Altona Chamber celebrates local excellence at annual gala

It was an evening of elegance and celebration last night as the Altona & District Chamber of Commerce shone a spotlight on a group of local businesses, business owners and organizations making a difference in the community. Four such entities were presented with the Chamber's annual awards at the gala event, held at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre.

Friesens' employee-ownership model earns provincial recognition for community impact

Friesens Corporation is being singled-out by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.

The Altona-based book manufacturer will receive one of the organization's 2025 Future Champion Awards at a reception in Winnipeg in May. 

Nominated by their peers in Manitoba’s business community, the awards are handed out to those that use their influence to drive social and economic innovation with impact, innovation and heart.

From humble beginnings to industry leader: Valley Fiber honoured with Future Champion Award

"Awards like this make you pause." 

That's the initial thought shared by Valley Fiber in a statement submitted to PembinaValleyOnline after it was announced that the company would be receiving one of the Future Champion awards being handed out by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce this year. 

Mental health calls on the rise: Altona Police Chief calls for provincial support

Altona police officers have been responding to an increase in mental health calls in recent years.

Just this past week, noted Police Chief Dan Defer, members spent around 70 hours on three such calls for service. 
    
He believes the reason for the increase is two-fold.

"A lot of it will have to do, of course, with the increase in substance abuse. But I think it's (also) becoming less stigmatized, so maybe people are a little more comfortable is coming out with issues and problems that they're dealing with.

Grass fire calls emergency crews to Neubergthal on a windy Wednesday afternoon

Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services were called to a grass fire late Wednesday afternoon.
    
According to Fire Chief Greg Zimmerman, the incident occurred at a rural home in Neubergthal. No structures were damaged.
    
Three trucks and 18 members responded to the incident

Should it stay or should it Gogh? Altona residents weigh in on future of giant local attraction

The results are in, and 68% of the people who responded to the Town of Altona's Big Easel Restoration survey believe the towering steel structure should remain a landmark in the community.

46% of those believe it is very important the towering steel structure should remain a landmark in the community, and 22% feel it is somewhat important. 

RCMP ID two persons of interest in Carman church fire

Authorities have identified two persons of interest in connection to last month's fire at Grace St. John's Anglican Lutheran Church in Carman.
    
It didn't take long for Pembina Valley RCMP to declare the devastating early-morning March 13th blaze as suspicious, and appealed to the public for any video surveillance footage that could help in the investigation.