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RCMP from Ste Rose have laid charges following a break and enter to the general store in Ebb & Flow. 

Mounties were called to the scene around 3:20 AM on Friday, and found a suspect with a toboggan full of groceries and cigarettes. 

A 26-year-old man has been charged with break and enter, possession of break in instruments, and disguise with intent to commit an offence. 

He was released on a promise to appear in court at a later date.  

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The RCMP says 2 male youths are charged with common nuisance - endanger life after pointing firearms at a moving vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway on April 9th. 

Officers initiated a high-risk traffic stop on the vehicle after it was located, and safety took the 2 males into custody without incident. 

After the stop, the firearms were examined, and turned out to be toys. 

Both the males, 1 from southwest of Winnipeg and 1 from southwest of Portage la Prairie, were released on undertakings. 

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An investigation is underway after a theft at the Ebb and Flow High School.

A suspect or suspects are believed to have stolen 25 laptops, a 75-inch smartboard, and 60 scientific calculators. They're believed to have entered through the side entrance of the adult education building. It's located on the north side of the school.

If you have any information, call the Ste. Rose RCMP at 447-3082. 

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Sheri Chomenchuk is gearing up to host another annual Gilbert Plains Spring Market a week from today. Even though it's still a week away, it sounds like it's pretty busy already. 

"We are full so I do not have any space for any more vendors. Our market is April 18th from 10:00 until 4:00, and we have a wide variety of different vendors," said Chomenchuk. 

The market's lineup puts a very big focus on local businesses and sellers. There's no doubt that the market will have something for everyone. 

"Pampered Chef, we have Norwex, we have Spiced Soul which is tea, we have WoodChuck Crafts from Swan River, we have homemade cards...we have Afterglow Soapery, we have jewelry, we have spices, Rooted in Grandview, we have Lisa's Crafts and Creations, some more woodworking, some painting," said Chomenchuk. 

Shopping aside, the market itself has a lot of strong community support. Each year, the market donates proceeds to various organizations. This year's recipient is sure to put smiles on many young faces. 

"We've been doing this at least 6 years, and usually they're a very good turnout, we have lots of people that like to support us...this year, we are going to make a donation to Daily Discoveries, which is our local daycare," said Chomenchuk. 

The Spring Market takes place at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall in Gilbert Plains next Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 

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Earlier this week, the Manitoba government issued their updated Spring Flood Outlook for April, which includes an increased flood risk for the Fisher River Basin in the Interlake. 

In the release, the province says the combination of delayed sprign melt, above-normal snowpack, and the potential for rapid runoff are some of the reasons why the Fisher River Basin's flood risk has been increased to a high risk. 

Snow surveys show the basin's snow-water equivalent could reach 110 millimetres, almost double the long-term average for the area, and comparable to major flood years like 2014 and 2022. 

In other regions, the province says conditons are steady. The Red River, Assiniboine River, Souris, Saskatchewan, and Carrot Rivers all have a continued moderate flood risk. 

Overland flooding can still ovvur if rapid melt combines with rainfall in a short period, especially if drainage systems don't melt. The province recommends that Manitobans living near rivers or low-lying areas continue to monitor for flood alerts. 

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Two females in Swan River were sprayed with bear mace earlier this week.

On Wednesday at 7:50 p.m., Swan River RCMP responded to the incident at a home on 5th Avenue South in the community. A man approached the home and spoke with the women through an open kitchen window.

The man, who knew both victims, pulled out the bear mace and sprayed both of them.

The victims were transported by a friend to the hospital for treatment. A short distance away, officers located Littlewind Sakayiguna and arrested him.

The 25-year-old faces several charges, including assault with a weapon.

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In 2024, Parks Canada put a ban on motorized boats on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park when zebra mussels were found in the lake. 

The ban was lifted in January of 2025 because there was nothing that could be done to stop them.

Then, right before the Long Weekend in 2025, the then-superintendent reversed her decision and reinstated the ban.

All of a sudden, there were again no motorized watercraft on the lake during the summer. 

Trevor Boquist is a representative from the cottage owners' association on Fairness for Clear Lake.

He says that decision sent everything into a tailspin.

"The lake is a place that we all go for tranquillity," said Boquist. "We love the activities that we can do, and we can spend time with family and friends. It's supposed to be a joyous place. For the summer of 2025, it wasn't."

Earlier this week, motorized watercraft owners in the area received news they've been patiently waiting for. The ban on motorized watercraft on Clear Lake has been lifted for the summer of 2026. 

As part of Wednesday's announcement, there will be a new watercraft management plan that includes an expanded no-wake zone to help protect shorelines.

Currently, under Transport Canada's vessel operation restrictions, vessels are limited to operating a maximum of 10 kilometres per hour within 30 metres of shore. 

The plan includes a mandatory tagging program, two weekly non-motorized days, and designated dawn and dusk "quiet" periods for non-motorized use only.

"Look, we're really pleased that there's a pathway forward to get motorized boats back on the lake," said Boquist. "We knew that boats going back on the lake weren't going to look exactly as they did before."

Tom Sheldon is the new superintendent at Riding Mountain National Park. He's been in the job for roughly seven months. He said he was grateful for all of the meetings and feedback he's received since starting the role. 

"We think he's done an excellent job of engaging all stakeholders, people, and visitors to really get an understanding," continued Boquist. "He's probably spent more time talking to people over the last five to six months than the previous superintendent did during her entire five years."

All watercraft, fishing gear, wetsuits, and inflatables must be inspected by Parks Canada staff and decontaminated as necessary.

The Clean, Drain, Dry protocol must be followed. Motorized watercraft are only allowed on Clear Lake and must be secured to your trailer with a Parks Canada tag when not on the water.

Non-motorized watercraft, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and water equipment, must choose one annual permit. This permit is for Clear Lake or other outlying lakes within RMNP. 

The boating season is right around the corner, and if you've never enjoyed everything Clear Lake has to offer, Boquist says, check it out this summer.

"It's a great, clear lake, no pun intended," ended Boquist. "It's a very special place. We want it to continue being a special place, so we are thrilled there is a pathway to get boats back on the lake."

The new watercraft management plan could be implemented as early as 2027. 

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The lineup is set. 

Dauphin's Countryfest returns to the iconic Selo Ukraina from June 25 to 28. On Friday morning, Countryfest announced its final lineup.

A major addition to the event is Charlie Major. Major is the winner of three JUNO Awards, and he has seven Canadian Country Music Association Awards. In 2019, he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

He'll headline on the Co-op Hilltop Stage on Sunday night.

"Yeah, we love Charlie. He always puts on such an incredible show," said Kamryn Winters. "He does so well. It's exciting to bring him back again."

Rounding out the lineup for this year are Aaron Pritchett, Toque, and Kates Outlaw. 

The festival opens on Thursday, and what a party it'll be. JJ Wilde headlines the Rocking Thursday Night Kick-Off Party. In 2021, JJ became the first woman to win the Rock Album of the Year Award at the JUNO Awards since Alanis Morissette won in 1996. 

"She's really great. She has opened for a ton of huge rock bands," added Winters. "She just finished a tour. She played the Burt Block Party last year and was great."

The main stage kicks into gear on Friday, and Tyler Hubbard will headline the night. The Hunter Brothers and Owen Riegling are also on Friday on the main stage.

Jelly Roll headlines the main stage on Saturday. Cameron Whitcomb also performs on the main stage on Saturday. 

On Sunday, Nate Smith will headline the main stage. Brett Kissel, Thelma and James also perform on the main stage on Sunday.

Tickets for the party of the summer are on sale now. It's currently tier three pricing, which is $369 plus taxes and fees.

You can also secure a camping spot in the Fisher campground and lower reserved. You can purchase them here, by calling 622-3700 or heading to 28 - 2nd Avenue NE. 

"Yeah, like lock in those passes," ended Winters. "Come for the weekend, it's going to be a really great weekend."

Dauphin's Countryfest is loading and runs June 25-28, 2026. 

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Last month, Prairie Mountain Health showed off Ste. Rose to a new doctor slated to start working there soon: Dr. Saleema Arif. 

New doctors expected to start working in several Parkland communities this fall are the result of expanded recruitment efforts by PMH, said Tamara Kemp-Boulet, Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for PMH. 

"The whole day was a collaboration between the community and the medical facility for certain, we were able to have lunch with all of the doctors and some of the staff which was lovely. Everbody made [Dr. Arif] feel so welcome, we toured the primary care bulding, we toured the clinic, we toured the hopsital as far as the medical side of it, and she was able to meet many people that she will be working with, and get a good idea of where she's going to be located...we're so excited to have quite a few [new doctors] coming to PMH through the different programs," said Kemp-Boulet. 

Prairie Mountain Health has a few programs designed to boost their recruitment, with some specifically designed for international doctors to be put in rural communities. 

"We have 2 different programs that are a little more focused to rural family practice. They are both for physicans that are internationally trained, and then they come to Canada, there's a whole process for them to get accepted into either one of these programs. They have to go through assessments, and residency training, and then they have return of services to rural sites in Manitoba," said Kemp-Boulet. 

Kemp-Boulet also said not only Ste. Rose will be getting a new doctor. There will be a number of Parkland communities that will see new doctors from their recruitment programs. 

"We're really fortunate this year, we have 7 coming out of the MLPIMG program and they'll be starting in the fall, with Dr. Arif being one of them, and then through the PRAFP program we have probably about another 6 or 7 throughout the year being placed into the rural communities in PMH...2 in Minnedosa, 2 in Killarney, 1 in Rossburn Shoal Lake split, and then you'll have your one in Ste. Rose, and 1 in Russell," said Kemp-Boulet. 

Kemp-Boulet said most of the new doctors to start this Fall have already visited the communities they'll be working in. 

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On Friday, April 10th, the Parkland Christian Assembly will present a Community Concert at 7 pm at Rossburn Community Hall.

There is going to be a pie auction taking place. Decker Hutterite Colony Choir, Jared Shingoose and others will all be there. Lunch has an additional cost.

If you're interested, call 204-796-0245. All proceeds will be donated to the Daycare Expansion.

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The Watson Youth Arts Committee's Stars of Tomorrow Variety Night will be a good way for youth interested in the arts to show off their skills, and for members of the community to see their talents. 

Sho-Sho Shuttleworth-Lafontaine, Chair of the Watson Youth Arts Committee, said last year's show went really well, so it makes sense to keep it going this year. 

"We tried it for the first time last year, and it was very successful. At that time, I thought it would be just a really good way of building some community pride, as well as helping out the youth with their confidence and mental health, and teamwork, collaboration," said Shuttleworth-Lafontaine. 

Last year's show had a wide variety of different acts, including singers, dancers, and other performers. This year's show is set to have 2 youth rock bands, and lots of other talent. But they aren't booked up just yet, youths can still sign up if they're interested. 

"We are looking for any kind of act that's out there. If there is a youth out there that would like to bring their show on the road and on the stage, we'd love to have them," said Shuttleworth-Lafontaine. 

The show is set to take place on Wednesday, April 15th, doors opening at 6:00 PM, and is open to youth 21 or under. To sign up, contact the Watson Art Centre at 204-638-6231. 

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