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Reedy Creek - located near Alonsa - is ready to come to life at the end of August with another edition of Stomperfest. 

Organizer Arnold Asham says ticket sales are going good to date, adding they hope to have between 2,500 to 3,000 people attend. 

He says you can enjoy a break in ticket prices if you buy them over the next two weeks.  

"We are looking to have a ton of people come out.  It is fairly inexpensive, it is $130 at the gate.  But if you buy your tickets before August 15th, it is $100.  So you could save $60 per couple if you get your tickets by then."

Performers this year include the Asham Stompers, Desir Dorion, Chris Barker band, and Nelson Little band. 

The headliners are members of Leahy.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-267-5730

Last week, both the municipalities of McCreary and Glenella-Lansdowne declared local States of Agriculture Emergency.

However, no such discussion has been held, as of yet, in the R.M. of Dauphin.

CKDM News Now spoke with Reeve Ernie Sirski this morning, where he stated even though there are some dry pockets with the municipality, the area is, for the most part, in good shape.

Sirski was quick to add, though, that farmers in the area could use more rain.

Rain is in the forecast for different times between today and Saturday.

With packed grandstands and vibrant performances lighting up the stage, the 60th Anniversary of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival was a resounding success.

As expected, the beloved celebration drew large crowds throughout the weekend, with Festival-goers soaking in the rich traditions, music, and dance that define Ukrainian culture in Canada.

The milestone year proved once again why the Festival remains a staple summer event.

We’ve reached out to Kayla Gillis for her reflections on the weekend — stay tuned for her insights and final thoughts on this unforgettable celebration.

With a high of 27 on Tuesday around many places in the Parkland, now's a great time to keep cool in some of the region's local pools and splash parks.

Head to the Parkland Rec Centre's Kin Aquatic Centre or the Swan River Aquatic Centre.
 
There are also splash parks in Dauphin, Ste. Rose, and Gilbert Plains, on top of the beautiful outdoor pools in Grandview, McCreary, Roblin, and Russell.
 
And of course, many of the beautiful lakes in the area, including Rainbow Beach, which was packed on Monday to wrap up the Long Weekend officially. 

For Melanie Bird, there's nothing quite like sitting in front of a canvas to let her paintbrush do the work.

The Swan River native has loved painting for as long as she can remember.  She primarily paints water colours, but has dabbled in other forms. It's a true passion of hers. Now, the residents and staff at the Swan Valley Personal Care Home get to see Melanie's creations every day. 

Bird was approached last year to paint a mural on the north end of the building. The theme of the mural was up to the residents. That's where the drumroll entered, and the chosen theme was a scenic farm setting.

"Incorporating the Rolling Hills that we have in the valley, the big barns, old farm houses," said Bird. "And of course, animals. Cows, chickens, ducks, and even a dog."

From start to finish, it took Bird less than two weeks. While the residents and staff could see what Melanie was painting as she was, the full magic hit when the final stroke of her brush, and the curing process was completed. It's a mural that has brought great happiness to the residents and staff.

"They seem to love it. Many residents take their pictures in front of it," added Bird. Lots of comments. Not just from the residents, but also the staff."

So the north end of the building was covered with Melanie's beautiful creation. The south end needed some charm. Melanie was contacted to paint another mural. This time, the theme was reflecting on the beautiful Valley. 

"Incorporated many animals in there, all kinds," added Bird. "The beautiful lake and boats. The fishing as well."

Taking less than two weeks to complete, and just like her first mural, Bird's second mural was another hit.

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For Bird, giving back is something that's near and dear to her heart. Painting is what she's passionate about, and putting smiles on other people's faces brings her great joy.

"I love doing it for the residents and staff at the care home," ended Bird. "I sure hope they will enjoy the murals for many years to come. I hope it is something that will strike good and precious memories."

Bird will continue painting, and there will be no lack of masterpieces, handcrafted in her hometown of Swan River. 

A Winnipeg woman's wallet is a little lighter after she was caught on camera throwing a bottle of leather cleaner and a pylon at a Canada Goose that was sitting on its nest.

The birds are protected by federal law, which means harassing them comes with fines if you're caught. The now 20-year-old was trying to enter her friend's apartment building at the time. The ticket was originally for $730, but the judge agreed to lower it to $300. 

The investigation began after an environmental officer got a call on May 8, 2024. In her decision, Crown Attorney Joan Schmidt says these birds can be aggressive, especially when nesting. Regardless, they are protected in Canada, and must be worked around.

So the next time you think of harassing a goose, think again. If a bird is causing issues, contact the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Excited but nervous are the two words that Gord Wood uses to describe his reaction to his new duties with Mountain View School Division. 

Wood was recently hired as the division's new Assistant Superintendent of Programs and Planning. 

A teacher and administrator for 29 years, including the past 18 with MVSD, Wood feels that experience will benefit him in his new position. 

"Having been an administrator and a teacher at all three levels of the education system - with early years, middle years, and at the senioir high - all of those experiences and the relationships that I built with staff.  Also my community connections - all of those pieces will be an asset to the division."

Wood admits he is going to miss being in schools and talking to students on a day-to-day basis.  

Wood will oversee Student Services, Curriculum and Planning, and the divisional library system.

He will also assist the Superintendent in areas like staffing and hiring.  

Police are seeking the public's help in finding a man that was originally arrested for stealing a truck, but then escaped custody while being treated for injuries in a Portage hospital.  

26-year-old Byron Roulette of Sandy Bay was still wearing handcuffs when he escaped. 
Among his charges are Assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats, Robbery with a firearm, escaping lawful custody, and numerous firearms-related offences.
If you know where he is, you are asked to contact the Sandy Bay Detachment at 204-843-7700 or anonymously at 1-833-978-0048.

A second Parkland Municipality has declared a State of Agriculture Emergency.

In a news release, the Municipality of McCreary says a lack of precipitation has impacted local agriculture operations in numerous ways. 

That includes reduced crop yields, a shortage of feed, and increased costs to sustain livestock.

They are calling on both the federal and provincial governments to provide assistance and support programs, such as financial aid, feed assistance, and water supply initiatives.  

The neighbouring Municipality of Glenella-Lansdowne also declared a State of Agriculture Emergency this past week.  

Amber Fisher has pleaded guilty to one count of theft over $5,000.

According to a CBC report, the former CAO of Gilbert Plains Municipality made the admission during a court appearance in Winnipeg on Friday. 

The guilty plea included an admission that she lied to her colleagues about the misappropriated money once it was discovered, then faked a cyberattack to cover her tracks and altered documents in an attempt to clear herself of any wrongdoing.

Two other charges - including fraud over $5,000 and knowingly using proceeds of crime — were stayed.

Sentencing hearings will take place next May in Dauphin provincial court.

Reit-Syd Equipment is hosting a special fundraising BBQ on Saturday to support the daughter of one of their employees who is embarking on a big medical challenge.
10-year-old Izabelle was recently diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
It is a type of cancer that starts in the white blood cells of bone marrow and mves quickly into the blood.
Don Tarrant of Reit-Syd says their entire team is behind Izabelle's parents and their entire family.
"Mike is a great guy and is a great mother. They are both very nice people. They have four children. Our crew here, everybody gets along really well and are supporting them during this very difficult time, and want to do what we can to help."
The barbecue will take place from 10:30 until 2:30 on Saturday at Reit-Syd, with all of the proceeds going to Izabelle and her family.