Jayme Giesbrecht

As nonprofit organizations across Manitoba face rising costs and dwindling donations, the Bunker Youth Ministry is stepping up with a familiar favourite: a pickerel fish fry fundraiser to help keep its doors open and programming running through the summer.

Kevin Hildebrand, Executive Director of the Bunker, says while the heart of their ministry is as strong as ever, the financial reality is hitting hard.

For Kate Friesen of Winkler, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life that began in childhood. On a recent outing to Morden Nurseries with Eagle 93.5 FM morning show host Jayme Giesbrecht, Friesen shared that her green thumb is a gift passed down from her mother.

“I have developed a love of gardening from my mom, and I grew up pulling weeds and making a really big country garden,” says Friesen.

Now an experienced gardener in her own right, Friesen is preparing for another season of planting, nurturing, and experimenting with both flowers and vegetables.

What began as a chance meeting during mission work in Uganda has blossomed into a life-changing ministry—both for Chasity and Nixon Katabira, and for the hundreds of youth they serve through Love All Ministries.

A special luncheon held this week honoured the businesses partnering with the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)—and it was more than just a thank-you. It was a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and the bright futures being built in the skilled trades.

The event, organized by HSAP teacher Andy Reimer, brought together educators, students, and employers who are shaping the next generation of tradespeople in southern Manitoba.

A beloved face in Miami’s emergency services community has been recognized in a big way. Larry Mansell, who served as Fire Chief of the Miami Fire and Rescue Department for 49 years, was recently honoured as a Community Hero during a Winnipeg Jets home game.

The surprise came thanks to a heartfelt nomination submitted by his son, celebrating a lifetime of service that left a lasting mark on the small southern Manitoba town.

Baseball season is almost here, and this year, Winkler’s diamonds will welcome a brand-new initiative designed just for women. "Ladies Night at the Ball Park," a relaxed, women-only slo-pitch league, is set to launch Friday, May 9th. One of the organizers, Maggie Fehr, says the goal is simple: “We just had to try something where we could bring women together.”

Fehr, who has played slo-pitch most of her life, says the league is all about inclusivity and community. “There’s no pressure. It’s really for anybody to just come and enjoy the game,” she explains.

Local musician Silas Presley is carving out a unique space in today’s music scene with a sound that draws deep inspiration from the psychedelic rock era of the ’60s and ’70s. As the frontman of the Silas Presley Band, he blends nostalgic influences with modern flair—offering a fresh take on a genre that rarely takes centre stage anymore. Recently, Presley joined us to talk about the band’s latest release, “The Seasons,” the joy of creating music with his father, and the creative process that fuels their sound.

Tracy Enns of the Boyne River Keepers is calling on the community to grab the final few tickets for an upcoming gala event, which promises an evening of connection, entertainment, and impact.

A scenic escape on the river

Enns, who lives along the Boyne River, says there’s something magical about the waterway during the warmer months.

When individuals in the Pembina Valley find themselves in trouble with the law—often for the first time—it’s not always a courtroom where their case ends up. For over two decades, the Winkler Community Justice Committee has quietly played a pivotal role in guiding people through restorative justice, offering an alternative that focuses on responsibility, healing, and meaningful consequences.

The Manitou Community Arena has been a pillar of the town since the mid-1960s, and while it continues to be a source of local pride, some parts of the facility are due for a refresh.

Don McLean, chairman of the Manitou Arena Board, says, “We did a big major renovation in 2015 to our upstairs and our kitchen area, but some of the areas like the change rooms and washrooms in the basement just haven’t seen change for quite a while. We’re looking at trying to make some upgrades.”