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Five new workers join Eastman Immigrant Services

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 7 minute read 5:42 PM CDT

Five new workers have joined Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) providing care to immigrants and their families.

Olesja Schwabauer is the program director at EIS and it’s her job to oversee all programming and grant applications. She has held this role since July 2024 and so far she is enjoying it.

“So far so amazing. We have a great team,” she said. “Everyone is having the same goal helping newcomers and seeing them succeed in our area. I really really love working here and I hope that people stick around and be with us and we can build that strong office that helps people in each area. And I really hope that we can grow also and add more people and add more programs.”

Olesja is from northern Bavaria in Germany. She came to Canada 17 years ago settling in Winkler. She began working with immigrants in Germany and continued that work here in Canada. She moved to Steinbach two years ago as her daughter was going to university and she wanted to be closer to Winnipeg.

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MJHL’s Winnipeg Freeze re-brand to Monarchs

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

MJHL’s Winnipeg Freeze re-brand to Monarchs

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read 3:01 PM CDT

Manitoba Junior Hockey League fans in Steinbach will see a new team to play on next year’s schedule, as the Winnipeg Freeze have re-branded to the Winnipeg Monarchs.

The MJHL franchise began play in 2020, owned by 50 Below Sports, who also owned the Winnipeg Ice Western Hockey League team.

The Monarchs name is rich in history. A junior team bearing that name was founded in 1930, competing up until 1978, when they were re-named to the Winnipeg South Blues.

The Blues still play as the other Winnipeg-based team in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.

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3:01 PM CDT

The Winnipeg Freeze have re-branded to the Monarchs for next season, featuring a lion logo. (MJHL)

The Winnipeg Freeze have re-branded to the Monarchs for next season, featuring a lion logo. (MJHL)

Niverville raises taxes by four percent

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 3 minute read Preview

Niverville raises taxes by four percent

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 3 minute read 2:19 PM CDT

The Town of Niverville will raise taxes by four percent this year as it released its budget last week during its regular council meeting.

“We try to be as stable and consistent as possible in the rates that have gone out year over year. This is the norm. So, you’re always in that two to four percent range of what your taxes will go up by year over year and that has not changed ever since I’ve been here,” said CAO Eric King.

The town will see a drop in the mill rate by 14.6 percent. Last year’s mill rate was 13.659 mills while this year it’s 11.659 mills. As this is a reassessment year, the average household in Niverville has seen its assessment increase by 20 to 22 percent.

What this means is that a home assessed at $399,800 will see an increase of $86.29 on their municipal property taxes. Waste collection will see the fee increased to $150 per household.

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2:19 PM CDT

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON

Town of Niverville CAO Eric King presented this year’s budget to council last week, which saw a four percent increase in taxes.

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON 

Town of Niverville CAO Eric King presented this year’s budget to council last week, which saw a four percent increase in taxes.

Hank Klassen retires from South East Helping Hands

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read Preview

Hank Klassen retires from South East Helping Hands

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 4 minute read 11:24 AM CDT

After 44 years at the helm, Hank Klassen is retiring from his post as board chair of South East Helping Hands.

“He’s done an amazing job and it’s going to be hard to fill the same shoes or even try,” said operations manager Ken Dyck.

“He’s been my mentor for many, many years. If it (wasn’t) for Hank I wouldn’t be into volunteering. He got me into Lion’s Club and he put me to work right away. He said that’s the only way people stay in the clubs and from there I took a little break and he jumped me into Helping Hands and I’ve been here ever since.”

Klassen said he was always looking to retire and that a disagreement recently on the board made the decision happen sooner rather than later.

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11:24 AM CDT

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON

After 44 years at the helm, Hank Klassen is retiring from the board of South East Helping Hands.

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON 

After 44 years at the helm, Hank Klassen is retiring from the board of South East Helping Hands.

Virden repeats as MJHL attendance champions despite poor record

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Virden repeats as MJHL attendance champions despite poor record

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read 10:00 AM CDT

While the Virden Oil Capitals may have ended up missing the Manitoba Junior Hockey League playoffs, the franchise is certainly thriving at the box office.

For the second consecutive year, Virden led the league in per game attendance, letting an average of 781 people through the doors at the Tundra Oil and Gas Place arena for games.

For the first time since the 2021/2022 season, no team averaged more than 800 fans per game, with both Steinbach and Winkler playing their seasons inside smaller temporary homes this season. The Flyers dropped from 842 fans per game to just 428, playing in the ICON arena.

The Flyers could only pack a maximum 644 people into the building for a playoff game, as fans filled the rink to its limits. PembinaValleyOnline reported earlier this year the team is expected to begin play inside the newly renovated Winkler Centennial Arena in January of 2026.

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10:00 AM CDT

This graph shows the average attendance across the MJHL according to reporting on the league's website. Just over a dozen games were missing from the data-set, including four Winnipeg Blues games, two Winkler Flyers games, one Virden game and three Portage Terriers games.

This graph shows the average attendance across the MJHL according to reporting on the league's website. Just over a dozen games were missing from the data-set, including four Winnipeg Blues games, two Winkler Flyers games, one Virden game and three Portage Terriers games.

Southwood School EAL program is helping students integrate

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 3 minute read Preview

Southwood School EAL program is helping students integrate

Svjetlana Mlinarevic 3 minute read 8:53 AM CDT

Forty percent of Southwood School’s student body has English as an additional language (EAL). Out of more than 600 students, roughly a third are immigrants or children of immigrants that are learning English as a second or third language.

“We have 28 students that are at Stage 1 beginning to learn English, 49 students at Stage 2 that middle level of proficiency, and 163 students in stage 3 where they’re fairly proficient in English. So, 240 all together out of 604 students,” said resource teacher Holly Gushulak.

“Just having 40 percent of our students being English learners on some level it’s this built in safety net for them where they’re not made to feel different. There’s lots of kids learning English,” she added, emphasizing that translators are also used when necessary so that the children always feel like they’re being heard.

Eastman Immigrant Services settlement worker in schools (SWIS) lead Maria Zhosan came to Canda two years ago from Ukraine with no English experience. She has three sons aged two to 12 who go to school in Steinbach. As a SWIS lead, Zhosan works with immigrant children in the schools to help them assimilate and learn English.

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8:53 AM CDT

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON
Southwood School resource teacher Holly Gushulak (left) and principal Marge Thiessen note that 40 percent of their student population has English as an additional language.

SVJETLANA MLINAREVIC THE CARILLON
Southwood School resource teacher Holly Gushulak (left) and principal Marge Thiessen note that 40 percent of their student population has English as an additional language.

COLUMN: Eye on the Arts – Perform to a live audience at the K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park

Steinbach Arts Council 4 minute read Yesterday at 5:36 PM CDT

The Steinbach Arts Council is seeking new and returning artists to perform at the upcoming K.R. Barkman Concerts in the Park on May 20 to June 10. This is a unique opportunity for local musicians, including family groups, youth performers, amateur musicians, soloists, choral groups, ensembles, and cultural groups, to share their music with a supportive audience.

Application Details:

Deadline: May 5, 2025

To apply, visit SteinbachArts.ca. The Steinbach Arts Council is delighted to partner with the Barkman Concrete Foundation to continue this summer tradition of featuring local and guest artists and bringing our community together in celebration of music and arts.

Former Pilot Perpall hired as Providence women’s basketball head coach

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Preview

Former Pilot Perpall hired as Providence women’s basketball head coach

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:57 PM CDT

The Providence Pilots didn’t have to look far to find their new women’s basketball head coach.

The school announced alumnus and current men’s assistant coach Kendall Perpall would be taking over for Joel Coursey, who became Providence’s full-time athletic director this year.

“I wasn’t expecting to be this early, but (becoming a head coach) was always in my plans to do, especially after playing,” Perpall said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to start early (at Providence), even assistant coaching after college… I definitely appreciate they recognize that.”

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Yesterday at 2:57 PM CDT

Kendall Perpall spent many years as a combo guard with the Providence Pilots, and is now helping to coach the team alongside playing for a professional team in New Brunswick. (Submitted Photo)

Kendall Perpall spent many years as a combo guard with the Providence Pilots, and is now helping to coach the team alongside playing for a professional team in New Brunswick. (Submitted Photo)

Oswalds are happy to be doing ‘most important job on earth’

Wes Keating 8 minute read Preview

Oswalds are happy to be doing ‘most important job on earth’

Wes Keating 8 minute read Yesterday at 2:11 PM CDT

When Brent Oswald is asked why he believes farming is the most important job on earth, the third generation owner of Cottonwood Farms in the Friedensfeld area has a ready answer.

“Everybody’s gotta eat.”

And the Oswald family has been putting food on Manitoba tables for nearly 100 years. Their farm on Ekron/Oswald Road, southeast of Steinbach, will be a Centennial Farm in another five years.

Brent Oswald, featured in Agriculture in the Classroom’s Follow the Farmer series in January, gave hundreds of Manitoba school children a video tour of his Friedensfeld farm and threw in a lesson on growing corn.

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Yesterday at 2:11 PM CDT

WES KEATING THE CARILLON

Brent and Kirsty with feed samples at the Oswald Farms feed mill which produces feed for their broilers and layers as well as 19 other farms.

WES KEATING THE CARILLON 

Brent and Kirsty with feed samples at the Oswald Farms feed mill which produces feed for their broilers and layers as well as 19 other farms.

RM and parish play ball on St Malo baseball deal

Chris Gareau 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:20 AM CDT

It is a heavenly deal 20 years in the making for St Malo ball players.

Seven acres of land along Highway 59 near the St Malo shrine and grotto are to be leased by the Catholic Parish of St Malo to the RM of De Salaberry for one dollar barring any last-minute changes.

The RM council signed off on the 21-year lease agreement at its April 22 meeting.

The agreement stipulates the land will only be used for a baseball facility and community recreation events. It also cannot be used for any purpose “that is inconsistent with the Catholic faith as determined by the landlord acting reasonably.”

Mother Nature spoils attendance for first day of Farm Toy Show

Wes Keating 6 minute read Preview

Mother Nature spoils attendance for first day of Farm Toy Show

Wes Keating 6 minute read Yesterday at 8:22 AM CDT

Farmers are used to having their best laid plans interrupted by the quirks of Mother Nature, and so it was for this year’s exhibitors at the annual Farm Toy and Collectibles Show at the Clearspring Centre.

A late spring snow storm made for a slow day Friday, but most were more than happy with the crowd that showed up for the second day of the event.

Brent and Rachel Chubaty, who have been running the event for years, said in spite of the weather, many of the regulars were back and a few new ones were added.

There had been 120 tables booked, Chubaty said, but the phone started ringing off the hook as the weekend and the threat of a storm approached. Some of the regulars, especially those in that group of more senior collectors, cancelled because of the weather.

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Yesterday at 8:22 AM CDT

WES KEATING THE CARILLON

Richard Wozniak added variety to this year’s Farm Toy and Collectibles Show by bringing along his collection of unique construction equipment toys.

WES KEATING THE CARILLON 

Richard Wozniak added variety to this year’s Farm Toy and Collectibles Show by bringing along his collection of unique construction equipment toys.

Supply management stabilizes poultry industry in Canada

Wes Keating 4 minute read Preview

Supply management stabilizes poultry industry in Canada

Wes Keating 4 minute read Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

It has often been said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” and that cannot be more true than when it comes to Canada’s system of dealing with agriculture commodities in the dairy and poultry sectors.

Supply management allows Manitoba Egg Farmers, for example, to accomplish their mission of “leading a thriving egg industry, while empowering farm families for generations”.

The chair of Manitoba Egg Farmers and her parents are just one example of how the supply and demand system has worked well for the family farm in Manitoba.

Catherine Kroeker-Klassen says her parents remember a time before the system of supply and demand was implemented, and how it was costing more to produce eggs than they were getting for them.

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Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

WES KEATING THE CARILLON

Joining Catherine in the new Oakdale Farms layer barn, Warren Kroeker marvels at how much the ‘hen house’ has improved since he became an egg farmer back in the 1960’s.

WES KEATING THE CARILLON 

Joining Catherine in the new Oakdale Farms layer barn, Warren Kroeker marvels at how much the ‘hen house’ has improved since he became an egg farmer back in the 1960’s.

DANKOCHIK’S DRAFTINGS: My one exception to badmouthing other sports

Cassidy Dankochik 3 minute read Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

As someone who watches a lot of varied sports, it’s always funny to me to see fans insult other team sports throughout their fandom.

In Canada, hockey fans seem to be the most likely to do this, as a result of the sport’s lower international standing, but high prominence in this country.

It’s especially goofy when comparing the NHL to the NBA, as professional basketball has become more and more similar to hockey over the past few years in my opinion.

While the players do hold way more power in the NBA, due to the fact stars generally play 90 per cent of important games, the way the regular season has become less and less important and the obvious changes in rules and increased intensity in the post-season means basketball is becoming much more like hockey.

COLUMN: Carillon Flashback November 23, 1988 – Tories win back-to-back majority

Wes Keating 3 minute read Preview

COLUMN: Carillon Flashback November 23, 1988 – Tories win back-to-back majority

Wes Keating 3 minute read Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

The Conservative Party made history in Monday’s federal election. It was the first time a Tory government was able to secure a back-to-back majority since John A. MacDonald did it 130 years ago. It is also the only time a government has won an election over the issue of free trade with the United States.

Back-to-back majority governments have certainly not been the norm in Canada and have not been seen at all since Louis St Laurent’s Liberals of the 1950’s.

For Brian Mulroney, Monday’s 170-seat parliamentary mandate is not only a stunning personal triumph, but irrefutable evidence that his vision of Canada as a nation of two founding people, and languages bound in loose confederation of strong provinces is one many people identify with.

Mulroney has shown the Conservative Party can win seats in every region of a sprawling country.

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Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

There was a lot of finger-pointing on both sides as John Turner and Brian Mulroney debated the issue of free trade with the United States prior to the November 1988 federal election.

There was a lot of finger-pointing on both sides as John Turner and Brian Mulroney debated the issue of free trade with the United States prior to the November 1988 federal election.

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1992: Sprague basketball tradition continues

3 minute read Preview

SPORTS FLASHBACK 1992: Sprague basketball tradition continues

3 minute read Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

The success of the Ross L. Gray Raiders varsity girls basketball program at Sprague continues to be an amazing story, bordering on the unbelievable.

One of the smallest high schools in Manitoba, Sprague won the Manitoba High School Athletic Association ‘AA’ varsity girls basketball championship in Warren on the weekend.

There are only 14 girls attending grades 10-12 in total at the Ross L. Gray School and eight of them play on the basketball team. The Raiders had the option to compete at the MHSAA ‘A’ level for the smallest schools in the province, but instead opted to compete at the higher ‘AA’ level, as they have for the past three years.

Two years ago, the Raiders lost in the finals at the provincials, and last year, had to settle for the consolation championship.

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Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

A week after the Ross L Gray Raiders won the 1991-92 Eastman basketball championship the Sprague team added a provincial banner to their school’s collection with a victory at the MHSAA “AA” provincials. Members of the team are: Front row, Melissa Hovorka, Michelle Jernberg, and Barbie Plovie. Back row: Lena Zimmerman, Deanna Chenier, Mary Jo Hovorka, Vanessa Backman and Connie Lavergne. Coach is John Bukich.

A week after the Ross L Gray Raiders won the 1991-92 Eastman basketball championship the Sprague team added a provincial banner to their school’s collection with a victory at the MHSAA “AA” provincials. Members of the team are: Front row, Melissa Hovorka, Michelle Jernberg, and Barbie Plovie. Back row: Lena Zimmerman, Deanna Chenier, Mary Jo Hovorka, Vanessa Backman and Connie Lavergne. Coach is John Bukich.

COLUMN: View from the Legislature – Bringing down internal trade barriers

Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach 4 minute read Sunday, Apr. 27, 2025

By now, most Canadians have likely heard more about trade barriers and tariffs than they ever wanted to. Naturally, this has been focused on those that have been imposed by the United States and China which are hurting not only the Canadian economy but the global one as well. But long before these impediments to free trade were top headlines, there have been discussions and challenges on trade barriers being applied closer to home.

While Canadians have now learned a great deal about international tariffs, most were unlikely aware of the restrictions on trade that exist between provinces. Despite agreements such as the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and the New West Partnership, there have always been exceptions and carve outs that have resulted in trade barriers between provinces. In fact, estimates of the costs of these interprovincial trade barriers are in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

A recent study indicated that the removal of these trade barriers between provinces could result in a boost to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product by between 4.4 percent and 7.9 percent. Another showed that true free trade between provinces could grow the Canadian economy by up to $200 million and, just as importantly, lower prices by as much as 15 percent. All of this is particularly important now as Canada and other countries struggle with the imposition of tariffs by the United States and by China. It is important that everything within our nations control is done to strengthen the economy, lower prices and create jobs.

Interprovincial trade barriers can take many forms. They are often the result of different regulations between provinces. These can result in different labelling requirements or safety certifications. It can take the form of transportation regulations or different standards for professional accreditations for a variety of occupations. All of these place artificial and costly barriers for products and services within the same country.

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