Candace Derksen

A new term is underway for Municipality of Rhineland Council.

An inaugural meeting was held November 2nd and was a chance to welcome new and returning councillors.

Joining Council for the first time is Hank Froese representing Ward 2, and Brad Wiebe in Ward 1. Returning for another four years is Brad Braun (Ward 1), Archie Heinrichs (Ward 2), John Dueck (Ward 3), Jake Heppner (Ward 3) and Reeve Don Wiebe. 

Three years after a special services levy was tabled for the L.U.D. of Gretna, the proposal is back and has undergone a second public hearing.
    
Under the proposal, presently exempt properties like schools and churches would fall subject to the levy in an effort to have more users share in the cost of local services like street lighting and fire protection.

Harold Schlegel, Executive Director of Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI), presented at Wednesday's public hearing, three years after his last appearance before the proposal was put on hold. 

The Mayor for the Town of Morris says he was disappointed to see his town left off the initial list of nine communities to benefit from a multi-government partnership to build new childcare spaces in Manitoba. 

The Mayor for the Town of Morris says he was disappointed to see his town left off the initial list of nine communities to benefit from a multi-government partnership to build new childcare spaces in Manitoba. 

A trio of local organizations will get a share of $260,000 through the province's Community Celebrations Program launched Arts, Culture and Sport in Community (ACSC) Fund. In total, the Manitoba government is supporting 59 community events across the province.

It was a night of celebration and recognition Saturday as the community gathered to mark the 100th anniversary of Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services (ARES). The department brought back an old favourite, a fire fighter’s ball, to celebrate the occasion.

Leading up to the event, current member, Daryl Rempel, researched the history of the department, and he explains how it all started a century ago.

Veteran Border Land School Division (BLSD) trustee, Patty Wiebe, has been named the new Board Chair. 

Wiebe, who is now in her fifth term and has served as Vice Chair for many of those years, went uncontested for the top job last week at the Board’s inaugural meeting following the October 26th election. 

“I was very pleased that I was acclaimed. It was very nice to have the support of the entire Board,” she said, noting she had stated her intentions to seek the role at an earlier, informal meeting between the trustees. “I thought I would take a try at it.”

While the October municipal election resulted in a full council for the Town of Altona, one seat around the table remains vacant. 
    
The search is on for a youth representative.

"A quarter of our community under the age of 19, and we want to make sure that we are hearing those voices in our decision making," explained Mayor Harv Schroeder. 

Having a youth rep on Council has been a 20-year tradition in Altona, and Schroeder says they want to keep it going. 

Members of Altona's new town council are settling into the new term. 
    
Council held its inaugural meeting this week under the leadership of new Mayor, Harv Schroeder.

"I'm very excited to be working with the next Council," said Schroeder, adding some great questions were asked during that meeting. 

Southern Health-Sante Sud is providing more information regarding ongoing human resource challenges within the Altona community medical group that continue to affect emergency department services at the local hospital.
    
The health region confirmed at the end of October that a plan to resume emergency services 12 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Altona Community Memorial Health Centre by October 31st would not be the case.