The Parkland Pirates U19 men’s team made history recently, winning the Stampede 7s Rugby tournament, July 3 and 4, in Calgary, Alta.
The Pirates opened round-robin play with a convincing 38-0 win, followed by a 17-15 victory over Saltwater Cowboys Yellow.
A default win over Nor’Westers HSB 2 put Parkland in the high school boys elite playoff bracket, where they defeated Team Chud, 21-14, in the semifinals.
Parkland then claimed the tournament championship with a 26-19 win over LA Crude.
Coach Aaron Miner said the team was hoping to win a game or two going into the tournament.
“We’ve had very little success in Alberta. The teams there are normally Alberta, B.C., Washington state-based teams that go there. To win a game there is a success. But to go undefeated and win it all is huge,” he said.
This group, Miner said, has bonded well and has come together as a team.
“The rugby culture here is very strong. But this group, they just want more. They don’t even listen to Gerald (co-coach Lopez) and I anymore. They want more. They want to take things into their own hands,” he said.
“We go to practice and then they want to stay late after practice. On their days off, they want to go to the field and practice their kicks, practice the fine-tuning of their game. And they’ve been doing that for months now. It’s just been amazing to watch this group take the game that they love and expand on it.”
As the Pirates kept winning, Miner said the team kept expecting the “bubble to burst.” And with each win, they knew the opponents would get tougher and tougher.
“They always had that doubt in the back of their mind, but come game time, they just turned it on and took it to the next level, each and every game,” he said.
“They didn’t want to get overconfident. They reality checked after every win and realized it was going to be a tough game every time.”
The tournament featured 124 teams from across North America in all of the different divisions and age groups, with 15 in Parkland’s division.
Most of the Pirates played with the Dauphin Clippers high school team, which won the high school league title, and also toured England and Wales earlier this year.
This past weekend, the Pirates were in Brandon for the first of three Manitoba Cup tournaments, where they defeated Winnipeg, 35-0, and Westman, 61-0.
Miner was surprised the Pirates shutout their opponents.
“I knew we had a good team going in, but I didn’t think we’d shut them out. Winnipeg showed up with some players that I recognized from coaching Team Manitoba over the last few years and they really surprised me with what they had, actually,” he said.
“So good to see that rugby in Winnipeg is starting to make a come back. They had some players there that showed some skill and some knowledge of the game.”
Those players who were in Calgary were keen on keeping their momentum going, Miner said.
“Definitely, seeing the skill over the last two months just increase with these guys and their level of knowledge and knowing where each other are going to be, they look like a finely-oiled machine out there,” he added.
“Just knowing where each other is going to be on the field without even having to look just because everybody is playing their position so well.”
The second tournament will be in Winnipeg, July 18, and the team is excited to play in front of a large crowd at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.
“Everybody is super excited. Everybody is ready for practice this week,” Miner said, adding several players stayed to play for the Parkland Mavericks senior men’s team in their game against the Winnipeg Wasps.
The third tournament will take place in Dauphin, July 25.

The lack of a medical facility has led to the cancellation of this year’s Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, just three weeks before it was set to take place.
The CNUF board made the announcement in a press release, Thursday evening, noting the festival site itself was not affected by the flooding
The decision was made after the board consulted with the City of Dauphin, Rural Municipality of Dauphin, MLA Ron Kostyshyn, MP Dan Mazier and its insurance provider.
Third vice-president Cory Lafontaine said they began discussing the prospects of cancelling the festival when Prairie Mountain Health announced it would be closing the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
“We came to the realization that we’re not so sure we can have a festival without a hospital,” he said, adding that was when they consulted the various government entities, as well as the insurance provider.
“We wanted some direction and what their thoughts were in continuing with the festival. And after that meeting, we came to realize that we weren’t so sure that we can have a festival if we don’t have a hospital,” Lafontaine said.
The biggest concern, Lafontaine added, was the number of festival patrons who are elderly, as well as families.
“And you just want to make sure if anybody gets hurt on the festival site, that they’re covered. We’re not confident that putting them in an ambulance and sending them 30 kilometres away is the best choice,” he said.
Lafontaine said they wanted to make sure they had proper insurance for the festival and weren’t sure they would if they continued with the festival, which is why they had the insurance provider in the discussion.
“We would be bringing in another 3,000 to 4,000 people to our community, already strained with limited urgent and emergency care. That’s putting a tremendous amount of pressure on the those two temporary rural emergency healthcare centers 30 plus minutes away,” he said.
“Of course, it makes sense to cancel or postpone our festival, until we are confident we have the appropriate care and services to accommodate our patrons, as well as our local residents. It’s very unfortunate we have to cancel, but our festival needs to be safe, for everyone who attends.”
The board, Lafontaine said, was overwhelmed with support from the dance groups and performers who were set to hit the stage at this year’s festival.
“They’re all reaching out to us and saying they support us and support our decision. And I think most of them are prepared to come back next year to put on a heck of a great show,” he said.
“They realize that the decision that we made is in the best interest of the community. It’s funny, we put the community first before we put the festival first this year, because it’s important to keep our community safe. We’re just not so sure that if we had a festival, not only under a state of emergency, but without a hospital is the best decision to make. We want to make sure our patrons are, first and foremost, safe in our environment.”
Those who purchased tickets or camping passes to this year’s event can ask for a refund or roll them over to next year’s festival.
“The nice thing about that is if they do roll over to next year, they’re going to get this year’s price. We understand that there will be some people wanting refunds and we’re going to make sure we accommodate them, as well,” Lafontaine said, adding they will have that information on their website at cnuf.ca and their Facebook page as soon as they can.
“We really wanted to have a festival this year, but without having a hospital in our own back yard to provide the service, it’s just not going to be feasible. We’re not so sure that having emergency services 30 minutes away is going to help us out,” he said.
“Our hearts remain with everyone that’s been affected.”

A former Dauphin mayor and local member of Parliament is facing several charges in connection with a months-long investigation into firearms trafficking.
Inky Mark was charged following the execution of two search warrants, July 7, obtained as part of an investigation of RM of Dauphin resident Wilfred Kachurowski, 73, who was arrested in the U.S. after he was caught stealing a handgun from a gun show in Minnesota.
Investigation of that incident resulted in additional charges in Canada for Kachurowski and led police to Mark.
In total, 439 firearms were seized from Mark’s property.
“We also seized an antique cannon, ammunition, and more than $300,000 in currency,” said Cpl. Barry Kirby of the West District General Investigation Section.
“It’s expected to take several weeks for investigators to document the large collection of evidence gathered at the residence and determine how many firearms were illegally possessed. What we’re able to confirm today is that at least three firearms were illegally trafficked. At least one firearm had its serial number tampered with and hundreds of the firearms were improperly stored inside the home.”
Currently, Mark faces 12 charges including firearms trafficking, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized, two counts of possession of a prohibited device when knowing that possession is unauthorized, possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon with ammunition without a licence, and three counts of unsafe storage of firearms.
The warrants were executed by the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team and the Manitoba West District General Investigation Section, with support from several RCMP units - including the Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), Manitoba Provincial Serious and Organized Crime, the Emergency Response Team, Dauphin RCMP and Police Dog Services.
“The illegal trafficking of prohibited weapons is a serious offence that threatens public safety,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner and Manitoba Commanding Officer Scott McMurchy.
“We thank the many RCMP officers who are working on this case for their tireless efforts in targeting individuals who are trafficking these dangerous and illegal weapons and bringing them to justice.”
Mark was remanded in custody and later released on a release order.

The news of the decision to postpone this year’s NorthWest Round-up and Exhibition was not an easy one and it sparked some diversity amongst the community. Some people felt that the event was just what was needed to get the community back on its feet. Others felt completely overwhelmed by the destruction and damage the flood created, along with the process of cleaning up and restoring things to normal.
The online debate sparked local resident Tanya Powell to post a message on Facebook about why right now is not the time to be divided on an issue when so many people are still hurting and struggling.
This is her post: “I’ve stayed quiet, but I feel it’s important to speak now. People throughout our valley are hurting. Families have been forced from their homes, many are dealing with devastating flood damage, and some have lost nearly everything. This flood is not over, and many of our neighbours continue to struggle each and every day. We also have neighbouring communities who are going through this flood as we speak.
Dave and I organize the Stampeder food booth for the rodeo, so we understand firsthand what it takes to make this event happen. Our booth alone requires approximately 200 volunteers—and that’s just one. The rodeo depends on hundreds more volunteers, many of whom have been directly affected by the flooding or are currently helping family, friends, and neighbours recover.
My own home has been destroyed by this flood. Like so many others, I am living through this disaster as well. When you’re without power or running water, when you’re unable to sleep in your own bed because your home has been devastated, it becomes clear that life cannot simply return to normal overnight.
I feel for the chuckwagon drivers, midway operators, vendors, and everyone facing financial losses. None of this is their fault, and I know how significant this event is for many of them. My heart goes out to them as well, but not as much as our community.
I am just one person doing the best I can, just like so many others. What we need right now is not criticism or hurtful comments, but understanding. I ask that we all show each other a little grace during one of the most difficult times our community has faced.
I love this community deeply. That’s why I’ve been doing everything I can to help, even while coping with the loss of my home. I want nothing more than to see our community back on its feet, celebrating together again—but now is not the time.
Thank you to the Ag Society for making the difficult decision to put our community and our infrastructure first. It was not an easy choice, but it was the responsible one.
We will have our time to celebrate again. For now, let’s continue to take care of one another. That is what makes our community strong.”
As someone who is not only a Valley resident impacted by the recent flooding, Powell is also a long-time dedicated volunteer who actively takes part in the NorthWest Round-up and Exhibition by setting up the Stampeders Food Booth every year.
“How could I possibly be able to do the rodeo booth three weeks from now? asked Powell.
“Dave and I have organized the Stampeders food booth for several years. It’s not something that comes together in a few days. It takes months and months of planning. You have to coordinate the ordering of food and volunteers, scheduling and equipment. The food booth alone requires 200 volunteers throughout the weekend over the course of the Round Up. It takes a massive community effort and we know firsthand how much work it takes to make it successful.
“We have some of our major volunteers who have had their homes severely flooded and, in some cases, consumed,” said Powell. “When you see your children’s handmade Christmas ornaments floating around or your children’s baby books, or whatever it may be, it’s devastating.”
Powell has experienced her own loss and devastation caused by the destruction of the flooding of her home. She has also seen how her neighbours and friends are also struggling to deal with the aftermath of the flooding.
“I’m sure I speak for so many other families, but our home was severely impacted,” said Powell. “We lost the comfort and security of our home. I look outside at this river and I haven’t really slept. Just to wake up and find it flowing into your backyard is something we never imagined. There are people still waiting in the water.
“There was no hydro or water. The emotional toll has been overwhelming. We spent countless hours cleaning up and there is no way we could do this by ourselves. I think about the people I know who are elderly and can’t do this process on their own without assistance and there are many like that in the Valley.
“I’m beginning the recovery process while I continue to serve the community and do my job,” said Powell. “Trying to keep everything together has been a lot.”
Powell wholeheartedly supports the difficult decision that the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society made in postponing this year’s event until next year. She knows it was an incredibly difficult decision to make and it was not easily made.
“Right now, the Valley just needs compassion and support,” said Powell. “We need to focus on helping neighbours recover before trying to return to normal. Families need assistance, businesses need support, municipalities need resources and we just need time to help those who have experienced a loss.
“Recovery has to come before celebration.
“I personally don’t believe Swan River could provide visitors and guests hospitality right now, given the situation and the loss we have experienced,” said Powell. “Many residents are still displaced, while others are trying to clean up their homes. Then people are dealing with insurance and simply trying to get through the day.
“The volunteers who made these events happen are now pumping basements, carrying out drywall, helping neighbours and supporting their families. Asking them to put on an event the size of the North West Round Up and Exhibition right now would place an enormous pressure on people who are already stretched to the limit.

Now that much of the floodwaters have receded, the long, arduous process of cleaning up the damage to homes and properties continues. Pictured here, the contents of a home on River Park Drive in Swan River sits in a heap on the front lawn of the property. 

Everything the community of Binscarth does, is always done so very well. After more than a year of preparation of the Binscarth Homecoming event, by community volunteers, the community welcomed over a thousand old friends home. Friends and family members travelling from as far away as Scotland came home for a wee visit. The three day event featured live entertainment from home town boy JR Charron who is making his way to the top of the Manitoba country music scene. Old friends gathered all over town - at school and museum tours and luncheons, at the market, at the silent disco, the parade, the kids games or singing karaoke and challenging each other at Binscarth themed trivia, axe throwing, the car show and the beer gardens. There was so much to do over the weekend it’s nearly impossible to list all of the events. Anyone who attended saw so many hugs and smiles as old friends reunited, shared memories and caught up on each other’s lives. Congratulations Binscarth on a truly incredible and memorable event! For more homecoming pictures turn to pages six and seven.

Manitoba Environment and Climate Change has activated its Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Early Detection Rapid Response Plan after zebra mussel veliger (larvae) samples were found in Lake of the Prairies.
The veligers were initally detected near the PTH #5 bridge as part of the province’s routine surveillance monitoring program.
Read all about it in this week’s Review.

The Manitoba Liberal Party announced that Dan Quesnel is their candidate for The Pas-Kameesak By-election taking place on July 21, 2026. Although each party had a candidate running, Quesnel feels that it comes down to selecting a candidate who is going to advocate more for the north to get more done.
“Honestly, I just feel that this constituency doesn’t get a lot of support from the provincial government and it doesn’t matter which party is holding power,” said Quesnel. “The NDP have filled this seat for a long time and I think there is more that could be done to drive some results here in the north and help people.

Just last week, the Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party announced that Edna Nabess would be their candidate to run in The Pas-Kameesak By-Election. Nabess is no stranger to running for the Manitoba PCs and wants people in the constituency to have options when it comes to voting for local representation.
“This is not the first time I’ve run for election as The Pas-Kameesak Candidate,” said Nabess. “I’ve run a few times just to try to get the word out that there are more options out there for people when it comes to voting in representation. I’ve had people ask why I run for the PCs because I’m not going to get in. I tell people that not winning the election doesn’t bother me. I would like to win it, but this still gives me the opportunity to go out and talk to people, and to give us a chance.

The NDP The Pas-Kameesak Constituency held an election to select its candidate for this upcoming by-election. Three strong, viable nominees came forward and after a second round of voting, Jennifer Flett was elected as the NDP Candidate for The Pas-Kameesak.
Flett is also no rookie when it comes to running for election. She has represented Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) on different levels.
“I was a Public Servant with the Government of Canada for 20 years and was very familiar with what is expected of a government in terms of spending, transparency, responsibility to the public and following policy,” said Flett. “When I moved home to OCN/The Pas/RM of Kelsey area, I became involved in the local politics, starting with the OCN politics.