Ethelbert School Closes

The Ethelbert School will be closed today.

The closure is due to interrupted water and power service at the school.

More information will be provided when it becomes available.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: May 20, 2021 - 11:21 am

The Manitoba government is implementing additional COVID-19 restrictions over the May long weekend.

Premier Brian Pallister held a press conference today, saying Dr. Brent Roussin will announce these new restrictions later today.

He added that COVID-19 case numbers continue to spike after holidays and that Manitobans must do their part to stop the spread of the virus.

CKDM will bring full details as soon as they are provided.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 20, 2021 - 11:19 am

This morning MLA Brad Michaleski held a “virtual coffee” through the Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce.

Some of the topics that were brought up are the Province’s recent Xplornet announcement, agriculture, post-secondary education, and COVID-19.

While Michaleski is uncertain what parts are rural Manitoba are getting high-speed internet first, he says he’s advocating for the Parkland.

“This can’t happen fast enough for our area. We have a lot to offer and a lot to offer the world, and the world is looking for opportunities.” He adds “I think there’s some attention being looked at in the Parkland region in terms of regional economic development. I think our government has led that charge on looking at a different strategy on what we can do with that connectivity.”

Michaleski says the regional development platform on top of a connectivity platform holds a lot of promise.

Michaleski says the Parkland has two major strengths, and that’s our agriculture and tourism industries.

“There’s a lot of things moving in the background, indirectly that are looking to shore up our agriculture resource development potential.”

Michaleski stated in the meeting that we need post-secondary skill-set development that’s relevant to the region.

“This is something that’s missing, and it’s been to the detriment of this region for decades.”

Michaleski wrapped up today’s meeting by thanking the region for the effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Details: Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson; Published: May 20, 2021 - 12:09 pm

A wildfire burning near the Lake St. Martin First Nation has prompted officials to take action.

Around 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the First Nation said it would be evacuating elders, infants, and those with chronic medical conditions from the community. One hour later, the band activated its emergency response through the Canadian Red Cross.

Members living on the reserve were told to meet in Winnipeg, where the Red Cross would put people into hotel rooms.

The wildfire is still deemed out of control and it is still 1074.1 hectares.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: May 20, 2021 - 6:34 am

May is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

The Alzheimer’s Society is teaming up with I.G. Wealth Management for their virtual Walk for Alzheimer’s.

Liz Mcleod, senior manager for regional services for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba says you can participate by doing any activity you enjoy.

“We’re encouraging people to participate all throughout the month of May, by doing an activity of their choice. An example would include setting a daily step goal, going for a run, riding a bike, just doing any activity with purpose and meaning so that you are being a part of a larger movement of people trying to highlight the incidents of dementia in our society and the people with that diagnosis.”

She adds that you can have friends and family members support your efforts by donating.

“A lot of people walk for their grandpa, or their grandma, their mom, their family member, and they use it as a way to remember, particularly if that person has passed on, or even just to do something that they feel they can do to support that person in the here and now.”

Individuals and teams can sign up at walkforalzheimers.ca.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 20, 2021 - 5:23 am

Twelve Manitobans will soon be receiving the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour.

Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba and Chancellor of the Order, Janice C. Filmon will preside over the ceremony.

Among those receiving the Order of Manitoba are award-winning singer and songwriter, Steve Bell, and President of the Manitoba Historical Society, Dr. Gordon Goldsborough.

On top of being president of the Manitoba Historical Society, Dr. Gordon Goldsborough, is an aquatic ecologist who studies the impact of humans and invasive species on lakes and wetlands.

He was surprised to receive this honour.

“I work with the Lieutenant Governor quite frequently, so it’s not uncommon for her to phone me. So when she phoned me I was expecting her to talk about something completely different. I was at a loss for words.” He adds, “It’s nice that I’m doing something that I love and people apparently appreciate it, so that’s nice to know.”

Steve Bell, whose music you can hear on 730 CKDM, says he has received awards in the past but none quite this special, as it’s awarded for contributing to the betterment of fellow citizens.

“It’s a nice sort of encouragement. I’ve always wanted my music to be more than pleasant or entertaining. I’ve always hoped that it would help us move towards a better society, more neighbourliness, justice, all of those sorts of things.”

Also receiving the order this year are:

Transportation executive and former Winnipeg International Airport CEO, Franklin Bishop
Indigenous historian, storyteller, educator and elder Ruth Christie
Canola researcher and food science writer, Michael Eskin
Former Wawanesa Mutual CEO, Gregg Hanson
Film producer and Eagle Vision co-owner, Kyle Irving
Winnipeg Folk Festival founding director and veteran of the Winnipeg arts community, Ava Kobrinsky
Manitoba Museum CEO and longtime advocate of arts and culture, Claudette Leclerc
Internationally recognized women’s rights advocate, Doris Mae Oulton
Manitoba’s 21st premier, Greg Selinger
Entrepreneur and philanthropist, Arni Thorsteinson

The Order of Manitoba recipients will be formally invested at a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building scheduled for July 15^th, depending on CODI-19 restrictions.

Details: Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson; Published: May 20, 2021 - 5:00 am

MacKenzie Middle School will be closed tomorrow and Friday due to positive school-related COVID-19 cases.

School administration says they will work closely with Public Health officials and follow their recommendations.

More information will be provided as it becomes available from Public Health, and remote learning will be offered where possible.

Details: Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson; Published: May 19, 2021 - 4:15 pm

Because of smoke and firefighting efforts, the province has had to close highway 20 between Cowan and Camperville, highway 6 between the St. Martin Junction and the Easterville Junction, and Road 307 between Seven Sisters Falls and Otter Falls.

There is no backcountry travel allowed in the area south of the 53rd parallel at this time, and a number of other fire and travel restrictions remain in effect.

The Homebrook wildfire is now estimated to be 144,000 hectares, and more than 80 kilometres long and approximately 16 km wide at its widest point.

Smoke from the fire could affect a number of communities in the area including Grand Rapids, Homebrook, Skownan First Nation, Waterhen, Mallard and Gypsumville.

The fire burning near Cowan, which is approximately 1,700 hectares, has crossed Highway 20, prompting its closure.

The government would like to remind Manitobans to avoid wildfire areas, and not to congregate on roadways to watch or take pictures of a fire or firefighting efforts.

Details: Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson; Published: May 19, 2021 - 3:38 pm

A 17-year-old male was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday morning after a shooting in Dauphin.

RCMP received a report of a teen being transported to hospital after being shot.

RCMP say the shooting is believed to have occurred in the alleyway behind a business on Main street.

The area was secured and is being examined by a forensics team.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: May 19, 2021 - 1:55 pm

The Manitoba government has announced that people will be able to book COVID-19 vaccine appointments for second doses beginning Friday.

The first set of appointments will be reserved for vaccine priority groups with certain health conditions.

All interested and eligible Manitobans are expected to receive their first dose by June 9^th. A provincial report shows that Manitoba’s vaccine task force plans to have 70% of Manitobans fully vaccinated by July or earlier.

The province says the rollout of second doses will be based on when individuals received their first dose.

Beginning Tuesday, May 25th, the province will begin administering second doses at congregate living settings in Manitoba. You can find a full list of these locations here.