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Looking at the overall challenges facing veterinary services across the province is the focus behind a funding announcement on Friday by the Manitoba government.
Dauphin MLA and provincial agriculture minister Ron Kostyshyn announced one million dollars in increased funding for the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative, with a goal of advancing animal health and welfare across the province.
$400,000 of that money over the next four years is going to a new pilot project that will have a Parkland connection to it.
"Swan River and Thompson will become the centralized points of contact, dealing with animals being investigated. So there will be resources available in those two location to go out into the geographical areas to assist in investigations dealing with the overpopulation of unsupervised animals, such as dogs and cats."
The province is also increasing its funding to the Winnipeg Humane Society's One Health Program to $250,000, with the WHS providing matching funds. '
The province will also contribute $50,000 towards a Community Vaccinator Program, administered through the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Here is a list of what businesses and services are open in Dauphin on this Victoria Day Monday.
The Dauphin Marketplace Mall is open until 5 today, with both Walmart and Safeway staying open until 6 pm tonight.
The Dauphin Co-op food store is open until 6 tonight, while the Co-op Gas bars on Main Street and Mountain Road are open until 9:30 tonight.
No Frills is open until 9 pm tonight.
Dollar Tree is open until 10 pm.
Liquor Mart in Dauphin is open from 11 am until 6 pm.
All City-owned facilities are closed today, including City Hall and the Kin Aquatic Centre at the Parkland Rec Complex.
Dauphin Friendship Centre and Dauphin Public Library are also both closed today.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Some mixed news regarding Clear Lake and Outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park.
A decision by Parks Canada will allow ONLY non-motorized watercraft on Clear Lake and the outlying waterbodies this summer.
Last year, there was a ban on all types of boats, but this precautionary approach is an effort to reduce the rate of spread of zebra mussels, and thereby continuing to protect the health of Clear Lake
This summer, Users of non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks and canoes, can choose between an annual permit to use only Clear Lake or an annual permit to use the various outlying waterbodies in Riding Mountain National Park, such as Lake Audy, Moon Lake and Lake Katherine.
Unfortunately for motorized boat owners, you will have to wait at least one more year before you are able to cast your boat back on Clear Lake of any outlying water bodies.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It was one of the marquee events in Dauphin last year.
In a few days, it's back. Professional Bull Riding Canada (PBR) returns to Credit Union Place on Thursday night, May 22. The one-night only event starts at 7:30 next week and ends with the after party at Obsolete Brewing Company (OBC).
Ben Kinkead is with Crossfire Bull Riding.
"Things are really coming together," said Kinkead. "We were down at the venue late last week doing some aerial installs. Our PA system will be bigger than last year and have more lighting. A few more bells and whistles this year."
New this year, PBR will be introducing special shoutouts to recognize incredible individuals who go above and beyond for the Dauphin community. Bull riding is known as the most exciting eight seconds in live entertainment.
"I would agree with that," added Kinkead. "I would also add that it's most likely the most dangerous second in entertainment. It's real, there is no pause button. So we bring in every level of safety feature that we can. From a high-level protection team and safety roper athletes."
The field for this year's event in Dauphin is set, and fans are in for a treat. It includes Cody Coverchuk. Cody is a two-time PBR Canada champion. He's currently number two in the PBR Canada national standings.
"Cody Fraser is a young Australian talent who has shown a lot of promise these past couple of years. He's coming on strong," offered Kinkead. "Gilmar Santana is a Brazilian. He's been in Canada for the last few years. When he's healthy, he's one of the best in the country. Last year's champion from PBR Dauphin, Dakota Buttar, is returning."
Then, to set the stage, is Brinson James, the public address announcer, who will also return.
"Anybody fortunate to see him perform last year, that guy is worth the price of the ticket alone," ended Kinkead. "He's top of the game and we're pumped to have him back."
With top-tier talent, added production, and a packed house expected, PBR Dauphin 2025 is set to be louder, wilder, and more unforgettable than ever. Get your tickets here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Assiniboine College’s new Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture in Brandon is getting a major financial shot in the arm from the provincial government.
During a State of the Province address to the Brandon Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew announced they were providing $60 million in funding and a further $60 million in bridge financing.
$40 million of the $60 million in funding will go towards the Prairie Innovation Centre, while the remaining $20 million will be set aside for a new 216-seat child-care project within the centre.
The $60 million in financing is to allow construction to begin right away on AC’s North Hill Campus.
The Premier added he expects this construction to bring in almost 1000 jobs.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An update on two high-profile court cases in the Parkland.
Cyril St Paul is set to return to court on June 10th.
The 53-year-old is charged with second degree murder following a December 15th shooting in Ebb & Flow that left one man dead.
And Amber Fisher is also slated to return to court on June 10th.
The former CAO of Gilbert Plains Municipality is accused of defrauding the municipality of around $500,000 during her employment with them.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 21-year-old from Ebb & Flow faces several charges after a search warrant was executed earlier this week at a home in Crane River.
AS part of an ongoing investigation, Mounties from Ste Rose and Winnipegosis gained entry to the home on Wednesday, where they learned a wanted man was hiding in a crawl space, holding a firearm.
Marook the Police Dog and his handler were then called in, and apprehended the suspect, who was hiding under a number of items.
Marcus Cain Thompson, who suffered minor injuries as a result of the confrontation, was taken into custody and charged with offences including resisting arrest, flight from police, possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose, pointing a firearm, and failing to comply with a probation order.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Tracy Boychuk has announced her resignation as councillor for the Town of Swan River, effective immediately.
No reason was given for the sudden departure.
Boychuk was halfway through her first term on the town council, having been elected in 2022.
During her time in office, she was the chair of the Recreation and Cultural Services Committee, where she championed numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, and most notably, she was a strong and vocal advocate for the development of a new arena.
In a release announcing her decision, Town officials said they regret her departure, but respect her decision and thanked her for her service.
They added that they will provide further information in the coming days regarding an upcoming By-Election to fill the vacancy
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
UPDATE: May 16 @ 9:50 a.m.
The Ste. Rose RCMP confirmed Simmons has been safely located.
The RCMP thanks the public for your assistance.
The RCMP are looking for Patrick Simmons.
The 50-year-old was last seen on April 30 while in Dauphin. He told a family member he was planning to travel to Somerset, however, he never arrived. He's described at 5'11", 200 pounds, balding, with brown/blonde hair on the sides. He was wearing a black/grey hoodie.
He may be driving a red 2017 Ford F150 with a Manitoba license plate, GZY 597.
If you know where he could be, call the Ste. Rose RCMP at 447-3082.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's an event for the whole family, back this weekend.
The MukTuk Annie Festival and Grand Ole Opry Kinosota style are good to go. Starting with a fish fry on Friday evening at the Kinosota Community Centre, it's a weekend packed with activities for the whole family.
The fish fry starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. The evening includes a whist drive, puzzle race, and an always popular crib tournament. On Saturday morning, kick off your day with a pancake breakfast at 10, followed by events starting at noon, and the Grand Ole Opry at 2. There will be more events after the Opry.
Vicki Campbell has been waiting for this weekend to come.
"We try to include things that used to be everyday jobs," said Campbell. "We want our youth to experience it. Like hauling and cutting wood. We want to give our youth a taste of what we used to do."
Sunday is all about family. Events will begin at the Community Centre at 1:00 p.m. Sunday promises plenty of laughs and friendly competition, with around 15 fun-filled games lined up—including the always-entertaining look-alike contest. Best of all, every event is free to join, making it a perfect day for the whole family.
There will be prizes for everyone.
"It's a great time for the entire community to come together. It's something everyone can do, without costing a ton of money," ended Campbell. "Our main goal is to have a community where everyone is having fun. We don't want anyone to miss out."
Whether young or young at heart, the MukTuk Annie Festival is a celebration of community, tradition, and togetherness—don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The roads are open, and on your travels, you'll start seeing motorcycles out and about.
That means it's time to start focusing on safety for motorcyclists. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Between 2022 and 2024, there were nine fatalities and 434 injuries to motorcycle drivers and passengers in collisions on Manitoba roadways.
Tara Seel is with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
"We did find that careless driving is the leading factor in motorcycle collisions in Manitoba," said Seel. "I will stress that's careless driving on the part of the motorcyclists and those driving vehicles."
According to reports, intersections are the most likely places where motorcycles crash. In 2024, thirty-five percent of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred at intersections.
"We want motorcyclists to be aware that they might not be as visible out there, so you must drive accordingly," continued Seel. "Slow down, make sure your intentions are known when you're going to stop or change lanes."
MPI has a campaign right now: Look Twice for Motorcycles. That's because motorcycles can easily fit in the blind spots of vehicles, even when you shoulder check.
Over the past five years, motorcyclists under 30 years of age were involved in twice as many collisions as motorcyclists between 30 and 59, and males made up approximately 91% of motorcyclists involved in collisions.
"To give you some context. There were 30,980 motorcycles registered in Manitoba, and most of those are licensed to men," continued Seel. "That could account for why men are making up for most of the collisions."
There are many ways to keep motorcyclists safe on the road.
For Motorcyclists:
- Wear the right gear – an approved safety helmet, eye protection, jacket, pants, and boots;
- Try to be highly visible by wearing bright colours;
- Ride so that others can see you – headlight on and not weaving in and out of traffic so that you stay out of motorists’ blind spots; and
- Adjust riding behaviour to the road surface – if you are riding on a slippery surface, for example, slow your speed accordingly and adjust when making turns.
For Drivers:
- Always look twice for motorcycles when changing lanes and at intersections to be sure there isn’t a motorcycle in your blind spot;
- Watch for signals – it may be hard to see a motorcycle’s turning signal, so watch for other signs, like shoulder checking, which can indicate the rider is planning to change lanes or make a turn; and
- Follow at a safe distance – motorcycles may stop faster than other vehicles, so four seconds is the recommended following distance. That should be increased at night or if it is raining.
Let's all stay safe on the roads this summer so everyone can go home to their families.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
