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Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Softball's swinging '70s
Winnipeg In 1973, top-level softball in Manitoba went through a season of change that impacted on the game for the balance of the decade. Seeking better competition in order to improve at the national level, our top men's team Black Knights entered the new Western Major Fastball League (WMFL) with teams in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Champs Food Systems came on board as a sponsor and the Knights became the Winnipeg Colonels. While the Manitoba Softball Association (MSA) accepted the Colonels as a registered team, the Canadian Amateur Softball Association (CASA) identified the WMFL teams as semi-pro and ruled that they could not represent their provinces in the national senior men's championship. In previous years, senior A teams represented Manitoba in both the national men's and women's championships. In order to determine the 1973 representatives, the MSA chose to hold tournaments, which teams of any level from senior A down could enter. Called elimination tournaments and played at Charlie Krupp Stadium and the Old Exhibition Grounds in North Winnipeg on the weekend of July 21 and 22, the men's side attracted 12 teams and the women's three. Free Press file photo The CUAC Blues had dominated women's softball since 1957 winning the Western Canada Championship that year and again in 1960 and Canadian crown in 1965. Bobbi Janaway (pictured here in 2010) played for the CUAC Blues 1959-71. The Kildonan Kings, Winnipeg Tigers, Central Canadian Eagles and Ste. Anne Saints entered from the Winnipeg Men's Industrial League. The other entries came from Beausejour, Clanwilliam, Lac du Bonnet, Pine Falls, Thompson, Winkler, and two from Selkirk. The men's tournament was a modified double knockout where two losses led to elimination. Going through the A-side undefeated was a surprising young team from the Interlake League Selkirk Ducklings. On Sunday, Ste. Anne won the B-side by eliminating the Eagles, Tigers and Kings, who had knocked them out of the A-side with a 2-0 victory on Saturday. The A-B final was all Saints as they hammered out 21 hits enroute to 12-2 and 13- 3 wins. Charlie Brown was the winning pitcher in Game 1, while Al Lang was on the rubber in the clincher. Ozzie Richard hit a two-run homer in the final game and Gary Lach contributed two important hits. Cam Bouchard, who spent many years with Kiewel Seals as the province's top second baseman, coached the Saints. The CUAC Blues had dominated women's softball since 1957 winning the Western Canada Championship that year and again in 1960 and Canadian crown in 1965. The dynasty ended in the club's final season with an easy victory in the elimination tournament. In the double round-robin, the Blues won four straight games over longtime rivals CPAC Falconettes and a squad from Selkirk. CUAC plated 45 runs and allowed just five. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. The MSA executive believed that the elimination tournaments increased interest in the sport across the province. The association continued to hold them through the rest of the decade — always on the August long weekend — and they became a major attraction for local sports fans. In 1974, the St. Vital Flocking Ducks beat Ste. Anne in a best-of-three final. Pat Coffey threw a no-hitter in the 11-0 first-game win, The second game went four extra innings before the Saints Wayne Gilbert doubled home Bob Turner with the game's only run. Brown was the winner. Ducks then won the right to represent the province in the Canadian championship with a 3-2 victory. Don Barton's double plated the winning run in the fifth. With pitcher Ralph Ens earning MVP honours with four wins and a relief appearance, St. Vital won seven straight in 1975. Ex-Colonels Ens and Ken Dilk both pitched no-hitters. From 1976 to 1979, the province was presented by Terry Balkan Yu Betchas, Steinbach A&W Stealers, Playall Trophies and Selkirk Steel Kings. Future Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame inducted pitcher Cliff Bishop played an important role for three teams. The exception was the Stealers, whose top pitcher was Wayne Banman. In women's elimination play, the St. Boniface Royalettes won four times between 1974 and 1978 losing to CPAC in 1975. The team leaders included Anna Mae Reagh, Lois Fast and Judy Cochrane, who earned MVP honours. ACL Insulators behind MVP pitcher Jan Joyce won in 1979. In 1980, the CASA finally allowed WMFL teams to qualify for the Canadian championship. The Colonels won four straight games in the elimination tournament. Second baseman Grant Skinner, who was named MVP, said the team had to wait eight long years to prove they were the best team in the province. Future Premier Brian Pallister allowed six hits and struck out 12 in the final win over Steinbach. T. Kent MorganMemories of Sport Memories of Sport appears every second week in the Canstar Community News weeklies. Kent Morgan can be contacted at 204-489-6641 or email: sportsmemories@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
MACC's crackdown on illegal steel scrap bolsters fair trade practices: Industry body
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Steel Association (MSA) says Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's Ops Metal initiative is strengthening fair trade practices, while supporting economic integrity and the development of sustainable supply chains. It said the illegal outflow of steel scrap results in domestic supply shortages, driving up costs and affecting the production output of local manufacturers. Ops Metal saw enforcement actions carried out at 19 locations, with illicit activities causing Malaysia to reportedly lose more than RM950 million in tax revenue over the past six years, averaging RM160 million each year. MSA said such substantial losses undermine the country's fiscal stability and erode market confidence. "Illicit exports directly undermine Malaysia's industrial decarbonisation efforts. Steel scrap is essential for low-carbon steel production, leading to substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods. "A secure and transparent domestic scrap supply is therefore paramount for achieving Malaysia's Net Zero by 2050 commitment, aligning with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 which identifies basic metals as a key enabler of the green economy," it added. MSA said illicit steel scrap activities directly endanger the industry's sustainability, emphasising that this essential raw material is crucial for maintaining robust industrial operations, supporting job creation and driving sustainable national development. It added that coordinated, multi-agency efforts involving key government enforcement and financial bodies are essential to effectively combat illicit activities. "To ensure vital material supply for essential projects and long-term sustainability, MSA urges implementation of strategic frameworks that will enhance transparent domestic scrap circulation, facilitate circular economy integration, and ensure the continuity of low-emission steel production," it said. The association added that such measures are crucial to support Malaysia's infrastructure growth and climate goals, as they help strengthen industrial stability, uphold environmental responsibilities and boost global competitiveness.
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Ops Metal key to restoring supply chain integrity and investment confidence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Steel Association (MSA) has emphasised the importance of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) 'Ops Metal' in safeguarding supply chain integrity and reinforcing investor trust. The operation targets illegal scrap metal exports, which have cost Malaysia RM950 million in lost tax revenue over six years. The MSA stressed that unchecked scrap outflows threaten industrial resilience, climate targets, and job creation. It urged stronger frameworks for transparent domestic scrap circulation to support low-emission steel production and circular economy goals. 'Multi-agency collaboration is vital to curb smuggling and align with Malaysia's infrastructure and climate commitments,' the MSA stated. The recent raids, including at NationGate Solution (M) Sdn Bhd, uncovered systemic tax evasion averaging RM160 million annually. The steel sector, contributing 2.5% to GDP and supporting 112,000 jobs, faces supply shortages and inflated costs due to illegal exports. The MSA warned these activities jeopardise Malaysia's Net Zero 2050 target and NIMP 2030's green economy vision. MITI's actions against tariff circumvention were commended, with the MSA reiterating the need for market discipline to sustain economic stability and supply chain security. - Bernama
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Clarity sought on Helen Botes' position at Johannesburg Property Company
The DA is demanding answers on whether Helen Botes has returned as chief executive of the Johannesburg Property Company. Image: File The status of controversial Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) chief executive Helen Botes in the entity has again been questioned after allegations emerged on Wednesday that she was back in her position. Botes' return was disputed by the JPC, with its spokesperson, Lucky Sindane, stating that Musah Makhunga was the company's acting chief executive. The JPC board has not responded at the time of publication. Botes had been the City of Johannesburg's acting chief operations officer (COO) until several temporary appointments could not be extended last month, including that of acting city manager Tshepo Makola, who returned to his permanent position of COO. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading This was after Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Richard Mamabolo seconded Kiba Kekana as acting city manager. According to DA shadow City of Johannesburg economic development MMC Bongani Nkomo, Botes' contract as JPC boss expired in September last year. He stated that the JPC board has reinstated her months after her contract expired, and without any legal or procedural basis to do so. 'This alleged reinstatement, if true, constitutes a blatant violation of the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and will be an insult to the principles of transparent, lawful governance,' Nkomo said. He also said this could signal yet another example of ANC-led cadre deployment and backroom dealing, which has long undermined service delivery and accountability in the city. 'Botes' contract as CEO of JPC expired in September 2024. Since then, she has inexplicably continued to occupy a space in the city's administration under the ambiguous title of COO, despite no clarity on her legal appointment status,' added Nkomo. He said with Kekana's recent secondment as acting city manager and Makola's return to his role as COO, questions were now mounting over Botes' official position, if any. Nkomo expressed concerns that the JPC board may have acted unilaterally to reinstate Botes to the position of JPC chief executive without following due legal processes, as no council resolution has been tabled or adopted to approve her reinstatement. Additionally, there is no confirmation that a fixed-term contract or performance agreement has been submitted as required under Section 57 of the MSA, and no formal extension of acting capacity has been granted beyond the legally permitted six months, contrary to what is prescribed under Section 54A. The DA is demanding confirmation of any formal council or board resolution passed on Botes' return to the JPC, proof of Mamabolo's concurrence for any acting extension beyond the statutory limit, and a clear and legal explanation of what position she currently holds within the municipality or JPC, and on what authority. 'If this alleged reinstatement occurred outside of the prescribed legal framework, it is null and void,' Nkomo warned. It has also threatened to escalate the matter to the Section 79 oversight committee and refer it to Mamabolo for urgent investigation.
Int'l Business Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
A Fair Way Mediation Center Celebrates 30-Year Milestone of Seamless Divorce Mediation
A Fair Way Mediation Center celebrates 30 years of resolving conflicts through effective mediation, helping marital couples and partnerships get separated with ease. Founded by Richard Gordon, the company has provided its mediation services since the late 70s with a single goal: to facilitate the arduous and often painful process of separation through a compassionate approach. As it enters its 30th year, the company's motto, "We help people break up nicely," has echoed throughout its business operations, enabling couples to have a peaceful resolution. "Divorces are often messy, but when legal proceedings are involved, it can get much uglier," Gordon says. "We're showing people that there are other ways of resolving the problem." At its heart, A Fair Way provides mediation services to divorcing couples without confusing legal complications, exorbitant fees, and conflicting solutions. "Many divorces involve a lot of money, time, and resources, which really adds to the suffering of the people who are going through the divorce," Gordon explains. "My business is built on the belief that there has to be a better way, for everyone." A Fair Way's values are rooted in compassion, sensitivity, and transparency, and they bring these values to every client interaction. The firm recognizes that people undergoing a divorce aren't looking for complex procedures that break their bank accounts, but require a compassionate approach that prioritizes their emotions. "At our firm, we get to know you to the best of our ability and equip you with all the options to help you make a decision," Gordon states. With a personalized and empathetic approach, the company reaffirms that married couples can work through the process of mediation and arrive at a peaceful resolution, without losing control to divorce lawyers and judges. Gordon's passion for his work comes from an epiphany he had in the late 80s when he realized that he wanted to be involved in mediation rather than litigation. "I realized I wanted to help people more than hurt them," says Gordon. At A Fair Way, the company takes great measures to ensure that its divorce settlement procedures are straightforward, uncomplicated, and, at its core, compassionate. They have a 30-minute free consultation to gauge the couple's dynamics and if there's a possibility of reconciliation between the two parties. Once the parties have come to a mutual decision, the firm begins the paperwork process. They provide the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) with financial disclosure statements to facilitate a fair, reasonable, and equitable division of assets. Both parties receive a thorough explanation of the terms of the contract to ensure clarity and avoid any future disagreements before the divorce is processed. "This is mediation 101," Gordon adds. While amicable divorces do occur, there have been many instances where divorce has led to one party losing their assets, and a major reason behind this is due to the lack of legal knowledge that pervades the general public. "Each party owns 50% of everything in a community property state, such as California. Most people aren't aware of this, which brings forth a lot of confusion and anger after the division of assets," Gordon explains. "People need to make efforts to get educated about their rights and responsibilities to have better control when facing such circumstances." Aside from divorce agreement mediation, the company provides dispute resolution and mediation for homeowners associations, partnership agreements, and even between parents and schools. "Almost anything can be mediated," Gordon says. "Mediation creates a forum for calm discussions, compassion, and most importantly, compromise, which is pivotal for any conflict resolution." Separation, at its core, is a bitter and complicated experience for every party involved, but Richard Gordon proves that it doesn't have to be through his proficient mediation services. By leading with compassion, honesty, consideration, and structure for the last 30 years, A Fair Way Mediation Center has redefined messy breakups, embodying the role of the silver lining after every dark cloud.
