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Sonja Blank was born and raised in Germany.
After she finished high school, she decided to travel the world. She spent a year in Canada. Blank ended up settling in Manitoba because she felt a connection with the people.
She got her teaching degree from the University of Winnipeg and then got a teaching job in the then Dauphin-Ochre River School Division. Sonja spent 27 years working in the Mountain View School Division. She retired three years ago, but wasn't ready to fully say goodbye to her teaching days, so she became a substitute teacher at Whitmore School.
Blank is back in Germany with her family and friends, and there is a lot to celebrate. On Tuesday night, she won the Ward 4 by-election within Mountain View School Division. She will now join the board of trustees.
Sonja woke up at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, and an hour later, she found out the great result.
"Obviously, I was pleased with the result. I celebrated by myself to start because everyone was sleeping here, so I didn't want to wake anyone up," said Blank. "We celebrated a bit this morning. This afternoon, we will likely take each other out for lunch."
Sonja earned 153 votes. She beat Michelle Smigelski, who got 86; Valerie McInnes, who got 83; Rigby Devos, who got 36; and Carter Taylor-Luke, who got 14.
Blank believes her experience and knowledge as a teacher and a longtime board member will bring expertise and skill to the board. She would love to see more collaboration and consultation. Sonja has experience working on the provincial board with the Manitoba Teachers' Society.
She looks forward to being there for the school staff, every student, and the entire community.
"I am representing their needs, their interests, and hopefully, their voices," continued Blank. "I am hoping that what I will bring is more transparency and more community engagement. I plan to reach out to folks in Dauphin. I will start with the candidates who ran alongside me. I honour their engagement."
In an online post on Tuesday night, vice-chair of the board, Jarri Thompson, welcomed Sonja. She looks forward to working with her. Jarri said Sonja's calm presence, willingness to listen, and the heart she brings to every conversation will be a real strength around the table.
"Yes, I was absolutely humbled this morning when I saw that post," commented Blank. "I have to send her a note back. I haven't gotten to that yet. I'm truly blessed to be working with such a great group of people."
Sonja thanks all who stepped out into the cold Dauphin air on Tuesday to cast their vote. She's a strong believer in a democratic system and the right to engage in the political process.
"I'm happy to see people want to have input into what we want to see at the Mountain View School Division board table in terms of our collective and communal values," ended Blank. "I'm deeply honoured and pleased that my values resonated with those who cast their vote in my direction. I hope that my values are representative of the majority of Dauphin constituents."
Blank also expresses her sincere gratitude to the other candidates who had the courage, passion, and determination to let their names stand in the election.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Neepawa RCMP are looking to identify a suspect who used a counterfeit bill at a business on Mountain Avenue.
A $100 counterfeit bill was used to purchase merchandise. After review, there were noticeable defects on the bill that indicated it was counterfeit. If you notice the suspect (pictured above), contact the Neepawa RCMP at 476-7340.
If you suspect that you’re being offered a counterfeit note, assess the situation to ensure that you are not at risk.
Then, do the following:
- Politely refuse the note and explain that you suspect that it may be counterfeit;
- Ask for another note (and check it too);
- Advise the person to check the note with the local police;
- Inform your local police of a possible attempt to pass suspected counterfeit money; and
- Be courteous. Remember that the person in possession of the bill could be an innocent victim who does not realize that the note is suspicious.
Here are security features found on real Canadian currency. $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and a vertical $10.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A youth was arrested after uttering threats towards Langruth Elementary School.
On Saturday, the Sandy Bay Ojibway became aware of an online threat to do harm towards the school.
Later in the day on Saturday, the youth was arrested for Uttering Threats. He was released and will appear in court at a later date in Amaranth.
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service believe this is an isolated incident.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A theft investigation has lead to a violent confrontation for officers.
On November 28th, at approximately 8 AM, Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of an attempted vehicle theft on Dufferin Avenue East.
Upon reaching the scene, officers determined that a female had tried to get inside the victim's SUV.
The suspect had fled on foot.
Patrols were started, and the suspect was located not far from the scene.
The suspect refused to comply and resisted, including kicking officers, resulting in the officers' uniforms being torn.
While enroute to the detachment, the suspect kicked the vehicle windows, and continued kicking when in the cell at the detachment.
EMS attended the detachment to treat the suspect for minor injuries.
Shia Meeches, 24, from Portage la Prairie was arrested and charged with the following: Assault on Police Officer x4; Assault; Mischief equal to or under $5,000 – damage to property; Mischief equal to or under $5,000 – obstruct enjoyment of property; Resist/Obstruct peace officer.
Meeches was released with a future court date.
Portage la Prairie RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
Marsha McDonald of Ochre River has avoided time behind bars.
In October of 2024, the RCMP found 44 grams of cocaine and Canadian currency in the vehicle Marsha was in.
The 40-year-old received a conditional sentence of two years less a day. That's followed by one year of probation.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The organization was put on the back burner because of a lack of board members.
The Intermountain Sport Fishing Enhancement is now back. Rod Carberry and a great group of volunteers have stepped up to take over the organization. It's been four years since the group last had any activity.
Their objective is to enhance fishing opportunities in the region. They stock and improve boat launches. If you enjoy fishing, the group will do everything in its power to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to do so in Parkland.
Carberry talks about the importance of this group.
"I think it's pretty important. Some things have gone unmaintained. For example, the Valley River boat launch. Every spring, the launch is affected because of high water and spring runoff. Then the launch becomes unusable," said Carberry. "That particular launch is important for smaller vessels. Like your 12, 14, and 16-foot boats that need a safe place where they can fish."
Rod adds that the Vermillion River is an excellent resource for both local anglers and for tourism. It's grown in and requires some maintenance. For the first time in a few years, there was a fishing day at Uncle Bob's trout pond. It was very well received.
If you are an angler, you'll know all the great fishing spots here in the Parkland. If you're interested in getting into it, Rod says you're in for a treat.
"Yeah, we've got a great area. Intermountain says it all, we're between Riding Mountain and Duck Mountain," continued Carberry. "Lake Dauphin's winter fishing is known to be some of the best Walleye for consistent size. Then you start getting into the Duck Mountains, and there are endless opportunities up there. We're in a great spot, and we need to continue developing it."
Earlier this year, the group was out on the water at night fishing with the E boat, doing a population study of the Bass and forage on the Vermillion Reservoir. 95 bass were caught, measured, and weighed to determine age class and overall health of the lake.
"Yeah, it was very cool. It's the first time I've experienced E fishing," ended Carberry. "We shocked the lake and scooped up with nets everything that floated to the surface that we could. We partnered with Manitoba Fisheries. They're going to take the data and create a report for us. They were quite positive with the results and the amount of bass and age class that we got."
If you are interested in what the group is doing or have opinions on what should be done, reach out to Rod on Facebook.
Ice fishing season is right around the corner. Good luck catching.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The RCMP says there appears to be no injuries.
At 7:15 on Tuesday morning, the RCMP responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 20 and Road 156 North.
A vehicle slid into a semi and ended up in the ditch. The driver of the semi stayed on the scene.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
As part of Put Your Money Where Your House is, our local promotion that has a prize available of $730 Parkland Chamber Bucks to a lucky qualifier, we spoke with Chop Shop owner Scott, who says there are many benefits to getting your haircut done locally.
He also joked that he'll fix "on Monday morning" the Amazon self-done haircuts from the previous weekend.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
Today is voting day for the by-election for Ward 4 within Mountain View School Division.
Residents of the City of Dauphin head to the polls at the Dauphin Friendship Centre between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Jarri Thompson is the current vice-chair of the board. She says every ballot cast helps shape the future of our schools.
"Especially when it comes to ensuring that our young people are represented, supported, and heard," said Thompson. "As a trustee, I see every day how important community participation is. When we show up, we make our schools stronger, more responsive, and more reflective to the families we serve."
Carter Taylor-Luke, Sonja Blank, Michelle Smigelski, Rigby Devos, and Valerie McInnes are vying for one spot.
"If you're able to, please take a few minutes out of your day to vote," ended Thompson. "Your vote is your voice and it truly makes a difference."
The by-election comes after the passing of trustee John Taylor earlier this year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
An arrest has been made after someone hunted illegally in Riding Mountain National Park.
On November 2, Park Wardens executed two search warrants and arrested an individual from Elm Creek for illegal hunting. This person faces serious charges under the Canada National Parks Act and the Criminal Code.
They include hunting within a National Park, Unlawful possession of a firearm in a National Park, operating an ATV in a National Park, and Careless use of a firearm.
Two ATVs were seized along with multiple firearms, ammunition, and other hunting-related equipment.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Almost seven years ago, Rhett Law was looking for a stable job.
He joined Dean Cooley GM, and the rest is history, literally. Rhett will celebrate seven years at the dealership in Dauphin in March.
"It's been a pretty incredible ride. I have seen plenty of changes over the years. I am loving my time here," said Law. "I don't think I could have found a better, well-fit place for me in terms of the workplace. It's a great group here. It reminds me of the old hockey days."
Rhett said being at Dean Cooley GM doesn't feel like work. It's a home away from home for him. He takes great pride in helping those looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle.
He comes in early and stays late. Whatever you need to get in your dream ride, Rhett will be by your side, helping you every step of the way.
"I love all the people that I work with her. Mostly with customers, I've always been a people person, and I love the relationship building," continued Law. "I get a chance to build long-lasting relationships. I enjoy the people side of the business."
Almost seven years later, Rhett has sold 1,150 vehicles. 2025 was a year for the history books. On Monday, November 24, Rhett sold his 300th vehicle this year. From just looking for a job to selling 300 vehicles in a single year is a testament to Rhett's hard work and dedication.
"I'm a pretty eager guy and pretty competitive. I think I found the right fit for me," added Law. "Something that gives me drive, I'm always chasing new goals and targets. I find it very fun."
Not only did Rhett smash his own record, but he broke a record for the entire Murray Auto Group. He now holds the record for the most vehicles sold in a year across the Auto Group. And with over a month still left in 2025, Law is well on his way to shattering it.
Rhett and the crew celebrated the record last week.
"It's an incredible feeling. I have a ton of support, so many people have reached out, and it gives me such joy," commented Law. "The support from family, friends, and the local community. It's pretty heartwarming."
Law, who is originally from McCreary but now lives in Dauphin, thanks all of the Parkland for their support over the years. A special thanks to his customers.
History has been made at Dean Cooley GM, and Rhett Law is the one holding the title. Rhett also wants to thank Dean for giving him the opportunity to sell vehicles.
"It's a pretty incredible run operation. It's a fun atmosphere with a great group of people," ended Law. "Everybody involved. Jordan and Dean run a good ship."
If you're looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, Rhett invites you down to check out what Dean Cooley GM has to offer.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
