Accessibility Tools

Ground was broken on a new expansion to the Russell Health Centre(RHC) yesterday afternoon.

The $2.5 million project will see an expanded CancerCare Manitoba program space at the RHC, that will allow people in the surrounding communities better access to care, close to home.

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Brian Schoonbaert says the RHC serves a large area, and this will make treatment more comfortable for those who need it.

"The new space will mean four times the amount of space that they currently have. So it'll be much better for the patients, more privacy, there'll be rooms for families."

Once complete, the project will add another 2,300 sq. ft. to the RHC's existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space and will include:

  • Replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area
  • Creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area
  • Improved patient privacy
  • Space for future expansion of treatment areas, if needed

Construction on the project is expected to start within a week, and Schoonbaert says they're hoping to have the work done by the end of the year.

"They're hoping they might be in by the end of the calendar year but we'll see. It's a fairly substantial addition. It'll be on the southwest corner of the hospital, and eventually, they hope to even have their own parking lot, that might be coming later."

The project was mostly funded by the Expanding Community Cancer Care committee, which includes membership from Angusville, Beulah, Binscarth, Birtle, Foxwarren, Inglis, Langenburg, Sask., Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, St. Lazare, Shellmouth, Silverton, Solsgirth, and Waywayseecappo.

That committee raised $1.8 million in construction and equipment costs related to the expansion.  Last spring, the Manitoba government confirmed its commitment of $700,000 to support the remaining costs of this project.

ECCC Members at the groundbreaking in RussellECCC Members at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Russell Health Centre

Conditions in the area are primed for a severe thunderstorm.

The storm watch covers the area of Dauphin, Russel, Roblin, and Winnipegosis.

The potential dangers of this storm could include the following:

  • Toonie sized Hail
  • Wind Gusts up to 100 km/h
  • Rainfall of up to 50mm per hour

A reminder from the Government of Canada about the dangers presented by this storm.

"Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!"

For more information and a map of the storm moving across the area, visit the Government of Canada's Weather Service.

The Manitoba government is increasing its attempts to stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species(AIS) by introducing new AIS control zones and inspection stations.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt made the announcement today, saying in a news release that these control zones are critical to containing the spear of AIS.

"Watercraft users will need to undertake several mitigation measures such as cleaning, draining, drying and decontaminating watercraft to effectively prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species within Manitoba."

New measures that have been imposed include:

  • Designating a new Lake Manitoba/Fairford River/Lake St. Martin control zone to control the spread of zebra mussels
  • Designating a new Shoal Lake control zone to control the spread of spiny water fleas
  • Updating the names and boundaries of existing control zones to more accurately target areas where invasions exist
  • Amending the aircraft control zone provision so that any float plane using a zebra mussel control zone must have its underwater surfaces such as floats treated with anti-fouling paint

The government is also introducing new inspection stations in Ste. Rose du Lac, Minnedosa, and Grand Rapids in the coming weeks. These stations are intended to help respond to growing zebra mussels and other AIS threats in western Manitoba.

For more information on AIS, the requirements, and the location and hours of watercraft inspection stations, visit manitoba.ca/stopais.

The Dauphin Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire at a residence on the 400 block of 3rd AVE NE in Dauphin around 12:30 in the afternoon on Thursday.

The department says when they arrived they were met by a fully involved fire spreading from the main floor kitchen area to the second floor, but they were able to bring it under control quickly.

They also report that due to the age of the home and the wood shavings as insulation, there were multiple spots where the fire had extended. Firefighters, including members of the Ochre River Fire Department, spent a couple of hours moving material and extinguishing hidden fires.

There are no injuries reported or damage estimates at this time and the cause of the fire is accidental in nature, related to an air fryer that is under recall.

The air fryer that has been recalled is the Insignia brand Digital Air Fryer, Analog Air Fryer, and Digital Air Fryer Oven. If you own one and would like to find out how to participate in the recall, you can phone 1-877-650-5411 or go to insigniaairfryerrecall.expertinquiry.com.

The Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce is all set to host its eighth-annual Chamber Fair this weekend.

The event serves as the main fundraiser for the Chamber and because of generous sponsorship for the three-day event, admission is free for all to attend. One of the marquee activities is the 'Select Shows Midway' and they are set to open on Friday afternoon at 4. Friday's schedule of events also includes an art exhibit at Arts Forward starting at 7 p.m. 

There will also be food trucks at the fairgrounds all weekend and there is a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning to get the day started. There will also be a 'Hair of the Dog' Saturday night social and a lot more throughout the three days.

Jennifer Wiebe is the Office Administrator for the Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce and she says the event is for folks of all ages.

"Neepawa is growing at a really fast rate and people have many fond memories of visiting our community," said Wiebe. "It's a beautiful weekend to see all that Neepawa has to offer. If you haven't been here before or even if you have, this is the perfect weekend to come on down to see what is going on."

Wiebe also says the petting zoo will be a hit as it is every year and it is a must-see.

"I'm a city girl so I'm very fond of seeing the animals," ended Wiebe. "I love spending lots of time with animals, so that's where I will be."

The three-day event is slated to wrap up around dinner time on Sunday. 

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued Thursday afternoon has been lifted.

THURSDAY, MAY 25, 2023

Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis areas, as well as the Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park, and Virden - Souris areas.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms this evening. These storms could bring wind gusts in excess of 100 km/h, rainfall in excess of 50 mm per hour, and hail to the area.

Check out Environment Canada's weather alert map here.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a traffic stop led to the arrest of two individuals after open alcohol was seen in their vehicle.

The booze ended up being the least of their concerns. 

Police searched the vehicle and seized 12 grams of cocaine, 21.5 grams of methamphetamine, a loaded sawed-off shotgun, bear spray, as well as several knives and cash.

A 33-year-old from Sandy Bay first nation and a 30-year-old from Dauphin are both facing several charges including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, and Carry Liquor in a Vehicle Contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.

The duo was released from custody and will appear in court at a late date.

The Dauphin RCMP continues to investigate.

A man is in custody after stealing multiple vehicles and robbing a gas station over a five-day span.

At 4:15 pm on May 15th, the Dauphin RCMP responded to a report of a 2012 grey Dodge Caravan being stolen in the city. An hour later the stolen vehicle went to a gas station, got fuel, and left without paying.

Around 8 pm that same night, police got a report of a robbery at a gas station in Grandview where the suspect was driving the same stolen vehicle. The man entered the store and tried taking money from the register before being confronted by an employee and fleeing in the van.

The RCMP found the van shortly after driving down Highway 5 near the intersection of Highway 10. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect fled, driving in a manner that was a danger to the public so police stopped their pursuit.

Shortly after the pursuit ended, police got a report that the stolen van had been left at a residence in the RM of Dauphin, and the suspect had stolen a white Nissan Rogue.

On the evening of May 19th, the RCMP got a report that the stolen Nissan Rogue was seen traveling on Highway 5 in the RM of Lakeshore. Police once again tried to stop the vehicle, but a pursuit wasn't engaged by police when the suspect once again started driving in a way that was a danger to the public.

Officers continued a patrol of the area and found the stolen vehicle entering a farmyard. Police boxed the vehicle in, but the suspect started to flee on foot. Officers from the Dauphin and Ste. Rose detachments, as well as Dauphin Police Dog Services Marook, pursued the suspect on foot and took him into custody.

25-year-old Lane Kenneth Miller of Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve Reserve has been remanded into custody and is facing several charges including Robbery, Flight from the Police Officer, Theft, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

RCMP are asking anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to contact the Dauphin RCMP at 204-622-5050, call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Good news for residents of Rorketon and area. The Rorketon Fire Department has announced that they are back in service to respond to calls like grass fires and motor vehicle accidents.

In an email to CKDM on behalf of the department, Deputy Chief Bryan Preston says they would like to thank the RM of Lakeshore council and the members of the department for working together to get things back up and serving the community. 

The Rorketon Fire Department is BACK IN SERVICE as your defensive fire department! 🔥 The department is responding to...

Posted by Rorketon Fire Department on Wednesday, May 24, 2023

In an emergency, call 911.

Dauphin's Dean Cooley Gm has been operating for the past 28 years and has recently received some impressive recognition.

The Local dealership was given the General Motors President's Club award, an award only given to the top fifty dealerships throughout the Country.

This is out of the over 450 dealerships nationwide. 

Dean Cooley, owner of the franchise says he's proud of his company's accomplishments, and know's just why they've had this success.

"It feels great. you know, I take a lot of pride in it. I also know how that happens. Our team and the staff that I work with are fantastic. I have a lot of very long-term people who have a tremendous amount of experience. We have a good culture at the store where we're very focused on customer satisfaction and making sure we're doing the right things every day. I'm very proud of the staff, I love the team that I work with, and I think this is a reflection of that team."

 According to GM, The GM President's Club Award is given annually to the top-performing GM dealerships in North America. These dealerships are recognized for their outstanding sales performance, exceptional customer service, and commitment to delivering the highest standards of excellence in all areas of their operations. 

Cooley didn't just send thanks to his staff but to Dauphin and the surrounding area as well. He attributes a lot of his success to the support that the community has shown his business over the past 28 years, and looks forward to continuing that same level of customer satisfaction.

Two people are facing charges after the Fisher Branch RCMP executed search warrants on two residences in Fisher River Cree Nation.

The bust was part of an ongoing investigation, and in total, police found 152 grams of cannabis, over $2200.00 in cash, 25 packs of unstamped cigarettes, five bottles of liquor, and over 60 cans of beer.

A 46-year-old male and a 36-year-old female are facing charges under the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba. The Fisher Branch RCMP continues to investigate.

The Manitoba RCMP says they're committed to working with First Nations communities that have enacted by-laws to prohibit the sale and possession of alcohol and have asked to make enforcement a priority. They say the enforcement actions will continue as per the expressed wishes of community leadership.