The last of the acts are signed and the countdown to Dauphin’s Countryfest 2026 is on.

Canada’s longest running country music festival takes place, June 25 to 28, at Selo Ukraina south of Dauphin.

Headlining the 2026 festival are multi-platinum country stars Jelly Roll, Tyler Hubbard, and Nate Smith, each bringing their high-energy performances to the Play Now Main Stage.

Joining the headliners on the main stage will be the Hunter Brothers, Owen Riegling, Jade Turner and the Sean Taylor Band on Friday.

Sturday will feature Cameron Whitcomb, Hailey Benedict, Noeline Hofmann and Alli Walker, while Sunday will see Brett Kissel, Thelma and James, Blackhawk and The Martin Boys.

With a mix of international headliners, celebrated Canadian talent, and rising local artists, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for music fans across the country.

“Each year our goal is to build a lineup that truly captures the spirit of Countryfest, bringing together world-class talent, Canadian artists, and the rising stars in our own backyard,” said Colette Hykawy, Programming Committee lead.

“We’re excited to welcome fans back to the hill for four days of great music and fun activities.”

The festival will get underway, June 25, with a Rockin’ Thursday Kickoff Party, featuring Canadian rocker JJ Wilde, a Kitchener, Ont., born artist, who will set the tone for an electrifying weekend, alongside Manitoba performers Leddwyn and The Haileys.

Additional highlights on the hilltop stages include acclaimed Canadian artists Charlie Major and Aaron Pritchett, along with a drink-raising, head-banging performance from Eddy and the Dirty Boys, a rising Canadian rock band compiled of members from both The Glorious Sons and Boston Levi.

Toque will return to the hilltop stage to bring their high-energy classic rock performance.

The remainder of the weekend features home-grown talent, and out of province rising stars, such as Josh Stumpf, Club Wagon Creek, Ryan Keown, Austin Ryder, Morgan Grace, Kates Outlaw, Sarah Vanderzon, JR Charron, Kris Anders and the Flatlanders, Irvin Miller, Petric, Brandi Vezina, Cassandra Star and Mitchell Makoons and Desiree Orvis.

Dauphin’s Countryfest has now entered Tier 3 pricing with weekend passes available at $369 plus fees and taxes.

Tickets and camping can be purchased online at Countryfest.ca or by calling toll-free to 1-800-361-7300.

He only spent one season in Dauphin with the Kings, but Nicholas Zaharias made the most of it.

The Crystal Lake, Il., native recently committed to the Trine University Thunder of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.

Zaharias was third in scoring with the Kings this season, bending the twine 14 times, while adding 31 assists for 45 points in 57 games.

While Zaharias enjoys some peace of mind after landing his scholarship, other players with similar goals will descend upon the City of Sunshine, this weekend, hoping to impress the Dauphin coaching and scouting staffs as the Kings host their annual spring prospects camp.

More than 80 players born between 2008 and 2011 are expected to hit the ice at Credit Union Place to put their skills to the test during camp, which Kings director of business operations Christian Laughland said on the team’s website is a big economic boost for the city.

“It’s always great to host a number of players and parents and have them see, not only what the hockey club is about, but our community as a whole,” he said.

“There’s lots to see and do in Dauphin and this is a great opportunity for players to see what they could be getting into if they became a Dauphin King.”

A Dauphin man remains in custody after being found in possession of weapons and drug paraphernalia, last week

On Mar. 28, at 9:30 p.m., RCMP patrolling Main Street South saw a man outside a convenience store who was breaching the conditions of his release order.

An RCMP officer from the West District General Investigation Section arrested the man, who initially resisted, and safely took him into custody.

A subsequent search of the bag the suspect was carrying uncovered multiple weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun, a knife, ammunition and a road flare. Drug paraphernalia was also found inside the bag.

Daniel Gingera, 42, from Dauphin has been charged with 14 offences, including resisting a peace officer, four counts of failing to comply with a release order, two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, three counts of weapons possession contrary to an order, unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of a prohibited firearm.

To find out more, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Riding Mountain MP Dan Mazier has introduced legislation which would ban supervised drug consumption and injection sites from operating within 500 metres of schools, daycares and playgrounds.

In introducing the bill, the Official Opposition’s Shadow Minister for Health calculated that more than 80 per cent of federally-approved sites are currently operating within that zone.

“Allowing drug consumption sites next to children is dangerous and unacceptable,” Mazier said.

“No parent should have to worry about their child stepping on a used needle in the playground or walking through a cloud of fentanyl smoke on the way to school.”

Supervised consumption sites are facilities where individuals can use illegal drugs because the federal Minister of Health has granted a legal exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

According to Health Canada, fentanyl is the most commonly used drug at federally approved consumption sites, accounting for nearly half of all visits, followed by methamphetamine.

Mazier referred to these sites as “drug magnets,” citing hundreds of reports to Health Canada with concerns relating to drug dealing, property damage, aggression, and the littering of drug paraphernalia.

“The Liberals have been approving drug consumption sites next to children without checking who is next door,” Mazier said.

“When I asked the Health Minister at committee how many approved sites are located next to schools and daycares, she could not answer because her own department does not collect that information.” he added.

At a press conference on Parliament Hill following the bill’s introduction in the House of Commons, Mazier pointed to specific cases to illustrate the impact these sites are having on families and communities.

He highlighted the example of Sandy Hill Child Care, a daycare in Ottawa that was forced to shut down in 2023 after a supervised consumption site opened blocks away. The daycare documented a significant increase in open drug use and aggression. Before the closure, the daycare had to hire a private security guard to accompany children for outdoor activities.

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

Dauphin MLA and MAnitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn,  recently delivered a  Member’s Statement in the Legislature recognizing the  achievements of Winnipegosis resident Alex Lytwyn.

Lytwyn lives with cerebral palsy and, using a powerchair, he has built a life shaped not by limitations, but by determination, creativity, and a strong commitment to advocacy.

Lytwyn was joined in the Legislature by his supporters, including his mother Sherry Lytwyn, Karen Huhtala, a dedicated health care professional, Lindsey Cooke, CEO of Manitoba Possible,  and Mark Gabrielle a close friend and relative, making the recognition especially meaningful.

Kostyshyn’s Member Statement read:

“Honourable Speaker, I rise to recognize Alex Lytwyn of Winnipegosis, Manitoba, an inspiring rural disability advocate, writer, and entrepreneur who continues to break barriers and challenge assumptions about what is possible.

Alex lives with cerebral palsy and uses a powerchair, but he has never allowed that to define his limits. He has built a life grounded in determination, creativity, and advocacy.

Alex is an accomplished writer who has completed two books awaiting publication and works as a freelance contributor.

His first-person perspective pieces have appeared on CBC Manitoba.

He has earned certificates in Business Administration and Applied Counselling, reflecting his commitment to personal growth and life-long learning.

Through his love of hockey, Alex served for three seasons as video coach for the Parkland Rangers U18 AAA team.

His involvement sends a powerful message that people of all abilities can contribute to the game and be an important part of the team.  

Alex has proudly served as an ambassador for Manitoba Possible and now sits on its board.

With their support, he has taken part in remarkable experiences, such as rappelling 272 feet down the Manitoba Hydro building in support of Manitoba Possible and Easter Seals Canada.

Alex is the founder of Willpower Media, a platform dedicated to sharing stories and encouraging people to push beyond perceived limits.

Through his advocacy, media work, and social media show “Can I Come In”, Alex inspires others to believe in their own possibilities.

I would like to recognize Karen, a valued friend and health care professional who has supported Alex and his initiatives for many years, as well as Alex’s family, for their ongoing support.

Alex reminds us that with determination and support, barriers can be broken and new paths created for others to follow.

Please join me in recognizing an inspiring young Manitoban who demonstrates that determination, independence, and opportunity can create new possibilities.”

Following the reading, Kostyshyn presented Lytwyn with a framed copy of the Member’s Statement.

The body of a woman reported missing last week has been located.

On Mar. 18, at 10:15 p.m., Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP received a report of a missing 21-year-old woman from O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation.

She had been last seen on Mar. 16 at a residence in the community.

Officers from the Ste. Rose du Lac Detachment, along with a First Nation Safety Officer and community members, conducted numerous checks in the community, including a search of nearby trails, for any information that may lead to her wherabouts.

Early the next morning police were informed her body had been found near Provincial Road 481.

The cause of death remains under investigation awaiting the results of an autopsy.

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP, along with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, continue to investigate.

• • •

Dauphin RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating  Kelly Klyne, 47, who is wanted on a number of charges dating back to December 2025, including aggravated assault, forcible confinement and robbery.

Klyne is known to frequent the Dauphin and Grandview areas and is considered dangerous.

If seen, do not approach, call 911 or the Dauphin RCMP detachment at 204-622-5020.

• • •

On Mar. 17, at approximately 11 a.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to a firearms complaint on Minto Avenue East in Gilbert Plains.

Out of an abundance of caution, police advised the nearby school to lock down, while they dealt with the situation.

Nearby offices were also temporarily closed.

A 46-year-old man was taken into custody at approximately 12:35 p.m., and the lock down was declared over shortly thereafter.

Police continue to investigate.

Swan River RCMP are continuing to investigate the disappearance of Lorlene Bone, a Sapoteweyak Cree Nation woman who was reported missing 10 years ago this week.

Bone, who would now be 41 years old, last spoke to her mother on Feb. 29, 2016. She was reported missing to Swan River RCMP on Mar. 9, 2016.

Police continue to receive tips about Bone’s disappearance, with investigators following up on each new piece of information they receive in the hope of resolving his decade-long mystery for her family and the community.

“Numerous searches have taken place over the past 10 years and we’ve followed up on many tips, but we continue to look for the one piece of information that get us the answers we’re looking for, and find Lorlene,” said RCMP Sgt. Marnie Carvelli.

“We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how small the detail, to contact our detachment.”

Anyone with information regarding Bone’s disappearance, or who may have details regarding the days leading up to her disappearance, is encouraged to contact Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or to submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Manitoba Hydro has filed its full 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Report with the Public Utilities Board (PUB).

Late last year, the utility released its 2025 IRP Road Map that included an early look at the recommended 10-year development plan designed to meet Manitoba’s energy needs and align with net-zero targets.

Representing a complete picture of the integrated resource planning process and its results, the 2025 IRP Report is also now available for public viewing on Manitoba Hydro’s website at hydro.mb.ca.

The 2025 IRP Report provides additional context and information surrounding the previously released road map including the 10-year recommended development plan, an alternative development plan, key learnings from the planning process, near-term actions Manitoba Hydro needs to take, and signposts that will be monitored going forward. The report is accompanied by documentation of the comprehensive analysis and engagement conducted to arrive at the road map.

The provincial government requested Manitoba Hydro file the IRP with the PUB as part of the overall approval process.

“We’re excited to build on our Road Map and present a more complete picture of Manitoba’s energy future with the filing of our 2025 IRP,” said Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Allan Danroth.

“This IRP is the outcome of a thorough, industry-best-practice planning process, informed throughout by engagement with thousands of Manitobans. It presents solid data and analysis in support of our development plan and our alignment with Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan and net-zero targets set by government.

“This filing represents the beginning of the final phase of IRP approval. I’m pleased to be able to share this information more broadly now about Manitoba Hydro’s future, and by extension the future of energy in our province.”

The 2025 IRP Report provides more detailed information including a comprehensive risk assessment and deep analysis of resource options, greenhouse gas impacts, financial implications and the trade-offs between different decisions made in planning for the province’s energy future.

Swan River RCMP have issued an arrest warrant in connection with a fatal collision which occured last summer.

Police searching for Matthew Govereau, a 37-year-old man from Winnipeg, in connection with a head-on collision that killed three people on July 1, 2025, on Hwy. 10, near Road 224 North.

Govereau was driving when his vehicle veered over the center line of the highway and struck a parked vehicle on the opposite shoulder. A 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, who were in the parked vehicle, were both transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. 

A 29-year-old man, who was a passenger in Govereau’s vehicle, was also transported to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Following approval from Manitoba Prosecution Service, 18 charges were sworn against Govereau on January 20, 2026, relating to the collision, as well as the weapons and drugs recovered from the vehicle following the collision.

The charges include three counts of impaired driving causing death, three counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, three ounts of careless driving, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possessing a prohibited weapon, two counts of weapon possession contrary to order, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance.

Efforts to locate Govereau have been unsuccessful. His last known address is in Birch River, but he is known to regularly travel throughout the province, including the City of Winnipeg.

If seen, do not to approach him.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Swan River RCMP at 204-734-4686 or 204-734-3454, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or leave a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association has selected three of its number  from the Parkland to be recognized for their contributions to the community and Assiniboine students.

This year’s recipients include Twyla Gilroy, who is receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award for Parkland, along with Lance Maxwell and Jonathan Nadolny, who will be honoured with the Excellence in Education award.

“This year’s award recipients have not only excelled in their fields, but they’ve also inspired future graduates by demonstrating the impact an Assiniboine education can have on your future.” said Jayden Lamb, chair of Assiniboine College’s Alumni Association.

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and to have them as part of our alumni family.”

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a graduate of the college who has distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community.

A 2003 Applied Counselling Skills graduate, Gilroy lives in Dauphin with her husband Bob, who is a graduate of AC in Business Administration. Their three adult sons Nathan, Jacob and Garret also attended the college.

When she first enrolled at Assiniboine, Gilroy was an at‑home mother seeking something that was just for her.

Her time at Assiniboine provided a meaningful outlet and gave her confidence to pursue her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Manitoba.

Today, Gilroy is a dedicated member of a pediatric FASD diagnostic team and notes that she is honoured to walk alongside families as they navigate assessments.

She is passionate about sharing knowledge, reducing stigma, and supporting women.

A committed community volunteer, she serves with Canadian Mental Health Association Swan Valley, the Parkland Crisis Centre, the Harm Reduction Network, and the Manitoba FASD Coalition Inc.

Gilroy values the lasting relationships built through her studies at Assiniboine and encourages graduates to stay open to learning, opportunities, and community involvement.

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