Manitoba’s longest serving Conservative Member of Parliament Inky Mark has announced his retirement from federal politics after serving the people of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette for the past twelve years.

Mark explained that with two young grandsons it was time to begin a new chapter in his life focusing on wife Lynda and their family. He decided to announce his retirement now to give local Conservatives time to select a new candidate in preparation for the next general election.

"It has been an honour to serve the people of Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette. I consider myself privileged to be their public servant." said Mark.

Over the years Mark has been described as outspoken, anti-establishment, never concerned with what party officials think of him, and always putting the people at home before the Party in Ottawa. He has sat in Parliament representing the Reform Party of Canada, the Canadian Alliance, Independent Conservative, the P.C.D.R. Coalition, the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and the Conservative Party of Canada.

The Intermountain Conservation District (IMCD) hosted a composting demonstration in Gilbert Plains on Tuesday evening, June 23.

Approximately 20 people came out to get some tips on how to compost.

Patti Eilers outlined the five basics: fifty-fifty rule for brown and green contents by weight; when & how to mix the pile; proper moisture level; appropriate surface area; and ideal bin volume.

She demonstrated a layering of contents to begin the process. She started with 3 - 4 inches of twigs, followed by 6" of brown material - leaves, wood chips and dried grass clippings. The third layer was green material - fruit and vegetable scraps, fresh grass clippings and coffee grounds. Next was a layer of soil to prevent bugs being attracted and to add the microorganisms necessary to start decomposition. The final touch is a light sprinkle of water.