Rural Roundup — Jan. 8, 2026

NEEPAWA

Just in time for the new year, Ritchel Quezon and her daughter were settling into their new home after receiving the keys from Neepawa’s Habitat for Humanity.

A key ceremony organized for the family was held in December. It celebrated Quezon’s journey to home ownership and recognized the volunteers, donors and community partners who made the project possible.

The evening also included a tour of the house, a 970-square-foot home with a basement and two bedrooms. Neepawa Habit Steering Committee Chair John Lavich said the community coming together to make this project a reality is what Habitat for Humanity is all about.

“We had so many builders come in and help, and volunteers to no end. It was amazing,” Lavich said.

Quezon couldn’t help but feel emotional about what this day represented. “It feels like I’m dreaming,” she said. “We’re going to start moving in (on Dec. 12). We are so happy. Everyone was so helpful.

» Neepawa Banner & Press

GRANDVIEW

The Grandview Fire Department was among the recipients as Sunrise Credit Union announced $29,550 in funding through the fall edition of its Building Community Grant program.

The department will receive $15,000 towards replacing its aging Quick Response Unit. It responds to calls in the municipality, working hand-in-hand with other agencies such as Prairie Mountain Health, RCMP, STARS Air Ambulance, and helps with mutual aid calls throughout the Parkland.

The current Quick Response Unit — dispatched first and equipped with essential tools such as a water tank, foam, and a portable tank —c an no longer meet the community’s needs due to its age and mechanical issues. A new unit will help ensure reliable service and maintain fast, effective emergency response times, said the department’s application to the grant program.

» Dauphin Herald

RIVERS

Volleyball Manitoba recently honoured three Rivers residents for their achievements this past season.

Rivers Collegiate Institute’s Annika Schmidt was named a Graduating All-Star. Ken Tait was recognized as the Rural Referee of the Year. RCI varsity girls head coach Jeff Maxwell was selected as the A Girls High School Coach of the Year. The trio was honoured at the 2025 Grad All-Star Banquet in Winnipeg on Dec. 6, which was followed by all-star matches at the University of Winnipeg.

Being named a Graduating All-Star was one of a number of honours Schmidt received this season. These included being named to the A Provincials AllStar Team and receiving the Players Choice award at provincials. Schmidt helped her squad place second at the provincial tournament.

Tait works mainly at the high school and club volleyball levels. He also has been a referee’s assistant (linesperson) at Brandon University matches. After graduation, he started refereeing the sport at Rivers Collegiate to help out. He started around 1982.

Maxwell led Rivers Collegiate to the silver medals at the A provincial tournament, which the school also hosted in Brandon.

» Rivers Banner

INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDEN

Plans are for the new port of entry on the U.S. side at the International Peace Garden to be completed in two years time.

Work on the new Land Point of Entry in Rolette County, North Dakota, known as the Dunseith Port, started last June. It is extensive work, with a budget of about $100 million, and will entail major changes to the area.

The port was originally built in 1961. According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the old facilities of 13,439 square feet no longer support the personnel who serve there.

The new facility will reduce traffic congestion, increase processing capacity, enhance security, facilitate trade and travel volumes and provide safer conditions for employees and travellers.

The project was initially announced in February 2022 under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by then-president Joe Biden. Funding was also made available under the Inflation Reduction Act.

According to GSA, the 24-hour Dunseith Port has the third most truck traffic in North Dakota.

Plans are for the new facilities to be completed by the end of 2027.

» Boissevain Record

DAUPHIN

Pita Pit, one of Canada’s leading quick-service restaurant chains specializing in fresh, customizable pitas, salads, and rice bowls, has opened its newest location at 1351 Main Street South in Dauphin.

“Opening this Pita Pit location is both a professional and personal milestone,” owner and operator Jayeshkumar Shankarji Mali said, adding he has extensive experience in the food service and retail industries.

Created 30 years ago, Pita Pit has 232 locations nationwide and 11 in Manitoba.

The new restaurant is expected to employ up to eight local team members.

» Dauphin Herald

PARKLAND

Students and their families across the Parkland received a helping hand recently thanks to a successful 2025 Project Red Holiday Hamper Program.

This year the Assiniboine College Students’ Association (ACSA) program delivered 136 hampers, supporting around 451 students and family members across Brandon, Parkland, Winnipeg, Southport/Portage, Steinbach, Sagkeeng First Nation and online/remote education communities.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, community partners, staff, faculty and students, the students’ association raised $7,189, allowing the organization to assemble more hampers than originally planned for.

» Dauphin Herald