January 29, 2026   Volume 35 No.4

AlertMB another tool in the EMO kit

By Tony Zerucha

A new alerting system from Manitoba’s Emergency Measures Organization gives municipalities another tool to protect both lives and property from impending disasters. 

The AlertMB program trains municipal officials to access it via the National Public Alerting System. Focused on local events, it would provide smartphone notifications without individuals having to subscribe. 

AlertMB’s messages differ from other mass notification systems in several ways, beginning with no opt-in or registration system being required. The notifications interrupt radio, television and digital displays to ensure widespread and immediate publicity.

Broadcast messages must meet specific criteria, including a threat to life and the need to provide life-saving instructions to the public. 

Authorized users are trained annually. Only they can contact the Emergency Measures Organization, who decides if the request meets the criteria required to send it on to the National Public Alerting System. Examples of authorized users could include CAOs, fire chiefs, municipal emergency coordinators and law enforcement officials.  In some circumstances, authorized personnel may have to coordinate messaging with counterparts in neighbouring municipalities.
On Jan. 20, Springfield council voted unanimously to send staff for the training. The RM’s of Lac du Bonnet, Brokenhead and Alexander will also participate with other communitites noting interest.

Lac du Bonnet emergency coordinator John Fleming said the national Alert program has recently been opened to provinces and territories, with Manitoba encouraging municipalities to take part. Several federal agencies can send alerts, as can the RCMP. AlertMB allows municipalities to provide alerts at a level below federal and provincial thresholds.

Fleming explained that AlertMB can target specific areas because it utilizes cell phone towers, so areas sharing a tower may get each other’s alerts. But because it’s on a 4G network, there are some dead spots where not all areas will receive them.
“You can be in our area and not get AlertMB messaging,” Fleming said. “But it’s another tool in our toolbox to get our information to our residents.”
Fleming said the Connect system notifies everyone who has registered for the system, so its success is predicated on citizens taking a step. With AlertMB, more people in a region will be notified of an emergency.

The importance of effective notification systems was highlighted during last spring’s devastating fires. Fleming said the number of people registering for alerts nearly doubled, reaching 5,700 in the aftermath.

“Before May (2025), it was nice when people registered for Connect,” Fleming said.

“After the fires, my voice changed to, ‘You must register.’”

Changing climate patterns combined with the boreal forest terrain mean it’s not a matter of if, but when the next major fire occurs, Fleming said. That means the focus must be on safety, prevention and effect mitigation. How to prevent a fire from spreading from one subdivision to the next? How can we all prevent fires? Fleming stresses these messages in the dozens of outreach sessions he attends each year.

“All of this can’t be on the government, no government has the money,” Fleming said. “We need everyone’s help.”

Springfield opts out of WMR

Tight deadlines, lack of information leads to RM pulling the plug

By Tony Zerucha

Add the RM of Springfield to the list of towns and municipalities to opt out of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region (WMR) after council voted 4-1 for the move last week. 

Springfield’s council was slated to discuss its annual WMR dues payment of $17,995 on Jan. 20, but Coun. Glen Fuhl added a resolution to opt out entirely. It was seconded by Coun. Mark Miller. Only Mayor Pat Therrien voted in favour of remaining.

“It really comes down to there’s not a lot of information out there at this time,” Fuhl said. “The deadlines I keep hearing are too tight.

“I’m fully in favour of a regional plan, I’m not against that. What I’m against is the plan itself at this time which seems to (offer) no information. We always have the option to opt in when we have more information.”

Fuhl urged the Province of Manitoba to encourage the WMR to be more forthcoming with information, adding that councils need more of it to make informed decisions.

Too many WMR discussions are held in camera, he said.

“Communication is such a big piece of this,” Fuhl said. “If we want this plan to work, we all have to work together and communicate very well with each other.”
Miller said he never believed in the WMR process, which, under the former Progressive Conservative government, he called a “horrendous, horrible exercise.” He said more than $130,000 in dues have provided “zero benefit” for Springfield.
“We’re hearing negative feedback,” Miller said. “There’s not enough communication; it needs to be enhanced. They need to get their act together with that in the first step.”

Coun. Andy Kuczynski said he fears Springfield becoming “locked in” to the WMR for up to a decade if it doesn’t leave now.

“We’re going to be locked if we don’t opt out,” he said. “When the time comes and the benefits for this municipality (are identified) and we have good discussions with residents... if they agree and this is good, we’re probably joining the Capital Region. Otherwise, I hope we stay away from it.”

Coun. Melinda Warren said in the past some residents had to obtain building permits from the City of Winnipeg. While she agrees in principle with regional planning, local autonomy must also be respected.

“We’re not getting any feedback,” Warren said. “I hope the WMR can figure out a way with this new regional plan that other jurisdictions don’t have power over us. There has to be a level playing field. Many residents feel their rights are being taken away.”
Therrien said he respects the democratic process and the right of his fellow council members to vote to opt out, adding that introducing a new planning process in an election year was poor timing. However, he added that opting out comes with a price.
“Time out of the WMR could be a significant loss to the RM,” Therrien said. “We need to be at the table. Every RM pays proportionately to its population. That is relatively small money for an investment in our future. At the end of the day, it’s a dollar for each citizen in the RM of Springfield.”

Therrien took aim at misinformation he said was colouring the regional planning discussion.

“Plan 2050 didn’t take away our autonomy or require passports to move outside of our location,” he said. “It was never linked to the World Economic Forum and other conspiracy theories. That plan was shelved and for good purpose I planned to vote no on that plan.”

Therrien said he had introduced a motion at the WMR board asking for the opt-out date to be postponed until 2027. That would allow for more planning and public discussions so more informed decisions could be made.
“We should never be rushed,” Therrien said. “(The motion) is still before the minister, and we could get a reply in the next couple of days. This is preemptive.
“The concept of regionalization is here to stay. Our federal government, in my opinion, is looking to put money into regions to satisfy distribution on a macro, not a micro scale.”

Therrien said the City of Winnipeg is looking to expand its boundaries. Having a seat at the WMR table allows Springfield to discuss this, and other crucial issues.
“They’re right on our doorstep, so you want to be at the table,” Therrien said. “There’s been misinformation and scare tactics. Unfortunately, some people are listening to that.”

Therrien cited the example of the Cedar Lake Corridor, a long-envisioned connector route that would directly link to the Perimeter and Chief Peguis Trail. WMR table discussions led to the Cedar Lake Corridor being added to those plans, which are presented to federal and provincial funders.

“It’s on the agenda; we’ve been talking about this many times,” Therrien said, adding that public transit plans could see commuting options for Springfield commuters.
“How does on opt out of a plan when not knowing what the plan is?” Therrien asked.

“To do so would be a knee-jerk reaction. I’m confused; this will be to our benefit.”
Springfield joins the City of Selkirk, Village of Dunnottar, and RM’s of Headingley, St. Andrews and West St. Paul in opting out of the WMR. (CHECK)
The WMR did not return requests for comment.

Saluk not running in fall civic elections

By Tony Zerucha

After six terms and 20-plus years in municipal politics, RM of Brokenhead Reeve Brad Saluk confirmed he won’t run in this fall’s civic elections and will be leaving municipal politics.

He began his political career in 2005 by winning a councillor by-election for the Town of Beausejour. Following re-election in 2006 election, he was elected mayor in 2010. He has served as reeve for the RM of Brokenhead since 2014. Saluk was first elected to the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Board of Directors in 2015, becoming a vice-president in 2018, a position he still holds.

“I said I was never going past three terms on council,” Saluk said. “I’ve seen it myself; after three terms you can get stagnant. It’s time to switch it up and bring new perspectives.

“In three terms and 11 years, we’ve seen and done a lot. We’ve done a lot for the

community.”
Saluk takes pride in several key infrastructure projects completed during his tenure, beginning with the lagoon rebuild that saw residents pay a one-time fee of $327, with LUD residents chipping in $160.

“Who ever heard of that?” he asked.

Moving the Beausejour Brokenhead fire hall to PR 302 has improved service to the region. Space constraints in its earlier configuration forced the purchase of customized, more expensive equipment, a problem now eliminated. Equipment grants saved the RM hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Saluk credited his colleagues for working to keep taxes down, with only modest increases over the years. He said he just returned from a provincial tour where he saw other municipalities forced to raise taxes 10 and 12 per cent in attempts to make up for years of delayed hikes.

Come this November, Saluk looks forward to more time with family and a few extra hours to work the farm. While he’s at peace with his decision, it’s bittersweet.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here, the people I worked with, and the friends I’ve made,” Saluk said.

LdB housing report highlights needs

The Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet have released a 2025 Housing Report, which highlights the strong demand for housing in Lac du Bonnet and provides valuable guidance for future development

Lac du Bonnet economic development officer Anna Mondor said the report offers a comprehensive look at current and projected housing needs, demographic trends and opportunities for sustainable residential development. Based on a survey of 192 residents and extensive community data, the report captures insights into housing preferences, affordability challenges and future growth in the region.

“With the RM of Lac du Bonnet being the fastest growing community in the North Eastman region, experiencing 14 per cent population growth according to the 2021 Census, we have a unique opportunity to meet housing needs across income levels and age groups,” Mondor said. 

The survey revealed that homeownership dominates the local housing market, with 86.7 per cent of residents owning their homes and over half mortgage-free, reflecting a stable yet aging homeowner base. Long-term rentals exist, but short-term and mid- to long-term rental options are limited. 

Nearly half of residents spend over 30 per cent of their income on housing, and affordability remains a primary barrier for many considering relocation. Detached single-family homes are overwhelmingly preferred, with most residents envisioning future homes with three or more bedrooms, while downsizers favour one- or two-bedroom units. There is also strong projected demand for senior-friendly housing, including assisted living and independent group living complexes.

Looking ahead, Lac du Bonnet is on a positive growth trajectory. The community’s growth trend tracks higher than Manitoba’s rural average, reflecting regional migration, lifestyle appeal and economic opportunity. By 2031, the population is projected to exceed 1,075 (Town) and 4,025 (RM) residents, with consistent net gains if current rates persist. 

“Our location along the Winnipeg River offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining natural beauty, recreation, and accessibility, making our community an attractive choice for both families and retirees,” Mondor said.

Currently, residents aged 60 and over account for approximately 39 per cent of the population, with the largest single cohort being those 60-69 years of age. Youth under 20 represent just 12.6 per cent of residents, signalling future pressures on elder care, housing transitions and youth programs. 

Evidence of modest but growing cultural diversity among incoming families and retirees presents opportunities to attract both interprovincial and international migrants.

The local economy is anchored by retail, health care, public administration, construction, education and transportation sectors. Small businesses, trades, and service industries play a significant role in supporting community resilience. While sectors like construction and health care are growing to meet the needs of an aging population, challenges remain in attracting skilled professionals to rural settings. 
Household incomes are projected to grow, particularly in moderate- and high-income brackets, encouraging investment in diverse housing stock, from affordable and senior-focused units to executive and family homes.

Housing pressures are expected to increase as the population grows. Current housing stock includes single-family homes, mobile homes and limited multi-unit properties. By 2031, households are expected to reach 1,630 (RM) and 520 (Town), with demand strongest among seniors and moderate- to high-income residents.

Affordable and senior housing remains a critical priority, while development of executive, family, and amenity-rich homes represents a key opportunity to attract new residents. Seasonal property values and limited rental options continue to create market volatility, particularly for seniors wishing to downsize.

The report identifies strategic opportunities, including senior-focused services, innovative housing solutions such as modular and multi-use developments, economic diversification initiatives, and infrastructure modernization.

Recommendations call for a joint housing task force between the Town and RM, targeted investment in affordable and senior housing, public-private partnerships, and community engagement to ensure sustainable growth.

The Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet are also in the final stages of completing a Housing Strategy for 2026-2031. Once finalized, this report will be made publicly available and will serve as a key resource to guide housing-related planning, policy development, and decision-making in the years ahead.

Suspicious man records government employees

A Winnipeg man has been charged with trespassing after recordings staff at government buildings in Beausejour and Selkirk on Monday

Around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 26, RCMP attended Beausejour’s Canada Post outlet at 515 Park Ave. after a report that a suspicious unidentified man with a ski mask was making cell phone recordings in the post office. Witnesses say after filming items in the retail section, he reportedly trained his cell phone on the staff for what was allegedly a significant amount of time. One witness said the man was asked to leave several times but he declined stating he had a right to be in the federal building. 

As staff became distressed and visibly upset by being recorded by the approximately six-foot-four male with unknown intentions, police were notified. 

One bystander asked the man for identification and to remove his mask. The man responded by saying he was doing a story on his right to be in a federal building. He did not identify himself or provide information about who he was working for in regards of a story. Others who questioned the man were followed out of the building when they were returning to their vehicles and had their licence plates recorded before the man moved back into the building.

When two police officers arrived at the scene, the individual was outside. One officer went into the post office to check on staff while the other spoke with the man at the front doors as heavy foot traffic – primarily seniors – slipped in and out the building. 
The suspect continued to state he had a right to record and debated the issue with police for approximately 15 minutes before eventually leaving the area.

The same man entered the Town of Beausejour municipal office located at 639 Park Ave. before and after the incident at the post office. The first time he entered he likewise took cell phone recordings of items on the walls in the front office before turning his phone on staff and unsettling employees. He allegedly identified himself by the name ‘North’.

When he returned to town hall, he reportedly complained to municipal staff about the police and the employees at the post office.
Later that day at approximately 2:40 p.m., the same male attended the Selkirk Canada Post location and once again filmed inside the building.

Police attended and served a trespassing provincial offence notice to the 52-year-old male from Winnipeg.  
– Staff

The Abrams provide remarkable performance

By Brian Adolph

Braving a bitterly cold winter night, the crowd at the Jan. 23 performance of The Abrams witnessed the amazing energy that’s created when audience and artists truly connect.

The Abrams, with their warm and genuine stage presence, remarkable musical talent and support of charitable causes, are a Canadian treasure – and one can only hope for a fifth generation of this grand musical family.

John and James Abrams began performing together at the ages of 11 and nine, respectively, and at 15 and 12 became the youngest Canadian duo ever to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The brothers come from a musical family that has been performing for four generations, and their work ethic is undeniable.

To paraphrase John Abrams: if a Canadian country performer isn’t playing the tiny towns across the country, they aren’t doing their job.

With Simon Lekasewichj on bass and Isaiah Gibbons on drums, the quartet ran through a program of original, traditional, and crowd-pleasing cover tunes. James Abrams dazzled with his fiddle virtuosity on Orange Blossom Special and The Devil Went Down to Georgia, and not to be outdone, John peppered the show with some amazing bluegrass picking. A standout moment was John’s moving tribute to the brothers’ grandmother, leading into a beautiful rendition of Vince Gill’s Go Rest High on That Mountain.

The Abrams were once known as The Abrams Brothers, changing the name of the act about 10 years ago. With the name change came a shift in musical direction. Moving away from traditional bluegrass, The Abrams adopted the new country sound evident in their popular original songs Good Old Days, Fine and Homecoming. To the delight of the audience, the band also performed a great version of the new country mainstay Knee Deep by the Zac Brown Band.

EMCA’s next concert, jazz duo Dizzy and Fay, promises to bring the romance with their Valentine’s Day show packed with glamour and wit on Feb. 13. Tickets can be purchased on EMCA’s website at www.emcaconcerts.com or at the Pinawa Solo.

Brokenhead Ag Conference Feb. 3-4

The Brokenhead River Agricultural Conference is returning to Beausejour Feb. 3-4 for what has become North Eastman’s premier knowledge-sharing event for the farming community.

Sponsored by the Brokenhead Agricultural Society, the two-day conference will be held at the Brokenhead River Community Hall. The annual assembly gathers producers and industry professionals from across the region and province to discuss how to best sustain the local agriculture industry, new farming practices, resources and techniques.

The heartbeat of the conference beats to the number of trade displays and presentations. Last year, 72 booths were on hand and over 380 people attended.
Retired Manitoba Agriculture farm production extension specialist Terry Buss said feedback from the agricultural industry is always positive.

“We always have a strong agenda,” Buss said. “All speakers bring a lot to the table in regards to what’s going on.”

On Day 1, the focus is primarily on beef and forage. Following registration at 8:30 a.m., the first speaker at 9:15 a.m. will be entomologist John Gavloski and his presentation Grasshoppers, Weevils and More.

At 10:30 a.m., Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives GM Mary-Jane Orr will discuss From Virtual Grazing to On-Pasture Weighing.

North Dakota State reproductive physiologist Carl Dahlen will present Impact on Siren Nutrition on Future Generations at 11:15 a.m. 

Following lunch, nutritionist John Maltman will address The Business of Raising Beef at 1 p.m.

At 1:45 p.m., Manitoba Beef Producers GM Carson Callum discusses Livestock Inspection In Manitoba. 

Manitoba Agriculture farm management specialist Ben Hamm will present Economics of Buying Versus Raising Replacement Heifers at 3 p.m.
With a Day 2 focus on crop production, Buss will take the microphone at 9:15 a.m.  to present Soybeans: A Recap of 2025 and My Best Guess for 2026.

At 10:30 a.m., Manitoba Agriculture crop reduction extension specialist Callum Morrison will address Cover Cropping On the Canadian Prairies: Lessons from 2020 and Questions for 2026.

Gavloski returns to the podium at 11:15 a.m. to discuss Insects On Crops In Eastern Manitoba in 2025.

After lunch, provincial soil fertility specialist Marla Riechmann presents Decisions That Pay: Practical Approaches to Soil Fertility Management at 1 p.m. 

At 1:45 p.m., U of M senior scholar agrometeorologist Dr. Paul Bullock reviews The Prairie Fusarium Head Blight Risk Mapping Tool.

The final presentation will be Handling Tariff Uncertainty In Your Crop Marketing Plans by Glacier Farm Media director of markets and weather and analysis Bruce Burnet at 3 p.m.

The conference has been a testament to the Brokenhead Agricultural Society. Buss said when he first appeared on the scene 24 years ago, he was advised it might be time to wind down the annual conference as several things had changed including the loss of government funding... but the local ag society thought otherwise.  

“I remember meeting with them at that time and they did not want to see it die. They could see it had a lot of potential and they put their passion behind it,” Buss said. “They saw the value in the event and they totally stepped up. When you have that kind of enthusiasm, you can’t say no.”

Buss said over the years he has been asked by government officials how to replicate the success of the Brokenhead River Agricultural Conference in other regions. His response is always the same; you can’t.

“It’s the people... the community working shoulder to shoulder to make this work. You can’t cut and paste this across the province,” Buss said. “We have had national and international speakers come to this event, and the industry wants to be here, which makes it financially sustainable.”

The cost for the conference each day is $20, which includes a hot lunch. There will be industry draws as well as grand prize draws from platinum sponsors Leo’s Sales and Service and Bunge.

For more information email braceventinfo@gmail.com or call 204-266-0897.

Reynolds paying it forward

Springfield student scribe shadows Lac du Bonnet sports journalist

By Tony Zerucha

Lac du Bonnet’s Sean Reynolds knows how much a helping hand means when embarking on a career, so when the opportunity came to help out a local aspiring journalist, he was only too happy to help. 

On Dec. 29, Reynolds invited The Clipper Springfield Collegiate student journalist Sierra Smith to attend the Winnipeg Jets game with him. He showed her how to get to the different interview areas, the press box and to ice level.

Smith and Reynolds’ daughter Charlie curl together. In conversations at the rink, Smith mentioned to Reynolds that she was interested in sports journalism and was interning at The Clipper.

That resonated with Reynolds, who has worked with The Clipper in the past. He credits his time with the now defunct Lac du Bonnet Leader newspaper for helping him get into Ryerson University (now the Toronto Metropolitan University) for journalism.

“I’m a big believer in journalism and in the power of local journalism,” Reynolds said. “I respect (Clipper president) Mark Buss as a person and am happy to help out. It’s important.”

“The fact Sean would take time out of his busy schedule and help out a young person interested in journalism says a lot about his character and his passion for the trade,” Buss said. “Paying it forward like this is immeasurable.”

At Ryerson from 2004-2006, Reynolds started working at Sportsnet before returning to Winnipeg to work at Global Television. He made the move to CBC in 2008 where he became the host of CBC’s News Winnipeg at 11 p.m. In 2017, Reynolds moved back to Sportsnet where he continues to work as a reporter and host on Hockey Night in Canada.

Reynolds suggested Smith come to a game so he could show her the ropes so she’d be ready if she was ever assigned a game to cover. He said even established professionals have to learn how move about the Canada Life Centre. In a time-sensitive role like a sports reporter, knowing how to get from Point A to Point B quickly is crucial.

“There is a lot to learn on the fly,” Reynolds said. “What is it like in the press box? In scrums with players? Going through it ahead of time helps you figure things out.”
Reynolds said sports journalism is significantly different than when he started out. Back then, journalism graduates looked for a post in a smaller city to get experience. They move up to a larger city and then a national spot.

That was already changing when Reynolds was building his resume. Many sports departments closed.

“There was no movement,” he said. “You have to find different ways to get there.”
Reynolds and Winnipeg Free Press journalist Ken Wiebe started the Kenny and Renny podcast a few years ago, giving them another way to have conversations with their audience. That can be a starting point for a young journalist to find their voice. If they do well, it can be a stepping stone to a media organization.

Smith took plenty of notes during her few hours with Reynolds. She came out richer for the experience.

“I spent the entire game with Sean,” she said. “We were seated beside each other (in the press box), which helped; if I had any questions, he would be able to answer them.”

Smith met Wiebe and Reynolds’ camera man. As it was her first Winnipeg Jets game ever, it was definitely special to be able to witness the events from up in the press box. 

“I just watched the game, observing it from my own eyes,” Smith said. “It was cool to be up there. I learned on how fast everyone works, so you really have to stay on point with it all.”

Reynolds thinks Smith has a bright future.
“From what I saw, she’s a quick study.”

Pearase foursome headed to Manitoba Games

By Sierra Smith

A young but determined boys curling team from Beausejour is heading north after securing their spot at the 2026 Manitoba Games.

Team Pearase has officially qualified as South 1 in the U15 male division and will represent the South Region at the Manitoba Games in Thompson from March 1-4.

The Beausejour Curling Club team includes skip Davin Pearase (13), third Jackson Diogo (13), second Aidan Barton (13) and lead Evan Cleary (11), with Brianna Cullen serving as head coach.

The team came together through Curl Manitoba’s High Performance Development program, where several of the players met and expressed interest in playing together more competitively. Others had previously competed against one another through the St. Vital Curling Club junior program. Despite limited time together as a unit, the team quickly found chemistry on the ice.

Team Pearase had only two one-hour practices before competing in the regional qualifiers held Jan. 2-3 in Dugald. The group finished with a 2-1 record, earning their place at the Manitoba Games.

Cullen brings a wealth of experience to the team. A highly accomplished junior curler, Cullen is a two-time Canadian University Champion and Junior Manitoba Provincial Champion. She also competed this season in the 2026 RME Women of the Rings as a member of Team Kaatz.

The players say they are excited for the full Manitoba Games experience, including living in the athletes’ village, taking part in the opening ceremonies and competing against teams from across the province. Their goals heading into the games are simple: have fun, meet new people, and win games.

Preparation for Thompson includes weekly team practices focused on communication, delivery, sweeping and strategy. The team is also hoping to gain additional experience by playing exhibition games against U15 female teams.

Comets late goal breaks deadlock 

By Tony Zerucha

Tyler Nault’s powerplay goal at 6:44 of the third period broke a 3-3 deadlock, sending the Beausejour Comets to a 4-3 win over the La Broquerie Habs on Jan. 23. 
Logan Ashe scored his first of the season to give the Comets a 1-0 lead midway through the opening frame. Nault and Owen Lourenco earned assists.

Les Habs responded seconds later with two goals in 90 seconds to grab a 2-1 lead. Former Eastman Selects Colton Pakoo and Mario Gagnon earned assists on the first tally.

Ashe helped draw the Comets even at 16:47 when he teamed up with Jaiden Reeb to set up Easton Gaffray’s 11th of the season. That 2-2 deadlock continued into the second period.

The teams traded scores in the middle 20. Nikolas Bear gave the Comets a 3-2 edge on the power play at 8:35, but Pakoo evened the score with a shorthanded effort at 17:24.

Nault’s fifth was the third period’s only score. Lavery Melsted registered an assist. Shots were relatively even, with Beausejour having a 29-28 advantage. Sawyer Abraham was in net.

The win gives the Comets a six-point bulge over the second-place St. Malo Warriors with six regular-season games remaining.
The Comets have a home-and-home doubleheader against the sixth-place Arborg

Ice Dawgs this week, beginning with a contest in Beausejour on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. The return matchup is in Arborg on Jan. 30. The last-pace North Winnipeg Satelites come to town on Feb. 1 at 4 p.m.

The Comets’ three remaining games are a home-and-home against the Habs and a season-ending contest in Selkirk. The Warriors have games against the Lundar Falcons, two against the Satelites, and single contests against Selkirk and La Broquerie.

Lions donate to LdB Minor Hockey

By Mark T. Buss

The Lac du Bonnet Lions Club made a significant contribution to local youth recently with a donation of $10,000 to the Lac du Bonnet Minor Hockey Association (LDBMHA).

At LDBMHA’s ‘Lightning Days’ on Dec. 14, Lions Greg Short, Mel Mitchell and Mike Roy provided the funding support for the purchase of new jerseys as the previous sets were at end of life. They will also be purchasing U7 dividers so they can host more events, fundraising for U9 rink dividers, fund a trial run of a new skating program and more.

“Donations like these show the continued support and commitment from local organizations. It also shows the importance hockey plays in not only entertaining kids but teaching them some fundamental lessons the game provides,” said LDBMHA president Adam Gorrie. “Just because we are a small minor hockey association, it doesn’t mean we can’t do big things for our young players.”

Lightning Days is a scheduled event when all the Lac du Bonnet Lightning teams play home games on one day. Organizers do draws, mini games, 50/50 and give our players appreciation for being a part of the organization and playing hockey. There are currently 64 youths registered in LDBMHA.

Gorrie said the organization is always looking for ways to raise funds so they can provide the best possible experience for all their players and improve their skill sets and help them grow as individuals. He said Lac du Bonnet Minor Hockey Association VP Jay Griffith was in talks with the Lions Club for quite some time and attended one of their meetings to present a request for donations. The response was overwhelming to donate to minor hockey.

“We are forever grateful for this donation from the Lions Club,” Gorrie said.
Lac du Bonnet Lions President Greg Short said the organization supports all kinds of people and groups, but noted the movement has a fondness for the betterment of children and they are always looking to promote efforts involving young people.
He noted Griffith’s presentation was a good one and the Lions approved the funding request unanimously.

“We’ve raised a lot of money in recent years and we feel the need to give it back. The decision in this case was fairly quick,” Short said. “Hockey is pretty expensive for some families and we thought we would even the playing field so these kids and their families can have new uniforms.”

Walls stepping back from Sabres football

By Tony Zerucha

Springfield’s football community is preparing to say goodbye to its founder Tom Walls, who is stepping down this summer. 

Walls is technically taking a one-year leave of absence from a teaching position with the Winnipeg School Division, who he jokingly thanked for allowing him to spend so many workday hours on football. He and wife Shandy are moving to Colombia after she accepted employment there.

Walls said he’ll stay involved through the spring gym season, and will assist incoming head coach Shane Lucier with planning and play development remotely during the season. In meetings with coaches, players and parents, everyone wished to maintain a similar structure.

Those meetings, while hard, were important for everyone. This includes some seniors who need consistency as they pursue university or junior careers.

“There were two things I needed to do in those meetings,” Walls said. “I needed to let them know I wasn’t leaving them for another team; it was an opportunity for my family, and it was going to be okay.”

Walls had lived in Springfield for three years when Shandy looked in their yard and told him they could erect some goalposts and hold kicking camps.

“I said we can do more than that,” Walls said.

The Sunrise Coyotes program was founded in 2014. The early years brought predictable struggles on the field; some gave up. But others persisted, including a girls’ team that won three championships in four years.

“That showed us it could work here,” Walls said.

That was followed by a powerhouse bantam team that solidified a winning environment. Players and families stuck around. Younger siblings signed up; a program was born.

Equally important was what was happening on the sidelines. Walls and coaches like Ken Clegg, Val Medved, Marcell Pelland and Ian Hickey began coaching peewee together. That was 12 years ago – they’re still together today.

“The coaches really like being around each other. That brings stability,” Walls said.
The high school football come to Springfield in 2019. To date, six seasons have brought five banners to the school, along with a year-round program that keeps the players engaged.

“Year-round programs like we have at SCI, you don’t find them at other schools except for that big ones like Oak Park and Dakota,” Walls said. “They’re huge schools. We have between 560-580 kids.”

Walls said his three proudest life accomplishments are his marriage, kids and Springfield’s football program. The latter has allowed him two blend in the other two. Football wouldn’t have happened without Shandy, who raised funds when few were to be had. Tommy Jr. was an award-winning Sabres pivot who played American college football. Daughter Aiden was active in merchandising.

The winning was nice, and Walls communicated that to his players. More importantly, Walls was reminded of the joy in the process; every team building event, every practice, brought people together. Children were growing into responsible adults.
“The real joy has been in the relationships with the players, coaches and parents,” Walls said. “What these programs teach young people is rarer and rarer in society: not giving up when things get hard, selflessness, and eventual reward over immediate gratification.”

That message has endured, as Walls saw in a recent alumni game. Two original 2019 players brought their own children, one only three months old.
“He thought so much of the program and that game that he wanted his wife and kid to be there,” Walls said.

Walls also joked that when alumni bring their kids, perhaps it’s time for fresh blood to patrol the sidelines. He then got serious when recalling players share stories of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts; they trusted him enough to share their innermost fears.

“One father told me we changed his son’s life for the better; that’s the kind of thing that sticks with you,” Walls said.

Walls has several irons in the fire, including a book that could soon be published. He’s also promoting professional development services to teachers and coaches in South America.

And Walls wouldn’t be Walls without some football. He’ll be coaching the Medellin Raptors.

Is South American football different than what Walls is used to? Canadian football isn’t what a grinning Walls was used to when he initially came north.

“Everywhere else has four downs, and they don’t give you a point for kicking it through the end zone,” Walls laughed. “I’m going back to my roots.”

Smith headed to Manitoba Games

By Tony Zerucha

Oakbank curler Sierra Smith is packing her bags for Thompson, where she will join Team Eastman at the Manitoba Winter Games from March 4-7. 

Smith and Interlake partner Jake Kowalchuk earned their spots by winning a mixed doubles curling regional qualifier at the Springfield Curling Club in Dugald on Jan. 3.
Smith and Kowalchuk took early control in the opening game by scoring two in each of the first two ends on the way to an 11-2 victory. In the clinching second draw, Smith and Kowalchuk broke open a 1-1 deadlock with three in the third end and five in the fifth to win another 11-2 decision. This one was called after six ends.
The partners gelled quickly, after only meeting in September. After a couple of practices, they entered the January regional qualifier.

“Those games were the first games we have ever played together,” Smith said. “We formed a team (after) he reached out to me. We have known each other for around three of four years, as we faced each other in inter-club curling.”
Smith said mixed doubles is different from traditional curling formats in several ways. For starters, there are only two players on each team. Teams throw just five rocks per end, compared to the usual eight.

“One player throws the first and the fifth rock which was me. The other player throws the middle three which was Jake,” Smith explained. “For the game, there’s always two rocks that are in play. The team that has hammer has the rock placed back four foot and the team that doesn’t have hammer has their rock placed as a centre guard, usually mid.”

Athletes between the ages of 10-17 will compete in 12 sports over seven days: ringette, archery, speed skating, futsal, alpine skiing, curling, gymnastics, figure skating, cross country skiing, wrestling, badminton and hockey. 

Sport Manitoba will release the complete Eastman team roster at the end of January. Eastman includes much of the Interlake and communities north of the Trans Canada Highway.

Serving the communities of
Springfield (Oakbank, Dugald, Anola), Beausejour, Brokenhead, Whitemouth, Reynolds and surrounding areas.

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 The Lac du Bonnet Clipper

Serving the communities of
Lac du Bonnet, Pinawa, Seven Sisters, Powerview-Pine Falls, RM of Alexander, the East Beaches and surrounding areas.

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