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Planes and drones with specialized infrared cameras will be in the air over the next month as moose and elk numbers are going to be tallied.
Aerial game surveys are planned in the Porcupine Mountains, Duck Mountains, Turtle Mountains, and Nopiming areas.
Surveys will be conducted utilizing drones and fixed-wing aircraft equipped with infrared imaging and colour sensing cameras. A traditional method of helicopter survey is also being conducted in the Turtle Mountains to count elk and moose.
Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt acknowledges how crucial well-monitored big game populations are.
"Big game are important to many Manitobans, whether for its natural value, as a source of food, cultural or traditional reasons or for wildlife viewing. With declining moose populations, it is important that we continue to survey and monitor big game populations to maintain a sustainable population for future generations of Manitoban’s and to maintain a heathy ecosystem."
The count began in late January but is heavily subject to weather conditions. This project will last until early April.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Farm Credit Canada has released its 2022 Farmland Values Report, and Manitoba saw an average increase of 11.2%.
The Parkland saw the smallest percentage change in the province at 7.5%, but FCC Appraiser Peter Alder says that doesn't necessarily tell the whole story. He says while looking at farmland values, it's good to consider average change over a few years.
"If you look at the average between last year and this year it evens out, it gives us a little bit of a better picture. The snapshot that we had last year was certainly indicative of above-average increases, and it led to the fact that this year when we captured all the sales, it wasn't that significant increase anymore."
Alder says that despite what the lower increase this year, demand was still strong for farmland in the region.
"So in the Parkland area, we have an average increase of 7.5 percent, with very strong increases in the Gilbert Plains area between Dauphin and Grandview, and on the west side between Roblin and Inglis as well, and the Swan River area we had some significant increases."
He says that even the areas in the region that didn't perform as well as others still saw good demand.
"A bit more steady in the Ste. Rose area and the Eddystone areas, but again, overall, strong demand for Farmland in the Parkland area as well."
The Farmland Values Report also breaks down the country by province and region with an interactive map that can be found here, and the full report can be found here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Scimar, a Bioscience company in Dauphin has been making some revolutionary discoveries as they've found what's being called "the missing link" in type-two diabetes research.
Mick Lautt, CEO of Scimar, spoke with us about the groundbreaking research into the mechanism behind type-two diabetes that the company has been working on.
"What we discovered was that there is actually a hormone that comes from the liver, that we've named Hepatalin, and it works alongside Insulin, and together, Hepatalin and Insulin are responsible for nutrient partitioning, the long-term storage of sugars in fats and muscles. Insulin is doing about a third of that partitioning and storing that glucose into fat, whereas Hepatalin is responsible for two-thirds of partitioning and it stores its portion in muscle."
The discovery of the hormone Hepatalin is one of the largest breakthroughs in diabetes research since Insulin was first discovered in 1921.
The results of these findings have already led to 3 products that could help hundreds of millions of people with type-two diabetes, and preventative solutions are also a very real possibility.
Mick hopes to see a future people can take their health into their own hands, and where type-two diabetes no longer has to exist.
"We do not want the next generation of kids ever needing to take one of our products. We want to solve this problem in this generation. It's a big ask, but just because something is hard doesn't mean we shouldn't be trying to do it"
The Bioscience Association Manitoba awarded Scimar with the Emerging Biotech Company of the Year award, and the research this company has been doing is well deserving of an award.
To learn more about the incredible work of your local Biotech company, you can visit Scimar's website for a full overview of their work.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Keystone Agricultural Producers(KAP) is helping organize a Discover Agriculture in the City event this weekend, to teach urban Manitobans about the importance of agriculture.
Discover Ag in the City has been around for nearly two decades but hasn't had an in-person event for a couple of years because of COVID-19. The event returns this Saturday, March 18th from 9-3 at the forks in Winnipeg.
KAP Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Colin Hornby, says they're working to bridge the gap between rural and urban Manitobans.
"Agriculture is all around us, and it's more than just people that work on the farm. It's HVAC technicians, it's data scientists, it's financial advisors. People aren't necessarily always aware of the role that agriculture plays. We drive eleven billion dollars into the economy every year in this province."
Hornby says that there are 35,000 jobs in Manitoba in Agriculture and that one in eight people in Canada work in agriculture, so it's important that everyone knows about the industry.
"The other part of this is knowing where their food comes from, and the affordable, nutritious, safe food that we have access to in Canada. Not every country has this, and for us, it's right in our own backyard, so we just want people to be aware of how lucky we are, and the role that agriculture plays in their lives, whether they're aware of it or not."
Discover Agriculture in the City is a partnership with a number of industry groups that will have exhibits at the event, with interactive displays like crushing made-in-Manitoba Canola.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) opened its doors on March 1, 2022. Now more than one year later, it has been announced that the program will continue moving forward.
Farmers and their immediate family members can access six free, confidential one on one (one-hour) counselling sessions with a registered counsellor with a background in agriculture. Appointments are available during the morning, at night, or anything in between.
Roberta Galbraith with the program says year one was an extreme success.
"We started with the one-year pilot to test the waters to see if there was an appetite for it and there certainly has been," said Galbraith. "We have pushed the needle a little bit on talking about farmer mental health and wellness and raising awareness."
Roberta was also at Dauphin's Farm Outlook last week and there was a great reception when she made her presentation. Galbraith adds that if you or your family members are in the agriculture industry and may be struggling with mental health, the Farmer Wellness program is here.
"As a farmer myself, I understand the challenges of the industry and working on a farm," ended Galbraith. "It's great that you can talk to someone and there will be no judgment and it's free, so that's a nice bonus as well."
If you are interested in using the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, you can book an appointment at MFWP.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A 21-year-old man who had several items seized by Dauphin RCMP will not face any charges.
Last August, officers saw three men on bicycles who they believed to be in the process of conducting a drug deal. Collin Pruden was caught and arrested and a search of his backpack resulted in the seizure of a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun, bear spray, and break-in instruments.
Ultimately, Pruden's charges were stayed by the Crown on Tuesday.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Honda has recalled 50,000 cars in Canada and another 500,000 in the United States due to a potential safety issue with the front channel for the seatbelt buckles.
The surface coating on it can deteriorate over time, and the release button can shrink against the channel at lower temperatures. This increases friction and stops the buckle from latching.
The recall was issued for the following models:
- 2018 to 2020 Honda CR-V.
- 2018 and 2019 Honda Accord including the Hybrid Electric model.
- 2018 Honda Odyssey.
- 2019 Honda Insight.
- 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX
Honda owners will be notified by letter starting Monday, April 17th.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Parkland Chamber Of Commerce had a busy day, hosting an Appreciation Lunch, their Annual General Meeting, and the Iconic Chamber Celebration night.
The appreciation lunch had a great turnout to show support for all the businesses that make the parkland great, and their many years of service.
As Parkland Chamber Executive Director Stephen Chychota notes, the AGM is business as usual.
We've got our slate of directors that we have to bring in. We've got to vote on a little bit of a bylaw change to try and make doing business a bit easier on our part, but nothing too really extensive.
The Countryfest Community Cinema was sold out for the third, and largest event, The Parkland Chamber Celebration.
A total of 7 awards were handed out between 28 nominees, but every single nominee well deserved the spotlight.
First off, the recipient of a new award, the New Start-up award, was Grand Vieux Liquor Co, of Grandview.
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Next up, the Young Entrepreneur of the Year went to Kayla Luky, Owner of Old September in Gilbert Plains.
The Award for Side Hustle Business, another new title, went to Craig MacCarthy of North Mountain Adventures of Ochre River.
The winner of the Outstanding Business Award went to Steiner Plumbing and Heating of Dauphin.
The Community Appreciation Group Award went to Habitat for Humanity from Dauphin.
The Individual Appreciation Award went to Darren Eddie.
And finally, the winner of the Business Person of the Year was Kathy McLennan, owner of Roots to Wellness in Ochre River.
The Legacy Award went to Scott Whitmore, but he was unable to attend the event. Scott received the award prior at a special event in City Hall.
With another successful Award ceremony, Chychota is already looking forward to commemorating more local businesses next year.
It's so much fun, this is such a great event to do year after year, and it's all about these nominees and the ripple effect that comes with it. these individuals, these groups that we're recognizing in these categories, they're doing some amazing work and they make this region and these communities that make it up so much better for what they do out here. they should be really proud about what they're doing. They're being recognized because these are nominations from the public.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Dauphin Constituency will have a new MLA come October, as Brad Michaleski has announced he won't be seeking re-election this fall.
Michaleski has served in politics for 15 years, including as Dauphin MLA for the past seven. He says it's the right time to step down, and he's looking forward to spending more time with his family.
"I've tried my best to represent the region, whether it's been in municipal or in provincial. It's just time for me and my family to step back from the public role."
Michaleski was first elected as the Dauphin MLA in 2016 and says he's really appreciated his time in politics.
"I wanna say thank you to everybody that voted for me and supported me, whether its been in a municipal election or provincial, it has been an extreme honour and privilege to serve as MLA."
Michaleski says he's thankful for all of the experience he's gained, and everyone he's had the pleasure of working with over the past 15 years.
"Both of those roles, whether it's local government or provincial, you learn so much. You end up meeting some pretty great people, and as MLA or as councilor you're dealing with a wide range of topics."
During his time as MLA Michaleski has had the opportunity to be involved with all 14 different departments at the provincial level, and he says it's been an incredible learning experience.
"I've had the opportunity to work with a very, very skilled group with the government. I've had a good working relationship with the government and the ministers, and the takeaway that I'd have, is we've had a strong representation for the regional issues that we have."
Michaleski is the 12th PC MLA who has announced they won't be seeking re-election in October.
"I know there's a lot of people from all parties that won't be seeking re-election, and I guess I'm one of them now, and I just have to say thank you to all of them. A lot of them have spent years working in public service, representing their constituents, and the people that voted them in."
He joins Agassiz MLA Eileen Clarke, Spruce Woods MLA Cliff Cullen, Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer, Portage la Prairie MLA Ian Wishart, Selkirk MLA Alan Lagimodiere, Roblin MLA Myrna Driedger, Kildonan-River East MLA Cathy Cox, Lakeside MLA Ralph Eichler, Midland MLA Blaine Pedersen, McPhillips MLA Shannon Martin, and La Verendrye MLA Dennis Smook.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Three different incidents have resulted in the Dauphin RCMP being extremely busy as of late.
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INCIDENT #1
Two people are in the hospital being treated for injuries after an assault on Monday morning in Dauphin.
At 5:35 a.m., RCMP received a report of an injured female and she was found with a severe knife wound at Tim Hortons. A second victim, an adult male, was also located.
Prior to them being at Tim Hortons, the victims were in a grey truck, owned by the male, in the area of Cemetery Road when they were assaulted by three suspects. The suspects left the victims on Cemetery Road and fled the area in the grey truck, which has since been recovered.
If you have any information, you're asked to call the RCMP at 204-622-5050.
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INCIDENT #2
On March 11 at about 4:45 a.m., the RCMP responded to a report of a male that was suffering from a gunshot wound. He was located at the hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries and a 22-year-old female was arrested.
An investigation determined the victim was travelling in a vehicle with two others when a shotgun was discharged and struck the male in the leg. The 22-year-old faces a charge of discharging a firearm while being reckless. She has been released from custody and she will appear in Dauphin Provincial Court on May 16.
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INCIDENT #3
Then on March 12 at about 10:40 p.m., the RCMP responded to a report of an assault with a weapon. A 30-year-old female was walking in the area near Memorial Boulevard in Dauphin when she was assaulted by another 30-year-old female. The accused struck the victim with a hammer that had a large screw attached to it. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and she was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The accused was located a short distance away and she has been charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon and she remains in custody while she awaits a court date.
Both females are known to each other and it does appear to be a targeted attack.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Yorkton RCMP is asking for the public's help finding a man who is unlawfully at large.
30-year-old Jonathon Carlos Eugene Anaquod was last seen on Smith Street near Yorkton early Saturday afternoon. He's described as 6'2", approximately 210 lbs, with short brown hair, and brown eyes.
Anaquod has a tattoo of "1923" on his right hand, full sleeve tattoos on both arms, an "SW" tattoo on his neck, and a "Sask Warrior" on his left arm. He was last seen wearing a grey and white coloured Nike sweater, black pants, and white Nike shoes.
Yorkton RCMP is requesting the public to report sightings or information on Anaquod's whereabouts to the detachment by calling (306) 786-2400 or your local police service. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or saskcrimestoppers.com.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
