NewsNow
A familiar face is returning to Swan River town council.
Earlier this month, Glen McKenzie was appointed to fill a vacancy on town council.
McKenzie previously heldd a seat at the council table from 1988 to 2018, including 23 years as the town's mayor.
He replaces Tracy Boychuk, who resigned from council earlier this year.
But as McKenzie returns, Swan River is now looking to fill another vacancy on council, following Wednesday's announcement of Councillor Corinna Medwid's resignation.
Medwid was in the midst of her first term on council.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It's the end of an era for bingo-goers in Grandview.
The final bingo at the Grandview Kinsmen Community Centre will take place on Monday, October 27. It'll be a Halloween theme. The Grandview & District Recreation Commission decided to end bingo after Monday due to a decline in attendance and financial stability.
There will be extra prizes on Monday, and all pots must go. They thank everyone over the years who made bingo possible by attending, volunteering, organizing, and coordinating.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's one of the most memorable years to date for the Community Foundation of Swan Valley.
This year marks 20 years of existence. Donna Martin became the executive director in 2017, and since then, the Foundation has doubled in size.
What does that mean? It's the total amount of endowed funds on record at the Winnipeg Foundation. They have surpassed $3 million and are now driving towards $5 million, which Martin says is a massive feat.
"I know that some of the founders were still in existence when I started my role as executive director," said Martin. "I was able to gain a fair bit of history. Now, most of them have passed away, and they would have never imagined where we would be 20 years after they started the Foundation in 2005."
While small in size, Martin says so many incredible people step up to volunteer. Volunteering is the heartbeat of the Swan Valley, and the Community Foundation of Swan Valley takes great pride in recognizing those who step up to help build a better life in the area.
"Oh, absolutely, the Swan Valley is huge for volunteerism," added Martin. "We're small, so we have to rely on volunteers. Many organizations lack the necessary manpower to carry out projects or events. We totally rely on volunteers, every year, and every day."
The Foundation is now accepting applications for the Heart of the Community Award. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make the Swan Valley a better place? If so, you can nominate a deserving community member. The recipient will be given $3,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
The winner will be announced on December 4 at the Foundation's Annual General Meeting—the deadline to nominate is Friday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m.
"We want anyone who's done impactful things for their group or organization to put their name forward, or get nominated," continued Martin. "We have some criteria, but we're going to look at the overall person. Then, if it's tied between two people, it might be the project they want to donate to that could be the deciding factor. We feel it's going to be hard to come up with one person as we have so many incredible people here."
Martin takes great pride in her duties as executive director and looks forward to the Annual General Meeting, when the foundation will award the Heart of the Community Award and funds totalling roughly $250,000 to various community organizations.
"It's amazing," ended Martin. "It's amazing to have a job where you get to do many things you like, as far as administrative work, and make an impact in the community. It's the best job around."
The Community Foundation of Swan Valley has been making a difference since 2005.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Prairie Mountain Health will hold its virtual Annual General Meeting on Wednesday from noon until 1:00 p.m.
Staff, community representatives, organizational members, and area residents are invited to join.
There is no pre-registration required; just click here.
Treena Slate is the Chief Executive Officer for PMH.
"Prairie Mountain Health will be highlighting our last fiscal year performance and reviewing our strategic plan process and priorities," said Slate. "We will also look at our engagement with health partners and stakeholders throughout the region and province."
The last operational year was April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. The AGM will also see Slate acknowledge and recognize the tremendous efforts of health care staff, physicians, and volunteers who continue to assist individuals and families who need care and support within the region.
"We can't achieve the great work we do without our wonderful, high-performing staff," added Slate. "I'm always overly impressed with our employees when I visit a site or program. Seeing their enthusiasm, care, and compassion for the clients and public they're serving. It's inspiring to see."
There is no lack of conversation resulting in the healthcare shortage in Manitoba. Wait times are up, and many Manitobans have to wait a long period before getting the care they need.
In Prairie Mountain Health, eight new international medical graduates who are practicing in Manitoba are certainly a step in the right direction.
In the last year, PMH has hired 50 doctors in various communities within the region. Swan River recently welcomed three new doctors, Neepawa welcomed one, and Roblin received two.
When it comes to adding more, Slate says it's always a work in progress.
"You know, recruitment and retention are always our priority," ended Slate. "There are some slight improvements in some areas with recruitment. More people are in training seats, nursing programs, and support staff programs. So that is very reassuring to see."
Slate reiterated that you are in good hands when you need healthcare within PMH.
"It boils down to our caring and compassionate staff," ended Slate. "Often our staff know the people they're serving personally. They have a true dedication to the work they're doing."
Again, if you'd like to take part in Prairie Mountain Health's AGM, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Parks Canada has initiated a process to develop a new management plan for both Riding Mountain National Park, and the East Gate Registration Complex National Historic Site.
The public is invited to provide input into the development of this plan through a series of workshops planned for this week.
Ideas can be shared at the meetings tonight (Tuesday) at the George Buleziuk Community Centre in Russell, Wednesday at the Dauphin Public Library, and Thursday at the Neepawa Library.
The doors will open at 6:30 each night, with the meetings beginning at 7.
There will also be an afternoon session this Sunday from 1-3 at Danceland in Wasagaming.
You can also participate by filling out a special survey on the Parks Canada website.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
One of the accused in a serious assault earlier this month near Birch River has appeared in court.
18-year-old Zachari Kematch of Swan River is one of three people charged with aggravated assault in the October 2nd incident.
He was remanded back into custody, with his case returning to the dockets this Thursday.
A 14-year-old boy from Swan River and a 16-year-old boy from Dauphin have also been charged.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Seniors and individuals with disabilities are able to access daily meals through the Dauphin Active Living Centre.
But delivering these close to 16,000 meals every year is no small task.
Brady Johnson is one of several Rotary Club of Dauphin members that delivers meals every Friday.
He says they all enjoy the role they play in this essential program.
"Rotary is all about community service and giving back to the community. And this certainly does that, and we just enjoy doing it. All of the individuals that we deliver to are so appreciative, and happy to see us come. They always have a big smile on their face."
Kim Armstrong with the Active Living Centre says having volunteer drivers like Rotary deliver the meals helps them keep the costs of the meals lower.
Individuals wanting to access thesee meals can contact the Active Living Centre at 204-638-6485.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The City of Dauphin's Sunshine Awards shine a light on those whose efforts foster pride, connection, and quality of life in Dauphin.
They celebrate the people and organizations who quietly, but powerfully strenghten the community. On Monday, the awards were handed out.
"I think it's really important. It's something that I am very proud that council has created these awards," said David Bosiak, Mayor. "These awards acknowledge and recognize some of those folks that get involved in things. All of them don't do it for attention or recognition. It's our little way of acknowledging the good things they do to make Dauphin a great place to live, work, and be."
The 2025 honourees are Allan Gray, Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy, Jean-Louis Guillas, and Maamawi Park Planning Committee.
"Council sits down and talks about what makes Dauphin a great place," ended Bosiak. "There are people behind so many activities and events, so these are the four we're honouring at this time. There will be more in the future. All four of these individuals or groups are very deserving because they help make Dauphin a great place."
CKDM NewsNow has reached out to recipients for comment. We will provide more when available.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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 is 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
If you are a City of Dauphin resident and have not signed up to receive your utility bill by email, then you can pick up a printed copy of your statement starting today.
They will be available all week at City Hall during regular business hours.
Any bills not picked up by the end of this week will be mailed out next Monday.
A reminder that they must be paid by November 17th in order to avoid penalties.
The city also reminds residents that this is the final week of the year for green yard waste bin, curbside collection.
After this week, any yard waste will have to be dropped off personally at the compost area of the city's Waste Disposal site.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
