Westoba Inspire, Westoba Credit Union’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications during September 2024 for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00. The Inspire program offers funding opportunities for a variety of projects that meet a wide range of ages and demographics. “Westoba Inspire provides an opportunity for our communities to bring their project ideas to reality.” said Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger. “The bi-annual application process gives us an opportunity to see what projects our communities are working on, and how Westoba can help support those efforts”. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes employees, members, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available September 1 - 30th at www.westoba.com. ABOUT WESTOBA INSPIRE Westoba Inspire has supported 40 community projects since it was launched in 2017. To be eligible for funding, projects must support community infrastructure initiatives that are started locally or have a clear local impact; are inclusive and bring people together; are long-term or multi-functional; and promote staying, taking part and engaging in an enriched community.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) concluded its 2024 Connecting Westman Tour with a charity barbecue in Boissevain on August 21, 2024. All proceeds went to the Boissevain School Playground, a cause chosen by the residents of Boissevain. After a matched donation from WCG, the event raised $3,758.40. The Connecting Westman Tour is a community-driven initiative that allows WCG to serve its members and support the projects that matter most to community members. The event was held at the Boissevain Co-op, where WCG served hotdogs and smokies with donation-based pricing. The community contributed $1,879.20, which was matched by WCG, bringing the total amount raised to $3,758.40. Susan Jackson, Co-Chair of the Boissevain School Playground Project, shared, “Many of the playground structures date back to the 1970s and 1990s and don’t meet current standards for safety and accessibility. We want to build something that all children can use. We’re so grateful that the community came out to the BBQ and showed their support for what we’re doing and for Westman Communications Group. We really appreciate all the support because every dollar helps; we have a big goal ahead of us. Thank you.” The 2024 Connecting Westman Tour had its most successful year to date, donating over $26,500 to initiatives across Notre Dame, Dauphin, Gladstone, and Boissevain. For more information on the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding from the Tour, please visit the WCG website

Dale Hutchings, a skilled local handyman, has found a unique way to combine his craftsmanship with a popular backyard game: cornhole. Dale, who began making cornhole boards 1.5 years ago, has quickly turned his hobby into a growing side business, providing custom-made boards to the community. The journey started when he created his first set for his family, with his daughter contributing a special touch by painting the boards. This initial design has since become the foundation for many of his creations. Dale’s attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in the materials he uses. Each board is crafted from 3/4” birch plywood, paired with premium-grade 2x4’s that have fewer knots for added stability. The legs of the boards are designed to fold, making them easy to transport and store. To ensure durability and weather resistance, Dale treats all the wood with a high-grade lacquer, applying two coats to the base, bottom, and legs, and three coats to the top surface. One of the standout features of Dale’s cornhole boards is the level of customization he offers. “I work with each customer on colors, designs, logos, and even bag colors,” Dale says. Whether it’s a simple design or something more intricate, Dale takes pride in bringing his customers’ visions to life. The basic sets typically take 1-2 weeks to complete, while custom orders, depending on the complexity, can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. For customers looking to add an extra flair to their boards, Dale collaborates with Cor Enterprises on Park Avenue, where the boards are enhanced with logos, designs, or words. The designs, which can be up to 12 x 12 inches in size, are created by two skilled ladies at Cor Enterprises. Additionally, Dale has partnered with Accent Striping for customers who want their boards completely wrapped. He can also supply the cornhole bags, ordering them from two different companies that offer a wide variety of color options. Dale emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when placing an order, as the turnaround time can vary depending on his workload and the availability of his partners. To secure a custom order, a 50% deposit is required. Customers can reach out to Dale via email at hutchingsdale1973@yahoo.com or through Facebook Marketplace for additional information and pricing options.. In addition to his standard offerings, Dale also provides options for adding lights and scoreboards to the boards at an extra cost. As demand for his cornhole boards grows, Dale remains committed to delivering high-quality, personalized products that bring joy and entertainment to backyards across the community.

Chef Germain, the culinary maestro behind The Burning Bale Restaurant in Elgin, has always been a passionate creator of bold and flavorful dishes. Known for his decades of experience in the kitchen, Chef Germain has been crafting hot sauces for years. However, his latest creation takes his love for heat to a new level—one that is both challenging and versatile. "I've been making hot sauces for decades, really," Chef Germain shares. "But I decided I wanted to make something that was a little more challenging, something that would be good for you and also something you would want to splash on everything." The inspiration for this new sauce came from one of his favorite breakfast dishes—steak and eggs. "Originally, it was meant for my steak and eggs breakfast. I love a splash of heat, and I wanted something that could complement that dish perfectly." Chef Germain decided to embark on the journey of creating a fermented hot sauce, which adds a layer of complexity to the flavor while offering a range of health benefits. "I wanted something thinner than my usual sauces and something milder so it would go with everything." Simplicity was key in developing the flavor profile. Chef Germain opted for a combination of garlic, black pepper, apple, lime, and the fiery bird's eye Thai chili pepper. The result is a sauce that strikes the perfect balance between heat and flavor. "The final brewing has a fabulous garlicky brine taste with a quick heat bite that ghosts off your palate quickly." The sauce needed a name as memorable as its flavor. Inspiration struck during one of Chef Germain's Sunday breakfast specials, where he served an 8-ounce cap sirloin topped with a single sunny-side egg and a splash of his new hot sauce. The dish was dubbed "The One-Eyed Gopher," and thus, "Gopher Spit" was born. "I couldn't resist developing such a character into a brand," Chef Germain laughs. "The sauce is addicting, which is what you want in a hot sauce. A splash of flavor and heat in each bite that doesn't mask your food but enhances it!" Gopher Spit will quickly become a favorite at The Burning Bale, with diners eager to add a dash of this unique hot sauce to everything from breakfast to dinner. Presently Chef Germain said he has approximately 50 bottles available for sale ($10 each) and the the only way to get one is to come for lunch or supper and order one when you order your food. With the demand already there, he plans on picking up more peppers to start making an even larger batch (around 200). Chef Germain's creation is a testament to his culinary creativity and his commitment to making every meal an unforgettable experience.

In a move set to excite local collectors and enthusiasts, I Want That Stuff, recently announced it will be relocating to a larger space to better serve its growing customer base. The new location, situated at 138-10th Street in downtown Brandon, opened it's doors today. According to owner's Corey Trumbley Facebook message, there was a number of of reasons for the move including expansion and a dedicated gaming area. The new space is nearly twice in size allowing for a larger showroom and several dedicated gaming areas. I Want That Stuff is a beloved hub for board games, retro video games, sports cards, Magic the Gathering, Warhammer, Age of Sigmar, Pokémon and more. They have been in operation in Brandon since. This move marks an exciting chapter for I Want That and the local collectibles community. With more space and new features, the store is poised to continue its tradition of providing exceptional service and unique finds for collectors of all kinds.