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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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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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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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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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Class is in session at Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus in Dauphin.
73 new students have enrolled for the fall term in a variety of programs. Carol Stewart, Director, says they have a large number of second-year students returning to finish their two-year programs.
"26 of these are nursing students, which we are very excited about," said Stewart. "We have 11 new students in the business admin course. This is the first year that we've offered an intake each year. That's exciting for us. We are getting enough students to offer the program every year, as opposed to every two years like we used to."
Assiniboine College in Dauphin also offers a mature student high school program.
"So we've got about the same number, maybe up slightly from last year," offered Stewart. "Which is great. It means people are coming back to finish their high school diplomas and to upgrade in courses they might need for other programs."
As noted, Assiniboine College in Dauphin has 26 new nursing students. Practical nursing is the college's largest program by enrolment, and it continues to see high student demand across the province. Besides a permanent location in Dauphin, Assiniboine College has permanent locations in Brandon, Portage la Prairie, and Winnipeg. It also has a rural-rotating site in Steinbach and a community-based site in Sagkeeng First Nation.
"Part of that is not only because of the excellence of our program, but it's very clear we value nursing as a career," continued Stewart. "Certainly, there is a lot of hiring in that regard. We hope that our students are successful. We want them to stay local to work in our region and to raise their family here."
While many programs are seeing an uptick in enrolment, that's not the case with international students. Across the AC network in Manitoba, international new student enrolment is expected to be down by as much as 70 per cent for the fall term. This is due to the array of charges to the Government of Canada's international student policies over the past year and a half.
Stewart says Assiniboine College in Dauphin works to connect international students with local employers who value them and their skills. Stewart says we rely on immigrants and newcomers for the health of our community, their skills, and their talents.
"We absolutely adore having international students here. It makes for a much more diverse and welcoming college experience for everybody," ended Stewart. "It's very clear the Parkland is becoming increasingly diversified. We want to create an opportunity where international students are connecting and building their networks."
Your path to success could go through Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus.
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The playground at the middle school in Ste. Rose is aging.
It's been around for more than three decades, and a refresh is needed. The playground committee is taking the current one down. A new playground has been selected, and it will cost around $85,000.
To help raise funds towards the purchase and installation, the parent committee is hosting a bottle and can drive on Sunday, September 7. If you have any extra beer bottles or cans kicking around your house, you can leave them on your curb, and they'll be picked up. Additionally, they can also be picked up ahead of time. If you would like that option, text Amy at 204-572-4297.
Amy MacCarthy is on the parent committee. She says a new playground will have many benefits.
"There are so many positives that will come from this playground for students and the community," said MacCarthy. "Physical activity is so important. The kids will be able to get out and have so much fun. It will be a great addition."
MacCarthy says she has been out and about already collecting cans and bottles around the community. She's collected more than 200 and has been overwhelmed by the support.
"Oh man, it's been amazing. I can't even put into words what the support means from those in Ste. Rose and the surrounding area," ended MacCarthy. "We are eternally grateful for the support. We're a very small sub-committee, so it's wonderful to see so many people come together to show their support. Whether it's financially, or just offering their time to help out."
Amy says the committee has raised nearly 25% of what is needed to complete this project.
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Charlene Wyatt has had this day circled on her calendar for months.
On Saturday, the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre in Swan River will host Metis Days. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m., and a horseshoe tournament will kick off the event at 11:00 a.m.
"Teams of two, $20 per person. First place pays $300, second place pays $200, and third place pays $100," said Wyatt, chair of the Swan River Local. "Starting at 1:00, we will have a .25 cent bingo until 3:00 with 100% payout. The event finishes with a youth dance and activities starting at 4:00."
There is no pre-registration required. Just head to the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre on Saturday.
Wyatt says this is always an exciting event for the community and one that is near and dear to her heart.
"It's nice to get out into the community to show them what we do," ended Wyatt. "We do other activities throughout the year as well. This is a celebration of our Metis heritage. Hopefully, we get a good turnout."
The horseshoe event and .25 cent bingo are both 18+. The dance is for those under the age of 18.
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He is still believed to be in the Swan River area.
The Swan River RCMP are searching for 41-year-old Tyrone Jonathan Guiboche. Wanted by the RCMP, Guiboche has a number of pending charges, including manslaughter.
Tyrone is described as 5'8", approximately 165 lbs, with short black hair. If you know where Tyrone is, you're asked to call the Swan River RCMP at 734-4686. You can also submit a tip anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
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UPDATE:
As per the RCMP, Bone has turned himself in.
The RCMP is looking for 32-year-old Ferlin Bone.
Bone has been issued a warrant of arrest on a charge of second-degree murder. On August 31 at about 6:15 p.m., the Manitoba First Nation Police Service responded to a shooting in the community of Waywayseecappo First Nation.
A 23-year-old was suffering from a gunshot wound and later succumbed to his injuries. Bone left the residence where the shooting took place in a red SUV. It was later found abandoned, outside of the community.
The victim and suspect were known to each other, and police believe this to be a targeted shooting.
If you know where Bone could be, contact the Manitoba First Nation Police Service at 859-5070.
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Several firearms were seized, and two people were arrested after the Dauphin RCMP searched a home on Davidson Avenue West in Dauphin.
On August 30, Dauphin RCMP received reports that a 16-year-old male had threatened a 15-year-old male with a weapon over video chat. Two days later, officers executed a search warrant. As a result, a 49-year-old female and a 16-year-old male were arrested on the scene.
On top of the firearms that were unsafely stored, officers seized a prohibited magazine, a conducted energy weapon, and organized crime paraphernalia.
Both face multiple charges and will appear in court.
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