On October 15, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m., Manitoba First Nations Police Service officers in Opaskwayak Cree Nation attempted a traffic stop on a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed into The Pas and eventually became stuck in snow. Along with the assistance of The Pas RCMP, seven adult occupants were taken into custody.
Investigation led to the discovery of a high-capacity magazine (prohibited device), ammunition, blunt weapons, and suspected cocaine.

The tri-community has a small dedicated niche of runners and joggers who strive to go the distance when it comes to running. It’s not only a daily form of exercise for them, but can also lead to competitive challenges and marathons.
Recently, Lia and Patti Marin travelled to Toronto to participate in the Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
Both Lia and Patti first developed their love of running during their final year of high school.
“I was active in sports growing up, but when I was in grade 12, I decided to join track and field,” said Lia.

Local artist and metal sculptor Dan Jones recently displayed his artwork during Culture Days at an event held at Opasquia Trails. Visitors got to see his detailed and intricate artwork up close and personal. For Jones, his work has been something he stumbled upon and has felt a deep connection to from the beginning.
“My original background is in automotive, so I am mechanically inclined,” said Jones. “Anyone who works in this field dabbles in a bit of welding for exhaust systems and other stuff. I was a bit familiar with welding already, even though I never took any official training on it. I already owned a welder.

Even when the local public library isn’t open, a new book to read might just be a walk down the street away.
The Swan Valley is currently home to a few Little Free Libraries (LFL) – two in Swan River (First Street North and Duncan Crescent) and one in Kenville being some examples.
LFLs are outdoor (and sometimes indoor) libraries that are free for anyone to use – take a book, leave a book, welcome for anyone to borrow or keep what’s inside.
“If you love reading, it’s a chance to see what others are reading, and to encouter random books from the neighbourhood,” said Kendra Thiessen, who has a LFL set up in her front yard on Duncan Crescent.”
While LFLs are conceptually connected – and the website littlefreelibrary.org providing plenty of resources – each library is up to individuals what kinds of books or other materials they wish to stock inside, and what each LFL looks like. In Thiessen’s case, her expectation is that her library remain child and teen friendly, rearranging the revolving collection so the child-friendly books are on the bottom shelf. Thiessen also decorated her LFL with a Dr. Seuss theme, highlighting the intention of a family-friendly space.
Naturally, of course, with every LFL, parent discretion is needed for children using an LFL, because of the double-edged sword of a free-to-use, free-to-access common good.
“I think it’s a good idea to be aware of the books that are going in and out of your library, so I try to check up on it every so often,” said Thiessen. “I haven’t had to remove any so far, but I really want my library to be child friendly, so I’m keeping an eye on it.”
Thiessen also has a guestbook in her’s as well, and has taken joy in hearing people’s comments and book suggestions.
“Sometimes I’ve been surprised at how many people have visited the library when I haven’t noticed,” she said. “The response has been very positive.
“If you love reading, and have spare books laying around like I do, this is a great chance to do something fun for our community. All you need is a little library. There are plenty of ideas online of how to make them yourself. For me, I’m not a very handy person, so my parents made it for me. My dad loves making little projects such as this, and I’m sure he’d be willing to be hired to make others – he also made the one my sister-in-law’s LFL in Kenville. And, my mom is a great painter and she painted mine and my sister-in-law’s.”
Of course, Thiessen loves the local North-West Regional Library, and believes there is plenty of space for a full-featured public library as well as multiple LFLs.
“Our librarians are so friendly and helpful and we have a great selection there,” said Thiessen. “I think the difference of having a LFL is you don’t have to return them if you don’t want to, and it’s along the road so it can be a very quick stop.
“The public library also has has hundreds of times more books than any of the LFLs, so you don’t go to a roadside library for your favourite author or a new release, but instead you go to it to be surprised and maybe discover a book you’ve never heard of before.
“Swan River is a beautiful town, with so many wonderful people here, and something I’m passionate about is community spirit,” Thiessen continued. “I want our town to be known for positive things, and I believe that comes from people creating the kind of culture that we want to have here. We shouldn’t ignore our challenges, but I don’t think that should be our everyday focus. Instead, I want to create a safe and fun experience, and I’ve seen how the little library is a place for people to pause their busy lives, discover a new book and maybe even meet some other people.
“It’s been so encouraging seeing people of all ages stopping at my little library, I think it can feel a little bit like discovering a treasure box, because you don’t know what you will find. At one of the other little libraries in town, I found a children’s book that I absolutely loved when I was younger, and I’m so excited that I could take it to read to my nieces and nephews.”
Visit littlefreelibrary.org for tips, kits to build, best practices, or frequently asked questions. With just a few handfuls of books available that can generally be stored in each location, there’s plenty of room for book-lovers to add a bright spot in their neighbourhood.

Little Free Libraries are a great community resource for people to have in their neighbourhoods, accessible to anyone, at any time. Pictured here, the Little Free Library in the heart of Kenville holds treasures for readers to discover.

By Terrie Welwood
Russell Banner

The family of a 40-year-old mother of six was finally given a measure of peace with the announcement of the arrest of three men from Russell, Roblin and Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve - formerly known as Valley River.
The arrests come as part of the five-year investigation into the disappearance of Melinda Lynxleg by the Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, with assistance from Roblin, Russell, and Dauphin RCMP detachments.
Kirk Kenneth Allarie, 42, from Roblin, Myles Malcolm Allarie, 38, of Russell and Billy Jay Lynxleg, 46 from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve Valley River First Nation have been charged with Second Degree Murder along with Offer Indignity to human remains.
All three men were arrested at their respective area homes between Oct 14 and 16, 2025 without incident and will remain in custody until they face trial at a later date.

Read the full story in the October 28, 2025 Russell Banner.

Keyko.co had people lined up around the building as they officially opened their new location on Main Street behind Prairie Girl Esthetics - the entrance is on the south side of the building.
The room erupted in laughter as the ribbon refused to cooperate when (left to right) Deputy Mayor Estha Baseley, Hon. Malaya Marcelino Minister of Labour and Immigration, Monique, Jerry and Zane Pestano,
Rec. Director Amy Tweet and Daymon Guillas proceeded with the grand opening of the newest business in Russell’s business district.

Justice for Melinda Lynxleg is in the works as the RCMP Major Crimes Unit announced on Oct. 20 the arrest of three men involved in her death.
The investigation spanned over five years and required assistance from not only the Manitoba RCMP Major Crimes Unit, but from Roblin, Russell and Dauphin RCMP detachments as well.
Find out more in this week’s Review.

The Dauphin and District Handivan Association (DDHA) has provided safe, reliable and vital, transportation services for seniors, persons with disabilities, and others with mobility challenges.

DDHA celebrated 40 years with an event at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 20, Saturday.

Board members, drivers and clients were invited for coffee or tea and cake following a short program.

DDHA president and board chair Marge Beyette said Ron Bourdin was the person who started the handivan services 40 years ago.

“I believe he only had himself working and one van,” she said.

DDHA now has five vans. Four of them, Beyette said, have ramps and one is ambulatory.

“We use that one a lot for people that don’t have wheelchairs or may have a walker. But we can fold that up and put it in the back,” she said.

“So it’s a little cheaper to run gas wise.”

Along with the five vans, there is one full-time driver and seven others who are casual, though they sometimes run into full-time hours depending on how busy it gets.

The need for such a service continues to grow.

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

The Pas Friendship Centre (TPFC) has a new leader at the helm of its organization. Rhoda Beardy has accepted the role of executive director for TPFC after being with the organization for quite some time.
“My first involvement with the Friendship Centre Movement was back in 1999, when I worked as a Cultural Program Assistant,” said Beardy. “That summer, we organized a Teepee Village in Devon Park, which was a truly unforgettable experience. The community came together to camp, share meals, and tell stories around the fire.
“It was more than just a program; it was a celebration of culture, connection, and tradition. Seeing families gather, elders share wisdom, and youth engage with their heritage made it an awesome event that still holds a special place in my heart.”