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Sponsored Content - all story elements provided by CMU's Media Skills: Radio Team students. Story written by David Balzer.

On May 31st, 2025, the Community Exchange hosted a block party which included the Great Canadian Neighbour Contest! Altona residents stepped into The Chatterbox, a vintage camper, to share what makes their Canadian Neighbour so great! Lots of people stepped in to speak well of their neighbours, including Arlie, a single Mom.

Swift Current Minor Football (SCMF), the heart of minor-level football across Southwest Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce that registration for its 2025 fall season is now officially open! The program warmly welcomes boys and girls from Grades K-8 across Swift Current, Shaunavon, Maple Creek, Gull Lake, and Eastend to join a program that's not just about learning the game, but about building character, fostering lifelong friendships, and creating lasting memories. 

Brian Tennant didn't plan to start a water treatment company. A trained plumber and second-year refrigeration mechanic, Tennant transitioned into farming at 25 and spent two decades on the land before selling his farm. When he purchased a new property near a golf course, he was confronted with a water problem that would spark a years-long journey of innovation. "My wife didn't want to move there because the water came from a dugout used by cows and ducks," Tennant recalls. "I told her, 'I'll fix it.'" 

With the warm season drawing riders to Manitoba's backcountry, the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Manitoba (ATVMB) is stepping up efforts to improve outdoor experiences for everyone. From advocating for clubs to launching new tech tools, the association is a vital force behind responsible ATV use in the province.

"Our vision is to provide Manitobans and off-road vehicle riders access to a trail system that is safe, sustainable, and environmentally conscious," says Gary Hora, president of ATVMB.

Chris Funk, known on stage as The Wonderist, is bringing his signature mix of magic and music to the Southeast Event Centre this Friday, and for the Manitoba-born performer, it feels like a heartfelt return.

"I spent most of my life in Winnipeg with roots near Steinbach – my parents are from the Grunthal area and the Arnaud area – and I went to school in Gretna," Funk says. "So this really is a homecoming."

Nestled in the quiet village of Reinland, just 15 minutes south of Winkler, Heritage Blooms Flower Farm is more than a garden – it’s a heartfelt tribute to generations past. Mother-daughter duo Lydia and Tina Penner co-own the vibrant, half-acre flower farm, offering a unique U-pick experience that invites visitors to wander through rows of zinnias, lisianthus, and strawflowers, hand-selecting blooms for their own custom bouquets.

When Vionell Holdings Partnership decided to build a new apartment complex in Killarney, it wasn’t just a business move – it was a response to a community need. Spearheaded by CEO Jason Roblin and driven by conversations with former mayor Merv Tweed, the project is helping to tackle the housing shortage affecting many parts of Manitoba.

"Employers were saying they had no place for workers to live, making it hard to attract skilled labour," says Roblin. "Merv helped gather a group of local investors to support the project."

What started as a small family endeavour has blossomed into a thriving storage business near the number 4 highway and railway crossing. For the folks behind Cheep Storage, it’s about more than just storing belongings – it’s about helping people find peace of mind.

A humble beginning

“The business started from an empty lot with no idea what to do with it,” says Daisy Dyck, who runs the facility together with her family. “We were already using it for our own storage, so we figured we’d try to see if anyone else would like to use it too.”

When word got out that Prairie Cresting Company was closing its doors earlier this year, it sparked concern throughout the Kindersley community.

“We didn’t want to lose this service,” recalls Carissa Graham. “We didn’t want to have to go to the city for things. We wanted to keep it local.”

“Investing in our employees is the best investment in our business.”

This philosophy has remained central for decades, and still rings true at a well-known local business.

Derek Tribier is the branch manager of EECOL in Moose Jaw- a company that has been part of the local landscape since 1919. Originally known as Bruce Robinson Supplies Ltd., now EECOL Electric, is currently a leading electrical distributor with over 60 branches scattered throughout the country.