Westoba Credit Union (Westoba) announces an update to their High School Scholarship program and Manitoba High School Bursary program for the 2022-2023 school year. The change has been made to better align with Westoba’s cooperative principles and meet the needs of graduating students. “Westoba values and embraces a commitment to people, innovative thinking, learning, and knowledge,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba’s President and CEO. “We believe our scholarship program should align with these values and reward students who have demonstrated leadership within their school and have contributed in a positive way to making their school and community a better place.” Along with changes to the eligibility criteria, Westoba is allowing students to take some time on their post- secondary decisions and still be eligible for the scholarship or bursary funds. “Westoba recognizes driven, up-and-coming students who are ready to commit to building a better world,” said Rediger. “We also recognize that making decisions on their future education might take some time, and we are allowing that to happen.” Westoba will hold the scholarship and bursary funds in trust for the student for 12 months post-graduation to allow for enrollment or acceptance to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The change to Westoba’s graduation scholarship program will be in effect for the 2022-2023 school year and will be managed by the high schools. The Westoba Student Bursary Contest is available to all graduating Manitoba High School students through a video submission process open from June 13 to June 30, 2022. The Westoba Student Bursary eligibility criteria are available at westoba.com.

Burger lovers in the Westman area now have a new spot in the area to try out. Uncle Tom's Burgers recently opened in Neepawa in the parking lot of 3D Car Wash (141 Main Street West). The family-owned restaurant deals primarily in homemade beef patty burgers which are loaded with a variety of familiar toppings. In addition to the burgers, the food trailer offers comfort bites of drive-inn classic menu items like home-cut fries, onion rings, sandwiches, poutine, loaded hot dogs, and ice cream. Currently open 7 days a week, they are hoping the weather holds out long enough so they remain open well into October.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) is excited to announce that the #ConnectingWestman Tour will be making its first stop in Minnedosa, MB, on June 30, 2022. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 health restrictions, the Tour will once again see Westman bring numerous events to local communities across Manitoba. The last time WCG held the #ConnectingWestman Tour was back in 2019, which was also the first year it took place. The 2019 Tour was a smashing success that raised over $15,000 for local charities. WCG looks to bring that momentum back. “The #ConnectingWestman Tour is an initiative that raises funds together with the community to benefit a local cause and is something that we knew we wanted to make an annual event,” said Marketing Manager Courtney Baxter. “The success of our first Tour in 2019 proved that this was something our communities really enjoyed and that we could carry on for years to come.” WCG, WCGtv, Westman Communications Business Solutions, 94.7 STAR FM, and Q Country 91.5 FM will be hosting a charity barbeque at the Minnedosa Co-op to benefit the Minnedosa & Area Food Bank. An open house will also be held at the Minnedosa Legion Hall to allow community members to preview WCG's advanced communication services and ask questions. WCGtv will be touring the community and capturing all the day's action.  “We are proud to support local and make a positive impact in the communities we serve,” explained Baxter. “Being able to go to different communities each year with the #ConnectingWestman Tour makes us feel more connected to our members and the local fundraising causes that matter to them. The #ConnectingWestman Tour will also be making stops in Dauphin on July 21 and Neepawa on August 25 before wrapping up in Roblin on September 8. To keep up to date on the 2022 #ConnectingWestman Tour, follow WCG on social media or head to westmancom.com/connectingwestman-tour

One of Assiniboine Community College’s newest learning spaces, the Centre for Creative Media (CCM), is announcing a $150,000 donation from Westman Communications Group that helped make the new facility possible. This generous contribution by the local media cooperative includes $50,000 in student financial awards and $100,000 toward the facility. Today, the college revealed a space named on behalf of the donor—the Westman Communications Group Shared Edit and Screening Lounge. "Westman Communications Group is committed to the betterment of our communities. Assiniboine, one of our long-time partners, has done an excellent job providing top-notch education in Manitoba," said WCG's Chief Customer Officer, John Quail. "We are delighted that we have an opportunity to contribute to Assiniboine’s initiative of upgrading its Brandon facilities, which will benefit its students and our communities for years to come." The WCG Shared Edit and Screening Lounge is a multi-functional learning space that provides a classroom space for students working on post-production alongside a dedicated screening area with a high-end projector and sound system. This lounge gives students an appropriate space to view content they’ve created; view, discuss and critique other content; invite guest speakers and host screening events. “Developing this dedicated creative space will enhance the college’s ability to deliver students the experience they want and need to go confidently into working in industry,” said Jana Sproule, Chair of Media and Office Technology at Assiniboine. “This facility is an essential accompaniment to the concentrated program options it will house. Like these programs, the Centre for Creative Media was developed with industry needs and standards at its core.” In fall 2021, the college launched three new two-year diploma programs—Media & Communications, Digital Art & Design and Web & Interactive Development. These programs will be the primary users of the new Centre. Construction on the 10,050 sq. ft. Centre for Creative Media started in early 2021 and was completed later that year. “Westman Communications Group has been an integral partner to us here at Assiniboine, particularly in our digital and media-related programs,” said Bobbie Robertson, Dean, School of Business. “Their support of this new leading-edge learning space was important in bringing it to life, and is going to benefit hundreds of students who we know will go on to contribute big things to the industry.” (ACC News)

Sunrise Credit Union congratulates Jordan McGregor of Waskada and Raegan Ricard of Baldur on being named Valeyo Learning Grant recipients.   McGregor is graduating from Waskada School next month and has maintained Honour Roll marks during his time in high school. Jordan was active in extracurricular activities, including being captain of the high school hockey team and participating in badminton, track & field, and downhill skiing. In addition, he serves on the student advisory committee, volunteers at community events, helps maintain the yards of older people, and assists with the Lions Club Community Field. McGregor also coached at Waskada’s Breakfast Club for minor hockey players and is known for having a backyard dirt biking track that enthusiasts have enjoyed throughout the area. McGregor plans to enroll in pre-employment heavy equipment technician and attend Olds College this fall. Ricard will graduate from Prairie Mountain High School next month. Raegan is the Student Council President, is head of the Grad Committee, and has played many sports in high school. She even started a track & field club during the pandemic and volunteered at the Mariapolis rink and fitness center. Ricard has gained valuable experience working various jobs recently, including a dietary, laundry, and health care aid at the Rock Lake Personal Care Home and Prairie View Lodge. She has also held down positions as a server at a local restaurant, housekeeping in private homes, and working at a seasonal greenhouse. Ricard intends to attend Brandon University this fall and take classes in the pre-professional dentistry program.   Valeyo provides a variety of integrated business solutions to the Credit Union community and sponsors the Learning Grant on annual basis. The Valeyo Learning Grant are $1,200 scholarships for students who are members of a participating credit union in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Applicants submit an essay of 500 words or less OR a video of two minutes or less describing their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. (Article Submitted)