PembinaValley

Have you ever wanted to try kayaking? How about paddleboarding? Morden’s annual Paddlefest set sail last Saturday, June 14th, with a great turnout from all throughout Manitoba. Created as an opportunity for the community to try out the various rentals available at Lake Minnewasta, the water was full of both first-time and seasoned paddlers. 

Comfort comes in many forms, and one of them is soft, plushy, and endearing — stuffed animals.  

One group in Winkler, the Peters family, has turned to these lovable items to provide some support to wildfire evacuees staying in the city’s hotels. 

A record-breaking season of athletic achievement was celebrated at Morden Collegiate Institute (MCI) on Wednesday as students, coaches, and families gathered for the annual Sports Awards Assembly. The afternoon highlighted team triumphs, individual milestones, and the tireless dedication of student-athletes — culminating in the prestigious Male and Female Athlete of the Year announcements.

Grade 12 multi-sport athlete Sean Aguinaldo was named Male Athlete of the Year, while Molly Cowan, a standout Grade 11 competitor, received Female Athlete of the Year honours.

Something new is on the horizon for Regional Connections Immigrant Services. 

The organization is beginning a building project.  

“We've been in our current building for almost 15 years and have really outgrown this space,” says Steve Reynolds, executive director of the organization.

“We have staff working in a closet and a former lunchroom.” 

The U14 Morden Eagles have had a great season filled with wins, laughs and memories, all of which has been cherished by player Lyann Fochtberger, who says this year has been very special. 

Before becoming a member of the Eagles, Fochtberger recalls what it was like starting to play soccer. "I started, I think it was two years ago, I started playing in a beginning league, that's where I started. I started to enjoy the sport and I wanted to continue playing soccer. I played there again and I also started to train more. Somehow, I got into the Morden Eagles club."

Funeral For:  Fred Wanke 
Funeral Date: June 21, 2025 
Fred Wanke, 90, of Menisino passed away Sunday, January 26th at Vita Personal Care Home. He is survived by his wife Margit, 5 sons, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and their families. He was predeceased by 1 son, 1 brother, and 2 brothers-in-law. 
A memorial service for Fred Wanke will be held Saturday, June 21st at 11am at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.  

Manitoba star defender Ashton Bell was the first player selected in the PWHL's expansion draft and the Deloraine product will now join a stacked Vancouver team that's looking to make an instant impact on the league. 

The federal public service shed almost 10,000 people last year, with the Canada Revenue Agency and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada losing the most employees.

The last time the public service contracted was in 2015, when the number of people employed dropped just slightly from 257,138 to 257,034.

The number of public servants employed by the federal government fell from 367,772 to 357,965 over the last year.

Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.

Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug.

Burgers and hot dogs for a good cause were on the menu for lunch last Friday, thanks to the Child and Family Services Foundation’s annual Chance 2 Camp fundraiser. For Community Support Coordinator Sara Martens, this cause is dear: “...growing up, camp was always very important to me.” Martens shared. “That’s just where I connected with the peers of my age...and just learned a lot.”