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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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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
They're calling it the 'Wild Mattress'.
They don't belong roaming free; they should be at the landfill. Almost every Monday throughout the summer, Ernie Sirski has heard about people dumping their old mattresses in ditches in the RM of Dauphin.
Illegal dumping costs all taxpayers in the RM of Dauphin. As Sirski says, it's very frustrating and needs to stop.
"It is. I'm not going to make any excuses for people doing it," said Sirski. "It makes work for our Public Works staff. They have to pick it up, take it to the landfill, and pay for it. It's a frustrating experience for us, Public Works, and I wish those people who are doing it would stop."
If you spot a mattress in the ditch in the RM of Dauphin, report it. You can call 638-4531. Ernie says he would take a photo if he spots anyone dumping one, but he says he wouldn't ask the public to do the same because of safety concerns.
There is a legal way to dispose of your old mattress, and it costs only $35.
"The only place to dispose of it properly is to the landfill, you put it in their trailer," ended Sirski. "That's the best way to do it. I wish people would do that. The only thing I can ask people to do is follow the rules, don't dump it on RM property."
The landfill is open Monday to Saturday. Full hours are here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's time to head back to school, and safety always needs to be at the forefront.
The Manitoba RCMP has a few tips for those taking buses to school.
- Arrive at the bus stop early;
- Wait in a safe place away from the edge of the road; and
- Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop with its overhead red lights flashing or its stop arm activated before approaching.
When leaving the bus:
- Always cross the road in front of the stopped bus, never behind;
- Look all ways and wait for the driver to signal before crossing in front of the bus; and
- Walk — don’t run — across the road.
And of course, for you drivers, you are a big key in keeping kids safe.
- Slow down in school zones and watch for children crossing the road
- Slow down and prepare to stop, whether you are behind or approaching a bus
- Stop for school buses when red lights are flashing—it’s the law and it saves lives
- Stay alert around crosswalks, bike riders, and busy pick-up/drop-off areas
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Arnold Asham is proud of what has been accomplished.
He knew the end of the line for Asham Stomperfest was nearing. But before that came, he put his all into one more edition of the annual festival. The 23rd Annual Stomperfest took over Reedy Creek over the weekend.
A packed crowd of nearly 2,000 in attendance had plenty to cheer about. Headliners this year included Asham Stompers, the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers, the Nelson Little Band, and Desiree Dorion.
"There were many highlights. I would say the best day was Saturday with the Ivan Flett Memorial Dancers and the Asham Stompers," said Asham. "Desiree Dorion was outstanding on Friday. It was really good. We were pretty happy with how the weekend went."
23 years after it started, Asham Stomperfest is no longer. Due to rising costs and Arnold's health, this past weekend's event was the final one.
More than 35,000 people entered the festival grounds over the past 23 years.
"Big thank you to all of our incredible volunteers. My family, especially," offered Asham. "All the people were so appreciative of what we do. The bands loved that we always offer a first-class sound system and lighting. All in all, it was a great time, and a great festival."

The festival's mission was to help re-capture and preserve the history of the Métis people through the traditional dancing of the Red River jig.
It's to have fun and enjoy the richness of the Métis tradition through the Red River Jig, combined with square dancing, which has been done in the First Nations Communities for years.
When asked what Asham Stomperfest meant to him, Arnold emotionally said, 'It means everything. '
"We were trying to bring hope to Indigenous kids and I am sure we have saved some lives," ended Asham. "That has to be the ultimate highlight, the kids that we have helped over the years. Look at the kids who started dancing with us at five years old, and now they're 25. It's been a wonderful journey. It's my heart and soul."
Arnold is a world champion curling coach. He's in Baseball Manitoba's Hall of Fame.
He is proud of all of his accomplishments, but Asham Stomperfest will go down as his greatest achievement.
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The Dauphin Airport went vintage on Sunday, August 23.
Three World War II airplanes were in town from the Commonwealth Air Training Museum in Brandon. The North American Harvard, a highly successful trainer aircraft used extensively during World War II to prepare pilots for high-performance fighters, was one. The Cornell and Fleet Finch also made an appearance.
Nearly every ride was sold out. Darrell Inkster organized the event and was pleased.
"I think it went fantastically considering the weather," said Inkster. "We had a fairly good turnout."
Through donations and food sales, Inkster also presented the Dauphin Air Cadets with around $800. Members of the Air Cadets were on hand volunteering.
"It was great. Besides the cash, between me and Chuck Lund, we were able to get five or six Air Cadets in the air at no charge," offered Inkster. "We were glad to have them out there."
The first event went so well, Darrell is set to double up. The powerful Harvard will return this Sunday, September 7. The Tiger Moth, which was used extensively as a primary trainer for pilots in the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth air forces during World War II, will also be at the Dauphin Airport.
Rides on the Tiger Moth are currently sold out, but you can still check it out in person. There are five spots left on the Harvard flight. The Harvard flight costs $430, plus a $30 museum membership. The Harvard is a bigger aircraft and burns much more fuel.
If you're interested in taking a flight on the historic Harvard aircraft, call Darrell at 572-7066.
"I've been in contact with the pilots," ended Inkster. "They're great guys to work with. We're on the same page. They like coming here and I like bringing them here."
The flights start at 10:00 a.m. The Dauphin Airport goes vintage on Sunday morning and you can be a part of this special day, whether you want to take a ride, or just see the planes up close and personal.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Neepawa RCMP are searching for two suspects after they tried to steal hundreds of dollars' worth of groceries at Safeway in Neepawa.
On July 30, an adult male and female loaded up a cart with $560 worth of groceries. Before they could leave the store with the groceries, the staff confronted them and took the cart. However, the suspects were able to flee the store before the RCMP arrived.
If you can identify the suspects, call the Neepawa RCMP at 476-7340.
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