This week Westman saw fun family time at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, and important announcements made. We also saw a great fundraising opportunity for the Boissevain playground, as well as an upcoming info day on zebra mussels in Killarney!
Blustery weather didn't keep the smiles away at the Royal Winter Fair!
From the Royal Farmyard to the Royal Courtyard to the main arena and everything in between there were plenty of smiles to go around!
It was the typical snowy, blowy, winters-come-back-kinda' day but that didn't stop folks from travelling to the Keystone Centre to spend the day with animals, horse and cattle events and competitions and of course the all the fun and games with dogs, clowns and farm animals.
Here are just a few of the wonderful smiles (some silly!) that I caught just in time through the camera's lens.
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Bill 222 aims to protect property owners from trespasser lawsuits
One would think when someone is trespassing, breaks the law and hurts themselves, or damages their vehicle, that all rights would be waived where the perpetrator has no right to sue the homeowner, or landowner, for damages. However, that is not the case. Over a week ago Opposition House Leader and Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson introduced new legislation to protect property owners from unjustified lawsuits by criminals who are injured while trespassing.
Bill 222, The Occupiers' Liability Amendment Act, would protect property owners from being held legally responsible if someone illegally enters their property intending to commit a crime and is injured or killed.
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Teamwork continues in Manitoba to eradicate wild pigs
Wild pigs continue to pose a threat to rural Manitoba as they contaminate water sources, damage natural habitats and farm crops, and can spread up to 89 different diseases to commercial and small-scale livestock.
"What really points to the presence of pigs are signs like rooting in pastures," explains Dr. Wayne Lees. "When pigs start to root in a pasture, it looks like a rototiller went through it. If you see a patch of wild grass or a pasture that looks like it's been plowed or rototilled, it's a very good sign that pigs are there."
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Assiniboine College expands Practical Nursing Program in Southern Manitoba
Assiniboine College’s Practical Nursing program is preparing to welcome new students in two growing Manitoba communities, with intakes announced for Steinbach in September 2025 and Neepawa in January 2027.
“Every year, we are proud to offer our Practical Nursing program in many communities across Manitoba. Rural sites, like these in Steinbach and Neepawa, are integral to our mission to meet provincial and regional healthcare needs,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine. “We’re looking forward to bringing this program to those in the Steinbach area, and back to Neepawa—both growing communities with growing healthcare needs. To the students in these areas considering their next chapter in healthcare, we say welcome to Assiniboine.”
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Province commits to $300K to 4-H Manitoba over next 3 years
The Province of Manitoba announced a $300,000 commitment to 4-H Manitoba over the next three years, to continue the great work that they do with our young individuals and experienced individuals, says Ag Minister Ron Kostyshyn. "Because they're the ones with the knowledge, and they want to share their knowledge with the young 4-H'ers of the world."
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Early morning blaze in MacGregor
A fire broke out early this morning in MacGregor, engulfing a detached garage, but swift action by fire crews prevented the flames from spreading to nearby homes. Fire Chief Chris Leckie confirmed that no injuries occurred and praised the efforts of responders, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite the garage being lost, the containment of the fire ensured minimal damage to surrounding structures.
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Killarney hosts AIS Community Open House April 10th to discuss the threat of zebra mussels
Killarney-Turtle Mountain is taking steps to help thwart the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) into Killarney Lake. The council has been in contact with the provincial government for direction and support, with the first steps being to educate residents and visitors to Killarney.
On behalf of Council, Mayor Janice Smith invites everyone who wants to learn more about AIS, specifically zebra mussels, to join them at the Shamrock Centre next week Thursday, April 10th.
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Boissevain playground committee $25K win comes down to community vote in BASF contest
The Boissevain Playground Project is one of three Manitoba projects contending for the 2025 BASF Growing Home Contest and now it's down to the community vote to determine which community project gets the $25,000 First Place Prize.
Each year BASF accepts donations from across Western Canada for their Growing Home contest for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. They receive hundreds of community project nominees and narrow it down to three finalists per province for the public to vote on.
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