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More controvery hangs over the board of trustees for Mountainview School Division.
At their regular board meeting on Monday night, members of the oversight panel appointed by the provincial government to help guide the local board walked out of the meeting following the introduction of a motion to limit the panel's ability to participate in their meetings.
Yesterday, a day after the meeting, the board of trustees issued what they called "An Important Announcement", stated that they were "raising serious concerns over the lack of response from the Minister of Education, and the unwillingness of the appointed oversight panel to collaborate without undermining local governance."
In another move during Monday night's meeting, the board approved a motion that adopts a procedure to permit the flying of only federal and provincial flags, or flags featuring school logos, on school property.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Zebra mussel problem in Clear Lake has been confirmed to be getting worse.
In a news release issued today, parks Canada noted that multiple juvenile zebra mussels have been located.
8 mussels were found on Septemeber 19th and 20th, confirming the spread of this invasive species.
In the news release, parks Canada states Zebra mussel infestations cost Manitoba taxpayers an estimated $10 million per year. This cost includes keeping mussels off critical freshwater infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and drinking water pipes.
Factoring in the damage to fisheries and tourism, that estimate could be considerably higher.
With this new information, Parks Canada staff plan to analyze the options for a potential eradication treatment using the best evidence available and in consultation with third-party experts in the field.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Keystone Centre in Brandon has installed a permanent reminder to first nations people that lost their lives to historical violence, including residential schools.
Westoba Place in the facility now has what is called the "Seat of Truth", an orange seat located in Section 112 of the arena in row K and at seat 2.
The significance of the location of the seat acknowledges Treaty 2, which was signed in 1871 at Manitoba House, which is now known today as Kinosota.
The seat will remain intentionally empty for all events to serve as a commemorative action, and Keystone Centre officials hope visitors will take a moment to acknowledge the histories that shape our collective identity and to participate in conversations that can lead to deeper understanding.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
If you are considering running for one of the vacancies on Mountainview School Division's board of trustees, you are running out of time to get your nomination papers in.
Those completed packages, which must include signatures from at least one per cent of eligible voters in your ward, need to be turned in and approved before 4:30 this (Tuesday) afternoon.
You can drop off the completed nomination package at the Mountainview School Division office west of Dauphin on Highway 5.
Four spots on the board need to be filled - two for the Roblin area, one for the City of Dauphin, and one for the area that includes Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains, and Grandview.
Byelection day is set for October 30th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
An update on the negotiations of the CUPE/MGEU health care workers: a strike notice has been served.
On October 8th, thousands of healthcare support staff from the WRHA, Shared Health, Southern Health, and MGEU members in Prairie Mountain and Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority could commit to job action, if a new deal is not reached before then
According to statements on CUPE's website, no significant movement from the employer has been seen since Union members rejected the last offer in August.
CUPE's statement continues, saying they will continue to put pressure on the government to remind them that fixing health care starts with the front lines.
Both unions state that striking is always considered a last resort and that they remain hopeful to see a resolution before October 8th
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Manitoba is often known for its fresh water and amazing fishing, but a new aquaculture project could make it a global leader in Artic Char.
Taking over the former Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ experimental fish hatchery, Saphire Springs farm is set to open in 2026 about 30 kilometers north of Manitoba’s capital.
This high-demand fish is a close cousin to Salmon, and Saphire Springs is looking to supply at least half of the global market by producing 5000 metric tons annually.
In a news release, Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba’s minister of agriculture expected 224 jobs to come with the facility, including 104 full time positions and an additional 120 indirect jobs.
With this new investment, Manitoba will make a big splash in both aquaculture and the global fish markets.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Dauphin's Fire Chief was recognized over the weekend.
Cam Abrey was presented with a King Charles III Coronation Medal by the Canadian Association of Fire Fighters.
The medal, which was presented on Saturday in Montreal, recognized Abrey for his work with the CAFC.
"Over the past two years in my role as President of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, I represented the Manitoba Fire Service to the National Advisory Council. I also sit on four other sub-committees for the CFAC and participate in those monthly meetings. It is quite an honour to be recognized for those contributions on a national level."
Abrey was one of three Manitoba fire chiefs to receive the award, joining Steinbach Fire Chief Kelvin Toews and Deputy Chief Scott Wilkinson from Winnipeg.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Expectations are high across the city as a veteran-laden Dauphin Kings squad embarks on a new season.
Kings' Director of Business Operations Christian Laughland (lock-land) says that optimism has been reflected in season ticket sales, which have been strong so far.
"People have been wondering if you can still get (season tickets). They are still available by coming down to (Credit Union Place) and asking for a sheet. We will give you one and you can sign up, write down the seats that you want and then pay for them all at the ticket office. Just the overall buzz about the hockey club has been really good this year so it is exciting."
Laughland says they will have a number of special promotional events throughout the season, including Ag Appreciation night in November, hockey card night and Tractor Lotto draw games in December, and the ever popular Ukrainian night in January.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Fire has closed the closure of a well-known restaurant in Swan River.
Members of the Swan Valley Fire Department were called out at 12:19 AM Sunday night to reports of heavy smoke coming out of the front and back of the Pizza Place on Main Street.
The main fire was found in the kitchen area of the restaurant, but smaller spot fires, fire extension, heavy smoke, and heat provided further challenges for crews.
Crews also put out small fires on the roof of the building, and also found some smoke and fire extension inside a connecting business.
The fire commissioner's office is investigating the exact cause of the fire.
Damage amounts have not been released, and fortunately nobody was injured as a result.
A post this morning on the Pizza Place's Facebook page stated they would be closed until further notice.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
In the courts this week, a Dauphin man made another appearance in relation to an aggravated assault case from November of 2022.
40-year-old Wayne Becks also faces charges that include uttering threats, and is set to return to court in Brandon on September 26th.
And Marc Dorais was also back in a Winnipeg courtroom.
The 54-year-old from Ethelbert faces several charges including Arson with Disregard to Human Life following a June 1st house fire in the Parkland community.
He remains in custody until his next appearance October 17th in the Manitoba capital.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A recent press release from the Manitoba government is paving the way for the future of electricity in the province.
Manitoba's Affordable Energy Plan launches efforts to build ties between Indigenous Governments, and invest in Wind energy.
Premier Wab Kinew looks forward to this investment in wind, as well as some to maintaining existing hydroelectric stations saying "building out the grid we’ll keep rates low for everyone and put more Manitobans to work in good union jobs."
Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt stated a goal of net zero emissions by 2050 as part of this announcement.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
