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The Parkland's most up-to-date source of local news.

Earlier this year, the Manitoba government announced that schools in the province are getting an overall 3.5 per cent hike in funding.

That adds up to $79.8 million in new funding for the 2026-27 school year, with $51 million going towards operating costs. The Mountain View School Division was disappointed to learn they'll be getting an increase of just 0.7 per cent next year. That equates to a modest increase of $200,000.

The Swan Valley School Division, meanwhile, is getting a larger increase. They're getting a 2.8 percent increase, adding up to an additional $400,000.

"We're pleased with any kind of increase, to be honest with you," said Rob Tomlinson, SVSD Superintendent. "It's never enough. We're trying to provide programming for students. We're still recovering from our loss to Jordan's Principle funding last year, which was 2.2 million dollars."

The loss of 2.2 million dollars resulted in several staff members in the division losing their jobs.  

Tomlinson says it's been a transition period as they had the perfect amount of support staff last year. 

"Now we're more of the provincial average. Whenever you take away a third of your support staff, your staff will feel an impact," said Tomlinson. "There's been some changes, adjustments, and discomfort this year now that we live in our new reality."

The Swan Valley School Division's goal is to add support staff next year. While at times it has been a challenging year, Tomlinson is proud of the staff at every school in the division.

The SVSD includes Benito School, Bowsman School, Swan River South School, Heyes School, Minitonas School, Northern Lights Institute of Trades and Technology, Swan Valley Regional Secondary School, and Taylor Elementary School. 

"We have a great staff. They're problem solvers," ended Tomlinson. "We were very clear that we wanted an adequate number of staff to appropriately program for our students. That's with the understanding that our staff can make a difference for kids."

Around the Parkland, the Lakeshore School Division is getting $500,000 next year, an increase of 4.8 per cent. That's the fifth-highest increase in the province based on percentage.

Turtle River School Division is getting $200,000 from the province next year, an increase of 2.1 per cent. 

A 32-year-old from Skownan First Nation faces charges after stealing a taxi in Dauphin earlier this week.

On Saturday at 5:05 a.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a report of a stolen taxi cab. Dalton Roussin was driven to a hotel, but refused to pay his fare. The driver of the taxi got out, and then Dalton jumped into the cab's front seat and drove away. Officers located Roussin driving the taxi at 5:30, but he wouldn't pull over. 10 minutes later, the taxi was stopped in the Dauphin RCMP detachment's parking lot. As officers approached, the cab sped away, but returned a short time later.

Officers boxed in the taxi, and Dalton was taken into custody. During the incident, the cab driven by Dalton collided with the detachment's wheelchair ramp, causing significant damage to both the ramp and vehicle.

He faces charges of theft of a vehicle, flight from a peace officer, and mischief over $5,000, times two. 

 

Today is Green Shirt Day, a day that encourages Canadians to have a conversation with their loved ones regarding organ and tissue donation. 

The movement began in 2018 after Logan Boulet, a defenceman with the Humboldt Broncos, donated a number of his organs following his death as a result of the Broncos bus crash one day earlier. 

Logan was inspired by a previous coach of his, who had also donated some of his organs after he passed away a year earlier. 

That decision, which moved close to 150,000 people to become organ and tissue donors in the days and weeks following Logan's death, would also be known as the Logan Boulet effect. 
Here in Manitoba, 65 kidney transplants took place in the province in 2025.
You can sign up to be an organ donor online at www.signupforlife.ca. 

On March 21st, Wilfred John Kachurowsky of Dauphin was arrested in Marshall County, Minnesota, after allegedly trying to steal a gun from a gun show. 

According to a Marhsall County Sheriff's Office police report, Kachurowsky attempted to steal a revolver by putting it in his bag and walking away. He was seen by the booth operator, who took Kachurowsky to the ground and took the gun from his bag. This was seen on security camera footage. 

The report says the Sherrif's Office interviewed a Federal Firearms License dealer, who said they cannot sell guns to Canadian citizens, so there was no reason for Kachurowsky to have the gun in his possession. 

Kachurowsky posted bail and was released, on conditions to return to court in Marshall County today for his first appearance. 

A resolution has been reached in the 2023 stabbing death of Tristan Beaulieu of Waywayseecappo.

27-year-old Talisa Brrandon of Waywayseecappo had originally pled not guilty in the case.

But last Thursday, Brandon entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in Brandon’s Court of King’s Bench.

Beaulieu was stabbed outside of a house party in the community in July of that year.  

She will be sentenced at a later date following a court-ordered pre-sentence report.

The Dauphin Curling Club was packed.

The DRCSS held their fundraising Super Bingo Night on Saturday, and what a night it was.

More than 450 folks from the Parkland brought their dabbers, looking to win some cash while raising money for a great cause, Grad 2026.

Ryan Rauliuk thanks everyone for being a part of the special evening.

"It was amazingly awesome, it went without a hitch," said Rauliuk. "The local Parkland area and surrounding communities totally supported it. We are super grateful for that; it was such an awesome turnout."

Up for grabs were four one-thousand-dollar jackpots, a 500 dollar one, and the main jackpot was $2,026. The total prize money handed out was around $12,000. 

Later this week, the final numbers will be in. At this time, Rauliuk is expecting a great profit.

"Yeah, just a quick preliminary look has us profiting just a little over 10 thousand dollars," offered Rauliuk. "Our goal was 30 thousand dollars for the entire fundraising year. We're on target with that. We're so thankful for the people who come out and support us."

The committee hosted two other raffles. One was for Co-op gift cards, and one was for a prize package from Ruff's Furniture in Dauphin. They profited roughly $18,000 between the two fundraisers.

Rauliuk says these funds will allow grads to have a special evening to end their high school days. Grad takes place on Saturday, June 20 and will include a parade.

"We're super excited for the grads, they worked hard to get through the years," ended Rauliuk. "It's going to be a special moment to send them off to the next stage of their life."

It's a special time of the year, and graduation is right around the corner for students in the Parkland. 

A late-season Alberta clipper is expected to blanket the Parkland with a blast of snow later this week.

A snowfall warning is now in place. The snow is expected to begin as the day progresses on Tuesday, with 2-4 centimetres expected. The bulk of the snow is expected to hit on Tuesday night. The forecast is calling for snow, at times heavy, with 10-15 centimetres expected. 

The snow continues into Wednesday before sunny conditions return on Thursday.

The forecast for the weekend is wonderful. Sunny and a high of six on Friday, and a mix of sun and cloud is on the way on Saturday with a high of nine. 

The Town of Swan River is holding a special public hearing tomorrow (Tuesday) night to discuss the introduction of three special service levies.  
The levies, which if passed would be applicable for both the 2026 and 2027 tax years, would cover police protection. residential waste and recycling, and other special services.  
On residential properties valued at $200,000, the police protection levy would be  $271.26 this year, and $282.24 in 2027, while the special services levy would be $304.29 in 2026 and $316.53 in 2027.
Meanwhile, the residential waste and recycling levy is proposing a $5.70 increase for single dwelling units from last year
The public hearing is set for 7 pm Tuesday night in the Town Council Chambers on Main Street in Swan River.

Fred Fox, brother of late Canadian icon Terry Fox, is attending several meet and greets in the Parkland this week as a way to connect with supporters of the Terry Fox Foundation. 

Fox plays the role of Supporter Relations with the Terry Fox Foundation, which he said involves a good bit of travelling across Canada to meet with supporters. 

"For 6 to 8 weeks in the spring and then another 6 to 8 weeks in the fall I travel across Canada (& a little bit more internationally the past 2 years) to meet with volunteers and supporters who give their time to organize [the] TF Run and support the work of The Terry Fox Foundation. During this 12 to 16 weeks I am also visiting schools that host their own TFR's and share Terry's story," said Fox in an emailed statement. 

Aside from travelling across the country, he has a lot of other jobs within the Foundation, including the organization of fundraising. 

"The rest of the year I do other tasks that are supporting so many incredible people who have done so much to keep Terry's dream and legacy alive. I am also on The Terry Fox Foundation executive, so have a role in the fundraising strategies that TFF has each year," said Fox. 

He said usually during his travels each year, he usually attends 10 to 15 meet and greets or similar events as a way to share Terry's story with members of Canadian communities. To Fox, having these kinds of events is especially important in smaller communities. 

"The most important [thing] is to be able to say thank you! Thank you to so many community members that have continued to fundraise for cancer research in Terry's name. These community members have played an important role in impacting the outcomes of a cancer diagnosis. So important to be doing this in Provinces like Manitoba & Saskatchewan, as Terry didn't make it that far west on his Marathon of Hope," said Fox. 

Fred Fox will be in Russell today at 6:00 PM, in Rossburn tomorrow at 6:30 PM, and in Sandy Lake on Wednesday at 5:30 PM. Fox said he hopes to be able to make the Terry Fox connection with people who couldn't see him during his Marathon of Hope in 1980. Since it's creation in 1988, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $1 billion for cancer research. 

Although it still looks like winter outside, a sure sign that spring is on the horizon is planning for the annual Dauphin Rotary club spring book sale.

It will take place April 23 to the 25th at the 8th avenue hall, with the doors open from 9 until 7 on the Thursday and Friday, and fom 9-4 on the Saturday.

Organizer Jean-Louis Guillas says they will once again have a great variety of books available at very low prices, all of which will be in great condition. 

"The quality of the kids books that we get is just worth it.  And anybody who has bought a new book knows the cost of new books today.  We know that your kids will grow out of books quickly and move on to different topics.  So if they are in good condition, let's get them into other kids' hands.  And the same thing on the fictional side for adults."

Proceeds from the book sale go towards youth projects and initiatives supported by the local Rotary club.

"One of the things we just made a decision on is we are supporting the indoor playground - the Little Neighbours Play Space - that is moving from Parkland Crossing to the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation site.  We just made a decision to that as a club." 

Guillas reminds you that this is a cash sale, and to please bring your own bag.  

Anyone wanting to donate books can do so beginning on April 10th at the 8th avenue hall.  
In the courts this past week, 42-year-old Tyrone Guiboche made another appearance in Swan River in relation to a death outside of the EMS building in that community in January of 2024. 
He is charged with manslaughter, and was remanded in custody again to April 15.
Dean Bell of Swan River has already been sentenced to seven years in jail after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the case.  
Meanwhile, a new court date has been set for a Dauphin man, arrested in connection with a series of break and enters in the city from early last year.
19-year-old Jayson Dumas also appeared in court this past week, where he was remanded in custody to April 28.