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Watson Art Centre is working on a lasting tribute to former longtime CKDM on-air personality Bruce Leperre, who passed away earlier this month.
Cam Bennett, with the Watson, says Bruce's Room will be located near the entrance to the facility.
"We have several pictures up already, and we hope to increase that number. We will probably end up having a rotating exhibit, with adding some digital photos. But, it is really going to become a tribute to Bruce, and all of the work that he did here, and all of the acts that he brought in."
"Bruce was always able to find those bigger names that we probably didn't have any business in hosting. I remember coming to see 54-40 here and Big Sugar, those types of acts. And, he was also able to find the up-and-comers. Bruce had those connections, and he had the ability to spot the bands that were on their way up, and he was able to find them a spot here at the Watson."
Bennett says they're still looking for more photos of bands that have performed at the Watson.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
In December of 2025, the Manitoba government expanded newborn screening to include checks for Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CCMV).
Leanne Gardiner, Clinical Service Leader and Registered Audiologist with Prairie Mountain Health, said that most cases of the virus aren't even aware of it.
"Most healthy people will not have any signs or symptoms and will not know they even have it. But if a pregnant woman is infected, there's a risk of infection to the baby...babies with CMV infection can be born with or without symptoms, and may be at risk for developing health problems in early childhood including permanent hearing loss or developmental delay," Gardiner said.
Gardiner said the inclusion of CCMV in newborn screening tests helps give the best chance for detection and treament.
"Early detection allows for the immediate treatment and long term monitoring, which will help improve developmental outcomes for the baby...early screening can identify not only the symptomatic but also the asymptomatic cases. The majority of babies who have CMV will not have any visible symptoms," Gardiner said.
She also said that once CMV is detected in newborns, thanks to early detection and enhanced screening, isn't the end of the world.
"The prompt identification allows for an antiviral treatment, which can improve the hearing and developmental outcome for symptomatic infants, and early identification also allows for long-term monitoring," said Gardiner.
Since expanding newborn screening to include CCMV in December, health care providers across the province have already screened more than 1500 newborns for the virus.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The First Annual Pine Creek First Nation Ice Fishing Derby is fast approaching. The derby takes place this Saturday on Lake Winnipegosis.
Kevin McKay, Volunteer and Band Councillor, says even though this is their first derby, the planning process has been smooth sailing.
"Everything went smooth right from the very start, creating our committee," said McKay.
The planning has been going on for almost a full year. The committee started meeting monthly, but as the derby approaches, has shifted to meeting weekly. The recent weekly meeting was mostly to go over finishing touches.
"Pretty much getting all of our workers and volunteers in order, and making sure everybody needs to be where they need to be Saturday morning," said McKay.
McKay hopes for a good turnout on Saturday, even if people need to dress a bit warmer for the weather.
"We see it all over in other communities, having these nice big derbys, so we figured us too, we should have one," said McKay.
For more information about the derby and how to get tickets, view the Community Calendar page on our website.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
On Thursday, the Manitoba government announced it'll present its 2026-27 provincial budget on Tuesday, March 24.
“This year’s budget is going to have some big-ticket affordability items, which will help you out at the grocery store, with your mortgage bill and your rent payments,” said Finance Minister Adrien Sala. “We will also continue investing in health care and staffing up across the system to make sure staff are deployed in the right areas.”
The government said the budget will include continued investments in health care. Sala says it will also feature new measures to lower costs and support for Manitoba's low-carbon economy in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty.
You're encouraged to take part in online pre-budget consultations. The survey is open until March 8. More than 25,000 Manitobans have to date.
If you have any comments or ideas, you can email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you're thinking of safety, you can join Dauphin Citizens on Patrol to Pack the Track on Friday.
From 11:30 to 1:30, Richard Ives and his crew will be at Credit Union Place explaining what Citizens on Patrol does. The first 200 people will receive a free personal alarm.
"So if you're out on your favourite trail and in a situation where you don't feel comfortable, there's an alarm that you pull apart, and it activates," said Ives.
Just register at the front desk at Credit Union Place and head upstairs.
You can also learn how to volunteer. Dauphin Citizens on Patrol are the extra eyes and ears for the community. Volunteers patrol the community, and if anything looks out of place, they call emergency services.
Ives says they're averaging between 10 and 12 volunteers, but are always looking for more.
"We ask very minimal," ended Ives. "If you feel you can give up four hours a month, please give us a shout. We're very flexible when our volunteers can go on patrol, even throughout the day."
If you're interested, head to the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy Walking Track on Friday and Pack the Track. You can also reach out to Dauphin Citizens on Patrol on Facebook.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
There's a new phishing scam involving con artists impersonating police officers.
A random text or email is sent to an unsuspecting person and includes a link which connects to a video conference call with someone claiming to be an officer. If the link is clicked, the fraudster works to convince the person that they could be arrested unless they help officers by forwarding gift cards or Bitcoin.
The fraudster may try to convince the person that they have a warrant for their arrest, but it can be removed by sending gift cards or Bitcoin.
In the past two weeks, the Manitoba RCMP's general phone number has received reports of this scam.
Staff Sergeant Kevin Cavanagh works with the RCMP's Cyber and Financial Crimes Unit.
"Don't click on any links or download any attachments from these messages," said Cavanagh. "Never send your personal information, credit cards, or any other information. You should hang up and try to contact the person from another number."
The RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on. If you believe you've been scammed, it's important to act quickly.
"Report it to your local detachment and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre," Cavanagh noted. "Contact your bank so they're aware and can keep an eye on your accounts. When you are providing the report to the police, include a chronological list of the events. If you have any phone numbers or transaction information, that would be important for the investigators to follow up on."
The RCMP will never ask you to transfer money or make a payment. They also won't ask you for remote access to your computer.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After the death of their leader, Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel retaliated, leaving violence and destruction in their path. For one Dauphin resident, it turned a vacation into a nightmare. CKDM NewsNow got the chance to speak with Rachelle Strand Fidierchuk, who is still in Mexico.
"The day it all went down I was in the pool at our villa and the maintenance guy Antonio who doesn't speak English was kicking me out. Thank goodness for Google translate. I was told I need to go to my room and not come out till we are told to. We were in lockdown cause the cartel leader was killed and the cartel was rebelling. I asked him twice if I should worry and he said yes," Strand Fidierchuk said in a Facebook message.
Rachelle is in Sayulita, 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta, and said she is safe. While things were starting off, there was lots of uncertainty.
"When things started unfolding and information was unclear, it was stressful. It's unsettling. The unknown is the scariest part. In the moment, when you don't know what's next, your mind goes everywhere," said Strand Fidierchuk.
Rachelle said she and other guests at her villa were confined to their rooms for 2 days, and now there is a lot more military and police presence.
"Things are slowly getting back to normal but it's still pretty quiet. It scared quite a few people. I've been out and about and it feels safe to me now," said Strand Fidierchuk.
She said though it definitely wasn't fun at the time, it will be a story to tell in the future. Her return flight is booked for Saturday, February 28th.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Mountain View School Division is getting set for its public budget forum on Monday.
It'll be in-person at the DRCSS in Dauphin and the Roblin Elementary School. It'll also take place virtually.
MVSD secretary/treasurer Lori Slepicka says they share the draft budget with the public. As a taxpayer, you can share your comments before the board passes it.
"We're also going to be reviewing some proposed ward changes that the board is looking at right now for the 2026 election," said Slepicka. "So that our numbers are within the legislated amount."
Recently, the Manitoba government announced it will provide MVSD with an additional $200,000 for the 2026-27 school year. That's an increase of 0.7 per cent.
While the increase is minimal, Slepicka says MVSD's goal is to keep the good programming they already have in place. They want the programming to be effective, with positive results.
"When we receive a small increase from the province, it always ends up back on the taxpayer," ended Slepicka. "This is why the budget forum is important, we're going to talk about what sort of school tax increases our local people will see."
The deadline to register for the forum is Friday at 4:00 p.m.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Grandview Agricultural Community Centre is the heartbeat of the community.
Late last year, Glen Simard announced a grant of $1,262,314 through the Manitoba GRO Program. The funds go towards the purchase of a new ice plant that'll serve the GACC and curling rink.
Since then, several community groups have donated to the cause to keep the two facilities running. Earlier this week, the Gilbert Plains Co-op stepped up in a big way. They donated $50,000 towards the ice plant fundraising efforts.
Jim Winfield is the deputy mayor for the Grandview Municipality.
"Co-op is community, and this reinforces community," said Winfield. "Gilbert Plains Co-op has always been very generous with Grandview and Gilbert Plains. $50,000 is huge on top of what we've already received, absolutely."
Fundraising efforts include a $100,000 commitment from Richardson Pioneer. Winfield has heard rumours that other community groups are looking to support.
The existing plant will be decommissioned after this season. Construction will happen throughout the summer, and the new plant will fire up in the first part of October.
"We're excited, we've been working on this for years, and it's finally going to happen," commented Winfield. "It cements the legacy of the GACC and curling rink for years and years to come."
The GACC has been around for 70 years, and it's not going anywhere.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation has received federal funding to purchase a property to be turned into 6 transitional housing units for women or gender diverse individuals who are leaving treatment or the justice system.
Amanda Novak, Executive Director for the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corp, said federal funding is a big deal.
"It's a major milestone for Dauphin and the surrounding region because it directly addresses a critical gap for women and gender diverse individuals exiting treatment or the justice system...research and lived experience consistently show that 28 days is often not long enough for individuals to fully stabilize, build routines, and establish long-term recovery pathways," said Novak.
The plan is to build 6 units on 1 property, which Novak said is a strategic decision. She also said the construction and renovation hopes to be completed by the fall.
"Housing participants together allows for peer support and shared accountability, structured programming in a safe environment, efficient delivery of services and supervision, stronger community, and connections during recovery...the goal is to have the units operational within Fall 2026," said Novak.
Novak said the funding is well-timed, citing the province's planned construction of a justice facility in Dauphin to start in Spring 2026.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
The Dauphin & District Community Foundation has announced their Philanthropist of the Year Award recipient.
Tyler Carefoot has been a member of the community with significant contributions: like being on the board of directors for Countryfest, and numerous years with Dauphin's various hockey programs, to name a few.
The reasons? Carefoot said he just wants to help make his community a great place.
"You don't do it for any recognition or accolades, it's just you go out and try to make your community better...there's been people that have led by example before, and I just try to come behind and carry the torch," Carefoot said.
Eric Irwin, late Dauphin mayor, and Myles Haverluck, late well-known Dauphin philanthropist, had a big impact on how Carefoot has connected with Dauphin.
"[Myles and Eric] have been long-time titans of the community. Of course our community dearly misses them," said Carefoot.
Looking to the future, Carefoot said that it's up to the younger generations to carry the torch when it comes to getting involved in the community, especially with volunteering.
"I think it's important that the younger generation gets involved with being a volunteer," said Carefoot.
Tyler Carefoot's level of commitment to making the community a better place came from a few places: good friends and mentors that paved the way, and hope for the future to keep carrying the torch.
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- Contributed by Ian Gillingham
