PembinaValley

National defence is becoming an increasingly thorny topic for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as Canada comes under heavy pressure from its allies to do more and spend more.

But with just weeks to go until NATO member nations assemble in the Netherlands for a summit that could put Ottawa in the hot seat on defence spending, several of his ministers took the unusual step of removing themselves from discussions with defence reporters this week at Canada's largest defence industry show.

The NPC Nighthawks are starting provincials today and head coach Kerwin Froese believes his team can do something special at the big tournament.

The sparks have settled — and Borderview Electric is moving on to the PV Cup Final.

With the Florida Panthers punching their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final after a win over the Carolina Hurricanes, that means Borderview Electric has officially outlasted D.A. Loewen Electric in the PV Cup — and the friendly rivalry between Winkler’s two electrical powerhouses just added another charge.

Public health officials have announced a series of new measles exposure sites in Southern Manitoba, with two in Winkler. Public health is also advising some of the recent measles cases did not have any known contact to a case. 

For the first time since 1977, Canada heard a speech from the throne delivered by its Monarch. Read by King Charles III this week, it marked a historic moment in Canadian political tradition.

While the ceremony drew on decades of royal ties and national symbolism, Conservative MP Branden Leslie of Portage–Lisgar says the moment must be matched with action and not just sentiment.

Speaking after the speech, Leslie acknowledged the importance of Canada's constitutional monarchy and the symbolism of unity it brings.

The Salem Home Foundation and the Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted their annual Spring Fundraiser BBQ Wednesday, May 28th to raise funds to improve Salem Park. Karin Oliveira, CEO of Salem Home and executive director of the Salem Foundation, notes that the fundraiser would not only pay for the concrete sidewalk of the park, but also other features for the residents of Salem Home and the community to use. “We like to see the community coming out.” Oliveira shared.

Funeral For:  Louise Friesen 
Funeral Date: May 31, 2025 
Louise Friesen, 96, of Winnipeg formerly of Crystal City, passed away Tuesday, May 27th at Winnipeg. She is survived by 2 daughters, 4 sons, 1 sister, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband George, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, and 1 grandson. 
The funeral service for Louise Friesen will be held Saturday, May 31st at 1:30pm at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, with burial prior to the service at Sage Creek Cemetery. 

Funeral For:  Valentine Janzen 
Funeral Date: June 2, 2025 

Funeral For:  Sarah Fehr 
Funeral Date: May 31, 2025 
Sarah Fehr, 76, of La Salle formerly of Gretna, passed away Friday, May 23rd at St. Boniface Hospital. She is survived by her husband Elmer, children Michael (Chantelle), Kristine, Kelly, and Kelsey; her grandchildren Zachary, Nathaniel, Zoe, Emma, Benjamin, and Alexander; her brother Jake and sister Tina (John); along with many nieces and nephews. Sarah is pre-deceased by her parents Johann and Maria Guenter; her brothers Cornie, Peter, John, and Abe; and her sisters Maria, Judith, and Mary.

The Municipality of Rhineland has opted to use the same enzyme treatment to de-sludge the Gretna lagoon as it did at the Plum Coulee facility last year. 

The biological method, used by Clean Water Pro, utilizes a special formula of beneficial bacteria and enzymes to break down the material.

According to Reeve Don Wiebe, the 20-week process resulted in the sludge being reduced at the Plum Coulee lagoon by 12 to 14 inches.