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You may have noticed a heavy police presence in the parking lot at Smitty's on Sunday evening.
At 5:30 p.m., four police cruisers responded to possible threats at Smitty's. Two adult males were involved in an assault in the parking lot. One fled the scene, while the other came forward to speak with officers. A short time later, the other male was located.
Both required medical treatment and were transported to the hospital. No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation continues.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Watson Art Centre is a special place, and they've recently announced some exciting news.
They're now a member of the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA). Now, they're looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year. That's where you come in. They're looking for your support. You can nominate them here. You must be a member of the MCMA to nominate.
Cam Bennet says there aren't many art organisations in Manitoba that manage their own building. For the most part, they have to rent space in various locations. Bennet believes that it is an advantage that the Watson Art Centre has.
"The other reason is that we support local country musicians. Like Kate's Outlaw, we had a two-night show with them last fall," offered Bennet. "Kayla Luky, Desiree Dorion, the Chris Barker Band, and Emma Peterson, to name a few. These are all local country music artists that play at the Watson. We support them and they support us. I think fans recognise that."
Built in 1904, the Watson Art Centre is a heritage building. The Johnston & Co. Auditorium is known for its acoustics and vintage look. If you've ever seen a concert at the Watson, you'll know firsthand how perfect a venue it is. If you haven't, you're missing out.
"The people in the seats love the building. The musicians also rave about the look, the feel, and the acoustics. And many of them have played in venues all over the country," said Bennet. "It's a great venue and it would be nice to be recognised by the Manitoba Country Music Association."
The Watson is also gearing up to host its monthly Open Mic nights. A treat for music lovers, Open Mic nights are open to anyone to perform any style of music. Elsewhere at the Watson, they have become one of the coolest buildings in Dauphin.
They previously ran a 'Coolest Building in Town' campaign. That campaign has come to a close, and it was a great success.
"The heat pumps are in, and we are indeed the coolest building in town. Some people may even say it's too cool," ended Bennet. "We've had a great summer. We've had several dance groups and they're all dancing in comfort."
The Watson Art Centre, a special place that is near and dear to the hearts of many. They're now looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year through the Manitoba Country Music Association, and you can help them achieve their goal.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 21-year-old is facing several charges after the RCMP responded to an armed robbery at a business on Main Street in Strathclair.
On August 3 at 10:05 p.m., officers arrived on the scene and were informed by an employee that a male had entered the business, demanded money, and threatened them with bear spray. The male fled on foot with cash and alcohol.
The suspect was later brought into the Minnedosa RCMP detachment by a family member and arrested. A warrant was previously issued for his arrest after officers identified him.
21-year-old Styles Hotain is charged with Robbery with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, Failure to Comply with a Probation Order times two, and Disobeying Order of the Courts.
He remains in custody.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you know someone who lives in the Ashern area, loves reading, and is between the ages of three and 12, the Siglunes District Public Library is the place to be.
Chrissy Hickerson, the librarian, wants to ensure that young kids continue to read. So she's introduced the 'Summer Reading Challenge' for August. The challenge is simple: read as many books as you can.
Head to the library, sign out the age-appropriate book you want to read, write down the name of it, the author, and a small description of what the book is about. Then, when you finish the book, return it and take another one. Repeat this process throughout the month, and you could be crowned the Summer Reading Challenge champion.
"At the end of the month, one boy and one girl who read the most will get a sweet prize," said Hickerson.
The library is at 61 Main Street in Ashern and is open from 3:30 to 6:30 on Monday, 11:00 to 6:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11:00 to 2:00 on Saturday. Now, just more than a month into the challenge, Hickerson says she is amazed at how it's gone.
"This day and age, kids spend more time on their electronic devices and watch movies, so it makes me happy to see so many are interested in reading," ended Hickerson. "There are so many kids who love to read, which makes me very proud."
The challenge continues until August 31.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative is planning a field tour of their Brookdale farm this Tuesday.
General Manager Mary-Jane Orr discusses what they will be profiling.
"We are pretty excited this year about showcasing some new forage oat varieties that have come out from two companies. One through Seecan, which is the OReBOOST forage variety. And then also CDC Westgate, which is put out by FP Genetics."
They will also be sharing early 2025 demo data for their EcoTea dry seed dressing of cereals on dry matter biomass yield, as well as a field demo of a microBIOMETER.
Farmers interested in attending are asked to preregister by emailing information@mbfi.ca.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Roblin Ag Society wants you!
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The city of Dauphin has announced its new Director of Public Works and Operations.
Bernardo Pasco brings over 30 years of municipal engineering experience to Dauphin, along with extensive technical experience and leadership.
Holder of a degree in Civil and Sanitary Engineering, Bernardo also completed the Municipal Engineering Technology Program at Red River College.
He is also a Certified Asset Management Professional, a Civil Engineering Technologist, and is working towards his Professional Engineering designation.
Pasco rep[laces Mike van Alstye, who recently left to join Manitoba Transportation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Police in Gypsumville are looking for a 29-year-old man from Lake St Martin First Nation following a child abduction incident in that community.
Allan Marsden is accused of breaking into a home with a weapon and threatening everyone inside the home at the time.
Four adults and three children got out of the home safely, but two young children remained with the suspect.
A one-year-old was found safely in the home by police a short time later, while the two-year-old was taken to a nearby home where he was eventually located.
Marsden is still at large, and wanted on charges that include abducting a child under 14, four counts of assault with a weapon, and a count of break and enter.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
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
