Jan 30 15

Celebrating our 106th AnniversaryRIVERSBANNER

Serving the Rivers, Rapid City and Oak River areas for 105 years

Gazette-ReporterJanuary 30, 2015 Volume 107, Issue 29 89¢ + tax

By Jodi Wood

On Feb. 6, 7, and 8 River-dale Community Centre in Riv-ers will be hosting the female Bantam AAA Showcase. The tournament includes teams representing Eastman, Parkland, Westman, Central Plains, Nor-man, Interlake, Pembina Valley and Yellowhead. Yellowhead Chiefs will be the host team, fea-turing a few local girls: Morgan Ramsay (Rivers), Sadie Wood (Rivers) and Carly Shamray (Oak River).

The team also has girls from Hamiota, Virden, Minnedos-sa, Neepawa, Birtle, Onanole, Strathclair and Miniota. They are coached by Trixie Linden-bach (Birtle) and Derek Sham-ray (Oak River).

Chiefs bantam girls have at-tended showcases in Morden and Winnipeg and will return to Morden March 20-22 to rep-resent the Yellowhead region in provincials! The last show-case they attended in Winnipeg in December they were un-defeated; our hope is that they continue their streak in Rivers!

There is no admission for this weekend so if you enjoy watch-ing hockey, there’s no excuse not to come down and cheer them on! Yellowhead will play four games; Feb. 6 at noon (vs. Eastman) and at 6 p.m. (Central Plains), Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. (West-man) and on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. (Parkland).

Photo submittedBack row L/R: Sadie Wood, Erica McIntosh, Daryin Lelond, Middle row L/R: Julianna Davis, Rayna Bonchuk, Sydney Murray, Rylee Gluska, Cameron Parrott, Jodi Anderson, Sadie McIntosh, Sam Lindenbach. Front row L/R: Mackenzie Amy, Morgan Ramsay, Zoey Heino, Carly Shamray, Morgan Dereniwski, Tori Eilers. Missing: Coaches Trixie Lindenbach and Derek Shamray.

Showcase slated for Rivers

Chief may be “Freezin’ for a Reason”By Sheila Runions Banner Staff

The annual Polar Plunge fundrais-er for Special

Olympics is being co-or-dinated in communities all across Canada but for the first time ever, the dunk will be held in Brandon. On Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. approximately 50 brave souls will jump into the super cold water. One of those silly (did I say that? I meant chilly!) souls will be Bruce Klas-sen, Rivers Police Service chief.

for the Polar Plunge, as is Brandon Po-l ice Serv ice , where Klassen was employed for 26 years . In addition to his connection with sponsoring companies, Klassen was also a former Special Olympics board member.

A specially-lined dump-ster will be brought to the Len Evans Centre for Trades and Technology at

reception. The public is very wel-

come to attend this after-noon fundraiser and cheer on Klassen and other participants. Remember, Klassen will only take the plunge if he collects $500 in pledges; to make a donation phone him at 204-328-7430 or stop by Rivers Police Service of-fi ce.

“Special Olympics is an organization that sends athletes to compete in various events, and has

“If the community can come up with $500 in sponsorship, I will agree to enter the murky cold waters and be ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’,” says the chief. “To be clear, if I only am sponsored $499, I’m not getting wet!”

As an offi cer of the law for more than 30 years, Klassen has participated in several Law Enforce-ment Torch Runs (LETR), a summer fundraiser for Special Olympics. LETR is one of four sponsors

1035 First Street North , Bran-don (the north hill campus of A s s i n i b o i n e C o m m u n i t y College). Be-side and above the dumpster will be a scaf-

fold system from which plungers will heave them-selves into the icy depths below. Once they’ve been soaked, they’ll dry off, change and eventually enter the campus for a

been sponsored by law enforcement for years,” says Klassen. “Let’s show them what Rivers can do!”

Polar Plunge will ac-cept participants over the age of 15 and everyone must sign a waiver form. The website states, “Polar Plunge is a winter fund-raiser that gives brave plungers an exciting and chilly opportunity to raise both money and the profi le for Special Olympics.” For more information go to specialolympics.mb.ca.

2 RIVERS BANNER January 30, 2015

Community calendar

K-9 Country Dog Retreat

Located on Hwy. 10 between Brandon and Minnedosa. Call or email for rates and information.

204-826-2849 ork-9countrydogretreat

@hotmail.com

Ph. 204-724-6870Fax [email protected] bulk transportation

ACCOUNTING SERVICECertifi ed Management Accountants

KNIGHT Shaping the Future

CMACANADA

Hamiota: 71 Maple Ave. 204-764-2544Brandon: 20-18th St., 204-727-5927

[email protected]

Magnum Woodworks

Finishing, custom carpentry and renovations

204-573-2120, [email protected]

STEVEN KROEKER

Affordable interior

decorating

Jeannie’s Interiors

Painting and decorating Phone 204-573-1150

or 204-826-2223

Hair DynamicsStylist Heather FastStylist Wendy Harder

Stylist/nail tech Melissa RoberdsOPEN

Tues., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon

Ph. 204-328-7435

Hunt, Miller & Co. LLP

Jack Cram, Lawyer

Phone 204-727-8491 or 204-328-7540 (Thursdays,

2-5 p.m.) for appointments.

Serving Rivers and areasince 1906.

Phone 204-727-0694 or1-800-897-5694

www.brockiedonovan.com

204-764-2744FUNERAL DIRECTOR

Dwayne Campbell ~ 204-764-2746

Hamiota’s

* Excavating * Plumbing and heating

* Gravel, stone and rip rap* Snow removal

* Demolition* Septic tanks and fi elds

Jake: 204-761-0900Tyson: 204-761-8765

Mini storage units for rent.Ph. 204-328-7893

Place Emporium

Actively serving Rivers and area on Wednesdays with competitive rates. To book appointments,

call Bryan at

204-867-2416/204-867-7558

Lakeside Septic Service

Way-MorAgencies Ltd.

Insurance, Travel,Investments, Real Estate

Phone204-328-7540204-566-2490

Funerals, Cremations, Receptions

204.727.0330 or 1.888.694.8153

www.memorieschapel.com

...because the memories are what we cherish

Specializing in residential, commercial, farm building. LEO OR CHERRY VAN VEEN

204-826-2292 [email protected]

CL van VeenCarpentry Ltd.

For all your electrical needs

ALEXANDER ELECTRIC204-721-4320

PROS AT YOUR FINGERTIPSBUSINESS DIRECTORY

Feb. 3: Telehealth Alzheimer’s session, Riverdale Health Centre, 6:30-8 p.m.Feb. 9: Rivers Legion meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.Feb. 10: Telehealth Alzheimer’s session, Riverdale Health Centre, 6:30-8 p.m.Feb. 10: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Association meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.Feb. 13: Rivers Women’s Institute meeting, West-wood Lodge lounge, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.Feb. 13 and 14: Tournament of Champions, River-dale Community CentreFeb. 17: Telehealth Alzheimer’s session, Riverdale Health Centre, 6:30-8 p.m.Feb. 19: Rivers 50+ Club meeting, Civic Centre, 2 p.m.Feb. 20 and 21: Tournament of Champions, River-dale Community CentreFeb. 24: Diabetic clinic, Rivers Medical Centre, 8-9 a.m.Feb. 25: Riverdale District Health Auxiliary meet-ing, Kiwanis Courts, Rivers, 1:30 p.m.Feb. 28: Ham supper, Rivers Legion upper hall, 5-6:30 p.m.March 4: Chamber of Commerce meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 12-1 p.m.March 9: Rivers Legion meeting, upper hall, 7:30 p.m.March 9-12: Golden Gals provincial competition, Rivers Curling ClubMarch 10: Rivers and Area Game and Fish Associa-tion meeting, Lee’s Restaurant, Rivers, 6:30 p.m.March 14: Fishing derby, Lake Wahtopanah, RiversMarch 24: Diabetic clinic, Rivers Medical Centre, 8-8:30 a.m.

Live curling on Channel 12By Sheila Runions Secretary-Treasurer

Loyal viewers of WCG-TV Rivers Channel 12 will know that Brandon’s Super League curling games are aired every Wednesday evening at 8:30 p.m. That league ended for another season on Jan. 25 (be sure to tune in again next October for the 2015-16 season), but curling is not yet completed. Our fi bre connection with the head offi ce in Brandon allows us to air live cover-age of this year’s Safeway Championship Curling (as well as many other live events). Those who subscribe to television services in Rivers through Westman Com-munications Group will be able to watch some great curling from the comfort of their own home!

The championship is played Feb. 4-7 and will fea-ture live content during the day and replays of the en-tire game later that evening. Save this column or write the times in your calendar so you don’t forget when to tune in!

Wednesday and Thursday (Feb. 4 and 5) the ac-tion begins at 12:15 p.m. and again at 4 p.m.; those games will re-air at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday will have live game show times at 12:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. with a replay of the noon game at 10:30 p.m. The replay is shown later because of our agreement with Shaw in that we must show the live Western Hockey League game (Spokane vs. Moose Jaw) at 7 p.m. Safeway curling resumes Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; replays of those games will air at 6 and 9 p.m.

Because of our connection to Brandon, other regular programming includes CKLQ’s Feedback radio show (yes, shown on Channel 12 so you can watch host Bill

Turner and his guest), an assortment of art and sport programming at various days and times, and plenty of religious programming on Sunday. Feedback is aired weekdays from 9-10 a.m. Sunday morning (10 a.m.) is typically a video of our local Zion Church service from the week before, and from 1:30-6 p.m. are three church services from Brandon (Baptist, Anglican and United). Every Sunday night at 6 p.m. is the half-hour Taber-nacle Choir show, and usually every Sunday evening at 7 p.m. is a replay of the Zion Church service.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2015 at 2:30 PMAssiniboine Community College

For info contact 204-926-8352 or visit specialolympics.mb.ca

LAW ENFORCEMENTMANITOBA

From our fi lesRIVERS BANNER January 30, 2015 3

15015dd00

Wetland restoration is a worthwhile ventureWetlands moderate the effects of floods and droughts, provide water for livestock, filter nutrients and more. Funding is currently available for landowners for wetland restoration projects. If wetlands have been drained or altered on your land, contact DUC to learn more about restoration and other programs that help maximize the benefits to you and your land.

1-866-251-DUCK (3825)[email protected]

Program Funding by NAWCA,NWCA and LWBSF

15015gg09

Manitoba is opening birth records

related to adoptionsIf you are an adult adoptee

or a birth parent, learn more aboutaccessing birth record information

OR protecting your information

Please visit manitoba.ca/adoptionrecords Contact your local CFS agency

Or call 1-855-837-5542 (toll free in Canada and the US)Zion Church

865-3rd Avenue, Rivers

Pastor Nathan Klassen 204-412-0245

Sunday school/morning service at 10:30 a.m.Tuesday Bible study,

7:30-9 p.m.

65 years ago, Feb. 2, 1950 When suffi cient in-terest was expressed last week, Alex Whyte agreed to conduct a junior orches-tra; there are 14 members and fi ve different instru-ments. This is the second time in 20 years that Riv-ers has had both a junior and senior orchestra. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kennedy had a boy Jan. 5; Mr. and Mrs. Art Espey had a boy Jan. 6; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Taylor had a girl Jan. 12; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Clark had a boy Jan. 19; Mr. and Mrs. John Wiens had a girl Jan. 19.

55 years ago, Jan. 28, 1960 Trans Canada Pipe Lines has announced it will spend $3,426,000 to build a gas compressor station fi ve miles north of Rivers, in the RM of Saskatchewan. Construc-tion will begin later this year; a completion date has not been provided. Mr. and Mrs. George Francke had a boy Jan 12; LAC and Mrs. Meryl Ruth had a boy Jan. 24; Sgt. and Mrs. M. McRae had twin girls Jan. 24; Mr. and Mrs. Alex Henry had a girl Jan. 24; Mr. and Mrs. Stan Oakey had a boy Jan. 25. MayBelle Twigge married Andrew Belair on Dec. 19. Etta Glahn (nee Elliott of Cardale) was named Lady of the Year for the city of Santa Barbara, Calif.

45 years ago, Jan. 29, 1970 Mr. and Mrs. Barry Madden had Rivers’ New Year’s baby, a girl born Jan. 22. On Jan. 26 BJD Ellis was given a 50-year medal from Rivers Masonic Lodge. Fire on Sunday levelled the G. S. Fortune garage and repair shop near Cardale; destroyed were a tractor, truck, welding equipment and tools. Shirley Griffi th married David Londry on Jan. 17.

35 years ago, Jan. 30, 1980 Riverdale Hospital Women’s Auxiliary has agreed to sponsor meals on wheels; they will be delivered from the hospital

three days a week. Rivers Agricultural Society re-ceived a provincial grant of $1,598.35 last week to assist with improvements to the race track which was built last year for chuck-wagon and chariot races. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Bray had a girl Jan. 23.

25 years ago, Jan. 31, 1990 Rivers Medical Clin-ic closed on Jan. 26 with Dr. Jim Lines working his last day; it reopened Jan. 31 with a doctor from Souris. Dr. Lines has been practis-ing in Rivers for more than 20 years (July 1969) and is moving to B.C. to work there. A new doctor has not been hired and Dr. Kathy Young has only agreed to work in Rivers on Wednes-days. In less than 24 hours Rivers Police arrested three youth and one adult for vandalism they did on Jan. 25/26. They spray painted designs and foul words on the old Carvey building, Riveriaty Store, Payfair, Hair Dynamics, yield and stop signs and the fence at Henry and Eunice Martin’s home. Ron Citulsky gave his wife Susan a great Christmas gift — a lottery ticket purchased from Haslen’s Hardware in Rapid City. When Susan scratched it, she revealed a $10,000 prize, which was collected a couple weeks ago. Eric Hedley of Rapid City was named Driver of the Year

by Paul’s Hauling. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Brown had a boy Jan. 20. Ron Taylor saw a robin in his back yard in Rivers on Jan. 28.

15 years ago, Jan. 29, 2000 Rivers Karate Club members competed well at a tournament in Shilo on Jan. 15: Wes Gill won a sil-ver and bronze medal; An-drew MacKay won a gold and two silvers; Danny Thomas won a bronze; Jennifer van Dixhoorn won a silver and bronze. Rivers 50+ Club hosted district table shuffl eboard on Jan. 19 with all winners being Rivers teams; the club will host fl oor shuffl eboard on Feb. 25 and carpet curling on March 15. Amber Boll-man married Darcy Robins on Jan. 22. Jessie Bell saw a robin in Anne Martinizen’s back yard on Jan. 24, by Jan. 26 she saw six robins in that yard. Scott Mad-der, a Rivers Collegiate graduate who now lives in Brandon, is in Ottawa as a member of Team Manitoba. He is competing in three ski events at the Special Olympics National Winter Games.

5 years ago, Jan. 29, 2010 Grade 2 student Emma Miskulin is re-sponsible for a four-day fundraising campaign at Rivers Elementary School which collected $888 for Haiti relief. An earthquake rocked that island on Jan. 12, killing 200,000 people.

A perfect handBy Sheila Runions Banner Staff

On Nov. 20, 1994 Ken Young revived the defunct crib league once offered at Rivers Legion

Branch No. 75. In the 20-plus years of the weekly cribbage games, only three perfect hands have been cut. Ken cannot remember the fi rst winner who marked the maximum 29 points in year one or two when games were held in the club-room. The second winner was Bernie McDonald on Feb. 23, 2011; the third winner was Lisa Smith on Jan. 8.

Lisa was dealt three fi ves and the jack of clubs, a total of 14 points. If the fi ve of clubs was cut, her score would more than double; although chances are slim, her winning card was turned over. All players present at the fi rst game of 2015 knew of her fortune, but she was playing with Larry Shuttleworth, Betty Frazer and Donna Veitch.

The league charges a toonie admission with prize payouts for the four highest scores at the end of 10 games, low score and hidden number. One dollar from each evening is also added to a 28-hand pot. The 28 pot was created nine years ago and in that time, approximately 15 winners have been paid the accumulated total; payouts have ranged from double to triple digits, depending on length of time between wins. Because the perfect hand is rarely seen, Ken thought it more benefi cial to reward those with 28 points (not having the proper jack for the fi nal one-point nib).

Crib is held every Thursday night in the upper hall and games start at 7 p.m. sharp. After a four-hand game is complete (one deal per person), a;most everyone

moves so there is a constant change in partners — a good way to socialize. The evening is approximately two hours and includes an optional 50/50 draw. New players are welcome at any time because there’s no commitment or expectations, it’s simply come-when-you-can. For more information about the league, call Ken at 204-328-7316.

Photo by Ken YoungLisa Smith shows off the winning hand she was dealt at the fi rst game of 2015.

Neepawa Banner Perspective

Tundra by Chad Carpenter

JANUARY 30, 20154

RIGHT IN THE CENTRE

KenWaddell

The year of Manitoba

The word is prejudice, not racismThere is only one race, the human race.

All other differences between people groups aren’t racial but they may well be prejudicial.

MYPERSPECTIVE

KateJacKman-atKinson

STAFF Owners/PublishersKen and Chris Waddell

EditorKate Jackman-Atkinson

Sales Sandra Unger

John Drinkwater

AccountsKay De’Ath

Production Staff Diane Ruzycki

News Staff Eoin Devereux

Customer Account 558680-99~Postage paid at Neepawa, Manitoba Member of Neepawa, Gladstone and Ste. Rose Chambers of Commerce

243 Hamilton Street, Box 699, Neepawa, Manitoba R0J 1H0Telephone: (204) 476-3401 Fax: (204) 476-5073

Toll-free: 1-888-436-4242 (within Manitoba) www.neepawabanner.com

Subscription Rates in Canada 1 Year: $56.00 (including taxes) Online subscription $34.95

The Neepawa Banner does not guarantee publication of any submitted articles or pictures. Such submis-sions, if printed, will appear at the discretion of the editor or publisher and only when time and space per-mit. We are not responsible for fax transmissions which are not confirmed either in person or by phone.

News releases and leads: [email protected] Printing and office supplies: [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]

Verified circulation CCNA September 6, 2014: 8,036

PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAYAD DEADLINE: TUESDAY NOON PRIOR TO ISSUE DATE

Est. 1989.comBannerneepawa

For the last decade or so, the oil and gas industries have dominated Canada’s economy. Since the oil sands in the west started drawing workers from the farms, fishing boats, forestry camps, towns and cities across Canada, we have heard about little else. Now, that might all change.

Since last November, oil prices have fallen by half– the price of crude oil WTI was $80/barrel in November and closed at just over $45/bar-rel on Tues-day. No one is expecting it to come back up any time soon. After years of rapid growth, TD Bank is p r e d i c t i n g growth in the Alberta economy is to be just 0.5 per cent in 2015. Many oil sands projects are continuing, but with fewer workers and lower capital outlays. Housing activity in Alberta is expected to slow down also.

The federal government and oil rich provinces are expected to take a financial hit thanks to lower revenues from the oil and gas sector. This year might be Manitoba’s chance to shine. This year, the gold in the west may not be black, but instead, wheat coloured.

In their most recent report, RBC predicted Manitoba would be one of country’s top per-forming provinces. The bank’s latest forecast expects the Manitoba economy to grow by 2.9 per cent, the same as British Columbia and just behind Ontario, which is expected to grow at 3.1 per cent.

While the oil economy is tanking, Manitoba’s economy, which is dominated by manu-facturing and agriculture, is set to take off.

Farmers, especially those in the hard-hit cattle sector, are enjoying strong prices. According to Scotia Bank’s report, the second best performing Canadian commodity in 2014 was cattle, which increased by 36.6 per cent over the year. In Manitoba, the story was the same. In the first three quarters of 2014, livestock receipts were up 26.4 per cent, with cattle and calves up 35.5 per cent and hogs up 36.1 per cent. Crop receipts were weaker than they were in 2013, however, 2013 was a very strong year. Last year, farmers saw increases in their soybean and canola receipts.

Manitoba’s manufacturing businesses also had a strong 2014. In the first ten months of 2014, manufacturing sales in the province increased 3.3 per cent, with sales of fabricated metals, transportation equipment, machinery and chemicals leading the way.

While our major sectors had a good 2014, signs are pointing towards another good year in 2015. Around the province, farm-ers have had a few good years and have been able to invest in their businesses. While agriculture is always hard to predict, if nothing else, farmers should be able to take advantage of low interest rates, cheaper fuel input costs and improved profit-ability from new investments.

Manufacturers, on the other hand, are extremely well pos-itioned coming into the new year. The Canadian economy may be facing challenges, but our biggest trading partner, the United States has been strengthening following the recession. Additionally, exporters are benefiting from the weak Canadian dollar, making their products more competitive in the inter-national market.

Despite our potential, our province has been the poor cousin to the rest of Canada for far too long. That changes this year, let’s make 2015 the year of Manitoba.

The City of Winnipeg has been accused of being the most racist city in Canada.

Nobody knows how to measure that but it’s futile to argue the point, racism, as it’s defined today, exists all over the world. It’s nasty stuff.

However, to solve the problem, definition and meaning of the word must be examined. The use of the word racism is incorrect.

When you look up racism on the internet, here’s what you find, “Racism consists of both prejudice and discrimination based in social perceptions of biological differences between peoples. It often takes the form of social actions, practices or beliefs, or political systems that consider different races to be ranked as inherently superior or inferior to each other, based on presumed shared inheritable traits, abilities, or qualities. It may also hold that members of different races should be treated differently.”

The definition above defines racism but it has been defined incorrectly. The definition words are the correct ones, that is preju-dice and discrimination.

Racism cannot even exist for the simple reason that there is only one race, the human race. By definition, you can’t have racism, but you sure can have prejudice. The second word, discrimination, has also been defined or redefined incorrectly as well. Discrimination used to be good thing up until the U.S. civil rights movement claimed it as their own. Discrimination used to be good quality in a

person as in “That person has discriminating tastes” or “That person shows discrimination.”

The word we should be using instead of racism is the first definition word above and that is prejudice. As former U.S. sec-retary of State, Hillary Clinton, said in her speech in Winnipeg last week, we are all in the same boat. Yes, we are. There is only one race, the human race. All other differences between people groups aren’t racial but they may well be prejudicial. By definition, the differences can’t be based on race.

As unpopular as it is in the media of today and in the politic-ally correct movement today, we need to refer to the Holy Bible for guidance. Here’s what it says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

-Ephesians 6:12-13 NIV”In Luke 10:27, Jesus repeated

earlier Bible admonitions when he said, “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”

To re-quote Hillary Clinton, we are all in the same boat. Every-one is our neighbour and once we realize that, there will be no prejudice. We have a long way to go but we can keep working on it. Compared to other countries, and to earlier times, Canada is doing pretty well. Rather than despair about where we are at, we should rejoice in how far we have come and how far we can go.

Racism, as it’s defined today, exists all over the world. It’s

nasty stuff.

Since the oil sands in the west started

drawing workers from the farms, fishing

boats, forestry camps, towns and cities across Canada, we have heard about little else. Now, that might all change.

I had accompanied friends to a specialized health clinic in a larger centre.

The waiting room was fi lled to overfl owing so I sat in the anti chamber. More like a hallway, or a landing at the top of the stairs, the chairs were near-fi lled here as well. The up side was that the reading material was current and covered a wide

range of interests. I was gifted an hour to do what I truly enjoy doing —people watch.

One gentleman used the wait time to walk. Up the stairs and sit a spell, down and back up. Not certain whether he sat again on the main fl oor or stepped outside to do a stroll there, I did notice that the sit time increased in length. Don’t think he was heading out for a smoke!

Another gentleman struggled not to make eye contact with anyone. Quietly and studiously he worked his way through one interesting article after another. Never looked up or out.

Middle aged-plus gentlemen comfortable with the perpetual use of their cell phone. Quiet chuckles and slow entered responses.

The fl ow of individuals through the offi ce door was intriguing. Old and older. Some walking independently, some coming up by elevator and slowly shuffl ing into the queue. Many accompanied by a partner or a child. Always being treated, in this public setting, with patience and courtesy. Farmers with well-worn jeans, lettered jackets and sneakers, no name brands and big name brands. None were sporting the traditional farmer’s hat. My guess is that they left it in the pickup. Frail or hearty, all had come to be helped.

There were other medical offi ces on the same fl oor. From the fl ow of gangly youth with dental braces, I as-sumed an orthodontist worked down the hall. Obvious

Waiting time is not wasted time

I have met many courage-ous people in my life. Some serve with distinc-

tion during times of war. Others fi ght an ongoing battle with crime and criminals here at home, or risk their lives to res-cue someone trapped inside a burning building. Their stories are featured on the nightly news and in the front page articles

found in national and local newspapers. The accolades these brave men and women receive are well-deserved and inspire us all. But there is another group of people whose courage equals those mentioned above.

Their battles are not covered publicly. They are fought in secret and often in silence. What victories they win often come after long periods of hard work. But these courageous people refuse to give up. They will keep on fi ghting until they win or die—whichever comes fi rst.

Fourteen of their stories can be found in a book Kathryn and I received this past week — 2014 Acquired Brain Injury Recovery Stories, published by Brandon and Area ABI Survivor and Family/Caregiver Support Group. They are written by people who have suffered ABIs and by their caregivers. Some will make you chuckle. Some will make you cry. All will inspire you.

No two stories are the same because no two people are the same. But they share one thing in common: these victims and their families aren’t quitters. They are fi ghters who are determined to survive and rise above the trauma they have experienced.

I have a vested interest in stories like these because I am married to an ABI survivor. Kathryn’s injury followed a massive stroke that left her unable to walk, talk and

Opinion RIVERS BANNER 5

Portraits in courage

HOMEBODIES

RITA FRIESEN

“FAITH”FULLY YOURS

NEIL STROHSCHEIN

By Addy Oberlin

Observationfeed herself, care for herself or do any of the things she was once able to do. She has made a marvelous (some would say miraculous) recovery, thanks to the help of her parents (may they rest in peace), the encouragement of her family, the talents of physio, speech and occupa-tional therapists assigned to her case, and the prayers offered by many on her behalf. But their efforts would not have succeeded without courage, determination and hard work on her part.

There are two ways in which the courage of ABI survivors is revealed.

The fi rst is in the way they live each day. They get up in the morning, set that day’s goals and work hard to achieve them. Their homes are often full of lists — things to do, people to call, groceries to pick up and detailed agendas for the next trip to Winnipeg or Brandon. These lists are an ABI survivor’s life line. Take them away and you take away the survivor’s ability to live independ-ently and look after themselves.

The second way this courage is revealed is in a dogged determination to keep on recovering. This isn’t as easy as it may seem. Doctors and therapists will treat ABI survivors until they are well enough to be discharged from hospital and have completed outpatient therapy. After that, it is up to the survivors to keep on learning and working to acquire new skills that will increase their independence and quality of life. Many are able to do so. Their success stories encourage and inspire others to stay positive, work hard and never give up hope.

Kathryn and I are proud to have several ABI survivors in our circle of friends. Their stories and their achieve-ments are a constant reminder of an enduring truth: “There is no limit to the things we can achieve through hard work, a positive attitude, a solid support system and faith in God.”

It is a sunny morning and it seems the children and adults in the picture on my shelf are smiling even more with the sun shining on them. My shelves

and walls are full with pictures of our family. They are my treasures and it seems they are closer when I look at their pictures.

This Christmas I received two books with pictures taken on the trips I made last year and the year before. I treasure them. The children and their families live too far away to hop over for a cup of coffee.

The thought occurred that we really never have seen a real picture of Jesus. But then, we do not need to look at His picture, because He lives within us and is with us daily. He never leaves us nor forsakes us and He cares for us daily (1 Peter 5:7).

No picture needed. All we need to do is to let Him have His way in our life and trust His presence with us every day.

Oberlin blogs from her home in Swan River; visit adiososo4.blogspot.com or .inscribe.org/members/addy-oberlin.

JANUARY 30, 2015

YOUR COMPLETE FULL SERVICE REPAIR SHOP

SUPERIOR AUTO SERVICE1919 Brandon Avenue 204-726-1333

(one block west of the KEG) www.superiorautobrandon.com

Stone Chip Repairswith $300 deductible or less

AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS!REMOTE CAR STARTERS

Have your remote starter professionally installed by a licensed automotive technician. We solder all connections. Lifetime Warranty. Long range. Two remote Key Fobs.

“FREE” Windshield replacement Free courtesy carsRear & sideglass replacementsFree pick-up delivery Long crack repairs

(Recharges, Retrofits, Nitrogen pressure testing)

AT THE GREENHOUSE NEEPAWAWWW.KALDECK.COM

[email protected]

TODAY’S FORECAST... TODAY’S FORECAST... TODAY’S FORECAST...

Daily snow conditions, visit us online:

www.asessippi.com

PERIODS OF LAUGHTER WITH 100% CHANCE OF FUN!

Worship service/Sunday school – 10:30 a.m.

Jr. youth (Gr. 5-8) — 204-328-7854 for details.

Professional counselling *Marriage *Family *Depression

*Addictions *Grief *Abuse Phone 204-573-3362 for an appointment.Pastor Wil Warkentin, MA in counselling

Rivers Baptist Church447 Edward Street Phone 204-328-7882

apprehension on the faces of those heading in, and a smile and a re-adjusting of the lips coming out, I recall the discomfort of a new set of railway tracks!

One couple in particular captured my attention and my imagination. They were no longer young. Had been tall and distinguished, and appeared undaunted by life. She was wearing a long fur coat, stylish in years gone by. Softly rouged cheeks and defi ned lipstick and a small, neat, black hat, gloves and a square handbag. He was wearing a dark wool car coat, gloves and a fedora. They paused for a moment to ascertain that all was well and summoned the elevator. Then carefully, hand in hand, they descended. My imagination had a driver and a Rolls awaiting them. It could have been a taxi. It probably was a patient friend or neighbour, or their own Buick, product of the ’70s. I will never know.

The time waiting was not wasted. I spoke pleasantries with rural folks. We have a need to connect and are not afraid to meet another’s gaze and chat. I engaged my imagination. I gave thanks for the care available, and that it was not yet my turn to require it!

Please pledge me.Visit the police offi ce or call 204-328-7430

to arrange a visit.

6 RIVERS BANNER January 30, 2015

15015gg10

Five days notice required. Wheelchair access is available.

400 – 330 Portage Avenue

Winnipeg, Manitoba

R3C 0C4

www.pub.gov.mb.ca

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR REVISED ELECTRICITY RATES

AND NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE

APPLICANT:

MANITOBA HYDRO

APPLICATION:

2014/15; 2015/16 and 2016/17 General Rate Application

Manitoba Hydro has applied to the Public Utilities Board (Board) for approval to implement a 3.95% across-the-board interim rate increase effective April 1, 2015 and a further 3.95% rate increase effective April 1, 2016. The proposed rate increases will generate additional revenues of $57 million in fiscal year 2015/16, and $60 million in fiscal year 2016/17.

A summary of the proposed rate changes and annual electricity bill impacts for the average residential customer (with and without electric space heat) is provided below:

Energy Rate

(¢/kWh)

Basic Charge

($/month)

Average Annual Electricity Bill

(no electric space heat based on

1,000 kWh/month)

Average Annual Electricity Bill

(with electric space heat based on

2,000 kWh/month)

Existing Rate1 7.381¢ $7.28 $973 $1,859

April 1, 2015 Applied for Rate 7.672¢ $7.57 $1,011 $1,932

April 1, 2016 Applied for Rate 7.975¢ $7.87 $1,051 $2,008

1 Includes the 2.75% Interim Rate Increase effective May 1, 2014.

Manitoba Hydro is also requesting approval to finalize the 2.75% rate increase approved, on an interim basis, in Order 49/14 and implemented effective May 1, 2014, as well as final approval of any other interim rate Orders issued subsequent to the filing of the Application and prior to conclusion of the proceeding.

Manitoba Hydro is also seeking Board approval to:

1. Implement Time-of-Use rates for the General Service Large (GSL) Customer Class served at greater than 30 kilovolts, effective April 1, 2016, and approval to change the definition of Billing Demand;

2. Finalize Light Emitting Diode (LED) rates for the Area and Roadway Lighting Class, approved on an interim basis in Order 79/14;

3. Rescind the Demand Side Management deferral account for the 2012/13 and 2013/14 fiscal years, established in Order 43/13;

4. Finalize the rate approval process for Option 1 of the Surplus Energy Program (SEP) as approved on an interim basis in Order 43/13; and final approval of all interim ex-parte SEP rate orders issued since April 26, 2013 as well as any additional interim ex-parte SEP rate orders issued prior to the Board’s final order in this matter;

5. Finalize the rate approval process for the Curtailable Rate Program (CRP) as approved on an interim basis in Order 43/13; and finalize interim ex-parte Order 46/14 as well as any additional interim ex-parte CRP rate orders issued prior to the Board’s final order in this matter; and,

6. Finalize the Interim Orders related to the four remote communities served by diesel generation, as outlined in Manitoba Hydro’s Application.

PARTICULARS OF APPLICATION:

Full particulars of this Application can be obtained by interested parties from:

Manitoba HydroAttention: Odette Fernandes360 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3C 0G8Phone: (204) 360-3633(collect calls accepted)[email protected]

The Public Utilities BoardAttention: Darren Christle Executive Director400 - 330 Portage AvenueWinnipeg, MB R3C 0C4Phone: (204) 945-2638Toll free: 1(866)854-3698 [email protected]

An electronic version of the Application is located at: http://www.hydro.mb.ca/regulatory_affairs/electric/gra_2014_2015/index.shtml

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS AN INTERVENER

The public may participate in this review as an Intervener. Interveners provide evidence to the Board and are subject to cross-examination by the Applicant and other Interveners. Those seeking Intervener status should file their application with the Board by February 3, 2015. Interveners may be entitled to financial assistance. The Board’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules) provide the related guidelines and Application forms. These Rules can be seen at the Board’s website (www.pub.gov.mb.ca) or obtained on request to the Board, by emailing ([email protected]), writing to the above address, or calling the Board Secretary (204-945-2638 or 1-866-854-3698, toll free).

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS A PRESENTER

The Public is welcome to provide written submissions to the Board on the proposed rate increases. Written submissions should be received by May 1, 2015. The public may also present their views orally to the Board during the Hearing. Anyone wishing to present oral submissions to the Board should contact the Board Secretary by May 1, 2015.

PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE:

The Board will convene a Pre-Hearing Conference (PHC) on February 5, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., in its Hearing Room, 4th Floor, 330 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The purpose of the Pre-Hearing Conference is to identify the interveners and their reasons for intervention, provide an opportunity for interveners to cooperate and avoid duplication of interventions, finalize a timetable for the orderly exchange of evidence and information, and to determine the issues and scope of the public review and hearing process.

Persons wishing to address this Pre-Hearing Conference in French are required to notify the Board’s Secretary prior to February 3, 2015.

VARIATION:

The Board may make an Order granting the Application in whole or in part, or may order such other remedies as the Board deems appropriate.

DATED this 20th day of January, 2015.

Darren Christle, MPA, B.A., CCLP, P. Log., MCIT Secretary/Executive Director The Public Utilities Board

RCMP urge snowmobile safetySnowmobiling is very

popular across Mani-toba. It is a unique way to get around in the win-ter and see parts of the province hidden by snow and trees. It’s a lot of fun out there on the trails and the lakes, but it only stays fun if everyone gets home safely. Here are 10 safety

tips that will make your snowmobiling experience a great one:

1. Do not use alcohol or drugs before or during snowmobiling.

2. Operate at safe and reasonable speeds, driv-ing within the limits of the machine and your ability.

3. Stay on the trails and

in areas where snowmobil-ing is permitted.

4. Use extra caution when riding during the evening or night, ensuring your machine has working lights

5. Always wear a safety-certifi ed helmet and proper layered clothing.

6. Inform someone

where you are going and when you plan to return.

7. Carry emergency sup-plies and learn fi rst aid and survival skills.

8. Maintain and get to know your snowmobile.

9. Educate yourself on snowmobiling and take a Canada Snowmobile Safety course (offered

by Snoman Inc. at www.snoman.mb.ca. Click on the icon in the upper left corner to access this online course which consists of fi ve chapters with a quiz after each chapter, fol-lowed by a fi nal exam.)

10. Leave tracks, not trash. If you had space to bring it in, then respect na-

ture by carrying it out too.If you are interested

in snowmobiling in your part of the province, look up Snoman on the Internet for information on clubs and safety tips like the ones above. Enjoy the many benefi ts that snowmobiling has to offer in Manitoba. Ride safe, ride sober.

By Const. Paul Human Media Relations

The Twigge family is branching out

again!Jamie-Lynn Michel Emile Roquebrune made her appear-ance on September 27, 2014 weigh-ing 8 lbs, 15 oz., bringing much joy to mommy Stacy Lynn Gauthier and daddy James Rob-ert Roquebrune. Thrilled grandpar-ents are Leslie and Butch Roquebrune of Metcalfe, Ont. and Joyce Gauthier of Ottawa. Jamie-Lynn is a second great-granddaugh-ter (and welcomed with much love) for MayBelle and Ellard Chapleau of Richmond, Ont. and for great-great-grandma Zella in Rivers.

Life is good!

Arctic Co-operatives Limited

Wanted: Managers with

experience in retail or grocery stores.

Positions are located in Nunavut or

Northwest Territories.

View job descriptions on our website at: www.arctic.coop

Please send your resume to:

[email protected]

Or fax to: 1-204-632-8575

OPASKWAYAK CREE NATION CHILD &

FAMILY SERVICESRequires: 1

Resource Worker - Permanent Position

1 Position Available: Opaskwayak, Manitoba

DEADLINE DATE:February 1, 2015

Apply To: Toll free: 1-877-627-7240

Fax: 1-204-627-7259Email: [email protected]

For more information seewww.firstnationsjobsonline.com

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Certifi ed HD mechanics, truck coach mechanics, 3-4 yr HD/TC appren-tices. Ontario-based projects in Northern ON and Canada. Work/travel schedules vary. Security clearances, substance screening and medicals may be required. See our hot jobs page www.tramin.ca Send resume to: [email protected]

M E D I C A L T R A N -SCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Can-ada! Employers have work-at-home positions avail. Get online train-ing from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809!

RV Delivery: 3/4 to 1 ton diesel pickup needed immediately to deliver rec vehicles throughout Canada. Miles based on PC Miler Program. 800-565-6147 for details.

Notice

Rolling River School Division

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2015-2016

Kindergarten Registration for the Rolling River School Division will be held during the week of February 2–6th, 2015 (9:00-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:00 p.m.). Children who will be 5 years of age on or before December 31, 2015 are eligible for Kindergarten.Please register at the following catchment area schools:

Douglas Elementary 204-763-4480Erickson Elementary 204-636-2266Forrest Elementary 204-728-7674Oak River Elementary 204-566-2167Onanole Elementary 204-848-2402Rapid City Elementary 204-826-2824Rivers Elementary (Monday, February 2nd)(8:00 a.m.–12 noon & 1:00–5:00 p.m.) 204-328-7416Tanner’s Crossing Elementary 204-867-2591Parents are required to present their child’s birth

record at time of registration.• if unsure of your catchment area school.

School Phone No.

Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the ad; Manitoba Community Newspaper Association and membership do not make any war-ranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such ads. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Associa-tion’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.mcna.com.

Services

In Memory

Provincial classifi edsFor Sale

Birth

RIVERSBANNERCLASSIFIEDS

PLACE YOUR AD BY:PHONE: 204-328-7494

FAX: 204-328-5212E-MAIL: [email protected]

DEADLINE: TUESDAY AT 5 P.M.

Minimum charge: $5+GSTExtra insertions: 1/2 original price

Classifieds MUST be PREPAIDVisa/Mastercard accepted

RIVERS BANNER January 30, 2015 7

For Rent

Help Wanted

The Disability Tax Credit

$1,500 Yearly TaxCredit

$15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg)

Covers:

Hip/Knee Replacements

Back conditions and

Restrictions in walking and dressing

204-453-5372

Make the rightconnection today...

[email protected] + 1 (416) 466-3333

CITRN Canada Head Offi ce:500 Danforth Ave., Suite 309,

Toronto, ON Canadawww.citrnjobterminal.com

LICENSED RECRUITERSUNDER GOVT OF SASKATCHEWAN

© 2014 CITRN - CHIS Immigration Technical Resources Network

When your company needs foreign workers

TrustCITRN

to help you.

The Leaders in Recruitment

Attention:Tribal Councils and

Aboriginal Organizationsin Saskatchewan

and Manitoba!Are you looking to

hire Aboriginaljob seekers ?

We are getting resultsPost your job on

our website and in 135 newspapers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan

(950,000 circulation).

For more information contact

www.firstnationsjobsonline.com

email: [email protected]

Saskatoon, SK

First Nations Jobs nline

OPASKWAYAK CREENATION CHILD &

FAMILY SERVICESRequires: 1

Social Worker - Permanent Position

1 Position Available: Winnipeg Sub-office

DEADLINE DATE:February 1, 2015

Apply To: Toll free: 1-877-627-7240

Fax: 1-204-627-7259Email: [email protected]

For more information seewww.firstnationsjobsonline.com

• aluminum• brass• zinc• steel

• e-waste• lead

• catalytic converters• stainless steel

• batteries• copper

www.urbanmine.ca204.774.0192

72 Rothwell RoadWinnipeg, MB

(1 block south of IKEA)

The trusted name inmetal recycling

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

GET FREE VENDING MACHINES Can Earn $100,000+/yr. All cash. Retire in just 3 yrs. Protected territories. Full Details CALL 1-866-668-6629 or WWW.TCVEND.COM

COMING EVENTSIt is Your Choice! Cash prizes from $150to $1,000 to quit smok-ing, cut back by half, make your home smoke free or be a Quit Buddy! Registration begins Jan. 19 at manitobaquits.ca, 204-774-5501 for info.

Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association 16th ANNUAL SUPER FLEA MARKET 2015, Feb. 7 & 8t at Assiniboia Downs-Winnipeg. 80 vendors. www.mrda.cc

MANUFAC-TURED HOMES

Still time to choose the fl ooring! 1880sqft RTM. 3 bedrooms plus den. Kitchen with large is-land and walk-in pantry. W.Giesbrecht Homes. Serving Manitoba and Saskatchewan for over 35 years. For fl oorplans and pictures visit www.wgiesbrechthomes.ca Phone 204-346-3231

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Rolling River School Division

requires Invites applications for:

Casual Cleaners- To work in all RRSD schools

- Prior cleaning experience- Willing to take WHMIS training - Salary as per C.U.P.E. Collective AgreementFor further information please contact:Mr. Len Dobreen, Maintenance Supervisorat 867-2754 Ext. 239

Spare School Bus Drivers- In Forrest, Douglas and Rivers area- Training available for Class 2 License and School

- Flexible schedule - Substitute on routes, drive extra-curricular tripsFor further information please contact:Mr. Daryl Tesarowski, Transportation Supervisor at 867-2754 Ext. 235

Quresume stating 3 work related references and/or complete an application available from the Roll-

(if application is e-mailed, please use MS Word)We would like to thank all applicants for their

interest in Rolling River School Division.

Twigge, Robert M. April 10, 1916-January 26, 1985.Though 30 years have passed,

I can close my eyes and still hear your voice and your laughter. Then I can see that special smile and I feel a quiet peace.

I’m so blessed to have walked with you a while. You will live forever in my heart.

As ever, love, Zella.

In loving memory of our dad, Bob Twigge, who passed away January 26, 1985.Beautiful memories are a wonderful thing — they last forever and a day! They never wear out, they

never get lost and can never be given away.To some, you may be forgotten, to others just a part of the past, but to your children who dearly loved and lost you, your beautiful memory will

always last.Forever with us, MayBelle and Barry.

In memory of our grandfather, Robert Twigge, April 10, 1916-January 26, 1985.

May the winds of love blow softly And whisper for you to hearThat we still love you dearly

And wish that you were here.We hold you close within our hearts

And there you will remainTo walk beside us all our lives

Until we meet again.Much love always, your grandchildren Shelley, Leslie (Butch) and Mark (Cathy) and families. Stop?

By Rev. Glenna Beauchamp Rivers and Oak River United Churches

One of the intersections I cross every day has a stop sign. Except one day it didn’t. Maybe somebody skidded when they were turning and knocked it down, or maybe a plow took it out. Anyway, no stop sign. So, do you still stop when there’s no stop sign?

Yes, because you know it’s really still there, even if you can’t see it. Traffi c coming the other way certainly assumes you will stop!

God’s laws are like that stop sign. According to God’s prophet Jeremiah, (Jer. 31:33) God always meant His laws to give us the skill set we need to live as our Creator meant us to live. At fi rst, we need these laws to be there, right in front of us, to keep reminding us how to live in ways that bring meaning, joy and peace into our own lives and the lives of those around us. But after awhile, we don’t think about those laws anymore. We don’t need them right there because they have been learned “by heart.” They are part of our DNA. Obeying God’s laws is not hard work or a burden anymore, but something that just feels right and natural. When we get to that point, we know God’s laws are where they belong — in our hearts where they continue to be a life-affi rming gift from our Creator.

Two 2-bdr. suites w/attached garage, one level, approx. 900 sq. ft., 50+ living in Riv-ers. Avail. mid-March. Call Scott at 204-761-5580/328-4474 or email [email protected].

Snowblower, good con-dition. Call 204-725-3413

FOR SALEB AT T E R I E S F O R EVERYTHING. Auto, farm, construction, ATV, marine, cycle, golf carts, solar, phones, tools, ra-dios, computers etc. Re-conditioned, obsolete and hard-to-fi nd batter-ies. SOLAR equipment. The Battery Man. Win-nipeg. 1.877.775.8271 www.batteryman.ca

P R O V I N C E - W I D E CLASSIFIEDS. Reach 400,000+ readers weekly. 204-328-7494 or classifi [email protected] for details.

R E F O R E S TAT I O N NURSERY SEED-LINGS of hardy trees, shrubs and berries for shelterbelts or land-scaping. Full boxes as low as 99¢/tree. Free shipping. Replacement guarantee. 1-866-873-3846 or treetime.ca.

JANUARY CLEAR-ANCE SALE! SAVE 20-60% OFF Clearance specials in all product lines in our store. Some BOXING WEEK SALE items extended into the CLEARANCE SALE! For example: Queen Beautyrest Pocket-coil set $650; $795 on 12 drawer Queen stor-age bed with bookcase headboard; 3 piece power reclining black leather set (sofa, love seat with console and recliner chair) $2250; 5 drawer chest, 2 colors, $239; 5 piece table set $499. Sale hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8pm, Sat. 10am-6pm & Sun. 12pm-5pm. Call KDL Furniture at 204-571-1971. 660 Highland Ave., South side of #1 Hwy., Brandon.

TENDERSFor Sale By Tender: Section of grain farm-land, Decker/Shoal Lake area. Section 30-16-24, 490 acres cultivated. Mail tender: Decker Holding Co. Ltd., Box 12, Decker, MB, R0M 0K0 by Feb. 16, 2015. Highest or any bid not necessarily ac-cepted. Will reply to all bids by March 1, 2015.

STEEL BUILDINGSs

STEEL/METAL BUILD-INGS 60% OFF! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 5 0 x 1 2 0 , 6 0 x 1 5 0 , 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteel-buildings.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

8 RIVERS BANNER January 30, 2015

15015gg03Jim Hillis Trailers

4 miles west of Husky on #1 Hwy 2 1/2 miles north on PR 270RR #2 Box 58, Brandon, Manitoba

Phone: 204-728-7207 Cell 204-729-7455

Trailer Sales, Repairs & Commission Sales

SUMMER IS COMINGRV SPRING

BOOKING SALE

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE

BOOK YOUR ORDER BEFORE FEBRUARY 14, 2015 AND SAVE!

Fridges • Awnings • Hitches • Max Air CoversScissor Jacks • Dirt Skirts • Tailgates

Hot Water Heaters • Converters Air Conditioners • Tote Tanks • Awning Fabrics

Electric Tongue Jacks

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE

Crime is generally decreasingBy Bruce Klassen Chief of Police

On behalf of the mem-bers of Rivers Police Service, it gives me great pleasure to share our 2014 annual report with you. The members of Rivers Police Service are dedi-cated to provide the very best service possible to the citizens they serve. They are able to do this through the support provided by our governing bodies — our police board, the mayor and council.

As a police service we continue to explore op-portunities that allow us to maintain and improve on the level of service provid-ed to the community. We do this through continu-ally assessing the services provided. In 2014 we went through a strategic plan-ning process developing a policing plan. This was done with participation from the public, police board, council and mem-bers of the police service.

I will be completing my fi rst year as chief; I would like to thank the citizens of Rivers for offering me the opportunity to be their chief. Over the past year several programs have been deployed including RoadWatch, victim ser-vices, justice committee, Use your Head campaign, town hall meeting and de-velopment of a three-year policing plan.

I encourage all who read this report to participate in the future of your policing needs by offering con-structive suggestions on how your police service can continue to provide the level of service the

community should expect.Statistics over the past

fi ve years show a general decline in most crimes; numbers listed after each category will begin with the year 2014 and end with the year 2010. I am very pleased there have been no homicides in Rivers in the last fi ve years. One sexual offence was reported this year, none last year, four in 2012 and two each in 2011 and 2010. Only one abduc-tion/forcible confi nement has been reported in the last fi ve years, and that was in 2010. Assault: six, eight, 15, nine, eight. Three rob-beries were reported this year, none in the four years proceeding. Other violent crimes such as extortion, uttering threats, etc. are one, zero, two, fi ve and one. Our grand total for violent crimes is 13, below the fi ve-year average of 14.

Under property crimes, no break and enters were reported this year; previ-ous years were eight, fi ve, 12 and 11. In 2010 fi ve vehicles were stolen and then one each in the next three years; we are very pleased there were no reported thefts of mo-tor vehicles in 2014. One theft over $5,000 was re-ported last year, the same was also reported in 2012; thefts under $5,000 are a different story. This year 23 reports were fi led, com-pared to six, 19, 12 and 17. Possession of stolen goods

has one charge in five years, and that occurred in 2013. One arson was reported this year, none in 2013, one in 2012, three and one. Property damage skyrocketed this year to 25; other years are four, 18, 14 and 19. The fi ve-year average of property crime cases is 46; last year’s total was 50.

Other crimes include prostitution, of which one complaint was fi led in 2012 and 2010. There have been no offensive weapons cases in the last fi ve years and no escape/resist/obstruct fi les. Fraud remains consistent with three, three, one, two and four. Miscellaneous crimes are 17, 12, 26, 20 and 24. This category’s fi ve-year average is 22.6; the 2014 total of other crimes is 20. Of all crimes reported to Rivers Police Service in the last fi ve years, case fi les number 83, 43, 93, 80 and 94; the fi ve-year average is 78.6, lower than this year’s total of 83.

In traffi c statistics three federal charges were laid last year, one each in impaired driving, failure to remain and prohibited driving. Total federal char-ges in the last fi ve years are three, zero, one, three and fi ve; last year’s total of three is above the average of 2.4.

Provincial Traffi c Act charges are 88, 51, 30, 46 and 88. There were

no off-road vehicle cases this year, better than eight, two, seven and zero. Total provincial charges are 88, 59, 32, 53 and 88; last year’s total is well-above the average of 64.

Only reportable ac-cidents have been listed in the accident category where no fatalities have been recorded in the last fi ve years. General acci-dents number nine, three, zero, zero and two. Dam-age over $1,000 was a category which was elim-inated in early 2012 so numbers for it have been zero, zero, three, 20 and 22. The fi ve-year accident average is 11.8; last year’s total was nine. Total traffi c statistics for the last fi ve years are 100, 62, 36, 76 and 117; last year’s number is well above the average of 78.2.

Cases under the Liquor Control Act are below average with a total of 11 vs. 17. Possessing liquor in an unauthorized manner

saw two, one, one, none and none. Possession by a minor was three, two, zero, four and eight. Supplying liquor to minors is zero, one, zero, two, fi ve. The Intoxicated Persons Deten-tion Act was enforced six times in 2014 and 2013, once in 2012, fi ve times in 2011 and six times in 2010. Total liquor charges for the last fi ve years are 11, 10, two, 11 and 19.

Rivers Police Service enforces four bylaws, all of which remain average. The nuisance bylaw was two, zero, one, three and zero; animal control, 31, 39, 36, 36, 44; burning bylaw had one charge in 2011 only; traffi c bylaw, fi ve, zero, one, zero, two. Total bylaw numbers are 38, 39, 38, 40, 46; last year’s number is below the 40.2 average.

In our assistance fi le we helped the public 32 times, 29, 44, 58 and 54. We as-sisted other agencies 52 times, 66, 64, 90 and 57. We’ve done 71, 103, 91,

112 and 126 criminal rec-ords checks. Finger prints (pardons) have been two, seven, fi ve, two and fi ve. Total assistance fi le statis-tics are 157, 205, 204, 262 and 242; apparently we’re not as “helpful” because 157 is well below the 214 average.

The miscellaneous cat-egory is rather long with 15 subtitles: Mental Health Act, 911 calls, community relations, missing persons (ranging from eight to 18, all located), alarms, other incidents such as unfounded complaints, Child and Family Servi-ces, lost property, insecure premises, found property, complaints against police (fortunately none in the last fi ve years), sudden deaths, trespassing, sex offender registrations (three each year except 2011 which was only two) and fi rearms turned in. Miscellaneous totals are 154, 167, 147, 118 and 126, making an average of 142.4 so this year’s activity was higher than normal.

Members responded to a total of 474 calls for service in 2014.