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Dauphin, you showed up once again.
The final numbers are in from last week's Smile Cookie campaign at Tim Hortons, and Dauphin finished third in Canada with $57,802 in sales.
It was a record year as $22.6 million was raised through the sales of Smile Cookies, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and the United States. Locally, the funds raised head to the Watson Art Centre for renovations.
$57,802. That's 28,901 cookies.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Ducks Unlimited Parkland Bluewings host their annual Dinner & Auction evening tomorrow night at the 8th Avenue Hall.
Doors open at 6 pm tomorrow, according to Bluewings committee chair Donna Misener-Toomey.
"We socialize and we have lots of raffles. There will also be silent and live auctions. There are some great prizes this year, so it is going to be a fun evening. You can win some prizes and bid on items."
Misener-Toomey thanks the entire Dauphin business community for their generosity towards the event.
Tickets are $70 each and are still available until tonight by contacting Donna at 204-638-9193.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The owner of Olakino Spa Tanning & Wellness is encouraging you to come meet her staff during their Grand Opening week.
Jennifer Richardson says they have daily specials and draws throughout the week.
Richardson describes the services they offer.
"We sell his and her swimwear, we have the sauna area, two masseuses, red light therapy, foot detox, a pedicure and manicure room, lay-down tanning beds, and stand-up tanning beds."
Richardson felt there was a need for a place in Dauphin where both men and women could be pampered.
Olakino Spa Tanning & Wellness is located at 223 Main Street South in Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The municipality of McCreary has announced that a burn ban is in effect now until further notice.
This means open burning is prohibited in the municipality of McCreary.
This includes but is not limited to: all outdoor burning yard trash, vegetation, bonfires, campfires, fires in outdoor fireplaces, and fireworks.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
If you're heading to Riding Mountain National Park, be aware that Sections of the Ominnik Marsh Boardwalk are temporarily closed.
Parks Canada advises that, due to temporary danger to people, they've temporarily closed part of the boardwalk due to damage from high winds.
If you're thinking of ignoring the closure, it could cost you, as violators can be charged under the Canada National Parks Act and face fines up to Twenty-five thousand dollars.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Hot temperatures dried up many fields across the Northwest region over the past week, allowing many farmers to get spring seeding operations underway.
According to the latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, Dauphin was the warmest spot in the region over the past seven days, hitting a high temperature one day of 31.5 degrees Celsius.
On the flip side, San Clara was the cold spot, hitting an overnight low of -3.5 one evening.
Most locations did not report any precipitation over the past week, with Keld topping the list at 3.2 mm.
Spring wheat seeding began across most of the region this week, with the exception of The Pas, which is expected to begin this coming week.
Fertilizer application and harrowing are also ongoing.
Fall rye and winter wheat continue to look good
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Two decades later and the Community Foundation of Swan Valley is going stronger than ever.
They held their Spring Granting Night recently at the Swan Valley Historical Museum, and what a night it was. This year, they handed out 17 grants, totalling $112,950 to various community organizations.
The Benito Splash Park Committee was the biggest recipient, getting $50,000 for the Benito Splash Park build.
Donna Martin has been with the Foundation for eight years and is currently the executive director.
"It's really grown over the years. I never dreamt it would grow this much in the time I've been here," said Martin. "I can't imagine how our founders, who started with $1,500 to give away, would feel if they were all still living to see this."
The Benito and Area Drop-in Centre got $2,400 for exterior renovations and repairs, while the Durban Community Cemetery received $5,000 for a cemetery information centre. The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association got $8,000 for Phase 3 of a shop heating system, and the Swan River and District Community Resource Council got $4,000 for a commercial dishwasher in Heritage Manor.
Full list:
- Steeprock Bay Bible Camp - $1,250 for archery program equipment upgrade;
- Swan River Nursery School Inc. - $5,000 for bathroom renovations;
- Tread the Thunder Bile Club - $2,000 for a trail groomer;
- Minitonas and Bowsman COPP – $2,000 for COPP operating equipment purchase;
- Minitonas and District Arena – $3,500 for a water fountain and bottle filling station;
- Wellman Lake United Church Camp – $8,000 for Phase 2 of a water system upgrade;
- Swan Valley Girls Softball Association – $2,000 for jersey purchase;
- SVRSS – $3,000 for first aid equipment purchase;
- Minitonas School – $4,300 for basketball equipment upgrades;
- Minitonas School PAC – $3,500 for school outdoor space;
- Swan River Trap Club – $4,500 for a storage building; and
- Bowsman Community Skating Arena – $4,500 for an overhead door replacement
"We had a very nice variety from all parts of our Valley, this is the Swan Valley Community Foundation, not just Swan River," added Martin. "We've really covered the Valley very nicely in this intake, which makes me very happy."
Three additional grants were also given out to Steeprock Bay Bible Camp ($500 for the archery program equipment upgrade), Tread the Thunder Bike Club ($1,000 for a trail groomer), and Swan Valley Girls Softball Association ($1,000 for jersey purchase).
These were given by the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program. Martin closed by saying she's living a dream.
"I have the best job in the world, I get to do some things I like when it comes to administration work, and we get to give out money to the community to make it a better place," ended Martin. "The philosophy of the Foundation isn't to pay the hydro bill, change lightbulbs, or that sort of thing. It's to give us things that we possibly wouldn't have or to improve our existing infrastructure to make it better than it would have been if the Foundation had not existed."
With $4.4 million in donations, the Swan Valley Community Foundation has launched a campaign, "Drive for Five."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's Mental Health Awareness Month.
Each year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or illness. By age 40, it's estimated that 50% of the population in Canada will have or have had a mental illness.
Major depression affects roughly 5.4% of the population in Canada, and 4.6% of the population suffers from anxiety.
Most will see symptoms of mental illness before age 18, and it's reported that 20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder.
What causes mental health problems, you ask? Mental illnesses are caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors.
Rod Seib is the peer support and public education coordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association - Swan Valley Branch.
"We want to see everyone thriving and experiencing good mental health," said Seib. "Sometimes when people are struggling, they need support. Whether it's professional or general support by family and friends."
Seib understands that reaching out can be daunting if you are struggling. However, he says it's critical to do so.
"It's very easy to lose perspective and focus on dark thoughts," offered Seib. "It's very important to be able to open up and share your struggles with someone."
There are many different types of mental illnesses. They include eating disorders, paranoia, depression, bipolar affective disorder, and psychosis, to name a few. Mental illness also affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
Perhaps the thought of doubt comes into your mind. Maybe you think you're not worthy of receiving help. Just know that you are always worth it.
"Just remember, every person has worth, value, and skills," continued Seib. "You have value and worth. I understand self-esteem is a huge issue. We always look for ways to build it up. Everyone is worth it."
If you are struggling with mental health issues, now is your time to thrive.
"Yes, absolutely, that's a fundamental human right," commented Seib. "Everyone should have access to mental health care and services. Take care of yourself, practice self care, and reach out when you need help."
When practicing self-care, Seib says a key is physical activity.
"Recent studies have shown the value of going outside for a walk isn't just good physically, it's very good for your mental health," he ended. "Personal hygiene, get plenty of sleep, and eat well."
It's also important to resist the urge to isolate when you are struggling with your mental health.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Thursday is McHappy Day, and the McDonald's restaurants are planning a number of activities for both that day as well as Wednesday evening.
Face painting and McHappy Day merchandise for sale are just some of the activities being planned.
Local McDonald's owner Mihir Patel discusses their goal for this year.
"Our goal is to beat what we did last year, which was around 18,000 to 19,000 dollars between (Dauphin and Swan River). Right now, our target only for Dauphin is twenty thousand dollars, and combined, we are looking at around 27 thousand dollars between Dauphin and Swan River."
Proceeds in Dauphin go to Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg, as well as Whitmore School.
Principal Gord Wood says they are excited to be working with McDonald's on this project.
"Our school has some great plans. We are hoping to do some revitalization of the equipment and things that we have within our gym space, and some of our playground equipment. And, then just see where the funds take us with some of those projects."
The Whitmore school band and kindergarten students from the school will be performing at the restaurant on Thursday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Grandview Municipality has issued a boil water advisory for Sugarloaf. This advisory is in effect until further notice.
All water used for consumption should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute.
The advisory is necessary after a valve malfunctioned on Monday in the Sugarloaf distribution system.
You may experience low to no water pressure at this time.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin City Council has put forth its financial plan for 2025.
Mayor Dave Bosiak says work on the lagoon is the major project on the books for this year.
"The initial quotes have now been received, and we are talking about a project that is now going to be 20 million dollars to do. When we initially applied for funding to the province and the federal government seven years ago, the quotes were at the time for a 13-million-dollar project. So the project has grown significantly over time in cost, and that responsibility primarily falls to the municipality."
Bosiak adds they will use reserve funds and add a long-term debenture, as well as future adjustments to water and sewer rates, to fund this project.
Other highlights include funding for 2nd Avenue NW enhancement, a new project management position with the city, and the creation of a reserve fund to be used towards purchasing properties for future development.
There is also around 1.5 million dollars committed to road, sewer, and sidewalk repairs, over 3 million for RCMP in the city, and over 2 million for recreation.
The bottom line for all of this... residents can expect to see an approximately four per cent increase to their property tax bill this year.
"We are very cognizant of that, knowing that the cost of living and inflation is at least half of our increase this year. So to do all of the things that we have to do in the city. And everybody knows that nothing ever gets cheaper. But I want to tip my hat to our senior staff and administration, who have spent a lot of time and effort making sure that this works."
Bosiak also thanked the province for providing grants and funding for several projects within the city.
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