PembinaValley

Funeral For:  Jacob “Gilliam” Hildebrand  
Funeral Date: July 22, 2025 
Jacob "Gilliam" Hildebrand, age 87 years, of Altona formerly of Halbstadt, passed away on Friday, July 18th at Altona Memorial Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Kathy (nee Bergen), their children Jim Hildebrand, and Cindy Hildebrand, as well as 1 sister.  He was predeceased by one son Larry Hildebrand, his parents Diedrich and Maria Hildebrand, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Precipitation that's in the forecast early this week could help crews fighting wildfires that have been threatening a northern Manitoba city after smoke that's blanketed much of the Prairies over the weekend kept some firefighting aircraft grounded and forced the cancellation of a number of weekend events.

In an update posted to social media on Sunday, the City of Thompson said rain was forecast for the area on Monday as the community continues to advise residents to be ready to flee at short notice due to several fires. 

Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke says wildfire smoke can definitely have an impact on the development of thunderstorms — especially when it blocks out sunlight and prevents surface temperatures from hitting key thresholds. 

Altona residents, and visitors, have welcomed back the Welcome to Altona signs on the town’s west, north and south entrances. The signs had been removed early this year to be repaired, and were re-installed last week.

All three signs were originally installed in 2011, and featured the "Altogether Altona" branding. According to Mayor Harv Schroeder, the refresh project was discussed last year and placed in the 2025 budget.

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.

Winkler Day Care Centre is celebrating their 50th year of being a part of the community, the same community who came together on Friday, July 18 to celebrate this milestone with the day care.  

It was a magical year for the U14 Morden Eagles, and the group capped it all off by winning the league championship. 

"It feels very good," Assistant Coach Jen Martens says with a big smile. "These girls worked extremely hard, and it was a great season."

Choosing the right replacement heifers is more important than ever for cattle producers, especially with today’s record-high calf prices.

“Replacement heifers represent the genetic potential of a producer’s operation,” says Alexis DeCorby, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Yorkton office.

“They’re a costly investment that requires about two years of inputs before they produce a live calf.”

Although the Pembina Valley has been enjoying its summer in recent days, Morden Fire & Rescue has been thinking chillier thoughts. 

Twenty-five years ago, the service established a rink near the courthouse in Morden in partnership with the Morden Police Service. After a quarter of a century of providing Canadian-style leisure opportunities to the community, the beloved rink’s condition is now a topic of conversation.