Westman

With the Rotary Duck Pond now complete in Island Park, it’s quickly becoming one of Portage la Prairie’s most popular summer destinations. But as more people stop by to relax at the edge of the water, a local wildlife expert is reminding visitors to admire the 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.

Manitoba Hydro is trimming more trees, clearing more brush and taking more steps to manage vegetation around power lines to enhance the safety and reliability of Manitoba’s electrical system.

While the utility has always worked to keep trees and brush away from its infrastructure, the company is taking more action along its power lines and equipment.

Manitoba Hydro crews or contractors will enter property to trim or remove trees that are too close to power lines.

The Canadian Nurses Association says it hopes the new "united Team Canada" approach at the Council of the Federation will lead to harmonization of nurses' licences across the country.

The association was among a number of health-care advocacy groups at the recent annual meeting of Canada's premiers.

While health care tends to take centre stage when the premiers meet, this year's gathering with Prime Minister Mark Carney was dominated by discussion of U.S. President Donald Trump's global trade war.

Most Canadians believe the country is making good progress on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, a new poll from Leger suggests.

"The extent to which people feel progress on reconciliation is being made or not has an important bearing on how they feel about the country," said Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies, which commissioned the poll.

The survey of 1,580 respondents was conducted between June 20 and 22. A margin of error cannot be associated to the survey because online polls are not considered to be truly random samples.

Assiniboine College has announced the launch of a new micro-credential, Renewable Energy Solar Systems and Installation, designed to help mid-career workers gain in-demand skills in the high-growth renewable energy sector.

This 16-week accelerated program is a part-time distance delivery tailored to meet industry needs. The registration fee is $200, and the first intake is set for September 1, 2025.

Dr. Rhonda Hinther has shared Canada’s history through books, scholarly articles and her teaching at Brandon University (BU).

Her contributions have now reached another medium: a postage stamp.

Dr. Hinther, a Professor and Chair of BU’s Department of History, and Dr. Jim Mochoruk, of the University of North Dakota, were asked by Canada Post to consult on a stamp reflecting the history of civilian internment in Canada. The stamp was issued this month and is available at canadapost.ca as well as select postal outlets across the country.

Manitoba Hydro is reminding customers to stay safe and informed when it comes to electricity use and power outages. 

Media Relations Officer Peter Chura says that while other places may experience brownouts, when lights dim due to high power demand, this is not a common issue in Manitoba. 

“We have enough capacity to serve all of our customers regardless of the situation.” 

Funeral For: Betty Anne Funk (nee Barkman) 
Funeral Date: August 22, 2025 
Betty Anne Funk (nee Barkman), 77, of Steinbach passed away Tuesday, July 22nd at Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach. She is survived by her children Kathryn, Karla (Steve), and Michael (Megan), her grandchildren, Kayden and Hazel, and several step-great/grandchildren. She is survived by sister Shirley, brother Johnny, and sisters in law Laura (Levi), and Hilda (Pete). She was predeceased by 5 brothers, 2 sisters, and her parents, Jacob and Helena Barkman.

Funeral For:  Ronald Ron Heinrichs 
Funeral Date: July 28, 2025 
Ronald Ron Heinrichs, 82, of Morden passed away Monday, July 21st at Tabor Home. He is survived by 2 sons and their families. He was predeceased by his wife Mary. 
A memorial service for Ronald Ron Heinrichs will be held Monday, July 28th at 2pm at Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden. 
Donations may be made to Tabor Home Foundation. 
Arrangements by Wiebe Funeral Chapel, Morden. 

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew called a byelection Friday that will test whether his NDP government’s popularity can spread to a longtime Progressive Conservative stronghold.

Voters in the Spruce Woods constituency will go to the polls Aug. 26 to choose a replacement for Grant Jackson, a Tory who resigned in March to run federally. Jackson garnered more than double the votes of his closest opponent in 2023, and the Tories normally get well above 60 per cent of the vote in the area.