Robyn Wiebe

In 1938, Benjamin Appelt opened a watch repair shop beside a photography store in downtown Morden, recalled his grandson and now, CEO of Appelt's Diamonds Jeff Appelt.  

With Phase One of the renovations at South Central Regional Library (SCRL) in Morden complete, Phase Two will begin next week.  

In January, the Morden Library closed its doors for a couple of weeks temporarily while the flooring in the front area was replaced in the desk and front sitting area, according to Morden SCRL Branch Administrator Gail Hildebrand. 

"We have set up a temporary work area for the 2 weeks in between the floor being complete and the new desk being ready." 

After last summer's discovery of a new mosasaur at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre's dig site, it has been brought home in field jackets and the process of going through the earth in each jacket is well underway. 

Manitoba Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino spent two full days in the Pembina Valley meeting with various groups across the region and learning more about the area, Monday and Tuesday. 

Marcelino said it was her first time here. 

Just over a month ago, it was standing room only at the All-Candidates Forum in Morden leading up to the December 20th By-Election. 

Mayor Nancy Penner was pleased with the continued interest in municipal politics at Tuesday night's Community Consultation evening to collect community voice for the new strategic plan.  

After last summer's discovery of a new mosasaur at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre's dig site, it has been brought home in field jackets and the process of going through the earth in each jacket is well underway. 

Fossil Hunter and Field & Lab Technician Gerry Peters gave an update.  

The record-breaking seasonal temperatures, while a welcome change for many, do have a direct effect on the Pembina Valley Snowkickers. 

President Kory Van Damme said conditions look bleak right now.  

Heading into 2024, Western School Division (WSD) school board trustees heard two Innovation Grant presentations at their first meeting of the new year.  

Board Chair Brian Fransen said Innovation Grants were started over 10 years ago looking for ideas that will advance Board Priorities Plan and for ways to enhance student learning, to connect with the schools, to the community, or to improve the health and the culture within the school division. 

The twelve teams competing in the 2024 Morden Scotties Tournament of Hearts were piped into the transformed arena by Bagpiper Chris Flook to start the Opening Ceremony Wednesday evening, after a full day of game play on the ice. 

The singing of the National Anthem by Robin Epp and speeches by dignitaries and organizers and of course, complete with Linda Doerksen paid the piper were facilitated by Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame and Museum Resby Coutts reading the names of each team member. 

Grace Keeling and her husband moved to Morden two years ago for employment reasons. In that time, she has had a third child. Her oldest child is in kindergarten and Keeling has learned her child will no longer be eligible for daycare. Last fall, Pembina Valley Childcare Centre (PVCC) announced a shift in services due to limited spaces and increased need due to changes in funding. (Read more in the article below.)  

Keeling, who has joined the PVCC board explained.