Robyn Wiebe

Saturday night the Unmasking Domestic Violence Gala in support of Genesis House (GH) took place with guests donning masks and Mardi Gras attire to take part in an intimate gathering filled with fun and entertainment.  

GH Executive Director Ang Braun described the evening held at Mulligan's in Winkler. 

Three local farmers recently returned from a mission trip to Malawi, Africa, where four wells have been dug, and a drip kit program is helping people feed themselves, their families and their communities. Morden's Harry Dalke, Ben Friesen and John Dyck belong to a group of local farmers called SHARE (Sharing Hope with Agriculture Resources of the Earth.)  

Dalke found out about the opportunity through a friend he went to agriculture diploma school with in the late 1970's, Doug Dueck, who moved from his farm around Winnipeg to Abbotsford, B.C.

Food security efforts at Morden's Many Hands Resource Centre (MHRC) have been fortified, thanks to a recent $1.1 million financial investment to the Manitoba Community Food Currency Program from the Manitoba Government.

The Manitoba Community Food Currency Program is administered by Direct Farm Manitoba, and provides 'community food currency’ to participants to spend directly on Manitoba farm products at their local farmer's markets in order to increase access to healthy, local food.

Thanks to a recent announcement, Many Hands Resource Centre (MHRC) can move ahead with plans for a Holiday Celebration in Morden on December 20th at 500 Stephen Street. MHRC received $2000 through the Arts, Culture and Sport in Community Fund, allotted for Community Celebrations from the Provincial Government. Recipents were announced earlier this week. 

MHRC Program Coordinator Tracey Krause said the Community Meal will celebrate more than Christmas, noting Morden has changed a lot in the last few years. 

Monday night, Brian Fransen was reelected as Board Chair for Western School Division. 
        
Fransen, serving in his fifth term, was acclaimed to Ward 2 of the division representing the rural community, shared these thoughts in a press release.

"There are many exciting things happening in Western School Division that have been building momentum for years. I am honoured to have been asked to chair the new Board of Trustees in our first year together as a group. I look forward to leading together with our Board."

Born in Narcisse Manitoba, John Sandulak was one of nine surviving children of twelve in a family that moved to a farm near Sperling, MB when he was young. 

He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at a young age and, shortly after his training, was called to go overseas. 

His daughter, Dianne Sandulak of Carman shared his story. 

A group of Ukrainian women gathered at Morden's Westside Community Church to bake cherry pies to deliver to their host families who opened up their homes and hearts to them to provide a safe and caring home for them when they arrived in Morden.  

The initiative came through conversation with the Ukraine to Morden 2022 Committee to show appreciation for these hosts.   

The committee shared this statement. 

Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD) applied for and received funding in the amount of $86,050.00 from the Manitoba Teachers Idea Fund (MTIF) to finance the "Sources of Strength" program, a Mental Health Initiative to be rolled out in the division over the next four years. 

Last Wednesday, Morden Collegiate Institute (MCI) welcomed back RCMP Constable Gord Olson with the Internet Child Exploitation Unit to talk with students and parents about online safety.  

MCI Prinicipal Tania Siguardson recalled when he was in Morden in 2016. 

Morden Police Service continues to hand out tickets for drivers failing to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and work crews on the side of the road or highway. 

Last week, seven tickets were issued for Passing an Emergency Vehicle Engaged in Prescribed Activity While Using Emergency Equipment, Fail to Move into a Farther Lane which carries a fine of $298. 

Chief Neduzak urges people to obey the laws.