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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Yesterday's severe weather around Dauphin and in much of southern Manitoba is just scratching the surface of this year's severe weather season for the Prairies.
Danielle Desjardins, Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada said yesterday saw 3 confimred tornadoes in Manitoba, with a 4th unconfirmed sighting near Dauphin.
"Still have not confirmed the Dauphin tornado at this time, did receive a report of a tornado about 10 kilometres southeast of Dauphin. If anyone has any pictures or damage reports from the area, we are actively seeking pictures of the suspected tornado...that will help us determine exactly what it was, whether it was a tornado, sometimes there are different types of clouds that may or may not look like a tornado, but this is a suspected tornado," said Desjardins.
If you have any pictures or video of yesterday's suspected tornado near Dauphin, you can contact Environment Canada by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by using the hashtag #MBStorm on social media. Environment Canada uses pictures or video of tornadoes and severe weather in a lot of ways.
"That also helps the forecasters potentially warn others of inclement weather, so it's also very important to also report severe weather, that can be done by either phoning us, over email, or hashtagging on social media as well...especially with a situation such as a possible tornado, getting a warning out even minutes earlier could potentially save lives," said Desjardins.
We can definitely say yesterday's storm and severe weather was the worst of the year for Dauphin...so far. Desjardins said we're just at the start of severe weather season for the prairies, and it usually lasts a while. When you get the kind of weather we have been lately, it's usually not a great sign for severe weather.
"This is the beginning of severe weather season for the southern prairies, southern Manitoba, typically starts around May sometimes and lasts through until about the end of August or so, with peak being end of June, early July...with all the really hot weather we've been having, the moisture that came in yesterday, this was anticipated for yesterday, and we're expecting that this is just the beginning of severe weather season, so there's likely more to come as the season progresses," said Desjardins.
With severe weather a concern this season, Environment Canada recommends preparing an Emergency Preparedness Kit. Click here to visit their website for an Emergency Kit Checklist.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
In 22 days, the party of the summer begins.
Dauphin's Countryfest returns south of Dauphin from June 25 to 28, and what a weekend it'll be. While you've missed out on your chance to get VIP passes and select campgrounds if you haven't yet, tickets are still available to join the fun.
Four-day general admission tickets are $418.95. There's also a great promotion going on right now, "Two Step & Stay". For $738 plus taxes and fees, you can get two weekend passes, plus a free campsite in Fisher regular.
"You know what, things are going well. We're getting the site all ready, guys are working hard to make sure everything is shiny and ready to go," said Duane McMaster, president. "Tickets and wristbands have been shipped out since the end of last month. People are starting to get excited. It's going to be an incredible weekend."
The four-day party opens on Thursday with the Rockin' Kick Off Party. It'll feature The Haileys, Leddwyn, and JJ Wilde.
Tyler Hubbard shuts down the main stage on Friday from 10:30 to close. Jelly Roll headlines the main stage on Saturday, and Nate Smith shuts down the party on Sunday night.
Hunter Brothers, Cameron Whitcomb, Brett Kissel, and Owen Riegling. A star-studded lineup that McMaster is very proud of.
"We probably haven't had anything this good in the last eight to 10 years," continued McMaster. "We really pulled out all the stops this year in response to our patrons wanting the big names; they have been missing them. They want big-name entertainment, we found them, and we brought them in."
No day passes are being sold this year. That means the only way to access the grounds is to purchase a weekend pass.
Then once you do arrive on Thursday, you don't have to worry about going anywhere. There are some great food trucks, on-site booze, and entertainment from day to night.
There is no party quite like Dauphin's Countryfest, and you can be a part of the magic.
"The problem of having a drink or two and worrying about how you'll get home," ended McMaster. "It's just one stop. You go in, park yourself, and enjoy yourself for four days. Come Monday, you pack everything up and then head home. You leave with great memories, and everyone gets home safely."
Get your tickets here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO) Grand Chief Jerry Daniels says no family should be left carrying unanswered questions while grieving such a profound loss.
Mary Bull-Sinclair died at her grandmother's home in the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation on March 21, 2026. Five days earlier, she broke her arm while sledding. Paramedics had told Mary's mother, Cerina, to prepare for a trip to Winnipeg's Children's Hospital.
Cerina packed bags, but the trip never happened.
"Mary's only stop was at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, where she was diagnosed with a broken arm," said Burton Flett, spokesperson for the family. "Mary was then discharged without any care plan in place. She only received a note that she would have to stay out of school for two weeks."
Mary returned home in agonizing pain. She had to sleep sitting up in a chair, propped up by pillows. During the car ride home, Mary cried each time the vehicle drove over a bump.
"It is difficult to live this memory of our beloved Mary being in so much pain," added Flett.
On March 20 at 4:00 a.m., Mary and her family returned to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre. She was given a new sling and discharged again. She was given no medication. The only medication she had was Advil and Tylenol.
On Saturday, March 21, Mary's family noticed there was discoloration on her chest. Mary asked her mother to make baked spaghetti. The plan was to eat and watch a movie together. Mary's grandmother, Annette, checked in on Mary that afternoon and noticed she was sleeping on her broken arm.
Cerina went to check on Mary. She cried out for help. At this point, Mary's fingers were turning purple, and fluid was coming out of her mouth and nose. An ambulance was called for Mary, but it was too late. She passed away that day.
"No other family should be forced to go through a similar tragedy," added Burton. "Mary was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, and a cherished citizen of the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation. She was deeply loved. We are gathered to remember Mary and seek answers about the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing."
The Southern Chiefs' Organization is standing alongside the family of Mary as they seek answers. SCO’s Health Transformation Team is working alongside the family to help ensure their concerns are heard and that they have access to appropriate advocacy and support throughout the process.
SCO is calling for a thorough and transparent review of the medical care provided to Mary and will work with the family to help ensure their concerns are heard throughout the process.
"We are here to listen and to ensure their voices are heard," said Grand Chief Daniels. "And that her memory matters. We owe it to her family and community to ensure every question is examined carefully and that any lessons learned here lead to meaningful change."
Daniels says they aren't pre-judging any investigation, but believes the family deserves transparency, dignity, and accountability when concerns are raised about the care of a loved one.
SCO notes that Indigenous-specific racism and inequitable treatment within health care systems continue to be documented across Canada.
"Unfortunately, many First Nations families continue to report experiences where they feel their concerns have been minimized, dismissed, or treated differently within the health care system," ended Daniels. "We must continue working together to eliminate barriers and build a system that is admirable, culturally safe, and responsible for First Nations citizens."
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mary’s death. The family has consented to an in-depth autopsy and additional testing
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
June is Pride Month.
The Village of Winnipegosis lights up in colour on Sunday, June 14, to celebrate. Winnipegosis Pride enters its fifth year.
Cyndie Blyth, organizer, says it's going to be an incredible day.
"You know, we have had all sorts of support from our community and community businesses," said Blythe. "Things have gone very well. Lots of fun times and great speakers. Every single event has been meaningful to someone who attended, and that's how I measure success."
The main objective of Winnipegosis Pride is to support, educate, celebrate, and entertain the local 2SLGBTQ+ community with inclusive, family-friendly events.
"Even one life enriched or one person informed is helpful to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the long game of advocating for equality and diversity."
There will be drag queens from Winnipeg, food vendors, informational games, a photo booth, and inspirational speakers.
Then, back by popular demand, there will be a parade.
"We will stage at 3:30 and start walking at 4:00 around the Village of Winnipegosis," continued Blythe. "Anyone can join. Dress up and come join the parade. It's going to be a full day of events from 11:00 to 5:00. Jam-packed with lots of food, entertainment, information, and hopefully, great weather."
Blythe estimates that between 75 and 100 people each year take part in the first four editions. Cyndie and her wife will be two of the speakers.
Cyndie grew up in the American Midwest with no role models, no positive representation, she didn't feel normal, no opportunities to date, or explore her sexuality in any kind of healthy way. She was well into her 40s before she could accept herself as gay.
Her wife didn't realize she was gay until her late 40s. Her story will share how she didn't know until that age. Blythe wants to give the message that you're not alone, you're not the only one. No matter how dark things may seem, it gets better.
"You know, I'm standing here to say it's possible to and you should have every expectation of growing up and having an absolutely normal life," ended Blythe. "You know, get married, have kids. I would have never believed that when I was a young person. Be a role model. You can not only be a successful adult, but a successful professional and be queer. That's what we're trying to say by speaking. Here's how I got to where I am: it wasn't a bed of roses, but it got better."
Dauphin will host its fourth annual walk with pride on Saturday, June 13. It will be from 12:00 to 5:00 at Maamawi Park.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The City of Dauphin has made a change at the Residential Recycling Depot.
Effective immediately, only cardboard will be accepted.
In recent years, contamination and the disposal of non-recyclable materials at the depot have increased significantly, making it difficult to maintain the site and ensure it is being used as intended. This change is intended to reduce misuse, improve site conditions, and help preserve this recycling service for residents.
When using the depot, flatten all cardboard before placing it in the bin, place cardboard inside the bin, and use your home recycling bin for all other accepted materials.
The City of Dauphin thanks you for your cooperation.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 29-year-old man from Grandview faces a charge of assaulting a police officer.
On Friday, May 29, the Ste. Rose RCMP responded to a report of two men fighting on Highway 68, in the RM of Alonsa. While officers didn't see the fight, they did notice an intoxicated man who had almost been hit by a passing vehicle. The officers called one of his relatives and arranged to drop him off at a location in Ste. Rose.
When officers arrived at the address and met the relative, the man became agitated and began walking towards the road. Officers attempted to arrest him under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act, but the man pushed the officer to the ground.
He is also charged with resisting a police officer.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A Swan River man has been charged following reports of a break-in in Dauphin over the weekend.
RCMP in the city were alerted just after 7 am on Saturday about an individual breaking into a shed on a residential property on 3rd Avenue North East.
A suspect fled the scene, but was found by police a short distance away, hiding in a dumpster.
38-year-old Brendan Komarnicki remains in custody, and has been charged with break and enter, and mischief under $5,000.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The previous council reached out to Bell MTS after years of spotty service in St. Laurent.
In 2022, a new council was voted in, headed by Reeve Richard Chartrand. The council's priority was to get a cell tower for the area. They were promised it would be done in 2023, but it wasn't. Chartrand and the council began lobbying their local MLA and MP.
They then began reaching out to ratepayers, who wanted to know what they could do with the spotty cell service.
"Everyone knows that if you're coming up Highway 6 and you approach Lake Francis and you're on the phone, you have to tell people you're coming up to the dead zone, I'll call you back in 10 minutes when the service picks up again," Chartrand told CKDM NewsNow. "Then there are other various dead spots as well."
The Fire Department, ambulance, and the RCMP all commented on how they've had dropped calls at times.
Chartrand encouraged ratepayers to get in touch with their providers and tell them you're not happy with the cell service.
"Some of the providers actually started giving credits on cell bills because of the poor service," added Chartrand.
In 2025, the municipality received notice from Bell Media that it would put up a cell tower. The original completion date was March 2026. Due to frost in the ground and soft road conditions, they could not complete it at that time.
Bell Media provided an update that the tower will be complete by the end of this month.
"I think it's going to be fantastic," ended Chartrand. "I'm glad this will finally come to fruition."
On June 20, Chartrand and the council will host an open house at the recreation centre. It's open to the public and will feature different vendors, including Community Futures. The Fire Department, the RCMP, and by-law enforcement will also be in attendance.
Chartrand thanks the ratepayers who reached out and pushed for the tower over the years.
"I believe that if the cell tower is up by June 20, it would give us bragging rights. Here is one of the things you really pushed for. With the cooperation of you and Bell Media, we have this thing up," he ended. "It would be icing on the cake if we could have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 20."
The open house runs from 11:00 to 2:00.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Manitoba Summer Fair gets underway at the Provincial Exhibition tomorrow in Brandon, and runs through June 7th. From food trucks and vendors to entertainment, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Tim Rowan, President of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, said they've been hard at work getting everything ready, and it's just about set.
"Prep's been going good, we had North American Midway land in last week, they started setting up Thursday, we're just going through safety checks to make sure all the equipment's up and running, and it's gonna be a safe fair...we do have some really really good entertainment coming in on our main stage in the Manitoba room," said Rowan.
Some of their performers include Wayne Lee, back by popular demand after the Winter Fair, a Summer Fair staple in Doodles the Clown, and several Ukrainian and El Salvadorian dance groups.
One fun bonus of this year's fair is North American Midway brought a couple of rides to the Great White North for the first time: The Downdraft and the Super Miami. Rowan said he's excited to see them in action.
"We have 2 brand new rides to the fair this year, and they're actually making their Canadian debut here in Brandon. We're the first stop for North American Midway before they go to Winnipeg and off to Calgary Stampede, so we have the Downdraft, that's a new ride, and we have the Super Miami, so those are both brand new to Canada, and again making their debut here in Canada...I haven't got on them yet, we're doing some runs tonight just to make sure things are working, but I'll give them a try, but I'm sure they'll be great," said Rowan.
In his 7 years of experience with the Provincial Exhibition, Rowan's been able to see first-hand a lot of the inner workings of the fair, and has helped with some key decisions to improve the fair. One major improvement this year is increased safety and security, including partnerships with the Brandon Police Service and other security groups. Considering the forecast as well, weather is a bit of a concern this year, but you can expect smiles whether it's rain or shine.
"As an organization, we've really put a focus on a safe family event...there's always a chance of rain in the forecast, but what we tell people, there's a hundred percent chance of fun if they come to the fair," said Rowan.
If you get tickets before midnight tonight, it's just $50 for entry and an unlimited ride pass. After tonight, tickets are $13 for anyone 13 and older on Wednesday and Thursday, and $15 Friday through Sunday. Kids 6 to 12 are $10 every day, and kids 5 and under are free.
For more details or to purchase tickets, click here to visit the Provincial Exhibition's website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Yesterday at around 1:45 PM, Roblin RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision, at the intersection of Provincial Road 484 and Road 153 North.
When officers arrived, they found a flipped semi-truck blocking the road, which had collided with a van that sustained significant damage.
The 42 year old driver of the van, a man from Roblin, died at the scene. The 31 year old driver of the semi, also from Roblin, was taken to hospital in serious but non-life-threatening condition.
At this time, RCMP believe the van was travelling northbound on Provincial Road 484, and the semi was travelling westbound on Road 153 North. The intersection is controlled by stop signs for east and westbound traffic.
Roblin RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the collision.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
