PembinaValley

For the first time since 1977, Canada heard a speech from the throne delivered by its Monarch. Read by King Charles III this week, it marked a historic moment in Canadian political tradition.

While the ceremony drew on decades of royal ties and national symbolism, Conservative MP Branden Leslie of Portage–Lisgar says the moment must be matched with action and not just sentiment.

Speaking after the speech, Leslie acknowledged the importance of Canada's constitutional monarchy and the symbolism of unity it brings.

The Salem Home Foundation and the Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted their annual Spring Fundraiser BBQ Wednesday, May 28th to raise funds to improve Salem Park. Karin Oliveira, CEO of Salem Home and executive director of the Salem Foundation, notes that the fundraiser would not only pay for the concrete sidewalk of the park, but also other features for the residents of Salem Home and the community to use. “We like to see the community coming out.” Oliveira shared.

Funeral For:  Louise Friesen 
Funeral Date: May 31, 2025 
Louise Friesen, 96, of Winnipeg formerly of Crystal City, passed away Tuesday, May 27th at Winnipeg. She is survived by 2 daughters, 4 sons, 1 sister, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband George, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, and 1 grandson. 
The funeral service for Louise Friesen will be held Saturday, May 31st at 1:30pm at Bethel Mennonite Church, 465 Stafford Street, with burial prior to the service at Sage Creek Cemetery. 

Funeral For:  Valentine Janzen 
Funeral Date: June 2, 2025 

Funeral For:  Sarah Fehr 
Funeral Date: May 31, 2025 
Sarah Fehr, 76, of La Salle formerly of Gretna, passed away Friday, May 23rd at St. Boniface Hospital. She is survived by her husband Elmer, children Michael (Chantelle), Kristine, Kelly, and Kelsey; her grandchildren Zachary, Nathaniel, Zoe, Emma, Benjamin, and Alexander; her brother Jake and sister Tina (John); along with many nieces and nephews. Sarah is pre-deceased by her parents Johann and Maria Guenter; her brothers Cornie, Peter, John, and Abe; and her sisters Maria, Judith, and Mary.

The Municipality of Rhineland has opted to use the same enzyme treatment to de-sludge the Gretna lagoon as it did at the Plum Coulee facility last year. 

The biological method, used by Clean Water Pro, utilizes a special formula of beneficial bacteria and enzymes to break down the material.

According to Reeve Don Wiebe, the 20-week process resulted in the sludge being reduced at the Plum Coulee lagoon by 12 to 14 inches. 

Providing children with the means to connect with their ancestry is something with which most groups tend to identify, and the Ukrainian United School in Morden is no different.  

The institution has been a dream years in the making for its founder and principal, Yevgeniya Tatarenko, who waited over five years for her vision to come to fruition. 

Recently, the school held its grand opening.

On Friday, June 13th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, the skies over Morden will open once again for aspiring young pilots. The Morden Flying Club is hosting its second annual Young Aviators event, offering free flights for youth aged 12 to 16, alongside a hands-on introduction to the world of aviation. 

For people looking to enjoy some live music outside in the sun this weekend, Farm Fest is back this Saturday with a fresh lineup of artists.  

The free, all-ages festival kicks off at 2:00 pm and runs into the evening, offering music, food, and good vibes, all just a short drive from town. 

This past weekend as a big one for Pat Alexander and his volleyball club as they showcased their skills in Edmonton, gaining valuable experiences and memories.