Westman this Week

Carberry receives zipline funding

2 minute read Updated: 9:50 AM CDT

The Town of Carberry has received $4,500 from the Westoba Credit Union Inspire Program to complete a zipline in the recreation area that is expected to draw more tourists to the community.

Westoba Credit Union has given Carberry the funds for the installation of a zipline in the community’s recreation area. The funding will allow the town to finish the project, said Callie Sudak, the town’s manager of leisure services.

“The Town of Carberry and the RM of North Cypress-Langford, along with numerous residents and volunteers, are working hard to create a new recreation area in town for all residents to enjoy for years to come,” Sudak said in a May press release.

Thanks to previous fundraising efforts, the town has already bought the zipline, and the Westoba funds will be used to purchase the required safety base needed for the structure, Sudak said.

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Researchers tackle soil-borne disease affecting canola

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Researchers tackle soil-borne disease affecting canola

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Bringing a glimmer of hope to farmers in Westman and across the country, a team of federal government scientists is studying how to protect canola and other plants from invasive clubroot, a soil-borne disease.

Fengqun Yu is leading a team of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) scientists in Saskatoon who, for the last 10 years, have performed the most comprehensive genetic studies on clubroot in the world, helping to develop new resistant variants of canola and other crops that clubroot attacks, including cabbage, cauliflower, rutabaga and other plants in the Brassica genus.

The disease affects the root of the canola plant, so that they are club-shaped and unable to properly transport water. Clubroot can substantially reduce seed quality and oil content in canola, resulting in economic losses, and the chief concern of Manitoba producers is the longevity of the pathogen it leaves in soil.

It can survive for 10 to 20 years, even in the absence of a canola crop, Manitoba’s agriculture website says.

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2:00 AM CDT

A greenhouse-grown canola plant with two introduced clubroot resistance genes shows promise for the future, says Yu.

Blackhawks wasting no time on rebuild

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Preview

Blackhawks wasting no time on rebuild

Bruce Penton 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

It could be a whirlwind of a rebuild for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The major beneficiary in the NHL lottery draw (also known as the Connor Bedard sweepstakes), the Blackhawks are poised to jump from one of the worst teams in the National Hockey League to one of the best in only a couple of years.

Chicago’s 59 points in 2022-23 were 31st out of 32 teams (only the hapless Anaheim Ducks were worse, by one point) and its roster looked pretty bleak, especially after the trading of superstar Patrick Kane in March and the decision not to resign Blackhawk legend Jonathan Toews. The Blackhawks’ roster at the end of this season hardly sent shudders through opponents, with the likes of Taylor Raddysh, Andreas Athanasiou and Philipp Kurashev among the more recognizable names to avid Chicago fans.

But now, of course, everything has changed. The Blackhawks will select Bedard with the first pick in the NHL draft June 28 in Nashville, adding to the three first-rounders they had last season — defenceman Kevin Korchinski, who put up 73 points in 54 games for WHL champion Seattle this season; centre Frank Nazar from the U.S. National Development team, who went on to play as a freshman with the University of Michigan this season; and Sam Rinzel, a high school defenceman from Minnesota who played two seasons in the USHL with Waterloo.

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2:00 AM CDT

Regina Pats forward Connor Bedard (98) skates with the puck during a WHL playoff game against the Saskatoon Blades in Saskatoon on March 31. The Chicago Blackhawks are all but certain to take Bedard with the first overall pick in this year’s NHL draft. (File)

Rural Roundup — June 1, 2023

9 minute read Preview

Rural Roundup — June 1, 2023

9 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

VIRDEN

The Arts Mosaic board of directors has temporarily closed the Virden arts centre.

During April, the gallery was open on reduced hours to allow viewing of Virden Music and Art Festival entries that were displayed and judged in the gallery.

Board chairperson Joanna Watt said operating hours have been an issue for people, and it’s important for the CP Historic Centre, which houses the arts centre, to be a child-friendly public space.

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2:00 AM CDT

Arts Mosaic office, gallery and market in Virden’s Historic Centre on Sixth Avenue South is currently closed, but is expected to reopen this month, the board says. (Virden Empire-Advance)

Program connects producers, grazing experts

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Program connects producers, grazing experts

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Several Manitoba farmers interested in rotational grazing have been paired with experts across the province’s watershed districts in an effort to benefit producers and the health of the districts.

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program, led by the Manitoba Association of Watershed Districts, has partnered with the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) to create a mentorship program whereby producers will develop grazing plans that are informed by better understanding of beneficial grazing management practices.

Gary Wasylowski, the Manitoba Association of Watershed District’s board chair, said working with the MFGA is an exciting partnership.

“MFGA has been a strong supporter within the Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP), and we look forward to their services being available to support Manitoba’s watershed districts in their delivery of the rotational grazing best management practices,” Wasylowski said.

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2:00 AM CDT

A herd of cattle graze in a field near Arden, Man., in late May. (Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun)

Cadet instructor finds purpose in program

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Cadet instructor finds purpose in program

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

For Capt. Glenn Arksey, being a member of the army cadets isn’t just a hobby but a way of life.

Arksey has worked with the cadet program in Canadian Forces Base Shilo as a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre, a sub-component of the reserve force, since 2012. He is also currently the commanding officer of 2520 71st Field Battery, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, in Brandon. Previously, Arksey served as a volunteer for a few years and an army cadet for one year.

Originally from Langruth, a small community in the Municipality of Westlake-Gladstone, Arksey began volunteering with the cadet program because of his stepson, who was a cadet at the time.

“I’m the type of person who believes in giving back. I got a lot out of the program when I was a cadet and I wanted to pay it forward,” he said.

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2:00 AM CDT

Capt. Glenn Arksey with 2520 71st Field Battery, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, in Brandon, teaches youth about using a stove at Canadian Forces Base Shilo. (Submitted)

Committee reclassifies status of wildlife species

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Committee reclassifies status of wildlife species

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Healthy ecosystems across the Prairies depend on different species to survive, and sometimes these creatures are largely unseen and unknown by the general public.

The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, known as COSEWIC, met last month to deliberate on the status of 16 wildlife species, including ones that can be found in western Manitoba, and some that often go unseen due to their nocturnal nature or because they live underground or hard-to-reach places.

The committee considered the status of the Great Plains toad, eastern red bat, hoary and silver-haired bat, California sword fern, eastern tiger salamander, northwestern pond turtle, Pacific gophersnake and timber rattlesnake.

Assessing secretive species underscores the importance of looking a little closer and learning what can help them and their ecosystems to survive, said Stephen Petersen, co-chair of the terrestrial mammals subcommittee of COSEWIC and director of conservation and research at Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg.

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2:00 AM CDT

Stephen Petersen, the director of conservation and research at Assiniboine Park Conservancy in Winnipeg, says turning wind turbines off for very short periods at low wind speeds during fall can reduce the mortality of bats by 50 to 80 per cent. (Submitted)

Pros, cons of glyphosate

By Laura Rance 4 minute read Preview

Pros, cons of glyphosate

By Laura Rance 4 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

A newly publicized study by researchers with the University of Saskatchewan confirms what many farmers already knew.

Glyphosate, one of the world’s most widely used herbicides, and crops that are genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide have contributed to better soil management through reduced tillage.

The researchers with the university’s agricultural and resource economics department set out to quantify the net increases in carbon sequestration due to the virtual elimination of summerfallow practices, reductions in tillage and the use of herbicide-tolerant crops over three decades. Based on a 1,000-hectare farm, it equates with the emissions from 432 cars.

In the early 1990s, a 1,000-hectare farm under conventional tillage of the time released 15 times more carbon than the average car each year. Two decades later, in the period between 2016 to 2019, that same farm would sequester the equivalent of emissions from 95 cars due to the adoption of reduced tillage.

Read
2:00 AM CDT

A newly publicized study by researchers with the University of Saskatchewan confirms what many farmers already knew.

Glyphosate, one of the world’s most widely used herbicides, and crops that are genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide have contributed to better soil management through reduced tillage.

The researchers with the university’s agricultural and resource economics department set out to quantify the net increases in carbon sequestration due to the virtual elimination of summerfallow practices, reductions in tillage and the use of herbicide-tolerant crops over three decades. Based on a 1,000-hectare farm, it equates with the emissions from 432 cars.

In the early 1990s, a 1,000-hectare farm under conventional tillage of the time released 15 times more carbon than the average car each year. Two decades later, in the period between 2016 to 2019, that same farm would sequester the equivalent of emissions from 95 cars due to the adoption of reduced tillage.

Birtle mom makes space for education, healing

Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 10 minute read Preview

Birtle mom makes space for education, healing

Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 10 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

When Jessica Fouillard had her first child 11 years ago at the age of 19, she knew becoming a mom would present unique challenges due to her young age.

What she didn’t realize was how difficult it would be to deal with postpartum depression — or how she’d end up triumphing over it and helping other mothers in the Birtle area, located 145 kilometres northwest of Brandon.

“I’ve come a long way,” said Fouillard, who is due to give birth to her fourth child in June. “I’m not ashamed of anything.”

Fouillard’s first pregnancy came as a surprise. By the time the baby — a little girl — was born, Fouillard was 20 years old. She can easily recall how hard the early days, weeks and months of motherhood were, though just over a decade has passed since then.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Quinn, Jordan, Navy, Jessica and Beckem Fouillard with their dog Belle. (Submitted)

Rural Roundup — May 18, 2023

8 minute read Preview

Rural Roundup — May 18, 2023

8 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

KILLARNEY

The Reklaws, made up of brother and sister duo Jenna and Stuart Walker, are looking forward to headlining Canada Day celebrations in Killarney this summer.

“We definitely bring a bit of a party wherever we go,” Jenna Walker said, adding the group is honoured to play at the event. “I think Canada Day in general has always been a good memory for us growing up. It’s always a party, it’s always a celebration.”

Recently, the Reklaws played at Country Thunder, a music festival in Arizona — their first U.S. festival gig. Later in April, they recorded new music in Los Angeles, Calif. before heading back to Nashville, Tenn.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

The Reklaws, made up of brother and sister duo Jenna and Stuart Walker, are looking forward to headlining Canada Day celebrations in Killarney this summer. (File)

New tech could fend off farm pests

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Preview

New tech could fend off farm pests

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Nanotechnology could offer producers the chance to target specific pests in their fields with less dependence on pesticides, says a researcher with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Justin Pahara and his team of scientists at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre in Alberta have been working with nanotechnology by manipulating tiny particles called nanoparticles that bind to agricultural pests without harming beneficial plants and insects.

When most people think about nanotechnology, their minds are automatically drawn to health care, such as the use of nanomaterials for diagnosis, therapy, control and disease prevention. Surprisingly, the same technology that is used in cellular imaging and CT scans can also be used to improve the agriculture sector, Pahara said.

“I see this research as a great opportunity to start bringing advanced tech into agriculture. That’s not to say there isn’t, but it’s about bringing this sort of technology to the agriculture sector,” said Pahara, who grew up on a farm in southern Alberta.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Justin Pahara (centre) with Armen Tchobanian (left) and Damin Kim (right). Kim displays newly hatched cutworms for experimentation with nanoparticles. (Submitted)

Leafs break their fans’ hearts again

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Preview

Leafs break their fans’ hearts again

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Leaves fall in autumn. The Leafs, meanwhile, traditionally do it in the spring. And it has happened again.

Toronto Maple Leafs fans, without a Stanley Cup to celebrate since 1967, thought this might be the year. A hated rival, the Boston Bruins, were surprisingly dumped in the first round by the Florida Panthers, seemingly paving the way to the Eastern Conference final for the Leafs, who got by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round.

But the script went askew in that second round. The Panthers, who barely squeaked into the playoffs in the first place, needing a wildcard entry to get there, apparently saved their best hockey for April and May and, well, here they are: In the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes, while the Leafs book tee times at the Adios Golf Club in Coconut Creek, Fla.

In each of the series’ five games, the Leafs could muster only two goals. As they went down 3-0 in the series, the six Toronto goals were scored by players with surnames Knies, Kerfoot, O’Reilly, Bunting, Gustafson and Lafferty. Conspicuous by their absence on the score sheet were the names of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares and William Nylander, the Leafs’ so-called Core Four whose offensive production during the regular season (146 goals, 351 points) propelled them to an 111-point season, tied for the fourth-highest total of the NHL’s 32 teams. This could be the year, Leaf Nation hoped.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Toronto Maple Leafs fans react after their team was eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on May 12. The Panthers won 3-2 in overtime to win the best-of-seven series in five games. (The Canadian Press)

Hamiota centre recognized for economic innovation

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Hamiota centre recognized for economic innovation

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Meeting the local aging population’s need for a place to socialize, remain active and learn earned the Hamiota 55-plus centre recognition at the Provincial Awards for Excellence in Economic Development.

The centre and its R Store, where used items are resold, won Project of the Year in the over $100,000 category at the Economic Developers Association Awards in Brandon on May 11, edging out the Municipality of Brenda-Waskada’s nomination for providing fibre-optic internet to households in its community.

The award recognizes a municipality, community development corporation, town, group or committee that has undertaken a project or activity in the last 18 months that has or will have significant and long-term economic effects. It must be a new project with a total cost of over $100,000. The project must be able to be replicated, be local, regional or provincial in scope, be community or business focused and demonstrate significant impact to the community and region.

Wendy Petersen, a community development analyst at Community Futures Westman, a group that provides loans to area organizations, nominated the centre after working with its organizers to make it a reality.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

The Hamiota 55-plus Centre and R-Store. (Facebook)

Neepawa teacher praises power of art

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Neepawa teacher praises power of art

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Thursday, May. 25, 2023

A Neepawa teacher says schools should emphasize artistic learning as much as reading, writing and arithmetic, especially considering its power to strengthen the mind.

For as long as she’s been an artist, Katy Martin has believed most people don’t see art as a serious career path. Artists are often told they need to have a “backup plan,” in case their careers don’t take off. However, when it comes to inspiring her students at Neepawa and Area Collegiate Institute, Martin said the key is perseverance and a belief in their ability to succeed.

“A lot of people think you can’t have a career in the arts and, for me, I’m trying so hard to smash that sort of stereotype,” she said.

It’s also important students understand that art, like all things, takes practice, and it isn’t an innate ability people are born with. It’s a matter of practising and trusting in yourself, Martin said.

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Thursday, May. 25, 2023

Katy Martin, a Neepawa teacher and painter, will have her work featured in a gala evening at ArtsForward in Neepawa on May 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. (Photos by Thera Weenink)

Rural Roundup — May 10, 2023

9 minute read Preview

Rural Roundup — May 10, 2023

9 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

SANDY LAKE

More than 60 people participated in a presentation on anti-scam and anti-fraud safety at the Sandy Lake Drop-In Centre on April 21.

Hosted by the Harrison Park Age Friendly Initiative Committee, Const. Christopher Joven from the RCMP Crime Prevention Services Department in Winnipeg gave the presentation.

There are currently a variety of scams and frauds happening in Canada, with new ones being invented every day, Joven told participants. These scams often attempt to imitate government services in order to gain access to personal and financial information of their victims.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

Five Westman curlers have been inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame Museum, including Ray Orr (pictured), Dennis Peckover, Brian Manns, John Mendrikis and Bob Manns. (File)

Survey explores link between birds, soil health

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Preview

Survey explores link between birds, soil health

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The relationship between regenerative agriculture practices and benefits for at-risk prairie birds is being examined in avian surveys across Westman farms this summer.

The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) is teaming up with the Manitoba Wildlife Branch of the provincial government and the Manitoba Important Bird Area program to explore the benefits of regenerative agriculture on four different farm operations, including in Strathclair, Clanwilliam, Shellmouth and Hartney.

The study will look at the soil health benefits of regenerative agriculture practices on dairy, forage/beef, grain and mixed farms owned by MFGA board members to obtain benchmarks on bird populations.

Each farm will be consulted beforehand as part of an information-gathering exercise during which the surveyors and landowners will be introduced and share on-farm knowledge and direction on survey areas, as well as information on the history of the management of the land and current practices.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The Sprague’s pipit is protected under the Species at Risk Act federally. The bird’s Canadian population declined by 87 per cent since 1970. (File)

Dance company spotlights Ukrainian culture

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Preview

Dance company spotlights Ukrainian culture

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

Dave Federowich and his dance company are hoping to share their culture with people in the Minnedosa area at a Ukrainian dance summer camp for children.

Having spent many years of his youth taking part in Ukrainian dance, which is known for its high-energy movements and colourful costumes, it seemed only natural when, in 2019, Federowich decided to open a dance academy.

Since then, the Yednist School of Ukrainian Dance, based in Brandon, has been steadily growing, even with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in place.

“We’re a new group, and we’re just starting out, but we are growing every year,” said Federowich, who is from Dauphin.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

Dawson Federowich of Brandon’s Yednist School of Ukrainian Dance jumps during a performance at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on May 5. (File)

Sports on TV: Masters Sunday best of all

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Preview

Sports on TV: Masters Sunday best of all

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The avid sports fan — admittedly, I’m part of that constituency — loves the big events. Every month, seemingly, has its big games, its big events, its season-ending championships. But if you were limited to only one per year, which big event would you choose to absorb from the comfort of your couch and the embarrassment of the largest TV screen on the market?

Here’s my countdown, from 10 to No. 1, of the best events to watch.

10. Wimbledon finals — The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world has its women’s and men’s finals on a Saturday and Sunday in mid-July and because of the time difference between England and Western Canada, the men’s final is shown early on a Sunday morning. But definitely worth setting the alarm for.

9. Canadian Grand Prix — The mid-June Formula One event shows off the beauty of Montreal. It’s where Lewis Hamilton won his first-ever race in 2007.

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm holds the trophy winning the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club last month. Bruce Penton writes that, for him at least, the Masters is a tradition unlike any other. (The Associated Press)

Vegetables in high demand: Westman greenhouses

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Vegetables in high demand: Westman greenhouses

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The Greenhouse Neepawa is bursting with more vegetables than ever before to meet a rising demand from both seasoned and beginner gardeners, including those looking to cut down on their grocery bills by growing their own food.

Many Canadians have gone from belt-tightening on spending to drawing on existing savings to make ends meet, according to the latest data from the Angus Reid Institute, a non-profit organization that conducts independent research across the country. One in three, or 34 per cent, of Canadians say they’re either in “bad” or “terrible” shape financially, and despite a one-time grocery rebate from the federal government, many still struggle to afford nutritious food at the grocery store.

Enter the vegetable garden. Whether in a shared community allotment, a windowsill garden, patio pots or large plots in a yard, many people across the province — some for the first time — are trying their hand at vegetable gardening.

“I’ve brought in more varieties and a larger number than we usually do,” said Sheri Grant, owner of the Greenhouse Neepawa. “I have well over 5,000 tomatoes. I have brought in more lettuce than I ever have, I’ve brought in more peppers.”

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Thursday, May. 18, 2023

The Greenhouse Neepawa has more tomatoes and peppers than ever before due to a high demand from customers looking to start their own vegetable gardens. (Miranda Leybourne/The Brandon Sun)

NFL QBs on the move, and getting rich

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Preview

NFL QBs on the move, and getting rich

Bruce Penton 5 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

There is no higher profile position in North American sports than the quarterback of a National Football League team. Today we’ll look at three of them — one coming, one going and one who was in limbo but is now in the chips.

In the “coming” category is former Alabama star Bryce Young, chosen first overall in the late-April NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers.

It was a controversial pick because Young, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 as the best player in U.S. college football, stands only five-foot-10, and teams usually like their QBs to be tall (six-foot-three or more) so they can easily see over the line of scrimmage.

But Young’s play-making ability, quick reaction, and strong arm have made general managers believe that he could be another Drew Brees or Russell Wilson, height-challenged quarterbacks who starred in the NFL.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

New Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young — the top pick in this year’s NFL draft — signs autographs after arriving in Charlotte, N.C., on April 28. (The Associated Press)

McCreary petting zoo draws world travellers

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

McCreary petting zoo draws world travellers

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

Cows, horses and pigs are easy to spot on a drive through Westman. But when it comes to alpacas, donkeys, lambs and other furry friends, Mini Acres Ranch Petting Farm, just north of McCreary on Highway 5, is the place to be.

Debbie and Redg Johnson have been running the petting zoo, located 144 kilometres northeast of Brandon, for several years, but it wasn’t until recently that they’ve been able to devote more of their efforts to making it a must-see attraction in western Manitoba.

The Johnsons are members of the McCreary Ag Society, and while Redg has spent most of his time farming, Debbie Johnson’s love of animals has always been the driving force behind her volunteer work.

“I didn’t want to go to university to be a vet, because that takes too long. So, I just own a variety of animals at the petting zoo that I take care of,” she said.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A goat at Mini Acres Ranch Petting Farm near McCreary. (Facebook)

Manitoba’s aerospace industry looking up

By Martin Cash 4 minute read Preview

Manitoba’s aerospace industry looking up

By Martin Cash 4 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

WINNIPEG — An aerospace industry conference in Winnipeg last week that attracted leaders from some of the largest players in the world was an indication — despite layoffs and uncertainties that have wracked the global aerospace and aviation sectors — Manitoba members remain on solid footing.

While local industry officials said the workforce may not yet be back to pre-COVID pandemic numbers of about 5,300, there is consensus it is on the way.

Boeing Canada laid off close to 500 people from its Winnipeg staff of 1,500 in 2020, as international flights were grounded virtually overnight.

Charles (Duff) Sullivan, Ottawa-based president of Boeing Canada, said this week most of those people should be back by September.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

Lewis Prebble, airlines and fleet president of StandardAero. (Mikaela Mackenzie/Winnipeg Free Press)

Rural Roundup — May 11, 2023

9 minute read Preview

Rural Roundup — May 11, 2023

9 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

KILLARNEY

A Brandon architect has transformed the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain’s old civic offices into a more modern premises.

Michael Cox was commissioned to design a renovation plan for the offices, which were built in the 1960s, and completed his work in time for a grand opening on April 17.

This first phase of the $2-million development plan saw the old fire hall section of the civic buildings. Phil Neufeld of Westman Specialty Contracting was the contractor in charge of the project.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

David and Caitlin Beer, owners of the San Clara-based company Wildland Foods, look for wild mushrooms at one of their private locations in 2021. The couple started out supplying restaurants and wholesalers before expanding to public sales in 2020. (File)

Canine-friendly fundraiser supports dog guides

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Preview

Canine-friendly fundraiser supports dog guides

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 6 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

For some, dogs aren’t just man’s best friend but a companion that makes life easier to navigate. That’s why several Lions Clubs all over Westman and across the country are hosting fundraising walks for its dog guide foundation.

The national event raises money to help train dog guides for Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or physical disabilities, and each walk is organized by volunteers with support from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

On May 28, the communities of Binscarth, Birtle, Dauphin, Minnedosa, Russell and Wawanesa will host their own PetValu Walk for Dog Guides.

Seeing how many Lions Clubs are taking part in the fundraising walks is an exciting thing to see, said Willie Brown, who is the director for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Manitoba, Northwest Ontario and Nunavut chapter and a member of the Oakburn club.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

Geoff Fierce and his guide dog, Greta, who helps him navigate life with his hearing disability. (Submitted)

Neepawa resident collects warm coats for newcomers

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Preview

Neepawa resident collects warm coats for newcomers

By Miranda Leybourne, Local Journalism Initiative 5 minute read Thursday, May. 11, 2023

A Neepawa resident is helping newcomers to the growing community adapt to the frigid chill of Manitoba winters by collecting winter coats this month.

Leisel Milligan said the idea of helping new Canadians face their first few winters with greater ease came to her when she saw just how quickly her town was growing, and how many people from warmer climates made up the community’s burgeoning population.

“We have this huge Filipino presence in our community. They’re coming from the other side of the world, and there’s this huge culture shock, and there’s physical shock. There’s climate shock, basically,” Milligan said.

Neepawa, located 74 kilometres northeast of Brandon, has a population of 5,685 — 23 per cent higher than its 2016 population of 4,609, Statistics Canada’s 2021 census data says. A 2016 census showed that Filipinos amounted to 93 per cent of the community’s visible minority population.

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Thursday, May. 11, 2023

Neepawa resident Liesel Milligan, pictured here with her four children, is on a mission to make sure all newcomers to the community feel welcome and stay warm with good quality winter coats. (Submitted)

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