By Marianne Curtis

While the Wild Pink Yondermeandered its way throughout theregion, communities rose to theoccasion by planning a variety offundraisers or events that ensuredthat the first annual event was ahuge success. On September 10, a group of ridersand their horses dressed in pink hitthe trail for three weeks regardlessof the heat, wind, cold, rain and evenfrost. Along the trail the group wasjoined by police officers,businessmen, musicians,youngsters and anyone who wasinterested in raising funds for breastcancer research. The ride officially kicked off inMorden and meandered through theregion until the final stop October 1in Birds Hill Park. The trail coveredabout 265 miles and saw the groupriding through 28 communities. Pam Glover wants to thank each

Riders Blaze Trail of Pink in Supportof Breast Cancer Research

community and the many volunteers and participants that made thefirst Wild Pink Yonder ride in Manitoba so successful. Along the route, communities stepped forward and organized eventsincluding concerts, meals and accommodations for the livestock andriders. Most events also included a cheque presentation for CancerCare Manitoba with money that was raised locally through inventivefundraisers. Francisco De Santiago was one of the many riders that participatedin the ride. “I don’t know how many miles I have hauled my horses,but it has been a blast,” stated De Santiago. Southeast communities along the trail where the group visited includeNiverville, Landmark, Otterburne, St. Pierre, St. Malo, Grunthal,Kleefeld, St. Adolphe, Giroux, Steinbach, La Broquerie, Richer, Ste.Anne, Lorette, Dugald and Oakbank.

On the trail heading to Giroux with Wild Pink Yonder.

CMA Country star Julian Austin performed for the group in Kleefeld.

On October 1, Ten Thousand Villages celebrated itslandmark 65th year of crafting change around the worldthrough the sale of unique handicrafts. During a special anniversary event, Ten ThousandVillages stores and Festival Sales in Steinbach and acrossCanada celebrated with displays, videos, gift basket drawsand refreshments. Darlene Reimer, manager of Steinbach’s Ten ThousandVillages, was thrilled with the turnout for the anniversaryevent. “Ten Thousand Villages has been a presence inSteinbach for 36 years thanks to hundreds of volunteersfrom our community,” said Reimer. “It is very exciting tobe showcasing and celebrating our amazing history.” Ten Thousand Villages started 65 years ago when EdnaRuth Byler first brought Puerto Rican needlework to NorthAmerica in 1946. At the time, the term ‘Fair Trade’ did notexist. Her volunteer project to provide market access forartisans spearheaded the Fair Trade movement in NorthAmerica and eventually evolved into what has becomeTen Thousand Villages.

The City of Steinbach is looking for public input whenit comes to police protection services in the community. Just recently the Mayor’s Task Force of Public Safetyannounced they are looking to see if area residents wouldprefer a municipal police force instead of the RCMP. Michael Zwaagstra, chairperson for the Mayor’s TaskForce of Public Safety said the group is looking towardsthe future of policing in the community because of twosignificant factors. The first being, when the City’spopulation reaches 15,000 people it will cost the City ofSteinbach “substantially” to keep the RCMP. He alsonoted that next year the 20-year contract the city signedwith the RCMP is up for renewal so now would be a goodtime to look at other options. “We are looking at all aspectsof public safety, along with policing,” Zwaagstraexplained. Zwaagstra said the Task Force has already been doingtheir homework. Using Winkler as an example, he notedthat Winkler has successfully budgeted $1.9 million for16 officers for their municipal police force. “We pay $1.5million a year for 13 RCMP officers,” Zwaagstra added.“When you break the costs down per officer it is almostthe exact same, which we found interesting.” Once thecity’s population increases those costs are expected to

Ten ThousandVillages Celebrates

65 Years

Steinbach CouldDitch RCMP

Continued on page 3

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!2

Food Drive Nets Over 16,000 Lbs of Food

Dozens attended the South East Helping Hands Food Drive kickoff on September 23.

By Marianne Curtis

People interested in becoming fitness instructors have aneasily accessible avenue available to them now that EchoFitness and XCOMPANY Fitness have brought nationalfitness education giant, Canfitpro, to Steinbach. Owned and operated by Eddie Miller, XCOMPANY hasbeen offering community dance, martial arts and fitness inSteinbach for over 5 years, renting space at the Arts Centresince 1996. More recently the company choreographed theManitoba Games. “After all the awesome things we get to do here, we nowhave the chance to train the next batch of leaders,” saidMiller. By joining with Canfitpro, the Steinbach company willbring personal trainer and fitness instructor certificationcourses to the area at affordable rates. Canfitpro, a divisionof Canadian Fitness Professionals Inc. (1993), is a worldleader in certification and education of fitness professionals. “There are other certifications that can cost anywhere fromabout $600-$1500,” stated Miller, XCOMPANY director andCanfitpro Trainer. “Canfitpro courses are also the only onesto combine the Theory, Practical and Exams in one package– all for less than $400! This is an amazing opportunity we aproviding the communities we serve.” Also offered will be Physical Arts Instructor courses forDance, Martial Arts and Recreation Program Leaders. “SinceXCOMPANY teaches other physical arts, such as dance,we’re going to add additional training for those who needthe proper kinesiology training for teaching dance, physicalarts (ie. theatre) and martial arts,” Miller continued. Miller noted that while the course is designed for futureinstructors, members of the public can take the courses tolearn more about their body and how to exercise properlyand get maximum results. High school students are alsoinvited to consider the classes, especially if they areconsidering a career in fitness. “When you think of minimumwage jobs, a fitness instructor can make a lot more thanthat,” encouraged Miller. “This helps if you want to pay forcollege and have lots of time to study.” The next course for the Personal Training SpecialistCertifications will take place at Echo Fitness in Steinbach.Classes are taking place November 6, 13 and 20 with examsin January. This course has a maximum of twelve students,so contact XCOMPANY at (204) 470-5425 or register atcontact www.canfitpro.com.

Steinbach toBecome NationalTraining Centrefor Fitness Pros

The RM of Piney has found a wayto ensure that all recreation facilitieswithin their jurisdiction receivefunding without having to apply forindividual grants. According to council, theRecreation Plan was developed bythe RM of Piney’s RecreationCommittee to enable a cross sectionof the community recreation groupsto decide and develop plansspecifically for their districts. “The districts crossed wardboundaries and allowedcommunities the ability to worktogether and communicate witheach other in an open forum,” statedcouncil. The municipality is giving eachof three recreation districts $17,500to split between all recreationfacilities within each district for atotal of $52,500. District 1 includesfacilities and programs in Sprague,South Junction, and Middlebro.District 2 includes Badger, Piney,Vassar and Wampum. District 3consists of Woodridge, St. Labreand Carrick. The RM of Piney council hascommitted to maintaining this planas well as the grant program for thelength of the current term of council. A highlight of the recreation planwas the giving of a grant to theSprague and Area Arena Boardtowards to re-opening of the arenato both youth and adults alike. “Thiswill be the only enclosed arenawithin the municipality and willprovide a valuable asset to thecommunities,” council continued.The funds will be used to securethe building and provide funds formuch needed upgrades.

RecreationCommission

Established byPiney

The South East Helping HandsFood Drive is well under wayfollowing the Palmlite Pie EatingContest and the Farm Credit CanadaBBQ recently. On September 23, Farm CreditCorporation (FCC) hosted the DriveAway Hunger Kickoff Barbeque andPalmlite hosted a pie eating contest. For every $1 raised during thedrive, two pounds of food can bepurchased for the food bank. According to Wade Nerbas, fromFCC, the BBQ and donations at theevent amounted to 5,620 lbs of foodfor the food bank. The Palmlite PieEating contest raised 10,504 lbs offood. In addition, another 190 lbswas donated at the event for a grandtotal of 16,314 lbs. The kickoff barbeque officiallylaunched a major food driveinitiative that is expected to helpprepare the local food bank for abusy couple of months. Two moremajor food drives are planned forthe coming months. On October 12and 13 food can be dropped offthroughout the day. There are two main locationswhere donations of cash or foodcan be dropped off. Donations canbe left at either the FCC Office at330 Hwy 12 North or SoutheastHelping Hands food bank on MainStreet in Steinbach.

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 3

increase significantly, he noted. While initial start-up costs toestablish a municipal police forcewould need to be considered, thecost to either having RCMP or amunicipal force are comparable.However, the service could be tailormade to suit the City’s needs better.“With a municipal police force youhave more direct control over whothe leader is, how many officers thereare and the type of training weprovide,” Zwaagstra continued. The Task force is currentlycollecting feedback from the publicon the matter, before it writes a reportto present to the City of Steinbachcouncil for further consideration.

SteinbachRCMP

continued...Continued from page 1

By Marianne Curtis

From September 22 to 24 the East Borderland and Community Housing Committee hostedanother successful used book sale at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. The annual fall book sale has become a major fundraiser designed to help raise money fora proposed senior’s housing project to be built Sprague. Elsie Laing, chairperson for the East Borderland Community Housing project said proceedsfrom the book sale will be added to the funds already raised by the group. “We did very well– we had a really good turnout and we made over $3,000,” stated Laing. This was the thirdbook sale the group has organized over the past three years. The inaugural event raisedabout $3,000 and last year’s sale raised about $4,000. Over the past few years the committee has been trying to raise funds towards a seniorshousing project planned for Sprague, she explained. “We don’t have a concrete amount that we are trying to raise anymore,” Laing explained“Once the building is up there will be things we will want or need and that is what some of themoney will be used for.” It has been almost a year since the sod was turned to officially mark the start of constructionon the Sprague seniors’ project. The kickoff coincided with a $3.4 million fundingannouncement from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba. Additional seed fundingwas provided by CMHC in the form of a $10,000 interest-free loan and a $10,000 grant toassist during the initial project planning stages. However, construction has not started yet.“As of this week the project is still at the tendering process,” Laing stated. “We are gettingpretty anxious to get started already.” The entire project is composed of 12 personal care beds, 8 supportive units and 15 elderlyperson’s housing units. East Borderland Community Housing Inc. has taken responsibilityfor funding, constructing, and operating the Elderly Person’ Housing (EPH). The personalcare home part of the project is estimated to cost approximately $2.2 million.

Housing Book SaleNets $3,000

Residents and businesses in theRM of Ritchot could see an increasein sewer usage rates after themunicipality undertakes a study onwater usage and sewer services. At a recent meeting, Ritchotcouncil noted that the communitiesof St. Adolphe, Ile Des Chênes andSte. Agathe are all served by asewage lagoon but there are twodifferent ways of levying for waterand sewer. According to council the fixed ratestructure for sewer charges in St.Adolphe and Ile Des Chênes are notbased on water consumption or theamount of waste water going into thelagoons.

Ritchot to Undergo Rate Study “This rate structure does not encourageconservation of water and may place an added burdenof costs to the water utilities,” stated council. The RM of Ritchot council requested a proposal forservice to conduct a study of the water and sewerrates in each community. The study is expected torecommend a rate structure based on metered waterconsumption with the understanding that it will applyto all current residents and businesses and apply tofuture developments that expect to discharge waste inany of the municipality’s lagoons.

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!4

EMAIL YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT TO EDITOR@DAWSONTRAIL.CAOR FAX 204-422-8548

COMMUNITY EVENTSSte. AnneSte. Anne Parish Fundraising Supper will be held on Sunday, October 30. It will run from 4 pm to 7 pm inthe Ste. Anne Immersion School Gymnasium. Supper will consist of spaghetti and meatballs, homemadegarlic bread, Caesar salad and dessert. Cost: 12 years and up - $10; 6-11 years - $5; under 6 – free.Everyone is welcome!! For more info, call Parish Office at 422-8823.

Paradise VillageOld Time Dance will be Saturday, Oct. 22 from 7:30 – 11:30 p.m. at the Paradise Village Rec.Hall. FrazerRiver Boys Band will be there for everyone’s enjoyment! Advance Tickets only, and the cost is $12. Lunchwill be available. Please contact Fred or Carol at 422-6847.

SteinbachSteinbach Legion Cribbage at the Steinbach Legion will take place on Friday, October, 21, November 4,November 18, and December 9. Game registration is at 7:00 pm and games start at 7:30 pm. Cost to playis $5/person. Come join us for a great evening that includes snacks & a night lunch. We hope to see youthere!

Call your friends and neighbours and join us for a fun day at the Casinos. Pick up in Steinbach is at 8:30a.m. and at Paradise Village at approximately 9:00 a.m. Must be 18 years of age or older. There will be prizesand cash for everyone. There will also be bingo on the bus. Call Marilyn at 326-4939 for date informationand to reserve your seat on the bus. The next scheduled trips are October 11th, November 8th, and December13th.

RicherSeine River Services for seniors is happy to fund an exercise program, Steppin’ Up with Confidence, in Richeron Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. It will take place immediately following Tai chi in the Richer SchoolGym. It will be held on Wednesday evenings throughout the year. This is offered free for all seniors fromRicher and seniors from surrounding communities are welcome as well.  Steppin’ Up with Confidence isa peer-led exercise program that encourages older adults to improve overall health and well-being bybecoming more physically active. You can join us anytime throughout the year so please come and havefun. Trained instructors are Marie Courcelles and Pauline Fontaine and they are anxious to see you all there.To register or for more information please call Juliette Rowan at 204-424-5575 (Resource Coordinator).

St. AdolpeSt. Adolphe Parish 2011 fall supper will take place on October 16 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Pioneer Hallin the St. Adolphe Arena. Cost for people 13 years and over is $12. Children 6 – 12 years $6 and childrenunder 5 years are free! There are no reservations! Tickets are only sold at the door!

NivervilleThe Niverville Senior Clippers Halloween Social will be on Saturday, October 29 at the St. Adolphe Hall, 45Hebert Drive. There will be a prize for best costume! Tickets are only $10. Please contact a member of thesenior clipper team or Megan Koop at 228-4031

Ile Des ChenesIle des Chenes 26th Annual Fall Supper will be at the NEW Recreation Hall, South on Hwy 59 – (LagimodiereBlvd). It is in Support of Seine River Minor Baseball and will take place on Sunday, October 16 from 3:00pm – 7:30 pm. Adults are $12, Seniors (65 & up) $10, Students $10, Children 4-10 are $ 5 and 3 & Underare FREE. The meal includes – Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, sweet & sour meatballs,perogies, coleslaw, salad, buns and all the trimmings. Also includes – coffee, tea, juice and dessert. Emailyvettebernat@hotmail.com for more info or call 878-2661.

GeneralThe Super Start program is a healthy baby program run through South Eastman Health. This is a programfor pregnant women and families with infants up to one year of age. Each session includes a song and rhymetime, discussions, and games on topics related to healthy babies and healthy moms. We offer a door prizeand a nutritious snack. In addition, we have milk coupons for expectant mothers and mothers who havebabies up to six months of age who participate in the program. This month, our session will be held on…Thursday, Oct 6 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at the Blumenort EMC Church.Tuesday, Oct 11 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the 4th Ave. Bible Church, Niverville.Wednesday, Oct 12 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at Ste. Anne Dayspring Fellowship.Thursday, Oct 13 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at Village Oaks, Kleefield.Tuesday, Oct 18 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. at the East Borderland Primary Healthcare Centre, Sprague.Thursday, Oct 20 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. in the St. Pierre Health Corner, 354 Prefontaine Ave.Tuesday, Oct 21 from 10 a.m - 12 p.m. in the Ste. Agathe Hall.Wednesday, Oct 26 from 10 a.m – 12 p.m at the Community services building (next to the Pharmacy) inLorette.For more information please call terry from super start at 346-7021 or just drop in.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Do you have an ongoing or chronic health condition? GetBetter Together may be your answer. Get Better Together is a FREE 6-week program to help you live betterwith your ongoing or chronic health condition. In this interactive group setting, you will learn to take controlof your health and: manage pain, deal with fatigue & frustration, increase your energy levels, set and meetyour goals. You will also learn ways to solve problems and make better choices, talk to your doctor and careprovider. They also cover eating well to live well, starting an exercise programand so much more. Get Better Together will be offered starting in mid to late October 2011 in the followingcommunities: Niverville, Steinbach, Sprague, St. Malo and Vita.For more information and to register, please call the South Eastman Health Healthy Living Facilitator at(204) 346-7001.

By Marianne Curtis

The RM of Piney has been working hard on establishing anumber of policies and fee rates for residents using municipallandfills and now that they are complete, the new regulationsare effective immediately. One of the most significant changes comes in the form of alandfill tipping fee policy recently adopted by council to controland charge large volumes of garbage entering the landfills. “The purpose is to levy the fees on dumping in a way toreduce, as well as to supplement, the newly established dumpreserve fund that will off-set future costs of waste disposalgrounds construction,” stated council. Fees range from $0 to $50 for residents and $40 to $200 forbusinesses depending on the size of the load and its content.These fees are expected to be paid at the municipal office beforethe loads arrive at a particular landfill site. The RM of Piney council also acknowledged an increase inrecyclable materials being brought into their facilities. “Thiswill reduce our effect on the environment, help manage costsfor the municipality and put more money back into themunicipality,” council noted. One of the biggest issues that came into play while councilreviewed dumping policies was the matter of sorting materialcoming into the sites. An incident earlier this summer forcedthe municipality to look at stricter enforcement after a propanetank disposed of incorrectly unexpectedly exploded. “All waste entering the dump sites must be sorted in order tobe dumped,” council stressed. “Attendants will be asking anditems not sorted will not be allowed to be dropped off.” To ensure control and proper disposal of household andcommercial waste and for safety reasons, the municipality isalso cracking down on unlawful dumping and landfill access. A $500 fine will also be levied against people entering anymunicipal landfill site outside of regular hours of operation. Afine of $1,000 will also be levied against anyone dumpinggarbage in a location that is not a landfill site.

RM of Piney CleansUp Dump Policy

By Marianne Curtis

On September 16, the RM of Stuartburn officially opened theirnew municipal transfer station with a grand opening ceremony. Located at the RM of Stuartburn landfill site, the new transferstation is expected to benefit residents within the municipality,explained Jennifer Blatz, RM of Stuartburn administrator. “Weknew that if we continued to use our regular household garbagecell, eventually we would have to cap it and build a new one,”explained Blatz. “The cost to build a new cell would have beenconsiderably more than the cost to build a transfer station.” The RM of Stuartburn decided to build a transfer stationinstead of building a new cell in the municipality landfill in orderto cut down liabilities and to keep financial costs down. “Thereare more environmental liabilities that come from havinghousehold garbage cells as opposed to a transfer station wherewe simply haul it away,” continued Blatz. Garbage brought intothe transfer station will be hauled away to the RM of Ritchot’smunicipal landfill. While the RM of Stuartburn intends to close their existinggarbage cell by the end of fall, service to residents is notexpected to change. “We still have all other designated areasfor things like recycling, old tires, scrap metal and pesticidecontainers,” Blatz added. Residents will not be charged for bringing regular garbage tothe transfer station, however tipping fees will be in effect forconstruction and demolition materials. The new transfer station cost the municipality about $70,000,but the construction of a new garbage cell would have set themunicipality back significantly more.

Stuartburn OpensTransfer Station

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 5

The Dawson Trail Dispatch is a monthly newspaperdistributed free of charge to

50 Southeastern Manitoba communities.Published by: One One Consultants Inc.

Box 308, Richer, MB R0E 1S0 Phone: (204) 422-8548 Fax: (204) 422-9768

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News Writers: Marianne Curtis, and Dan GuetreColumnists: Lee Guetre, Peter Friesen, Anni Markmann, Peter Martens,

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Canada Post AgreementNumber 42079020

Conventional wisdom says it is bad luck to mention the “r” word, recession. Reality says it would bedownright childish to ignore the signs. I, for one, would not waste a buck betting for or against the outcomeof this question; will or won’t we have a recession in the near future? The reasons why we are at such aprecarious point are very similar to 2008. People somewhere are living beyond their means and institutionalcollapse is imminent. If anything, it demonstrates in spades the fact that this is a global economy. In this case, the Greek, where democracy was born, has been collectively behaving in a very undemocraticfashion and, in retrospect, this has been going on for a while. They avoid paying their taxes as if it is anewfound birthright. They have been refining corruption since Plato wasknee high to a grasshopper. They are the ones that have been living waybeyond their means. They’re broke. Their banks are on life support. Theircountry earlier this year was bailed out to the tune of 100 million Euros,and their favorite pastime seems to be rioting. How much in dollars is 100million Euros you ask, one hell of a lot and then some. Next month theyneed another 10 million Euros to meet interest payments. If the remainderof the Euro countries balk at the bailout, this will be a catastrophe inTechnicolor compared to the Lehman Bros. bank collapse that kicked offthe 2008 recession. The Greeks’ collapse is going to be a hard fix, here is why. The EuropeanCommon Market has 27 countries, of which 17 use the Euro as theircurrency. All of these 17 countries retain national control over their laws,including finances. Supposedly they ceded some fiscal and monetary rightto a Central European Bank, but in practice this is wishful thinking,platitudes instead of action is the everyday political reality. Now the richEuropean countries could bail out the Greeks and I suppose they couldextract serious austerity conditions, but each of these countries must gainapproval for a bailout through their Parliament and so far 9 have approved grudgingly. Now the world willwait with bated breath for eight more “yah”s. If it comes to pass, and it is a big “if”, this will only alleviatethe disaster till the next interest payment is due. To go through this exercise every three months is to beg fora more streamlined procedure in the face of tough political terrain. Otherwise, the markets will continue tolimp in a constant state of apprehension. There is some noise in Europe about returning to individual state currencies, but that would create worseproblems. For instance, a new Greek currency would have the value of Monopoly money with their debt stillin Euros, and a new German Currency would appreciate so quickly and at such high levels that its largeexport economy would suffer a serious contraction. Every other Euro country would suffer some of thefallout, especially Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Italy and France as these countries have high but still manageabledebt. But, if the stock markets crash, and that’s what a Greek default would do, the European banks will takean unbearable hit and any amount of monetary reason will disappear in the ensuing panic. Any country witha high debt load will see economic contraction, less tax revenue and harder to service debt. The problem for Canadians is that our banks are somewhat insulated, but not completely. To underscorethe point, who hasn’t seen the fluctuation in the markets in the last couple of days. They, the banks and themarkets, are tied to the world economy, as we are a trading community we could not begin to insulateourselves. Furthermore, our biggest trading partner is stuck at 10 percent unemployment and debt levelstoo high to maintain without an increase in taxes, with their perpetual political game stuck in overdrive.American leadership is suffering gridlock that defies common sense, the only activity is the constant oozingof useless ideology. Both of their political parties behave as if they hope to be fatally toxic to each other anda rump group named the Tea Party is behaving like a fanatical right wing Taliban with nothing but jihad ontheir atrophied minds. If that diabolic rump of the Republican Party controls the next Presidency, I supposea recession would only be our second worst problem. It would be easy and simplistic for all countries concerned to institute austerity measures to reduce debtbut then the economies would shrink, taxes decline and debt in turn would go up. Government interventionbecomes the name of the game. The question is which job creations are smart expenditures, and which onesare strictly political expediency. This is where one only gets to see the results after the fact. I give Canadaa better chance than most for a manageable outcome, but this will not be a free ride. My hat is off to thosewho will agonize over the tough choices ahead. In Europe there will be very few winners, the best to hopefor is manageable losses. And manageable losses when money is concerned is an oxymoron. This underscores the value, or lack of same, of all the promises made by provincial parties in all provincialelections going on at this time, circumstances will annul these wishful promises. Again, if you have a job beware of greener grass, it may be a costly illusion.

Dear Editor: War is dreadful whether it’s in Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else, and it’s even frightful showing whatthe tools of war can do. I think back to some years ago when my wife and I visited an army display tent inWinnipeg and, looking at a long, ugly, army knife, I remarked to a soldier on duty, “Surely you wouldn’t use thaton people.” He pushed the knife between my heart and my stomach (the outside, good thing) and remarked,“Oh yes, we would; to us they’re just the enemy.” (Just imagine, if you can, what actually happens in a nuclearwar.) On the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s words are immortalized, “I haveseen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded... I have seen the dead in the mud. I haveseen cities destroyed... I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war. It is my hope and prayer that we fellow human beings, from whatever nation, on a planet spinning throughspace (literally) will learn to hate war as much as FDR did, and seek peace and reconciliation before the brutality,the insanity of war, takes over. As Ulysses S. Grant, civil war general and later president of the U.S.A., has putit, “There never was a time when, in my opinion, some way could not be found to prevent the drawing of thesword.”Yours sincerely,Stan PennerLandmark, MB

Together with Canada’s Governor General, David Johnston, I had therecent privilege of paying tribute to police and peace officers who havelost their lives in the line of duty. Over 2,000 people gathered on Parliament Hill on September 25th for theAnnual Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Service, includingmany active officers from around the country. I was touched to see theoutpouring of support and gratitude towards those who work tirelessly tokeep our families and communities safe. Three weeks ago, we marked the tenth anniversary of the tragic eventsof September 11, 2001, recalling the many first responders and heroes whowalked into danger to save the lives of others. On September 25th, we alsoreflected on those who lost their lives while simply performing their dailyjobs. Each one represents a loss — a loss to their families, to their colleaguesand to our society. As part of the Service, 51 names were added to the Canadian Police andPeace Officers’ Memorial. Four of those officers lost their lives in the lastyear; while 47 others are being added to our historical record. This memorial stands as an enduring reminder of their dedication andtheir sacrifice. There are now more than 820 names etched in its glasspanels — etched in our national memory. We remember all of them asheroes.As we reflect on their achievements and read their names, we ensure thatthey will not be forgotten. We ensure that a part of them will live on. Aspolice and peace officers do in Canada every day, these fallen stood for usagainst those who would do our country and our communities and ourfamilies harm. The site of the Memorial, on Parliament Hill, is a fitting one. After all, it iswithin the walls of these buildings that laws are passed to support policeofficers in their duties. I urge the NDP Opposition to do the right thing andpass the important legislation that will help keep our streets and communitiessafer. Legislation that imposes tougher penalties on those who attack ourchildren, those involved in organized crime, and legislation that eliminateshouse arrest for serious and violent offences, to name but a few of theimportant measures being blocked by the NDP. No more NDP delays. No more NDP excuses. It’s time for action. It’s theleast we can do. Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issuesyou would like to discuss. You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762. You may writemy office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@parl.gc.ca.

Honoring OurFallen Police

and PeaceOfficers

Hang On to Your Day Job

I Hate War!

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!6

Philippians 2:3-7 ... 3) Do nothingout of selfish ambition or vainconceit, but in humility considerothers better than yourselves. 4) Eachof you should look not only to yourown interests, but also to the interests of others. 5) Your attitude should be thesame as that of Christ Jesus: 4) Who, being in very nature God, did notconsider equality with God something to be grasped, 7) but made himselfnothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.(NIV 1984) When I think about the idea of modeling my life unconditionally in faithfulnessto God ... it is a little overwhelming to say the least. Immediately I think aboutmy shortcomings and wonder what unfavorable effects it has on my familymembers, friends and people who are observers. I often find myselfcommunicating a double standard. I say to myself that is part of being human.Nevertheless, we cannot ignore the real world around us. We must ask thequestion, “What about our/my failures?” How do they blend with the goal ofbeing a good Christian role model? Could it be possible that our so-calledfailures might actually hinder the whole modeling process? Could it be possiblethat because of our so-called failures we will actually be drawn closer to God?Interesting thoughts: I like the idea of being drawn closer to God because weknow that is where we find strength. Paul, the apostle, instructs us not to be selfish. He goes on to say that we arenot to live just to make an exaggerated inflated impression on others. But to behumble, thinking that others might really be better than us. We are not simplyto think about our own affairs. We are to show an interest in others, too, and inwhat they are doing. We must make an effort to be like Jesus Christ who, afterall, was God. However, He did not demand and hold fast to His rights as God.He laid aside His authority and majesty, taking the place of a slave and becominglike us. As Christians, we have the power to love others. Our heart’s desire must befilled with good-will which never knows nastiness and never searches forsomething that is hurtful. I believe this is not the reaction of our human natureor our heart’s desire; it is more than that. It is a victory achieved by our faith inJesus Christ to love not only those who love us or those who are lovable. Hereis the hard part – to love those who hate us, to love those that I do not alwayslove. I must try my best to love those who do not love me. This is the realmeaning of the life of a Christian and this will follow us here on earth as well asin heaven. Are we able to understand that Jesus gave up of all heaven’s glory willinglyuntil there was nothing left so that He could become a human-being? He gaveup His divine being to take on Himself the likeness of our earthly being. I darenot ask how this was done. I dare not say that I understand all that happened.I only stand in wonder at the very sight of Jesus who was almighty God,hungry and exhausted and in tears; that is beyond my understanding. The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote the Scripturelesson which we have studied. Paul’s whole life was a lesson in self-denial andservanthood. Is it not true though that visible self-denial sets in motion powerfulhuman instincts? It was true in Christ’s time and it is still true in our time.Especially when we are the ones who will benefit from such an experience;people who have learned the role of a servant become reliable. We all believe theself-denial that Paul is talking about has its beginning in the mind and heart ofus all. Christ did not consider His equality with God something He had tostruggle with. Instead, He took the very nature of a servant, going so far as toactually die a criminal’s death on the Cross. We have raised numerous questions. On the foundation of what the ApostlePaul talked about, could you find a place in your heart for Jesus Christ? Is thereany reason why somebody would not want to trust Christ right now? It wasbecause of our human frailty, our human weakness, that God raise Christ up tothe heights of heaven and gave Him a name which is above every other name.Philippians 2:10-11 clearly teaches that at the name of Jesus every knee shallbow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. Every tongue shall confess thatJesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. Have a wonderful“Thanksgiving.” Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart.Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude needto change. I don’t have peace in my heart. I really want that peace, joy andhappiness that I long for. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind ofChristian that will bring honor to Your Name.” Amen.

ConsiderOthers

Better ThanOurselves

Anyone looking to park a truck in the Village of St. Pierre is beingadvised to keep an eye out for new signage that has cropped upthroughout the community. The Village of St. Pierre council recently approved a new bylawthat bans parking of vehicles over 4,500 kgs in weight, RVs, or semi-trailers of any size on all streets within the community. Thecommunity wide parking ban goes into effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.seven days a week. The only exception to the rule is if a semi-truck is loading orunloading.

St. Pierre Bans Overnight Parking

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 7

By Marianne Curtis

Three months after the RM of Ste. Anne cancelled itsmunicipal wide recycling program, Reeve Art Bergmannis pleased to report that a new program will soon be inplace. The RM of Ste. Anne recently signed an agreementwith Eastman Recycling Services in Steinbach. Underthe agreement, the company will provide recyclingservices every second Saturday. Recycling depots are also being set up in Giroux,Richer, La Coulee and near Paradise Village. “Recyclers in the area can have a depot to return theirproducts that will be recycled and we can actuallypromote the whole concept of recycling in ourmunicipality,” stated Bergmann. “We are taking out ofour general mil rate for this service and it is going to beavailable to all ratepayers.” The new service is expected to cost the RM of Ste.Anne about $1,000 per month. “We are going to committo this for about a year with the idea that it will grow andto see what kind of reception it will get in thecommunity,” Bergmann continued. “If the reception isgreat who knows where this program will end up.” The RM of Ste. Anne cancelled its recycling programat the beginning of July after it realized that it could not

Recycling ProgramReturns to Ste. Anne

Municipalitycontinue to offer the service without some financialplanning. Until ten months ago, Blue Sky Recyclingpicked up materials and did not charge themunicipality. The non-profit organization was runby Dawson Trail Opportunities using subsidiesfrom the government because it was providingemployment opportunities for handicappedindividuals. However, when the province shut downDawson Trail Opportunities, the recycling servicewas also affected. Soon afterwards, a private contractor stepped inand picked up recycling materials while doinggarbage pickup but when he approached themunicipality for fair compensation for the servicehe was refused. Because it affected his bottom line,his generosity stopped and the program came to acomplete standstill. The RM of Ste. Anne was then forced to come upwith a better solution after residents demanded thata system be re-established. “Our main difficultywas finding a way to provide a service that was thesame for all ratepayers,” Bergmann noted. “Youcannot ask one area to pay for a service that isenjoyed in another area.” The RM of Ste. Anne expects to see a small cashincentive coming into the municipality as a resultof setting up the program. While the municipalityhas received a small amount from the province overthe years, that amount is expected to increase onceEastman Recycling keeps track of the recyclingcoming in from the municipality. Until now, therebate received was minimal because residents weretaking their recycling to Steinbach and the creditwas not given to the municipality of origin.

The RM of Reynolds council ismoving toward becoming moreenvironmentally friendly by goingpaperless when it comes tomunicipal minutes andcorrespondence. Instead of accepting largevolumes of copied information thatis required for meetings, councilhas converted to laptopcomputers. To streamline theprocess further municipal staff hasbeen busy scanning meetinginformation, bylaws and otherrelevant information so thatcouncil can access the informationat a click of a button. “Our councilors have beenenthusiastic about entering an eraof new technology and help savethe environment at the same time,”stated council. To ensureconsistency to the system eachcouncilor has been supplied with alaptop including programs andaccessories. Cost for the switchover was $750 each for sevencouncilors and the reeve. The RM of Reynolds councilanticipates that the costs will berecouped through the reduction ofpaper costs, freight, photocopierfees and staff office time.

Nearly two dozen people came out to Piney when the East BorderlandHealth Centre hosted a wellness day in the community. The one-day eventtook place at the Piney Community Centre on September 8th. Entitled “Living Well Today”, attendees participated in several workshopson subjects including; how to keep mentally well as one ages, strokeprevention, and how to get better together as a community. There wasalso a session on harmony therapy, reading food labels and tobaccocessation.

Wellness DayHeld in Piney

There were a number of informative displays andvaluable information available to attendees.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

ReynoldsGoes

Paperless

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!8

By Marianne Curtis

A group proposing to build a youth camp in Hadashville will have to waituntil the middle of October before the RM of Reynolds council makes adecision on the matter. At a public meeting held on September 27, approximately 50 people metto discuss the proposal that could allow the establishment of a permanentyear-round Bible camp near Hadashville. When the proposal first crossedcouncil’s table a month ago there was some objection to the project but bythe end of the public meeting attitudes had changed significantly. George Hill, General Manager of Living Bible Explorers, was pleased bythe positive feedback from the community. “This was a real surprise to us as we expected some heated opposition,but I see this was a direct result of correct information given throughoutthe community over the past month and also that we put our plans andvision in writing for the residents at the meeting,” stated Hill. Living Bible Explorers is a ministry for children with over 15 years ofsuccessful camping programs. The camp proposed would bring childrenages 6-16 to a camp facility in Hadashville where they can develop long-term relationships and learn an appreciation for the area, facility andenvironment. Walter Loewen, applicant and owner of the property, confirmed that thegroup plans to lease the land to the Living Bible Explorers for ten yearsbefore transferring the land to the organization. If approved, the camp willbe established on 110 acres of land – only ten acres will be used for theactual campsite. “The site is well forested and ideal for recreational purposes – namely, acampsite for children,” Loewen told council. “The camp, in my opinion,can’t help but enhance the quality of life in the area and make a positivecontribution to the development of the Hadashville district.” Plans include a large 5,000-8,000 square foot lodge that will be the centreof all camp activity approximately 300 to 400 meters from the WhitemouthRiver. Six cabins will eventually be located in a semi circle close but somedistance from the Lodge. Several other buildings to be used for teachingwill be added along with several homes for staff members will be built. After council heard reports in favor of the project from project leaders, anumber of RM residents stood up and addressed the meeting with positiveand supportive statements for the building of the camp. “The main theme was that people were in favor of the positive impact thecamp would have on children,” recalled Hill. “There were a few questionsrevolved around the structure of the camp programs for young people,with concerns about discipline, curfews, noise levels and all were addressed– nothing was tabled.” The RM of Reynolds council closed the meeting with “no opposingsubmissions”. A decision will be made by council to either approve ordeny the application at the October 13 meeting of council.

Reynolds Delays BibleCamp Decision

On September 24, Steinbach RCMP received multiple complaints ofvandalized vehicles in the area of Kroeker Avenue, Hanover Street, HenryStreet, Elmdale Street, and Barkman Avenue. Numerous vehicles werevandalized, windows broken and tires slashed. Police believe this mayhave occurred between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the person orpersons responsible for these offences. If you have any information, youare asked to contact the Steinbach RCMP at (204) 326-4452 orCrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) orwww.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your messageto Crimes (274637).

VehiclesVandalized in

Steinbach

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 9

By Marianne Curtis

On September 12 a lone loon wasspotted on the ground behind theRM of Tache office in Lorette bylocal residents. After numerousunsuccessful attempts at corneringthe bird, the group of goodintentioned residents eventuallymanaged to capture it further westnear the Dawson Trail Motor Inn. “We’ve been trying to catch himfor the past hour already,” stated oneof the rescuers. “We don’t knowwhat to do with it. We tried someplaces but because it’s not anendangered species no one willhelp.” At this point the bird wasexhausted, its feet were bleeding andit appeared unable to fly. Unsure ofwhat to do next the group put thebird in the ditch and prepared to letnature take its course. However, fateintervened when I happened uponthe scene and remembered a placecalled the Manitoba WildlifeRehabilitation Organization. The Manitoba WildlifeRehabilitation Organization wasfounded in 1984 and a few years agothe centre adopted the name ofWildlife Haven RehabilitationCentre – around the same time asthe facility relocated to Ile DesChênes. Reesa Atnikov, Centre Supervisorfor Wildlife Haven RehabilitationCentre, was on hand when Idelivered the injured bird –nicknamed “Dawson” – to thefacility. I quickly learned that whilefinding a loon in Lorette was anoddity, the bird could have crashlanded on the street thinking it waslanding in water. “Loons sometimes land on ahighway thinking it is a river –unfortunately they are unable totake off again unless they are inwater, which is why this loon couldnot fly away,” explained Atnikov.After being admitted into the Centre,wild animals are subjected to anexam and given whatever treatmentrequired before being released backinto the wild. “We admit over 1,700 animals peryear and accept all native Manitobanbird and reptile species, as well asmost mammals,” explained Atnikov.“We rely on private donations andmemberships, as well as somecorporate sponsors.” Throughout most of the year thefacility employs only one full-time

There are over 60 programs at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre – ages 3-99!Free dance classes - Try any dance class free until October 15th at SoutheastSchool of Dance: Dress Up Song & Dance, Hop N Bop, Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Urban Ballet. For Teens: Youth Pops and Pop Dance. 2 for 1 specials onnow for Ballet, Ballet Technique, Hip Hop and Creative Tap.Backyard Theatre - Offers Actors Playhouse, Dress Up Drama, Acting Exploration,and Extreme Acting.Visual Arts - Photography, A Taste of Art for Teens, Watercolor, Pottery, JewelryMaking, Acrylics, Art Exploration, Structured Drawing. Meet monthly forPhotography Club or Tuesday mornings for Southeast Artists Group.

Starting in OctoberCommunity Programs: Arts for Tots Pre-school Program, French and Spanishlanguage classes, Social Dance, Belly Dance, Kids in the Kitchen and CreativeCooking. Detailed information and a lineup of lesson plans for classes can beviewed on our website www.steinbachartscouncil.ca.Wellness: Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Body Pump, Stability Ball – opened extra classesnow!Music classes: Manitoba Conservatory of Music: voice, piano, theory and violin.New! Accordian lessons: call Art Rempel 326-4610. User Groups - Southeastern Manitoba Music Teachers, Southeastern ManitobaFestival, Welcome Kindermusik – for parents and children, ages 2-6. Demo day isNovember 19. For more info email rfkindermusik@gmail.com. Eastman ChoralAssociation, and xcompany – hip hop, breakdance, jazz, zumba and more! Formore info go to www.xcompany.net. Get Dancing - Try social dancing with your partner free until October 15th,Thursdays at Friedesnfeld Community Centre, 8:15-9:15pm. It’s more than aboutdance – it’s an evening out socializing, and time with your partner. Learn Cha Cha,Waltz and the West Coast Swing and more. Call 346-1077 to register, or just go toFriedensfeld to try it. Mark your calendars for SAC’s Café Night on November 5. This year’s coffeehouse will be held at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre and will feature TheLiptonians. They will be performing songs from their brand new album Let’s AllMarch Back to the Sea, which was nominated for a Western Canadian MusicAward. NEW! School of Rock at SAC - Steinbach Arts Council’s initiative to encouragestudents to write songs and learn music takes on a new form in song writingworkshops playfully called School of Rock. Band members Matt Schellenbergand Bucky Driedger from the Liptonians will be hosting the first songwritingworkshop on Saturday, 10am-4 pm: call to register 346-1077. Christmas Art Show & Sale on November 5 at Clearspring Mall featuring ourSoutheast Artists Group. A most unique Christmas shopping experience, with aselection of paintings, photography and pottery to choose from, all created bylocal artists.

On now at the Hall Gallery Expressions: Exploring Mental Health Recovery through Art. Featuring localartists until November 4. SAC is pleased to join with community mental healthpartners in presenting this exhibit. (Next month - Out and About by Kevin Friesen,photographer – November 9 to January 6. Opening night: Wednesday, November9 at 7 pm. Toonie donations are gratefully accepted, and refreshments will beserved.)Exciting Saturday Workshops - Ring Making on October 8 and Wood Signmakingon November 12. For more details: www.steinbachartscouncil.ca, 346-1077.Looking for homes - The Christmas Home Tour and Tea (November 27) isSAC’s most heartwarming collaboration with the community. Looking for homesof all shapes and sizes to showcase! Please emailmarketing@steinbachartscouncil.ca or call. We are also looking for committeemembers to help plan this fun event!

A Rescue for the Birds

Found hobbling along Dawson Road in Lorette this loon, nicknamed Dawson, had littlechance of survival.

Twenty-four hours later, thanks to the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre, Dawson wasdeclared healthy and returned to the wild.

person on staff and relies heavilyon volunteers to help. “The centrealso has an education program thatallows us to visit many schools andevents throughout the year with oneor more of our seven non-releasableRaptors, teaching them aboutManitoba’s wildlife and how best wecan coexist,” Atnikov continued. So what happened to the loon?Well, when I contacted the WildlifeHaven Rehabilitation Centre the nextday I was told that while the bird

suffered injuries to its feet similar tohaving toenails clipped too short, ithad no other injuries. Atnikov hadalready released it. “We took him to the Red River –when we let him go. He called onceand then dove under the surfaceand was gone,” Atnikov stated.“This was another successfulrescue and release.” For more information on thefacility or to volunteer visit atwww.wildlifehaven.ca.

Explore Your Creative Side!

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!10

As a renewable energy business owner, I wanted to know the truthabout the payback on my geothermal system. I spent $22,000 and installeda 3-ton open loop system for my home five years ago. I calculated, basedon my previous hydro budget, that I had saved about $892.00. I took offthe cost of forced air electric andestimated a 19-year paybackperiod. I was told my geothermalsystem should last 20 years. Thissummer the blower fan broke inthe geothermal system. I thoughtit would be fixed “noproblem”...wrong! I found out, toolate, that the blower fan is acomputer programmed part withinmy geothermal system AND thereis no one who can fix it! It was 40 Celsius in my house and not only couldnobody fix it, but there where also no parts available anywhere in CANADA!Apparently you can only buy it from the manufacturer. I had to spend$900 and wait a week for it to come in. Our costs would have been more ifwe had paid someone else to install it, but we did it ourselves instead.(Please note that this can void the warranty on your system!) If you add ina pump replacement cost of $900 every five years then your paybackperiod jumps to 23 years. This goes three years beyond what the normallife expectancy of my system is. There are some other things not usually mentioned when you get ageothermal system. The warranty for my electric blower, for example, wasonly 2 years. They did not point out that for open loop systems the powerconsumption needs for the water pump are greater. They also don’t mentionthat other things in your home that run at the same time as your pumpcause extra strain on the pump, causing premature failure. Most geo-thermal systems today are oversized for your needs and run at a highercost, so that you end up spending more on Hydro after one is installedthan before. I spoke to a friend of mine who had his electric forced airfurnace replaced with a geo system four years ago. He replaced it with aclosed loop, 8-ton system and now pays about $80 dollars more in thewinter than previously. The heat production from my geothermal systemin the winter is adequate until -30 Celsius; below that temperature theelectric back up heater needs to come on to supplement the heatrequirements (average 5 to 8 times per year in -30 C). Another con is thatgeothermal systems are more noisy than electric or solar thermal heatingsystems. I do enjoy the great cooling in the summer though, and my geosystem is cheaper to run than regular air conditioners. Before considering geo-thermal for your heating and cooling systemneeds there are some things you should check out. Find out EVERYTHINGconcerning the warranty on your system and the attached parts. Knowwhat else in the house needs to run at the same time as your geothermalsystem? Does this particular geothermal system have parts and servicereadily available in your area? What is the total power consumption of theproposed unit? If buying a home with a geothermal system already installed,find out if it is an open or closed loop system. Have any parts in thesystem been replaced? Does the system have a soft start on it to limitpower surges and prolong the life of the pump? My 5-year-old system didnot so I installed a power saver on my main panel and I am now saving 25percent more. Who is making the money from these systems if we don’tuse consumption cost saving techniques? I spoke to an installer aboutjust that. He said that he sold over $350,000 worth of geothermal systems.After buying equipment, paying for extra contractors and extra trips to theproperties for warranty work, delays in parts arriving, he made only $20,000profit. So if we are not saving and the installer is not earning (much), thenwho is? Maybe it’s those companies who make geothermal heat pumpswith ONLY proprietary parts? Comment or Questions? Join the conversation at www.greening-my-world.blogspot.com.

Does Geothermalhave Payback?

A number of rural municipalities are upset with the provincial governmentafter they were unexpectedly forced to become responsible to maintainmain market roads. In early July, the RM of Piney was one of several municipalities notifiedby the province that the province had spent their total allotment of moneyfor maintaining all main market roads. A main market road is a provincialgravel road that is maintained by the province instead of the municipality.In many cases, it is the only road that makes rural communities accessible. The municipality has several main market roads that are the only waythrough communities such as Carrick, St. Labre, and Woodridge. “These roads have historically been maintained by the provincialdepartment of highways,” noted RM of Piney council. The RM of Pineystrongly opposed the decision to be charged with the care and maintenanceof said roads due to their already limited budget resources. After lengthy discussions with concerned municipalities, the provincehas offered to do minimal maintenance on these roads until the end of theyear.

Farm Roads Dumpedin Municipalities

By Marianne Curtis

On September 18 the second annual “Visit the Farm”event took place with over 40 farms participating,which drew hundreds of people out to see howdifferent farms operate. The annual open houseprovided a rare opportunity for the public to spendtime with a farm family and learn more about farmingand rural life. Lesley Gaudry, Economic Development Officer forthe RM of De Salaberry, commends this uniqueopportunity to see firsthand where our food comesfrom. “More than 40 farms participated across theprovince. That offered a range of agricultureoperations so there was something for everyone,”stated Gaudry. “Participating farms included fruit andvegetable producers, crops and livestock such as

On September 11, Steinbach RCMP received areport of a break and enter which occurred five milessouth on Kokomo Road in the RM of La Broquerie.The incident occurred between the hours of 9:00 a.mand 11:30 p.m. Police attended the scene and observeda large amount of jewelry was stolen from theresidence along with a .22 caliber rifle, two sets ofgolf clubs, medications and a large quantity ofalcohol. Police are asking for the public’s assistance inlocating the subjects responsible. If you have anyinformation you are asked to contact the SteinbachRCMP at (204) 326-4452 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.manitobacrmestoppers.comor text “TIPMAN” plus your message to Crimes(274637).

Second Annual Visit the FarmDay a Huge Success

cattle, bison, alpaca and equine farms, dairy producers,agriculture museums and agri-tourism operations.” In addition to Open Farm Day, there was also a “Supperfrom the Field” meal. This event drew over 200 people to partake in a fallsupper style meal at the Mennonite Heritage Village inSteinbach. Visitors were treated to a fall supper thatconsisted of locally grown food but also celebrated localcuisine prepared by a team of chefs from throughoutthe region. Any proceeds from the “Supper from the Field” willgo towards supporting the growth of agri-tourism andregional cuisine initiatives in Eastman. Donations willalso be made to South East Helping Hands Food Bankand the Canadian Culinary Federation Scholarship fund.

The RM of De Salaberry and St.Pierre-Jolys Handi TransitCommittee is one step closer topurchasing a secondary vehicle afterreceiving a recent grant. The organization recently receiveda $10,000 grant from the MobilityDisadvantaged TransportationProgram. The grant will be used to helppurchase of a mini-van with a lift tohelp assist with better handi-transitservice delivery in the region.

Thieves Walk Away with Loot

De Salaberry Gets Grant

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 11

For the first time in the history of Lorette soccer, the Lorette Bombers made it to the city finals. On October 1, the U9 Girls Soccer team participated in the City championships, according to Coach Allison Fox.“The convener of soccer here in Lorette said that she can’t remember when a Lorette team has made it to CityChamps,” stated Fox. Proud father Greg Fast said that the girls did very well in their first showing against Winnipeg teams. “The girlsplayed great but we ended with a second,” stated Fast. “They did win by going this far and we are all so proud.” The Lorette Bombers finished the game with a score of 2 to 1.

Lorette Girls Take onWinnipeg Teams

The Lorette Bombers was the first soccer team from the community to make it to the city finals since the club started.

On September 26 the community’s DARE program receivedsupport when the Steinbach Rotary Club held its annualDARE Luncheon. At the luncheon Constable Kevin Wynn, the communityliaison officer for the Steinbach RCMP, was congratulatedfor his role in getting the program into every school withinthe reach of the Steinbach detachment. “I get a lot out of the program,” Wynn explained. “Kidscome up to me months later and talk to me and they aresharing the information they have learned with their familyand friends – it’s incredible to have that impact.” The DARE program, which stands for Drug AbuseResistance Education, is a 17-week program, lead by anRCMP officer. It focuses on various issues pertaining topeer pressure, fighting violence, along with drug and alcoholabuse. Rotary club President-elect David Rafeedie said thecommunity also needs to be congratulated. “D.A.R.E. wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for our communitysupporting us and being very generous in that support,”Rafeedie stated. Hanover School Division superintendent Ken Klassen feelsthat the payoff to having the program throughout the divisionhas been “immeasurable”. “There are no statistics showing that the program isworking, but we know that it is from talking to the students,”

South Eastman Health was forced to recently revisit thetendering process for the Bethesda Hospital Emergency Roomafter there was little response to tender calls. According to John Stinson, CEO for South Eastman Health,the board decided to split the tenders for the Bethesda HospitalEmergency Room construction project because there was “littleresponse” to the initial call for tenders. The original project includes the renovation of the main floorof the Community Services Building into a temporaryemergency room and for the actual emergency room projectitself. Once the board split the tender into two parts theresponse improved. “We tendered out the renovation of the main floor of thecommunity services building – that tender is now closed andwe received six bids,” Stinson explained. The board must nowdiscuss the tenders with Manitoba Health before a finalagreement is made. Once it is approved construction can begin. When the temporary emergency room is operational,construction is expected to begin on the emergency roomexpansion within the main hospital, Stinson noted. “A pre-qualification is expected to take place in October withthe actual tender to soon follow,” Stinson added. The boardhopes to see construction begin early in February. South Eastman Health hopes that the newly expandedEmergency room will be open by the fall of 2013 at the latest. Meanwhile, construction on the Ste. Anne Hospital has alsobeen delayed by several weeks because work performed byManitoba Hydro and the installation of piles has been delayed.

By Marianne Curtis

The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary is hoping to continuethe success of their spring book sale by adding an equallysuccessful fall book fair to their fundraising activities. Over three days starting October 20, the ladies of the BethesdaAuxiliary will be holding their second “Fall Book Faire” at theClearspring Centre in Steinbach. Thousands of gently usedbooks are expected to find new homes while money is raisedfor the organization. Spokesperson Verna Thiessen is anticipating anothersuccessful sale. “We have books left over from our spring saleso we thought that we would hold another one,” explainedThiessen. “We are also looking for newer donations.” Donations of books, records, tapes, magazines, puzzles, andgames will be gratefully accepted until the week of the sale.While most types of reading material will be accepted, the groupwill not accept encyclopedias, weekly magazines, videos, DVDsand Condensed Reader’s Digests. Donations can be brought to the Clearspring Centre onTuesday and Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thedrop-off location is in the mall in the former SAAN Storeslocation. There is also a drop off bin at Sobey’s. Funds raised during the sale will go towards the purchase ofa resuscitation unit for Bethesda Hospital’s recovery unit. Theresuscitation unit will cost $40,000. During this past year’s spring book sale the group raisedover $15,000 which enabled the purchase of a new gamma probewhich is used primarily for sentinel lymph node mapping whichmakes breast cancer detection less invasive. Over the years the Bethesda Hospital Auxiliary hassuccessfully raised well over $350,000 towards the purchaseof needed medical equipment which is not funded throughManitoba Health.

Bethesda Auxiliary toHost Fall Book Sale

On September 4 just before 10:00 p.m. a 24-year-old man waswalking east down 1st Street in Steinbach when he was approachedby a male individual who, after a short conversation, assaulted thevictim and stole a pizza and a cellular phone from him. The suspect fled the scene along with three other individuals. He isdescribed as a Caucasian male with blonde or dirty blonde hair, cleanshaven, approximately 5’6" to 5’8", weighing between 180 and 190lbs and possibly in his early 20’s. The victim was taken to hospital, treated and released. Police are seeking the public’s assistance in this matter. A black sports utility vehicle was in the area at the time of theoffence. They may have information that could assist in thisinvestigation. If anyone has any knowledge of this or any other crime, pleasecontact the Steinbach RCMP or if you wish to remain ANONYMOUScall Manitoba Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) orSUBMIT a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com,or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Ifyour information leads to an arrest or charge you may be eligible fora cash award of up to $2,000.

Bethesda HospitalProject Retendered

Man Robbed in Steinbach

The RM of Tache has received confirmation that asignificant road project within the municipality has beentendered and construction is expected to start this fall. According to Mayor William Danylchuk, the municipalityhas received concrete information on the status of theproposed paving project of Hwy 210. “It was confirmed that the contract has been awarded toNelson River Construction. and the project would beginthis fall,” stated Danylchuk. Construction is expected to be completed in the springof 2012.

Community Supports DAREKlassen said. “It’s how they are talking about it – insteadof us telling them something they may or may not remember,they are telling us how they feel about it.” For the past few years, grade six students from Steinbachhad access to the DARE program after the Steinbach RCMPstarted teaching the course in the community. Ten monthsago the program expanded to four other communities inthe RM of Hanover including New Bothwell, Kleefeld,Blumenort and Mitchell. Last year over 400 students participated in the program.

Paving Project to Proceed

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!12

By Marianne Curtis

It was the first time in over a decade since the community of St. Adolphehosted a community festival and, thanks to the weather, the first annualmud festival was a huge success. The two-day event called MudFest2011: A Family Messtival took place at the old community park onSeptember 10 and 11. According to organizers, the community came together in an effort tobuild community pride and raise “green” awareness through the two dayMudFest 2011: A Family Messtival. A group of volunteers successfullyorganized the program which included tons of fun, live entertainment andtons of mud. With the support from multiple organizations, and limited funding forthe first year, MudFest become a reality. The event kicked off with aMudCake Breakfast (pancakes with treats) followed by a mudslide, mudpitactivities for all ages, tug of war, mini-golf, kids’ tent, sand playhill and amud sculpture contest. Saturday evening events included a community BBQ and beer gardensfeaturing live entertainment. Sunday was a wellness day with a FamilyScavenger Hunt, yoga in the Park and an outdoor church service followedby a picnic lunch. An added bonus to Sunday’s activities was the sanctioned MudFestCyclocross Race (all ages bike race) with the Manitoba Cycling Association.

St. Adolphe HostsFirst Annual MudFest

Sanctioned by the Manitoba Cycling Association, the MudFest Cyclocross Race also took place in the community as part of theweekend’s festivities.

Normally the community dyke serves to protect the residents but during MudFest it becamethe perfect mud slide.

There was no shortage of mud to play in during the first annual St. Adolphe Mudfest.

Cafe Night with the Liptonians is a special song writing workshopfor students! Students who play instruments or sing – any school,any age – are invited to register for Saturday, November 5th, 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre! You will work withmembers of the Liptonians, Bucky Driedger and Matt Schellenberg!Ticket prices for adults is $12 and for students only $6. The Liptonians will be performing stripped down versions fromtheir catalogue of songs, including tunes from their brand new,Western Canadian Music Award nominated album, Let’s All MarchBack Into the Sea. To describe The Liptonians, one must define “piano groove folkynoise,” the band’s preferred expression to describe their music. ‘Pianogroove folky noise’ eludes to several things: piano driven pop tunes,rock and roll grooves and folk songs—wrapped up in noise. TheUniversity of Calgary’s online newsletter, Gauntlet, says more simply,they are “very reminiscent of U2.” They incorporate manyinstruments from guitars and pianos to organs and trombones. The Liptonians emerged unheralded from a Winnipeg basement in2008, when their album Let’s All March Back to the Sea unexpectedlypicked up a Western Canadian Music Award for Outstanding PopRecording. This paved the way for several cross-country tours. Their album has been called “brainy, entertaining stuff, from aband that can do it all, and very well” by the Globe and Mail. ExclaimMagazine said: “They display an intimidating talent and demandyour attention” and Discorder raves “This is the band to get intobefore all your friends do.” They have opened for Silver Starling, the Chicago-based Sea andCake, and on July 2011 were chosen to perform at the Canada DayCelebration at the Forks alongside a WSO musician. Their song“Roller Coaster” was a finalist in the Winnipeg Free Press “My City,My Song” contest. You may also have seen them at the WinnipegInternational Jazz Festival this summer.

Cafe Night andSongwriting/CD Workshop

As of the beginning of September, theRM of La Broquerie will have someassistance with bylaw enforcement.They recently entered into an agreementwith a local company. The RM of La Broquerie councilrecently entered into an agreement withPrairie Bylaw Enforcement for serviceson a trial period of four months beforemaking a more permanent decision. According to Reeve Claude Lussier,council’s biggest issue is people buildingwithout the proper permits. “Thecontract is on a trial basis – he will bewith us for two days per week,” statedLussier. The RM of La Broquerie council alsoupdated several of their municipalbylaws to ensure that they are both upto date and enforceable. Prairie BylawEnforcement will be on patrol any twodays of the week to ensure thatresidents are in compliance withmunicipal regulations duringconstruction, enforce the municipality’sunsightly premise bylaw and issuecleanup orders. The RM of La Broquerie is the secondmunicipality in recent months to seekbylaw enforcement from a companyoutside their jurisdiction. Two monthsago the RM of Ste. Anne signed a similarcontract with Steinbach SecuritySystems.

La Broquerie GivesBylaw Officer Trial Run

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 13

I read about David Chilton recently and he is writing another book; anupdated version of The Wealthy Barber; The Wealthy Barber Returns.He admitted that all the information in the first book is just as relevanttoday as it was when it was published in 1989. He said as Canadians weare good at saving, but we are also fantastic spenders. The amount ofdebt Canadians have is keeping us from being wealthy. The new book will focus on how to live within your means. Spend less.Manage your expectations. Get realistic. Get your spending undercontrol. Live modestly. Cut back on the unimportant things. Stop usingthe credit card and credit lines to get things you don’t need. Makecompromises and sacrifices. This is the same line of message from another book I read recently: TheOne Financial Habit That Could Change Your Life, by Robert Ironsideand Edwin Au Yeung. There are many concepts in the book. Nothingnew, but worth repeating: Pay Yourself First. Deduct your savings as soon as you receive yourpay cheque. Save at least 10% of it. Make it an important bill and thenyou can spend the rest. You may need to review your spending if youare normally spending 100 or 110%! Save 10% of your income and you will automatically become wealthy.This has been said by many authors and financial gurus. The AutomaticMillionaire by David Bach comes to mind. Again, if you can get in thehabit of making saving a priority, becoming wealthy is actually quiteeasy. Set it up at your bank or credit union so 10% comes out of youraccount every pay day and is put into your savings or investmentaccount. Easy!! Taxes are one of the largest expenditures the average Canadian has tomake. A dollar saved in taxes is a dollar extra to save and invest or tospend. Of course this concept is right up my alley! I love helping peoplesave on their taxes. Of course RRSPs are a very good option for mostpeople (not all) to save for the future, including retirement. Reduce taxesnow and have tax deferred growth. The new Tax Free Savings Plan(TFSP) is another great place to put your 10% saved so you don’t paytax on the income it earns every year. Where to put your 10% saved each pay? It depends on when you needthe money. If your goal is short term (buy a house in the future, forexample), put your money in a very safe and secure investment in whichthe principal is protected. If you are investing for a long-term goal, like retirement, you shouldconsider an investment that provides high expected long-run returnswith broad diversification to reduce risk. Mutual funds and ETFs(exchange traded funds) are two investment vehicles that offer instantdiversification. Mutual funds can be bought in small amounts on aregular basis in your RRSP or TFSP. The main concept of the book, The One Financial Habit, is debt canbe an expensive and addictive habit. By being able to pay for somethinginstantly you get instant gratification, but constantly satisfying wantscan easily lead to spending more than you can afford to pay back. Credit cards often have high interest rates, 20% or more! If you cannotpay the balance in full each month, you are giving the credit cardcompanies a lot of money. Using cash you have withdrawn from yourbank account for your weekly spending makes you think twice aboutparting with your hard earned money. Saving up for something and thenbuying and owning can be very satisfying! Mortgages are not bad debt. The book is concentrating on consumerdebt – debt used to pay for clothing, electronics, and fancy dinners. Student loans are also considered good debt – as long as they areused for tuition and living expenses while in school. So how do you get out of (consumer) debt? First, decide that enough is enough. Decide that you don’t want to bein debt anymore. Second, look at your debts and the interest rates. Can you renegotiatethe interest rates? Can you transfer debts to the credit line or credit cardwith the lowest interest rate? At least start making major paymentsagainst the ones with the highest interest rates. Remember the pay yourself first and saving 10%? If you haveconsumer debt, use that 10% per pay period against the debts beforeyou start saving. Paying off your debt earns you a guaranteed highreturn on your money. Being free of consumer debt makes sense financially and emotionally. Spending a few dollars here and there on the little things is somethingwe do out of habit. This habit, if left unattended, adds up to substantialamounts in the long run. Take a one-week spending challenge and find out how much youspend in a typical week. Use the information to evaluate your spendinghabits. Cutting $5 to $10 a day can go a long way! You can do it! Anni Markmann is an independent certified financial planner and taxprofessional living, working, and volunteering in our community.Contact her at annimarkmann@mymts.net or at 422-6631 or at 36Dawson Road in Ste Anne.

Living on 90%

On September 19 at about 6:00 p.m. the Steinbach RCMP, as well as localEmergency Services, were dispatched to the scene of a fatal workplaceaccident in the RM of Hanover near Blumenort. Investigation at the scene indicates that the operator of a commercialdump truck hauling gravel was fatally injured at the location. Evidence collected and witness statements at this time suggest that thelone male operator was outside of the vehicle dumping a load of gravelwhen the truck rolled forward, running him over. The operator, a 53-year-old man from the RM of Ste Anne, waspronounced deceased at the scene. His name will not be released. RCMP and Manitoba Workplace Health and Safety continue toinvestigate.

Steinbach RCMPInvestigate Fatal

WorkplaceAccident

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!14

By Marianne Curtis

Two months into a media blitz,people from across Canada aretaking the pledge to drive sobermaking a made in southernManitoba program a growingsuccess.

In August, Shaylene Handfordfrom Ile Des Chênes launched a newinitiative called “Sober Ride”. The24-year-old paramedic started theprogram with a goal to eliminateimpaired driving one vehicle at a timeby encouraging drivers to take theSober Ride Pledge. By joining SoberRide, people take a pledge to notdrink and drive. In addition, placing

By Marianne Curtis

After two years at the helm of theSteinbach RCMP Detachment, StaffSergeant Davy Lee is sayinggoodbye to Manitoba and headingwest. At the beginning of September, Leeannounced that he will be leavingSteinbach to accept a promotion toInspector in the lower mainland ofBC. He first arrived in Steinbachback in July 2009 with the plan tostay for up to five years, however,when the promotion opportunityarose he quickly jumped on theopportunity. “This is all part of mylong term career plan,” stated Lee.“This is something that has been inthe development for years but itonly came to fruition recently.”

Steinbach Detachment SeesLeadership Change

After two years, Steinbach RCMP StaffSergeant Davy Lee is leaving the area andtaking on a post in British Columbia.

Photo by Marianne Curtis

Drivers Line Up to TakeSober Pledge

Lee said he is leaving Steinbachwith mixed feelings. “I have enjoyedsome tremendous workingrelationships so leaving Steinbachand Manitoba is not easy,” Leeexplained. “This was not an easydecision to make but I felt this wassomething I needed to do.” He added that since his childrenwere born here and his wife’s familyis still in Manitoba, he could findhimself back on Manitoba soil. “Ifthe timing is right and theopportunities are there we will giveserious consideration to comingback to Manitoba,” Lee noted. Lee started his career 22 years agoin Manitoba and has served at thehead of three detachments includingthe Red River Valley, Sprague andSteinbach RCMP Detachments. In British Columbia, Lee will beworking with over 2,000 officersinstead of the 25 he has becomeaccustomed to. His job will be tomonitor RCMP operations and

coordinate cross jurisdictionincidents while working with localofficers as well as unit commandersand other duty officers. Two weeks after Lee announcedhis promotion, RCMP D Divisionnamed Staff Sergeant HaroldLaninga as his replacement. Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzensays that he is disappointed to seeLee moving on, but he has also heardgood things about his replacement.“I think Davy Lee did very well – heworked very hard to make sure ourpriorities were met and we saw theevidence in the GeneralInvestigative Unit,” stated Goertzen.“As for his replacement, I hear hecomes with a lot of experience andstability – I think he is going to dowell in Steinbach.” The City of Steinbach hadrequested to be an active participantin the selection of a new detachmenthead but the decision was madebefore their request was received.

a decal in the window of their vehiclepledges said vehicle will always bedriven by a sober driver. “I have been affected by lossesassociated with drinking and drivingso I am very passionate about this,”explained Handford. “I want toeliminate drinking and driving onevehicle at a time.” Since the program launched at theend of August, hundreds of peoplehave taken the pledge across Canadaand into the United States and notonly is the general public payingattention, organizations like theManitoba Liquor Commission,MADD, Winnipeg Fire andParamedic Service and Winnipeg

Police Service have engaged inongoing talks with Handford. “I’ve met with the MLCC and otherorganizations and brain storming isin the works,” Handford continued.“Many MLAs, town councils andcity councils have been in contactand agreed to meet post-election asthis is a busy time for them.” Handford is grateful for the manypartnerships that she has formedthroughout the region and beyond. “A store in Niverville is sellingdecals while a Winnipeg businessis making Sober Ride Truffles – allproceeds go towards ourfundraising project,” Handfordadded. Money collected from allsales go towards supportingorganizations like MADD to beused for victim services. “Sober Ride” has also seen a hugeincrease on its fan page as well aslocal radio, TV news and onlinesupport,” Handford noted. “I have also launched ‘Sober Ride– Wear with Pride’, which is a

Shaylene Handford presents a cheque to Manitoba’s chapter of MADD on behalf of SoberRide.

“I want to eliminatedrinking and driving

one vehicle at atime.”

collection of sweaters that peoplehave gotten in memory of ones theyhave lost,” stated Handford. Moneyraised from the sales of decals andclothing goes towards programsoffered by MADD, victim servicesand memorials for families that havelost a loved one due to drinking and

driving. The “Sober Ride” initiative targetsdrivers of all ages, especially youngadults. Handford hopes to continuethe success of the program bybringing it to the campuses of highschools and universities throughoutManitoba.

“I’ve met with theMLCC and other

organizations andbrain storming is in

the works.”

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 15

If you have any questions call Travis Olifirowich at 371-7223 or Eileen Lewis at371-0255 at Prudential Riverbend Realty.

“Manitoba now has the highest land transfer tax rate in the country…the impactis ten times what it once was…and since the tax must be paid before a title istransferred, it’s become an increasingly unreasonable burden for people buying ahome.” - Press Release from WinnipegREALTORS, September 21, 2011. The land transfer tax came into effect in 1987. Since that time the tax has increasedover 1000 percent... yes that’s right… 1000 percent! In comparison the propertyprice has increased 300 percent. The economic hardship is getting too great to expect people to pay such anonerous amount of cash for the courtesy of living in Manitoba. Since inception, theland transfer has been a convenient source of additional income for the province.It has become too much to expect homeowners to shoulder the responsibility ofpaying all those dollars. Here’s a good example…a home built in 1904, in St. Boniface, sold for $75,500 in1987. In 2010, that same house sold for $266,000. The land transfer tax, however,increased 1305 percent. In 1987 the land transfer tax was $227.50, not that bad really.In 2010 the tax was $2,648… now that is bad. Where does WinnipegREALTORS stand in the midst of all this? They have beenurging the political parties to examine and have a public review of its original intent,purpose and impact as part of the 2012 budget process. After this election, be sure to contact your Member of the Legislative Assembly,and share with them your concern about the rising cost of home ownership, inparticular the land transfer tax. WinnipegREALTORS serves its members by promoting the benefits of an organizedreal estate profession.

A St. Malo business has beengiven an additional three years so

The RM of Tache is getting the municipal support they need to proceed with a project thatwould benefit residents in four different municipalities. The municipality has established the Seine River Tributary Diversion Committee, which iscomprised of members from the municipalities of Springfield, Ste. Anne, Tache and mostrecently, Ritchot. Back in 2000, the municipality’s of Tache, Ste. Anne and Springfield came together toconsider the construction of a new diversion that would divert water away from farmlandand into the Red River Floodway. The municipality recently revisited the project after theprovince assured the RM of Tache that the province was prepared to provide financing ifcouncil got support from its neighbors. The original proposal consisted of utilizing the existing ditch in the RM of Tache along theTrans Canada highway starting at Hwy 12 on the north side until about 1 ½ miles fromDeacons Corner. From there it would have swung north into the RM of Springfield for 1 ½miles then traveling straight west to the floodway. The project was tabled after all parties agreed to the project except for Springfield. While the project was first proposed back in 2000, above average water issues in areasaround Ste. Genevieve and Ross have brought the matter back to the forefront over the pastyear. The construction of a diversion along the Trans Canada Hwy can be seen as asolution to a vast majority of the flooding issues that occur on the northern side of theTrans Canada Hwy.

Rising Costs of Home Ownership

Extension Granted to Relocate Pumpsthat they can relocate their temporary gas pumps to amore permanent location.

At a recent council meeting theRM of De Salaberry approved athree-year extension to ReneRobidoux, owner of the St. MaloCo-op. Nearly a year ago Robidoux wasgranted permission by the RM ofDe Salaberry to set up a temporarygas station at his business on St.Malo Street in St. Malo. Theapplication was granted toestablish a temporary gas barcomplete with above groundstorage tanks after thecommunity’s only gas stationclosed a few months earlier. The municipality subsequentlygranted approval to theconditional use with the conditionthat after August 2011, if the facilityis still operational, a re-applicationis needed. Robidoux requested theextension to enable the Co-op toremain in its current location andin operation while he worksthrough the process of relocatingthe temporary facilities to a betterlocation, namely the old Parc Essolocation along Hwy 59. ManitobaConservation just recently begancleaning up the site and once soilremediation is complete, theproperty will be transferred backto the Crown. He noted that itcould take some time for the landtransfers to be completed. The RM of De Salaberry grantedan extension on the currentconditional use until August 1,2015.

The RM of Ritchot council recently decided to give a little extra financial support to eachrecreation facility throughout the municipality. At a recent council meeting council made a donation to each community center and arenathroughout the municipality to “help with operating costs,” explained councillor JackieSchwark. “These facilities are important places for all of our communities to gather,” stated Schwark.“This is why we believe so strongly in making this special donation.” Schwark said that facilities can use the funds as they see fit and, for Howden CommunityCentre, that’s great news. “We’ll use the donation for repairs or to help make-up for bookingswe lost due to the threat of flooding this past spring,” said Board Chair, Adam Bartmanovich.“We’re very, very pleased!” The RM of Ritchot already supports these community facilities by paying for both liabilityand building insurance premiums at a cost of approximately $50,000 annually.

Municipalities JoinDiversion Project

Ritchot Gives Gifts to Complexes

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!16

Fall is here at last. The weather is turning colder, the leavesare changing colors and the children have returned toschool. Spend a few minutes outside and you’re likely to hear thegeese honking as they fly overhead. Some of the geese arestill gathering together in preparation while others arealready on their journey south to wait out the cold wintermonths in warmer climates. Sigh, lucky birds. For those of us not heading south this is the time to reflectback on the wonderful summer months that we had and to be thankful for all the blessings that wereceived during this time. This is also the time, or season if you prefer, when I realize that I still have alot of work to do around the house and yard. Much like a squirrel that hasn’t stored up enough acorns,I find myself scurrying around. There are all kinds of projects that I started in the summer that I need totry and finish as quickly as I can and, if those weren’t numerous enough, I also have to do all the jobsthat need to be done before the snow flies. Thankfully, we are being blessed with a very fine fall. While the sun does drop a little earlier than itdid a few weeks ago, there is still enough warmth to fiddle around outside without wearing gloves. I believe that’s enough about that, winter will come soon enough. One of the great things about fall isthat it seems that the fish are biting better. Gratefully, the mosquitoes, which weren’t too bad this year,are not biting at all! I’ve been told that around the end of September until the middle of November is agreat time for walleye fishing around Lockport and Selkirk. Apparently the walleye from Lake Winnipegswim downstream around this time and because of something to do with the water (or maybe thealgae?) the walleyes are a greenish color. Now I’ve never gone fishing up there at this time of the yearbut come the first week in October I have a day booked off work and, if everything works out, my wifeand I will be heading out there in the hopes of catching some of these late season monsters. Wish usluck. Until next time, take care and keep your world spinning.

Trustees in two school divisions have decided thatthey like their leaders by re-electing their formerchairpersons. At their opening board meetings at the beginningof the school year trustees in the Hanover SchoolDivision and Seine River School Division selectedtheir chairpersons for the next year. Trustee Wendy Bloomfield remains at the helm ofthe Seine River School Division, for her 22ndconsecutive term. “We have a school constructionunderway and a new school that will be opening forfall of next year so we have a lot to think about thisyear,” stated Bloomfield. “We need to make sure wekeep moving forward and look into new ideas forSeine River School Division.” Trustee Robert Rivard who was re-elected as vice-chairperson added that their leadership team has beenworking well in the Seine River School Division whichis why the pair keep getting re-elected. “Wendy andI have worked well together in helping move the wholedivision forward and the board works well with ustoo,” Rivard added. Hanover School Board trustees kept their faith inRandy Hildebrand by re-electing him as chairpersonof the board for his 11th consecutive year. TrusteeMarilyn Plett was re-elected as vice chairperson forthe second time.

South Eastman Health is looking into the possibilityof hiring a hospitalist to work specifically at theBethesda Hospital in Steinbach. According to Dr. Myron Thiessen a proposal hasbeen submitted to Manitoba Health appealing for aHospitalist position and additional physicianassistants for the region’s largest facility. “This needis particularly required at Bethesda Hospital whereup to thirty patients are currently admitted and notassociated with a specific family physician,” statedThiessen. A hospitalist sees only patients admitted tohospitals and is not associated with a specific familyphysician. Physician assistants work under directsupervision of a doctor. Thiessen noted that the matter is currently beingprocessed between Manitoba Health and Doctor’sManitoba.

Division ChairsRetain Status Quo

“Hospitalist”Wanted in Bethesda

Fall Time

St. Pierre RCMP are seeking thepublic’s assistance in locating amissing a 15 year old femaleyouth, Jay-lynn McIvor. McIvor was reported missingon September 22. She isdescribed as 5' 7" tall and about122 lbs. with brown hair andbrown eyes. Jay-lynn McIvor is consideredto be an at-risk youth and policeare concerned for her well being. Any one with informationregarding her whereabouts isasked to call the St. Pierre RCMPat (204) 433-7908 or their localpolice agency.

St. Pierre RCMP Search for Missing Youth

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 17

By Marianne Curtis

On September 20, a sod-turningceremony took place to mark the startof Steinbach’s Jake Epp LibraryExpansion Project. The contract was awarded toBoretta Construction 2002 Ltd. inAugust for the bid of $1,682,091. Theproject was scaled down to a budgetof $1.9 million and approved by CityCouncil in December 2010. Theproject received a provincial grantof $600,000 and $400,000 in Cityfunds. The remaining costs will comefrom debt creation. Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzenis pleased to see the long awaitedlibrary expansion underway. “TheJake Epp Library is a well-utilizedfacility in our region and thisexpansion project will allow thefacility to continue to serve both ourcommunity and the region for manyyears,” said Goertzen. Library Board Chair, Jon Sawatzkywas also on hand to celebrate theconstruction kickoff. The existinglibrary was constructed in 1996 at asize of 800 square meters. The newexpansion will be 590 square meters,for a total size of 1,390 square meters. “This project started out as a dreamand has been vigorously pursuedby staff and several generations ofboard members,” stated Sawatzky.“They have contributed countlesshours of planning and strategizingwith hope of seeing this day. Thejourney has not always beensmooth, but the contributions to ourcommunity will be well worth theeffort. We can enjoy this greatachievement as we see the project

Sod Turning Kicks Off Library Expansion

starting to take shape.” Head librarian Loraine Trudeau isalso excited to see constructionbegin. “It’s an exciting day for thelibrary staff,” added Trudeau. “Iwould like to thank all of the currentand past board members of the Jake

Epp Library, who worked sotirelessly to grow and promote libraryservices in Steinbach. I would alsolike to thank Mayor Chris Goertzen,members of City Council and librarystaff, and all others in the communitywho adopted the cause of an

expanded library and championed itall the way to this celebration day.” Demolition began the week ofSeptember 12, and construction isset to begin the week of September26. Completion is anticipated for fall2012.

Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, Library Board member Barb Guenther, Councilor John Fehr and Loraine Trudeau (Head Librarian) turn thesod to officially kick off construction on the Jake Epp Library Expansion.

For the first time ever the region’sCommunity Mental Health Programand the Steinbach Arts Council havecome together to bring a uniqueexhibit to the region. Expressions: Exploring RecoveryThrough Art, which features Out ofthe Blue art by youth promotingpositive mental health, openedSeptember 30th at the SteinbachCultural Arts Center Hall Gallery. Expressions is a free communityevent held annually in conjunctionwith Mental Illness AwarenessWeek. Kim Heidinger explains thatits purpose is to showcase andcelebrate the outstanding ability ofpeople who use art in the journey ofrecovery from a mental healthproblem, and to promote betterunderstanding of mental illness inthe Eastman region. “This is the 8th annual Expressionsbut it is our first in partnership withthe Steinbach Arts Council,” statedHeidinger. “This exhibit will featureart that promotes positive mentalhealth.” This year, the art will be on displayfor the entire month of October atthe Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre. All artists participating in theexhibit are from the Eastman region.They use a variety of media includingwatercolours, acrylics, oils,photography and textiles. Inaddition, artists who write andperform both music and poetry tookpart in the exhibit opening.

Exhibit ShowcasesMental Health

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!18

With winter fast approaching,now is the time to perform thoseimportant maintenance tasks toensure that your home heatingsystems will operate at peakefficiency during the cold weather.

A Home Maintenance Checklist- Clean and repair leakyeavestroughs. This will prevent iceand melting snow from dripping ontothe natural gas meter and/orpressure regulator and freezing whenthe weather turns cold. Ice on the

regulator can obstruct the ventcausing a malfunction and allowingexcess gas to enter the home.- Check external vents andchimneys for blockages from leaves,bird nests and other debris. Fuelburning clothes dryers, waterheaters, ranges, furnaces andfireplaces all require fresh air intaketo burn efficiently. Appliances thathave been vented incorrectlyincrease the risk of carbonmonoxide (CO) poisoning in thehome.- Have your furnace cleaned andinspected by a qualified heatingcontractor. This will ensure it isoperating at peak efficiency and willhelp keep your family safe fromdangerous levels of carbonmonoxide gas.- Clean or change the furnace filter.In addition, keep the area aroundthe furnace and fuel burningappliances clean and clear forproper ventilation.- Make sure that the blower (fan)compartment door on the furnaceis closed properly.- Ensure that your CO detector isinstalled properly and is in goodworking condition. All homes withfuel burning appliances should haveCO detectors installed on eachlevel. For more information on homesafety, call 1-800-MBHYDRO orvisit www.hydro.mb.ca

Many homeowners or renterswrestle with the question of whetherto tackle a project as a do-it-yourselfventure to save some money orsimply leave it to a professional. Eachsituation is unique, but there arecertain factors that must beconsidered regardless of ahomeowner’s particular situation. On the surface, a DIY task canseem a very good way to save somemoney. After all, a large percentage,sometimes as much as 50 percent, ofthe cost of hiring a contractor goestoward labor. For a DIY job with nosuch costs, the final financial tally canbe substantially less. Although labor can be expensive,

Is DIY aRecipe for

SavingMoney?

that cost is often justified. People whohire carpenters, electricians,plumbers, and the like are paying forthe workers’ experience. They’re alsopaying with the expectation that thejob will be done correctly. With jobsthat require a building permit or mustbe done to specific code, thecontractor often puts his reputation onthe line and will be held accountable ifthe work doesn’t meet requirements. That isn’t to say an untrainedindividual can’t tackle a specific jobaround the house. There are someguidelines that may make suchprojects go more smoothly and, as aresult, more affordable.* Read up and learn as much as youcan about the particular work to bedone. It’s easier to make mistakes ifyou do not know where to start.* Talk to others who have also donethe work. They may have some tips oradvice that can save you time andmoney. You may also want to ask ifthey can help and show you the ropes.* Be sure to obtain all necessarypermits before starting any work.Don’t risk a fine for doing workwithout permits or having workinspected.* When applying for permits, find outif there is a list of code-specificrequirements that you can follow — a

cheat-sheet of sorts. It may list ratedmaterials required and anytechniques. See if you can speak to aninspector who will be visiting yourproperty later on to find out what heor she looks for specifically.* You must feel confident with theendeavor. If you are unsure aboutanything, you may risk injury or makea significant mistake and be forced tohire someone to clean up your mess.* Consider reputable sources forinformation. While it’s easy to goonline and scour message boards forpointers on certain tasks, not all ofthe information is accurate. Trust onlycontent from sources that are licensedor backed by certification in a certainarea.These things being said, thereare a number of DIY projects thatregular people can try. Starting offsmall and building up as skills aredeveloped are good ways to begin.For example:* Tile a small kitchen backsplashbefore tackling an entire bathroomshower enclosure or floor.* Build an outdoor potting standbefore attempting furniture orcabinetry work in a main room of thehouse.* Change out a ceiling fan or lightingfixture before re-running electricallines through the home.

* Succeed in repairing a leaky drainpipe before taking on a moreadvanced plumbing issue.* Use regular painting techniques firstbefore experimenting with a trendyfaux finish or plaster application. There are many different things

individuals can do themselves thatstretch beyond routine homemaintenance. From manicures to poolupkeep, the potential to save moneywhen budgets are tight can be apowerful motivator.

October 2011Dawson Trail Dispatch More Than Just News! 19

A carbon monoxide (CO) detector can alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide gas, butdoes not prevent the deadly gas from entering your home. Protect your family from CO poisoningwith these safety precautions:- Have your heating system checked and cleaned regularly- Install a fresh air intake duct into each wood-burning fireplace or stove. If that is not possible,leave a window open when either one is burning.- Ensure that all external vents (air intake vents, exhaust vents and chimneys) are clear of snow,insulation and debris.- Never idle your vehicle, operate other gasoline powered equipment, or use a barbecue in anattached garage, even if the garage door is open. For added assurance, install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.- Install a detector on all levels of your home, especially near bedrooms.- Be sure your detector bears an approved safety certification (such as a CSA or UL label)- Make sure your CO detector is installed properly and in good working order.Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning Symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending on the amount inhaled andthe length of time you have been exposed, your symptoms could include the following:- Low exposure: slight headache and/or shortage of breath- High exposure: severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mental confusion, weakness,vision and hearing impairment, collapse or fainting during exertion, loss of muscle control and/ordrowsiness.- Extreme exposure: unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning If your CO detector alarms and you experience symptoms of CO poisoning, call 911 to seekmedical attention immediately. If your CO detector alarms and you suspect a problem with yourfuel burning equipment, turn off the equipment, open a window and contact Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) for an inspection.Space heaters can be fire hazards Before you pull out a space heater to ward off the chill on a frosty evening, be aware that they cancause fires and injuries if not used with care. Space heaters are not intended to replace a permanentheat source. If you must use a space heater temporarily, follow these simple safety precautions.- Keep space heaters at least 3 ft. away from any combustible materials such as bedding andfurniture.- Read the manufacturer’s instruction manual before using any space heater. Check to make surethe heater bears the mark of a certified testing organization.- Keep space heaters away from areas with water.- Don’t use space heaters in rooms where children are unsupervised. Children may stick theirfingers or other objects through the protective guards, causing burns or shock.- Avoid using an extension cord with a space heater. If you must use one, make sure it is the rightwire gauge size and type for the heater and locate it to avoid a tripping hazard.- Portable heaters have hot parts that can cause sparking. Do not use them in areas whereflammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene are used or stored.- Space heaters are meant to supply supplemental heat. Don’t use them to warm bedding, cookfood, dry clothing or thaw pipes.- Turn off the space heater and unplug it when not in use.

Protect Your Family fromCarbon Monoxide

Faced with the prospect of another season spent precariously climbing a ladder and reaching inside to clearout debris and leaves, many homeowners are considering the installation of a gutter protection system. Andwith so many different types available, finding the right fit is always so easy. A gutter protection system is a cover or barrier that prevents leaves and large items, such as twigs or blown-around matter, from lodging in a home’s gutters and eventually preventing rain runoff from draining effectively.Clogged gutters and downspouts have been known to contribute to rainwater pooling around the foundationof a home, potentially causing seepage issues. Blocked gutters can also be a haven for stagnant water, whichbreeds mosquitoes and other insects and potentially harmful bacteria. To combat these issues, manufacturers have come up with a series of protection systems that allow water toenter the gutter while keeping debris out of it. Gutter protection systems range from do-it-yourself options toprofessionally installed products. There are a few different styles, and each offers their share of pros and cons.* Screen: A mesh or screen system consists of a screening material that fits inside or over the gutter. It serves asa sieve, allowing the water through but blocking leaves and debris. This system is affordable and can be a DIYproject. But over a period of time the mesh itself can be blocked with a build-up of debris and will needperiodic cleaning. Also, in some screened systems water can freeze up in the screen openings, causing icedams.* Aluminum covers: There are many different aluminum options. Some work with a small crevice along the topthat is narrow enough for the rainwater to enter but not allow debris inside. They may not allow as much waterto enter as a mesh system because they cover a greater surface area over the gutter. Closed systems also mayprovide an area for insects to make nests.*Foam inserts: A relatively inexpensive protection system is a foam insert. These pieces of porous foam are fittedinside the gutter, allowing water to flow through (albeit a little more slowly) while keeping leaves out. Foaminserts are an easy do-it-yourself project and can serve as a test of the efficacy of gutter systems before a moreexpensive system is purchased.* Surface tension products: These are closed plastic or aluminum products where the water entry holes orchannels are on the bottom and sides of the product. This way nothing can ever get clogged from above. Thesystem works by water surface tension; the rainwater will adhere to the product and then flow into the bottomor side holes. The nose of these products may have to be kept clean or the surface tension may not occur. When it comes to gutter protection systems, there are a number of options to consider. Homeowners canexperiment with different low-cost systems to see if one works before contracting to have a permanent guard putin place.

Stop Clogged Home Gutters

October 2011 Dawson Trail DispatchMore Than Just News!20

Steinbach 55 Plus offers programs, activities, services and volunteeropportunities, striving to promote healthy and active living for older adultsof the southeast region. We invite you to come and pay us a visit andconsider participating in some of our programs. For more information callthe center 320-4600.

Up and coming events for October - Fall Workshops Saturday, October 1, 9:30 a.m. Dementia and Alzheimer’s workshoppresented by the Alzheimer society of Manitoba. Monday, October 17, 1:30 p.m. Learn more about Multiple Sclerosis in aworkshop presented by the MS Society. Friday, October 21, 1:30 p.m. ‘Making better food choices’, presented byDr Trevor Winzoski. Workshops cost $1 per session payable on admission, please call thecenter to register. Celebrate Seniors Day - October is seniors and elders month. This year’stheme is Celebrate! Participate! On Tuesday, October 18, we will becelebrating with an afternoon of craft and hobby displays, entertainmentand faspa at no cost. If you have a craft or hobby you would like todisplay please contact Maggie 320-4600 Country Dances take place the last Friday of the month starting October28 with live band, The Frazer River Boys. Advanced tickets $8 member,$10 non member, $12 at the door for all.

How about Something New? Join us every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. starting October 27 for an afternoonof fun and fitness Wii Bowling. Adults of all ages welcome. Cost $1 persession.Digital Camera - Problems getting those digital camera pictures on toyour computer? Join us Tuesdays, November 1, 8 and 15. Time 1:30 p.m.How to download and upload your digital camera pictures. Join us in thisenlightening workshop. Cost $1 per session. Presented by Alex Cupples.Drama Club - Do you have a flair for drama? Costume making, props, apassion for entertaining. Like to have fun and meet new people have a freeevening per week. Here at Steinbach 55 Plus we are hoping to start a dramaclub in fall. For more information call 320-4600 and ask for Maggie. Adults of all ageswelcome.

Monthly Programs Single Ladies’ Night Out: The first Friday of the month at 5:00 p.m. Enjoysupper out at a local restaurant. Call the center for place to meet. Foot Care: The first and third Tuesday of the month from 9:00-3:00 p.m. Runby a professional foot care nurse. Cost: $25. Bring your own towel. Call the centerto book an appointment. Pot Luck Supper: The second Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. Meat andbeverages are provided. Cost: $5.00 per person. Bring along a casserole, salad ordesert. Call the center to reserve your seat. Birthday Party: The first Wednesday of the month. All members with a birthdayare invited for complimentary cake and coffee. Guests are asked to pay $2.00.Entertainment provided. Beltone Hearing: The third Friday of each month. Call 1-800-661-2653 forappointment. Brain Injury Support Group: Last Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Parkinson Support Group: Third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.Weekly ProgramsMonday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with instructor

1:00 p.m. Canasta7:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. Tai Chi

Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Circle of friendsWednesday 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Fitness Class with instructor

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi10:30 a.m. Choir practice1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cribbage1:30 p.m. Floor curling7:00 p.m. Old Time Country Band Practice

Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Bridge and WhistFriday 8:30 - 3:00 p.m. Circle of friends Noon meals are available Monday through Friday. Cost $5.00. Call 320-4605by 9:00 a.m. to reserve your meal for that day. Purchase your meal ticket at thereceptionist desk before noon. Monthly menus available at the office or in thenewsletter. Bring a friend. Billiards: Monday to Friday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Computer Lab: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.Cost $1.00. There are lessons with Alex Cupples on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. Call the center for more information. Volunteer Opportunities include perogy making, decorating and setting tables,birthday party hosts, food preparation and serving, clean up, greeters, receptionists. Membership at Steinbach 55 Plus is only $20 per year. Memberships are duein January of each Year. Membership is for those 55 years of age and older.Benefits include reduced program rates, a voice in business meetings, voting rights,and eligibility to serve on the board or committees. For more information on our programs, activities or volunteer opportunities,drop by the Center Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or call 320-4600 or go to www.steinbach55plus.com.

The RM of Piney council recentlyrecognized the dedication of theirvolunteer fire department by

RM of Piney Recognizes Firefighters

The RM of Ritchot recentlyrecognized Harold Schlamp as anoutstanding volunteer in the community. Council decided to recognize Schlampfor his outstanding leadership after hespent countless hours helping themunicipality and residents during thevarious flooding emergencies that haveaffected communities over the past fewyears. Mayor Bob Stefaniuk explained thatSchlamp has been responsible for themunicipality’s emergency plans since2004. “On behalf of all citizens wethank Harold for the support he hasgiven the entire municipality inensuring residents have the informationand materials they require inemergencies,” said Stefaniuk. Due to his tremendous dedication,Ritchot is at the forefront ofmunicipalities in terms of preparednessfor emergencies, Stefaniuk noted.

Ritchot ThanksVolunteer

The RM of Ritchot has cleared theway for the construction of a new,23-unit multi-family housingcomplex in Ile des Chênes. The project, proposed by AdlerProperties and Heritage LaneBuilders, will see twenty-three 1,200square foot two storycondominiums constructed alongMain Street in Ile Des Chênes. Thenew complex will be built on the sitecurrently occupied by the oldcommunity hall. Each condo will feature 1,200square feet of floor space andinclude a 600 square foot coveredpatio and a parking space. RM of Ritchot councillor ErnieDumaine is pleased with council’sdecision to approve the complex. “This will be a terrific addition tothe range of housing options in ourcommunity,” stated Dumaine. Construction could begin as earlyas this fall with each condo expectedto be priced in the $200,000 range.The entire project is estimated to beworth about $5 million.

The community of St. Malo will receive six free white spruce trees afterone of their significant community trees came up as a finalist in the firstever Amazing Tree Quest. The Amazing Tree Quest was launched back in June, by Rivers WestRed River Corridor in partnership with the Manitoba Forestry Association(MFA). The quest encouraged people to go out and find heritage trees intheir community that may be unusually large or tall; perhaps planted byearly settlers or pioneers; or have a distinctive shape or even an entirelydifferent form than normal. In the middle of September five historical or significant trees fromthroughout the area were chosen, including one in St. Malo. A Bur Oak atthe corner of Hwy 59 and Beach Road in St. Malo was named “MostNotable Tree”. Julie Turenne-Maynard, executive director of Rivers West, is pleasedwith the participation of the public in the first time event. “We are verypleased with the participation of several communities, schools, festivalsand individuals from throughout the Red River Corridor who participatedin the quest to learn how to measure and then locate the tallest, biggest,oldest, notable, striking, or community favorite trees,” stated Turenne-Maynard. In recognition of National Forest Week, six white spruce trees, courtesyof Trees for Tomorrow, are being given to each winning nomination.

Members from two of the RM of Piney fire departments recently met in Vassar for anofficial appreciation BBQ and to show off their equipment to their counterparts.

hosting an appreciation barbequefor all their members. On September 22 the volunteer

firefighters from Sprague and Pineygathered in Vassar for the first everfirefighter’s appreciation barbeque. According to RM of Pineycouncillor Sian Barrow this was thefirst time the municipality officiallyshowed the many volunteers howgrateful they are for their dedicationto the community. “It seems this wasthe first such event that has beenheld in the municipality,” statedBarrow. “A good time was had byall.” Not only was it a change for themunicipality to show theirappreciation to the many volunteers,it also gave the department a chanceto show off their equipment. As partof the celebration the Piney FireDepartment brought their newrescue vehicle to the gathering andthe Sprague Fire Departmentbrought their 6x6, which was recentlypurchased to help put out grassfires.

St. Malo Wins Free Trees

IDC Condos Approved

The old Ile Des Chênes Community hall will soon be removed to make way for theconstruction of a 23-unit condo complex.