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Swan River was the place to be from Thursday to Sunday last week as the town hosted the annual Northwest Roundup & Exhibition.
Thousands of people passed through the gate and there were lots of competitors in the rodeo.
"It was a great weekend of rodeo in Swan River, we had over 13,000 people through the gates, we had 183 cowboys show up to compete", said Swan River Valley Agricultural Society President, Austen Anderson.
Anderson also mentioned that George Canyon played on thursday night to a crowd of around 700 people. Canyon also volunteered to sing "Oh, Canada" before the rodeo events on Friday. Earlier in the day on Friday, over 130 floats made their way through Swan River for the parade.
[Image - CKDM vehicle lined up at the parade]
Over 5,500 people attended the exhibition on Saturday, and on Sunday there was a huge crowd on hand for the dash-for-cash which was won by Wayne Solomon.
To put on a successful event like the Northwest Roundup & Exhibition, a lot of support is needed from volunteers and businesses.
"We have a wonderful group of volunteers that work the week before the roundup and throughout the year, and we have wonderful sponsors that help us put this on", mentioned Anderson.
There is already lots of excitement for next year's exhibition, and Anderson says there are already several ideas being put forth to make the experience even better.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Parks Canada says Highway 19 is completely open in Riding Mountain National Park.
The highway experienced significant damage during the severe spring weather last year but it has now been fully repaired.
The work included new culverts, replacements and repairs to exisiting culverts, and ditching and shaping of shoulders.
In late June, Parks Canada also announced the campground and other facilities at the Lake Audy campground were back open to visitors as well.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Dauphin and District Food Bank has been around since 2000 and for the past 23 years, Robin Gambler has been front and centre.
"I like helping people, I have been involved the entire time," said Gambler. "If I can help someone get a meal, that's what I want to do."
With grocery prices continuing to skyrocket, the amount of people heading to the Food Bank is also skyrocketing. Compared to last year, the number of people has doubled and this includes families and single people.
At this time, they're looking for donations of non-perishable food items. They do ask that if you do plan on donating, check the best-before date prior to dropping anything off. They're also looking for feminine hygiene products.
"Rent has to be the number one priority for people and we understand how expensive that is," said Gambler. "If we can then give them some food security, that's great."
You can drop off any donations at the Friendship Centre and they will then be taken to the Food Bank at Parkland Crossing. You can also head there and if someone is available, they will help you out.
The next intake at Parkland Crossing is Thursday from 5 to 7. You must take your Manitoba Health Card and you are eligible to receive a hamper once every four weeks.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Fire crews in Winnipegosis played a role in potentially saving a life with STARS Air Ambulance.
Last night just after 5 pm The Winnipegosis fire department Was dispatched to the PR271 junction of Highway 20.
The team closed off a section of the road to prepare a safe landing space for the STARS crew.
As STARS was stabilizing their patient for travel, The Winnipegosis Fire Department also assisted by refueling the helicopter, shaving vital time off of their trip.
A huge thanks to Camperville Fire Department and Winnipegosis RCMP detachment and Winnipegosis Firefighters for assisting with traffic control.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Excitement has been growing for a while, and finally, Vermillion Growers is open for production.
The 8-year-long wait came to an end with a ribbon-cutting celebration where owners, investors, and provincial dignitaries all came out in celebration.
From left to right, Minister of Agriculture Derek Johnson, Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski, Deputy Mayor Christian Laughland, and Reeve Ernie Sirski all showed up to wish congratulations to this new industry.
Maria Deschauer, co-founder and managing director for Vermillion Growers was elated to host this event and to kick off operations.
"I'm almost speechless, and it truly almost brings me to tears because our Vermillion Grower's team has worked hard for many years for this to come to fruition. so yeah, just ecstatic. Our entire team is humming with energy, and ready for the next phase of operations"
The operational phase is no small feat either. Deschauer notes that once all the tomatoes are planted, a whopping 10 million pounds of tomatoes could be produced per growing year.
According to Deschauer, that's just the beginning as well.
"In an ideal world, we would be adding another 5 acres next year, and then another 15 acres, and then another 15 acres the following year. This is a very scalable project, and we want to scale it up as quickly as possible."
The Greenhouse is an impressive structure, featuring eco-friendly innovation from high-efficiency patterned windows, rainwater reservoirs, CO2 recyclers, and hyper-efficient watering systems capable of growing tomatoes all the way to the ceiling of the facility.
The technology doesn't stop there, as on-rail scissor lifts will be used to harvest these towering tomato behemoths, and robots will be used to assist in moving the harvest from the lifts to the sorting and packaging areas.
Vermillion is currently under contract and will be selling their tomatoes through Red Sun Farms, which you'll be able to find at the local Co-op.
As well, Vermillion is looking to grow their staff. If you have an interest in horticulture or happen to have particularly green thumbs, Vermillion Growers might be a place for you to apply.
To follow the growth of this budding industry, check out their website at Vermilliongrowers.com to stay up to date on all the juicy goings-on at Manitoba's soon-to-be biggest tomato producer.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A 28-year-old man from Dauphin has died after the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) he was driving went into a ditch and struck a tree.
On July 26 at 7:40 a.m., Ste. Rose RCMP responded to the collision on Road 95 West near Highway 5, in the RM of Lakeshore. The man was on the ATV with a 26-year-old female who is from Crane River First Nation.
They were going south on Road 95 West and neither were wearing helmets at the time of the collision. The 26-year-old female was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The ATV was reported stolen from the RM of Alonsa on July 4.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This weekend, make the McCreary Fair and Rodeo a part of your plans.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, you will be able to enjoy the rodeo, sanctioned by the Heartland Rodeo Association, and lots more.
Both days will begin with a pancake breakfast at the McCreary Legion hall starting at 8:30 am. There will also be food booths open at noon and beer gardens open at 1. The rodeo gets underway at 2. A full schedule can be found on our community calendar.
"When it all comes together, it's really something to see", says Debbie Johnson, the treasurer for the McCreary Agricultural Society.
There will also be a parade on Saturday and Johnson says if you want to take part, make sure to be at the McCreary Skating Rink by 11:30.
Admission to the fair and rodeo is pretty easy on your wallet. It is just $15 per day or you can pick up a weekend pass for $25. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
From today until Sunday, one of the biggest fairs in the prairies is taking place in Swan River.
The Northwest Round Up and Exhibition, hosted by the Swan Valley Ag Society, is on from today until Sunday. The first day of the exhibition features the first annual western Canadian chuckwagon and junior chariot championships followed by a George Canyon concert at 9.
If you pick up a ticket for the George Canyon show, that will also cover your admission to see the chucks and chariots.
"So for $30 you can watch George Canyon AND the Western Canadian chuckwagon championships, that's a great deal", says Austen Anderson, the Swan Valley Ag Society's president.
Throughout the rest of the weekend, you can enjoy rodeo action, the Select Shows midway, several horse shows at the grandstand, beer gardens all weekend long, a rodeo dance, pancake breakfasts, and more. The schedule is jam-packed with activities for the whole family.
Anderson also mentioned that the wild horse race and wild pony race are back by popular demand this year for extra rodeo excitement.
"There's something here for everybody, you can spend the whole weekend here and still not see it all."
There will also be a parade on Friday starting at 10 am. Keep an eye out for the CKDM cruiser in the parade. I (Alec Woolston) will also be live on location from noon to 3.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Three men are facing a slew of charges after a drug bust in the RM of Mountain earlier this month.
On July 21, a search warrant was executed at a residence where just over a kilogram of cocaine was seized, along with drug paraphernalia, and a firearm. Two 2023 vehicles were also seized.
43-year-old Martin McKenzie from the RM of Mountain was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Failing to Comply. 25-year-old Adam Stevens of Swan River was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He also had two outstanding warrants of arrest for Assault and Assault with a Weapon.
Additionally, a 41-year-old man from Pine Creek First Nation is facing a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was released from custody with an upcoming court date.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin & District Community Foundation is always working hard to support the city, the surrounding area, and its people.
Thanks to this new funding, It can now do even more to support the senior citizens of the area too.
The Support Our Seniors project was started in memory of the Carberry incident to enrich the lives of the elderly population of Dauphin and the area.
The Parkland is still reeling from the motor vehicle accident on June 15, 2023 near Carberry, MB that claimed the lives...
Posted by Dauphin & District Community Foundation on Thursday, June 22, 2023
Joan Chetyrbok, Community Relations Manager with Dauphin Co-op is proud to support such a great cause and tell us a bit about what these funds will offer.
"Funds will go towards programs, equipment, and activities for seniors in our area. they'll have to apply through the Dauphin & District Community Fund."
Lorne Eiffert, General Manager of Dauphin Co-Op notes that this donation is possible through combined efforts with Dauphin Co-Op, and Federated Co-Op.
"$5000 dollars, half of it, is from Dauphin Co-Op and the other half is through Federated Co-Op through the Co-Op Helps Program. This is the program that provides funds for local co-ops and matching contributions from the community. we're very pleased and honored to have Federated Co-Op support us, and support the Dauphin & District Community Foundation to help the seniors in recreation activities going forward."
If you're looking to make your own contribution to the Support Our Seniors Fund, visit the DDCF Website, give them a call at 204-638-4598, or visit their office here in Dauphin at 100 Main Street South.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
"The Dark Side of the Moon" is one of the best-selling albums of all time and it's being celebrated in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Museum.
The album that was put out by Pink Floyd 50 years ago in 1973 is 42 minutes in length and the people that take in the show will be taken on quite the ride. The show uses modern technology to transport viewers through space and time. Winnipeg's planetarium is also one of just a few in Canada that is equipped to show it.
The album has sold an estimated 45 million copies worldwide and it's ranked fourth on the list of best-selling albums of all time.
Brandi Hayberg is the manager of marketing and communications at the Manitoba Museum and she says this show is a must-see.
"The album is paired with stunning visuals of space and the solar system," said Hayberg. "It really takes advantage of the capabilities of modern technology. It truly is an immersive visual audio experience."
Future shows are now scheduled for August 12, 17, 26, and 31. Hayberg also says they are planning on adding several more shows because things are going very well.
"It has been amazing, we just decided to do a small run of shows to see how it would go," said Hayberg. "People are talking about it on social media and saying how amazing it is and that they would pay triple their ticket price. They're also saying it is one of the most amazing shows that they have ever seen."
When future shows are announced, tickets are just $20 and you can buy them at 'Pink Floyd Show'.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
