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The Dauphin RCMP are looking for Matthew Lavallee.
The 40-year-old is wanted on numerous charges. They include kidnapping, aggravated assault, and forcible confinement. These incidents happened over the past few months.
He's described as 6'0" and approximately 250 pounds. He could be in Dauphin, Brandon, or Winnipeg.
If you see him, do not approach him. Call the RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Winter is coming.
There's no way to escape it if you plan on staying in the prairies. Now is the time to get ahead and prepare yourself for what's to come. Snow and bone-chilling temperatures. It's nothing, Manitobans aren't used to, but CAA Manitoba wants to make sure you're ready.
Nadia Matos with CAA says now is the time to get your winter tires on. While they aren't mandatory, Matos says they come with many benefits.
"We recommend installing a set of four, matching winter tires to give you the most traction and stability possible when you're dealing with the snow, ice, slush, cold, and even bare roads," said Matos. "Winter tires are designed to handle all of those scenarios. They can help to reduce your braking distance by up to 25 percent or two car lengths."
Getting your emergency car kit in order is important. These items could help you when you least expect it. Items could include flares, jumper cables, and matches.
"You also want to think about things that will keep you warm. Throw an extra blanket in your trunk, some mitts, and soft things," continued Matos. "Non-perishable food items and some water. Make sure your phone is charged and have a charger."
You should also check your car battery. An average car battery lasts three to five years. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 percent of its charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test members' batteries free of cost during a service call.
Check your brakes. If you notice any squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. Check your block heater and ensure you have appropriate winter tools, such as an ice scraper, a small shovel, and a snow brush, handy in your car at all times.
Matos can't stress enough how important it is to make sure you have full visibility in the winter months.
"Check your windshield wipers to make sure they're not cracked. The recommendation to change your wipers is every six months," ended Matos. "Make sure your lighting system is fully on and in good working order. Have some extra windshield wiper fluid in your trunk. Make sure you take the extra time to remove the snow from the top of your vehicle and windshield."
Drive safely this winter and stay safe.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A strong local economy is just one of the many benefits of "Putting Your Money Where Your House Is".
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
November is Radon Action Month, and the city of Dauphin is encouraging residents to be aware of the possibility of Radon in their homes.
Radon exposure is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, and Dauphin has some of the highest radon levels in Canada.
Testing your home is the only way to know your risk.
The city is planning a Radon Information Session on December 9th at 7 pm at the Dauphin Public library.
As they have done in past years, the city will be giving away free Radon test kits to the first 100 people that register for the info session.
Keep an eye on the City of Dauphin's social media pages for info on how to sign up.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Tuesday's Throne Speech confirmed what has long been rumored ... shovels will hit the ground in 2026 for Dauphin's new correctional facility and justice centre.
The announcement was "music to the ears" for Dauphin Mayor Dave Bosiak.
"There have been consultations taking place for over a year now, and to get actual confirmation that they are moving ahead with the project is very good news for us. So, we were very pleased overall with the tone and tenor of the Throne Speech, but in particular the acknowlwdgement that the justice centre would be turning sod next year."
Bosiak says there are a number of positives to this facility.
Besides the sheer number of jobs it'll bring to our city, Bosiak says the whole oncept of it being more than just a jail will be a model for the development of future facilities like this in the province.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Yesterday, at approximately 3:00 pm while on patrol, Dauphin RCMP observed a male known to them, trespassing on a property on Main Street North.
Officers stopped to speak to the male, and observed he had a large knife on his belt. The suspect reached for the knife immediately after he was instructed not to by the officer.
Police were able to safety arrest and search the suspect which revealed a small amount of methamphetamine, Canadian currency, and unmarked tobacco.
Craig Shingoose, 43, from Dauphin, faces the following charges:
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purposes
- Possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000
- Possession of a scheduled substance
Shingoose was remanded into custody.
Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Mark Jones
Rylan Knaggs began playing the guitar at the age of 11.
He was living in Alonsa at the time and started playing in a band program run by Brad Dupasquier for students in grades seven and eight. This allowed Rylan to perform around the province on Canada Day and at plenty of divisional performances.
In grade 10, he moved to Winnipeg and got into the band program at Elmwood High School. He joined the Winnipeg School Division's Honour Band and provincial honour jazz band.
That led him to the jazz program within the Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba. He completed his four-year degree and then pursued a two-year education degree. At this point, Rylan had already made a name for himself as an elite guitarist, and he started getting calls.
Rylan has played with some of Manitoba's top talent, including Desiree Dorion, Nelson Little, and, most recently, Quinton Blair. Knaggs also performed with Emma Peterson at the Red River EX MCMA Showcase.
"There are so many musicians who have allowed me to play in their projects," said Knaggs. "It's an honour to have played with all of them. I am so grateful for the opportunities I've had over the years."
The guitar was something Rylan always gravitated to. His mom got him into the Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan early on. Ray Vaughan, who was a highly acclaimed blues guitarist recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, was one of Rylan's heroes.
"The sounds that you can get out of the instrument are incredible," continued Knaggs. "The thing that blew me away was playing into a tube-amp, turned up loud, and distorted. That heavy growl that you get out of the guitar. There's nothing like standing in front of a cranked-up amp, hitting the A chord and feeling it through your whole body. There's something addictive about that to me."
Rylan says there's no feeling like being in front of a crowd. He's always considered himself an introverted person. But when he gets on the stage and the adrenaline starts pumping, he feeds off the energy and is right at home.
The Alonsa star never knew what would come from picking up and playing a guitar for the first time. It very easily could have just turned into a hobby. For Rylan, however, it's become a lifelong passion. He has risen in the ranks over the years and is now an all-star guitarist.
Put a guitar in his hand, tell him to give you his best, and you're in for one of the best shows you will ever witness.
"At 11 years old, I could have never imagined that any of this would have happened," commented Knaggs. "Being offered opportunities to play with artists that I've looked up to and musicians over the years, a dream is the best way to describe it."
On November 8, Rylan and his closest family and friends were in Winnipeg for the Manitoba Country Music Awards.
Rylan is still trying to process what happened. As the top musicians in the province won awards, Knaggs was one of them.
The star who grew up playing in Alonsa was named an MCMA all-star guitarist of the year. Rylan says his hands were shaking when he got on the stage, and he felt like he couldn't get words out.
"I was sitting backstage because I was in the house band for the awards show, so we were getting ready to play, which is where my mind was," said Knaggs. "It truly hasn't sunk in. All these musicians who are a part of the association are people I have looked up to my entire life. To be recognized alongside them is very special for me. It was a moment that I'll never forget."
While it's no longer a dream because Rylan is living it and has become one of the top guitarists in the province, he is looking forward to what's next.
He's currently rocking with Quinton Blair, and they're currently working on some dates in the United States in 2027. There is also a possibility for the band to head to Australia. Their goal is to expand internationally.
Among the perks of playing for the band is touring all over the country. They've played everywhere from the Canadian Shield to the Rocky Mountains. Rylan has put everything he has into music. At the MCMA's, Quinton was named male artist of the year.
"He's a great musician and songwriter. He's so supportive of all of us in the band and our family life," added Knaggs. "He works really hard to create a strong family environment within the band. It really does feel like a family with this group. I've never felt so at home in a community as I do right now."
Rylan now lives in Winnipeg full-time and has for many years. But he will never forget where he came from. If he hadn't started playing guitar as a curious 11-year-old, who knows what would have happened. Every step of the way, his family and friends here in the Parkland have been by his side.
They celebrated Knaggs' big win at the MCMA Awards earlier this month, and there will be plenty more to celebrate moving forward.
"Being able to see some familiar faces and spend some time with people I grew up with was amazing," ended Knaggs. "My heart will always be in the Parkland. That's where my family is, and it's where I got my start. I am very sure that I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support from my family and friends in the Parkland."
Rylan Knaggs, your 2025 Manitoba Country Music Awards Guitarist of the Year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A test of Alert Ready - the National Public Alerting System - is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at 1:55 p.m.
The test alert will be distributed on television, radio and compatible wireless devices.
However, not all Manitobans will receive the alert on their mobile devices.
This may occur for several reasons, including device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell-tower coverage and device software and settings.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An overpass will be built near the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada, near Carberry, the Manitoba government confirmed on Thursday during the speech from the throne.
17 seniors from Dauphin and the area were killed on June 15, 2023. The government will begin the design phase for the overpass next year. The government has also phased out outdated paper health cards with durable plastic ones.
The Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba is the Honourable Anita R. Neville.
"We are proud to announce the next step, digital health cards, available in January," said Neville. "Now you can access healthcare however you choose. Paper, plastic, and pixels. In the next year, we will launch a new patient portal giving Manitobans secure and convenient access to their lab results and immunizations."
The throne speech confirmed Manitoba will soon introduce legislation to eliminate mandatory sick notes for short-term absences from work. Employers will only be able to request a sick note after seven straight calendar days of absence.
"That is an additional burden on working families and unnecessary paperwork for doctors," added Neville.
The government will expand the scope of practice for pharmacists. This means you can skip the doctor's office and pick up prescriptions for birth control, UTIs, and common ailments at your local pharmacy.
"We will bring doctors and pharmacists together as we move forward with this change to ensure the best quality of care for patients," she continued.
As a part of the government's promise to deliver better health for women, they will add more lactation consultations to help moms and babies in those critical early days. They will also hire midwives in the Interlake region for the first time.
Since 2023, 285 doctors have been added. Six of which are from the United States, and more are in the recruitment process. Last year marked the largest increase in doctors in the province's history.
"Despite economic headwinds, wildfire, drought, and tariffs, we have made progress to lower your bills, create more good jobs, and a more affordable economy," continued Neville.
Neville also spoke on Trump-proofing our economy.
"We will build new, dual-fuel combustion turbines in Westman," said Neville. "Bringing 750 megawatts of power online to help heat our homes on the coldest days of the year."
The government plans to break ground on a correctional facility, a centre for justice in Dauphin, next fall.
"Making our province safer. Helping people who are ready to turn their lives around," said Neville. "And to return good jobs to the Parkland, cut by the previous government."
After the worst wildfire season in decades, the government is committed to strengthening its wildfire response.
"We will conduct the most comprehensive after-action wildfire review our province has ever undertaken," said Neville. "Working with First Nations, Indigenous governments, municipalities, and the external organizations that contributed to our One Manitoba response."
Construction on a new ER in Eriksdale will begin this winter. Neville says the government will train and hire new paramedics faster than ever.
With the province's updated English language arts curriculum and rollout of the universal early reading screening program, kids have the support and tools needed to learn to read.
"With more than 800 new teachers in our classrooms, 4,200 childcare spots, and our universal school food program, we are helping more kids learn and graduate," continued Neville.
First Nations have reassumed jurisdiction over child welfare.
"We reaffirm our shared committment to work with authorities, agencies, and First Nations to keep children safe," added Neville. "Last year, we lost fewer children in our province compared to the previous year. There is still work to be done. We are listening to young people, their parents, grandparents, and their educators in Manitoba."
Neville ended by saying Manitoba will continue to grow and be the best place in the world to live and call home.
"Today, we have lowered your housing, heating, and gas bills. We are building roads, schools, and hospitals with good Manitoba jobs," ended Neville. "We are redefining Manitoba's place in the world as a trading hub, a leader in Human Rights, and of course, for good."
When Manitobans work together, incredible things can happen.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A new program that helps Manitoba farmers adopt sustainable agriculture practices while saving money has been introduced.
The provincial and federal governments have unveiled a Forage Advantage pilot, through Manitoba Crop Insurance.
Given the high cattle population in the Parkland region, Dauphin MLA and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn feels this is a project that a number of producers in our area should consider.
"If you are a grain producer and you have cattle, the opportunity to sell the forage grass or hay is very profitable. But also more importantly I think the fact is when you grow a traditional crop in lighter soils, your yields are always a little lighter. So when you average it out on the good soils and the fertile soils, maybe the incentive such as this will lead you to maybe put those marginal land parcels into forage production and use the opportunity to sell it into the cattle market or other markets."
Beginning in the 2026 crop year, Manitoba farmers that plant perennial forage crops on marginal land will receive a 15 per cent discount on Forage Establishment Insurance premiums.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The doors opened on February 11, 2011.
The Countryfest Community Cinema was born on that day. 15 years later, it's standing in its natural beauty, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, it's been an ongoing struggle to keep the doors open and the lights on. The facility was built for the community, by the community.
Monthly operating costs are approximately $45,000, and a mortgage of $1.139 million remains. This has been reduced from the original $2.5 million in 2011. In the last few years, lower audience numbers have made operations challenging, according to Ron Hedley.
"Ever since COVID and some of the actor strikes in Hollywood, we've been struggling a bit," said Hedley.
The CCC is the finest theatre in the Parkland. With a fully-stocked concession and a state-of-the-art setup, it's a true gem for movie lovers.
"It's one of those must-haves. It attracts people to Dauphin," said Hedley. "It's a first-class, four-screen cinema. It's one of a kind in the rural areas. It definitely helps put us on the map."
As they look to get back on track, you're welcome to reach out to the Cinema Board with partnership or fundraising ideas. They've also created a GoFundMe. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $16,000, if it's $100,000, has been raised.
"If people want a theatre, they need to get behind it and support it," ended Hedley.
Hedley wants to thank the Parkland for all of their support over the years.
He says they need to get back to where the theatre is self-sustainable.
At this time, the Countryfest Community Cinema in Dauphin needs your help.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
