The Tiny Tumblers fall session
The Tiny Tumblers winter session
To find out more, read the March 21 Neepawa Banner
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
More Tiny Tumblers
The Tiny Tumblers fall sessionThe 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.
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)
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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