Crossroads This Week

11/27/2025

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A preview of Crossroads This Week - Nov. 28, 2025 edition

11/20/2025

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A preview of Crossroads This Week - Nov. 21, 2025 edition

05/21/2021

INSIDE THIS WEEK - FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

-Region welcomes expansion of broadband and cellular services
-THE MECHANICS: Armed with a passion for vehicles, the young and experienced team at Russell's Thunder Creek Auto is ready to let their knowledge shine
-A CHEERLEADER FOR AGRICULTURE: Former Newdale resident Wendy McDonald named Agronomist of the Year by the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers
-LEAVING THEIR MARK: The simple act of carving their names into a wooden beam at the former Ekford School has brought a group of friends back together 74 years later
-Province commits to reducing vehicle registration fees
-SHOOTING FOR SUCCESS: A true multi-sport threat, Birtle native Brody Wilson competes at a high level in both archery and on the ice
-Rapid City homesteader wins an 1880s essay competition
..and so much more!

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Interested in becoming a subscriber and keeping journalism alive in our communities? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/30/2021

INSIDE THIS WEEK - FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021

-Local credit unions release financials
-PANDEMIC PASTIMES: Letting her passion for plants blossom, 90-year-old Russell resident Stella Sonnenberg is combatting isolation by enjoying life's simple pleasures
-YOU REALLY ARE WHAT YOU EAT: Nutrition matters, and Registered Dietitian Chantal Morais of Hamiota is helping empower people to take back their health, one bite at a time
-SERVICE YOU CAN BANK ON: After 46+ years in the industry, Shoal Lake RBC employee Joan Shwaluk is bidding farewell to her banking career
-Newdale WMA to become the Roy Greer WMA
-Russell's Dawson Tweet is making a big impact at Mesabi Range College
-Manitoba invests in provincial parks with $20-million Endowment Fund
..and much more!

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Interested in becoming a subscriber and keeping locally-written journalism alive in our communities? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/23/2021

INSIDE THIS WEEK - FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

-AWWD Cover Crop Program uptake begins
-RETURNING TO HER ROOTS: After five years working as a hairdresser in Saskatoon, Shoal Lake native Heidi Usick (Isaak) has returned to her rural surroundings and joined the team at Birtle’s Hair Philosophy
-TOP OF THE CLASS: Drifter, a buckskin gelding owned by Thomasina Arthur of Rossburn, was the top selling horse at Alberta sale
-MILK RUN MEMORIES: Local duo penning book highlighting people and stories from the string of small-town fairs
-HORSE THERAPY: Lenore's Ellie Slimmon is always up for a challenge with her four-legged companion by her side
-Highlighting Invasive Species Awareness Week
-Outflow increased from Shellmouth Resevoir
..and much more!

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/21/2021

It’s time to applaud our volunteers

Almost 13 million Canadian volunteers deserve our coast-to-coast-to-coast cheers for their dedication and generosity. Let’s all join together to applaud their immense contribution to our country, our communities and millions of our lives during National Volunteer Week (NVW).
The theme for 2021, The Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the awe-inspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals and the magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society. We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together.
..FOR THE FULL STORY SEE OUR APRIL 16 EDITION

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/20/2021

ADVOCATING FOR BEEF PRODUCERS

>> Named the new President of the Manitoba Beef Producers in February, Birtle area farmer Tyler Fulton is ready to let his passion shine through

As a farmer, director, and now president, a Birtle area cattle producer has fully stood behind the mission of the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), to strengthen the industry’s viability, improve prosperity, and ensure a sustainable future of the beef industry within the province.
Tyler Fulton, who farms south of the community with his family, was voted in as president of the MBP at the February annual meeting.
“Accepting the role, with a strong board and excellent staff, I knew I would be well supported in the position,” said Fulton, who was asked to fill a vacancy on the executive in his first year and retained that role in his second. “This year also marks the third year as District 7 director. On the urging of my Dad and some local beef producers, I let my name stand after Larry Gerelus of Shoal Lake retired from the position.”
..FOR THE FULL STORY SEE OUR APRIL 16 EDITION

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/19/2021

A MULTICULTURAL MANITOBA

>> A regional settlement facilitator for Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) in Russell, Hannah Holt found out first hand the tremendous value of the service when she herself moved to Canada in 2013

Welcome to Canada!
Hannah Holt is a regional settlement facilitator for Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) based within Russell. She was also once considered a newcomer herself… originally from Wellington, New Zealand, gaining her Canadian Citizenship in September 2019.
With firsthand experience, Holt’s relatable and caring approach to guide newcomers in beginning a life in Canada has become the framework to helping clients succeed since she started with Settlement Services three years ago.
“It wasn’t until I came to the local settlement office as a newcomer that I found out about what I needed in Canada,” she explained. “Moving here and adapting to life in a new country can be overwhelming.”
..FOR THE FULL STORY SEE OUR APRIL 16 EDITION

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/18/2021

THE VALUE OF CITIZENSHIP

>> Birtle students among provincial winners of Student Citizenship Awards recognizing commitment to community

Birtle Collegiate Institute (BCI) Peer Helpers, Jessica Young and Josh Simard, are among this year’s provincial Student Citizenship Award winners for their commitment to the values of citizenship.
Recognized by the Manitoba School Boards Association on March 19 as the “Group” recipient, they were the sole group winner while five students earned individual honours, each nominated by their respective school divisions.
Park West School Division (PWSD) recognizes students who demonstrate their commitment to the values of citizenship through activities such as: volunteer service to the community (i.e. service to health care facilities, senior citizen groups, shelters, day care centers); involvement in citizenship or character building organizations; participation in student government programs or activities; and leadership ability to motivate others to actions to benefit the community...
..FOR THE FULL STORY SEE OUR APRIL 16 EDITION

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/17/2021

STRONG ARMS
For those who are contracted by business owners to clear sidewalks of snow, having strong arms behind them helps make the task at hand much simpler, as was the case on Tuesday, April 13 in Shoal Lake when a two foot wet, heavy snow ridge needed to be removed. Unofficially approximately 20 cm of snow fell within the region and was dealt with by municipal and provincial crews. Thanks to the strong northerly winds associated with the system, not only ridges but, also banks, needed attention.

PHOTO BY DARRELL NESBITT/CROSSROADS THIS WEEK

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/16/2021

FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE A PAIR OF GRASS FIRES

>> Weekend fires outside Shoal Lake sparked by embers from landfill burn pit

Firefighters valiantly battled a fire which swept across hay and pasture land on the outskirts of Shoal Lake on the afternoon of Sunday, April 11, as bright orange flames danced in the strong northwest winds.
It was the second fire in the area within three days with both being sparked by an ember from the Shoal Lake Waste Management Site’s burn pit. On Friday, fire just south of the site was contained before it got a head start, however, that wasn’t the case with the second, which forced two families from their homes as a precaution, and endangered businesses.
..FOR THE FULL STORY SEE OUR APRIL 16 EDITION

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.

04/15/2021

INSIDE THIS WEEK - FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2021

-A MULTICULTURAL MANITOBA: A regional settlement facilitator for Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) in Russell, Hannah Holt found out first hand the tremendous value of the service when she herself moved to Canada in 2013
-FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE A PAIR OF GRASS FIRES: Weekend fires outside Shoal Lake sparked by embers from landfill burn pit
-ADVOCATING FOR BEEF PRODUCERS: Named the new President of the Manitoba Beef Producers in February, Birtle area farmer Tyler Fulton is ready to let his passion shine through
-THE VALUE OF CITIZENSHIP: Birtle students among provincial winners of Student Citizenship Awards recognizing commitment to community
-THE COMEBACK KID: After a major knee injury kept him off the ice as his team won a national title in 2019, Russell's Landyn Cochrane chose not to be kept down, instead supporting his teammates and working his way back for his own shot at a championship
-It’s time to applaud our volunteers
-MP Mazier meets with American lawmakers to discuss border
..and much more!

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Interested in becoming a subscriber? We offer both a printed and online edition. Give us a call at 204-759-2644 for more information.

Single copies are available for purchase at: Birtle Pharmacy, 83 N' Main in Birtle, TJ's Convenience in Hamiota, Miniota Co-op Grocery, Oaksite Grocery in Oakburn, Parkway Co-op C-Store in Rossburn, Rossburn Dollar Store, Russell Inn C-Store, Reavie's Pharmacy in Russell, Shoal Lake Pharmacy, Central S in Shoal Lake, Heritage Co-op in Strathclair, Wayway Food Mart.