PembinaValley

"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. 

What began as a simple idea to improve a neighbourhood playground has transformed into a powerful symbol of healing, inclusion, and community spirit in Carman. 

As the Easter season arrives, many families around the world prepare with colorful eggs and chocolate bunnies. But for Ukrainians, Easter is far more than a springtime holiday — it's a deeply spiritual and culturally rich season that begins long before Easter Sunday itself.

Kate Tykhonova-Nelipovych, a proud Ukrainian now living in Canada, joined us to share a glimpse into the vibrant traditions that make Easter so special in her homeland.

Winkler native David Schaeffer is officially a published children's author. After a lifelong passion for storytelling and a creative spark fueled by a family birthday gift idea, David's first children's book, Rosalba Raccoon and Other Stories, is now available — and he's celebrating with a book launch on May 3rd at the Winkler Library.

"I've loved reading for a long, long time," David shares. "But it was the fall of 2023 when I needed to come up with a birthday present for my young nephew, and I thought, 'OK, this is the time.'"

Chief Brad Neduzak of the Morden Police Service has received a memorable accolade, and it couldn’t have happened at a more fitting moment.

The police chief has been nominated for a King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour that coincides with the year he is celebrating a multi-decade milestone. 

"I've been in Morden for 40 years. I started back in 1985 as a constable,” he says. “It's been an amazing career.” 

How often do you get the chance to support rescued animals and possibly pocket thousands of dollars? The Pembina Valley Humane Society (PVHS) is once again inviting the community to be part of their annual 50/50 draw — a fundraiser that’s anything but small-town in scale.

“Last year, we were able to raise a pot of almost $40,000,” said shelter manager Jennifer Young. “Almost $20,000 of that went to the winner — it really, really is amazing.”

Behind the scenes: How your ticket helps tails wag

The 22nd Annual Keystone Alpaca Classic is underway this weekend at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. Alpaca enthusiasts and producers from across the Prairies and Ontario are gathering to showcase their top-quality animals and share their passion for alpaca farming.

Kim Dyck, President of the Manitoba Alpaca Club and owner of Hundredfold Farm in Stephenfield, says the alpaca industry in Manitoba started in the early 90s. "There's quite a few farms in Manitoba. We have about 10 or 12 members of the Manitoba Alpaca Club. Those people raise alpacas for their fiber."

The Supreme Court of Canada says a person must wait seven years after completely finishing their post-secondary studies before they can be released from student loan debt under the federal bankruptcy law.

The top court's decision came Thursday in the case of Izabela Piekut, who received government student loans in the course of three university programs from 1987 to 2003.

Piekut later returned to school and earned a master's degree in 2009 without the help of additional student loans.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney spent his first English election debate presenting himself as a safe pair of hands for a country in crisis — while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre sought to frame him as more of the same after a decade of Liberal government.

Carney, who is leading in the polls, became the main target of all his rivals' attacks early in Thursday's final debate of the election — a trend that carried over from Wednesday's French language debate.

Calling the Red River Valley his home for his entire life, and currently living in St. Pierre Jolys, author Philippe Sabourin has released his new book "Prairie Roots and Wings: Memoirs of Growing in the Red River Valley", published by FriesenPress. The book is not only about growing up in Southern Manitoba, but also a call to action to make our planet more sustainable and beautiful for our survival.