Travis
Lest We Forget - In Elegant Style
The Remembrance Day ceremonies at Binscarth school on Nov 10 had a special addition when, after the school event, students and adults walked west from the school toward the cenotaph carrying the absolutely beautiful shroud of 2,100 crocheted poppies.
Pat Orsak who had seen mention of crocheted poppy shrouds in Minnedosa and Niverville along with the grand mat of poppies showcased at the Manitoba Legislature, brought the idea to Toon Cozens this past January. Soon Angela Arran - whose son Darryl had served in the military, Joy Toole and Robin Robinson set about coming up with ways to accomplish the task.
In true Binscarth style, it didn’t take long for the community - including the students at Binscarth school to jump on board.
“People from here in town, and other communities, people from afar who have a connection to Binscarth and school age students from Binscarth School worked and made 2,100 poppies”, Robin Robinson said in the presentation made to the students of Binscarth during their Remembrance service.
Read the full story in this week's Russell Banner .
November 18, 2025
November 18, 2025
Bookkeeper - Russell Inn
Heimbecker happy to have found his way to Wayway
By Derek Holtom
Last week we profiled one of the top two scoring rookies on the Wolverines – Cale Livingston. This week it’s Brodie Heimbecker’s turn. And just like Livingston, he’s a defenseman looking to help the Wolverines climb the standings in the MJHL’s West Division.
Heimbecker, a 17-year old left-shot blueliner (he turns 18 on Dec. 1) hails from Regina. He played his U-18 AAA last year with the Yorkton Mallers, scoring six goals and adding 18 assists in 44 games. The five foot, 11-inch, 180 pounder already has two goals and two assists this year. Heimbecker says his journey to the Wolverines came about thanks to a suggestion from his former coach. “My defenseman coach from last year with Yorkton put me in contact with Landyn (Cochrane, Wawyway’s Head Coach and General Manager), and he told Landyn a little
bit about me,” he said. “Then I went to his evaluation camp, and had a good feeling about Wayway.” Heimbecker says he’s been adjusting well to the junior A game, noting the pace here in the MJHL is quite something.
Get the whole score in this week's Russell Banner.
Friendly’s Wins Fusion Credit Union Award
Innovation, inspiration, and hometown pride was on full display as Fusion Credit Union announced the winners of Community Infusion 2025. The annual event celebrates local entrepreneurs with bold ideas and the drive to make a difference in their communities.
Four finalists took the stage at this year’s final live event, each pitching their business idea to a panel of judges, for a chance to share in up to $30,000 in grant funding. The evening was filled with creativity, inspiration and community spirit – proof that ideas grow right here at home.
After the pitches were presented, Fusion Credit Union CEO, Darwin Johns, announced Silver Frame Photo and Video Memories from Dauphin as the grand prize winner of $20,000. The funding will help the business expand services, invest in equipment, and develop marketing initiatives. Grit and Glam Salon, also from Dauphin, received $5,000 as the 2nd place winner. Sumatu Intercontinental Trade Wears (Brandon) and Friendly’s Grocery Coop (Inglis) each took home $2,500 for their business ideas.
“Community Infusion is all about empowering local people with big ideas,” says Johns. “Each finalist showed incredible passion and dedication to building something that benefits their community. We’re proud to be a part of their journey.”
Be in the know and pick up this week's Russell Banner for the full story.
Evening in Paris Show a Success
Clothing from the Beth Naylor Historic Collection was showcased in the Evening in Paris event in the beautiful Knox United Church in Russell. Some of the pieces dating back to the 1800’s. It was a walk through time as some dresses showcased the opulent 20’s moving into the 30’s and 40’s. Beth Naylor began collecting clothing in the late 1930s. That collection began when she was given a black dress by Mrs. John McMillan, the wife of a local bagpiper.
Since then, the collection has grown to over 600 pieces - thirty of which date back to the 1800’s.
To read more and see some close ups of the ensembles modeled, pick up this week's edition of the Russell Banner.
November 11, 2025
November 11, 2025
MJHL Sends Team to All-Star Challenge
By Derek Holtom
The Western All-Star Challenge is taking place in Martensville, Sask., this Monday to Wednesday (Nov. 3 to Nov. 5), a kick off of sorts to the start of the international hockey season.
The MJHL recently announced the 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders who will compete against the top players from the SJHL. This heavily-scouted event serves as an unofficial scouting opportunity for both leagues as rosters are considered for the World Junior A Challenge in Trois-Rivieres, Que., Dec. 7-13.
Notable West Division representatives on the team includes Dauphin netminder Justin Perreault and teammate Ethan Stewart, Virden’s Bryce Bryant, Colten Worthington and Lincoln Black-Greaves, Swan Valley’s Crosby Harrison, Tyler Wamboldt and Jack Clark from the Neepawa Titans, and Cole Hunter from the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
Get the whole score in this weeks Russell Banner.