NewsNow

Mossey River Days is in the books and what a weekend it was in Winnipegosis.

Opening with the Al Morning Show on Friday and wrapping up with the fundraising BBQ on Sunday, a ton of fun was had by all. The weekend of activities included the Bed of Roses - Bon Jovi Tribute Band which had everyone rocking into the night.

The pancake breakfast kicked off Saturday and Saturday night brought with it fireworks. 

Riley Chartrand is a part of the organizing committee and he says despite some poor weather on Friday, that didn't stop everyone from coming out to enjoy.

"The Tractor Pull for the kids was incredible, it was one of the biggest turnouts ever," said Chartrand. "Nelson Little was amazing and then the Bon Jovi Tribute Band, they sure know how to put on a show. It was an incredible start to the weekend."

There was also a Dunk Tank and Wheels of Fun by Willpower that took place on Saturday, just hours before Emma Peterson Music took centre stage. Charlie Major headlined Mossey River Days in 2022 and while that was a great success, Chartrand says it was nice to get back to their roots.

"Charlie put us back on the map, without a doubt," said Chartrand. "It was time for us to get back to our roots this year and that is what we did. The community support was incredible, we want to thank our sponsors and everyone who made this possible."

The organizing committee will now take a well-deserved break before preparing for Mossey River Days to return in 2024. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 11, 2023 - 1:00 pm

125. That's how old Dauphin is as on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, the City of Dauphin turned 125 years old.

As the largest city in the Parkland region, Dauphin's driven by many things including the agriculture sector, with farms in the area producing grains, oilseeds, honey, and livestock. Also home to various industries such as manufacturing, health care, education, recreation/tourism, and retail, Dauphin is an incredible place to call home or visit.

Dauphin is also a regional healthcare hub, part of Prairie Mountain Health. Dauphin has seven schools including the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS) and the first school was built in 1903, a frame building that is currently present on the Mackenzie School site. 

Dauphin is also home to the Kings, a team that advanced to the national championship two seasons ago and they are one of the most storied franchises in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. James Ball -- an Olympic silver medalist -- is from Dauphin and LT. Col. William George Barker is Canada's most decorated serviceman and he was born in Dauphin in 1894. The Dauphin airport and a school in Dauphin are named after him.

As Dauphin celebrates their 125th birthday, Fort Dauphin Museum will be hosting a celebration on Tuesday from 1 to 4. 

730CKDM caught up with several Dauphinites and some special messages were shared on this incredible city so many of us call home.

Brittany from Dauphin.

"I love how close we are to beaches and Riding Mountain National Park," she said. "We have a great library and there are so many great things for my kids to do. It's a great place to live, we love Dauphin."

Carla from Dauphin.

"It's amazing to see everyone pull together to make things happen," she said. "Whether it's a festival or a project, everyone comes together to do what needs to be done."

Jodie from Dauphin.

"I love the festivals and events that happen throughout the year," she said. "Also the amazing people that make it happen, Dauphin is such a special place to live."

Cam from Dauphin.

"I love that we are big enough to have everything you need," he said. "And also small enough that you always know someone on the street. You can walk into the bakery and if you forgot your wallet, they will tell you to pay next time."

A vibrant Ukrainian community, Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is coming up from August 4 to 6 just south of Dauphin and as of the 2021 census, Dauphin had a population of just greater than 8,300 people. 

Dauphin has also been referred to as the 'horseshoe capital of Canada'. This is because Bert Snart served as president of the Dauphin Horseshoe Club for 32 years. He was inducted into the Horseshoe Hall of Fame in 1976. 

Lindsey from Dauphin. 

"I love all of the incredible people in this community, there is so much kindness," she offered. "Everyone comes together when a person is in time of need and they work together, that's my favourite part of Dauphin."

David from Dauphin.

"It's a beautiful place to live, clean air and lots of blue skies," he said. "It's a great place to live, especially if you love the outdoors."

Gary from Dauphin.

"I grew up here and there are still all sorts of contacts for family and friends," he said. "We're surrounded by lakes, mountains, and prairies... everything you need is right here."

LeeAnne from Dauphin is proud to call this community her home alongside her family.

"I'm loving watching families grow in our community," she said. "Also watching things like the Northgate Trails flourish and the Countryfest Community Cinema."

Cam moved here nearly 30 years ago and this is home.

"This was supposed to be a three-year stay and it's now nearly three decades," he said. "Raising my family here has been a great option. There have been so many amazing memories built over the years."

On top of CNUF that will be hosted next month, Dauphin is getting prepared to host the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games. The event is the largest multi-sport event in Manitoba and Dauphin is ready to show off all of its beautiful facilities and amazing volunteers. 

125 years later and Dauphin is going strong and some would say, it's going stronger than ever.

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 11, 2023 - 5:00 am

Crime seems to be on the increase in Swan River and the Town alongside the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC) is looking to get on top of it.

Recently, the SVCC proposed to council that the Town use the $50,000 in the Crime Prevention reserve fund to purchase a security vehicle that could patrol the area. Purchasing surveillance cameras for the downtown business area was also in talks.

If approved, $40,000 of the funds will be going towards purchasing surveillance cameras and the remaining $10,000 will go towards purchasing a security vehicle, one that would be driven by volunteers of the Chamber of Commerce, Volunteers of Citizens on Patrol, and or by a hired licensed security personnel.

730CKDM reached out to Lance Jacobson, Mayor of Swan River for comment.

"I certainly think that there would be some value to the camera system and security vehicle," said Jacobson. "I believe it would provide some peace of mind for community members."

With the warmer weather that the summer brings, crime always tends to rise over the summer months and for Bill Gade, Chairperson for the Swan Valley Chamber of Commerce, says it's something that is not being taken lightly.

"We need to do something about crime here," said Gade. "We understand that Swan River isn't the only place fighting crime, so many other communities are as well. With that said, we want to be involved and our business community wants to be a part of the solution."

Gade also says he believes the RCMP is doing a great job of keeping Swan River and the surrounding area safe, but he knows the public also believes in the proposed measures.

"They're looking forward to something happening," ended Gade. "This is not about replacing the RCMP, that is not the case. This is about people feeling safer and about us providing the RCMP the information they need to help us with the crime problem."

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 11, 2023 - 5:00 am

The City of Dauphin hosted their 125th birthday celebrations on Sunday afternoon in front of the Watson Art Centre and it was a great day full of celebration and cheer.

Mayor of Dauphin David Bosiak was joined by the public in singing O'Canada and a lot of fun was had by all. With that event in the books, Fort Dauphin Museum is now set to host their celebration as Dauphin turns 125 years old on Tuesday, July 11.

"We are thrilled to be able to host an event for the community," said Karly McCrady, Summer Co-ordinator at Fort Dauphin Museum. "I think it's great that we get the chance to all come together to have some fun and celebrate Dauphin."

Starting at 1 p.m. with Opening Ceremonies with local dignitaries from Northwest Metis Council and Treaty 2, the party will continue with a performance from D-Town Steppers and Bratsva. There will also be other live entertainment. There will also be a BBQ and there will also be wagon rides and outdoor games for the kids.

The party will run until 4 p.m. and as Karly says, everyone in the community is more than welcome to join in on the fun.

"Everyone should come on down to celebrate to really show that we are strong as a community," ended McCrady. "We're all here for the city that we live in and love."

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 10, 2023 - 12:00 pm

More Indigenous education is coming to Brandon University for new students beginning in the fall.

The post-secondary institution is now requiring all new students to take at least one Indigenous-based course during their university career. This does not mean new students will be required to take the course during their first year; however, they will need to take at least one in order to graduate.

Students already studying at the university will not be required to take the three credit hours, as this is only for new students planning to attend BU. 

David Docherty is the president and vice-chancellor at Brandon University and he says this announcement is a key step forward.

"We're an educational institute and I think educating people on our past, our present, and our future in terms of our relationship with the indigenous community is critically important," said Docherty. "We have a great opportunity here to do just that."

Courses that will be offered include Introduction to Native Studies courses for arts and sciences, as well as Indigenous teaching perspectives, Indigenous health care, and Indigenous music composition. Brandon University is also in the process of developing more Indigenous-based courses. 

Roughly 14 percent of Brandon University's population is Indigenous.

"We have been looking at different ways that we can respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission here at Brandon University," offered Docherty. "One of those ways is to ensure that every student has some exposure to Indigenous knowledge in some way." 

While many students that just graduated high school will be searching for an institution to begin their post-secondary studies, Docherty says Brandon is a great place to begin.

"One of our strongest features is small class sizes, students get to know their professors quite well," ended Docherty. "This helps not just in the learning process, but also for students who are thinking about moving onto further studies and getting letters of reference and because students can get to know their professors well, these letters are very personal."

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 10, 2023 - 5:00 am

Canada is celebrating its Parks Day on July 15th, and Manitoba is contributing with a week-long event. 

From July 10th to July 16th, provincial park access will be free for everyone in Manitoba.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt was excited to make this announcement;

“For the third year in a row, our government is providing week-long free provincial park access to coincide with Canada’s Parks Day. This initiative allows all Manitobans to enjoy our parks’ extraordinary natural beauty, intriguing historical sites, and diverse recreational activities.”

It is important to note that overnight camping fees and access to national parks will still require their standard fees.

If you're heading out to enjoy nature this weekend, be sure to check the conditions and prepare accordingly. The province advises that park-goers check in at the campground office to get camping permits; maintain a clean campsite; keep pets on a leash; and keep campfires in approved pits.

The Province also noted that transporting firewood from restricted areas could result in hefty fines. Doing so could harm more than your wallet, as transporting wood could spread things like Dutch Elm Disease, pine beetles, and other pests. 

The weather looks forecast is luckily more moderate than in past weeks, and it's looking like a great week to get out and enjoy the natural beauty that Manitoba's parks have to offer. 

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jul 8, 2023 - 9:29 am

UPDATE: 12:20 p.m. (Friday, July 07)

The RCMP arrested 25-year-old Talisa Brandon, from Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation.

She has been charged with Manslaughter and she will appear in Brandon court on Monday. 

--

Early in the morning at 1:30 am on Wednesday, July 5th, Manitoba First Nation Police Service officers in Waywayseecappo responded to a report of a disturbance outside of a residence on Church Road in the community.

When officers attended, they found a 23-year-old male who had serious injuries. He was pronounced dead on scene.

The RCMP's Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services are investigating.

Details

Contributed by 730 CKDM

Published: Jul 7, 2023 - 12:17 pm

The street in front of the train station and the Watson Art Centre will be closed Sunday to make way for Dauphin's 125th birthday celebration.

During the celebration, there will be activities for the kids including a bouncy castle, an open mic show hosted by Gary Procyshyn, a performance from the Treaty 2 Territory Round Dance & Drum Group, and more. Food will also be available from Temptation's Catering and the Odd Job Squad will be selling freezies. Make sure to leave some room in your belly for the cupcake cake that will be served as well.

There is one part of the celebration that Martijn Van Lujin, Dauphin's Economic Development Manager, wants as many people as possible to be at for 2 pm.

"If you can make it at 2 o clock, it will be fun, because we want to get as many people as possible to sing happy birthday with the Mayor."

The celebration starts an hour before that at 1 and goes until 5.

Details

Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Jul 8, 2023 - 6:00 am

A 53-year-old female is dead after a two-vehicle collision on Highway 16, near Provincial Road 350 earlier this week.

On July 6 at about 10:25 a.m., Neepawa RCMP responded to the collision about 12 kilometres east of Gladstone. An investigation determined that an SUV with two people in it was driving west when it veered into the eastbound lane and collided head-on with a semi-truck, which was being driven by a 63-year-old male from Plumas.

The 53-year-old female in the SUV was pronounced deceased on the scene while her passenger, an 18-year-old male was taken to the hospital with minor physical injuries. The semi-truck driver was not physically injured. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jul 7, 2023 - 10:49 am

A good chance to learn about another option for your crop rotation is coming up soon.

On Monday, July 10th, Red River Seeds ltd. and Fisher Seeds ltd. are hosting a Hybrid Rye Field Day starting at 10 am. The day will also involve experts from KWS Seeds Canada, who were the first to bring Hybrid Rye to Canada in 2015.

"It's made itself an appealing crop for growers in the area ... the hybrid really changed things as far as the yield potential, it's pretty standard to see the 30 to 40 per cent higher yields compared to the old, open-pollinated rye varieties", said David Hamblin, Sales Manager of Red River Seeds ltd.

Hamblin also says it's a crop that can fully replace some of your cereal acres or complement them and still be very profitable. It also has good winter hardiness and is well-suited for Western Canada.

If you would like to sign up for the Hybrid Rye Field Day, call David Hamblin at 204-746-4779, Daniel at 204-209-0374, or Rod at 204-638-2700. The deadline to RSVP is today (July 7th, 2023). Once you RSVP, you will be given the location of the field.

After the tour, there will be a lunch at Mr. Mike's.

Details

Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Jul 7, 2023 - 7:46 am