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Before the snow, Tuesday saw a good bit of snow melting, which means potholes on Dauphin's roads were exposed for the first time.
Darrell Aitkin, Acting Director of Public Works and Operations for the City of Dauphin, said potholes are definitely something they're aware of, but right now they have bigger fish to fry. Or in this case, roads to clear.
"We're gonna start to address some as soon as the snow has gone away, and also we need to be able to make sure that the frost is gone too, or else we'll put something in and then it'll get knocked out right away, so we're coming up with a strategy to deal with all these potholes," said Aitkin.
Not all potholes are created equal: Aitken said that any potholes 2 to 3 inches deep or more should be reported to the city, especially if they're on main roadways.
Aitken said the city is hoping to change how they find and fix potholes using technology, which they're already setting aside part of the budget for.
"So we're budgeting for some AI software that will allow us to drive and monitor all the sizes of potholes, and then we can assess them on our screen, we can see where they are, and then we can develop a strategic plan to deal with all of them," said Aitken.
Though he didn't say when they expect to have the AI software operational, Aitken's comments on using technology to help keep track of potholes shows the city isn't just sweeping them under the rug.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Grandview Agricultural Community Centre has good reason to celebrate. Shovels will be in the ground for the new ice plant this year, after many months and many fundraising events.
Alia Marcinkow, Grandview & District Recreation Commission Chair, said their upcoming End to End Gala is a great way to show their appreciation for everyone who's helped, and give the project another small kick of funding.
"We will be having a really nice dinner catered by one of our local ladies, from there we're also going to have some silent auction prizes, and a rainbow auction, and also a live auction for a couple of very special items we have received...it's just going to be a night of merryment to celebrate hopefully the end of our fundraising, that's why we called it End to End, cause you skate from end to end on a hockey rink and you throw Rocks end to end, and we kind of feel like this is the end to end of our fundraising efforts, since our ice plant is going in this September," said Marcinkow.
The auctions are a big part of this event's way to raise funds, and Marcinkow said the live auction should be exciting, especially with the quality of those special items they received.
"There's going to be a few jerseys, and one of them is a very up and coming NHL-er, who's been said that he is in the leagues with Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, he's kind of the next big thing, so that's pretty exciting," said Marcinkow.
They're well on their way to selling out the event. Tickets are $60, and going fast. Marcinkow said she hopes to see a sold out crowd, even if it means it gets packed.
"We are hoping to sell out at 300, which would be quite stuffed in there, but we are over halfway there which is wonderful," said Marcinkow.
The End to End Gala takes place at the GKCC, in the same parking lot as the GACC, and will be held on April 18th starting at 5:00 PM. The purchase deadline is April 15th. Tickets can be purchased at Grandview Home Hardware, Gilbert Plains Co-op, or by contacting Ice Plant Fundraising Committee members. You can also message the Grandview & District Recreation Commission Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The great clear begins on Thursday.
Beginning at 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, City of Dauphin crews will be clearing the full length of Main Street, including River Avenue. You're asked not to park on these roadways overnight to allow crews to complete their work safely and efficiently.
Some sections may be temporarily closed while crews complete their work.
You're also asked to give the equipment plenty of room to operate.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
For the first time in three years, you'll be hearing motorized watercraft on Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park when you visit.
On Wednesday, Parks Canada announced it is lifting the boat ban that was in place for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The ban was in place as the government tried to prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels. There will be a new watercraft management plan.
The plan includes an expanded no-wake zone to help protect shorelines, two weekly non-motorized days, and designated dawn and dusk "quiet" periods for non-motorized use only. Complete details are being finalized and will be shared with visitors and stakeholders before the operating season in May.
Parks Canada intends to launch a fee structure to support the implementation of lake management activities in the future. The fee will be developed during public consultation this year. Potential implementation will be in 2027. The decision to allow motorized watercraft came after several months of public engagement, consultation with Indigenous partners, ongoing environmental monitoring, and a comprehensive third-party review.
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.
NewsNow has reached out to Clear Lake, the office of Dan Mazier, and Fairness for Clear Lake for comment. Stay tuned for comments when they become available.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
For the past couple of years, Dauphin's Countryfest has been giving away free Thursday day passes for graduating high school students.
This year, there will be no day passes as only weekend passes are available. For you graduating students, don't worry, Dauphin's Countryfest is still thinking about you. If you're set to graduate from high school this year, you can get a graduate-exclusive pass for $309 plus taxes and fees.
Tier one and two general weekend passes have already sold out. That means graduates can save $60 on tier three prices, which are currently $369 plus taxes and fees.
"We still wanted to do something to encourage the graduates and give them a little break to come out," said McMaster. "We came up with this promotion to go back and offer our tier one pricing for graduates, even though they technically missed out on that price."
If you are an upcoming graduate looking to take advantage of this sweet deal, you must call 622-3700 or head to the office at 28 - 2nd Avenue NE. This option is not available online and will be available until June 1.
The 2026 festival features a stacked lineup including Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, Tyler Hubbard, Brett Kissel, and the Hunter Brothers, to name a few.
"We're going to be announcing right away the rest of the lineup for the event," added McMaster. "I know people are looking forward to finding out the rest of the lineup."
The final lineup will be announced on Friday, and you can hear it here on 730CKDM on the Alec Woolston Morning Show.
For non-graduates looking to get in on the party of the summer, tier three tickets can be purchased here.
"You know what, I think it's about getting together with friends and celebrating country music," ended McMaster. "Having a great time and making memories."
Dauphin's Countryfest 2026, June 25-28, just south of Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
House of Hearing is hosting a presentation on hearing and memory loss in Russell tomorrow, starting at 2:00 PM at the Russell Library.
Chelsea Stewart, Audiologist with House of Hearing, said the majority of the presentation will focus on education and information.
"Some background on hearing, why it's important to have it assessed, whether or not you feel that you have any problems or not, and then just going through a lot of information as far as the link between hearing and brain health, which a lot of people really aren't aware of," said Stewart.
Stewart also said in recent years, the hearing aid industry has seen a shift from wanting to help people to more of a predatory sales stance, which has definitely fueled the stigma around hearing aids and hearing loss.
"The industry has kind of shifted in a sense where there has been a lot of lack of trust, because a lot of people have purchased hearing aids that maybe we're properly fit, or they weren't educated about what they need to do or why they are having trouble in certain listening environments," said Stewart.
She also said though most people affected by hearing loss are older, anyone is welcome to attend the presentation, as it's information that would be valuable to almost anyone.
"Anybody is welcome. Anybody can benefit, it's not just for elderly people, it's not for people just with hearing loss, it really is for really anybody, good information to have," said Stewart.
According to Statistics Canada, 3 in 5 adults have some form of hearing loss.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Dauphin RCMP are looking for a 44-year-old man.
Sean Stacey Bouchie has two warrants out for his arrest. He failed to comply with numerous release orders.
He's known to frequent the Dauphin area, including Mallard, Winnipegosis, and Gilbert Plains. If you know where Sean is, call the Dauphin RCMP at 622-5020.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
CancerCare Manitoba is setting up a mobile breast cancer screening clinic on Thursday at the Neepawa Health Centre, and will be at the health centre until April 16th.
They encourage women from 45 to 75 to book an appointment for a screening. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates 1 in 8 women in Canada will develop breast cancer at some point in their life, and it will be fatal for 1 in 35.
Though no screening test is 100% accurate, mammograms and other screenings for breast cancer greatly reduce mortality rates.
The mobile breast cancer screening clinic will also be in Dauphin from May 19th to June 10th. To book an appointment, call 1-855-952-4325. For more information about their procedures, click here to visit CancerCare Manitoba's website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
Manitoba's newest millionaire is from Winnipegosis.
In a Facebook post, the Winnipegosis Meat Market confirms its store sold the winning scratch ticket for $1,000,000. It was purchased in early December.
Angela Parsons says it's a pretty cool feeling knowing the massive winning ticket was purchased at her store.
This isn't the first time there was a big winner at the Meat Market. Just a few years ago, someone won $50,000.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A Dauphinite is hoping to become the next Junior Ranger Champion.
The Junior Ranger competition is all about giving kids a platform to share their passion for wildlife, exploration, and protecting our wild planet. The champion will take home $20,000, a Ranger Rick magazine, and join Jeff Corwin for an exclusive wildlife expedition.
Corwin is an Emmy-winning TV host, wildlife expert, and conservationist who is inspiring the next generation of nature lovers.
Sophie Sinatynski of Dauphin is in the running and is currently eighth in her group. Sophie entered because she wanted to share her knowledge of animals.
"I like all sorts of cats because of their cool patterns," said Sinatynski. "Some have short legs, some have folded ears, and different features. I love cats so much."
Sophie also loves exotic animals and reptiles.
With two days left to vote as of publishing, Sinatynski is grateful for all of the support she's received from her family and friends.
"It feels amazing, my family goes and votes every single day," said Sinatynski.
To vote, head here.
Sophie also loves to give back. She dressed up in a costume and stood on her front lawn raising money for the Parkland Humane Society. She raised $77 and donated it with a big smile on her face.
"Just to be nice to other people so they can help their pets at the shelter," she added.
Sophie can name over 200 breeds of snakes and frogs. She loves observing wildlife and seeing how they live in their environment. Sophie's favourite animal is the King Cheetah because of their unique look, flexibility, and agility. Her favourite outdoor activity is fishing and catching snakes and frogs.
At home, Sophie has one bearded dragon, a leopard gecko, two northern leopard frogs, two Beta fish, five goldfish, two cats, and two dogs.
"They're all very friendly," ended Sinatynski. "I love them all so much."
Next on her wishlist is a crested gecko.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
