Jayme Giesbrecht

It started when Steve Peters and his son noticed something unusual while driving near the Morden dam — a beaver stuck in the Morden Dam at Lake Minnewasta, cut off from the main waterway and showing no signs of finding its way out. Peters posted on social media, hoping someone might know what to do.

For the first time in 50 years, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) in Morden has unveiled a fully reconstructed skull of the Tylosaurus pembinensis, a species unique to Manitoba.

The fossil is the “specimen type” used to describe this marine reptile—meaning it served as the scientific standard when the species was first identified. Although only 30–35% of the original skull was preserved, CFDC’s team has now completed an extensive restoration project to recreate the full skull with scientific precision.

If you're looking for something fun, free, and air-conditioned to do with your kids this summer, VB’s Entertainment Centre in Winkler has the perfect strike of an idea: Kids Bowl Free.

As the calendar flips to May, residents of the Pembina Valley are once again encouraged to participate in a beloved local tradition: Pay It Forward May. Spearheaded by the Winkler Community Foundation, in collaboration with the Morden Area Foundation, the campaign is entering its 12th year of spreading kindness, generosity, and community spirit.

As nonprofit organizations across Manitoba face rising costs and dwindling donations, the Bunker Youth Ministry is stepping up with a familiar favourite: a pickerel fish fry fundraiser to help keep its doors open and programming running through the summer.

Kevin Hildebrand, Executive Director of the Bunker, says while the heart of their ministry is as strong as ever, the financial reality is hitting hard.

For Kate Friesen of Winkler, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life that began in childhood. On a recent outing to Morden Nurseries with Eagle 93.5 FM morning show host Jayme Giesbrecht, Friesen shared that her green thumb is a gift passed down from her mother.

“I have developed a love of gardening from my mom, and I grew up pulling weeds and making a really big country garden,” says Friesen.

Now an experienced gardener in her own right, Friesen is preparing for another season of planting, nurturing, and experimenting with both flowers and vegetables.

What began as a chance meeting during mission work in Uganda has blossomed into a life-changing ministry—both for Chasity and Nixon Katabira, and for the hundreds of youth they serve through Love All Ministries.

A special luncheon held this week honoured the businesses partnering with the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)—and it was more than just a thank-you. It was a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and the bright futures being built in the skilled trades.

The event, organized by HSAP teacher Andy Reimer, brought together educators, students, and employers who are shaping the next generation of tradespeople in southern Manitoba.

A beloved face in Miami’s emergency services community has been recognized in a big way. Larry Mansell, who served as Fire Chief of the Miami Fire and Rescue Department for 49 years, was recently honoured as a Community Hero during a Winnipeg Jets home game.

The surprise came thanks to a heartfelt nomination submitted by his son, celebrating a lifetime of service that left a lasting mark on the small southern Manitoba town.

Baseball season is almost here, and this year, Winkler’s diamonds will welcome a brand-new initiative designed just for women. "Ladies Night at the Ball Park," a relaxed, women-only slo-pitch league, is set to launch Friday, May 9th. One of the organizers, Maggie Fehr, says the goal is simple: “We just had to try something where we could bring women together.”

Fehr, who has played slo-pitch most of her life, says the league is all about inclusivity and community. “There’s no pressure. It’s really for anybody to just come and enjoy the game,” she explains.