We make it worth your drive! Sca n to see our full in ven tory C r o s s r oa ds Kenton 204-838-2240 Shoal Lake 204-759-2385 Friday, Ap ril 9, 2 0 2 1 | Vo lum e 19 Number 1 | $1.25 PER COPY (plus ta x e s) www. .ca SERVING BIRTLE, HAM IOTA, ROSSBURN , RUSSELL, SHOAL LAK E & SURROUN D ING REGION This w ee k w ood w orthd od ge R ussell Vet w elcom es new facility >> The la rge a n im a l fa cility w ill a ccom m oda te the grow in g n eed to p rovide m edica l trea tm en ts RACHEAL FLINTOFT Crossroa d s This Week The Russell and District Veterinary Clinic (RDVC) has recently welcomed a newly built large animal facility, accommodating the growing need to provide medical treatments for both large and small animals. The new space, separate from the original vet building, is available for large animals only and offers both a cattle chute for sick ani - mal examination, as well as semen testing. A calving panel for c-sections and birthing difficulties is also available, as well as a horse stock for procedures on horses and an area BEEF PRODUCTION DAR R E LL N E SBITT/CR O SSR O ADS THIS WEEK for small ruminants and calves to be exam - ined. Canada is one of the largest exporters of red meat and livestock in the world, exporting around 45 p ercent of beef and cattle production “We have a large open space for a tipping from the country. Indeed the success of the Canadian cattle industry relies on healthy, well cared for cattle, no matter the setting. table to do cattle feet trimming,” explained Dr. Within the region, along with cow-calf producers from small or large farms, there are cattlemen and women who opt to fill pens with Cathy Clemence. “At present, we do not have feeder cattle, including Hamiota Feedlot Ltd. where thousands of animals are fed and marketed to a c ustomer base from Canada and the the cash for the tip table, but we did plan for United States. The industry, as a whole, is great for jobs and that’s no different in our neck of the woods. it – there are also two large box stalls for ani - mals that may need to stay overnight. The fa- cility is bright, open and very inviting.” Beginning over three years ago with a nec - essary expansion project, the RDVC is owned and operated by Dr. Clemence and along with her staff, have served the community for over M an itob a Parks see record-breakin g reservation s three decades. “I have been here for 32 years, taking over RACHEAL FLINTOFT this year to ease in the conges - Climate Minister Sarah Guille - Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy the clinic in 1989,” she said. “I am very proud Crossroa d s This Week tion in booking sites at provincial mard. Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lake - of what we have developed here for a veteri - campgrounds. The province stated that they shore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, nary service.” Opening on April 5, reserva - By 11 a.m. on April 5, the experienced technical issues Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and The original clinic was constructed in 1976 tions for Manitoba campgrounds, Manitoba Parks Reservation right from the start since of White Lake campgrounds; and following the provincial Veterinary Service cabins and group-use areas saw Services had taken in an astound - server hits by Manitobans were •April 12 at 7 a.m. – campsite District program. This platform paved the way the highest number of reserva - ing 10,668 reservations, compared in the 1,000s; however, it was reservations will open for all re - to ensure a clinic was built in every district tion bookings in a single day. to the 6,153 reservations made quickly resolved. maining provincial park camp - for livestock producers to access veterinarian The Manitoba Parks Reserva - last year. The Manitoba parks reserva - grounds. care. Since its inception, the needs within the tion Services experienced over “Our government thanks tion system accepted bookings in Last year, provincial parks RDVC have changed considerably from a large 12,825 people signing in by 7 a.m. Manitobans for their commit - three segments: saw record-breaking numbers as animal clinic – providing dog and cat vaccina - opening day, drastically up from ment during the COVID-19 pan- •April 5 – campsite reserva - many took to nature to enjoy tions along with spays and neuters during the mere 2,804 the same day a demic in acting on the advice our tions opened for the Birds Hill some much-needed seasonal fun. slow times – to being comprised of predomi - year ago in 2020. health-care experts to stay home Provincial Park campground; There’s a clear indication that nantly a demand for small animal services. In an effort to accommodate for the benefits of themselves, •April 7 – campsite reserva - the growing trend to enjoy the for all outdoor enthusiasts, the their loved ones and their com - tions opened for the Winnipeg great outdoors is here to stay for SEE NEED FOR M ORE SPACE , PAGE 2-A province offered staggered dates munities,” said Conservation and Beach, Betula Lake, Big the 2021 recreation year. We make it our business to understand yours AG/COMMERCIAL LOANS As low as % fusioncu.com LIMITED TIME OFFER! 2.50 APR Rate subject to change F RIDAY , A PRIL 9, 2021 C r o s s r oa ds 2-A This w ee k IN S ID E this week Ge ttin g b a ck to b u s in e s s Ro ssb urn’s Cha d N yc huk wa s thrille d to enter th e WHL’s Ea st Division Equipm ent in s id e th e new la rg e animal fa c ility in Russell hub . “Being back with a ll my buddies ha s been the best part of the whole experi - ence,” the son of Audra and Grant Ny - c huk sa id . “We are a ll extremely gra te ful to b e p l a y i n g h o c ke y a f te r su c h a l o n g N eed for m ore sp a ce NKM RTM #2001 1,344 sq. ft. ti m e off. And we ’re go ing to try and win as many ga m e s as po ssib le in th i s hub .” “The expansion has been F u ll story on page 17-A driven by a huge need for fro m page 1-A more space for a small ani - mal practice,” Dr. Clemence chuckled Dr. Clemence. “The AROUND TOWN . 6-A RCMP REPORT . 9-A stated. “The large animals flow for animals in the clinic HEALTHY LIVING . 12-A are still an important part of will improve and the staff SPORTS . 15-A the practice but make up a should be able to stop trip - DISTRICT NEWS . 20-A lot less of the business be - ping over each other!” GARDENING . 23-A cause of the change in pet The Russell District Vet - CLASSIFIEDS . 24-A culture.” erinary Service Board has AGRICULTURE . 1-B Dr. Clemence noted that been a great support to the the change to small animals area veterinary services, Dr. has allowed for the hire of a Clemence noted. Adding to NKM RTM #2006 1,440 sq. ft. Lotto Numbers second veterinarian and that, the Board has success - more staff, resulting in the fully saved for the expansion; Saturday, April 3 additional space needed. however, with rising building •Lo tto 6/49 “So far we have just com - costs, a Clinic Improvement 12048262292 | [email protected] 12, 13, 19, 35, 42, 47, b o nus 28 pleted the large animal barn Fee was also implemented to •W estern 6/49 and have been using it since assist. 10 , 13, 19, 21, 23, 25, b o nus 42 early March,” she stated. “We The facilities will serve as •Extra plan to renovate the old large a Regional Veterinary Clinic, 2145912 animal space to accommodate owned, serving, and sup - a larger reception area and ported by the four surround - Tuesday, April 6 more examination rooms… ing municipalities: Rural Mu - •Lo tto Max that is the design we are fol - nicipality (R.M.) of Riding 2, 14 , 24, 25, 35, 44, 45, b o nus 11 lowing.” Mountain West, the Munici - •Extra Plans for the small animal pality of Russell Binscarth, 5367114 expansion will include three Rossburn Municipality, and examination rooms for two R.M. of Ellice-Archie. Wednesday, April 7 veterinarians in the existing “The completed facility •Lo tto 6/49 space. The number of dog should be in use by late sum - 23, 31, 34, 38, 39, 41, b o nus 12 kennels will also be in - mer,” Dr. Clemence said. •W estern 6/49 creased, and will contain a “Hopefully when COVID-19 7, 10 , 11, 30, 31, 49, b o nus 3 separate room for cats, “so goes away we can have a •Extra poor kitties don’t have to lis - grand event to celebrate the 10 118 38 ten to whining dogs all day,” opening.” Contact Us Office 353 Statio n Ro a d Bo x 16 0 Sho a l La ke , MB Notice of R0J 1Z 0 Phone ANNUAL 204-759-2644 Fax MEETING Supply & install residential PVC windows & exterior doors.