New-born son, mother and grandfather defy the odds for three-peat birthday

The statistical odds of the same birthday occurring in the same family over three consecutive generations are about one in 133,000, according to the oddsmakers. That’s less likely than getting a hole in one (one in 5,000), an amateur bowler throwing a perfect game (one in 11,500), or finding a pearl in an oyster (one in 12,000).

But for the Wieler family of Kleefeld, the odds of a baby, in this case Abijah arriving when he did to his mother Joyce, who shares Abijah’s birthday and who also shares that same birthday with her father, were virtually a sure thing given just how many children bless their lives.

“We just about have to keep a red phone by the bed for my dad,” says Joyce, as she recounts how many placements through Child and Family Services (CFS) over the past 10 years she has fostered.

It’s children that brought Joyce and her husband, Augustine Ahishakiye, together in the first place. Joyce adopted her first child, Melina, after Melina’s mother passed away while she was in Joyce’s care. But in making that transition, Melina kept calling the name of a man she considered as her father; a man named Augustine.

Second annual Queer Country Fair a successful celebration and safe place to organize

While not direct participants in the live entertainment, the free-range emotional support bunnies in The Cozy Corner at the second annual Queer Country Fair, held July 4 at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre, helped make sure everyone in attendance felt loved and accepted.

The fair’s exuberant entertainment featured several display booths by local businesses and advocacy groups, such as Trans Manitoba, the South East Equity Coalition, and the United Church along with powwow dancer Sky-Lynn Contios and yodeler Daryl Brunger, and of course trademark drag performances by local celebrities such as Miss Pockett and “cowgirl” Gabe Nayet.

The Queer Country Fair is a celebration that was quickly put together last year by Dr. T Sheppard-Luangkhot (pronouns they/them and fondly referred to by all as “Dr. T.”) who is also the director and founder of the Organization for Peace, Equity and Nonviolence (OPEN). The fair was put on in response to security concerns over the Steinbach Pride parade that resulted in its cancellation for 2025.

This year’s fair, according to co-organizer Marissa Wiebe, employed a discrete but proactive security regime to ensure that threats and hostility were not an issue for those wishing to attend. Keeping the location of the event confidential, ensuring those that were invited were allies, and a private security detail onsite were all initiatives taken to guard against aggression and potentially hateful actions.

Greg Carlos announces candidacy for Steinbach council

A Steinbach resident has announced his candidacy for city council with municipal elections taking place on Oct. 28 in Manitoba.

And if Greg Carlos is elected, he will be the first Filipino to represent Steinbach residents.

Carlos came to Canada in 2005, moving with his siblings and parents to Steinbach in 2007. “Since then, I have personally witnessed this city’s growth,” he said in his announcement. “I have seen Steinbach become a strong, welcoming, diverse and hardworking community – a place where people come together, raise families, build businesses, and support one another. Today I’m proud to raise my own family here with my two boys.”

Carlos said his parents, now seniors, continue to live in the community and maintaining a city where all have safety and wellbeing is a priority for him.

Piney, Stuartburn part ways to close Sunrise Corner

The RMs of Stuartburn and Piney have dissolved the Piney Stuartburn Economic Development Board and have thus parted ways in their joint venture of Sunrise Corner Economic Development and Tourism.

“We had a partnership with Stuartburn, and you know, we rolled it all into the Sunrise Corner…but Stuartburn decided to terminate the agreement. I’d leave that up to them to answer (why),” said Piney Reeve Wayne Anderson.

RM of Stuartburn Reeve Michelle Gawronsky did not return calls for an interview.

Since 2016, the board has worked to support economic development, tourism promotion, business attraction, community initiatives, and regional partnerships throughout the RMs.

Veteran city councillor to seek new term

A City of Steinbach councillor will seek another term in the fall municipal election.

Susan Penner announced her intention to seek re-election with a news release last week.

First elected in 2010, Penner said she has been committed to a common-sense approach to decision-making for the last 16 years.

“Steinbach is an incredible community, and I believe we have an exciting future ahead of us,” she said. “I am seeking reelection because I want to continue advocating for practical solutions that strengthen our community, support responsible growth, and improve the quality of life for all residents.”

Charges laid after Steinbach crash

A man is facing fines and a vehicle impound after emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 12, near Market Boulevard in Steinbach on July 4.

A vehicle travelling south on Highway 12, attempted to turn left and collided with another vehicle travelling north.

The driver of the left turning vehicle, a 57-year-old male from Steinbach, was served with a $672 fine for driving while disqualified. His vehicle was impounded for 210 days.

There were no injuries.

PUB approves utility fees for wastewater treatment plant

The Manitoba Public Utilities Board has approved fees for the Red Seine Rat Wastewater Treatment Plant, which could see residents paying more than $30 every quarter on their utility bills.

“This is all part and parcel of the AGMs that we did have with each community back in early spring,” said Hanover Reeve Jim Funk, who is chair of the RSR Wastewater Cooperative.

Utility charges will begin this month, once approved by councils, with the first quarter bill coming in September to be paid at the municipal offices. Hanover just approved second reading to implement the charges.

Funk said the money will be used to fund the $235 million wastewater treatment plant project, which has already broken ground just north of Niverville.

Seine River School Division superintendent calls school year positive

Seine River School Division superintendent Colin Campbell calls the past school year positive and he is looking forward to the new school year which will bring some changes.

“It’s been a positive, meaningful school year for Seine River School Division. I feel like across the division, we’ve seen growth.”

He said there were a number of highlights from the past year.

Some of those highlights were College St. Norbert Collegiate’s football team winning the championship for their league, College Lorette Collegiate participating in the Le concours d’art oratoire, which is a French language public speaking competition that works on building confidence, communication skills, and French language development.

Canada Day stumble doesn’t cost Sultans in pennant race

The Carillon Sultans added some unnecessary drama to the end of the Manitoba Junior Baseball season, but managed to claim first place as the regular season closed July 6.

The Sultans dropped both games of a back-to-back against Pembina Valley July 1, giving a glimmer of hope to the teams chasing them for first place.

A 11-1 mercy rule victory at A.D. Penner Park over the Interlake Blue Jays July 3 officially locked up a first place finish and quarterfinal bye for the Sultans, which were considered the pre-season favourites after winning back-to-back MJBL championships and returning most of their line-up.

Anders Meilleur pitched a complete game in the win, as Cody Gunderson knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the fifth.

Carillon Sports Second Shots: July 2nd edition

Featuring photos from the Barb Cheop Track and Field meet from mid-June, a Winnipeg Senior Baseball League game June 25, A U15 Carillon Sultans game and softball tournament in Ile des Chenes June 26 and the St Malo Triathlon June 27.

Hanover School Division board passes first reading for student activism policy

Students looking to practice their right to activism in the Hanover School Division will have to be supervised by their teachers and their activities approved by their principals.

During the last board meeting before summer break, trustees gave first reading to Policy JJ - Activism In Schools, which defines activism, how it will be conducted, and what can and cannot be advocated for or against.

“The division supports age-appropriate student activism that aligns with educational goals, promotes respectful dialogue, and contributes to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments. This policy establishes expectations and guidelines for activism activities within HSD schools,” said trustee Brad Unger as he read from the policy.

Unger introduced the motion to create the policy during the regular board meeting on May 5. At the time, Unger didn’t respond to requests for an interview on the proposed policy. He was asked for another interview on June 29 to discuss the policy, and also didn’t respond.

Nighthawks nab Blues assistant captain Fenton Mann

The Niverville Nighthawks have bolstered their line-up for next season.

The Canadian and Manitoba Junior Hockey League champions traded for Winnipeg Blues defenseman Fenton Mann, sending back a player development fee and future considerations to get the defender.

Despite being born in 2008 Mann has played more than 100 MJHL games, all with the Blues. He even saw action with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League last season.

“We’re getting a solid, 200-foot defenseman with a high ceiling,” Niverville general manager Mike McAulay said.