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The Roblin RCMP has gotten more information on a woman that's been missing since 2020.

Police are investigating the disappearance of Melinda Lynxleg as a homicide, and new information has led officers to an abandoned residence in San Clara.

Lynxleg, from Valley River First Nation, has been missing since March 31st, 2020, and this is the first update from police since November 19th, 2020.

Melinda Lynxleg

Starting yesterday, and continuing today, the RCMP Search and Rescue Team, RCMP Major Crime Services investigators, RCMP Forensic Identification Section, Roblin RCMP officers, and a forensic anthropologist are working in the San Clara area following up on the new information.

As it's an ongoing investigation, the RCMP isn't disclosing more information, including the reason for the police presence in the area, but is assuring the community there's no public safety threat.

The RCMP Major Crime Service Family Liaison has remained in contact with Melinda’s family, and they are aware of the new developments in the investigation.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: Jun 6, 2023 - 12:18 pm

Saturday was a historic day for the Manitoba Métis Federation, as thousands of Red River Métis citizens gathered in person in Winnipeg, at satellite sites, or virtually for an Extraordinary General Meeting.

At the meeting, citizens voted unanimously to approve the Red River Métis Self-Government Recognition and Implementation Treaty. Vice-President of the Northwest Métis Council, Frances Chartrand, says it was a huge step forward for the MMF.

"So to my understanding, we had over 4000 citizens there. Some of the elders were just shaking our hands and they were so grateful for the leadership, that we were able to finally move forward to sign the agreement where we could have our inherent rights back and the commitment that was made in 1870,"

The treaty solidifies the self-governance of the Red River Métis people, something that has been more than 150 years in the making says MMF President David Chartrand in a news release.

“With this vote, our treaty rights a wrong that took place 153 years ago, when our first treaty –the Manitoba Act – was negotiated and then ignored by Canada."

Saturday's meeting was the largest assembly in MMF history and followed the Red River Metis tradition to gather in Assembly when making decisions that affect the future of the Nation.

From Left: NWMC Executive Peter Fleming, NWMC VP Frances Chartrand, and NWMC Executive Richard Genaille

Frances Chartrand says their recent work across the Northwest Region shows their commitment to Red River Métis citizens and the region as a whole.

"During the pandemic, we spent 10 million dollars in the Parkland, where we were able to build three childcare centres, employ about 40 people in the Parkland area to have jobs and train them to work in the early learning childcare field. Ensuring that we have programming such as our Michif languages, our Saulteaux language, and having cultural land-based programs in each of our childcare centres."

Vice President Chartrand says all of this work was done to ensure that they were ready when the day came for the treaty to be signed.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: Jun 6, 2023 - 6:00 am

Winnipegosis Pride is all set for this Saturday, June 10. The day will include games, a hot dog vendor, face painting, and so much more.

Then just 18 days after that, Dauphin is set to host its 1st Pride Parade. On June 28 at 4:30, everyone will gather at the DRCSS parking lot and the parade begins 30 minutes after that.

The event is being put on by the Northwest Metis Council in partnership with Dauphin Friendship Centre and Mountain View Teachers' Association. 

Shannon Genaille is with the NWMC and she says hosting the parade is the right thing to do.

"We live in a world today where not everyone is included in society," said Genaille. "I have family, co-workers and friends that are a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and they feel that love is love and they need to be appreciated and respected. We all bleed the same colour."

The parade will leave the high school and walk down 1st Street before heading to the fire department leading up to Vermillion Park.

That's where different presentations will take place, including vice president Chartrand that will be on hand for a presentation, among others. There will also be live entertainment and there will be a free hot dog barbeque with chips and drinks included. There will also be face painting alongside other fun activities.

Winnipegosis Pride is expecting another great turnout and ahead of Dauphin's Pride on June 28, Shannon invites everyone to take part.

"Everyone should come out, it's about supporting, being allies, and loving each other," ended Genaille. "That's how we're going to make it a better world, everyone should appreciate people for who they are."

You are also encouraged to wear pride colours and decorate your vehicles, if possible. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 6, 2023 - 5:00 am

The Winnipegosis RCMP is looking for more information about a 2022 car accident on Pine Creek First Nation.

On July 17th, 2022, officers responded to a report of a vehicle-pedestrian collision on Provincial Road 272 and found a 24-year-old man from Pine Creek First Nation with serious life-threatening injuries. The suspect vehicle failed to remain at the scene of the accident.

The victim was transported to the hospital and later taken to Winnipeg for further treatment. The injuries he suffered were life-altering.

While on the scene, officers got a call about a vehicle on fire in the nearby community of Camperville. Police and the local fire department attended the scene and found a brown 2013 Ford Escape that had damage consistent with being in a front-end collision.

Anyone with information in relation to the events before and/or after this hit and run should contact the Winnipegosis RCMP at 204-656-7003, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.maniobacrimestoppers.com.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: Jun 5, 2023 - 12:05 pm

A duo of local cannabis enthusiasts and podcasters are looking to share some information about "cannabis 2.0" at a special event coming up this Saturday.

Local pharmacist Trevor Shewfelt and registered nurse Kirk Nyquist host the Reefer Medness podcast, where they bring on a wide array of medical experts, legal professionals, and cannabis advocates to talk about everything cannabis related.

This weekend, they're looking to host a unique event they've dubbed the "Reefer Medness Al Fresco Affair, A Cannabis 2.0 educational picnic"

Many aren't familiar with what "Cannabis 2.0" might refer to, and Trevor Shewfelt gives us a brief overview of the topic.

"The easiest way to think about it is cannabis you're not smoking. The most common things people probably would run into are edibles, but there are also topicals, something you'd rub on your skin, and extracts"

This topic will be discussed over a casual and conversational dinner, and aside from the knowledge that the two of them have, Trevor says they have a special guest speaker lined up as well.

"We're very excited to have one of our former guests from the podcast, Dr. Brent Guppy coming in from Winnipeg. He is a fascinating dude, he's got a PH.D, he's got previous experience in the pharma industry, and now the company he's with is called Biocisions, and they do lots of really interesting stuff. Everything from testing cannabis to cannabis 2.0 production"

This educational event will be taking place at a private location from 6 pm to 9 pm on June 10th.

Due to the nature of the subject matter, this will be a 19+ event, and ID will be checked for everyone at the door.

For all the details, and to register, go to reefermed.ca, or leave your contact information at Dauphin's Cloud9 Canna Supplies location.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 5, 2023 - 6:00 am

It's the time of year when Manitobans start to notice mosquitoes buzzing around, and the current warm weather we're experiencing is only adding to the issue.

While wearing bug spray and avoiding being out during dusk and dawn can help, getting ahead of the issue is the best option available. Entomologist Taz Stuart says getting rid of all standing water is the best way to avoid having mosquito issues all summer.

"A female mosquito may have laid her eggs last year, two years ago, in a depression or a low-lying ditch and it's gonna get filled up with water. With the temperatures being a little... okay obscenely above normal for this time of year, you will likely start seeing spring and summer species coming out in numbers, and the hotter it is, the quicker they will develop from egg, going to the larval stage, pupa, and then the adult stage."

Getting rid of standing water isn't always possible, but Stuart says there are other options to try and limit the number of adult mosquitoes.

"There are some domestic products, and of course, if you're dealing with agriculture you can buy commercial products. We highly recommend using BTI as a control product. It's specific for mosquitoes and biting fly larvae. So if you do have a spreader or a sprayer that you can spray that ditch at approximately anywhere from four to ten kilograms per hectare, you're reducing that problem."

Stuart says it's important to time the spraying of any control product to when they are in the larvae stage.

"You don't want to be spraying it before the mosquito larvae are there, you need to actually look for what they look like. They're called a wiggler for a reason, if you take your finger and bend it in half, when you walk up to a water body, you'll see those things moving, then you know you've got mosquito larvae in your site and you should be treating it with the BTI."

Stuart says if it looks like a comma or a tumbler it'll be a waste to spray it because it's in a non-feeding stage.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: Jun 5, 2023 - 5:00 am

It was another successful Spring Campaign for the Dauphin and District Community Foundation(DDCF).

Once again, Dauphin Marketplace Mall Developer, Bob Williams, matched all donations up to $10,000, This year, Williams wanted to remember a longtime friend who recently passed away says DDCF Executive Director Kit Daley.

"He originally offered to do it last year to encourage the small donations and it was a very successful campaign. So this year he offered to do it again, and then when Ernie Hutsal passed away, Bob asked that this year's campaign be in memory of Ernie, his longtime friend."

During the Spring Campaign, there was also an initiative started by a former business owner in the mall to honour and celebrate Hutsal. Daley says they were really taken aback by all of the support.

"One of the previous business owners in the mall wanted to celebrate what would have been Ernies 74th Birthday on May 5th and arranged a table in the Mall with a Toonie prize giveaway. That was sort of Ernies go-to fundraiser. She put a lot of work into organizing it, and 13 businesses donated prizes."

Daley says they were able to raise around $2,000 on that day alone.

Williams set a goal when he agreed to match donations, but Daley says she was sure the community would exceed his expectations.

"When Bob offered the matching funds, he said he wanted us to have it completed by the end of August, and I thought this is Dauphin, We'll have this done by the end of May."

The DDCF Reached its goal on May 30th.

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Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: Jun 3, 2023 - 6:31 am

Bryan Byers moved to Dauphin just about 13 years ago and for the past 12 years, he's been taking care of those wanting to get into a brand-new or pre-owned vehicle.

Earlier this week, Bryan celebrated his 12th Anniversary at Dean Cooley GM. During his time at Dean Cooley, Bryan has been a top-selling consultant. His wife is originally from Dauphin and as Byers says, the last 12 years at Dean Cooley have been very special.

"Just getting to be involved in this community and meeting some incredible people," said Byers. "It has changed my life for the better and it's been extremely positive for me."

Among the Murray Auto Group in all, Bryan finished in the top 10 in vehicle sales in 2021 and 2022. An impressive feat to say the least, Bryan is just very pleased that he has been able to help people get their own set of wheels, whether it be new or pre-owned.

"It's always nice to get that recognition, I'm proud of it," ended Byers. "With that said, it isn't all me. I work with an incredible group and I have some amazing clients."

Bryan says one of the best things about working at Dean Cooley GM is the fact that everyone cares about each other and they want the best for each and every customer. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 3, 2023 - 6:00 am

Alexander Koski of Dauphin will be spending just more than three years behind bars.

On Thursday, Koski was sentenced to 1136 days, which equates to just more than three years and one month.

In October of 2022, Dauphin RCMP was called to a report of a break-and-enter at Parkview Lodge, where a fire was discovered, and it was deemed a case of arson. Koski was the man behind it. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Jun 2, 2023 - 10:22 am

A local artist has been working to make the Parkland Crossing indoor playground a place that shines with more color and cultural heritage. 

With the help of the South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition, Patrick Paul is painting a massive mural in the unique Woodland Art style.

"South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition worked hard to make it happen the way I wanted to see it done for the community, and for Asnishinabe people and First Nations people. I've put certain cultural aspects in here which was really important for me and my art form. Woodland Art is based off of star stories and legends and the culture of Ojibwe people. To include all that in this building was just phenomenal for me."

Paul is proud to contribute to the renovations in the facility. He's also glad his art can work towards reconciling with the history behind Parkland Crossing.

"Because of the history of this building, I wanted to make it really important that this was a statement piece just for the children that went through the suffering of residential school traumas" 

Parkland Crossing is seeing a few other renovations aside from the mural, including a new fridge, new cabinets, and a few other improvements.

Paul says he hopes his work here will not only be reminiscent of the children of the past, but an inspiration for the children of today, and the future.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Jun 2, 2023 - 6:00 am