Rural Roundup — Feb. 20, 2025

Russell

The Russell Inn will soon become a brand name venue as the manager has narrowed down his options down to two, but says he’s not yet signed a contract.

“They’re both iconic, well known brands so whichever one we choose, I know that people will be very happy,” said manager Daymon Guillas. “We’ll free up space at the inn and then we’ll build up three or four stories and a third lobby, a common area and a games area.”

Guillas said he can’t share details until it is finalized, but he said he would like to add another 75 rooms and a well-known restaurant chain attached to the site.

The need to grow was necessitated by the expansion of Assessippi Ski Hill and Resort and the PADCOM potash mine.

“We have so many industries in the area that are in need of rooms – places like GIP, Bunge, the healthcare industry, and CN just to name a few.”

» Roblin Review

Clear Lake

It’s “one boat, one lake” this summer as Parks Canada will be allowing boats back into Clear Lake as part of an innovative aquatic invasive species prevention program.

The approach requires that each boat be restricted to a single lake for the entire season. For boaters, this means choosing a lake and ensuring that their craft is thoroughly decontaminated and inspected by aquatic invasive species specialists before being launched elsewhere.

Parks Canada seriously reconsidered its plan to eradicate zebra mussels from Clear Lake after a rocky attempt in the 2024. Hundreds of live juvenile zebra mussels were discovered, indicating that the invasive species is spreading.

Parks Canada ultimately concluded that eradication is not feasible, and aimed instead to manage the impact of the mussels — including the introducing of the one boat, one lake policy.

»Minnedosa Tribune

Virden

It was a big deal for Western Manitobans when Premier Wab Kinew announced the return of public access and in-person service at Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation offices in Virden and Shoal Lake.

Councillors in Westman pressed the premier to follow-through with that promise and, when the reopenings were announced, local leaders saw it as a victory. RM of Wallace-Woodworth Reeve Clayton Canart called it a good decision, saying Virden makes sense because of its geographical location near to many producers.

The offices in Shoal Lake and Virden are set to benefit 1,600 clients of MASC, the premier said at his announcement. The buildings are planned to be open before the end of summer 2025. In Virden, the province anticipates using Virden’s existing provincial service building on Wellington Street.

» Virden Empire Advance

Hamiota

A second break-in within the last four weeks has occurred in the Hamiota business community. Country Crocus Bakeshop was broken into at the end of January after Rawlings Home Hardware was robbed earlier that month.

Bakeshop owners posted a photo on social media of a person inside the business with their head covered by a hood. The owners said the break-in happened Jan. 31, and the intruder smashed the glass on the back door to get in. The robber only took the tip box, said the owners.

The alarm was triggered, and the individual was inside the store for fewer than five minutes, owners said after reviewing security cameras.

“While it’s disappointing, we’re grateful that nothing else was damaged, and all of our treats were untouched!,” the owners wrote on Facebook. “Thanks to our amazing community for all the love and support as we work through this.”

The owners said the store is back open and serving baked goods again.

» Rivers Banner

Manitoba

The Manitoba government has increased funding to Community Mobilization Westman (CMW) by 50 per cent, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced in February.

“This initiative tackles the root causes of crime by teaming vulnerable folks and families up with social service agencies, and community supports,” said Wiebe. “Our funding will help law enforcement partner with community organizations so supports can move quickly and target chronic issues that lead to crime.”

The Manitoba government is providing an additional $40,000 to Community Mobilization Westman, which brings together more than 20 professionals from 16 different organizations twice a week to co-ordinate services and supports for at-risk individuals or families.

Participating agencies include the City of Brandon, the Brandon Police Service, the Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services and Prairie Mountain Health.

“To help keep Manitobans safe, we need an ‘all hands-on deck’ approach,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our government supports initiatives that see law enforcement and community organizations working side by side. By getting tough on the causes of crime, we are improving public safety for all Manitobans.”

In total, the provincial government provides $120,000 to Community Mobilization Westman, Simard noted.

» Province of Manitoba

Birdtail Sioux First Nation

Police have reported two separate knife attacks occurring just four days apart in the community of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.

RCMP say in the first event, a 28-year-old man was found suffering from severe stab wounds and was transported to Brandon Regional Health Centre from the Birdtail Health Centre. The man underwent surgery and has since been discharged and is recovering.

Police recovered a knife and a wooden club believed to have been used in the attack. Police said they believe alcohol played a factor in the incident which involved two family members. Two suspects were arrested by Manitoba First Nations Police in connection with the attack, leading to charges against a 43-year-old and a 21-year-old.

In the second case, police found a man suffering from severe injuries and heavy blood loss. Due to the distance of an ambulance, the he was transported inside a police vehicle to Russell Health Centre, where he was stabilized after receiving medical treatment. He is reportedly recovering from his injuries.

Police say the man was stabbed by a family member, and issued an arrest warrant for 40-year-old Shannon Christopher Shingoose of Birdtail Sioux First Nation.

Police are asking the public to submit any information that could assist investigators with either crime.

» Virden Empire Advance