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If you're driving through Riding Mountain National Park over the next few weeks, you'll have to pay a bit more attention to the roads. 

Tim Town, Ecologist Lead at Riding Mountain National Park, said there's a slimy amphibian you'll have to watch for this fall: the Western Tiger Salamander. 

"The adults will actually spend the majority of their life kind of in a terrestrial environment, so living basically underground in burrows from different burrowing animals, especially during the winter period...this fall period, and right around now, mid-August through September, you'll see all the juveniles basically taking adult form, and migrating back to those, trying to seek those burrows in that terrestrial habitat," said Town. 

During the Western Tiger Salamander's migration, they leave their aquatic breeding grounds where they spend the spring and summer, and search for places to spend the winter. That migration can sometimes be more than a kilometre, so Town recommends if you're driving through the park, pay extra close attention to anything crossing the road, no matter how small. 

"If you notice that you're driving alongside a wetland, maybe just be a little more cautious, drive a little slower. Obviously your safety comes first, so just keep that in mind, but drive a little slower, and have a little more situational awareness," said Town. 

According to Riding Mountain National Park, the fact the Park is a habitat for Western Tiger Salamanders is a sign that the environment is doing very well, and reflect how few toxins there are in the Park that can affect the salamanders. 

On the Parks Canada website, a few species of animals within the Park are listed as endangered, threatened, or species of special concern - the Western Tiger Salamander is a species of special concern. Town said the number of protected species in the Park goes to show how important National Parks are to preserving our environment and ecosystems. 

"Areas like Riding Mountain National Park, we actively try and monitor any species that come up on those lists, and really make sure that their habitat is protected. We'll create maps for all those species that are listed, including the Western Tiger Salamander, and try and figure out where exactly they are," said Town. 

Earlier in the year, Northgate Trails had in-depth discussions with Riding Mountain National Park around construction in an area of the park with a near threatened species, the Golden-winged Warbler. 

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Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced the elimination of child-care fees for 3,000 low-income families across the province, as part of changes to the Child-Care Subsidy Program. 

Child-care has long been a subject of conversations, given the many challenges facing staff. Jamie Grouette, Executive Director of Magical Horizons Daycare in Dauphin, said the change is welcome, but doesn't address the most severe problems the child-care system is currently facing. 

"I think that any kind of family that can get supported for child-care so that they're able to return to work or school is a wonderful program, subsidy's always been sort of an integral part of how daycares function and how families are able to, some families are able to afford daycare, so I think the subsidy program is great...the only hurdle that I see is that we're so limited for daycare spaces in Dauphin that it's really hard for families to find child-care, so it's great that [the Province is] making it more affordable, but it's the actual spaces that are difficult to find," said Grouette. 

The construction of Dauphin's new child-care facility got started earlier in the year, after several years of constant delays. Even once that new space is complete, it'll only draw attention to another large problem facing child-care systems: low staffing, especially here in the Parkland. Grouette said Assiniboine College's Early Childhood Education program didn't run this year, because there weren't enough students. 

"Most daycares in town are already on provisional licenses because they're struggling to find trained staff to work in their centres," said Grouette. 

One contributing factor to why child-care isn't an appealing career for lots of post-secondary students is the wages. Many feel the pay doesn't reflect the work, even with the Province including an increase in child-care worker wages in this year's provincial budget in March. 

"The Government has made great strides, things have definitely improved for workers, but I think that in order to get more people to go into the early childhood education field so that staffing isn't an issue, they really need to start paying wages that are in line with what the staff are doing on a day-to-day basis," said Grouette. 

In the Province's news release announcing the subsidy changes, they say program eligibility is based on income, number and age of children, number of days required for care, and reason for care. 

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Roblin is playing host to some Manitoba Barrel Racing Association sanctioned events this fall, and the first was last night. 

Lael Butler, Roblin Ag Society Member and Event Co-Sanctioner, said yesterday went well, and she expects the other nights in the series to go the same. 

""We had just over 30 barrel racers come and attend, and I think it was a pretty well success...our next one is gonna be September 17th, and then we'll go to September 24th, and finish it off on October 8th," said Butler. 

The events are affordable for both participants and spectators. Open and Youth entry fees are $30, PeeWee is $7, and exhibition runs are $5. For spectators, there's no cost to attend and cheer on the racers. Butler said making sure the events are affordable for participants is one of the most important things. 

"We like to kind of just keep it a little bit low key, so then there's definitely a lot of home town kids around that can just get their hand in it and try it, and they don't have to feel like they have to drive a few hours away, and have fun with each other and just cheer each other on," said Butler. 

For Butler, this series is especially important. Her sister, Bethany Butler, is co-sanctioning the event, a first for her. She's getting to learn first-hand how the behind-the-scenes of MBRA sanctioned events works, and Lael couldn't be prouder. 

"[My sister has] gotten a lot done and there's been a lot of volunteers offering to help her, so it's pretty cool to see everybody come together and put it on pretty effortlessly," said Butler. 

The next event in the Roblin Jackpot Barrel Racing MBRA Fall Series is set for September 17th at the Roblin Ag Grounds. 

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It's an annual staple.

It's a one-day event to get registered for fall and winter activities in the Parkland. It's back on Tuesday, September 8.

Dauphin Recreation Services hosts the rec, health, and leisure mart from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Dauphin Curling Club. While attendance has shrunk in recent years because some groups have gone to online registration, Tamara Kolida says 10 to 15 groups will be there.

Dauphin Junior Rec Hockey and both Ukrainian dance groups will be there. 

"We have two highland dance academies that will be there," said Kolida. "If you want to try curling, talk to reps from the Dauphin Curling Club. Dauphin Girl Guides. Dauphin Rec Services, the Kin Aquatic Centre, and all we do. Dauphin Gymnastics Club will be there."

Stepping Stones Youth Choir from Winnipegosis will be there.

Other community groups like Prairie Mountain Health, Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation, and South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition will also be there. 

There is no cost to attend. Kolida says it's the best opportunity to check out what's happening in the Parkland over the next several months.

"If you're new to town and aren't sure what Dauphin and the Parkland have to offer in terms of sport and community groups, definitely come to this event," added Kolida. "We will do our best to help you."

It's the Parkland's mass registration night on Tuesday, September 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Dauphin Curling Club. 

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Since 2017, Co-op locations across Western Canada have donated more than $5.6 million to local charities and non-profit organizations through Fuel Good Day.

Locally, the Dauphin Co-op has donated more than $35,000 through the initiative. 

Sierra Hadway, marketing and community relations coordinator with Dauphin Co-op, says this event means a ton.

"Yeah, our vision is to enrich the life of our communities. A big way we do that is through supporting and giving back to local organizations throughout the year," said Hadway. "We want to be there for our communities in meaningful ways. Fuel Good Day is a great example of that."

This year, Dauphin Co-op is thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Fuel Good Day. It'll take place on Tuesday, September 15. 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold at the Dauphin Co-op Gas Bars will be donated to the Dauphin Friendship Centre's Food for Thought Program.

This includes all diesel fuel and regular gasoline. 

"It feels especially important. Food insecurity is a real concern in our community," added Hadway. "We want to make sure children have access to the food and support they need. Supporting our kids today helps build a stronger and healthier community for years to come. It's a very important cause for us and we're proud to be a part of it."

The Food for Thought Program has nearly 1,000 students registered. That adds up to an average of about 900 lunches prepared and delivered.

The donation from Co-op will help the program purchase food, prepare nutritious meals, and continue a program that has been part of the community for decades.

In addition to 10 cents per litre, $2 from every Extreme Car Wash sold between September 9 and 15 will be donated to the Food for Thought Program. Five cents from every pound of propane sold on September 15 will also be donated.

You can also visit the Mountain Road Gas Bar on Tuesday, September 8, from 11:00 to 2:00 to purchase lunch from Berg's Bistro Food Truck. All proceeds will support the Food for Thought Program.

Then on Tuesday, September 15, there will be a fundraising BBQ from 11:30 to 1:00 at both Gas Bars. Proceeds also support the Food for Thought Program. 

Players from the Dauphin Kings will be at both Gas Bars on September 15 serving up some great grub.

Hadway said they appreciate the support from the Kings.

"Oh yeah, they're always willing to help out at our events," said Hadway. "We're very fortunate to have them. It's great. We're always helping each other out and giving back."

Fuel Good Day returns to Dauphin on Tuesday, September 15. 

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Yesterday morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the largest investment in VIA Rail in the crown corporation's history, with the goal of continuing a complete refresh of VIA Rail's remote and regional fleet. 

Simon Letendre, Director of Corporate Communications at VIA Rail Canada, went over some details of the announcement. 

"The Government of Canada announced an investment of 4.7 billion dollars to allow us to purchase 313 new passenger rail cars for our long-distance, remote, and regional fleet, so that is the most significant investment in the history of VIA Rail...it means that we'll be able to completely renew and modernize our current long-distance fleet, which serves routes such as The Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver, and the Hudson Bay between Winnipeg and Churchill which you know well, but also the ocean in Eastern Canada between Montreal and Halifax, and other regional routes that we have in Northern Ontario and Quebec," said Letendre. 

Dauphin and the area knows first-hand how vital regional and remote VIA Rail routes can be, even more so after flooding in early July severely disrupted rail routes near Swan River. For many communities, especially those in Northern Manitoba, Letendre says VIA Rail understands how vital and necessary those routes are. 

"We know that for a lot of communities, rail is really a lifeline. That's what they use to get their medicine, their groceries, how they access job sites or healthcare, so for us, it's an extremely important service that we provide to Canadians from coast to coast to coast," said Letendre. 

It's evident whenever you see a VIA Rail trail passing through Dauphin that the fleet hasn't been updated in quite some time. The fleet's average age is almost 80 years old, so Letendre said this investment will give VIA Rail the ability to make sure they continue to serve the remote and rural communities that rely on VIA Rail. 

"The average age of the fleet as you mentioned is 77 years old, our employees are doing a tremendous job to maintain them and keep them in good shape to offer the best service we can, but those cars were approaching the end of their useful life, so it was time to replace them," said Letendre. 

This announcement completes VIA Rail's refresh of their remote and regional fleet. In July, the crown corporation announced investments to acquire 45 new locomotives for the fleet, citing the equipment's age, and ensuring the continuation of VIA Rail services. Though we won't see the new locomotives or passenger cars for a few years, it gives hope that VIA Rail wants to keep serving Canada's remote communities, and do it the best they can. 

"The first locomotive will be delivered in 2029, entry into service will be completed in 2032, so we'll have the 45 locomotives by 2032, and for the passenger cars, first delivery will be in 2031, and we'll be receiving the last one in 2035, so by 2035, we should have the full fleet for our long-distance, regional and remote network that will be completely modernized," said Letendre. 

Letendre made sure to stress that these new investments don't mean a reduction in the level of service VIA Rail customers can expect. Many of the features that VIA Rail is known for will continue with the new fleet. 

"The trains that were running on these routes are really iconic, they're recognized for their sleeper cars, the dome car, the panoramic cars, some social areas also, full service dining, so all of those features are going to preserved in these new cars," said Letendre. 

In his announcement, Prime Minister Carney also stressed the Canadian-made factor of the new passenger cars. All 313 of the new passenger cars will be manufactured and assembled in Thunder Bay, Ontario and La Pocatière, Québec, and designed and engineered in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec. 

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Yelyzaveta Datsenko moved to Dauphin from Ukraine four years ago.

She went from living in a city with more than half a million people. Dauphin's population is less than 10,000. To say it was a culture shock would be an understatement. She had to get used to a new school, make new friends, and find new things to do.

Datsenko took everything in stride. She quickly learned that Dauphin was the perfect place to be.

"I really love it here. Even though I came from a much larger city, I really like the small city vibe here," said Datsenko. "Everyone knows each other. Everyone is so friendly. Everyone is willing to help. I really like it here."

It didn't take Yelyzaveta long to find something that has become one of the most important parts of her life. She quickly joined the 50 LCol Barker VC Squadron. She joined the Squadron when she first turned 12.

She heard it was an interesting opportunity and, as they say, the rest is history. 

Datsenko said the Dauphin Squadron is a tight-knit and friendly community. Everyone supports each other and she's really enjoyed meeting members of other Squadrons. Four years after first joining the 50 LCol Barker VC Squadron, big congratulations are in order for Datsenko.

She earned her glider pilot wings through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. This summer at the Gimli Cadet Flying Training Centre, she completed her Glider Pilot scholarship. The course included intensive flight training, taking cadets from dual instruction through to solo flight.

Datsenko developed the knowledge and decision-making skills needed to handle real flying conditions safely and confidently.

She became the first pilot the Dauphin squadron has produced in several years.

"I'm very excited for that to happen. I worked really hard for them. I put a ton of effort in, hoping I would get them one day," said Datsenko. "I'm really excited to fly and build up my hours. It's really exciting, and I'm proud of myself for doing that."

Flight Sergeant Datsenko received her wings at a ceremony on August 21 in Gimli. 

Five years ago, Yelyzaveta never expected to have received her pilot wings through the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The Dauphin squadron, led by commanding officer Captain Marcus Paddock, gave her that chance. Datsenko then made it happen.

If you're interested in joining the Dauphin squadron and following in the footsteps of Yelyzaveta Datsenko, who just five years ago was living in Ukraine, she says it's well worth the journey. While it's challenging at times, if you have what it takes to work hard and put in the effort, nothing is stopping you form achieving great things.

Just look at Datsenko; she's proof.

"I believe if you have enough passion, it's never going to be a chore for you," said Datsenko. "Learning about aviation in general. You have to keep pushing. I promise you, it's going to be one of the best summers you'll ever have."

For more information on the 50 LCol Barker VC Squadron, you can visit their Facebook page. 

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The Ashern Rodeo returns this weekend, bringing rodeo action and many other things, including markets and entertainment. 

Rachel Postlethwaite, Ashern Ag Society President, said it'll be a packed weekend with near constant events. The Ashern Ag Society also prides itself on making sure the Rodeo is affordable for families, with the highest ticket price being $25 for full weekend access, and free for kids 6 and under. 

"There's a little bit of something for everybody I would say, obviously our rodeo performance is the highlight of our weekend, but we also have a street dance for the kids on Friday evening, as well as a fireworks show which is usually pretty awesome, and then on Saturday we have the parade, we've got a pancake breakfast...it's definitely at the top of our list to try to keep it affordable for families in our area, we work really hard to get sponsors, we have a ton of absolutely amazing sponsors that help us make our rodeo affordable for the families in our area," said Postlethwaite. 

This being the 34th year of the Ashern Rodeo goes to show they know how to put on a good weekend. Postlethwaite said they've seen a good trend over the past few years of more visitors from farther away, showing people are willing to make the drive to attend. 

As with most Ag Societies, the Ashern Ag Society wouldn't be anywhere near as strong as it is without their volunteers. Constantly putting the Ag Society first, Postlethwaite said the Rodeo, and any of the Ag Society's other events, simply wouldn't happen without the hard work of their volunteers. 

"I would say the last few years have been really great attendance, we've seen lots of people come out, we're noticing some new faces and stuff so we're getting people that are coming in from farther away, not just local people, and we're expecting the same this year...we are 100% volunteer ran, so this rodeo wouldn't happen without our amazing volunteers and the people that are willing to help out, so they are absolutely 100% instrumental in putting this weekend on," said Postlethwaite. 

Postlethwaite said the team is putting finishing touches on the rodeo grounds for the weekend, and she expects everything to go off without a hitch. 

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New applicants every two weeks.

The first intake is about 120 applicants. The second one is roughly 80. That's 200 applicants. 

Add in children, it's between 350 and 400 people that the Dauphin & District Food Bank serve every month.

According to Manitoba Harvest, 60,000 people access food banks every month.

The demand for food banks has surged 150% since 2020. With grocery prices more expensive than ever, the local Food Bank is busier than ever.

Robin Gambler wants to thank you. Without you, the Food Bank couldn't operate.

"The generosity of Dauphin and surrounding communities," said Gambler. "They keep us going. Then we have Kraft donations, businesses that collect food or money for us. The people of Dauphin are amazing for the food bank; they really are."

The Food Bank in Dauphin is looking for donations. Some of their most wanted items include canned brown beans, canned soup, canned meat and fish, tea, sugar, rice, soda crackers, macaroni and cheese, and menstrual products.

If you have the means to donate, contact Robin at the Friendship Centre at 638-5707.

Recently, the Dauphin & District Food Bank partnered with Todd from E-Coil.

Robin then received several boxes of much-needed necessities. It's another sign of local helping local.

Gambler is extremely appreciative of Todd's support.

"Oh, it was great. He kept me posted," said Gambler. "Seeing all the cases of hygiene stuff, I was overwhelmed. It's absolutely fantastic. We appreciate it."

The Food Bank's next intake day is next Thursday. It's from 5:00 to 7:00 at 220 Whitmore Avenue East.

You must bring your Manitoba Health Card to receive food. You can receive a hamper once a month.

If you're struggling to keep up with groceries, Robin and her crew have you covered.

No one should worry about where their next meal comes from. If you need it, the Dauphin & District Food Bank is here for you.

"We don't judge. We don't ask how much money you make," said Gambler. "If you're coming there, you need it. We're here for you."

If you need more information, you can call 638-7853. Leave a message, and someone will get back to you. 

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Through ups and downs over the years, the script of the Countryfest Community Cinema has had a lot of moments. The latest plot twist: a new general manager, with some fresh ideas of how to revitalize the Cinema. 

Angie Neely's background isn't very theatre-related. After schooling and working in healthcare and hospitality, with recent focuses on mental health and counselling, and a much quieter small town she comes from, the Countryfest Community Cinema is presenting a new challenge, one she's eager to take head-on. 

"I am new to the community, I just moved out here a year and a half ago, I grew up in a small town where there was very little, but I loved it, so moving out here, it was a little more fast paced, there's a little bit more going on, and being new to the community, I wanted to get involved, and I wasn't sure how to do that," said Neely. 

One of the things that surprised Neely about the Cinema is how community-driven it really is. In recent years especially, the Cinema has relied on donations and support from businesses and organizations in the community. 

Going forward in her tenure as General Manager, she hopes to strengthen community supports and make partnerships with clubs and businesses, so they don't have to rely on donations as much. 

"It is a non-profit, we do rely heavily on the community to keep our doors open, and donations and fundraising, and all of that beautiful stuff, I didn't realize how much of it was included, so I think that's kind of been a bit of a shock for me...I don't want to always be asking for donations, I want a partnership. I want everybody to know in the area that the community theatre is here, it's a hub, it's a beautiful community hub where so many people can go and not only make memories, we're not just movies, we have space for so many other things," said Neely. 

After working in the role for two months now, Neely has seen first-hand just how important a facility like the Countryfest Community Cinema really is to the community. She also plans to expand the Cinema's role as a social space and gathering hub, making it a lot more than just a cinema. 

"The movie theatre is not just watching movies, it's making memories. Whether that be with your partner, your family, your children, it's a place where everybody can go in the community and be welcome. Very inclusive, it's gonna be a warm, welcoming, beautiful place, and I want people to know they are always welcome to come down, enjoy the space," said Neely. 

Neely has also taken an interest in getting involved with the community on the non-professional side, becoming involved with Dauphin Rec and other groups. 

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Amber Fisher of Grandview is facing a forgery charge and more.

Fisher was scheduled to be sentenced in court on a theft charge. On August 31, Dauphin RCMP learned she submitted a doctor's note saying she was unable to attend after being seriously injured in a car crash.

The note said the collision happened on July 22.

It was given to her lawyer, who submitted the document, then it was accepted by the courts. The sentencing hearing on a theft charge was adjourned to a later date.

The RCMP later determined the note was a forgery. No reports had been made involving the suspect being in a collision on that day in Manitoba or any province.

On Tuesday, she was arrested without incident.

She also faces a charge of obstructing justice and uttering a forged document. 

Fisher, who was fired in 2022, pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000 last summer. While working as CAO, she transferred more than $530,000 of the municipality's money to her bank account. 

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