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This week marks the one year anniversary of the suspicious death of Camray Baer.
The 24-year-old's remains were found in the debris of a house fire at an address located off of Highway 6 on the Pinaymootang First Nation.
The fire took place on the evening of February 7th, 2025, with Baer's remains being found two days later.
RCMP are still looking for tips in relation to this fire and Baer's death.
Anyone with info is asked to call the Gypsumville detachment at 204-659-5224, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Earlier this week, the Manitoba government announced it is increasing its investment in schools by $79.8 million for the 2026-27 school year.
$11.4 million goes towards public school funding to support divisions most affected by teacher salary harmonization. The 3.5 per cent funding increase for public schools will help manage enrolment changes and ensure students have the supports required to succeed.
School funding for the next school year will total $1.995 billion.
Locally, the Mountain View School Division is disappointed with the numbers. They'll receive $28.3 in provincial funding. For the 2026-27 school year, MVSD will receive $200,000 more. That's an increase of just 0.7%. That marks the lowest increase in the province.
In comparison, the Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine is getting the highest increase in the province at 9%. Brandon is getting a 6.4% increase.
Lori Slepicka is the secretary/treasurer for MVSD.
"It's very disappointing. We are still waiting for the details on how that money is made up," said Slepicka to CKDM NewsNow.
Slepicka says the $200,000 increase next year is not enough. MVSD's total budget is about $53 million. About 80% of that is salaries. The harmonization costs alone will be around $1 million.
"We're not anywhere close to covering just salary cost. Not to mention increases in insurance," added Slepicka. "All costs are going up. From software to computers and hardware. We have aging infrastructure and very little help from the province for capital projects. The $200,000 isn't going to go very far."
MVSD has had two grants for the last five years. They're called the Teachers' Idea Fund grant. They were both about $150,000, and they're coming to an end. That means $300,000 less in funding.
"Of course, you expect grants to come to an end. They were good programs," said Slepicka. "We're looking at needing to find that money elsewhere to continue that great programming, or make cuts elsewhere."
Around the Parkland, the Swan Valley School Division is getting an increase of $400,000 next year. That's an increase of 2.8%. Turtle River School Division is getting an increase of $200,000. That's an increase of 2.1%.
Park West School Division is getting an increase of $100,000, which equals 1%.
"We're going to do the best with what we've got and will continue to question why such a low number," ended Slepicka. "Once we get the details, we'll be able to investigate it further."
MVSD will host budget consultations later this year. Details on those meetings will be released early next month.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The arena was packed.
It was loud and proud. The U17 Parkland Rangers held their Hockey Fights Cancer game on Saturday at the Ste. Rose Arena. Fans from around the Parkland attended the game in support of a great cause.
The energy was special, and the support for the Rangers was incredible.
Gerald Lopez says it was a night to remember.
"It was a great night, just fantastic," said Lopez. "It was a great showcase for the community of Ste. Rose and the surrounding communities. It was all for a great cause."
The final number is in, and wow. The Rangers raised $9,655. The funds will be donated to Hockey Fights Cancer’s 2025 initiative — Camp Quality. Camp Quality is a Canadian organization that provides free camps and year-round programs for children affected by cancer and blood disorders, as well as their families. These programs help kids build confidence, form friendships, and be kids — without being defined by their diagnosis.
It also supports families by creating opportunities to connect with others who understand the childhood cancer journey, helping reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and create joyful memories that last a lifetime.
As Lopez reflects on an incredibly successful night, he wants to thank everyone who came out.
"To hear the roar of the Ste. Rose barn sent chills down my spine," ended Lopez. "To hear the roar of the crowd, the hockey being played, the pink jersey, and to realize why we're doing this, it was great."
While the Rangers lost the game in overtime, the bigger and more important picture declared Camp Quality and the U17 Rangers winners.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
February is I Love To Read Month.
It's a month to celebrate reading and learning. In Dauphin, the Public Library is open six days a week for you. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned reader, they have you covered.
Melinda VanBuekenhout is the supervisor at the Dauphin Public Library.
"Reading is very important. It supports literacy, and it can be fun," said VanBuekenhout. "It takes people away to different places. Reading is always wonderful."
The Dauphin Public Library has over 6,000 books. Even if they don't have exactly what you're looking for, they have 22 other branches where they can bring books in from. They can also bring in from Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, and Brandon.
Simply put, the options are endless.
"We have the easy readers, so the picture books. Our junior section has small chapter books and graphic novels," said VanBuekenhout. "We have so many non-fiction books in junior and adult. We also have adult fiction."
They also have free WI-FI and programming throughout the year. You do need a library card to borrow anything. You can get one at 504 Main Street North in Dauphin. You'll need an official piece of identification.
It takes less than five minutes to get yours.
To celebrate the month, the library is partnering with the Parkland Humane Society later this month. The Humane Society will be bringing some of their animals who are looking for their forever homes.
That means you can snuggle up with a beautiful animal and read your favourite book.
"It should be pretty fun. That's on Saturday, the 28th, from 11:30 until 1:00," ended VanBuekenhout. "It should be a lot of fun, I'm excited."
They're also running a book draw this month. Any time you borrow a book, you can enter your name into a free draw. At the end of the month, you could win one of three gift baskets - one for kids, one for young adults, and one for adults.
They're also streaming the Milano Cortina Olympics.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Canadian Mental Health Association Swan River branch will begin hosting an addiction recovery skills course.
The first one will be on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 at the CMHA admin office at 110 7th Avenue North in Swan River.
The course is free and is available to anyone concerned about their own use of drugs and or alcohol.
Rod Seib is the peer support and public education coordinator for CMHA in Swan River. He says this is a program that has been offered previously.
"Just being a need in the community, this is a program that we introduced a few years ago," said Seib. "We want to make the program available to anyone who thinks they could benefit from it."
It's a seven-week program with one session per week. It'll run until the end of March.
"Each session will focus on a different topic related to addiction," added Seib. "We will present some helpful strategies. Whether it's reducing use or full abstinence, we will have helpful tips and resources available to you."
Some people with substance abuse disorders remain quiet about their struggles due to a combination of shame, fear of judgment, and the isolating nature of addiction. Some also deny the severity of any disorder.
Rod struggled with alcohol for many years. He runs the program and is now seven years sober. If you are struggling, Seib says you'll be welcomed with open arms.
It's a safe space, and there will be no judgment, just ways to help yourself and move forward.
"Certainly, there is that empathy in the space. It will be a safe space," ended Seib. "I know what it's like when people struggle and feel alone. Many people want to make a change, but it's very difficult to do it alone. We take the approach that it's better to have a support group. You will learn skills that will help."
To register for the seven-week course, call 614-8544.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5-milligram tablets.
The tablets are used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain. Some bottles may contain 2.5-milligram tablets of midodrine, a medication used to treat low blood pressure. Please check the tablets to make sure you have the right ones.
The 5-milligram MAR-Amlodipine tablets have the numbers 210 and five printed on one side. They're flat, eight-sided, and have a line in the middle.
The 2.5-milligram midodrine is round and says M2 on one side. There is a line across the other side.
If your bottle contains any unusual tablets or if you're unsure, return it to your pharmacy.
Mixing Amlodipine and midodrine can lead to serious side effects. They include a dangerous increase in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and organ damage.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Bradley Boyko of Benito faces a slew of charges after assaulting an RCMP officer and driving while impaired.
On Saturday at 12:50 a.m., the Swan River RCMP responded to a man stating he was too intoxicated to drive. Officers located Bradley inside a parked vehicle at an address in Minitonas. When officers approached the vehicle, Boyko fled at excessive speed.
He was heading towards Swan River, but officers were able to get into position and deploy a spike belt. Bradley continued to drive, heading north on Highway 10, then west on Highway 10A before coming to a stop on a rural road.
Police had to smash the windows as Boyko would not unlock his doors.
As he was being taken to the detachment, he assaulted an officer, who was not injured. He faces several charges, including impaired driving and assaulting a police officer, among others.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Municipality of Russell Binscarth is experiencing an issue with its raw water line.
As a result, all residents and business owners are urged to conserve water until further notice. This includes limiting water usage for all non-essential matters. Your cooperation ensures water is available for essential needs in the community.
Municipal workers are currently working on the issue. If you have any questions, call the municipal office at 773-2253.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Lynda Parsons and her husband moved to the Lenswood-Bowsman area in 2001.
In 2015, they relocated to Minitonas-Bowsman and have called the community home ever since. Parsons's first job in the Valley was with Agricore United and later Cargill. She then spent 14 years with Swan Valley Credit Union.
Two and a half decades after moving to the area, Lynda says she couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
"I've invested a lot of time volunteering and supporting local community groups," said Parsons. "I spent 10 years with the Swan River Day Care Centre. I've helped to expand the big daycare and start a new daycare with the Friendship Centre."
Parsons has been heavily involved in volunteering her time with Swan Valley Youth Soccer, the Community Foundation of Swan Valley, and Canadian Parents for French. She's always more than happy to lend a helping hand.
Anytime there has been a call for volunteers in the area, Lynda is there with a smile, ready to give back.
"I live here. I think it's important," continued Parsons. "I feel strongly about being someone who gets involved. Volunteering is time-consuming. We're privileged to have a great group of volunteers in our communities here. It's what keeps our communities going. It's always been important to me."
Passionate about the community and the people that live in it, Parsons has long thought about what it would be like to become the Chief Administrative Officer of a community. So when the CAO position was posted for the Municipality of Minitonas-Bowsman, Parsons knew what needed to be done.
She applied for the job. On November 3, she was appointed as the new CAO for the municipality. In a post, the Council said they were thrilled to have selected someone who not only meets the qualifications but is a part of the community.
Lynda recently celebrated three months in the new position.
"It's been wonderful. I have the privilege of working with a tremendous group of people here in the office and through Public Works," continued Parsons. "I've had wonderful support from the council and the community. I think everyone is excited to have me here, and to be able to move forward, it's great to have their support."
Larry Mychalchuk is the reeve for the municipality. The Council includes Derek and Gary Bartel, Leanne Hutman, Clint Janzen, Ken Reader, and Gale Wagner.
As for Lynda's vision for the municipality, she wants what is best for all members of the community.
"We want to be economically viable and have that prosperity," ended Parsons. "We want to see growth and development. We want healthy living spaces. We want Minitonas-Bowsman to be a place where people want to come."
Lynda thanks everyone for their support, and she looks forward to what's next.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Swan Valley Health Centre has drawn plenty of negativity from the public online.
Despite the negative comments from some, Slate says Prairie Mountain Health considers safety a top priority.
"Not just reactively and reacting to incidents that may have occurred, but proactively," said Slate. "We know that ensuring that we have safe and secure environments is essential to delivering high-quality care. It helps support the recruitment and retention of employees and physicians. It also helps maintain the trust of the people we serve."
In November, Swan River RCMP were called to the emergency department when an intoxicated man locked himself in the bathroom with a knife.
PMH has engaged in several initiatives to ensure they provide safe work environments and service delivery areas. They also provide required staff education and violence prevention training.
They also limit access points at all of their facilities. This ensures each facility has only a few primary entry points.
"We've done other initiatives like installing security cameras at most of our sites," continued Slate. "We've installed communication systems internally. We have safety apps and amnesty lockers in some of our facilities."
Darlene Jackson, the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, is calling on the Manitoba government and PMH to hire two institutional safety officers for the Swan Valley Health Centre.
ISOs are peace officers and require training in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, investigation skills, collecting evidence, and report writing.
Jackson has seen a rapid increase and escalation in violence in hospitals and clinics around the province.
According to PMH, Brandon is the only city outside Winnipeg that has ISOs in a health-care facility.
PMH works with Manitoba Health and Shared Health to determine what initiatives will be implemented to ensure safety and security are offered consistently throughout the health system.
"Institutional safety officers are a part of that. We have security personnel on other levels available throughout the health system," ended Slate. "Through a coordinated approach, there will be a determination on where we will be implementing ISOs in our facilities."
In November, two representatives of the Manitoba Nurses Union met with nurses at the Swan Valley Health Centre. From the meeting, the union put forward clear, non-negotiable safety demands and followed through with a formal safety grievance.
They included amnesty lockers, visitor screening and badges, whistles and noise-making devices provided to staff, and funding for an additional emergency room nurse, ensuring three nurses on every shift.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
