PembinaValley

History

Karla Fehr is on the organizing committee for the Blumenort Mennonite Church Centennial Celebration and touched on the history of the church: "It was started by Mennonites who came to Manitoba in the 1920s. They had endured terrible persecution in Ukraine/Russia since 1918 and a famine in 1921. The first families came to southern Manitoba in August of 1923, and small groups started meeting for worship that fall. 

It's quickly becoming a community staple, The Community Exchange in Altona is set and ready to host another FREE Community Meal and concert tomorrow evening!

Paul Bergman

Paul Bergman along with his cousin Karl Redding will be the main act taking the stage at TCE tomorrow and if you're curious what kind of music they bring to the table, here's what Paul had to say:

It's time for another Made in Manitoba, and tonight we're welcoming country music singer-songwriter Jason Kirkness to the program. His small-town, rural upbringing... he grew up in Kleefeld near Steinbach... has played a big role in how his music and songwriting have developed over the years.

The Winkler Fire Department responded to two separate fire incidents this week, both of which were quickly brought under control with no injuries reported. 

On April 23 at 12:48 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a residence on 3rd Street for a furnace fire. The fire, caused by an electrical issue, was successfully contained to the furnace area and did not spread further. 

Funeral For:  Wayne Franklin 
Funeral Date: None 
Wayne Franklin, 64, of Ste. Anne passed away Wednesday, April 16th at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Susan, their children Melyssa (Chris), Jesse (Paige), Samantha (Samuel) Ethan (Ry) Rebecca (Matthew), his granddaughter Maddie (Melyssa and Chris) and his siblings Sharon and Robert. 
Cremation has taken place.  
In lieu of flowers or donations, his family would like to encourage everyone to share meaningful time with their nearest and dearest. 

The Pembina Valley came together in a big way on Thursday during the Food for All fundraising food drive, supporting the vital work of the Many Hands Resource Centre in Morden. Broadcasting live from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gardenland Co-op, the event encouraged community members to drop off non-perishable food items and cash donations to help feed local families in need.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, over $4,000 was collected, with every dollar and food item going directly to Many Hands.

A local organization that’s helping fight hunger around the globe is inviting the community to enjoy a warm plate of pancakes — and a chance to make a big difference.

Southman Gleaners will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser this Saturday, April 26, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. at their facility at 24 Reinfeld Street North, just two miles east of Winkler. The event is by donation, and proceeds will support the organization’s mission to dehydrate and ship vegetables to people in need worldwide.

Funeral For:  Caroline Loewen 
Funeral Date: April 27, 2025 
Caroline Loewen, 92, of Winnipeg passed away Wednesday, April 23rd at Bethania Personal Care Home. She is survived by 2 daughters, 4 sons, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Peter. 
A memorial service for Caroline Loewen will be held Sunday, April 27th at 4pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel with private family burial.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater European Missions. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.  

Funeral For:  Gert Wiebe nee McDougall 
Funeral Date: April 28, 2025 
Gert Wiebe nee McDougall, 98, of Altona formerly of Winnipeg, passed away Wednesday, April 23rd at Altona Memorial Health Centre. She is survived by her children Debbie (Bill) Hildebrand, and Terry Wiebe, as well as 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Abram H. Wiebe, her son Ronald, and 1 grandson-in-law.

Dozens of people lined up Thursday night to air opposition to and support for Manitoba's plan to add gender expression to the human rights code — a move that would include protections for people to be called by their preferred pronouns.

Derek deVries, pastor at Park City Gospel Church in Winnipeg, said the NDP government's bill would force Christians to go against their beliefs.

"This (proposed) law forbids Christians from following Christ's example. It requires speech he would not permit," deVries told a legislature committee.