Spring book sale on horizon

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

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.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Apr 5, 2026 - 12:00 pm

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.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Apr 4, 2026 - 2:00 pm

Manitoba First Nations Police in Sandy Bay recently seized several weapons after executing a search warrant at a home in the community.

The search warrant was acquired after police received a report of a male driving around the community shooting at dogs.

One dog was critically injured.

No arrests have been announced.

Police say while they are aware of a social media video concerning aggressive dogs in the community, this does not justify individuals carrying or using firearms in highly populated areas where children and other community members may be present.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Apr 3, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Kayla Gillis, President and Executive Board Member of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, has stepped down, according a post on the festival's Facebook page on March 31st.

The post thanks Gillis for her dedication and devotion to the festival for more than 15 years, and says Gillis's strong leadership helped the festival achieve success.

Though she's stepping down from her board position, the CNUF said Gillis will continue to help the board where she can.

"Although Kayla has made the very difficult decision to step back as president and executive board member, she will continue to assist and support the board, as much as possible, with both transition and guidance," read part of the post.

Canada's National Ukrainian Festival is still planning this year's festival, set to take place from July 31st to August 2nd.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Apr 3, 2026 - 12:00 pm

The Brandon Regional Health Centre's new Critical Care Centre is set to open soon, and could be accepting patients as early as May.

On Wednesday, Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara was at the BRHC to make the announcement, saying the expansion will help Manitobans get better critical care closer to home.

Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer of Prairie Mountain Health, said the increased number of beds in the new building will only make care easier.

"We will have 16 Intensive Care Unit rooms, and an additional 30 medical beds in our Internal Medicine Unit on the second floor of the building. When we open, we will simply move our current ICU, which is 10 beds operating, into the new building, and we will operate 15 internal medicine beds on the second floor...the Intensive Care Unit is just moving from the current Intensive Care Unit to the new one, and we will be adding and opening beds as we are able to depending on staffing," said Slate.

Slate said PMH doesn't yet have a decision on what they will be doing with the old ICU space in the BRHC. She also said once the Critical Care Centre opens in May, they won't be operating it at full capacity because of staffing limitations, a problem faced at nearly every hospital in Manitoba.

"We have had positions posted to support opening 15 more beds, and we've had good uptake and interest in applications to that unit," said Slate.

Despite staffing challenges, Slate said the staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre are looking forward to opening the new space, which will only mean good things for the hospital.

"Having single rooms will add to improved care experiences for patients and families, and we'll be able to adhere to infection control standards and protocols in a more effective way than we have in our former setting, so we're all very enthusiastic about it, and the staff are excited to work in this new space," said Slate.

Construction of the new Critical Care Centre started in the Fall of 2022, and has cost $120 million.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Apr 3, 2026 - 5:00 am

Canada Post announced on Monday that they will be continuing with their transformation plan, which was previously submitted to the federal government.

The plan includes several changes centred around affordability, including the possible end of door-to-door services, and a large-scale transition to community mailboxes.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but in an emailed statement to CKDM NewsNow, a spokesperson of Canada Post said they'll be working with the federal government on the specifics.

"We continue to work closely with the government on the details of our proposed transformation plan. At the same time, given the government's direction to begin taking initial steps, we are reaching out to our bargaining agents to consult on our approach to several proposed changes. These proposed changes include converting the remaining addresses that still receive delivery at the door to community maliboxes and modernizing out retail network," read part of the statement.

The conversion of door-to-door into community mailboxes has been a concern for many people across rural Canada, who rely on Canada Post's door-to-door services. Another group of concern is people with mobility and accessibility issues, who might not be able to get themselves to a community mailbox.

The Canada Post spokesperson said in the statement that they'll keep those groups in mind, but there is still some concern that Canada Post could prioritize cutting costs over the needs of Canadians.

"We're committed to moving forward in a thoughtful way the prioritizes service for all Canadians while protecting access to vital postal services in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. We're also committed to treating employees with respect throughout this process," read part of the statement.

The spokesperson emphasized that Canada Post will continue to update Canadians on any confirmed changes to their services, and will provide as much advance notice as possible to those affected.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Apr 2, 2026 - 5:00 pm

Winnipegosis RCMP have laid charges after a tense standoff on Monday, which resulted in several residents being evacuated from their homes.

Shortly after 6:30 AM on Monday, Winnipegosis RCMP recieved a report of a man making threats to others, and that he barricaded himself in his garage with a firearm.

Neighbours and residents in the adjacent homes were evacuated out of an abundance of caution while the RCMP dealt with the incident. An RCMP Crisis Negotiation Team, Police Dog Services, Emergency Response Team, West District GIS, and the West District Containment Team were all involved in the operation.

The suspect was safely taken into custody at around 1:45 PM after exiting the building. He faces several charges including assault, resisting a peace officer, and several firearms related offences. He remains in RCMP custody.

Details: Contributed by Ian Gillingham; Published: Apr 2, 2026 - 12:51 pm

Graduation at the DRCSS in Dauphin is right around the corner.

Before that, they'll be hosting a fundraising bingo on Saturday at the Dauphin Curling Club. Dubbed 'Super Night Bingo', the doors open at 4:00 p.m. Share the wealth is from 5:00 to 7:00, and regular games follow.

Ryan Rauliuk says the event is a massive fundraiser, and he's looking forward to seeing the community out in full force with some great cash prizes up for grabs.

"Basically, there are four games at $1,000 each, and one game at $500," said Rauliuk. "There are numerous other games with $200 and $250 on your regular games. The main jackpot will be $2,026, which ties in with 2026 Grad."

Cards are three to view for $5, six for $10, or nine for $15. Special games are $2 per card, and a quickie book is $5.

Rauliuk says there is a potential to raise $12,000. While the main point of the night is to raise money, that's not it.

"It's getting the grads into the community and getting the community out to support," ended Rauliuk. "It's spring and a great time to get out. It's the camaraderie within the community."

There will be a concession on site, and the soon-to-be graduates will be helping throughout the evening.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Apr 2, 2026 - 12:00 pm

Have you ever gotten behind the wheel with earbuds in both ears?

In Manitoba, drivers are prohibited from wearing headphones in both ears while driving. You can wear them in one ear, but not both. Last month, a 34-year-old driver was fined $113 for driving with headphones in both ears.

Sergeant Mark Hume with the Manitoba RCMP says the reason behind the rule is simple.

"Just to be more alert. Hearing sirens, traffic, and things around you," said Hume. "When you have earbuds in, sometimes it affects your senses, and you're not as alert."

So it's illegal to wear headphones in both ears while driving a vehicle, but that's not it.

"It's the same penalty for having two earbuds while riding a bicycle as well," ended Hume.

Think one, never two.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Apr 2, 2026 - 9:00 am

The Manitoba Angler's Guide for 2026 is now available, with printed copies available later in April wherever you can purchase an angling license.

This year's guide includes some changes to license fees, as well as size regulations and possession limits. Rod Carberry with Toba Outdoors said usually changes like those are a result of sustainability efforts.

"I think there's a healthy balance between tourism, economy, sustainability, and they look at those things and make sure that the decisions are made lake by lake, that's why you see the lake-specific regulations out there...there's definitely a thought process out there that says well if I can't take any fish home and put some food on my table, then what's the point in going. They took a hard look at that, yeah it's not the best decision to make for the long term sustainability of like the walleye on Dauphin Lake, but at the end of the day, the balance is that people need to eat too," said Carberry.

As always, the province added a disclaimer about aquatic invasive species (AIS) to their news release about the angler's guide. Carberry said there are some problems with how the province handles AIS, like understaffed boat inspection stations, but they do well with education.

"They do a really good job of educating the clean, drain, dry, and promoting that and marketing that, and emphasizing the importance of that, so it does come down to anglers themselves specifically to make sure that they are responsible," said Carberry.

Over the past week, being spring break, the Manitoba government said people are able to fish without a license, as long as they stay within legal limits, and still adhere to lake-specific closures. Carberry said it's a perfect way to get young aspiring anglers into it.

"Although youth don't need a license, or if you're under 16 you don't require it, at the end of they day they need somebody to take them, right? So I mean if moms and dads don't have to purchase a license for a little bit, maybe it's a good opportunity to go test the waters, so I'm in support of it," said Carberry.

Though you're able to fish without a license for spring break, lake-specific closures still need to be followed. As of April 1st, Dauphin Lake and it's tributaries are closed for fishing. A digital copy of the 2026 Manitoba Angler's Guide can be found here.