Robyn Wiebe

As soon as word got out about Morden city council's decision to create a Market Square by closing a portion of 8th Street downtown, between Appelt's Diamonds and the iconic clock tower building, conversations started around the unanimous decision made by council on Friday April 28th in a morning Special Meeting.  

Morden Mayor Brandon Burley noted, this isn't a new idea to council. 

Monday night, Winkler Arts and Culture was the setting for the launch of Mental Health Awareness Week. The evening was a joint effort between Pembina Valley Local Immigration Partnership and Eden Foundation. 

Eden Foundation's Director of Development Jayme Giesbrecht shared why this week is so important. 

Friday Morning, Morden City Council held a special meeting to approve the closure of 8th street, from Stephen St to the northerly portion of the back lane, the area known to many as the "Suncatch Stage', where the weekly Farmer's Markets and Morden Corn & Apple stage entertainment take place to create a Market Square for public use throughout the summer. The idea was brought to council by the two newest members.

Here is the motion made by Councilor Lassnig and seconded by Councilor Sheldon Friesen.

Morden's Many Hands Resource Centre held their annual general meeting Tuesday night to give an update on progress, programs and impact. 

MHR Executive Director Mariyam Tsygankova said they have been in the 500 Stephen Street location for a year now.  

After youth programming was identified as a need in the community of Miami, Tina Waldner and another couple decided to do what it took to put something in place to create a youth centre, especially following a difficult time during the Pandemic. The R.M. of Thompson had put out a newsletter looking for needs in the community last year to use grant money they had available, Waldner responded identifying the need for a youth centre, noting they would be able to set up the programming and volunteers, the biggest need for the project would be a space to house the youth centre. 

It was a full house in the P.W Enns Centennial Concert Hall for the Back Forty Festival fundraising concert, the 70s Show. 

Festival Board Chair Scott Bell said the crowd was funny and interacted with those on stage adding to the energy on stage by clapping, laughing, and singing along. 

This week, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein announced $75, 800 in funding to coincide with Earth Day, April 22, 2023. According to a press release, three recipients shared the funding: Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association Inc received $43,300 for delivery of new natural refrigerant training to new and experienced technicians, Manitoba Eco-Network received $25, 000 for the next phase of the Building Community Climate Resiliency Project with inner city neighbourhoods in Winnipeg and the Boyne Regional Library was the final recipient.

According to a recent survey completed by H&R Block, 37% of Canadians still need to file their personal income taxes, that from H&R Block Tax Specialist Yannick Lemay. 

He commented on what this week's Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) strike means for people in this category. 

Over eight thousand Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) workers are on strike and picketing in communities across Manitoba, with thousands more on the picket line across the country. PSAC has stated it has been without a contract for the past two years, and has reached an impasse. It is holding out for better wages to help with the rising cost of living. With the job action now underway, this will mean some federal services will have delays and interruptions.

From April 1st to 10th, the Candlelighters Online Auction took place on Facebook with items up for bid growing each day, in support of the Childhood Cancer Support Group. 

Candlelighters' Volunteer Board Chair Naomi Fehr shared how much was raised in 10 days. 

"Last year, we had about 800 members, 700 items, and $52,000 raised. And, we have 823 prizes, this year, over 1200 members, and $63,000 raised." 

Items are posted on the page, with more added each day. Friendly over-bidding is encouraged to support the important cause.