Candace Derksen

Altona Town Council is shelving plans to renovate the old library space in Golden West Plaza.
    
The plan was to transform it into some town offices, along with a few incubator offices and a meeting room available for short-term rent.
    

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• Former Altona library space to be transformed

However, Mayor Harv Schroeder says the plan was scrapped during recent budget deliberations.

A man from Altona is out nearly $1,000 after falling victim to a scam.
    
According to the Altona Police Service, the man received a phone call from someone claiming they needed to work on his computer. After he complied with the caller's requests, the scammer was able to defraud him out of $900.

This is just one example of the ongoing attempts being made to bilk area residents. 

The MP for Portage-Lisgar has been taking advantage of some newly found free time, thanks to a prorogued Parliament, using it to foster stronger community connections.

During this unusual time, Members of Parliament from across the country are able to spend more time in their constituencies rather than head back to Ottawa. It won't be until late March when they return to the capital.

Outreach in Communities

Branden Leslie says he's been able to connect with many people in Portage-Lisgar and discuss important issues.

We are being invited to bring Morden's cultural spirit to life. 

As the city prepares for the 15th annual Multicultural Winterfest, the organizing committee is looking for someone to design a mascot for the event and has launched a contest to find the perfect fit. It is open to people of all ages from communities throughout the region, not just Morden. 

"We actually just want to involve more of the community; to bring them together, to see what they'd come up with, how they feel about this festival and how they see it," explained Danny Rocha. 

Driven by the dedication and hard work of its employee-owners, Friesens Corporation has had a strong start to 2025 and is poised to continue that success. 

That strong employee-ownership culture was celebrated last week as the Altona-based book manufacturer hosted a memorable evening of celebration and camaraderie during an "Unplugged Nite” as part of its Employee-Owner Days. According to the company, about 300 employee-owners, along with its entire Book Sales team, participated in the event that took place at the Millennium Exhibition Centre.

Three people were arrested by Altona police after assaulting a man in his home last week. 
    
According to the Altona Police Service's latest activities report, the trio went to the man's apartment and an argument broke out. That's when police say the man was assaulted. 

Officers later found the three culprits - two women aged 21 and 38, and a 25-year-old man.

They have all been charged with assault and released with a future court date.

Updated Tuesday, January 22nd - the Blowing Snow Advisory was ended for all regions of the Pembina and Red River Valley Tuesday evening.

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A Blowing Snow Advisory has been issued for the region as strong southerly winds, combined with falling snow are expected to reduce visibility this afternoon. The advisory, issued by Environment Canada is in effect for the Pembina Valley and Red River Valley.

Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert says she's excited for what 2025 has in store for the area. 

"Just looking forward to meeting with constituents this year, looking forward to the growth and seeing how our community comes together to continue to work towards projects," she explained. 

What exactly are those projects?

"2024 was just an incredible, active year for our municipality." That from Don Wiebe, Reeve for the Municipality of Rhineland, in a year-end interview with PembinaValleyOnline.

Activities throughout the year included some big-ticket capital projects, like the fortification of the south side of the Border Road west of Gretna.

A 28-year-old man from Altona has been arrested in connection with a fentanyl trafficking scheme targeted by Brandon police nearly a year ago.
    
On January 25th, 2024, Brandon Police Service (BPS) and RCMP seized over 9 kilograms of fentanyl from a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway.  
    
Continued investigation led authorities to ID two additional people they believe responsible for the acquisition and transportation of approximately 15 kilograms of fentanyl from Alberta to Manitoba between December 23rd, 2023, and January 25th, 2024.