NewsNow

Manitoba’s state of emergency could possibly extend the province-wide school suspension for the remainder of the year.

MVSD Superintendent Dan Ward says an extension hasn't been made yet, but it is a possibility.

“As a school division, we are wrapping our heads around the fact that this could very well be longer than April 9^th. In the coming days we should know more from the department.”

 Details on how classes would continue in the event of an extension are still being discussed.

”There’s a particular emphasis on students in high school, earning credits, and those that are looking towards graduation.”

 Despite the suspension of classes, students are still being provided with work.

MVSD is holding a meeting on Tuesday 24^th to discuss updated plans from the province.

Details

Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 6:12 pm

With the province of Manitoba declaring a state of emergency, the City of Dauphin says measures taken earlier this week with respect to social distancing and facility closures still apply.

The following closures remain in effect.

• City Hall (100 Main Street South) will be closed to the general public. Payments can be made via cheque or cash using the drop-box by the main/north entrance door, or through peoples’ financial institutions. Communication with staff can occur via email or phone. In-person communication for all other reasons is by appointment only, and only if that person is not at risk of having contracted or is exhibiting COVID-19.
• The City Shop (22 Jackson Street) will be closed to the general public. The utility (water and sewer), as well as snow removal in case of a snowstorm and garbage removal, will operate as usual. The Waste Disposal Site will operate as usual.
• The Fire Hall (121 2nd Street NW) will be closed to the public. Fire services will operate as usual. 

 The City will review and update their plan as new information becomes available.

Details

Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 3:52 pm

Dauphin Home Hardware continues to work towards providing a safe shopping environment for its customers during the growing concern of COVID-19. In an effort to do so, Mark and Whitney Odut who own the store have put some precautions in place, effective immediately.

• They are asking people to not browse, instead to collect the items you need, pay, and vacate the store.
• Don't shop in groups or families, they're asking for just one family member to be in the store at any time.
• Continue to keep a distance from fellow shoppers and employees.

Home Hardware is also offering no contact free delivery within the City of Dauphin. That means you can call the store with your shopping list and they will get all of the items together and deliver it right to your door. You can either pay over the phone for this option or leave a cheque in your mailbox. You can call the store at 638-8442.

"Our goal is to provide the best customer service possible while keeping everyone safe, both our valued employees and customers," said Whitney Odut.

Employees can also shop for you and have your items ready for you at checkout which will allow you to get in and out quickly.

The store hours this weekend will be from 9-6 today and tomorrow and 12-5 on Sunday. Beginning on March 29, the store will close on Sundays for the next few Sundays. Starting on March 30, normal hours of operation will be from 9-6 Monday-Saturday.

"The closure on Sundays beginning on March 29 will likely last about three weeks and then we'll re-evaluate from there," she concluded. 

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 3:18 pm

Following yesterday’s release of the provincial budget, Official Opposition leader Wab Kinew says he’s concerned with two things in particular. 

“This budget is going to put our healthcare system on life-support during a pandemic. At a time when many Manitobans are worried about their financial security, the province is also cutting a lot of the programs that help our families keep their heads above water. Those are the two areas that I’m most concerned about.”

“When I’m looking at the response for COVID-19, it’s just not enough. There’s not enough here for nursing and ICU beds and all the things we know that we’ll need.”

When it comes to Dauphin in particular, Kinew took note of the $6.8 million dollars cut from the corrections budget. 

“So now, you see why they’ve closed the Dauphin Jail. This is just about saving money. When people from Dauphin look at this budget, it’s your community that’s paying.”

Kinew said he wishes the government’s budget would have covered fees for parents that have to pull their kids out of daycare.

“I’d also look for a top-up to people’s wages. Let’s say you have to go on EI, you’re going to lose a big chunk of your wages. I think now is an appropriate time for the government to step in and help make up some of that difference.”

“I think we all have to stick together as Manitobans with this COVID-19 pandemic. I thank everyone working at the hospital in Dauphin and the clinic to keep everyone healthy and safe. I think we need to call on the government to do more. To fund healthcare and provide financial security. We really do need to have each others back right now.”

Speaking on Manitoba’s state of emergency, Kinew sees it as an important step and hopes everyone respects the directions of the public health experts. 

Details

Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 3:08 pm

With growing cancellations and restrictions from the coronavirus, CKDM wanted to know how the Dauphin Correctional Center closure was being affected.

Co-founder of the Dauphin Correctional Coalition Group, Larry Budzinski says that with increasing COVID-19 concerns, moving inmates to other facilities is a risky decision.

“Right now, our biggest concern is that with COVID, if you’re going to move the prisoners into other already overcrowded jails, you’re really creating a dangerous situation. So we’ve asked the minister to respond to that.”

The coalition is avoiding any public gatherings and has been holding their meetings online.

Budzinski confirms the group has not stopped their efforts to reverse the closure.

“We’ve had some time to research ideas; we have some press releases we’re working on.”

He added that the timeline of the closure is unclear, and no announcements to delay the closure have been made.

Details

Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 2:55 pm

Earlier this week, Canada's big six banks said they're ready to help customers affected by COVID-19 which included a deferral of loan payments on a case-by-case basis.

Following that lead, Manitoba's Credit Unions have now followed suit, one of which is Fusion Credit Union in Dauphin.

"Manitoba's Credit Unions are really stepping up, we have always stood behind our members," said Ron Hedley, CEO of Fusion Credit Union. "We're going to do whatever we can to support our members, whether it's commercial, consumer, or agriculture."

Manitoba Credit Unions will look to provide its members with deferral payments of principal and interest on their mortgages for up to six months, on a case-by-case basis. 

If you're in need of financial help during the growing concern of COVID-19 pandemic, Ron urges you to get in touch with your Credit Union for more information to see what options may be available to you.

"Credit Unions have a long history of helping its members," concluded Hedley. "Especially in a time of need. We'll be there and you can guarantee that."

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 12:28 pm

Many aspects of life in the Parkland have been temporarily disrupted, and that includes our ability to congregate at places of worship.

The chief provincial public health officer made it very clear: social distancing guidelines apply to all gatherings outside of your home, including “faith-based” gatherings.

Community Minister at the Church of Christ Dauphin, Wayne Olsen, tells CKDM churches will be finding other ways to deliver their services.

“Many will be doing online services for their members, just to encourage them while we are under these social distancing regulations. A lot of congregations are not meeting at this time.”

The details are still being worked out, but Father Olsen says there are several online-options for worshippers.

“A lot of congregations are using Zoom so people can sign in to watch what’s going on. Others have Facebook groups so they can go online and join their group to meet that way. Some might even Skype their services to people. I don’t know all the ways of doing that, but I know that’s what they are preparing to do.”

The Church of Christ Dauphin is also looking for ways the community can continue to deliver much needed food-assistance programs. 

“We are still trying to make arrangements with the schools to feed the kids. If anyone would like to help, we may need a few drivers. If people want to help out with providing some of those meals, they can make a donation to Parkland Crossing and we can make these things happen.”

Here's a list of church closures we know so far:
St. Viator’s Roman Catholic Church Sunday and weekday masses are suspended until after April 26^th

The South Parkland Parish Anglican Churches in Dauphin, Gilbert Plains, Grandview, and McCreary have suspended their services until further notice. 

The Dauphin First United Church, and the Church of Christ Dauphin will also be suspending service.

The Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Dauphin has cancelled all services until further notice and is closed to the public for the time being.

Details

Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 12:17 pm

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister declared aprovince-wide state of emergency this morning.

It will be in effect for 30 days. Towards the end of that period, it will be determined if that timeframe needs to be extended.

That means the government will have greater authority to take actions that reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

Pallister says the decision was not made lightly.

“We must continue to use every tool available to ‘flatten the curve and reduce the spread of COVID-19 on our communities and our health-care system.”

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says that effective 4 pm today, and for the next 30 days, gatherings cannot be more than 50 people including faith-based gatherings, weddings, and funerals. This doesn't apply to health care facilities.

Food stores, grocery stores, shopping centres, gas stations, and pharmacies remain open but must ensure a separation of 2 metres between patrons.

Restaurants and bars can have a maximum of half-capacity, or 50 people, whichever is lower.

Pallister says he has not heard any reports of Manitoba businesses disobeying the directions of the provincial health authority. 

Dr. Roussin has ordered the immediate closure of gyms, fitness centres and bingo halls.

“With this declaration, the biggest roles for all Manitobans to play right now, is to protect yourself, your family, your friends and your community. I cannot emphasize this enough – this is the time for action.  We must change our day-to-day lives, and think about your role in protecting ourselves and all Manitobans.”

The Families Minister Heather Stefanson also announced a $27.6 million investment to help provide child care to essential front-line workers as they support the province’s COVID-19 response.

At this time the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba remains at 17.

Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 before arriving at a testing site.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/coivd19. 

Details

Contributed by Matt Hamel

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 11:21 am

A Brandon Police investigation into a shooting that happened on February 26^th led police to separate incidents involving some of the same individuals.

The first incident occurred several days before the shooting. Two male suspects broke into an apartment, on the 300 block of 6^th street, and confronted the homeowner and several guests with a knife and handgun. The female homeowner knew the suspects, who forced her to leave with them, threatening to harm everyone else present if she didn’t comply. The suspects took the victim to another residence where they assaulted her and threatened to shoot her if she tried to leave. She was able to leave the residence the next morning.

In the early morning hours of February 26^th, one of the same suspects, a 25-year-old male, returned to the apartment with a taser. The suspect once again threatened the homeowner that if she didn’t leave, he would harm her and the others in the residence. She left with the suspect but was able to break free and run away. After the escape, the 25-year-old male returned to the residence with three different male suspects. They broke into a separate apartment in the same building of the 300 block of 6^th street. The suspects were all armed, one had a sawed-off shotgun, another had a machete, the third was wearing a ski mask and had a taser, and the final suspect was armed with a baton. A struggle ensued and one of the two male victims was shot before he was able to escape. Following the shooting, the suspects fled the apartment.

On March 4^th, the same female victim was at another residence in Brandon with friends. The same 25-year-old suspect along with another male suspect entered the residence, carrying handguns. The suspects threatened everyone present and again forced the victim to leave. She was taken to a rural residence and the next day brought back to Brandon to another residence before finally being allowed to leave.

On March 15^th, police arrested the 25-year-old male suspect and another male suspect. Upon their arrest, police located a loaded CO2 handgun. The two men have been held in custody at the Brandon Correctional Centre since the arrest and have appeared in court on several charges.

Police obtained three separate search warrants on March 18^th, 1000 block of 10^th street, a residence in the 600 block of 16^th street, and a rural residence. Three individuals were arrested as a result of the searches.

In total, police seized cash, four rifles, one loaded shotgun, about 100 rounds of various ammo, 0.6kg of cocaine, 2kg of benzocaine, two air rifles, one CO2 handgun, and bear mace.

The 5 men arrested face the following charges.

The 25-year-old male who was involved in each incident has been charged with 29 counts, which include a variety of weapons and firearms-related offences, in addition, to break and enter and commit, discharge a firearm to endanger life, forcible confinement, and assault cause bodily harm.

A 21-year-old male suspect has been charged with 13 counts, which include a variety of weapons and firearm-related offences in addition to Break and Enter and Commit.

A 26-year-old male suspect has been charged with 14 counts, which include a variety of weapons and firearm-related offences, in addition, to break and enter and commit.

A 22-year-old male suspect has been charged with 14 counts, which include a variety of weapons and firearm-related offences, in addition, to break and enter and commit, possession for trafficking cocaine, and possession of property obtained by crime.

A 40-year-old male has been charged with 12 counts, which include a variety of weapons and firearm-related offences, and forcible confinement.

Details

Contributed by Isaac Wihak

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 11:20 am

Many services are seeing changes, and now Manitoba Public Insurance is allowing transactions to be done by phone, or directly with MPI’s Contact Centre.

The following services will be available:

∙          New registration and policy application

∙          Renewal of an expiring/expired driver’s license

∙          Reapplication of a lapsed driver's license

∙          Manual reassessment of an active or lapsed driver's license

∙          Driver's license replacement

∙          Basic ID card replacement (with no information changes)

∙          Vehicle insurance coverage renewal, reassessment, reactivation, reapplication

∙          Transfer of policy

∙          Payment

Customers are encouraged to call their Autopac agent or MPI`s Contact Center at 204-985-7000 or        1-800-665-2310.

Details

Contributed by Tess Kovach

Published: Mar 20, 2020 - 10:56 am