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The Town of Swan River is notifying its residents that the Town office on Main Street will be operating under limited services this Monday between 10:30 and 4:30.
Due to an update to their financial system on that day, the town office will not be able to process payments, issue receipts, issue invoices, or look up amounts during that time.
Swan River residents requiring financial services at the town office are encouraged to do so between 8:30 and 10:30 AM on Monday, or at any time during business hours on any other day.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Swan River RCMP arrested a 26 year old man on impaired driving related charges on January 6th.
Officers located the vehicle on the side of the road, the suspect was found unconscious with the vehicle running on Road 158 West.
When the suspect woke, the officers took him into custody. His blood alcohol level was over three times the legal limit.
The man charged has been released and will appear in court.
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- Contributed by LJ Burke
The Parkland Crisis Centre and Women's Shelter is a space for women and children who are experiencing intimate partner or family violence.
A space is provided for those affected to get back on their feet and choose a new path in life. They help with housing and community members. You do not have to be in crisis to access their services as they offer counselling to non-residential clients.
Staff do counselling with their residential clients daily. Topics include healthy relationships, setting boundaries, red flags, and the cycle of abuse, to name a few. There is also different programming offered. They include anger solution, healthy relationships, and nobody's perfect parenting.
For the most part, counselling is client-led, based on what they feel will help them.
The facility has been welcoming donations over the months, and they're very grateful for the community's support.
"We find with most clients they are very grateful to be here," said Emma Livingston, shelter counsellor. "That's why we are so grateful to the community. We do get funding for the basics. We need to get the other stuff. Lots of the stuff the community donates, like menstrual products, hygiene, goes into our room packages."
Rooms are then set up for the women who come in.
"So we try to have everything they could need already set up for them," continued Livingston. "If there are other things they feel they need, they can come up to us. Then we'll figure it out to help them."
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need the services of the Parkland Crisis Centre and Women's Shelter, you can call the Crisis line at 204-638-9484. You can also call toll-free at 1-877-977-0007.
"If you are in a situation of domestic, intimate partner, or family violence, call our Crisis line, and you'll talk to one of our shelter staff," said Livingston. "We'll go through an intake assessment to determine the situation. We will try to figure out if there is room in the shelter, and what we can do moving forward to help."
The facility is 24/7.
The Centre is also looking for donations. Due to limited space at this time, they are unable to accept bedding, clothes, and shoes.
"We are looking for women's deodorant. Adult toothpaste, we could use a few kids' toothbrushes," ended Livingston. "Things like paper towels and toilet paper are going through quickly. We are looking for new or gently used children's toys. We are hoping to update our children's space."
They're also looking for razors, conditioner, batteries, dryer sheets, and grocery store gift cards. You can see the full list here. If you have the means to donate, please call ahead of time to set up a drop-off time. The number is 622-4626.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
American-made alcohol was a hot commodity in Manitoba last month.
Between December 8 and 31, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries brought in an estimated $6.9 million in retail value from the sale of American-made alcohol at stores and its various commercial partners.
American-made liquor was removed from shelves last February as part of moves against the American tariffs on Canadian goods. The province temporarily lifted that ban last month.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The second full week of 2026 is almost here.
As the calendar switched from 2025 to 2026, you may have started thinking about New Year's resolutions. It's a common thing for many. Whether you've decided to travel more this year, spend more time with your family and friends, or eat healthier, setting resolutions can be good for some to reach their goals.
If reading more in 2026 is a resolution of yours, the Dauphin Public Library could be your best friend this year.
With books of all genres, Trent Pachkowski says they have over 6,000 books on hand.
While the chances of finding exactly what you're looking for are great with their selection, if you don't, Pachkowski says they still have you covered.
"We have 22 other branches that we can always bring books in from," said Pachkowski. "We can also bring them in from Winnipeg, Portage, or Brandon. So the options are pretty much never-ending."
Besides the 6,000 books, you'll have plenty to do to pass the time.
"There are magazines for people to borrow, movies to borrow. There are public access computers to print off resumes or complete projects for school," added Pachkowski.
They also have free WI-FI and programming throughout the year. You do need a library card to borrow anything. You can get one at 504 Main Street North in Dauphin. You'll need an official piece of identification.
It takes less than five minutes to get yours.
"If you live in Dauphin or any of the surrounding municipalities that we serve, there is no charge," ended Pachkowski. "If you're paying property taxes or renting, you're covered."
If reading more is what you want, the Dauphin Public Library has you covered.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Swan River RCMP are looking to recover stolen items and find two suspects.
On Monday, officers responded to a break and enter at a school on 2nd Street South in the community. The utility shed on the property was broken into overnight, and a snowblower worth over $5,000 was stolen.
Two suspects took the snowblower to a light gray or tan Dodge truck that was waiting for it to be loaded up. The suspects then fled the scene.
If you have any information, call the Swan River RCMP at 734-4686.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The RM of Dauphin wants folks to remember By-Law #3047.
It's to regulate open-air fires. Ernie Sirski, RM of Dauphin reeve, says if you're having a BBQ or having a fire in an approved firepit, you don't need a burn permit.
"In other words, if you want to burn some stubble, straw, windrows, we're going to ask you to apply for a burn permit," said Sirski. "It's not unusual compared to what we had before."
If you don't have an email and need a burn permit, you can still submit paper forms at the RM's office. If you have an email, doing so online is quick and easy.
"As soon as you apply, the permit is valid," ended Sirski. "You don't have to wait as you do in person. It's a direct feed that goes to the RM and the Fire Department."
Fires must always be supervised, controlled, and meet all safety requirements. Bill #3047 ensures safety, protects property, and helps the RM manage fire services efficiently.
You can view the rules of the by-law here. You can apply for a permit through the RM's website.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Town of Swan River is reminding its business owners about the community's snow removal policy.
Every business has until 10 am the day following a snowfall to remove any snow and ice from their sidewalk.
The Town says failing to do so within 24 hours could lead to Swan River crews removing the snow and ice themselves, with the business being billed for the costs to do so.
Businesses in Swan River with questions or comments on the snow removal law can contact tyhe town office at 204-734-4586.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
When Mike VanAlstyne left his position with the City of Dauphin to take a job with Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, the search for a new director of Public Works began.
The search was rigorous. It landed on Bernardo Pasco. Originally from the Philippines, Pasco worked 22 years in that country as a municipal engineer. On December 31, 2025, Bernardo worked his final day with the City of Dauphin.
"We appreciate Bernardo's time with us," said Sharla Griffiths, city manager. "He has decided to move on to another opportunity outside of Dauphin."
The search for a new director of Public Works has begun.
"Somebody who has an engineering or civil technician type of background," said Griffiths. "Someone who knows about Public Works, utilities, and someone who can manage people. Upper management, if you will. We want someone who looks at the big picture."
If you have plenty of experience, but a lack of education, or vice versa, Sharla says the City is willing to work with the right candidate. If you are interested, you can apply for the position at Public Works.
Your application should include your resume and cover letter.
Sharla has been with the City for 14 and a half years. She remembered the community as a child and, upon returning, jumped on board. She has never regretted the decision to work for the City of Dauphin.
"The people that we have working here are top-notch. We've had supportive councils that really let us do our jobs," ended Griffiths. "We are financially managed well. That means we can do the things that we need to do. The appreciation from the public for a job well done is huge towards job satisfaction."
The deadline to apply is January 20.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The nomination process is underway, and the GACC in Grandview needs your help.
Kraft Hockeyville is back. One lucky community will win $250,000 for arena upgrades and an NHL pre-season game. There is also a $100,000 prize for arena upgrades. There are an additional 11 $50,000 prizes for arena upgrades.
The Grandview Municipality recently received funds from the provincial government to fix its aging plant. The new plant will service the rink and curling rink. Other renovations, including those to the boards, need to be completed inside the GACC.
You could be the reason why the community's bid for $250,000 is successful. You can submit a story, add a photo of you having the time of your life in the facility, and also leave a note. Each note gives your arena one rally point, leaving a photo nets your arena three points, and submitting a story is worth 10 points.
Here is the link.
Alia Marcinkow is the chair of the Grandview & District recreational board. She also sits on the ice plant fundraising committee. She moved to the community nearly 12 years ago, and her first stop was the GACC with a friend.
She was instantly hooked and knew how much the facility meant to the community.
"It was amazing. We got there, and the men's senior team was playing. It amazed me that there were people aged two to over 90," said Marcinkow. "That showed me what the pinnacle of the GACC is. It's a community, it's where people go to have coffee, and have breakfast."
Marcinkow says they also want to improve accessibility so everyone in the community can gather and enjoy. The current nomination process continues through March 1. That's followed by judging, and ultimately, leads to the winner announcement on April 4.
The committee is extremely grateful for your support.
"I always say people move to a small town for many reasons, but they stay for the recreation and activities that are available for families of all ages," ended Marcinkow. "It's a real community hub, and is such an integral part of our community."
You can also react with an emoji to the submitted stories to get the arena an extra point.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
No one has lost any money as a new scam is happening in Swan River.
On Tuesday morning, Swan River RCMP received several reports from residents who had received a call from an unknown person requesting money. The scammer pretended to be a grandchild/niece/nephew to the person answering the phone, and stated they had been in an accident.
The caller added that the other person in the collision was pregnant and taken to the hospital.
The fraudster requested upwards of $6,000. The RCMP in Swan River confirmed that the fraudster was unsuccessful in their attempts to scam money.
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your local detachment. The number in Swan River is 734-4686.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
