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Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School staff are saying that students will not receive class credit unless work assigned from now until the end of June is completed at a satisfactory level.
“Should a student not apply themselves moving forward and not meet expectations, they will not receive the credit. Rather, they will be supported in credit recovery in the 2020-21 school year to try again to complete the learning they chose not to do or were unable to do from now until the end of June.”
Speaking with CKDM, Principal Norman Casavant says the school understands this is a difficult time, and they want to support students to the best of their ability.
Although grades are “locked-in” during the class suspension, DRCSS explains that only means a student’s grade cannot drop below that level.
The school wants to address the misconception that students have “automatically passed” the course.
Learning packages sent home will be graded for a mark.
Questions can be directed to Mr. Casavant This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Keystone Agricultural Producers conducted a survey about mobile phone and internet coverage.
Almost two-thirds of the Manitobans who responded expressed dissatisfaction with their connectivity.
This report was released at a time when social distancing protocols are causing the vast majority of Manitobans to be increasingly reliant on both networks.
In a press release, Jill Verwey, KAP vice president and chair of the rural policy committee says farm operations require strong internet and cell coverage to conduct business and ensure that food continues to make its way to market.
“We have heard deep-seated frustration from both farm families and non-farmers about the state of connectivity in rural Manitoba, and providers cannot continue to ask us to pay for a service that is subpar at best.”
Connectivity complaints stated in the survey include being unhappy with the inability to be in touch in emergency situations and with farm employees, a hindered ability to fully participate in business operations, or incurring additional costs to add a booster that works sporadically. There are also broad impacts for education, with respondents noting that they are unable to conduct schoolwork, access course materials, or participate in distance learning like webinars.
Verwey adds, “The best time to fix these gaps was 5 years ago, the second-best time is now.”
In the survey, residents were asked what their level of satisfaction is with internet and mobile service. Less than a hundred people say they are very satisfied, in both categories, while 62.9% of respondents reported being either somewhat or very dissatisfied with their internet service, and 64.6% reported being either somewhat or very dissatisfied with their mobile phone service.
Next, respondents were asked to share how often they experience disruptions with their service. Just over 50% of respondents reported experiencing internet service disruptions at least daily, if not multiple times daily, whereas 66.5% of respondents indicated they experience mobile phone service disruptions at least once a day, if not multiple times daily.
Xplornet and BellMTS are the two most popular internet services combining for 81.5 per cent, while BellMTS and Rogers are the two most popular mobile phone services combining for 76.6 per cent.
1,557 Manitobans representing 113 municipalities took the survey and respondents came from all parts of the province.
A full report will be shared with both the federal and provincial governments, as well as major service providers, later this year.
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Greenhouses, garden centres, and farmer’s markets are now being deemed essential services by Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer.
Bev Birss Winniski with Birss Greenhouse and Landscaping says the period of time leading up to yesterday’s announcement has been tough.
“Our understanding was that we were a mixed essential service. You’re essential as an agricultural part to grow, but you’re not essential to sell, so it’s been very stressful for us.”
She adds that planting flowers is very therapeutic for those who are stuck at home and that decorating your yard can help people deal with stress.
Going forward, the company will be taking extra measures to ensure the safety of staff and customers, like taking orders by email and phone.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Dan Ward announced that Mountain View School Division was postponing its graduation and convocation earlier this week.
This will affect roughly 200 students who were set to celebrate this spring after completing 13 years of school.
One of those students affected is Dauphin's, Storm Karlson. She was set to graduate with honours. She will still graduate; however, a ceremony this spring is no longer the case.
For Karlson and her friends, it's unfortunate news, but she understands it's for the best right now while we deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We mentally needed graduation, we were going to use it as a send-off so we could close this chapter on our lives and open a new one," said Karlson. "We do understand; however, that we can't force anything because we want everyone to be safe."
Karlson is a part of the DRCSS' Grad Committee and she says there are options available moving forward.
"Parents are working hard to get us something in the fall before we leave," Karlson added. "There are solutions for this, there's just nothing in place right now."
As mentioned above, Karlson will graduate this year with honours. Her academic average is a sparkling 94% with her highest mark being 97%.
As the Dauphinite soon will close the chapter on her days at the DRCSS, she'll be remembering the school as one that was very welcoming with tremendous fellow students and teachers.
"I really enjoyed my time at the DRCSS, all the teachers were wonderful and super supportive," continued Karlson. My experience was fantastic."
Karlson's new chapter in her life will see her move to Regina. She's been accepted to the University of Regina's nursing program. At this point, she's expected to start classes on September 2.
Storm decided she wanted to become a nurse because she wants to help people. When she was 13, her brother was diagnosed with diabetes and she wants to help people just like the nurses helped her family during that time.
"I was very, very excited when I got accepted into the program," concluded Karlson. "I get even more excited when I see how hard these nurses and doctors have been working since this outbreak began."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
You might say Mayson’s 8th birthday was a memorable one.
The young girl from Makinak was all smiles after being treated to a special birthday concert from a family friend; 15-year-old Avery Stykalo.
“To be able to go to my mom’s friend's home and sing for her little girl was really great. Her face was priceless when she walked out and saw me.”
Avery had her guitar on-hand Wednesday evening. She opened with “Happy Birthday”, followed by “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen.
The grade 10 student at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School finds music to be very calming, and hopes her tunes can help make somebody’s day a little bit better, during this challenging time.
But Avery isn’t immune to stress, and says the past few weeks have definitely been an adjustment period. The musically talented 15-year-old from Laurier says she misses being with her friends.
While it is an uncertain time we’re living in, it seems as though one thing we can count on is Avery using music to give us something to smile about.
“I’ve always loved music. I started playing guitar at 10 or 11 years old. My dad plays guitar and would play for me before bed when I was younger. He taught me a few cords, and I picked it up myself and have been playing ever since then.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Another local school division has decided to postpone their graduation ceremonies for the time being.
The Turtle River School Division is announcing they will put off convocation ceremonies until the fall.
Division Superintendent Bev Szymesko says graduation is a big milestone in a young person's life, and stresses the importance of having some kind of event to mark the occasion.
School principals will be contacting families of grade 12 students, and will also be available to answer any questions or concerns.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
We now have more details about some mental health job opportunities that are coming to the Dauphin hospital.
Health Minister Cameron Friesen announced yesterday the $1.5 million in funding for the new “Peer 2 Peer Connections” program being developed alongside the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society (MSS).
That works out to four full-time positions at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, according to Christine Miner, Manager with Prairie Mountain Health.
The new program will help individuals and families dealing with various mental health diagnoses.
Christine says these types of peer-support programs are quite effective; combining the expertise of trained staff with lived experience of people struggling with mental health and addictions.
We can expect to see the job posting going up soon, and PMH Manager Christine Miner says they are good opportunities for employment for people in the Parkland.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A 36-year-old man is dead after he was hit by a suspected impaired driver this morning in the Ebb and Flow First Nation.
Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision around 6:30 am on Lake Road NE, about 3 kilometres east of PR 278.
The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.
The driver of the suspected vehicle, a 27-year-old woman from Ebb and Flow, was arrested for impaired driving causing death and remains in police custody.
Anyone who information, or may have witnessed this collision, is asked to contact the Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-2513, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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- Contributed by 730 CKDM
Today Public Health officials announced 4 new COVID-19 cases in Manitoba.
That brings the total number of cases in the province to 250.
At this time, 121 people have been recovered from the virus, and 8 are being hospitalized.
The number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region remains at 12.
Public Health official Dr. Brent Roussin is reminding Manitobans that although we are seeing lower numbers, that doesn’t mean we can reduce our social distancing measures
If you are worried about your risk of having or exposure to COVID-19, you should call health links at 204-788-8200, or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
We’ll soon be seeing a new schedule at the Dauphin Waste Disposal Site.
Dauphin City staff announced the Waste Disposal Site will be switching to a year-round schedule.
Below are the new hours for the site, that take effect on May 1st.
Monday 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
You can add the Lundar Fair to the list of cherished summer events that we’ll have to go without this year.
President of the Lundar Agricultural Society, Mike Kostyshyn tells CKDM the decision to postpone the Fair is unfortunate.
Mike explains the cancellation of their April 4th bull sale made it difficult for the Ag Society to cover their Fair expenses.
“It’s quite a blow for us, but that’s the way it goes.”
The 68th edition of the Fair was set for June 12th and 13th.
The Fair features fun events to draw people in, such as the tractor pull, fireworks, and Saturday morning parade. But Mike thinks what people will miss the most is the chance to socialize and get together as a community.
On the bright side, Mike says there is a plan to try and host some kind of make-up event later in summer. The Open Farm Day on the third weekend in September has a petting zoo and different activities for children, information sessions.
Should social distancing restrictions be lifted by that time, Mike says “I’ve been in contact with the midway. If they get clearance to go, we would try to bring in some of the events of the fair, and have a 2-day event on Saturday and Sunday.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
