Outdoor rink ready to go

Dauphin Recreation Services has announced that the outdoor rink is now officially open for the season.

In a social media post, DRS notes that while the ice is not quite ready yet for a Zamboni, it is ready for skaters to head out on it.

They do caution though that some snow clearing may have to be done before skates can hit the ice.

DRS reminds everyone to be respectful of others when they are using the outdoor rink.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Jan 8, 2024 - 12:46 pm

A Holiday display has been put up just in time for the Ukrainian Christmas season.

Reynold Sahulka, Reave of the Mossy River RM, is thrilled to have this new display.

"We thought it was a good idea for the municipality to put something together in Fork River. We got a hold of the manufacturer and got the tree purchased and set up just before Christmas. it's a very nice tree everybody is raving about it right now."

This "tree" consists of a metal frame and a programable light display that displays a multitude of patterns and colors! it can be seen on the main strip in Fork River.

Sahulka was happy to have this display here in time for the holidays, as some missing parts nearly delayed this display's setup.

With the excellent reception so far, Sahulka notes another display could be in the works for Winnipegosis too!

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Jan 5, 2024 - 6:41 pm

Three people arrested after a violent incident last year in Minitonas will return to court later this month.

Swan River RCMP says an armed robbery took place at a home in the community on August 2nd.

They say a man was held against his will by five people, and suffered minor injuries after being robbed with a firearm.

A search of the same home on August 7th turned up quantities of crystal meth, cocaine, Heroin, MDMA, and other drug paraphernalia, as well as ammunition and stolen property from the earlier robbery.

Three people were arrested - 27-year-old Nikko Guiboche and 37-year-old Tanelle Moar both of Minitonas, and 27-year-old Dawson Kozminski-Ursel of Teulon.

They are all slated to return to Swan River Court on January 17th.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Jan 5, 2024 - 12:35 pm

Manitoba First Nations Police are investigating a shooting on the Sandy Bay First Nation.

Police were called to a residence on Ridge Road Nortn after a report of an incident on Wednesday.

When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower body.

Their investigation so far has determined that multiple suspects entered the home and assaulted the victim, with shots being fired.

The victim was taken by STARS Air Ambulance to hospital, where he is listed as being in stable condition.

Police believe this was an isolated incident and are looking to the public for information regarding this case.

If you can provide any details, you are asked to contact the Sandy Bay detachment at 204-843-7700 or the MFNPS tips line at 1-833-978-0048.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Jan 5, 2024 - 12:22 pm

The Dauphin Vet Clinic started the new year with a rather unfortunate surprise on their doorstep.

Sometime between 9:00 PM and 7:45 AM on January 2nd, 2024, unknown community members left a crate of 6 puppies on their front step.

Dr. Roxanne Plett with the Vet Clinic is disappointed in the carelessness these helpless puppies were discarded with.

"We'd rather see people take responsibility for their own pets. We could have helped put the word out there if they're trying to find homes for them, But to just dump your puppies off somewhere and expect someone to take care of them, that's just not okay."

Dr. Plett also says that part of being a responsible pet owner is making sure you can afford them.

"If you're getting a puppy, budget some money every month to put aside towards getting them spayed or neutered once they reach the age they can be done."

These six puppies are up for adoption, and if you want to as a new furry friend to your life, call the clinic at 204 638 3044.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Jan 5, 2024 - 10:26 am

A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged after an altercation on January 3.

On Wednesday at about 8:30 p.m., RCMP in Dauphin responded to a property on Whitemore Avenue after reports of a disturbance in a hallway. When officers arrived, they found an intoxicated 30-year-old man that was in the hallway and he was involved in a fight with another male.

Another man, a 52-year-old, was located in an apartment down the hall and he was suffering from serious injuries. He was transported to the hospital where he later declined to speak with police.

As a result, the 30-year-old man was detained and after further questioning, he became aggressive with officers and was arrested for Assault Causing Bodily Harm, and Resisting Arrest. He was then taken to the Dauphin Detachment where he continued his violent and belligerent behaviour as officers were assaulted and spit on.

On Thursday, the 30-year-old was released on an Undertaking for Court scheduled for March 5. He will appear on charges of Assaulting a Police Officer x2 and Resisting Arrest.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Jan 5, 2024 - 10:06 am

National Ribbon skirt day looks to celebrate indigenous heritage and expression, and its the second year for the nation day.

The day was made national after Mary Jane McAllum, a member of Cree First Nation and Manitoba Senator, passed a Bill to honor the struggles of a young student in Saskatchewan.

Isabella Kulak, member of Cote First Nation, wore her ribbon skirt to her schools "formal day" where she was asked to change.

after this story spread through social media, the school created Ribbon Skirt Day, and a year later, Senator McAllum Declared Jan. 4, 2023, as the first National Ribbon Skirt Day.

This day helps address decades of first nations people being unable to express their heritage, which was illegal under the Indian Act between 1914 to 1951

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Jan 4, 2024 - 6:01 pm

A Recent Gilbert Plains Municipality public hearing had a large Attendance to discuss some local zoning laws and a cannabis shop that could open in the town.

CAO Courtney Roehl was delighted to see the many attendees who were there to voice their opinions on these public matters.

"So, all the councilors were there, and we had about 25 to 30 rate-payers from the community. and then 3 members of the applicants for their conditional release to speak on their behalf"

Roehl says that the topic of the cannabis store brought the most discussion, as many people were concerned about myriad issues.

Some people voice their concerns about the possibility of crime increases or odiferous issues caused by the shop.

These concerns were addressed by the applicants for the cannabis store, and the due diligence on the municipal office.

Roehl states that reviewing RCMP information showed no connection to cannabis shops in small towns increasing rates, and the applicants gave a thorough review of the federal regulations that prevent both break-ins and smell issues.

At the end of the night, people's concerns were addressed, and both the zoning law changes and cannabis store application have gone ahead.

Roehl hopes the public will continue to come out and get involved with the hearings.

For all the details, you can Contact the Municipal office at (204) 548-2326.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Jan 4, 2024 - 1:56 pm

Saskatchewan Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has fined a large potash company after an employee was injured.

The province says Nutrien pleaded guilty to the infraction and is to pay a 200-thousand-dollar fine.

Nutrien was charged more than two years ago after an employee stepped into an unguarded floor opening at a mine near Rocanville, about 80 km Southwest of Russell.

The employee was seriously injured.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Jan 4, 2024 - 12:53 pm

Parkland Humane Society raised just over nine thousand dollars through a pair of fundraising draws held just before Christmas.

Office manager Jenn Langlois called both their Santa paws 50/50 and Co-op Shopping Spree draws a huge success.

She adds proceeds from these two draws will go towards operational costs associated with the shelter.

"One of the things that we do have a lot of expense on is our vet bills. Each of our animals that come in is spayed or neutered and receives all of their vaccinations, as well as having any health concerns being taken care of. Their adoption fee covers merely a fraction of those costs, especially when they arrive in rough shape."

Langlois says their winners came from across the Parkland region, adding they are amazed at how communities across the Parkland came together to support them.

"We did not realize, selling ticket by ticket, just how many had sold. When we looked at the bin, we realized that we had almost four thousand tickets sold, which was amazing. This is one of our top fundraisers so we are excited to see how our community supports us when the next fundraiser comes around. These fundraisers are what keeps up going."