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It won't be just any night.
It will be Manitoba's biggest celebration of country music. Add in that it's the 10th anniversary, and it will be a night to remember.
The Manitoba Country Music Awards are set for Saturday night at the Club Regent Event Centre in Winnipeg.
Several incredible musicians from the Parkland have been nominated for awards on Saturday, including Kate's Outlaw of Dauphin. The band featuring Levi Winters, Kyle and Dylan Neault, and Steven Lukey has been rocking the stage for 10 years. After the COVID pandemic, the talented group kicked things back up into high gear in 2022.
"It's been fun. It's always been a hobby, we've always been buddies, and we love to ride our motorcycles together," said Winters. "We all like music. We have a great group of guys. Our families all back it as well, which makes it easy."
This year, the band has been nominated for group of the year, roots artist group of the year, emerging artist of the year, album of the year (Longrider Religion), and fans' choice entertainer of the year.
Levi is also nominated for all-star guitarist, and Levi and Kyle joined forces to create the masterpiece Longrider Religion, which is up for song of the year.
Winters told CKDM he's grateful that the band has been nominated for so many prestigious awards.
"It's pretty awesome, we're pretty excited about it. We were hoping to get nominated for one or two," ended Winters. "To see that many pop up and us be a part of it, that's incredible. Just being nominated is an accomplishment."
Levi and the band will perform on Saturday night in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd. As of Wednesday morning, a very limited number of tickets remain available. Get them here.
Now, let's take a look at who else from the Parkland is set for a special day on Saturday.
JR Charron (Binscarth) has been nominated for male artist of the year, song of the year (Land of the Free), music video of the year (Different Goods), interactive duo/group of the year, and fans' choice entertainer of the year.
Desiree Dorion (Dauphin) has been nominated for female artist of the year, indigenous country music award, song of the year (DRY), interactive artist duo/group of the year, and album of the year (Remember Your Name).
Jerry Sereda (Ethelbert) has been nominated for male artist of the year, indigenous country music award, and album of the year (Backroad Billionaire).
Austin Ryder (Roblin) has been nominated for emerging artist of the year, music video of the year (Spin), and single of the year (Spin).
Ryan Keown (Roblin) has been nominated for male artist of the year and music video of the year (I Know You Like That).
Kendra Kay (Elkhorn) has been nominated for female artist of the year and song of the year (Old Fashioned Kind Of Love).
Nelson Little (Winnipegosis) has been nominated for roots artist duo/group of the year.
Rylan Knaggs (Alonsa) has been nominated for all-star guitar of the year.
CKDM afternoon show host Kimberley Dawn has been nominated for female artist of the year and the indigenous country music award.
730CKDM has once again been nominated for radio station of the year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
City residents are advised that there may be some water disruptions in parts of the city, as crews work to repair a total of three water main breaks.
Repairs have been completed in the area of Main Street and 3rd Avenue SE, with crews now moving on to an issue on 1st Avenue SE.
There has also been a water main break near Bossons Avenue that crews will attend to once they are done in the south end of the city.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Three people face numerous charges following an investigation into a stolen vehicle in Sandy Bay.
Manitoba First Nations Police first tried to pull over the vehicle at around 4 am Monday morning.
This led to a pursuit, during which a suspect in the vehicle discharged a firearm at police.
A spike belt was used that afternoon near Reedy Creek, with the vehicle eventually being stopped near Silver Creek.
The driver, 21 Damrey Demerais, and his two female passengers - 22 year old Amrielle Beaulieu and 35 year old Tanita Beaulieu, are all from Sandy Bay.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Active Living Centre will be hopping on Saturday night for the Dauphin Constituency NDP Association's annual dinner.
The doors open at 5:30 and supper begins at 6:00 p.m.
Tom Stirling with the association says Ron Kostyshyn will be in attendance. And, back by popular demand, the leader of the NDP will also be there. Wab Kinew attended last year's sold-out event and is scheduled to attend this year.
"It's a meet and greet type of thing for whoever comes," said Stirling.
Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. You can transfer the funds to DauphinNDP@gmail.com.
"If you have any questions or just want to talk to Ron or Wab, they'll both be there," continued Stirling.
Then at 7:30, a dessert auction takes centre stage. If you want to make a dessert, you can be a part of the action.
"If you brought a pie, cake, or any dessert, it'll be auctioned off to the highest bidder," ended Stirling. "It's a fundraiser."
All proceeds go to the association.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 22-year-old man from Ethelbert had his vehicle towed and impounded for 30 days.
On Saturday at 2:00 a.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a vehicle in the ditch of a rural road approximately six miles east of Bowsman.
The driver failed a roadside alcohol screening test.
He was also issued a 90-day immediate roadside driving suspension.
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The Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation Fire Department is on top of the country.
They earned first place at the 36th annual national firefighting competition that was held in Calgary.
The competition brings together First Nations firefighters from across the country to celebrate excellence, teamwork, and safety.
Teams from Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nunavut, and the Atlantic regions compete in a series of challenging events that test their endurance, precision, and expertise.
Events include hose rolling, fast-coupling drills, burst-length replacements, and others. Firefighters also take part in workshops and training sessions focused on new techniques, safety procedures, and leadership development.
Sandy Bay's team included Fire Chief Josh Roulette, Joey Prince, Noah Mousseau, Mark Martin Jr., Wade Malcolm, and Victor Beaulieu Jr.
In a release, the chief of Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Trevor Prince, says the department's hard work, determination, and teamwork have carried them to the very top.
He added that the victory belongs not only to the firefighters, but the entire community.
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For the 11th year in a row, students in Ste. Rose aimed to scare away hunger in the community.
And for the 11th straight year, that is exactly what they did. Students went around town on Friday afternoon picking up non-perishable food items left on community members' curbs.
Lindsay Lepla once again spearheaded the drive.
"It went very well," said Lepla. "It was very well received; there were so many food donations from our community."
Around 200 students hit the streets, and as Lepla says, they enjoyed every minute.
"They're quite excited to go out in the community and collect the donations," continued Lepla. "Especially the kids that have done it before, they look forward to being able to do this every year."
All donations have since been given to the Ste. Rose Food Bank. They filled two trucks, and one had two layers. Scare Away Hunger 2026 in Ste. Rose was a major success, and Lepla appreciates the community for giving back to those in need.
"It's an amazing feeling to know that our community cares for everyone," ended Lepla. "It makes it easier for some who can fill their cupboards thanks to this food drive."
Lepla says they'll be back next year for the 12th straight year.
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Students and job seekers will be flocking to the 8th Avenue Hall Tuesday afternoon for the annual Parkland Fall Job Fair.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Ashton McDonald of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation is facing a slew of charges after shooting a gun at a home on the First Nation.
On Saturday, the RCMP responded to shots being fired at a home in the community, where the residents of the house were shot at. McDonald fled before officers arrived. Officers from Winnipegosis and Dauphin RCMP began the search with the assistance of a police dog and a drone.
McDonald was spotted lying in a field behind the residence and was arrested while trying to hide under the back stairs outside. Police dog Marook found the gun, and it was seized.
McDonald faces five charges, including pointing a firearm and mischief under $5,000.
He remains in custody and will be in court at a later date.
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Donations has been rolling in over the past week, as the Rotary Club of Dauphin prepares for its Fall Book Sale.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
In 2018, Sandra LaRose lost her 16-year-old daughter.
Kailynn was struck by a train while distracted by her phone. After fighting for her life for six days, she died from severe head trauma. Affected by the loss every day, Sandra has become a passionate road and rail safety advocate.
She's been travelling to various communities around Manitoba during Manitoba Public Insurance's Friends For Life speaker series. Sandra's stories show Manitobans how each choice made behind the wheel has a consequence by speaking to how their lives were touched by speeding, distracted, and impaired driving – the three major contributing factors to deaths on Manitoba roads.
"And for you to live a full, long life, and experience everything you deserve, you have to make smart choices," said LaRose. "One glance away, one beer, one distraction can end your life, your friend's, and affect everyone surrounding you. Friends, family, and strangers."
Young Manitobans are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a severe collision involving alcohol impairment than other age groups. There were 2,951 collisions in Manitoba where speed was a factor in 2024, and there were 175 collisions in Manitoba involving impairment in 2024.
So far in 2025, there have been 60 fatalities on Manitoba roadways.
While the speaker series is focused on teens, LaRose says the message is the same for everyone on the roads.
Sandra says it's become a habit for some people to drink and drive or use their phone while driving.
Speaking of cell phone use, LaRose urges drivers to put their phones down while driving.
"You can disconnect, you're not going to miss out on anything," ended LaRose. "If you pick up that phone to answer a text, or to change a song, or answer the phone, and look away, there is no undo button; you can't get that back. Focus on the road, make it from point A to B. Don't miss out on life because that one glance away could change everything forever."
Everyone deserves to get to their destination safely.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
