Jayme Giesbrecht

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.

Local musician Silas Presley is carving out a unique space in today’s music scene with a sound that draws deep inspiration from the psychedelic rock era of the ’60s and ’70s. As the frontman of the Silas Presley Band, he blends nostalgic influences with modern flair—offering a fresh take on a genre that rarely takes centre stage anymore. Recently, Presley joined us to talk about the band’s latest release, “The Seasons,” the joy of creating music with his father, and the creative process that fuels their sound.

Tracy Enns of the Boyne River Keepers is calling on the community to grab the final few tickets for an upcoming gala event, which promises an evening of connection, entertainment, and impact.

A scenic escape on the river

Enns, who lives along the Boyne River, says there’s something magical about the waterway during the warmer months.

When individuals in the Pembina Valley find themselves in trouble with the law—often for the first time—it’s not always a courtroom where their case ends up. For over two decades, the Winkler Community Justice Committee has quietly played a pivotal role in guiding people through restorative justice, offering an alternative that focuses on responsibility, healing, and meaningful consequences.

The Manitou Community Arena has been a pillar of the town since the mid-1960s, and while it continues to be a source of local pride, some parts of the facility are due for a refresh.

Don McLean, chairman of the Manitou Arena Board, says, “We did a big major renovation in 2015 to our upstairs and our kitchen area, but some of the areas like the change rooms and washrooms in the basement just haven’t seen change for quite a while. We’re looking at trying to make some upgrades.”

Students from Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) in Winkler are taking audiences over the rainbow this April with a vibrant production of The Wizard of Oz. Taking the stage April 24–26, the musical features an enthusiastic and passionate cast of students, including Julia Loewen as Dorothy and Taylor Hildebrand as Glinda the Good Witch.

Stepping into an iconic role

For Loewen, stepping into the ruby slippers of Dorothy has been a rewarding challenge.

The Winkler Senior Choir is preparing for its upcoming spring concert, offering an evening of music that spans sacred Easter selections and classic musical theatre. The performance, presented through the Douglas Kuhl School of Music, takes place Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 PM at Emmanuel Church in Winkler.

Hilda Gerbrandt has been making Easter treats with her family for years—sharing simple steps, meaningful stories, and of course, plenty of sugar. Whether you’re gathering around the kitchen island with your grandkids or looking for an easy, no-bake option to bring to your church potluck, Hilda’s “Easter Nests” and “Resurrection Rolls” are both fun to make and full of Easter symbolism.

A milestone brunch of generosity and community spirit took place Saturday, April 5th as the Morden Area Foundation (MAF) hosted its 10th annual Power of the Purse event. The evening celebrated a decade of impactful giving, bringing together over a hundred women united by a shared goal—to support local charities making a difference.

Have you ever heard of pysanka? It’s an ancient tradition of decorating eggs with intricate designs, and Yevgeniya Tatarenko is a master of this stunning Ukrainian art. For over 25 years, Tatarenko has been perfecting her pysanka skills, teaching others how to bring their own creative visions to life through this unique method.

“I love to explore. I love to learn,” says Tatarenko. “And every time I learn something new, I love to share it.”