Caring for the vulnerable: Lisa Lehmann celebrated with King Charles III Coronation Medal

Lisa Lehmann says she was surprised and honoured to hear Premier Wab Kinew had selected her for the King Charles III Coronation Medal. 

Initially a founder and board member of Carman Wellness Connections, Lehman was most recently hired as the group's Coordinator. It is her dedication to making life better for the area's most vulnerable community members through this organization that earned her this recent recognition.

"He's been an incredible leader." Stephen Ross to retire as WSD Superintendent

After nearly two decades leading the Western School Division (WSD) as Superintendent, Stephen Ross will be retiring next year. 

"Stephen's been a cornerstone of our division. He's been an incredible leader. I think he brought a genuine care and genuine interest for education to the position," said Darcy Wolfe, Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

According to Wolfe, Ross is the longest-serving school division superintendent in Manitoba and believes WSD has been incredibly fortunate to have his leadership during times of growth and change.

Friesens helping children across Canada develop a love for reading

An Altona-based company is once again playing an integral part in delivering a free book to every grade one student in Canada. 

In a news release issued this week, Friesens announced its ongoing support and participation in the TD Grade One Book Giveaway, a program of The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Over its 24-year involvement, the book manufacturer has printed and produced about 500,000 - 600,000 books through the initiative.

"It felt like a true team." Altona Tim Horton's comes out on top in Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign

What started out as a simple way to put a smile on residents' faces, ended up being a huge success. 

In fact, the Altona Tim Horton's Holiday Smile Cookie Week turned out to be the top-selling campaign in Manitoba with 12,131 cookies sold. The year-old location also ranked #6 in Canada.

FCC supports future leaders in two local 4H clubs

Two 4-H clubs in the area have been given a financial boost, thanks to Farm Credit Canada (FCC).

Snagging grants of up to $500 each this year is the Elm Creek 4-H Beef Club and the Graysville Light Horse and Pony Club out of Carman.
    
Since 2013, the FCC 4-H Club Fund has contributed over $1 million in funding and supported more than 2,100 4-H clubs across Canada.

Jobs, security and the human aspect of Manitoba's approach to a second Trump presidency

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says the province has a moral obligation to prepare for the humanitarian aspect of what a second Donald Trump presidency in the U.S. could mean for the southern part of the province. That's one of the considerations included in his government's beefed-up border security plan ahead of January 20th, noting mass deportations was an election promise reiterated many times by Donald Trump.

Local farms singled out by provincial watersheds organization

Three southern Manitoba farms have snagged Watershed District Awards
    
Doled out annually by the Manitoba Association of Watersheds and Manitoba’s 14 Watershed Districts, the awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals directly associated with the growth and success of watershed districts in the province.
    
The Dogs Run Farm, located in Clearwater in the Pembina Valley Watershed District, is operated Colin & Katie McInnes.

Public urged to report suspicious activity after increase in Altona graffiti incidents

Police say they are once again seeing an increase in graffiti around Altona's business district, following several complaints that have filed in over the past week.
    
These incidents, according to the Altona Police Service, are believed to be linked to several other complaints received earlier this fall. Investigation continues.  
    
Meantime, the Altona Police Service reminds residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 204-324-5353, noting you can remain anonymous.

Morden's new daycare creates close-knit community within weeks of opening

The public was recently given an all-access pass to Morden's newest daycare facility, Westview. 

About 20 families - kids and parents - were able to explore all eight of Westview's rooms, ask questions of staff and board members and enjoy snacks prepared by the in-house cook during an open house last week.

Site manager, Nancy Davison, said, because the centre is still so new, everyone commented on how bright and fresh it is inside.