Rural Roundup for Apr. 2, 2026

ERICKSON

The Manitoba RCMP’s West District Crime Reduction Unit obtained a search warrant at a residence in Erickson and officers found 12 firearms and roughly 2,000 rounds of ammunition though the person was banned from having firearms.

The search warrant was issued after investigators determined the resident was in possession of firearms despite being legally prohibited from doing so. It was executed with the assistance of the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team West and Yellowhead RCMP.

A 55-year-old Erickson male faces a number of charges, including unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm contrary to order and unsafe storage of firearms. RCMP continue to investigate, and more charges are anticipated. The suspect was released on an undertaking, with his first court appearance scheduled for May in Minnedosa.

» Minnedosa Tribune

HAMIOTA

A replacement has been found following the December resignation of the Mid West Art Centre’s valued administrator Allison Gardham.

The search for a replacement started with a few challenges to the board members. They certainly came to appreciate everything that Allison did. Thankfully, Kerri Wilson and other knowledgeable members were able to keep getting the issues dealt with.

After several interviews, the board came in contact with a perfect fit for the Art Centre. In January, Zoe Priest from Harding was chosen as administrator. Zoe comes with many qualifications and numerous interests in several areas of art.

» Rivers Banner

DELORAINE

Council for Deloraine-Winchester plans this month to pass a bylaw that would end the ward system for electing council members.

This would mean that all voters could vote for every seat regardless of what ward they live in. The plan is for the by-law to be in place for the upcoming 2026 municipal election.

Currently, council is made of one head of council and six councillors. Moving away from wards would allow residents to pick the people they think are best for the job regardless of where they live. As Crepeele said, it would allow for better accountability and ensuring the councillors would have support from the entire community.

CAO Breigh Crepeele explained that the role of council has evolved and separate wards no longer fit the reality of governance today.

“Today, councillors are trained and expected to represent the entire municipality – not just a specific ward. While wards may be used during the election process, once elected, each member of council serves all residents of Deloraine-Winchester and makes decisions based on what is best for the community as a whole.

» Boissevain Recorder

WESTMAN

Portage-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie is supporting a private member’s bill addressing concerns around how current laws treat victims of home invasions, particularly in high-stress situations where quick decisions must be made.

Leslie explains the legislation responds to what he describes as a rise in violent home invasions and confusion surrounding existing laws.

“In my view, your home is your sanctuary,” Leslie says. “It is the one place where you should feel safe. Right now, the law allows reasonable force in self-defence, but what often happens is that the victim ends up being scrutinized if that force is questioned.”

He outlines that the bill aims to clarify legal expectations and reduce the burden placed on homeowners who act in moments of crisis. Leslie says he hopes the proposed changes will receive broad support, regardless of political affiliation.

“This is about making sure people can protect themselves without hesitation,” Leslie says. “It is about restoring that sense of security that your home is your own, and that you have the right to defend it.”

He adds that the goal is to bring clarity and fairness to the legal system while reinforcing a basic expectation of safety at home.

» Discover Westman

RUSSELL

A Russell family is looking for support as a member was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune brain disease called PANDAS.

The diagnosis has taken the Russell family, the Davidsons, through struggles with the medical system and nearly four years of effort. They have had to travel multiple times out of the community trying to get answers and help for Blake.

Blake started treatments on December 6 and is slowly preparing for multiple IVIG treatments in what the family is told will be Edmonton in the coming future.

Reeann, who is now 12, was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the young age of two; Blake, now age 10, was diagnosed with Arthritis at age four, psoriasis and possibly Crohns at age six, Davyn , 8 years of age, was diagnosis with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at age four and Ankylosing Spondylitis at age five-the youngest patient in Manitoba for his doctor.

Mom, Vicki also battles Ankylosing Spondylitis and fibromyalgia while dad, Derek remains the rock of the family.

Their family has been very active in the Russell Ag Society and continue to keep helping anyone they cross paths with. They find healing and happiness on their small acreage by Russell and love to share that with others. Now it is our turn to help them have some freedom for all their financial medical burdens.

Donations can be made to any Fusion Credit Union: Blakes Journey – Account #100101318062 or eTransfers to angels4blake@gmail.com

» Russell Banner

PARKLAND

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 whereabouts. 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 Herald

VIRDEN

A Skate Virden competitor won a bronze medal at the Manitoba Winter Games.

Mia du Plessis earned the finish in the singles Star 6/7 mix figure skating category this year when she competed in early March.

“Winning a medal means a lot to me — showing all my hard work has paid off,” she said.

Du Plessis, representing the west region, was third in the short program. She posted the top score in the free program. She is one of six athletes who train at Skate Virden who compated at the winte rgames.

“I was very proud of her skating performance,” said her coach, Lesley Wray.

» Virden Empire Advance