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Expansion work has begun at AgWest's facility in Russell.
The new 20,000-square-foot facility will house expanded parts and shop areas.
It will triple the total size of the Russell operations.
The Manitoba-based farm equipment retailer is expecting to open the new facility by the end of the year.
A similarly sized building is also being constructed for AgWest's Brandon location.
One year ago, AgWest was purchased by the Dutch firm Mechan International.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Jewel of the Parkland was hopping last weekend as the Roblin Agricultural Society hosted its fair and rodeo.
This weekend, it's the community of Kelwood's turn to take centre stage. The Kelwood Agricultural Society will hold its fair on Saturday. The always popular parade begins at 11:00, and the Andy Aucoin Memorial Show & Shine is from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Before the parade, check out the horse show at 9:00 a.m.
Tracy Dash says it's you who make this day so special.
"It's the people that come out and check it out," said Dash. "That is the only thing that keeps us going."
At 9:00 p.m., Generation Gap hits the stage at the Legion for a free concert. The festivities before that cost just $5, while those 12 and under are free. One of the most exciting features of the event is the pie-baking contest. It's your chance to show off your baking skills. If you'd like to be in the contest, you must drop off your pie before 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the drop-in centre.
"We have a pancake breakfast, horse show, free pony rides," ended Dash.
So if you're looking for something fun to do on Saturday, head to Kelwood.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The province-wide State of Emergency declared on July 10 has been extended.
The province says the fire danger remains high to very high across much of the province. As a result, the deadline has been extended until August 22. The province says some areas may see brief relief due to the rain forecasted this weekend. Storm activity also brings the risk of lightning strikes, which can cause things to get worse.
There are 159 active wildfires in Manitoba, bringing the total to 403 this summer, well above the average of 305 fires for this time of year. This year's wildfire season is the worst on record in the past 30 years. More than 1.55 million hectares of area have been burned in the province.
While there are no major fires in the Parkland to note, firefighters in the northern part of the province continue to battle out-of-control blazes.
The fire located near Sherridon and the City of Flin Flon is approximately 371,900 hectares and is out of control. Earlier this summer, many residents from those communities called Dauphin and the area their temporary home when they were forced to flee.
The fire located 10 kilometres from Bakers Narrows Provincial Park is approximately 7,190 hectares and is out of control.
A fire located 14 kilometres from the City of Thompson is approximately 18,365 hectares and is out of control.
For up-to-date information on the status and location of active wildfires, visit Manitoba Ready.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's one of the best festivals of the summer, and you're a big reason why.
Dauphin's Countryfest organizers are looking back on what was a successful festival just south of Dauphin from June 26 to 29. In a recent Facebook post, they thanked the public for coming out.
"I want to send a big thank you to everyone involved. It takes a huge number of people to make this event possible. Whether it's our volunteer board of directors, office staff, site crew, or the 1000s of volunteers," said Duane McMaster, president. "At the end of the day, we need the fans to show up every year. Whether that's locally or from somewhere else, thank you for coming out and making Dauphin's Countryfest the great event that it always is."
When it comes to numbers, McMaster says that's a work in progress. He is pleased with the crowd that has packed the stands, but knows there is work to be done.
"We're fairly similar to last year. We haven't quite gotten back to some of the pre-pandemic numbers," offered McMaster. We are working on that. About the same as last year."
The CKDM Rockin' Thursday Night Kick-Off Party opened the festival and was very well attended. Default, featuring Dallas Smith, was a huge hit. McMaster says they have received a lot of positive feedback after deciding to return to the Thursday start.
The big question remains: will Dauphin's Countryfest return in 2026?
"We're planning already, working on it. There is no plan for us to go anywhere in the near future," ended McMaster. "If people are still willing to come out for the show, we're going to try to make sure it happens."
That's some great news for fans of Dauphin's Countryfest.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you are still looking for more Ukrainian culture and activities following last weekend's Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, then the community of Fork River has you covered.
They are hosting an indoor dinner and dance this Saturday night at the hall, with an outdoor street dance taking place at the same time across the street.
Organizing committee member Hope Toporowski says proceeds from the night will go towards renovations at the St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church.
"It is going to help us restore the foundation under the church. A few years ago, we were able to fundraise and fix the roof. Now we need some funds to repair the foundation, which is desperately needed. And this is an opportunity for everybody to come out, help support us as we preserve the one last remaining church in our community."
Tickets for the indoor dinner and dance, which will feature the Drifting Cossacks, are sold out.
But tickets for the street dance are still available at a cost of $30.
You can purchase them at the Fork River post office or by calling 204-730-2152.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A magnitude 3.3 earthquake was recently reported in Esterhazy.
Earthquakes Canada says the tremors took place last Friday at around 1:40 in the morning, about 5 km northeast of the town.
No damage was reported.
They say the cause of the quake is attributed to suspected mining-induced.
Esterhazy is home to the Mosiac Potash mine.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Harvest operations have begun on some fall rye, winter wheat, and a handful of field pea crops in the Northwest region.
But for other crops in the region, rain is desperately needed this week, according to the latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report.
The province says in some cases, rain this week may be even too late for some crops.
Among those needing rain are some canola crops, where sun scald symptoms and pod abortions are being seen in some crops.
Some soybean crops are also showing some signs of stress from a lack of moisture, with a majority of soybean crops in the R4 stage.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The community came out in droves last week for Izabelle Quennelle's fundraising BBQ at Reit-Syd Equipment.
On Friday, there will be another fundraising BBQ at St. Viator's Parish in Dauphin starting at 11:00 a.m.
10-year-old Izabelle was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) starts in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of certain bones, where new blood cells are made. Most often, AML quickly moves from the bone marrow into the blood.
It's $9 for a hot dog, fries, and a drink. $12 for a hamburger, fries, and a drink.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's a movie for the entire family.
It came out in 2006 and starred Ben Stiller as Larry Daley and Robin Williams as Theodore Roosevelt. Night At The Museum was a hit, and the Beautiful Plains Museum is bringing Night at the Museum to Neepawa this month.
Each Thursday this month from 2 to 4, you can be on the hunt. Each Night at the Museum will begin with an information session. Then it's up to you and a group of friends to hunt for the prize.
"Usually, people are in groups of two to eight. We give them a few minutes to get all dressed up so they can feel the spirit of the event," said Veronica Caisgay. "Then they get to take part in a fun scavenger hunt. There are prizes and many laughs."
You must be at least 10 years old, and each hunt takes between 25 and 30 minutes. The first hunt on July 24 was a hit.
"A few of the kids who have been to the museum in the past said there wasn't much to see," offered Caisgay. "That's when they came with the school's and they didn't get to explore as much. This Night at the Museum gives you a chance to explore everything at the museum like never before."
There is no fee, but you must register here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's set to be a weekend to remember in Grandview.
The community will host its Homecoming and Mud Bog beginning on Thursday night with the kick-off party and first-ever Raggae night at Grand Vieux Liquor Company (GVLC). That runs from 7:30 to 11 at 117 Spirit Drive in Grandview.
Dennis Lukey is one of the organizers for the weekend and is thrilled to get going.
"It's great, there has been a ton of talk. People are ready to get together and have a great time," said Lukey. "People are coming from out of province for the homecoming as well. Looking forward to it."
Friday opens with Co-ops 80th anniversary BBQ, followed by a full day of fun and laughs.
"There is a parade at 3, a chainsaw carving showcase, and a high school reunion dinner," continued Lukey. "Party in the Park that night, and there's an Elvis Country Rock show. It should be great."
Saturday begins with the fun run from 8:00 to 10:00 and a pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 at the GACC back entrance. Then at noon, the Grandview Kinsmen's 10th anniversary mud bog. That's at Wilson Park.
"When we started this, we thought it would be great to get a few years out of it," continued Lukey. "It seems to be growing. People who have been here can attest to how well it's run and how fun it can be."
Big Top Radio will hit the homecoming stage at Wilson Park to rock between 10:00 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., and fireworks are also on the schedule of events for Saturday evening. On Sunday, there's a breakfast, Show & Shine Classic Car Show & Vintage Sled Showcase, and free swimming at the Grandview Pool.
Sunday's windup dinner is at the Kinsmen Community Centre. There will be a breakfast from 8:00 to 2:00 on Monday to officially finish the festivities.
"There's so much going on. Other than the mud bog, there are kids' activities, four full days of festivities," ended Lukey.
For a full list of events, head here
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This year's Rockin the Fields of Minnedosa is being deemed a huge success.
Organizers say attendance numbers this year were up compared to last year, and even approached numbers last seen before the pandemic.
They attribute the success in part to there always being something going on at the site.
Besides the music performances, there was a bean bag challenge, flip cup tournament, beach volleyball matches, and a Blue Bombers’ Grey Cup promotion booth.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
