Robyn Wiebe

The Morden Police Board (MPB) is developing a strategic plan to provide direction for the work of the department and its service to the community. 

Board Chair Lee Bassett recalled the first community voice collection last year in a survey. She shared the biggest concern that 'keeps people up at night.' 

After 5 years of co-owning Winkler’s Bloom Floral Creative, Madison Schiller and her team have received more recognition for the work they do. Just a couple months after being given the 2023 Business Excellence Award at the Winkler Chamber of Commerce 2023 P.W. Enns Business Awards, Bloom has been invited to take part in the world-renowned "Fleurs de Villes" exhibit at Winnipeg’s The Leaf, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the indoor horticultural attraction at Assiniboine Park. 

The third Monday in January has been coined, "Blue Monday." It all began when a travel company in the UK to try to sell winter vacations based on people getting the winter blues mid-winter, according to Prairie Rose Guidance Counselor and Private Practice Counsellor and Therapist with Kelly Vipond Mental Health Kelly Vipond. Vipond helps people virtually in Manitoba. She recently obtained her master's in counselling psychology with distinction. 

The third Monday in January has been coined, "Blue Monday." It all began when a travel company in the UK tried to sell winter vacations based on people getting the winter blues mid-winter, according to Kelly Vipond, Prairie Rose Guidance Counselor and Private Practice Counsellor and Therapist with Kelly Vipond Mental Health. Vipond helps people virtually in Manitoba. She recently obtained her master's in counselling psychology with distinction. 

The third Monday in January has been coined, "Blue Monday." It all began when a travel company in the UK to try to sell winter vacations based on people getting the winter blues mid-winter, according to Prairie Rose Guidance Counselor and Private Practice Counsellor and Therapist with Kelly Vipond Mental Health Kelly Vipond. Vipond helps people virtually in Manitoba. She recently obtained her master's in counselling psychology with distinction. 

The City of Winkler passed a By-law No. 2304-23 Special Service Plan No. 44. approving the pledges made for two healthcare facilities in the region. 

Mayor Henry Siemens explained. 

"That is to fund the support we've already committed to the Boundary Trails Health Center expansion and support we're giving to the C.W. Medical Board to be able to purchase the rest of the building that they are in. These commitments have already been made. This by-law now just shows how we're going to fund that commitment."  

With the mild winter, the lack of snow has impacted outdoor recreation in the Pembina Valley like snowmobiling.  

Kory Van Damme, President of the Pembina Valley Snowkickers describes what the membership is doing these days. 

Morden City Council approved the purchase of a new Pumper Truck for Morden Fire & Rescue (MFR). Chief Andy Thiessen said all of the trucks have a life cycle to them and according to the codes and fire underwriters survey, the ones who determine the insurance coverage for the province and for the country and give the timelines for the length of time vehicles can be used. Morden's Pumper Truck has "tapped out" on its lifecycle.  

Thiessen said it was scheduled to be replaced this year. 

At the final public City of Morden Council meeting of 2023, Morden City Council passed a 3% cost of living allowance (COLA) wage increase for city staff employees.  

While Mayor Nancy Penner was in election mode and not part of council when this decision was made, she explained the rationale behind the decision.  

Morden South Central Regional Library Branch Administrator Gail Hildebrand said it is exciting news to announce renovations will begin Saturday January 6th, temporarily closing the branch until Tuesday January 23rd. This is the first renovation in a long time.