NewsNow
The RCMP’s crime reduction enforcement teams are having an impact on rural crime in Manitoba, according to the RCMP and Justice Minister Cliff Cullen.
The RCMP’s specialized teams focus on chronic offenders and drug dealers, and have been involved in dozens of investigations which have led to criminal charges against 43 people and the seizure of more than $76,000, 46 firearms, and 20 stolen vehicles — since the province invested $1.9 million in 2019 to expand the teams.
Assistant Commissioner of the Manitoba RCMP, Jane MacLatchy, says RCMP are pleased to see that these teams are already having a significant impact on rural crime and “have no doubt that they will continue to do so in the months and years to come."
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Six new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Monday in Manitoba, which follows 10 cases that were identified over the weekend.
In total, these 16 recent cases bring Manitoba to a total of 400 cases of the virus.
Four of the new cases are in the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region; there have been a total of 38 cases in the PMH region.
(Graph courtesy of www.Manitoba.ca/covid19)
There are 74 active cases, 319 recoveries and 7 deaths. There are 3 people in hospital because of COVID-19, with 2 in intensive care.
If you feel you’re developing cold or flu-like symptoms, you’re advised to self-isolate and visit the Manitoba government website to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 for guidance on how to seek testing.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) Officers and the Waywayseecappo Fire Department responded to a residential fire on Shingoose Road in the first nation in the afternoon of June 29th, 2020.
Police found all the doors of the residence were open, the windows were smashed, and no one was home at the time of the fire.
The preliminary investigation has revealed the cause of the fire isn’t accidental and is suspicious in nature.
MFNPS are asking anyone that has any information in relation to the incident to contact MFNPS Waywayseecappo Detachment at (204) 859-5070 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Dauphin Rec is holding two firearms courses in August.
Their non-restricted firearms course is being held on Saturday, August 8th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., is open to ages 12 and older, and costs $100 to enroll.
There will also be a restricted firearms course on Sunday, August 9th from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., which focusses specifically on handguns. Participants must be 18 years or older to enroll in the restricted firearms class.
Both classes will take place at the Parkland Rec Complex Aspen Lodge, and Tamara Kolida, Programs & Promotions Coordinator with Dauphin Rec explains what the course will offer.
“You’ll learn a whole bunch of stuff including the evolution of firearms, basic firearms safety practices. You’ll also learn about ammunition, operating a firearm, safe care and handling procedures…”
Registration is available up until the day of the course, however limited space is available.
To register for the courses, click here.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
It’s been a weekend with 10 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba — with four on Saturday, and another 6 cases reported on Sunday.
Manitoba’s total number of confirmed and probable cases is now 394.
At 1 p.m. on Monday, the province will provide updated information on active cases, recoveries, and hospitalizations.
In the latest statistics from Friday, there were 58 active cases, 2 people in intensive care, and 319 individuals listed as recovered from the virus.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
A CKDM listener reports they spotted a funnel cloud near Methley, around 2:40 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
(Funnel cloud formation spotted near Methley.)
Another CKDM listener located just west of Ste. Rose also captured a photo.
(A CKDM listener reports a funnel cloud west of Ste. Rose)
A severe thunderstorm watch has been in effect for most of the Parkland since 11:44 a.m.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, that may be capable of producing strong winds, large hail and heavy rain.
The advisory is in effect for Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Winnipegosis, Swan River, Duck Mountain, and Riding Mountain National Park.
The forecast for Dauphin calls for a 60% chance of showers or thunderstorms early this evening, and risk of a severe thunderstorm. The skies are expected to clear, setting up what should be a nice and sunny Sunday.
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- Contributed by 730 CKDM
Public Health officials have announced 4 new COVID cases today, taking Manitoba's total to 388.
In the most recent update on Friday, the province had 58 active cases, and 319 people were listed as recovered.
Two people were in intensive care, and the number of deaths in Manitoba remained at 7.
For more information about COVID cases in the province, click here.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
6:12 p.m. update:
The thunderstorm watches have ended in the Parkland.
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At 11:44 a.m. on Saturday, a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for the Parkland.
Environment Canada says conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms, that may be capable of producing strong winds, large hail and heavy rain.
The advisory is in effect for Dauphin, Russell, Roblin, Winnipegosis, Swan River, Duck Mountain, and Riding Mountain National Park.
The forecast is calling for partly cloudy skies this evening with a 60 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms early in the evening with relatively strong winds, and a risk of a severe thunderstorm.
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Today marks Phase 4 of Manitoba’s reopening plan.
Starting today, the province will be lifting more restrictions as a part of the Restoring Safe Services plan.
Personal Care Homes and Long-Term Care: Residents can choose 2 support people that can have indoor visits for unlimited visitation time. Residents will also be able to identify general visitors that will have indoor access when physical distancing is followed. Outdoor visits are preferred for general visitors.
Faith-Based Gatherings, Pow Wows, and Other Cultural And Spiritual Gatherings: Faith-based gatherings can resume with an occupancy limit of 30 percent, or 500 people. Subgroups or cohorts are no longer needed.
Theatres and Casinos: Stage performances and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen at 30 percent capacity, or 500 people. Sub-groups or cohorts are no longer needed.
Businesses: Physical distancing of less than 2 metres (6 ft.) is allowed in close contact businesses (salons, massage therapy) with the use of non-permeable barriers.
Casinos can now open at 30 percent capacity or 500 people.
While the province continues to relax restrictions, officials are still stressing the importance of public health guidelines.
For a look at the provincial Phase 4 plan, click here.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
UPDATE | At around 5:00 a.m. Saturday, the heat warning that was in effect for the Parkland was lifted.
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At 10:53 a.m., Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for most areas in the Parkland.
Temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius, combined with overnight lows near 16 degrees Celsius are expected for the next two days.
A hot air mass will spread across southwestern Manitoba Thursday, but a cooler airmass will move in on Saturday, bringing an end to the heat warning.
The heat warning is in effect for the following areas:
- Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
- Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
- Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
- Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
- Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
- Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
- R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
- R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park
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- Contributed by 730 CKDM
This week on the Al Morning Show a CKDM listener phoned in, wondering why there seem to be fewer bats flying around the Parkland lately.
So the CKDM NewsNow Information team spoke with the experts to find out why.
Quinn Fletcher is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Winnipeg, and confirms there’s been a hit to bat populations in Manitoba — largely due to a disease called white-nose syndrome.
“Bat populations were doing fine in North America and were growing slowly, which is normal. When white-nose hit, it caused populations to go down.”
The relatively new disease putting some of Manitoba's bat species at risk was first detected here in the winter of 2017/2018 in the Interlake region — and more recently in the Riding Mountain National Park area.
White-nose Syndrome occurrence map - by year (2020). Courtesy of www.whitenosesyndrome.org
“I guess it’s not surprising if people are seeing less bats,” said Fletcher, adding that white-nose syndrome is particularly devastating to little brown bats, and northern long-eared bats.
Big brown bats are another species in Manitoba, however, they seem to be somewhat resistant to the disease.
Fletcher says his fellow researchers at the Dr. Craig Willis Bat Lab at the University of Winnipeg are aiming to understand how we can help bat populations deal with the threat of the disease.
“We’re basically trying to highlight how important it is for bats to have good foraging habitat — and if they do have a good eating habitat, this might allow them to become fatter before they go into hibernation and be able to survive the disease,” he said.
Are decreased bat populations related to an increase in mosquitoes?
The post-doctoral researcher at the University of Winnipeg could not confirm if decreased bat populations are related to a possible increase in the number of mosquitoes biting you on your evening walk.
Fletcher says there’s actually been a lot of focus to try and determine what proportion of a bat’s diet is comprised of mosquitoes.
“Bats definitely eat mosquitoes, but I think if given the choice, bats are more likely targetting bigger things that they get more bang for their buck.”
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- Contributed by Matt Hamel
