Eight teams are competing in this year’s Bayer Crop Science Parkland Super League of Curling, which takes place every Sunday at the Parkland Recreation Complex curling rink.

Play began, Oct. 20, with defending champion Kyle Forsyth of Turko Fertilizer opening with a 6-5 win over Bryan Preston of Fire Line Group.

In other games, Greg Todoruk of Richardson Pioneer defeated Glenn Toews of Nutrien Ag Solutions, Chad Sahulka of South Fork Ag Services beat Tiffany McLean, 8-2 and Oil Depot’s Jim Todoruk beat Rob Fisher, 7-6.

Results from Oct. 27 saw Forsyth beat Fisher, 7-1; Toews defeated Sahulka, 7-3; Jim Todoruk beat Greg Todoruk, 5-2; and Preston beat McLean, 7-3.

On Nov. 3, Fisher beat McLean, 7-2; Jim Todoruk beat Toews, 8-0; Preston defeated Sahulka, 7-4; and Greg Todoruk beat Forsyth, 7-5.

On Nov. 10, Toews beat Preston, 6-2; Greg Todoruk defeated McLean, 6-3; Jim Todoruk beat Forsyth, 7-6; and Sahulka got past Fisher, 7-5.

Manitoba’s Order of the Buffalo Hunt has some new, special members.

Premier Wab Kinew awarded one of  province’s highest honours to the first responders of the Carberry bus crash recognizing their bravery and dedication following the bus crash, which killed 17 Dauphin-area seniors on June 15, 2023.

“We want to honour those whose valour and heroism helped to embody the best of Manitobans,” Kinew said.

“When we think of the first responders and how they stepped up and answered the call that day and in a moment of challenge or a moment of danger, they went towards the crisis instead of running away.”

A total of 134 first responders were inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt following a ceremony held last week at the Legislative Building.

First responders from the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Shared Health Emergency Response Services, STARS air ambulance and Manitoba RCMP, as well as provincial call takers and dispatchers, were inducted.

Pilots and medical staff who were on board two Saskatchewan government fixed-wing air ambulance (Lifeguard) flights that responded and transported patients from Brandon to Winnipeg were also inducted.

Keith Loney, fire chief of the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire and Rescue, Yves Guillas, fire chief of the Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Terry Parlow, chief, and Kevin Garrioch of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, and Ryan Schenk and Grant Winder from the Office of the Fire Commissioner were on hand to accept the framed certificate and statuette on behalf of all recipients.

Former Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa Conservative MP Robert Sopuck died at the age of 73, last week, his family confirmed in a statement.

Sopuck’s family “were shocked by the sudden, but peaceful passing of Robert on Oct. 23”, the statement read.

Sopuck became the area MP in 2010 in a byelection to replace Inky Mark, who stepped down to run for mayor of Dauphin.

He was re-elected in  2011 and 2015 before retiring from politics in 2019.

“Robert led a full life, rich in experience, love, challenges and accomplishments,” the statement read.

“He made major contributions to land, water and wildlife conservation locally and nationally; along the way he mentored many young people who, in various ways, have picked up the torch for issues and challenges that mattered to him; he was a loving husband, father, uncle and grandfather to family members who knew how much they were loved by him, and now keenly feel his untimely passing.”

Former prime minister Stephen Harper, who Sopuck served on the Standing Committee for Environment and Sustainable Devel-opment, as well as the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans paid tribute to Sopuck on X.

“He championed Ukraine’s sovereignty, chaired the Hunting and Angling Caucus, and worked tirelessly for the people of Western Manitoba,” Harper said.

“Bob is in our prayers this evening as we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

In a news release Friday, Manitoba Prog-ressive Conservative Leader Wayne Ewasko called Sopuck a champion for rural Manitoba and a mentor to many in the legislature.

A celebration of life for Sopuck will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Sandy Lake Community Hall.

Countryside Studio and Gym was crowned as the 2024 Community Infusion winner in front of a packed house in the Aspen Lodge at Credit Union Place in Dauphin, Oct. 23.

Based in Hamiota, Countryside Studio and Gym received $20,000 in grant money to expand its operation. Community Infusion is an initiative designed to promote economic development and entrepreneurship in communities, sponsored by Fusion Credit Union.

“The dedication and commitment that all finalists have for their business ideas was demonstrated on stage last night,” Fusion CEO Darwin Johns said.

“They all have a passion for what they do, which is truly inspiring. Community Infusion was created to support economic development initiatives in our communities and we’re happy to have provided a platform to showcase all the amazing ideas. We are proud to have participated in this part of their journey and we wish them all continued success.”

Also in the final five was Friendly’s Grocery Co-op from Inglis, which received second-place and a $4,000 grant. Other finalists included MultiCook from Brandon, Parkland Radon from Inglis and Systems Beauty College from Brandon. These three finalists all received $2,000 each to grow their business ideas.

Community Infusion is an initiative where community engagement meets entrepreneurial passion, said Mike Csversko, Brand and Business Development manager at Fusion.

Each spring, current and aspiring business owners can apply to share in up to $30,000 towards a new business idea, or an expanding business.

This year, Fusion received 18 submissions. Based on scoring criteria, 11 businesses moved onto the next round, which involved the submission of a business plan. Five finalists then pitched their business idea to a panel of judges, last Wednesday.

As a locally based financial institution in the Parkland and southwestern Manitoba, Fusion considers community impact and contribution to be a top priority.

“The Community Infusion program is a way in which Fusion can play a role in supporting job creation, entrepreneurial support, and business development,” Csversko said.

“Our goal for Community Infusion aligns with the priorities of Countryside Studio and Gym, and their plans to grow in the community of Hamiota. We are encouraged by their drive to grow commerce in the region, while committing to employment creation. We look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

Full details regarding the event can be found at www.fusioncu.com.

A ceremony steeped in history and RCMP tradition took place at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, last week, to mark the symbolic passing of command of the Manitoba RCMP from one officer to their successor.

While Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy took office in May,  on Oct. 17 he accepted the RCMP D Division Ensign from RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme after it was relinquished by outgoing Commanding Officer, Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill.

“The RCMP is a modern police agency that uses state-of-the-art technology and investigative methods, and we are also deeply woven into Canadian history,” said Sergeant Major Bettina Schaible, the officer responsible for keeping and maintaining RCMP history and tradition in Manitoba.

“The Change of Command ceremony is important as it allows the officers under the command, as well as the community at large to bid farewell to their outgoing commanding officer and welcome in their new commanding officer. Ceremony is important to the RCMP. When we put on the iconic Red Serge, it means something special to each and every one of us. On this day, we wear it to honour the importance of a change in command and new leadership.”

For the full story, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Dauphin Co-op’s Ste Rose Home and Building Centre has received a prestigious award through the Federated Co-op Ltd. (FCL) system.

The Ste. Rose outlet was presented the Co-operative Retail System (CRS) Home Centre Commitment to Excellence Award for Retails in the East Zone, which covers southern Saskatchewan and all of Manitoba.

 This is the second year in a row that Dauphin Co-op has earned this award, a first for Co-ops across Western Canada.

Each year, the CRS Home and Building Solutions Department recognizes excellence in retailing. The Home Centre Commitment to Excellence Award is presented to those home and building centres which achieve excellence in financials, operations, customer experience and community involvement

Stephen Bunka, Dauphin Co-op Building Division Manager, credits a strong focus on Co-op brand identity across the division as the reason for the success.

“Building and maintaining trusted relationships with members, customers, contractors and each other is a daily focus. Through accreditations and continual training, they are able to offer insights, advice and estimates on building or renovation projects – large or small. They take special care with product selection and do everything they can to ensure products and delivery expectations are met or exceeded,” Bunka said.

“The Ste. Rose Home and Building Centre is an anchor in the community it serves. The team makes our vison to enrich the life of our communities, and mission to make a difference by building valued relationships with our members, team members and communities one interaction at a time, come true everyday with their actions and interactions with the community and each other. If you ever stop by the store you will see how they make every one feel at home there. They know their guests by name, they have fun together and they offer the communities all the amenities that are needed to build, feed and maintain their homes and farms.”

Friends of Dauphin Lake got a helping hand in their efforts to save the lake thanks to Dauphin Co-op’s Fuel Good Day.

In total, $7,268.68 was raised during the Sept. 17  event with a record breaking $2,268.68 coming from barbecues - aided by the Dauphin Kings Junior A Hockey Club players - held at the Co-op Gas Bar location on Mountain Road and Main Street South. The remainder was the result of a Co-op donation of  10 cents from every litre of fuel sold that day at both locations.

“Once again, Fuel Good Day is providing the opportunity for us to work together with our members and customers for the benefit of our community,” said Lorne Eiffert, Dauphin Co-op general manager.

“This is a great fund-raiser that shows how small actions can have big impacts.”

And this money has the potential to make a huge impact

Recreation areas throughout Dauphin Lake have experienced significant weed growth in recent years spurring the formation of the advocacy group.

The weed growth causes extreme risk to boat and personal water craft users on the lake by tangling motors and bringing vessels to dangerously sudden stops.

The goal of Friends of Dauphin Lake is to “Save the Lake” with short and long-term planning to ensure the health of the water body for both the communities and tourists alike.

The not-for-profit organization consists of volunteers and homeowners from the RM of Lakeshore and the RM of Dauphin. It includes Chris Carefoot, Brad Carefoot, Marion Pernarowski, Wayne Heide, Terri Rampton, Mark Talbot, Jason Gibbs, Corey Hanneson, Kim Safronetz, Ryan Shuttleworth, Kristen Haverluck, Sara Watson and advisor Bill Griffen.

They hope to ensure the sustainability, viability and economic wellness of Lake Dauphin through strategic investment, development, advocacy and partnership.

Since 2017, Co-op locations across Western Canada have donated millions to local registered charities and non-profit organizations as part of Fuel Good Day. Locally Dauphin Co-op has donated more than $35,000 throughout the area as part of the initiative.

On behalf of the Manitoba government and the people of Manitoba, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine made a formal statement of apology today in the Manitoba Legislature to children in care who were denied Children’s Special Allowance (CSA) payments over a period beginning in 2005 and continuing through early 2019.

“Our government wishes to offer an apology, along with our deepest sorrow and regret, to the children who were denied their opportunity to grow to their full potential as a result of not receiving the support of the Children’s Special Allowance,” Fontaine said.

“These funds should have nourished your dreams and helped you learn, grow and flourish – instead, you were robbed of your chance to explore your full potential. Today, we acknowledge this profound injustice and take responsibility for the Manitoba government interfering with children’s right to benefit from these funds.”

Over the course of 14 years from 2005 to early 2019, the Manitoba government required Child and Family Services (CFS) agencies to remit more than $335 million in federal CSA payments back to Manitoba’s general revenue. Federal legislation outlines that CSA payments are intended to be made to CFS agencies as an equivalent to the Canada Child Benefit received by parents in Manitoba and are to be used exclusively for care, education, training and advancement of children in care. The practice ceased in early 2019, with CFS agencies now able to use the CSA as they deem appropriate for the benefit of children in care.

Three certified class action lawsuits sought damages for Manitoba’s breach of the rights of vulnerable children. The minister noted the previous government attempted to legislate away the right for children in care to pursue compensation for the denial of these funds.

A 2022 decision by the Court of King’s Bench found Manitoba’s CSA policy and related legislation exacerbated the already-significant disadvantages experienced by children in care and was a breach of their Charter rights to be free from discrimination.

The government has taken a long overdue step in correcting this wrong and has agreed to pay $530 million to compensate the affected children, cover legal fees and administer funds to class members, Fontaine said.

The government’s apology also recognized those who advocated for children in care in response to systemic prejudice.

“I want to honour the determination, resiliency and courage of those who stood up for Manitoba children,” Fontaine said.

“Former children and youth in care, their families and communities and advocacy groups demanded fairness for children in care in our province, with access to the same benefits as other children. You have been at the forefront of showing us that every child matters and for that, we are grateful. Miigwech.”

To receive updates about the claims process, contact the claims administrators.

For individuals who received services from First Nation CFS agencies or non-Indigenous CFS agencies (Flette/Lavalee actions), contact the information line at 1-844-947-7101 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Information is also available at www.csasettlement.com.

For individuals who received services from Métis CFS agencies (Lafontaine action), contact the information line at 1-877-835-4546 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Information is also available at www.metiscsaclassaction.ca.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is launching it’s annual COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine campaign with the first public clinic scheduled for Brandon on, Oct. 24.

The free public clinics will run in various other communities throughout November. Visit prairiemountainhealth.ca for a complete listing of vaccine clinics in the region. Check PMH Facebook, X or Instagram for up-to-date messages, as well. Community members are also advised to watch for information in local newspapers, listen to local radio, or check out posters in or around the communities for vaccine clinic dates, times and locations.

Appointments are preferred, however, walk-ins will be accepted. There are two ways to book an appointment - online through the PMH website as well as www.patient.petal-health.com, or by calling toll-free to 1-844-626-8222.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine will provide broader protection against the variants expected to be most common during the upcoming respiratory virus season, and can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine. At least six months should pass from your last COVID vaccine or known infection until your next vaccination. You will only need to book one appointment to receive COVID and flu vaccines the day you attend.

Anyone over six months of age can receive the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine. The respiratory virus season last year affected many younger children. Public health strongly recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for children aged six months to under five years of age. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including:

• adults 65 years of age or older;
• residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings;
• individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk;
• individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
• members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and
• people who provide essential community services.

If you are 65 years or older, you can receive the high-dose flu vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine will also be available.

The vaccine consent form can be found on the PMH website and people are asked to bring their Manitoba Health card and wear short sleeves if possible.

If you are unwell or feeling ill, do not attend your vaccine appointment. If you need to cancel, please call 1-844-626-8222.

Influenza and COVID-19 can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs.

These infections are spread through the air when someone who is sick talks, coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread through direct contact with secretions such as saliva or if a person touches an object that can carry and spread disease, including doorknobs or toys, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.

Public health recommends all Manitobans take personal health measures including:

• staying home when sick until they feel better and no longer have a fever;
• washing hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;
• covering coughs and sneezes;
• wearing a mask in indoor spaces can be considered as an extra layer of protection; and
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people.

Voters in three wards of Mountain View School Division will head to the polls at the end of the month to select four trustees to fill vacancies at the board table.

On Oct. 30, voters in Ward 1 (Roblin) will choose two new trustees, while those in Ward 2 (Gilbert Plains, Grandview and Ethelbert) will elect one trustee and voters in Dauphin will select one new Ward 4 trustee.

Often it can be difficult to get the information you need to make an informed choice in the ballot booth and the further you head down the levels of governance, the more difficult that quest can be.

With no formal candidate forums or debates announced, the Dauphin Herald and the Roblin Review partnered with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to ask the candidates six questions so voters can get a better idea of exactly who is hoping to help shape the local education system

Questions asked included:

1. Reflecting on your life experience, what has prepared you to run for school trustee?
2. If you are elected, what would your priorities be as a Mountain View School Division trustee?
3. What would you do to make those priorities a reality?
4. There has been a great deal of talk about racism and discrimination at the board level in Mountain View. How would you work to combat the hurtful misinformation that has been spread in recent months, commit to Reconciliation and repair the harm caused to students and families in the division?
5. What would being a school trustee mean to you?
6. How can voters reach you to discuss further?

Eight of the nine candidates responded. Their candidates’ unedited answers follow, sorted in order of where their name will appear on the ballot.

To see the full Q&A, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.