Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Lots of ways to fit activity into your day

By: Laura Spelliscy
Inter-Ridge Recreation

Physical activity is something that may not happen over the holidays, but it is still important. Try to squeeze in a walk between all the gatherings and parties that have you eating delicious treats. Shovel the sidewalk or driveway by hand, not with a snow blower. Go outside and build a snowman. Walk your children to school in the morning, or pick them up after school is done for the day. There are lots of ways to fit activity into your day. Take advantage of the weather and plan a winter activity!
The winter brochures are finished and out. You may stop by either Inter-Ridge Recreation office to grab a copy of your own. In Gladstone, there are also copies of the brochure in the town office. In MacGregor, there are copies of the brochure in the RM offices. For those of you with school age children, copies should be coming home soon. There are a variety of activities to choose from. Please note the sign-up deadlines that are listed. Also, watch for posters that will remind you of activities and dates that are coming.
For the seniors in Gladstone, due to demand, there is one last Senior Safari being added to the trips. There will be another trip to the Island of Lights. This trip will be on Tuesday, December 23. Please note, this trip is only to the Island of Lights, and home again. There are no stops for shopping or eating. If you would like to go, phone Laura to book your seat on the Handi-van. This trip is free, so book today. Space is limited. First come, first serve.
The rec volleyball is now on Christmas break. It will resume again on January 6 in Plumas, and January 7 in Austin.
A supervisor is still needed for the Austin hall-walking program. Anyone that is interested is asked to phone Laura at the Inter-Ridge Recreation office. Without a supervisor, the program will have to cancelled. If you enjoy having a warm place to walk in the winter, please phone.
I can be reached in Gladstone most Mondays and Wednesdays. MacGregor is the office to call most Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays are either office. You can also email ridgerec@mts.net.

Theft of copper wire

RCMP Gladstone Det.
On Dec. 3, 2008, RCMP were called to a complaint of a theft of copper wire from the Town of Gladstone. Sometime overnight, two large wooden spools and other small coils of wire were stolen from a construction site. Given the size of the spools, more than one person may have been involved and it is possible that a pick up truck was used in the theft.
The value of the wire was approximately $2,000.
If anyone has any information in regards to this theft, please contact your local RCMP Detachment or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-782-8477.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Biplane in Neepawa

Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson
Today, two Alberta pilots Tom Hinderks and Curtis Peters landed in Neepawa. Find out why in next week's Banner.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Olympic torch to come through Neepawa

Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson

Today, it was announced that the Olympic torch for the 2010 Olympic games will be traveling though Neepawa. Not only will Neepawa be on the torch's route, it will also be one of 200 Celebration communities (one of 7 in Manitoba). Turn to next week's Banner for the whole story...

Thursday, November 20, 2008

McBride tender specs

Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson



Monday, November 10, 2008

Prairie Forest Fire

On Sunday Nov 10, Neepawa's Prairie Forest Products was engulfed by a major blaze. The fire destroyed two of the plant's main buildings. The newest, which had its grand opening last month was saved.

More updates to come...

Monday, October 27, 2008

Tires slashed

At 11:30 p.m. on Friday Oct 24, RCMP were dispatched to a report of
lone male who was interrupted as he was slashing the tires of several automobiles outside the Neepawa Legion Hall in Neepawa. The culprit described as a male youth 5' 8" with short hair wearing a gray bulky jacket with black sleeves and white writing on the back. He culprit was chased down the street by witnesses who were unable to apprehend him.

Police investigation revealed that 9 vehicles in the area had their tires slashed.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Stolen trucks

RCMP Neepawa would like your assistance in solving the following offence:

On the early morning hours of October 23, 2008 culprits stole a 2005 white Ford F350 diesel crew cab truck equipped with dual rear wheels from the Westward Ford Sales Ltd parking lot in Neepawa. The truck had no licence plate on it and has no tailgate.

Also stolen overnight on October 23rd was a Ritchie Brothers of Canada Auctioneer truck and trailer which was parked near the Neepawa Bay Hill Inn and Suites motel in Neepawa. The truck is described as a 2004 Ford F350 diesel, white, super duty crew cab also with dual wheels bearing Saskatchewan licence plate 611 EBS. There was a custom made auctioneers camper on the back with large speakers mounted on the roof.

The truck was also puling a 30 foot Jayco Eagle RV Trailer with RB Ritchie Auction Sales on the sides and rear of the camper. The Jayco trailer has since been recovered near Basswood, Man. However the Alberta plate T68 443 is missing from the trailer.

Anyone who observes these vehicles or has knowledge of this or any other crime is encouraged to call the RCMP Neepawa Detachment at 1-204-476-7340 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

More on Dollar Store robbery

As of 3pm Aug 20, area RCMP were still looking for the suspect who had fled on foot. He is described as 5'7" to 5'8", tanned, around 160 lbs with a slim build. He was wearing a black sweater or jacket, and a white hat with a "N" or "W" logo on the front.

Your Dollar Store with more robbed


Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson
Reports indicate that Neepawa business, Your Dollar Store with More was robbed at gun point around 9:30 Wednesday morning. Check back later for updates.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Springhill's Korean workers arrive

Posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson
Last Thursday, the first two groups of South Korean immigrants were welcomed to Springhill Farms Processing Plant in Neepawa.
Twenty immigrants gathered in front of Springhill to meet the plant manager, HR manager, Neepawa's mayor, and Neepawa's Chamber of Commerce President.
The first group of 11 arrived in Neepawa earlier in the week . The next group of 9 arrived, flying Canadian flags, just before the meeting.
The mood was one of excitement as the men and women from South Korea flew flags and were welcomed to the town.
Read more in next week's Banner

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Sneak Peak

The next Neepawa Banner will be out on the streets later today, and in mailboxes tomorrow morning, but here's a sneak peak of what to expect.
- a story about the Rolling River First Nation fire crew who attended a competition in Winnipeg
- a story about the RCMP's busy weekend
- and pictures from local community events including: the Minnedosa Rodeo, the drag races in Neepawa, Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup
- and more...

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Council discusses wastewater treatment plants and tents

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

The July 22 Neepawa council Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting covered a range of topics.
Ongoing construction projects
Discussion began with the town's new industrial waste water treatment plant (IWWTP) which will serve Springhill Farms Hog Processing Plant. Council discussed recommendations for awarding the contracts for the project's first phase of construction as well as the project's construction manager.
Gerry Irving, the town's Operations and Maintenance Director, said that they had received three proposals for the first phase of the plant's construction. He recommended Bird Construction, because they had the “lower price and are most qualified”.
Utilities Chair, Councillor Wendy Menzies said that other reasons in favour of this firm were that “they have the man power to fit it [the project] into our time schedule”.
In answer Councillor Wayne Hollier's question, Irving said that Bird Construction was capable of “entering into an agreement for the second phase [of the project's construction]”.
Farmer Engineering and Earthtec will act as the project managers for the construction. Mayor Bob Durston said that the formalization of this agreement will “allow money to flow through from the province”. Irving said that the $1.5 million from the province is “on the way”.

Parks use
Discussion about the town's park use permits surfaced again as council discussed revisions to the permit application. One of the biggest changes will apply to groups using tents. Assistant CAO Pat Martin said “when tents are up on town property, the town is liable”. Because of this, any tents on town property will be “required to have approval”. This means that tents must be inspected by the Neepawa and Area Planning District's Development Officer, Mervyn Martin. The area of most concern the fire retardancy of the tent.
In the past, the town has been able to offer liability insurance through HED Insurance to groups using town property for events. Durston said to town staff “please confirm that we can offer insurance through HED and the price, we need that clarified”.

Help for hearing impaired
Councillor Ron Forsman brought forward information about the installation of audible pedestrian indications at the town's traffic lights. These indicators would help the visually impaired cross at the town's two traffic lights. Forsman said that the town has 27 residents who are served by CNIB who “could benefit” from the signals.
Through Manitoba Department of Highways, the audible signals could be installed at no cost to the town. Councillor Wayne Hollier suggested applying for the installation of signals at the cross walk on Hwy 16 as well. Council decided to submit a request for the audible signals for the lights at Hamilton St. and Mountain Ave., the lights at Mountain Ave. and Hwy 16, and the cross walk on Hwy 16 (at 2nd Ave.). Durston raised one objection to the project saying “I'm concerned about those living around” the intersections.

Local clubs looking for help
Council discussed a request by the Yellowhead Road Runners to use the town owned gliding club building as a meeting place. Hollier said “I don't have a problem, but I would think use [by the Roadrunners] is conditional on it not being used by the flyers”. Forsman said “I would be willing to be in favour [of the request]”, although he said that they should, “talk to Nelson [Almey, of Eagle Agro Services] because he's using the facility”.
Councillor Bill Stilwell raised a question to the group saying, “I don't know what we have the building for”. He continued, “maybe we should have a review of whether we need the building”.
Durston recommended that they let the club know that they have received the request and that they are “reviewing usage of the facility”.
The Neepawa Odd Fellows made a request for a grant from the town to help reduce their property taxes on the I.O.O.F. Hall. The group installed a new heating system in the building last year. Last year, the town gave them a grant of $2,000 to cover the municipal portion of the building's taxes.
Hollier said, “I recommend we do the same as last year”, noting that, “the building is a cornerstone in the town”. Forsman expressed concern that “we have a budget time and it seems as though anyone can come at any time [asking for a grant]”. While supporting the grant, Councillor Monty Simon said, “lots of groups operate buildings and we have to be careful”.
Durston summed up council's decision saying that they would approve the grant but tell the organization that “if they wish to apply next year, the time to apply is in the fall”.

In this week's Banner

Pick up the August 1st Neepawa Banner so see:
  • Great pictures of Monday night's storm
  • Pictures from Riding Mountain National Park's 75th Anniversary ceremony
  • A story about Agri-Trend's field days
  • A story about Canadian bullfighter Scott Byrne
  • AND MORE...

Thursday, July 24, 2008

West Nile update

posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health reports that preliminary analysis of adult mosquito traps for the week of July 20 indicates a slight increase in the numbers of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes in most communities in southern Manitoba. However, the numbers are still low in most communities.

No infected mosquitoes have been found.

It is possible that infected Culex tarsalis mosquitoes may be present in southern Manitoba, and mosquito surveillance is continuing. However, the risk at this time is lower than it has been in previous years during mid-summer, which has represented the peak risk period for human exposure to West Nile virus (WNV). With the anticipated warm weather, the risk of WNV exposure may rise in the coming week.

To date, no human cases of West Nile virus have been identified in Manitoba in the 2008 season.

Theives having a party?

posted by Kate Jackman-Atkinson

The Spruce Plains RCMP are looking for information about a theft that occurred between July 19 and July 23. During that time, thieves gained access to several enclosed railway cars on the tracks near Neepawa. The detachment says "the culprits stole a significant amount of Molson Canadian bottled beer". Anyone with information can contact the Neepawa RCMP (476-7340) or Crime Stoppers (1-888-222-TIPS)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

East View's 125 tea

posted by kate jackman-atkinson
The picture of the town's four centenarians cutting the cake at the tea at East View Lodge will be in the July 18 Neepawa Banner. Here are some more pictures of the festivities.


The entrance to the dinning room at East View was decorated with old time memorabilia.



















Neepawa's oldest resident, Millicent Johnson, born in 1904, receives her pioneer certificate during the tea at East View Lodge.







Remi Bouchard played a number of songs, including "Celebrate 2008".

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Road work ongoing


photo by kate jackman-atkinson
Summer is the time for pavement patching. Over the past week,the SM Industries Ltd. truck has been filling cracks throughout the town.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

ER and acute care suspended in Carberry

As of Monday June 30 at 8am, all emergency room and acute care services will be suspended at the Carberry Health Centre. Service is expected to resume September 2.
The Assiniboine RHA says that the temporary loss of service is as "a result of human resource challenges".
The loss of ER service will mean that patients arriving at the Carberry Health Centre will have to be sent elsewhere. As ambulance service isn't insured, this cost will have to be covered by the patient.
Check next week's Banner for more details.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Coaching bursary

Coaching Manitoba is offering bursaries to encourage students to continue coaching in Manitoba while attending a post-secondary institution.
Four bursaries of $500 each will be awarded to one male student and one female student from the Winnipeg region and rural Manitoba who have demonstrated a commitment to coaching in Manitoba. Students who are, or will be, enrolled in the upcoming school term in a post-secondary institution and are currently coaching for a school, club or community center are invited to submit an application.
Application forms can be found on our website at www.coachingmanitoba.ca under the Coaching Development section. The application deadline is Friday, May 23rd, 2008, at 4:30 p.m.

High school students get back in saddle in Hamiota

By DARRELL NESBITT
Members of the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association found Sunday, April 27 as a good day to ride and compete in Hamiota as part of the Triple H Rodeo weekend. The single go-round was the first of three regular season rodeos leading up to the finals back in Hamiota mid-June.
Although there were no qualified rides in junior bull riding, Clayton Kent of Kenton and Orin Larsen of Inglis shared top spot at the senior level with a score of 65. From a saddle bronc perspective, Kassidy Bridgeman of Binscarth scored a 54 to win the event, while Lane Collins of Arden posted a 72, six better than Larsen in bareback.
Danny Fenty of Miniota was the sole steer wrestler to post a time of 17.55, as were the Kelly brothers (Cody and Clinton) of Brandon in team roping (12.02). Top three tie down ropers were Bridgeman, 18.09, Tanner Rutten of Redvers, SK, 22.28, and Christopher Rinn, Langruth, 24.10.
From a senior cowgirl perspective, results were: Goat Tying – Samantha Peters, Plumas, 12.68, Taylor Drier, Pierson, 13.27, Shayna McCannell, Carievale, SK, 13.38. Breakaway Roping – Taryn Bailey, Macdonald, 4.59, Kayleigh Chapman, Virden, 5.23, Chantel Colli, Hamiota, 6.32. Pole Bending – Ali Mullin, Cartwright, 20.11, McCannell, 20.63, Keri-Lynne Young, Griswold, 20.80. Barrel Racing – McCannell, 13.51, Peters, 13.57, Shanisse Medd, Hamiota, 13.61.
Junior division
With a time of 4.80 seconds, Austin Cornelson of Onanole placed first in boys breakaway roping over Layne Smith of Oak Lake who had a run of 4.85. In goat tying, Smith was first with a run of 13.58, while Cornelson tied his draw in a time of 24.98. Binscarth’s Mark Cook was the top chute dogger with a time of 30.00 seconds, followed by Cody Colon, Lenore, 30.38.
Bailey McCannell of Carievale, SK and Smith teamed up to win ribbon roping with a run of 18.37 seconds, and Rae Lyng of Virden was the sole girl to rope a calf in breakaway roping in a time of 7.08 seconds.
Other results were: Goat Tying – McCannell, 14.72, Allison Snezyk, Neepawa, 18.85, Quinn Mullin, Cartwright, 20.00. Pole Bending – Heidi Smith, Oak Lake, 21.38, Cassandra Peters, Plumas, 21.63, Paige Friesen, Brandon, 21.68. Barrel Racing – Friesen, 13.43, McCannell, 13.91, Tess Manning, Belmont, 14.48.
Darrell Nesbitt of Shoal Lake is the media representative of the Manitoba High School Rodeo Association.

Quick news bites

Heritage Coop title sponsor
Heritage Coop will be the title sponsor of the 2008 Western Canadian Senior B Fastpitch Championship to be held at Simplot Millennium Park in Brandon from August 7-10.
The Western Canadian Senior B Fastpitch Championship will feature 16 of the top Men’s and Women’s teams in Western Canada. The Source for Sports Magic (Women) and the Clanwilliam Greys (Men) will serve as the host teams for the Championship. Profits from the event will go to the Westman Softball Association.
Heritage Coop serves the communities of Brandon, Minnedosa, Wawanesa, Erickson and Sandy Lake.

Katimavik looking for new house
The house that the Neepawa Katimavik group is currently living in recently changed owners and the new owner will be taking over the floors used by Katimavik as of August 31st.
The house is very small and not ideal for a group living situation. If there were to be 11 people living there, this would be a huge challenge.
Katimavik is immediately looking for housing options in Neepawa and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

More Tiny Tumblers

The Tiny Tumblers fall session













The Tiny Tumblers winter session











To find out more, read the March 21 Neepawa Banner

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Flintoft Tri-Star Rural Athlete of the week

From Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association

Alison Flintoft of the Neepawa Tigers girl’s basketball team is this week’s Tri-Star Rural High School athlete of the week.

Flintoft, a 5’5” point guard and captain, led her team to win the Consolation Championship at the “AA” Provincial Championships in Teulon. She has been named to two tournament All-Star teams this season averaging 14 points, 7 steals, and 8 rebounds per game. “Alison’s understanding of the game and ability to pass this understanding onto others has made her a valuable asset to our program” says Coach Kerri Hayhurst. “She provides leadership all of the time both on and off the floor.”

This grade 12 athlete also plays soccer and is a member of Neepawa’s Youth Advisory Committee while still maintaining a 92% academic average.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Some sports news/info

Spring KidSport intake deadline

Spring is just around the corner, and with that comes registration for spring and summer sports. Every year, countless children wish to participate in organized sport, but are unable to do so because of financial barriers. The KidSportTM Fund can assist these children by providing them with financial assistance. KidSportTM, a national children’s charity administered in Manitoba by Sport Manitoba, is now accepting applications.

Applications for the 2008 spring and summer sports seasons will be accepted until April 30, 2008, with funds being allocated shortly afterward. Late applications will not be accepted.

Every child, up to the age of 18, is eligible to receive up to $300 per year from the KidSportTM Fund. Allocated funds can only be used for registration costs connected to participating in organized sport for the season.

Applications are available at the Sport Manitoba – Westman Region office located in Room 146 at 340 – 9th Street, or visit our website, www.sportmanitoba.ca. Please ensure all applications are submitted by April 30, 2008, with all necessary documents attached.

2008 Provincial high school basketball championship rankings

“AA” GIRLS
1. Teulon Saints
2. Boissevain Broncos
3. Niverville Panthers
4. Ste. Anne Lynx
5. Neepawa Tigers
6. Major Pratt Trojans (Russell)
7. Elton Sabres
8. *Wildcard: Souris or Goose Lake
9. Carman Cougars
10. Joe A. Ross Flyers (The Pas)

Council supports local organizations

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

Here are some of the issues discussed in the March 11 Neepawa Committee of the Whole meeting.

Council looks to support golf course
Council discussed the Neepawa Golf Course's previous request for a grant equal to their municipal tax bill. The golf course has asked for a 3 year grant equal to 100 per cent of their taxes. The course has previously had grants covering a portion, or all of their municipal tax bill. Their 2006 (most recent) municipal tax bill was $6,500. The golf course want to work on riverbank stabilization.
Councillor Wayne Hollier explained that the golf course has a had a few bad years . First, their upgrades were not completed in time so they missed much of one season. During the following two years, the course was subject to flooding.
Council discussed the golf course's sign, which Councillor Ron Forsman said was "in horrible shape". The signs for both the golf course and the campground are on the same posts.
Council decided to put forward a motion for the grant (as requested), and continue discussions regarding the course's signage.

Town truck to be tendered
The town will be selling their 4x4 Dodge truck, as they feel the price being offered for trading it in is too low.
Operations and Maintenance Director Gerry Irving indicated that two town staff members were interested in purchasing the truck.
Councillor Wayne Hollier was concerned about how selling the truck to a town staff member might appear. He said "we want to be transparent".
There was also some discussion about safetying the truck before selling it. Councillor Monty Simon felt that the truck was new enough it would be "in the town's best interest to safety" it. Mayor Bob Durston agreed, saying "to get the full value, I would like to see it safetied".
Council decided that the truck will be put up for sale by sealed bid tender.

Ag Society to get grant
The Beautiful Plains Ag Society wrote a letter to council requesting help covering their water bill. Last year, their faulty meter was replaced with a functioning one. The faulty meter was billing the Ag Society only the minimum amount (slightly over $100). Since the meter has been replaced, their quarterly water bills have been $554, $942 and $496.
Hollier wondered whether the Ag Society was charging enough to people renting the facility. It is rented for cattle sales and as a place for people to keep their horses.
Simon said that it is "not a commercial operation" and noted that over 100 events were held there last year. He said that the costs of the facility's water is "a fairly insignificant amount to ask for".
Council felt that granting the facility the cost of their water (estimated to be $2,500 a year), as opposed to granting them the water itself, would be the best approach. Hollier said "we don't presently give them a grant", but was concerned that "we don't want to give them free water".
There was also agreement that there should be some discussion about water conservation with the Ag Society.
A resolution will likely come forward at the next council meeting.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Cattle producers and Springhill to benefit from announcement

From right: Springhill CEO and Hytek VP Guy Baudry, Neepawa Mayor Bob Durston, Manitoba Agriculture Minister Rosann Wowchuk, and Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Inky Mark, respond to a question from the floor at today's announcement. (photo by Kate Jackman-Atkinson/The Neepawa Banner)


By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

Today, Provincial Agriculture Minister, Rosann Wowchuk, and Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette MP Inky Mark travelled to Neepawa for a couple of announcements.

One announcement was a $14.7 million assistance package to cattle producers. The program will be funded equally by the provincial and federal governments. This program will give producers a direct payment of up to 3 per cent of historical net sales. Payments will be proportional to the size of the producer's operation, with a maximum of $90,000. It will be open to all ruminant producers.

The another major announcement was $11.8 million towards the planned upgrades to Neepawa's industrial waste water treatment plant. Both the provincial and federal governments will be contributing $5.9 million to the project. The upgraded plant will allow Springhill Processing Plant's new owners, Hytek Ltd., to realize their planned expansion.

Hytek will also receive up to $10 million in an interest-bearing, fully repayable loan through Manitoba Industrial Opportunities Program (MIOP) as well as $600,000 in training assistance to staff the expanded plant.

Be sure to read next week's Neepawa Banner for more on this story, as well as what it means to the community!

Chamber breakfast brings budget to business

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

To better understand some of the tax effects of the Federal budget announced last week, the Neepawa and District Chamber of Commerce organized an information session with Marvin Beaumont of Meyers Norris Penny. The morning meeting seemed to generate the most interest among the town's bankers, who made up the majority of those in attendance.

Beaumont began by outlining some of the major financial commitments in Budget 2008. These include $13 billion for paying down the national debt, $1.6 billion over four years for the new Canada Student Grant Program, $123 million for the student loan program, $554 million over two years to hire more police and improve prisons, $100 million for mental health and homelessness, $90 million to encourage older workers to stay in the workforce, and $3 million for the development and promotion of E85 ethanol fuel.

Changes to personal tax
The piece of the budget that has generated the most interest is the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). Beaumont explained the differences between the TFSA, and another tax free investment vehicle, the RRSP. While an individual's maximum RRSP contribution is determined by the amount they earn, any individual over 18 can contribute a maximum of $5,000 per year (indexed annually for inflation) to a TFSA. Any unused contribution room in a TFSA can be carried forward indefinitely, while room in an RRSP can only be carried forward until a person is 71 years old. While both accounts are registered with the government, contributions to a TFSA aren't tax deductible (contribution come from after-tax income), but money taken out isn't taxed. This is unlike an RRSP, for which contributions are tax deductible, but withdrawals are taxed. Both can be transferred tax-free to a spouse or common-law partner on death, and both will be issued by the same institutions.

To benefit students learning later in life, the budget has extended the time and age limits for Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP). This means that contributions can be made until a person reaches 31 (up from 21), and the deadline to terminate the plan is up to the 35th anniversary date, from the 25th.

Other changes include additions to the list of expenses and devices eligible for the Medical Expense Tax Credit, changes to the dividend tax credit (mostly to reflect the changes in federal tax rates for corporations), an extension of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, and an increase in the Northern Residents Deduction by 10 per cent.

Changes to business tax
While previously announced, Beaumont highlighted the corporate tax reductions announced in 2007. By 2012, the general corporate tax rate will be 15 per cent, the lowest among G7 countries, something Beaumont calls “pretty remarkable”. The tax rate for small businesses (under $400,000) will remain steady at 11 per cent.

The budget enhanced scientific research and experimental development tax incentives, as well as accelerating the capital cost allowance for manufacturing and processing equipment and clean energy equipment.

The budget also proposed changes to the remittance of source deductions. Instead of an immediate 10 per cent penalty on late remittances, the penalty will start at 3 per cent (for one to three days late) and increase to 10 per cent (for more than seven days late).

Changes to charitable donations
The budget extended the changes announced last year which allow people to donate Canadian securities to Canadian charities without being taxed on the capital gains. This change allows the donor to receive a receipt for the market value of the securities and the charity to receive the full values of the securities.

Cross-border businesses
Currently, any Canadian doing business with a non-resident is responsible for remitting the taxes. For example, if a Canadian is buying land from an American, the Canadian is required to withhold 10 to 15 per cent of the rent and remit it to Revenue Canada. Beaumont said that the government is “backing off” the rules applying to these transactions.

Housekeeping matters on agenda at Neepawa COW

By Kate Jackman-Atkinson
The Neepawa Banner

Housekeeping matters filled most of the agenda at Neepawa council's March 4 Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting.

Council discussed three bylaws, relating to un-issued borrowing, which will be up for second and third reading tonight. Every time the town wants to borrow money, a bylaw must be passed, and it goes on the municipal board books. For projects which end up costing less than the amount authorized in the original borrowing bylaw, another bylaw must be passed to cancel the difference. These three proposed bylaws are doing just that.

Council discussed who would replace Councillor Monty Simon on the Neepawa & District Planning Board. Only Councillor Jim Cockburn expressed interest.

The town has some assets which it no longer wants or needs and there was discussion about their sales. One was the house located at 535 Main St. East. This house is on town owned land and is in the way for highway expansion. The house will be put up for tender and CAO Allison Bardsley said that “we hope to have the house off the property by the end of June”. The purchaser would also be responsible for site clean up.

The town also discussed plans for some of the town's trucks. Bardsley indicated that the town's Operations and Maintenance department could make use of the fire department's excess one-ton cube van to use as a water and sewer truck. Council will continue to discuss their plans for other trucks in the fleet.

Council decided that the town would not be purchasing tickets for council to attend the civic dinner, being held as part of the town's 125 anniversary celebrations. Councillor Wayne Hollier said “I don't think it looks right for the town to purchase tickets”. Councillor Wendy Menzies said “the town is going to be making a contribution to the event, not targeting something specific”.

Council spent a fair amount of time discussing the appointment of a representative to the Assiniboine RHA Health Advisory Committee. Mayor Bob Durston has been the representative, but Durston said a new policy means that communities must nominate a representative, and the ARHA board will pick who will sit on the committee. Durston said “I would like to continue” but would step aside if someone else wanted to sit on the committee. Durston explained that the committee is “advisory only” and has “no power”. He said “the ARHA have things they want input and feedback on”, and it's these subjects that are on the agenda and discussed at the meetings.

Councillors Ron Forsman and Wayne Hollier both commented that they know little of what occurs at the committee's meetings. Forsman said “we don't hear much about what happens” at the meetings, while Hollier referred to them as being “one of the deepest, darkest, secrets”.
Council decided to put forward a resolution nominating Durston to the Advisory Council, but requested that he keep council better informed about the issues discussed.

Councillors felt that they should be more pro-active about taking their concerns to the ARHA and lobbying. Hollier said “I think this community should be much more proactive”. Forsman echoed that, saying “we should seriously look at how we can have more clout”.

More from the Plumas Men's Cash Spiel

Second event winners (sponsored by Plumas Stop & Shop): Don Smith, Greg Thomson, Ken Oswald and Kara Smith.









Third event winners (sponsored by Plumas Lion's Club): Ray Walker, Todd Tonn, Armin Lack, and Don Kunzelman.









First event winners (sponsored by the Plumas Legion) appeared in the March 7 Neepawa Banner.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

More from the Neepawa Chamber AGM

The crowd just after voting on a resolution (photo by Kate Jackman-Atkinson/Neepawa Banner)











The 2008 Chamber executive. From right: Susan Phillips, Ineke Mack, Norma Terrick, President Michelle Gerrard, Amanda Naughton-Gale, Dean Dietrich, Ken Waddell, Marvin Beaumont, Ian Thomson, Jason Epp and Chad Willis. (Photo by Kate Jackman-Atkinson)








Members voted to approve new membership rates. Chamber President Michelle Gerrard said that rates hadn't been changed since the 1990s. The new revenue will be used to fund some of the chamber's new initiatives, such as a new website and a Shop Neepawa advertising campaign.