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It's all about progress. Something Jarri Thompson believes is happening within the Mountain View School Division (MVSD).
Thompson, a Ward 4 School Board Trustee with MVSD, announced earlier this month that an important motion was passed at a board meeting. The MVSD Board of Trustees will establish an Inclusive Education Advisory Committee. The committee will include parents/guardians of children with diverse learning needs and abilities, divisional resource staff, one or two Board members, and any other community resources needed.
The purpose is to advise and support inclusive educational practices, share lived experiences, and identify opportunities for improvement in programming and support for children with learning needs and abilities.
"Very exciting to finally get it moving forward. Families have been talking about it for quite some time," said Thompson. "We will make sure students, families, and educators have their voices heard. So we can work together collaboratively in full inclusion for students with diverse learning needs in all schools."
On her Facebook post, one hashtag caught the most attention. #ProgressNotPerfection.
"When you hear about MVSD in the news or wherever, everyone wants us to get things right the first time, but that's not how the real world works," continued Thompson. "We need to go through trial and error to make sure we're doing things right."
Thompson says MVSD already does a lot of inclusive education. While Thompson knows the right decision won't be made every time, she is confident that a great group of board members is working together to make MVSD strong for years to come.
That includes instructors, families, and everything in between.
"Absolutely. I have every belief in our division that we can work together to strengthen our staff and student academic levels," ended Thompson. "I believe if we work hard and really put in the effort, people will start seeing the progress."
One step at a time, MVSD is turning intention into impact.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After months of build-up, the night is finally here.
Professional Bull Riding Canada (PBR) returns to Credit Union Place on Thursday night. The action starts at 7:30 and ends with the after party at Obsolete Brewing Company (OBC).
Ben Kinkead is with Crossfire Bull Riding.
"Things are really coming together," said Kinkead. "Our PA system will be bigger than last year and have more lighting. A few more bells and whistles this year."
New this year, PBR will be introducing special shoutouts to recognize incredible individuals who go above and beyond for the Dauphin community. Bull riding is known as the most exciting eight seconds in live entertainment.
"I would agree with that," added Kinkead. "I would also add that it's most likely the most dangerous eight seconds in entertainment. It's real, there is no pause button. So we bring in every level of safety feature that we can. From a high-level protection team and safety roper athletes."
The field for this year's event in Dauphin is set, and fans are in for a treat.
It includes Cody Coverchuk. Cody is a two-time PBR Canada champion. He's currently number two in the PBR Canada national standings.
"Cody Fraser is a young Australian talent who has shown a lot of promise these past couple of years. He's coming on strong," offered Kinkead. "Gilmar Santana is a Brazilian. He's been in Canada for the last few years. When he's healthy, he's one of the best in the country. Last year's champion from PBR Dauphin, Dakota Buttar, is returning."
Then, to set the stage, is Brinson James, the public address announcer, who will also return.
"Anybody fortunate to see him perform last year, that guy is worth the price of the ticket alone," ended Kinkead. "He's top of the game and we're pumped to have him back."
With top-tier talent, added production, and a packed house expected, PBR Dauphin 2025 is set to be louder, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever. Get your tickets here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Late last week, Parks Canada announced that motorized boats will once again not be allowed on Clear Lake and other lakes within Riding Mountain National Park this summer.
In announcing the move, Parks Canada said it was in a continued effort to stop the spread of Zebra Mussels in the lake.
But now, a petition has been started by locals, asking Parks Canada to reverse that decision, adding it will devastate their businesses.
The petition, which has already collected more than 2,000 signatures, says inspection and education is the solution rather than a full ban.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An arbitrated agreement has been reached for workers at Metis Child and Family Services and Michif Child and Family Services, including those who work here in Dauphin.
The four-year agreement is retroactive to February 1st, 2023, and includes a 14 per cent wage increase over the term of the contract.
MGEU - the union representing the workers - says the new agreement is a victory for the workers, adding that they said from the start that workers doing the same critical work should be compensated fairly, regardless of what agency they work for.
The new deal is in effect until January 31, 2027.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
On June 15, 2023, a minibus carrying seniors from Dauphin and the area was travelling to the casino in Carberry when it collided with a semi-trailer.
The provincial government brought in a consultant to study potential intersection redesigns.
One solution is a Reduced Collision U-turn (RCUT). These intersections are a cost-effective way to improve safety at busy highway intersections when traffic volumes do not support an overpass. Although they are new to Canada, they have been extensively built in the United States.
Residents in the Carberry area, however, are not pleased with that idea. Debra Steen and her husband are grain farmers who live just east of the intersection. Debra worries some drivers will use other roads to cross the Trans-Canada, including the one she lives on.
On Thursday, residents in that community who are against it will be hosting a rally on a service road near the intersection. They hope to get the government's attention.
Wab Kinew addressed the concerns.
"Those are the perspectives that we want to hear through this process," said Kinew. "It's a huge safety issue that needs to be addressed. This is on us to get it right. That's why we're talking to people in the area."
According to a spokesperson, the project remains on schedule. Construction is set to begin in early 2026. This is a developing story.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Pharmacists in Manitoba will soon be able to prescribe birth control.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement, saying the changes should take effect in the coming days and weeks.
Trevor Shewfelt is a pharmacist at the Dauphin and Winnipegosis Clinic Pharmacy.
"Happily surprised," said Shewfelt. "Unfortunately, Manitoba has historically been one of the provinces where pharmacists are allowed to do the least amount of things. Pharmacists in Alberta and Quebec can do many things other than dispensing medication. Manitoba has lagged, so I was happily surprised when I found out the news."
Pharmacists will also be able to prescribe HIV medications. This is expected to come into effect later this summer. For Shewfelt, it's another positive.
"I'm sure it will take a little extra training on our behalf," offered Shewfelt. "If pharmacists can help people access HIV medication more easily, I can't see that being anything but a good thing."
Right now, patients must go to a doctor's office or a nurse practitioner to receive a prescription for birth control. That's followed by visiting a pharmacist to pick it up. The change means patients won't need to see a doctor or nurse practitioner to get birth control.
"Contraception is an overall benefit to public health. Being pregnant when you don't want to be is a huge burden to the pregnant person, their family, and society in general," ended Shewfelt. "The risk in oral contraception is very low. Anything that will make it easier for someone to access contraception and not have a baby when they don't want to, sounds like a win."
This will also make it easier for those without a family doctor.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Residents of McCreary are being cautioned about possible water service disruptions on Thursday
Repairs are being conducted then to a fire hydrant on First Avenue, as well as essential work being done on Aline (A-line) Drive.
You are encouraged to make sure that you have sufficient water supplies on hand, as the repairs are expected to take most of the day to complete.
You should also be ready for the possibility of unforeseen delays.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A boil water advisory has been issued for the Waterhen public water system and supplied systems such as Meadow Portage, Jantti, Hill's Resort, and Harvest Lodge.
A distribution pump failure has led to a loss of water pressure within the system.
Affected residents are asked to bring their water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for consumption, such as drinking, cooking, preparing baby formula and other drinks, and brushing your teeth.
You do not need to boil your water if you plan to bathe, wash dishes, or do laundry.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 59-year-old woman from Ochre River is dead following a single-vehicle crash near the community.
Just before midnight on Friday, police were notified of a rollover on Road 140N in the RM of Lakeshore.
It is believed the eastbound vehicle lost control on the gravel road as it crossed the rail line, entering the ditch before it rolled.
The driver of the vehicle was pulled out by several passersby, and despite efforts by EMS, she eventually passed away.
No names have been released, and Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
There's a buzz in the air.
Dauphin has many incredible hairstylists to choose from. In the coming years, that list will increase substantially. The Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School's (DRCSS) hairstylist course has about 70 students per semester, and the future of hairstyling in Dauphin is in great shape.
It's been an extremely busy semester for students as they've been out and about in the community showing off their talents. During the holiday season, students worked with the elderly at the Personal Care Home, delivering hairstyles to many of the residents before their Christmas photos.
Abby Karlson is one of the instructors.
"The Care Home was a great experience for the students. Getting them out in the community and letting them interact with clients outside their comfort zone," said Karlson. "They showed their personal and physical skills. It was awesome for them and the residents."
Students were back in action not long after as they provided hairstyles and makeup for Mean Girls, the Musical. It was a sold-out show at the DRCSS, and those in attendance are still raving about how great the show was and how great the hairstyles and makeup looked on the cast members.
"The Mean Girls Musical was so fun to do. The students loved it, we had no trouble getting them to volunteer," offered Karlson. "Being a part of the whole vibe of the musical was awesome."
Students previously partnered with the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Program to provide haircuts to those in need. They also completed care for approximately 20 wigs, at the request of the Cancer Care Unit at the Dauphin General Hospital.
Denise Rudkavich is also an instructor and is amazed.
"The skill level is so impressive. We're watching and seeing amazing growth," said Rudkavich. "These girls surprise us more and more every day."
What's next for the students, you ask? They have a mini spa day booked this month with the kindergarten and grade one students at Ochre River School.
"The students are so proud of their work," ended Rudkavich. "They come up to us and they're ecstatic when something works out for them. They're talking to their family and friends about it. They're even bringing in friends to do their hair."
With every curl, cut, and colour, these students are not only honing their craft — they’re building confidence, community, and a bright future. If the past semester is any indication, the next generation of hairstylists in Dauphin isn’t just ready — they’re already making their mark.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Harmony Taylor lives in the country just outside of Dauphin with her family.
She has three dogs, five outdoor cats, and one house cat. She loves reading, playing video games, and making things with Lego. One day, she wanted to make a game for everyone to enjoy. To do so, Harmony decided to write a story.
The inspiration behind her story? Her dog Gotti who has passed away. Harmony loved Gotti and thought this would be a way to remember. One thing led to another. Now, the 12-year-old is a published author. Dog Packs: Rise of the Rats is now available.
What's the book about, you ask? What seems like a normal day of hunting for Killer, leader of the dogs of the forest, is interrupted when his sister River is attacked by a rat. This attack gives way to an invasion of massive rats led by the powerful Kronos that threatens the peaceful lives of the forest dogs. To fight back, Killer will have to work together with not only his friends and family in his own pack, but also the dogs of the mountain, the rivals of the forest dogs. Killer and his closest allies embark on an adventure to the mountains, not knowing that what awaits them is more than a war with the rats—this journey is the first step toward fulfilling an important prophecy.
The book is already receiving great reviews from those who have read it, and the line of people wanting to purchase it is growing. Harmony received several boxes of the finished book earlier this week.
"I'm really excited that I finally get to share with everyone what I've created," said Taylor. "I'm very proud. Now, kids who read my book will know they can do what I have done."
From start to finish, Harmony says it was a long process, and while she lost interest a few months after starting, her fire was reignited, and she's thrilled to become a published author.
"Many people are interested in reading the book and sharing it with others," continued Taylor.
Saturday, May 24, will be a day Harmony will never forget. She'll be hosting a book signing at Olakino Spa Tanning & Wellness in Dauphin on 223 Main Street South. It will be from 10 to 2, and everyone is welcome.
"I can't wait to meet everyone," offered Harmony. "Looking forward to selling some and signing it."
And for those who have already finished her first book, don't worry, another one is coming down the line.
"Oh yeah, it's actually a series," ended Taylor. "I'm already writing the second book."
With her creativity, determination, and a little inspiration from a beloved pet, Harmony has turned a simple idea into something extraordinary. At just 12 years old, she’s proof that big dreams can come from small towns—and that with heart and hard work, they can become reality.
As Harmony prepares for her first book signing and continues crafting the next chapter in her series, one thing is certain: this young author’s story is only just beginning.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
