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A 46-year-old from Swan River was arrested after fleeing from the RCMP.
On Monday at 2:30 a.m., Swan River RCMP attempted to pull over an SUV on Main Street for a traffic stop. The driver sped up.
The vehicle hit the curb on 9th Avenue North, and the occupants exited the vehicle and attempted to flee. The officers caught the suspect on foot and took him into custody.
A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of cocaine, meth, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
The suspect, who remains unnamed, faces charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and property obtained by crime under $5,000.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
If you are driving around the city's downtown this afternoon, you will want to take note of this.
Due to a watermain break, 1st Avenue NE between 2nd Street NE and 3rd Street NE is currently closed to traffic.
Crews are on site completing repairs, and the closure will remain in place until further notice.
Please use alternate routes where possible.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Russell Snowmobile Club got $700.
Through the canteen, the Angusville Community Centre received hundreds of dollars. Last year's Russell Snow Drags went off without a hitch.
"We had probably 100 entries, we run 23 classes," said Bret Nahirniak, who runs the event. All the way from Ontario to Fort McMurray, and everywhere in between, we have people coming to compete and check it out."
The event is run annually on the first Saturday in February. This year, it's on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. If you want to compete, you can register your sled starting at 8:30 on Saturday morning at the Russell Inn.
Proceeds from the event will go towards the Snowmobile Club again. There will be a canteen open, with the proceeds going to Passion4Paws rescue in Russell.
"One of my friends brought this forward, and I told her she would get all the profits from the canteen," ended Naherniak. "She's doing most of the donation herself."
Even if you don't compete, Naherniak invites you to check it out. There were over 100 spectators last year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
As Rod Carberry looks to transition out of his director role at Dauphin's Countryfest, his full focus will soon become fishing.
As Carberry has been instrumental in helping revive the Intermountain Sport Fishing Enhancement group, he's looking to help develop the next generation. With that, Anglers Education was born.
Over the past two years, Carberry has wanted to visit schools in Dauphin and educate the younger generation. What does Anglers ED look like?
Carberry and his crew ran their first-ever Anglers ED at MacKenzie Middle School in Dauphin. They welcomed the group and explained why they're doing what they are.
"We talked about it being peaceful, there is a providing factor, and the thrill of the chase. We talked about going through the motions," said Carberry. "Fishing can be very successful, and it can be very frustrating at times."
There were six grade seven classes. That's 136 students who gained knowledge and the basic know-how. Dawn Dutchak, the school's principal, wants this to be an annual occurrence for students.
"We think it went very well. We had a lot of interest," said Carberry. "I made contact with Bass Pro and took one of the buyers from a local division. She stepped up big time and provided us with crates and crates of samples from Bass Pro. We provided them to the kids."
The students all received baits, tackle, and the knowledge to own the water. As the Parkland is a hotbed for fishing in the province, Carberry hopes Anglers ED in Dauphin will have more kids wanting to be on the lake.
Fishing has long been a passion for Rod, and it's a big part of his life.
"I always enjoy launching my boat and seeing kids on the dock casting. That was me when I was a kid," commented Carberry. "I'm eager to get this going."
Carberry's ultimate vision is to create a competitive fishing league at the high school. Every year, more than 1,000 kids compete in the Manitoba High School Ice Fishing Championship. Last year, it featured 60 schools and 1,300 kids.
Carberry says he would love the DRCSS have a competitive league within it.
"This is kind of grassroots, and we want to develop it," ended Carberry. "Once we can get things underway, we hope to partner with the high school to develop this high school league."
If you ever have any fishing-related questions, you can get in touch with Rod here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Laverne Rosnoski-Tomsha has run the Passion4Paws rescue in Russell for just more than two years.
She has worked in rescues for more than two decades and started Passion4Paws. In the over two years of operation, Laverne has rescued more than 200 dogs and a select number of cats. She rented a spot off the Vet Clinic, but that didn't pan out.
Laverne and her rescues had to leave, and she's now running the rescue out of her home.
She said it's been challenging at times, but worth every moment.
"It's the most rewarding thing. It's my passion, I've done this all my life," said Rosnoski-Tomsha. "To be able to do it now with people helping. The people in Russell have been incredible. They've done fundraising events to help me pay for things."
Students from the high school want to help out at the rescue. The students would get credits. Some of the elementary kids who are struggling with reading want to read to the dogs. Adults suffering from mental health issues have also expressed their interest in volunteering.
Laverne recently purchased a 16x30 building in Altona. She plans to move that to Russell when she gets the land, and then wants to add onto the building. The cost was $50,000. For four years, Laverne has been working with the Waywayseecappo First Nation.
She has done four spay and neuter clinics and vaccine clinics on the First Nation.
As a token of their gratitude, Chief and Council stepped up to purchase the $50,000 building. Once Laverne can purchase land, Chief and Council have said they'll help her get the building to Russell.
"Oh my god, it was life-changing. I've been trying to work with the First Nation for years," added Rosnoski-Tomsha. "I was so proud of them. I think I cried for 30 minutes before I could even say thank you."
Laverne currently has one Cane Corso mom and her five puppies. She also has an adult mixed dog and three puppies.
Recently, she took the animals to the Personal Care Home. She notes that when she arrives, the seniors are half asleep.
"With an hour, all the seniors are bending down, throwing balls, exercising, and playing," ended Rosnoski-Tomsha. "Their memory all of a sudden sharpens up. They start telling me about their dogs and the past. They get talking amongst each other. It's heart-warming."
Dogs are known to provide numerous benefits to human health. They help reduce stress and anxiety. They alleviate loneliness and help improve your mood.
If you're interested in adopting a dog from Passion4Paws rescue or finding out about volunteer opportunities, head here. If you don't have Facebook, you can contact Laverne at 773-0287.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Coldest Night of the Year Walk is just a few weeks away.
It'll happen on Saturday, February 28. Fundraising locally has gone very well, and it's the Rotary Club of Dauphin that is leading the charge.
Led by team captain Kathy Bellemare, the Rotary Ramblers include Christine Harapiak, Darren Eddie, Jean-Louis Guillas, and Trina Mathison. All funds raised this year will go towards the Dauphin Friendship Centre's Food for Thought program.
The program feeds registered children during the school year with a hot meal on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bellemare shares why the Rotary Ramblers are taking part.
"Some Rotarians have volunteered with the program, and we understand the value," said Bellemare. "We also deliver meals for seniors on Friday. It's about the community service."
25 days until the walk, the Ramblers have already raised 79% of their goal. They hope to raise $4,500, and have already raised $3,533.30. Bellemare leads the way, raising $1,150.
"It's pretty humbling that people are supportive and willing to step up," added Bellemare. "I'm so happy to see that people in the community see the value of this program."
Locally, 10 teams have raised more than $9,000 as of publishing. The Northwest Metis Council, led by Shannon Genaille, has raised the second-most at $2,445. The DFC Frostbite Fighters, led by Audrey Klyne, have raised $1,035 and are in third.
That's already thousands of dollars worth of hot meals to serve registered kids in the community.
"The whole idea of Coldest Night of the Year is important. That particular program is near and dear to my heart," continued Bellemare. "I've seen kids lining up at Barker School when I was working there. The enthusiasm and all the smiles. It's a mom thing, too, you like to see kids fed."
If you'd like to donate to the cause, head here.
As Bellemare and the Rotary Ramblers eye down their $4,500 goal, Kathy tips her hat to the community for stepping up.
"Thank you for your support and generosity," ended Bellemare. "We still have a few weeks, so hopefully, many more people step up to donate. If you're not comfortable donating online, get in touch with anyone on the team, or me. There are ways for me to take financial donations."
In Canada, 4,906 teams are registered for this year's walk. That's 19,233 walkers. That's 33,303 donors across 223 locations. Rotary International has raised $76,382. In all, more than 5 million dollars has been raised nationally.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Radon is an odourless, radioactive gas that seeps into homes and buildings from the soil.
Long-term exposure to elevated radon levels is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. It's responsible for more than 3,200 deaths each year. In Manitoba, 43 percent of homes exceed the national radon guideline of 200 becquerels per cubic metre.
On Thursday, the Gilbert Plains Municipality will be hosting a radon information session in the Gilbert Plains EMS boardroom. It's at 7:00. You can learn about the health effects of radon and why it's a concern in the area.
Courtney Roehl says everyone is welcome.
"We're having a representative from Health Canada come out and do the presentation," said Roehl. "The representative will answer any questions. We're going to be giving away 10 free radon testing kits.
If your home reads between 200 and 600 becquerels per cubic metre, it's recommended to remediate it within two years.
Roehl says now's the time to educate yourself on the effects of radon.
"It's a radioactive gas that has no taste, it's odourless, and invisible. You can't tell if it's in your house or not unless you test," ended Roehl. "Learning how to mitigate radon in your home is very important."
If the radon reading is greater than 600 becquerels per cubic metre, you're encouraged to remediate within a year.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Free hepatitis A vaccines are being offered to community members of the Peguis First Nation.
They will also be offered for free to visitors and close contacts aged six months and older amid an ongoing outbreak.
The vaccine is effective in preventing infection.
As of January 18, there have been 308 cases of hepatitis A virus associated with this outbreak across Manitoba, mainly spread through person-to-person contact. If you have been exposed to hepatitis A, several symptoms could develop. They include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
If you are a Peguis First Nation member, have travelled to or are working on the First Nation, or have household visitors from the First Nation, you can get a hepatitis A vaccine through your primary care provider.
Those with mild symptoms often recover within one to two weeks. It can spread through contaminated water, food, and close contact with someone who has the infection, even if they don't have any symptoms. Washing your hands with soap and water after using the toilet, handling diapers, and before eating or preparing food can help prevent infection.
For more information on hepatitis A, visit here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus will be recognizing three incredible local individuals during their annual Alumni Awards Dinner.
Twyla Gilroy will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, while Lance Maxwell and Jonathan Nadolny will be presented the Excellence in Education Awards.
The honours will be handed out February 11th at Watson Arts Centre, and Parkland Campus Director Carol Stewart says they'll be celebrating two significant milestones that night as well.
"Assiniboine College turns 65 years in 2026, and Parkland Campus is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. So, the dinner is a chance to celebrate the past, to reconnect with old friends, and reflect on how far the college and its graduates have come. And, of course, we always want to celebrate and bring people together to think about how we can continue to grow."
Tickets are now available at the Parkland Campus during regular business hours.
You can also call 204-622-2222.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Phyl Friesen grew up in a small community west of Brandon.
She moved to Brandon for high school. After high school, she started working at MTS on 18th Street. She got married. In 1974, Phyl and her husband packed their bags and moved to Swan River.
She has also enjoyed being involved. During her time in Swan River, Phyl has coached girls' softball and was on the curling club executive. She was on the library board, helped with youth programming, and she's on the museum board.
Phyl is also heavily into the local music scene, and she started a ukulele group four or five years ago. Phyl and the group play at the Personal Care Home and at the lodge at the hospital. They've also performed at Folk Fest.
"I do the stuff that I enjoy. These are things that don't take much time away from my home," said Friesen. "My husband is retired and is at home. My kids are both grown up. I enjoy going out and doing those things."
Friesen has embraced living in the valley, saying it's easy to make friends and is a very welcoming place.
"It's home. It feels good to get out and do stuff, I don't do the things I don't enjoy," said Friesen. "I know I get appreciated, which is what the recent certificate showed."
Recently, Phyl was recognized for all her contributions. She was presented with the Heart of the Community award through the Community Foundation of Swan Valley. The Heart of the Community award shines a light on those making a positive impact in the community.
"As my daughter said, you were actually speechless. I was. You know when you get a lump in your throat, and you can't talk? That was me," added Friesen. "I couldn't even voice thank you. I waved at everyone and sat down. It felt so good, it really was an honour."
Paired with winning the award, Phyl had the chance to grant $3,000 to a charity of her choice. She decided to split it between three groups. The Swan Valley Animal Protection League, the Swan Valley Crisis Centre, and the Swan Valley Food Bank will all receive a portion of the funds.
"That's my way of giving back to these groups. I don't belong to those organizations," ended Friesen. "The other organizations I give back with my time, but since I don't give my time to those groups, I decided to give them money."
Friesen says she thanks everyone in the community for being so welcoming.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's not the news that winter-weary Manitobans want to hear.
Manitoba Merv, a groundhog puppet at Oak Hammock Marsh, saw his shadow as he gave his yearly prediction Monday morning.
According to folk lore, that means at least six more weeks of winter.
Since 2000, Manitoba Merv has had a 73 per cent success rate with his predictions, the highest success rate among Canadian groundhogs.
Out east, Shubenacadie Sam and Lucy the Lobster in Nova Scotia, Wiarton Willie in Ontario, and Fred la Marmotte in Quebec, all projected early springs by not seeing their shadows.
Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania saw his shadow.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
