Pam Fedack

Awareness of the importance of maintaining a stable supply of water for our communities in the Pembina and Red River Valleys has become apparent over the last number of years. That makes the Stanley Corridor Reservoir Project an important step forward in that regard. 
    
The 4 million litre, 6-cell, buried concrete reservoir under construction adjacent to the Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) is progressing well, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of next July.

It's no secret, we're in the midst of flu season. In speaking with his colleagues from across the province, Garden Valley School Division Superintendent, Dan Ward says it's definitely been a tough flu season, especially with R.S.V., and COVID still 'kicking' around.

Many school divisions in the Pembina and Red River Valley regions are facing absenteeism challenges as well due to the current flu season.

The Winkler MCC Thrift Store recently closed the books on its last fiscal year.
    
Winkler MCC Thrift Store Board Chair, Dave Penner says the store's management team did a great job of controlling costs. In addition to that, higher-than-expected sales allowed the Winkler store to send $50,000 more than budgeted to MCC Manitoba, totaling $425,000. 

On top of that, Penner says they contributed $30,000 to some local organizations.

Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens has appointed his Deputy Mayor.
    
At last week's council meeting (Nov. 8th), Siemens announced Councilor Andrew Froese would serve in the role. In Winkler, the deputy mayor is the appointment by the mayor.

It was a night of celebration Wednesday in Winkler. For the first time in three years, the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce was able to host the P.W. Enns Business Awards Gala in person. It is also the first time the event was held at the Meridian Exhibition Centre.

In addition to the award recipients and a full auditorium of guests, numerous dignitaries were also on hand, including Chuck Davidson - the President of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen, and Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen.

The newly elected board of trustees of Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) took their Oath of Office Tuesday evening during the board's reorganization meeting.
    
Incumbent Trustee Leah Klassen was acclaimed as board chair during the voting process, and fellow incumbent John Klassen was elected vice-chair. 

Central Community Housing, formerly named Winkler Affordable Housing, has hit the pause b

The newly formed RM of Stanley council held its inaugural meeting Thursday, where Reeve Ike Friesen and the RM's councilors took their Oath of Office. 

Going into the meeting, the council still had one vacant seat in Ward 2 following last month's election Municipal Election as no one came forward to run for the spot. However, that Ward 2 seat is no longer vacant, as the elected councilors have filled the seat.
    
Reeve Friesen says Josh Zacharias will join Bitz Loewen, representing Ward 2 constituents.

Excitement over the progress and transformation of Arctic Field was halted over the weekend after it was discovered the newly installed backstop netting, estimated at around $6,000 had been vandalized.

The spotlight was shining on two organizations last week during a luncheon hosted by the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon was in celebration of Small Business Week.  

Bev Wiebe, Central Station Executive Director shared with the local and regional business community what Central Station does, and why they exist.