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It's a day that Nicole Yunker has been waiting for.
It's her first headlining concert, and it goes down this Saturday at the Watson Art Centre. Nicole & Friends, A Christmas Celebration, will take over the Johnston & Auditorium for one special evening.
"We are absolutely thrilled. We have less than $35 tickets left," said Yunker. "They are going very fast."
Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for 12 & under. They're available at the Watson Art Centre or online. The concert features Nicole, The Basement Band, Keystone Chorus, the Ste. Rose Community Choir, and Manuel Nakonechny.
It's a night to celebrate the holiday season and all the beauty that comes with the holidays.
"I am super excited. I've heard all of the performers; they've been practicing hard," continued Yunker. "It's going to be a night of joy. I think people can come, enjoy the music, and have a true celebration."
The money raised from the concert will go back to the Watson Art Centre. All performers are performing for free. Yunker says donating the money back to the Watson is a no-brainer.
"The Watson Art Centre is very dear to me. Over the years, that's where I've had the chance to keep singing," ended Yunker. "This is my first headlining concert, and I thought right away, I want to give back to the Watson. They are doing such amazing work."
Yunker says she's looking forward to sharing the evening with you.
"I'm so appreciative of all the support we've received," she ended. "If you're thinking of coming, get your tickets today. They will likely be gone by the end of the day."
It's Nicole & Friends, A Christmas Celebration, on Saturday night at the Watson Art Centre at 8:00 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
At least three Polaris snowmobiles and two utility trailers were stolen between 6:00 p.m. on November 24 and 8:00 a.m. on November 25.
On Tuesday, Dauphin RCMP received reports of multiple break-ins from a storage facility on Whitmore Avenue.
At 9:00 a.m., the owner of the snowmobiles noticed three Polaris snowmobiles were missing from their unit. Later the same day, two utility trailers were reported missing at the same facility.
It's believed that eight units were broken into, and police are working to compile a list of all items that were stolen.
Neither the snowmobiles nor the trailers have been located. If you witnessed any suspicious activity, call the Dauphin Detachment at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The school trustee by-election for Ward 4 within Mountain View School Division is set for Tuesday, December 2nd.
On Wednesday, November 26th, advanced voting takes place at the Dauphin Friendship Centre between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Jarri Thompson is the current vice-chair of the board. She says every ballot cast helps shape the future of our schools.
"Especially when it comes to ensuring that our young people are represented, supported, and heard," said Thompson. "As a trustee, I see every day how important community participation is. When we show up, we make our schools stronger, more responsive, and more reflective to the families we serve."
One trustee will be elected.
"If you're able to, please take a few minutes out of your day to vote," ended Thompson. "Your vote is your voice and it truly makes a difference."
Running for the post are Carter Taylor-Luke, Sonja Blank, Michelle Smigelski, Rigby Devos, and Valerie McInnes.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Riding Mountain M.P. and Shadow Minister of Health, Dan Mazier, is questioning the ballooning cost of the I.F.H.P. (Interim Federal Health Program).
Since the Liberals became government in 2016, it was at $66 Million, now it's costing $821 Million.
The Conservatives have passed a motion to investigate the skyrocketing costs.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
In June of 2022, Onanole's Ellie Potter's life flashed before her eyes.
Her father, Jason, was involved in a head-on collision on Highway 10, south of Erickson. He sustained several life-threatening injuries. When he got to the Health Sciences Centre, he was in a coma for a month. He underwent several surgeries and was in the hospital until the end of August of that year.
Three years later, Jason is now doing very well. He has a slight limp, but can walk unassisted. He can't drive after having a seizure last year. He still has plenty of appointments with his surgeon, and as Ellie says, it's an ongoing process.
"Overall, it's amazing where he is at now," said Potter. "We are all very grateful for STARS and all the healthcare providers that helped him get where he is today."
Three years removed from the tragic accident, Ellie and her family are looking back. They will never forget what happened, and they will never stop thanking those who helped Jason get where he is today. He was airlifted from the side of the highway by STARS air ambulance.
Since 1985, Stars has been delivering critical care, anywhere it's needed. Ellie is grateful that STARS was an option on that day.
"I believe that's what saved his life that day. If he had to take an ambulance by ground, I don't think they would have gotten him to the help he needed quickly enough," added Potter. "I really believe they saved his life that day. They were able to get him to the hospital much faster than he would have otherwise."
Ellie says the crash has made the family cherish time together that much more. She's realized how quickly things can change and how important it is to spend time with the people you love.
"You know, like, especially your parents, you don't get to be with them forever," commented Potter. "I think that's really important. His accident made that clearer to me."
To say thank you, Ellie spearheaded a fundraiser earlier this month at Danceland in Wasagaming. Potter's goal was to raise $5,000 to $10,000. She would then give that to STARS as a thank you for saving her dad's life.
In the end, Ellie was able to raise so much more than that. It was a packed crowd at Danceland. They held an auction and shared an evening that'll never be forgotten. Ellie was able to raise just more than $48,000.
"Yeah, I really couldn't believe it. Hitting the $40,000 mark was unbelievable. It was overwhelming, in the best way," she said. "I couldn't believe it happened. I am so grateful to everyone who helped me get to that number. There's no way I could have done it without all the help and support I received."
After paying for expenses, the final number was in. Ellie presented STARS with a cheque for $40,000. She wants to thank everyone who came out to support the event. Never in her wildest dreams did she think raising this much money for a great cause was possible.
It turns out, it was. Ellie's family means everything to her, and she's grateful they'll continue building lifelong memories together.
She was more than happy to present STARS with the cheque.
"It was really nice. It really gave me some closure, I feel," ended Potter. "To be able to do something like that and show our appreciation for what they did for us. It was an unbelievable feeling."
Ellie will graduate this year and is looking forward to doing so with her family.
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Radon is an odourless, radioactive gas that seeps into homes and buildings from the soil.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. It's responsible for more than 3,200 deaths each year.
Lisa Gaudet is the City of Dauphin's deputy manager.
"We also know that 43 percent of homes in Manitoba exceed the national radon guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre," said Gaudet. "The Parkland area has particularly high levels of radon. Dauphin's radon exposure levels are the highest in Canada."
November is Radon Action Month. On Tuesday, December 9, the City of Dauphin will be hosting a radon information session at the Dauphin Public Library at 7:00 p.m. They'll be giving away 100 free 90-day alpha-track radon test kits, and you'll learn how to test your home. You'll also find out what to do if your levels are high.
The Dauphin Library also has a lending program for digital radon test devices. Gaudet encourages residents to sign out a device, just like you would a book. Gaudet says the high numbers in Dauphin are alarming.
"It is critical that people test and mitigate if their levels are high. We rolled out a 100 radon test kit campaign last year. The results show that 84 percent of the homes tested during that campaign are reading higher than 200 becquerels per cubic metre," ended Gaudet. "The highest reading we saw was nearly 4,000 becquerels per cubic metre. Non-smokers who have high levels of radon in their home over their lifetime have a 1-in-20 chance of developing lung cancer. For smokers, that risk is 1-in-3."
If your home reads between 200 and 600 becquerels per cubic metre, it's recommended to remediate it within two years. If the radon reading is greater than 600 becquerels per cubic metre, you're encouraged to remediate within a year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin RCMP has arrested a 22-year-old from Ste. Rose and charged him with a slew of offences.
On Sunday at 10:00 p.m., Dauphin RCMP stopped Jessea Danielson-Ritchot on Main Street South in Dauphin. When speaking to him, an officer saw drug paraphernalia. He was arrested, and a further search was conducted.
Police located a small amount of cocaine, cannabis, unknown powder, and bear spray.
Danielson-Ritchot faces charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and unlawful transportation of cannabis.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The countdown continues.
In 212 days, the party of the summer will be on. Dauphin's Countryfest 2026 features an incredible lineup of artists, and the buzz continues to build.
Duane McMaster is heading into his fourth year as president of the festival.
"We feel fantastic. The buzz and the response that we've gotten from our lineup announcement have been overwhelming," said McMaster. "Ticket sales are going great. We couldn't be happier with how things have gone so far."
Four-day VIP weekend passes and upper camping are both sold out. There are fewer than 20 campsites in the Heritage and Fisher Premium. This year's lineup includes Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Tyler Hubbard, Brett Kissel, Cameron Whitcomb, and Hunter Brothers, to name a few.
Many are calling it the best lineup in many years. McMaster has been with Countryfest since 2014, and as he says, you asked, and you're about to receive an epic weekend.
"The biggest thing that we've heard over the past few years from festivalgoers and people interested in Countryfest is they didn't think we were getting big enough names," continued McMaster. "This has to be one of the biggest lineups that we've had since I've been involved with Countryfest."
With Christmas right around the corner, tickets could be a great stocking stuffer. You can get them here.
And even if you're not a big fan of country music, this festival is still for you. It offers a little bit of everything.
"Some of our main stage artists cross into different genres. Jelly Roll gets played on rock stations, Cameron Whitcomb crosses into different genres, they aren't considered only country," added McMaster. "We've got daytime events. The campground decorating contest and beach volleyball, just to name a couple. There's something for everyone."
Countryfest returned to hosting a kick-off party on Thursday last year. Default rocked the upper stage, and it was a night to remember. In 2026, get ready to party again on Thursday night.
"We're going to have entertainment here on Thursday night. We haven't finalized when it comes to who will perform," mentioned McMaster. "We're definitely planning a party for Thursday."
McMaster anticipates a complete sellout this year. So don't delay, get your tickets today.
"We are not planning on selling day passes. We figure the demand is strong enough; we're only selling weekend passes," ended McMaster. "If you're holding out for day passes, I wouldn't do that. There is tier 3 pricing on tickets as well. At some point, the price will go up."
Countryfest 2026 is a weekend that you won't want to miss.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
During the pandemic, Tasha Turko of McCreary noticed her kids were spending a little too much time playing video games.
So the family started brainstorming, and Tasha put pen to paper. From there, the Werewolf Beaver was born.
It's Tasha's first book, which she created, and it's been a massive hit in the McCreary area, and not just that, but around the globe.
Her oldest son came up with the idea of a werewolf beaver making a positive difference, and Tasha ran with the idea to complete the book for her kids and to show others that it's not about what's on the outside, it's about what's inside.
"He's the happiest beaver around. He's working and trying to get a lodge built. He got hit in the head with a log and was transformed into the werewolf beaver," said Turko. "Everyone was scared of him, but he knows that he's kind. He wants to do nice things for people. He starts carrying out acts of kindness to prove to himself and his community that he's still a kind beaver."
The Werewolf Beaver was released earlier this year and has garnered rave reviews. It's for sale locally at the pharmacy in McCreary, on Amazon and on the Friesen Press website.
Those who have read it in McCreary are praising Tasha for her incredible work and sharing positivity.
Around the globe, sales are skyrocketing, and Turko is now an award winner.
Tasha is a winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards. She won in the Children, Moral, and Character Building Stories category.
What started as something to get her kids involved in something new and creative has led to a global award for the McCreary native.
"It feels amazing. To know that it's impacting people around the world," added Turko. "Not only having the support locally and excitement around town, but it's now kids worldwide that are impacted by it. It's a special feeling."
Fresh off the win, Tasha just released her second book. Spaghetti Steve is another masterpiece by Tasha, which is ready for your eyes.
"Spaghetti Steve is about a boy who loves spaghetti, and he loves playing in the snow," ended Turko. "He was playing at recess time, a snowflake landed on his glove, and it looked like spaghetti noodles, but it was green. He licked it, and he transformed into Spaghetti Steve. It was radioactive. His legs and arms grow long like spaghetti noodles. He turns into a superhero."
The Werewolf Beaver and Spaghetti Steve. Two must-reads that'll have the whole family smiling and in the mood to be kind.
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A person has been arrested after a hospital complaint; Swan River RCMP have made an arrest after responding to hospital complaint
On November 23, 2025, at approximately 2:30 pm, Swan River RCMP responded to a report where an unknown male believed to be intoxicated, had locked himself in the bathroom in the Emergency Room at the Swan Valley Health Centre.
When officers arrived on scene, they opened the door and discovered the male suspect, who was known to them, holding a knife. The suspect was not a patient in the hospital.
Despite repeated commands for the suspect to drop the knife, he did not comply. A Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser) was deployed and was effective in taking the 45-year-old man into custody.
The suspect from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation sustained a minor injury from his weapon prior to police arrival. He was treated at the hospital and then taken into custody. He is charged with the following:
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes
Swan River RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
The Northwest Metis Council is partnering with the RCMP on Tuesday.
They'll host a pop-up navigation day from 10:00 to 6:00 at the Metis Community Centre, 101 11th Avenue SW in Dauphin. It's a one-day event designed to bring a range of essential community services together in one accessible location to support individuals and families in need.
Many people struggle accessing and navigating appropriate and timely supports. This can be intimidating and overwhelming for someone who needs added support. For some, they aren't sure what services are available or where to start.
Lacey Clarkson is a corporal with the RCMP's community engagement services.
"We're basically creating a low-barrier space for folks to come and access services such as mental health, addiction support, housing, employment and income assistance, justice, gender-based violence support," said Clarkson. "Ideally, whatever someone needs should be in that space. If they can't find it, someone will be there to help them find the support they need."
The event will reduce barriers and connect people directly to the help they need. It will also help foster stronger relationships between service providers and community members. If you need help and you're in the Dauphin area, Clarkson says this event is for you.
"Anyone can walk in the door," ended Clarkson. "Even if it just means to learn what's out there and available for citizens in the community."
This same event will be held in Swan River on Monday, December 1. Swan River will then host the older adults police academy on Tuesday, December 2. Both events will be at the Veterans Community Hall.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
