NewsNow
Keystone Agricultural Producers will hold their annual general meeting next Tuesday in Winnipeg.
President Jill Verway says there will be discussion and voting on 10 resolutions that are being brought forward from their fall and winter district meetings across the province.
"Talking about a drainage policy workshop as well as talking about digital agriculture. A couple of key topics that I think are top of mind that producers are thinking of at the farm level. I think in today's atmosphere for agriculture, it is all about being able to address things at the farm to make it more efficient."
The meeting will take place at the Delta Hotel.
Farmers can still register for it by going online to www.kap.ca.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The president of the Manitoba Nurses Union is pushing for institutional safety officers to be hired at the Swan Valley Health Centre.
ISOs are peace officers and require training in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, investigation skills, collecting evidence and report writing.
Darlene Jackson says there has been a rapid increase and escalation in violence in hospitals and clinics around the province.
"Especially in Swan River and some other areas, there is definitely a need for a bit more than a security guard," said Jackson. "I believe we need someone who has some policing abilities that can deal with situations and de-escalate without having to call the RCMP."
There have been several incidents in the last year where nurses have been assaulted in the province. In recent months, a nurse had a water bottle thrown at her. Threats have been made on many occasions, and according to Jackson, nurses are physically assaulted on a fairly regular basis in this province.
In November, Swan River RCMP were called to the emergency department when an intoxicated man locked himself in the bathroom with a knife. Jackson says she would like to see two ISOs staffed in Swan River around the clock.
Knowing that it may come down to money, Jackson is calling on Prairie Mountain Health and the Manitoba government to fund ISOs at the facility.
"We have to stop being so reactive and, as a health care system, become proactive," said Jackson. "At the Health Sciences Centre, we waited until a nurse was sexually assaulted in the tunnels under the facility. As a society, we need to say this is unacceptable and we won't let this happen. It needs to stop now, and we need to put up safeguards so it does."
According to PMH, Brandon is the only city outside of Winnipeg that has ISOs in a health-care facility.
"The nurses often say that they appreciate having a safety officer on the premises; it really does provide a level of comfort," added Jackson. "Not just for the staff, but the patients, and families that are sitting in the waiting room when an escalation happens. It provides comfort knowing there is someone who can actually do something."
Jackson plans to come to Dauphin and Swan River next month to speak with nurses. She wants to know what can be done to advocate for nurses and encourages any nurse feeling unsafe at work to reach out to their union.
Darlene doesn't want nurses to be going through things alone.
"Dauphin has a fairly significant vacancy rate," ended Jackson. "We need to get nurses in there working in the public system. Not providing a safe environment stands in the way of recruiting and retaining nurses in our province."
In November, two representatives of the Manitoba Nurses Union met with nurses at the Swan Valley Health Centre. From the meeting, the union put forward clear, non-negotiable safety demands and followed through with a formal safety grievance.
They included amnesty lockers, visitor screening and badges, whistles and noise-making devices provided to staff, and funding for an additional emergency room nurse, ensuring three nurses on every shift.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It'll be sausage frenzy next Saturday in Grandview.
The Kinsmen Club is hosting its first annual Sausagefest at the Grandview Legion at 7:00 p.m. There is no entry fee and you're encouraged to stick around after judging for some food and beverages.
Steve Lukey is spearheading the event.
"Everyone can bring a ring or two of their homemade sausages," said Lukey. "We'll have a panel of judges. Then after, we'll have a supper."
Whether it's beef, pork, deer, elk, moose, bear, goose, turkey, or vegetarian, now is your time to shine. If you have something you know the community will love, take a ring or two to Sausagefest 2026 and show it off.
Prizes will be given out.
While this is a first annual event, Lukey has plenty of optimism thanks to plenty of feedback on their social media. The community appears to be buzzing.
"I think we're getting some pretty decent traction and engagement," ended Lukey. "It would be great if people would let us know if they're coming and planning on entering. That way, we'll know what to expect."
If you do plan on entering your sausage into the Grandview Kinsmen's Club sausagefest, reach out to them on Facebook.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It will be a night full of entertainment on Saturday February 7th when the Parkland U18 Rangers hold their annual Ukrainian Night.
The Rangers wil wear special Ukrainian jerseys for their game against the Kenora Thistles.
The night will also include dance performances and a band before the game, opening ceremonies, and vendors throughout the arena.
Ruff's Furniture is the sponsor, and Ryan Rauliuk says they will also have some fun contests in each intermission.
"In the first intermission we are going to do the relay race. This year it is going to be called the Chicken Dance, so that is something that you will definitely want to take in. That relay race is worth the price of admission by itself.. We are also going to have the kubasaw toss between the second and third periods. That is always a highlight watching kubasaw flying. This year we are going to be throwing it at a recliner, with the winner getting the recliner and half of the money raised."
The Cossacks will have their camp set up throughout the night, and after the game, there will be a Zabava upstairs in Credit Union Place.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
If you're a newcomer living in Dauphin or the surrounding area, Regional Connections has an event tailored just for you.
You're invited to attend a cozy evening outdoors at Northgate Trails on Friday night.
Jermaine Trinona is with Regional Connections and spearheading the event.
"It's an event that we're trying to do, invite all the newcomers, and gather. We want them to experience what it's like to be outside on a winter day," said Trinona. "It's an opportunity to mingle and meet some new people."
The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00, and you must register by Thursday at 4:30. To do so, call 204-647-0693 and press one.
If you plan on attending this fun get-together, go hungry because Jermaine has you covered.
"We're going to be bringing some hot dogs, hot chocolate," ended Trinona. "We will also have toasted marshmallows and coffee."
There will also be games and other activities. No pressure, no stress, just a chance to make some new friends and enjoy all the beauty that Northgate Trails has to offer.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It is shaping up to be a memorable August Long Weekend for Classic Rock fans in the area.
The first set of acts for Rockin the Fields of Minnedosa have been unveiled, and its highlighted by several first-time performers in Minnedosa, as well as popular returning acts.
Collective Soul, Quiet Riot, Helix, the Headpins, and Smash Mouth are among the acts that will perform on the Friday and Saturday of the festival.
Sunday's lineup includes Nick Gilder and Sweeney Todd, Harlequin, 54-40, and Cheap Trick.
Promoter Rob Waloschuk also released information on when tickets will go on sale.
"If you are a pre-sale member, your tickets are available right now. You probably have a message in your email with details on how to get your tickets. But otherwise, February 13th is the on sale date for the general public, starting at 10 am that day."
The tickets will be available through their website rockinthefields.ca.
This year's festival runs July 31st to August 2nd.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Andrew Nepinak from Pine Creek First Nation has been charged with impaired driving and dangerous operation of a vehicle.
On Tuesday at 1:30 p.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a collision on Highway 83 at the intersection of 2nd Avenue in Benito. A passenger bus travelling north was struck by another vehicle that slid through the stop sign.
While on the scene, officers received a report of a driver going south on Highway 83 at a high rate of speed and driving dangerously towards Benito.
Officers set up a spike belt north of Benito to apprehend the suspect. Andrew's vehicle stalled south of Kenville, and he was arrested.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Friendship Centre's Food for Thought program feeds children in the City of Sunshine from November to March.
Children who have signed up get a free hot meal every Tuesday and Thursday. This year, the Food for Thought program will get a boost thanks to the Coldest Night of the Year walk, which takes place on Saturday, February 28.
In Dauphin, different groups and organizations have been raising money ahead of the walk. Shannon Genaille is the team leader for the Northwest Metis Council, and says the group is doing this for the kids.
"We are all parents, aunts, or uncles. It's all about coming together as a community and helping each other out," said Genaille. "Whether you're financially hurting or have a crazy busy life. Whatever it may be. Kids having a nice and hot meal together is always a great thing."
All of the funds raised locally will go to the program. With seven other members on her team, Shannon originally set the team's goal to raise $1,500.
The group has already smashed that. As of publishing on Wednesday afternoon, the group has raised $2,385.
"Once we got close to the $1,500, I went in and changed it to $5,000," she added. "If we don't make it, that's fine. Our team is pretty determined to get to the $5,000. If we get there, we won't stop there. We will fundraise as long as the money comes in."
Shannon herself has raised $505, while Crystal St. Germain tops the list with $795.
Whether you've donated or have thoughts to, Shannon says thank you. Your generous support is touching and greatly appreciated.
"We are extremely grateful. Businesses have donated, family and friends, people from work," said Genaille. "Whether it's $20 or $5, every dollar counts. It's nice to see how the community has come together for this."
Lisa Stevenson, who is on Team Northwest Metis Council, recently posted a heartwarming video on Facebook. With the walk a month away, Genaille says fundraising efforts will ramp up in the coming days and weeks.
She says the group has loved fundraising and come February 28, they'll be ready to hit the streets for a good cause.
Feeding kids in Dauphin, that's what it is all about.
"We're pretty excited for the walk. We have a plan to make it a bit more fun and keep ourselves warm. Everyone will have to see on the 28th what we've come up with," ended Genaille. "It's a great team building thing and great for your health. We want to bring awareness to Food for Thought and how easy it is to donate."
Also locally, the Rotary Ramblers, led by Kathy Bellemare, have raised $3,283.30. There are nine local groups raising funds to feed children in Dauphin. You can see the full list and donate here.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The RCMP are looking for a Winnipeg man who killed three people on Canada Day.
On July 1, Swan River RCMP responded to a head-on collision on Highway 10, near Road 224 North. Matthew Govereau was driving when his vehicle veered over the centre line of the highway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder.
A 42-year-old male and a 31-year-old female, who were in the parked vehicle, were both transported to the hospital, where they succumbed to their injuries.
A 29-year-old, who was a passenger in Govereau's vehicle, was also transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Govereau faces 18 charges, including impaired driving causing death times three, possessing a prohibited weapon, and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death times three, among a slew of others.
The RCMP have not been able to catch Govereau. His last known address was in Birch River, but he is known to travel throughout the province regularly.
If you know where he is, call the Swan River RCMP at 734-4686 or 734-3454. You can also submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-222-8477.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you notice a low-flying helicopter in and around Riding Mountain National Park over the next two to three weeks, there's no reason to panic.
An elk, moose, and deer survey is being conducted. The survey will help determine the population of elk, moose, and deer in the area.
The survey area includes McCreary to Russell, and from Highways 10/5 (north) to Highway 45 (south).
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you're looking to get in some waves at the Swan Valley Aquatic Centre, now is the time to hurry.
The facility remains open through Friday. You can see the schedule for the remainder of the week here.
After this week, Danielle Gordon-Broome, director of recreation for the Town of Swan River, says they'll be closed for the entire month of February.
"It's our annual shutdown. We drain the pool and take care of any maintenance needs," said Gordon-Broome. "It's our chance to give the facility a refresh. We complete any cosmetic repairs, paint, and some deep cleaning. Things that we can't do when the pool is full of water."
There will also be staff training next month. In a typical year, the community shuts down the pool in September. This year, it's been delayed to next month due to their large pipe hanger project. The project replaced some rusting supports to ensure the longevity of the facility
The pool is set to re-open on Tuesday, March 3.
"The facility, for the most part, will look the same," she ended. "We hope to have positive programming and changes that way. It's a very exciting time for us. We use this time to go through everything, refresh, and come back with some exciting things."
Friday is the final day before the month-long closure.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
