In partnership with the Rural Municipality of Victoria, Westman Communications Group (Westman) will be launching its services in Holland and Cypress River this December. Residents and businesses will be connected directly to fibre optics and have access to Westman's most advanced communication services, including High-Speed Internet with speeds up to 1 Gigabit, Digital HD TV and Phone. "This partnership provides more choices for entertainment and savings," said Dave Baxter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westman. "With more wireless-enabled devices in homes competing for bandwidth, our high-speed, no-data cap plans are an excellent choice. Having access to faster download speeds also creates opportunities for business growth, government institution development, and remote learning." Westman takes pride in being a locally owned and operated cooperative committed to delivering competitive and innovative products and services to meet its members' needs. Offering High-Speed Internet, Digital HD TV, and Phone, they are focused on providing high-quality services and support that improve life in ways that truly matter. Westman invests each member's equity back into its operations to add new services, expand to new communities, provide local programming and employment, and generously support their members and communities with sponsorships and scholarships. "Council of the Rural Municipality of Victoria will be stepping up the service available for the residents of Holland and Cypress River. Who would have predicted that municipal services would ever extend beyond roads, streets, water and sewer," said Rural Municipality of Victoria Reeve, Ray Huggart. "The last year has certainly taught us that we need to be connected to fibre for communities to thrive, and in order to provide that goal, you may need to be Wired for Progress." Westman will be connecting Holland and Cypress River to their services in the December timeframe. To learn more about Westman and the services coming to these communities, visit https://westmancom.com/new-community

If you’re looking for a new spot to get a haircut in Brandon, you’re in luck. Union Barbershop opened its doors on June 26th. Located at 763a 10th Street, the barbershop was founded by three barbers (Jesse Spence, Jordan Hills, Chris Barcellona) with decades of experience in the barbering community. Wanting their shop to have the fell of a mix between a modern and nostalgic barbershop they spent considerable time mapping out the interior, including sourcing out a vintage barbers chair. The trio are currently offering your standard haircut, skin fade/specialty cut and a kids/seniors cut. Additional services like a beard trim and a hot towel shave will also be offered in the near future. Walk-ins will also be welcomed once the current restrictions are lifted. For more information on the barbershop, or to book an appointment online, please visit their webpage here. Hours:  Tuesday 7a.m.–5:30p.m. Wednesday 7a.m.–5:30p.m. Thursday 7a.m.–5:30p.m. Friday 7a.m.–4p.m. Saturday 8a.m.–2p.m. Sunday Closed Monday Closed

One of my favorite things to do during the summer is hop in the vehicle and go on a road trip to different hidden gems in rural Manitoba. If you are like me and also enjoy doing that, I have the place for you. Located just less than 2 hours away from Brandon on Highway 23, 10 km west of Miami you will find what could the pinnacle of rural Manitoba hidden gems at Two Old Crows BBQ & Smokehouse. As soon as you pull into the lane and get out of your vehicle you will be met with the smell of delicious BBQ wafting through the yard. There you will find a trailer with two smokers and a menu full of some of the best BBQ meats you will find in Manitoba. You will also find amazing customer service by two people ready to take you on unreal food journey. Whether it’s the pulled pork, brisket, the Texas cheese steak, the smoked wings or the pork belly that melts in your mouth you will not be disappointed by what you order off the menu. In addition to the meat you will also get a hefty portion of sides whether it’s fries or onion rings. If my words don’t sway you just check out the pictures. You can check their Facebook page here for any daily specials, their menu and hours of operation. Now what are you waiting for? Jump in the car and experience it for yourself. Monday CLOSED Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday CLOSED Thursday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sara’s Pantry, is asking gardeners and fresh produce producers to add an extra row of vegetables this year for donation to Glenboro’s food security program. “Fresh produce is one of the staples of our monthly food hampers,” said Kyrsten Godard, Sara’s Pantry Secretary. “Buying fresh produce can be expensive on an already tight budget; we are hoping to enlist the support of master gardeners, home gardeners, garden clubs, youth groups, seniors, schools, churches, local growers, community gardens and larger scale producers to share the surplus of their harvest with Sara’s Pantry this year.” The Grow-A-Row program started in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1986, initiated by Ron and Eunice O’Donovan. The O’Donovan’s had produced more potatoes in their backyard garden than their family could consume. They donate the excess to Winnipeg Harvest, their local food bank. Since then, the Grow-A-Row program has been adopted by many other canadian cities. Established in the fall of 2020, Sara’s Pantry currently provides an average of 20 hampers a month to families in need of supplemental food. The volunteer organization accepts pre-registration and distributes the hampers bi-monlthy from Sara’s Pantry location at 504 Railway Avenue in Glenboro. Vegetable producers wishing to make a sizable donation can request pickup or arrange a suitable drop time by contacting Charlene Claeys-Godard, Sara’s Pantry Operating Manager at saraspantry2020@gmail.com. Glenboro Home hardware has made a generous donation of all their leftover garlic, potato, and onion seed. Vegetable seed is available for anyone to use and can be accessed by contacting Tracy Rimmer at tracy.rimmer@gmail.com or Kyrsten Godard at 204-526-0688. Sara’s Pantry accepts monetary donations as well as non-perishable food donations. Monetary donations can be sent to Sara’s Pantry at Box 495, Glenboro, MB R0K 0H0 or dropped off to Rimmer Technology Partners at 504 Broadway Avenue or Westoba Credit Union Glenboro Branch. Non-perishable food donations can be made in Glenboro at the Glenboro CO-OP, D + A Foods, Westoba Credit Union, Glenboro Pharmacy, Glenboro United Church, as well as in Cypress River at the Cypress River United Church and Spring Creek Farms. Those looking to access food from Sara’s Pantry are encouraged to email saraspantry2020@gmail.com or visit Sara’s Pantry on Facebook at @saraspantryglenboro. Food hampers are available bi-monthly with pre-registration. (submitted)

A sector of the economy that was hurt the most during Covid 19 is the restaurant industry. Having the toughest health regulations in North America Manitoban restaurants have had to get creative. As is stands now indoor dining is at 25 percent and outdoor patios is at 50 percent.  In order to generate some funds during the current restrictions many restaurant owners have either created an outdoor patio space or increased the size of their current patio to enable more dining guests. Darren Burdeniuk, owner of The Dock on Princess, told BDNMB.CA that it has created some difficulties adapting and adjusting to meet the often changing provincial government's guidelines during the shutdown. Whether you have to set up the kitchen for 45 people or 150 guests your fixed costs remain the same either way.  Also Burdeniuk added he feels that people are craving human interaction.