Opasquia Times
Fire department deals with late night structure fire
The Pas Fire Department responded to a late night structure fire over the weekend.
On Saturday at approximately 12:49 am the department received the report of the fire on Bignell Ave.
According to Duty Officer Matt Pecar, the structure was fully involved with the adjacent structure starting to catch fire.
“Crews brought the fire under control,” Pecar noted. He added the first structure was a wooden shed was a loss while the second structure had extensive damage to the side and roof.
Times editor excited to continue to work with tri-community
By now I’m sure we at the Opasquia Times have thrown some of our readers and people we interview for a real loop. Not since Bill Bannock’s column have we had so much confusion as to who is who in the newsroom. Many of you may have picked up on the difference in last names that appear at the end of the columns; rest assured, we haven’t made another Jennifer up.
There are two Jennifers now at the Opasquia Times. Jenn Cook remains the General Manager and Jennifer Laviolette is the new Editor. We just felt that two Jennifers are better than one.
Jennifer Laviolette will be working as our new editor remotely from her home in Grandview, Manitoba. She also writes for our sister papers, the Swan Valley Star and Times and the Roblin Review. Laviolette has 15 years experience working in the media in both the newspaper and radio industry.
Enjoy the sunshine without the sniffles
Spring is in full swing – which means that allergy season has arrived in full force for many in Manitoba. Just like many other facets of our lives, the pandemic has had a long-term impact on allergies. Over-the-counter allergy medicine demand in Canada has grown by 14 per cent in the last two years, indicating that the pandemic's ongoing stress may be affecting allergies. While I can't take your stress away, as a pharmacist, I can help you get through allergy season by helping you manage your specific allergy symptoms.
The last two years have been difficult — one-quarter of Canadians report high levels of stress on most days, and almost half report that their stress levels are worse than before the pandemic. According to research, stress hormones can amplify the already excessive immune system response to allergens, resulting in more frequent and severe allergy flare-ups.
New group works to upgrade Highway 283
The Gateway Keewatin Corridor Group has formed a special committee to advocate the Manitoba Government for capital upgrades to Highway 283 west of The Pas.
Gateway Keewatin Corridor Inc. has spent the past number of years working on a inter provincial trade corridor between The Pas Manitoba and Nipawin Saskatchewan. This corridor will benefit both provinces through increased economic activity, greater access to customers and economic savings for businesses as well as public safety.
Successful spay and neuter clinic held in April
COVID has had a major impact on the operations and activities of a number of things within the community and efforts to host a spay and neuter clinic were no exception. Now after much planning and organizing, Bonnie Meadows of Precious Pet Kennels was happy to report a successful clinic held last month.
“I’ve been trying to do a clinic for two years but because of COVID we haven’t been able to,” Meadows said. After about three months of planning however, Meadows was able to gather enough interest and funds to host a team in the community and offer the spay and neuter service.
MBCI grad class hosts bud spud and steak
The Lower Banquet Room of the Wescana Inn was packed the evening of Saturday, April 23rd with graduates, family, and friends coming out for this year’s Bud Spud & Steak night and entertainment evening.
The audience was treated to a wonderful meal and a diverse range of entertainment. The evening began with the MBCI Jazz Band, led by Heather Gibson, along with graduating students Jordan Bottcher, Jack Werstroh, Xander Wadelius and Joey Seymour,
Knights continue to support many community projects
In spite of the restrictions these last two years, the local Charlebois Council of the Knights of Columbus has contributed to the support of some local and provincial projects.
Since 2017 new winter coats, as part of the KC’s Coats for Kids project, have been distributed to Kelsey Community School, École Opasquia School, and The Pas Action Centre. The coats are distributed to individual children in need by these recipients.