Westman

Manitoba Government Expands Agricultural Services with New MASC Offices in Virden and Shoal Lake

VIRDEN—The Manitoba government is strengthening support for farmers and rural communities with two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) offices in Virden and Shoal Lake, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced here today.

Liberal MP Kody Blois says to expect more high-level visits to China, as Canada tries working out a trade spat targeting Canadian canola.

Blois is the parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney, and he joined Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe on a visit to China earlier this month to advocate for Beijing to drop its tariffs on Canadian canola.

China imposed significant tariffs on Canadian canola this year following Ottawa's move to match U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Two of Manitoba's rising country music powerhouses, Prairie Line and Kate’s Outlaw, are making waves this year with numerous nominations each at the Manitoba Country Music Awards (MCMAs), earning praise and recognition for a whirlwind year of performances, songwriting, and growth.

For Brad Moggie of Prairie Line, the recognition is still sinking in. "We're very thankful, don't get me wrong, but I haven't been caught up with the MCMA stuff just yet. That’s insane."

The organization that acts as liaison between the military and civilian communities in Westman, Brandon Salutes, is welcoming member, Barry Cooper, as their new Chair.

Cooper is a longtime, well-known member of Brandon and the local business community. He was a decades-long employee of Federated and Heritage Co-Op, member and President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, and the Fundraising Chair and volunteer with the West Central Manitoba United Way among other activities.

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Funeral For:  Helen Blatz nee Boelig
Funeral Date: September 22, 2025 
Helen Blatz nee Boelig, 99, of Winnipeg formerly of Morden and Kane, passed away Wednesday, September 17th at Pembina Place Personal Care Home. She is survived by 1 daughter and 2 sons. She was predeceased by her husband Jac. 
The funeral service for Helen Blatz nee Boelig will be held Monday, September 22nd 11am at Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden with burial at Chapel Cemetery. 

The Riverbank Discovery Centre is holding their 2nd Annual Paddlefest this weekend where kayak and canoe enthusiasts from across the province will converge on the Assiniboine River at Brandon's Discovery Centre to celebrate this favorite summer sport.

And while the invite is out for folks to bring their watercrafts to the Paddlefest, Executive Director, Dean Hammond reminds boat users to do their due diligence to take care of their watercraft and not spread Aquatic Invasive Species from one waterbody to another.

The second Annual Paddlefest is taking place at the Riverbank Discovery Center this weekend, starting with a paddle down the Assiniboine as the last River Roam of the season.

Throughout the summer, every Thursday evening a group of regular paddlers would enjoy a river run, launching off at the Discovery Center's kayak/canoe launch.

'It can be among the most rewarding yet challenging times in life. Filled with physical changes combined with thoughts and feelings that run the emotional gamut, the time between conception and one year after birth can be a life-changing experience. And while parental anxiety during and after pregnancy is normal, it can sometimes be a challenge,' shares the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba's recent news release.