Looking back - 1946: Neepawa Rural Health Unit gets official start

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Photo courtesy of Cecil Pittman Archives. This photo of the inside of the Bank of Montreal was taken in 1921. The date was taken from the calendar displayed in the middle of the photo.

By Cecil Pittman

The Neepawa Press

80 years ago Wednesday, June 2, 1936

Big game hunting may not be allowed in the precincts of this town, but if there are many more occurrences like the one that took place here Saturday morning at 8 o’clock, the temptation is likely to be too great to be resisted by local sharpshooters. That morning, two good sized jumping deer wandered into town, and when seen by Clarence Ralph, they were leisurely going down Vivian Street. Some dogs spotted them, however, and when chased by them, the deer made a hasty exit, heading east. 

70 years ago Thursday, June 6, 1946

The arrival of Dr. J. F. Preston last week made way for the official start of Neepawa Rural Health Unit, number six, after a long period of delay and uncertainty. Although it is understood that the unit will not be in a position to operate at its peak for some time, there has been some sense of satisfaction felt in the fact that organization along constructive lines is underway and what has seemed to be a possibility is now a reality. 

60 years ago Thursday, June 7, 1956

Two young people were detained in Neepawa District Memorial Hospital overnight as a result of an accident at about 10:30 pm Friday, two miles north of Neepawa on Highway 5. RCMP from Minnedosa investigated.

According to reports, a 1949 Chevrolet car with four passengers and driven by George Toddruk of Birnie, who is employed by a Neepawa farmer, pulled out on the road to pass a car ahead of him, driven by Alex Kuharski with two passengers. The Toddruk car apparently went out of control and rolled over several times in the ditch, causing the car to be a total wreck. 

The accident was reported to Neepawa police by Doug Belton, who was passing on the highway. Constable Nick Wasyluk notified RCMP at Minnedosa.

50 years ago Friday, June 3, 1966

Gerald Wilson, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wilson of Neepawa, formerly of Wellwood, received his Bachelor of Science degree at the commencement exercises held at Brandon College, May 28. 

Gerald received his elementary and high school education at Wellwood. Following his high school graduation, he spent one year working on the family farm at Wellwood before taking up studies at Brandon College.

Gerald has accepted a position in the engineering department of the Manitoba Telephone System in Brandon. 

40 years ago Thursday, June 3, 1976

The annual inspection of #9 squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets on Tuesday, May 25, marked an important milestone in the squadron’s history. 

The squadron celebrated its golden anniversary. Since 1926, they’ve had a proud tradition of turning out upright, honorable citizens, who are a credit to the community. This year, they had 43 members, nine females and 34 males. 

Following the inspection, more than 120 officers, cadets, parents and guests attended a banquet at the Legion Hall, where the annual award presentations were made.

30 years ago Thursday, June 5, 1986

Area police are continuing their crackdowns on seatbelt violations. 

All provincial police are taking part in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), aimed at heightening the public awareness of the seatbelt law.

RCMP in this area began their checks May 13 and will continue a system of road checks until June 10, when the STEP program officially ends.

During the designated period, any person found committing offences with non-compliance of the seatbelt legislation can be expected to be prosecuted.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, a motorist can be fined anywhere from $20 to $100 for failing to buckle up. The normal fine here is $20 plus $4 cost. 

20 years ago Monday, June 4, 1996

Canada Safeway has confirmed plans to almost double the size of its Neepawa store, by expanding into the adjoining Saan store.

Safeway spokesman Toby Oswald said the move will be increased square footage from the current 9,000 square feet to 17,000 square feet. Even so, the Neepawa store will remain one of the food chain’s smallest. Oswald said most of the company stores cover 30,000 to 55,000 square feet. 

But she said it made little sense for Safeway to build, since Saan will vacate its half of the building this fall.  

10 years ago Monday, June 5, 2006

A new poll suggests most prairie farmers want to retain the Canadian Wheat Board, despite a Conservative pledge to dismantle single-desk selling. 

A poll by innovative research group – conducted by the Wheat Board – found 75 per cent of farmers want a plebiscite before the government acts to end the board’s monopoly over prairie wheat and barley sales. 

“I suspect that the majority of producers who market under the CWB would want the opportunity to voice their opinion in a ballot, referendum, or whatever,” said Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dave Rolfe, adding farmers, not MP’s should decide the board’s fate.