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Manitobans are being encouraged to get out this weekend and try out one of the summer's most popular pastimes.
This is family fishing weekend, which means you can fish any of the province's lakes without needing a fishing licence.
The only exception is Riding Mountain National Park, where you need a federal angling licence to fish.
Catch limits and other regulations remain in effect.
You are encouraged to check out Manitoba's Angling Guide for 2025 before you head out.
Also, a reminder that backcountry travel restrictions and fire bans remain in place for many parts of the province
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An investigation is underway after the Swan Valley Fire Department responded to a single-vehicle collision on Friday morning.
At 5:15, crews were on the scene at 4th Ave N where a truck crashed into a hydro pole. When crews arrived, no one was in the vehicle, and despite search efforts, no one was found nearby.
The crew disconnected the battery and handed the scene over to the Swan River RCMP. The hydro pole was damaged in the crash.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The celebration is on in Oakburn this weekend.
Kim Manuliak and her dedicated crew have been preparing for months, and the wait is almost over. That community will be celebrating Manitoba's 155th birthday on Saturday.
"We'll start with a pancake breakfast at the community hall from 8 to 9:30, then we'll have a parade starting at 10," said Manuliak. "Afterward, you can head to the rink grounds where everything will occur. There are bouncy castles, a rock climbing wall, and we're having a lawn mower obstacle course challenge."
There will also be entertainment, food trucks, and beer gardens on site. There will also be a Manitoba-made market with dozens of Manitoba-based vendors. There is a petting zoo from 12 to 6 and an old-time dance at the community hall from 2 to 5.
Come dusk, fireworks will light up the sky, and there's also a social. Kim says they were planning on hosting a big event in 2019, however, it was cancelled because of the pandemic. So this weekend's event is six years in the making.
"We're very excited. It's been a tiring week, but we're getting everything set to go," ended Manuliak. "It's been a long time coming. It'll be a great time for our community and everyone to get together."
You can find a full schedule of events here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
There are an estimated 1,000 Filipinos living in Neepawa and the surrounding area.
Starting this weekend and running over the next week, the local Filipino Association of Neepawa & Area will celebrate Filipino heritage, past, present, and future. Starting with a Filipino Heritage Day Celebration at the Yellowhead Centre on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Observed every June, the day brings together a time to celebrate and recognise the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipinos in Neepawa and the surrounding area.
Van Afuang immigrated from the Philippines 23 years ago and lives in Gladstone. He is the president of the local Filipino Association, and as the Filipino population in Neepawa and the surrounding area continues to grow, Afuang remains the primary voice for the Filipino community in the region.
"It's quite overwhelming, I'm always excited to meet new Filipino immigrants," said Afuang. "I love showing them my experiences and showing them ways to get involved in the community."
Between 2016 and 2021, the population in Neepawa increased from 4,609 to 5,685. As one of Manitoba's fastest-growing towns, Neepawa has become a central hub for the Filipino community in a rural setting.
"You can go there and feel like you're in the Philippines," offered Afuang. "Every establishment and workplace has Filipinos working. We can speak with our native tongue, and often we crave our foods from back home, which we share amongst each other here."
Van is a registered nurse in town and welcomes everyone to the Yellowhead Centre on Saturday. You do not need to be of Filipino descent to join. Next Thursday, there will be a Filipino flag-raising ceremony at Riverbend Park at 10 a.m.
Next Saturday, they will celebrate another Filipino Heritage Day at the Yellowhead Centre, beginning at 1 p.m. Van says the events over the next week are extremely meaningful.
"It's very special. We are trying to promote our culture and heritage," ended Afuang. "We have been doing this for three years, and believe this year will be the best yet."
The Filipino community is thriving in Neepawa and the area, and are looking forward to celebrating.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
An incident in the south end of the city early Tuesday morning has led to an investigation being launched by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba.
At around 3:11 am that morning, Dauphin RCMP were alerted about a man having a mental health crisis in a hotel room along Main Street South.
The man left the room before police could arrive, but he was located later in a dense bush area.
The police dog service was called in, and the man suffered a dog bite and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.
Because the incident resulted in a serious injury, the IIU is mandated to conduct an investigation.
Witnesses or anyone with information or video footage are asked to contact the IIU toll-free at 1-844-667-6060.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Prairie Mountain Health is wrapping up the second and final week of Rural Week, where first-year medical students at the University of Manitoba spend several days in medical facilities in rural communities.
A total of 46 students spent time at health facilities in 15 PMH communities.
Tamara Kemp-Boulet, a physician recruitment and retention coordinator with Prairie Mountain Health, says the experience is an eye-opener for the students.
"They told us that they had never considered rural practice, but now that we have spent time in this community and see what you have to offer, now we are interested. Rural week has been around since 2003, we have had students who actually made their decision to work in rural Manitoba based on their experience during Rural Week."
Besides getting hands-on learning from medical professionals, the students are also shown the benefits of rural life by members of the communities.
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Friday is an exciting day for some students at Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus.
Convocation ceremonies will take place, and Learning Specialist Kristy DeSender with the college says the entire faculty is excited to celebrate with the graduates.
"Some of the students that were with us, we have been working with them for up to four years, depending on what their individual paths are. And to get to see them finally accomplish what they have set out to do, and to realize their dreams, and walk across that stage. We get to shake their hand and start them off in their new careers. We are so very proud of our graduates, and honoured that they let us share in this experience with them."
Over 50 students are set to graduate from Parkland Campus this year.
The ceremony begins at 2 pm on Friday at Credit Union Place.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Marc Dorais' court proceedings are returning to Dauphin for his next scheduled appearance.
The 54-year-old from Ethelbert faces several charges after a house in that community was set on fire on June 1st of last year, while a mother and her children were inside the home at the same time.
Dorais was in a Winnipeg courtroom late last week, when his matters were put over until June 9th in Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Winnipeg man has received a hefty fine for flying a drone in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP).
Park Wardens were notified about a drone at a day-use area. A Search Warrant was executed to examine the drone's data. The result revealed the drone had been flown within RMNP on three separate occasions, where it was used to harass wildlife.
An investigation led to a fine of $1,680 under the Canada National Parks Act for the Winnipeg man.
Operating a drone within RMNP without prior authorization is prohibited.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
June is Pride Month.
Ashern is hosting their Pride event on Friday at the Ashern Legion from 1:30 to 5:30. The City of Winnipeg hosted their Pride event earlier this month, and hundreds attended. Now, it's time for the Village of Winnipegosis to take over.
Their Pride event begins at 11 a.m. on the Boulevard in that community on Sunday.
Cyndie Blythe says this is their fourth year, and excitement is off the charts.
"And we find that extremely gratifying. To be able to say we've been able to hold a Pride event for four years in the little backwoods puddle of Winnipegosis," said Blythe. "We're really reaching people. We feel that there is a lot of excitement locally."
There is a ton planned between 11 and 4. Then at 4, the Pride Parade hits the streets of Winnipegosis.
"Every hour or so, we will have a family-friendly drag performance. We are bringing three wonderful drag performers from Winnipeg, which is very exciting," continued Blythe. "We will also be having the drag performers read children's stories. We'll have food stands, yard games, tattoos, finger painting, and face painting."
There will also be inspirational speeches and a variety of vendors. Now 62, Blythe, who identifies as a Lesbian, was well into her 40s before she was able to embrace her sexuality.
"That is something I wouldn't wish on anyone," added Blythe. "To have to live 40 years in denial and self-loathing. In hiding."
Last year's event was an overwhelming success.
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Sunday, starting at 11, is all about inclusiveness in the Village of Winnipegosis, and you're invited to join in on the parade. Blythe says it's critical to celebrate the diversity and inclusiveness in her community.
"We are providing an opportunity for people to learn about the 2SLGBTQ+ community," ended Blythe. "Most importantly, there are people who are questioning and hiding. This is a safe place. This is where you can be out and proud."
That's the Winnipegosis Pride event, starting at 11 on Sunday on the Boulevard.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Their mission is to keep Dauphin safe.
Almost a dozen incredible volunteers have been doing their part. Dauphin Citizens on Patrol has been working hard since December 2022. They've logged over 6,700 kilometres to help prevent crime.
Richard Ives is the program coordinator and is pleased with how things have been going.
"Things are great. Summer time is a little slower for us, as our volunteers want to enjoy the weather," said Ives. "We do two-hour patrols at a time when we're out. We have a great group of volunteers."
Recently, Dauphin Citizens on Patrol received a $5,000 grant from Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (DNRC). This will go towards their new initiative, "Light Up the Night". They'll be giving away free solar-powered security lights to Dauphin residents. The goal is to help brighten our streets and yards.
Keeping outdoor areas well-lit has been proven to discourage criminal activity. Ives said they'll announce soon when the security lights will be available.
He's also very thankful to DNRC for their generous contribution.
"It's very exciting. The DNRC has been behind us since the start," said Ives. "When we got the letter that it was approved, we were thrilled to have the support. If we can light up backyards around the community, we hope that crime rates go down."
Would you be willing to give a helping hand? Richard says the time commitment is only about four hours per month. You can feel great knowing you're in on making our community as safe as possible.
"Folks can email us at dauphincopp22@gmail.com or check us out on Facebook," ended Ives. "It's another way to give back to our community."
Stay tuned in the near future for more on the new initiative, and as always, stay safe.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
