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Over 450 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents every single year.

In Manitoba alone, on average, there are 22 fatal drownings every year. From 2015 to 2019, 110 people in Manitoba lost their lives due to drowning and 75 percent of fatalities were males. 10 percent of fatalities were also those aged between 0 and four. Of those between 0 and four years old, 100 percent of the fatalities were because their supervisor was absent or distracted.

These statistics were brought to light by the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba as it's National Drowning Prevention Week. While spending time in the water is an extremely enjoyable thing to do during the summer months, it's critical to take extra care.

"We always say swim with a buddy, make sure someone is always with you or you're around people," says Dr. Christopher Love, Water Smart® & Safety Management Coordinator. "We recommend, if you have the choice, go somewhere where there is supervision because that adds a layer of protection."

While the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba is still awaiting numbers from the past few years, Love added the number one factor they see in drowning fatalities is intoxication, whether that be alcohol or other drugs.  

"This goes without saying, but you must stay sober while on the water," commented Love "It's the best practice and it could end up saving your life."

In Manitoba, alcohol consumption is a factor in 35% of boating-related fatalities, higher than in other provinces. The consequences in Manitoba for impaired boating and impaired driving are identical. Leave the booze at home; it can lead to disastrous consequences on the water.

It's also highly recommended that you and any kids wear a life jacket. Not wearing a life jacket was a factor in 53% of boating deaths in Manitoba. Life jackets must fit properly and be in good working conditions. Buckles and zippers should be functioning and intact. Everyone should wear lifejackets while boating and anyone who cannot swim – especially young children – should wear a lifejacket while swimming. 

If, by chance, you are going on the water alone, you should let a friend know exactly where you are going and how long you may be.

"It's very important to ensure as many layers of protection as possible when you're doing any water-based activity," he ended. "Plan ahead, it's the proper thing to do. 

Canada's National Ukrainian Festival (CNUF) is right around the corner.

The annual festival will again occur south of Dauphin during the August Long weekend.

Regarding preparing for the 2024 festival, Kayla Gillis says things are going very well.

"We are set to go, all entertainment is booked," offered Gillis. "Ticket sales are going fantastic. We're ready to go, it's going to be another incredible festival."

Taking place August 2 to 4, the three-day event is extremely affordable with a weekend pass costing just $150, which gets you into every grandstand show all weekend. You can also get a Friday pass for just $60, while day passes for Saturday and Sunday are $70 apiece.

You can get your tickets by heading to CNUF. That is also where camping passes are available. Lower camping spots for the weekend are just $75 while an upper camping spot is $100.

"It is one big family at CNUF, you need to come and be a part of it," she ended. "Regardless of what your background is, it is phenomenal how everyone comes out to support and have a great time. If you have never been before, make it a part of your summer plans this year." 

In the courts this past week, a 28-year-old Dauphin man had a number of charges related to a mid-January arrest near Ste Rose stayed by the crown.

However, Clint Nepinak is still scheduled to return to court next answer to answer to a drug possession charge. 

And a Dauphin man arrested by Yellowhead RCMP following a November 2022 incident was also back in court.

40-year-old Wayne Becks faces several charges including aggravated assault and uttering threats, and remains in custody until his next court appearance on Tuesday.

As we inch closer to the Manitoba Summer Games, the host committee continues the task of scheduling the hundreds of volunteers signed up to help during the August 11th to 17th event. 

A total of three shift scheduling nights are planned for next week, when volunteers can find out when they will be working and what they will be doing, as well as giving them the opportunity to sign up for additional shifts if they wish.

Those sessions are set for Monday from 11 am to 2 pm, and both Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 pm, all at Credit Union Place. 

Recent announcements around big game draws have drawn the attention of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.

In Big Game Hunting zones 9A, 10, 15, and 15A, Moose tags have been reduced by 75% for people seeking to bag a moose this year

Chris Heald, senior policy advisor with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation says there's concern held by licensed hunters in northern Manitoba.

"The problem is that these communities, Thompson and into the Northernaire Lake, a lot of these are the residents of these communities. The Thompson residents are going to take the hardest hit here. It's disheartening that We weren't involved in any of the conversations about this, there was zero communication from the province."

 

Heald also suggests that this decision was not backed by significant evidence.

"The only data they have for those areas is licensed hunter-harvest reporting. First Nations and metis do not report harvest, so they don't have the data to do this measure here."

 

Moving forward, Heald states he'd like to see more open conversation and evidence-based decisions, something he thinks is lacking in this situation.

The affected Big Game hunting zones include Big Game Hunting zones 9A, 10, 15, and 15A.

The Manitoba government has announced that entry into all provincial parks will be free all of next week.

Starting Monday and continuing until July 21st, vehicle permits will not be needed to visit any provincial park.

This does not extend though to National Parks in Manitoba such as Riding Mountain.

And nightly fees will still apply if you want to camp in a Manitoba Provincial park during that time. 

Anyone wanting to camp in a provincial park can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling 1-888-482-2267.

In a news release, the government says the week long initiative - along with other free park access opportunities during the year - aim top ensure that cost is not a barrier for anyone looking to enoy Manitoba's outdoors. 

An Ethelbert man charged in connection with a case of arson at a home in that community last month has made another court appearance. 

54-year-old Marc Dorais faces charges including Arson with Disregard to human life, and remains in custody until his next appearance in Dauphin court next Wednesday.

And one of three people arrested after a New Year's Eve robbery on the Ebb & Flow First Nation has been given a new court date.

27-year-old Braden Moar of Ebb & Flow remains in custody and will be back in court on Ju;y 23

The Agricultural world continues its seasonal shift, with what feels like the first hot week of summer bringing changes.

One of those changes is the Insect population, something Dr. John Gavloski knows all about.

"Flea beetles are naturally dying off once we get into July. We're pretty much out of the flea-beetle pressure right now. Levels are naturally decreasing because the overwinter beetles are dying out and in most cases, the canola in not beyond the susceptible stages."

His reports detail other rising pests populations which include grasshoppers in the central and northwest areas, True Armyworms in interlake forage crops, and the first soybean aphids in the Elm Creek area.

Gavloski notes that both the grasshopper and aphid populations have been heavily delayed due to the heavy rain and generally cooler start to the season.

The first train to arrive in Dauphin was in December 1896.

16 years later in 1912, the Dauphin Rail Station was built. Fast forward to 1998 and it was designated a Manitoba Heritage Building and two years later, a Heritage Railway Station of Canada. The first train in 1896 arrived on a small local railway (Lake Manitoba Railway and Canal Company) that was purchased, owned and operated by Sir William Mackenzie and Sir Donald Mann. An event in Canadian history that would forever change the landscape of immigration, settlement, agriculture and commerce. Over the next two decades, these two would embark on a remarkable adventure that would eventually result in a 16,000 km transcontinental system called the Canadian Northern Railway.

This week, Jason Gilmore is thrilled to be a part of Historic Places Days.

It's a week-long event that profiles and promotes historic places from coast to coast within Canada, increasing visitation to historic places such as the Dauphin Rail Station/Museum. The week-long event is July 10 to 17 with the theme of "Food and Garden Experiences". 

The area to the east of the Dauphin Rail Station was laid out as a formal garden with the viewing orientation being from the raised wooden station platform and track. Records show the area west of the Station was an attractive lawn bowling green surrounded by shrubs.

Gilmore is president of the Dauphin Rail Museum.

"This is not something I take lightly, I feel very privileged and blessed to be in this position," said Gilmore. "There is so much beauty within this building, the architecture is incredible. To have a rail station and museum in a community our size is incredible."

The Dauphin Rail Museum exists to preserve, interpret and present the rich railway history of Dauphin and the Parkland area. Gilmore invites you down to check out the history of the building. 

Summer Hours:
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

"It's about learning about our past and the history behind it all," ended Gilmore. 

The Dauphin Rail Museum exists to preserve, interpret and present the rich railway history of Dauphin and the Parkland area. Gilmore invites you down to check out the history of the building. 

There's a busy week of seminars for the Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiative.

MaryJane Orr, GM for MBFI has three separate events coming this week on some fascinating topics.

"It's going to be a very diverse and well-rounded day, and the theme tying everything together is different ways technology is used in beef production"

These topics will range from Pasture rejuvenation to using drones in different aspects of agriculture, featuring special guest speaker Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching.

 They will take place at several locations across the province, and Orr mentions that all 3 events are free to attend

Looking forward to seeing you on either July 16 (MBFI), July 17 (Vita), & July 18 (Chatfield), all great days with Steve...

Posted by Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. on Friday, June 28, 2024

Stay tuned for the noon-hour edition on Monday for the full conversation with General Manager MaryJane Orr.

The Gilbert Plains Grandview Ag Society Fair and Rodeo Returns again this weekend!

Starting tomorrow, It will be a packed weekend of bull riding, barrel racing, Chuckwagons, Chariots, and much more.

Ag Society President Kevin Boese had a hard time picking a favorite of these many events.

"Well, between the bull riding, the saddle broncs, the rough stock events and the chuck wagons, it's extremely exciting to watch. There's some amazing horsemanship that goes into the chuck wagons with those guys trying to guide four horses around the barrels and cruising around that track, it's quite something to watch."

Between all the main rodeo action, there will also be mutton busting, chore competition, and other halftime shows to keep the excitement rolling.

He also mentions that with everything going on, the prices can't be beat.

"Friday is 15 bucks for a day pass, Saturday is 20, and Sunday is 15, but if you get a weekend pass, $35, you can take in all 3 days. like I say, you really can't afford not to come."

So whether you take a day, or the full weekend, you'll find no shortage of entertainment at the Gilbert Plains Grandview Ag Society Fair and Rodeo!

Posted by Gilbert Plains-Grandview Ag Society on Monday, July 8, 2024