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According to an agroclimate specialist from Canada's agriculture ministry, the extended dry weather trend on the Prairies could stick around for a while yet.
Trevor Hadwen says that typically, wet and dry cycles last for long periods of time, and the last three years have been extremely dry, beginning in 2017. He also says the fluctuations from wet to dry cycles sometimes go 10 years, and sometimes a little longer.
According to the Canadian Drought Monitor, a large portion of Southern Manitoba is in drought conditions of D0 (Abnormally dry) to D1 (Moderate drought). That includes Dauphin and most of the Parkland. There's an area from just north of Winnipegosis to Swan River that is experiencing D2, or "severe" drought conditions.
Although less common, Hadwen explained that Saskatchewan has even had extended drought conditions that lasted 25 to 30 years.
Prince Albert agrologist George Lewko says despite the arid conditions, modern farmers are much better equipped to handle droughts. Click here to view the latest map of drought conditions in Canada.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
MPI recently launched a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of drug-impaired driving.
According to a survey conducted by MPI, eight in 10 of the 1500 people who did the survey say it’s unacceptable to drive after consuming marijuana.
More in-depth data from the survey says 78 per cent of the Manitobans surveyed say it’s unacceptable to drive after consuming marijuana and 76 per cent say it’s likely for a driver to cause a collision when driving under the influence of marijuana.
5 per cent of Manitoba drivers admits to driving after consuming marijuana.
MPI says education and public awareness are critical in making all Manitobans aware of the potential dangers of drugs and driving.
The Traffic Injury Research Foundation states drivers who used cannabis are at 1.8 to 2.8 times more at risk of being involved in a fatal crash.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
On Friday at around 3:19 am, Manitoba First Nations Police were called to a residence the Birdtail Sioux First Nation, in response to an assault.
When Police arrived they found the victim who was suffering from head injuries and learned the suspect had left the scene.
The MFNPS K9 Unit went to the suspects last known location where newly trained K-9 CETO located a track leading into the bush where the suspect was hiding. The suspect was immediately arrested.
This is the first arrest by the Manitoba First Nations Police K-9 Unit and CETO who finished his training on May 15th.
The adult male from Killarney was transported to the Waywayseecappo detachment and appeared in court later Friday afternoon.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Farm Credit Canada announced that it will contribute $600,000 over four years to STARS air ambulance.
FCC Chief Marketing Officer, Todd Klink said the contribution will help STARS continue to serve the same rural communities served by FCC.
FCC’s donation will support STARS’ bases across the prairies as well as their mobile education program, which provides donor-supported critical care education at no cost to rural health professionals.
Since its inception in 1985, STARS has flown over 40,000 missions across Western Canada.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
The Breakfast Series season has come to an end with the final one this past Thursday.
With the success of the Breakfast Series, Stephen Chychota says there’ll be a discussion with the membership in the fall or winter on whether they have more breakfast series next time around.
Chychota says they want to offer as much and as good quality, inexpensive training opportunities as they can.
There are some topics that will return for the next season. They always try to put a different spin on topics they use again so the sessions stay fresh. One session they’ve used multiple times is a mental health session which is a popular topic amongst the members.
Chychota says the season went really well and there was a great attendance.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Premier Brian Pallister and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen were in Dauphin to tour the new Emergency Department at The DRHC.
The $23.3 million expansion is three times larger than the current department and promises to improve patient flow when it opens this July.
The new facility includes a decontamination room, an enclosed ambulance garage and a special care unit for extended care of patients. The new building allows medical professionals to treat patients more efficiently.
The temporary entrance between the hospital and community health centre with remain as the main entrance until reconstruction of the front ramp area is completed in November. The ramp is set to be demolished sometime this summer.
The Premier’s visit to the DRHC followed a stop in Brandon, where he announced that the government would be adding 10 new full-time paramedic positions for the Parkland and Westman regions.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
If you’re looking for something to do on Sunday, the Fort Dauphin Museum will be hosting their annual Pioneer Day.
The gates open at 1:00 p.m. and the opening ceremonies are set for 2:00.
“It’s kind of a celebration for the opening of the Fort for the year,” said Kenzie Duke, Museum Assistant. “We’ll be having kid’s activities to bring them around. We will also be serving bannock and baking some fresh bread in our clay oven.”
There is no admission, but there will be a silver collection. It runs right until 4:00 p.m.
“It’s going to be a really fun day and there are a lot of events going on,” added Duke. “It’s a great way for a family to enjoy the day.”
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Gypsumville Conservation Officers are asking for the public's assistance after a Wild Wood Bison was shot and killed earlier this month.
During the early morning hours of May 5, the animal was shot approximately one mile east of Waterhen on Provincial Road 328.
The Bison was left to waste without any attempt to retrieve any part of the animal. The Wild Wood Bison are a "protected species".
If you have any information, you're asked to call the Gypsumville district office at 659-5208.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Premier Brian Pallister announced in Brandon the province is adding 10 full-time paramedic positions to the Parkland and Westman regions.
As part of the 2019 budget, the province is adding 35 full-time positions to be spread around the province.
The paramedics will support the 24-7 operation of EMS stations and be available to enhance the quality of care right across the province.
The province will invest $1.4 million to fill the new positions, with $2.8 million invested in each full fiscal year.
In a press release, Pallister says,
“By investing in 10 full-time positions in the Prairie Mountain Health region, we can build up staffing levels, reduce the system’s reliance on on-call staff, and improve patient care and outcomes for people in the Westman and Parkland regions.”
The new positions will be filled later this year.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Eight months after his disappearance, the search for 21-year-old Dwayne Lavallee continues.
Lavallee, from Skownan First Nation, was last seen on September 22, 2018, at approximately 2:00 pm on the Ebb and Flow First Nation. His abandoned vehicle was found on September 26, 2018, in the RM of Lakeshore which led to several air and ground searches.
The RCMP has interviewed over 80 people about his disappearance to date. A large scale ground and air search will be conducted this weekend May 25th and 26th in the RM of Lakeshore.
The search will include RCMP, the Office of the Fire Commissioner, and local volunteer Fire Departments. A helicopter will also be assisting with the search.
Dwayne Lavallee is Indigenous, 6’2 and approximately 200 lbs. He has a tattoo of a small cross on his left hand and a tattoo of “can’t stop” on his right arm.
Anyone with information on the disappearance of Dwayne Lavallee should call Ste Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-3082 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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- Contributed by Josh Sigurdson
Canadians and their dogs can walk to raise money for dog guide programs across Canada.
Maria Galindo, communications manager for the Lion’s Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, says they are hosting the Pet Valu walk for dog guides across Canada.
300 communities across Canada take part in the event.
Galindo says most walks are 5k and are accessible to everyone and dogs are welcomed but not needed if you don’t have one.
The walk raises money for Dog Guides Canada, this fundraiser is how they get most of their money as they don’t receive government funding.
Each dog guide costs about 25 thousand dollars but is provided free of charge to qualifying Canadians
Money can be donated anytime, online or in person at the walk. The annual event has raised over 17 million dollars to date.
The national walk day is May 26th but some communities have different dates:
Binscarth – May 26th, 2019 at 1 pm starting at the Binscarth Curling Club.
Birtle – May 26th, 2019 at 12 pm starting at Birtle Riverside Park.
Dauphin – June 9th, 2019 at 9 am starting at the Dauphin City Centre.
Hamiota – May 26th, 2019 at 12 pm starting at the Hamiota Lions Playground.
Minnedosa – May 26th, 2019 at 10:30 am starting at the Minnedosa Community Conference Centre.
Russell – May 26th, 2019 at 1 pm starting at the Russell Dog Park.
Shoal Lake – May 26th, 2019 at 1 pm starting at the Lions Gazebo.
To register for your community or donate click here.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
