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It's been an event that the community has supported for decades. Since 2003, to be exact.
Later this month, you can do it again. The Rotary Club of Dauphin continues its busy season of fundraisers later this month. Lobsterfest is back on Friday, May 29. It will start with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. at Obsolete Brewing Company. Supper hits the table at 7:00.
Lindsay Dingwall is with the Rotary Club of Dauphin, and she says the supplies have been ordered, the burners are being checked, and the volunteers are being lined up.
Tickets are $100. That includes a snack as soon as you walk in the door and mussels with cream sauce.
"Then you get your 1.5 pounds of lobster with sides. We have new sides this year," said Dingwall. "Then we follow it up with a dessert. DJ Candence will provide entertainment. There will also be a raffle.
The proceeds from this year's event are going to the Food For Thought program in Dauphin. The program feeds hot meals to registered students during the school year.
"The program is meaningful to so many of us," ended Dingwall. "Many of us have volunteered and raised money for it. We believe kids should have food in their bellies. When your tummy is full, they can learn better."
A limited number of tickets remain available. To get yours today, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 54-year old man from Swan River faces a charge of theft under $5,000 after robbing a restaurant on Kelsey Trail in Swan River.
On Tuesday at 2:00 a.m., officers responded to the scene of the robbery. The man forced the restaurant's drive-thru window open while staff worked a short distance away.
With his body half in the building, he reached into the cash register, and fled with a small amount of cash.
He was located and arrested. He remains in custody while he awaits a court appearance.
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Preparations are well underway for the Mountain View School Division's graduation powwow.
It will take place on Thursday, May 21.
Gord Wood says things have been going very well.
"So we have a lot of planning and last-minute things taking place," said Wood. "This is a community event. We're inviting everyone from the community. It's about bringing people together and celebrating in a great way."
If you are planning to attend, you're asked to register. That helps them plan for the crowd size, lunch preparation, and transportation. MVSD is offering free transportation. Pickup will be at the Dauphin Friendship Centre at 9:30. You can also be picked up at the Dauphin Marketplace Mall at 9:45.
The bus will return those in attendance to Dauphin in the afternoon. The day itself is from 9:00 to 3:00.
Jade Erlendson joined Gord on the CKDM Morning Show with Alec Woolston.
"At noon, we're going to have a community feast with some music workshops," said Erlendson. "We will honour our graduates, followed by more powwow dancing. There will be other workshops throughout the day. Storytelling, beading, and more. We also have some fantastic guests joining us, including Clifton Flett."
This will be MVSD's 13th annual graduation powwow.
"Time flies. This is the first time we're hosting it at the Selo Ukraina Site," said Wood. "We're putting a strong call for community members, dancers, and drum groups to come be a part of it. It's an amazing opportunity for celebration, connecting, and learning."
There will also be plenty of vendors set up in the mini mall at the site. Already more than 1,500 have registered to take part in the special day.
Ahead of the event, the powwow committee is hosting a fundraising BBQ on Thursday at the Dauphin Co-op from 10:00 to 2:00. Hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and drinks will be for sale.
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In 2011, the prevalence of autism in Manitoba children was estimated to be 0.58 percent.
By 2022, that number rose to 1.67 percent. In 2025, a report found that 1.5 percent of adults were living with autism. Autism isn't a limitation; it's a different way of seeing the world. The Ebb and Flow Elementary School hosted Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, April 16.
The day started with a gathering at centre court, and at 10:30, roughly 250 students from nursery to grade six hit the streets for a walk around the community.
Myles Houle's daughter is in grade two and has autism.
"I was just overwhelmed and so excited," said Houle. "I was so happy to see the kids walk in support. It was a great feeling."
After the walk, students, staff, and Elders gathered for a feast. Then, to wrap up the special day, there was a petting zoo.
To end it all, there were tears. It was a day that Myles will never forget.
"At the end of the walk, I cried," ended Houle. "To see her and everyone smile, everything. It was such a special moment."
Special things happen when a community comes together. The Ebb & Flow First Nation's elementary school came together for a great day and to raise autism awareness.
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Next year's Parkland Travel Club destination has been set for a country that's full of life: Croatia.
Kamryn Winters, Executive Director with the Parkland Chamber of Commerce, said the destination was chosen after the Chamber looked at response to their previous destinations. They even put out a survey to former attendees for their feedback.
"We had seen significant uptake in Portugal, Costa Rica, and then Italy didn't have as much uptake, and I think it's just because Italy is a destination where more and more people are going to now...we saw a lot of uptake in people wanting more of an exotic destination, one that you don't necessarily consider going to," said Winters.
The Travel Club website highlights some of the plans for the trip's itenerary, including Plitvice Lakes National Park (pictured above). Winters said the landmarks, culture, and cuisine are all reasons why the Chamber picked Croatia.
"Croatia just seemed like a really cool destination that not a lot of people would've went to on their own," said Winters.
Not a member of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce? Don't worry: you don't need a membership to go. The Travel Club is open to any Parkland resident wanting to go.
"Parkland focused, chamber members, non-members, it doesn't matter," said Winters.
The Parkland Travel Club aims to give anyone wanting to travel a bit more comfort by arranging travel with people from the Parkland.
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Wednesday marks McHappy Day, and McDonald's restaurants in Dauphin and Swan River are supporting the cause.
This year, owner Mahir Patel has partnered with École Swan River South School. In Dauphin, both Henderson Elementary School and Tinker Bell Nursery School will benefit.
75 percent of the funds collected on Wednesday will stay local. The remaining 25 percent goes towards the Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg.
When you head to McDonald's in Swan River and Dauphin on Wednesday, don't forget to pick up some merchandise.
"We have unique tote bags, four different hats, which is a surprise," added Patel. "We also have collectible socks."
10 percent of your purchases on Wednesday will go to support the cause.
According to recent data, the Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg supports over 1,600 families per year through its overnight accommodation and day-use programs.
"In 2025, 56 Dauphin families have used the Ronald McDonald House, adding up to 488 nights," ended Patel. "If I were to talk about Swan River, 26 families used the program."
So whether it's your morning coffee, a burger at lunch, or dinner for the family, your purchase at the Dauphin and Swan River McDonald's on Wednesday supports a great cause.
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More than 20 families and nearly 100 people were forced out of their homes on the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation due to severe flooding in July of 2014.
McKenzie McDonald and her family were among those who evacuated. They moved around the Parkland, spent time in Brandon, and then moved to Winnipeg. The family spent three years in Winnipeg before moving back home.
She finished middle school on the First Nation before completing her high school studies at Rorketon School. She graduated in June of 2023. Just months later, McKenzie moved back to Manitoba's capital. She enrolled in pre-law at the University of Winnipeg in September of 2023.
"I always wanted to be a lawyer growing up," said McDonald. "I did my one year there. I took criminal justice, political science, conflict resolution, and rhetoric writing.
Growing up, writing was a major hobby of McKenzie's, along with reading and drawing. In June of 2024, McDonald moved back to her home community on the Ochi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation and started as a cashier at the band store.
She spent less than three weeks as a cashier before she was quickly promoted to assistant manager at the store. Earlier this year, McKenzie noticed an opening at the Healing Lodge in the community. She didn't think much of it at the start because she was comfortable and enjoying her role at the band store.
Ultimately, McKenzie went in for an interview on February 2. She got the job on the spot. She took the role of members' finance manager. She's in charge of the members' finances and helps them with their budgets.
"I felt very honoured to be given such a great position," added McDonald. "I still feel very fortunate. I love the work I do, it's a great job."
The O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi Healing Lodge is an Indigenous-run men's correctional facility. It's designed to rehabilitate its members through cultural, spiritual, and holistic methods.
Now three months into her new career, McKenzie has enjoyed every moment.
"I think for me, it's seeing all the members progress through their journeys," added McDonald. "I try to help them stay positive. Many of them like to save their money so they have some footing when they leave. It's seeing them do better."
Late last week, the Southern Chiefs Organization posted on Facebook saluting McKenzie for her incredible job and work ethic.
"Again, I feel very honoured," commented McDonald. "I wasn't expecting a post like that. It's a lot, I feel very proud of myself."
While McKenzie has pondered moving back to the city to continue her schooling, she's happy to have stayed in her home community alongside her family and friends.
"It's very nice. It was good in the city, but out here, it's a beautiful place," ended McDonald. "Either way, I'm grateful. I ended up staying here, and I'm happy where I am."
As for the future, McDonald plans on staying in the law and government system. It's been her passion since she was young.
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On May 3rd, Dauphin RCMP executed a search warrant at a home on Hawthorne Avenue, and arrested a man found in a hidden room in the home.
In a news release, RCMP say officers from the RCMP Manitoba West District General Investigation Section, along with Dauphin RCMP and Dauphin Police Dog Services, entered the home after announcing themselves.
RCMP searched the home and found a hidder room behind a fake wall. Inside the room, RCMP found various weapons, and a trap door which led to another hidden room. After 20 minutes, the suspect came out of the second hidden room and was taken into custody without incident.
Jayson Mcdougall of Dauphin has been charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and resisting arrest. He had previously been charged with several things, including flight from a peace officer and theft over $5,000. The other occupant of the home was arrested and charged with obstructing police, and was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.
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The Swan River Sharps Committee is getting set to host its spring cleanup event on Wednesday.
It'll take place from 11:00 to 1:00. It begins at the Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre.
Lesley Sembaluk is the executive director at the Friendship Centre.
"We're hoping for it to be a community-wide event," said Sembaluk. "It's not just for sharps. The focus is garbage and stuff like that. If someone encounters a sharp object, people can let someone who has training, and they'll go pick it up."
At last year's event, dozens of community members stepped up. This year, it's your turn. There will be prizes, snacks, and fun for people of all ages.
"You know when the snow melts, you see all kinds of garbage on the ground," continued Sembaluk. "Whether it's shopping bags or coffee cups. Everything feels dirty and grimy after the first melt. It's really nice to get that refreshed look in the community."
Focus areas for the cleanup are the rodeo grounds, the parks around the community, and areas where kids go to enjoy.
The cleanup is done annually, so everyone has a space they can enjoy.
"You know, you see people throw stuff out of their windows. It's more of a common-sense thing, if you finish your cup of coffee, don't throw it out of your window," ended Sembaluk. "There are garbage cans for a reason. Dispose of them properly."
Last year, community members filled up two big garbage dumpsters.
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Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Monday, the Dauphin Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 200 block of 8th Avenue Southwest in Dauphin.
"Upon arrival, the crews found the home was fully engulfed in fire," said Cam Abrey, Fire Chief. "Unfortunately, there was one pet lost as a result of the fire that was still in the home."
Besides the pet, all other occupants were able to get out of the home. The fire was determined to be accidental because of unattended cooking.
In April, crews responded to a structure fire on 4th Avenue Northeast in Dauphin. That was also determined to be accidental due to unattended cooking.
"The biggest thing is don't leave the kitchen when something is on the stove top," added Abrey. "There have been catchy slogans during Fire Prevention Week in the past. Stand by your pan or watch what you heat to bring awareness to unattended kitchen fires. That seems to be the number one cause of residential home fires."
Abrey thanked the firefighters who responded to the blaze.
"They were on scene for six hours trying to save as much as they could," ended Abrey. "Given the fire conditions at the time of arrival, that was very difficult as the fire spread quite rapidly."
The home is a complete loss.
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The City of Dauphin held their 2026 Financial Plan Public Hearing last night, showcasing this year's changes to both expected revenue and expenses for the city.
One of the top notes: a 5% municipal tax increase for 2026. Sharla Griffiths, City Manager, said there were several things that led to that decision for this year, especially looking at the city's reserve fund. This year saw the City draw around $3 million from the reserve fund to help fund certain projects across the city.
"What we did is we looked at what's in those reserves, what are we wanting to do, how much can we pull from our savings accounts or reserves to make the budget work, and as everybody knows, prices are going up everywhere, and so we want to minimize the amount that we were going to increase the taxes, and we settled on a 5% increase...our reserves fluctuate up and down, year to year, based on what projects we actually get to do. So our reserves were quite healthy at the beginning of 2026, over $12 million, and drawing them down by a net $3 million still leaves $9.4 million in it, but we are looking at doing things like the Craft District, and some economic development incentives, and things like that," said Griffiths.
The financial plan included a very large increase, about 33%, in a category called "Fiscal Services". What exactly is fiscal services? Griffiths said it's a show that the city is actively investing in the community with large projects.
"Fiscal services are the capital projects, the big stuff, adding infrastructure, things like that. The biggest thing that we have for this year is the childcare facility. So a few years back now, the province announced childcare facilities for several communities in Manitoba, the City of Dauphin was one of them," said Griffiths.
With the amount of projects the city is working on this year, pulling $3 million from reserves definitely wouldn't be enough to fund all of them. After the 2026 financial plan, the city has around $10.6 million of debt from borrowing. Griffiths said that, especially when it's for community investment, debt isn't always a bad thing for the city. And when it comes to those big projects, Dauphin certainly has a good number of them.
"Debt isn't necessarily bad if it's something big that's an investment in our community, and we use our debt to fund the big projects, like big drainage and big lagoon this year...over the last couple years we've had 2 very large projects. Our lagoon project is valued at about $22 million, and the City of Dauphin is on the hook for about $13 million of that," said Griffiths.
To put this year's debt and reserves in perspective, one major project from last year was the south end drainage project, which saw Main Street South redone to improve drainage capability.
"That project was about $9 million, and we had to fund about $6 million on our own. So again, we had to do some of our own money from our reserves, and some borrowing for that," said Griffiths.
The financial plan also outlined the city's 3 priority areas as well: safety and security, which detailed protective services spending on the RCMP contract, the Craft District, a planned rejuvination of downtown, and active transportation, with a small portion of the budget going to trail relocation and expansion.
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