Top crime issues for McMurchy

Manitoba's new top cop says reducing violent crimes and property crimes are two major priorities for RCMP in Manitoba.

Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy says that is what they are hearing from Manitobans.

"We hear that from citizens, from leaders in Manitoba, and working with our communities that the high rate of violent crime. And I think that is really across the country and really across the world for that matter. Violent crime is on the rise, as is property crime. And everything is inter-connected, from violent property crime to drugs, organized crime, and other crimes of that nature."

McMurchy adds he wants to help their officers focus on intelligence-led investigations and opportunities to combat these issues collaboratively at the same time.

He also says collaborating with other agencies is another important priority for him.

"Both government and non-government agencies, in terms of upstream supports that are needed in our rural communities and indigenous communities, in terms of mental health services, addiction treatment services and addressing those root causes and issues there will help us support those communities."

McMurchy says the goal of this is to keep people out of the criminal justice system as best as they can.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: May 20, 2024 - 2:30 pm

The newly renovated Cancer Care Unit at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre is now home to a pair of special chairs, thanks to a contribution from the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The Inverness chairs, which come with side tables, are said to be very comfortable according to patients, who also appreciate the ability to have items held on the side tables while they are receiving treatment.

The combined cost for the two chairs was 16-thousand dollars.

Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Regional Health Centre thank the Dauphin Hospital Foundation for the donation.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: May 20, 2024 - 12:00 pm

RCMP in Ste Rose has arrested a man wanted on several outstanding warrants.

On May 12th, Mounties received details about the location of a suspect wanted on several serious charges.

After containing a home on the Ebb & Flow First Nation, police secured a search warrant for the home.

With the assistance of Marook the Police Dog, police searched the home and located a suspect that was attempting to hide.

The suspect refused to listen to police and after a brief altercation was taken into custody.

After being treated in hospital for injuries, the suspect was released back into police custody.

Besides the warrants he was already facing, 39-year-old Manuel Houle also now faces one count of resisting arrest.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: May 20, 2024 - 9:00 am

New court dates have been set in a couple of cases in the Parkland.

One of two people who admitted to an armed robbery outside of a business in Swan River last February will return to court July 5th.

21-year-old Jefferson Cook remains in custody until that date.

And a man arrested in connection with a fatal single vehicle rollover in April of last year near Duck Bay will be back in court July 23rd.

38-year-old Katlin Lamirande of the Pine Creek First Nation has been charged with Careless Driving Causing Death.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: May 20, 2024 - 6:00 am

The Selo Ukraina historical site opened this weekend for the summer season, and the Open House event on Sunday brought some exciting news.

Fund Raising efforts are now in the works for an Indoor Agricultural Display as Jim Perchaluk, president of the Ukrainian Folk Arts Centre & Museum details:

"The Ukrainian Heritage Village Museum is primarily focused on the agricultural lifestyles of Ukrainian pioneers coming into Canada. To showcase that, we want to construct a building that would house and protect the farming equipment and machinery that we have in our community right now."

According to Perchaluk, $11,000 donated was already gone toward this project. $1000 from the Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men's group, and $10,000 from a local equipment dealer.

"We're very pleased to announce that Don Tarrant, manager over at Reit Syd Equipment, has donated $10,000 to get us started in the fundraising aspect for this agricultural exhibit at our site."

Untitled_design_-_2024-05-19T155821.215.jpg Jim Perchaluk & Don Tarrant at the Cheque Presentation at the Selo Site.

This project will require more than just money to make it happen, and Jim noted the old equipment often seen in our local parades would be the perfect addition to such a museum.

If you have a piece of history stashed away on your farm, Contact Jim at 204 638 4374 for details on how you can preserve it at this new addition to the Historic Site.

Be sure to visit Selo Ukraina this summer! They're open from May long weekend to September long weekend, Wednesday through Sunday.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: May 19, 2024 - 4:01 pm

The host committee for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games will be a sponsorship drive in the coming weeks to collect more support for the August 11th to 17th event in Dauphin.

Games co-chair Carla Wolfenden says the Dauphin business community has been extremely supportive.

"We still have some announcements to make, they are going to start coming out soon. We are still continuing with our drive as we are still far from what we would like to do but we have really just started. So businesses can expect to hear from us in the next couple weeks."

Host committee member Taylor Cooley says sponsors get to be a part of the excitement and community spirit that the games bring.

"At each sponsorship level, you will get a window decal to display and to show your pride. You will also get an invitation to our opening and closing ceremonies. And then for our higher level sponsors, you will get an invite to a special reception, as well as the exciting opportunity to hand out medals to those winning athletes in the games."

Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor can reach out to Games Coordinator Bryan Mintenko at City Hall or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: May 19, 2024 - 12:00 pm

The Manitoba Youth Job Center Returns again to Dauphin for their Summer Program.

Rowan Balchen, Youth Engagement Leader, gives us a look at how this Program Can help people between the ages of 13 and 29 find employment.

"Our Main focus is to connect youth to employers within their community to help them secure summer employment. We also focus on helping them to gain the skills and tools they need to prepare to enter the workforce."

As part of this program, the Odd Job Squad is also returning for youths between 13-16 to help line them up for community engagement and working at events.

This could include Window washing, freezie sales, face painting booths, and volunteer work among other things.

If you, or a youth you know of (within these age groups) are looking for a summer job, Rowan is available in Dauphin for info.

"For more information on the MYJC, My Office Is open from 8:30-12:00 and 1:00-4:30. We are located at 135 2nd Ave NE in Dauphin, right across from Mackenzie Middle School. You can also send your questions by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call me at 431-345-1969."

Whether it's summer employment, refining resumes, or even youth volunteer work, reach out to the Manitoba Youth Job Center!

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: May 18, 2024 - 4:28 pm

Many Provincial parks openend this weekend, people are anxious to get out on the lake.

Dr. Christopher Love, Water Smart and Safety management coordinator for Life Society Manitoba has Some critical tips to enjoy the Lakes safely.

"5 key points we want everybody to be thinking about. #1. Wear your life jacket, #2. Boat Sober, #3. Be Prepared, #4. take a boating course, and #5 is Be cold water safe or cold water aware.

Being prepared is a key factor that could prevent you from becoming a statistic, as 450 drowning deaths happen annually in Canada.

Cold water shock and a lack of a life jacket can have a person drowned in a matter of seconds, as the cold water locks down your reaction and sends you deeper into the water.

Dr. Love Recommends wearing a life jacket, and properly too.

"If you're wearing one that's ill-fitted or not done up properly, the worst case scenario, it's going to fail, it's not going to support you. I suppose in a really worst case scenario, you get tangled up in it because you're not wearing it properly and you cant do anything. you can't swim, you can't float."

May 18th- the 24th is Safe Boating Awareness week, so keep these tips in mind before you hop in a boat, lest you find yourself in an emergancy.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: May 18, 2024 - 8:00 am

Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Winnipegosis and many Parkland areas are under a Severe thunder storm Watch.

Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

An area of thunderstorms has developed over southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba, some of which may become severe.

These thunderstorms will push east through the afternoon and evening.

The main threats will be strong winds, large hail and heavy rain, with the possibility of an isolated tornado.

Remember, severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes. Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year.

Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors!

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: May 17, 2024 - 4:27 pm

Parkland Chamber of Commerce members received an email earlier this week, inviting them to sign up for a new online resource.

Executive Director Stephen Chychota says Parkland Chamber members are among the first being given access to bizzz.ca.

"We are well established nationally so that helps, but this one in particular was through relationships that we have built over the years with folks that have been on the board with the Manitoba chamber and have worked with the Winnipeg chamber."

Chychota says the nationwide online directory which allows businesses to share testimonials, other websites, pictures, and social media channels.

The resource is free for Parkland Chamber members.