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If you have been to the Countryfest Community Cinema in Dauphin, you will know first-hand how beautiful it is and comfy it is to watch a movie. If you haven't, management is hoping that changes moving forward.
The cinema which airs many brand new releases is under new management. After nearly two years with Manitoba Housing, Shawn Sarkonak has been named General Manager, effective immediately. Sarkonak has been working in a part-time role for a few weeks now but is ready to jump in full-time.
"I'm very excited to be in this role, I have been a movie buff my entire life and I feel this post suits me quite well," said Sarkonak. "I've always had a love for business and marketing and combining that with my love for movies, I think it's the perfect combination."
Shawn says the biggest challenge moving forward will be getting people in the stands. On many occasions, movies run with very few people in their seats. The plan is to promote everything going on at the theatre and what movies are running on a more consistent basis.
"We're now a couple of years post-pandemic and I think it's about reinvigorating people's love for going to the movie, it always makes for an enjoyable evening," added Sarkonak. "We want to let people know that we are here and also looking forward to having a more consistent schedule."
As of right now, the theatre is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. While the plan is to remain closed on Mondays, Shawn says they hope to be open from Tuesday to Sunday.
"My goal is to be open at least six days a week," commented Sarkonak.
Sarkonak says a survey will be sent out in the next month or so which will provide moviegoers an opportunity to share your feedback and what you would like to see.
"The plan is to have that out by early November, we're looking forward to hearing feedback," ended Sarkonak.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Minimum wage is going up in four provinces today, including both Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Here in the Keystone province, it jumps 50 cents to $15.80 an hour, a hike that follows a formula set in provincial law tied to the rate of inflation of the previous calendar year
Meamwhile, our neighbors to the west see their minimum wage go up a dollar today to $15 an hour.
But despite the increase, Saskatchewan still has the lowest minimum wage in Canada, tied for that honour with Alberta.
Ontario saw a 65 cent increase, moving their minimum wage to $17.20 an hour, while PEI had its second increase in less than a year, going up 60 cents to $16 an hour.
Nunavut still has the highest minimum wage in the country, at $19 an hour.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A brand new event takes center stage tonight as part of Dauphin Culture Days.
An Ecstatic Dance and Breathwork event takes over the Watson beginning at 7 tonight.
It is a free-form dance event that also focuses on mindful breathing.
There will be two instructors present to teach this unique dance fusion to any interested participants.
There is no cost to attend.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin's Culture days roll on, with yesterday featuring One of the biggest events.
60-80 bicycles hit the roads, touring the city for Yard Fringe, featuring cultural displays in parks, yards, and other venues.
Fringe Master Kirk Nyquist Led the crowd of cyclists to 7 different locations that featured art, dancing, games, theatre, and more
"You know, everything about Yard Fringe is fun for me because you get to see people enjoy it. We tried to bring a wide variety of events."
Aside from the scheduled events, there were also "fringe Bombs" along the route, with musicians playing some music for everyone biking by.
Yard Fringe certainly met the expectations of a full day of family fun, art and culture!
Photo Credit: Dauphin's Culture Days Facebook Page.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Update: 1:18 pm
Manitoba Hydro has fixed the power outage that affected much of the south end of town.
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A wind warning is currently in effect for southwestern Manitoba, stretching from the US border to Winnipegosis.
Winds peaking at 90 km/h are expected, which could rip off shingles, and damage windows, and soft shelters like tents and awnings.
Power outages are possible, as the wind could break branches and damage powerlines.
We've received a report that the south end of Dauphin has recently lost power, including the Dauphin Marketplace Mall.
To stay up to date with the outages, the latest info, and tips for preparedness, visit hydro.mb.ca
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
As we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, some businesses will be changing their hours.
Co-op Gas Bars:
- Regular hours Monday, 6:30 am - 9:30 pm
Co-op Food Store:
- Reduced hours, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sunday, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Monday
Dauphin Liquor Mart:
- Reduced hours Monday, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Super Thrifty Pharmacy:
- Closed Monday, aside for prescheduled prescription pick-ups
Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy:
- Reduced Hours Monday, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Walmart:
- Reduced hours Monday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Safeway:
- Reduced hours Monday, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
No Frills:
- standard hours Monday, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
City Hall:
- Closed Monday
Dauphin Vet Clinic:
- Closed, but when the clinic is closed, a vet is on call for emergencies at 204-638-3208
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Jarri Thompson from the Dauphin Friendship Centre feels it is very important to take time out and recognize this day.
"If we do not learn from history we are definitely going to repeat it. And a lot of people do not understand still to this day what went on at Residential schools and what the children were forced to endure and how it affected the generations to come after those children went to school. We are still dealing with the ripple effect of residential schools on indigenous families, and it is going to take some time to correct the behaviours that have been learned through residential schools. But the only way to correct it is to talk about it."
A number of events have been planned for Monday.
West Region Treaty 2 and 4 Health Services is hosting an event at CN Park from 11 to noon, which will be followed by the grand opening of the Cultural Wellness Centre from noon until 3.
The Elbert Chartrand Friendship Center in Swan River is hosting their National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk beginning at 10:30 am.
There will also be activities at the Winnipegosis Youth Centre from 1-4 pm, and throughout the day on the Ebb & Flow First Nation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Gilbert Plains has built a new library, and they are looking to celebrate.
this Thursday, October 3rd, stop by 114 Main Street North in Gilbert Plains for an open house and tour.
The Seniors Resource Council will also host a BBQ across the street during lunch.
Both the open house and the BBQ start at 11, and the open house runs until 4:30 pm.
So come check out the library, check out a book, and celebrate the brand-new Library in Gilbert Plains.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A 36-year-old woman has been sentenced to three years in prison - less time already served in custody - for her role in a drug bust last year on the Ebb & Flow First Nation.
A home was raided last September where items seized included crystal meth, cocaine, cash, an unsecured firearm, and other drug paraphernalia.
Christine Mancheese was sentenced after pleading guilty in Dauphin Court on Thursday.
And a new court date has been set for a woman arrested and charged with manslaughter in relation to a death on the Waywayseecappo First Nation in July of last year.
Talisa Brandon had her matters adjourned until October 15th in Brandon Court of Kings Bench.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An NDP MP from Winnipeg has introduced a bill that looks to criminalize residential school denialism.
MP Leah Gazan called this bill a gift in honor of Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day, commemorating the many children who never returned from residential schools.
The bill proposes that anyone who, other than in private, promotes hatred against Indigenous Peoples by "condoning, denying, downplaying or justifying the Indian residential school system in Canada or by misrepresenting facts related to it" could be subject to two a maximum of two years in jail.
The bill states some possible defences, including if the statements were true, if they are relevant to public interest, if they were intended to point out hatred toward Indigenous Peoples, or if it is a religious opinion.
More than 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools, with many survivors detailing to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission the abuse they suffered at the hands of those meant to protect them. The last school closed in 1996.
An estimated 6,000 children died in the schools, though experts say the actual number could be much higher.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The provincial government has released it's last quarterly report for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
In this news release, Finance Minister Adrien Sala is quoted as saying “Over the past year, we’ve done a lot of work to put Manitoba back on track.", claiming the NDP were left with a much higher deficit than they expected.
The province’s summary financial position as of March 31, 2024, is a deficit of $1.97 billion, in line with the third quarter update and an increase of $1.6 billion from the projected 2023-24 budget deficit of $363 million.
The final audited results for the 2023-24 fiscal year show a major factor was a drop in revenue from Crown-owned Manitoba Hydro, where dry weather and low water levels turned an expected profit into a loss.
The province also released its first quarter forecast for 2024-25, which provides a forecast to the fiscal year-end as of June 30.
The forecast for fiscal year 2024-25 is a net loss of $796 million, representing no change from Budget 2024. Total revenue is forecast at $23.3 billion while total expenses are forecast at $24.1 billion.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
