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

An update on a shooting death on July 28th in Keeseekoowenin.

Frank LaForge turned himself into RCMP in Winnipeg on Monday.

He was formally charged with one count each of first-degree murder and attempted murder. 

He has been remanded into custody pending a future court date.

 

 

 

 

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It all started around a coffee table nearly three decades ago.

Harvey Armstrong was sitting down with a group of people, and the topic of what Dauphin needs came up. It was a hotel. They started doing research, and the rest is history. On July 8, Harvey and his crew celebrated 26 years of outstanding service and cleanliness at the Super 8 in Dauphin.

From a note on a napkin to a hotel-owning extraordinaire, Harvey is the man behind Super 8 in Dauphin, and that won't be changing anytime soon.

"It's been a good journey, it has indeed," said Armstrong. "It's not over."

Armstrong has taken great pride in his ability to adapt over the years. 

"You know, changing as you go. It's never the same. You have to be open to new ideas, new ways, and staying current is key," offered Armstrong. "You have to stay customer-focused. You need to meet their needs, and when you do that, it all works out."

Harvey credits his amazing staff for their hard work over the years. He admits that without them, Super 8 in Dauphin wouldn't be what it is today. Armstrong and his crew take immense pride in customer satisfaction.

While their slogan is no longer 'Clean & Friendly' as it has been in the past, that doesn't mean things haven't stayed that way.

"That's more than a slogan, that's reality," offered Armstrong. "You have to have a clean facility and be friendly. That's a focus we've had."

The Super 8 in Dauphin continues to evolve and upgrade. Last year, they installed 12 kitchenettes as long stays have become more prevalent in the community. Wednesday afternoon will be special at Super 8.

The Manitoba Hotel Association will be in Dauphin to present multiple awards. Rob Dampiere will be presented with a 20-year Long Service award, while Juanita Amende will be presented with a 25-year Long Service award.

Armstrong will be on hand to receive a 25-year Legacy award. 

Harvey wants to congratulate and thank Rob and Juanita while being humble about the Legacy award. He says it's special.

"Yes, it is. It is special," ended Armstrong. "You sometimes wonder, what impact did I make within the industry and province. Someone believes that we have."

Join Harvey and his crew for three special presentations on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. 

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The next time you visit Brandon for the Wheat Kings game, you'll notice a change.

The Wheat Kings' home arena, formerly known as Westoba Place, is now being called Assiniboine Credit Union Place. Brady Turko and the Wheat Kings will play their first preseason game at the newly named Assiniboine Credit Union Place on Saturday, September 6. Their first regular-season game at the facility is on Friday, September 19.

At the same time, the Agricultural Centre within the facility has also changed. Formerly known as Westoba Credit Union Agricultural Centre of Excellence, it's now Assiniboine Credit Union Agricultural Centre. 

The changes are in effect immediately. 

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Six RCMP officers are being sued after a violent traffic stop on Highway 5 near Dauphin.

It happened in 2023, when plaintiff Daniel Leclair was driving his motorcycle and made a U-turn on the highway, realizing he had made a wrong turn. According to the lawsuit, Leclair broke his ribs when he was rammed into by a black sport utility vehicle that was travelling at a high rate of speed. Leclair was thrown from his bike. 

Kevin Challoner, an RCMP Cpl., was previously charged with assault causing bodily harm and dangerous operation of a vehicle. He will appear in a Dauphin courtroom on November 5. According to the lawsuit, Leclair was struck repeatedly in the back with Challoner's knee and was punched in the face, resulting in damage to his left eye.

Court documents say Challoner caused a police dog under his control to attack Leclair, resulting in bites to his right forearm. Challoner and five other RCMP officers allegedly ignored Leclair's repeated pleas for medical attention for over an hour. It's alleged that Leclair drifted in and out of consciousness during this time.

The claim says two additional groups of RCMP members arrived at the scene, but only the last group called emergency services. The lawsuit alleges that before anyone exited the ambulance, one officer commented to the other officers, "Don't worry about it, he's dead."

Leclair alleges that a third group of RCMP officers at the scene tried to help him enter the ambulance, but the first group of RCMP officers did not allow them to do so. The lawsuit is against Challoner and five other officers. 

None of the allegations have been tested in court, and statements of defence have not been filed by the RCMP or officers involved. The lawsuit claims Leclair was in a hospital in Winnipeg for three days before being released. He alleges his injuries caused pain so severe that he wasn't able to sleep on his back for a month and had to sleep sitting up on a chair. 

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. 

CKDM NewsNow will provide additional information once it becomes available. 

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Wayne Antichow worked for the Department of Natural Resources for 44 years. 

He has served on the board of the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society for 30 years. He spent over 10 years with the Swan Valley Rotary Club and 10 years with Ducks Unlimited. He then joined the Swan Valley Outdoors Association. 

Soon to turn 80 years old, Wayne has volunteered his time for the betterment of the community for as long as he can remember. On Friday, July 25, all of his contributions were recognized in a big way. He was presented with King Charles III’s Coronation Medal. Wayne was at the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition doing what he loves to do, volunteering, when he found out he received the special medal.

"I was very surprised. I didn't understand why they gave it to me. I guess people decided I had earned it," said Antichow. "I was very honoured to have received it."

King Charles III’s Coronation Medal was created to recognize Canadians for their contributions. Wayne has gone above and beyond for decades. If you needed help getting something done, Wayne was the man to call. And he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.

With a smile, Wayne said he will continue volunteering until he can't.

"We're so short of members right now, it's not even funny," offered Antichow. "Fewer people are volunteering. So I'll keep with it as long as I'm able. I hope more people step up in the future, especially with the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition."

When asked to look back on some of his most fond moments over the years, the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition comes to mind. It's an event that is near and dear to his heart.

"We've had the Musical Ride a couple of times now. 20 years ago and a couple of years ago," ended Antichow. "Ray St. Germain and George Canyon, those are two acts that I will never forget."

Wayne Antichow is all in on helping in any way he can. He believes the Valley is a special place to be. The next time you see Wayne out and about, thank him for his efforts and congratulate him on being awarded this prestigious medal. 

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Music lovers in the Interlake area will be flocking to the Eriksdale Sports Grounds this weekend for the annual ROGerKimLee Music Festival.

It begins Friday night at 7, with performances starting at 11 am on Saturday and 9:30 on Sunday morning.

It's the 5th year for the Festival, and organizer Derrick McCandless explains why it's important to keep it going.

"It really is a memorial to Roger, Kim, and Lee.  They were friends of mine in Winnipeg who all passed away in the same time period, just before COVID and during COVID.  So we had a little get-together, and that was year one.  And, so we want to keep that going.

Besides the music, there'll also be a Makers Market and retail vendors, children's activities, and food vendors.

Ticket info can be found online at rogerkimleemusicfest.com.

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The summer season is usually a quieter one for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.  

But this year is a different story.

Between drought-like conditions affectting grain and livestock producers, to the ever-looming threat of tariffs, more producers have been accessing the farmer mental-health initiative than in previous summers. 

Gerry Friesen says they have met the demand by bringing in additional councillors. 

"We did add another councillor earlier this spring.  We have chatted with a few more that are prepared to jump in when the need arises.  But so far we have an excellent roster of councillors who are able to take on the demand.  So we are very appreciative of that."  

Producers looking to take that first step and seek help through the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program can book an appointment online at manitobafarmerwellness.ca 

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It's potato frenzy at the Dauphin Friendship Centre.

The DFC received a donation of 52,000 pounds of potatoes through the Second Harvest program on Monday morning. As a result, you can get potatoes free of charge until they're all gone.

"Bring your own bags, boxes, whatever you can," said Crystal Amyotte, executive director. "We'll be giving them out from our garage, which is right beside our building."

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The Dauphin Friendship Centre is all about the community. That will never change, and as Crystal says, the ability to provide potatoes free of charge to community members is meaningful.

"It is, it's amazing. We are very thankful to be thought of," ended Amyotte. "We are pleased to help out the community. Anyone who needs any, feel free to come by and grab as many as you can."

You can pick them up Monday to Friday until 4:30 p.m.

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You may have noticed a heavy police presence in the parking lot at Smitty's on Sunday evening.

At 5:30 p.m., four police cruisers responded to possible threats at Smitty's. Two adult males were involved in an assault in the parking lot. One fled the scene, while the other came forward to speak with officers. A short time later, the other male was located.

Both required medical treatment and were transported to the hospital. No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation continues.

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The Watson Art Centre is a special place, and they've recently announced some exciting news. 

They're now a member of the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA). Now, they're looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year. That's where you come in. They're looking for your support. You can nominate them here. You must be a member of the MCMA to nominate.

Cam Bennet says there aren't many art organisations in Manitoba that manage their own building. For the most part, they have to rent space in various locations. Bennet believes that it is an advantage that the Watson Art Centre has.

"The other reason is that we support local country musicians. Like Kate's Outlaw, we had a two-night show with them last fall," offered Bennet. "Kayla Luky, Desiree Dorion, the Chris Barker Band, and Emma Peterson, to name a few. These are all local country music artists that play at the Watson. We support them and they support us. I think fans recognise that."

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Built in 1904, the Watson Art Centre is a heritage building. The Johnston & Co. Auditorium is known for its acoustics and vintage look. If you've ever seen a concert at the Watson, you'll know firsthand how perfect a venue it is. If you haven't, you're missing out.

"The people in the seats love the building. The musicians also rave about the look, the feel, and the acoustics. And many of them have played in venues all over the country," said Bennet. "It's a great venue and it would be nice to be recognised by the Manitoba Country Music Association."

The Watson is also gearing up to host its monthly Open Mic nights. A treat for music lovers, Open Mic nights are open to anyone to perform any style of music. Elsewhere at the Watson, they have become one of the coolest buildings in Dauphin.

They previously ran a 'Coolest Building in Town' campaign. That campaign has come to a close, and it was a great success.

"The heat pumps are in, and we are indeed the coolest building in town. Some people may even say it's too cool," ended Bennet. "We've had a great summer. We've had several dance groups and they're all dancing in comfort."

The Watson Art Centre, a special place that is near and dear to the hearts of many. They're now looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year through the Manitoba Country Music Association, and you can help them achieve their goal. 

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A 21-year-old is facing several charges after the RCMP responded to an armed robbery at a business on Main Street in Strathclair.

On August 3 at 10:05 p.m., officers arrived on the scene and were informed by an employee that a male had entered the business, demanded money, and threatened them with bear spray.  The male fled on foot with cash and alcohol.

The suspect was later brought into the Minnedosa RCMP detachment by a family member and arrested. A warrant was previously issued for his arrest after officers identified him.

21-year-old Styles Hotain is charged with Robbery with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, Failure to Comply with a Probation Order times two, and Disobeying Order of the Courts. 

He remains in custody. 

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