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The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has taken over the Brandon Home & Leisure Show, and it's begun in Brandon.
The three-day Show runs during the following hours:
Friday: 1-7
Saturday: 10-7
Sunday: 12-5
There will be over 75 exhibitors and more than 10-thousand visitors are expected to visit the Keystone Centre this weekend. Kristen Laing Breemersch is the operations manager with the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba.
"From remodeling your home to updating windows or flooring right down to having some fun with axe-throwing, we're trying to give an experience for those of all ages throughout the weekend," said Laing Breemersch.
The Manitoba Room, UCT Room, and Brandon Curling Club within the Keystone Centre will be used for the massive showcase.
"They'll be full with everything from campers to sprinklers, Arctic Spas, and some direct wholesale furniture," offered Laing Breemersch.
There will also be a stage on Saturday and Sunday afternoon with vendors speaking about their products.
"It's $5 for adults to get in the gate, and those 14&under are free," ended Laing Breemersch. "They can come and take part in seeing different ideas for your yards and homes. There will also be some entertainment so you can kick up your feet and relax. There is something for those of all ages this weekend."
That's the Brandon Home & Leisure Show, on now at the Keystone Centre.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Clayton Swanton and Carla Wolfenden were in Winnipeg at the Fort Garry Hotel on Thursday night for the 3rd Annual Tourism Awards, and what a night it was.
Hundreds gathered, and it was a night for Clayton and Carla to remember. They were in attendance because the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games (MSG) held in Dauphin were nominated for the Rural Event of the Year.
"It was swanky, it was really nice, and neat," said Wolfenden. "The lineup was pretty impressive. To be honest, Clayton and I didn't think we would win because they brought up annual events that bring in more economic impact, and we were a one-off."
One of the events the Manitoba Summer Games were going up against was the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba. It's held in Gimli annually and is attended by thousands. However, the impact from the MSG was undeniable, and because of that, Clayton and Carla were invited to the stage to receive the award.
The 2024 MSG, powered by Manitoba Hydro, is the Rural Event of the Year.
"We were quite surprised; we were up against some heavy hitter events," offered Wolfenden. "We were shocked. It was a huge honour, and it was nice to hear some cheers from the crowd. The support was there, it was an incredible night."
More than 700 amazing volunteers came together to make the event happen in Dauphin and the surrounding area. People are still talking about what an incredible week it was! Carla wants to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make it all possible.
"Clayton and I were the ones accepting the word, but this award goes to Dauphin," ended Wolfenden. "We couldn't have done it without our incredible executive group and amazing volunteers. This award is a huge hats-off to Dauphin and everyone who helped us pull it off. It was a major success."
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The community is still in shock.
From 3:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, three break-ins were reported in the rural municipality of North Norfolk, located west of Portage la Prairie. Surveillance footage captured a group of individuals armed with firearms who entered properties, stole various items, and then fled the scene.
Shawn Klippenstein's farm is in MacGregor, and he was one of the individuals who was robbed. On Sunday at around 6 a.m., a 17-year-old girl from Sandy Bay First Nation was arrested, and the investigation continues.
Paul Manaigre is with the RCMP and says it doesn't matter where you live, it's crucial to safeguard your property.
"It's irrelevant where you live. You need to secure your vehicles, don't leave your wallet or keys in the vehicle, and lock it," said Manaigre. "Many of these crimes in rural areas are crimes of opportunity."
Manaigre worked at the Dauphin Detachment for five years and understands the crime rate has gone up in the City of Dauphin, however, he believes people are making it far too easy on criminals.
"Most times, thieves are lazy. If the place is secured and locked, they'll move onto the next place because they know they will find somewhere that isn't secured," offered Manaigre. "Usually, you will see that in small communities, such as Gilbert Plains, Grandview, Laurier, Ste. Rose, to name a few. They'll go from driveway to driveway and know they'll eventually find one, and they'll look for cash or any other belongings."
Paul said it's critical to lock your doors to make a thief's life as difficult as possible. He also says that lights are very beneficial on properties.
"Illumination is very important. Today, with technology, surveillance cameras are the best defence you can have," continued Manaigre. "People have million-dollar farming operations that need protection. Whether you're property is big or small, invest in technology to protect it."
On Wednesday, the Manitoba government, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), invested $2 million to expand Manitoba's Operational Communication Centre (MOCC) to strengthen law enforcement's ability to respond to violent crimes and critical incidents.
MOCC is the intake and dispatch command centre for all incoming calls for Manitobans to report an emergency to RCMP. The $2 million in additional funding will add six new RCMP officers and ten public servant dispatchers to expand the Operational Communications Centre and allow 24-7 risk management operational support for law enforcement, allowing the RCMP to better connect with Manitobans and ensure their safety quickly.
Manaigre also wants to stress the importance of reporting crimes, regardless of whether you believe they're small or not.
"Report everything. It could be something minor that happened on your property overnight, but you should always report it," continued Manaigre. "It could be a trend with 15 other victims. We work on information, our job is dependant on the public. Small or big, call the RCMP."
Protect your property by locking your doors, turning on your lights, and taking steps to discourage thieves.
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The Public Works staff in Russell is hard at work after a water leak was spotted at the Russell Water Tower.
You're being asked to avoid the area while crews fix the leak.
Residents will not see a reduction in water quality, however, some areas may see a slight decrease in water pressure.
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The Manitoba government is introducing advanced care paramedics to several rural and northern locations, including Dauphin, Neepawa, Swan River and Ashern.
They will respond to medical emergencies on rapid response vehicles but won’t transport patients.
They’re trained in advanced life support, respiratory and cardiac care procedures, and can give a wider range of medications.
The province said the clinical service leaders will be the first Shared Health paramedics to practice at the advanced care level.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Trades students from several Parkland schools are competing against peers from across the province today in the 27th annual Skills Manitoba competition.
Taking place at Red River College Polytechnic, the event features over 40 Olympic-style, hands-on contests in areas such as robotics and manufacturing, 3D character computer animation, hairstyling, and construction.
There are competitions at both the high school and post secondary/apprenticeship levels, with gold medalists advaancing to the National competition in Regina at the end of May.
Besides hosting the skills competition today, RRC Polytechnic is also hosting around 170 female junior high students for their annual young women's conference, which is giving the participants the opportunity to learn more about career opportunities in the trades and technology fields.
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An investigation is underway after a 46-year-old man was found dead in Swan River.
On Thursday at 4:05 a.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a report of a sudden death at a home on Crescent Drive in Swan River. When officers arrived, the man was outside with injuries, and he was pronounced deceased on the scene.
The death is considered suspicious, and the RCMP believes there is no risk to the public safety.
If you have any information, you're asked to call the RCMP at 734-4686.
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It was a day to remember in Swan River on Wednesday afternoon.
Chief Nelson Genaille of the the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation was on hand to announce the development of a state-of-the-art Microtel by Wyndham. The new hotel will be on Highway 10, roughly two kilometres from Main Street in Swan River.
"We went back to the community and asked what we needed through a feasibility study," said Genaille. "This is what they came back with, and now, we're going to build it."
Genaille is looking forward to seeing the economic impacts the new hotel will bring. From staff to a new place for people to stay, this beautiful new hotel will be a hot spot in the community for years to come.
"When you look at the spin-offs from the Junior A hockey team, there aren't many options for visiting teams to stay," continued Genaille. "This includes minor hockey teams coming into town, the rodeo, and other events that come to town."
The hotel will include a pool and waterslide, along with a continental breakfast and 76 units.
There will also be a 6,500-square-foot Conference Centre.
"There will be an opportunity to host bingo. After COVID, people need to start getting back to living," said Genaille. "Weddings can be hosted, socials, and so much more. Anything is possible with the conference centre."
Chief Genaille anticipates opening the doors in August of 2026.
"I've always wanted more venues, economic development, economic opportunity," ended Genaille. "There are so many dying towns in Urban areas. With this being done, the spin-offs are going to be awesome for everyone."
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It's an exciting time for folks in Laurier as they hope to get a few different renovations done at the Community Centre in that community.
Charlene Saquet is a secretary and confirmed that they are getting a brand new tin roof. Installation is expected to begin this spring.
"That's very exciting," said Saquet. "The current condition of the roof isn't in very good shape, we're very excited to get it fixed."
They've also applied for several different grants.
Bathroom Renovation:
Total Cost: $132,300.00
From The Ground Up (Province of Manitoba) Grant: $100,000.00
Kitchen Renovation:
Total Cost: $32,596.82
Co-op Community Spaces Grant: $27,596.82
Front Door Replacement:
Total Cost: $15,178.20
Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Grant: $7,589.10
Paint Siding:
Total Cost: $16,000.00
Sunrise Credit Union Grant: $12,000.00
The total estimate to complete all the renovations would be $196,075.02. Should they be successful in every grant, they would receive $147,185.92.
"We've recently sent out a letter to the surrounding communities asking for donations and we've already got some in," continued Saquet. "We're still accepting more and, hopefully, looking forward to going ahead with some of the renovations, if we can."
Charlene has set up an information night on Thursday from 6 to 8. Refreshments and snacks will be available, and donations can be made.
"It'll be a come and go. People can check out the posters with all of the information with how much everything would cost," said Saquet.
The Laurier Community Centre can host up to 302 people, which is Laurier's heartbeat.
"It's very important to keep the building updated and in good working order."
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Cautious optimism is the general thought among residents in the R.M. of Dauphin going into the upcoming growing season.
Reeve Ernie Sirski delivered that message during Tuesday's State of the District event.
"There are so many factors in play this year. It is not just markets and weather. It is also tariffs and how things are going forward. Also, labour issues that we have, and farmers have the same issues with labour anybody else in the community has, to make sure we have the right people operating our equipment because we are talking equipment that is hundreds of thousands of dollars, and trying to make sure that we have the right people in place for that."
Sirski also looked ahead to capital projects in the region this year.
"We always have our capital works projects, and most of them involve putting in approaches and driveways and culverts to make sure that our residents and producers have access to their fields and yards. That is an ongoing process that we do every year, and we are continuing that moving forward. As far as development of new roads, this R.M. is pretty well equipped with the roads that we have so we do not have any big projects this year in that sense."
He adds that maintaining drains and ditches is also an ongoing project that will continue this year.
Sirski adds they are hopeful for a better year than last, when around 15 percent of fields in the R.M. went unseeded due to excessive moisture and flooding.
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Representatives from 5 different local municipalities took center stage on Tuesday to provide an update on what is happening within their jurisdictions.
The Parkland Chamber's "State of the District" included presentations from the City of Dauphin, RM of Dauphin, and Grandview, Gilbert Plains and Mossey RIver Municipalities.
Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota says an event like this creates awareness of what is happening in everyone's communities.
"The message that we want to emphasize at events like this, as well as through work that we do, is that when we look at the Parkland as a whole, and the communities that are within it, they all play a factor with each other. When there is a win or a loss in one community, it does have an impact on the rest of the region. So it was great to hear from some of our municipal leaders on the developments that they are having out there."
Chychota adds that each Municipality had some positive messages to relay during their speeches.
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