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Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has asked the provinces to return American alcohol to store shelves.

This comes as Canadian and U.S. officials work to finalize a new deal that would avert new U.S. tariffs on nearly $30 billion in Canadian goods. 

As of right now, Manitoba's premier, Wab Kinew, has not agreed to put American alcohol back on the shelves. If the Prime Minister really recommends putting it back on shelves, Kinew has a suggestion for Manitobans.

Simply put, Kinew said 'leave it there'.

"If we put the booze back on the shelves, don't buy it," said Kinew. "Let it sit on the shelf where the liquor mart employees will be putting it. Buy the Canadian stuff instead."

Wab said we've done a great job sticking together in the face of Donald Trump's tariff threats and believes that should continue. The focus remains on building up Churchill and encouraging local business, including local brewers and distillers.

Obsolete Brewing Company in Dauphin is a hot spot with several locally crafted beers. 

When referring to Trump, Kinew said you can't get a good deal with a bad person, and he believes that rule applies here. He says Manitobans are paying so much at the gas pump right now because of Trump's misguided war in Iran.

In his words, Crown Royal is better than Jack Daniel's. Crown Royal is distilled, aged, and mashed exclusively at the Distillery located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg in Gimli. Jack Daniel's is made at the Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee.

"Let's send a message that even though the Prime Minister and Government of Canada might think it's important for us to put things back on the shelf so they can get this deal and help some of our fellow Canadians, employers, and businesses, that we don't like Donald Trump's approach to trade or way of treating Canada," said Kinew. 

On February 4, 2025, American alcohol was pulled off the shelves in Manitoba, and no further American alcohol products were purchased.

In December of last year, American liquor was back on some shelves in the province for a limited time. Between December 8 and 31, 2025, 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. 

From sales, the province sent $2.6 million in proceeds to holiday charities.

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 21, 2026 - 12:00 pm

Homelessness, needle distribution, municipal funding to keep their infrastructure up to date, and crime rates.

Those are all issues facing Lance Jacobson and the Town of Swan River. Mayor Jacobson recently returned from the Municipality of Ontario Convention in Ottawa. He added that rebounding from last month's devastating flood is on the front burner.

Residents are still waiting for further news on Disaster Financial Assistance from the government. There are people in the community who have resources to do their basement renovations because they can do it themselves with help from family and friends. Some also have sufficient cash flow to undergo rebuilding what was lost.

That isn't the case for everyone, however.

"Those are the frustrated people. They want to start getting their lives back together again," said Jacobson. "I know that the majority of people are back living in their homes. There are still some that aren't; some homes were damaged significantly, so some can't return home. Those people have no insurance; they have nothing. They rely on their own resources to get through that, but if they don't have that, they're waiting for Disaster Financial Assistance. Those are the frustrated ones."

Jacobson understands and sympathizes with those going through a tough time. It's been a tough summer for those in Swan River and the Parkland region. 

He knows there will be long days ahead, but he's proud of the resilience that community members have shown. One step at a time, residents will bounce back, and Lance will be there every step of the way.

"You really don't know what you can handle when something comes to you full force and gives you that kick or punch," continued Jacobson. "The community has really bounced back and is working towards that rebuilding. It's really great to see."

On the crime front, Lance has noticed the calls for service to the RCMP have gone down a little bit. With that said, for a community the size of Swan River, calls are still too high. There is still work to do when it comes to drug distribution and dealing with other crime issues. 

Jacobson is pleased with what the RCMP in the community is doing to combat crime. It's impossible to fully stop crime. He is, however, confident that officers are doing their best to limit it.

"We do have a good working relationship with the RCMP. We meet regularly. We get the crime stats," ended Jacobson. "I think we have a pretty good staff looking out for what they can do under the circumstances in the community."

Lance and the community is now preparing for next Saturday. The Swan Valley Agriculture Society presents Rally for the Valley. After the Northwest Roundup and Exhibition was cancelled earlier this year, organizers decided a special event for the entire community was needed this summer.

There will be a parade, children's activities, a petting zoo, beer gardens, and music. The night will cap off with fireworks. There will also be a pancake breakfast hosted by the Minitonas Lions Club. 

There is no admission for any of the events. The bulk of the action takes place at the Swan River Valley Ag Grounds. 

"I think it'll be a good reception for people to take a deep breath and talk to each other," added Jacobson. "What they've experienced. Most people are really excited to see this mini event."

Residents are staying strong and are preparing to come together for a community celebration. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 21, 2026 - 9:00 am

The City of Dauphin began developing a Climate Adaptation Plan last year.

From the heavy rainfall and flooding we experienced last month to the extreme heat, drought, strong winds, and other changing weather conditions, climate-related events affected our community in different ways.

Now it's your turn to have your say. The City wants to know your biggest concerns, how you have been impacted by climate change, and how it can increase community resilience.

Everyone who completes the survey can enter for a chance to win one of two $50 Chamber Bucks gift cards. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, September 21. 

Access the survey here. You can also get a paper copy at City Hall during business hours. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 21, 2026 - 5:00 am

The latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report says harvest has started for some crops in the Northwest region, with others developing well, combined with unsettled weather and cooler overnight temperatures. 

This week, overnight temperatures in most of the region were around or under 10 degrees, with the lowest being 4.1 degrees, recorded in Inglis. At the end of last week, unsettled weather brought some precipitation, helping advance some crops. 

Fall rye and winter wheat harvest has started in the Northwest, and is well underway. Pre-harvest herbicide applications are mostly complete in spring cereals, and spring wheat ranges from the soft to hard dough stage. Some lodging has occurred. 

Field peas are in the R6 stage for the most part, with early seeded fields in R7 stage. Canola is still at a range of stages in the region, with most crops in the podding stage. Areas that had excess moisture have patches of delayed growth that are still flowering, and sunscald has appeared after previous high temperatures. Most soybean crops in the region are in the R4 stage. 

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Contributed by Ian Gillingham

Published: Aug 20, 2026 - 6:00 pm

It's an annual community fundraiser for the Binscarth Park and Pool.

It's a raffle and dinner all in one. Tickets for the raffle are just $5. It's a family-friendly way for people to enjoy an evening and come together for a good cause.

The Piggy Pool Plunge was another outstanding success.

The community got together for the event earlier this month, and all 500 piggies went down the slide. Three winners were picked, and a total of $1,250 was won.

Estha Baseley said it consistently sells out every year.

"The fact that it returns every year and is promoted across the region shows how much people value it," said Baseley. "It's one of those events where you see the families coming back, and you see the new faces as well."

All the proceeds go directly back into the operations of the Binscarth Park and Pool. The funds help cover staffing, utilities, maintenance, and all other operating costs.

The Park and Pool also has a campground and concession open all summer.

In short, every $5 piggy is an investment in keeping the Park and Pool open and thriving.

Judy Snitynsky was the big winner. She had the winning piggy and won $625. After the big win, Judy notified the Board Committee that she was donating all of the money back.

Estha was thrilled to hear that.

"Judy is a wonderful example of the community spirit behind the piggy plunge. She has been a generous supporter for many years," added Baseley. "She knows how hard these volunteers work to keep this facility operating every year. Her generosity helps stretch every dollar further and shows how deeply people care about keeping the pool open for summers to come. We're incredibly grateful for supporters like Judy."

Alfie Kusumoto had the second-place pig and netted $375. Rounding out the podium were Renata and Dylan Stewart, who won $250. 

Roblin is often referred to as the Jewel of the Parkland.

In Binscarth, the Park and Pool is referred to as the Hidden Gem in the Valley. 

"That's because it truly feels like the entire community takes ownership of the facility," said Baseley. "Whenever help is needed, people always step up. It takes significant funding to operate a facility like this, and the community support makes it possible."

If you're looking to make some waves at the Binscarth Park and Pool, it's open daily from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. The grill shuts off at 7:30 p.m. It will close for the season on Monday, August 31. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 20, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Dog trials are competitive events that test a dog's instincts, training, and the ability to perform specific working tasks.

This includes herding livestock under simulated real-world conditions. On Saturday and Sunday, 144 runs will take place at the 4th Annual Rorketon Ripper Cattle Dog trials.

Starting at 8:30 on Saturday morning, Caleb Clark says the action will be fast and furious.

Now in its fourth year, the Rorketon Ripper has been recognized. The event, which features working stock dogs, high-point buckles, and a local class with clinics, was voted the top cattle dog trial in Canada for 2025. 

"That's a big honour, for sure. They gave us a plaque that we're going to put up in the Lawrence Community Centre," said Clark. "The Ripper isn't just our family that puts it on. So many people contribute to it, there is a committee. It's such a big thing. It's turned into quite the wonderful thing to see. It seems like it's flying by, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger."

Most of the dogs are Border Collies. Caleb has seen folks use Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies, but for the most part, it's Border Collies. 

The stands will be packed, and Clark invites you down.

While the dog trial is the main attraction, that's not the only thing going on. It's a weekend full of fun and games for the whole family.

"I know there is a chilli cook-off this year. There's a bouncy castle for the kids. Beer gardens all weekend," ended Clark. "There's cow patty bingo. A pie auction and a dance from 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on Saturday. There is so much going on this weekend."

Breakfast costs $15 on Sunday, and there's also a concession all weekend. Toss in a trade show, a yard sale, and Rorketon is the place to be this weekend. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 20, 2026 - 12:00 pm

Dauphin RCMP made an arrest last weekend after a man was reported to have stolen a laptop and cellphone from a church official. 

According to their news release, they responded to the report of a theft on August 16th around 9:30 AM, at a church on 5th Avenue Northeast. They found that a suspect had entered the church, and stole a laptop and cellphone when a church official was distracted. 

The suspect was identified and arrested without incident later that evening, outside of a business on Memorial Boulevard. The stolen items were not recovered, and the suspect was released on an undertaking. 

Details

Contributed by Ian Gillingham

Published: Aug 20, 2026 - 9:00 am

The City of Dauphin is holding a public hearing for property enforcement bylaws on Monday, August 31.

It will take place inside Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m. The City is proposing three updated property-related bylaws:

The property standards bylaw, the vacant and boarded buildings bylaw, and the derelict buildings bylaw.

Lisa Gaudet, deputy city manager, says these bylaws are meant to modernize and strengthen the city's approach to property standards.

"And provide clearer and more consistent tools for dealing with properties that become vacant, neglected, or seriously deteriorated," said Gaudet. "The bylaws have received first reading by council, but they have not yet been adopted."

The hearing provides residents the chance to learn about the proposed bylaws and provide comments to council.  

The City is updating its property bylaws because well-maintained properties contribute to safe, healthy, and attractive neighbourhoods. 

Properties that are significantly neglected, left unsecured, or allowed to deteriorate over long periods can create fire and safety risks, attract unauthorized entry, affect surrounding properties, and require significant municipal resources to monitor and address. 

They have created a dedicated page on the city's website with more information about the three proposed bylaws. 

"That provides answers to frequently asked questions and links to the complete bylaw document," said Gaudet. "We really encourage people who have questions or concerns to take a look at that information. Then attend the public hearing if you want to provide input."

The link to the document is here. 

Council will hear from anyone wanting to speak on the proposed bylaws. You must register ahead of time by calling 622-3228.

Copies of the proposed bylaws are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 20, 2026 - 5:00 am

If you know someone between the ages of 6 to 17 living in Brandon, their commute is about to become cheaper.

Starting September 1, those between the ages of 6 and 17 in Brandon, will be able to ride the bus for free.

Brandon City Council adopted the initiative during Monday night's regular meeting. Youth will be required to show proof of age to get a pass through an info booth downtown. Last year, $116,000 in fare revenue came from roughly 73,000 youth riders. 

The City of Brandon can receive up to $1 million to reimburse lost fare revenue from September 2026 to August 2027. If you have a relative that is in the Brandon School Division, BSD will be administering passes to students.

Children five and under continue to ride for free when accompanied by an adult. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 19, 2026 - 9:00 pm

Their slogan is family, community, and sustainability.

Their motto is to support local musicians and local makers. It's all Manitoba. Their mission is to support art that's being made in the province. They support local. The Harvest Sun Music Festival is back this weekend in Kelwood.

It's the 21st annual event. That's two decades in the books and Nadia Kuhl says the memories have been incredible.

"We've seen a lot of wonderful musicians grace our stage. We've had lots of adventures, ups and downs, and adventures," said Kuhl. "The heart of it has stayed true. We're so grateful that it's still operating 21 years in. We look forward to the future."

The festivities inside the Kelwood Community Hall on Friday and Saturday are sold out. But there is so much more than what's going on there.

"Later at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday we have availability. It's going to be wonderful music at the Legion," added Kuhl. "We have the amazing Al Simmons doing a children's performance on Saturday outside in the Kelwood Centennial Campground. The stage there is free access for all."

At 3:00 on Saturday afternoon, there will be a Dolly Parton workshop. Annabella Proper wraps up Saturday night starting at 10:00 at the Legion. 

The good times roll into Sunday with the round acoustic jam in The Park. You're welcome to bring an instrument and join the jam or just be there to enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical moment.

Two years of building and creating what the Harvest Sun Music Festival is today. Kuhl says this event is more than just a festival; it's an event where people come together to make memories that last a lifetime.

"I started the festival 21 years ago and have been a core part of it ever since," said Kuhl. "I really believe in supporting community. I believe showcasing arts and the artists that grew up around us is important and a huge part of who we are as Manitobans. I believe in rural communities and that life in rural communities is important and needs to be supported."

Nadia and the Harvest Sun Music Festival crew are ready to celebrate 21 years of music, makers, and prairie magic. You can also camp on-site; spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Aug 19, 2026 - 6:00 pm