Steinbach

Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed.

"My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets," Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press.

"My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners."

In many Mennonite households, family history isn't just passed down in stories — it's printed and bound in detailed genealogy books, documenting generations of relatives and tracing back to the community’s earliest settlers.

These thick volumes, often hard-covered and beautifully bound, became common between the 1970s and 1990s. For author and satirist Andrew Unger of Steinbach, the books reflect a deep cultural value Mennonites place on storytelling and family connection.

After more than a decade as Senior Curator at the Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) in Steinbach, Andrea Klassen is stepping into a new role, as the mother of two. As she prepares for the next chapter of life, Andrea took time to reflect on what her years at the museum have meant and the people, stories, and moments that left a lasting mark.

As more people stop by to relax by the water, a local wildlife expert is reminding visitors to admire ducks without feeding them.

Amy Wilkie, education program manager at Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, says that feeding ducks and geese, especially with bread, is harmful to the birds, even when intentions are good.

“Bread pretty much has no nutritional value for wildlife at all,” Wilkie says. “It’s basically as if they’re eating like junk food all day long.”

The Steinbach Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Thrift Shop is extending a heartfelt thank you to its volunteers.

On Monday evening, the organization hosted an appreciation barbecue to recognize both new and long-time volunteers for their commitment to the store and its mission.

Funeral For: Deanna Sawatzky 
Funeral Date: August 7, 2025 
Deanna Sawatzky, 83, of Niverville passed away thursday, July 31st at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg. 
She was survived by her husband George, 1 daughter, 2 sons, 1 sister, 2 brothers and their families. She was predeceased by 1 sister and 1 brother. 
The funeral service for Deanna Sawatzky will be held August 7th, 2pm at St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Steinbach with burial at St. Pauls Lutheran Church Cemetery, HWY 12. 
Viewing will be at the church prior to the service. 

Unionized workers at Canada Post have voted to reject the Crown corporation's latest contract offer.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers said Friday that 68.5 per cent of urban mail carriers who voted were against the deal, while their rural and suburban colleagues were 69.4 per cent against.

The offer included wage hikes of about 13 per cent over four years but also added part-time workers that Canada Post has said are necessary to keep the postal service afloat.

The union had urged the roughly 55,000 postal service workers it represents to reject the proposal.

The Steinbach Pistons have swung a deal, adding the SIJHL's Top Defenceman, Evan Kabel, in a trade with the Fort Francis Lakers in exchange for a player development fee. 

The 6'2", 190 pound left shot blueliner spent the last two seasons with his hometown Lakers, and Kabel says the trade is a little bitter sweet, but very exciting. "It was so exciting for me, it's a step up, and I'm excited to see how I can challenge myself."

It's been a long summer for local fire fighters who have been deployed in shifts to help fight wildfires across the province.
    
Members of the Pembina Triangle Mutual Aid District—including a St. Jean man—were first sent to Woodridge, in eastern Manitoba, at the start of the season before heading up north to Cross Lake, Thompson and most recently, Leaf Rapids. 

Monday, August 4 is a Civic Holiday in Manitoba. 

In Steinbach, a lot of retail will be open on Monday, though some stores will have reduced hours, while others will be closed. 

Here are the posted hours for some stores in Steinbach on this holiday Monday: 

Clearspring Centre  

Open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.