Jayme Giesbrecht

Couples in the Pembina Valley looking for a lighthearted and meaningful night out are in for a treat. The Date Night Tour, a clean comedy event for couples presented by Fun and Faith, is making its return to Winkler on Monday, February 3rd. Hosted by Pathway Community Church in partnership with Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, the event promises a night of laughter and connection.

The Candlewick Players are back with a fresh production to delight audiences this Valentine’s season. Their upcoming show, Samuel Taylor's Sabrina Fair, promises a mix of humour, romance, and a dash of familial warmth. Running at the Manitou Opera House on February 14th and 15th with a Valentine’s Dinner Theatre, and later at the Kenmore Theatre from February 21st to 23rd, this production offers something for everyone.

Leif Ekblad, a 20-year-old goalie from North Dakota, has quickly become a standout member of the Winkler Flyers since joining the team on December 17, just before Christmas break.

Though a late addition, Ekblad’s presence in net has been welcome in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

Leif Ekblad, a 20-year-old goalie from North Dakota, has quickly become a standout member of the Winkler Flyers since joining the team on December 17, just before Christmas break. Though a late addition, Ekblad’s presence in net has been welcome in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

The Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership (PVLIP) is preparing to host its annual community event on Wednesday, February 5th, at St. Paul’s United Church in Morden. Elaine Burton-Saindon, Director of PVLIP, shared insights about the event and the organization’s mission. Burton-Saindon emphasized PVLIP’s unique role in fostering collaboration between community leaders and addressing barriers for newcomers in southern Manitoba.

The Pembina Valley Bible Camp is gearing up for its annual "Valley-Tines" banquet, a special two-night event designed to bring couples and friends together for an evening of delicious food, inspiring messages, and fun activities. 

Taking place on Thursday, February 13th, and Friday, February 14th, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.

The Pembina Valley Bible Camp is gearing up for its annual "Valley-Tines" banquet, a special two-night event designed to bring couples and friends together for an evening of delicious food, inspiring messages, and fun activities. Taking place on Thursday, February 13th, and Friday, February 14th, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all attendees.

Acclaimed Canadian musician Loreena McKennitt receives one of the highest honors in the country’s music industry this spring: induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. The live ceremony will take place on May 15, 2025, at Studio Bell in Calgary, Alberta. McKennitt joins an illustrious group of inductees that includes Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Shania Twain.

For Hilda Gerbrandt of Winkler, comfort food is about more than just taste; it’s about the memories it brings back. “The first time I had Sloppy Joes was at my friend’s birthday party,” Gerbrandt reminisced. “Growing up with traditional Mennonite dishes like potatoes and schmauntfat, my taste buds had never experienced anything like it.” That first bite was transformative. “It was so good. I skipped the games at the party just to wait for a second helping!”

In a recent act of kindness, the Garden Valley School Division (GVSD) donated 50 surplus desks to a school in Mexico. The desks, which were no longer needed in GVSD classrooms, found new life thanks to a simple request and a strong community connection.

Dan Ward, Superintendent of GVSD, explains that the donation came about through a straightforward inquiry. “Before Christmas, one of our schools received a query from a school in Mexico.” Ward shares. "A teacher was spending the year teaching at the Oaks of Righteousness, and they had reached out for help."