Neepawa Gladstone Co-op recognized

Posted by Kate

Last Wednesday, Neepawa Gladstone Co-op was recognized at the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Manitoba Business Awards.

The business won the Long Term Business – Rural award.

Look for more in next week's Neepawa Banner.

Hydro strike

Posted by Kate

This morning, 24 Hydro workers from IBEW local 2034 were picketing in front of the Hydro office just east of Neepawa.

ROAD WORK ON HIGHWAYS 10 AND 19

Media release
Parks Canada, as part of its commitment to ensuring public safety and the highest quality of visitor experience, will be making repairs to sections of Highway 10 and Highway 19 in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP).

Starting at the end of September and proceeding to the end of October, there will be paving work done on segments of Highway 10 in RMNP. The majority of the work will take place from the middle section of the park to the north gate. The highway will remain open and trained flagging personnel will be directing traffic.

"As is outlined in our Management Plan, we are working to maintain a safe, scenic parkway through RMNP and where possible, enhance visitor experience," explains Superintendent Cheryl Penny. "This highway also functions as a throughway for commercial traffic so we will keep it open throughout the construction period and endeavour to reduce delays to a minimum."

In addition, there will be gravel applied to sections of Highway 19, Lake Audy Road and the Deep Lake access road. All roads will remain open during the gravelling process.

Motorists are reminded to exercise caution while driving through construction zones, and should be prepared for delays. Uneven road conditions may occur and heavy equipment will be present on the roadway.

“We are recommending that travellers, especially those pulling campers or trailers through the park adhere to the posted speed limit and in some cases drive even slower depending on road conditions,” explained Mark Wruth, Technical Services Manager with RMNP.

Up to 250,000 vehicles travel through RMNP every year.

Truck rolls over

Posted by Kate

RCMP release

At approximately 10 a.m. Sept 3, Spruce Plains RCMP(Neepawa Detachment) were called to the scene of an overturned semi-trailer at the East Entrance to the  Springhill Farms Hog Processing Plant on #16 Highway.  A semi trailer carrying approximately 200 hogs was turning onto the service road to the plant at which time it hit loose gravel and subsequently the driver lost control and the trailer overturned in the ditch.  As a result of this accident approximately 50 hogs had to be destroyed at the scene.  The driver of the semi and two passengers were treated at the scene and released by Neepawa EMS personnel.  The scene was attended by RCMP, Neepawa EMS and Fire Department, as well as Provincial Environment Officials as well as employees of Springhill Farms and local Hutterite Colonies who assisted in the cleanup.   There were no environmental concerns associated to this accident. 
The  cause of the accident is still under investigation by Neepawa RCMP.
Alcohol was not a factor. 

Doer to resign

Province of Manitoba news release

Premier Gary Doer today announced he will resign this fall after a replacement is chosen.  Following 10 years at the helm of the provincial government, Doer said the time is right for renewal.

"I look back with pride at all the hard work this team has done on behalf of all Manitobans, but there is still more work to be done to ensure this province is everything it can be," Doer said.  "As we mark the 10-year anniversary of our government, this is the appropriate time to pass the baton to a new leader who can carry on that important work."

Doer was first elected to the legislative assembly in 1986 on behalf of the people of the constituency of Concordia.  As a member of Howard Pawley's government, he served as minister of urban affairs. 

Doer became leader of the New Democratic Party in the middle of the 1988 provincial election.  Following the 1990 election, he became leader of the official opposition.  In 1999, he led his party to government and became the premier.  In total, he led his party to three consecutive majorities.

"I am grateful to the people of Manitoba for giving me the chance to serve them," Doer said.  "No one should doubt that it is a great honour to sit in the legislature and work on behalf of the citizens of this province."

Doer led a government with a mandate to invest in health care, education, justice and the economy. 

"There are new hospitals, more doctors and nurses, one of the healthiest economies in Canada, a strong justice system and an education system that meets the needs of more students than ever before," said Doer. "These are accomplishments of the entire government, not any one person.  Any government must renew itself to maintain the ability to work on behalf of the people who elected it.  I look forward to working with out team as a new leader is chosen in the coming months."

Stolen pickup

Posted by Kate

Carberry RCMP are seeking the public's assistance into an investigation of a stolen pickup truck from the Town of Carberry.

On the 6th of August, 2009 at approximately 3:30 pm, a black 2004 Chevrolet Silverado bearing Manitoba Marker FFT 917 was stolen from the Carberry Hospital Parking lot.  Investigation has determined that this theft may be  related to two other attempted vehicle thefts in Holland, Manitoba and one theft of a Black 2005 Chevrolet pickup bearing Manitoba Licence plate EZY 938 that was taken earlier from Southport, Manitoba. 

The stolen pickup from Southport is believed to have been used by the suspects in the Carberry truck theft.

The 2004 Chevrolet Pickup stolen from Carberry,  is believed to have been seen the Long Plains first Nations area late yesterday afternoon.

Anyone with information relating to these crimes are encouraged to contact the Carberry RCMP at (204)834-2905 or Crimestoppers.

Farm Accident Claims Life

Posted by Kate

At 10:50 am on July 21st, 2009 Neepawa RCMP were called to a farm accident that claimed the life of 59 year old Glenella resident, Emil John PETROWSKI. 

Police report that the victim was attempting to start his tractor from outside the cab when it started while in gear.  The tractor and attached baler began to move forward after starting.  The victim attempted to climb into the tractor to stop it when he was run over by the tractor and baler.   He was pronounced dead at the scene.   

An autopsy is scheduled at the Brandon Hospital.