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As the CountryFest Primer Weekend rolls on, we at CKDM thank all the volunteers who make this event possible.
"The Volunteers are the heart of the festival, the heart of this community, right? They're all working together to make the event a success. It takes so many people to get through the weekend, but they always show up, they always support us. They're helping to make the weekend a success. The businesses, the groups, the volunteers that come together, they really make amazing things happen for Dauphin, as well as the neighboring communities when they show up and give up a little time to help the festival."
That's Megan Porter, a long-standing Volunteer with Countryfest. She notes that volunteering can be a very rewarding experience that's easy to get involved in.
"it's just important to know that we can make something work for you if you're willing to give up a few hours or more of your time. Is that we're flexible in making it work, whether you're a big group or just one individual person. We definitely want to see you there."
When People volunteer for Countryfest, they're volunteering for their community, as so much of the revenue from the annual bash goes back into the community.
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One council position needs to be filled in the RM of West Interlake, and nominations are now being sought.
Nominations can be submitted between March 21st and 27th by appointment with SEO Myrna Little at their office in Eriksdale.
All nominations should be made in writing and be signed by at least one per cent of eligible voters, or 25 eligible voters, whichever is less.
They should also include the candidate's declaration of qualification.
Anyone wanting more info can contact Little at 204-941-0156 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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If you want an elevated Countryfest experience from just purchasing regular weekend or day passes, there is also the VIP option.
Colette Hykawy says you can choose from VIP Bar, Bar Seated, and Deluxe options.
"With CIP Bar, you get access to the bar and patio in the VIP area, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, popcorn, and you have the option of using tokens at the bar or you are also able to use cash or our debit machine which allows you to use debit or credit."
There is also access to VIP bathrooms and Wi-Fi, as well as to the nightly after-parties.
Bar-seated VIP tickets also get reserved seating in the VIP area, while Deluxe passes all of those features as well as lunch and dinner for the days that they attend.
Hykawy says there are a number of benefits to VIP passes.
"The proximity of the VIP area to the seated area. You do not have to walk up the whole steps of the Amphitheatre to get up top. People really enjoy having convenient access to the bar and being able to use their debit card rather than having to have tokens in their pocket."
She adds the close proximity of the VIP area to parking is another benefit.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The list of local recipients of the King Charles III Coronation medal continues to grow.
Among the latest recipients is Dauphin's Kayla Gillis.
"I was pretty speechless and surprised but ultimately very honoured to receive such a prized medal."
Gillis was recognized for contributions to the community, including her involvement with Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, 4-H, Ukrainian Dance, and Dauphin's Countryfest.
She says anyone that asks her if they should consider volunteering will get a simple response from her.... Go for it!
"If you do not try it and do not volunteer, you are not going to know if you like it. And chances are after you finish volunteering, you are going to want to continue."
Gillis says her willingness to volunteer comes in large part from the example that her parents showed her when she was little.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Provincial Justice Minister Matt Wiebe has spent the past couple of days in Dauphin meeting with local residents and stakeholders regarding the proposed new justice centre for our community.
On Thursday, he sat down with representatives of both the City and RM of Dauphin.
Mayor Dave Bosiak says the need for a facility like this is huge after the previous jail in Dauphin was closed a few years ago by the P-C government.
"When you lose a significant number of jobs that are well paying and professional in many regards, there is a huge impact on the community. We have experienced that and we hope that the opposite is true and that the facility is sort of the foundation to bring back a lot of good paying jobs to the community, as well as more children for the school system."
Bosiak says the city would like to see a restorative justice or training component in the new facility.
"(We hope) the facility could have training components, whether they are developing skills for potentially a work situation upon release, but also the basic life skills, the things that you need to know for when you are in general society."
Bosiak says no timelines were discussed during the gathering.
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Dauphin's Countryfest has been a community staple for over 3 decades, bringing Musicians, Country fans, and revenue to our fair city.
Countryfest President Duane McMaster tells us some of the numbers behind the Big event.
"On average here, we have 6,847 out-of-town visitors come to Dauphin every year because of Countryfest, and we're talking a total economic impact of $5.8 million to our region. between what the visitors spend, and what Countryfest spends to put on the event, it's quite a large impact in our region. A lot of money comes in because of Countryfest."
McMaster is truly proud to play such a role in making it all happen.
"I've always thought it was really incredibly impressive to see what Countryfest does for our community, and I feel very honored and proud to be part of this organization because of what it has given back to the community over the years. Obviously I haven't been here the entire time, last year was 35 years Countryfest has been around, and they've been giving back since 1990."
Between investments in infrastructure like the Cinema, The Dauphin Rec center, and dozens of local organizations, Countryfest continues to craft a legacy of Community Development in Dauphin.
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Water Testing has wrapped up on the Eb and Flow First Nation, after wells #6 and #7 dropped in pressure earlier in the week.
According to a notice on Ebb and Flow's social media, test results have come back as Safe to drink, with no significant evidence of bacterial contamination.
The Ebb And Flow Chief and Council thank their constituents for their patience and understanding.
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The Independent Investigation Unit has determined that charges will be laid against a Brandon Police officer for his conduct in a 2023 arrest.
On September 24th, 2023, officers responded to a call of attempted arson, and a suspect fled the scene. As the suspect was fleeing, an officer struck them with a police cruiser, breaking their arm.
The civilian director has determined charges should be laid against the officer. BPS Const. Myran Hamm faces one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
As this matter is now before the courts, the IIU will not comment further.
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In the courts this week, a former Romanian Orthodox church priest charged in connection with a historical sexual assault in the Russell area made another appearance.
81-year-old Constantin Turcoane of Regina had his matters adjourned until April 23rd.
And a new court date has been set for a man arrested last May on drug-related charges in Dauphin.
32-year-old Wayne McKay appeared in Dauphin Court on Tuesday, where he had his matters adjourned to April 14.
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Preparations continue for the Parkland Business Expo, set for May 3rd and 4th at the Parkland Rec Complex.
Dauphin's Countryfest has taken over management of the event, and Rod Carberry says it is a natural fit for them to do so.
"It is a great reminder to our community that Countryfest is a community-first organization. We are really good at event planning and this keeps us fine-tuned and focused throughout the year. Countryfest is a year-round project but having these projects also helps you connect with different vendors and different opportunities and different things that may be a good Countryfest fit down the line too."
Carberry says they wanted to keep the template from previous business expos, adding they did not want to shake things up too much in their first year.
He adds they are approximately 90 per cent full for the expo, adding the event will continue to have a diverse list of exhibitors.
Any business interested in taking part can get more information through Countryfest's website.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The safety group of the Skownan First Nation has raised concerns to its residents regarding dogs in the community.
In a letter issued to Skownan residents, the safety group says some dogs are being neglected and not taken care of properly, which has led to those dogs being aggressive towards people and even attacking smaller dogs.
The group fears that more attacks may happen, so they have announced plans to go around the community and determine which dogs need to be put down.
Owners are encouraged to start leashing their dogs when outside.
Those who no longer want to care for their dog are asked to contact the safety group and let them know.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
