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*As of this morning (Tuesday, May 16th), there are no longer any special air quality statements in effect for Manitoba. This could change in the near future as wildfires continue to rage out west.
Original story is below:
A special air quality statement is in effect for a large portion of Manitoba, including some areas in the northern interlake, as well as around The Pas and Flin Flon.
Smoke from Alberta and Saskatchewan is causing, or is expected to cause poor air quality and reduced visibility. A cold front slumping southward through Manitoba is concentrating forest fire smoke over the northern prairies.
Even at low concentrations, wildfire smoke can be harmful to health. People with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and those who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.
Areas in the Parkland are currently seeing some haze, which is expected to become local smoke closer to midnight as the smoke moves south.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Dauphin and District Community Foundation(DDCF) has announced this year's spring grantees, which will get a share of $73,738.
Executive Director Kit Daley says a lot of work goes into the selection process, and the foundation chooses projects they think will do the most to benefit the community.
"Our board looks at the applications, and each board member is assigned one or more applications to review. They'll meet with the grantee, check out what the project entails, and then we come together and the board decides what will have the biggest impact, and be most beneficial to the community."
The foundation has selected 13 projects for this round of grants, ranging from schools to businesses to community groups.
- Almost New Store - $15,000 (Front door repair)
- City of Dauphin - $2,500 (Digital Kiosk)
- Dauphin & District Handivan - $7,500 (Conversion of new van)
- Dauphin Church of Christ - $6,687 (Whitmore Food Program)
- Dauphin Junior Rec Hockey - $2,116 (Goalie equipment)
- Dauphin Neighborhood Renewal - $10,000 (Roof repair)
- Dauphin Pickle Ball - $1,500 (Nets and school rental)
- Dauphin Pottery & Ceramics Club - $4,083 (Two potter wheels)
- Lorray Manor - $7,000 (Security panel repair)
- Mackenzie Middle School - $4,352 (Replace disposable dishes)
- MVSD - $3,000 (Alternative classroom)
- South Parkland Healthy Child Coalition -$5,000 (Indoor playground enhancement)
- Sub Committee of DRS - $5,000 (Maamawii Park Project)
While it is still months away, the DDCF will now shift its focus to the fall grants, and the application window which opens September 1st.
Daley says the foundation will have nearly $69,000 to grant this fall, and they want to give potential grantees time to make sure they have what they need to apply.
"They're gonna have to give us their financial statements, they will have to be a registered charity or qualified donee, or partner with one, because we can only pay grants to registered charities and qualified donees. We really just want a clear picture of what the project is."
For more information on the foundation and its grants, you can call (204) 638-4598. The DDCF has also launched a new and improved website, ddcf.ca.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Brandon will once again be hosting its annual festival, The Manitoba Summer Fair.
As always, the Fair features all the rides, food, shows, and attractions that everyone knows and loves, and it also includes a unique afternoon called the Westman Disability Day.
From 1 pm to 3 pm on Thursday, June 8th, the fair is booked for people with disabilities to have a more relaxed and accessible time amid the usually hectic Fair atmosphere.
General Manager of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba, Mark Humphries, says there's a lot to look forward to at Westman Disability Day, and that it's a great way to let everyone enjoy the festivities.
"So physically or intellectually disabled people can come along and enjoy a little bit of a quieter time between 1 and 3. They must pre-register, and they get a free lunch as well from the sponsors. The petting zoo will be open specially for them. We've also got some wagon rides that are wheelchair accessible going on."
The Manitoba Summer Fair has been taking place for over 135 years, and Humphries is proud to make it an event that is comfortable and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
"Just that bit of a quieter time when they're not pressured by a huge crowd. We can have a time slot for that group of individuals to go and enjoy, and feel a little bit less stressed by lining up, queuing up, and waiting for the throng to go through. It's a fantastic day and a fantastic event for our sponsors to be a part of, so we're looking forward to it."
With countless shows, shops, rides, attractions, and more, many people would consider the Manitoba Summer Fair a summer essential.
For all the details on the Westman Disability Day, or to register, visit provincialexhibiton.com
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
It was an incredible year for this delicious charity event as Dauphin sold 42,000 cookies between May 1st to May 7th for a local charity.
That equates to $63,895.50 in sales, with all of the proceeds going to the Parkland Crisis Center and Women's shelter.
Kari Prawdzik, executive director of the Crisis Center in Dauphin sends out her appreciation for everyone that helped out.
"I'd like to thank the community for the support, our sponsors, the many volunteers that dedicated their time to help decorate all of the smile cookies, and of course Greg, Chris, and all of the staff at the Dauphin Tim Hortons who were just wonderful to work with."
Dauphin was the top sale area in the province, and number 2 in the entire country, second only to Dunnville, Ontario.
This year did have a slight change to the event, as cookies went up to $1.50 from $1. This did allow for a notable increase in the funds raised for the charities involved.
Across North America, these smiling sweet treats raised nearly $20,000,000 for a wide range of charities.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Annual Spring clean-up of Dauphin will be getting underway Monday, May 15th.
This one-time yard waste pick-up will start in the day one area, seen below, and progress along the regular 4-day schedule.
City by-laws state that only yard waste including the following will be picked up:
- accumulated garden waste
- grass clippings
- leaves
- shrubs and tree branches no wider than 6 inches, and no longer than 8 feet
These items must be placed in a clearly identifiable pile, or contained in biodegradable boxes or bags in either the back lanes or for those with no back lanes, on the boulevard near the curb.
The public notice also states that items other than those listed above will not be collected, and city crews will not be sorting through the items.
For any questions about the Spring Clean-up Program, or to get a Green Yard Waste Bin, call the City Shop at 204.622.3202.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Dauphin conservation officers gave out a total of $5,670 in fines after catching three people using dip nets along the Valley River.
In the most recent Manitoba Conservation Officer Service Enforcement Update, there were two reports made by Dauphin officers near the end of April.
On April 27th, officers found two males using dip nets to catch and retain spawning walleye at a low-lying area of the Valley River. In all, the pair had 20 walleye in their possession.
Both men were from Camperville and were issued court appearance notices along with restitution charges totaling $4,200 for retaining walleye in a conservation closure.
On April 30th, Dauphin conservation officers saw someone using a dip net to catch and retain spawning walleye in a low-lying area of the Valley River.
The man, from Dauphin, had seven walleye in his possession. He was issued a notice to appear in court along with a $1,470 restitution charge for retaining walleye in a conservation closure.
In both cases, all the fish were donated. Anyone with information on illegal activity is asked to call a local Natural Resources and Northern Development office or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Today is Manitoba Day, the 153rd anniversary of the provinces founding.
The province was founded on May 12, 1870, when the Manitoba Act received royal assent. Manitoba was officially incorporated into Confederation on July 15, 1870, becoming the fifth province, and the only one to enter Confederation under an indigenous leader.
The name Manitoba originates from the languages of the Aboriginal people who lived on the Prairies and traveled the waters of Lake Manitoba.
According to the province's website, the name's evolution mirrors the region's history.
"At the Lake Manitoba Narrows a strong wind can send waves washing against the limestone rocks of an offshore island. The unique sound from the waves is said to be the Manitou, or Great Spirit (in Ojibway, “Manito-bau”)."
A plaque commemorating its origin is located on the east side of the Lake Manitoba Narrows.
There is a Manitoba Day event at the Children's Museum in Winnipeg from 11 - 3 today. Mitchell Makoons will also be performing and speaking in the Mingling Area of the Douglas Knowles Building at Brandon University at 5:30 today.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Dauphin's 2023 Budget was passed by City Council after its announcement earlier in the week.
The meeting acted as a follow-up for the State Of The City that happened on Tuesday, and officially confirms the budget plans for this year.
Mayor David Bosiak says there are big plans coming for the city, but he couldn't have done it without the support of his staff and council.
"We're very lucky to have -and I can't say this enough- a tremendous staff. There's very strategic thinking done by our staff and council, we acknowledge that."
Bosiak noted that though the plan this year is to spend a bit more to invest in the city, taxes will not be impacted nearly as much.
He also said The City of Dauphin's financial reserves are collectively over $10-million dollars, and debt its is non-existent, so the time is right to make the big changes that will help this city flourish.
A full overview of Dauphin's 2023 budget is available on The City Of Dauphin Website.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing an overland flood warning for the southwestern corner of Manitoba, as up to 150 millimetres (mm) of rain could be coming to the area starting tomorrow morning.
Areas including Brandon, Griswold, Deloraine, Melita, Boissevain, Souris, and Virden are currently affected by the warning.
The warning will be effective early tomorrow morning, and continue until midday on May 13th.
For information on how to prepare for flood conditions, and where the flood warnings are, visit the Manitoba Government's Flood Information page.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Portage la Prairie RCMP are investigating a fatal two-car collision on Highway 1, in the RM of North Norfolk.
Around 9:45 yesterday morning, police responded to a two-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada highway, at the intersection of Road 64 West. It was determined that a vehicle traveling south on Road 64 West collided with a vehicle going east on Highway 1.
The driver and lone occupant of the southbound vehicle, a 43-year-old woman from the RM of North Norfolk was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver and lone occupant of the eastbound vehicle, a 20-year-old female from the RM was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Portage la Prairie RCMP along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Manitoba has sent a group of firefighters to Alberta to help fight the wildfires that rage on throughout the province, but the provincial government is keeping a close eye on the situation here at home as well.
Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt says that to date, there have been 16 wildfires in the province as of yesterday. He says it's important for Manitobans to do their part in limiting fires as much as possible.
"Many Manitobans are looking forward to the start of camping and fishing season in the coming days and we all must remember to do our part to prevent wildfires whether we’re at home, at the cottage, or enjoying the backcountry."
All 16 wildfires this year have been caused by humans and none are a concern at this time. Nesbitt says that one tanker group is currently activated in Manitoba, and another is on standby.
This week is recognized as emergency preparedness week and Nesbit says there are some easy ways to reduce wildfire risks.
Campfires:
- If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
Backyard debris burning:
- Don’t burn when it is windy or when vegetation is very dry.
- Check local regulations, a permit may be required.
- Choose a safe burning site away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
- Burning sites should be surrounded by gravel or mineral soil at least 10 feet in all directions.
- Keep the surroundings watered down during the burn and have a shovel close by.
- Keep debris piles small and manageable, add additional debris as the fire burns down.
- Make sure burning barrels are made entirely of metal, properly equipped (at least three evenly-spaced, three-inch, screened vents and top metal screen), and in good condition.
- Stay with the fire until it is completely out. Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with a shovel, and drown it again, repeat several times.
- Check the burn area regularly over the next several days and up to several weeks following the burn, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and windy.
Vehicle safety:
- Be sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging from the vehicle, as they can create sparks.
- Check the vehicle’s tire pressure. Driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
- Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes can cause grass fires.
- Never let brake pads wear thin. Metal on metal creates sparks.
Lawn care:
- Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment can start wildfires. Be careful on hot, dry days, and be sure to check equipment regularly.
Taking care of your home:
- Keep roofs, gutters, decks, and patios clear of leaves, pine needs, or other flammables at all times.
- Remove flammable mulch and vegetation 1.5m from homes and replace it with non-flammable material.
- A mowed lawn is a fire-resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10cm in height are less likely to burn intensely.
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the toll-free TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
