Rural Roundup – Jan. 13, 2016

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/01/2016 (3806 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

• Ag Days will kick off in Brandon next week running Jan. 19 to Jan. 21.

“We are 100 per cent farm,” Ag Days general manager Kristen Phillips said. “We have a very diverse selection of exhibitors who know they have a targeted market of approximately 45,000 attendees that come through our doors over the three days of the show. They see our event as a tremendous opportunity to promote their produces and services.”

Originally known as the ‘Weed Fair,’ Ag Days has continued to grow and remained proudly committed to agriculture.

» Manitoba Co-operator

• Residents from the RM of North Cypress-Langford reported the theft of two snowmobiles and an ATV from their property on Dec. 11.

The owners of the vehicles followed tracks to Sandy Bay First Nation where they observed one of the sleds outside a residence.

While the snowmobiles were recovered, police couldn’t locate the ATV.

One suspect was arrested and Neepawa RCMP are investigating the incident in relation to other thefts in the area.

» Carberry News-Express

• Tyrel and Orin Larsen were named the newsmakers of the year in the Roblin Review.

The Larsen brothers became the first Manitobans to qualify for National Finals Rodeo held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Orin took part in the bareback competition while Tyrel is a saddle bronc rider.

Orin won more than $114,000 this year on the circuit including his winnings at NFR, while Tyrel won more than $97,000.

» Roblin Review

• Murray Jorgenson’s rink captured the Northwest Competitive Curling League for 2015.

Jorgenson topped the Ken Burnett rink 8-3 in the final played in Hamiota.

Jorgenson defeated Lawrence Daniel in the semi-final 5-4 while Burnett doubled up on Darren Ostash 6-3.

» Crossroads This Week

• Shoal Lake’s Bill Nicholson is one of two producers elected to the Manitoba Canola Growers Association’s board of directors.

Nicholson pledged to enhance MCGA’s work in research and market development.

Ron Krahn of Rivers was also elected.

» Crossroads This Week

• Cross-country skiers have another option closer to Neepawa.

A trail was cleared at the Neepawa golf course over the holidays and is now open for use.

Leisure services manager Amanda Novak said the trail is about three-and-a-half kilometres long.

It is being groomed and maintained by the Prairie Mountain Snow Drifters.

» Neepawa Banner

• Two fishermen are safe, but their truck took quite the dunk after breaking through the thin ice on Pelican Lake Dec. 24.

“Got a phone call from one of our committee members that a truck had gone through the ice,” said Trevor Maguire, who oversees an aeration project on the lake. “Some poor unfortunate soul had the front of his truck through the ice and the tail lights sticking out.”

» The Gazette

• The 2015 Turtle Mountain Conservation District Award was presented to Twin Pines Farm, owned by Rick and Helen Schoonbaert.

Twin Pines Farm consists of 320 acres of annual crop and pasture land.

“As a high school teacher, I always thought it was important students become involved in the environment and their community,” Rick said.

“I was involved in developing one of the first outdoor education courses in the province, sat on the provincial biology curriculum committee and helped develop, pilot and train teachers for the senior 2 skills for independent living course.”

» Deloraine Times and Star

• Elkhorn’s Josh Martin has five goals and seven assists in 29 games with the Swan Valley Stampeders in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League this year.

“This year I definitely feel more comfortable,” the 19-year-old forward said. “Now that you’re an older guy you have a bigger role and you are relied on.”

The six-foot, 176-pound Martin spent the off-season focusing on getting bigger and stronger.

» Virden Empire-Advance

• After 38 years of working for the RM of Pipestone, June Greggor has officially retired.

“Probably the thing I learned the most is that you don’t really know a person until you’ve worked with them,” Greggor said. “Every elected official I have worked with has had the best interests of their community at heart. I have the greatest respect for these people who give their time and energy unconditionally to work for the betterment of the municipality and its citizens.”

» Reston Recorder

• Ruby Andrews celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 29.

Andrews taught for nearly three decades and finished her career at Melita School

She retired in 1965, the same year she was married to Grant Andrews.

» Melita New Era