Pam Fedack

For many years, ongoing recruitment initiatives by the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre's physician group and Winkler and District Healthcare Board have been working well. However, it's no secret the region of the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, like many communities across the country is facing a shortage of physicians. 

Jim Neufeld, interim C.E.O. at the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, said some new challenges have emerged. He said several factors are affecting physician recruitment

One year ago, former Winkler residents, Nathan and Kaycie Sawatzky's world was turned upside down after a trip to the E.R. with their then 11-month-old daughter, Alette "Letty."
    
Noticing a lump on Letty's stomach while massaging her to help ease gas pain, Kaycie said she knew something wasn't right. Fast forward to 1 AM, the Sawatzkys were at the Children's Hospital in Winnipeg hearing Letty's cancer diagnosis from the oncologist.

The legacy of a young hockey player from Saskatchewan will allow more kids in Winkler also to enjoy the game.

In 2022, the Winkler Flyers alumni team celebrated the 25th anniversary of its MJHL championship, and proceeds from their 50/50 draw were donated to the Evan Thomas Memorial Trust Fund.

Evan tragically passed away in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in April 2018.

A potable water reservoir is now online servicing the RM of Stanley.
    
The undergound concrete reservoir located at the Boundary Trails Health Centre, is a signifiant addition to the municipality's water infratructure. It has the capacity to hold 4 million litres.
    

The City of Winkler has completed the first step in a new initiative to generate additional revenue. When looking for ways to help keep city taxes reasonable, Mayor Henry Siemens says council recognized Winkler has many assets that have value to advertisers.

After working with a sponsorship specialist, council has developed an official advertising and naming rights policy for the City of Winkler.

With more electric vehicle options now on the market, and federal targets in place for the transition to zero-emission vehicle sales, a switchover to E-V may be on your mind.

A long time before E-Vs hit the showroom floor at Winkler's Hometown Ford, General Manager Brian Derksen has been familiarizing himself with vehicles powered by an electric engine.

"I bought my first hybrid 15 years ago," shared Derksen. "We have also personally owned three plug-in hybrids at our house, and I have also had a couple of full electric vehicles for extended periods."

Stakeholders attending the launch of the 2024 Vital Signs project last week in Winkler quickly identified two predominant issues in the community, 
    
Last Thursday's launch by the Winkler Community Foundation brought together the project's lead researcher, Kara Gray along with the majority of their stakeholders, which include civic leaders from Winkler and Stanley, business leaders, and leaders from the non-profits in the community.
    

Last week, a pump failure on Winkler Centennial Arena's ice plant forced last-minute changes at the ICON Arena next door, including becoming the evening's host rink for the Winkler Flyers home game.
    
Jordan Driedger, Director of Community Services for the City of Winkler, says a pump was found locally as a short-term fix Wednesday morning, however, there was not enough time to get the ice into the condition they were comfortable with to host the Flyers. Along with the Flyers organization, he says the decision was made to move the game to ICON Arena.

After a busy couple of months working in the constituency, Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert says she's excited to be back to work at the legislature to bring forward the needs and concerns of the riding as best as she can.
    
Our provincial government returned to work on Wednesday with the start of the spring session.
    
One area of concern Hiebert was able to address on day one is increasing school taxes and the impact it will have on communities.

A young girl from the RM of Stanley with a heart for helping others recently demonstrated that passion to mark her 10th birthday.

Kaylee Henderson and her family live south of Morden
    
Due to pregnancy complications, Kaylee was born three months early, said her mom, Amy. "She did have some health concerns and was quite tiny. She was 2 pounds and 4 ounces, so she did spend three months in the NICU in Winnipeg, and when she was ready we were able to bring her home."