Byelection day in Gilbert Plains

Voters in the Municipality of Gilbert Plains are going to the polls today to elect a new councillor.

Three people seek the spot in a byelection - Sheldon Rodgerson, Aaron Klepak and Kristen Rubeniuk.

Voting goes from 8 am to 8 pm today at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall in Gilbert Plains.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 19, 2025 - 7:52 am

As spring inches closer and the roads begin to clear, it's once again time for CAA's Worst Road Competition.

Evald Friesen, Government and Community Relations with CAA is thrilled to bring it back, as it sees a lot of results.

"What happened was when we revealed our top ten worst roads for 2024, we saw Premier Kinew stand up at the Manitoba legislature during the question period and commit to fixing it. Now that's all well and good, but when the commitment came, by way of financial contribution, the people in Brandon were treated to a repaired 18th street."

By voting every day at CAAWorstRoads.Com, you can nominate your local community road, and make it known that it needs fixing.

"96% of Manitobans said that they were concerned or very concerned with the state of our infrastructure. 84% said that roads were not being repaired in a timely manner, and 61% said it's actually getting worse said it's actually getting worse. Our governments are listening, we've demonstrated that by way of the success we have seen through our campaign. Make no mistake, your nomination matters"

On top of getting roads fixed, People who nominate get entered into a draw for Free gas for a year!

So let your voice be heard on which Road is Manitoba's Worst!

Head to CAA's Website to submit your Nomination!

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Mar 18, 2025 - 6:08 pm

The Watson Arts Centre will host outstanding young performers early next month during the Stars of Tomorrow Variety Night.

Set for April 9th beginning at 6:30 in the Johnston and Company Auditorium, the event is being put on by the Watson Youth Arts Council, and the DRCSS's CREW, which stands for Creating Relationships and Enhancing Wellness.

Organizer Sho-Sho Shuttleworth says youth 21 years of age and under are encouraged to sign up to perform.

" It is not going to be just a night of music because we are opening up the performances to not just musical performances but we are asking for any kind of entertainment. Such as dancers, magicians, acrobatics, juggling, ventriloquists, comedians and puppeteers."

All performers will be entered into a draw to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Each performance must be under 5 minutes in length.

To register as a performer, or if you are a business that would like to donate a prize, you can call or text Sho Sho at 204-648-5212, or email her at shosho.shuttleworth@MVSD.ca

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 18, 2025 - 2:59 pm

The Manitoba government is looking to set new rules for drivers near snowplows, tow trucks and cyclists.

Under the new regulations, you’ll have to drive at least 30 metres behind a snowplow on most roads – unless you are on a road where the speed limit is 80 kman hour or higher, at which point you would have to be a minimum of 100 metres behind a snowplow.

You would also be banned from passing plows if you can’t see the road ahead because of blowing snow.

Also, tow truck operators will be allowed to place traffic control devices on the road to protect themselves – and you’ll need to maintain a distance of at least one metre when passing cyclists.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 18, 2025 - 12:53 pm

From Left: Darren Hueging, Allison Hueging, Ag Minister Ron Kostyshyn

The honor of being Manitoba's Outstanding Young Farmers was awarded this weekend to Darren & Allison Hueging of Current Holsteins, located near Woodlands.

Darren and Allison have been together at Current Holsteins since they were married in 2011.

From 2013 to 2015, the family herd grew with the arrivals of Jocelyn, Myers, and Madden who have proven to be helpful hands around the farm and show a keen interest in business and agriculture.

Allison is a licensed veterinarian with a focus on preventative bovine medicine, and she details the focus they put on maximizing production, just one of their many points of excellence.

"So we dairy farm in woodlands, Manitoba, we also have 300 head of beef, cows and have forge production as well. We really focus on herd health and longevity and productive animals."

Darren is thrilled to have this level of recognition, and even more so to be part of the MOYF family.

"Yeah, we're just learning that family, but it feels they've welcomed us already. And we're looking forward to many more years being part of this and yeah, it's a great feeling. "

The next step is the national stage, which is set for November in Toronto.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Mar 17, 2025 - 6:06 pm

Bryn Thiele (L) and Dauphin/Swan River/Neepawa MP Dan Mazier. Photo courtesy Dan azier

Another Dauphin resident has been recognized with a King Charles III Coronation medal.

Bryn Thiele was honoured for his work with the Canadian Mental Health Association in supporting vulnerable individuals and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Bryn was noted for not only providing care, but also leading initiatives that promote well-being and awareness.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 17, 2025 - 3:45 pm

A second set of remains have been identified at the Prairie Green Landfill.

They are those of Marcedes Myran, one of the four Indigenous women who were victims of serial killer, Jeremy Skibicki. The remains of Morgan Harris had been previously identified earlier this month.

Myran, 26, was originally from the Long Plain First Nation, which is roughly two hours south of Dauphin. Morgan was also originally from the Long Plain First Nation.

Harris and Myran are believed to have been killed in May of 2022. Mashkode Bizhiki'ikwe, also known as Buffalo Woman by community leaders, was believed to have been killed in mid-March of that year, however, her remains have never been found.

Skibicki was convicted by a judge on four counts of first-degree murder and in August 2024, was sentenced to life behind bars with no chance of parole for 25 years.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 17, 2025 - 3:23 pm

Photo courtesy Cargill's Facebook page

Producers are encouraged to attend one of a series of meetings this week being hosted by Cargill.

Topics of discussion will include improving herbicide performance, early season weed control, and making sure your seed is ready to go into the ground.

The meetings are set for tomorrow morning from 10 until noon in Dauphin, from 2 to 4 tomorrow afternoon in Ste Rose, from 10 to 2 on Thursday in Grandview, and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 in Fork River.

If you are planning to attend, you are asked to RSVP in advance by calling 204-648-4429.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 17, 2025 - 2:45 pm

This is a big week for the Parkland Chamber of Commerce.

Tomorrow is their next Lunch and Learn event, where they will hand out milestone awards to businesses that have hit different 5-year increments with the chamber,

Executive Director Stephen Chychota says several businesses will be recognized this year as 60-year members of the Chamber.

That lunch begins at 11:45 on Tuesday at the Parkland Rec Complex.

Then on Wednesday, it is the annual Chamber Celebration Night at the Countryfest Community Cinema, beginning at 6:30.

A number of awards will be presented to local businesses and business people for outstanding contributions, with this year seeing a few awards being renamed after individuals for their contributions to the Parkland business community.

Tickets to both events are available through the Chamber's website.