Nothing beats packing up and heading to the beach for a day spent with loved ones, even if the weather hasn’t exactly been blazing hot quite yet as we enter the summer season. As this family, loaded with beach necessities, knows all too well, an adventure on the shoreline of Clear Lake never gets old. It’s a place where all worries melt away in the summer heat or during splash in the shimmering water. Truly, barefoot on a beach is happiness.
Group challenges Clear Lake boat ban
Fairness for Clear Lake coalition files for judicial review of Parks Canada’s decision to maintain w atercraft ban
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
South Mountain Press
A coalition comprised of community groups and local businesses has taken a significant step to oppose the federal government’s decision to restrict watercraft on Clear Lake. Known as Fairness for Clear Lake, the coalition has filed a legal application for judicial review of Parks Canada’s recent decision to maintain a boat ban for another year, citing concerns over community consultation, transparency, and economic impacts.
In 2024, Parks Canada detected zebra mussels in Clear Lake and responded with a temporary ban on motorized boats, later expand-
ing it to all watercraft for the summer season. After consulting with scientists and Indigenous advisors, officials announced plans to lift restrictions in 2025 under a “one boat, one lake” policy. However, unexpectedly in May 2025, Parks Canada reversed its stance, extending the ban without clear explanation – an action that local stake-
holders say disregards scientific evidence and community input.
Fairness for Clear Lake is a coalition of longstanding community organizations including the Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce, the Clear Lake Cottage Owners’ Association, the Clear Lake Cabin Owners’ Association, and the Clear Lake Country Desti-
nation Enrichment Organization. They emphasize that responsible boating access has been vital to the community’s identity and economic well-being, and that recent decisions – like extending the ban – are seen as arbitrary and detrimental.
BOAT BAN , PAGE 2
‘Boat ban has had a serious impact on local residents, businesses, and visitors’ alike
Isabelle Del Rio, a spokesperson for the coalition, expressed the coalition’s concerns.
“The recent decision to extend the boat ban has had a serious impact on local residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” she said.
Historically, Parks Canada engaged with the community through the Wasagaming Tenants’ Association, but recent years have seen a decline in this engagement, leaving many community members feeling sidelined as decisions are made without proper consultation. This has fueled concerns that community voices are being overlooked in favor of regulatory actions.
The coalition is now pursuing legal action and have now filed a judicial review application to challenge
from page 1
Parks Canada’s decision. According to Del Rio, their goal is not conflict but to foster a respectful, collaborative relationship with the federal agency – one rooted in transparency and shared stewardship.
“This legal step was not taken lightly,” she explained.
“After months of outreach and silence, we saw no other way to protect our community’s interests.”
Community members and visitors are encouraged to support this initiative by staying informed, engaging with elected officials, and advocating for transparent decision-making. Supporters can visit fairnessforclear lake.ca to learn more and contribute.
REPEAT CHAMPS
A COMMUNITY ICON
Minnedosa’s iconic drive-in, the Dari Isle, celebrates 60 years of serving up hot eats, cool treats, and plenty of memories
DONALD BERGER
South Mountain Press
Minnedosa’s most iconic drive-in turns 60 this summer – and if you ask anyone who’s ever sipped a milkshake beneath the glow of its familiar boat sign, they’ll tell you: it’s more than a burger joint. It’s a rite of passage.
To mark the occasion, the Dari Isle celebrated with a Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, June 14, by throwing prices back to 1965: small ice cream cones for just 35¢ –a sweet nod to its origins.
For current owners Cassandra and Zac Easton, now entering their third season at the helm, the 60-year milestone brings both pride and perspective.
“How lucky we are to continue such a long legacy and be a part of the Dari Isle’s history,” they said. “We can’t help but wonder what the next five to 10 years will bring. We love hearing past staff and customers talk about their experiences and what things were like “back in the day.’”
BASEMENT BEGINNINGS
The Dari Isle story began in June 1965, when Les and
Shirley Cummins opened the original restaurant. It was a modest space – restaurant upstairs, their family’s living quarters and storage in the basement – and a big leap for a couple with no restaurant experience but a shared dream: to serve burgers, dogs, coffee, and ice cream to the growing community.
As their daughter Leila Cummins recalls, it was humble, lively, and a bit chaotic at first.
“Our parents Shirley and Les Cummins, started the Dari Isle Drive-In in 1965,” Cummins said. “Opening in June of 1965 meant that Dad was on his own to open, as Mom was finishing her teaching year in Melita, and Lee was finishing Grade 4 there as well! We recall that they hired a short-order cook (Mary Rudy) to help out initially and then added staff as it became busier.”
“They never owned a restaurant before but they had a dream that people would come for hamburgers, hotdogs, coffee, milkshakes, and ice cream,” she added. “On one of the first days in business, a customer asked the waitress for a Denver sandwich she promptly wrote the
order and put it across to the kitchen. Dad read the order and not having a clue what a Denver sandwich was told the waitress to tell the customer that they were all out of Denver’s. The customer said no problem. He asked if he could have some toast, scrambled eggs, peppers, and onions, and Dad said, “Sure, I can make that for you.’”
“Mom on the other hand was an excellent cook and in addition to the regular menu there was a daily special that was a home cooked meal,” Cummins said. “She also made the best butter tarts which quickly became a hit, with some folks buying them by the dozen!”
“Most of the business was take out through a service window on the west side,” she said. “The parking lot would be jam packed on the weekends as many cottagers traveled to and from Clear Lake and stopped in for a treat on their way! There were a couple of small tables inside and some short orange stools at a counter.”
In the decades that followed, a line of devoted owners kept the dream alive, including:
-June 1965 – Les and Shir-
ley Cummins built the Dari Isle Drive-In. This was the one and only year the Dari Isle was open for the entire year, not just summer.
-1970 – Marion and Syd Davidson purchased the business from the Cummins.
-1974 – Jack and Shirley Davidson purchased the business from his parents.
-1976 – Jack and Shirly Davidson added a car wash next to the building (now Grey Ridge Coffee roasters).
-1978 – Alison Carson took ownership.
-1986 – Bob and Donna Thurston took ownership.
-2003 – Mike and Leslie Sandstrom took ownership.
-2008 – Dave and Shannon Alexander took ownership.
-2023 – Cassandra and Zac Easton took ownership.
CRUISE NIGHTS,CHURROS & COMMUNITY
Today, the Eastons have brought fresh energy and a playful menu to the Dari Isle experience – introducing hits like the Churro Parfait and Isle-style double cheeseburgers, while preserving all the charm customers expect.
And on the last Wednesday of each month, the parking lot still comes alive with
Cruise Night, when classic cars, summer tunes, and laughter fill the air.
“Dari Isle is more than just a business,” said Cassandra. “It was my first job at 15 and it’s still my favourite job today.”
PAST,PRESENT & PROUD
The 60th anniversary isn’t just a celebration of years –it’s a celebration of generations. From short-order cooks learning on the fly to Shirley’s homemade butter tarts,
and now to churro sundaes and social media specials, Dari Isle has always been about flavour, family, and showing up for your neighbours.
“Mom and Dad were very proud of the Dari Isle,” said Leila, “and even more proud that it’s still going strong today. We wish it another 60 years of creating great food and memories for the people of Minnedosa and the surrounding area.”
Friday, June 27, 2025
Letters to the editor: smpnews@mymts.net
OPIN ION
Good sense of humor can cure all ailments
Whether you’re guffawing at a sitcom on television or quietly giggling at a newspaper cartoon, laughing does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief, and that’s no joke, says the Mayo Clinic Staff.
Three Professionals
A doctor, civil engineer, and a consultant were arguing about which was the oldest profession in the world?
The doctor remarked, “Well, in the Bible, it says that God created Eve from a rib taken out of Adam. This clearly required surgery, and so I can rightly claim that mine is the oldest profession in the world?”
The civil engineer interrupted, and said, “But even earlier in the book of Genesis, it states that God created the order of the heavens and the earth from out of the chaos. This was the first and certainly the most spectacu-
Darrell Nesbitt AROUND TOWN
lar application of civil engineering. Therefore, mine is the oldest profession in the world?”
The consultant leaned back in his chair, smiled, and then said confidently, “Ah, but who do you think created the chaos!”
Mayday,Mayday,Mayday
An air traffic control tower suddenly lost commu-
nication with a small twinengine aircraft. A moment later the tower landline rang and was answered by one of theemployees.
The passenger riding with the pilot who lost communication was on a cellular phone. He yelled, “Mayday Mayday Mayday! The pilot had an instant and fatal heart attack. I grabbed his cell phone out of his pocket and he had told me before we took off he had the tower on his speed dial memory. I am flying upside down at 18,000 feet and traveling at 180 mph. Mayday Mayday Mayday!”
The employee in the tower immediately put him on speaker phone and said, “Calm down, we acknowledge you and we’ll guide you down after a few questions. The first thing is not to panic. Remain calm!”
He began his series of questions:
Tower: “How do you know you are traveling at 18,000 feet?”
Aircraft: “I can see that it reads 18,000 feet on the altimeter dial in front of me.”
Tower: “Okay, that’s good, remain calm. How do you know you’re traveling at 180 mph?”
Aircraft: “I can see that it reads 180 mph on the airspeed dial in front of me.”
Tower: “Okay, this is great so far, but it’s heavily overcast. So how do you know you’re flying upside down?”
Aircraft: “The pee from my pants is running out of my shirt collar.”
Rough & Tough
A little old lady goes into the store to do some shopping. She is bewildered over the large selection of toilet paper. “Pardon me, sir,” she says to the store manager, “but can you explain the dif-
ference among all these toilet papers?”
“Well,” he replies pointing out one brand, “this is as soft as a baby’s kiss. It’s $1.50 per roll.” He grabs another and says, “This is nice and soft, strong but gentle, and it’s $1.00 a roll.” Pointing to the bottom shelf he tells her, “We call that our store brand, and it’s 20 cents per roll.”
“Give me the store brand one,” she says. She comes back about a week later, seeks out the manager and says, “Hey! I’ve got a name for your store brand toilet paper. I call it John Wayne.” “Why?” he asks. “Because it’s rough, it’s tough and it don’t take crap off anybody!”
IfJesus Was
A little girl from Alabama went to church for the first time ever when she was visiting her grandparents in
Michigan. When the pastor announced it was time for the Lord’s Supper, she was excited and hungry. The congregation filed up to the altar rail, and the child watched in confusion, as her grandparents received a wafer and small plastic cup of wine. She could hardly wait to get back to the pew to tell her grandma that Jesus wasn’t from Alabama.
“How do you know that, dear?” asked her grandma.
“Because that was the poorest meal I’ve ever seen,” she said. “Mama would’ve at least given everybody some corn bread and sweet tea.”
Until next week… Laziness kills Ambition. Anger kills Wisdom. Fear kills Dreams. Ego kills Growth. Jealousy kills Peace. Doubt kills Confidence. Now read that right to left.
Buy Canadian “push” should include government ads
By PAUL DEEGAN
U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated attacks on Canada’s economy and sovereignty have changed the nature of our bilateral relationship. You can feel it when the crowd joins in the singing of O Canada at Rogers Place when the Edmonton Oilers play, and you can see it in the grocery aisle when a customer picks Hawkins Cheezies over Cheetos.
For many years, the federal government has recognized the importance of “Buy Canadian,” but it tends to be somewhat limited to strategic industries like shipbuilding: Irving in Halifax, Seaspan in Vancouver, and Davie in LeÃÅvis. Trump’s threats are a clear and present reminder why our domestic shipbuilding capacity is critically important not just for job creation, innovation and technological advancement and economic growth – especially in coastal regions – but for safeguarding our sovereignty. For generations – all the
Opinion
way back to the founding of the Halifax Gazette in 1752 –government advertising had been an important source of revenue for news businesses. In recent years, this has waned considerably. For example, the federal government reports that during fiscal year 2022 to 2023, it spent more than $86 million on advertising. Of that, less than $1 million went to all print publications in the country combined. Where did the money go?
Largely to American tech giants like Google, Facebook/ Instagram, Snapchat, Apple, and X.
One of the most effective ways to sustain independent Canadian journalism would be for the government of Canada to set aside a minimum of 25 percent of its domestic advertising spend for trusted Canadian news brands.
This is working in other jurisdictions and across the
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
We welcome your comments on editorials, columns, or any subjects important to you. Only letters that include name, address and a daytime phone number will be considered for publication. Send us your smpnews@mymts.net
political spectrum.
A year ago, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative premier, Doug Ford, directed that 25 percent of his government’s advertising spending would be set aside for news publications. This made an immediate and meaningful difference to many news titles.
Five years ago, former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, mandated that city agencies allocate at least 50 percent of their print and digital advertising to community and ethnic media. According to The Center for Community Media at CUNY, “The impact of this policy cannot be overstated: In its first five years, it injected more than $72 million into the local community media sector. This helped critical information reach New Yorkers who rely on community media as their primary source of news, and added an important source of revenue for these outlets.”
The not-for-profit Rebuild
Local News found that advertising set-asides, done right, have the following benefits:
•They can provide substantial revenue to local news organizations and help community journalism thrive.
•It is money the government is already spending –not new money – so it does not require enlarging state or local budgets or raising taxes.
•Government messages can reach a full range of residents, including those who may not be using larger media.
•As advertising, it is payment for a service rendered, not a subsidy per se.
•Advertising in community news helps government be more effective by reaching audiences through community and ethnic publications that are more trusted in their communities.
Beyond providing an effective way for the government to reach the 81 percent of Canadians who read news-
paper content in a brand safe manner, a federal set-aside would send an important signal to other orders of government and to the private sector about protecting Canada’s digital sovereignty and sustaining independent commercially viable public interest journalism.
During the recent federal election, the Liberal Party of Canada’s platform vowed to “Deploy a made-in-Canada procurement strategy that prioritizes, whenever possible, Canadian suppliers.” At the same time, it noted the importance of news media. The document stated, “In this time of crisis, protecting Canada means protecting our culture, our journalism, our perspectives.” It continued, “In a sea of American media and disinformation, we need Canadian voices more than ever.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney can meet the moment and fulfill his campaign promise through a federal government advertising set-
aside that would see a minimum of 25 percent of federal advertising spending invested in Canadian media. Provincial and municipal leaders can also set aside a portion of their advertising budget for trusted news brands. Some politicians are pushing to move public notices into an online only format and to discontinue the requirement to publish notices in newspapers, citing cost reduction. This is a false savings as it comes at the cost of public awareness –the entire reason behind public notices. Online public notices can only be effective if the public knows where to look and is willing to take time out of their day to go searching for them. When a public notice is published in printed newspapers the likelihood is far greater that it will get noticed by its target audience.
Paul Deegan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of News Media Canada.
A void health issues to protect the brain
Q: I live in a retirement community and have noticed that while some neighbors seem to have mild trouble with remembering things, others the same age have severe cognition problems. What accounts for the differences – and how can I avoid the worst of that? – Casey T., Orlando, FL
A: Many factors contribute to declining cognition –some genetic, some emotional and others can vary from uncorrected hearing loss to a roster of lifestyle choices. But ever-more research is showing that your daily habits have a huge influence on your brain health – and that upgrading them may offer you meaningful protection from dementia.
A recent study in JAMA Neurology looked at the relationship between the stage of Alzheimer’s-related cognition problems that a person is experiencing and the fact that the person also contends with other serious health challenges – such as heart disease, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, and/ or an autoimmune condition. It turns out that when Alzheimer’s symptoms are worse than would be expected at any given stage of the disease, the person is very likely to have other serious health problems. This is a clear indication of the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices all along. They fend off chronic diseases that exacerbate symptoms of declining cognition.
While I have been advocating the power of smart choices to make you live younger and longer for decades, a new consortium of experts has launched the Human Exposome Project.
Dr. Roizen HEALTHY LIVING
Their goal is to uncover how physical, chemical, biological, and psycho-social influences shape your health and happiness. The ultimate goal is to improve health by charting the outcomes of these exposures from conception to death. This may reinforce and spread the message that each one of you has the power to influence your brain and body’s health throughout your lifetime –and that the control of personal and environmental harm (from air pollution to risky ingredients in packaged foods) is essential for optimal life quality and longevity.
Q: My doctor says I must improve my eating habits to improve my heart health. I know about avoiding processed foods and fats, but is there any new info you can share? – Lawerence D., Decatur, IL
A: The American Society for Nutrition’s conference recently delivered some studies on the power of specific foods to influence how your heart beats!
First: The quality of the foods you eat has a greater positive impact on your heart health than reducing
your intake of carbs or fats by following a low-carb or low-fat diet. A study of 200,000 people confirms that it is which carbs (unprocessed and 100% whole grain) and fats (olive oil) you choose and how carefully you avoid processed foods and heart damaging saturated and trans fats that make the difference in your heart health. Folks on lowcarb and low-fat diets who weren’t concerned with the quality of their foods were 15% more likely to develop heart disease.
Second: Over a stretch of 12 weeks, eating a cup of chickpeas every day improves lousy cholesterol levels, and a daily cup of black beans reduces chronic inflammation – and beans in general improve your metabolic health, helping avoid full-blown diabetes and weight gain.
Third: You can most effectively lower your lousy LDL cholesterol level with a diet that includes four to five servings of vegetables, two to three servings of fruit, two servings of whole grains
,
Dauphin – 15-1st Avenue S.W.
and half a serving of nuts a day. Phytosterol in these foods that conveys the benefit – and it also reduces inflammation and regulates insulin levels.
Fourth: Linoleic acid, found in seeds and seed oils from sunflowers, poppy, pumpkin, sesame, and hemp, as well as flaxseed, reduces glucose and insulin levels, helps tamp down insulin resistance and lowers levels of C-reactive protein, a marker for chronic inflammation. The result is a reduced risk of heart disease and diabe-
tes.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, “The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow,” and find out more at www.longevityplaybook .com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevity playbook.com.
Neepawa RCMP investigating home invasion
On June 19, Neepawa RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion on a rural property located in the Rural Municipality of GlenellaLansdowne. Officers were advised that two suspects, both wearing masks, forced their way into the home and were confronted by the homeowner, who was armed. As the two suspects immediately fled the property, they discharged a firearm into the side of the home, causing minor damage. No injuries were reported. It is believed to be a random incident.The two suspects, who were captured on video surveillance, fled the scene in a pickup truck described as a GMC with a white hood, white roof, and dark colored sides. The truck is believed to have fled eastbound on Provincial Road 261.
“This is a very concerning incident. Our officers are working to identify the suspects so that they can be arrested and charged for this violent crime. We urge all residents in the area to immediately call 911 if they see any suspicious activity on their property and are concerned for their safety,” said S/Sgt. Andrew Cowan, of the Spruce Plains RCMP.
Neepawa RCMP continue to investigate.
On June 22, Dauphin RCMP received a report that a female had been threatened and chased by a male with a firearm into a residential building on Forrest Avenue in Dauphin.Officers from Dauphin, Ste Rose du Lac, and Winnipegosis RCMP along with RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) immediately attended the scene. Upon arrival, police discovered the fe-
male victim was able to get out safely and was not inside the building. As the male was still believed to be in the building and to ensure public safety, officers established a perimeter around the area. Additional police resources were also called to assist with the incident, this included the Manitoba RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the RCMP Crisis Negotiator Team. Over several hours, Crisis Negotiators worked to secure the eventual surrender of the suspect along with a 37year-old male, and 30-year-old female who were also in the building. These two additional individuals were not charged. The suspect, a 33year-old male of Dauphin, had an outstanding warrant of arrest, and was remanded and charged with the following: Assault, Possession of Prohibited Weapon when Knowing Possession Unauthorized, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Weapons Possession Contrary to Order, Uttering Threats x2, Pointing a Firearm, and Mischief under $5,000 – Damage to Property. Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.
On June 20, officers from The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a house fire located on Hunter Drive in Cormo-
rant. As officers were enroute to the scene, a further report was received that a firefighter had been assaulted by a 29year-old male during the execution of his firefighting duties. The fight had been stopped by other firefighters and the two parties separated with the 29-year-old fleeing the scene. The fire was then extinguished with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Pas RCMP have issued a Warrant of Arrest out for the 29-year-old male who is wanted for Assault and Uttering Threats.
On June 20, Powerview RCMP received a report about a possible shooting on Hampton Road in Victoria Beach. Officers responded and upon arrival discovered located the bodies of a 29-year-male from Winnipeg, and a 41-year-old female from Victoria Beach. The matter is being investigated as a double homicide. It is believed that the suspect, who was reported to be driving a white truck, fled south on Highway 59 prior to police arriving on scene. At this initial stage of the investigation, the RCMP believes the murders were targeted.
“We know that this incident occurring in such a small community will be concerning to many. We want to reassure residents as well as cottagers who may be heading up to that area this weekend, that these murders appear to be targeted, and at this time we believe risk to public safety is low,” said Sergeant Evan Willcock, Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services.“We will continue to share as much information as possible as the investigation progresses.”
Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services, Forensic Identification Services, along with Powerview RCMP continue to investigate.
On June 18, Thompson RCMP received a report of a robbery on Thompson Drive. Upon arriving, officers were advised that an adult female had approached a nine-yearold girl who was on a bicycle and asked for the bag of food she was carrying. A bystander saw the incident, intervened by chasing the suspect away, and brought the child to safety. The victim and witness were able to provide an accurate description of the suspect to police. The suspect was later located by officers and was arrested. A 22-year-old female has been charged with Robbery, Resisting Arrest x 2 and Causing a Disturbance. She has been remanded in custody. The 9year-old girl sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention. Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.
On June 17, Headingley RCMP responded to a fatal
collision involving a pickup truck and a pedestrian. Officers responded immediately along with Emergency Medical Services and the local Fire Department. A pickup truck was travelling west on Highway 1, near McGuckin Road in Headingley, when the vehicle struck a pedestrian who was walking on the highway. The pedestrian, a 67-year-old transient male, was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver, a 52-yearold female from Winnipeg, was not injured. Headingley RCMP, along with aForensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
On June 13, Portage la
Prairie RCMP received a report of a male exposing himself in a park on Cambridge Street in Portage la Prairie. When officers arrived, witnesses were able to give a description of the male to police, who were able to locate and arrest him without incident a short time later. Upon further investigation officers learned the male had exposed himself to three female youths who were at the park. None of victims were threatened or physically touched by the male. A 39-year-old male from Portage la Prairie, was charged with Indecent Acts and Exposure x3, and released for a future court date.
BARNABY’S GRILLE
After 35 years we have decided with much hesitation to retire Barnaby’s Grille. Thank-you to all our wonderful customers who supported us thru all those years.
