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The Keystone Centre in Brandon has announced that their outdoor stage renovation project has been completed, thanks to the generous support of two local organizations:

Sunrise Credit Union and Heritage Co-op Brandon. Each contributed $10,000 to the project, which was completed this spring by J&G Commercial. 

The renovated stage has already seen increased use, with events such as the Manitoba Summer Fair and the Keystone Centre’s 50th anniversary celebration taking place on the newly renovated stage.

The Keystone Centre will host a free special event Saturday night to celebrate its 50th anniversary, featuring live music, food trucks, and a variety of activities for all ages.

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Jun 14, 2024 - 2:00 pm

Saturday's Ceremonial Tribute in Remembrance will be the next step in the healing process for the families of those that were on the bus headed to Carberry when it collided with a semi-truck.

Patrick Furkalo's mom Margaret was among the 25 people on that bus on June 15th of last year.

He feels it is important that something was done by community and family members to recognize the people that were involved in this tragedy.

"It is a chance for people through the community going through the grieving process to just meet people and share their stories and talk to them.  (The victims) were people that have been around for such a long time and were pillars in the community that stepped up."

A particular focus of tomorrow's memorial will also be on the first responders that attended the scene after the crash.

Furkalo says he is looking forward to meeting some of them, and in particular getting answers to the unanswered questions of what happened immediately after the crash.

"We know that some are coming and we want to thank STARS Air Ambulance and thank those responders.  We understood that each person that was in the crash had someone beside them, holding their hand and talking to them.  This will give us that opportunity to find out who they were, and hopefully we get a chance to talk to them   about that."

The ceremony will include speeches from several dignitaries, as well as the unveiling of a permanent monument, recognizing all 25 people on the bus as well as the first responders that assisted them in the hours of the crash.

Furkalo says the monument will be an amazing remembrance.

"The monument is going to stand out, and will give people the opportunity to reflect on the folks that were involved, and the community pride that goes into hosting something like this, and having that memorial there."

The event begins at 2 pm on Saturday at CN Park.

A reminder that if you are planning to attend the ceremony, you are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, as seating at the event will be limited.

Also, the city will be closing 1st Avenue Northwest between Main Street and 1st Street Northwest between noon and 5 on Saturday for the ceremony.

Those that are unable to make it to the service in person will be able to watch a livestream of it on Pathways Funeral Home's website.

And the Dauphin Active Living Center will host a memorial tea following the ceremony until 4 pm. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Jun 14, 2024 - 12:30 pm

17 were killed and another eight were injured.

It started as what was supposed to be a great day at the Carberry Casino for a group of seniors from Dauphin and the area. It ended in heartbreak when the minibus they were driving in collided with a semi-trailer. 

It was one of the largest crashes in Manitoba history as 17 people were killed. It is the tragedy's first anniversary on Saturday, and a monument will be unveiled at CN Park. Speakers at Saturday's memorial include Cory Lafontaine, The Honourable Wab Kinew, Mayor David Bosiak, Reeve Ernie Sirski, and RCMP Superintendent Jeff Asmundson, to name a few. 

Superintendent Rob Lasson, Officer in Charge, RCMP Major Crime Services and Acting Criminal Operation Officer for the Manitoba RCMP had this to say. 

"I want to reiterate my condolences to the family members that lost loved ones that day and I also want to thank everyone for your unwavering patience and understanding to the RCMP," said Lasson. "It took quite a while to do the investigation based on the complexity. As promised, we will be providing the answers that are needed. Evidence has been gathered and it's now sitting with the Crown."

It was a crash that affected so many. From immediate family members to friends to the RCMP, it was a tragedy that claimed the lives of so many amazing people.

"I felt an emotional attachment and a committment to the family and the community," ended Lasson. "To this day, it has had a significant impact on myself, my staff, and all of my colleagues. It is something that we will never forget."

Lasson also added that all those lost will never be forgotten. 

Saturday's proceedings will begin at 2:00 p.m. at CN Park. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 14, 2024 - 5:00 am

Sunrise Credit Union is handing out 24-thousand dollars in scholarships to 14 Westman high school grads, including one from the Parkland.

Grandview's Raelee Brasch was one of ten recipients of a one-thousand-dollar scholarship from Sunrise. 

A total of 60 students applied for scholarships this year, and were judged based on a number of factors, including academics, leadership, extra-curricular activities, community investment, volunteerism, and an essay that all applicants were required to write.

The largest scholarship - worth five-thousand-dollars - will be presented to Laura Delichte of St Alphonse

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 6:00 pm

The Dauphin Ag Society has announced the recipient of its 2024 bursary.

Chase Sliworsky will graduate from Winnipegosis Collegiate this month and has been accepted to the University of Saskatchewan in their Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program, with his major being in Animal Science. 

Chase grew up on a cattle ranch in Meadow Portage and eventually hopes to become a Veterinarian.

In a post on the Dauphi Ag Society's Facebook page, Chase thanked the Society for awarding him with their one-thousand-dollar bursary this year. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 4:00 pm

Dauphin's Mayor is proud of how the community has supported the families and others that were impacted by last year's bus crash near Carberry.

In reflecting on the year that has passed since the June 15 collision that left 17 local people dead and 8 others injured, David Bosiak made particular note of how the tragedy has brought people together.

"I saw that in our community as they stepped up to help to support the families and the survivors over the past year.  I know that it kicked the city in the teeth pretty hard last June and July and I know that it was probably a more somber than usual summer and fall in the city."

Bosiak adds June 15th will always be a significant day for the city.

"It was a monumental tragic event for our community.  And so I think that this one year anniversary signifies the fact that the community has not forgotten about the event, or about the families affected by it.  And that this memorial now will be a constant reminder."

Bosiak gives special thanks to EMS and other emergency services providers, as well as the Ministerial Association in Dauphin, who he says played an important role in helping the families and the community as a whole immediately after the accident. 

A special Ceremonial Tribute in Remembrance is planned for 2 pm Saturday afternoon at CN Park.

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 2:00 pm

A 29-year-old from Sandy Bay First Nation is facing several charges after a crime spree in the community.

On June 11, Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) officers received a report that a stolen truck was driving in the community with multiple people inside with a firearm. When patrolling the area, officers spotted the vehicle on Main Road. The driver fled from police at a high rate of speed; however, officers were able to identify the driver.

The vehicle was located outside of a residence on Lake Road South. After a short foot pursuit, the driver was arrested without further incident and it was found that the truck was stolen from Carman, Manitoba. A 22-250 rifle was also found.

Jordan Kenneth BEAULIEU (29-year-old) of Sandy Bay was held in custody and charged with the following offences;

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized
• Unsafe storage of a firearm
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of a firearm/ammunition in a motor vehicle
• Weapon possession contrary to order
• Fail to comply with release order condition x2

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 12:02 pm

Judy Kearns spends her days taking care of orphaned cubs.

As owner of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, Judy and her husband work directly with Conservation Officers who receive calls about cubs that are running around without any signs of their mother.

In the most recent case, a momma bear was shot and killed.

"In my opinion, this is a crime against nature," said Kearns. "Those three cubs rely on their mother greatly. They were still nursing and needed their mom. It's such a terrible thing to do."

Three cubs were then left to fend for themselves and would have had very little chance of surviving at just five months old. That's where Black Bear Rescue came in to save the day.

Conservation Officers delivered the three cubs to Judy, who has a rehabilitation centre set up in Stonewall. The cubs now have a safe place where they will be fed and they have the room to grow.

Judy is happy to report that the three cubs are in great spirits and are doing very well. They will be released in the fall.

"We work in conjuction with Natural Resources Department to choose good release locations that are remote and are good bear territory," offered Kearns. "We make sure it is a spot that has plenty of food and what not. We transport the bears there and release them."

In all, Kearns says she currently has 14 bears under her care at the centre. While she never had thought of getting into this line of work, it has now become her dream job.

"I'm glad to be doing this, it is a priviledge to have this opportunity," ended Kearns. "I'm a big animal lover. There was a need and I hated hearing about little orphan cubs that never had an option and in many cases, died because of that."

If you ever spot orphan cubs while you are out and about, you can call the Manitoba TIP line at 1-800-782-0076. You can also call Judy at Black Bear Rescue at 204-461-4320. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 11:56 am

The Manitoba Summer Games are just 59 days away.

That means that in 59 days, athletes from the Parkland will be going up against the best athletes from across the province in several sports including volleyball which will be played at Credit Union Place and track & field which will take place at the DRCSS. Many of the top facilities in the region will be used for the event that will welcome hundreds and hundreds of athletes, families, and their friends to the Parkland.

As we inch closer, volunteers are still needed. People with Class 1 or 2 licenses are welcome to register to drive the bus while Mayors are still needed for each village. Your duties as Mayor include organizing the welcome centre and being the first point of contact.

Cam Bennet is among those who will be volunteering and he says doing so is a great way to give back to the community.

"I have always been a big believer in volunteering and giving back to the community," said Bennet. "You just look at what we have because we hosted back in 2004. Vermillion Park Sportsplex, the track, and that's now being added to."

If you are interested in volunteering but you have time constraints, there are options for you. Even if you can only lend a hand for one day, Bennet says you should register.

"Not even just during the Games, we are looking for volunteers before the games, we have a lot of potatoes to cook," said Bennet with a chuckle. "After the Games, we are going to need help with tare down and putting everything in trucks and whatnot. So whether you can volunteer during the event or before or after, we appreciate it."

If you are interested in helping out, head to volunteer. 

The Manitoba Summer Games 50/50 raffle is also ongoing with the next raffle being on August 14 after Phase 1 of the Games. The jackpot will be drawn at the Closing Ceremonies on August 17. You can get details and purchase your tickets at Manitoba Games 50/50. 

As a part of the Manitoba Summer Games Report that airs Thursday mornings at 9:15 on 730CKDM, stay tuned in the coming weeks as local athletes and coaches will be featured as we inch closer to the Opening Ceremonies so everyone can enjoy a week that will certainly be remembered forever. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 9:00 am

Last night, Regionals Connections celebrated an important milestone with its English language classes.

32 students, all of whom started with no, or little, English got together to celebrate graduates of the course, who received certificates for their excellence in the English language.

Local dignitaries Mayor David Bosiak and Executive Assistant Charlene Gulak (on behalf of Minister Ron Kostyshyn) attended as well, to offer their congratulations. 

Maria is one of the teachers at Regional Connections, who recognizes the challenges of learning a new language.

"It usually takes many years for the students, especially they come with zero English to Canada, it takes many years. However, they're introduced to many new opportunities as increase they upgrade their language level each year."

Maria also noted the importance of Regional Connections and the many services they provide.

"Regional connections provide really important services for new comers and it include settlement, English class, and employment services. I'm part of the language services, and the students that come to our classes really need that because they sometimes come without any English knowledge and they're very passionate about integrating into the community as fast as they can."

For more information on the amazing work they do, visit the Regional Connections Website.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 13, 2024 - 6:00 am