A 56-year-old Steinbach woman died outside Whiteshell Provincial Park on July 5, when she lost control of her motorcycle at approximately 5:30 p.m.

She was identified as Shauna Harms-Wiebe.

Falcon Beach RCMP said they along with fire services and EMS crews responded to a report that a group of motorcyclists were travelling east on Highway 44 when one rider lost control of her vehicle, landing in the south ditch near Provincial Road 312.

Harms-Wiebe was transported to Lake of the Woods District Hospital by EMS but succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter.

This month, Cooks Creek will come alive with the sights and sounds of a bygone era as the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes hosts the much-anticipated Cooks Creek Medieval Festival. Drawing thousands of visitors from across Manitoba and around the world, this unique event has become a staple in the region’s cultural calendar.

Since its inception in 2004, the Cooks Creek Medieval Festival has been held every two years, with the mission of raising funds for the iconic Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the surrounding historic grounds. Beyond its role as a fundraiser, the festival has grown into one of Manitoba’s most recognizable cultural events, showcasing a blend of entertainment, history, and tradition.

At the heart of the festival is the thrilling spectacle of jousting. Professional jousters, some hailing from across the globe, compete in matches that recreate the excitement of medieval tournaments. The competition is not only a crowd favourite but is also recognized on the international stage, adding prestige to the event. Alongside jousting, festivalgoers can witness heavy armour battles, where participants clad in full medieval gear engage in combat that is equal parts sport and theatre.

The festival’s attractions extend far beyond the arena. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a medieval marketplace, complete with artisans, craftspeople, and entertainers who bring history to life. The program also features traditional Highland games, music, and performances that highlight the rich cultural traditions of both Europe and the Canadian Prairies. It is often said that if something belongs to the medieval era, you will find it at Cooks Creek.

It’s often said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. Politicians are far less likely to make questionable spending decisions when they know they are being watched.

That’s why transparency with government books is so important. When spending is kept hidden from the public, questionable decisions become far more common.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly the kind of thing we are seeing from Manitoba’s NDP government. Perhaps the best example is the secretive way in which it has handled the opening of its U.S. Trade office.

First established last year, the ostensible purpose of this office was to strengthen trade relationships between Manitoba and the United States. However, red flags quickly became apparent when Premier Wab Kinew appointed former CBC journalist Richard Madan to the position.