Accessibility Tools

The Gilbert Plains Grandview Ag Society Fair and Rodeo Returns again this weekend!

Starting tomorrow, It will be a packed weekend of bull riding, barrel racing, Chuckwagons, Chariots, and much more.

Ag Society President Kevin Boese had a hard time picking a favorite of these many events.

"Well, between the bull riding, the saddle broncs, the rough stock events and the chuck wagons, it's extremely exciting to watch. There's some amazing horsemanship that goes into the chuck wagons with those guys trying to guide four horses around the barrels and cruising around that track, it's quite something to watch."

Between all the main rodeo action, there will also be mutton busting, chore competition, and other halftime shows to keep the excitement rolling.

He also mentions that with everything going on, the prices can't be beat.

"Friday is 15 bucks for a day pass, Saturday is 20, and Sunday is 15, but if you get a weekend pass, $35, you can take in all 3 days. like I say, you really can't afford not to come."

So whether you take a day, or the full weekend, you'll find no shortage of entertainment at the Gilbert Plains Grandview Ag Society Fair and Rodeo!

Posted by Gilbert Plains-Grandview Ag Society on Monday, July 8, 2024

Big Game Draw results will be released tomorrow.

Based on this year’s review of licences, the province has decided to reduce the number of licences in a limited number of Game Hunting Areas.

This year, this was done to balance population sustainability and the needs of harvesters while still offering hunting opportunities.

Overall, there are no changes to Elk draw numbers, but available moose draw licences have been reduced in four of the province’s 62 game hunting areas.

You'll be able to find more details at the Government of Manitoba Website

Fusion Credit Union has awarded $18,000 in scholarships this year to high school graduates entering post-secondary programs.

Now in its fifth year, the Fusion Scholarship Program was developed to support students in their academic ventures and to invest in the future of our communities. Since its inception, Fusion has handed out more than $100,000 in scholarship dollars to support more than 200 graduates across their 18 communities and beyond.

Darwin Johns is the CEO of Fusion Credit Union.

“At Fusion, we actively support our members to achieve great things, because their success is our success,” says Darwin Johns, CEO. “We see these scholarships as an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.”

12 scholarships were given out to graduates of the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS). Each of the 12 were given $500 for their post-secondary studies.

The list includes Ava Paziuk, Breanna Gryba, Dalayna Tomlinson, Ellie Czarnecki, Kara Paziuk, Kendel Gibbs, Kiara Wilson, Madisson Garton, Marti Nichol, Raylyn Koshowski, Reese Boguski, and Tristyn Hanneson. 

“We wish them all the best going into this new chapter of their lives,” ended Johns. “Fusion is here for them every step of the way.”

Following a high-profile trial that lasted more than a month, Jeremy Skibicki will be spending the next at least 25 years behind bars.

On Thursday morning, the serial killer was convicted of first-degree murder in the deaths of four women in Winnipeg. Manitoba Court of King's Bench Chief Justice Glenn Joyal delivered the ruling. 

One of the females who was murdered was Rebecca Contois, who was 24. Contois was a member of O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, also known as Crane River. Morgan Harris, 39, and Marcedes Myran, 26, were both members of the Long Plain First Nation. An unidentified woman community leaders have given the name Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe, or Buffalo Woman was the fourth victim.

Skibicki had previously pleaded not guilty to the four counts. While he did admit to the killings, he argued that he should not be found criminally responsible because of a mental disorder, specifically schizophrenia. Once the verdict was handed out, the courtroom erupted with cheers and applause.

In a media release, Premier Wab Kinew had the following to say on the verdict.

Today is a significant day in the history of Manitoba. It is important that there is accountability for what are some of the worst crimes in our province’s history. I thank Chief Justice Glenn Joyal for showing respect to the victims, their families and the context of MMIWG2S+ in which the verdict was delivered.

This verdict is a relief for so many in our province because it meets our expectations on how any of us as Manitobans would want our families to be treated if we were thrown into such a terrible situation.

Women are sacred and what the admitted serial killer has been found guilty of represents a dark violation of the way our society is supposed to function and of the basic dignity to which each person is entitled.

Skibicki now faces an automatic life sentence with no chance of parole for 25 years. 

Following the verdict, Kinew says he spoke to the families of Myran, Harris, and Contos to offer them support and hear their reactions. 

On behalf of the Manitoba government, I thank the families of these women. The people of this great land join you in remembering your loved ones," said Kinew.

The three people charged in relation to a trio of armed robberies in Dauphin in early March have all made recent court appearances.

24-year-old Mallory Catcheway of Brandon was in Dauphin court on Monday and had her matters put over until August 27th.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Lorenzo Ducharme and 30-year-old Desmond Parenteau - both of Duck Bay - appeared on Tuesday and were remanded back into custody until their next appearances - this Friday for Parenteau and September 10th for Ducharme. 

And a Dauphin man accused of assaulting one person and then assaulting and spitting on a police officer was also back in court.

30-year-old Shayne Lavallee had his case recessed until July 18th. 

The province has launched its latest round of applications for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant.

The fund, which gives funding to Manitoba businesses to help them train new and current employees, benefitted 485 companies and organizations during the 2023-24 intake period and trained 9,615 employees - including 763 new hires.

Over the last two years, a total of $10 has been made available through this grant, which gives funding to Manitoba businesses to help them train new and current employees.

This year, $3 million is being made available through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement with the Federal Government. 

Employers are eligible to receive up to $10,000 per employee and up to $100,000 per training project.

Small employers with 100 or fewer employees can receive up to 75 per cent of eligible training costs, while larger employers can receive up to 50 per cent of training costs.

Applications will be accepted until July 24th through the government's website gov.mb.ca.

The entire Parkland region, as well as all of Central and Southern Manitoba, is under a heat warning by Environment Canada.

The weather service says humidex levels are expected to reach 40 degrees, both Thursday and Friday.

An upper ridge that has blanketed the rest of Western Canada this week has moved into Manitoba today.

A slight reprieve is likely beginning late Friday into the weekend as the warmest air shifts southward, though temperatures will remain well above seasonal into early next week.

Environment Canada adds extreme heat can affect everyone’s health, with the health risks greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.

Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and the worsening of some health conditions.

You are also encouraged to drink plenty of water regularly to decrease your risk of dehydration.

The Dauphin RCMP detachment will be closed on Thursday.

The reason for the closure is due to unforeseen circumstances.

The detachment is set to re-open on Friday morning at 8:00. If you have an emergency, call 911 or 622-5050. 

It's a massive and more modern upgrade for the Mossey River Municipality, as the Winnipegosis Fire Department has purchased a pumper truck.

This 2014 model replaces two older trucks from '72 and '89, and Fire Chief Gerry Vermette says it has some great new features.

"The big feature we really like, it's going to be a benefit, it's got a 3-inch top mount monitor gun. That'll be great help in fighting structure fires and even for grass fires and stuff. That was one of the big features that we liked about it."

This truck was purchased in partnership with the Municipality and funding from the Manitoba Hydro Community Development Initiative at a price tag of roughly $285,000.

Gerry also noted departments like this do a lot more than just put out fires.

The Winnipegosis Fire Department is host to a STARS air ambulance mobile fuel cache that extends their rescue range by 150km.

It also orchestrates water rescue operations and attends to car accidents and other critical rescue operations.

Vermette wants to thank not just the funders, but the people that dedicate their time to save lives.

"Thanks to all our past and present firefighters for the commitment and support they've given to our fire department"

He expects this new truck to last for quite some time.

As well, the Firehall is always looking for new members. If you're looking to try your hand at these life-saving roles, they are accepting applicants, and also offer a youth training program for those between 16 and 18.

Stop by the Firehall, or contact them on their Facebook page to find out more details on how you can get involved

Effects of excess moisture continue to impact our producers, as the RM of Dauphin has also declared a state of Agricultural Disaster.

This follows the recent announcement from the Mossey River RM that also acknowledged the damage seen in their area.

In the release, Reeve Ernie Sirski noted the excess rain piled onto problems caused by a big early season melt.

"It wasn't just one snowstorm, there was at least 2 that I remember, and if I'm not mistaken, there were 3 in March that hit. A lot of that moisture didn't run off, as the ground wasn't very frozen. it went down."

Sirski was also concerned about the rising tensions and stress among producers, hoping there could be amicable interactions with his staff and constituents.

" A lot of us involved in Municipal politics live agriculture. Not just crops and livestock, but every other aspect of it as well. And you know, the thing that doesn't help is coming up and yelling at councilors or managers or staff. Using foul language doesn't help any. We understand your situation, all we ask is a little understanding on the way back."

The release requests the Province initiate a financial assistance program for all those affected, possibly even seeking federal assistance as well.

If you use the Alonsa Vet Clinic for your animal needs, you must find a new option for now.

In a Facebook post, it was announced that Dr. Ronald Mentz died suddenly at his home on Tuesday evening.

As a result, the Vet Clinic will close until further notice.