September 24, 2026

Community rallies around Elma break-in

By Mark T. Buss

The president of the Elma Community Club says a recent break-in, significant theft and massive flooding damage will not shut down the facility if they have anything to say about it.

“It was a punch in the gut, but the resolve of the board members is really something,” said club president Dave Richardson. “We were all devestated, but then the board took things in stride and said this is not going to end us... nobody is closing our doors.”
Richardson said he and others went over to the community club on Sept. 17 when they discovered a door had been hacked through with an ax and had been tied with a rope from the inside to keep it closed.

“That was when we realized we had been broken into,” he said. “We thought it might be bad but we had no idea what was waiting for us inside.”

Richardson said the thieves took all the alcohol and pop, steaks, chicken wings and hamburgers, some stereo equipment and a laptop. He added the board was surprised by the amount of other items taken in the robbery including roasters, cutlery and table cloths.

“They took some really weird stuff like the shuffleboard table cover, and all the towels, even a bag of dirty ones ready to go to get cleaned,” he said. “It’s asbsolutely wild.”
He said the worst part was when the thieves moved into the basement where they stripped copper water lines and cut out the water meter, which resulted in the entire lower level filling with over 500,000 litres of war.

“The ceiling is eight feet high and we had five feet of water,” Richardson said, noting the RM of Whitemouth recorded a significant spike in water  use at the property on Sept. 16 starting at around 7:30 p.m.. “A break-in is bad enough but to go and do that... that’s what destroys a building.”

Ironically, extensive insurance renovations on the lower level had recently been completed from when the sump pump quit three years ago, causing damage.
Richardson said when word got out about what happened, they had three pumps working to drain the structure within the hour. The RM of Whitemouth sent a fire truck, which lowered the level down to four or five inches so an inspection could be done on the damage.

Industrial fans were also brought in to start drying the place out until the restoration company could arrive. Richardson said they will have their work cut out for them as the bathrooms, the seniors room and the coat and utility rooms will all have to be redone. He added furnaces, compressors, bingo and Christmas items stored in the basement must be removed.

“We are going to have to gut the entire basement from floor to ceiling,” he said. “A positive is because we come here all the time, the items were not under water long. We are cleaning up without mold issues, but anything that was under water will have to go.”
The Elma Community Club has been a vital part of the community for decades. The building began as a three-room school constructed in 1953. It was closed in the late 1960s and turned over to the RM where it became the community hall.

Over time it hosted a number of popular events. Elma fall suppers were always sold out. Ladies nights and garage sales would also bring in large crowds.

As with most volunteer efforts however, the facility teetered on closing until the small but committed crew gave way to some new members in recent years, with Richardson coming on in the last two. 

“The building is still standing because of the efforts of the previous board, and they should be commended,” he said. “We had heard the stories of the great times held in Elma over the years. The new board came in and we decided to keep the place going... let’s fix it up.”

He said recent events like meat draws, markets, 50/50s, chicken wing and steak night have allowed them to cover the bills and do some other upgrades to the stereo system and drywall work where needed.
While the break-in is an obvious low point, Richardson said neighbouring community centres and halls in Seven Sisters, Hadashville, Ste. Rita and Whitemouth have all reached out and shown what being part of a community is all about.

“Everyone has offered to support us in any way they can,” he said. “To everyone who offered up help, we can’t say thank you enough.” 

The Elma Community Club had also planned to hold its first fall supper in several years Richardson said the “knee jerk” reaction was to cancel, but the event has been moved to Hadashville on Sept. 26.

“It’s still happening,” Richardson said, adding if the new location does not work for someone who has already purchased tickets, they can reach out to any member of the club to have funds reimbursed.

Sadly, Richardson said recent discussions were held regarding putting cameras up on the property to prevent theft, but they had not been finalized. The board sat down and made an order the day after the break-in.

Anyone with information about this break and enter is asked to call the Whitemouth RCMP at 204-348-2935 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manito bacrimestoppers.com

Tyndall man fined in fatal Hwy 11 collision

By Mark T. Buss

A Tyndall man was fined last week for his involvement in a 2024 head on collision near Seven Sisters that claimed the life of a young woman.

At sentencing in Winnipeg court Sept. 17, Judge Vincent Sinclair fined Neil Kenneth Regula $1,000 plus costs after Regula pled guilty to driving imprudently under the Manitoba Highway Traffic Act. The charge – which focuses on speed – could lead to more consequences from Manitoba Public Insurance, according to Sinclair.

On May 14, 2024 at approximately 4:40 p.m,. Whitemouth RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Hwy 11 south of PR 307. Officers attended the scene and located a Ford F-150 and a Chrysler 200 in the northbound lane of Hwy 11.

The section of road in question is a large ‘S’ curve with a double solid line to restrict passing. RCMP said at the time, the initial investigation determined the pickup truck was travelling southbound on Hwy 11 when it entered the northbound lane, colliding with the northbound car. 

Regula, the driver of the truck, was heading home following work at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in Pinawa. He received life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital.

The 30-year-old female driver of the car – Samantha Lommen – was pronounced deceased at the scene. The former Beausejour resident was living in the RM of Lac du Bonnet at the time of her death and was working with the Lac du Bonnet and Pinawa fire departments.

A RCMP forensic collision reconstructionist and the RCMP criminal collision investigative team collected electronic data from both vehicles. They said Regula had his cruise set at 108 km/h and made a hard left turn into the northbound lane just prior to the crash.

Regula was originally charged with careless driving causing death. The case was scheduled for trial in Beausejour court Aug. 11-13, but was shelved on the opening day when Regula pled guilty to the lesser charge.

Crown attorney Martyn Langstaff said the case hinged on one witness who’s testimony could no longer be trusted more than two years later, resulting in the reduced charge.

At sentencing, seven impact statements were read into the record, including those from Lommen’s siblings Alex and Crystal Lommen, other family and friends. They all provided a glimpse into who Lommen was as a person, how she inspired children and other women, that she was working toward joining the RCMP and how those left behind are asking for justice as they are unable to cope with her passing.

“There are clear impacts Mr. Regula’s actions have had on friends and family,” Langstaff said. “This will be a message to others who drive imprudently.”
Defence attorney Evan Roitenberg tried to blame Lommen for the collision, saying that just prior to Regula’s hard left, data showed she made a lesser turn to the right before impact.

Although he confirmed reconstructionists could not confidently settle on one scenario, he made the allegation she had drifted into Regula’s lane, despite both vehicles coming to rest on her side of the highway.

“Sam exuded kindness and warmth, and she should not be gone... but it’s a fact of life that beautiful people, and kind people, make mistakes,” Roitenberg said as Lommen’s supporters in attendance shook their heads and made comments under their breath.
Given an opportunity to address the court, Regula said “I’ve got nothing to say your honour.”

Prior to sentencing, Sinclair said he recognized it was an unfortunate chain of events that led to the fatal collision, but noted Regula’s admission of guilt. 
Although Roitenberg claimed his client felt remorse, the fact Regula did not make any such comments when called upon by the court was not lost on Sinclair.
“I’m sure they would have loved to hear you say something,” the judge said of those in attendance.

He fined Regula $1,000 plus court costs, for a total of $1,600. Roitenberg said the judge could wave the additional fees, noting his client has permanent damage to his foot and wrist and has not been back to work since the crash. The judge maintained the full fine amount.

Roitenberg also asked for a conditional discharge for Regula. The judge did not grant the request.

Funding paves way for Lac du Bonnet airport upgrades

By Simon Ducatel

Ongoing RM of Lac du Bonnet efforts to lobby the provincial government for funding to improve the Lac du Bonnet Airport are paying off. 
Funding to the tune of $400,000 is “really allowing us to move with a number of excellent initiatives for the airport,” said Reeve Loren Schinkel during the Sept. 8 meeting when council passed resolutions approving several upgrades.

“We’re tracking the expenditures and we’re going to provide them (the provincial government) with a fulsome report on where these funds were actually allocated and spent to upgrade our facility,” said Schinkel. “We need to do that so that I can go back for Phase 2 and 3, as I’ve already talked to the minister about.”

The first approved project was a follow-up on a previously awarded contract for the airport’s fencing. Last November, council gave Branchman Fencing the green light to supply and install almost 1,100 linear metres of eight-foot high commercial-grade chain link fencing. Included in the work’s scope was a manual 15.24-metre (50-foot) wide double cantilever gate. 

This past spring, council approved additional airport security improvements including the installation of an automatic gate on Hobo Lane to control access to the airport tie-down area.

Upon realizing the quoted gate operator model was not the same as the one installed at the airport’s south entrance, the RM requested the same gate operator model for the north entrance not only to maintain consistency between the airport’s entrances but also to simplify remote-control programming and operation. Branchman Fencing submitted a quote to supply and install the required modified pedestal assemblies.
Council approved the unbudgeted expense, which was covered courtesy of the $400,000 the RM received through the provincial government. 

The second project that was approved was a taxiway extension. Earlier this summer, council had discussed the need for a temporary taxiway to provide access to hangar lots H21 through H25, which would enable the lot owners to begin development.

“The hangar lots are currently being allocated and are ready for development,” reads part of a briefing note in council’s agenda package.

The existing taxiway was constructed using approximately 300 millimetres (12 inches) of limestone placed over woven geotextile fabric and is approximately 7.5-metres (24.6-foot) wide, and the proposed 180-metre (590-foot) taxiway extension would continue north from the existing terminus to provide access to hangar lots H21 through H25.
Council was presented with two choices after the RM’s public works department evaluated options; in a nutshell, the first was to use purchased limestone at a total estimated cost of $46,000 or to use RM pit gravel at a total estimated cost of $27,600.
The recommended course of action was to use the limestone as it would “provide a more cost-effective solution when considering the hangars’ future use and upcoming airport projects in the future.”  

Council ended up unanimously carrying a motion to that effect with the expense again being covered by provincial government funding.

“There’s at least two hangars that are going to be built immediately, and two other ones that are forthcoming here,” Schinkel said during the meeting.

“And that will result in no further lots being available at the airport,” he said, adding, “That’ll be dealt with by council and the regional airport authority at a future date.”

Also on the docket was an item brought to the RM’s attention by Manitoba Hydro. 
Earlier this summer, council approved a quote in the amount of $13,375 plus GST from Branchman Fencing for the electrical servicing required for the automatic gate system off Hobo Lane.

Manitoba Hydro has since advised RM public works that “a new overhead electrical service line is required to supply power to the automatic gate. The service would extend from the existing mainline along the east side of Hobo Lane, across from the existing transformer, to a new pole and anchor located adjacent to the gate.” 
The estimate to complete the work provided by Manitoba Hydro was in the vicinity of $6,800, and as the RM is the proponent for the new electrical service, that amount is payable directly by the municipality. Council approved the project to install the new overhead electrical service line, pole, and anchor required to supply power to the automatic gate. 

“I can’t say enough about the funding that we received from the provincial government as a  result of our efforts and continued lobbying in the January provincial budget,” said Schinkel. “This is another example of how that’s being put to good use.”

And last but certainly not least, council also approved an estimated $29,570 project that had been identified by the regional airport authority to develop “a new airplane tie-down area in the southwest corner of the airport to relocate the existing tie-down area near the south entrance gate,” reads part of a briefing report. 

“Council has requested that a new tie-down area be established in this location to allow for alternative development near the south gate while providing an organized location for long-term aircraft parking.”

Winnipeg man arrested following break-ins

A Winnipeg man is facing charges for his alleged involvement in a series of morning break-ins in the RM of Reynolds that ended with him being plucked from the Whitemouth River after evading police on foot.

On Sept. 14 at 7:45 a.m., Falcon Beach RCMP responded to a break and enter in progress on a property on Hwy 11, south of Hwy 1, in the RM of Reynolds. Officers searched the property for the suspect, but he was not located. Damage was done to a garage door and various locks, while trail cameras had been stolen and a hydro meter removed. 

A photo of the suspect was provided to officers showing the male carrying a long crowbar. 

While on scene, Falcon Beach RCMP received another complaint of a break and enter in progress on PR 507 west of Hwy 11. Due to the proximity of the two locations, officers arrived within minutes. The suspect vehicle was located on the property still running, but the suspect was not found. Checks on the vehicle came back that it was stolen and reported to Oakbank RCMP on Sept. 7.

Officers discovered trail cameras were missing, the lock to the door of the main building was broken and the ignition on an ATV was missing. The suspect seen on cameras was the same suspect in the previous report. 

Police dog services and a drone operator attended the property to assist in the search for the suspect. As the police dog was tracking, Falcon Beach RCMP received a third report of a break and enter in progress on a property on Lozinski Road. The same suspect was again seen on trail cameras, banging on a door, trying to break in. 

Officers from the Lac du Bonnet RCMP and the drone operator attended that location and the suspect was located by the drone. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit and he was located hiding in the roots of a tree along the Whitemouth River. Officers entered the water and were able to arrest the suspect without further incident. 

Michael Shindruk, 45, from Winnipeg, has been remanded in custody and is facing charges of break and enter, mischief to property, possession of property over $5,000, failing to comply with conditions of a release order and reist/obstruct a police officer. The charges against Shundruk have not been proven in court and he is presumed innocent.

Red River Cart rolls into Lac du Bonnet

By Rick McGregor

The Lac du Bonnet Local of the Red River Métis (RRM) rolled their Wheels of the Homeland celebration into Halliday Park at the Lac du Bonnet District  Museum Sept. 19.

Celebrating Métis history, culture and resilience, the festivities started with the arrival of a beautiful, historical, hand built Red River Cart pulled by a horse and driven by cart builder Armand Jerome. The cart circled the field a couple of times, providing photo opportunities to many in the crowd before being rolled into its new permanent place under a roof near the museum.

Dozens of people showed up for the day’s festivities, many of them wearing orange shirts in honour of Truth and Reconciliation, just ahead of Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 30.

There were  speeches by a number of dignitaries from government and the Red  River Métis. Lac du Bonnet Mayor Ken Lodge who also serves as chair of the Lac du Bonnet Local spoke first, followed by a number of other politicians, spiritual leaders and elders.
Lodge acknowledged the long history of Métis people here in the Lac du Bonnet region, noting the cart is a physical representation of those types of efforts.

“The Winnipeg River was the highway into the province at the time, and the Métis people were here then. They settled here and traveled the river,” Lodge said. “It’s all about our history and where to go from here.”

Kim Avanthay, whom Lodge credits with being the driving force behind this project for the last few years, was the one who got it to the finish line.

“It’s amazing! Just seeing the cart finally here, it is absolutely amazing,” Avanthay said. “It took a lot of people to put this on, so we are very lucky that we have so many volunteers to help out. It is going to be a showcase piece for the museum for years to come and people will have many chances to come and see it.”

The Norman Chief Dancers hit the stage for square dancing. Some toddlers got up on the stage, providing for three generations of dancers. 

Lunch of bison stew and bannock was served before students from both Centennial School and Lac du Bonnet Senior School took the stage for their presentations.
Jerome builds historically accurate carts that can travel long distances. In his research, he reviewed photos from the1870s and 1880s to see what they looked like. His carts are made out of solid oak and ash just like the originals. The hubs are elm, which is getting very hard to get. All of the wood has to be kiln dried and you cannot use green wood or softwood.

Jerome said he has built 65 to 70 cart, all by hand, taking between 200-400 hours to build one. 

“I have a couple more to go but what I’m going to do is slow down right now because I’ve been doing it for over 20 years and I haven’t had a break,” Herome said. “What I want to do is catch up on my orders then I want to take a year or so off and then maybe just build one or two a year.”

Jerome did originally get some plans from Lower Fort Garry but says most of his early builds and rebuilds were trial and error.

“I was with a group from St. Norbert and we got some plans. They looked good but they didn’t work. We tried hooking them up to both horses and oxen, but they kept breaking down. We barely made it to the city on our first journey.”

Springfield buying two tankers

By Tony Zerucha

Springfield’s council unanimously approved $20,000 deposits for two fire apparatus water tankers. Once purchased, the units will reside at the Anola and Oakbank stations.
The $40,000 comes from the Capital Lot Levy Reserve, while the remainder, not to exceed $680,000 per unit (taxes and fees excluded), will come from the Capital Lot Levy and Capital Requirements Reserves. The equipment will be incorporated into the Capital Fleet Program for 2027 and 2028.

The tankers will replace units that are 19 and 24 years old.

“Both units have reached the end of their anticipated service life and are experiencing increasing maintenance and reliability concerns,” a report to council states. “One of the existing tanker units is currently experiencing significant issues with the water tank itself, including leakage that would require substantial repairs to address. 

“Given the age of the apparatus, the extent of the required repairs, and the continued need for reliable fire suppression equipment, administration does not consider significant investment in repairing the existing unit to be the most cost-effective long-term option.”

EMCA season opens with Springsteen tribute

The Eastern Manitoba Concert Association (EMCA) is proud to open their 2026/27 season with the energy, passion and unmistakable sound of Bruce Springsteen with Glory Days at the Pinawa Community Centre on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Glory Days is a six-piece tribute band, fronted by Springsteen look-alike Serge Tremblay, who delivers a high-energy concert experience packed with chart-topping favourites like Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark, I’m on Fire and The River. 

The spirit of a true Boss performance is sure to delight fans and those new to the music of this rock icon. Glory Days promises to deliver an authentic Springsteen concert experience.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.) at 20 Vanier Drive in Pinawa. Tickets are $50 for adults and $35 for under 30, and are available at Solo Market or online at emcaconcerts.com. Tickets will not be sold at the door, but online purchases remain open until showtime. A few season subscriptions are still available – visit emcaconcerts.com for details. 

Springfield changes brush, wood chip policy

By Tony Zerucha

Increased costs and citizen negligence had the RM of Springfield reviewing its tree brush and yard waste collection procedures.
On Jan. 1, the RM consolidated collection at the Oakwood Transfer Station and ceased collection at the Hillside Transfer Station. In a report sent to council, municipal staff said the move is an attempt to maintain the program’s sustainability. Yard and leaf waste are still accepted at Hillside.

“The convenience of the program has made it very popular as there is no ‘gate cost’ for residents who are then free to bring as much tree and brush waste to the Hillside Waste Transfer Station with no consideration for the end operating cost or disposal needs,” the report states.

The program costs roughly $100,000 annually. This includes daily pushing of material with heavy equipment to make room for more, pile storage and maintenance, and trucking of material to Brady Road Landfill in Winnipeg. 

Springfield also contracts an industrial wood chipper each year. That has created problems, as citizens pollute the wood and brush with metal objects that damage the machines. Equipment runs on diesel fuel, whose costs are rising.

“In 2025, Water and Waste hauled 655 MT (metric tonnes) of wood chips/mulch to the Brady Road Landfill for disposal and an estimated 700 MT of wood chips/mulch in total offsite,” the report adds. “There is still an estimated $50,000 worth of work to completely empty out the wood chip pile.”

Staff explained that material cannot be burned at Hillside Transfer Station due to the proximity of nearby homes and the Birds Hill Aquifer Complex. Burning is permitted at the Oakwood Transfer Station.

The report outlines several alternative options. Citizens can haul large loads directly to the Oakwood Transfer Station. Small amounts can be composted or burned at home or disposed of in the weekly garbage collection.

Springfield is the only municipality in the region, including Winnipeg, that does not charge disposal fees at its dumps.

“Without a review or modification to said programs, the only way to maintain (them) is to raise property taxes on all residents to keep up with funding,” the report states. “Simply stated, the Water and Waste Department is not removing a service from the residents of Springfield; we are simply relocating the service in an effort to contain the future cost of service and attempt to change the mindset of the public when dealing with tree and brush waste.”

Staff considered other options, such as accessing a dormant gravel pit for burning. Those pits can be reactivated, making it a risky choice. Constant transfer of material can cause the spread of disease due to the transportation of insects and vermin.
A licensed compost facility would cost roughly $1 million to start up, plus annual operation costs. Several municipalities discussed pooling their resources on a used industrial wood chipper, but abandoned those plans due to the $1.5 million cost and logistical issues.

Council approved the current costs in the 2026 budget. Staff said this can be reviewed and changes made when it begins 2027 budget preparations.

Pioneer Club celebrates 50 years Sept. 27

By Jennifer Strassel

The Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club (The Club) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a special event on Sept. 27 from 1-4 p.m. with lunch, guest speakers and door prizes. All are welcome to attend. 

In the mid-1970s, Anne “Billi” Buchart saw a need for a social club for people over the age of 60. A total of 28 people attended the first meeting on Jan. 19, 1976, where they adopted a constitution and elected officers. Membership was $1. 
Meetings were held on the first Monday of the month at the Bonny Vista lounge until they moved to rented rooms on Second Street, behind Lloyd’s Barber Shop. With a federal New Horizon’s grant, they purchased a pool table, stereo and piano. They were also “the first senior’s club to have an electric dishwasher,” which was considered a “luxury.”

MP Jake Epp officially opened the new senior recreation centre on Sept. 23, 1978. The members later voted to change the name to the “Pioneer Club.”
The Club’s lunch counter was open five days a week. They held regular cribbage, pool and bowling competitions, and hosted an annual New Years Eve party. The Lac du Bonnet history book, Logs and Lines from the Winnipeg River, was among their fundraisers. 

By 1980, with their membership over 470, the board decided The Club needed their own location. After their official incorporation as the Pioneer Club of Lac du Bonnet on March 19, 1981, they acquired a vacant lot at 32 Park Ave. and constructed their own building. 

In 1989, The Club expanded the building to better accommodate their “ever increasing membership.” The large addition included a game area with pool tables, floor curling, carpet bowling and much more. The kitchen and office were also extended. 

The Club was open Tuesday through Saturday and had weekly bingo and regular whist and cribbage tournaments. Their kitchen band and potluck suppers were also popular. 
Today, the Pioneer Club of Lac du Bonnet has around 140 members. Floor curling remains popular, though members also organize game days, cribbage tournaments and pancake breakfasts. 

In addition to the anniversary event, the Pioneer Club also got a fresh new look for their 50th year with a new sign for the front of the building. 
All are welcome. Membership costs $40 per year and is open to anyone 50-plus..

Maintenance will protect your deck over the winter

By Tony Zerucha

Outdoor decks are an important part of your home. With a little forethought and some common sense, it’s easy to protect your investment over the winter.
Your preparations depend on your deck’s composition. Composite decking, while more expensive to install, offers easier and cheaper maintenance over the deck’s life-span. It doesn’t absorb moisture like wood does, so it’s less likely to warp or crack.
Wood, while initially more affordable, needs more upkeep with staining, sealing and replacing damaged boards. It expands and contracts depending on temperature and moisture, with those fluctuations taking a collective toll. This is especially true if the deck wasn’t properly sealed before its first winter. When treating your deck, pay specific attention to the end grain.

Stain and seal your wood deck at least every two years. That protects it from moisture and UV damage. Check for loose boards, raised nails, rust and soft spots potentially indicative of rot. Even if your deck looks healthy on top, damage could be growing underneath. Check for soft spots, board instability, discolouration and mould or mildew.

Consider adding waterproof membranes, specialized systems that prevent water from reaching vulnerable structure components. The framing system’s condition often determines how long the deck will last.

Also pay attention to the materials you select to protect your deck. Some work best in mild temperatures, while others are designed for more extreme climates like ours.
While composite and PVC decks offer simpler maintenance, there is still work to do. Especially to protect moisture from reaching joints, beams and other important features underneath. Select appropriate waterproofing materials.

Come winter, keep your deck clear of snow and ice. Left unchecked, the added weight can damage both the boards and the underlying infrastructure. Ice, especially when hidden under snow, creates a slipping hazard. When clearing snow, use a plastic shovel or broom to protect your deck from scratching. Look for uneven spots where snow and ice can collect.

Ensure railings and handrails are secure. If loose, they pose an added hazard should someone grab them when falling. Some owners also remove glass side panels to simplify the snow-clearing process. Trim tree branches near decks to prevent damage from falling limbs.

Comets preparing for new hockey season

By Tony Zerucha

Beausejour Comets head coach Troy Kennedy is feeling confident in his team on the eve of the 2026-27 Capital Region Junior Hockey League season, and given their early schedule, that confidence is needed.

The Comets open the regular season at home against the champion La Broquerie Habs on Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. Their first four games are either against the Habs or arch-rival St. Malo Warriors.

Kennedy spent last weekend watching his charges split a pair of 3-2 decisions against the Selkirk Fishermen. On Sept. 19, Logan Ashe scored twice, and Job Peters added another in a Comets win. One day later, Peters and top newcomer Jackson Kostiuk lit the lamp in a 3-2 defeat that saw former Powerview-Sagkeeng Wild star Ryland Schroeder score for Selkirk.

While some roster decisions have yet to be made, Kostiuk has earned a spot. In 101 career games with the Steinbach Pistons, Kostiuk scored 33 goals, 60 assists and 102 points. He also played 45 games for the Western Hockey League’s Prince Albert Raiders.

“It’s always exciting to hit the ice and get things started up again,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy spent the two exhibition games looking at defence pairings and line combinations. He also has some tough decisions to make on his veterans, given that CRJHL teams are only allowed six 21-year-olds. The Comets have one extra, so a tough decision awaits.

The Comets will have a new look on the blue line, with former Eastman Selects Kellan Sichewski and Finley Titterson. Sichewski, a Garson native, has 122 games of AAA U18 experience, while Titterson has played in the MJHL, MMJHL and two BC junior leagues since graduating from the Selects in 2023-24.
Both bring size and talent. Kennedy hopes that will give his opponents more things to think about this season.

The forward group will be mostly familiar faces, but Kennedy said some younger players could earn more ice time.

“We have a lot of skill,” he offered.

Other new faces in camp include Gage Ferguson, who suited up for the HTJHL’s Ste. Anne Aces last season. Ferguson scored 30 times in 25 games, while adding 16 helpers for 46 points. Brodie McDonald is attempting to make the jump from the Edward Schreyer Barons, after suiting up for one Comet game last season. 
Talented defenseman Taigan Newton also played once for the Comets last year, in addition to playing for the Springfield Sabres, Transcona Railer Express and Springfield Xtreme. He averaged two points per game for the Sabres last season. Comets defeated Bats and Beavers 20-15 in the C final.

Springfield pigeon racing plans take flight

By Tony Zerucha

A Springfield man’s dream of hosting racing pigeons on his property has taken flight after Springfield’s council approved his conditional use application. 
Satvinder Singh Benipal sought permission to house 15 racing pigeons in his Murdock Road yard. In a submission to council, Benipal said he has long been a pigeon racing enthusiast and this is not a commercial enterprise He plans to race the pigeons in the summer months.

Municipal staff said pigeons can travel up to 700 miles a day at heights up to 6,000 feet. They also cited concerns about the disease risk from droppings, nest debris and parasites.

Benipal’s plans brought objections from the Springfield Flying Club, which makes its home at the Lyncrest Airport, located 2.2 kilometres south of Benipal’s home. Club president Frank Thomas said Lyncrest’s aircraft traffic pattern takes aircraft near Benipal’s property. With pigeons flying in flocks, the risk of bird strikes is high. The pigeons could also attract predator birds, further increasing the strike risk.
“Pigeons are recognized by Transport Canada as a Level 3 bird strike hazard to aviation safety that poses a significant risk to the safe operations of airports,” Thomas wrote in his submission. “A pigeon aviary at this location will increase the risk of small aircraft bird strikes. This poses a safety risk to pilots, their passengers and people on the ground.”

“It’s all about safety for me,” Coun. Glen Fuhl said. “I don’t need to hear a report of a plane hitting a pigeon and a pilot getting killed. I think that’s everyone’s concern.”
Thomas said he’d be open to certain flight patterns, provided the birds fly at lower elevations. Following a suggestion for a one-year trial from Fuhl, he said he’d be open to that.

Mayor Pat Therrien said Canada geese are numerous and also fly in flocks. He felt no conditions were required.

“I don’t see this as dangerous,” Therrien said, before adding he would go with the majority of council.

Council voted 3-2 to approve a one-year trial. Therrien, Fuhl and Coun. Melinda Warren voted in favour, with Couns. Andy Kuczynski and Mark Miller opposed.

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