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Pistons lead Terriers 2-1 after convincing game 3 win

Cassidy Dankochik 6 minute read 12:00 PM CDT

The Steinbach Pistons are in control of their first-round series against the Portage Terriers, dominating game three in Steinbach March 24 by a 6-2 score to take a 2-1 lead.

“You’re always learning what it takes to be successful in the playoffs,” head coach and general manager Paul Dyck said after the win.

“We have some players that don’t have a tremendous amount of playoff experience at our level, so I think it’s very important for them to see this is what it looks like. It’s different than the regular season. There’s not a lot of ice out there and the importance of simplicity can’t be overstated.”

Jackson Kostiuk, who left the Pistons mid-way through last season to play in the WHL and didn’t play during the team’s loss to Portage, is dominating. He’s scored scored five goals, adding an assist through three games.

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1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: March 12, 1948 – Sisters share 50th wedding anniversary celebration

Wes Keating 1 minute read Preview

1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: March 12, 1948 – Sisters share 50th wedding anniversary celebration

Wes Keating 1 minute read 11:21 AM CDT

It is indeed a rare opportunity for The Carillon News to publish a photo of three couples who all have been married more than 50 years.

The Dueck sisters joined their husbands at the head table this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr and Mrs P.D. Kroeker. Peter and Elizabeth Kroeker, farmers in the Steinbach district, were married March 10, 1898.

Elizabeth was the third of the Dueck sisters to reach the golden wedding anniversary milestone. Abraham R. Penner and Susanna Dueck (at left) were married August 12, 1894, and Henry R. Reimer and Helena Dueck (at right) were married October 18, 1896.

All three Dueck sisters were 18 when they married. Their parents were Mr and Mrs Peter Dueck of Kleefeld.

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11:21 AM CDT

The Dueck sisters joined their husbands at the head table this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr and Mrs P.D. Kroeker. Peter and Elizabeth Kroeker, farmers in the Steinbach district, were married March 10, 1898. Elizabeth was the third of the Dueck sisters to reach the golden wedding anniversary milestone. Abraham R. Penner and Susanna Dueck (at left) were married August 12, 1894, and Henry R. Reimer and Helena Dueck (at right) were married October 18, 1896.

The Dueck sisters joined their husbands at the head table this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr and Mrs P.D. Kroeker. Peter and Elizabeth Kroeker, farmers in the Steinbach district, were married March 10, 1898. Elizabeth was the third of the Dueck sisters to reach the golden wedding anniversary milestone. Abraham R. Penner and Susanna Dueck (at left) were married August 12, 1894, and Henry R. Reimer and Helena Dueck (at right) were married October 18, 1896.

Tache public works union warns of spring flooding as strike halts drain clearing

Matthew Frank 3 minute read Preview

Tache public works union warns of spring flooding as strike halts drain clearing

Matthew Frank 3 minute read 10:19 AM CDT

Striking Rural Municipality of Tache workers are raising concerns that critical drain clearing for flood mitigation isn’t happening as the spring thaw approaches.

Members of the Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987, which represents employees in the utilities, solid waste and public works departments, have been on strike since Feb. 23. The workers and seven other unions, including The Manitoba Teachers’ Society and the Manitoba Federation of Labour, held a rally at the picket line in front of Tache’s administration building on Wednesday.

Rene Ammeter, a lead drainage hand, said necessary equipment used to clear snow and ice from drains is idle and no flood preparation is happening.

“It could result in some significant overland flooding, and just prolong the spring runoff,” he told The Carillon.

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10:19 AM CDT

MATTHEW FRANK THE CARILLON

Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987 member and Tache grader operator Matthew Kiazyk (right) stands along the strike picket line in front of the Tache administration office on March 24. He warns that drain clearing isn’t happening which raises flood risks.

MATTHEW FRANK THE CARILLON 

Operating Engineers of Manitoba Local 987 member and Tache grader operator Matthew Kiazyk (right) stands along the strike picket line in front of the Tache administration office on March 24. He warns that drain clearing isn’t happening which raises flood risks.

COLUMN: Viewpoint – Attracting professionals to rural communities

MaryLou Driedger 4 minute read 9:17 AM CDT

I was drawn to a recent Carillon article because it featured a former student of mine, local lawyer, Anne Barkman. Anne was talking to university students whose law professor had brought them to visit Steinbach. Anne spoke to the potential barristers about the rewarding professional pluses available in Steinbach, where they would have the opportunity to offer a diverse and appreciative clientele a wide variety of legal services, receive support from senior lawyers, and lead a more balanced life. Hopefully some of the visiting students will have been inspired to consider practicing law in a rural setting.

In August a new teaching training program launches at Canadian Mennonite University. A key feature is that students do 28 weeks of practical teaching in schools, rather than the 24 weeks required at other provincial universities. Work placements in rural and northern Manitoba communities will be prioritized. Hopefully this will aid in the recruitment of young teachers to live and build careers outside of Winnipeg.

When my nephew graduated from the University of Manitoba’s faculty of pharmacy he was offered a financial incentive to practice in a rural northern community. Raised a city boy, he planned to leave the north after two years to move back to Winnipeg. But he fell in love with the outdoor activities associated with lakeside living, and a local young lady. Ten years later he still practices pharmacy in the northern community.

My Dad was a family doctor in Steinbach for four decades and during that time mentored a cadre of medical students helping them understand the potential and perks of working outside Winnipeg. He considered this a professional responsibility, helping to insure that younger doctors would be there to take care of his rural patients when he retired.

A new Steinbach-based program aims to bolster weekend food support for children already receiving school meals and help families put food on the table.

The Rotary Club of South Eastman partnered with local non-profit Soup’s On to create the Nutrition on Weekends program (NOW). The initiative will provide monthly snack bags filled with 24 nutritious snacks to 25 children to last eight weekend days.

Club president-elect Jo-Anne Dalton said the program addresses a gap in meal services because families are forced to prioritize rent and other necessary costs rather than affording food in between meals for children.

“You might be able to pick up a bag of rice and some pasta and some basic essentials for food, but there isn’t always a lot to offer in between that,” she said.

Habs beat Warriors in all-Eastman CRJHL semi-final, lead final 1-0

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Preview

Habs beat Warriors in all-Eastman CRJHL semi-final, lead final 1-0

Cassidy Dankochik 4 minute read Yesterday at 12:00 PM CDT

Championship hockey is back in La Broquerie.

The Habs will be playing for the Capital Region Junior Hockey League trophy after beating regional rivals St Malo three games to two in the league’s semi-finals.

A Colton Pakoo goal with just 42 seconds remaining in the first overtime of game six March 20 inside La Broquerie’s HyLife Centre sent the crowd into a frenzy.

Pakoo was able to corral a rebound and guide it into the back of the net after a backhand shot from Luke Tetreault bounced off the glove of Jozsé Gauthier-Urmos and landed in the crease.

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Yesterday at 12:00 PM CDT

Colton Pakoo is mobbed by teammates after his overtime goal in game six of the CRJHL finals advanced the La Broquerie Habs past St Malo. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Colton Pakoo is mobbed by teammates after his overtime goal in game six of the CRJHL finals advanced the La Broquerie Habs past St Malo. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

1946 to 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: Frank F. Reimer Park

Wes Keating 2 minute read Preview

1946 to 2026 Watching Steinbach Grow: Frank F. Reimer Park

Wes Keating 2 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Nestled in a corner between the Steinbach post office and the community cenotaph is a pocket park dedicated to the memory of Frank F. Reimer.

A plaque on a concrete pedastal reads: “This park is in honour of our father Frank F. Reimer who was a Steinbach merchant and entrepreneur known as “Carload Frank”. H

e lived in Steinbach and area from his birth in 1908 until 1967, when he and our mother, Margaret, moved to Winnipeg.

Frank F. Reimer was a great-grandson of pioneer Klaas R. Reimer, who came to Steinbach in 1874 from what is now the Ukraine.

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Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

WES KEATING THE CARILLON

Nestled in a corner between the Steinbach post office and the community cenotaph is a pocket park dedicated to the memory of Frank F. Reimer.

WES KEATING THE CARILLON

Nestled in a corner between the Steinbach post office and the community cenotaph is a pocket park dedicated to the memory of Frank F. Reimer.

Carillon Sports Second Shots: March 19th edition

Cassidy Dankochik 1 minute read Preview

Carillon Sports Second Shots: March 19th edition

Cassidy Dankochik 1 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Featuring game three of the Price Division finals in the Winnipeg High School Hockey League between Lorette and West Kildonan March 12, Springfield vs Mitchell in the HTJHL semi-finals, action from the Canadian College Athletic Association women's championship in Niverville March 11 and 14 and a CRJHL quarterfinal game between St Malo and La Broquerie March 13.La Broquerie and St Malo are battling in the CRJHL semi-finals. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

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Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Providence hosted the CCAA national women's volleyball championships March 11-14. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Providence hosted the CCAA national women's volleyball championships March 11-14. (Cassidy Dankochik The Carillon)

Support for Minneapolis shown in Melt the ICE fundraiser

Greg Vandermeulen 4 minute read Preview

Support for Minneapolis shown in Melt the ICE fundraiser

Greg Vandermeulen 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

A small group gathered on Sunday to raise funds and honour the victims of ICE in Minneapolis.

OPEN: Organization for Peace, Justice and Non-Violence partnered with Creative Uncommons: Artist Cooperative to put on the event which raised funds for the Immigrant Defense Network and SupportMinnesota.com.

T. Sheppard Luangkhot, director of OPEN said the event which featured music, speeches and art, went well.

“It was just great to see people come together and share stories of Minnesota as well as stories of how we’re trying to support as Canadians, as Manitobans,” they said. “We know what it’s like to try to help each other in a small community.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON

From left: Madi Stott, Holli Durost, T Sheppard-Luangkhot and Korri Schneider.

GREG VANDERMEULEN THE CARILLON 

From left: Madi Stott, Holli Durost, T Sheppard-Luangkhot and Korri Schneider.

COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – Flip-flops and Liberal policy

Ted Falk, MP for Provencher 5 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

It could be said that Prime Minister Mark Carney has had more flip flops than a fish out of water – only his are on public policy. One day Canadians hear one position and the next day, something completely different. Effective leadership requires clarity and consistency, yet both appear to be missing. Amid global instability, Canadians need clear direction and a reliable path in place.

A prime example of their about-face can be seen in the Liberal government’s response to the war in Iran. The prime minister took four different positions in four days on the war in the Middle East. He was for the attack. He then regretted his support for the attack. He then said it was illegal. And then he said that he would not rule out contributing troops. Such reversals raise deeper questions about judgment. For example, would he have left the evil regime in place? A March 9 Hill Times article reported that the Liberal caucus wanted to be consulted before the PM pledged his support, adding confusion and uncertainty about where Canada stood.

Consequences to the war are not abstract. Gas prices are higher affecting transportation, distribution, and our food supply. In a response to the prime minister, Pierre Poilievre proposed an Emergency Energy Supply Plan to increase Canadian energy production and send more energy to democratic allies. While Canada cannot control global instability, it can control whether its own natural resources are developed and exported – something that has become more difficult under this Liberal government.

That concern was highlighted when one of Canada’s largest oil producers, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, announced it was halting expansion in Canada. The company said federal regulations and the industrial carbon tax were creating too much uncertainty and cost for long-term investment.

SRSS Sabres Bueckert, Froese, named to Free Press top 10

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

SRSS Sabres Bueckert, Froese, named to Free Press top 10

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

A pair of Steinbach Regional players were recognized by a Winnipeg Free Press coaches poll as two of the province’s top high school hockey players.

Forward Jager Bueckert and defenseman Peyton Froese were placed seventh and ninth on the top 10 list, published March 13th just after the start of the AAAA hockey provincial championships.

“(Bueckert) emerged as a top talent with great speed, puck control and a deadly shot,” his profile reads.

“A tough, high-skilled, two-way forward, he is smart, consistent and well-rounded on both ends of the ice.”

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Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

Jager Bueckert led the SRSS Sabres in scoring, and was recognized by coaches as one of the province's top 10 high school hockey players. (Cassidy Dankochik Carillon Archives)

Jager Bueckert led the SRSS Sabres in scoring, and was recognized by coaches as one of the province's top 10 high school hockey players. (Cassidy Dankochik Carillon Archives)

Providence lays off staff, cuts programming due to international student drop

Matthew Frank 4 minute read Preview

Providence lays off staff, cuts programming due to international student drop

Matthew Frank 4 minute read Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Providence University College and Theological Seminary will be laying off 10 percent of its workforce and slashing programming, citing falling international student permit numbers.

Kenton Anderson, president of the Otterburne-based college, said the 2026-2027 budget will be the first time the full financial impact from the federal government’s international student policies will be felt. The college has lost more than 90 percent of its international students and saw a nearly 50 percent drop in annual revenue, falling from $26 million to $13 million.

“The effect is now hitting us. Even though these (federal) announcements started to come down two years ago, it took two years for us to actually experience the full impact, which is now where we’re at,” he told The Carillon.

Staff and faculty are among the cut jobs, with other employees having their workloads and hours reduced, Anderson said. The college’s communications and media program was discontinued, and its Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) initiative was placed on hiatus as administration “tightens the belt.”

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Wednesday, Mar. 25, 2026

Gault signs pro deal with ECHL team in South Carolina

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Preview

Gault signs pro deal with ECHL team in South Carolina

Cassidy Dankochik 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

Oakbank’s Caiden Gault kicked off his professional career this week, signing with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL.

Gault played three seasons at Ferris State University before transferring to Northern Michigan for his final year of NCAA hockey, where he served as assistant captain and compiled a career high in goals.

The Swamp Rabbits serve as the affiliate for the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign and NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.

Gault played his U15 AAA hockey in the Eastman Selects system before moving to Rink Hockey Academy. He played a single full season with the Selkirk Steelers before moving to the Alberta Junior Hockey League, scoring 73 points in 58 games in the 2021/2022 season.

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Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

Caiden Gault played his MJHL hockey in Selkirk. (MJHL)

Caiden Gault played his MJHL hockey in Selkirk. (MJHL)

Manitoba to require employers supply menstrual products by August

Matthew Frank 2 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

Manitoba will soon require employers to stock free menstrual products for their workers.

The provincial government, in a March 9 news release, said that workplace washrooms and other accessible locations must have menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, for employees by early August.

The supplies will be offered at no cost to workers. Manitoba’s NDP government is the first province to require employers to provide the products, which will boost workplace health, reduce stigma and improve gender equity, the release said.

“These changes are about dignity and fairness at work,” Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said in the statement.

1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach grow: Nothing was ever halfway for Carload Frank Reimer

Wes Keating 6 minute read Preview

1946 – 2026 Watching Steinbach grow: Nothing was ever halfway for Carload Frank Reimer

Wes Keating 6 minute read Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

People who used to drive their horses and buggies around the little village of Giroux paid little attention to one little barefooted boy who used to tote groceries around for the general store there.

Peter B. Reimer, after all had seven boys, all just as barefooted as Frank and all busy carrying groceries, feeding chickens, carrying water or hauling wood. Barefooted boys like Frank Reimer were as common as wagon-wheels those days and few youngsters wore shoes in the summer time, except to church on Sunday.

Had people realized that young Frank would be a millionaire 40 years later, perhaps they would have paid more attention to the way he carried those groceries.

By 1959, “Carload Frank” Reimer no longer went unnoticed. Government people in Ottawa and leaders of industry in both Eastern and Western Canada listened respectfully to his opinions across the conference-room table.

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Tuesday, Mar. 24, 2026

CARILLON ARCHIVES

Frank Reimer purchased the grand champion 4-H steer at the 1954 Hanover Fair for 62½ cents a pound, outbidding rival buyers from Safeway, Canada Packers, Burns and Swift.

CARILLON ARCHIVES 

Frank Reimer purchased the grand champion 4-H steer at the 1954 Hanover Fair for 62½ cents a pound, outbidding rival buyers from Safeway, Canada Packers, Burns and Swift.

BLSD plans to cut wards from 7 to 4

Matthew Frank 3 minute read Monday, Mar. 23, 2026

Border Land School Division will be cutting the number of wards in its jurisdiction ahead of the fall election season to address the growing population in the region.

The division will go from seven to four wards, merging former areas, according to a March 11 press release. No changes will be made to school catchment areas, bus routes or the number of school board trustees.

Ward 1 will include Sprague, Piney, Sundown and Buffalo Point First Nation. Ward 2 covers Vita, Stuartburn and Sundown. Ward 3 represents Emerson, Ridgeville, Tolstoi, Dominion City, Arnaud, Rosa, Woodmore and Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation. Ward 4 has Rosenfeld, Horndean, Letellier, St. Joseph, Gretna, Rosetown, Halbstadt, Sommerfeld, Altona, Gnadenfeld and Neubergthal.

Five trustees will now represent Ward 4, two trustees have seats in Ward 3 and Ward 1 and 2 have one trustee each.

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