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Aspen Insurance in Dauphin is one of 730 CKDM's Harvest Helpers this season, highlighting some of the ways they can give the Parkland's producers an extra hand during the harvest season.
James Stoesz with Aspen Insurance said he's focused on meeting clients where they are, especially the Parkland's farmers.
"Yeah, at Aspen Insurance here we're focused on our clients, we're focusing on all their needs at hand and we're here to listen, here for open conversation, and discuss[ing] what's important to them...personally myself, I grew up on a farm and I did farm in the past, and we understand it's a challenging business," said Stoesz.
In his time with Aspen Insurance, Stoesz said he's seen a number of changes within the agriculture industry, and his experiences in the sector have helped Aspen Insurance adapt to those changes, to find better ways to help farmers.
"The biggest change is to how big these businesses have gotten and where they're going, and with an understanding of the day-to-days, it makes a big difference when you know what happens throughout the times of the year, different times of the year, from the start of seeding, to spray season, to getting ready for harvest," said Stoesz.
According to Aspen Insurance's website, they aim to provide clients with the best possible product to suit their needs, and are committed to providing complete customer satisfaction.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
School Division Trustees play a role that not many people understand.
Lori Slepicka, MVSD Secretary-Treasurer, said Monday's upcoming Trusteeship Information Session is a great way for anyone interested to find out more about the role, and attend a meeting so they understand what takes place.
"It's an invite to prospective candidates to come and ask questions directly to the trustees about trusteeship, so anything about like, how much time does the role require, do trustees make operational decisions, just anything, any questions lingering in their minds, and if they're on the fence of becoming a trustee or running for trusteeship...lots of times, candidates haven't even attended a meeting before, so it's just a good idea to come and see how it all works before you get your name on the list," said Slepicka.
According to Slepicka, trustees are one of the most important ways members of the community can have their say when it comes to school division processes.
Manitoba's School Division Trustee Elections take place alongside, Manitoba's Municipal Elections, and have a process that's almost exactly the same. The nomination period is also the same, from September 16th to 22nd.
"[Trustees are] the final decision makers on the policies, the board sets the policies for administration to run under, so it's important that they get in and have their say, we talk about community voice...nomination period is between September 16th to the 22nd, so what that means is you need to be registered prior to getting nominations," said Slepicka.
If you want to find out more about running for the role of Mountain View School Division Trustee, attend the Trusteeship Information Session from 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday at the MVSD Office.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
A craft sale, farmers market, live entertainment, bouncy castles, and a photo booth.
It all makes up the fourth annual Roblin Fall harvest Festival, set for Saturday in the Jewel of the Parkland.
Roblin Chamber Board Chair Charmaine Dereniwski says it is important to have something for every member of the family.
"That is always key, getting something for everybody so that they all want to come out and visit and network, and help support our great groups within our community as well."
The day starts with a pancake breakfast fundraiser for the San Clara Community Centre, and Charmaine says there will be other fundraising opportunities throughout the day.
"We have the Roblin Service to Seniors that is doing a lunch, so they will be fundraising for their group. And the Chamber is doing a 50/50 draw as well, which goes towards our bursary for graduations next year."
There will also be several organizations selling food during the day.
It wraps up with fireworks in the evening.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
On Thursday at 12:20 p.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a theft at a business on Main Street South.
28-year-old Jarreth Chartrand of Dauphin jumped on a customer's electric bike and fled. A trailer was attached to the bike.
At 2:10 p.m., officers located the suspect near the intersection of Jackson Street and 1st Street Southwest and attempted to arrest him. The suspect, who was riding another bike, tried to flee.
Jarreth was caught outside a home on 11th Avenue Southwest and was arrested. During the arrest, officers seized a bear repeller container on Chartrand's arm. A small amount of meth was also seized.
His charges include theft of a bicycle under $5,000, possession of a concealed weapon, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you live in the Russell/Binscarth area, and have questions or concerns about health care in that region, you will want to attend a special gathering tomorrow.
The Assiniboine Valley Health Board is hosting a Healthcare Open House starting at 9 am at the GPB Centre in Russell.
The board will present a summary of their work, share recent progess and successess, and also provide background on the current state of healthcare in the regional hub.
Those in attendance will also have the chance to provide feed back, either in person, or through the provided online survey.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
From January 1 to July 31, the Dauphin Fire Department responded to 171 calls for service.
That's an eight percent increase over the same time period in 2025.
Cam Abrey is Dauphin's Fire Chief.
"We've seen slight increases from year to year," said Abrey. "We still have a few months left in the year. We could come out at par with previous years. With the fire service, we always hope there is an increase from year to year. With that said, we're not too concerned about it at this time."
The second-largest number of incidents continues to be motor vehicle collisions. The DFD responded to 33 calls. That's 19 percent of their responses.
False alarms remained the largest call for service during the first seven months of the year. The department responded to 51 incidents. That's 30 percent of calls.
Abrey said responding to false alarms is frustrating, to say the least.
"We are not a full-time fire department. Individuals are leaving their family commitments, jobs, everything else to respond," he added. "We suit up, get on the trucks, and respond. It's due in part to construction dust, humidity, or a variety of different things that can cause a false alarm."
The devastating flood that hit Dauphin and the Parkland on July 1 was an extremely busy day for the DFD. They responded to 18 separate incidents.
13 were specifically for callers reporting flood-related incidents. The remainder were for lift assist, downed hydro lines, mutual-aid assistance, and evacuation of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. While this year's event was an anomaly for Abrey and his crew, it wasn't a first.
In October 2018, wind speeds reached more than 120 kilometres per hour. That caused several grass fires, downed power lines, and trees falling through power lines. They responded to 17 incidents in 24 hours. The DFD, Gilbert Plains, Ochre River, and Sifton Fire Departments all responded in various areas.
When it comes to staffing, Abrey says they're in a great spot. 16 members will take part in Level 1 firefighter training this fall. Overall, they're sitting at 40 members. That's the highest they've had in several years.
While they are full, if you are interested in becoming a firefighter, don't hesitate to reach out. Cam says you can be put on a waiting list and the call could come your way. Abrey says they have a great complement of firefighters.
In his words, it takes something special to dedicate yourself to the number of hours required for training to become a firefighter. In order to become a Level 1, you have to do a minimum of 200 hours.
"And then there is all the specialty courses that occur," added Abrey. "It adds up, and some people don't have that time commitment. It takes a special something. A lot of commitment and dedication. My hat's off to the members we have."
The DFD features firefighters who have been on the post for one month up to almost 60 years.
The Department is thanking Cameron Popiel for his time. He recently resigned and moved to Brandon. Popiel joined the DFD in March of 2018 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2022 and then Captain in 2025.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Students are back in school in the Parkland, and the RCMP is making sure safety is top of mind.
The number one key for drivers is to stay alert and never drive distracted. That means putting your cellphone away and paying attention.
Kaung Zaw is a constable with the Dauphin RCMP.
"Because driving is a privilege, not a right," said Zaw. "As a motor vehicle operator, you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is your job as a driver to be aware not only a few feet in front of you, but to know what's coming up behind you, and on all sides."
Also, as drivers, you must stop for buses when their flashing red lights are on, and their stop sign is extended. Students boarding or getting off the bus could be crossing the street right in front of your vehicle.
The fine for passing a stopped school bus that has its flashing lights on and stop sign extended is $670.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk to their children about basic safety tips. The number one topic of conversation should be your kids knowing where their pickup location is after school.
"For parents, a generic reminder: tell your kids not to talk to strangers," said Zaw. "If they're walking, make sure there is a safe route. Never take a ride from strangers."
Another regular conversation parents or caregivers should be having with their children is about online safety. This includes talking about the online games your kids are playing, the apps they're using, and who they're chatting with.
For age-appropriate ideas, head here.
Tell your child that if they come across something or someone while chatting that makes them feel uncomfortable, they can tell you without fear of getting in trouble or losing online privileges.
The Manitoba RCMP wishes everyone a safe and happy school year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Looking to clear up some space during fall cleaning? If you're in Dauphin, you're in luck: the Curbside Giveaway Weekend is coming back, September 19th and 20th.
Reusable items you want to get rid of can be place on your curb on those dates, and residents are welcome to browse the city and take items that are clearly marked as free. The City recommends giving away items that you don't have a use for anymore but someone else will enjoy, like books, clothing, small appliances, and kitchenware. They say not to put out broken or damaged items, or anything that could potentially be infested, like mattresses or bedding.
By the end of the weekend, the City asks you remove any items that weren't taken, otherwise on Monday they'll be removed by the City for a minimum $50 fee.
The City of Dauphin says the upcoming Curbside Giveaway Weekend on September 19th and 20th is a great way to help residents with fall cleaning, while helping keep items out of the landfill.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Manitoba's suicide rate is recorded at approximately 13.9 per 100,000 residents.
That far exceeds the national average of 10.9 people per 100,000. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among Manitoba youth. It particularly impacts those aged 10 to 17 and young adults.
Men account for approximately 75% of suicide deaths. September is Suicide Prevention Month.
It's important to continue educating people to be aware of suicide and be equipped to engage in suicide prevention. If you feel someone in your life is struggling, it's important to open the conversation. Some of the warning signs include high levels of stress.
This could come from a breakup, financial stress, or grief and loss.
Rod Seib with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Swan River says people often don't so much want to die when thinking about suicide; they simply want to be free of the pain. That's why if you or anyone you know is struggling, it's critical to reach out.
Even if you don't want to speak with a professional, Seib says talking to a loved one is a great first step.
"If someone struggles with something alone, it's very easy to have distorted thoughts or thinking," said Seib. "So just connecting with another person, whether it's an individual or in a support group, you get to get more of a perspective on what's happening."
The Suicide Crisis Helpline is 9-8-8. If you do need help, the Canadian Mental Health Association has several resources. See them here.
Seib understands reaching out can be hard. Sometimes a listening ear can make a world of difference for someone in pain.
"Loneliness isn't so much a fact as simply an experience," added Seib. "Often we can feel lonely and disconnected. Reaching out, even though it may be difficult, can be the first step to giving a person the experience and understanding that they're not alone."
The Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line can be reached at 1-877-435-7170. Klinic Community Health, which offers counselling, says the theme from 2024 to 2026 has been 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'. It's about more open conversations, reducing stigma, and making it easier to talk about suicide and find support.
Remember, if you're struggling, you're not alone. Even if you think you are, your path to recovery could be a conversation away.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Two people were remanded into custody while two were released after a drug trafficking bust in Swan River.
Last Friday, members from the Swan River's General Investigation Section executed search warrants at a home on the 100-block of River Road.
Officers seized tablets, a small amount of cocaine, seven firearms, including a sawed-off .22 rifle, two extendable batons, one crossbow, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and $545 in cash.
Four Swan River residents were arrested.
64-year-old Darryl Fayant and 42-year-old Pamela Fayant face charges of possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
30-year-old Renee Fayant and 51-year-old Ryan Rosteski face the same charges.
Darryl and Pamela remain behind bars. Renee and Ryan were released.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
