Jacques Bourgeois who is the marketing and communications coordinator at the Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre at Oak Hammock Marsh told the Selkirk Times it’s likely a lightning strike cause a fire at the marsh at around 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.

Bourgeois said the fire was about 300 metres away from the discovery centre and that about 1/4 of the entire wetland and grassland area at the marsh burned in the fire.

“The response time was extremely fast and efficient, we had about a dozen fire trucks from Stonewall, St.Andrews Stony Mountain and Clandeboye within minutes,” said Bourgeois. “Part of our extensive renovation project was to build a new pumphouse which can be connected directly to the fire trucks to refill cisterns.”

Bourgeois is confident the area that burned in the fire will now create a buffer zone, therefore, he is not as concerned about the potential for more fires in this specific area this year.

Selkirk Community Pool celebrates 50 years

Brook Jones

May 10, 2025

2B3A9525 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES Lord Selkirk School Division superintendent Jerret Long is pictured in the dunk tank in celebration of the Selkirk Community Pool's 50th anniversary in Selkirk Man., Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The Selkirk Community Pool celebrated its 50th anniversary with a splash at the Selkirk Comp during the afternoon of May 10.

Lord Selkirk School Division superintendent Jerret Long helped to create slashes as he was the local celebrate in the dunk tank.

The event was also dubbed as a fundraiser to support ongoing maintenance and future improvements of the Selkirk Community pool.

A variety of fun-filled activities took place during the three-hour event, which included the following:

Dunk Tank Challenge: Those in attendance were invited to take their best shot at dunking Superintendent, Jerret Long for a great cause.

Aqua Demonstrations: Showcased the pool’s versatility, with scuba diving and Aqua Zumba lessons to encourage future community participation in aquatic programs.

Historical Photo Display and Slideshow: Guests were able to take a trip down memory lane where they had the opportunity to view photos, newspaper clippings and memorabilia from the pool’s history.

Swim Meet: Featuring current and alumni Dolphins Swim Team members, students, and staff, participants will raise funds to compete in an exciting swim meet for a great cause.

Duck Drop: A total of 1000 numbered ducks will be dropped into the pool for chances to win a number of exciting prizes including Aquafit passes, lap/open swim passes, commemorative merchandise and even swimming lessons for the whole family!Every ticket purchased (up to 1000) will include a numbered duck that will be part of the Duck Drop. Attendees will be assigned a numbered duck at the event. Any remaining ducks will be available at the event for a donation.

Commemorative Merchandise: Organizers partnered with Keystone Sports to launch an online store featuring exclusive 50th-anniversary branded merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, hats, sweatpants and more! A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go directly back into the pool.

Jets bounce back in Game 2

Brook Jones

May 10, 2025

A12I6802 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES The Winnipeg Jets earned a victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, May 9, 2025.

The Jets found a way to rebound from a defeat in Game 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs to earn a victory in Game 2 against the visiting St. Louis Blues at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on May 9.

McHappy smiles at McDonald’s

Brook Jones

May 10, 2025

2B3A8714 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES Swing manager Shaleen Sohail and people's manager Nick Jack are pictured during McHappy Day at McDonald's in Selkirk on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

The McDonald’s location in Selkirk celebrated McHappy Day with plenty of smiles on May 8.

Each year on McHappy Day, a portion of the proceeds from every McDonald’s menu item sold all day long goes to Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba. The funds raised support programs and the families of sick children that are supported by Ronald McDonald House.

In 2024, McHappy Day raised a record-breaking $8.9 million dollars, which brought the total amount raised during the past 31 years to more than $100 million dollars.

Unmasking mental health in Selkirk

Brook Jones

May 9, 2025

2B3A8693 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES Huddle executive director Glen Didyk (second from far left) is pictured with fellow Huddle employee Rebecca Allen (far right), and Canadian Mental Health Association employees Tara Merlin(second from far right) and Robin McCabe (left).

The theme for this year’s Canadian Mental Health Association’s mental health week is Unmasking Mental Health with the goal to break down barriers, challenge stigma and to open up conversations related to mental health support.

Mental Health Week runs May 5 to 11 and the support system was on display at the Huddle in Selkirk on May 8.

As part of its 74th annual campaign, CMHA aims to raise awareness about the significant impact that masking can have on mental health, relationships, and well-being.

“People often mask symptoms of mental illness, sometimes without even realizing it, as a way to cope,” said Marion Cooper, CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg CEO. “The leading reason people hide their symptoms is stigma, which continues to prevent many from seeking the support they need.”

If you or someone you love is struggling, please contact CMHA. If you are in crisis and need immediate support, call or text 9-8-8 for free, 24/7 crisis support.About the Canadian Mental Health Association Manitoba and Winnipeg.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that provides advocacy and resources that aim to help prevent mental health and substance use health problems, support recovery and resilience and enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive.At CMHA Manitoba and Winnipeg we serve as the Provincial Divisional office and a Branch serving multiple communities across the province. Through our family of over 79 local, provincial, and national organizations across Canada including three branches and over 13 offices/locations across Manitoba, CMHA is uniquely positioned in Canada to shift attitudes and beliefs and create a climate of empathy, understanding and action around mental health. This is our collective power as a federation.

To donate to support the CMHA mental health programs and services at https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/donate

New Pope elected

Brook Jones

May 8, 2025

Print — For breaking news visit the Selkirk Settler Times..

White smoke was pour out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel which signals that a new pope has been elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s square are now awaiting for the new pope to emerge.

Close to an hour later, it became known to the world that Robert Prevost became the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church and adopted the name Leo XIV.

Stars take Game 1

Brook Jones

May 8, 2025

A12I6707 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES The Winnipeg Jets host the visiting Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the second round of the NHL playoffs at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Man., Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

The Winnipeg Jets were defeated in a close contest to the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the second round of the NHL playoffs May 7 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg. Game 2 in the best of seven playoff series is slated for Friday.

Jets win, Jets win, Jets win

Brook Jones

May 7, 2025

1Q2A6430 — BROOK JONES/SELKIRK TIMES Fans cheer on the Winnipeg Jets at home Sunday, May 4, 2025.

The Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting St. Louis Blues in Game 7, earning the way to the second round of the National Hockey League playoffs.

Selkirk Recognizes Dylan Collins for Special Olympics World Games Success

Submitted By City of Selkirk

May 7, 2025

SPORTS AdobeStock_367452075 — For the latest in sports check out the Selkirk Settler Times. (Brook Jones/Selkirk Settler Times)

Selkirk’s Dylan Collins had a heavier suitcase when he flew home from the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Italy this past March – he was hauling two gold and one silver, medals he earned in Alpine skiing events.

Collins, 27, competed in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G, claiming gold in both Slalom and Super-G and silver in Giant Slalom.

“It feels really good,” Collins said.

“I brought home two golds and a silver.”

This was Collin’s first time competing at the Special Olympics World Games—a milestone he described as his biggest achievement to date. The journey wasn’t easy. He recalled racing in tough conditions, including limited visibility due to fog and snow.

“Every day was either a snowstorm or foggy. One day I couldn’t see anything going down the hill—just the red and blue poles.”

Before the games, Collins trained in Calgary and Quebec, with most of his home training taking place at Holiday Mountain and Asessippi Ski Area in Manitoba.

“It’s mostly flat here, so skiing in the mountains was a big change,” he said.

Collins, a City of Selkirk employee, has been involved in Special Olympics for more than 10 years and started skiing at a young age. He says representing Selkirk internationally was “really special,” and the support from his family has meant the world.

“My family came with me to Italy to watch me race. That meant a lot,” Collins said.

After returning home, Collins was recognized at the Manitoba Legislature and by Selkirk City Council at a council meeting on April 28.

“It was pretty cool,” he said of meeting the Premier and being acknowledged in his community.

Mayor Larry Johannson said Collins has done something really special and has made all of Selkirk proud.

“To bring home two golds and a silver from the Olympics is an incredible accomplishment. He’s a great ambassador for our city, and we’re all behind him, cheering him on for whatever comes next.”

Looking to the future, Collins has his eyes on the 2029 Special Olympics World Games in Switzerland.

“I’ll keep practicing and see if I can make it. That’s the goal,” he said.

Dylan also hopes to inspire the next generation.

“I want to get my nephew into skiing. Hopefully I can help mentor him.”

The City of Selkirk congratulates Dylan Collins on his remarkable achievement and thanks him for being a true ambassador for the city. His perseverance, talent, and humility are a source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.