Pearson relishing time behind bench

If you asked Ken Pearson when he began his career behind the bench 30 years ago how long he’d last in the business, he wouldn’t have had a clue.

Now, it’s safe to say it’s become more than anything he would have ever expected.

The head coach and general manager of the Neepawa Titans checked off two big milestones on Sunday night after coaching his 1,500th game in the Canadian Junior Hockey League following a 4-2 win over the Dauphin Kings at Credit Union Place. The victory was the Titans 18th of the season and was also the 750th of Pearson’s career in the regular season.

It’s hard to put into words what significance just a pair of numbers means to a person, but for Pearson, it’s rather simple.

Winnipeg protest bylaw stalled after hundreds object

WINNIPEG — A bylaw that proposed a ban on “nuisance” protests within 100 metres of certain locations has been shelved indefinitely after intense public pushback and a protest that drew hundreds to city hall Tuesday.

City council’s executive policy committee heard from about 100 members of the public Tuesday, who gave speeches in opposition to the proposed Safe Access to Vulnerable Infrastructure bylaw. The proposal was drawn up to limit “nuisance” demonstrations and intimidation within 100 metres of schools, places of worship, libraries, cultural centres, hospitals and other locations.

The proposed bylaw would have prohibited any protest that blocked access to spaces for people or vehicles and used megaphones or voice amplifiers, with fines starting at $500 for a first offence, up to $5,000.

Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood), who put forward a motion calling on council to draft the bylaw in September, said on Monday that he changed his mind and would pull the proposal after receiving much public feedback.

Balancing act

Abigail Hawkins performs in the acro dance, solo, own choice, 18 years and under category during Day 3 of the dance portion of the Brandon Festival of the Arts at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium on Tuesday. See more photos on Page A3. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Tournament crowns its champions

Minot Wolves goalie Macklin Kelly (41) takes a shot by Brandon Wheat Kings forward Keane Forsythe (16) in the crest of his jersey as he makes one of his 46 saves in a 3-2 victory. On the left, Wolves defenceman Renden Roteliuk (5) throws an arm around the neck of Wheat Kings forward Jaxon Bishop (11) to keep him contained.

Minot Wolves forward Finnigan Durno (7) goes down to a knee to score what proved to be the winning goal in a 3-2 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings in the under-15 AA final at the Tournament of Champions on Sunday afternoon at Enns Brothers Arena as defenceman Kayde Jackson (91), goalie Lyndan Spurway (64) and forward Easton Mcburney (44) look on. Abram Wheeler and Maddox Kotaska also scored for Minot and Wolves goalie Macklin Kelly made 46 saves, with Oliver Marvin and Lawson Newman replying for Brandon.

Meanwhile, in the U13 AA girls final, the Southeast Goldwings blanked the Lumsden Lynx 4-0, and in an all-Brandon final in the U11 A division, the AtoMcSkyBlue Wheat Kings beat the AtoMcBlack Wheat Kings 6-3. Marx Boguski scored twice for Blue while Kasey Calvert had a natural hat trick for Black. (Photos by Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun)

Sticks and gloves fly as the Minot Wolves celebrate their 3-2 victory over the Brandon Wheat Kings in the under-15 AA final.

Trial pits animal-welfare group against horse exporter

WINNIPEG — A rare trial got underway in Winnipeg Thursday, as an animal-rights organization began to privately prosecute a Swan River-area farm over a 2022 shipment of horses it alleges violated the law.

Animal-rights organization Animal Justice took the rare step of obtaining judicial approval in 2024 to privately prosecute horse exporter Carolyle Farms over the Dec. 12, 2022 air shipment of 79 horses to Japan for slaughter, where the meat is sold raw as a culinary delicacy.

The charge, laid by Animal Justice executive director Camille Labchuk, alleges the company failed to have a sufficient contingency plan in place when the shipment was diverted from its planned rest stop in Alaska due to a snowstorm.

It landed to refuel in Seattle instead.

Katz strongly denies bribe allegations

WINNIPEG — Former Winnipeg mayor Sam Katz says he’s deeply hurt by allegations he accepted a bribe from the key construction company in the over-budget Winnipeg Police Service headquarters project, stating those accusations are “definitely not” true.

“I’m offended and disappointed … I take great offence to it. To me, the key thing in life is your reputation and your credibility,” Katz said.

One of the most highly anticipated witnesses at the public inquiry into the headquarters saga, the former politician was only person to answer questions throughout Thursday’s hearing.

Near the end of the session, lawyer Danny Gunn, who is representing Katz at the inquiry, asked his client how he felt about the accusation following his 10 years as mayor, which stretched from 2004 to 2014.

Old-school financial advice that no longer fits

Buying a starter home, living on one income and staying in the same job for 40 years — life was very different for older generations and many young people have realized what worked for their parents doesn’t necessarily work in today’s modern world.

As younger Canadians continue to face high housing costs, slowing wage growth and other challenges, age-old financial adages have become outdated, forcing a rethink of what smart money management looks like today.

Here are some common rules of thumb for money management that financial advisers say need re-examining.

Housing should only take up a third of your budget

Prepare now for a smooth transition

Are you and your partner approaching the long-awaited moment of retirement?

This major life change calls for careful planning so you can avoid misunderstandings and disappointment.

Here’s an overview of the best steps to take now to ensure a smooth transition for both of you.

Reflection

Retirement never looked so… young?

Gone are the days when retirement meant endless quiet afternoons and slow days spent in rocking chairs. Today’s retirees are smashing those old stereotypes and redefining what it means to enjoy their golden years.

The new golden years

Modern seniors are breaking free from tradition and embracing lifestyles filled with excitement, activity and endless possibilities. They’re jet-setting to far-flung destinations, picking up new skills like pottery or guitar, and even launching second careers as entrepreneurs or influencers. Additionally, many are more physically active than ever, participating in high-energy sports such as pickleball, hiking, cycling and dance.

A stimulating new chapter