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The Ashern Legion will be full of colour on Friday afternoon.
There will be non-stop smiles, laughs, and great information. Mikayla Johnson is a harm reduction coordinator with the Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, and she's well into planning their Pride event.
"We really wanted to create a space for people to show up and be who they really are," said Johnson. "Show allieship and inclusivity. Especially in a small town."
Last year's first-ever Pride event in Ashern was an overwhelming success. More than 100 people were in attendance. This year, Mikayla is looking to take things to the next level. She's expecting a big crowd on Friday.
The event, which celebrates the 2SLGBTQ+ community, welcomes everyone. Whether you're looking to make a new friend, share your story, or grab a bite. Mikayla invites you down on Friday.
"We want a space where people can come for whatever reason," continued Johnson. "If it's to get some resources or some food, that's why we are doing this. We want a safe space and to bring awareness to the 2SLGBTQ+ community."
Local organizations will be present, offering a wide range of resources.
"We have face painting, games, and a bracelet-making station. If you want to make something to show your support," offered Johnson. "We have a walk-through of Pride history. So that includes the history of Pride, how it started, and why it's important."
It will take place from 1:30 to 5:30 at the Ashern Legion on Friday. For Johnson, it's critical to celebrate the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and she's looking forward to what's in store.
"It's very important. We're planning a great event," ended Johnson. "There was no question that we needed to do something in our community to show allieship, support, and inclusivity."
Then on Sunday, the scene shifts to Winnipegosis as they host their Pride events. We will highlight that day later this week on NewsNow.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
You can meet those who are serving and protecting Swan River and the area on Wednesday.
The town of Swan River is hosting an Emergency Services Day on Wednesday. It's from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Swan River Centennial Arena.
Steven Henson is a staff sergeant with the RCMP and is based in Swan River. EMS and the Swan Valley Fire Department will join the RCMP.
"We will all have our vehicles there and display tables," said Henson. "Representatives will talk about what they do and how their vehicles and equipment work."
You're also asked to bring non-perishable food items to pack the boat. A boat will be on site, and all donated items will be given to the Swan River Food Bank. Sergeant Henson says this event has been held annually for several years.
He says it's great because it gives people an opportunity to meet emergency personnel.
"It's a big deal," ended Henson. "It's a great way to grow relationships with the community and students. It's a very positive experience for us."
That's Emergency Services Day in Swan River at the Centennial Arena on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Fair is now less than a month away, and day passes and midway wristband pre-sales kicked off today.
In both instances, you will save $5 from what you would pay during the fair itself.
Midway wristbands are $35 each, while day passes are $15 for adults and $5 for children 6-12.
They can be purchased at the Co-op gas bars on Main Street South and on Mountain Road.
The Dauphin Fair goes from June 27th to 29th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The RCMP is asking for the public's assistance after an individual was clocked travelling 174 Km/h in a 100 Km/h speed zone on a motorcycle.
On June 1 at 5:30, officers were on patrol on Highway 20 in the RM of Dauphin when they spotted the speedster. A traffic stop was attempted, however, the driver fled into the City of Dauphin on River Avenue East at a high rate of speed.
Officers did not attempt to chase the driver down. They're now asking for assistance in identifying the driver and the motorcycle.
If you have any idea, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba Public Insurance is working towards protecting Manitobans from losing money to criminal operators.
"We're taking decisive action to crack down on illegal motor vehicle dealers," said Tara Seel, MPI spokesperson. "That's what we call 'curbers'. They are individuals who are illegally selling vehicles. They don't have a dealer permit and are selling more than four per year."
While dealers are required to keep records of the vehicles they buy and sell, 'curbers' are not monitored. This can result in customers purchasing vehicles with rolled-back odometers, undisclosed previous collision histories, cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), and other concerns that are hidden from buyers.
Last year, MPI's vehicle safety team contacted curbers to educate them as to what was needed to sell more than four vehicles in a year. A notice was sent to Mohamad Kasem, who was arrested on 68 charges related to fraud, after a large-scale operation known as 'Buyer Bee Aware'.
In February, 30 letters were sent to 'curbers' and 30 more have been identified, and soon will be getting notices.
"So far this year, we have handed out four Provincial Offence Notices. Those carry a fine more than $2,500, so it's quite hefty," ended Seel. "That fine can escalate if the curbers continue to sell illegally."
MPI has identified a long list of individuals and businesses that have been sanctioned. That list can be found here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Just one bison calf was born on the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation last spring.
This was troubling news for community members, as bison hold a special place in their culture. Heading into this spring, community members were hoping for a better result, and that is certainly the case.
One calf was born in April, and in total, over the past two months, five baby bison were born on the First Nation. The return and growth of the bison herd is a proud achievement for the Nation, and we caught up with William Lukianchuk, Bison Manager for Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.
"It's a relief, way better than last year," said Lukianchuk. "It's honestly such an incredible sight to watch them run around. They're super playful, they're like a bunch of little puppies running around."
Many Indigenous communities have long held deeply cultural and spiritual connections with bison, and that's the case for residents on the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation. Bison are North America's largest land mammal.
Did you know that from the 1810s to 1870s, bison were the main source of survival and income for Métis.
"Bison always took care of our people back in the day. We were able to use their fur, meat, and so much more," offered Lukianchuk. "We lived off of them. Now that the number of bison has declined drastically, it's our turn. We are the ones who should be taking care of them. They deserve a chance to come back to life, like it used to be."
Thanks to the arrival of five new calves, the bison herd on Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation has grown to 29.
Lukianchuk, who oversees the herd, is already looking ahead. He’s in discussions with Parks Canada in Saskatchewan to bring in another 15 to 30 bison. His goal? To grow the herd to 60 to 80 breeding females—enough to support not just Sandy Bay, but also to help other First Nations restore their bison populations.
William understands they have a ways to go to grow the bison population in the province, but he is pleased with the progress being made.
"Considering what it was, it's pretty awesome to see the ranch expand the way it's going," continued Lukianchuk. "I'm pretty sure I have Chief and Council on my side as well, they are happy with how things are going. We have visitors coming to the ranch to check out the bison as well, and that's always a big hit."
The ranch is on the edge of the reserve just off Highway 50. Lukianchuk says if you are interested in checking out the herd, you can take a tour on a side-by-side. You can call or text him at 204-871-0651.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The countdown is on until the 137th edition of the Dauphin Ag Society Fair.
Set for June 27th to 29th, this year's fair promises a few new events, according to Dauphin Ag Society President Terron Stykalo.
"We are actually getting Extreme Lumberjacks, an inflatable Corn Maze, and Prairie Exotics is returning after a couple of years off. We have some extreme dog stunt shows, and we once again have Chucks and Chariots scheduled to run again for all three days, and hopefully Mother Nature cooperates with us and we can put a show on."
Also returning this year is the ever-popular midway, heavy horse show, the Saturday morning parade, and cultural exhibits, just to name a few.
They are also still looking for volunteers to help out with the fair.
You can contact any member of the Dauphin Ag Society if you are able to help out.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
*Due to the smoky conditions, the Dauphin City Centre Criterium, scheduled for June 1st, has been cancelled.*
Around 100-120 of he top cyclists in the province will be in our region this weekend for the Tour de Riding Mountain event.
The event includes three stages, starting with the provincial road race and a Gran Fondo, which will both take place on Saturday in Riding Mountain National Park.
On Sunday, the event wraps up with the Dauphin City Centre Criterium, a street race that will take place over a couple of block radius in downtown Dauphin with Obsolete Brewing serving as he start and finish line.
Manitoba Cycling provincial coach Nick Bergen explains why they chose our region for these events.
"We have Northgate Trails for mountain bikes, but then just past that we have Riding Mountain National Park, which is incredible road riding - the best in Manitoba. So that is why we chose this area for the provincial championships and a Gran Fondo for people to ride. And a lot of people have actually never been here to experience the City of Dauphin and how it is growing into a cycling hub, for both road and mountain."
The criterium begins at 2 pm on Sunday and the public is encouraged to line the course route, which includes Main Street North, 1st and 2nd avenue NW, and 2nd street NW.
Portions of those roads will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday in order for the race to take place.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Ukrainian Heritage Village at the Selo Ukraina site is open for the year, and you are invited to celebrate it at a special open house this weekend.
Jim Perchaluk says they have a number of activities planned for the open house on Sunday.
"From 1 to 4 pm, we are inviting the public to come to the site. There will be free hot dogs and refreshments. We will have some entertainment on site, as well as tours of the village. We just invite the public for a kick-off for the summer. Come out on Sunday and enjoy the day with us."
One significant addition to the village this year is a Teacherage, which were homes for teachers in remote rural areas.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Dauphin business owner arrested after a pair of search warrants were executed at his business was also back in court.
52-year-old Rashid Noor had his matters adjourned to June 24.
And Sheldon "Benny" Chartrand has had his matters put over again until Monday.
The 38-year-old Dauphin resident was arrested in late April after he allegedly broke into a home and threatened a woman, while also injuring a dog.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
West Region Treaty 2 & 4 Health Services are accepting donations of items for evacuees of the wildfires in Northern Manitoba that have relocated to Dauphin for the time being.
Approximately 100 people have arrived in Dauphin from communities evacuated due to the fires.
Among the items needed are food, clothing, water, dog food, lunch/suppers, shampoo, snacks, and toiletries.
Anyone wanting to drop off items can do so at the Rotary Arena.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
