Lundar Winter Carnival Starts Today

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The Lundar Winter Carnival starts tonight, and continues through the weekend.

The Carnival kicks off at 6:30 PM, with the Crowning of Carnival King and Queen, and the Lundar Skating Club Ice Show.

The fun continues on Saturday with a Rec Hockey Tournament, and Music Bingo fundraising for the Lundar Pool. Tickets to Music Bingo are $25.

Things keep going on Sunday with a pancake breakfast, public skate, and other fun family activities.

The Lundar Winter Carnival takes place at the Lundar Arena. For more information about the Carnival, click here to visit their Facebook page.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Mar 20, 2026 - 12:00 pm

Manitoba electricity rates will rise over three years under a new order by the Public Utilities Board.

The provincial regulator has confirmed a four per cent rate increase for all customer classes that took effect in January under an interim order.

The board has also set targeted revenue increases of 3.5 per cent next January and three per cent in January of the following year, although the exact rates will vary for different types of customers.

The increases are close to what Crown-owned Manitoba Hydro had asked for in order to address drought conditions that reduced water levels needed for power generation.

The utility has also cited the need to repair and upgrade its infrastructure in the coming years.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 20, 2026 - 11:00 am

Earlier this month, the Dauphin Ag Society took time out during their annual Farm Outlook event to present the Ron Brook Memorial Award.

This year's award winners were Ben and Linda Fox.

Linda says she was both surprised and humbled when she heard they were receiving this award.

"This community has such a strong support for its agricultural roots, and to be chosen as someone who exemplifies that agriculturally-rooted spirit was such an honour."

Ben adds the award has added meaning to him and his wife.

"We actually bought the farm that Ron Brook and his family owned. So when we moved here about 20 years ago, we got presented with those traditions right off the bat. Our family is always eager to work and support fair boards or agricultural societies."

The Fox's were recognized for the countless hours of volunteer time that they have given to not only the Ag Society, but also to 4-H and other youth agriculture programs in the region.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 20, 2026 - 10:40 am

The Parkland Chamber of Commerce held their Awards Night on Wednesday, honouring several Parkland businesses that make positive change in our community. Several of the businesses honoured have very strong ties to both the Parkland and the people who call it home.

RITZ Machine Works is one of those businesses. Tom Zaporzan, Co-Owner and COO, said being honoured with the Outstanding Business award is a good feeling for the company.

"It's appreciated a lot, it's nice to be apreciated by the community and the chamber, it's a good feeling," said Zaporzan.

RITZ Machine Works has been operating in the Parkland for 27 years, and employs around 50 people. Zaporzan said it's good to be able to give back to the community.

"It's great. For 27, coming on 28 years, I think we've put a lot of money back into the community in wages and stuff like that, and proud to sponsor what we sponsor around town," said Zaporzan.

RITZ Machine Works also operates a new facility in Cambridge, Minnesota, which employs around 50 people in that community as well.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Mar 20, 2026 - 5:00 am

In a news release, the Manitoba Government announced a $300,000 investment in Harvest Manitoba's First Steps Infant Care Program.

The program gives infants under 2 access to critical supplies like diapers, baby food and ceral, and infant formula, with no cost to families. The First Steps Infant Care Program helps up to 2000 babies each month, and supports 130 communitiy agencies across Manitoba.

In the news release, Harvest Manitoba President and CEO Vince Barletta said the investment in the program will help babies and families when they need it most.

"Those first months and years of a child’s life are so important, yet for many families the cost of basic baby items can create financial strain and enormous stress...this support from the Manitoba government will help ensure that babies have access to the nutrition and care they need, while easing a significant burden for parents during a time that should be focused on bonding with their child. We’re deeply grateful for this investment in Manitoba’s youngest and in the families who are doing their best to give them a strong start," said Barletta.

The investment supports both the Manitoba Government's Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well Strategy and Pathways Forward: Manitoba's Poverty Reduction Strategy.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 5:00 pm

South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition is set to host a Preschool Wellness Fair tomorrow, March 20th, at the Dauphin Marketplace Mall.

Kathy Cyr, Coordinator, said the Healthy Child Coalition's goal is to help families and young children in the community with a variety of things.

"Our mandate really is to help familes with young children, 0 to 6, in a few areas such as positive parenting, nutrition and physical health, learning and literacy, and some community capacity building...mostly what we try and do is programming for families with children that are under 6 so that parents can get out with their children and have some experiences based on those areas," said Cyr.

The Wellness Fair is designed to have information and resources for families and infants. Attending groups include Dauphin Library, Mountain View School Division, and Dauphin Friendship Centre.

"The Wellness Fair is really toget information to parents, and so we have 15 booths," said Cyr.

The event is designed for children from 0 to 6 and their families, with 3 year old screenings also available. Kids are encouraged to bring stuffed animals for a check-up as well.

The Preschool Wellness Fair takes place at the Dauphin Marketplace Mall from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM tomorrow. For more information about the fair and groups attending, click here to visit the South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition's Facebook page.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Clean-up work following last month's fire at the Queen Apartments will begin on Friday.

As a result, one southbound lane on Main Street South, between 11th Avenue SW and 12th Avenue SW, will be closed on Friday and Monday.

Back lanes in the immediate area will also be closed on these dates.

You're asked to use caution when travelling through the area and follow all posted signage.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 3:00 pm

A 21-year-old woman from O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation was found dead on Thursday morning.

The woman was last seen on March 16 at a residence in the community. The RCMP received a report of the missing female on Wednesday at 10:15 p.m.

An investigation led by the Ste. Rose RCMP Detachment began, and on Thursday at 8:55 a.m., the RCMP located the female near Provincial Road 481.

The cause of the death remains under investigation as an autopsy is being done.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 1:51 pm

The RCMP detachment in Swan River has a new General Investigation Section.

It's an addition to the complement of members the detachment already has. One corporal and two constables will be added.

"They're going to be responsible for providing enhanced enforcement," said Craig Lidster, acting detachment commander. "They'll be available to assist with more complex investigations for the general duty members. It'll be for the town of Swan River and the surrounding areas."

Lidster says this section has been in the works for a long time. There was a need for targeted enforcement. Three more experienced members will assist and mentor some of the younger service members in the office.

The Swan River detachment is somewhat isolated from other communities. That's why new members are being brought in.

The detachment has over a dozen constables and several supervisors. This includes new RCMP officers from the training depot in Regina to those who have been officers for decades, and everything in between.

"Yeah, I think it's a great group here," added Lidster. "I've only been here for a few weeks. From everything I've observed, getting to know the members, it's a great group."

The Town of Swan River, the municipalities of Swan Valley West and Minitonas-Bowsman, and the Rural Municipality of Mountain have signed a new five-year agreement to establish the General Investigation Section to support officers' efforts in addressing crime.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 1:00 pm

Parkland Chamber of Commerce honoured some of their brightest stars Wednesdaay night with their annual Chamber Awards.

Dr Kara Vanderheyden of Wilowbrook Eye Care was named Business person of the year.

She says to receive recognition like this is amazing.

"You don't go into these things hoping or wanting the recognition. So it is obviously very lovely to get that and to be recognized for the time given to business and to the community."

Two Gilbert Plains businesses were recognized last night - Jarrod Delaurier of Delaurier Welding was named Young Entrepreneur of the year, while Fletts Custom Cutting was named best Start Up Business.

Curtis Flett is thrilled to be part of the Gilbert Plains community.

"Opening up a business in Gilbert Plains has been nothing but warm and welcoming from the entire community. Walking down the street, people recognize us. They say hi and welcome to the community. We were in the parade last year during the rodeo weekend, and we had people cheering for us and just welcoming us. It has been nothing but a warm welcome from the whole community. It has been such a great hometown feel that Gilbert Plains has given to us."

Other winners included Lindsay Dingwall with the Eric Irwin Community Appreciation award for individual, while the Dauphin RIDE program won the same award for groups.

RITZ Machine Works was named Business of the year, Carla Vandebrink won Side Hustle of the year for her Carla's Adventures business, and the late Gary Sydor won the Legacy Award.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Mar 19, 2026 - 11:00 am

Parkland Chamber of Commerce handed out their annual Chamber awards last night.

The late Gary Sydor received the Legacy award, while Dr Kara Vanderheyden of Willowbrook Eye Care was named Businessperson of the year.

The Eric Irwin Community Appreciation awards went to Lindsay Dingwall for individuals and the Dauphin RIDE program for group.

Two Gilbert Plains businesses were honoured - Flett's Custom Cutting was named best Start-Up business, while Jarrod Delaurier of Delaurier Welding received Young Entrepreneur f the year.

Other winers included RITZ Machine Works as Business of the year, and Carla Vandebrink and Carla's Adventures as best Side Hustle job. The full list of nominees and winners is below.

Business Person of the Year