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The Labor Day Long Weekend is coming up fast, and the Provincial Government is looking to commemorate it with a weekend of free provincial park access!
Starting September 1st, and running through September 4th park passes will not be required to visit any of Manitoba's provincial Parks.
Notably, this does not include national parks in the province or cover any overnight stays or campsite fees.
if you are taking advantage of this free weekend of park access, Parks Manitoba offers some helpful tips:
- Be ‘Wildlife Smart’ by maintaining a clean campsite, keeping all food, trash, toiletries, and cooking utensils locked in a vehicle or trailer, and packing out trash and recyclables before leaving;
- Keep all pets on leash;
- Keep all campfires in approved pits such as those found in campsites, check with the campground office for any campfire restrictions; and
- To prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, firewood should not be transported outside Winnipeg and can result in charges and fines of up to $1,300 for individuals or $15,000 for businesses. Firewood should be obtained and burned locally and is available for purchase from local retailers at most campgrounds.
As well, be aware of the presence of Aquatic invasive species, so the freshwater lakes in the province can be protected from their spread.
Individuals who wish to camp can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling toll-free at 1-888-482-2267.
Several provincial park campsites, cabins, and yurts will remain open through the fall, allowing campers to stay as late as Thanksgiving weekend in October.
This is the last weekend before the school year swings back into action, so get out and enjoy one of Manitoba's beautiful Provincial Parks if you can!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The first Case of West Nile virus of 2023 has been confirmed in Manitoba, with another 3 probable cases under investigation.
According to a bulletin from the provincial government, conditions are very favourable for the Culex Mosquitos that are known to carry the disease.
Manitobans are reminded to empty standing water in their yards and avoid peak mosquito times around dawn and dusk.
last year, 7 cases of West Nile were reported in the province, 5 of which required hospital care.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Severe thunderstorms may have slipped past Dauphin yesterday, but other areas of the province were not as lucky.
Hailstones ranging in size from nickel to golf balls hit the Alonsa area, while hail driven by powerful winds shattered windows and left dents in houses and vehicles through the northern part of Winnipeg and communities east of the city on Thursday evening.
A weather station in Dugald, operated by Manitoba Agriculture, recorded a wind gust of 133 km/hr, while Selkirk reportedly received 110 mm of rain.
Earlier in the day, tornado warnings were issued for the area near Amaranth, and Sandy Bay First Nation.
There have been no reports as of yet of any tornadoes touching down.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Asham Stomperfest took over Reedy Creek during the September Long Weekend in 2003.
20 years later, festival organizers are looking to put together one more incredible festival before they ride off into the sunset. In talks with Arnold Asham, he believes this is likely the last year of the festival which takes place just 60 minutes away from Dauphin.
The annual family friendly down home music festival features some of the best fiddling, dancing, and jigging from the prairies. This year's event will be the first once since prior to the pandemic and Arnold is looking forward to it happening.
"I am excited, we didn't want COVID to end our reign of hosting this festival," said Asham. "We want to get some closure and we have many people that we want to thank and pay tribute to."
The three-day festival is headlined by the world famous award winning Asham Stompers. Recently, the group performed 21 times in seven days at Folklarama and if you have never seen them before, Asham says you are in for a treat.
"The energy of the dance, the Red River jig captivates the audience," ended Asham. "During my curling career, I haven't got any standing ovations. We have done about 2000 shows with Asham Stompers over the last 20 years and I would say we have received standing ovations after nine of 10 performances."
To order your weekend passes, you can call 204-589-6321.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Manitoba Government and General Employees Union says approximately 1,700 unionized workers at Manitoba Public Insurance will go on strike as of 7:30 Monday morning if a new contract can not be reached before then.
The union officially served strike notice to the crown corporation today after rejecting their latest offer earlier his week.
A strike would affect many MPI services, including its call centres, claim processing, damage estimates, and driver and vehicle licensing.
Meanwhile, voting continues today by the 1,400 unionized workers at Manitoba Liquor Marts on a tentative agreement reached earlier this week.
Voting is scheduled to continue until noon on Sunday, with results expected to be announced Sunday afternoon.
The MGEU says if ratified, the new deal would give a majority of the unionized workers a general wage increase totaling about 12 per cent over four years.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Public Utilities Board in Manitoba has approved two rate hikes over the next seven months.
The independent rate-setting authority has given Manitoba Hydro the green light to hike average electricity rates by one per cent on September 1st and one per cent on April 1st.
Manitoba Hydro had argued it needed two consecutive rate increases of two per cent in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years.
A Hydro spokesman says the lower increase means that its ability to address its 24-billion-dollar debt will be reduced
The increase is expected to cost the average customer anywhere from $35-65 more per year, depending on your living situation.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Singing, speeches, and the smell of delicious Ukrainian food filled the air to commemorate the 32nd Ukrainian Independence Day.
At 7 p.m., a large gathering filled the space just outside of the city hall.
The evening opened with a prayer in both English and Ukrainian from Father Brent Kuzyk, which was followed by the singing of Ukraine's national anthem.
In an offering of traditional hospitality, a bread-breaking ceremony was held before local dignitaries made their presentations.
Don Tarrant, Christian Laughland & Ernie Sirski 
Representatives from the City, Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund, and the local politcal sphere all made passionate speeches in support of Ukraine
The celebrations at city hall wrapped up with some young Ukrainian children presenting some poetry, and the singing of a folk song before evryone headed to Vermillion Park.
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A veritbal feast was held in the park to celebrate Ukraine's independance.
a full spread of tradtional dishes were laid out for everyone to enjoy.
As the sunset on the 32nd year of Ukraine's Independance, much food was eaten, the music was turned up, and the community came together in celebration.
Слава Україні!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Update: As of 4:06 PM CDT, Environment Canada meteorologists have changed the Tornado warning for The R.M. Of Alonsa, including Sand Bay and Ebb And Flow to a Severe thunderstorm Warning.
The storm is being tracked through the province, as it's moving eastbound at 35 Km per hour.
Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are likely to produce or are producing one or more of the following: large hail, damaging winds, and torrential rainfall.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tweet reports using #MBStorm.
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Update: At 3:22 PM CDT, Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that is possibly producing a tornado.
The R.M. Of Alonsa, including Sand Bay and Ebb And Flow could see high winds resulting in a possible tornado.
This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. If you hear a roaring sound or see a funnel cloud, swirling debris near the ground, flying debris, or any threatening weather approaching, take shelter immediately.
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At 2:20 PM, Environment Canada announced they were tracking a severe thunderstorm in the Parkland area.
The watch covers much of the southwest of the province, but a severe system is tracking across the area north of Riding Mountain.
A warning is in effect for Makinak and Ste.Rose. These areas could see the worst storm conditions as the system is rapidly moving east.
These storms could bring high wind, lightning, and nickel-sized hail.
Be sure to keep an eye on Environment Canada's Website in order to track the storm, and prepare for extreme weather conditions
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Prairie Mountain Health has announced plans to host three Strive to Thrive programs, including one here in the Parkland.
Strive to Thrive’ is a free 5-week interactive program where participants explore their wellness symptoms and improve their mental health by developing skills, knowledge, and practices.
The Parkland sessions will be held on Thursdays between September 28th and October 26th at the Ste Rose Primary Health Care Centre.
Sessions are also planned for Brandon and Killarney, with a virtual session via MS teams taking place on Thursdays from November 9th to December 7th.
With class sizes being limited, you are encouraged to register early by calling 1-877-509-7852 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Unionized workers at Manitoba Public Insurance have rejected the latest offer made by the crown corporation and were slated to begin preparations last night for a potential strike.
According to MPI, their latest offer that was tabled earlier this week was for four years and included annual general wage increases of two percent, a one percent market adjustment on wages for about 75 percent of union members, and a proposal to enter voluntary binding arbitration to settle general wage increases.
But the MGEU says the offer falls far short of inflation, adding the top priority of their members is to negotiate wage increases that will help all members keep up with the cost of living.
No word yet from the union as to when a possible strike could begin.
The union represents 1,700 MPI employees across the province, including here in Dauphin.
They have been without a new contract since September of last year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Russell Ag Society has been in existence since 1881.
While it hasn't all been sunshine and lollipops for the society, this weekend surely will be. Up until four years ago, there was only about five members of the society; however, membership has since grown substantially as they continue to rebuild.
As a part of that rebuild, Russell Ag is getting set to host their fair this weekend from Friday to Sunday. Opening with the Russell barrel race series finals on Friday, Saturday is a jam-packed day which begins with a slo-pitch tournament at 9 a.m. and round one of the Russell cowboy contest takes place at 10.
Moving ahead in the day, there will be a pork supper at 5:00 p.m.
"We certainly have many things to celebrate as we look to grow," said Cathy Clemence, secretary and treasurer. "We're really looking forward to this weekend and we welcome everyone to our community to see what's so special."
On Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10, Russell Ag Society will be hosting a pancake breakfast and that's followed by kids horsin' around and mutton bustin' wraps up the three-day event starting at 3.
"We're trying to have things that are going to be of interest for everyone," offered Clemence. "We want this to be a family weekend, we believe that's what the people want and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to pull it off."
There will alsol be a tractor display as a farmer from Langenburg is bringing some vintage tractors for the kids. There will also be beer vendors all weekend, food vendors, and a 50/50. You can always check out Russell Ag Society for photos throughout the weekend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
