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Manitoba-based CanTalk Canada is offering free Ukrainian-language interpretation services to organizations across Manitoba and the rest of North America.
Maureen Mitchells, founder, president and CEO of CanTalk (Canada) Inc., says that any organization that's trying to help Ukrainian refugees with things, like finding a home, getting access to education, and finding out about what official or formal requirements are needed to settle into a new area, will be provided with 250 free minutes of immediate Ukrainian-language interpretation over the phone.
"CanTalk, with the immediate interpretation over the phone, sets up a toll-free number... All companies or organizations or even individuals, if they're sponsoring Ukrainian refugees, have to do is phone this 1-800 number. We take their basic information and when a call comes in through this number that we provide to them, a language facilitator...will... take their name or number because it'll already be registered and on that basis, we connect them to a Ukrainian interpreter/translator and then the conversation can proceed. It's a three-way conversation, but it always goes very smoothly," she adds.
Mitchells says that CanTalk is trying to help where they can and that she believes that now is not the time to take advantage of, what she calls, an unfolding human tragedy for monetary gain.
"We want other companies and organizations who are engaged in hiring Ukrainian refugees [to] help those individuals reach their full potential... It's quite difficult for any refugee to find a new home and to move... into an area that's totally foreign to them, so when you provide this immediacy of communicating in your own language, it removes that sting of feeling intimidated or distressed because they can't quite understand either the direction or information being shared," she adds.
She says that the language support doesn't necessarily stop after the free minutes have been used up and that as long as there is a need to support Ukrainian refugees, they want to be there to help.
"Though there's no absolute limit, there is a timeframe as to how long the program will be available and right now, we have it available for up to a year, but again this could change," she says.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Ukrainian-language services offered by CanTalk can call 1-833-215-0586 or visit their website for more information.
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- Contributed by Nicholas Iatropoulos
Sharon Riehl moved to Dauphin in 1995 and she bought her first home in the city two years later in 1997. She has grown to love Dauphin and in her opinion, there is no place like Dauphin and no place she would rather be.
Living in the community for more than 25 years, Sharon has seen Dauphin grow but she has also seen crime rates rise as of late and now, she wants to give back as she has so much in the past by volunteering. Joining a long list of well-known and established Dauphinites, Sharon is running for council in the upcoming Municipal Election that takes place on October 26.
Riehl has a passion for people and she has a passion for the community of Dauphin and she's ready to take the next step if elected.
"I want to see our community come together as one and I want to be able to work with fellow councillors," said Riehl. "I want to help make it a community where people aren't scared to be outside on the streets."
Sharon says she is for the people and all she wants is a safe Dauphin and a Dauphin where everyone wants to stay and live, regardless of age. She says she is an extremely loyal and committed person that is ready to help in any way possible.
"I have the time and I am ready to do this," said Riehl. "I'm willing to learn and I'm willing to put myself out there. Being a part of a team excites me for the greater good of Dauphin."
Stay tuned in the coming days as we will continue to highlight this year's candidates in Dauphin and the RM of Dauphin. If you would like to join Sharon in running for council or mayor, you have until September 20 to do so in Dauphin and the R.M. of Dauphin.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
UPDATE: The remaining severe thunderstorm watches and warnings have ended.
The previous update follows:
As of 5:44 p.m., the severe thunderstorm warning for the Mun. of Ste. Rose incl. Laurier has ended.
The second update follows:
At 5:30 p.m., Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the following communities:
- Mun. of McCreary incl. Norgate
- Mun. of Ste. Rose incl. Laurier
- R.M. of Alonsa incl. Ebb and Flow Res. and Sandy Bay Res.
Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail and heavy rain.
They say that the severe thunderstorm is located 10 km east of McCreary, moving east at 20 km/h and that heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads.
More information can be found on the Environment Canada website.
The first update follows:
As of 3:29 p.m., the severe thunderstorm warning for the R.M. of Mountain including Mafeking and Birch River, as well as Westgate Red Deer Lake and Barrows, has ended.
As of 2:49 p.m., the severe thunderstorm warning for Porcupine Prov. Forest has ended.
The original article follows:
Environment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the following communities:
- Porcupine Prov. Forest
- R.M. of Mountain including Mafeking and Birch River
- Westgate Red Deer Lake and Barrows
Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to nickel-size hail and heavy rain.
They say that, in and around Mafeking, Baden, and Powell, heavy downpours are likely to cause flash floods and water pooling on roads and that intense lightning is likely with any thunderstorm that develops.
In addition, Environment Canada has also issued a severe thunderstorm watch for many communities in the Swan River - Duck Mountain - Porcupine Provincial Forest area.
They say that conditions in those communities are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing heavy rain and that these storms will be slow moving and will produce locally heavy rainfall amounts.
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- Contributed by Nicholas Iatropoulos
Jack Bremner seeded his wheat and not even 24 hours later, four inches of rain fell on his field. That resulted in the seed rotting in the ground.
About 100 of the acres of wheat will now go towards cattle feed and that means of the 124 acres seeded, Bremner is expecting to only harvest about 24 acres. It isn't all bad; however, for Bremner, this year as his canola crop is looking great. At this point, it's still blooming and it's one of the best canola crops he has ever had.
"When we got that four inches of rain, my entire land was covered in water, that's all you could see," said Bremner. "I can't believe it survived and it has flourished, it's been blooming for about five weeks now."
Bremner said he has seen some canola fields that have finished blooming and those farmers may be out harvesting not long from now; however, that isn't the case for Jack. He says they're going to be harvesting a lot later than usual, Jack isn't expecting to begin harvest until well into September. With that, Bremner will begin harvesting well into the time when the temperatures start to take a plunge and that's when frost can become a major issue.
"I'm definitely worried about it cooling down to a point where it freezes," said Bremner. "That could mean the canola could be worth nothing, it just depends on how damaged it is. To be this late into August and for the canola to be full blooming, that's a little scary."
Jack says he put a ton of money into the ground this year and if they do get frost on their crop, that would be devastating.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The opening of the Ste. Rose Farmer's Market originally scheduled for this Thursday has been postponed.
The market is now set to open next Thursday, August 25th, at Molgat Park in Ste. Rose du Lac and will run every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until September 8th.
Marie Sorlie, recreation director for the Municipality of Ste. Rose and the R.M. of Lakeshore, says that it will most likely be extended to September 15th due to the late start.
She also says that there are many reasons behind the postponement.
"There's actually only one vendor that has signed up for it and according to public health, we have to have those in ahead of time... The market coordinator is actually sick with COVID, so not available to be there to coordinate the market this Thursday," she adds.
She points to the late gardens and so-called crazy season they've had as to why they haven't had more vendors sign up.
Anyone interested in selling produce at the farmer's market is being asked to call or text Marie at 204-648-4797 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
They must also pay a fee of $10 per table they wish to reserve.
More information can be found on the Lakeshore & Ste Rose Recreation Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Nicholas Iatropoulos
Prairie Mountain Health is offering a number of vaccine pop-up clinics this week and next.
In Dauphin today (August 17th) and Wednesday, August 31st, you will be able to get your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th dose (see 4th dose eligibility criteria below) at the Ukrainian Orthodox Hall at 304 Whitmore Avenue East from 2 to 6. There will also be a vaccine clinic in Hamiota tomorrow at the Hamiota Community Center from 2 to 6.
Appointments can be booked online or you can call 1-844-626-8222.
In Manitoba, 4th doses are available for individuals aged 50 and older, First Nations, Métis and Inuit people aged 30 and up, residents of personal care homes and elderly people living in congregate settings, and moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 18 to 49.
There will also be a vaccine clinic in Ste. Rose Du Lac on Tuesday, August 23rd, from 9 am to 12:30 pm at the Public Health Office, 603 - 1st Avenue East. Neepawa will also have one next Thursday, August 25th from 1 pm to 5 pm at the Yellowhead Centre.
A full schedule of clinics in the Prairie Mountain Health region can be found here. The website also indicates whether the clinic you plan to attend offers walk-in appointments as well as phone and online booking.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Ken Plustwa worked for Manitoba Infrastructure for the better part of 42 and a half years. Now retired, Ken is hoping to share his knowledge with the RM of Dauphin and that's why he has decided to run for council in the upcoming Municipal Election.
"After a couple of years of retirement, I think this is the right time," said Plustwa.
Ken is heavily involved in the community which includes attending all Dauphin Kings home games and he fully believes the RM of Dauphin is a tremendous place to live and he wants to help it grow.
Running alongside Jack Bremner, Ken Shewchuk, Midge Sametz, and Ron Ryz, Plustwa says it would be an honour to get the chance to work alongside his fellow Councillors and Reeve, whoever may be elected come October. Ernie Sirski and Tom Gibbs are running for Reeve.
"I want to help improve the infrastructure within the RM and of course, anything else I can do to help," said Plustwa. "I have a lot of knowledge when it comes to infrastructure and I would love to share it."
Stay tuned in the coming days as we will continue to highlight this year's candidates in Dauphin and the RM of Dauphin. You can still register to run for Mayor or council until September 20.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Manitoba RCMP have released the monthly police-reported crime statistics for June.
The statistics compare the number of crimes that were reported to police in June of this year with the number of those reported in June of last year.
According to a news release on the law enforcement agency's website, the Manitoba West District — which includes Dauphin — reported increases in crimes against property, but decreases in the other categories overall.
Reports of property crimes increased by 21% (681 to 821) overall with reports of theft under $5,000 increasing by 79% (140 to 251) and reports of possession of stolen goods increasing by 62% (13 to 21). However, break and enters decreased by 11% (114 to 101).
Also noted in the release, drug enforcement decreased by 13% (46 to 40) overall with reports of possession decreasing by 23% (13 to 10) and reports of trafficking falling by 22% (27 to 21).
In addition, calls for service to the RCMP from within the West District fell from 5,121 to 5,080.
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- Contributed by Nicholas Iatropoulos
UPDATE: The Pine Creek First Nation is now offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible evidence that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever's responsible for the fire that destroyed the new BlueSky Family Wellness Centre on McKay’s Point Rd.
The fire is deemed to be suspicious in nature.
If you have any information, you're being asked to contact the Winnipegosis RCMP at 204-656-7003.
The original article follows:
Winnipegosis RCMP responded to a structure fire yesterday at around 12:35 a.m.
The fire occurred at the BlueSky family wellness centre on McKay’s Point Rd. on Pine Creek First Nation.
When officers got there, the centre was fully engulfed in flames and the Fire Department was on the scene.
There were no reported injuries as a result of the fire.
The RCMP say that the fire appears to be suspicious and they continue to investigate with the assistance of the Office of the Fire Commissioner.
If you have any information on this incident, you're being asked to contact the Winnipegosis RCMP at 204-656-7003, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or leave a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
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- Contributed by Nicholas Iatropoulos
The Roblin Rodeo and Fair had a successful return to the Jewel of the Parkland over the weekend. With four days full of great events, it was hard for people to choose between the attractions says, Ag Society President Ellen Arnott.
"I didn't even get to see the rodeo because I was busy running other things, but our volunteers there said that they've never seen the stands so full, and on Saturday it was pretty much standing room only at the rodeo arena."
Despite two years off, and limited time to plan, Arnott says the volunteers they had were absolutely incredible.
"We have a great team of volunteers that worked so hard all weekend and before to get things together and to make it happen. Without all our volunteers, and our board members, and our members it just couldn't have happened. I can't say enough about all the people that just gave of their time."
Arnott says that other than some bad weather late on Saturday canceling Emma Peterson's second set, it was a beautiful weekend for the event.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Broken glass has been found all over the splash park pad at Vermillion Park.
Dauphin Rec shared this on their Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
