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Members of the Onanole Fire Department have been in their new home since last December, but an official grand opening of the new fire hall is set to take place this weekend.

Speeches from local dignitaries and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 1 pm on Saturday, with the public invited to come take a look at the facility and enjoy hot dogs and cake between 1 and 4 pm. 

Construction on the new, three-bay facility began in June of last year. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: May 3, 2024 - 3:00 pm

Besides making several announcements while in Swan River on Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew also took the opportunity to tour the Louisiana-Pacific plant near Minitonas.

Kinew said he was particularly looking forward to talking to some of the workers at the plant. 

"I want to see how things are going for them.  Of course, there are industry-specific issues, but every time I am in a location like that, I also want to see how it is going in regards to putting food on the table, how it is going with health care, how is it going with their kids and grandkids in school, and of course, public safety is a top priority." 

Pine Creek First Nation is calling for a halt of Louisiana-Pacific's logging on their traditional lands, including Duck Mountain Provincial Park and forest.

Together with the Wuskwi Sipihk and Sapotaweyak Cree nation, an opposition to the continued logging of Treaty 4 could move to a provincial court case, aimed at both Louisiana-Pacific and the province.

Kinew said he could not comment on the possible court proceedings, but he did stress that Louisiana-Pacific is an important source of jobs to the Swan River Valley. 

" When you think about the challenges that our province faces, think about the big picture, and think about them in every region, including here in the Swan Valley.  Health care, the economy, public safety, addictions, reconciliation, and we can keep adding to this list.  Some part of the solution for each and every one of those challenges we face has to be jobs."

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: May 3, 2024 - 1:30 pm

Wednesday of this week marked a special day.

It could have been a day where you said thank you to a first responder. Whether it's RCMP, EMS, or the Fire Department, the incredible first responders in our community and around the Parkland do an outstanding job of serving and protecting.

Why was Wednesday a special day you ask? It was First Responders Day. You may be related to a First Responder, you may be friends with one, or you may just know of one. Whatever the case may be, First Responders are the ones that serve and protect.

For Cam Abrey, being the Chief of the Dauphin Fire Department is a dream come true.

"Being a First Responder and being able to assist someone on what could potentially be the worst day of their life truly is indescribable," said Abrey. "The feeling that you get afterwards, it's hard to put words to how it feels."

There are many thankless jobs in this world and there are many jobs where thanks are plentiful. For Cam, it isn't about hearing someone say thank you.

"I don't think there is a single First Responder regardless of the uniform that signed up for the job to be paid accolades, we are here to help others," offered Abrey. "We don't look for the cards or any of that after, it's just about wanting to help people."

In his 25th year at the Dauphin Fire Department, Abrey says the crew at the DFD is a passionate group that works extremely hard and when you need them, the crew will be there for you.

"I have seen quite a few faces come and go over the years and I want to thank all of them for setting the example," ended Abrey. "It's a pleasure to work alongside these folks. To see how much they care about their fellow people truly is heartwarming."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: May 3, 2024 - 12:00 pm

Dauphin Co-op is thrilled to announce its pledge of $50,000 in backing for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games, slated to take place in Dauphin from August 11th to 17, 2024.

Being acknowledged as a Friend of the Games sponsor, Dauphin Co-op will extend various forms of support including fuel, food, gift cards, and more. This contribution aims to alleviate operational expenses for over 900 athletes, coaches, and volunteers engaged in the week-long event.

Lorne Eiffert, General Manager of Dauphin Co-op, expressed enthusiasm about the sponsorship.

“Dauphin Co-op is eagerly supporting the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games, aligning with our Vision to Enrich the Life of our Communities and our Brand Promises of being Locally Invested and Community Minded," said Eiffert. "We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Summer Games Committee to ensure a remarkable experience for the athletes.”

The announcement was made on Friday morning at Dauphin's Co-op.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dauphin Co-op for their generous support. Their commitment as a significant Friend of the Games sponsor not only provides financial assistance but also showcases tremendous local backing for all involved. This collaboration emphasizes the spirit of our community and what the Manitoba Games are all about," said Carla Wolfenden.  Thanks to partners like Dauphin Co-op, we are set to deliver a memorable and successful event that celebrates the spirit of sports and our young athletes."

For more details regarding the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games, head to Summer Games.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: May 3, 2024 - 11:09 am

Have you ever found that your internet speed doesn't live up to your expectations?

Bill C-288, proposed by Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Member of Parliament Dan Mazier is looking to clear things up when it comes to seemingly falsely advertised internet speeds. 

"Right now, internet providers can sell you an 'up-to' speed, like 10 and 50, 10 upload, and 50 download. That's kind of the Canadian standard right now. But there's wording right in the advertising. They say 'up-to' and those speeds are for when it works for the services provider, not for when it works for you the user."

This Private member bill has seen near unanimous support as it progressed through the House of Commons, and it currently is waiting for a third reading in the Senate. 

Mazer's goal is to bring this bill to royal ascent soon.

"Ideally, keeping my fingers crossed and all that, hopefully May or June before we rise for the summer. That is my hope for it."

Mazier also hopes that bringing this transparency will keep Service providers accountable, and potentially reduce rates for internet users across Canada.

To learn more about this bill, and the progress its made, visit the Parliament of Canada Website.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 3, 2024 - 9:45 am

The province has announced an increase in the regional Swan River Airport grant from 48 hundred to 96 hundred dollars. 

It is part of a larger announcement by the province that they are doubling funding in the Manitoba Airport Assistance Program, to 156 thousand dollars. 

In making the announcement, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor said rural airport operations help communities attract economic development, deliver healthcare services, and ensure flights are safe and on time.

In a news release, the province recognized the Swan River Airport's important role as a stopover point for various aircraft including government services aircraft, tour and guiding companies, helicopters, and provincial, national, and international visitors.

They add the airport also serves as a staging area for firefighting aircraft when needed, aerial spraying companies, and corporate aircraft.

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: May 3, 2024 - 8:35 am

Tickets for the event just went on sale and already, a sellout is well in the works.

The Rotary Club of Dauphin is excited to announce that Lobsterfest will return once again this year. With a little bit of a twist, this year's event will take place at Obsolete Brewing Company (OBC) on Friday, June 7. 

Lindsay Dingwall is the president of the Rotary Club and as she says, there is a ton of excitement. 

"They have invited us into their building which is great, there will be a whole new vibe to the annual event this year," said Dingwall. "It's a great venue which is a big bonus. We believe that everyone can do better together, so we're thrilled to partner with OBC for this event."

Tickets for the event are $100 and can be purchased now at OBC. With that being said, you must act quick as a very limited amount of tickets remain available. 

"I don't know that we thought tickets would be sold this quickly," offered Dingwall. "It makes us very excited to know that people are looking forward to being a part of this special evening."

On top of the event being held at OBC, the Rotary Club is pulling out some other special things including mussells and they will be serving you at your tables. 

"There will be less people in the building than in the past, but it's going to be more of an experience," ended Dingwall. "That's the direction we are wanting to go in."

To get your tickets before they're gone, head to OBC today until 11:00 p.m. and in a months time, you'll be celebrating with dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. and live music to follow at 8:00. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: May 3, 2024 - 5:00 am

An announcement for anyone headed to Brandon for medical procedures, The Brandon Regional Health Centre front entrance and traffic loop is currently closed.

This closure is expected to last today, Thursday, May 2nd, and tomorrow, May 5th

Any people visiting for general services are to enter through the Centre for Adult Psychiatry off Russel Street.

Patients being picked up after major procedures will use the ER ramp for drop-off and pickups.

The full details and a map of the area can be found below.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 2, 2024 - 4:39 pm

The Northwest Metis Council will hold their second annual Solidarity Walk, as they honour murdered and missing indigenous Women, girls, and Two Spirited individuals.

The event takes place Friday, with interested participants asked to meet across from the Dauphin Court House at 2:45.

Everyone taking part is encouraged to wear red, as the walk will begin at 3 pm, going from the Court House along Main Street to the Northwest Metis Council Building.

Refreshments will be served there and a group photo of all participants will be taken at the end of the walk. 

Sunday, May 5th is officially known as Red Dress Day. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: May 2, 2024 - 2:00 pm

After holding a public safety summit earlier this week in Winnipeg, the province has announced plans to hold three of these meetings across rural parts of Manitoba.

Premier Wab Kinew was in Swan River Thursday morning to announce three additional public safety summits.

"In different regions around the province, including one in Northern Manitoba, one in Westman, and importantly through a partnership with the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, we are also going to be bringing one of these Public Safety Summits right here to Swan River."

Kinew added he has been hearing about issues regarding crime in the Swan Valley for some time.

"In the past few years, we’ve heard about business locking their doors, frustrations with a revolving door of chronic offenders and average families worrying about the future of their community. It’s really hit home for us."

A date for the Swan River meeting is still being determined, as it will be held in conjunction with a future district meeting.

Kinew assured that members of the public will be allowed to attend though and voice their concerns and thoughts at this meeting. 

The public safety summits are a part of the government's five-point plan on bail reform. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: May 2, 2024 - 12:40 pm