THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 VOLUME 9 EDITION 36 SERVING SELKIRK, LOCKPORT, ST. ANDREWS, ST. CLEMENTS, WEST ST. PAUL, CLANDEBOYE, PETERSFIELD, LIBAU, GARSON, DUNNOTTAR & TYNDALL Getting back up to speed RECORD PHOTO BY BRETT MITCHELL Pictured from left to right: Jordan Campbell, Robyn Salie and Kennedy Campbell and other skaters hit the ice during the Interlake Speed Skating Camp at the Selkirk Rec Complex last Wednesday. The camp included guest coach, Shani Davis, an American speed skater who is a fi ve-time Olympian, four-time medalist and world record holder. For more coverage, check out our Sports section. news > sports > opinion > community > people > entertainment > events > classifi eds > careers > everything you need to know KEYSTONE SPORTING GOODS (1989) LTD. 417 Main St, Selkirk 204-482-7552 2 The Selkirk Record Thursday, September 6, 2018 Low water levels make for ‘challenging’ conditions on Red River By Justin Luschinski ber of fi sh at one spot. But now we’re Donovan Pearase has been guiding lifting anchor four, six, sometimes 10 anglers along the Red River for more times a day.” than 10 years. Pearase said that the catfi sh are His team at Blackwater Cats are ex- drawn to the water current. When perts at catching channel catfi sh, but there’s a lot of water, and a big cur- with current Red River water levels rent, the fi sh swarm through the Red being so low, they’ve had to work River. The best bites are usually in harder for their catch. spring, around the early mornings, Pearase says although business is which decreases as the day goes on. going fi ne, anglers have to work hard- But with the low water levels, the drop er to meet their quotas. off around the afternoon is more dras- “It’s making things more challeng- tic. ing. We don’t have to worry as much, Ruslan Tracz, an engineering assets because we’re still meeting our or- representative with the Federal Gov- ders, but it’s just not the easy peasy ernment, says although the river is RECORD PHOTO BY JUSTIN LUSCHINSKI fi shing the Red River is known for,” low, it’s still manageable. Pearase said. “When the water levels “Even though they are low, as of to- The federal government has issued a warning about the low water are up, you can catch a decent num- day, the water levels are within the levels on the Red River. They advise all boaters to exercise extreme caution from Winnipeg to the Lockport Dam. summer operating levels,” Tracz said the best advice he has for anglers is to last Friday. “However, without addi- start fi shing early in the morning, and tional precipitation, water levels could keep moving to different locations fall below the operating levels, which throughout the day. has not happened in recent memory.” As of Friday, the Red River water Tracz says the water is low due to the levels measured at 223.82 metres. The extremely dry conditions in the Red government says boaters should ex- River Basin. ercise extreme caution between Win- Pearase said for the last few years, nipeg and the St. Andrews Dam. They Manitoba has had very little snow in should watch out for rocks and other the winter, which usually impacts the hazards that are usually submerged. water fl ow in the spring. He added Lord Selkirk School Division ready to welcome staff, students back to school By Lindsey Enns vision have undergone various con- The Lord Selkirk School Division struction projects over the summer (LSSD) is ready to welcome staff and months including upgrades to light- students back to school this week. ing, new windows as well as install- LSSD Supt. Michele Polinuk says the ing new security cameras. A new gym start of a new school year is always an fl oor was also installed at Mapleton exciting time throughout the division. School. “It is extremely exciting for everyone LSSD administrators were led including teachers and staff, students through 12 stations to help prepare alike,” Polinuk said. “You just get that them for the new school year last new year recharge ... it’s a fresh start week. Some of the stations included for everyone.” presentations on transportation, tech- The fi rst offi cial day of classes is on nology, student services and more. Thursday, Sept. 6 with grades 11 and Polinuk also invites parents and 12 students returning on Friday, Sept. guardians to check out the LSSD’s up- 7. dated website, LSSD.ca, for updates Polinuk said schools within the di- from schools throughout the division. 2017 CHALLENGER 392 ONLY “SCAT PACK SHAKER” 1800 km’s 392 HEMI - 485 Horsepower!!! 1011 Manitoba Ave Selkirk 204-482-4151 Sunroof, Sound Group II, Shaker performance hood & more! $ $ WAS - 58,605 SAVE- 5,010!!! www.selkirkchrysler.com * Price $ plus taxes. TOLL FREE 1-800-204-8620 SALE PRICE - 53,595 The Selkirk Record Thursday, September 6, 2018 3 Rotarians ready for book sale Surveillance video catches driver damaging West St. Paul soccer fi elds Submitted would want to damage a place that The RM of West St. Paul has pro- our staff work so hard to maintain so vided video surveillance to RCMP of that kids and adults can have a safe a vehicle causing damage to the West and enjoyable place to enjoy sports St. Paul Recreation Centre soccer and recreation,” West St. Paul Mayor fi elds last Wednesday evening. Bruce Henley said. “I’m glad that our The video shows the vehicle driv- cameras were able to catch the dam- ing onto the fi elds at about 10:20 p.m. age, and we’re happy to provide those on Aug. 29 and leaving ruts in the images to the RCMP.” ground. The video also shows the ve- RCMP are now investigating the hicle licence plate. matter. “I can’t understand why anyone RECORD PHOTOS BY JUSTIN LUSCHINSKI Local Rotarians were busy setting up for their annual book sale fundraiser last week. The eighth annual Selkirk Rotary Club Book sale will take place inside the old Selkirk arena, commonly referred to as “The Barn,” on Sept. 6, 7 and 8 as well as on Sept. 13, 14 and 15. Classes for ages 7 and up on Tuesday & Thursday evenings beginning September 6th at the High School Upper Gym TWO WEEK TRIAL FREE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE Affordable for families Ask about our 8 week program for 5—6 year olds For more info, call Brian 782-9785 www.selkirkjudoclub.com Are you Puzzled? 439 MAINAIN ST.,ST SELKIRK HOURSHOURS MONDAY - FRIDAY 9-9 North of Manitoba Ave. SATURDAY 9-6 SUNDAY 12-5 BiG DOLLAR 4 The Selkirk Record Thursday, September 6, 2018 Through his lens Local photographer refl ects on decades of capturing moments around the world By Justin Luschinski On a warm summer evening, as the Red River ebbs and fl ows along the Selkirk Waterfront, you can often fi nd Bill “Newzman” Smyth, parked on his mobility scooter, trying to fi nd the perfect way to capture the beauty of the city. Bill Smyth, also known as “Newz- man,” as his license plate reads, has RECORD PHOTOS BY JUSTIN LUSCHINSKI been taking photos since 1955. He’s travelled the world, taking photos of ABOVE AND LEFT: Bill Smyth of Selkirk waits to take the perfect shot everything from Elizabeth Taylor in while cruising around the city recently. Smyth has been an avid the Bahamas to sharks swimming in photographer for more than 50 years and his skill and talent have taken the sea. him around the world. BELOW: Framed pictures Smyth has taken hang Not long before he moved to Selkirk, inside his Selkirk apartment. Smyth suffered a stroke. The right photos, for free. My friends say they’ll side of his body was damaged, with put my camera in the coffi n with me,” uses a longer lens, he needs to use a his right hand weakened to the point Smyth said. “I’ve been taking pictures monopod, or support for the camera where he couldn’t hold his camera. for over 50 years … I never knew that on his scooter. His old fi lm camera has But Smyth still loved photography all cameras were right handed.” seen a lot of work, but he still carries and knew he had to fi nd a way to keep Smyth bought and built a left-hand- it around with him wherever he goes. snapping pictures. ed rig for his camera, a box-looking “That’s not so rare now, since every- “My one true love in life was taking device with a remote that can activate body has a camera on their (smart- pictures. I’ve been giving away pic- the camera. He can usually hold it phones),” Smyth said. tures of people, just over a hundred up and get amazing photos, but if he Smyth started taking pictures when he was 14 years old, in 1955. Although Smyth started taking pic- tures when he was just 14-years-old, he offi cially began his career when he FOUNDATION was 17, taking photos for Eddie Black in Toronto, the founder of Blacks Pho- “I remember I got the call, they fl ew to Corporation. me out there, to a private resort. (An- FEATURE After that, he switched to a different other photographer) dropped out at company, and moved to the Bahamas, the last minute. I remember trying to where he became a diver, and took take the photo, and I’m just sweating WALTER WHYTE SCHOOL EAGLE pictures of sharks and other aquatic bullets, I was very nervous,” Smyth Selkirk & District Community Foundation GARDEN – CREATED BY THE said.