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As part of its efforts to prevent Aquatic Invasive Species from entering Riding Mountain National Park, Parks Canada has announced that motorized boats will not be allowed on Clear Lake for the May long weekend.

The ban will stay in effect until Thursday, June 1st.

During that time, no motorized boating is permitted, but you can use self-propelled watercraft such as canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. However, in order to be used, they must pass an inspection. An inspection station will be open at Boat Cove on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. Once your self-propelled watercraft passes an inspection, it can be used in other bodies of water within the park.

Earlier in the year, Parks Canada announced that motorized boats will only be allowed on Clear Lake if they have not been in any other body of water in 2023, and if they have passed an initial inspection. This is in response to a positive test for environmental DNA of zebra mussels in Clear Lake in January.

Boat inspections and tagging will happen in Wasagaming on Thursday, May 25th, and Saturday, May 27th from 2 pm to 8 pm in the main parking lot. You can also have your boat inspected and tagged in Brandon at the Keystone Centre Parking Lot from Monday, May 29th to Wednesday, May 31st from 2 pm to 8 pm.

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Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: May 19, 2023 - 11:13 am

While the wildfire danger in the province is low right now, the Manitoba Wildfire Service(MWS) is encouraging Manitobans to remain cautious this long weekend.

As of this morning, there are 11 wildfires burning in the province, and the MWS is working to suppress the two that are out of control in the area of Norway House Cree Nation and Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas and watch for road closures. When using an ATV in areas where backcountry travel is permitted, operators are asked to stay on developed trails stop frequently to check areas around the engine and exhaust for debris, and carefully dispose of any debris found.

Provincial burn permits are required within the Burn Permit Area from April 1 to November 15, and permits can be restricted or canceled at any time if conditions worsen.

For more information on MWS, situation updates, restrictions, and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 19, 2023 - 10:20 am

The Walk For Alzheimer's is back for its 9th year.

The walk helps raise money for the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba (ASM) and the Alzheimer's Society of Canada. Since they're a non-profit organization, they would take all money that's raised and put it back into the community to help fund all sorts of programs.

Parkland Regional Director, Geoff VanMackelbergh, says that Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia and that raising awareness is important due to its growing numbers throughout the province and the country.

"Here in Manitoba, currently were about 18,400 people who are living with some form of dementia and recent statistics and surveys show that they're projecting that will double by 2050. So it's really important to raise awareness to the public."

ASM is doing everything it can to offer services to Manitobans who are dealing with the illness and the caregivers who help them.

One of the programs and services they have in place is called "Mind in Motion", which is designed for people with early to moderate signs of dementia to attend with a family member or friend. The weekly program offers 8 sessions including; a gentle chair fitness class followed by engaging activities and conversation. 

"What Alzheimer's Society Manitoba has done is create services and information to those caregiving, to help with strategies. We also run a number of support groups, some online, some in person depending on the region that you are in."

In Dauphin, there are support groups at the Active Living Centre every second Tuesday of the month at 1 pm. There are also groups that rotate between Gilbert Plains and Grandview every third Thursday at 10:30 am.

If you're interested in getting into the support groups call VanMackelbergh at (204) 638-4483, and if you want to get involved with the Walk For Alzheimer's, go to alzheimer.mb.ca and follow the prompts to register.

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Contributed by Jevon Lefebvre

Published: May 19, 2023 - 6:00 am

Update:

Jillisa Pierno has been found safe.

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On May 16, 2023, Yorkton RCMP received a report of a missing 32-year-old woman.

Jillisa Pierno was last seen on Parkview Road in Yorkton between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on May 13, 2023. She may have left in a Silver Mercedes Benz 550 sedan with an unknown Saskatchewan license plate.

Jillisa is described as approximately 5'2" and 120 lbs with brown eyes. Her hair is buzzed off but she was last seen wearing a long, brown wig worn in a ponytail, as well as black shorts and a black top. She has numerous tattoos including an arm sleeve featuring a face portrait, a lion and lilies on her leg, a broken heart on her face, as well as tattoos on her hands and behind her ears.

The RCMP is asking for the public's assistance in finding her, and if you have information on Jillisa's whereabouts, contact Yorkton RCMP at 306-786-2400. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 18, 2023 - 1:36 pm

The Manitoba Government will be investing over $25 million across the provinces through the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program.

A total of 428 community development projects throughout Manitoba will be receiving funding, with over $623,000 coming to Dauphin.

Seven different allocations were sent to Dauphin from that total:

• Dauphin CountryFest Inc. facility upgrade - $9,476
• The City of Dauphin, Art Center Repairs - $25,000
• Dauphin and District Snowmobile Club storage expansion - $67,987
• Dauphin and District Handi-van for a new van - $71,394
• The Neighborhood Renewal Corporation for community resource center upgrades- $75,000
• Dauphin Recreation Services for iceplant upgrades - $74,500
• Dauphin Recreation Services - Maamawi Park Phase 2 - $300,000

Maamawi Park's phase 2 notably received the maximum amount for larger-scale capital projects and The Neighborhood Renewal Corporation received the maximum grant for projects in the regular stream.

Several other communities around The Parkland area will be receiving funding, including:

• Alonsa, 1 project totaling $12,239
• Gilbert Plains, 2 projects totaling $251,200
• Grandview, 2 projects totaling $84,677
• Neepawa, 5 projects totaling $60,443
• Roblin, 1 project totaling $18,586
• Russel, 3 projects totaling $204,088
• Ste. Rose, 1 project totaling $83,250
• Swan River, 3 projects totaling $63,464
• Winnipegosis, 2 projects totaling $88,568

Municipal Relations Minister Andrew Smith says the over-arching goal of this project is to help build long-term improvement for the entire province.

“Locally developed projects are, by design, tailored to address their community’s specific, unique needs and opportunities,” said Smith. “Our government is pleased to continue supporting community-based projects that foster thriving, sustainable neighbourhoods and improve residents’ quality of life.”

This budget doubled in size since last year's budget of roughly $12 million.

For the complete list, The Government of Manitoba Publication details all 428 projects that are being funded by this initiative.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 18, 2023 - 6:00 am

After a fantastic inaugural event last summer, the second annual Pride Winnipegosis is just around the corner.

Pride Winnipegosis President Cyndie Blythe says the committee was overwhelmed by the support from the community at last year's event.

"I'll tell ya, it was overwhelming and wonderful. We didn't know what to expect, you know, everything protests to nothing. We didn't have protests, and we had way more than nothing."

Blythe says an enthusiastic crowd showed up to celebrate pride last year, and they're excited to see what this year's event has to offer on June 10th.

The second annual Pride Winnipegosis will feature all of the same great events that made it such a hit last year, with the addition of some new awards for floats in the parade, and a Drag Storytime.

"We're giving away prizes! We're going to award the best-motorized entry, the best walking or biking entry, and the rainbow award, which is the best use of rainbow colours."

They're still accepting entries for the parade, as well as vendors for this year's event. You can reach out to Pride Winnipegosis on Facebook, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by June 1st.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 18, 2023 - 5:53 am

The provincial government has released the first crop report of the seeding season.

While seeding progress is ahead of where it was at this time last year, it's still far behind the five-year average, sitting at 25% complete as of week 20, up from last year's 10%, but well behind the five-year average of 63%.

In the Northwest Region, spring wheat seeding is leading the way, sitting around 90% complete in the Roblin area, while the Swan Valley and Dauphin areas are about 65% complete, and the Pas region is about 50%.

Early-seeded spring wheat in the Roblin and Swan Valley areas has emerged, and there was good winter wheat survival overall. Canola seeding has started and is about 10% done in the region, while field peas are 80% seeded. Soybean seeding is underway in the Dauphin area.

Progress was slowed down in the Dauphin and Ste. Rose areas after last week's storm, but a favourable weather forecast over the next week is expected to progress seeding well.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 17, 2023 - 1:24 pm

Talk has been brewing around this company for a while now, and this June, Obsolete Brewing's doors will open!

Obsolete Brewing Company recently took its beer selection to the Prairie Beer Awards in Regina, and company Co-owner Steve Sobering tells us the details about the awards they took home.

"Obsolete Brewing Company won a gold medal and a silver medal for both our coffee kolsch-style beer and our maple imperial stout. There was about 70-80 breweries across 2 provinces competing. We were really excited to bring home some recognition for the delicious beers we've been brewing."

The brewery will be located in the former Acklands building at 26 2nd Ave. NW. and the crew there have already been working hard to perfect their craft beverage selection. before opening their taproom.

Marcos Bardelli, the head brewmaster told us that the taproom will have more than just beer, but beverages that everyone can enjoy.

"We're going to brew many styles of beers, from traditional lagers, pilsners, and even some other light beers. we'll brew many different ones with fruits, sours, and stouts. We're also going to serve Kombucha which is a fermented tea and some non-alcoholic drinks as well like craft sodas and ginger ales."

Obsolete Brewing has been in the works for quite some time, as the company was incorporated late in 2020. Since then, Sobering says the company has been moving forward with a well-defined goal for the future

"We're really hoping to make it that great community space. it's been a long journey, but we're getting close to our finish line and we're working hard to make good on all our promises"

Sobering hopes that the brewery creates a whole new avenue for tourism in the city, but also makes a place for everyone in Dauphin to celebrate together with great drinks and great company too.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 17, 2023 - 6:00 am

A cold front drifting through the province could bring excess amounts of smoke to the area, reducing both air quality and visibility.

Wildfires in Northern Saskatchewan will be billowing smoke that will cover much of Western Manitoba, and the thick of it is expected to reach as far as the Red River Valley by noon tomorrow.

Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations, and it's recommended that everyone take the appropriate measure to reduce their exposure.

People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

Checking air quality forecasts, and preparing to be outside with masks that offer the proper filtration is recommended.

If you are concerned about your health in this time of increased wildfire smoke, refer to the Air Quality Health Index for more information.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 16, 2023 - 4:28 pm

The Dauphin RCMP and their Police Service Dog Marook sniffed out a suspect that was on the run in Grandview, Manitoba.

The police statement says officers were patrolling the area after reports that the wanted individual, 28-year-old Brandon McKay, was in the area.

After being located by the patrolling officers, McKay fled through several back lanes and around fences in an attempt to evade capture.

RCMP Police Service Dog Marook was sent out to track down the fleeing suspect and quickly found him hiding in some hedges.

Brandon Mckay was then remanded into custody and added charges of Resisting Arrest to his existing warrants for Assault and Failure to Attend Court.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 16, 2023 - 4:07 pm