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He grew up on a small farm in the RM of Abernethy, which, for those who aren't sure where that is, is about 3.5 hours from Dauphin in southern Saskatchewan.
He went to the University of Regina and met his wife, Jennifer, in Saskatoon while working at Dominos.
They moved in together in Edmonton, and he worked for three different Canadian Tire stores within the city of Edmonton.
His journey has included being the general manager at the store in Camrose.
Years later, Jeff Bonnor and his family now call Dauphin home. On July 24, Jeff became the new owner of Canadian Tire in Dauphin.
"That was the call I was waiting for. I had completed dealer training in March," said Bonnor. "It was pretty great, we had a family reunion that weekend, so I was able to share all the great news with my extended family about where we're heading and what lies in store for us."
Jeff and Jennifer have two kids. 10-year-old Nolan and seven-year-old Devon. The family moved to town at the beginning of September, and Nolan and Devon have since enrolled in school here.
Jeff's first day at Canadian Tire was on Friday, October 17. He says the first few weeks have gone very well.
"There are always new and interesting things that pop up, and interesting challenges that we get to deal with every day," said Bonnor. "The main thing that both Jennifer and I are committed to doing is getting a little bit better every day. We can start to see it, and we're hoping the people can start to see and feel it in here as well."
If you haven't visited Canadian Tire in the past few weeks, Jeff invites you down.
He does ask for some patience and leeway as they transition the store into something special and a must-visit for folks in the area.
"We would love to have everyone in the Parkland come here to shop. We understand we might not be the largest Canadian Tire, but we do have access to the full catalog of assortment that Canadian Tire carries," continued Bonnor. "From somebody growing up on the prairies, this is home. If you want to experience the hometown service that you love and deserve, come on out and give us a try."
Since taking over a few weeks ago, Jeff says it's been a true pleasure getting to know customers.
"These are some of the friendliest people that I have ever encountered," commented Bonnor. "Everyone here has been super welcoming. We are privileged to be in such a great part of the country, and I want to say thank you to everyone for being so welcoming to me and my family."
On another note, there has been plenty of talk over the years about a new building for Canadian Tire. That is something that Jeff is unable to comment on.
"What I can tell you is we are committed to making the facility that we're currently in the best that it possibly can be," ended Bonnor. "Anything outside of that is outside of my scope. We'll make the current facility the best experience that we possibly can."
There's a new owner in town, and Jeff Bonnor and his wife are looking forward to making your next visit to Canadian Tire the most enjoyable one yet.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Fire Department is urging everyone to be extra cautious if you need to hit the roads.
A blanket of snow has caused road conditions to worsen throughout the day.
The Department responded to two different accidents on Thursday.
One was a single-vehicle accident, with no injuries reported.
The second was a three-vehicle accident where extrication was required to remove occupants from two of the vehicles.
If you need to travel, leave early, and be safe.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
His past experiences were a driving force behind the creation of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.
Now, Gerry Friesen is also an author.
His book, The Recovering Farmer, is now available in book stores.
"It is a project that I had worked on for a number of years. Basicaally it just tells about my journey through what I call the labrynth of anxiety and depression. It is something that started when I was farming back in 2004."
Friesen says the response to the book has been very overwhelming so far, from both farmers and non-farmers.
"In fact, there is a guy that golfs at the course that I golf at, who heard an interview that I had done on the radio, and asked if he could read my book. he said he had a brother that deals with anxiety and depression, and I don't understand it. And so he read the book and said "even though I do not farm, I now get what mental illness is and what it does to people."
Friesen will be signing copies of the book this Saaturday afternoon at the Shoppers Mall in Brandon.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It's set to be the sweetest and tastiest week of the month.
Tim Horton's Holiday Smile Cookie campaign runs from November 17 to 23. 100% of the proceeds from this campaign will go to the Dauphin Food Bank and the Tim Horton's Foundation.
If you're in Dauphin and would like to pre-order smile cookies, head here. Each cookie is $2.00, and pre-ordered cookies must be purchased by the dozen.
Robin Gambler is with the Dauphin & District Food Bank. She's grateful that her organization will be receiving a portion of the proceeds. Last year in Dauphin, $57,802 was raised. That was the third highest in all of Canada.
"It's amazing. We will get a nice portion of the proceeds," said Gambler. "It will help us greatly as we get prepared for the holiday season here at the Food Bank."
With intakes every two weeks, Gambler says they serve upwards of 400 people. That's 800 people a month who rely on the Food Bank. The next intake is on Thursday. To receive a hamper, you must go to the Food Bank at Parkland Crossing with photo identification.
Recently, Dauphin Ford filled up a truck in their showroom and donated the non-perishable items to the Food Bank. The Dauphin First United Church recently made a very generous donation.
If you have the means to donate, Robin says you can take small donations to her at the Dauphin Friendship Centre. For larger donations, give her a call at 647-6828, and she can meet you at the Food Bank.
Gambler says donations continue to funnel in, and she wants to thank the community for your great support.
"You know what, it's amazing. I am very proud to be in Dauphin and to see what everyone does for us," continued Gambler. "It's amazing to see what is coming in. Henderson School is doing a cereal drive for us ahead of Christmas, which is incredible."
800 people are served a month. That's 9,600 people every year. The Dauphin & District Food Bank has been in the community for decades, serving those in need. Gambler also says those who utilize the Food Bank are always grateful.
"They are, they really are. We give people hampers with all the food groups in it," ended Gambler. "They are thankful."
So if you are ever in a time of need, the Dauphin & District Food Bank will be there for you.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
For 65 years, the Rossburn Lions Club has focused on making the community a better place.
Their slogan is "When there's a need, there's A Lion there". A dedicated group of volunteers step up in any way possible. Every year, the Lions Club in Rossburn awards $500 to a student at the high school who volunteers and gives back.
Every year, the Club donates funds to the Personal Care home to keep Main Street beautiful. Rossman Lake is a popular attraction that has undergone upgrades over the years to the washrooms, the playground, and more.
The Rossburn Lions Club donated funds to ensure the Lake and all its amenities remained top-notch. The Lions Club also helped those displaced from the wildfires earlier this summer by providing lodging and meals.
They've also purchased wood stoves for those affected by the wars in Ukraine.
And as secretary Nancy Drul says, these are only a few of the things the Rossburn Lions Club does to better the community and those that live in it.
"We have several people who go to Winnipeg for medical treatments, and they stay at the Serenity Suite, and we fund the rental for a night," said Drul. "It's a very homey situation to stay. Like I say, when there's a need, there's a Lion ready to serve."
Six and a half decades later and with no end in sight, Drul and the Lions are ready to celebrate all the good they've done in the community in the past, and all the good they'll do moving forward.
"We are very thankful that we can help people out. A vision reader for an elderly lady, or a young family that has medical needs and needs to travel for treatments," said Drul. "We are very proud that we are still here to help our community."
To ring in the milestone year, the Rossburn Lions Club will host an anniversary celebration on Saturday evening at the Rossburn Community Hall. The doors will open on Saturday at 5:00 with an opening ceremony at 5:45.
A feast will be served at 6:00, and an illusion show at 8:15.
"We have local dignitaries. Over 40 Lions from different clubs in our area will join us," ended Drul. "We're quite pleased with the response. As long as Mother Nature stays nice, we'll have a great evening. No snow, no rain, and no freezing rain. We want people to come and enjoy themselves."
Tickets are $40 and they're still available. You can call Nancy at 796-0239 to purchase yours today to be a part of this special evening.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A record amount of money was spent by tourists to Manitoba in 2024.
Travel Manitoba announced at their annual general meeting that 10.6 million people visited the Keystone province last year, spending $1.89 billion dollars in the process.
Travel Manitoba also reported strong return on investment for its 2024-25 marketing campaigns, which generated at least $8.56 million in hotel and airline bookings and delivered 182,500 sales leads to tourism industry businesses.
While the record spending and visitation are reasons for celebration, the impact of this summer's record wildfire season may stall momentum in 2025.
Among other strong results from the 2024-25 year included a record number of non-resident fishing licence sales, up 34 per cent since the program began in 2022-23
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It won't be just any night.
It will be Manitoba's biggest celebration of country music. Add in that it's the 10th anniversary, and it will be a night to remember.
The Manitoba Country Music Awards are set for Saturday night at the Club Regent Event Centre in Winnipeg.
Several incredible musicians from the Parkland have been nominated for awards on Saturday, including Kate's Outlaw of Dauphin. The band featuring Levi Winters, Kyle and Dylan Neault, and Steven Lukey has been rocking the stage for 10 years. After the COVID pandemic, the talented group kicked things back up into high gear in 2022.
"It's been fun. It's always been a hobby, we've always been buddies, and we love to ride our motorcycles together," said Winters. "We all like music. We have a great group of guys. Our families all back it as well, which makes it easy."
This year, the band has been nominated for group of the year, roots artist group of the year, emerging artist of the year, album of the year (Longrider Religion), and fans' choice entertainer of the year.
Levi is also nominated for all-star guitarist, and Levi and Kyle joined forces to create the masterpiece Longrider Religion, which is up for song of the year.
Winters told CKDM he's grateful that the band has been nominated for so many prestigious awards.
"It's pretty awesome, we're pretty excited about it. We were hoping to get nominated for one or two," ended Winters. "To see that many pop up and us be a part of it, that's incredible. Just being nominated is an accomplishment."
Levi and the band will perform on Saturday night in front of what is expected to be a sell-out crowd. As of Wednesday morning, a very limited number of tickets remain available. Get them here.
Now, let's take a look at who else from the Parkland is set for a special day on Saturday.
JR Charron (Binscarth) has been nominated for male artist of the year, song of the year (Land of the Free), music video of the year (Different Goods), interactive duo/group of the year, and fans' choice entertainer of the year.
Desiree Dorion (Dauphin) has been nominated for female artist of the year, indigenous country music award, song of the year (DRY), interactive artist duo/group of the year, and album of the year (Remember Your Name).
Jerry Sereda (Ethelbert) has been nominated for male artist of the year, indigenous country music award, and album of the year (Backroad Billionaire).
Austin Ryder (Roblin) has been nominated for emerging artist of the year, music video of the year (Spin), and single of the year (Spin).
Ryan Keown (Roblin) has been nominated for male artist of the year and music video of the year (I Know You Like That).
Kendra Kay (Elkhorn) has been nominated for female artist of the year and song of the year (Old Fashioned Kind Of Love).
Nelson Little (Winnipegosis) has been nominated for roots artist duo/group of the year.
Rylan Knaggs (Alonsa) has been nominated for all-star guitar of the year.
CKDM afternoon show host Kimberley Dawn has been nominated for female artist of the year and the indigenous country music award.
730CKDM has once again been nominated for radio station of the year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
City residents are advised that there may be some water disruptions in parts of the city, as crews work to repair a total of three water main breaks.
Repairs have been completed in the area of Main Street and 3rd Avenue SE, with crews now moving on to an issue on 1st Avenue SE.
There has also been a water main break near Bossons Avenue that crews will attend to once they are done in the south end of the city.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Three people face numerous charges following an investigation into a stolen vehicle in Sandy Bay.
Manitoba First Nations Police first tried to pull over the vehicle at around 4 am Monday morning.
This led to a pursuit, during which a suspect in the vehicle discharged a firearm at police.
A spike belt was used that afternoon near Reedy Creek, with the vehicle eventually being stopped near Silver Creek.
The driver, 21 Damrey Demerais, and his two female passengers - 22 year old Amrielle Beaulieu and 35 year old Tanita Beaulieu, are all from Sandy Bay.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Active Living Centre will be hopping on Saturday night for the Dauphin Constituency NDP Association's annual dinner.
The doors open at 5:30 and supper begins at 6:00 p.m.
Tom Stirling with the association says Ron Kostyshyn will be in attendance. And, back by popular demand, the leader of the NDP will also be there. Wab Kinew attended last year's sold-out event and is scheduled to attend this year.
"It's a meet and greet type of thing for whoever comes," said Stirling.
Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. You can transfer the funds to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
"If you have any questions or just want to talk to Ron or Wab, they'll both be there," continued Stirling.
Then at 7:30, a dessert auction takes centre stage. If you want to make a dessert, you can be a part of the action.
"If you brought a pie, cake, or any dessert, it'll be auctioned off to the highest bidder," ended Stirling. "It's a fundraiser."
All proceeds go to the association.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
