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The Intermountain Watershed District is once again offering tree seedlings to land owners within the Watershed District.
Jessa McNabb is the project co-ordinator.
"We offer a variety of different types of trees, and we offer them to the public. We sell them at a low cost in bundles of 10 to promote larger planting. This is for anyone that is located within our watershed district, and the trees can be planted as used in their yard sites or shelterbelts."
The seedlings are available at a cost of $3 per tree, or $30 for a bundle of 10.
Poplars, pines, lilacs, and spruces are some of the varieties that are available, as well as cranberries, blueberries and saskatoons.
McNabb has advice for those considering purchasing and planting some of these trees.
"We definitely recommend tilling up where you plan to plant them first, as they are then easier to plant and work that soil. Some of the different tree species prefer different soil types. For example, the pine trees really like the sandy soil type. We just say if it is tilled up and worked up, it is way easier to plant the trees."
She adds quantities are staring to get lower, so you need to act fast if you want to purchase some of these seedlings.
They can be picked up at the IMWD office in Ethelbert.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Blue Jean Jacket Day is observed annually on June 6.
It's a grassroots campaign that was launched in Edmonton in 2023. It's a movement dedicated to remembering and seeking justice for Missing, Murdered, and Exploited Indigenous Men and Boys.
It aims to ensure that missing and murdered Indigenous males are not forgotten. The Blue Jean Jacket was chosen to give Indigenous men and boys a distinct colour and identity. It represents strength, protection, and love.
Megan Harrison is hosting a Blue Jean Jacket Day workshop on Saturday, June 6, from 1:00 to 3:00. It will take place at the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre in Ashern. Harrison says many aren't sure what the blue jean jacket symbolizes.
"So right now, I think it's really meaningful to get the jackets out there and get the message out there, so more people learn about the day," said Harrison. "From what I've learned, not many know the meaning. Right now, it's important to get the word out."
According to 2020 data from Statistics Canada, Indigenous men were four times more likely to die by homicide than an Indigenous woman. Indigenous men were seven times more likely to die by homicide than non-Indigenous people.
Manitoba has some of the highest numbers of Indigenous Men and Boys homicides in Canada.
There is no cost to take part in the workshop. There will be a learning component, and all participants will make a blue jean jacket pin that is yours to keep.
Harrison says the most important thing she hopes participants take away is how we can make positive changes in our communities.
"We're standing with all of our Indigenous relations, whether it be Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys," ended Harrison. "It's really important to stand up for all of the crises that are going on right now within the Indigenous community."
If you'd like to register, call the Lakeshore Family Resource Centre in Ashern at 768-3016.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Select RCMP Detachments in the province are implementing a new community notification system.
It's aimed at improving how important public safety information is shared with the public. In the Parkland, the Ste. Rose, Dauphin and Winnipegosis Detachments will now be using the system.
The pilot project is expected to run for about three months while the RCMP gathers feedback and evaluates the program.
The system will be used to share important community-focused information such as public safety advisories, missing-person information, requests for public assistance, traffic or road-condition alerts, crime-prevention messaging, and other urgent “need-to-know” notifications.
Terry Sundell is a Cpr with RCMP Community Engagement Services.
"For property crime that is ongoing, and there is timely information that the public needs to know about to protect themselves and their property," said Sundell. "There may be a request for people to check their properties and cameras."
The program has begun, and you can register for free. You can choose how you want to be notified. It can be a text message, email, text-to-voice, or all of the above.
"In Manitoba, we have a very successful social media following. Many of our posts reach thousands upon thousands of people in a short amount of time," added Sundell. "We do understand that different people consume information differently. We want to accommodate all of those people."
The Rave Mobile Safety is not intended to replace the provincial Alert Ready system or emergency services.
Sundell adds that open communication between the RCMP and the public is critical.
"We could not do our job effectively without the public's involvement and interest in helping us solve things or deal with public safety emergencies or situations," continued Sundell. "It's crucial for us to get information out that is trusted, accurate, relevant, and timely."
Statistics show both violent and property crime rates in Manitoba typically rise during the summer. The RCMP attributes this to warmer weather, which brings more people onto the streets.
When it comes to public safety, it's important to install a security system for your home. This can include an alarm or cameras. If you believe you're the victim of a crime, small or big, you should always contact the RCMP.
Always lock your doors, close your garage, and put your valuables in a safe place.
"Staying in touch with your neighbours and letting them know when you're away," ended Sundell. "Make sure your key isn't in your vehicles. Many of our vehicle thefts in rural areas are a result of keys being left in the vehicle. I grew up on a farm, and I totally understand how it is. But if a vehicle is stolen, it's a real pain. That vehicle could be damaged, you may never get it back, or it could be used to cause another major incident."
To register for the new Rave Mobile Safety program, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Selo Festival Site was full of celebration, dancing, and life as MVSD celebrated not just their graduates, but all of their students in a transitional phase of their education.
Just before the Grand Entry, Powwow Planning Committee member Jade Erlendson said it's good to see all of their long hours of planning paying off in a big way.
"It feels so good, and this is our 13th Annual Graduation Powwow but it's the first time we've done it at the Selo Ukrainia site, so having all our neigbouring communities and celebrating out here really is a good representation of reconciliation, again of the community-based work," said Erlendson.
Though on paper it's a Graduation Powwow, this year's theme is Niigaani Miikana - The Road Forward. Erlendson said that theme helps to show that they want to celebrate all of their students in transitional phases of education, whether it's graduation, or moving up from kindergarten.
"We did things a little different this year with out grads, we're honouring all students transitioning in education," said Erlendson.
The Grand Entry was full of Grass Dancers, Elders, Eagle Staff bearers, and Flag bearers. There were several different drum circles playing during the Entry and the dances after. Teegan Delorme is one of MVSD's Powwow Instructors. She said this Powwow especially is a great way to have not just First Nations people celebrate their students: it's a gathering place for people from all walks of life to celebrate.
"It's a time that we're allowing everyone to get together and gather to dance and celebrate our culture, our traditions, our regalia, our creativity. It's a time where we can celebrate who we are as Indigenous people...when I was teaching Powwow with our students, we had all different types of backgrounds coming to join in, and just being able to share our different cultures with other people, it's a huge thing," said Delorme.
This year's Powwow took a lot of planning and a lot of collaboration to pull off, and it's been a great success in celebrating students.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Those in Neepawa and the area will have their fair share of things to do this weekend.
There's a town-wide yard sale and a book sale.
The Neepawa Chamber of Commerce is holding its fair. To add more excitement, the Rotary Club of Neepawa is holding a colour run. It's a 2.5 or 5-kilometre walk on Saturday.
Registration begins at 9:15, the run begins at 10:00, and the walk starts at 10:15.
Kristin Tibbett is the president of the New Wave Rotary Club in Neepawa, and she's looking forward to the second annual event after a great opening year.
"So you can run it or walk it, whatever suits you best," said Tibbett. "We're sitting at around 175 people registered so far. We're on track for what we had last year, which is very exciting."
Registration for the walk and run is still open. It's $40 for adults. Youth aged 5 to 15 are $20, and kids four and under are free.
Those registered are encouraged to wear a white t-shirt. It is a colour run/walk after all.
"And we have chalk-based paint. We throw colour at the people as the run/walk goes on," ended Tibbett. "There are three or four checkpoints throughout the race. You run through colour and have a blast."
Funds raised will go towards the purchase of a zipline and playground enhancement at Rotary Park in Neepawa.
You can register to be a part of the colour run/walk race in Neepawa here.
The New Wave Rotary Club in Neepawa was formed last year and has 12 members. They volunteer throughout the community and have hosted several fundraisers over the past year.
From May 26 to 28, they're hosting a used book sale. It's at the Neepawa Rifle Range from 2:00 to 8:00 each day.
If you're in the area and have books or puzzles you'd like to donate, you can do so at Home Hardware in Neepawa, Co-op Grocery Store, ArtsForward, Stride Credit Union, or Gill & Schmall Agencies.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Two incidents of assault over a four day span has landed a Dauphin man in custody.
The first occured last Friday at around 4:10 in the morning, when RCMP were called to a restaurant on Main Street south over a report of a man hitting a 47-year-old man with his own walking cane following an argument, then leaving the restaurant with that cane.
Police arrested the suspect later that day and released him with conditions.
But three days later, Mounties responded to a report of another assault, this time at a store on 1st Avenue North East.
They say the suspect, who was previously banned from the store, was in the parking lot when he allegedly threatened a 16-year-old male store clerk, then briefly walked away, before coming back and throwing a rock at him.
21-year-old Raiden Oshawee faces charges of robbery, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
42-year-old Tyrone Guiboche has pleaded guilty.
In January of 2024, the RCMP were called to a stabbing on Main Street in Swan River. A 33-year-old man later died in the hospital.
Guiboche was charged with manslaughter and admitted his guilt in Swan River Provincial Court.
He was remanded into custody and will be sentenced on August 18.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Madison Steven's dad was diagnosed with cancer last summer.
Seeing him go through treatment and being there for him seemed like enough at the time. One year later, Steven has decided that more is needed. She loves walking and has set a goal of 1,000 kilometres walked by the end of June.
"For those who can't". Every day, Madison walks three hours for a cause. Steven has been walking 12 to 15 kilometres per day for the past three weeks and wants to raise $10,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Grandview native is not doing it because she's an athlete, she's not doing it because she has to, she's doing it because she can. Madison has already covered more than 330 kilometres. In week three alone, she walked 89.56 kilometres and took 120,590 steps.
She's raised nearly $500. Small or big, you can make a difference.
"Some people donated and said I know it's only $20, but they don't realize the impact this money is going to make in a lot of people's lives," said Steven. "The lady through Cancer Care that I've connected with, she said, people truly don't realize the impact that $20 can make in the end when all of these funds raised go towards the research of cancer, so we can hopefully prevent this nasty disease. It's felt really good so far."
If you'd like to donate to the cause, you can do so at Steven's 1000-kilometre journey. If you're not tech-savvy and are in the Grandview area, you can visit Sunrise Credit Union in Grandview to donate in person. Just tell the teller you're donating to Madison's journey.
In Manitoba, annually, over 8,000 Manitobans are diagnosed with cancer. It's the leading cause of death in the province. It's estimated that 42 percent of people will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. In 2025, in Manitoba, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives because of cancer.
As the Grandview native continues her journey, Madison thanks everyone for the incredible support. She says it's been phenomenal.
"My goal isn't a ton of money," she ended. "With that said, I know in the end when I give that money to cancer care, I will feel so proud and accomplished. I'll know it wasn't only me. I pledged the walk and did it, but everyone else's support has allowed me to go for my goal."
Walking for a cause. One step at a time, Madison Steven of Grandview is making a difference.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Town of Neepawa will be buzzing this weekend.
Conditions in the high teens are expected as the community hosts its town-wide yard sale on Friday and Saturday. And on top of the excitement surrounding that, the Neepawa Public Library is hosting a book sale on Friday and Saturday.
It runs from 11:00 to 5:00 on Friday and 10:00 to 2:00 on Saturday.
Caitlin Henderson is the branch supervisor.
"Donations have been going very well," said Henderson. "We've gotten some decent children's books come in. That's great because those are usually the first things to go."
On top of the children's books, there will be something for all you book lovers. Most books cost $1 or less. As the sale goes on, there will be even bigger discounts, including fill-a-bag.
Adult fiction will be among the hottest commodities.
"Yeah, we've got a handful of some good kids stuff and some stuff for the teenagers," added Henderson. "We also usually have some puzzles and knick-knacks that we have collected over time."
Funds raised will go towards an interior refresh at the library.
Henderson says the refresh is much deserved and library goers in Neepawa should expect some changes for the better in the coming months.
"We're looking at doing the carpet. We're going to rearrange things and add some new furniture," she ended. "Building some specific areas, like right now we're working on the computer area. We hope to have some revamped reading corners."
So if you're in Neepawa or the area this weekend, enjoy treasure hunting with the community-wide yard sale, and don't forget to head to the library for their book sale.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
In the first quarter of 2026, the Dauphin Fire Department were called out to service for 60 emergency responses.
The time period is January 1 to March 30. This marks a 23% increase over the same time period last year.
Of these responses, 15 were motor vehicle collisions. Most of these were weather-related and road conditions.
"We always want to remind people to be cautious while on the highways, drive according to the road conditions," said Cam Abrey, Fire Chief. "The snow has melted, but even with rain, watch incase you start to hydroplane. Take a look at the conditions of your tires."
10% of the responses were because of kitchen fires. Kitchen fires are classified as unattended cooking that has set off a smoke alarm. Three large fires in recent months were related directly to unattended cooking.
"We can't put this out there enough. If you have something on the stove, do not leave it unattended," added Abrey. "When we do public presentations, we remind people to carry a wooden spoon in their hand if they leave something on their stove and have to leave as a reminder that there is something on. Again, the best deal is don't leave the kitchen when you're cooking."
The Fire Department also gave a shoutout to Gary Hollyoake, Alvin Bogoslowski, Greg Acevedo, and Jordon Steiner. They had 100% attendance for weekly training during the first quarter. The force meets every Wednesday.
Gary, Alvin, Greg, Ken Ushkowski, and Jesse Shuttleworth have the top five attendance at calls for the first quarter. They attended at least 75% percent of the calls.
Over the past 20 years, the need for the DFD's services has skyrocketed. In 2005, there were 144 calls. In 2025, there were 264 calls for service. That's an increase of 83%.
"So these folks are out there and even with that large increase in calls, they're still making high percentages," added Abrey. "The practices are so essential in the safety of our members to continue to train to protect yourself, your partners, and the community."
In some other news, for the first time since 2019, the DFD is fully rostered. They had a recruitment drive in February, and it was very successful. 17 members will start their Level 1 firefighting training in September.
The Manitoba Emergency Services College has had to revamp its firefighting program due to international changes adopted. The new program comes out in July. In September, Abrey says they'll go forward with their new class. It'll mark the largest class that the DFD has ever had.
There are 23 other members, totalling 40.
"Yeah, it's great to see the excitement in new members' faces when we start this training," ended Abrey. "Learning and developing these skills. Working as a team and building that fire family."
Other First Quarter Statistics:
False Alarms: 37%
EMS Lift Assist: 10%
Structure Fires: 8%
Vehicle Fires: 3%
Other: 3%
Outdoor Fires: 2%
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 2%
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
