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A significant infrastructure project is underway in Russell.
Over the next few weeks, a total of 16 crosswalks along Main Street will be removed and replaced with high-durability concrete.
The work began on the north end of Main Street and will progress south, with crosswalks at multiple intersections being removed in a single day where possible.
Once work begins at an intersection, it will be closed for a minimum of three consecutive days.
Although it is being scheduled in order to minimize disruption as much as possible, residents in Russell are still being asked to avoid the intersections while the reconstruction takes place.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
There was a call for beer bottles and cans in Ste. Rose.
Ste. Rose, you answered. The Ste. Rose School parent committee is raising money to purchase a new play structure. It'll replace the current one, which has been in use for more than three decades.
Amy MacCarthy and the committee hosted a bottle and can drive on Sunday, and it couldn't have gone any better.
Those living in Ste. Rose were asked to leave any bottles and cans on the curb for pick-up.
The committee was able to pick up 13,335 cans and 1,836 bottles. That works out to $1,529.
"The support was incredible. My phone was ringing off the hook," said MacCarthy. "The community really rallied together to support this. It was incredible to see. We are so grateful for the support."
To date, the committee has raised $24,200. A brand-new play structure is closer to becoming a reality in Ste. Rose.
"I can speak to my kids and many others; they're so excited. They can't wait to have a new structure to play on," ended MacCarthy. "They'll be able to make new memories. They can connect with their friends during and after school. It will be great."
Amy says they plan to apply for grants throughout the winter. The committee has budgeted $85,000 for the play structure.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It was an Amazing Race... literally.
The Amazing Race Dauphin took over on Saturday, and what a day it was. Teams competed in various challenges in and around Dauphin. Venues included Northgate Trails, Vermillion Growers, and the final challenge was an Accent Accounting logo puzzle.
This year's champions are Alexa Bennet and Storm Karlson.
"They were steadily in fourth place for about 99 per cent of the day," said Shawn Sarkonak. "They pulled ahead during the last two challenges at Assiniboine College. They even had to sit for 10 minutes. They had two five-minute penalties that they needed to serve."
Sarkonak says one of the highlights was a few teams not realizing they were at the wrong clue locations.
"That actually made things more exciting because it evened things throughout the day," offered Sarkonak. "There were a lot of ups and downs and frustration throughout the day. All in all, everyone involved had a great day."
Alexa and Storm crossed the finish line on the patio at Obsolete Brewing Company in Dauphin. A packed crowd formed in celebration on a beautiful day in the City of Sunshine.
"We can't thank the crew at Obsolete enough for hosting us. We did our raffles, our live stream, and 50/50 there," said Sarkonak. "It was packed inside and out."
Numbers are starting to come in, and they're huge. Through donations, team pledges, the raffle, 50/50, and sponsorship, all funds raised are going to the Countryfest Community Cinema. As of Monday morning, they've raised more than $50,000.
"We can't thank everyone enough for all of the donations," ended Sarkonak. "We have a great place here at the CCC. Without our great community, we wouldn't open. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to help and support."
$50,000 for the Countryfest Community Cinema and two new champions. The Amazing Race Dauphin was an immense success.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The federal agriculture minister is being joined by the provincial ministers for meetings in Winnipeg this week.
Originally scheduled for July, the conference was rescheduled to this week due to the wildfire situation in Manitoba earlier this summer.
Dauphin MLA and Manitoba Agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn is looking forward to hosting his counterparts from across the country.
"These are one of the things that have so much benefit when you get together in person with other provincial agricultural ministers and the federal minister about things that have changed in the past year, and what things we foresee coming up in the near future."
Kostyshyn expects discussions around tariffs to be front and center during the meetings.
The minister will also visit the EMILI experimental farm just outside of Winnipeg.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The H.I.V. situation in Swan River Valley will be the focus of a digital town hall this Wednesday night.
Representatives from Manitoba Health will be available to answer and discuss pre-submitted questions from members of the community regarding the outbreak in that community.
To register for the meeting, and to submit your questions, you're asked to go to engagemb.ca/hivtownhall.
The meeting will run from 7 to 8 pm on Wednesday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 43-year-old man is fighting for his life in a Winnipeg hospital following a hit-and-run incident in Dauphin over the weekend.
RCMP say it happened around 9 pm on Saturday.
The man was airlifted by STARS and is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Mounties say the driver in the accident was a 20-year-old woman from Gilbert Plains Municipality.
She was brought into the detachment, where she provided a breath sample that was almost three times over the legal limit.
The vehicle has been seized, and the suspect is slated to appear in court at a later date.
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Derek Johnson bought a new truck one year ago.
He looked at his dashboard on Sunday, and there were already 54,000 kilometres on it. According to statistics, the average Canadian drives 15,200 kilometres annually.
As the MLA for Interlake-Gimli, Johnson has been all over the place over the past 12 months. His Facebook page has documented his journey, and last week, it showed him traveling to Ashern for their Rodeo weekend.
The 33rd annual event welcomed scorching temperatures for a packed weekend. Johnson was in attendance on the Saturday.
"It was an amazing day. They've held that rodeo for decades; it's such a special community," said Johnson. "Great people and a great event."
The weekend opened with the street dance on Friday, followed by an incredible fireworks show. When Derek arrived on Saturday, he started at Centennial Hall for the pancake breakfast before going to the market. He then headed just out of town for the rodeo, which started at 4:00.
Johnson, who has attended the Ashern Rodeo for years, says it was a special day.
"The pancake breakfast was a fundraiser for the Fire Department," offered Johnson. "That was outstanding. The number of people who showed up to show support shows the community spirit."
Derek then hit the road and days later, found himself in Fisher Branch. That's where he recognized 12 women of the Fisher Branch Women's Institute. The 12 have been serving in the Institute for a combined 476 years. The longest serving member is Rose Barrett. She's 90 years old and has served for 70 years.
Johnson was elected to his first term as MLA for Interlake on April 19, 2016. He was re-elected in the newly-established riding of Interlake-Gimli in 2019 and 2023.
He has also previously held the role of Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Municipal Relations. He currently serves as House Leader and Critic for Seniors and Long-Term Care.
A proud resident of the Interlake, Johnson says it's a must-visit part of the province.
"Oh, absolutely. It's pretty much a hidden paradise," ended Johnson. "We have great beaches on Lake Manitoba. The diversity of our population is outstanding. We're attracting many new Ukrainians and the older generation of Ukrainians who came decades ago and have made the Interlake what it is today. The Lundar Lobster Fest is a staple. They serve 700 people in less than an hour with all of the community support they get."
Before becoming an MLA, Derek served as a councillor for the R.M. of St. Laurent.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Kamryn Winters spent one year as general manager of Dauphin's Countryfest.
She spent the seven years prior as marketing manager for Countryfest. Earlier this summer, Winters announced she's moving on.
"It was great," said Winters. "We had those two years of COVID, which weren't good for Countryfest. It was a great job, I loved it. I just wanted to try something new."
On Monday, Kamryn will begin her duties at the Parkland Chamber of Commerce. Winters is the new executive director, taking over the Stephen Chychota, who left the position earlier this year.
Kamryn has had a great summer with her family and is now looking forward to getting back to work.
Winters has wanted to switch it up for about a year now. While on maternity leave with her third child, her mind and direction changed. That change is becoming the new executive director for the Parkland Chamber of Commerce.
"I wanted to stay involved in Countryfest in a smaller capacity, and treat it as a passion project," offered Winters. "I still care about it, I want to see it succeed, and I want to be a part of it. Just not as my full-time job anymore."
Kamryn says she's thrilled for the opportunity and is looking forward to hitting the ground running. The Parkland Chamber of Commerce advocates for members and acts as a liaison between the government, City of Dauphin, and the RM of Dauphin.
They provide networking opportunities and host events throughout the year to get business owners and the community under one roof.
This includes their Lunch & Learn series. You can travel with the Chamber of Commerce this year as they head to Tuscany from October 21 to 29. The ever-popular Street Fair will return in 2026.
Winters credits Chychota for leaving the Chamber in a great spot.
"Stepping into his shoes a little bit, seeing what worked, and what didn't," ended Winters. "Trying to go back to the basics with reaching out to members and seeing what they need. I think I can offer a lot of advice to small business owners, especially. I have a ton of background in marketing."
The Chamber of Commerce is always welcoming new members. There are many benefits for members. You can check them out here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The RCMP arrested a 42-year-old man from Shoal Lake who was facing a slew of charges.
On September 3, officers located and arrested Scott Purdy on his property in the RM of Yellowhead. He had outstanding charges and warrants out of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Purdy's charges are:
• Forcible confinement;
• Assault with a weapon;
• Criminal Harassment;
• Assault on a police officer;
• Resist/Obstruct a peace officer;
• Flight from a peace officer; and
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
A search of his property led to the seizure of a suspected stolen camper and a firearm.
Purdy will be transported back to Alberta.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitobans should be aware of a phishing scam.
Some Manitobans have received texts this week from a sender claiming to be Manitoba Justice. The text demands payment for outstanding fines for provincial offences, including speeding tickets and traffic violations.
Manitoba Justice does not send payment requests or any official communications over text. If you are concerned about outstanding fines or questions about methods of communications, go to Manitoba Justice.
Other recipients have been receiving texts asking them to finalize their Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit by clicking a link. Manitoba Finance does not verify or finalize tax credits or benefits over text.
Never respond or click any links in which you think are suspicious. Instead, report any suspicious activities to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Jordyn Allen has been watching her mother make moccasins for a long time.
She was inspired. She decided to teach herself how to bead and has been doing so for more than a year.
"I make earrings, lanyards, and a few custom pieces," said Allen. "I did a logo for a hat for a business up north, which was very exciting to be a part of."
On Monday, September 22, Jordyn will be hosting a beading class at the Ste. Rose Curling Rink. Allen will be guiding you as you create an orange pin shirt.
"In honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation," ended Allen. "It's to bring awareness and what it stands for. It's also a way to show beaders different ways to create pieces."
There are only 10 spots available for the class. Text 204-648-4797 to secure your spot.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is on Tuesday, September 30. The day honours the children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. All Canadians are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on September 30.
Between 1867 and 1996, there were 140 federally run residential schools in Canada. In 1920, the Indian Act made attendance at Indian Residential Schools mandatory for Treaty-status children between the ages of seven and 15.
The first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was on September 30, 2021. Based on records, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation estimates that about 4,100 children died at residential schools across the country.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
