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Fusion Credit Union had a successful amalgamation according to CEO Ron Hedley.

In their financial report to members, Fusion announced a $500,000 patronage allocation to all members.

They also reported financial strength including positive asset growth at 4.66%; with a net income in 9 months of over 4 million dollars and a strong preferred dividend rate of 4.25%.

In nine months, Fusion contributed almost $180,000 to projects and community organizations through donations, sponsorships and scholarships. The staff counted 35,322 acts of green (environmental responsibility); they have undertaken thousands of volunteer hours and have made event support resources available 30 times for community groups.

 "We're thrilled with these financial indicators," said Guy Huberdeau, Board Chair. "But if you want to see where an organization is headed, look at the culture and the commitment of the people who make these successes possible. We have recognized the passion our staff feel for this work, for the members they serve and for our towns."

They held their annual general meeting last night. Fusion is the result of the official amalgamation of Catalyst and Vanguard Credit Unions that took place on April 1, 2018.

 During the amalgamation, staff was required to take on new roles and develop new skills. The 2018 Annual report highlights the work that was undertaken behind the scenes to keep everything moving seamlessly for members.

 "From the beginning, we had strong support and buy-in from the staff, who created new teams that came together well and quickly, which in turn has delivered results that have exceeded our expectations," said Hedley.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 26, 2019 - 9:08 am

The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba has started nominating candidates for the next provincial election, and Brad Michaleski has been selected for Dauphin.

In a press release, Manitoba PC Party Leader Brian Pallister had lots of praise for Michaleski, saying "Brad has been a wonderful representative for his constituents in Dauphin. His record of public service makes him the best choice to represent the new constituency of Dauphin".

Michaleski became MLA for the City of Sunshine after the 2016 election where he won with 53.4% of the vote. The next closest was NDP representative Darcy Scheller with 25.6%.

See the full press release below.

"The Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba is pleased to announce Brad Michaleski as the nominated candidate for the next provincial election after securing the party’s nomination in the new constituency of Dauphin.

“Brad has been a wonderful representative for his constituents in Dauphin,” said PC Party Leader Brian Pallister. “His record of public service makes him the best choice to represent the new constituency of Dauphin.  I look forward to working with him as we build a winning team that will continue to earn the trust of Manitobans in the next provincial election.”

Brad Michaleski has been the Progressive Conservative MLA for Dauphin since 2016.  Prior to his election as an MLA, Brad brought a strong record of management and leadership, municipal government experience, and community involvement.  Brad is also a grain and oilseeds producer with experience in many specialty crops, livestock production and commodity markets.  Brad and his wife Lori continue to live on the family farm where they raised their two children.

In preparation for the next provincial election, the PC Party of Manitoba has begun the process of nominating candidates across the province. The December 2018 report of the independent Electoral Divisions Boundaries Commission made significant changes to the existing electoral boundaries.  As a result, founding meetings for new or redrawn constituencies may be required prior to or in conjunction with the nomination meetings.  We look forward to building a winning team that reflects the values of Manitobans and our vision for a stronger, more prosperous Manitoba. Additional founding and nomination meetings will be held in the coming weeks."

Details

Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Apr 26, 2019 - 5:31 am

This weekend will be cooler than seasonal norms with the potential of snow falling.

Ernie Sirski, a producer west of Dauphin, says the cool weather won’t slow people down if they are ready to go.

“If we’re going to stick with seeding cereals, cause that’s what we’re going to be putting in, the wheat and barley type of thing, maybe the odd guy will grow peas this year. But that won’t have an impact, it may delay germination a bit. The reality is I think a lot of farmers would welcome some moisture.”

Tyler Hamilton, a meteorologist with the weather network says overnight lows will drop below 0 this weekend.

“We can’t rule out a centimetre of snow Sunday and Monday.”

Sirski says a little cold won’t hurt the seeding process.

There isn’t necessarily a right time to seed, different times have different risks and rewards.

Hamilton says farmers and producers will know how to best prepare for frost and colder weather.

Despite the cold weather, it won’t have a major effect on seeding.

Details

Contributed by Isaac Wihak

Published: Apr 26, 2019 - 5:04 am

This weekend is your chance to experience the new Uptown Pet Clinic.

They are holding their Grand Opening this Saturday.

Owner Sonia Pensaert is excited to show off their new space. They recently made some major renovations which included bringing in an entirely new building to connect to their old one.

“It’s a little bit of a different concept in that we added an old building to an older building and that we put it on an angle and had a little bit of a different design.”

She says everything happened fast.  “It actually happened all pretty quickly. We came up with the idea in the fall, and the grade beam was dug by November, and the building was moved in December. Then the crew has been working tirelessly for the last few months to get it all up and going. And it is all functional now.”

The clinic is offering the same services, only now a whole lot more.

“We are able to house a few more animals because we have a bigger kennel space. We have a larger surgery room. And I’ve been able to hire another technician, just because we have more space to get more help.”

The grand opening takes place tomorrow between 11 am to 2 pm, at 519 Main Street North.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 26, 2019 - 5:00 am

The two missing children from Waywayseeccapo were found safe, but now police are searching for the father who is wanted for a number of criminal charges. 

33-year old Robert Fluery is wanted after a pedestrian Hit and Run that took place yesterday.

Police say they were called to a home in Waywayseeccapo and found a 24-year-old female victim who had been struck by a vehicle.

The victim was transported to hospital and remains in stable condition with undetermined injuries.

Fluery, from Gambler First Nation, is wanted for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm; Failure to Stop after Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm; Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle; Assault with a Weapon; Failure to Provide the Necessaries; Uttering Threats against a person x3 and Failure to Comply with Probation Order.

Police are actively searching for Fluery, who might be driving a white 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 with the licence plate KBZ 701.

 Manitoba First Nations Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the noted suspect and vehicle.

If you have information on the whereabouts of this suspect are asked to please call MFNP Waywayseeccapo Police Detachment at (204) 859-5071 or Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)-222-TIPS (8477)

Earlier today the police issued a release asking for help in locating a three and four-year-old. Police confirmed later today that both young children have been located and are safe with a family member.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 3:52 pm

A 17-year-old has non-life threatening injuries after his car collided with a train.

It happened in the RM of Springfield Wednesday afternoon, around 4, at an uncontrolled intersection.

Alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors in the collision.

RCMP along with Canadian Pacific Police Service are continuing to investigate.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 1:29 pm

Canadian farmers anticipate planting more wheat, corn, dry peas and oats this year compared to 2018.

But Statistics Canada says seeding intentions for canola, soybeans and lentils for this year have declined.

The decline in planting intentions may have been influenced by lower prices for some crops due to global supply, tariffs and ongoing foreign trade issues.

 The data on actual seeded area which is scheduled to be released in June may differ from current intentions depending on these and other factors, including weather or natural disasters such as flooding.

Given the intention of farmers to plant a greater area of wheat, corn, and dry field peas, there is an expected increase in seeded area for grains, pulse and special crops.

This is the second year in a row that farmers are expected to plant less soybeans, which will cause the area to be at its smallest since 2015.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 11:43 am

Effective immediately, the RM of Alonsa has implemented a fire ban.

All burning has been banned to prevent wildfires.

Alonsa thanks those affected for their cooperation.

Details

Contributed by Isaac Wihak

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 9:55 am

Being prepared before you start seeding is critical to avoiding risk and potential fines.

The Manitoba Farm Safety Program identified ways people can ensure their success.

1. Train your help

All farms in Manitoba are required by law to provide, and keep records of safety orientation for all workers - paid or unpaid, causal or otherwise. In the event of Workplace Safety and Health carrying out a general inspection or investigating a serious injury or fatality on your farm, they can ask to see these training records.

2. Know when escort vehicles and permits are required on provincial highways

Permits:

Overwidth permits are not required for any implements or farm tractors being operated or towed on a highway for agricultural purposes. However, height and length permits are required if exceeding the following:

• Height: 4.6 metres
• Length: 35.0 metres

Implements and farm tractors loaded on standard trailers must obtain overwidth permits if the load exceeds 6.1 metres in width. However, specialized trailers designed specifically to haul that particular implement do not require overwidth permits. Height and length permit restrictions still apply.

Escort vehicles:

Escort vehicles are not required for any implements or farm tractors being operated or towed on a highway for agricultural purposes.

If loaded on a trailer, an escort vehicle is required for loads up to 6.1 metres in width that protrude over the centre line of the highway and are subject to the following:

• One front escort vehicle on a 2 or 4 lane non-divided highway
• One rear escort vehicle on a 4 lane divided highway

All trailer loads exceeding 6.1 metres in width require one front and one rear escort on all highways.

The above is a partial summary of the provincial regulation, and does not include information regarding night time travel. For more information about permits and escort vehicles, contact the Manitoba Permit Services Office at 204-945-3961.

3. Create or update descriptions of your farmland

Keep descriptions of, and directions to all farmland in the house, in the shop, in your equipment and in farm vehicles. This information should be easily accessible to family, neighbours and workers so they know exactly where to send help if needed.

4. Restock and buy personal first aid kits

As per Manitoba safety and health legislation, you are responsible for ensuring that anyone working alone on your farm have immediate access to a personal first aid kit. It may be helpful to keep kits and farmland descriptions in the same spot in your farm equipment. Personal first aid kits must contain the following items:

1. a) 10 sterile adhesive dressings, assorted sizes, individually packaged;
2. b) 5 10 cm × 10 cm sterile gauze pads, individually packaged;
3. c) a 10 cm × 10 cm sterile compress dressing, with ties;
4. d) 5 antiseptic cleansing towelettes, individually packaged;
5. e) a cotton triangular bandage;
6. f) a waterproof waste bag;
7. g) a pair of impervious disposable gloves;
8. h) a roll of 2.5 cm adhesive bandage tape.
9. Let other motorists decide when it is safe to pass you on roadways

While you may want to be polite and pull over to let cars pass you, it is not always a good idea to wave them around. By allowing motorists to decide for themselves when it is safe to pass, it takes the responsibility off you.

6. Inspect and replace fire extinguishers

The following is a guideline for the type of fire extinguisher needed for each location on your farm:

Shops

• · 10 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher
• · 5 pound dry chemical ABC extinguisher

Barns

• · 10 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher
• · 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher

Farm Vehicles

• · 5 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher

Combines

• · 10 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher
• · 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher

Balers

• · 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher

Tractors

• · 10 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher

Silos/Bins

• · 20 pound dry chemical, multi-purpose ABC extinguisher
• · 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher

Remember, fight small fires only. Water extinguishers can only be used on crop, straw and grass-type fires. For any fire involving oil, grease or electrical a dry chemical extinguisher must be used.

On machinery, fire extinguishers should be mounted on the outside if possible.

7. Inspect personal protective equipment

Replace any faulty or worn out personal protective equipment. Damaged safety harnesses and lanyards must be cut up prior to being disposed of, so if found, they cannot be used. Things to check for are distorted or broken D-rings, frayed or cut edges in the webbing, bent or rusty buckles and missing rivets.

8. Polish up reflective signs and lights on your equipment

Inspect and clean off all lights and signage. Make sure turn signals and flashers work properly and that your safety reflective tape and slow-moving vehicle emblems are fully visible to other motorists.

9. Support hydraulics during maintenance

Ensure you are using a second support system on machines that use hydraulics while performing maintenance. Two safety measures should be standard practice.

10. Don’t skip meals

Along with sleep, proper meals and getting plenty of water is key to reducing accidents by maintaining energy levels and alertness. Sleep deprivation and malnutrition slows response time, and that is when things can go wrong.

Details

Contributed by Josh Sigurdson

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 9:07 am

Gas prices have continued to rise after the carbon tax came into effect.

Ernie Sirski is a producer west of Dauphin and he says the biggest thing that happens is an increased cost in their inputs and exports because they are exempt from the carbon tax.

“That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to be affected on the transportation of fuel, fertilizer, and exporting of their products. So it will have an impact, it remains to be seen how severe it’ll be, but there’s no doubt there will be some impact.”

Don Tarrant, general manager of Reit Syd Equipment says gas prices are a small part of the whole picture for producers.

“An increase in fuel certainly impacts the bottom line. Unfortunately, the bottom lines are pretty slim so any increase does hurt the net of the producer.”

Sirski says he doesn’t make cuts in his production to combat gas prices.

“Let’s face it, as a price taker when it comes to fuel, we, in all honesty, have to suck it up and deal with it, especially with oil prices.”

Tarrant says companies are working to make farm equipment more fuel efficient like cars.

“New equipment in the last 5 or 10 years has become more fuel efficient. The equipment will do more work per acre with a lot less fuel. As well, the fuel burn is a lot cleaner than it’s ever been.”

Sirski says he keeps an eye on the pumps more than he does on his own production.

He adds that he’s been a minimum till farmer for about 20 years and there isn’t much he can do to make the gas price impact less on him.

“The reality is that fuel is the cost of doing business. I don’t know what else we can do on our own farm to actually reduce fuel usage. We think we’re fairly efficient as it is so other than what we are doing there isn’t much else we can do.”

Overall farmers aren’t pleased with gas prices. Tarrant says the rising gas prices and declining canola, wheat, and soybean prices are causing problems.

Details

Contributed by Isaac Wihak

Published: Apr 25, 2019 - 5:12 am