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In the first three months of 2025, the Dauphin RCMP received 1,460 calls for service.
In the first three months of 2026, the number of calls for service has declined. There have been 1,389 calls for service from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. These calls can range from a quick response to a more serious call.
Mark Smaill is the Staff Sergeant for the Detachment Commander for the Dauphin RCMP. He's been in Dauphin for just over a year and says the seriousness of calls in the first quarter last year to this year is similar.
The Dauphin Detachment has a complement of 23 police officers. All positions are filled, which includes a large influx of members from the Depot in Regina. Those officers are currently going through a six-month field coaching program.
When Smaill arrived in Dauphin, at times, the Detachment was down to 60 percent of its staffing complement.
"You know, when I came here to Dauphin, the staffing was not all that great," said Smaill. "I don't think it was any secret that right across Manitoba, the RCMP was struggling with numbers. That has changed dramatically in the last six months. It's a great thing for Dauphin and the province."
Recently, the Dauphin Detachment began foot patrols. Foot patrols help officers connect with the community and, in some cases, spot crimes that may not be possible while driving around. If you do spot an officer, you're encouraged to speak with them.
While you may not have a badge on, we can all play a part in keeping Dauphin a safe and warm place.
"We may not be able to fix every problem. We will be able to work with people on public safety and brainstorm ideas on how we can work together," added Smaill. "We have some great service groups that work with us on public safety issues, and that's really appreciated."
One of those groups is Dauphin Citizens on Patrol. They currently have 12 volunteers who are the extra eyes and ears around the city. In conjunction with the Dauphin RCMP, Citizens on Patrol has begun handing out vehicle stickers that read "all valuables removed". It's aimed at deterring criminals from breaking into your vehicle.
You can get your sticker during business hours at City Hall or at the Dauphin Detachment.
Smaill says you'll notice officers out and about more often during the summer months. Tips to stay safe this summer include locking your vehicle, locking your doors, keeping the lights on at your home, and removing all valuables.
The City of Dauphin's 9:00 p.m. routine continues until the end of the month. The city has been challenging you to take a few simple steps every night at 9:00 p.m. to help reduce theft and property crime in the community.
They say it takes 21 days to build a habit. It's now your turn to make a new habit of helping to keep our community a safer place.
"We have an excellent mayor and council that are looking to help in whatever way they can with public safety," continued Smaill. "We have a great partnership with the City of Dauphin."
Small or big, Smaill urges everyone to report crimes.
"Even if you think it's a small situation, we need to hear about it. That way we know what is going on in the community," commented Smaill. "Sometimes I think people believe the police know everything that is going on. We try our best, but we know that the public is often our eyes and ears, and we need to hear from them."
When hitting the road this summer, it's also critical to do so sober.
In 2024, 15 people died, and 118 were injured in crashes involving impaired driving in Manitoba. From 2020 to 2025, 91 people died and more than 350 sustained injuries due to impaired driving.
If you use Cannabis, wait a minimum of 24 hours before getting behind the wheel.
If you're a heavy user, it builds up in your system and takes an entire 30 days to clear. This means you could be impaired and not even realize it. The penalties for driving under the influence of Cannabis are the same as those for driving under the influence of alcohol.
"I really encourage people, for everyone's safety, to stay sober," ended Smaill. "Plan a safe ride home if you're consuming. Just know, we will be out there to keep the roads and highways safe."
Another big problem is driving fatigued. On average, one person is killed and five are seriously injured in fatigue-related crashes every year in Manitoba. Studies have shown that less than five hours of sleep doubles your motor vehicle collision risk.
It's recommended that you get seven to eight hours of sleep overnight before operating a vehicle.
Some warning signs that you're too tired to be behind the wheel include constant yawning, trouble keeping your eyes open, being unable to remember the last few kilometres driven, drifting, and wandering thoughts.
If you are driving tired and are caught, you can be charged with careless driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, or criminal negligence.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 17-year-old male from Dauphin is facing a charge after headbutting an RCMP vehicle's window.
On Saturday at 5:45 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at a home in the city. They found the 17-year-old inside, with smashed dishes on the kitchen floor. He was arrested.
As officers took him to the cruiser, he intentionally headbutted the rear driver's side window, breaking it with his forehead.
He was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. He faces a charge of mischief under $5,000.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Swan Valley Inter-Agency is holding their 3rd Annual ID and Community Services Clinic tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre.
Loriann Munro, Executive Member of Swan Valley Inter-Agency, went over some of the government and community services that'll be in attendance.
"We have Service Canada coming tomorrow, we have Swampy Cree Tribal Council, West Region Tribal Council to do Status Cards on-site, we have the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Registry Officer from there doing Citizenship Cards...Public Health with a lot of different services they're going to provide, Swan Valley School Division is doing pre-registration, the Canada Revenue Agency is going to be a virtual person, not an actual person, but it's going to be done virtually," said Munro.
This now being the third year of the ID Clinic, Munro said the Swan Valley Inter-Agency has definitely used feedback to improve the day. She also said most of the feedback they get about the event from all sides is positive.
"When we did it the first year we had so many good comments, both from the visitors, clients, and the services and organizations themselves, that we knew that we were going to have to try to host this event every year, so this is our third year and it is just growing, and we were really happy the first year, second year there were a few more people, and we're really expecting even more this year, just because it is starting to get known that we do it," said Munro.
Munro said it's great that they're able to put on this event as a way to have representatives of so many community and government services under one roof. She said even though it can be pretty busy, there are still things to do while you're waiting for certain services. They've also noted how past years have been when it comes to wait times, and have made some improvements for this year.
"Some organizations are busier than others, so where we noticed that there was maybe waiting lists, we've asked for additional people maybe to come and provide that service," said Munro.
For a full list of the groups in attendance, click here to visit the Swan Valley Inter-Agency Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
In April, Manitoba declared a hepatitis A outbreak.
As of May 6, there have been 658 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with this outbreak, mainly spread through person-to-person contact.
There have been 142 hospitalizations, five intensive care unit admissions and four deaths.
Initially affecting several communities in northern Manitoba, the outbreak is now affecting people in several communities across the province, including the Ebb and Flow First Nation.
As a result, those aged six months and older can now receive a free single hepatitis A vaccine.
It's also free for those travelling to or working on the Ebb and Flow First Nation and for people who have household visitors from the community.
In addition, individuals with other risk factors for hepatitis A can access the hepatitis A vaccine based on existing eligibility criteria.
This includes people experiencing homelessness; people who use drugs; individuals with certain high-risk medical conditions; and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.
Eligible individuals can access the hepatitis A vaccine through primary care providers, local public health offices, nursing stations and health centres.
Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. Some people with hepatitis A, especially young children, have no symptoms.
Others can develop a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
If symptoms do develop, the onset is abrupt and can include:
- fever;
- loss of appetite;
- nausea and vomiting;
- stomach cramps;
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea;
- dark urine;
- clay-coloured stools; and
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Those with mild symptoms often recover within one to two weeks. The illness can be more severe in some people, especially those who have a weakened immune system or chronic liver disease and people over the age of 60.
Individuals with a severe illness can have symptoms for several months.
Hepatitis A can spread through contaminated water, food and close contact with someone who has the infection, even if they do not have symptoms.
Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds after using the toilet, handling diapers and before eating or preparing food can help prevent infection if you are exposed to the virus. Soap and water work the best for killing the hepatitis A virus.
If soap and water are not available for handwashing, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
For more information on vaccine eligibility in Manitoba, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Last Friday, a pedestrian was struck by a truck at Main St and 8th Ave in Swan River.
In a news release, the RCMP say they responded to reports of the collision around 12:30 PM on Friday. A 57 year old woman was struck while crossing the street and sustained serious injuries. She was taken to hospital, where she died.
The 79 year old driver of the truck remained at the scene and spoke to officers. The RCMP investigation is ongoing.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Friendship Centre is planning a Youth Culture Day on May 30th, featuring an informational hike, designed to connect youth to nature.
Natalie Gabriel, Dauphin Friendship Centre Community Mentor, said the hike will help to highlight the great nature-based activities here in Dauphin.
"We plan to take a hike in our local Riding Mountain National Park, and as we're hiking we're going to keep our eyes peeled for all of the native plants and trees and animals we might see on our hike," said Gabriel.
The DFC has also invited Shawn Charlebois of Red Road Compass, and Indigenous land-based education organization, to teach youth how some of the Parkland's native plants can be used for various things, like making fishing nets or helping to calm bug bites.
"He is also going to be teaching us and giving us more information on all the plants and animals we will be seeing on our hike, and giving us a presentation about what we might find and what not...he is able to teach me, and so many other adults and youth, about things that we wouldn't normally think about or even bother to learn about on our own time," said Gabriel.
At the end of the hike, they'll head back to the DFC for a lunch and some games to keep the adventure going. Gabriel said she hopes the hike and the day helps youth connect with the Parkland, and helps them learn some of the unique things about our area.
"I hope we can all come together and connect, and appreciate our environment, and what nature has to offer us, because I feel like everybody gets so caught up in school and work, that we forget that we're located 10 minutes from a national park that offers beautiful hiking trails," said Gabriel.
The DFC's Youth Culture Day is open to youth 13 or older. For more information or to sign up, click here to visit the Dauphin Friendship Centre's Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
If you're in Neepawa or the area, the community is looking for you.
The Town of Neepawa, along with the Fil-Can Neepawa and area association are looking for volunteers. The task at hand is to help clean the trails and other areas in the community.
It's on Saturday, May 30, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The starting location will be the HyLife Back Forty Multi-Use Trail Park. The community clean-up will then proceed to more locations.
Prestyn Phinney is with the Town of Neepawa.
"Just because it's our community. We have to work together to keep it clean," said Phinney. "If someone is willing to help, we would love to have more hands-on help."
If you're interested in volunteering, call 476-7614 to leave your information. Then on May 30, meet up at the Trail Park, and help beautify the community ahead of summer.
"We'll provide the gloves and everything to keep your hands clean. We also provide garbage bags," ended Phinney. "Everything that you need is provided. We will also provide lunch, snacks, water bottles, and Gatorade to stay hydrated throughout the day."
The cleanup is expected to be roughly three hours.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Food bank usage in Manitoba has increased by more than 150% since 2019.
About 60,000 people access food banks in Manitoba every month. Once a month in Swan River, the Swan Valley Food Bank provides hampers for those in need in the community and the surrounding areas. Each intake sees, on average, 190 hampers handed out.
Then, for the remaining three weeks, they provide bread, pastries, and dairy, if it's in stock. They also provide meat if it's in stock. They provide those items once a week, during the three weeks when they don't hand out hampers.
Phyllis Hunt, treasurer at the Food Bank, says times are busier than ever. That's where you come in. They're currently looking for donations.
"Cereal is a good one. Pork and beans," Hunt said. "Soup, pasta, pasta sauce, Kraft Dinner. Cookies and crackers, anything that has a good shelf life."
You can drop off donations on Thursday mornings between 9:30 and 11:15.
You can also drop off donations inside the bins near the exits at the Co-op Grocery Store and No Frills. Items are then handed out on Thursdays from 11:30 to 2:00.
"Everyone knows that the cost of living is going up. With food costs and gas prices, people are having trouble making ends meet," added Hunt. "I believe it's a good way to help out your neighbours."
Hunt has been volunteering at the Food Bank for more than 10 years. It's something she takes great pride in.
She sees firsthand the positive difference the Food Bank has on those community members in need. She appreciates everyone's support and thanks those who have the means to donate.
"And I have to say the people that come, for the most part, are all very thankful that we're here," ended Hunt. "They are thankful for what we can provide them. It's a great feeling to help those in need in our communities."
If you want to give back, you can also provide cash or a cheque, and coordinators will shop for the most needed items. For that option, call Phyllis at 734-8903 or Ainslie at 304-0440.
To put into perspective how busy the Swan Valley Food Bank is, during last week's hamper giveaway, they ran out of food.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
On January 28, 2022, Ryan Joseph Nepinak of Gilbert Plains was found unresponsive in his cell at the Winnipeg Remand Centre. He was later pronounced deceased.
The chief medical examiner has now called for an inquest. An inquest explores the circumstances and events leading to deaths to find out what, if anything, might be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
The standing hearing will be held July 20 at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 402 at the Manitoba Law Courts Complex, 408 York Ave., Winnipeg.
Ahead of that, a judge will decide who can take part in the process and question witnesses. Individuals and/or groups may apply.
If you're interested in applying for standing, contact Ryan Amy at 204-940-4439. You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by June 19.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba drivers are being warned about a new scam text falsely claiming to be connected to Manitoba Public Insurance.
The fraudulent messages tell recipients their MPI driving record is under “active compliance review” over an unresolved matter requiring “immediate attention.”
The text then directs people to a fake website demanding payment for an alleged speeding fine.
MPI says it never asks customers to provide personal or financial information through text messages or email.
Manitobans receiving the messages are being urged not to click any links or respond to the sender.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
If you're at the Dauphin Public Library over the next few weeks, you can expect a little bit of dust and noise. Included in this year's city budget was money for the library to get a new roof, and that construction has started.
Alison Moss, Director of the Parkland Regional Library, said the construction is going well, and on-schedule. Though there might be some changes to service during the construction, Moss hopes the library won't have to close, but that will depend on the noise.
"We're expecting a few weeks, and May was out target month, mid May, we were just waiting for mother nature to cooperate...I do expect some interruptions to service over the next few weeks, but we'll just take that as it comes, and we hope not to have to close, but it'll just depend on what the noise levels are," said Moss.
The fact that money for roof repairs was included in the city's budget this year is a good spark of hope for the library. Moss said over the years, the library has constantly evolved and changed, and this investment in the building will help them continue to provide service to the Parkland.
In the years the library has existed, it started off as a shelf in a store, then kept growing and changing until it became the library we know today. Moss said she has some accounts of how the old library was, one dating as far back at 1926.
"I've always felt strong support from the City of Dauphin and the RM of Dauphin around maintaining and really promoting library service in the City of Dauphin...[in the account], they start talking about their personal library experience in Dauphin in 1926. So, that's 100 years or more of library service in Dauphin," said Moss.
Moss said she expects the construction to only last a couple weeks, but could be longer depending on the weather and other factors. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
