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If you're looking for something fun to do on Sunday, Neepawa has you covered.
The community is hosting its winter festival on Sunday from 3:00 to 8:00 at the Flats.
Cassandra Noonan-Robinson is the director of recreation services for the town.
"It's always such a great community event," said Noonan-Robinson. "We're a little sad that we're going to have less snow than normal. With that said, that's okay. We're going to have an incredible time. We're excited, we have sleigh rides."
There will also be outdoor skating, an obstacle course put on by the cross-country ski club, a live DJ, and fireworks. Toss in a snowman building competition with amazing prizes, and you're in for a treat.
Noonan-Robinson says this is always an event marked on her calendar and knows much of the community feels the same way.
"It's amazing. It's one of my favourite parts of the job, having these big community events where everyone comes together," ended Noonan-Robinson. "People are dancing and singing. It's so amazing to have everyone together. We get to celebrate together during a busy season."
There is no cost, and anyone in the area is welcome to attend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Tickets for this summer's Rocki the Fields of Minnedosa go on sale to the general public at 10 am tomorrow (Friday).
Promoter Rob Waloschuk says if you have never been to the festival, it is quite the unique experience.
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Construction of the long-awaited new Neepawa Health Centre is more than 75 per cent complete.
The hospital is on a 39-acre site east of town.
Treena Slate is the CEO of Prairie Mountain Health.
"We are very happy about meeting that milestone," said Slate. "It's been achieved through the excellent collaboration with all of the stakeholders involved, including our staff and physicians."
Slate says they're on track to open the new hospital early next year. It'll be a phased opening to ease the transition from the old building to the new one.
Phase one will see current services moved into the hospital. Phase two included expanded capacity, including additional inpatient beds and a new nine-station hemodialysis unit.
"It's going to be such a wonderful addition to that community and to our health services across the region," said Slate.
The new facility will be roughly three and a half times larger than the existing hospital. It'll feature 60 acute care beds, up from 35. It'll also feature an emergency department, trauma and assessment rooms, additional diagnostic spaces, dedicated chemotherapy treatment stations, expanded maternity and palliative care areas, and enhanced therapy services.
The newer standard of care delivery is contributing to the amount of square footage.
"Instead of having shared patient rooms, they will all be single rooms with their own bathroom," ended Slate. "As an example, there will be much more room in the emergency department and diagnostic services area."
Construction of the new hospital is one of Manitoba's largest rural health-care investments. The new space will be much more open, bright, and inclusive.
Slate adds that there will be a hiring wave. Additional staff will be needed in all departments, including nutrition services, housekeeping, facility maintenance, and clinical services.
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This week marks the one year anniversary of the suspicious death of Camray Baer.
The 24-year-old's remains were found in the debris of a house fire at an address located off of Highway 6 on the Pinaymootang First Nation.
The fire took place on the evening of February 7th, 2025, with Baer's remains being found two days later.
RCMP are still looking for tips in relation to this fire and Baer's death.
Anyone with info is asked to call the Gypsumville detachment at 204-659-5224, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced it is increasing its investment in schools by $79.8 million for the 2026-27 school year.
$11.4 million goes towards public school funding to support divisions most affected by teacher salary harmonization. The 3.5 per cent funding increase for public schools will help manage enrolment changes and ensure students have the supports required to succeed.
School funding for the next school year will total $1.995 billion.
Locally, the Mountain View School Division is disappointed with the numbers. They'll receive $28.3 in provincial funding. For the 2026-27 school year, MVSD will receive $200,000 more. That's an increase of just 0.7%. That marks the lowest increase in the province.
In comparison, the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine is getting the highest increase in the province at 9%. Brandon is getting a 6.4% increase.
Lori Slepicka is the secretary/treasurer for MVSD.
"It's very disappointing. We are still waiting for the details on how that money is made up," said Slepicka to CKDM NewsNow.
Slepicka says the $200,000 increase next year is not enough. MVSD's total budget is about $53 million. About 80% of that is salaries. The harmonization costs alone will be around $1 million.
"We're not anywhere close to covering just salary cost. Not to mention increases in insurance," added Slepicka. "All costs are going up. From software to computers and hardware. We have aging infrastructure and very little help from the province for capital projects. The $200,000 isn't going to go very far."
MVSD has had two grants for the last five years. They're called the Teachers' Idea Fund grant. They were both about $150,000, and they're coming to an end. That means $300,000 less in funding.
"Of course, you expect grants to come to an end. They were good programs," said Slepicka. "We're looking at needing to find that money elsewhere to continue that great programming, or make cuts elsewhere."
Around the Parkland, the Swan Valley School Division is getting an increase of $400,000 next year. That's an increase of 2.8%. Turtle River School Division is getting an increase of $200,000. That's an increase of 2.1%.
Park West School Division is getting an increase of $100,000, which equals 1%.
"We're going to do the best with what we've got and will continue to question why such a low number," ended Slepicka. "Once we get the details, we'll be able to investigate it further."
MVSD will host budget consultations later this year. Details on those meetings will be released early next month.
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The arena was packed.
It was loud and proud. The U17 Parkland Rangers held their Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday at the Ste. Rose Arena. Fans from around the Parkland attended the game in support of a great cause.
The energy was special, and the support for the Rangers was incredible.
Gerald Lopez says it was a night to remember.
"It was a great night, just fantastic," said Lopez. "It was a great showcase for the community of Ste. Rose and the surrounding communities. It was all for a great cause."
The final number is in, and wow. The Rangers raised $9,655. The funds will be donated to Hockey Fights Cancer’s 2025 initiative — Camp Quality. Camp Quality is a Canadian organization that provides free camps and year-round programs for children affected by cancer and blood disorders, as well as their families. These programs help kids build confidence, form friendships, and be kids — without being defined by their diagnosis.
It also supports families by creating opportunities to connect with others who understand the childhood cancer journey, helping reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and create joyful memories that last a lifetime.
As Lopez reflects on an incredibly successful night, he wants to thank everyone who came out.
"To hear the roar of the Ste. Rose barn sent chills down my spine," ended Lopez. "To hear the roar of the crowd, the hockey being played, the pink jersey, and to realize why we're doing this, it was great."
While the Rangers lost the game in overtime, the bigger and more important picture declared Camp Quality and the U17 Rangers winners.
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February is I Love To Read Month.
It's a month to celebrate reading and learning. In Dauphin, the Public Library is open six days a week for you. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned reader, they have you covered.
Melinda VanBuekenhout is the supervisor at the Dauphin Public Library.
"Reading is very important. It supports literacy, and it can be fun," said VanBuekenhout. "It takes people away to different places. Reading is always wonderful."
The Dauphin Public Library has over 6,000 books. Even if they don't have exactly what you're looking for, they have 22 other branches where they can bring books in from. They can also bring in from Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Brandon.
Simply put, the options are endless.
"We have the easy readers, so the picture books. Our junior section has small chapter books and graphic novels," said VanBuekenhout. "We have so many non-fiction books in junior and adult. We also have adult fiction."
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.
To celebrate the month, the library is partnering with the Parkland Humane Society later this month. The Humane Society will be bringing some of their animals who are looking for their forever homes.
That means you can snuggle up with a beautiful animal and read your favourite book.
"It should be pretty fun. That's on Saturday, the 28th, from 11:30 until 1:00," ended VanBuekenhout. "It should be a lot of fun, I'm excited."
They're also running a book draw this month. Any time you borrow a book, you can enter your name into a free draw. At the end of the month, you could win one of three gift baskets - one for kids, one for young adults, and one for adults.
They're also streaming the Milano Cortina Olympics.
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The Canadian Mental Health Association Swan River branch will begin hosting an addiction recovery skills course.
The first one will be on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 at the CMHA admin office at 110 7th Avenue North in Swan River.
The course is free and is available to anyone concerned about their own use of drugs and or alcohol.
Rod Seib is the peer support and public education coordinator for CMHA in Swan River. He says this is a program that has been offered previously.
"Just being a need in the community, this is a program that we introduced a few years ago," said Seib. "We want to make the program available to anyone who thinks they could benefit from it."
It's a seven-week program with one session per week. It'll run until the end of March.
"Each session will focus on a different topic related to addiction," added Seib. "We will present some helpful strategies. Whether it's reducing use or full abstinence, we will have helpful tips and resources available to you."
Some people with substance abuse disorders remain quiet about their struggles due to a combination of shame, fear of judgment, and the isolating nature of addiction. Some also deny the severity of any disorder.
Rod struggled with alcohol for many years. He runs the program and is now seven years sober. If you are struggling, Seib says you'll be welcomed with open arms.
It's a safe space, and there will be no judgment, just ways to help yourself and move forward.
"Certainly, there is that empathy in the space. It will be a safe space," ended Seib. "I know what it's like when people struggle and feel alone. Many people want to make a change, but it's very difficult to do it alone. We take the approach that it's better to have a support group. You will learn skills that will help."
To register for the seven-week course, call 614-8544.
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Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5-milligram tablets.
The tablets are used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Some bottles may contain 2.5-milligram tablets of midodrine, a medication used to treat low blood pressure. Please check the tablets to make sure you have the right ones.
The 5-milligram MAR-Amlodipine tablets have the numbers 210 and five printed on one side. They're flat, eight-sided, and have a line in the middle.
The 2.5-milligram midodrine is round and says M2 on one side. There is a line across the other side.
If your bottle contains any unusual tablets or if you're unsure, return it to your pharmacy.
Mixing Amlodipine and midodrine can lead to serious side effects. They include a dangerous increase in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and organ damage.
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Bradley Boyko of Benito faces a slew of charges after assaulting an RCMP officer and driving while impaired.
On Saturday at 12:50 a.m., the Swan River RCMP responded to a man stating he was too intoxicated to drive. Officers located Bradley inside a parked vehicle at an address in Minitonas. When officers approached the vehicle, Boyko fled at excessive speed.
He was heading towards Swan River, but officers were able to get into position and deploy a spike belt. Bradley continued to drive, heading north on Highway 10, then west on Highway 10A before coming to a stop on a rural road.
Police had to smash the windows as Boyko would not unlock his doors.
As he was being taken to the detachment, he assaulted an officer, who was not injured. He faces several charges, including impaired driving and assaulting a police officer, among others.
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