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If you notice a low-flying helicopter in and around Riding Mountain National Park over the next two to three weeks, there's no reason to panic.
An elk, moose, and deer survey is being conducted. The survey will help determine the population of elk, moose, and deer in the area.
The survey area includes McCreary to Russell, and from Highways 10/5 (north) to Highway 45 (south).
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you're looking to get in some waves at the Swan Valley Aquatic Centre, now is the time to hurry.
The facility remains open through Friday. You can see the schedule for the remainder of the week here.
After this week, Danielle Gordon-Broome, director of recreation for the Town of Swan River, says they'll be closed for the entire month of February.
"It's our annual shutdown. We drain the pool and take care of any maintenance needs," said Gordon-Broome. "It's our chance to give the facility a refresh. We complete any cosmetic repairs, paint, and some deep cleaning. Things that we can't do when the pool is full of water."
There will also be staff training next month. In a typical year, the community shuts down the pool in September. This year, it's been delayed to next month due to their large pipe hanger project. The project replaced some rusting supports to ensure the longevity of the facility
The pool is set to re-open on Tuesday, March 3.
"The facility, for the most part, will look the same," she ended. "We hope to have positive programming and changes that way. It's a very exciting time for us. We use this time to go through everything, refresh, and come back with some exciting things."
Friday is the final day before the month-long closure.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Beginning on February 2, the Ebb and Flow First Nation will be implementing drug testing for all First Nation employees.
The Ebb and Flow First Nation and Council are committed to maintaining a safe, healthy, and respectful workplace for all employees and community members.
The purpose of the testing is to ensure workplace safety, to support employee wellness, and to uphold professional standards in the workplace.
Chief and Council thank all employees for their cooperation and commitment to a safe working environment.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It was a heartbreaking scene in Berens River on Tuesday morning.
At 3:00 a.m., Berens River RCMP responded to a fire at the Berens River School. The night guard noticed the school was filling up with smoke.
The local fire department attempted to extinguish the fire in the crawl space. They were unable to do so.
The fire grew too big and crews could not control the blaze. There was no one in the school at the time and the cause of the fire does not appear to be suspicious.
No injuries have been reported and the investigation continues.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
4-H Canada has announced the recipients of its 2025 Farm Credit Canada 4-H Club Fund.
It provides grants of up to $500 to help clubs offset program costs, supports club activities, and enhance learning opportunities for members.
A total of 203 clubs across Canada received funding, including 16 in Manitoba.
Of those Manitoba clubs to receive money, four were from the Parkland area - Mount View, Rorketon, Minnedosa, and Erickson.
In a news release announcing the funding, F-C-C Chief Purpose Officer Todd Klink said supporting youth at the communit level is essential to building a strong and sustainable future for Canadian agriculture.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It's been months in the making.
On Saturday, it's here. The Watson Art Centre is hosting a Wedding Expo from 10:00 to 4:00.
While Cam Bennet says this hasn't been an annual event, he says you never know what could happen.
"We really want to get people into the Watson," said Bennet. "We want people to realize we're open for weddings. Now that we have heat pumps, it's much more conducive to hosting a wedding in the summer during the hot months."
There is no admission. Cam says they have a great mix of vendors. This includes some from Dauphin and throughout the region.
"We've got caterers, two or three music services," added Bennet. "Photographers, videographers. I like to think we have everything you'll need for a wedding, and even a couple of things you didn't realize you'll need."
With the installation of the heat pumps, Bennet says the Watson Art Centre is the perfect destination for your special day.
"It's an outstanding venue for a small-ish wedding," ended Bennet. "You have the history, the architecture, the look, and you're right in town. A lot is going on with it. If this is the look that you're after, the Watson is ready for you."
The Watson Art Centre can accommodate about 160 people for a wedding, assuming you include a buffet table.
The Parkland's 2026 Wedding Expo happens on Saturday at the Watson from 10:00 to 4:00.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Several Parkland groups are receiving funding from Manitoba Ag Days and its Ag Days Gives back Fund.
The projects were announce this week, with the money coming from proceeds from the 50/50 sales at last year's Ag Days.
This year, several fire departments received $2,000 each for community projects that they are undertaking.
Local fire departments that received money included Winnipegosis, Ashern, and Clanwilliam-Erickson.
Ag Days gives back also entered cost sharing agreements with 15 organizations towards the purchase of an AED for a community space.
Local recipients of this include Ste Rose School Playground Project, and both Sandy Lake Recreation and Lions Club.
And Ag Days Gives back also provided $15,000 to Ag in the Classroom - Manitoba.
This will allow the organization to continue its AgVenture program, which brings students to Manitoba Ag Days for a hands-on learning experience.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Turtle River School Division is hosting a pre-budget consultation on Tuesday.
It'll be at 7:00 p.m. at the McCreary School. Everyone is welcome to attend.
You can share your ideas, ask any questions, and share your thoughts on the 2026/27 school budget.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
They departed Dauphin last Tuesday.
A group of 23 riders trailered their snowmobiles to Flin Flon. The rest is history.
Another wildly successful Journey for Sight ended on Saturday in Brandon. Dean Lounsbury, who rode for the 26th year, says everyone braced the frigid temperatures.
"You know what I'll tell you, we left Flin Flon at minus 39. It was the same in The Pas and Swan River," said Lounsbury. "The coldest spot was Onanole on Saturday morning when it was minus 41. I think everyone in some way had frostbite throughout the ride."
Dean says one of the riders is interested in becoming the chairman. Another rider plans to take over the finances and pay bills. When the riders arrived in Brandon on Saturday, they were treated to a beautiful meal catered by the Lions Club.
This year marked the largest number of local riders who took part for the first time.
"Everyone of them has said to us they can't believe how well it's organized, and how well we're received in the areas we go," added Lounsbury. We were in Swan River, and the Lions Club in the Swan Valley put on a moose stew supper for us. It was fantastic."
Typically, when the crew has breakfast in Swan River, each rider takes care of their meals. This year, the Minitonas Lions Club bought them breakfast. In Minnedosa, a woman paid to fuel up all 23 sleds.
More than $60,000 was raised and presented on Saturday in Brandon. A good portion of those funds was raised locally in Dauphin and the area.
One final time, Lounsbury wants to give a big shoutout to those who stepped up for a great cause.
"Dauphin has been one of the biggest contributors to our fundraising for the Journey for Sight since I took over 26 years ago," ended Lounsbury. "There are people in this area who give $400 or $500 pledges. I tip my cap to the incredible people who donate."
Dean didn't confirm if he'll ride again next year. For now, he's reflecting on 26 years. A story that comes to mind involves a man named Clayton.
"He's had two or three cornea transplants, and his comment was I can finally see my grandchildren," ended Lounsbury. "His transplants happened in part because of the money raised through the Journey for Sight. Things like that hit home. It's great to know we're doing it for a good cause."
If you're interested in riding in the 2027 Journey for Sight, get in touch with any current rider.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Last week, the provincial and federal governments announced a joint $300,000 contribution over the next two years to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.
Program Executive Director Gerry Friesen says the funding will allow them to continue to offer this very important service to the Manitoa Agriculture community at current service levels.
"We have, since day one, been very focused on our goal, which is to provide this no-cost counselling for our farmers. There is an increase in usage of the program, and so we understand that we are going to need some significant funding."
The MFWP is designed specifically for the agriculture community, and provides counselling services delivered by professionals with agricultural literacy.
Friesen says they added one counsellor last year, and have more on standby if the demand continues to increase.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 34-year-old has been fined more than $7,000 and faces several charges.
On Saturday at 4:00 p.m., Gypsumville RCMP received a report that a vehicle had been stolen while parked at a business on Highway 6 in St. Martin Junction. The truck was seen travelling north towards Lundar.
A short time later, the RCMP tried to stop the driver, but he fled. Just after 6:00 p.m., Lundar RCMP successfully deployed a tire deflation device north of Eriksdale on Highway 6. The driver, Kenneth McKay, and his passenger were arrested.
The passenger, a 20-year-old, was released without charges.
McKay was charged with a total of eight traffic offences totalling $7,096 in fines, as well as:
- Theft of a truck;
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000;
- Flight from police;
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
- Mischief to a vehicle over $5,000; and
- Fail to comply with conditions of a release order x 2.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
