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Riding Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful destinations in the province. Whether you're heading there for some ice cream, to head for a hike, or camping, there is something for everyone.

And while in the park, there is a good chance you will see wildlife. Bear sightings have been very frequent as of late which means cars are stopping on the side of the road to get a better look. While this is allowed, feeding the animals is not. If you are caught, you could face a $25,000 penalty as feeding wildlife is illegal at all Parks Canada parks.  

Tim Sallows, a resource management officer with Parks Canada says the bears have plenty of natural resources for food and they don't need human food

"Bears will get comfortable with vehicles if they're fed by humans," said Sallows. "So what they will do is run out to the road to meet vehicles and that has led to bears being hit in the past. Go ahead and look at the bears, but don't feed them."

It's also recommended that you always stay in your vehicle while taking pictures and if a bear is near, keep your hands inside the vehicle. With winding turns throughout the park, driving the speed limit is very important and park officials are always on the lookout for drivers going faster than the limit. 

By driving faster than the limit, a driver is minimizing the chance of stopping in time as bears, moose, elk, and deer frequent the trails, especially at night time.

"The speed limit is 80 kilometres-per-hour so it's important that everyone obeys that," offered Sallows. "You also need to pay attention because wildlife can jump out quickly."

If you're camping and you spot a bear on a trail or near your campsite, you should always act big. This has been proven to make a bear head the other way. But if they don't, you should back up slowly.

"Don't turn your back on the bear, that's important," ended Sallows. "Make as much noise as you can, don't sneak up on them because that will end badly."

You must also always have your dog on a leash, at all times. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 19, 2023 - 5:00 am

It's a marquee event in the community every year and it's back.

The 26th Annual Little Valley Jamboree will take place this weekend at the Erickson Recreation Centre. Starting on Saturday and also happening on Sunday, the event includes many different activities for the family including a photo booth and live entertainment.

Back by popular demand this year is money mountain where kids will get the chance to fill up their pockets and face painting is always well-attended. 

Toni Ferguson is with the planning committee and she says this event is all about making people happy.

"It's about making families' lives a little bit brighter," said Ferguson. "There is no better feeling for us than seeing families smile and have fun, that's what it is all about. If we can make a difference in someone's life, that's what we're going to try and do."

An adult weekend pass is $25 while a day pass is $15 while those 17 and under are free. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 17, 2023 - 6:00 am

UPDATE: 11:40 a.m. (Saturday June 17)

A Community Support Center will be operating today and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm for families and those affected by this incident to find support.

The Center is located at the Dauphin Curling Rink, 200 1st St SE - Dauphin, MB.

As always, please respect the space of the people grieving in these hard times.

UPDATE: 4:45 p.m. (Friday, June 16)

 The RCMP's afternoon press conference at approximately 4:30 pm released a few details on the investigation into this situation.

The 10 people in the hospital have all been identified. The people on the bus ranged in age from 58 to 88 years of age. 19 of the occupants were female, and 6 were male.

Both vehicles have been seized, and a thorough investigation will go into them to look for mechanical errors and other information from internal devices.

Out of respect for the affected Families, no names have been published.

The investigation will continue to bring more information to light over the coming days and weeks. 

UPDATE: 12:20 p.m. (Friday, June 16)

At a press conference done by Shared Health, Lanette Siragusa confirmed that six of the 10 patients transferred to the hospital are in a critical care unit while four are being cared for in a surgical unit. Patients range in age from 60s to late 80s.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, a Community Support Centre will be located inside the Dauphin Curling Rink. On-site counselling services will be available to assist individuals and families. 

In addition to the support currently offered, a general mental health crisis support line has been opened at 1-888-379-7699 for those feeling the effects of this tragedy.

The RCMP will hold a press conference at 3:00 on Friday afternoon. 

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15 people have died and 10 are in the hospital after Thursday's crash.

A van carrying a group of individuals from Dauphin and the surrounding area collided with a semi-truck just outside of Carberry as the group was on their way to the casino for a day trip.

The bus had already crossed the westbound lanes of Highway 1 and was crossing the eastbound lanes when it was struck by the semi.

David Bosiak, Mayor of Dauphin, says the city is currently working on what's next.

"We're trying to determine what kind of things we have to set up in the city for people to come together to grieve," said Bosiak. "We're also talking to the Active Living Centre. We're in the process of getting everything organized today."

The RCMP will hold a press conference at 3:00 on Friday afternoon. 

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 16, 2023 - 10:49 am

The Dauphin & District Community Foundation was founded in 1995.

Now 28 years later, the Foundation has reached a massive milestone of $ 5 million dollars. Darren Eddie was on hand earlier this week to fill up the Foundation's thermometer.

"It is a thrilling feeling to reach this milestone," said Eddie, co-chair. "It reflects the support of our community and the recognition of the importance that we do."

Since 1995, the Foundation has given out $ 2.2 million dollars in granted funds and they have given out $ 275 thousand to their community funds which include Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains, Ochre River, and Mossey River. 

Each year, the Foundation receives applications from the community and the number that they have received over the years continues to increase year by year. At this time, some applications are declined; however, Kit Daley is hoping that changes moving ahead.

"My dream would be that we have sufficient funds available for granting that we can assist every application that comes in," said Daley. "Our next goal is to get to $ 10 million dollars."

Kit and Darren want to thank the community for their overwhelming support over the years and they say they will always be here when the community needs them. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 16, 2023 - 5:00 am

Since 1927, the Lundar Fair has been a staple in the community, and this year is no exception! 

Running Friday and Saturday this weekend, the 69th annual Lundar Fair has a lot packed into the two days.

Events that frequent the fair each year include a parade, a tractor pull, fireworks, petting zoos, cattle classes, horse shows, and more. 

This year, Lundar Ag Society President Tara Brandson tells us that there are some new features coming to this classic event!

"New this year, we're hosting select shows midway, and that will be Friday and Saturday."

The midway will bring a myriad of new rides, vendors, games, and more to this already busy weekend.

Admission to the Lundar Fair is $15 for adults for the weekend, $10 for people 17 and under, and free for those 12 and under with adult accompaniment.

For all the details, and a list of the events, visit Lundaragsociety.com

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 15, 2023 - 12:00 pm

It's estimated that around one in six people aged 60 years and older have experienced some form of abuse over the past year.

"It's maddening and it's super sad that it's happening," said Shannon Genaille with Northwest Metis Council. "The numbers need to change and they need to change right now. Elders deserve respect."

Senior abuse is any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust that causes harm to an older adult. One form of abuse included in this is financial abuse. While elder abuse is not something that is talked about frequently, now is the time for change and that's why June 15 is known as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Locally, the Northwest Metis Council will host hosting a drive-thru BBQ at the Metis Community Hall on 101 11 Ave SW in Dauphin beginning at 11:45. Everyone is welcome to take part by entering the hall parking lot off of 1st Street SW and then you will then exit onto Jackson Street. If you do take part, you are asked to stay in your vehicle and a bag will be brought to you, along with a burger and a bag of chips. 

Inside that bag will be a list of resources when it comes to staying safe and away from abuse.

"Elder abuse is not acceptable and it is very common," said Genaille. "The more we can get the awareness out there in hopes that people will step up and start taking care of our elders the better. In the end, they raised us and took care of us, so it's our turn to take care of them."

If you are or know of an elder that is being abused, the number for the Seniors Abuse Support Line is 1-888-896-7183. The line is 24 hours and you will be able to speak with a trained and caring counsellor. You can also visit World Elder Abuse Awareness. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 15, 2023 - 5:00 am

Some sizable expansion will be coming to Ste. Rose's Turtle River Trails thanks to funding from the Co-op's Community Spaces project.

The Turtle River Trails announced it a bit ahead of schedule this week, as the excitement was overwhelming. 

Dauphin Co-op's General Manager Lorne Eiffert is proud to be a part of the building of these new community spaces.

"We're very pleased today to announce that Co-op is giving $85,000 dollars to Ste. Rose Recreation services for the development of their phase 2 of the Turtle River Trails. That donation is courtesy of the Co-op Community Spaces Program. So very exciting day."

The money will be going toward revitalizing the existing Ducks Unlimited trails in the area, adding a disc golf course, and creating a new Nature Playpark.

Later Stages of this project could also see the addition of things like a zip-line, a kayak launch for the river, and so much more.

The Co-op Community Spaces Project has donated a million dollars to several different areas, and they're always happy to help the areas they serve to grow and flourish.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 14, 2023 - 1:31 pm

The Parkland Horseman's Association presents the 29th Annual Chucks and Chariots races.

In just a few days, the sounds of hooves pounding the dirt will echo through the Ste. Rose Race track for the weekend.

PHA's Secretary Faye Soucy is excited to watch the races and gives us a sneak peek to what's in store for the weekend.

"We'll be having our chariot races at 3 o'clock on Saturday, and 6 o'clock for chucks, we'll have a petting zoo coming out, we're going to have a really fun jam session for everyone to take part in and then on Sunday, we'll have chariots running at 1'o clock and chucks running at 3"

Soucy notes that in her opinion, the chuckwagon races are the big-ticket event.

"every wagon has 4 horses running on it, and it always brings a lot of energy and activity to the races, but it's not to say the chariots aren't a lot of fun too. We have 2 horses per chariot, but chucks are usually the biggest draw."

There's certainly a lot happening this weekend in the parkland, but if you're looking for real horse-power, The Chucks and Chariots Races in Ste. Rose Will be the place to be!

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 14, 2023 - 1:00 pm

Christopher Bilay has been arrested and he faces a slew of new charges after a traffic stop in Dauphin earlier this week.

On June 13 at about 10:40 p.m., Dauphin RCMP was on patrol when a vehicle heading northbound on Main Street was seen travelling at a high rate of speed and as a result, a traffic stop was initiated.

Once officers approached the vehicle, they could smell alcohol and a large bag of unmarked cigarettes was in the centre console. Bilay was given a roadside alcohol test, which he failed. A search of the vehicle revealed a homemade gun with a bayonet attached, a spent round of ammunition, unused ammunition, multiple cell phones, and Canadian currency. 

At the time of his arrest, Bilay was on parole for drug trafficking-relation charges and he was breaching several of his conditions, including abstaining from alcohol, not owning or possessing more than one cellphone, and abiding by a curfew. 

Bilay has been charged with Possession of a Firearm/Prohibited Weapon Without a Licence, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm/Prohibited Weapon, Weapons Possession Contrary to Order x2, Drive While Impaired, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 14, 2023 - 12:27 pm

It's awards season in the automotive industry and Dean Cooley GM continues to make great waves across the country.

The dealership recently was awarded the General Motors President's Club award, which is given out to the top 50 dealerships throughout Canada. This is out of the more than 450 dealerships nationwide. Also recently, Bryan Byers was again in the Top 10 when it comes to vehicle sales just as he celebrated his 12th anniversary at the dealership. 

Now Dean Cooley GM has been named a Top 5 finalist for the Canadian Automotive Dealer Association Laureate Award in Retail Operations.

Candidates are not able to nominate themselves which means Dean was nominated by his peers in the industry. Following a careful review, only 15 candidates' names are brought forward as finalists in three different categories.

In a press release, the president and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association said every candidate is doing an incredible job.

"This process was designed so that only the top performers become finalists," said Tim Reuss. "This year's 15 finalists are an outstanding group of dealers."

As the team now waits to find out if they are the winning dealership, Dean knows this couldn't have been possible without the amazing team he has assembled.

"We have a great amount of experience here at the dealership and we have teammates that are so passionate and they care about their customers," said Cooley. "That's the difference for me, we have an incredible group of people that want the best for every customer. We feel very humbled to know that we have made the top 5, we are flattered."

Dean is also very proud of what everyone at the dealership has been able to accomplish.

"We have been in business for almost 30 years and we have never been nominated or made the top 5," offered Cooley. "It's a real feather in the cap for our entire team, everyone works so hard and everyone has one common goal and that's to make the customer happy and taken care of."

June 26 is when the winner of the award will be announced.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 14, 2023 - 5:00 am