Kylee Bailey

A southern Manitoba community near Winkler has found itself with cases of chickenpox (the varicella virus) on its hands. For Dr. Mahmoud Khodaveisi, the medical officer for Southern Health-Santé Sud, the developing situation has the potential to grow into something more concerning, but at the moment, the data does not support the presence of an outbreak.

It likely doesn’t come as a surprise that Canadian Blood Services always has an urgent necessity of replenishing its stock of blood and stem cells, but perhaps it is lesser known that donations from certain demographics are particularly vital.

Brett Lawrence is the community development manager with Canadian Blood Services.

Picture this: Instead of sweeping canola, wheat, and corn fields as far as the eye can see in Southern Manitoba, the landscape is one of ancient waters teeming with marine life, including squids, vegetation, and large aquatic reptiles. This is what the area looked like during the Cretaceous period. Thanks to a local fossil tour, for the first time in Manitoba’s history, we can add the shark to our image of this region long ago. 
 

As temperatures rise again, extra caution is required in various contexts. One such concern is the higher likelihood of grass or crop fires developing.  

Chris Lemky, Chief of Carman Dufferin Fire Department, says the department has already responded to a grass fire this month.  

“It appears that it started in some mowed grass on the roadside and spread into a homeowner’s alfalfa field,” he says. “Thankfully, the homeowners were there, caught it fairly quickly, and were able to extinguish most of the fire before we got there, so it didn't spread too far.” 

A number of local artists will be taking to the stage this weekend at the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition in Morris. 

Tim Lewis is co-chairman of the event. He notes the Manitoba Stampede is building a reputation in the world of country music. 

"We partnered up with the MCMA (Manitoba Country Music Association) to find entertainment this year," he says. "We actually got an award last year as the country music event of the year. We worked with them to find the best entertainers that we could for our show."

Jade air purifiers and palliative beds will provide extra comfort to the hospital community at the Boundary Trails Health Centre thanks to a $45,000 grant from the Morden Community Thrift Shop.  

Shannon Samatte-Folkett, who is the Executive Director of the Boundary Trails Health Centre Foundation, says that the foundation applies for a grant from the Morden Community Thrift Shop every year.  

The 2024 Candlelighters Auction wrapped up last week (April 10) bringing in just over $50,000 to go towards supporting families dealing with childhood cancer.  

Board chair, Naomi Fehr, shares she is once again overwhelmed by the support the Pembina Valley has shown.