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Columns

Be prepared for ticks this summer

Jeff McFarlane 4 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

It has been such a quick transition from winter to summer, we really haven’t seen the tick and mosquito season hit the way it normally does. Seems it has gone from pleasantly insect free to quickly a concern.

There has been a big push from the veterinary industry to combine heartworm medications with tick control products, and the results have been quite concerning. While many have used these fairly expensive combinations with no issues, the reports of adverse side effects have been alarming. If a pet is a breed prone to seizures, or the pet itself has a personal or family history of seizures, they can be at risk of severe side effects. So before using these, make sure you have researched whether it is the right product for you.

Heartworm pills are not something you can skip, please. They are standard medications with very few side effects and are very effective. It is essential, however, to test regularly, because should your pet have become infected in spite of the pills/chews, and the worms have infested the heart area, giving the treatment would kill those worms, and create a septic environment that could kill the pet. So, regular testing — at the veterinarian’s recommended intervals — and diligent use of the single purpose heartworm pill is an imperative.

If you are comfortable with the combination medications (Heartworm, flea, tick), and have used them with your current pets previously with no ill effects, there is no reason not to continue. If you have reservations about trying them on a new pet, have had some reactions in the past, or are looking for a less expensive option, there are a number of natural solutions out there.

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Columns

Two little critters looking for homes

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 1 minute read Preview

Two little critters looking for homes

Winnipeg Pet Rescue 1 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Leslie

Meet Leslie, a two-and-a-half-month-old mastiff-cross looking for love. This big puppy comes with a big personality and a big heart to match! She’s a happy, busy, loving baby who can’t wait for YOU to come by to meet her. If you are looking for a huge snuggle-bunny, head down to the shelter to meet Leslie.

Nyla

Meet Nyla. Nyla is a three-year-old domestic short hair cat looking for her forever home. She will thrive in a calm environment where she can spend her days relaxing with her favourite people. If you’re really lucky, she’ll even smother you with kisses! Nyla does have boundaries and will let you know when she’d prefer some “me time,” so respecting her space is a must when needed. In return, she will repay you with all her love (when she wants to)! One surefire way to her heart is catnip, which she’ll happily accept any time! Could she be the one for you?

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2:01 AM CDT

Columns

Young Falcons player passionate about football

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Preview

Young Falcons player passionate about football

Troy Westwood 2 minute read 2:01 AM CDT

Jaxson Gemon is a 10-year-old Grade 5 student who attends Dawson Trail School.

“School is going really well,” Jaxson said. “My favourite class is gym. I like gym because I can play a lot of games and stay active at the same time.”

Jaxson really likes sports. He is mostly focused on football, though.

“I enjoy football because my team is like a second family to me,” he said. “I enjoy being a part of the team. I also like to tackle because I am really good at it. I play defensive middle linebacker and D-line. I like my position because I am big and strong and good at pushing and tackling.”

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2:01 AM CDT

Columns

Simple strokes in Steep Rock

Ryan Desjarlais 5 minute read Preview

Simple strokes in Steep Rock

Ryan Desjarlais 5 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

For those who have been very busy at the end of June, the sudden mid-week statutory holiday to celebrate the best country on this planet may have caught you off guard. How can one get out of Winnipeg on a mini road trip that’s not too short, but not too long? Unfold the highways map — ask a grey hair — and trace a route up through the Interlake to Steep Rock, Man.

The limestone shoreline here on Lake Manitoba has some wondrous cliffs, caves and beaches to explore. Folks can hike along the shore and trails to seek their adventure. Paddling a locally rented kayak, or the canoe you thatched onto the roof of your Civic, is also a great option. Most family members would be delighted rumbling about with all that accounts for Steep Rock’s name. For others, there’s always a need for activity that absorbs time and that is less physically demanding. I hear this rally cry, and in response, I present the Hard Rock Golf Course.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the head greenskeeper who goes by the name of Mac. He talked about the team of volunteers that help him maintain the links. He also spoke of how the community has brought exciting additional attractions to the area, including new hiking trails that lead to an elaborate camp ground complex. This new, sprawling seasonal community includes a marina and bouncy castle pavilion. COVID gave Steep Rock’s popularity a boost, and folks are now coming and staying for the season.

The original town site is relatively small, but if you are a landmark person, seek the old church. At the northwest corner of said church is a picnic table, and the first tee. Cost is $10/round, or free for those under the age of 16. Membership fees for the entire golf season will run you a staggering couple of greenbacks ($40 CDN). There’s no pro-shop. You just plunk your money in the strong box bolted to the picnic table, and get your score sheet from the fishing tackle box, also bolted to the table. Bring your own snacks and hydration, but please use the refuse cans provided. If you forgot, the local shops, a small stroll away, have yummy supplies on hand.

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2:00 AM CDT

Columns

Soccer fever gripped Winnipeg a century ago

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read Preview

Soccer fever gripped Winnipeg a century ago

Christian Cassidy 3 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

Many Winnipeggers have soccer fever as they watch Canada play at the World Cup. Local soccer fans experienced a similar euphoria a century ago thanks to the exploits of the United Weston Football Club, a team which still exists today.

United Weston was created in March 1909 with the merger of the United Football Club and Weston Football Club. Both teams had their roots in the Weston neighbourhood of Winnipeg, adjacent to the CPR’s massive Weston Shops, where thousands of Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants settled.

The merged club entered the Winnipeg and District Soccer League and became perennial favourites to make it deep into the playoffs each year.

United Weston won the league and provincial titles in 1924, then fought its way to the final of the Connaught Cup, the Canadian championship for amateur soccer. What was especially exciting was that the series would be played at Carruthers Field in Winnipeg’s North End that year.

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2:00 AM CDT

Columns

‘A matter of priorities and choices’

Sheldon Birnie MANAGING EDITOR 5 minute read Preview

‘A matter of priorities and choices’

Sheldon Birnie MANAGING EDITOR 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

When it comes to building a more equitable transit network here in Winnipeg, a few pieces of the puzzle are no-brainers.

“More buses, more routes, more access to everyone,” sings John Samson Fellows on 50/50 Funding, a new Vivat Virtute track that was released on June 15, as part of the Climate Action Team’s Next Stop 50-50 campaign. “We need 50/50 funding for a greener, for a fairer, we need 50/50 funding for a friendly Manitoba.”

Easy-peasy, right? So, what’s the hold up?

To paraphrase the late Lefty Frizzell, it’s all about the money, buddy.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Columns

Volleyball, slo-pitch inducts members to halls of fame

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Preview

Volleyball, slo-pitch inducts members to halls of fame

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

At its annual awards and hall of fame banquet on June 7, Volleyball Manitoba announced its newest group of hall of fame inductees. Alicia Ogoms was inducted in the athlete category and Grant Wilson and Wilma Fehr were honoured as builders.

Ogoms, who represented Canada internationally for nearly a decade, played for the University of Southern California, Canada’s National Senior Women, and in professional leagues in four countries. Wilson coached the Brandon University Bobcats men to multiple Canada West titles and the U Sports national championship in 2025. Fehr is described as an athletic therapist, coach, mentor and volunteer, who has served the sport for more than 30 years in our province and country.

Slo-Pitch National (SPN) Manitoba will induct one player, one umpire and three builders into its Field of Dreams Hall of Fame later this year. Gary Ellis played slo-pitch softball for more than 30 years, including in countless provincial and several national championships. He later became a SPN umpire. Gerry Hiebert became an umpire for SPN in 2004. He is considered to be one of the top umpires by his peers and has worked in six national championships.

Builder Natasha Sanburn of Thompson, Man., was described as “the eyes and ears of the Northern part of Manitoba” for her 20-plus years of service. Kent Kamenz, who has served 25 years as the regional director of SPN National, finally has accepted his long overdue induction. Leadership, dedication, and passion are words that best describe Kent.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Columns

It’s a rare time — that’s why scammers are taking advantage

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Preview

It’s a rare time — that’s why scammers are taking advantage

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

It’s an incredible feeling, one we seldom get to feel. Rising to our feet, celebrating together with the rest of our country as we feel connected to something bigger than ourselves in our red outfits and painted faces. The World Cup allows us to stand shoulder to shoulder with strangers, knowing they’re friends. It helps us celebrate our similarities and shared victories rather than focusing on our divisions. And it instils in us a certain pride and inspiration that is hard to find elsewhere.

It’s such a specific and wonderful feeling that it’s become catnip for scammers. They are drawn to the feeling too — but for a very different reason. They want to take advantage of our high to slip something past us without us noticing. And they’ve been out in full force since the World Cup festivities started.

The most obvious type is through ticket selling. Scammers post fake tickets on social media with any type of sob story as to why they can’t go or are selling, only for their victim to receive fake or no tickets at all. With the World Cup on home soil, this is one to stay aware of. If you are heading to Toronto, Ont., or Vancouver, B.C., for a game, be sure to purchase your ticket through the official FIFA 2026 website or a verified ticket sales merchant, like Ticketmaster.

If you are travelling to a game, be sure to book through trusted and reputable partners. You can spy those pretending to be big brands by their URLs. Scammers will create fake websites, impersonating travel booking sites by changing a single letter in the URL, hoping you won’t notice. They may also create a site with a what appears to be a seemingly harmless extension, like expedia.booknow.com but the “booknow” is not a real part of an Expedia URL. It’s how scammers use reputable names to trick you into booking on their site, where they will now have your credit card number and personal information.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Columns

Meet Portia

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Preview

Meet Portia

Manitoba Mutts 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Hello there. My name is Portia and I’m a mature, big-hearted gal — literally and figuratively — with a whole lot of love to give.

Here’s what you need to know about me: You won’t find me chewing your shoes or having accidents on your rug. I am fully crate and housetrained, and once we’ve had our morning walk and breakfast, I am very happy to settle down quietly and just… be with you. I’m calm, quiet, and I don’t make a fuss.

By the way, my absolute favorite things are our walks! I am very attuned to my people. However, I do pull a bit so we will need more practice together. I am very responsive to treats, though, which is super motivating. I’ll check in with you on our walks, and I’ll curl up nearby when you’re reading or watching TV. I just want to be your loyal companion.

However, I would like to be your only pet, as I do not like other dogs, cats, or any small furry creatures. And while I’m sweet and affectionate with adults, a home with children is not for me. I will thrive in a calm, predictable home where I can relax and know I’m safe.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Columns

Canadian summer awaits (part 2)

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Preview

Canadian summer awaits (part 2)

RoseAnna Schick 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

This is the second of a two-part story about Canada’s National Parks. Read the first part here.

Jasper National Park in Alberta is one of Canada’s most iconic mountain destinations, offering a blend of accessible scenery and vast wilderness. Unlike more heavily developed parks, Jasper retains a quieter and more spacious atmosphere, while still providing excellent infrastructure for tourism. Its landscape is defined by soaring peaks, expansive valleys, glacial lakes, and fast-flowing rivers carved by the retreat of ancient ice. The townsite of Jasper is a welcoming homebase for exploring hiking trails, hot springs, and scenic drives. The area is also a designated ‘dark sky preserve’ — making it an exceptional place for stargazing.

Nestled in the Canadian Rockies in southwestern B.C., along the western slope of the Continental Divide, Yoho National Park showcases some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Canada. Its name is said to have come from a Cree expression of awe, which would have been a fitting response to the towering peaks, emerald green lakes, and sparkling falls — including Takakkaw, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. The park also contains important fossil beds that provide insight into early life here on earth. Less crowded than some of the neighbouring parks, Yoho features exceptional hiking, photography, and opportunities to experience the ruggedness of the Rockies in a more tranquil setting.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island’s west coast is a place where the rainforest and ocean meet. Stretching along the driftwood-strewn shoreline between Tofino and Ucluelet, it is famous for long sandy beaches, pounding Pacific surf, and ancient temperate rainforest filled with moss-draped cedar and hemlock trees. It’s one of Canada’s most atmospheric coastal destinations, especially during storm season when winter’s waves crash relentlessly against the shores. In summer, the beaches are a popular haven for surfers, kayakers, and beachcombers out exploring the tidal pools and hidden coves. Marine wildlife is abundant, with gray whales migrating offshore, sea lions lounging on the rocks, and bald eagles soaring overhead.

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Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026

Columns

Pets need more than kibble

Jeff McFarlane 5 minute read Preview

Pets need more than kibble

Jeff McFarlane 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

Pet nutrition is a huge business, with some of the largest corporations heavily invested in the industry. We are inundated daily with ads on TV or in our socials with advertising shouting the benefits of this food or that. Even more in our socials, we see individuals making videos or reels about how they found better health for their pets though nutrition. I am very pleased that many of those are getting people to question the contention that pet food is little brown pebbles.

We see influencers talking about food they make at home, everything from crock pot recipes to fully balanced raw foods with supplementation. While they are inspiring, most people look at the video and then say to themselves “Who has that time?” and then scoop another cup of kibble into their pet’s bowl.

More companies are coming out with products that claim they are “un-kibbles” and are less processed and more appropriate for your pet. This is a great trend, and some of these products are truly game changing. But many simply have the same ingredients as kibbles, just processed in a different way. As always, reading the ingredient panel of a label will reveal so much about the product.

Meat will always be the first ingredient on any pet food today, there’s no way a company wouldn’t make sure that is the case. But meat first does not mean mostly meat. Many meat ingredients start off with more moisture in them than other ingredients, so while the “before processing” weight lets them be listed first on the label, many times, after the water is removed, they would move down the ingredient list, sometimes many spots. Yes, this is deceptive, but a standard marketing tool in the industry.

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Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

Columns

“Try your best and you can win”

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Preview

“Try your best and you can win”

Troy Westwood 2 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

Grant Hrehirchuk is a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at River East Collegiate.

“School is good,” Grant said. “My favourite class is science.”

Grant loves sports. He plays hockey, soccer, baseball, and basketball.

“I am most focused on hockey and it is my favourite sport, too,” he said. “I like to do my goal cellies. I play forward because I like to score. Coach Halle in hockey is the best. Coach Faith at soccer is great, too. I like when she does the warm up. I hope to keep playing all the sports I love to play.”

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Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

Columns

Harbour View in review

Ryan Desjarlais 5 minute read Preview

Harbour View in review

Ryan Desjarlais 5 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

I was picking up some auto parts for my kid’s car the other day in sunny Transcona, and while driving home along Springfield Road, I saw the gate for Harbour View Golf Course. I have fond memories of attending many weddings and a few retirement parties in the Icelandic themed social facilities. However, I had never golfed the course that surrounds the facilities and the adjacent man-made lake. Since I had time on my hands this day, I decided it was as good a day as any.

While parking, I noticed an ATCO trailer in the lot. A foreboding sign of what I would experience later. There was no one in the trailer, and no signage, so I continued down the path. Passing the lawn bowling green on the right, I noticed the fenced off remains of the aforementioned social buildings. Time has not been kind to these buildings, and basement design flaws have allowed the fake lake to do what water often does to buildings. Flooding and mould concerns have condemned the lot and they are now slated for demolition. As I walked along the fence line, I noticed another small building on top of a small hill with a sign for #1 tee. I thought this was the club house. It was not. I was told by the starter to go back to the condemned fence line, and go to a little building on the edge that was not within the fence’s perimeter. This turned out to be the clubhouse. I asked if the washroom was close, and the attendant said no. He then directed be to some portable facilities back down the path by the parking lot. Joy. If you have trouble walking a full game, this course may not be for you, as there are no motorized carts available, and the course does have some small elevation changes.

Returning to the starter for the second time, I noticed some of this course’s additional, if few, amenities. There is a mini-put course, a driving range, and a practice green. All of these surround the first tee. After the starter cleared me, I was off. This course is a par 3 course, and the first hole is 100 metres of simple, straightaway golf. It is too bad, from a teaching point of view; if you are out there with someone learning the game, this would be a great second or third hole to practice on and let other players play through. The second hole is simple in design as well, but it is almost double the length. Some challenge comes on hole three, as the fairway and green elevate from the tee. Hole four, the day I played it, had an interesting hill with a sand trap on top partially obscuring the base of the green. Right of the green is an abnormally large grassed embankment that if you sliced into, your ball would likely roll right back onto the green.

The fifth hole is the shortest, and it is a downhill roll. Watch your club selection, as you can easily overdrive the green, and water finally shows up as a behind-the-dance-floor hazard. I found most of the greens had some damage here and there, but the damage of this hole was very noticeable. The walk to hole six is very picturesque, and there’s lots of local geese in residence enhancing your views of the waters.

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Wednesday, Jun. 17, 2026

Columns

Canadian summer awaits

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Preview

Canadian summer awaits

RoseAnna Schick 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Tourism is on the rise here in Canada, as more and more international tourists — and Canadians alike — who used to travel to the United States are now seeking different destinations. And our country is rising to the challenge, with a 450,000 square kilometer collection of landscapes, environments, and experiences, taking you from coast to coast to coast.

This summer, from June 19 to Sept. 7, Parks Canada is offering free admission as part of the Canada Strong Pass. The initiative was first launched in 2025 to encourage people to explore our vast network of national parks, historic sites, and conservation areas. And you don’t need to sign-up, or register, or anything, either. All you have to do is show up with your favourites, enjoy the views, and take part in all the things to do.

Another benefit is free lockage on historic canals operated by Parks Canada, including the world-famous Rideau Canal in our nation’s capital region. Stretching from Kingston to Ottawa, Ont., and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Remarkable for its engineering and preservation of 19th-century technology, the 202-kilometer waterway consists of manually controlled locks, dams and channels, and a variety of historic structures.

Participating museums and galleries across the country this summer will have free admission for ages 17 and under, and 50 per cent off for young adults 18 to 24. Via Rail will welcome youth and children on board with free rail passes for 17 and under when accompanied by an adult, and a 25 per cent discount for ages 18 to 24. Other savings to make traveling a little more affordable include 25 per cent discounts on camping and accommodations operated by Parks Canada.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Columns

Waiting for your bread settlement? Beware of this scam

Better Business Bureau 3 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

It’s so simple, it’s been a part of human life for thousands of years: bread. It’s wholesome, touching and nice. You get a loaf when your friend makes a batch, you make some for your grieving neighbours, and you place it at the centre of most holiday dinners. It brings comfort, simplicity and joy. But it’s now at the centre of the latest scam targeting Canadians — those looking to capitalize off the Canadian bread settlement.

For those who don’t know, this settlement was decided after Canada Bread Company Ltd. pleaded guilty to price-fixing against the Competition Act. Those who purchased packaged bread for personal use between 2001 and 2021 were eligible to apply for some form of payment.

Those who applied to receive a part of the $500 million settlement before Dec. 12, 2025, are now on the lookout for their payments. Not many have taken part in a settlement before so it’s hard to know what the standard practices and procedures are. And in order to send you money, Verita, the company distributing the pay outs, needs some kind of information from you. That’s why it’s so easy to click on the link that comes to your phone from “Verita” claiming that your settlement is ready.

Scammers are all over this bread settlement, sending mass texts to Canadians, claiming to be the company in charge. They may send a link or ask for personal information, such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers in order to issue a credit or balance. It is vital that you ignore these texts. Do not click on the link “just to see.” Scammers can send all kinds of malware infections through these links. Verita has now confirmed it will not text any customers so any text claiming to be from the company would be a scam. Verita is depositing the money via e-transfer or cheque, depending on the consumer’s indicated preference, and already has information from those on the list.

Columns

A look at Manitoba’s best soccer teams

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Preview

A look at Manitoba’s best soccer teams

T. Kent Morgan 4 minute read Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

Over the next five-plus weeks, the FIFA World Cup will be front and centre in the sports world. Forty-eight teams will play 104 matches in the international competition being played in Canada, USA and Mexico. For most of the world, it’s a football championship. For North Americans, the sport is soccer.

In this week’s column, let’s first deal with the terminology for the world’s most popular sport. Both terms are correct with soccer first used in Great Britain as a shortening for association football. Rugby football was called rugger. In the United States, a sport called gridiron football combined elements from association football and rugby. That’s the sport Americans and Canadians now call football. When a Winnipeg team won its first Grey Cup in 1935, the team now called the Blue Bombers was officially the Winnipeg Rugby Football Club.

Now seems to be an appropriate time for Memories of Sport to remember our province’s best soccer teams. In 1999, the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inducted its first soccer team, the 1954 Army Navy Air Force Scottish. The ANAF squad won the provincial title by beating United Weston and Germania, then defeated Port Arthur United and Hamilton British Imperials to reach the national championship. In the best-of-three series against Vancouver North Shore United, Scottish won the first game 3-2. In the second match, 22-year-old keeper Walter Norget led Scottish to a 3-0 victory. Centre Jimmy Pines and centre-half George James, who had played in the First Division in Scotland, were the leaders of the eleven.

In 2004, when the HOF held its first special veterans induction, five teams from the past were recognized. In 1913, the Norwood Wanderers Football Club from St. Boniface won the first Dominion of Canada (national) championship beating teams from Montreal, Toronto, and Fort William. The Wanderers repeated the next season in the four-team Challenge Cup tournament. In 1915, Winnipeg Scottish beat the eastern rep Toronto Lancashire to bring the title to our province for the third straight year. The teams first played to a 0-0 draw before Scottish won the second match 6-1. George Mair and Charles Forsyth both scored twice and William Corrie and Jock Anderson added singles.

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Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2026

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