Sagkeeng to Space

By Andrea Geary

Sagkeeng First Nations artist Henry Guimond’s artwork is out of this world.
Guimond designed a personal mission patch for Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, one of four astronauts on the 10-day Artemis II mission to orbit the moon after their rocket launched on April 1.

Watching the launch with his family, Guimond said, “It was breathtaking.”
Mission patches are an important part of space culture. They represent the mission and the astronaut’s story. They are worn with pride on Earth and in space. NASA astronauts have worn them since 1965. Meanwhile, Canadian Space Agency astronauts have worn them since 1984, when the first Canadian went to space.
Guimond first met Hansen in 2023 when Hansen participated in a vision quest at Sagkeeng’s Turtle Lodge Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Education and Wellness. Guimond often uses his creativity to craft paintings depicting individuals’ spirit animals. He was also the architect for the lodge’s construction.

After consulting with Hansen, and with guidance by Sagkeeng Turtle Lodge leader and knowledge keeper Dave Courchene III, Guimond created two designs based on Hansen’s requests.

“What he wanted was the Seven Teachings and Greek mythology,” Guimond said.
Hansen selected one of Guimond’s designs which was then stitched onto a patch to wear on his official flight suit. The seven-sided patch is edged in silver and features animals representing the Anishinaabe Seven Sacred Laws: a buffalo for respect; eagle for love; bear for courage; sasquatch for honesty; beaver for wisdom; wolf for humility; and turtle for truth. A bow and arrow pay homage to Artemis as the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, nature and the moon, and a spaceship orbiting Grandmother Moon is also shown. 

In an interview with the Canadian Space Agency, Courchene said the reasoning behind the animals is the keep a connection to our natural environment.
“When I listen to our Elders talk about, as Indigenous people, we’ve never been given and equal opportunity to contribute or seen as equals in our own homelands,” Courchene said. “By saying that though, our Elders will say we have yet to give our greatest contribution to the world... the Seven Sacred Laws or values offer us an opporunity to be able to create a foundation of unity.”

Hansen said the patch design was beautiful work and everything he “thought it would be.”

“The space program; this is one of the things that guides us is the idea of cooperation and humanity across the entire globe being reminded we must work together,” Hansen said. “This is a big journey... and I am reminded by your artwork on how I need to walk to represent humanity and as I go on this journey around the moon.”

Guimond met Hansen at an honouring ceremony held at Turtle Lodge in September, 2024 and more recently as the mission patch was displayed at a Canadian Space Agency event. 

“I wanted to wish him good luck,” Guimond said. “I hope all goes well,” 
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is proud to see Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation represented on the world stage, and beyond.

“This moment matters. It shows that our knowledge, our art, and our ways of understanding the world belong everywhere, including space,” the SCO stated in a press release. “We wish Jeremy Hansen and the Artemis II team a safe and healthy journey. Over the next 10 days, the crew will gather scientific data that could help humans travel even farther into space one day.”

Guimond’s other works are featured at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and in private collections across Canada and the US.

RAMS settles into Anola home

By Tony Zerucha

While Rural Animal Management Services (RAMS) has found many an animal its forever home, it appears it has found a home of its own. 

Owner Meghan Main said RAMS has nicely settled into its new location in a former Anola grocery store on Hwy 15, thanks to the help of numerous residents and businesses.

The stability is welcome after a turbulent few years. In 2024, RAMS was forced from its Oakbank home on short notice. That forced Main and her team to scramble, as they still had to perform bylaw enforcement and care for animals.
That search ended when RAMS moved into the old Lucky Dollar in Anola. While some work had been undertaken, including the installation of heated floors, plenty remained. Main said sections of the building had to be stripped down past the studs and rebuilt.

Thankfully RAMS had a few helpful friends. Mark McKean from 10 Acre Woods brought in his company to complete natural mould treatment. SS Plumbing and a local contractor contributed other important work.

Those efforts are ongoing, but the improvements are clear. Main eschewed drywall for more durable PVC material, which is also easier to disinfect. Pumps were added for plumbing. A self-serve pet wash station will soon be available to the public.

“There were so many amazing people involved in making this a functional reality,” Main said. “I’m a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. When you’re in the thick of it, it sucks is scary and stressful but you become more resilient. And RAMS has done that for sure. I’m confident that will never happen again.”
More improvements are on the way. A gift shop is being added to the front area. All proceeds will support shelter operations. Details on a fundraiser with pageant contestant Erin Mohr are forthcoming.

RAMS is expanding and needs a few good people on the team. In order to grow, Main needs to focus on administrative, promotional and fundraising tasks. That means she needs a few qualified bylaw enforcement personnel.

“All the things we get to do in saving animals and finding them homes, is only possible because of the bylaw enforcement,” Main explained. “I’d love RAMS to be a stepping stone for people who want to become police or RCMP officers.”
Main also needs more foster families. They help socialize animals so they can be ready to find their forever homes. All animal-related costs are covered by RAMS.

“If we had 10 more fosters, we could help 10 more dogs,” Main said.
RAMS also needs dry cat food. Contact them for details.

Spring tends to be a busy time for animal-related calls, but with a bit of effort and some preparation, animals owners can save themselves some stress. Main advises to check your fencing to see if it was damaged over the winter. Seal any holes before your dog escapes.

As the snow melts and temperatures increase, people are drawn outside. If you know your dog has certain triggers, muzzle train it; that protects it and other animals and people. 

RAMS also receives more complaints about barking dogs. They’re not barking more often than in winter, Main explained that more people are outside to hear it.
“If you’re unsure of why your dog is doing something or you wish to prevent an incident, call us,” Main said. “I’d love to have that conversation with you.”
For more information, visit ramsadoptioncentre.ca or email info@ramsadoptioncentre.com or phone 431-276-8114.

LdB RCMP open house informative

By Rick McGregor

Approximately 60 people were in attendance at the Lac du Bonnet Legion Hall on March 24 for a Town Hall Meeting hosted by the local RCMP Detachment and Lac du Bonnet’s Emergency Management. 

For RCMP S/Sgt. Cory Myers and Lac du Bonnet Emergency Coordinator John Fleming, the evening was a community consultation to inform area residents about police activities, crime trends and current priorities for the RCMP. 
For Emergency Management, it was an opportunity to recap last year’s severe forest fires and update the public on what has been happening behind the scenes since then.

Myers was joined by Manitoba East District Commander, Chris Hastie and S/Sgt. Kyle McFadyen. Also on hand for quick addresses to the crowd were Lac du Bonnet Mayor Ken Lodge and RM of Lac du Bonnet Reeve Loren Schinkel.
Myers spoke to crime numbers under the categories of theft, break and enter and mischief. He said the overall numbers are down from when he came to Lac du Bonnet seven years ago. 

He added that a significant percentage of the theft and break and enters in the area are committed by a very small number of offenders. 
“We know who our property crimes folks are” Myers said, adding these criminals are held to their court ordered restrictions such as bail conditions and they are constantly being watched.

Contributing to local property crimes are the bad habits of residents who do not lock their homes, vehicles or trailers, including keys often left in vehicles and tools remaining outside in the open. Myers urged everyone to lock up everything, and, if feasible, to install cameras. He mentioned that even a fairly inexpensive trail camera can help. 

“Even if the offenders cannot be recognized, the date and time stamp on the video can help in solving the crime.”

Fraud on the other hand is up over the last several years with Myers saying social media plays a significant role. Tens of thousands of dollars are being lost in fraudulent transactions with a very low success rate in solving these crimes or getting funds returned.

Crimes involving drugs are still an issue and require a lot of manpower and experienced officers. Myers said the public keeping eyes on the streets and reporting suspicious activity is helpful. 

Another issue tying up manpower is mental health and welfare checks. These calls often tie up officers for significant hours when people experiencing issues have to be transported to appropriate facilities in Selkirk, Brandon or even Thompson. 
Also adding to the strain on manpower is the increase in off-road vehicles and watercraft in the area over the last few years. 

Taking the podium, Fleming stated his organization is “still recovering from last year’s devastating fires and have had their busiest year ever since the fire.” 
In recapping the chain of events from May 13, 2025, Fleming said the first call for a grass fire east of town came in at 9 a.m. By 11 a.m., Manitoba Wildfire Services were recommending evacuations in the Wendigo Road area. The Emergency Management Team was called out and an emergency operations centre was set up in the fire hall. An evacuation centre was also set up in the community centre and a state of local emergency was requested, which provides for the ability to issue mandatory evacuations and set up roadblocks. By 11:30 a.m., team members started going door-to-door telling people to get out.

He went on to thank numerous people and local businesses and organizations for their tremendous help, stating everyone came together to help in any way they could. He also praised the assistance provided by a number of other fire departments in the area including teams from both CNL and Tanco mines. 

“We survived this event because we were together,” Fleming said.

In explaining his “busiest year ever” comment, Fleming detailed what his team has been working on since the fire in an effort to be better prepared in the case of another emergency. Meetings are being held with all stakeholders, they are performing a community wildfire assessment and creating an emergency plan review and an after-action report. They are also developing a Wildfire Preparedness Plan 2026 and a recovery plan in sync with the province’s Manitoba Investing in Resiliency and Adaptation program (MIRA).

Fleming spoke passionately about the need for fire prevention education and urged all area property owners to perform a fire prevention review of their own homes and yards. The Emergency Management Team has conducted numerous meetings with cottage associations and other groups since the fires. He asked everyone to ensure there is nothing flammable near their buildings adding during these visits, he saw firewood stacked on decks against cottages and homes, brush piles near garages and dead trees that need to be cut down. He explained embers from an existing fire can actually travel quite a distance in high winds and can easily ignite a new fire if it lands in any of these tinder dry areas.

Driving home his message, Fleming told everyone that had the wind changed direction that day, every structure east of the Winnipeg River could have been lost. 
“My last lessons from this? Be thankful and say thank you.”

IIU investigation clears RCMP in fatal crash 

By Mark T. Buss

Investigators say RCMP were not at fault in a 2025 fatal collision north of Powerview-Pine Falls involving a man who stabbed several people before driving into a parked cruiser at almost twice the legal speed limit.

On March 11, the Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) of Manitoba released its report into the high-speed chase that led to the death of Tyrone Simard on Sept. 4, 2025, just south of Hollow Water First Nation.

Early that morning, RCMP were advised that an assault had taken place in Hollow Water. The suspect, identified as Simard, 26, had fled and emergency medical services were requested to attend. 

Powerview RCMP responded and found a number of individuals suffering from stab wounds from two incidents. In total, eight community members, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old sustained injuries. An 18-year-old female, identified as Simard’s younger sister Marina, died as a result of her injuries.

Simard fled the community in a stolen vehicle, travelling south on PR 304. 
At 6:53 a.m., the suspect, being pursued by RCMP, collided with another RCMP cruiser, which was parked at the time of the crash. Police estimate the suspect was travelling in excess of 185 km/h at the time of the collision. The driver succumbed to his injuries on scene.

Powerview RCMP Cpl. Brianne Bartmanovich was the officer in the parked cruiser. She was transported to hospital with critical but non-life-threatening injuries. She is still off work and recovering.

As the incident involved a motor vehicle fatality during an arrest, the IIU assumed responsibility for the investigation. 

With the entire matter caught on video, acting civilian director Bruce Sychuk’s report indicated Simard intentionally drove the stolen vehicle into the police cruiser. Making no attempt to slow down, his vehicle travelled  roughly 43 metres after impact and rolled. The police vehicle was thrown roughly 31 metres. Simard was not wearing a seat belt.

The autopsy concluded that Simard died of blunt force injuries due to the collision. The toxicology report noted that he had significant levels of alcohol, cocaine and other metabolites in his system.

Reviewing all the evidence, Sychuk concluded no charges should be levelled against the RCMP officer in pursuit or against Bartmanovich.

“Based on the evidence available... I am of the opinion that the actions of the police did not cause (Simard’s) death,” Sychuk wrote. “Unfortunately, (Simard) was the cause of his own tragic end. Therefore, no charges are recommended and the IIU investigation is now completed and closed.”

Court records showed Simard was out on bail at the time of the incidents. In mid-June he was charged with assault with a weapon and mischief for alleged offences earlier that month. He was granted release on both matters with various conditions, including a curfew and an order not to possess weapons.

Vote online for Springfield Ag Society

By Mark T. Buss

The Springfield Agricultural Society is looking for some online support in their efforts to win a contest that could grant them as much as $25,000 to build a permanent shelter at the Dugald fairgrounds.

The Springfield organization has been selected as one of the Top 3 grant applicants by BASF’s ‘Growing Home’ contest in Manitoba. Guaranteed to receive $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000, those values are dependent on how they place and how many votes they get from the general public.

Ag Society president Marilyn Bouw said the structure they plan to build is intended as a community gathering place. Shelter from sun or rain during the Springfield Country Fair in July, it will also be used during Springfield Braves baseball games and by any groups of families or friends. 

“We are so thrilled to have been selected as one of three finalists for this grant,” Bouw said. “If we were to receive the full $25,000, that would go a long way toward starting our build.” 

Bouw said the Ag Society will need to continue their fundraising to build a quality structure that will last and will be fully accessible. 
“It’s a real need in our area, and has a very central location so we’re sure that it will used by many.”

The Growing Home with BASF program is an annual community investment initiative by BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada that awards funding to rural organizations in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Through nominations by farmers and public voting, the program supports vital local groups like agricultural societies, hospitals and child care centres with a top prize of $25,000 in each province.
The program consists of a nomination period (early in the year) followed by public voting to select the winners.

The Springfield Agricultural Society permanent structure project is facing off against the RM of Woodlands Park150 Inc. greenspace project and a new ice plant for The Shamrock Centre in Killarney.

To vote, go to agro.basf.ca/growinghome/voting.html and follow the links. Click on the ‘Manitoba’ tab and then vote for the Springfield Agricultural Society. 
Online voting is open until April 17. You can submit four votes per person.

LdB Chamber Job Volunteer Fair April 16

The Lac du Bonnet and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting their fourth Lac du Bonnet Job Volunteer Fair at the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre on April 16 from 1 to 6 p.m.

The job volunteer fair is an annual event in Lac du Bonnet connecting the business community with potential employees. The gathering is a perfect opportunity to meet and help staff a business and also recruit volunteers for organizations for the upcoming busy summer season and beyond.

Last year, a total of 37 companies and not-for-profit organizations were happy with the turnout and most reported good action at their tables.

“I had the opportunity to speak with several businesses and many shared that they had made meaningful connections with potential employees,” Chamber administrator Cathy Gregg said in 2025. “It’s encouraging to hear that real opportunities may come out of these conversations.”

Larger employers like the Canadian Armed Forces are attending again along with Milner Ridge Corrections, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Association, Tanco, Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Parks and Sunrise School Division.

Locally owned employers like Camp Cedarwood, Ryman and Sons Contracting, Century 21, Hair Source, Watertown and the Lac du Bonnet Children’s Centre.
Numerous not-for-profit organizations like the Agassiz Garden Club, Lac du Bonnet Lions, Two Rivers Seniors and Volunteer Manitoba will also be on hand looking to attract volunteers.

Employers will have information to take home with many booths willing to have conversations on the spot about employment opportunities, benefits, starting wages and other pertinent information.

Potential workers attending the free event are encouraged to bring resumes with references along with pen and paper to take notes about what jobs are available.
For more information on the event or for businesses or organizations looking to register a booth, email ldbchamberofcommerce@gmail.com or call 431-301-0831.

MB Budget continues to get beefs, bouquets

By Tony Zerucha

The Province of Manitoba’s $23.7 billion 2026-2027 budget continues to get mixed reviews, depending on what group or organization is providing the beef or bouquet.

The Manitoba Real Estate Association
“We are encouraged to see Budget 2026 acknowledge the real affordability challenges facing Manitobans, including the growing cost pressures on homeowners, renters, and families across the province,” said MREA Political Action Committee chair Stewart Elston. “Measures that help reduce everyday expenses and support household stability are especially important as housing affordability remains top of mind for Manitobans.

“Property taxes are a significant and ongoing cost of homeownership, and this enhanced credit is a critical step in the right direction for Manitoba homeowners.” 

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
CUPE said a glaring omission from the budget is the continued refusal to legislate staffing levels for health care support workers in personal care homes.
“One nurse to 50 patients is unacceptable, but nurses aren’t working alone; health care aides and dietary aides are doing hands-on patient care every single day and are consistently working short-staffed,’ said Margaret Schroeder, president of CUPE 204.

Rural educational support workers also need more help.

“For too long, rural school divisions have paid staff up to 30 per cent less than in urban divisions,” said CUPE Manitoba President Gina McKay. “With teacher salaries now standardized, it’s time for the inequity to end for support staff as well.”

Restaurants Canada
“Manitobans should not be taxed on rotisserie chicken sold in a restaurant if the same product is going to be exempt from PST in a grocery store,” said Kelly Higginson, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “Exempting prepared meals sold at grocery stores from PST, but not those sold at restaurants, would hurt consumers while putting restaurant businesses and their workers at risk.”
Manitoba’s restaurants generate $3.5 billion in annual sales. Every $1 million in restaurant revenue produces nearly 12  jobs. Across Canada, four in nine of  restaurants operate at a loss or break even.

Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals
“(The) budget made it clear that government still isn’t listening to the paramedics, the respiratory therapists, the MRI technologists, and many other allied health professionals who are dangerously short-staffed and have been asking for help,” said MAHCP President Jason Linklater. “Manitoba needs an evidence-based and fully funded workforce plan to start retaining, training and recruit 1,000 more specialized allied health professionals immediately.”

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP)
“Manitoba farmers are dealing with trade and tariff uncertainty while also facing rising costs with significant increases to fertilizer and fuel prices,” said general manager Colin Hornby. “Continued funding in key areas like loan programs, veterinary initiatives and enhancements to insurance coverage, and new initiatives on trade, are welcomed. These are challenging times and KAP will continue working with the provincial government to advocate for Manitoba farmers.”

“We will continue to advocate for the introduction of a Tax Credit Program for Young Farmers, the complete removal of the education property tax on farm properties with an accompanying funding model that does not require farmers to pay a disproportionate amount, and areas of regulatory reform to reduce red tape for farmers,” noted Hornby. “Additionally, maintenance of the drainage network continues to be a top concern identified by Manitoba farmers, and this will require enhanced investments to ensure a modern, maintained drainage network that works for Manitoba farms.”

Manitoba Wildlife Federation
The Manitoba Wildlife Federation was very pleased to see the recent provincial budget commit $459,000 to hire four more full-time conservation officers for the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service. 

“Conservation Officers play a critical role in the conservation of our environment and natural resources in addition to their role enhancing public safety,” the MWF said in a statement. “We sincerely thank Minster Bushie and the provincial government for this commitment to enforcing the laws that promote the sustainable management of our fish and wildlife populations.”

Klein no longer buffalo bridesmaid

Provincial curling fixture wins first Manitoba title in seniors play

By Mark T. Buss

Karen Klein’s buffalo hunt is over.

After 30-plus years as a competitive curler, Klein won her first provincial title as a member of the Jennifer Clark-Rouire Fort Garry rink when they defeated Darcy Robertson of Fort Rouge 6-3 in the CurlManitoba Pharmasave 2026 Senior Women Championship March 23 at Assiniboine Memorial.

“I said to myself ‘we need to get the W... I don’t want to be a bridesmaid again,’” Klein said with a laugh. “And it was a great feeling to get one.”

In the final, Clark-Rouire, Klein, Susan Balaja and Raunora Westcott were able to steal singles in the sixth and seventh ends to go up 5-3. They were able to bury three in the eighth and final end, forcing Robertson (Karen Fallis, Maureen Bonar and Barb Mehling) to unsuccessfully attempt a low percentage shot with her final stone, giving up one more to the Fort Garry foursome.

The game was payback for a Sunday night encounter. With Clark-Rouire a perfect 7-0 in round robin play, they lost the Page 1-vs-1 game to Robertson by a score of 7-3.

Klein, throwing third stones but skipping the games, said the defeat was a wake-up call. They rebounded to thump Marlene Lang of St. Vital 8-0 in the semis before tackling Robertson in the final.

“The 1-1 game was a blip, and we did not play well,” Klein said. “Sometimes you need to lose to realize you need to be better.”

Curling since the age of 10, Klein began her foray into competitive play with the Tyndall Curling Club Junior program as a teen. She has had numerous successes as a fixture at the Manitoba Scotties, but she has not been able to close the deal on a Manitoba title. According to Klein, she has come up second best in seven provincial finals – three Scotties, two mixed and two curling club championships.

For Klein, defeating Robertson in the senior womens final was bittersweet as they had been teammates vying for a Scotties title together for many years.

“With Darcy, we went to two provincial finals in five years,” Klein said. “We had curled together for a lot of years and we know what it’s like to come second, and it’s a tough thing.”

Following the 2020 Scotties, the pandemic effectively ended Klein’s competitive curling career as the mother of two had more important work to do.

“It takes a lot of time, energy and money to be a competitive curler, and with everything shut down somebody had to stay home,” she said. “I realized I would not have an opportunity at a Scotties again.

“I didn’t play for two or three years... couldn’t even bring myself to watch it on TV.”

That changed with CurlManitoba’s curling club provincial championships as the commitment is much more relaxed.

“The curling club events are great because it gives people an opportunity to curl, but it’s not as serious. There’s no money needed, or time... you can be with your family and still get out on the ice.

“And it’s all the same people I played against competitively, so you know everybody.”

Playing last year with Clark-Rouire, Klein said they were recruited by Balaja, who had won the curling club title in 2025 and was looking for a new team for seniors play. In total, Westcott won the Manitoba Scotties in 2010, 2011 and 2017 while Clark-Rouire won the Manitoba mixed title in 2015, 2017 and 2024.

“It was a good opportunity,” Klein said.

Team Clark-Rouire will represent Manitoba at the Canadian Womens Seniors Championships in Saskatoon in December.

“It’s something to work towards,” Klein said. “I look forward to it.”

Brokenhead Game & Fish banquet April 11

The Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association’s 26th annual awards banquet and auction will honour the region’s best sportsmen and women April 11 at the Brokenhead River Community Hall.

The annual event is where association members and supporters feast, tell tall tales and recognize the top hunters, fishers and conservationists in the region.
The Brokenhead River Game and Fish Association (BRGFA) is affiliated with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, which ensures members have a strong voice on issues involving wildlife in our region.  

With around 170 members, the BRGFA is keen to recognize the future of local hunting and fishing by getting youths to implement proper hunting practices, which keeps the heritage of conservation going.

Cocktails will be at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $70 for adults and $35 for youths aged six to 12. 

For more information or tickets contact Ryan Keefe at 204-268-0180 or Paul Millan at 204-268-0280.

Highlights defend provincial synchro title 

By Tony Zerucha

While the Hazelridge Skating Club gets bigger and better every year, one thing never changes – they win provincial championships.

Skating to the theme of Feeling Good, the Hazelridge Highlights Adult Synchro Team won the 2026 Skate Manitoba Provincial Championships in Stonewall on March 22 with a two-skate score of 90.12, which was 18 points better than the second-place team. It’s an improvement on their 2025 provincial winning 83-point performance.
Coach Megan Maxwell said the team keeps attracting new members. The roster has grown every season to now sit at 22.

“It’s the biggest team I’ve ever coached,” Maxwell said. “They keep telling their friends how much fun they’re having.”

Maxwell’s roster is an eclectic mix of university students, mothers and schoolteachers nearing retirement. Some used to skate competitively and took time off, while others continued all along. Some are newbies. They come from Dugald, Beausejour, Oakbank, Winnipeg and beyond.

What unites them is a love for skating and working together. They lead such different lives, but have faithfully shown up for practice every Friday night for months on end to get their routine just right.

Maxwell said it helps to have a relatable soundtrack, as they will listen to it for six months straight. She chose two covers of the Nina Simone classic Feeling Good, the first by Avicii with Audra Mae, and a second by Chris Avantgarde. The first is bluesy and slower before transitioning into the second, which brings more of a beat.
“You need music that’s going to speak to the group of skaters you have,” Maxwell said. “You want it to be something they have a connection with.

“They were so excited to present it, and it came across on the ice. Many people in the audience and people on other teams said we looked so joyful on the ice. They were beaming at the crowd.”

Teams must complete five required elements – a block, circle, line, wheel and intersection. Judges also score them on how they interpret the music.

During training, Maxwell pushed the team to improve their skating and performance skills. They answered the call.

The judges also noticed. The Hazelridge Skating Club was awarded bonus points, which Maxwell said is rare in competition. They earned 43 points on their first skate, and bettered that with a 47-point showing in their second.

“Four years ago, my team scored 25 points,” Maxwell said. “They’ve come such a long way.”

This group leave their week behind them before they hit the ice Fridays. If someone’s feeling low, they know there’s a group at the rink willing to lift them up.
“They are such an amazing group of women, just lovely,” Maxwell concluded.

Beausejour curlers win at club provincials

By Mark T. Buss

The Beausejour Curling Club (BCC) played the host with the most at the 2026 Curling Club Provincials March 26-29 as local curlers came out on top in both mens and womens play.

In mens play, BCC foursome Justin Richter, Doug Hamblin, Matt Kaminski and Brendan Honkey defeated Kelly Marnoch of Carberry 6-4 in the final.
Richter’s draw for two in the fourth end and scoring one more in the sixth put his club up 5-2. Marnoch’s deuce in the seventh  closed the gap to 5-4, but with hammer in the eighth, Richter’s last stone was a hit and roll facing two to earn the win.

“Playing at our home club yesterday with all the family and friends in the building was unbelievable,” Richter said. “You could feel their energy even behind the glass.”
In round robin play, the Richter foursome finished 4-1 and in first place in their pool. That resulted in a head to head encounter with fellow Beausejour Curling Clubmates Wayne Ewasko, Carl Bangert, Jarvis Ewasko and Stuart Parrott in the semifinals. 
Tied 5-5 after the sixth, Richter stole two in the seventh for a 7-5 lead. Ewasko had a chance for a thin double with his final stone but it overcurled, handing Richter an 8-5 victory.

Ewasko knocked off previously undefeated and defending champion Randy Neufeld of La Salle 6-5 to reach the semis.

Richter said he was amazed at the way his group played at the four-day provincials, in particular Kaminski and Honkey in their first major curling competition.

“To be that young and poised, they handled the pressure so well... just simply great.” Richter said. “And Doug... his past experience and fun loving, carefree attitude made such a difference as the weekend went along.”

Although BCC did not have a host female team, Beausejour’s Michelle Wadelius throws second stones for Kristy Mackie of St. Vital. With third Ainsley Holowec and lead Janelle Kent, the quartet went undefeated the entire bonspiel, including topping 2023 champion Kara Balshaw of Fort Rouge 5-4 in the final.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to win at home. To win a provincial championship in the curling club I learned to curl in, that I played in for so many years of league games, practices and bonspiels was truly a dream come true,” Wadelius said. “Almost every volunteer behind the glass was someone I knew from the community, and to have so many local people cheering for us, even though we were representing the St. Vital Curling Club, was so heart-warming.”

Down 4-3 after six ends, Mackie scored two in the seventh. Balshaw had a chance for a hit to tie in the final end, but her last stone rolled too far.
Mackie beat Kristin McLellan of Brandon in the semis with Balshaw topping Alyssa Calvert of Carberry in the other playoff.

“Our team played so well,” Wadelius added. “We knew we had the ability to play well and win, but it’s always difficult to play consistently well against all the other good teams and players in this event.”

Mackie and Richter will represent Manitoba at the 2026 Curling Club National Championships Nov 22-28 in St. Thomas, Ont.

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