School program to test Oak River water brings positive results
Issues stemming from the health and level of the lake, have been as concerning to a group of students and their teacher at the Shoal Lake School, as they are to landowners and recreational users. While the Grade 7/8 students let municipal and provincial officials settle the course of action on the level of Shoal […] Read more
Organizers hope new members will step forward to ensure the event’s future
After 13 years of providing down-home music in a valley setting, the future of Birtle’s Pasture Pickin’ weekend is uncertain. The current organizing committee will lose two key members this year, prompting the group of five to bow out in hopes that others will come forward to fill their shoes. “Although the present committee of […] Read more
C & J Wood Works can create something new, refinish something old, or do some repair work
It’s been nine years since John and Lynne Hogg set up a woodworking business in Shoal Lake, and while many things remain the same, there have been some interesting changes along the way. Although the mainstay of C & J Wood Works has been just that — whether it’s creating something new, refinishing a treasure […] Read more
Rossburn teen thrives on the mental and physical competition
What makes a rodeo athlete compete? For Hayden Charney, who began in the rough stock or eight-second world of the sport, there is a lot that goes into being a competitor — both mentally and physically. “The crowd, the guys behind the chute, fellow competitors and friends all make this sport hard to resist,” said […] Read more
Inspired by their grandfather they continue competing in rodeo
Drawing on the inspiration of a former rodeo contestant and member of the Little ‘M’ Rodeo committee, two brothers now calling Miniota home are proud to recall the livelihood of their grandfather Don Haines, even though they never got to meet him. The cowboy lifestyle for both Peyton Hawtin and his younger brother Ashten, the […] Read more
Berg’s Hatchery serving Russell area for over 65 years
Looking for a great place to pick up chicks? Berg’s Hatchery of Russell can help you with that. The family business, currently owned by Kevin and Connie Berg, has been turning eggs into fluffy chicks for over 65 years. “Hatching chicken eggs is an extremely rewarding experience, which requires good planning, dedication, flexibility and observation […] Read more
Walter Thickett spent four years building his own plane with family help
Having the freedom to go anywhere without the limitation of roads or speed limits sparked a Binscarth business owner’s interest in becoming a pilot. Walter Thickett, owner of Thickett Engine Rebuilding, has always been fascinated by machines, so it came as no surprise when he pursued an ultralight licence in 1993, followed by a pilot’s […] Read more
Busy farmwife and mother still finds time for her longtime passion
Going back to childhood memories of wanting to make a name for herself in music, a Hamiota farmwife and mother of two is finding time to share her passion for music with community audiences. Rebecca Brooks met her husband Justin, while studying practical nursing at Assiniboine Community College in Dauphin. It’s been five years since […] Read more
Group shares passion for music and message of hope for the future
The smiles, exuberance, and the heartfelt message, was an extraordinary experience presented by the Watoto Children’s Choir in Rossburn last month. The choir consisted of 17 youth and three adult singers/message presenters, and three band members. Up against some major events including the Brier, audience numbers were relatively low, but that didn’t bother the choir’s […] Read more
Lone Oak Percherons of Birtle known throughout the world
A love of horses runs deep at Lone Oak Percherons of Birtle. Just how deep? Three generations, to be exact. Jim and Darlene Lane got things started as pregnant mare urine (PMU) producers over 30 years ago, which presented them with a great opportunity to breed and raise their own stock. Since those early days, […] Read more
