Rural Roundup — Feb. 25, 2021

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 25/02/2021 (1902 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Compiled by Tyler Clarke.

 

KENTON — with pic

A bus shelter in Kenton was finished just in time to shield folks from this month’s cold snap.

The shelter, at the old school site, offers students waiting for the school bus a place to escape the elements.

“We contacted the school division and they were more than happy to have their bus just route in there and pick the kids up there,” RM of Wallace-Woodworth CAO Garth Mitchell said.

With young families in the area, he added “there should be children catching buses for quite a while.”

The original project was set at $6,000, but council recently approved an additional $1,500 expense to complete it.

» Virden Empire-Advance

 

BOISSEVAIN — with pic

A 35-suite assisted living facility is slated for a July opening in Boissevain.

Construction began in the spring of last year, though planning and fundraising began long before that, headed by Southwest Senior Housing Inc.

“Things are going really well,” organization representative George Heide said. “There have been a few hiccups here and there, but things are moving forward with really good progress. The guys are not short of work.”

The building is located next to the Boissevain Health Centre on Highway 10.

Approximately $2 million was raised for the project through fundraising, while $4.5 million was placed on a mortgage.

The project has proved a blessing during the pandemic.

“It’s really a great thing going on now for the trades, keeping them busy,” Heide said. “We’re not visiting the site too much, but you could not ask for better results than we have found.”

» The Recorder

 

KILLARNEY — with photo

Rather than Valentine’s Day, some women in Killarney celebrated “Galentine’s Day” earlier this week.

“It’s new in the last few years and was mostly developed by women for women,” said florist Carol Reimer of Sweetpea and Willow.

“There are a lot of people who don’t get flowers on Valentine’s Day, and this is a way to celebrate your BFF, or a close girlfriend. There are a lot of single ladies in Killarney who would love to receive flowers. Our wonderful female friends are very special. They drag us out of our miseries.”

Alongside Valentine’s Day flowers, she said Galentine’s Day flower have proven popular.

» The Guide

 

MANITOBA

Manitoba’s agriculture industry is financially fit.

That’s according to a senior executive with Farm Credit Canada, who spoke during the Keystone Agricultural Producers’ annual meeting, held online Jan. 26.

“Grains and oilseeds are doing really well,” senior vice-president of Prairie operations Darren Howden said. “That’s the sector we have the most business in, in Manitoba. There was a really good harvest, coupled with some really good prices and very positive outlook there. We’re also seeing land prices remaining strong and showing no signs of deteriorating.”

Farmers uncertain about where they are financially should meet with their lender, he added.

“It’s in everybody’s best interest to sit down and talk before there is a real problem,” he said. “If you are a little hesitant or unsure, don’t be. The more you are open with what you’re looking at and asking good questions, the better the partnership and your success as an operator.”

» Manitoba Co-operator

 

MINNEDOSA — with photo

Husky Energy Inc. and Cenovus Energy Inc. have officially merged, meaning Minnedosa’s former Husky Energy plant is now the Minnedosa Cenovus Energy production plant.

“The Minnedosa plant will continue to operate as it always has, safely and reliably,” company media relations representative Kim Guttormson said.

Although corporate and operating costs are slated to be cut, these are not expected to affect the approximately 50 people employed at the Minnedosa plant.

“The majority of the overlapping roles and therefore the reductions are in the Calgary head offices,” Guttormson said.

» Minnedosa Tribune

 

GLADSTONE — with photo

Clarke’s of Gladstone has two new owners, with Katherin Smith and Kynda Pollard purchasing the flower and gift shop in October.

Economic hardship was part of the duo’s motivation to take part in the venture now.

“When the pandemic hit, I was running a canteen at (William Morton Collegiate) part-time and Kat was an early-childhood educator at Happy Rock Children’s Centre in Gladstone,” Pollard said. “Kat continued to work through the pandemic, and I lost my job when the schools closed in March.”

Both are “Reiki masters” and specialize in various forms of holistic healing.

While they intend on diversifying the business, they are retaining its roots in flowers.

Previous owner Carol Stewart trained the two in the art of keeping flowers.

“We are a flower and gift shop with crystals, wellness and more,” Pollard said. “We pulled out the paint rollers and spruced up the place. We also built a room to offer Reiki, foot detoxes and more in the very near future.”

» Neepawa Banner & Press