Heavy Snow Predicted For Minnedosa, RMNP

A special weather statement predicting rain, followed by heavy snow tonight has been issued for Minnedosa and Riding Mountain National Park.

5-10 cm of snow is expected, however, areas around higher terrain could see more than 10 cm of snow.

The system has moved through southern Saskatchewan throughout the day and has brought rain and scattered thunderstorms.

As the system progresses the northern flank will see rain change to snow.

The change to snow will happen before midnight and the system will exit the region tomorrow morning.

Snowfall warnings may be issued as the system progresses.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: May 8, 2020 - 2:42 pm

One new case of COVID-19 has been announced in Manitoba.

The total number of cases has increased to 284. Thirty of those cases are active, and 247 people recovered.

Right now there are 7 COVID related deaths, and 5 people are hospitalized.

The case announced today is in connection with the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the number of cluster cases to 8.

The total number of cases identified in the Prairie Mountain Health region is 22.

For the most up to date COVID information, visit manitoba.ca/covid19.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 8, 2020 - 1:34 pm

Manitoba is lifting the one month supply limit on prescription drugs.

Starting Monday, May 11, Manitobans who have long-term medications will be able to fill prescriptions up to a three month supply.

Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen says the limit has been tough on many Manitobans.

“It has not been easy for some Manitobans to have to pay in some cases, triple the fee for the same supply of drugs because now they were getting them filled with a restricted 30 day supply. It wasn’t easy, when at the same time we continued to tell people that they should stay home and isolate themselves.”

In March, all provinces and territories in Canada restricted the number of re-fills to a one month supply in response to global drug shortages.

Friesen says drug supplies have been closely monitored, and the danger of shortages has stabilized.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 8, 2020 - 1:18 pm

Canada’s economy took a hit in the month of April, as nearly two million jobs were lost across the country.

Despite the national unemployment rate shooting up to 13% in April, the end result is better than expected.

Some economists had predicted the unemployment would rise to 18% — and suspected we could see as many as four million jobs lost.

Next week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to extend the government’s emergency wage subsidy program. The program is designed to help employers keep workers on the payroll during the pandemic by covering 75% of wages.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: May 8, 2020 - 12:31 pm

At 5:12 this morning, emergency personnel were called out to a single-vehicle rollover at 801 Whitmore Avenue East on Highway 20.

A car had flipped onto its driver's side of the vehicle. The driver, who was the lone occupant, was trapped and had to be extricated by the firefighters.

When the occupant was extricated, they were transported by EMS to Dauphin Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: May 8, 2020 - 5:29 am

The number of COVID calls that the RCMP has received in the province has decreased for the second straight week. After receiving 99 from April 21-27, the RCMP received 95 calls between April 28 and May 4.

In the West District which includes Dauphin, the number of calls received has significantly decreased. There were 36 received from April 21-27. From April 28-May 4, the RCMP received just 16.

In four weeks in the West District, 123 calls have been received from the RCMP. 12 warnings were given out in the province in the past week, one of which came in the West District.

For Paul Manaigre, Media Relations Officer with the RCMP, this is a positive trend.

"We've certainly flattened the curve with the number of calls," said Manaigre. "We're hoping that this trend continues across the province and in the West District. I think people are taking the orders more seriously now and that's a good thing."

With the weather turning in the right direction, the urge to get outside and enjoy the fresh air is something most people are wanting at this time.

Paul wants to remind everyone that the Public Health Order limits any gatherings to 10 people or less. He says everyone needs to be cautious so there isn't a spike in cases moving forward.

"The message is still the same. You need to maintain that social distancing and be cautious," concluded Manaigre.

No charges were laid from April 28-May 4. In one call, there was even a wedding where hundreds of people gathered. That was; however, known after the fact so the RCMP wasn't able to do anything about it.

Manitobans living outside of Winnipeg are reminded not to call 911 for COVID-19 related issues.

Reports of non-compliance can be made to the Manitoba Government Inquiry line at 1-866-626-4862.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: May 8, 2020 - 4:00 am

The Independent Investigation Unit (IIU) has finished its investigation into the arrest of a 62-year-old man in Russell.

The incident occurred on October 31st, 2019, when two RCMP officers went to a home in Russell to return the man back to the hospital — where he left without consent. The man had a history of alcoholism and dementia, and health authorities feared he could harm himself or others.

When the officers requested the man return to the Russell Hospital, he refused and is reported to have grabbed one of the officers by the collar.

The ensuing scuffle left the man with a broken jaw and other injuries.

IIU investigators interviewed the man — as well as two RCMP witness officers and one civilian witness — and have found no grounds to justify any charges against the officer.

The investigation is complete and the matter is now closed. The civilian director’s complete report is available online.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: May 7, 2020 - 5:49 pm

The Grandview Homecoming Committee has postponed the Homecoming and Mud Bog Weekend because of COVID-19 regulations.

The fun-filled weekend in early August typically features a BBQ cook-off, live music, and a whole lot more.

The Mud Bog and Homecoming celebration will now take place from August 5 to 8, 2021.

For more information, you can visit www.grandviewhomecoming.com.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 7, 2020 - 5:05 pm

Manitoba’s 2020-21 fishing season kicks off this weekend.

As of Saturday, May 9, fishing in the southern division begins; which includes Dauphin, Swan River, Brandon, Emerson, Bisset, and Grand Rapids.

Fishing in the rest of the province will be permitted on May 16.

If you’re in need of an angling license, the process is going to look a bit different this year. The Manitoba government is now moving the purchasing of outdoor licenses to an online e-licensing website.

Don Stokotelny from Sticky’s Bait and Tackle in Dauphin says you won’t find many places in the Parkland offering in-store license purchasing anymore.

“In order to do online licenses in your store, you have to have a computer and printer available. It would take about 12 minutes to process each individual license, and considering the cost of paper, ink and our own equipment, the $1 dollar commission didn’t seem fair to us.”

If you don’t have access to a computer, Stokotelny says the local Manitoba Conservation office in Dauphin can process your park pass, and angling & hunting licenses, or you can call 1-877-880-1203.

Those caught fishing without a license can face a fine of $298, and failing to carry your license while fishing could set you back $174.

Fines