 0 , 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteel-buildings.ca

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 at 2:30 PMAssiniboine Community College

For info contact 204-926-8352 or visit specialolympics.mb.ca

LAW ENFORCEMENTMANITOBA

Manitoba

Rivers Police Service Chief Bruce Klassen is accepting pledges; if he receives $500 he’ll make the jump. Call 204-328-7430 or stop by the police offi ce to leave your donation. Show your support by attending

the plunge; mark your calendars!

8 RIVERS BANNER FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Celebrate the moment

Let the spectacular Manitoba Parkland provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration. For festivities large and small, Elkhorn Resort can accommodate your big day in style.

Julia Brown – Certi ied Wedding PlannerJulia.Brown@elkhornresort.mb.ca204-848-2802 ext. 8545 | www.elkhornresort.mb.ca

wedding BLISS

at Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre

Your special day deserves an extra-special setting

Exclusive Elkhorn Manor on Clear Lake | Spa & Honeymoon Packages | Banquet Facilities for 160 guests

Let the spectacular Manitoba Parkland provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding celebration. For festivities large and small, Elkhorn Resort can accommodate your big day in style.

Julia Brown – Certified Wedding PlannerJulia.Brown@elkhornresort.mb.ca204-848-2802 ext. 545 | www.elkhornresort.mb.ca

wedding BLISS

at Elkhorn Resort Spa & Conference Centre

Your special day deserves an extra-special setting

Exclusive Elkhorn Manor on Clear Lake | Spa & Honeymoon Packages | Banquet Facilities for 160 guests

www.gillandschmall.com

Gill & Schmall AgenciesNeepawa 204-476-2345 McCreary 204-835-2501

Your wedding... Your way...

Celebrate your wedding in a place of incredible beauty, on a powdery sand beach next to an emerald sea with all your loved ones around you.

Traditional, formal, fancy-free... Whatever your heart desires. We at Gill & Schmall Agencies can help you plan your dream wedding. For more details call our office.

YellowheadCentre

• Weddings

• Banquets

• Auctions

• Full Kitchen

• Socials

• Conventions

• Decorations available

• ... and Much more!

A facility to fill all your rental needs!

175 Mountain Avenue, Neepawa204-476-5880 yellowhead@mymts.net

www.yellowheadcentre.com

PRIVATE EVENTS MEETINGS FAMILY GATHERINGS

Riley and I hosted our pre-wedding social at Remington’s in April 2014, we loved everything about the experience so much

that we held our wedding there the following September! Ben and the staff were so great to work with. They were always open to my ideas and always available to answer my questions!

The food, atmosphere, the staff and service helped make our special day one to remember!

Cheers to Remys!—The Days

YOUR PLACEOR OURS!

204-571-3838Town Centre, 800 Rosser Ave.

Brandon, MBremingtonsbdn@mymts.net

Book your dining room for private events, meetings or family gatherings.

Catering from 2 to 500 people, YOUR PLACE OR OURS!

www.dineremingtons.com

PRIVATE EVENTS

Riley and I hosted our pre-wedding social at Remington’s in April 2014, we loved everything about the experience so much that we held our wedding there the following September!

Ben and the staff were so great to work with. They were always open to my ideas and always available to answer my questions!

The food, atmosphere, the staff and service helped make our special day one to remember!

Cheers to Remys!

YOUR PLACEOR OURS!

Book your dining room for private

www.dineremingtons.com19:1c

Couples in the midst of planning a wedding often find themselves overwhelmed by the cost of such a meaningful yet expensive undertaking. The average wedding is as expensive as a new car or a down payment on a new house, so it's no surprise many couples experience sticker shock when they first begin to negotiate with vendors.

But as shocking as the cost of saying "I do" in front of family and friends can be, there are some tried-and-true ways to drastically reduce that cost without making the big day any less special.

GuestsMany couples save the

most money by reducing the number of people they invite to their wed-ding. Couples who come from large families may not be able to cut family members from their guest lists without causing a sig-nificant stir, so such men and women can look for other areas to trim. Profes-sional colleagues and old acquaintances who you no longer keep in touch with are unlikely to be offended if they don't make the cut, and removing them from the guest list can save couples substantial amounts of money.

VenuePerhaps no element

of wedding planning is more open to negotiation than the venue where the reception will take place. Many couples now choose venues that can host both the wedding and the re-ception, and that can save couples the cost of booking two separate locations and transporting out-of-town guests from one location to another. Venues are typ-ically open to negotiation with regard to the price per person for the reception, and few will not have some wiggle room built into their initial quote. If young children and teenagers will be attending the wedding, negotiate lower rates for their meals, as they won't be drinking alcohol and

therefore won't cost the venue as much as adult guests.

LocationWhere a couple decides

to tie the knot will have a significant impact on their bottom line. Certain locales, such as large cit-ies, are more expensive than others. Couples who come from small towns may benefit from tying the knot close to home, as vendors tend to charge less the further they are from large metropolises. Water-front venues, regardless of which city they happen to be in, also tend to be more

expensive than venues with less impressive surround-ings. Couples willing to sacrifice city lights and breathtaking views of the water are likely to find more affordable venues for ceremonies and recep-tions.

TimingThe timing of a wedding

also affects a couple's bot-tom line. Couples hoping to get married when wedding season hits its peaks, which is generally considered the months of May and June and then also late-Sep-tember into October, can expect to pay substantially

more than couples willing to get married at other times of the year. Couples also can save money by choosing to get married on Friday or Sunday nights or Saturday afternoon, when many venues charge con-siderably less per person than they do on Saturday night, which remains the most popular night of the week to get married.

The cost of a wedding is considerable, but couples can cut those costs in sev-eral ways if they're willing to be flexible and negotiate with vendors.

– Metro News Service

Simple ways to save on your wedding