Jayme Giesbrecht

The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group is gearing up for its annual online auction, running from April 1 to April 10 on Facebook. The auction, which has been a staple fundraiser since 2012, features an impressive 600 to 800 items, ranging from homemade goods and children’s toys to high-value experiences such as hotel stays, Winnipeg Jets memorabilia, and even a WestJet flight for two.

As Manitobans embrace the arrival of spring, many are eager to refresh their homes. Layal Jadhav and Shawna Lumgair from Sawatzky’s Furniture and Appliances in Morden and Winkler recently joined a morning discussion to share their expertise on spring cleaning, decluttering, and the latest home décor trends.

Jadhav and Lumgair agree—spring is the perfect time to reset both your living space and your mindset. "It is time," Jadhav said. "But we’ve got to get through this messy business first!"

The Carman Cubs, & Scouts embarked on a recent adventure -- geocaching. Led by Eric Melvin, the group learned how to use GPS devices to find hidden treasures. "We taught the kids how the GPS works, and then we went on a hike to find the cache," says Melvin. They ventured along the river trail, where the children worked together to solve clues and find the geocache. “It was awesome to see how excited the kids were when they finally found the hidden treasure,” Melvin adds. It wasn’t just about the destination; it was about the teamwork, problem-solving, and excitement along the way.

A new band is making waves in the Pembina Valley music scene. "Lowstake Affection", featuring Tim deBekker, Devin Addison, and newly joined bassist Nadia, is set to perform at Smitty's Lounge in Winkler on April 5th.

deBekker, a seasoned musician, has been sharing his talent online and playing in various bands over the years. "I remember when I was really young, my brother Jacob taught me some of my first songs," deBekker recalls. His journey has taken him through multiple genres, from jazz to rock to country.

Morden resident Tracy Knutt always felt different from her family, often joking that she had been "switched at birth." With her dark hair and brown eyes standing in stark contrast to her blonde-haired, blue-eyed relatives, the thought lingered in her mind. It wasn’t until a casual decision to take a 23andMe DNA test that she uncovered a life-changing truth—her biological father was not the man who raised her.

Pickleball is taking Altona by storm, and no one knows this better than Gord Sawatzky, a retired school principal from École West Park School. With a lifelong passion for sports, Sawatzky has fully embraced pickleball.

What is pickleball?

For those unfamiliar with the sport, Sawatzky describes it as a mix between badminton and tennis. "We play on a badminton-sized court with a solid-core paddle and a ball similar to a Wiffle ball. The net is just a little lower than a tennis net," he explains.

Locally owned and operated by Ray Derksen—better known as "Big Ray"—Model 72 Projects is bringing handcrafted cornhole boards to the Pembina Valley Online Auction, presented by Penner Auctions. These high-quality boards are built right here in the Pembina Valley and can be fully customized to match your style.

A delicious meal and a friendly atmosphere—that’s what you’ll always find at Smitty’s Restaurant & Lounge in Winkler. We caught up with owner Angelina Fehr to talk about an exciting opportunity for local diners: Smitty’s gift certificates are up for grabs on the Pembina Valley Online Auction, presented by Penner Auctions!

The Morden Area Foundation’s annual Power of the Purse event is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 10th anniversary on April 5th. The unique fundraising initiative has grown over the years, continuing to empower local donors to make an immediate impact on community organizations.

Winkler musician Jason Friesen is no stranger to the stage. Having grown up in a family of performers, his musical journey has taken him across Canada, Belize, and beyond. Now, Friesen is looking to bring his talents closer to home—both to fulfill his passion for music and to help support his family.