A Year in Review: January, 2018.

Sheldon, Kathy and Willow Wiens (Photo credit: Wiens family)Manitoba's New Year's baby was born to Steinbach couple Sheldon and Kathy Wiens. Willow Wiens arrived just 30 minutes after midnight. Sheldon says they were told soon after she was born that Willow was the Manitoba's first baby of the year.

"That was kind of a surprise. We weren't even thinking about that at the time. We were just happy that our baby was healthy and here."

Main Street in Steinbach began to take on a new look as the city installed new signs on street light poles. The

New signs being installed along Main Street in Steinbachmetal structures represent sheaves of wheat and machine sprockets which are part of the city's logo, intended to represent agriculture, business and industry.

A very bright light crossed the night sky here in the southeast on January 4th. The Manitoba Planetarium said it was likely a meteor.

Also in January, U.S. Customs reduced border crossing hours at Lancaster and Roseau, Minnesota. It said there was not enough traffic to stay open longer.

The gym at Steinbach Christian School was knocked out of commission. A sprinkler went off when it was struck by a ball during an activity. the school had to find alternate gym space for several months while repairs were made.

The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary voted to shut down after 80 years in operation. There were simply no young people coming forward to take over.

The Hanover School Division began the tendering process for the new high school in Niverville. Construction would begin later in the year.

Plaza fireplaceAnd the outdoor fireplace in front of the T.G. Smith Centre went into operation. It had taken more than a year to get certification for the custom-built unit from Centra Gas.