September has been a month full of impactful stories from across the Westman Region. Residents have seen everything, from inspiring personal achievements to community challenges and accomplishments, to tragedies that affect our political and social scene. Here’s a look back at the top stories that helped to shape the southwest corner of the province last month. A true celebration: Killarney unites for 15th annual grow project harvest The community gathered early September to share a meal and harvest a 140-acre wheat field located northeast of Killarney, in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. A total of 13 combines participated in this year’s harvest, working alongside tractors, grain carts, and tractor trailers that waited at the far end of the field to quickly unload hoppers and transport the grain to town. This year's yield brought in 73.44 bushels per acre. "I don't know how to put it into words," shares committee member, Betty Turner. "Every time that we do this celebration of harvest, it just fills my heart to know that so many people care, and that so many people attend and help in so many ways to make it such a success." Click here to read the full story! A morning with Manitoba Fisheries: Studying species, spawns, some good eatin' and some great surprises! Manitoba Fisheries biologist Brody Kitch spent the summer doing what he enjoys most—fishing. But this season, his efforts were focused on research rather than recreation. As Acting Regional Fisheries Manager for the Western Region, based in Brandon, Kitch has been traveling across western Manitoba to visit specific lakes, collecting and documenting data on fish species, population levels, and other biological details. CJRB / Discover Westman reporter, Betty Sawatzky spent the morning with both Brody and fellow biologist Ian Kitch, on Killarney Lake to learn what this looks like! Click here to read the full story! Crystal City manufacturing company accelerates growth with PrairiesCan funding At the end of August, PhiBer Manufacturing Inc. announced its selection for funding through the PrairiesCan Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, a Government of Canada initiative that supports high-growth companies across the Prairies. This investment will enable PhiBer to enhance its advanced manufacturing capabilities, accelerate the integration of innovative technologies, and generate meaningful new employment opportunities in rural Manitoba, and beyond our provincial borders. Click here to read the full story! Carberry hunter Justin Lilley lands reality TV show Carberry-based taxidermist and passionate hunter, Justin Lilley, is stepping into the spotlight as a television personality. Lilley has signed a four-season deal for a new reality series on WildTV, transforming his love for the outdoors into compelling Canadian content. The show, titled Beyond the Blind Hunts, was officially greenlit following a whirlwind summer for Lilley, who gained attention in early July through a widely read feature by Portage Online and Discover Westman that highlighted his record-setting hunting achievements and expert taxidermy work. Click here to read the full story! From backyard to booming business: Young entrepreneur builds Mobile Mini Golf marvel! At just 12 years old, Jaydon is making a name for himself in the local business community with his self-built, mobile nine-hole mini golf course. What began as a backyard hobby near Boissevain has grown into a popular rental attraction for staff parties, community events, and tournaments. Known as J's Miniature Mini Golf, the course is available for rent and has already proven to be a hit with local families and businesses. Jaydon first built the course at age 11, with support and many hours of help from his dad. “I really enjoy mini golf, and I collect golf balls,” Jaydon shared. “I started out making my own course in the backyard using wood pieces and digging holes, then inviting my family over for tournaments.” Click here to read the full story! Reeve Responds: Darren Seymour addresses criticism over Pelican Lake AIS strategy Reeve Darren Seymour of Prairie Lakes has responded to recent criticism surrounding the municipality’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) “one boat–one lake” program at Pelican Lake, acknowledging the wave of negative feedback circulating on social media. With Pelican Lake gaining popularity as a prime destination for walleye and pike fishing—especially among anglers seeking their next Master Angler catch—and following the recent discovery of zebra mussels in the Assiniboine River near the Manitoba Hydro site in Brandon, the local AIS committee has been working diligently to prevent the spread of invasive species into Pelican Lake. But not everyone is in the favor of the new program, and the municipality has felt some pushback from the public. Click here to read the full story! Hutterite HEART: How faith is bringing victims home to grieving families At Oak Bluff Colony Farms, surrounded by prairie skies and the quiet rhythm of communal life, lives Manuel Maendel—a teacher, diver, and founder of the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART). The idea for HEART wasn’t born from a business plan, but from a childhood spark inspired by a school story about scuba diving in the Bahamas. That moment ignited a lifelong curiosity, leading Manuel to devour Jacques Cousteau books and dream of floating weightless beneath the surface. Though he didn’t understand the purpose at the time, he now sees that passion as divinely inspired—a flame that would later guide him to create a life-saving initiative. A tragic drowning would ultimately turn that quiet obsession into action. Click here to read the full story! 'So let your light shine before men': Brandon gathers to honour Charlie Kirk, reflect on changing culture Following the tragic fatal shooting of American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk on September 10 during a college event in Utah, Brandon resident Phil Dorn is urging his community to reflect and take action. Kirk, known for encouraging open dialogue across political divides, was killed while doing what he loved—sharing truths and fostering honest discussion. The incident sparked vigils across North America, including one in Brandon, where Dorn invited locals to gather, grieve, and light candles in memory of Kirk and his family. “Our culture is really, really bad right now, and for many reasons that one can articulate. So, the issue then becomes, what are we going to do about it?” Dorn challenged. Click here to read the full story! Rural Voices Heard: Virden and Shoal Lake MASC offices reopen after years of advocacy In the spring of 2021, rural Manitoba experienced the closure of 21 Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) offices as part of a provincial downsizing initiative by the previous government, aimed at reducing the physical footprint of agricultural services and shifting toward virtual and phone-based support. Numerous communities in the Westman Region were affected by these closures. However, thanks to the advocacy efforts of two municipal leaders, the reopening of MASC offices in the southwest corner of the province was reconsidered. In mid-September municipal and provincial leaders celebrated the grand reopening of the Virden and Shoal Lake MASC offices, reaffirming their commitment to support a strong and diversified rural economy through financial services and risk management programs. Click here to read the full story! Bellew blazes to victory: Crowned King of the Corn at Dead Horse Creek Speedway! Killarney stock car racer Brian Bellew claimed the title of King of the Corn Cup at Dead Horse Creek Speedway in September with the season finale, held during the Morden Corn and Apple Festival. The event featured 101 cars and trucks competing across five racing classes. Bellew’s victory was especially meaningful after a challenging start to the season, which saw him unable to finish his first two races due to a flat tire and a minor accident. Determined to turn things around, Bellew pushed for a win—and delivered. Click here to read the full story!