NewsNow
CAA Manitoba recently did a survey, and the results are shocking.
The survey shows that more people are using cannabis before getting behind the wheel. Data from the survey shows that 24 per cent of drivers admitted to consuming cannabis before driving. 10 per cent of Manitobans reported driving after using cannabis in the past few months. 63 per cent said they got behind the wheel within three hours of use.
"Yeah, so these numbers are all up from last year. It tells us a bit of a story," said Ewald Friesen, manager, government & community relations for CAA Manitoba. "It shows us the sense of false confidence some users have after consuming cannabis. It raises some important questions about the research and awareness that still needs to be done."
In another study, 50 drivers aged 19 to 30 were examined to assess how consuming cannabis influences collision risk. Only four per cent of participants felt safe getting behind the wheel 90 minutes after eating an edible cannabis product.
Friesen says there are many dangers to driving while under the influence of cannabis, including your reaction time. You won't be able to respond on the road as quickly as if you were sober.
"The other one that we talk about is lane discipline. Our study participants were not staying in their lane; they were leaving and weaving into other lanes. This does not bode well," continued Friesen. "The third one is speed control. Folks were either driving too quickly or too slowly as a result of cannabis impairment."
More than half of Manitobans are unaware of the penalties associated with driving under the influence of cannabis.
"It's worth noting that the consequences of driving high in the province of Manitoba are very real," added Friesen. "Many folks don't understand that the penalties for driving high are the same as alcohol impairment. Impaired is impaired."
Drivers may face enhanced roadside sanctions, including an administrative penalty of $700, vehicle impoundment, mandatory Ignition Interlock participation for one year, an impaired driver assessment and a movement of 10 levels down the Driver Safety Rating scale. Depending on the severity of convictions, impaired drivers may be charged further under the Criminal Code of Canada.
As the holiday season approaches, Friesen is cautioning everyone to have fun but be safe. Everyone deserves to get to their destination safely. Driving under the influence of cannabis and or alcohol is a big no-no.
"Cannabis consumption is legal in this country if you're 18, and that's great," ended Friesen. "If you choose to use cannabis, please appoint a designated driver. Take a taxi or rideshare. You can also stay overnight."
CAA Manitoba wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Snow has hit the Parkland and Mountain View School Division is prepared for when the worst of winter hits.
When poor weather arrives during a school day, MVSD's transportation department and senior administration assess travel by looking at the following.
- Road conditions;
- Temperature and wind chill;
- Reports from bus drivers and RM officials; and
- Weather warnings.
When it comes to bus cancellations, routes are only cancelled when it's determined to be unsafe to drive students.
If MVSD makes the decision to not operate a certain route, parents or guardians and the public will be notified, in multiple ways.
- Text alert (only to parents/guardians of registered students who use the bus);
- Website and social media; and
- Radio station announcements.
Parents or guardians always have the right to make the final decision on whether to send their child to school or not.
If buses are cancelled, schools may remain open.
Teachers will provide instruction to those in attendance.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Canada's National Ukrainian Festival officially put a bow on what was a year for the record books.
They held their annual general meeting recently at the Dauphin Active Living Centre. The event was open to the public, and as Kayla Gillis says, it was a great evening.
"It was amazing. It was amazing to see quite a few people from the public come," said Gillis. "It was nice to be able to celebrate with them, and not just our board of directors."
The event this past summer was the 60th anniversary. The grandstands were packed all weekend, and it was a Ukrainian display like no other. Gillis confirms it was one of the best years that the festival has ever had.
"I do recall about 10 years ago when I took the chair position, we were sitting in a very tough spot," offered Gillis. "It's really nice to see that we're able to get out of that and are now moving forward. We're sitting fantastically. It's a reassurance that CNUF will run for years to come."
Gillis notes that a younger crowd flocking to the festival site is great to see, and it proves that CNUF is what the community wants. Late last month, the festival announced its first set of performers for the 2026 event.
The Sparkling Tones, Midlife Crisis, Steppe, and Neech were announced to perform. Now, as Gillis and her crew move forward, planning is already underway for the 61st festival next year.
"We never stop planning. We're planning for a few years down the road; you need to be a few years ahead," continued Gillis. "We have some amazing announcements coming in the near future. We will have some great fundraising opportunities."
In the next few months, CNUF will be releasing a 60th anniversary video, capturing the magical moments. As a festivalgoer, you play a massive role in the success of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival.
Without you, there would be no festival. Gillis wants to tip her cap and say thank you.
"Just continue doing what you're doing. It's amazing to see everyone come out and support us," ended Gillis. "The volunteers, our sponsors, entertainers, and fans. Without all of them, this festival wouldn't happen. It is amazing to see the support from Dauphin and the surrounding communities."
What a weekend it was. In 2026, the magic of CNUF returns, just south of Dauphin.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Mountain View School Division has begun planning its budget for the 2026-27 school year.
As a part of the process, you're invited to complete their pre-budget survey. Budget priorities are proactive intervention, innovative and flexible programming, and belonging and connection.
All those who take part in the survey will be entered into a prize draw. The deadline is Monday, December 01, so don't delay. To take the survey, scan the QR code with your phone.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
An update to a story that was posted earlier this week has been released by the RCMP.
On Tuesday, Dauphin RCMP responded to a Whitmore Avenue storage facility after three snowmobiles and two trailers were reported stolen. The RCMP has since located two of the snowmobiles, which were loaded onto one of the stolen trailers, in a field southwest of Dauphin.
On Monday, the RCMP attempted to stop a vehicle; however, it fled from police. This vehicle was involved in the overnight break-and-enter. They're now searching for a red or burnt orange colour Dodge pickup truck.
If you have any information, call the RCMP at 622-5020.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Three people have been arrested in Ste. Rose du Lac. A search warrant issued as part of an ongoing drug investigation, resulted in the execution of the warrant at a residence on Highway 278 in Ebb and Flow First Nation.
Upon entering the residence, a number of individuals were discovered inside, including small children.
As a result of the search, officers located and seized approximately 8 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 9 grams of cocaine, a shotgun, 10 cell phones, drug paraphernalia and Canadian cash.
Police arrested a 42-year-old male, and a 44-year-old female both from Ebb and Flow First Nation for possession for the purpose of trafficking, unsafe storage of firearms, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon or restricted weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized, and possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal to $5,000.
A 14-year-old male from the community was also arrested for Possession for the purpose of trafficking. All persons involved were released on an undertaking.
Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP continue to investigate.
- Details
- Contributed by Mark Jones
The Angel Tree program in Dauphin is back ahead of the holiday season.
The tree is located at the Dauphin MarketPlace Mall beside Safeway. This year, 270 children have applied and are hoping to receive a Christmas present.
That's up 40 from last year. All the angels are on the tree, and each angel has an age and gender.
You can pick an angel and make sure that child wakes up on December 25 with a present under the tree.
"Buy a gift for that child. If no one is sitting at the tree, you can drop it off at the Friendship Centre or Parkland Title Loans," said Robin Gambler. "If you don't want to buy a gift, you can donate money. It can be dropped off at the Friendship Centre or Parkland Title Loans. We give charitable tax receipts."
The Angel Tree program in Dauphin has been around for decades. Each year, generous Dauphinities give back.
"You know what, I've been doing this for 25 years, and it is so important," continued Gambler. "Every child deserves to open a present, every child."
Once presents or monetary donations are received, Robin and her crew will provide the child with their gift. It's a magical feeling. One that every child who gets a present through the program will never forget.
"When we're giving out the hampers, every family cheers up when they see what they're getting," ended Gambler. "It makes it all worthwhile for us. We continue to push this, times are hard right now."
If you have some spare time, Robin says the program is looking for volunteers.
They need people to sit at the tree in the mall to receive donations. If you can, phone the Friendship Centre at 638-5707.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 46-year-old man has died in Minnedosa.
On Tuesday, Minnedosa RCMP responded to an injured man on 3rd Avenue NW in the community. The man was lying on the road with an electric scooter nearby.
He was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The man was travelling down 3rd Street NW on the scooter when he lost control and collided with the roadway.
He was not wearing a helmet.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The numbers are in, and wow, Dauphin and area, you crushed it again.
The Smile Cookie campaign returned last week at the Tim Hortons in Dauphin, and total cookie sales were $24,154. That's 12,077 cookies enjoyed, with all the funds going to two great causes.
Locally, the Dauphin Food Bank was the beneficiary of half of the sales. That means Robin Gambler and her crew will accept a cheque for $12,077.
"That's amazing, that will help us immensely with our Christmas hampers," said Gambler.
The remaining $12,077 will go to the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Dauphin finished first in all of Manitoba and fifth nationally. Gambler wants to thank everyone who supported the campaign by purchasing a cookie.
"Oh, wow. It makes me so proud to be a part of this community," ended Gambler. "Everyone is so giving. Number one in Manitoba, that's amazing."
On their Facebook page, the Dauphin Tim Hortons said Thank you for your incredible support, it truly makes a difference.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Environment Canada is making a move to help you prepare better moving forward.
They'll now be using a tiered system. The new system is as follows:
Yellow:
- Hazardous weather that may cause damage, disruption, or health impacts;
- Impacts are moderate, localized and/ or short-term; and
- These will be the most common.
Orange:
- Severe weather is likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or health impacts;
- Impacts are major, widespread, and or may last a few days; and
- These will be uncommon.
Red:
- Very dangerous and possibly life-threatening weather that will cause extreme damage and disruption;
- Impacts are intensive, widespread, and prolonged; and
- These will be rare.
There will still be special weather statements, which will appear in grey. The goal of the new system is to enhance storm preparedness and better communicate how to prepare in advance.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Doug Kendall took home $100,000 last year.
This year, it could be you. The Dauphin Kings Tractor Lotto is well underway. Christian Laughland is the Director of Business Operations for the Kings.
"So far, our three-packs are ahead of schedule when you compare them to last year," said Laughland. "They sold out a week before the draw last year. Well over half of them have been sold."
Single tickets cost $100. A three-pack is $250.
"People who sit on their hands and wait, don't wait, they could go in a week or two, you never know," added Laughland. "They're selling very well this year. They're going to sell out."
There's also a supplementary ticket for $20. Up for grabs are two 2026 John Deere Z320M Zero-Turn Mowers, valued at $5,500 each. There will be 10 draws for $1,000, two for $2,500, two for $5,000, and a single draw for $10,000.
Then the grand prize of $100,000.
There's also the massive 50/50 draw. It's $20 for a single 50/50, or you can get a five-pack for $50.
"It's over $20,000 right now. Usually, the take-home is anywhere from $30,000 to $43,000," continued Laughland. "It'll be at least $30,000 take-home."
You can get your tickets here. You can also call 1-877-585-4647 or get them at upcoming Kings home games. Dauphin is on home ice on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Every year, the Kings greatly appreciate your support.
This is a massive fundraiser for the organization as operating costs continue to skyrocket.
"It gets bigger every year. Everyone knows that the cost of everything is going up these days," ended Laughland. "Our overall budget is pushing a million dollars. The Tractor Lotto raises roughly 15 percent of the overall budget. It's key for us, and we thank everyone for the support."
Darnell Duff will be live on location starting this weekend, so don't delay, get your tickets for a chance to win $100,000. The draw date is on December 14.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
