Rural Roundup — Aug. 15, 2024

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This article was published 15/08/2024 (445 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

MINNEDOSA

Minnedosa Beach was the place to be on July 14 as hundreds of Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and Shared Health employees, along with their families, gathered for a delightful day of sun, fun and community at the Employee Family Fun BBQ.

The event, which included physicians, nurses, and volunteers, was blessed with partially clear skies, warm weather, and a light breeze — perfect conditions for a day at the beach. The picturesque Minnedosa Beach, known for its serene waters, boating, water-skiing and beautiful surroundings, provided the ideal backdrop for the event.

As families arrived, the beach quickly filled with laughter and excitement. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the giant inflatable Splish Splash Water Park, where children of all ages could be seen enjoying the various water features and slides. In addition, a wide array of games and activities was organized.

» Minnedosa Tribune

ROBLIN

If you are looking to try an all new getaway experience that has that camping feel but the comforts of home, then Wanderlust Domes is the place you are looking for.

Co-owners and operators Darcy Manns and Candace Blahy have brought a revolutionary experience to staying at the lake, no matter the season.

Wanderlust Domes is located south of Roblin, near a scenic setting at Lake of the Prairies. It provides amazing views during the day, the perfect way to stargaze at night through a skylight-like roof and is close to a variety of outdoor amenities.

Guests stay in a geodesic dome, of which there is currently only one.

It can accomodate up to four adults and contains a three-piece bathroom, a king- and queen-sized bed, a kitchen, bar fridge, hot plate and a couch that pulls out into a futon. The dome has a fireplace, although it also has both heat and air conditioning.

Construction of the dome started in August 2022 and the first booking was taken about a year ago.

» The Roblin Review

DAUPHIN

The Province of Manitoba has committed $2.11 million to repair this spring’s flood damage done to the Gilbert Plains Country Club (GPCC).

Dauphin MLA and Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said it was unfortunate that ice jams clogged a nearby dam, which led to the flooding.

It was consultations with Premier Wab Kinew and different government departments that led the province to provide funds for repairs.

Kostyshyn said the government will continue to help out in any way it can, given the importance of the golf course to the local tourism industry.

» Dauphin Herald

MANITOBA

Keystone Agricultural Producers plans to lobby the provincial government tp allow specialty licence plates that would support mental wellness programs for farmers.

A resolution requesting the effort was passed at the organization’s July 24 advisory council meeting.

Money raised from the sale of the plates, if approved, would go toward Mantoba farmer Wellness, which launched in 2022. The program provides free, one-on-one counselling services for farmers and their families. Its clients are provided up to six free counselling sessions with mental health professionals who have connections with the agricultural industry.

According to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness website, 58 per cent of farmers describe having an anxiety disorder symptoms and 35 per cent with depression.

That’s why it’s important the licence plates spread the message about mentla health, said Roberta Galbraith, vice-chair of Manitoba Farmer Wellness.

“I think it’s awesome,” Galbraith said. “Anytime we can reduce stigma around mental wellness, I’m happy.”

Under the plan, a minimum of 1,000 plates would be ordered, which would provide approximately $30,000 to Manitoba Farmer Wellness when sold.

» Manitoba Co-operator

RIVERS

The class of 2025 is so excited to graduate next year, they are getting started early on fundraising for grad months in advance.

Kenzie McNish’s daughter Payton is graduating in 2025. Kenzie has done barbecues in the past during the Comets baseball games. She thought it would be a greaty idea to host a barbecue at a baseball game to start raising funds for the class of 2025 graduates.

She approached the baseball team and asked that if they made the playoffs, would they be OK with the grads holding a fundraiser at one of the home games. The team was more than happy to support.

“The 2025 grad committee won’t be put together until September when school starts, but I thought if we could get a head start on some fundraising, why not?” Kenzie said.

From there, the idea took off. The Senior Comets ran a beer garden alongside the barbecue, and with posts on social media and around town, there was a good turnout.

The class has gotten a jump start on collecting beer cans and bottles as a fundraiser too.

This year’s class consists of 29 potential graduates.

» Rivers Banner

VIRDEN

The largest and the smallest of horses showed off their beauty and talent at the Virden Draft Horse/Miniature Horse Show in Virden.

The two-day event ran on July 27-28 during fine weather that made it a pleasure for the audience and competitors alike.

Held on Virden Agricultural Society grounds, the show entertained possibly its largest audience to date, as the stands were comfortably full.

At the close of the day on Sunday, the announcer said this was one of the largest minaiture horse shows in Manitoba. About 40 miniature horses and some 80 draft horses were shown.

The Belgian provincial competition was held at the same time.