Heartfelt Rides For The Holidays

The Parkland's most up-to-date source of local news.

Other than two years when they didn't run because of the pandemic, the Dauphin RIDE program is back for year 33.

That means if you're out and about enjoying a pop during the holiday season, volunteers will make sure you and your vehicle get home safely. The program will run this year on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and on New Year's Eve.

Sarah Shuttleworth is pleased to offer this service.

"It feels really good. We always look forward to operating every year," said Shuttleworth. "As a university student, I love coming home during the holidays to help."

As preparations continue for this year's program, they are looking for volunteers to drive. If you're interested, contact Sho-Sho or Cory at 638-1463. You can also reach out on Facebook.

"If you are interested, we ask that you reach out as soon as possible," continued Shuttleworth. "We get criminal record checks. The RIDE program pays for the checks."

The RIDE program, which runs out of the Dauphin Friendship Centre, is fully endorsed and supported by the Parkland Detachment of the RCMP. So if you have some time and want to give back to a great cause this holiday season, this is a perfect way to do so.

Want to drive for a few hours on one night? How about every night? The Dauphin RIDE program appreciates the community support.

"Why sit at home alone. It's great to visit and make some new friends," continued Shuttleworth. "We give back to the community. Our volunteers enjoy the feeling of making sure people get home safely."

Now 25, this program is extremely special for Sarah. Her late grandfather, John, founded the program 35 years ago.

"I've gone every year since I was born. When I was little, he always said someone had to take it over when I can't," ended Shuttleworth. "We knew we needed to take over the program. There is a great benefit for the community. I'm happy that we get to continue in his name."

The Dauphin RIDE program. Reducing Impaired Driving Everywhere for more than three decades.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Nov 13, 2025 - 12:00 pm

The Ste. Rose Co-op Home and Agro Centre will be hosting their own Masterfeeds Beef Production Meeting next week.

It'll take place on November 19th, from 11:30 until 2, at the Ste. Rose Curling Rink.

Jennifer Sigurdson, with the Ste. Rose Co-op, encourages all ranchers in the eastern part of the Parkland to attend this free event.

"Just so that they can be aware that we are now carrying Masterfeeds. We want to put our name out there with Masterfeeds, and doing this event for it."

Speakers include Reed van Dreisten, with Ridley Block; Rachel Jensen, from MASC; and, Brent Benson, from Benson Nutrition.

You must pre-register by tomorrow, either in person at the Ste. Rose Co-op, or by calling 204-447-2545.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Nov 13, 2025 - 9:00 am

It's a sure sign that Christmas is right around the corner.

Dauphin Kings Tractor Lotto is back, and so is the $100,000 grand prize.

Christian Laughland is the Director of Business Operations for the Kings.

"There are 16 draws totalling over $130,000," said Laughland. "Ten draws for $1,000, two draws for $2,500, two for $5,000, a single draw for $10,000, and grand prize."

A single ticket is $100, but for the best odds and some savings, three packs are always a hot commodity.

"Get on them early. They're usually not around leading up to the actual draw," said Laughland. "Get yourself that three pack for $250 and then a five-pack of 50/50 for $50. That's $300 total to get in almost every draw."

You can also purchase a ticket for the supplementary draw. There are two draws for a 2026 John Deere Z320M Zero Turn Mower. The MSRP on one is $5,500.

You can visit Tractor Lotto to purchase your tickets online. You can also call 1-877-585-4647 or purchase your tickets at the Kings game against Selkirk on Saturday. This year's Tractor Lotto is in honour of Gary Sydor, who recently passed away.

"Gary Sydor was such a big piece of the Tractor Lotto. He was one of the founders years back," ended Laughland. "It's an important year with him passing away not long ago. If there was a year to sell it out, this would be the year to do it. Sell it out for Geeg, and that's what we're hoping for here. The journey has started."

It's a journey that could lead you to $100,000.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Nov 13, 2025 - 5:00 am

It was a busy weekend for Dauphin RCMP.

From November 7 to 10, officers responded to 50 calls. On Friday at 10:40 p.m., a 39-year-old woman had her license suspended, and she was issued a ticket for being under the influence of cocaine. Just hours later, at 2:10 a.m., a 29-year-old man had his vehicle towed after he was found to be over the legal limit of cannabis in his system.

On Sunday at 1:25 a.m., a 33-year-old man had his license suspended and his vehicle impounded. He was under the influence of alcohol. That night at 10:00 p.m., a 37-year-old male was driving without a license. He was under the influence of cannabis and cocaine. He was issued a roadside suspension and a ticket.

Then, at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, officers noticed a wanted man walking down Main Street. Fritz Chartrand, a 32-year-old male from Dauphin, was arrested. He was released and has a future court date. On Monday at 1:24 a.m., a 25-year-old male was caught driving while he was suspended from doing so. He was above the legal limit of cannabis and alcohol in his system.

While he was being arrested, an intoxicated 28-year-old female approached the scene on foot. She interfered with officers and ran into traffic. She was arrested and lodged in cells until she was sober.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Nov 12, 2025 - 4:00 pm

The City of Brandon has announced that Sunrise Credit Union has purchased the naming rights to the clubhouse at the new Canada Packers Sports Complex.

The facility, which is currently under construction and set to be completed by next year, will feature a FIFA-regulation soccer field, up to eight 11 v 11 soccer fields, and one dedicated 9 v 9 soccer field.

It will also include a cricket pitch, the clubhouse equipped with change rooms and washrooms, and 3.6 kilometres of pathways.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Nov 12, 2025 - 3:31 pm

Years ago, the Dauphin area was a hot spot for 4-H Horse clubs, with several in the region.

Now, efforts are underway to bring it back, with a new club already having seven confirmed members, with more expected to join in the coming weeks.

Jill Gray is one of the leaders of the club, which has big plans for their inaugural year.

"I think we are going to have a float in the Parade of Lights here in Dauphin. And then moving forward, just doing some riding and getting everybody into the flow of things. We will probably do a few winter projects, such as saddle stands and teach them how to make rope halters. Then just get our books done and go into the achievement time for this year."

One of the important skills that Gray and the other leaders want to teach is how to be safe around horses.

Families interested in findout more information about the 4-H Horse club can contact Gray at 431-738-0506, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Nov 12, 2025 - 12:40 pm

People are calling it the 'Great Cereal Drive'.

From November 12 to 21, the amazing folks at Henderson Elementary School have set a goal of collecting 200 boxes of cereal.

This is the third year Henderson will host the drive. In past years, school officials have encouraged other schools in Dauphin to jump on board for a fun challenge.

"This all goes towards the Dauphin & District's Food Bank's Christmas hampers," said Tanya Love. "As you know, the Food Bank is vital in Dauphin. Many people in our community rely on it. Anyone who can donate, we appreciate their participation."

Their goal was also 200 in the first two years, and Love says they collected far more than that. Heading into this holiday season with grocery prices skyrocketing, Love is hoping this is the biggest year yet.

If you are interested in donating, you can drop it off at Henderson Elementary School.

"I think it's very important that all members of our community step up and help our local Food Bank," continued Love. "We have many businesses that get involved, and we appreciate their donations. This is another way we can all work together to make a stronger community."

The Dauphin & District Food Bank serves upwards of 400 people every two weeks. That's 800 a month and about 9,600 every year.

Some families need more support than ever, and by donating a box of cereal, you're helping make a difference.

"It's an ongoing process. We are so grateful to the businesses that give," ended Love. "And to the individuals who provide donations. We are very fortunate in Dauphin that our community members help these struggling families."

It's Henderson Elementary's Cereal Drive, November 12 to 21.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Nov 12, 2025 - 5:00 am

Back in 2013, the Town of Swan River passed a resolution to become an age-friendly community.

Fast forward 12 years and work continues on that designation, including a meeting last week with interested parties.

Swan River town councillor Duane Whyte sits on the Age Friendly committee, and calls ita "Work in progress".

He says the process is not necessarily looking at benefits for just older people.

"They use the term "womb to tomb", and I like that because what is good for young people is going to be good for older people. And as our younger people get older, they will need those facilities. So we just got together and brainstormed and broke out into smaller groups and tried to decide what the key issues were."

Some of those issues included communication, transportation, housing, and respect and social inclusion.

Whyte says the facilitators of this process are now compiling the results of this meeting and will forward them back to the committee to be discussed further at a future gathering.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Nov 11, 2025 - 5:00 pm

Last year in Manitoba, there were 17,195 wildlife-vehicle collisions reported to Manitoba Public Insurance.

November saw the most collisions with 2,019. Wildlife is especially active this time of the year along treed roads, at dusk, and dawn.

So far this year, there have been a shocking 9,419 wildlife-vehicle collisions, and Tara Seel with MPI says the worst could be yet to come.

"The numbers are very high. That speaks to the type of landscape that we have in Manitoba," said Seel. "We want to make sure Manitobans are aware that there are things that they can do to protect themselves and wildlife. We don't want any loss of life on roads."

Seel says a tip for drivers is to be alert when you see wildlife crossing signs.

"The province of Manitoba is very good at knowing where those hot spots are. Drive cautiously and watch for any movement near the brush, tall grass, or any treed areas where you are driving," continued Seel. "Slow down. I think that's guidance for most driving behaviours. If you slow down, you will be able to stop quicker, and potentially avoid a collision."

You can get your passenger to help with scanning the road. You can also use your high beams, which can be beneficial.

However, this can cause a road safety issue. Always dim your high beams when there is oncoming traffic.

Also, keep in mind that when you see one animal, there could be more. You can always honk to encourage them to move along.

"You don't want to swerve because you could end up in a collision with an oncoming vehicle or hit the ditch and cause serious injury," ended Seel. "When we think about vehicle-wildlife collisions, we often think about deer or smaller critters. What MPI is seeing this year is an increase in bear collisions."

In 2024, there were 208 collisions with bears. This year, there have been 123. Collisions with larger animals also increase the risk of injury.