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Wayne Antichow worked for the Department of Natural Resources for 44 years.
He has served on the board of the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society for 30 years. He spent over 10 years with the Swan Valley Rotary Club and 10 years with Ducks Unlimited. He then joined the Swan Valley Outdoors Association.
Soon to turn 80 years old, Wayne has volunteered his time for the betterment of the community for as long as he can remember. On Friday, July 25, all of his contributions were recognized in a big way. He was presented with King Charles III’s Coronation Medal. Wayne was at the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition doing what he loves to do, volunteering, when he found out he received the special medal.
"I was very surprised. I didn't understand why they gave it to me. I guess people decided I had earned it," said Antichow. "I was very honoured to have received it."
King Charles III’s Coronation Medal was created to recognize Canadians for their contributions. Wayne has gone above and beyond for decades. If you needed help getting something done, Wayne was the man to call. And he doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon.
With a smile, Wayne said he will continue volunteering until he can't.
"We're so short of members right now, it's not even funny," offered Antichow. "Fewer people are volunteering. So I'll keep with it as long as I'm able. I hope more people step up in the future, especially with the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition."
When asked to look back on some of his most fond moments over the years, the Northwest Round-up and Exhibition comes to mind. It's an event that is near and dear to his heart.
"We've had the Musical Ride a couple of times now. 20 years ago and a couple of years ago," ended Antichow. "Ray St. Germain and George Canyon, those are two acts that I will never forget."
Wayne Antichow is all in on helping in any way he can. He believes the Valley is a special place to be. The next time you see Wayne out and about, thank him for his efforts and congratulate him on being awarded this prestigious medal.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Music lovers in the Interlake area will be flocking to the Eriksdale Sports Grounds this weekend for the annual ROGerKimLee Music Festival.
It begins Friday night at 7, with performances starting at 11 am on Saturday and 9:30 on Sunday morning.
It's the 5th year for the Festival, and organizer Derrick McCandless explains why it's important to keep it going.
"It really is a memorial to Roger, Kim, and Lee. They were friends of mine in Winnipeg who all passed away in the same time period, just before COVID and during COVID. So we had a little get-together, and that was year one. And, so we want to keep that going.
Besides the music, there'll also be a Makers Market and retail vendors, children's activities, and food vendors.
Ticket info can be found online at rogerkimleemusicfest.com.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The summer season is usually a quieter one for the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program.
But this year is a different story.
Between drought-like conditions affectting grain and livestock producers, to the ever-looming threat of tariffs, more producers have been accessing the farmer mental-health initiative than in previous summers.
Gerry Friesen says they have met the demand by bringing in additional councillors.
"We did add another councillor earlier this spring. We have chatted with a few more that are prepared to jump in when the need arises. But so far we have an excellent roster of councillors who are able to take on the demand. So we are very appreciative of that."
Producers looking to take that first step and seek help through the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program can book an appointment online at manitobafarmerwellness.ca
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It's potato frenzy at the Dauphin Friendship Centre.
The DFC received a donation of 52,000 pounds of potatoes through the Second Harvest program on Monday morning. As a result, you can get potatoes free of charge until they're all gone.
"Bring your own bags, boxes, whatever you can," said Crystal Amyotte, executive director. "We'll be giving them out from our garage, which is right beside our building."
The Dauphin Friendship Centre is all about the community. That will never change, and as Crystal says, the ability to provide potatoes free of charge to community members is meaningful.
"It is, it's amazing. We are very thankful to be thought of," ended Amyotte. "We are pleased to help out the community. Anyone who needs any, feel free to come by and grab as many as you can."
You can pick them up Monday to Friday until 4:30 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
You may have noticed a heavy police presence in the parking lot at Smitty's on Sunday evening.
At 5:30 p.m., four police cruisers responded to possible threats at Smitty's. Two adult males were involved in an assault in the parking lot. One fled the scene, while the other came forward to speak with officers. A short time later, the other male was located.
Both required medical treatment and were transported to the hospital. No charges have been laid at this time. The investigation continues.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Watson Art Centre is a special place, and they've recently announced some exciting news.
They're now a member of the Manitoba Country Music Association (MCMA). Now, they're looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year. That's where you come in. They're looking for your support. You can nominate them here. You must be a member of the MCMA to nominate.
Cam Bennet says there aren't many art organisations in Manitoba that manage their own building. For the most part, they have to rent space in various locations. Bennet believes that it is an advantage that the Watson Art Centre has.
"The other reason is that we support local country musicians. Like Kate's Outlaw, we had a two-night show with them last fall," offered Bennet. "Kayla Luky, Desiree Dorion, the Chris Barker Band, and Emma Peterson, to name a few. These are all local country music artists that play at the Watson. We support them and they support us. I think fans recognise that."
Built in 1904, the Watson Art Centre is a heritage building. The Johnston & Co. Auditorium is known for its acoustics and vintage look. If you've ever seen a concert at the Watson, you'll know firsthand how perfect a venue it is. If you haven't, you're missing out.
"The people in the seats love the building. The musicians also rave about the look, the feel, and the acoustics. And many of them have played in venues all over the country," said Bennet. "It's a great venue and it would be nice to be recognised by the Manitoba Country Music Association."
The Watson is also gearing up to host its monthly Open Mic nights. A treat for music lovers, Open Mic nights are open to anyone to perform any style of music. Elsewhere at the Watson, they have become one of the coolest buildings in Dauphin.
They previously ran a 'Coolest Building in Town' campaign. That campaign has come to a close, and it was a great success.
"The heat pumps are in, and we are indeed the coolest building in town. Some people may even say it's too cool," ended Bennet. "We've had a great summer. We've had several dance groups and they're all dancing in comfort."
The Watson Art Centre, a special place that is near and dear to the hearts of many. They're now looking to be nominated for Venue of the Year through the Manitoba Country Music Association, and you can help them achieve their goal.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 21-year-old is facing several charges after the RCMP responded to an armed robbery at a business on Main Street in Strathclair.
On August 3 at 10:05 p.m., officers arrived on the scene and were informed by an employee that a male had entered the business, demanded money, and threatened them with bear spray. The male fled on foot with cash and alcohol.
The suspect was later brought into the Minnedosa RCMP detachment by a family member and arrested. A warrant was previously issued for his arrest after officers identified him.
21-year-old Styles Hotain is charged with Robbery with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon, Failure to Comply with a Probation Order times two, and Disobeying Order of the Courts.
He remains in custody.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you know someone who lives in the Ashern area, loves reading, and is between the ages of three and 12, the Siglunes District Public Library is the place to be.
Chrissy Hickerson, the librarian, wants to ensure that young kids continue to read. So she's introduced the 'Summer Reading Challenge' for August. The challenge is simple: read as many books as you can.
Head to the library, sign out the age-appropriate book you want to read, write down the name of it, the author, and a small description of what the book is about. Then, when you finish the book, return it and take another one. Repeat this process throughout the month, and you could be crowned the Summer Reading Challenge champion.
"At the end of the month, one boy and one girl who read the most will get a sweet prize," said Hickerson.
The library is at 61 Main Street in Ashern and is open from 3:30 to 6:30 on Monday, 11:00 to 6:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11:00 to 2:00 on Saturday. Now, just more than a month into the challenge, Hickerson says she is amazed at how it's gone.
"This day and age, kids spend more time on their electronic devices and watch movies, so it makes me happy to see so many are interested in reading," ended Hickerson. "There are so many kids who love to read, which makes me very proud."
The challenge continues until August 31.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative is planning a field tour of their Brookdale farm this Tuesday.
General Manager Mary-Jane Orr discusses what they will be profiling.
"We are pretty excited this year about showcasing some new forage oat varieties that have come out from two companies. One through Seecan, which is the OReBOOST forage variety. And then also CDC Westgate, which is put out by FP Genetics."
They will also be sharing early 2025 demo data for their EcoTea dry seed dressing of cereals on dry matter biomass yield, as well as a field demo of a microBIOMETER.
Farmers interested in attending are asked to preregister by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Roblin Ag Society wants you!
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The city of Dauphin has announced its new Director of Public Works and Operations.
Bernardo Pasco brings over 30 years of municipal engineering experience to Dauphin, along with extensive technical experience and leadership.
Holder of a degree in Civil and Sanitary Engineering, Bernardo also completed the Municipal Engineering Technology Program at Red River College.
He is also a Certified Asset Management Professional, a Civil Engineering Technologist, and is working towards his Professional Engineering designation.
Pasco rep[laces Mike van Alstye, who recently left to join Manitoba Transportation.
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