Westman

Two men are to stand trial on human smuggling charges this week, almost three years after a family from India was found frozen to death on the border between Manitoba and Minnesota.

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand are accused of being part of a large operation that brought Indian nationals to Canada on student visas and then smuggled them across the United States border.

The men have pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to transport aliens causing serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy.

Sunflower producers, agronomists, industry and researchers have a chance to connect and learn more about this specialty crop at Manitoba's inaugural Sunflower Day happening later this month in Carman.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this November, Genesis House has renewed its partnership with the South Central Regional Library for the annual "Power of the PJ’s" campaign, aimed at supporting individuals in crisis.

AgSafe Alberta has added another level to its FARMERS CARE program.

Level 4 is now available at AgSafeAB.ca. 

This free program provides valuable safety information that agricultural producers can navigate at their own pace.

All levels of FARMERS CARE cover a wealth of valuable information in a condensed format, avoiding the major time commitment that typically comes with intensive safety courses.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ bid for a third Grey Cup in five years ended in heartbreak as the Toronto Argonauts delivered a commanding 41-24 victory in the 111th Grey Cup.

Toronto’s victory was led by backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle, thrust into the spotlight after starter Chad Kelly sustained a leg injury in the Eastern Final.

Arbuckle rose to the occasion, throwing for 252 yards and two touchdowns in a poised performance that belied his backup status.

Parts of Western Manitoba had the first taste of winter Saturday, with 5-15cms of wet snow falling across parts of the region as a low pressure system pushing northward out of North Dakota brought the white blanket.

Celebration of Life For: Leo Braun 
Celebration of Life Date: November 20, 2024 
Leo Braun, 79, of Niverville formerly of Blumenort, passed away Wednesday, November 13th at DeSalaberry District Health Centre. He is survived by 1 daughter, 1 son and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Linda. 
The celebration of life for Leo Braun will take place Wednesday, November 20th at 2pm at Crossings Funeral care, Steinbach.     
Arrangements by Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach. 

Funeral For:  Verna Hiebert nee Bergen 
Funeral Date: November 21, 2024 
Verna Hiebert nee Bergen, 100, of Winkler passed away Thursday, November 7th at Tabor Home. She is survived by 1 daughter, 3 sons, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Abram W. Hiebert.  
A memorial service for Verna Hiebert nee Bergen will be held Thursday, 11am at Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church with burial prior to the service.  
Donations may be made to Canadian Foodgrains Bank. 
Arrangements by Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler. 

Lawrence Knockaert, a dairy farmer from Bruxelles, Manitoba that recently termed out as MFGA past chair after serving a full term on the MFGA Board as Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) representative, and Toutes Aides, Manitoba’s Shauna Breault, a well-respected regenerative agriculture rancher and an integral voice in forage and lease matters on Manitoba’s Crown agricultural lands that termed off the MFGA board in 2023, will represent the MFGA’s fourth inductee class to the MFGA Wall of Fame.
 
MFGA WALL OF FAME 2024 INDUCTEES 

A spokesperson for CAA says now is the time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter driving season.

Nadia Matos is Manager of External Communications with CAA. She says when daytime highs are a consistent seven degrees for one week, you should consider getting your winter tires installed. 

"If you haven't already booked your appointment with your mechanic, do so, the snow is coming, we know it is," she says. "It's really kind of take action right now."