Growing up in a talented musical family, a St. Lazare teenager did herself and her community proud upon winning the GX94 Star Search contest this summer. Solange Simard, the 16-year-old daughter of Rene and Tanya Simard, was named the winner of the Yorkton radio station’s event, with the finals held as part of the Yorkton
St. Lazare teen wins Star Search competition
Singing since she was a child, high school student Solange Simard’s talent stands out
Hamiota cowgirl sets sights on world championship
One of two Canadians competing among world’s top 60 breakaway ropers in Las Vegas
Four years ago, Stephanie Colli of Hamiota suffered a rodeo accident while competing in Alberta. She injured her neck and shoulder, resulting in the paralysis of some of the muscles in her back and right shoulder. Against all odds, the 28-year-old has battled back. Coming off a stellar 2018 season of Heartland Rodeo Association (HRA)
Strathclair Museum welcomes generous donation
Collection of Sunbeam Mixmasters will live on, thanks to Jim and Shirley Dayton
Jim and Shirley Dayton of Shoal Lake donated a unique collection to the Strathclair Museum this summer. You might think it has something to do with John Deere farm equipment, as the couple used to own a dealership in Newdale and later in Shoal Lake, but the collection involves Jim’s other passion — restoring Sunbeam
COPA for Kids introduces youth to aviation
Program enriched by Shoal Lake Flying Club with pilots volunteering time and aircraft
With a top-notch airport nearby, it’s a common occurrence to hear the roar of planes overhead the community of Shoal Lake. Such was the case in July, as pilots helped young passengers take flight as part of the COPA for Kids program, where youth, ages eight to 17 signed up for a free 20- to
Antelope spotted in the Oakburn area
The animal is considered to be rare on Manitoba prairies
Rumours of an antelope in the Oakburn area last month were confirmed, when Kendra Sitko took several photos of the animal, and Chris Hrysak of the Shoal Lake branch of Sustainable Development added to the confirmation. “Being a Plains animal, it’s extremely rare to see an antelope in our neck of the woods,” he said.
Birdtail Country Museum launches website
This will make history and information of the area more accessible
The Birdtail Country Museum — the centennial project for Birtle Town and Rural Municipality opening May 1984 — now has a website. It was launched thanks to a grant from Manitoba Heritage and Culture, which also includes tech support from consultant, David McInnes, who was involved in getting the site up and running. “This website
Waywayseecappo First Nation business celebrates anniversary
Wayway Food Mart has been going strong for 25 years thanks to ‘family’
Attendance numbers at the Wayway Food Mart’s 25th anniversary celebration in May definitely showcased how “family” has aided in the success and growth of the business located on Waywayseecappo First Nation. Store manager, Dan Szwaluk, said over the three-day event, attendance figures were around the 2,000 mark. “It was wonderful, the weather co-operated despite a
Vinok Ukrainian dancers carrying on tradition
Both in the community and surrounding areas, group keeps traditions alive through dance
The Hoolobka Dance Group put Ukrainian culture and the celebration of dance at the forefront in Rossburn, and since 2007 that tradition has carried on under the banner of the Vinok Ukrainian Dance Group. Seventeen members, ranging in age from four to 18, hail from Rossburn, Vista, Shoal Lake and Solsgirth. The name Vinok aptly
Driver Education a valuable high school program
Local instructors help teens develop safe driving habits
Reasons may vary why adults are lending, or have lent, time to the High School Driver Education (Driver Ed) program, but one thing is clear — they are dedicated to helping teens get off to a good start in the graduated licensing process. “Certainly the people who teach Driver Ed do so out of a
Birtle pilot does aerial spraying in warmer climate over winter
When fields are snow covered in Manitoba, Randy Sandstrom is busy spraying in Australia
With aerial spraying being so specialized, it’s not uncommon to have pilots from other countries working on Canadian soil and vice versa. Among Manitoba’s specialized pilots is Randy Sandstrom of Birtle, who is now home from his fourth year travelling to Australia. “As aerial application is seasonal, we are able to work during Canada’s winter
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
