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There are a lot of smiles today among members of the Dauphin Agricultural Society, as another edition of the Dauphin Fair went off successfully over the weekend.
Society president George Panko says they avoided bad weather for the most part over the weekend, which led to soild crowds over the three days.
Although down slightly from last year, Panko believes this year's fair was still one of the top 5 attended fairs in the event's history.
He stated crowds for the Chuckwagon and Chariot Races were double what they were last year, while the extreme dog performances took place in front of full bleachers.
Planning for next year's fair is already underway, with Panko saying one area that they are looking at for future shows in bringing in events to take place at the grandstands between the chariot and chuckwagon races.
Panko concluded by thanking their sponsors, adding they would not be able to put on a show of this caliber without them.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The latest Flood Bulletin from Manitoba's Hydrologic Forecast Centre calls for as much as 80mm of localized rainfall between June 27th and 30th, with an added overland flood watch.
The Province says there is uncertainty around timing, total precipitation amounts, and intensity, though there is a good chance that parts of western Manitoba, including the Parkland, and northwestern regions of the province could see more than 60mm of rain over the four days.
Especially in areas with poor drainage, the Province warns there could be some overland flooding, which prompted the Hydrologic Forecast Centre to issue an overland flood watch.
They also say high waster advisories are still in effect for Lake of the Prairies, Red Deer Lake, Red Deer River near the mouth, and Swan Lake. Click here to keep up to date on Manitoba's most recent flooding information.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Just after 9:30 PM on Sunday, every phone at the Selo Ukrainia festival site went off with an emergency alert tone: Environment Canada had issued a tornado warning for the area.
Aside from that one bit of bad weather, Countryfest President Duane McMaster said the festival got pretty lucky this weekend, considering the crazy forecast they were given the week before.
"Every day we looked at the forecast and they were calling for bad weather, and every day we got to the next day and that bad forecast had moved, and whatever weather was forecast, knock on wood, fingers crossed, has gone around us, and even today everything is shaping up really nicely. When I looked at the forecast this morning, we weren't even supposed see the sun today, and right now it says 23 feels like 28 out here," said McMaster.
Even on Sunday evening, the bad weather avoided the festival and headed west. At the Selo Ukrainia site, there was some light rain, but the ongoing act was postponed only for a bit.
Weather aside, the weekend was a great success on the talent front. From the start of marketing the event this year, they've said they got all the big names, like Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, and Tyler Hubbard, because people want the big names. Plus, according to McMaster, the big names have had a great weekend themselves, and he definitely plans on having more big names in future years at Countryfest.
"They've all been incredibly well-received, they've been great to deal with, and actually surprisingly enough, I always feel like we're a sort of backwoods, out-of-the-way place, everybody has had such great comments on how well they're treated here and what the facilities are like, and how well everything is run, and I think that goes back to all of our volunteers and all of our staff and everybody involved here making these people feel welcome. We are planning on continuing to go with the big name lineup, if we want to be a first-class festival, we need to have first-class entertainment," said McMaster.
But, that's not to say Countryfest will shy away from the smaller artists. There've been a lot of big country names that got their start at Countryfest, like Doc Walker, and lots of local country music staples, like Kates Outlaw and Desiree Dorion. McMaster said Countryfest's local roots are here to stay.
"We always want to encourage and develop new music, because that's where it comes from, that's where this whole genre, the whole thing starts. These guys in high school and earlier, playing music and writing music, and they need an opportunity, and we're glad to be able to provide that opportunity. And, we are really, really honoured that so many people still consider it such an honour to be on that main stage at Countryfest for the first time," said McMaster.
One thing that made this year's Countryfest a bit different than previous years was the decision to not have day passes. McMaster wanted this year's festival to be sold as more of a "Festival Experience" than a series of shows. And, it seems that mentality paid off: this year's Countryfest sold an estimated 10,000 weekend passes, maybe even more. Plus, lots of camping passes and packages sold out very early.
"I've always said that I never wanted this event to be a concert with camping. I want it to be an experience where people come through the gates and there's something to do in the afternoon, there's something to do in the evening, there's entertainment, there's other activities," said McMaster.
Though no official sales numbers have been released yet, it's almost a certainty that this year was one of Countryfest's best in the past decade. From top-tier talent, to an unforgettable festival experience, you can expect people coming back in droves for next year's event.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Eriksdale Creamery is the local museum in the community.
It served as the community's creamery before closing in 1990. For those who aren't sure what a creamery is, it's a place where butter and cheese are produced. Vienna Kinkead says the facility is still celebrated today.
That's where the Eriksdale Creamery Days, Fair, and Rodeo come in. The two-day event runs on Saturday and Sunday in the community.
"Saturday is our big day. We start with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade, and we have events going on at the museum, which is open for tours," said Kinkead. "We offer live music from Shawn Mousseau this year. Then we head over to the sports grounds where we have our rodeo and tractor pull."
Kinkead stresses this event is for all ages. Saturday night ends with live entertainment by 'Lost in a Small Town'. On Sunday, the action heats up at noon with tractor pulls, a slo-pitch tournament, and the beer gardens are open at the sports grounds.
The rodeo begins at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Kinkead says the event is always a huge success, and her favourite part is you being a part of the magic.
"The entire weekend of seeing families get together, friends come out from the city, just watching everything that takes place," she added.
While the rodeo and kids' activities are always a big hit, it's the parade that is a home run. It starts Saturday at 11:00. The theme this year is 'Green and White'.
"Oh yes, the parade is hugely attended," ended Kinkead. "We have a great variety of floats. Tractors, horse wagons. And there is usually a ton of candy for the kiddos."
A weekend pass to enter the sports grounds costs $20 for adults and $15 for youth. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The man accused of shooting two RCMP officers in Melville last weekend was in Yorkton court on Thursday.
Fifty-five-year-old Markus Dodge faces numerous charges, including two counts each of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and firing a gun with intent.
The officers were responding to a reported assault at a home in Melville last Sunday night when they were shot at, suffering serious injuries.
Dodge was remanded back into custody, and is due back in court July 3rd.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
With mosquito and tick populations now in full bloom, the province is asking Manitobans to take extra care to protect themselves from both Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Lyme disease is transmitted by black-legged ticks, often called deer ticks, which can be found any time of year when there is no snow on the ground, while mosquitoes can carry West Nile Virus.
Steps you can take to prevent tick bites include applying appropriate tick repellent on exposed skin and clothing, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts, tucking in clothing to create a barrier, staying to the centre of walking trails, and inspecting yourself, children and pets after spending time outdoors.
If a tick was attached to you for more than 36 hours before removal, or was filled with blood, you are encouraged to visit a health-care provider once the tick is removed to receive preventive treatment for Lyme disease.
Ways to reduce mosquito bites include using appropriate mosquito repellent, wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs, and ensuring all door and window screens fit tightly and are free of holes.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Onanole Fire Department is hosting a FireSmart presentation at the Onanole Rec Centre on Monday, starting at 1:00 PM.
Sean Frey, Onanole Fire Deputy Chief, said in an emailed statement that FireSmart is a great way for residents to learn about all the steps they can take to help reduce wildfire risks to their homes.
"FireSmart is a national initiative to help communities become more fire resilient, recognizing that most wildfire risk to homes are wind driven fire embers that catch in material around homes. Homeowners can have the biggest impact with maintenance and preventative measures around their home that minimizes the chance of fire spreading to their house or other buildings," part of the statement read.
Some of the presentation's topics include wildfire dangers in relation to climate change, details on the Onanole Fire Department's capacity, and what parts of the municipality are considered high risk.
If you're interested in attending the Onanole Fire Department's FireSmart presentation, RSVP by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
As many as 60 people per day use the Grandview Trails to stay active and enjoy the scenery.
"So yeah, our trails are well used in Grandview. It's a really nice walking path, and there are multiple loops if you'd like," said Alia Marcinkow. "There are some benches to sit by the river and watch it flow. It's a nice place to relax and get some exercise."
Weather-dependent on Tuesday nights, Alia and a group of volunteers get together to trim the trees along the trails. The town does most of the grass cutting, but the volunteer group planted some trees, so they help out. It happens every second Tuesday to keep the area beautiful.
That's where you come in. On Tuesday, the group will be out there at 6:00 p.m. taking care of the trails. Together, the trails will continue thriving. They do have equipment available. If you have your own trimmers, a push mower, or even a riding lawnmower, you can use those.
It's a chance to work together and keep the trails safe and beautiful.
"Exactly, yeah. It's a nice little group to get together. We're always laughing and having fun," ended Marcinkow. "The more hands, the faster the work. It's usually no more than 90 minutes, sometimes even just an hour. Yeah, it's great."
If you are interested in volunteering, you can call 572-4370. You can also get in touch with Alia on Facebook or see her at the Grandview Pharmacy.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Yesterday, the Dauphin Ag Society hosted their annual Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon, to show their support for all of the Parkland's organizations and businesses that give them a hand. Part of the event had speeches, and even an award for one of the Ag Society's most committed volunteers.
Terron Stykalo, Dauphin Ag Society Member, said since the Ag Society was created, they have always been appreciative of their volunteers.
"We were incorporated prior to either of the Municipalities, the City or the RM of Dauphin, so we are a very old organization, and I think it says a lot about our members and the time they commit that we've been around for 135 years," said Stykalo.
That brings us to the recipient of this year's Richard Beyette Volunteer Award: Morley Burns. A member of the Dauphin Ag Society for 8 years, Burns always helps out where he can, whether it's volunteering at events, helping with simple repair jobs, or really anything he can do to lend his community a hand.
"Morley joined the Dauphin Ag Society in 2018, currently Morley is in charge of our parade float, and all of the displays and concessions. Those are only his official titles. I know that Morley is always here for set-up, tear-down, and the countless hours in between, and that has been present again this week," said Stykalo.
With the Dauphin Ag Society Fair taking place this weekend, you can expect to see Morley Burns around the fairgrounds, helping out where he can.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Are you looking to add some colour to your weekend?
Well, you're in luck. The Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission in Ashern is holding its first-ever colour run. The family-friendly event is open to all ages.
Lori Emilson is in charge of the run and can't wait for Sunday.
"We are always looking for different things to do. We thought this was a great way to get people moving and active," said Emilson. "We are vying for Canada's most active community through ParticipACTION."
The ParticipACTION community challenge runs from June 1 to 30. It's a Canadian non-profit charitable organization and an enduring part of Canada's physical activity history, encouraging people to get healthy by getting active since 1971.
As of publishing, Ashern is the fourth-most active community in Manitoba and 33rd in Canada. Sunday's colour run, which begins at 10:00 a.m., is an untimed event focused on fun rather than competition.
With that being said, you can challenge yourself to conquer the track as quickly as possible. The track will be laid out at the Ashern Central School's playground, which is directly behind the LRWC. There is no cost to take part.
"And so we will have both 3K and 5K courses marked. There will be colour stations, where volunteers will be blasting people with coloured powder," ended Emilson. "We encourage everyone to wear white so it shows up nicely. It's all about getting out, being active, and getting the community together."
After the run, there will be a free family lunch. More than 70 people have registered to take part. Volunteers will aim for your clothing rather than your face. If you have asthma or are concerned about eye irritation, you're encouraged to wear goggles or a bandana at the colour stations.
To register today, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can also send them a message here. It's a chance to add some colour to your day, celebrate community, and have a blast at the Lakeshore Regional Wellness Commission's first-ever colour run.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
One person was taken to hospital after a small plane crashed Thursday night along Highway 45 near Sandy Lake.
Yellowhead and Spruce Plains RCMP were alerted just after 7 Thursday night about a TBM-8 single-engine aircraft that was in distress.
It had departed earlier that day from The Pas, and was en route to Brandon when the pilot made an emergency landing on Highway 45, east of Sandy Lake.
The plane came to a stop in a ditch on the north side of the road.
Four people were on the plane at the time, with one taken to hospital with what were believed to be minor injuries.
The Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the incident.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
