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Christmas celebrations continue across the Parkland this weekend.
Tonight, McCreary plays host to its annual Parade of Lights, with floats lining up at the Centennial Arena beginning at 5:30 and the parade starting at 6.
On Saturday there will be parades in Lundar and Ebb & Flow, as well as the Mossey River Christmas Celebration and Parade in Winnipegosis.
CKDM will be playing Christmas music on air during the parade tonight in McCreary and tomorrow starting at 4 for the parade in Winnipegosis.
Other events planned for tomorrow include the Ethelbert Country Christmas Market, a Christmas tree Lighting in the town of Riding Mountain, and Skating and Sleigh Rides with Santa in Birtle.
A full list of events taking place this weekend can be found on the Community Calendar portion of our website.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The provincial government has activated their Aquatic Invasive Species Early Detection Rapid Response Plan after positive zebra mussel samples were found in the Assiniboine River at the Brandon Generating Station.
According to a release from the province, Manitoba Hydro has routine zebra mussel monitoring in place, and the initial detection was confirmed in follow-up sampling.
The Early Detection Rapid Response Plan includes developing a specific monitoring plan to help plan for the eventual containment strategy.
The province says the positive samples is a reminder to the public of the importance of remaining vigilant against the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species.
They add all water users play a critical role throughout the year in protecting Manitoba’s waterbodies from the introduction and spread of AIS.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The federal government is considering back-to-work legislation as the postal worker strike is nearing a full month of job action.
Canada Industrial Relations Board has been contacted by Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon who states there is an “impasse” in negotiations.
This is not the first time the government has taken such action, postal strikes were managed like this in the summer of 2011, and November of 2018.
If the CIRB agrees with Minister Mackinnon's assessment, the board could have postal workers back at it within a week.
Despite the lack of resolution, Mackinnon says the government remains hopeful a deal can be reached through collective bargaining.
The idea is to extend the terms of their existing collective agreements until May 22, 2025.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Kasper Bus Lines is up and running in Dauphin and the surrounding area.
Replacing Mahihkan Bus Lines which shuttered service on September 6, Kasper Bus Lines opened business in Dauphin on December 1. Mahihkan Bus Lines provided service through Dauphin and up to the Pas which was a massive need for many needing to travel for doctor appointments and to see family members.
When Mahihkan Bus Lines shuttered, many were out of options but that is no longer the case thanks to Kasper Bus Lines.
"There's a need for it in the community. We knew what Mahihkan did wrong and knew we wouldn't make the same mistakes," said Kasper Wabinski. "We decided we could do a better job and offer what they originally were."
Here is what it would look like if you departed Dauphin on Friday, December 13.
"We are reliable, comfortable, our buses are safe, and we run a tight ship," said Wabinski. "We also offer WiFI on many of our buses and offer free water on our buses."
The first bus in Dauphin came through town and departed on December 3 and Kasper is pleased with the reception.
"It's getting busier every day, we're sending the 30-passenger bus right now," ended Wabinski. "We will offer the service six days a week beginning next month and that will be pushed to seven days a week very soon."
You can book your tickets and get more information on pricing by heading to Kasper Bus Lines.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Some very convincing fake guns have landed a 23-year-old with some very real charges.
On December 10th, the Gimli RCMP arrived at a residence on 4th Ave in Gimli and found a 23-year-old man pointing what appeared to be a hand gun with an attached laser sight.
As the officer attended, a scuffle broke out between the two men in the building, and when the officer intervened, he was shot in the chest.
Luckily, it was quickly discovered that the handgun was an airsoft replica, loaded with ball bearings, and considered less-than-lethal.
Despite the "less-than-lethal" status, the .43 caliber ball bearing can cause damage to unprotected individuals. No harm came to the officer.
Christian Carter, age 23 of Gimli was arrested on charges of multiple firearms offenses, including assaulting an officer, discharge with intent, and 2 counts of possession for a dangerous purpose.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A pair of past weapons and drug busts in the city were back in court this week.
36-year-old Chantelle Ferland appeared in Dauphin court on Tuesday in relation to an arrest from November of last year.
Her matters were put over until January 14th.
Meanwhile, multiple people were arrested in February as part of another drug and weapon bust in the city.
One of the accused, 39-year-old Cody Genaille of Brandon was also in Dauphin court this week, with his matters being put over until January 14th as well.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Anyone looking to finish off their high school diploma or upgrade some courses for college purposes will have the chance to do so starting in January at Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus.
Their Mature Student High School program will offer classes in English, Math, Biology, Indigenous Studies, Personal Management and Word Processing both during the day as well as at night.
Besides getting the word out to prospective students, Parkland Campus Student Success Advisor Kristy DeSender says they are also going to be reaching out to the business community, asking them to support any employees who wish to take part in the Mature Student program.
"You can give them the gift of time or flexibility in order to take one of our high school credit courses while working full-time for you. Investing in your employees completing their high school diploma is going to boost their morale, enhance their productivity, and it builds a more skilled workforce for our community."
DeSender adds it also shows a business' commitment to growth, fosters loyalty, and increases opportunities for advancement.
Campus director Carol Stewart says getting your high school diploma can open a lot of doors for people.
"Earning your high school diploma can help you with your current job or help you in a new career. And people take this program to meet their personal goals so they can grow and expand their knowledge. It is a decision to come back that demonstrates determination and courage, and we are here to help with every step. "
Anyone wanting more info can contact Parkland Campus at 622-2222 or online at Assiniboine.net/parkland
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
We all know that Dauphin's Countryfest has a massive impact every year on Dauphin's tourism and economy.
But Countryfest board chair Duane McMaster says the festival also had many other positive impacts on the community during its history, including assisting many local organizations and groups.
"Whether it is the snowmobile club the band parents association, or high school sports, a lot of those groups use Countryfest as a fundraiser every year. On average, we pay out over $100,000 a year into the community for events like that."
And when the festival has made money, McMaster says they have given back to community projects.
"We have money in the Countryfest Community Cinema, we have put money into Phase 2 of the Parkland Rec Complex, into the Vermillion Park trails, and the skate park. Anywhere we can, we try to support local. And that was one of the reasons why Countryfest was formed."
It's contributions like that which lead people like McMaster and other members of the Countryfest board to work so hard every year to keep this festival going.
"Our board of directors are all volunteers. Our spouses are all volunteers. And not just the board of directors - everyone who works at Countryfest are volunteers. They come out there and give of their time because they believe in the festival and that it is good for the community."
"The economic impact has been huge over the years. We just got a recent economic impact report done through Tourism Dauphin and found out that our economic impact is still $5 million a year being put into the community."
Tickets for the 2025 edition of Countryfest go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 am.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The grand prize of $100,000 will be given out on Sunday afternoon.
There will also be 10 draws for $1,000, two draws for $2,500, two draws for $5,000 and a single draw for $10,000. The massive 50/50 pot is approaching $60,000 and the Kings have stepped up their game to give away two Zero Turn Lawnmowers courtesy of Reit-Syd Equipment in Dauphin.
The home stretch is here for the Dauphin Kings Tractor Lotto. As the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year, ticket sales have been going very well. The deadline to purchase your tickets is Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
On Friday while Darnell Duff is live on location at Credit Union Place selling tickets, if you purchase a single ticket for $100, you will be put into a draw for a free three-pack courtesy of 730CKDM and Darnell Duff.
The prices for tickets are as follows:
Single Main Draw Ticket - $100
Single 50/50 Ticket - $20
5-Pack 50/50 Ticket - $50
Supplementary Draw Ticket - $20
Secure your tickets today by heading to Tractor Lotto, you can call 1-877-585-4647 or head to Reit-Syd Equipment in Dauphin. Give yourself a chance to win big thanks to the Dauphin Kings while supporting one of the most storied franchises in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
The draw will take place on Sunday afternoon at Credit Union Place.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Time is running out for you to purchase tickets for the Dauphin Kings Tractor Lotto.
Final draws will be made on Sunday during the Kings home game against Swan Valley.
As of today (Thursday), unsold tickets at locations outside of Dauphin have been pulled in.
If you want to purchase a ticket today (Thursday), you can get them at Reit-Syd Equipment in Dauphin, online at tractorlotto.com, or by calling 1-877-585-4647.
On Friday and Saturday, tickets will also be available at Credit Union Place, with CKDM's Darnell Duff on location both days from 10 - 7.
All three packs are now sold out, but single tickets are still available, along with 50/50 add-ons and supplemental draw tickets.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Statistics Canada reveals concerning numbers that Manitoba leads the way in Homicides per capita.
Manitoba had a rate of 5.09 per 100,000, which led the way for all provinces and was only behind Northwest Territories (13.34) and Yukon (8.89) for all of Canada.
Winnipeg also had one of the highest homicide rates for all census metropolitan areas.
The number of homicides across the country decreased to 74 homicides in 2023, down from 89 in 2022.
Manitoba had far fewer deaths compared to provinces like Ontario, B.C., and Alberta, but the homicide rate was much higher.
Over all, the number of homicides across the country decreased in 2023 with 778 homicides throughout Canada, which was 104 fewer than 2022.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
