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An RCMP search for missing youths has ended after 4 teens went tubing down the Shell River.

On July 28, at approximately 11:50 pm, Prairie Mountain RCMP received a report of four missing youths, aged 16 and 17.

RCMP located one of the youth’s vehicles at Inglis Beach and one of the other youth’s vehicles on Provincial Road 589 at the bridge.

It was believed they would have started tubing at Provincial Road 589 with the goal being to end up at Inglis Beach. The youths had not been heard from since 2:00 pm that day.

Searchers with RCMP and local fire attended as did Emergency Medical Services.

Local crop planes circled the area, local farmers on ATVs assisted, the fire department had their boat in the water, RCMP divers, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Search and Rescue, and the Office of the Fire Commissioner were en route, and the RCMP drone was up in the air.

At approximately 4:00 am, the drone located three youths along the river through thermal imaging.

They were not physically injured, but The fourth youth, a 16-year-old female, was still missing.

The drone found the deflated pink flamingo tube she had been using, about a kilometer up the river from where the others were located.

The fourth teen was located with minor injuries 4 and a half hours later. None of them were wearing life jackets, and alcohol appears to have been involved.

Corporal Brett Church of the Prairie Mountain RCMP “This ended much better than it could have," noting that a floatie won't save you like a life jacket can.

With the new school year just weeks away, Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus is looking to find housing for some if their students set to attend the school this fall.

In particular, they are looking for homeowners that would be interested in renting out a room or a basement suite to a student.

Director Carol Stewart says this is something that is very important to them at Assiniboine College.

"Post-secondary students attend college and university and they need to find somewhere to live as well.  And it can be even harder for them. Some of them are not working so they need to find a place that they can afford, in order to succeed in their studies, which is what we want them to do.  They may prefer to live somewhere quiet.  And no matter who you are, we all deserve a home that is safe  and secure."

Stewart feels it is important to be able to attract young people to our region.

"We all benefit from a population influx.  Our students spend money locally, they volunteer, they may bring children that attend our schools or they bring their spouses who find employment here.  Many of our students come here because they want to make the Parkland their home.  And so students who have a safe place to live are more likely to stay after graduation."

Anyone that has a room or a basement suite that they are willing to rent out are asked to email parklandinfo@assiniboine,net, or fill out a contact form on their website www.assiniboine.net/parkland

RCMP Major Crimes Services have laid charges against a 36-year-old woman following a death last Friday on the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation

Shortly after 9 am on Friday, Manitoba First Nations Police Service were called to a home in the Southwestern Manitoba community, where they located the deceased body of a 42-year-old man.

Following an investigation that included assistance from the MFNPS Criminal Investigations Unit and RCMP Forensic Identification Section, a charge of Manslaughter was laid on Monday against Marissa Jean Benn of Canupawakpa Dakota Nation.

She remains in custody until a court appearance. 

If you're a fan of fresh berries in season right now, you might run into a pesky insect in your summer berry hauls.

Entomologist Dr. John Gavloski tells us why a type of fruit fly is a growing problem in this situation.

"Spotted Wing Drosophila is a little different, even though it's a fruit fly. The egg-layer is serrated, like a saw, so it makes it so they can saw their way into fruit that is a little bit firmer, raspberries, or any of the soft fruits."

Luckily, Dr. Gavloski also mentions that there is no harm from accidentally ingesting these fruit flies.

Thoroughly cooking or freezing your fruit will also kill off any that are actively in fruits.

There are traps and insecticides being used against these bugs, but they're still being reported in many locations across the province.

Manitoba Hydro Is looking to return to the international stage.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala, the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced this today, noting he was pleased to see this operation return

born as a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro in 1998, Manitoba Hydro International aims to bid on other energy projects and offer advisory services, and provide training to international partners.

It was in February of 2021 that MHI decided to wind down operation, but new staffing is now expected to be in place over the next 3 to 4 years.

For over 20 years, MHI provided services and products to clients in over 120 countries, building capacity in Manitoba’s high-tech power industry.

Dauphin native Clint Nepinak will be back in Brandon court this Thursday to deal with matters related to a mid-January arrest near Ste Rose on a drug charge and outstanding warrants. 

The 28-year-old was in court last week, where his matters were put over to the new date.

And one of two people arrested in connection with a drug and weapon bust in Dauphin last November was also back in court late last week.

36-year-old Chantelle Ferland had her matters adjourned to August 27.

It is the first of what will be several significant events over the next three weeks leading up to and during the Manitoba Summer Games.

A volunteer pep rally is set for tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Parkland Rec Complex Curling rink.

Games co-chair Carla Wolfenden says volunteers will be able to pick up their volunteer packages at this event.

"Including your t-shirt that you will get to wear during the games, your accreditation.  As well as all of our committees and most of our sub-committees will be in attendance to answer any questions.  If you still have scheduling questions or problems, they will be there to help you. There is a lot of important information that will be given out."

Wolfenden says there will be plenty of other activities besides the handing out of volunteer packages.

"There is also entertainment and we will have snacks as well.  We really want to get the word out that if you can make it, come for 6 pm, because we are making a special announcement that we are really excited to share with everyone."  

The pep rally event is for Games Volunteers only.

A by-election will be held in Gilbert Plains on August 28th to fill one vacancy on municipal council.

A total of three candidates have stepped forward - Roy Becks, Tyler Bileski, and Robert Shumka. 

Voting on by-election day will take place from 8 am to 8 pm at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall.

Advanced voting will occur on August 21st at the Municipal office in Gilbert Plains.

Residents that can not make it out on either voting day are encouraged to apply to vote by mail. 

Application envelopes will be available at the Gilbert Plains Municipal office starting on August 1st, with the deadline to apply to vote by mail being August 25th. 

One of Russell's favourite sons is returning home for a special party. 

Former Olympic gold medalist and Amazing Race Canada host Jon Montgomery will be back in his hometown tomorrow night for what's being called "Our Amazing Block Party".

It will take place from 6 - 9 pm tomorrow (Tuesday) night at the George Buleziuk Centre, and is highlighted by a viewing party of what is believed to be the edition of the Amazing Race Canada that was shot in Russell - before it is aired nationally. 

Kids activities and live entertainment are also planned for the evening. 

A Bacon Ridge man arrested after a February drug and firearms bust on the Ebb & Flow First Nation is in more hot water.

42-year-old Connie Malcolm was slated to appear in court this week in relation to the incident.

But he failed to appear for his slated court date, which has led to a warrant being issued for his arrest. 

Grasshoppers may yet become more present in our province, according to the weekly Crop Pest update.

Entomologist Dr. John Gavloski says grasshoppers have been laying in wait for the hot weather we've had.

"Until now, everything's been a bit lower-key for grasshoppers. There's been a few areas that have some spraying, and some larger populations, but so far, lower-key than last year."

Over all though, Dr. Gavloski is feeling pretty optimistic about the insect outlook in our area.

"Right now for the northwest region, no really really big insect issues to deal with. Just keep an eye on the grasshoppers, they are probably the ones we're keeping an eye on the most. Keep an eye on Bertha armyworms levels in canola, so far, no heavy levels. Other than that things are looking pretty good."

This week's report also noted a presence of Canola flower midge in the Northwest, but they will likely have minimal impact on crop outcomes.

Stay tuned for Monday's Noon Hour Edition Of AgriView for a more in-depth chat with Dr. Gavloski.