PembinaValley

Strong nitrogen fertilizer demand is butting up against tight supplies in some regions of the world, says an analyst.

India is the world’s top importer of the product.

Indian urea demand surged to 38.8 million tonnes in 2024-25, an eight per cent increase over the previous year, according to Argus Media.

That was due in part to tight supplies of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer during the winter (rabi) crop season.

The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday that it has suspended Zach Collaros of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers one regular-season game for failing to respond to requests for drug testing by officials from the Canadian Centre fo Ethics in Sports (CEES).

Following the league annoucement, the Blue Bombers released this statement:

Manitoba Environment and Climate Change is encouraging residents to test their well water or cistern to detect coliforms and E. coli in their water supply.

The ideal time to conduct these tests is in the spring, especially after a flood or heavy rainstorm.

Changes in the colour, clarity, odor, or taste of well or cistern water are also indicators that testing should be done. The Private Well Testing Subsidy Program, in collaboration with Duracan Laboratory in Winnipeg, offers these tests at a subsidized cost for private well and cistern owners once per year.

It was Altona vs. Altona as two of the Angels U13 softball teams took to the club's new diamond for the first time Tuesday night. 

The first pitch was thrown on the community's newest softball diamond last night, just over a year after the Angels softball club cast a vision for improved facilities. Over the fall and spring, volunteers worked tirelessly to relocate a diamond to the northwest corner of Ecole West Park School's property and convert it into a full clay facility in time for the 2025 season. 

The community is coming together tomorrow for a powerful cause. The Food For All Fundraiser returns Wednesday, May 8th at Gardenland Co-op in Winkler, and you're invited to make a difference.

From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Country 88, The Eagle 93.5 and CFAM Radio 950 will be broadcasting live, collecting non-perishable food and cash donations to support the Winkler & District Food Cupboard.

This Thursday, May 8th, McDonald's restaurants in Winkler and Morden will once again participate in McHappy Day, a nationwide initiative supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Canada. No matter what you order at McDonald's on Thursday, a portion of proceeds from every menu item sold—whether in-restaurant, at the drive-thru, or through McDelivery—will benefit RMHC Manitoba, which provides accommodations, meals, and support to families with children with complex medical needs.

As the 2025 crop season begins, farmers across the prairies are already on high alert for potential insect damage. Dr. Meghan Vankosky, a research scientist in field crop entomology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, provides insights into what farmers might expect this year based on last year's conditions and winter observations.

Funeral For:  David Adrian 
Funeral Date: May 14, 2025 
David Adrian, 83, of Steinbach formerly of Plum Coulee, passed away Monday, May 5th at Rest Haven Care Home. He is survived by his wife Lynda, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 1 sister, 2 brothers, and their families. He was predeceased by 2 sons. 
Viewing will be at Crossings Funeral Care Thursday, May 8th from 2 to 4pm. 
The celebration of life for David Adrian will be held Wednesday, May 14th at 10:30am at Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach. 
Arrangements by Crossings Funeral Care, Steinbach.  

Funeral For:  Frank Wiebe 
Funeral Date: May 11, 2025 
Frank Wiebe, 80, of Winnipeg passed away Thursday, May 1st at Health Sciences Centre. He is survived by his wife Barb, 2 sons, and their families.  
The funeral service for Frank Wiebe will be held Sunday, May 11th at 2:30pm at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Avenue, with ash interment at Chapel Lawn Cemetery at a later date.  
Viewing will be at the church prior to the service.  
Donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements by Wiebe Funeral Home, WInkler. 

Funeral For:  Rita Sawatzky 
Funeral Date: May 11, 2025 
Rita Sawatzky, 94, of Steinbach passed away Monday, May 5th at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. She is survived by 2 daughters, 1 son, and their families. She was predeceased by her first husband Jacob Klassen, her second husband Frank Sawatzky, and 1 grandson. 
Cremation has taken place. 
A memorial service for Rita Sawatzky will be held Sunday, May 11th at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with ash interment at a later date. 
Donations may be made to MCC.