The role manufacturing plays in rural economies often goes unnoticed, especially in areas where agriculture dominates the scene.

But Ritz Machine Works Inc. in Dauphin was drawn out of the shadows recently when it’s Director of Operations, Bryan Yakimishen, was named one of the top 10 manufacturing leaders in Canada under the age of 40 by Plant, a leading industry magazine.

The awards are meant to recognize the next generation of talent in Canada’s manufacturing industry and celebrate those who are helping to actively shape the future of the sector.

When the call for nominations came out, Ritz’s chief executive officer Rick Ilnisky knew his company included such a person.

“I thought of Brian right away because he’s done some great things at our company over the 10 years plus,” Ilnisky said.

“I felt that he had come through the ranks within that 10 years. He’s had the opportunity and he’s had the aptitude to succeed. And it’s nice to see a story where a fellow from a small town can go away, get his education, and come back and thrive.”

Yakimishen started his journey with Ritz in 2015 as an engineering student home from the University of Manitoba for the summer.

After completing his degree, he remained with the company as a manufacturing engineer, eventually leading the engineering department. In that role he helped implement the company’s ISO 9100.

Last year, Yakimishen became Ritz’s director of Operations, overseeing production, engineering, maintenance, quality, human resources and more.

Humbled by the recognition, Yakimishen feels the achievement is not his alone, but rather is a testament to the work of everyone at Ritz, from owners through to the shop floor.

Read the full story in this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.

Receiving the certificate for a successfully completed teaching exam brought back memories of a recent trip to Scotland for a local Highland dance instructer.

Mackenna Telfer was in Scotland in July to compete at the Luss Highland Games, bringing home a second place finish in her category.

The day prior to the competition, the instructor at the Telfer School of Highland Dance in Dauphin passed the exam for her Highland National teaching credentials.

“I had taken the first exam to be qualified when I was 16,” Telfer said, referring to her Associates Highland teaching credentials.

“And then I took the additional exam in Scotland and I passed it. So I have the second credentials.

“I didn’t need to take the exam. I could have still been a credible dance teacher with my Associates Highland, but I took the additional exam just because I could.”

While proud of that accomplishment, the highlight of the trip for Telfer was competing in a Highland dance competition in the Highlands.

“It’s kind of cool just to compete in Scotland,” Telfer said.

“The mountains were in the background right beside the stage. It was just beautiful scenery. So it just felt good being on the stage.”

Telfer said the setting definitely added to her performance, as she is used to competing in gymnasiums and community halls here in Canada.

“But here you have, a small Scottish community with the mountains in the background. It definitely feels a lot cooler when you’re dancing.”

The first Luss Highland Gathering was held in 1875 and has been held annually since, except for a break during the two World Wars.

Throughout the years the gathering has remained relatively unchanged with competitions in caber tossing, hammer throwing, hill races, piping, Highland dancing and much more.

Telfer competed in the Premier category.

“There were four of us in my premier category and I was the youngest one. I was 17 and I think the next person close to my age was probably close to 30 and then the oldest person in the category was in their 50s,” Telfer said

“There was two of us from Canada. There was one woman from America, from the States, and there was a man in the category who was from Scotland. He was from the area.

“It was a decent sized competition.”

The experience went even deeper when Telfer teamed up with a local highland dance school to perform at the World Skiffies, an international rowing competition, which included Team Canada.

“Team Canada was there for the World Skiffies and they came and watched us dance (at the Luss Gathering) because we had a bunch of Canadian dancers dancing there,” Telfer said.

“And we collaborated with the Highland dance school from that hometown - which is actually where my dance teacher grew up - because we were invited to perform at the opening ceremony.”

For Telfer, the trip will remain a happy memory and an experience she can share with her young students here at home.

A youth has been remanded in custody following a threat with a fire arm at Ebb and Flow School.

On Oct. 7, at approximately 11 a.m., Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP were dispatched to a report of a youth pointing a firearm at the school.

Officers responded immediately and were advised by a faculty member that a male youth, who was not a student at the school, had pointed a firearm at another student and then left the school grounds.

No one was injured in the incident, but the school went into lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Police were directed to the residence where it was believed the suspect may have came from.

When they arrived, the homeowner advised that the suspect did go to the school and had returned, but had since left again.

Police seized an air soft gun that was believed to be used in the incident.

A short time later the suspect turned himself in at the Ste. Rose du Lac detachment.

The 15-year-old was remanded until his court appearance on charges of uttering threats against a person, pointing a firearm, uttering threats to property and two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP continue to investigate.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

Nicole Yunker wishes everyone a merry Christmas.

And to help make that happen, the local diva has planned a special evening of music to ease people into the holiday season, while raising funds for the Watson Arts Centre.

Tickets for Nicole and Friends: A Christmas Celebration go on sale tomorrow.

The Nov. 29 concert is a chance to sit back, take a breath and enjoy the the holidays.

“Christmas, as much as I love it, I admit it’s a busy time of year. I want people to have the opportunity to come to hear Christmas songs they love, maybe hear some they haven’t, but just to sit and enjoy. Let their heart rate slow down,” Yunker said.

“Let’s have the room filled with people, friends and family and joy. And those events are really important during busy times. We don’t always take that time to just sit and be. And that’s what this concert will be. It’ll be a joyful night.”

The friends portion of the bill includes Dauphin’s Keystone Chorus, The Basement Band, Ste. Rose Community Choir and Emanuel Nakonechny.

“These are all performers I’ve heard over the years and I thought of them right away,” Yunker said.

“I think it really speaks to the region because everybody I called said yes.”

The two-hour show will feature holiday favourites, food, drink and a few surprises along the way.

“This is joy. It’s more than the music,” Yunker said.

“I really want all of us to celebrate together and I come from a place of gratitude, because without the support of the Parkland . . . my music wouldn’t be heard. So it’s a way of saying thank you and I can do that by bringing people together.”

The classically trained Yunker has two EPs under her belt, “My Dream” and “Christmas By The Fire.” It is the success she has experienced that moved her to give something back to the organization and venue which helped her realize her life long dream.

“I’m at a point now in my career where I’m recording and I love that. But I think of the WAC, because before I was recording, I got the opportunity to sing at many events because of the WAC and I am forever grateful. And without those years of singing at concerts and people saying, ‘Nicole, you should record’, that’s what gave me the motivation to take my career to the next level. So, I want to be able to give back to the WAC,” Yunker said, adding all the performers on the evening’s bill agreed that the concert should be a fund-raiser.

“We all agreed that we’re going to do this for the WAC. We want to support them in their efforts knowing the impact they’ve had in all our lives.”

Tickets are available at the Watson Arts Centre and on the WAC website at www.watsonartcentre.com. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

“I have my sequined dress. I’m ready to go. I want everyone to join me,” Yunker said.

City Council took the opportunity to get some work done prior to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation holiday during a regular meeting, Sept 29.

Utility bills

With the postal strike, City administrators are encouraging everyhone to sign up for electronic billing to ensure they do not miss the due date for the quarterly ultility bills.

Electronic billing can be accessed by visiting www.dauphin.ca and completing registration by Oct. 9.

 Customers who do not register for electronic billing may pick up their printed bills at City Hall during regular business hours, beginning Oct. 20. Should mail delivery resume, any uncollected bills will be sent by mail at that time.

The due date for third quarter utility bills remains Nove. 17, and customers are responsible for ensuring payment is received on time. Accounts not paid by the due date will be subject to late payment penalties.

Added to taxes

Councillors voted to add two outstanding accounts receivable to the tax rolls in the amount of $2,559.85.

That total is comprised of $436.21 owing at 901 Whitmore Ave. E for  temporary storage and $2,123.64 outstanding at 29 6th Ave. SE for yard cleanup costs.

Council also opted to added one outstanding water account to the tax rolls in the amount of $33,700.53 owing at 2001-2175 Mountain Road as the owner did not pay the current water bill.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed, Oct. 1, as the International Day of Older Persons recognizing that life expectancy worldwide continues to rise and is expected to reach 81 years by the end of the century and by 2050, two billion people worldwide will be 60 years of age or older.

Oct. 5 to 11 was proclaimed as Fire Prevention Week, reaffirming the City’s commitment to ensuring the safety of those living in and visiting Dauphin. The proclamation stressed the need for fire awareness and marks the exceptional service provided by the Dauphin Fire Department.

Finally, council proclaimed 2025 as the 40th Anniversary Year of the Dauphin and District Handi-Van recognizing the  accessible, affordable and inclusive transportation the organization provides to many residents in Dauphin and in surrounding communities.

Trail dollars

Council reviewed a recent provincial news release concerning a provincial investment in more than 30 recreational trails including Dauphin’s Northgate Trails Inc., which received $15,000 for general trail maintenance.

Accounts approved

Councillors authorized the issuance of 49 cheques totalling $489,386.36 to cover accounts.

One electronic fund transfer was also approved in the amount of $1,215.37.

Recreation funding

Council authorized the mayor David Bosiak and city manager Sharla Griffiths to sign a three-year recreation funding agreement between the City and Rural Municipality of Dauphin.

The agreement will see the RM contribute $419,000 for the 2026 fiscal year, while funding for the 2027 and 2028 fiscal years will be determined on a per capita basis based on 2021 census data.

The agreement also lays out details of capital costs, cost of living increases and board governance.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Dauphin artists are dominating the scene at the 2025 Manitoba Country Music Awards this fall.

Local group Kate’s Outlaw is in the running for seven awards, while solo artist Desiree Dorian has been nominated in five categories.

The Dauphin-based country-rock group Kate’s Outlaw will be looking to collect hardware in several categories including Group or Duo of the Year, Roots Artist Group or Duo of the Year, Emerging Artists of the Year, Album of the Year (for their breakout album Longrider Religion) and Fans Choice Entertainer of the Year.

Frontman Kyle Neault and lead guitarist Levi Winters are also in the running for the Fay Walker Song of the Year (Songwriters) for the single “Longrider Religion,” 

Winters is also nominated for All Star Band of the Year - Guitar honours.

A fixture at the annual awards show, Dorian is nominated as Female Artist of the Year, as well as the NCI FM Indigenous Country Music Award and Interactive Artist, Duo or Group of the Year.

Dorian is also in the running for the Fay Walker Song of the Year (Songwriters) award for “Dry” off 2025’s Remember Your Name, which is also nominated as Album of the Year.

Former Parkland artist Jerry Sereda is up for Male Artist of the Year and the NCI FM Indigenous Country Music Award, as well as Album of the Year for Backroad Billionaire while Roblin’s Ryan Keown is in the running for Male Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for I Know You Like That.

Finally, 730 CKDM has been nominated as Radion Station of the Year.

Find all the details in this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.

Much of what we use in our daily lives is powered by lithium ion batteries.

The batteries are used to power smartphones, laptops, tablets, digital cameras, power tools, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, e-scooters, smartwatches, fitness trackers, cordless vacuums and more and knowing how to properly  charge, maintain and dispose of the batteries is important to protect your property and ensure your safety.

Fire Prevention Week 2025’s theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home” and the Oct. 5 to 11 campaign is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself, says Dauphin Fire Chief Cam Abrey.

“For us in Dauphin, there hasn’t been a whole lot (of incidents involving lithium batteries). We’ve had more from charging cords or recharging items than from the batteries themselves,” Abrey said.

“But it is always a hazard that’s out there.”

Safe charging is one of the major themes of this year’s campaign.

Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface and do not overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

“Do not just leave it plugged in because the batteries can start to overheat that way,” Abrey warned, adding it all begins with buying the proper product when it comes to both the original equipment purchase and when it comes time to buy replacement batteries.

“Lithium batteries don’t last forever and when people start to replace them, everybody’s always cautious about the price and that you can find a better deal online rather than buying directly from the manufacturer. And that’s where the big hazards are coming up is that people are buying products that are not manufactured by the original equipment manufacturer,” he said.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

The City and the RM of Dauphin have struck a deal when it comes to funding recreation in the community in the future.

The agreement in principle arrived at last week will see the RM provide $419,000 in recreation funding next year followed by per capita contributions in 2027 and 2028 with a cost of living cap on any annual increases. As well, the RM will contribute $50,000 per year for capital requirements over and above its operating contributions.

A new board structure will also be developed to guide Dauphin Recreation Services going forward, although details are yet to be worked out.

Pleased to have arrived at an agreement, Mayor David Bosiak said work is now underway to  complete the paperwork and get the deal signed.

“We basically said we would leave it up to the senior administrators to come up with the proposals and we’ll sign it. Charlotte (city manager Griffiths) and Grady (RM CAO Stephenson) are working on it,” he said.

Referencing a past deal on the issue he thought was completed, which later fell through, Reeve Ernie Sirski is not ready to comment on the current plan.

“Until this deal is signed, sealed and delivered, I’m not making any comment,” Sirski said.

“We’ll have a signing ceremony and we’ll invite the press, but until that time, I’m not making any comment.”

City council read and passed several proclamations as part of its regular meeting Sept. 15.

Sept. 15 to 21 was proclaimed as Rail Safety Week, recognizing that 261 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred across the country in 2024, resulting in 68 avoidable fatalities and 58 avoidable serious injuries. The proclamation also drew attention to Operation Lifesaver, a public/private partnership aimed at working with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media, and others to raise rail safety awareness.

Sept. 22 to 28 was proclaimed as Right to Know Week, highlighting that reasonable access to information is fundamental to a democratic society and draw attention to the benefits of transparent, accessible government.

A joint proclamation was also passed marking Sept 22 to 26 as Truth and Reconciliation Week and Sept. 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognizing the importance of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report  which included 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and to provide a framework for all levels of government to repair the painful legacy of Canada’s colonial history and to move forward with reconciliation.

Finally, Sept. 28 was proclaimed Police and Peace Officers’ National Memorial Day, commemorating those police and peace officers who were killed in the line of duty.

The proclamation also recognized the work of local RCMP officers, who are committed to the highest professional standards and work in partnership with the community to meet the challenges of reducing crime, creating a safe environment and improving our quality of life.

Read the full story in this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

A weekly wrap of policing activities at the Dauphin detachment  show a busy week began Sept. 7, a day police received 24 calls for service

It began at approximately 2 a.m., when officers on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with two male occupants on Fourth Avenue Southeast.

The 40-year-old driver and his 33-year-old passenger, both from Ste Rose du Lac, were found to be intoxicated. A subsequent search of the vehicle was conducted, with officers locating a small amount of crack cocaine, a large hammer, and small knife, as well as drug paraphernalia.

Both occupants were transported to the Dauphin detachment, and the driver was charged with numerous offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

Sept. 9, saw 21 calls for service, while Sept. 10 was highlighted by 22 calls for service and Sept. 11 saw 28 calls for service

In the early morning hours of Sept. 12, one of the 27 calls for service saw Dauphin RCMP attended to a single vehicle rollover at the intersection of Hwy. 5 and Road 147 West in the RM of Grandview.

When officers arrived they located a vehicle rolled over on the side of the road, and the single female occupant was already out of the vehicle.

The 35-year-old female driver was transported to hospital with minor injuries and was later charged with failing to comply with release order conditions.

Also on that day, police were notified that a 68-year-old man that had been released on an undertaking with conditions to turn over his firearms to police, had not yet done so.

On Sept. 15, after a brief investigation Dauphin officers, along with Police Dog Services and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Services attended to the man’s residence in the RM of Dauphin.

Brant Beleshinski was arrested without incident and charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and unauthorized possession of firearms.

Police seized a double barrel shotgun, a smaller gauged shotgun, as well as large and small caliber rifles, along with ammunition from the property.

Beleshinski was later released with a Nov. 13, court date in Dauphin.

The week wrapped up with 17 calls for service on Sept. 13.