Steinbach

Funeral For:  Jacob “Gilliam” Hildebrand  
Funeral Date: July 22, 2025 
Jacob "Gilliam" Hildebrand, age 87 years, of Altona formerly of Halbstadt, passed away on Friday, July 18th at Altona Memorial Health Centre. He is survived by his wife Kathy (nee Bergen), their children Jim Hildebrand, and Cindy Hildebrand, as well as 1 sister.  He was predeceased by one son Larry Hildebrand, his parents Diedrich and Maria Hildebrand, 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Precipitation that's in the forecast early this week could help crews fighting wildfires that have been threatening a northern Manitoba city after smoke that's blanketed much of the Prairies over the weekend kept some firefighting aircraft grounded and forced the cancellation of a number of weekend events.

In an update posted to social media on Sunday, the City of Thompson said rain was forecast for the area on Monday as the community continues to advise residents to be ready to flee at short notice due to several fires. 

Tariffs and trade are top of the agenda as the country's premiers arrive in Ontario's cottage country for a three-day meeting that comes at a pivotal time for both Canada-U.S. and domestic relations.

The premiers' summer gathering in Muskoka will also feature a Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney, as trade talks with the United States are expected to intensify.

After years of planning and construction, the Southeast Event Centre (SEC) in Steinbach is preparing to welcome the community for its much-anticipated grand opening on Thursday, August 21. 

"This has been decades in the making," says Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk. "Back in the late '80s, City Council began purchasing land downtown knowing that one day, we would need more space for recreation and community events. That vision is finally coming to life." 

After 45 years in their Jasper home, it took mere minutes for Wes Bradford's quaint mountain abode to burn to a pile of ash.

A year later, he and his wife are itching to rebuild. They've hired a contractor and designer, and their insurance will cover the expected $1-million price tag. But they can't start yet — not until their empty lot, currently a flat mound of dirt, has been declared contaminant-free.

"We're up against the wall," says Bradford, after meeting their builder in Jasper the day before.

Environment Canada meteorologist Crawford Luke says air quality warnings and special air quality statements may seem similar, but they represent different levels of risk.

“The air quality warning is more serious than the special air quality statement… it's posing a bigger threat to your health. That kind of idea.”

He adds that this tiered approach applies across the board: warnings always indicate a more serious or immediate danger than statements.

Coach Dwight Heppner and several local ball players proudly joined Team Manitoba, and took part in a prep tournament at Canada Cup in Vancouver, where the team played exceptionally well, while also getting some great life lessons for the future.

Choosing the right replacement heifers is more important than ever for cattle producers, especially with today’s record-high calf prices.

“Replacement heifers represent the genetic potential of a producer’s operation,” says Alexis DeCorby, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’s Yorkton office.

“They’re a costly investment that requires about two years of inputs before they produce a live calf.”

With over 20 years of RCMP service, Cst. Kevin Wynn is remembered for his wisdom, friendship, passion, and dedication. 

Wynn passed away on July 10, 2025, at the age of 56. He is survived by best friend and loving wife, Kelsey Wynn and children Morgan, Devon, and Jorja Wynn.  

"Kevin was such a humble man...But now, when you reflect on the amazing life he lived, you see his quiet service and passion,” Kelsey Wynn says.  

A multiplatinum, two-time Grammy Award-winning musician is headed to Steinbach to help celebrate a major milestone.

Providence University College and Seminary is marking 100 years, and as a part of the centennial "birthday-bash," Christian country artist Zach Williams will be playing at the Southeast Event Centre (SEC).

It's the only Canadian stop on the musician's tour.