KILLARNEY

A live band, unlimited tasty tacos and great prizes made for an uplifting party night fundraiser.

And the tidy sum raised from the Fiesta Casino Night event made it a night to remember, said Susan Nafziger, executive director of Roots of Early Learning in Killarney.

“We raised around $4,000 in profit,” she said. “We had double the attendance of last year, and our expenses were down. It was a really great turnout, and we had great support.”

The early learning centre plans to use the funds for two upcoming capital projects, which will vastly improve the busy childcare centre, said Nafziger.

The Mexican-themed night was revved up by some terrific live music, she added, which inspired a lot of dancing and added to the entertainment.

“The band, TangleBox, was great – it was one of the highlights to have a live band, and dancing, and such great support from the community,” she said. “We hope to do it again next year, and keep adding to the event.”

» Killarney Guide

KILLARNEY

The Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes have been collected and are on their way to Calgary’s distribution centre for the Samaritan’s Purse annual campaign.

Killarney chapter organizer, Jacki Enns, says they were thrilled to fill close to 300 physical shoe boxes thanks to area residents, knowing that many more are being filled online through the Samaritan Purse website.

A total of 297 physical boxes were filled over the past month in Killarney, close to 50 fewer boxes than last year.

“But I know there are a lot of people doing this online,” explains Enns. “So, I think in the long run, when we get our totals into early January, I think we’re going to be pretty close for our area because a lot of people just find it easier to pack it and pay for it online than to go and to the actual physical shopping.”

With that, Enns says it’s not too late to participate.

“If you go to the Samaritan’s Purse website and follow the link there to pack a shoe box you can pack a shoe box there and pay for it until December 31,” explains Enns.

» Discover Westman

AMM CONFERENCE

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) held its 26th annual fall convention in Winnipeg, with 700+ delegates from across Manitoba electing Kathy Valentino, councillor from the city of Thompson, as president.

“I am truly humbled and honoured to lead our strong and unified association,” stated Valentino. “I am incredibly excited to get to work, with a focus on connecting with all AMM members to strengthen local communities and grow our province.”

Reeve Brad Saluk from the RM of Brokenhead and councillor Scott Phillips from the RM of Sifton were also elected as vice presidents.

“Brad and Scott are extremely passionate municipal leaders,” added Valentino. “Our executive team is committed to serving with professionalism, determination, and a shared goal of amplifying municipal voices and advancing the interests of all municipalities.”

» Discover Westman

RUSSELL

Goose Lake High’s JV Raiders have come home with a provincial volleyball championship. The Raiders, ranked first going in to the tournament in Winnipeg on Nov. 23-24, went undefeated to capture gold. The boys finished first in pool play with wins over Elton, Landmark and Russell to earn a bye to the quarter finals where they defeated Hamiota 25-17, and 25-14.

In the semis, the boys defeated Glenboro 25-17 and 25-21 to advance to the finals against Russell. The Major Pratt Trojans handed the Raiders their only set loss in the tourney, as Roblin took the championship match in three sets 25-23, 22-25, and 15-12. Maddox Andres and Zach Roland were named to the All-Star team while Tosh Johnson was named tournament MVP.

»Roblin Review

DAUPHIN

The Parkland Chamber of Commerce will receive provincial grant money as part of more than $800,000 in funding to 37 organizations to remove barriers and improve accessibility across Manitoba. The chamber will use the $32,250 to perform an accessibility audit of all marketing materials and resources, as well as provide educational resources, training workshops and guidance to members on how to make their businesses more accessible.

Turtle River School Division will also receive money under the educational institution stream for a project that includes the development of an accessible website that complies with web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards. The project will also focus on raising awareness and promoting a culture of accessibility within the broader community.

This may involve organizing awareness campaigns, hosting workshops or seminars on disability rights and inclusive design and collaborating with advocacy organizations to amplify messaging around digital accessibility. The division will receive $7,500.

» Dauphin Herald