Rural Roundup for Sept. 3, 2026

NEEPAWA

A project to paint artistic crosswalks in Neepawa has started with one added this year.

The first, a hexagonal crosswalk resembling a bee hive, was painted at the intersection of Mountain Avenue and Brock Street this summer. The installation is part of the Community Art Initiative, and was designed with the help of Katy Martin, Meaghan Peters, and their students through an art initiative headed up by ArtsForward.

The crosswalk art is permanent. Further additions to the Neepawa community are expected in the future.

“This is only the beginning, so keep your eyes open as you travel around town. You may start spotting a little more color along the way!” the organization wrote on social media. “These painted pathways are just the start of some fun new additions.”

» Neepawa Banner & Press

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BOISSEVAIN

Boissevain-Morton broke ground on its new lagoon project this summer, acting as the general contractor in order to save money.

According to Head of Council Judy Swanson, the final approval of their project was received about a month ago, and the digging began.

“It is a positive thing to finally get started,” Swanson stated.

The project came in $2 million over budget when it was put to tender. In response, Boissevain-Morton decided it would take the position of general contractor for the lagoon’s first phase.

“We will be taking over around 80% of the project, doing it ourselves. We will save a considerable amount of money,” Swanson said.

This has meant hiring subcontractors to work under them on the practical work.

“We have great confidence with our local contractors,” Swanson said. “So far, being the general contractor has worked well. I think it would be different if we didn’t know the people. Everyone is keeping in touch on this.”

She added right now they are digging and building up the site for the new lagoon cell, as that spot is a little lower than the existing one. Overall, Plan A includes creating the new cell, putting in the new SAGR system, a water treatment system that allowed the municipality to build in the old site, and doing electrical work.

The municipality is also looking to build a small building, which will hold the equipment with some storage space, in the first phase. The head of council said the municipality has put out tenders to hire the subcontractor for this construction.

Swanson said Boissevain has ordered the equipment they will need, so they are not subject to changing prices.

As of now, the municipality is looking at a two-year time frame to have it all completed, although most of the practical work could be finished by the end of 2027.

“I think everyone is happy with the way things are working so far,” Swanson explained. “This is a different way of doing things, and everyone will be watching us. I’m okay with that. It will be interesting how it will work financially, and see if other municipalities end up doing it this way.”

» The Boissevain Recorder

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VIRDEN

A routine overnight stop in Virden turned into an unforgettable four-week ordeal for a family of six travelling from Calgary to their new home in Ontario.

Their four-year-old cat, Goldie, slipped away into the Manitoba night. Rachel Donna Hewitt had stopped in Virden for the night with her husband, and their four children.

During a quick stop to clean Goldie’s crate, the cat made a dash for freedom.

Goldie disappeared into the Lions Campground, leaving the family scrambling to find him. The family stayed extra days, searching and hoping, but with a U-Haul trailer to return and a deadline for her husband’s first day of work, they were forced to continue their journey without him.

From Ontario, Rachel searched Facebook for lost pet services, hoping someone local could help. That’s when Virden Pet Network and Westman Area Lost Animals (WALA) stepped in.

Volunteers visited the campground daily, set out food, monitored activity, and coordinated updates.

Their efforts paid off: Goldie was eventually caught in a live trap. But Goldie wasn’t finished adventuring. Goldie lived up to his nickname, “Houdini,” by escaping again, this time after being safely trapped and awaiting transport.

“He escaped the night before what was supposed to be his flight back to Ontario, so that flight was cancelled.”

Goldie forced rescuers to switch to a different style of live trap. With patience and persistence, they caught him once more.

In total, Goldie spent nearly four weeks on his own in Manitoba. With Goldie finally secured, WALA put out a call for a “companion flight,” someone travelling to Hamilton who could escort him home. The request was answered by Sharon Ellerington, a Virden resident who happened to be flying to Hamilton and volunteered to bring Goldie back to his family.

Hewitt expressed deep appreciation for everyone who helped bring Goldie home: “We are so happy to have him back. Thank you, Virden.”

She also shared how meaningful the community’s support was during such a stressful time: “Knowing people were still looking for him after we left meant everything.” Hewitt summed it up: “It took a community to make it happen. As I learned from this experience, Virden sure does have a tight-knit community, and everyone is so sweet!” For Goldie, it meant a safe trip home. For Virden, it was another reminder that neighbours help neighbours, even when those neighbours are just passing through.

» Virden Empire Advance

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RIVERS

The Oakview Clinic hosted its inaugural Iron Butt Challenge in August, a spirited motorcycle ride aimed at raising funds for vital equipment and supplies for the clinic.

With a turnout of 17 bikes and two passengers, a total of 19 enthusiastic participants set out on an adventurous journey covering 402 miles through scenic Manitoba routes.

The Iron Butt Challenge was driven by the need for funds at the Oakview Clinic, as noted by Michelle Weighell, a dedicated nurse practitioner at the clinic. The community came together in a remarkable show of support, working towards a common goal — improving healthcare services.

Participants rallied together to gather sponsorships, with riders competing for prizes in the process. The rider who secured the highest amount of sponsorship funds stood out by collectively raising nearly $2,800.

Prize packages were donated by regional businesses such as EuroChem North America, Barik Medical, Koch Agronomic Services and Livingstone Outdoor. Sunrise Credit Union made a noteworthy donation of $500 towards the ride.

The event raised $11,000, alongside an additional $1,000 from the accompanying supper. Gavin Reynolds and his family were particularly instrumental in driving the project forward, alongside many others, especially in putting on a grand supper spread..

» The Rivers Banner

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KILLARNEY

The community of Killarney welcomed the grand opening of a new bright blue and orange pickleball and basketball court on Aug. 21 with residents, visitors and guests.

“This dream has become a reality!,” said Lisa Shiels, chair of the Basketball Court Enhancement Project. “It is unreal! It’s hard to put into words how I feel about this day, but just seeing all the smiles on everyone’s faces and the community feel… I’m overwhelmed. I’m grateful. I’m happy for our town!”

Premier Wab Kinew attended the event, which was held in partnership with Buckets and Borders, a non-profit organization that uses basketball to bring people together.

Children were involved in the unveiling and participated in games to break in the new court.

» Discover Westman

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RUSSELL

The Russell Golf Course celebrated its 100th anniversary this summer.

An anniversary cake was served for guests and the club members met for a pancake breakfast following a speech by RM of Russell-Binscarth councillor Brent Havelange.

Havelange noted that the land at the course was originally purchased for $6,000, and shared history on the course.

The Russell Golf Course was originally located where the ball diamonds and ag grounds of today are situated — it was a 9-hole, par 64 course with membership fees of five dollars for men and three dollars for women and students.

The discussions to purchased new land started in 1960.

The course was officially incorporated in 1962, and in 1963 the course paid off its loan with 58 registered shareholders. In 1970, grass greens were installed and in 1990 fairway sprinklers were introduced.

» The Russell Banner

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