Westman

Killarney's Heritage Home for the Arts had a quieter fall season; however they had a livelier set of concerts through their Performing Arts Network.

Arts Administrator for the Killarney and Area Arts Council, Giselle Beaupre, says the Northern Pikes were a big hit, as was the tribute to Johnny and June (Carter) Cash this Fall.

Getting closer to Christmas, they had a great response from the public when they opened their doors to their patrons with gift shop items in November, making it into a bit of a Christmas party!

For the International Peace Garden, 2024 was a year of getting back to normal, when activities and events returned to the Peace Garden's seasonal itinerary.

"It was a really special year," says CEO Tim Chapman. "It was kind of the first year back where we felt like we were getting beyond the pandemic impacts. Visitation from both sides of the border was up and was close to - if not exceeding - 2019 levels. So, that was really nice to see."

The season started beautifully on Mother's Day when the cacti and succulent Conservatory was officially open to the public.

As the holiday season unfolds, it’s hard to ignore the convenience of modern-day shopping—just a few clicks on a smartphone, and your Christmas list is complete. However, it wasn’t always this simple. Gone are the days when families braved packed department stores in search of that elusive Christmas toy.  

Wednesday, December 25th

NFL
Kansas City at Pittsburgh, 12 p.m.
Baltimore at Houston, 3:30 p.m.

NBA
San Antonio at New York, 11 a.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 1:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Boston, 4 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 7 p.m.
Denver at Phoenix, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 24th

Funeral For:  Elsie Neufeld 
Funeral Date: December 27, 2024 
Elsie Neufeld, 93, of Winnipeg passed away Sunday, December 22nd at Riverview Health Centre. She is survived by 3 daughters, 1 son, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Peters, 1 son, and 1 sister. 
The funeral service for Elsie Neufeld will be held Friday, December 27th at 11am at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, with burial at Glen Eden Cemetery. 
Donations may be made to MCC. 
Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service, Winnipeg. 

Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as "flagpoling."

This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. 

The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today.

Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year — whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.

Political watchers are abuzz over the possible scenarios that could play out in the coming year following last week's drama that rocked Trudeau's government, and a springtime national campaign is the one that's solidifying the fastest.

Memorial Service For: Della Fast 
Memorial Date: December 29, 2024 
Della Fast, 100, of Steinbach passed away Monday, December 23rd at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. She is survived by 3 daughters, 2 sons and their families. 
She was predeceased by her husband Elvin. 
A memorial service for Della Fast will be held Sunday, December 29th at 2pm at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. A private family burial will take place at heritage cemetery prior to the service. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.

Funeral For: Katherine Friesen nee Hildebrand 
Funeral Date: December 30, 2024 
Kathrine Friesen (nee Hildebrand) 94 of Altona formerly of Halbstadt and Gnadenfeld, passed away peacefully at Boyne Lodge in Carman on December 20. She is survived by 2 sons and 4 daughters and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Abram H. Friesen and 1 son and 1 son-in-law.
The funeral service for Katherine Friesen nee Hildebrand will be held Monday, December 30th at 11am at Altona EMMC with burial at Gnadenfeld Cemetery after the lunch reception.

Funeral For:  Mary Braun 
Funeral Date: December 29, 2024 
Mary Braun, 98, of MacGregor formerly of Neubergthal, passed away Thursday, December 19th at MacGregor.  
The funeral service for Mary Braun will be held Sunday, December 29th at 2pm at MacGregor Sommerfeld Mennonite Church with burial at Austin Sommerfeld Cemetery. 
Viewing will be at Clarke’s Funeral Home, MacGregor Saturday, December 28th from 4 to 7pm and at the church prior to the service. 
Arrangements by Clarke’s Funeral Home, MacGregor.