Local News

The Brandon car club, known as the Road Rebels, hosted their annual fundraiser barbecue last Sunday. Despite less-than-ideal weather earlier in the week, the event was held under beautiful conditions—warm temperatures, sunshine, and a light breeze made for a perfect day.

At the end of August, PhiBer Manufacturing Inc. announced it had been selected for funding through the PrairiesCan Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, a Government of Canada initiative supporting high-growth companies across the Prairies.

This investment will help PhiBer strengthen its advanced manufacturing capabilities, accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and create meaningful new job opportunities in rural Manitoba.

A Winkler family is back in what has become a tradition of honouring their late wife, mother and grandma. 
    
For the third year in a row, a bracelet stand will reappear on the front lawn of the James home, down Sandpiper Crescent in Winkler, today, where Alitta James' grandchildren - Grady, Everly and Tiana - will be selling the handmade accessories in her memory and raising money for CancerCare Manitoba.

"The kids are just super pumped to make bracelets and sell them," said Jenilee Goertzen, Grady's mom. 

With the return to above average temperatures and sunshine this week, what has that meant for our veggie gardens and flower beds?

"At this time of the season, it is traditionally called our second season of gardening or our next season of gardening," shared Carla Hrycyna from St. Mary's Nursery and Garden Centre, Host of the Lawn and Garden Journal. "Maybe the vegetables finishing, and may still be doing a lot of harvesting. I'm still picking tomatoes off some plants."

Earlier this week, the Plum Coulee Fire Department presented the donations it received during its annual Plum Fest parade boot drive to the Rolling Barrage PTSD Foundation. The organization provides financial support to groups providing PTSD supports and therapies to military, first responders, RCMP and emergency healthcare providers.

Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox says the former Bokhari development on Park Avenue near the local Walmart is now in new hands and moving forward. She explains that while the city is not directly involved, the sale brings confidence to council. The new purchaser has a strong reputation, and planning staff are encouraged by the progress being made.

“We’re very pleased that that project development has sold and that the plans from the developer are to get things on the market,” notes Knox.

After four years of dreaming, planning, and tireless fundraising, a dedicated group of volunteers is making real progress toward bringing a much-needed childcare centre to Austin.

What began as a simple conversation in 2021 has turned into a registered cooperative with architectural plans, community support, and a major provincial grant application that could cover more than half the costs. Led by board president Jo-elle Early, the North Norfolk Childcare Cooperative is inching closer to its goal, and the team is feeling optimistic.

The owner of Prairie Sky Crop Solutions south of Niverville says there will be damage to crops in the area from Thursday night's rain event. 

Reg Friesen says that though an awful lot of rain fell, the storm was very localized. For example, he says areas south of St. Pierre received about an inch of rain, while up near St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes, it rained only about half an inch. However, areas in between received a lot more. Friesen says his gauge south of Niverville showed three inches, and he knows that five inches fell south of Tourond. 

The owner of Prairie Sky Crop Solutions south of Niverville says there will be damage to crops in the area from Thursday night's rain event. 

Reg Friesen says that though an awful lot of rain fell, the storm was very localized. For example, he says areas south of St. Pierre received about an inch of rain, while up near St. Adolphe and Ile des Chenes, it rained only about half an inch. However, areas in between received a lot more. Friesen says his gauge south of Niverville showed three inches, and he knows that five inches fell south of Tourond. 

The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) held their Annual General Meeting this week, sharing a year full of growth and achievement. 

A year of highlights 

Executive Director David Klassen says it’s difficult to choose a single highlight because the entire year has been exceptional.