Spring road restrictions activated

By Jann Perry

Spring road restrictions have come into affect across North Eastman and are expected to continue for the next two months depending on the pace of the thaw. 
The purpose of spring road restrictions is to protect roadways from damage during the spring thaw conditions. Rural municipalities request public co-operation in following these restrictions.

The RM of Lac du Bonnet enacted road restrictions on March 20, and they will be in effect until May 29. Affected roads will be posted with limits of 65 per cent axle loads (excluding front axle) on all municipal B1 roads and 90 per cent normal axle loading for water and sewer services on all B1 municipal roads. Access permits may be granted under special circumstances.

Springfield’s road restrictions began on March 29 and are scheduled to remain in place until further notice. All municipal roads are restricted to 65 per cent of normal axle loading unless otherwise posted. Permits and restrictions maps are available for download on the municipal website.

In Brokenhead, all municipal roads in the LUD of Tyndall, Garson and Henryville are 65 per cent of normal axle loads. They began on March 20.
Reynolds road restrictions have been in place since March 7 with Whitemouth’s restrictions coming into place on March 19. The Municipality of Alexander began following the provincial guidelines as of March 20. 

Provincial guidelines are available by contacting the Road Information Line at 1-877-MBRoads (1-877-627-6237) or gov.mb.ca/mit/srr/

All provincial road restrictions in eastern Manitoba will end by May 29 unless the Province of Manitoba announces a change.

Hwys 11, 12, 15 & 44
Hwys 11, 12, 15 and 44 are designated Roads and Transportation Association of Canada routes and Class AI highways. They are subject to Level 1 road restrictions. Operators should check with provincial authorities for further clarification.
Level 1 restrictions apply to Hwy 11 from Great Falls to Hwy 304; Hwy 12 from Hwy 1 to the west junction of Hwy 44, the east junction of Hwy 44 to Hwy 317, and the south junction of Hwy 304 to Hwy 59; Hwy 15 from Brokenhead River to Hazel Creek, and 10 km east of Hazel Creek to Elma, and Hwy 44 from 14 km east of the south junction of Hwy 11 to PR 307.

Class B1 Roads
Many local roads are classified as B1 highways and subject to Level 1 road restrictions. They include PR 206 from Garven Road to 300 metres north of Birds Hill Park’s east gate; PR 207 from PR 206 to Dufresne and Hwy 12 to the east junction of PR 210; PR 211 from Hwy 11 to the Pinawa Channel; PR 212 from Hwy 59 to PR 204; Garven Road from PR 206 to Hwy 12; PR 301 from Hwy 1 to Hwy 44; PR 302 from Hwy 12 to PR 201; and PR 307 from Otter Falls to 15 km east of Hwy 11.
Further Level 2 restrictions are available at the Government of Manitoba website.

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Enns-Preston resigns from RM of Lac du Bonnet council

By Simon Ducatel

With the next municipal election in October, there will not be a by-election to fill the vacancy on RM of Lac du Bonnet council following last week’s sudden resignation of Coun. Violet Enns-Preston. 

Citing a conflict of conscience on a social media post, the former councillor, who was serving her first term, expressed “deep regret” over her decision to step down effective immediately. 

“I could not in good conscience fail to represent my constituents by standing by while private equity projects got funded with taxpayer dollars,” Enns-Preston posted online. “I can’t continue my fight while being misinformed by the ‘leaders’ around me.”
Elected to council in 2022, Enns-Preston told The Lac du Bonnet Clipper she had felt “misled a few times” and that council made promises to the Town of Lac du Bonnet that were not kept. 

“They kind of led me to believe that we were going to help pave the parking lot for the farmers’ market; that seems to be my main issue,” she said. “My word is my bond. If I say I’m going to do something, I do it, unless, you know, circumstances (are) beyond my control.” 

The Wood Duck Boat Launch dredging project was another source of concern for Enns-Preston, who said she fully supported necessary maintenance work to improve access for the public.

“That needs to be done,” she said. “You can hardly get a boat in there.” 
But after catching up on minutes from meetings she’d missed this past fall, Enns-Preston said she learned the project included plans to make extra space for the future expansion of a private dock. 

Taking to social media in February, she posted that she can’t sleep at night when something “fishy” is going on.

“I thought that was all turnaround space,” she said. “I didn’t realize we were gouging out more to provide space for a private dock system.” 
The accumulation of concerns ultimately led her to departure. 

“I really didn’t want to quit. I am not a quitter, but I’m just tired of banging my head,” she said, adding one silver lining has been reduced stress.
“Quitting seems to be the best thing for me, because I’m actually smiling again.”
In an official public statement, the RM thanked Enns-Preston for her service to the community and wished her well. 

Responding to the departure, Reeve Loren Schinkel said he was “shocked the way it came out” because there are requirements under the Municipal Act to notify the CAO in writing of any resignation.

Schinkel said Enns-Preston came into council chambers and put her laptop and keys on the desk with a handwritten note that simply read ‘I quit’ without providing a reason, he said. 

“As the head of council, I wasn’t surprised as she had missed a significant number of council meetings in the past few months and I can’t say what committee meetings or assignments she may have also missed,” he said
Addressing the concerns raised by Enns-Preston about the Wood Duck Boat Launch remediation, he said “that is totally misinformation.”

“There’s no private equity projects,” he said. “Perhaps it’s because she missed so many meetings that she wasn’t in the loop on the conversations.” 
“I think that led to some of the confusion on her part.”

The work did, however, pave the way for that area’s local cottage association to expand some of their docks, he said, surmising that’s where the confusion stems from. 

As for the farmers’ market, the reeve said that remains on the books. 
“This is a paving project that we’ve been discussing for at least three years in conjunction with the Town of Lac du Bonnet,” he said. “We’re working hand-in-hand in our commitment to that project. It was supposed to have been done last year (but) the town had some financial hiccups.” 

But the RM remains committed to the project. 

“We’ll be cost-sharing that, whatever it is, with the town.” 

The reeve, who does not use social media, struggled to understand Enns-Preston’s posts, which he said were spreading “totally false, inaccurate information.” 

Schinkel also said Enns-Preston was present at a committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 10 with ample opportunity to ask questions or raise concerns about the Wood Duck project, but did not bring up any objections. 
The RM is in the process of developing a social media policy to manage such situations. The policy has not yet been formally adopted.

While social media “has its place,” the reeve believes more and more people are coming to understand that information found on the platforms is not necessarily accurate. 

“Anybody can post anything and there’s no consequences,” he said. “People have to do their due diligence and understand that maybe what they’re reading isn’t factual.”
Schinkel encourages residents to attend council meetings in person or online, catch up on recordings of proceedings and to always feel free to connect with anyone on council to ask questions.

Springfield recording ban in court April 30

By Tony Zerucha

The RM of Springfield heads to court April 30 to defend itself against allegations that its municipal policy of not allowing the public to record council meetings is a violation of citizen rights. 

The case was brought by Daniel Page, Karen Lalonde, Janet Nylen and Gloria Romaniuk. The quartet are supported by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), a registered charity that “defends the constitution freedoms of Canadians through litigation and education.” 

At the Feb. 4, 2025 Springfield council meeting, Mayor Pat Therrien ordered Karen Insley to stop recording. Therrien said only media are allowed to record meetings, provided they obtain permission from the CAO at least 48 hours prior.

That was stipulated in Springfield’s Procedural Bylaw at the time, but that document did not specifically address the recording of council meetings by the public. It does state that meetings will be recorded and made available within two working days. Meetings are also broadcast on Zoom, which are recordable.

The litigants argue that Therrien acted beyond the scope of his duties in banning recordings, and state they have the right to record meetings provided they are not disruptive. They seek no costs and ask no costs be sought of them.

“Recording public proceedings is a form of expression that enables accountability and democratic participation,” said lawyer Darren Leung, who has argued many cases supported by the JCCF. “Preventing citizens from doing so raises serious concerns under the Charter’s protection of freedom of expression.”

The RM of Springfield recently filed its response. A copy was provided by the JCCF.
“The municipality asserts that the mayor, as the chair of council meetings, has full authority to regulate proceedings, including the authority to prohibit recordings,” the brief states. “The municipality further maintains that the Procedures Bylaw is valid, was enacted within its lawful authority, and is not discriminatory.”

The two sides do agree that the activity of recording meetings has expressive content and falls “prima facie” (on its face) within a section of the Charter. However, Springfield asserts that conflicts with the purpose of council meetings, which is “a forum for council to conduct municipal business in an effective and efficient manner and a forum where the ability of the public to express themselves has historically been and is limited under the (Municipal) Act.”

The RM of Springfield said it has several reasons why it wants recording limitations to remain, beginning with disruptions caused by multiple recordings and related lighting. They also argue it discourages some residents from attending meetings due to not wanting to be recorded and having their, or their children’s, images posted online.

In her affidavit, CAO Colleen Draper cited one occasion where she said a recording was deliberately altered before being posted online. She claimed the video was posted on YouTube and edited in such a way that the accuracy of what was said and what took place during the council meeting was manipulated.
Draper later added that a resident and several staff members have expressed privacy concerns with recordings.
The RM also disputes claims that the Zoom recordings have quality issues.

Duke named RM of Lac du Bonnet CAO 

By Mark T. Buss

The RM of Lac du Bonnet has hired their new chief administrative officer from within.
Council elevated Deanne Duke from Deputy CAO to the top job on April 1 following the retirement announcement of Sandra Broek. Duke will now oversee day-to-day administrative operations of the municipality.

“I am honoured to serve the (RM) of Lac du Bonnet at such an exciting time,” Duke said. “I look forward to building on the positive momentum our team has achieved under council’s strategic direction and working together to support a strong and thriving community.”

Duke first joined the municipality in 2021, serving as the administrative office’s most senior legislative clerk before moving on to the role of D/CAO. Under Broek’s tutelage, Duke gained insight into the complexity of municipal administration and strengthened her approach to balanced, effective leadership.
“Working closely together, I benefited from financial guidance while contributing my background in governance, policy and legislation,” Duke said. “While I will miss working alongside Sandra, I am grateful for the experience we shared and excited to take on the opportunities ahead.”

Broek started with the RM in 2014 as the finance officer and soon added assistant administrator to her duties. In the fall of 2018 she was promoted to D/CAO and director of corporate services.

She became CAO in 2022 following the departure of Cameron Bell. From there she led the administration team through organizational change, supported a forensic audit process and advanced a comprehensive asset management program with GIS integration.

“I was fortunate to be part of a highly collaborative team, where a strong sense of shared purpose and teamwork consistently contributed to the municipality’s success,” Broek said.

She says she plans to spend more time with family and friends, travel and relaxing at the lake.

Broek added that over the past five years, she has worked closely with Duke and witnessed significant growth in her knowledge and skill set. 

“She has demonstrated a strong commitment to her role, earning respect as a leader within the organization,” Broek said. “Her experience and capabilities position her well to continue driving positive improvements for the benefit of the municipality.”
Reeve Loren Schinkel said he had the good fortune of working with Broek for the past decade, adding she is extremely well respected among Manitoba’s municipal leaders. He added she will be missed for her quiet, confident, unassuming style of leadership.  

“Over these years, there has been a lot of growth within the municipality and her legacy will be one of positive change,” Schinkel said. “We wish Sandra a very healthy long retirement and all the best in any future endeavours.”
Regarding Duke, Schinkel said she has a very strong knowledge base and continually strives for positive change and excellence. 

“Council knows she has the skills to thoroughly fill the CAO role,” he said. “Council is very pleased and confident with her appointment and looks forward working with Deanne.”

Haystack latest dinner theatre a Beauty

By Andrea Geary

Tickets are sold out for this year’s dinner theatre featuring Haystack Productions’ performance of The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant.

Artistic director Alice Young said this is the 32nd dinner theatre production staged by the Beausejour-based amateur theatre company. Haystack partners with St. Paul’s United Church to offer the annual event, with church members providing the venue at 730 James Ave. as well as the dinner. 

Young said Haystack Productions has performed a variety of theatrical genres over the years, including murder mysteries, tragedies, comedies and audience participation shows. She believes that The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant will be a hit with audiences.

“It’s hilarious,” said Young, who is co-directing with Sherelle Firth. “The characters are so funny.”

The play is adapted from a book written by Georgia author and playwright Leslie Kimbell. It takes place in an assisted living facility and features an Elvis impersonator who has been married seven times, a burlesque performer and a nutty woman who loves squirrels, among other characters.

“We really believe that, at this time in the world, people need to laugh,” Young said.
The play’s cast of 12 actors includes two members making their stage debuts. Another 15 people form the production crew responsible for sets, props, costumes, lights, sound and other off-stage duties.

Young said there are about 30 United Church members who prepare and serve dinner at each performance. 

She said Haystack Productions and St. Paul’s United have worked in collaboration since 1994. The church also serves as the site for the company’s annual youth production in December. Young said all profit from the dinner theatre shows goes to the church.

“It’s a win-win for us.”

The Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty Pageant runs from May 5-9 at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.

Springfield cancels borrowing bylaw

By Tony Zerucha

The RM of Springfield passed first reading to cancel a $3.3 million borrowing bylaw from 2021 because it funded a pair of projects through accumulated surpluses.
In 2021, the Municipal Board approved Springfield’s request to borrow up to $3.27 million to fund an extension of Holland Street in Dugald and reconstruction of a section of Springfield Road in the industrial park. The RM received a matching $3.2 million federal grant.

Holland Street was extended from new housing developments south of the Dugald Community Centre to the older section, which connects to Hwy 15. Springfield’s portion of that $350,000 project was funded by accumulated surpluses instead of borrowing.

The Springfield Road project saw the section from the western municipal limit to the east side of Redonda Street completely rebuilt. Estimated to cost $6.1 million, that, too was covered by accumulated surpluses. At the time, Springfield officials talked to the City of Winnipeg about extending the work further west down Springfield Road, but were told it wasn’t in Winnipeg’s capital plan.

When passing the borrowing bylaw in 2021, Springfield assumed a six per cent interest rate and 20-year amortization period. By not borrowing, Springfield saves ratepayers $20.26 for every $100,000 of portioned assessment on their municipal tax bill.

Remains identified as missing mother

By Jann Perry

Human remains recovered in Winnipeg’s north end have been identified as those of a Sagkeeng woman missing since 2023.

On Nov. 26, 2025 the Winnipeg Police Service reported the discovery of partial human remains that had been located in a rear lane in the 600-block of Selkirk Avenue. The investigation was considered to be a suspicious death, and the homicide unit assumed the investigation.

The partial remains have now been identified through DNA testing as Leah Faye

Keeper, who was 32 years old at the time she went missing. Born in Little Grand Rapids First Nation and raised in Sagkeeng, Keeper was last seen in the area of Salter Avenue and Selkirk Street in Winnipeg on July 25, 2023. 

After months without contact, her family reported her missing on Nov. 21, 2023.
Keeper’s disappearance prompted extensive searches by police, family, friends and community groups, including the Bear Clan Patrol.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs held a press conference on April 8. They identified Keeper was a beloved mother, daughter and community member whose life carried meaning, strength and connection.

At the press conference, Sagkeeng Chief E.J. Fontaine said his community is one of the most impacted regarding murdered and missing Indigenous women.
“For this family, (we) mourn with them,” Fontaine said. “It shakes the very foundation of our community.”

Investigators continue to investigate this suspicious death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers 204-786-TIPS or winnipegcrimestoppers.org

Springfield businesses raise service concerns

By Tony Zerucha

More than 40 business owners from Springfield’s industrial park area shared concerns about crime and municipal services with local politicians at a business roundtable on April 8.

The event was held at Windeck, 937 Redonda St. All five members of Springfield’s council and outgoing MLA Ron Schuler were present.

Springfield Chamber of Commerce founder and executive director Shandy Walls said key discussion topics included safety and policing, water and sewer infrastructure, and an imbalance between commercial taxes paid and services received.
None of these issues are new; business owners have shared them with the RM of Springfield for years. Crime remains a multi-faceted problem. Business owners want regular police patrols. With RCMP staffing shortages and the uncertainty around the

Springfield Police Service, they feared they wouldn’t occur.
They were told that the RCMP conducts patrols, as do Citizens on Patrol. Springfield’s community safety officer works different shifts and patrols the area at various times of day.

Business owners would also like better street lighting to deter criminals. Some property owners in the area also contend with runoff issues that can flood their lots.
Some recent improvements have occurred. Springfield spent $6.1 million to rebuild Springfield Road between the western municipal boundary and Redonda Street. A firehall in the industrial park is fully operational. Springfield Fire and Rescue Chief Brian Seaton has established water sharing relationships with several area businesses to improve firefighting capabilities.

“The roundtable provided an important forum for open dialogue between local businesses and municipal leadership,” Walls said.

RM of Lac du Bonnet proposes $9.7M budget

By Tony Zerucha

The RM of Lac du Bonnet proposes a $9.7 million budget for 2026, up from $8.9 million in 2025. 

The 2026 mill rate is 10.093, up from 9.896 in 2025, a 1.991 per cent increase. The owner of a $250,000 home pays $1,135.46 in 2026, up $22 from last year.
Roughly 20 per cent of that increase covers increased fuel expenditures. While the RM allotted $336,000 for gas in 2025, it’s looking at $490,000 in 2026. Office expenditures go from $341,000 to $495,000, while garbage collection rises from $582,000 to $649,000.

Approximately $1.7 million in capital expenditures are planned for 2026. That includes $285,000 for Public Works equipment, $221,000 for boat launch dredging, $200,000 for an office expansion, $161,000 for fire hall renovations, $150,000 to rebuild Gauer Road, and $85,000 for playground equipment.

Administrative priorities include cybersecurity upgrades, a rural water rate study, and a Manitoba Water Services Board (MWSB) feasibility study for a future water project. A proposed new website focuses on economic development, while a business park survey is also envisioned.

Developing an active transportation plan costs $181,400, but the RM’s share is $41,700. A grant covers $98,000, while the Town of Lac du Bonnet picks up $41,700. The Lac du Bonnet Regional Airport will see a taxiway expansion, lidar (light detection and radar) and a land survey.

Borrowing for the Brookfield utility will be fully paid off in 2034. This year’s instalment is $30,363.

Reeve Loren Schinkel said the effects of 2025’s wildfires is still being felt.
“Last year’s wildfire devastated our municipality,” Schinkel said. “We are still in the rebuilding stage and have spent $1.5 million. Although we have been accepted into the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program, we have only received a pre-payment of just over $250,000 and the balance is still outstanding. We continue to track our ongoing costs and add to the claim, so with that in mind – and not knowing what will or will not be covered by the DFA program – made this year’s budget extremely difficult.

“The wildfire also pushed back a number of capital projects, so we continued to analyze and have moved these forward in 2026.”
This year, school taxes equal 57.9 per cent of taxes levied, an increase from last year’s 56.7 per cent. The RM is collecting $8.1 million in school taxes this year. 
The deadline for the RM to submit the financial plan to the province is May 15.

Beausejour fire hall grand opening April 18

By Jann Perry\

The Beausejour Brokenhead Fire Department, the Town of Beausejour and the RM of Brokenhead are encouraging the public to attend the grand opening of the community’s new fire hall on PR 302 on April 18.

An open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an official grand opening with dignitaries and speeches at 12:30 p.m. There will be tours of the new hall and the new pumper, a bouncy castle, games, cotton candy and hot dogs by donation in support of the Robert Rittwage Memorial Scholarship Fund.

There will also be a demonstration at 11:30 a.m. where firefighters use extrication tools to cut a vehicle apart. Those in attendance will also be able to see fire move through a structure in real time during a dollhouse burn.

The Beausejour Brokenhead Fire Department had been a fixture at 801 Park Ave. since 1971, but a new address became necessary due to the age and structural limitations of the old building.

The new hall is located in the former Manitoba Hydro building on PR 302 across the road from the Beausejour slo-pitch diamonds. The building was purchased in 2021 for $475,000. The sum was split equally between the Town of Beausejour and RM of Brokenhead. 

The steel-structured building has a concrete floor with 3,400 square feet of office space, a 3,100-square-foot shop, 1,300-square-foot addition and four overhead doors, three of which were retrofitted with wider doors. The shop interior was renovated to provide space for fire equipment, compressor room, hose drying area and laundry area. 

The office area features a meeting and training room, offices, a communications room, washrooms and showers, locker and mechanical rooms and a kitchen.

Njegovan skipping new foursome

By Mark T. Buss

Selena Njegovan is continuing her curling career with a new team for the upcoming season.

Team Njegovan is a new foursome with the Beausejour curler at skip, Erin Pincott at third, Margot Flemming at second and lead Krysten Karwacki.
Karwacki is the former lead for Cathy Overton-Clapham and has served as the long-time alternate with five-time Canadian champion Kerri Einarson. She and Njegovan won a CIS national title together in 2013 with the University of Manitoba.

Playing for BC’s Corryn Brown, Pincott won a gold medal at the 2011 Canada Winter Games and the 2013 Canadian Junior Curling Championship. They represented BC at the Scotties in 2020 and 2021.

Hailing from Yellowknife, Fleming was part of the Kerry Galusha rink that represented the Northwest Territories at the national Scotties from 2021-2024. She played with Kayla Skrlik’s Alberta rink in 2025 and finished fourth at the Canadian women’s championships.

Pincott will be moving to Winnipeg to train and compete with team while Flemming will participate as the foursome’s out-of-province import.

For the last four years, Njegovan has been third with skip Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jocelyn Peterman and lead Kristin Gordon. At the 2026 national Scotties in Mississauga, Team Lawes saw their undefeated 10-0 run stall in the final as Einarson stole a 4-3 extra-end win to claim her fifth national title.

In the extra frame, Einarson (with Val Sweeting, Shannon Birchard and Karlee Burgess) earned a steal after slipping a stone behind centre guard and forcing Lawes into a tough thin double-raise attempt. Lawes made contact, but couldn’t spill the Canadian stone far enough.

On a personal level, Njegovan had a stellar week at the 2026 Scotties. Elevated into a position where she was skipping the game but still throwing third stones, she was named First Team All Star Third, determined by a combination of media vote and playing percentages.

With the 2025-26 season coming to a close, Njegovan needed to find a new foursome as Lawes and Gordon made the decision to step back for a year, while Peterman announced she was moving on to play with Einarson.

Njegovan hopes that with the skipping experience gained this year, new teammates and a fresh outlook, the group will have  a smooth transition en route to being one of the favourites in Manitoba next season.

“I’m incredibly excited to step into the skip role,” she said. “I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can build together.”

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