Brokenhead Foundation reaches $2M
The Brokenhead River Community Foundation (BRCF) is thrilled to announce that through the incredible support of donors, it has recently surpassed $2,000,000 in gifted funds to date.
“This milestone is a testament to both community and non-community members recognizing and believing in the good work the community foundation is doing in our community,” said BRCF administration and marketing coordinator Debbie Majeau. “It is so gratifying and rewarding to see what the community can accomplish together.”
The Brokenhead River Community Foundation model is unique in that all funds gifted (donated) to it are never spent. Instead, funds are pooled to various endowment funds and sustainably invested with a portion of the interest earned annually given back to the community every year. That giving back happens by way of grants to local groups for projects to make the community a better place to live, work and play, and to scholarships and bursaries to graduating students from the community going on to post-secondary education.
“Less than 30 months ago the Foundation reached $1,000,000 in gifted funds”, acknowledged BRCF president Reg Black. “Reaching $2,000,000 means the Foundation can double the support it provides to the community. To put the benefit of $2,000,000 into context for the community, it means that approximately $80,000 flows back into the community, every year, forever!”.
Black was quick to add that the improved recognition and growth of the Foundation would not have been possible if not for the ongoing support of both the Town of Beausejour and RM of Brokenhead.
“Both councils understand and believe in the Foundation and its benefit to the community. The Foundation would not be where it is today without their support.”
Donations of any size can be made to the BRCF at any time and in several ways. Besides monetary donations, the Foundation recently had a number of donors transfer securities (shares) to it which provide significant tax benefits to the donor. Donations are also received through wills and estates.
A large number of donations received go to the general community fund which assists in the community’s current needs though granting to local groups. Donors also have the option to choose an area of interest to them such as education, recreation, arts and culture, environment – all areas of the community’s wellbeing – or they can create their own endowment fund.
“Within the last five years, community members and organizations have created 15 new endowment funds to provide benefit to numerous different causes in the community” offered BRCF treasurer Holly Madden. “Many of those donors are committed to growing those endowment funds, to further benefit the community, and the Foundation is having meaningful conversations with others interested in supporting their community.”
To learn more about the Brokenhead River Community Foundation, please visit www.brcfoundation.ca or call Majeau at 1-431-343-2723.
RM approves airport maintenance
Lac du Bonnet asset requires crack sealing to preserve runway integrity
By Simon Ducatel
Recognizing the economic benefits of the Lac du Bonnet Regional Airport, RM council has approved a maximum of $50,000 for crack sealing on the runway to ensure the asset is properly maintained and to support continued growth.
“A lot of people don’t understand the importance of our airport,” Deputy Reeve Greg Mandzuk said at council’s Aug. 12 meeting. “It’s a regional airport that supplies a lot of services, whether it be to Hydro, to tourism, up north to different communities.
“This is a very expensive piece of infrastructure,” he added. “If we don’t take care of our infrastructure there, we won’t have an airport.”
Coun. Cindy Kellendonk agreed.
“It’s a key component of our economic growth opportunities,” said Kellendonk, adding the airport also acts as a local job creator.
Council discussed the airport’s land strip needs, ongoing upkeep to preserve its structural integrity and by extension ensure the safe operation of all aircraft.
Several cracks have developed over time; some were new and needed to be sealed while others required resealing. If left untended, the cracks would further deteriorate resulting in more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
The municipality’s financial plan includes $50,000 for crack sealing, and the public works department sought three quotes with two vendors bidding. Following a review of the proposals, council approved contracting out the job to Precision Joint Sealing, a company with previous experience working on the runway.
While the RM owns the property and is also the landlord, the Lac du Bonnet Regional Airport Authority is the lessee.
“We’re at a turning point when it comes to our airport,” Reeve Loren Schinkel. “We’re one of the unique airports because we have both, obviously, water as well as the land based.”
The municipality’s airport master plan is forthcoming, and is earmarked to receive grant funding from the provincial government, he said.
“That’s coming to fruition here in the next couple of weeks.”
Additionally, the RM has been developing a business park to help foster further economic opportunities.
“We’ve had absolutely... remarkable growth. Since 2001, there was seven initial hangars at that airport,” he said. “And today we’re at 27. There are another four, five different hangars that are going in there this year.”
That kind of growth naturally comes with economic spin-offs such as good jobs, more investment in the community and a bigger tax base, he said.
“The airport master plan will give us a pathway and some guidance into how to proceed in continuing to build that regional asset.”
Controlled dynamite burn in Reynolds
A potentially explosive situation was snuffed out last week when the RCMP and the Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department disposed of a cache of old dynamite found in Rennie.
On Aug. 24, the Manitoba RCMP explosive disposal unit, in partnership with Reynolds firefighters, conducted a controlled burn of a structure containing old dynamite.
Police say Whitemouth RCMP received a request for assistance when someone had bought the property in questions and upon inspection found old dynamite – believed to have been used to destroy beaver dams – in a derelict out building.
RCMP say they are unsure how long the dynamite was in the structure, but it was deemed old enough that it should not be touched. Old dynamite is prone to accidental detonation because the nitroglycerin can leak, crystallize and become more sensitive to shock and friction over time. Improper storage, age or cycles of freezing and thawing can accelerate this sweating process, creating unstable, volatile pockets of liquid nitroglycerin that are dangerous.
“Burning it is a safe procedure conducted by members of the explosive disposal unit who are trained to conduct this method,” a RCMP spokesperson advised.
Police advise this extremely rare disposal process is executed when the dynamite is very old and potentially volatile. Anyone coming across blasting equipment or suspected explosive ordinance is advised to call local RCMP immediately and to make no attempt to move it on their own.
Students heading back to class
Motorists reminded to follow posted speed limits in school zones as of Sept. 1
With students heading back to school, the RCMP and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) are sending a reminder to all drivers to stay vigilant in watching for children and driving with caution.
As of Sept. 1, school-zone restrictions in Manitoba have taken effect. RCMP ask all drivers to slow down in these areas and remain alert when approaching school zones.
Along with reduced speeds, parents and motorists need to remember that children are sometimes unpredictable. Drivers are reminded to use extra precautions in and around schools including waiting for children to cross intersections and roadways completely before proceeding.
“It’s important that drivers observe the speed limits and slow down,” an MPI spokesperson advised. “Reducing the vehicle’s speed could save a life.
Slowing down allows the driver to react quicker and reduces braking distance.”
“Whether it’s pedestrian traffic or parents dropping off their children, school zones can be very busy. Slowing down can make everyone safer.”
The province introduced legislation in 2013 to give local authorities the power to create reduced speed zones for schools. As a result, many municipalities throughout Manitoba have taken the opportunity to reduce speed limits in these areas.
Drivers throughout the North Eastman area are reminded to reduce their speeds to 30 km/hr while in designated areas.
MPI advised that over the last five years, more than 5,000 provincial offence notices for various infractions, ranging from speeding to use of a hand-held electronic while driving, failure to stop at pedestrian crosswalks and other traffic control devices, have been issued to drivers.
If You are Taking the School Bus
- arrive at the bus stop early
- wait in a safe place away from the edge of the road
- wait for the bus to come to a complete stop with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated before approaching
When Leaving the Bus
- always cross the road in front of the stopped bus, never behind
- look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before crossing in front of the bus
- walk – don’t run – across the road
Drivers
- Slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the road
- Slow down and prepare to stop whether you are behind or approaching a bus
- Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing – it’s the law and it saves lives
- Stay alert around crosswalks, bike riders, and busy pick-up/drop-off areas
4P Festival a community celebration
The folks of Powerview-Pine Falls, St-Georges and area came together to celebrate the four cornerstone industries that have built their community with the annual 4P Festival.
Those who participated in the events, which began on Aug. 29 and continued to Sept. 1, enjoyed various activities relating to the 4Ps: Paper, Power, Pea and Pickerel.
Festivities included a family fishing derby and slo-pitch tournament, children’s activities, a car show, market square, a parade and fireworks.
Beauhead Arts Fest shines in the rain
By Andrea Geary
Wind and showers with brief bursts of sunshine on Saturday didn’t stop arts aficionados from attending this year’s Beauhead Arts Fest on August 22 and 23.
Festival artist director Brittany Wurch said the festival committee’s decision to begin the event on Friday afternoon proved successful.
“It was a very good first day,” she said. “Every year we’re trying new things.”
She added that the Friday schedule focussed on entertainment including a magician, Haystack Productions’ showcase, writers circle and local musicians, while Saturday’s line-up was more family friendly. On both days people of all ages enjoyed an arts activity area where they explored their creativity.
Saturday’s performances began with a drumming circle followed by local musical acts.
This year was the Beauhead Arts Fest’s fifth anniversary. Now that the festival is gaining public recognition, artists from across Manitoba are applying to the judging panel in hopes of participating, Wurch said.
Noah Baker, of Tyndall, was one of this year’s 23 artists, and was enjoying the positive comments he was receiving from patrons. The 28-year-old has limited vision and because of this, he mainly focuses on patterns and shapes in his pencil sketches.
“Lots of people gave me tips on my sketches,” he said, adding this is the first year he’s taken part in the festival.
Denise Roy, a Beausejour painter and Peguis First Nation member, was displaying her colourful creations in the Pioneer Village Museum’s Seabright School. She said she’s shown her artwork at all five years of the festival and works months ahead to prepare for the annual event.
Wurch said, while the art festival is only held over a two-day period each year, committee members are planning other arts-related events throughout the coming year.
“We want to stay art-active in the community.”
EMCA opens season with Leonard and Joni
The Eastern Manitoba Concert Association (EMCA) is proud to announce Leonard and Joni: The Untold Love Story as the opening concert of its 2025-26 season, taking place Sept. 27 at the Pinawa Community Centre.
This multimedia production tells the story of the brief romance between Canadian artists Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell. Their connection, sparked at the 1967 Newport Folk Festival, influenced several of their well-known songs, including Hallelujah, Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi and I’m Your Man. Through narration, live music and visuals, the show explores their time together in California during the rise of folk music. The performance features Dana Wylie and Joe Nolan, supported by a live band.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cohen and Mitchell or simply love great storytelling through music, this is a rare opportunity to experience their legacy in a fresh and meaningful way.
Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., with the performance starting at 7:30 p.m. Attendees with mobility issues are encouraged to use the backdoor closest to the gym between 6:45 and 7:15 p.m.
Advance tickets are priced at $50 for adults and $25 for those under 30 years of age. They can be purchased online at emcaconcerts.com or at Solo Market in Pinawa.
Tickets may also be available at the door, subject to availability.
Pinawa Fire Department receives Thomas Sill Grant
The Pinawa Foundation awarded its 2025 Thomas Sill Manitoba Grant for $22,903 to the Pinawa Fire Department
In collaboration with the LGD of Pinawa council, the grant will be to be used to establish a fire-based medical first response program. The plan is to have a medically trained firefighter available to respond within minutes to life-threatening illnesses and injuries in Pinawa. The grant is for equipment required by the first responders.
The Thomas Sill Foundation was founded in 1987 through the last will of Thomas Sill, a chartered accountant from Manitoba. The Foundation provided support for charitable initiatives throughout Manitoba for over 35 years.
At the end of 2023, the Thomas Sill Foundation ceased operations, but the board of directors wanted to continue supporting Manitoba. The assets of the Foundation were transferred to the Winnipeg Foundation to create funds that would carry on Thomas Sill’s legacy of giving.
The Thomas Sill Manitoba Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation was established to benefit communities within Endow Manitoba. The Pinawa Foundation receives a grant every year to carry on Thomas Sill’s good work.
Springfield council travel expenses incorrect in 2022
By Tony Zerucha
The RM of Springfield said it has been taking steps to ensure there is “consistency between policy and legislation” after Manitoba’s Auditor General found unidentified council members wrongly claimed roughly $3,000 in travel expenses between January and October of 2022.
That period coincides with the last 10 months of the previous council. In the report, Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo said the investigations were initiated following tips from “concerned Manitobans” and issues listed by the Department of Municipal and Northern Relations.
On Aug. 28, the Shtykalo released a 34-page report to Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly that analyzed seven municipalities. It also includes suggested improvements for provincial oversight of municipalities.
The investigation into Springfield takes up a half-page of the report. Auditor General staff reviewed the expense reports of council members from January through October, a period concluding with the 2022 municipal election. They compared those reports to Springfield Bylaw 19-02, which governed council indemnities at the time. That bylaw has since been replaced by Bylaw 23-02. Such bylaws are regularly updated.
“We found that the most common ineligible expense claim was for travel,” the Auditor General’s report states. “The bylaw indicates that only time spent engaged in business is claimable, and accordingly, travel would not be eligible. Using a strict interpretation of how the bylaw is worded, we noted that councillors were overpaid approximately $3,000 for the period January to October 2022.”
Contacted by The Clipper, Shtykalo declined to identify which members of the previous council wrongly claimed the expenses or provide any “additional information beyond what (he) reported to the Legislative Assembly.”
On Aug. 29, Springfield released a statement confirming that, according to Indemnity Bylaw 19-02, only time spent in business, and not travel, was claimable. However, councils for several years have been operating under a Council Expense Policy that states, “council members are entitled to be compensated for travel time to and from the authorized event at the per diem rate as set within the council rates and allowance bylaw.”
“While the expense policy has been implemented and followed in practice, the formal update to the indemnity bylaw has not yet been completed,” the RM statement noted. “This delay is not due to oversight, but rather to ensure that any amendments to the bylaw are comprehensive, legally sound and reflective of the expense policy.”
The statement went on to say council is committed to undertaking this process with diligence.
“We recognize the importance of consistency between policy and legislation, and we are actively working toward harmonizing the indemnity bylaw with the current expense policy. In the interim, council continues to operate transparently and in good faith, guided by the principles of accountability and service to our residents.”
After council members file reports, they are scrutinized by municipal staff before payment is issued. Staff can deny an expense claim or contact the council member for more information. When new council members are elected, staff explain expense eligibility.
CAO Colleen Draper said an updated indemnity bylaw will be discussed at the Sept. 16 council meeting.
Coun. Glen Fuhl said council’s expense policy provides greater detail on eligible expenses. He added that councillors in other municipalities bill for travel time to events outside the municipality.
“We’re pretty much doing it the same way,” Fuhl said. “Now that we know what the Auditor General is looking for, and we can have the policy in line with the bylaw.”
Changing of the guard at Springfield COPP
By Cathy Juskow
Springfield’s Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) had a changing of the guard recently and paid homage to outgoing coordinator Bernie Litkowich.
On July 30, Litkowich chaired his last meeting as coordinator at the Springfield Public Library. He has been a volunteer with COPP for 26 years, joining the group at its inception in 1999 and becoming coordinator in 2010.
Litkowich decided that it was time to take a step back and welcomed Robert Schofield as the new lead for the local program developed to assist law enforcement in reducing crime in the RM of Springfield.
During his years of service, Litkowich has been a staunch advocate of the program and the need for the public to be involved in the patrolling of our communities. Along with those expressing their thanks, representatives from the Springfield Police Service and Oakbank RCMP were in attendance. Litkowich was presented with a Maintiens le Droit (Uphold the Right) plaque from the RCMP in recognition of his service to the community.
A letter received from Mayor Patrick Therrien, in part, stated, “Your volunteer efforts have made a significant and lasting impact in our community. Through your proactive engagement, problem-solving approach, and commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and community members, you have helped create a safer and more connected environment for all.”
Individuals interested in contributing to community safety, COPP are looking for volunteers to join them. The amount of time and when volunteers patrol are up to them. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and undergo a criminal background check. No special skills or experience are required as training is provided.
Wielgosh captain of Jamestown Jimmies
By Mark Buss
Bethany Wielgosh is starting the 2025-26 season with high hopes for her University of Jamestown Jimmies and looking to elevate her game in what will be her fourth season of U.S. college hockey.
She is also starting the year as team captain.
A former Beausejour resident who now calls Lac du Bonnet home in the offseason, she was given the ‘C’ just after the Christmas break last year. She relishes the chance to lead the club for a full campaign.
“When Coach Hannah (Griffin) had the conversation with me about wanting to name me captain, I was incredibly honoured and extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to represent the team in this way,” Wielgosh said.
Wielgosh committed to play for the women’s team at the University of Jamestown, a private university in Jamestown, ND, in 2022. The Jimmies women’s team play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 1 program as a member of Women’s Midwest Collegiate Hockey (WMCH).
Wielgosh first hit the ice as a ringette player before making the switch to hockey in Grade 8. She described herself as a physical player, one who puts defence first, but who also has a scoring upside.
With the Eastman Selects U18 squad in 2021-22, she tallied 12 goals and six assists for 18 points in 43 games. She also attended the 2019 and 2021 Hockey Manitoba Programs of Excellence.
In her first three years with the Jimmies, the now 21-year-old 5’9” forward registered 18 goals and 31 assists for 49 points in 92 games.
Since 2022, Wielgosh has grown on and off the ice. She says her ability to read the game at such a high pace has improved, and she prides herself on being responsible and effective in both ends of the ice.
Now a senior, she has been an Academic All American since the second semester in her freshman year with a GPA of 3.8.
“I’m also here to get a (Bachelor of Education) degree and I’m really proud of how I’ve grown as a student,” she said.
The Jimmies were seventh in the WMCH in 2024-25 with a 8-20-3 record. With the Jamestown women’s program only entering its fourth year, Wielgosh said the goal this year is to make it to the nationals.
“Our program hasn’t been able to accomplish that yet,” she said. “We know it won’t be easy, but we have so much talent and work ethic on our team... so we are confident we will achieve that goal if we stay focused and work on getting better everyday.”
– with files from Tony Zerucha
U15AAA Wildcats fourth in Canada
By Tony Zerucha
Cooks Creek’s Hannah Skrabek, Oakbank’s Gracie Andersen, Sophie Franklin of Falcon Lake and their Eastman Wildcat teammates finished fourth at the Canadian Championships after winning the 2025 Manitoba U15 AAA Softball title.
The provincial tourney began on July 24 with two shutouts, 11-0 over Smitty’s Terminators and 10-0 over the Interlake Phillies. The scoreless streak continued on July 25 when the Wildcats blanked the Winnipeg Lightning. They surrendered their first runs of the weekend in a 12-4 triumph over the Westman Magic before concluding the round-robin with a 3-0 win over the Manitoba Angels and a 7-0 victory over Central Energy.
In the playoffs, the Wildcats twice faced Central Energy, beating them 5-0 and 10-6 to claim the provincial title.
The Wildcats didn’t have to go far for the national championships, which were in Winkler this year. They dominated their round-robin pool with a 5-1 record, outscoring their opponents 41-11. In the playoffs, they fell 6-2 to Vaughn, Ont., before rebounding with a 9-1 win over the Phillies. Their quest for a national crown ended with an extra-innings loss to Central Energy, leaving them fourth in Canada.
“We had a phenomenal regular season run with lots of close games that we were able to come out on top of,” Skrabek said. “We played incredibly strong defence all season, which really helped us.”
Andersen said the Wildcats’ 21-1 regular season mark was good preparation for provincial and national competition.
“Winning the league was definitely a goal for our team, but not one that was as talked about as winning provincials or nationals,” she admitted. “Our offence and defence were extremely strong this year, allowing us to have a 162-run difference in those 22 games, which seems absolutely insane to say out loud.”
Before the season, the Wildcats set a goal to win the provincial trophy. That was in jeopardy late in the championship game, as they were down 6-2 in the fifth inning. Then the Wildcats scored eight runs to grab a 10-6 lead.
But Central Energy clawed back, putting two runners on base with two outs. Head Coach Russ Kihn called a timeout and brought the infield together on the pitcher’s mound to remind them to focus on the hitter. The players returned to their spots, and Skrabek threw her best pitch.
“I held my breath as the pitch I had just thrown got hit hard, but then started jumping and cheering when it got caught by our shortstop,” Skrabek said. “I ran straight to my catcher, Sophie, to give her a hug, and I don’t remember much after that because I was so happy.”
The Wildcats’ goal for the nationals was to have fun. It was their last week together as a team, and their goal of playing for the Canadian championship was attained. The Wildcats’ trademark strong defence combined with some hot hitting to take them to the top of their round-robin pool.
Andersen sat out the nationals with an injury, but was proud of how the Wildcats measured up against the best. Skrabek did her part, amassing a 0.71 earned-run average with 30 strikeouts and four wins in the round-robin alone.
Skrabek earned Top Pitcher honours. She’s still letting that sink in.
“I still have a hard time wrapping my head around it, to be honest,” she said. “There were so many incredible pitchers there, so I am very honoured to receive it. I am extremely grateful for my coach and teammates for giving me this opportunity and believing in me - I couldn’t have done it without them.”
“Hannah deserved the top pitcher in Canada so much, and our team was incredibly proud and excited for her to have the opportunity to receive the award,” Andersen said. “Throughout the year, Hannah remained such a confident pitcher and playing behind her, you never worried about her having a bad game. Her award was so well deserved. Her pitching allowed our team to win as many games as we did.”
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