NewsNow
The Roblin Ag Society Rodeo & Fair gets underway tonight, starting off with beer gardens, food trucks, and their King Farmer event.
Dean Chescu, Roblin Ag Society President, said the preparations for the rodeo have all gone well, and he's looking forward to the weekend. He's especially excited for tonight's King Farmer events, which are a popular attraction.
"It's coming together, it's looking pretty good. The grounds are good, the arena's been redone, and it's all looking like it's gonna go...we start off the whole show with a king farmer on Thursday night, that's been a big hit the last 5 or 6 years here, it's a little twist to it now, it's a team effort, farm team," said Chescu.
The Calcutta King Farmer gets started at 6:30 PM, with King Farmer events from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. But that's far from the only thing at the rodeo this weekend: another big hit is their Artisan Market, showcasing and highlighting local makers and crafters. Chescu expects a good number of tables this year.
"It was started last year, and it went over pretty well, and we're gonna continue that again this year. [At the] city arena, and there's 20, 30 tables out there," said Chescu.
Chescu is very thankful for the level of community involvement the rodeo gets, and all of the sponsors that help to put it on. He said without that level of support from Roblin and the area, it would be very hard to run the weekend.
"Without the sponsors it's hard to put this on, because it's a lot of money going out, and we need a lot of money to keep it going," said Chescu.
Some of the many other hot ticket events for the weekend include their fan favourite L'il Britches Rodeo on Saturday afternoon, and the Heartland Rodeo on both Saturday and Sunday.
- Details
- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Jodie Romanow and her family began billeting Parkland Rangers players in the 2017-18 season.
In 2020, they began billeting Dauphin Kings players. They've taken at least two players each year.
In the last couple of years, due to the billet shortage for the Kings, they've welcomed three players into their homes for the season.
"We've had some awesome guys come through our house. They become part of our family," said Romanow. "They make connections with our kids. Those connections have continued. It's just a great experience."
As the 2026-27 MJHL season nears, the Kings are looking for billet families.
It's an opportunity to provide a player a home away from home.
"When you take these players in, you're supporting the Dauphin Kings. They're a huge part of our community," continued Romanow. "By supporting them, we ensure that the organization can continue. In the long run, it helps Dauphin's economy. It also helps these young players go further in their hockey careers."
As a billet, you provide a room for the player. You also provide meals throughout the day. Typically, players fend for themselves for breakfast and lunch.
"Then they'll sit down for a family meal at the end of the day," ended Romanow. "In exchange, the Dauphin Kings pay a monthly stipend to billet families. Players are also expected to contribute around the house. Such as doing dishes, shovelling snow, stuff like that."
In addition, you will receive a season ticket for each player you take in.
You can make a difference in the life of a junior hockey player. You can make a difference in the life of a Dauphin King.
If you're interested in becoming a temporary or full-time billet, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Players will arrive in Dauphin in late August.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Joska Gallant got into policing in 2006.
She wanted to serve the public, help people, and do something different. Two decades have now passed since her first posting.
She's been stationed throughout the country. Her first posting was in Saskatchewan. She spent time in British Columbia and Ottawa.
"Well, they have been busy. There is never a dull day. Always something different," said Gallant. "That's what is nice about this type of employment. In policing, you can do different things. It's been interesting and rewarding, at the same time."
Gallant says the most rewarding part is helping youth and the elderly and keeping the communities she serves safe.
On December 16, Joska accepted her first posting in Manitoba. In fact, right here in the Parkland. Sergeant Gallant became the Detachment Commander in Winnipegosis.
"We have a good team here. It's nice that we have a full complement of staff. That has not been the norm over the past few years, so that's been nice," added Gallant. "I'm enjoying getting out and meeting the community members. Learning what their concerns are and what they want to see from the police in their area."
Community members in Winnipegosis and the surrounding area have many of the same shared concerns. This includes drugs and off-road vehicle safety. While response times vary because of the large area the Detachment serves, Gallant says her staff is doing a great job.
They all take pride in serving and protecting the community and surrounding areas.
"Supporting the individuals that are seeking our assistance," added Gallant. "Getting out and meeting youth as well. So they know the police officers in the community, feel safe, and are open to reaching out with any concerns."
While many communities in the Parkland continue to recover from last month's devastating flood, Gallant looks forward to continuing to meet community members. Residents are always encouraged to speak to officers when they're out and about.
A simple hello goes a long way in creating a strong relationship between the RCMP and community members.
"It's been difficult with some of the overland flooding. That's affected some of the plans for events in the community," ended Gallant. "I look forward to getting to know the community members. If they have any concerns, they're more than welcome to reach out to me here at the Detachment."
The number for the Winnipegosis Detachment is 656-7003.
Gallant is also praising community members for stepping up over the past month after the flood. Community helping the community, and Joska says those efforts have not gone unnoticed.
"Yes, certainly. I've heard a lot of great stories where neighbours who didn't know each other have assisted in sandbagging and other various activities to keep one another safe and their properties safe," said Gallant.
It's another stop on her 20-year policing career. Gallant is honoured to be the Commander of the Winnipegosis Detachment, and she looks forward to doing what she can to keep the community safe and thriving.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you're wondering what is happening at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, Thursday night's town hall is for you.
Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health will provide an update on the facility. It suffered significant flood damage and closed on July 1. To join the town hall online, head here.
If you aren't able to join online, you can dial 1-647-497-9368. When prompted, enter access code: 681-665-598.
The town hall begins at 6:30 on Thursday night.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
In a Facebook post, the Grandview Medical Clinic announced they will not be offering walk-in services after August 3rd.
The decision to remove walk-in service comes from other pressures straining their system, including physician availability and preference, and increased demands from the Grandview Emergency Department. Urgent care is still available, with the Clinic requesting that patients contact them if they're in need of an urgent appointment. The Grandview Emergency Department is also available.
The Grandview Emergency Department is one of two emergency departments recently expanded by Prairie Mountain Health after the closure of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. The expansions include increased hours and more staff available.
Dr. Jacobi Elliott with the Grandview Medical Clinic said the change may create inconvenience and uncertainty for patients, and wants patients to know the decision was not made easily. She continued by saying the Grandview Medical Clinic is still fully committed to providing care to their patients, and will revisit the decision in the future, when circumstances allow.
- Details
- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
An investigation is underway after the Dauphin Fire Department responded to a fire on Wednesday morning.
They responded to the blaze with smoke coming from a home north of the city along Highway 20. Once they entered the home, several of the stairs had burned away, with the fire along the north wall.
As crews began fighting the blaze on the second floor, the roof began to fail due to flames. Firefighters had to take a defensive position as the second floor was unsafe due to the collapse.
Once the fire was under control, crews returned to the second floor to complete extinguishing the blaze. Crews remained on scene until about 3:00 p.m. once the fire was completely out.
If you have any information about the fire, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5050.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Northwest region fared well over the past week, with some rain to start off the week, and warm temperatures to boost crop advancement.
According to the latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report, standing water in the Northwest region continues to dry up, though areas under excess moisture still show symptoms of stress and soil crusting. Field access is still a challenge in some places where washouts occurred, and damage assessment and infrastructure repair continue throughout the region.
Fungicide and herbicide application continue as appropriate stages are reached, though the region's wide range in crop stages is continuing to stretch applications.
Crop stages continue to range in spring cereals, with most spring cereals headed out, and some later seeded fields following behind. Most advanced fields are in late milk stage, and areas under continuous excess moisture are showing symptoms. Fall rye and winter wheat are in the dough stage, and mostly looking good. There are reports of true armyworm in some fields, so be sure to scout and assess threshold numbers.
Field peas are now into the R3-R4 stage. Areas that have been continuously wet continue to show signs of excess moisture, though fields that didn't experience excess moisture look good. Canola fields continue to range in stages, with most crops in some stage of flowering, and most advanced fields have completed flowering. Later seeded fields and fields under excess moisture continue to catch up.
The most advanced soybeans have moved to R2 stage, with the rest of crops closely behind.
- Details
- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
CAA Manitoba recently surveyed 503 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older.
The numbers are alarming. 98 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed dangerous driving behaviours on Manitoba roads. 75 per cent have witnessed distracted driving, and 74 per cent have witnessed unsafe lane changes.
However, only 59 per cent admit engaging in at least one of the dangerous driving behaviours themselves. This reveals a significant disconnect between what drivers see and how they assess their own actions behind the wheel.
83 per cent of respondents reported they've witnessed Manitoba drivers speeding. Ewald Friesen is the manager, government and community relations with CAA Manitoba.
."So, the best and easiest thing you can do as we head into this Long Weekend is reduce your speed. Stay within the speed limit," said Friesen. "There are a lot of benefits beyond the safety of yourself and others. We can talk about fuel economy. That's on the minds of a lot of Manitobans given the gas prices."
One-third of those who say they regularly speed travel 10 to 19 km/h above the posted limit.
At the same time, 65 per cent of drivers say they slow down when they realize they are speeding.
"This is very, very good news. It indicates that Manitobans recognize that it's dangerous," added Friesen. "They realize they don't want to get caught or cause injury. When they realize it, they do better. This is very encouraging news."
Prevention:
All types of distracted driving are completely preventable.
Whether it's checking a notification, adjusting a device, eating, or taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds, consequences can be sudden and life-altering.
"Half of Manitobans admit to doing this. While we applaud Manitobans for being so honest, this is great stuff; it's still quite shocking how prevalent it is," continued Friesen. "As a matter of fact, 15 per cent of our survey respondents admitted to being involved in a collision that involved distracted driving."
Staying Sober:
Whether you're hitting the lake this weekend, heading to Minnedosa for Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa, or just heading to a friend's place, staying sober is critical.
In 2024, 15 people died, and 118 were injured, some sustaining life-altering injuries, in impaired driving collisions in Manitoba.
In the five years previous to that, 91 people died, and more than 350 sustained injuries. While having a great time is the goal, there is no place for getting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. If you get caught, there are strict penalties.
In the worst case, lives can be lost.
"This includes, of course, drug-impaired driving, which includes cannabis," ended Friesen. "Cannabis impaired driving is on the rise in Manitoba. Most people don't recognize that cannabis impaired driving penalties are identical to alcohol related driving penalties. So the rules that we apply, the behaviours, and preventative measures that we apply to alcohol impaired driving, apply equally to cannabis impaired driving."
Those measures include finding a designated driver, staying overnight, using a ride share, or getting a cab or Uber.
Everyone plays a part in keeping Manitoba roadways safe.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
An autopsy has been completed after the tragic death of a 37-year-old woman.
Amanda Nobiss was in the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation on behalf of K9 Advocacy Manitoba on July 16. She was set to pick up several puppies from a resident. Amanda went to the home alone, and the occupant was not home. She came into contact with the occupant's dogs, who were protective and aggressive.
A friend of Amanda contacted police just before 1:00 a.m. on July 17, concerned about her whereabouts. The MFNPS conducted a ground and aerial search of the area based on the last known location from Amanda’s cell phone.
Her body was located later that morning by a community maintenance worker outside of a residence.
The autopsy suggests the dogs killed Nobiss. Arrangements were then made to euthanize the two male dogs. K9 Advocacy Manitoba rescued a female dog and several puppies.
The Manitoba First Nations Police Service is sending its condolences to Amanda's family and loved ones.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The lineup is set. The site is ready to go.
Rock fans are in for a treat. Rockin' The Fields of Minnedosa begins on Friday and runs through Sunday. The lineup includes the likes of Collective Soul, Cheap Trick, Quiet Riot, Smash Mouth, Harlequin, and the Headpins, to name a few.
You can see the full lineup here.
Kamryn Winters said the buzz ahead of the event is at an all-time high. Simply put, it's time to rock.
"Oh, it's going to be so good. I think this is one of their highest-selling ticket years, for sure," said Winters. "It's going to be a nice and busy weekend. It's going to be great."
The atmosphere is what makes this event so special. It's a relaxed atmosphere. The concert bowl is smaller compared to the Selo Ukraina Site used for Dauphin's Countryfest. There isn't a bad seat in the house.
Whether you're in the front row or near the top, the energy will be electric.
"Everybody is in that concert bowl together throughout the whole night," continued Winters. "There are two stages. Instead of running at the same time, one shuts down when the other fires up. You don't miss a beat at Rockin' the Fields. You're able to catch every single band."
Tickets for the event are still available. You can get a general admission weekend pass, a deck weekend pass, or day passes. There are also bus passes available with a charter from Brandon to the site in Minnedosa.
There are also weekend parking passes. If you buy those, the Manitoba RCMP reminds everyone to drive sober.
Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa provides incredible rock entertainment, a cozy atmosphere, and a chance to make some new friends. If you're a rock fan, it has everything you need. Toss in some incredible vendors, and it will be a weekend to remember.
It all goes down from Friday to Sunday.
"We always say you meet a lot of new friends at Rockin' the Fields. You have to because you're with everyone in the concert bowl," ended Winters. "It's a very cool place to meet new people. Everyone is so relaxed. Everyone just wants to listen to music and have fun. It's a great experience. If you have never been, I encourage you to get tickets this year. You won't regret it."
You can get your tickets for the event here.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After a very successful fundraiser, Winnipegosis Fire & Rescue will soon be able to purchase valuable new equipment to expand their capabilities.
Gerry Vermette, Winnipegosis Fire Chief, said the department was chosen to host a community BBQ as part of Westman Communications Group's Connecting Westman Tour, and is glad they were chosen: they raised a lot more money than was expected.
"The fire department was chosen this year, so [Westman] came down and they set up a wonderful site, and served hot dogs and smokies for everybody...they money's going to be going towards purchasing water rescue equipment and wildland firefighting gear," said Vermette.
The fundraiser gave the Winnipegosis Fire Department just $5,147, which will go a long way for the department. Vermette expects the new equipment to see lots of use.
"Water rescue gear that we don't have, some of the wetsuits and cold water rescue suits, and also the wildland firefighting gear, it'll be a great asset to our department, it's going to add more equipment that we currently don't have," said Vermette.
Vermette wants to thank everyone who showed up to support the Winnipegosis Fire Department. He also said they're always looking for more help, and encourages anyone interested in the Winnipegosis Fire Department to check out all of the programs they run, like their Junior Firefighting Program.
- Details
- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
