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Over 450 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents every single year.

In Manitoba alone, on average, there are 22 fatal drownings every year. From 2015 to 2019, 110 people in Manitoba lost their lives due to drowning and 75 percent of fatalities were males. 10 percent of fatalities were also those aged between 0 and four. Of those between 0 and four years old, 100 percent of the fatalities were because their supervisor was absent or distracted.

These statistics were brought to light by the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba as the Labour Day Long Weekend quickly arrives. While spending time in the water is an extremely enjoyable thing to do during the summer months, it's critical to take extra care.

"We always say swim with a buddy, make sure someone is always with you or you're around people," said Dr. Christopher Love. "We recommend, if you have the choice, go somewhere where there is supervision because that adds a layer of protection."

While the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba is still awaiting numbers from the past few years, Love says the number one factor they see in drowning fatalities is intoxication, whether that be alcohol and or other drugs.  

"This goes without saying, but you must stay sober while on the water," said Love. "It's the best practice and it could end up saving your life."

In Manitoba, alcohol consumption is a factor in 35% of boating-related fatalities, higher than in other provinces. The consequences in Manitoba for impaired boating and impaired driving are identical. Leave the booze at home; it can lead to disastrous consequences on the water.

It's also highly recommended that you and any kids wear a life jacket. Not wearing a life jacket was a factor in 53% of boating deaths in Manitoba. Life jackets must fit properly and be in good working conditions. Buckles and zippers should be functioning and intact. Everyone should wear lifejackets while boating and anyone who cannot swim – especially young children – should wear a lifejacket while swimming. 

If, by chance, you are going on the water alone, you should let a friend know exactly where you are going and how long you may be.

"It's very important to ensure as many layers of protection as possible when you're doing any water-based activity," ended Love. "Plan ahead, it's the proper thing to do. 

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Investigations by Manitoba First Nations Police are underway after reports that a teen was sexually exploited in the Sandy Bay First Nation Community.

On August 23rd police received a report of possible sexual abuse regarding a minor, perpetrated by a construction company worker conducting business on the First Nation.

These allegations involve an individual under the age of 15.

Pennco Construction had been working on the First Nation on a water treatment plant for the community, as it has for many First Nations through both Manitoba and Ontario.

The Company named in the reports refused to comment on the allegations when confronted by news sources.

In response to these allegations, the Band Council of Sandy Bay Called for the immediate removal of the construction company from the area.

Sandy Bay Chief Trevor Prince stated “The safety and well-being of our vulnerable community members are our top priorities, and we will not tolerate any actions that jeopardize them,” also noting that. “Swift action was taken to protect our community.”.

The investigation continues.

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Update at 12:50 pm:

 

The black bear that was up a tree for much of the morning has left the city without any issue.

Todd Tarrant with Dauphin Animal Control was on top of the situation, keeping the bear monitored to keep both people and the bear safe.

He notes the bear made its way out of town through the Vermillion place area and into the fields by Vermillion Growers.

Tarrant also reminds everyone that with fall approaching, bears may be seen more often as they look to store up fat for the winter.

Luckily, wild berries are in good supply this year, so Tarrant expects a very minimal presence of bears in the city as the year progresses.

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Animal control has been called in Dauphin to capture a bear.

The bear was seen in a tree outside of the apartments on 6th Avenue Northwest.

If you come across the bear, remain a good distance away. 

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Taylor Schmidt began his teaching career 20 years ago as Band Director at Springfield Middle School.

It was a position that he held at the Oakbank school for six years before he returned to his hometown as he was hired for the same position at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS). With a passion for music, Schmidt taught hundreds of musicians over the years, all of which had amazing things to say about Taylor. 

Taylor would go on to hold the band director position at the DRCSS for nine years before he was offered the vice-principal job at the DRCSS and after talking to his family, Taylor accepted the role. At the time, Norm Casavant was principal.

"The staff here are outstanding and we have a great student body here," said Schmidt. "It has also been great working with families and caregivers over the years, the DRCSS is a great place to be."

Now that students are preparing to return to Dauphin's lone high school for the 2023-24 academic year, there will be a new principal when they do. After a decade at the school, Casavant has since retired and in comes Schmidt. 20 years after he began teaching, Taylor has been named principle at the DRCSS. He has begun his role and he is very excited to welcome kids back to school in less than week.

"I had the opportunity to work with Norm for four years and I learned a lot from him, he really guided me and helped me," said Schmidt. "I feel like this is a good step for me, I believe that I am ready to take it on."

On top of his duties as principal, Taylor will continue to teach music ahead of school. He is also very pleased with the direction that the school is heading.

"This will be another school year that we start with no COVID restrictions," ended Schmidt. "Our building is also starting to come together and get back up and running."

The high school also understands that the return to school can be a stresser for many families with the cost of school supplies. If you or a family you know are struggling, give the school a call as they may be able to provide assistance. 

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There is no shortage of things to do this Labour Day Long Weekend which marks the last weekend before students return to school.

Whether you plan on spending time with family at the lake, taking a trip, staying at home, or anything in between, it's set to be a great weekend and the forecast is nearly perfect with nothing but sun and hot temperatures.

If you are looking for a trip, you can make the short 90 minute drive to Ashern as their will host their rodeo weekend. Beginning on Friday and running until Sunday, there is something for those of all ages throughout the three-day event. 

The main attraction is the Canadian Cowboys Association rodeo, but that's not it. There will be a street dance on Friday on Main Street and come Saturday morning, everyone can get their day started with a pancake breakfast. There will also be a social on Saturday night at the rodeo grounds and come Sunday, there is 'Cowboy Church' and the rodeo begins at 1:00 p.m. 

Rachel Vander Veen is the president of the Ashern rodeo association and she wants to thank everyone that has helped put this special weekend together.

"We have a board that has put in hundreds of hours, they work tirelessly and they deserve a lot of credit," said Vander Veen. "We also have other clubs that help put on events throughout the weekend including the street dance."

So if you're looking for something to do this weekend, Ashern could be the place to be. All guests will be welcomed with open arms and there is a ton of fun to be had. 

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Amidst the strike action in Manitoba Public Insurance, driver testing will be resuming.

MPI is now resuming Class 5 driver testing services in partnership with MPI-certified driver education instructors.

Driving instructors will have the discretion to perform the testing in customer vehicles or in their own safety-equipped training vehicles.

For all drivers licensed during this time, MPI’s Registrar of Motor Vehicles will have the discretion to require no-charge retesting once the labor disruption is over.

Priority will be given to individuals who have already booked appointments prior to strike action.

MPI has also resumed Knowledge testing, and customers with existing appointments will be contacted with details of how, when, and where these tests will be conducted.

With contingency plans for most driver testing services now in place, MPI remains able to deliver on its core services affecting Manitobans:

  • All general inquiries and service transactions, including driver license and insurance renewals, new insurance policies, and payments can be handled by any one of Manitoba’s 300 broker partners.
  • The MPI Contact Centre remains open for reporting new personal injury claims, collision claims involving non-drivable vehicles, and total thefts.
  • Customers reporting all other collision claims, including hail claims, can now contact an MPI-accredited repair shop directly to arrange for estimates and repairs, without calling MPI first. This includes customers who have had vehicle estimate appointments canceled due to MGEU strike action. Customers can expedite this process and save themselves time by first completing MPI’s simplified claim reporting form, which can now be found on the MPI website.
  • Customers with scheduled road tests are being contacted directly to arrange for certification or road tests with MPI-certified driver education instructors.
  • Customers with knowledge test appointments are being contacted with details on how and where those tests will now be administered.
  • Customers with vehicles towed to the Physical Damage Centre compound will continue to have access to remove personal items.
  • Other essential services, such as income replacement payments for personal injury claimants, will continue uninterrupted.

MPI notes that they are looking into meeting with the MGEU to potentially iron out the next steps toward arbitration to bring a mutual end to the current strike action.

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Two men will be going to trial on January 24th of next year for their alleged roles in a pair of aggravated assaults in Dauphin's south end. 

24-year-old Samuel Flatfoot from Pine Creek First Nation and 37-year-old Ted Parenteau of Dauphin each face two counts of aggravated assault as well as one count of robbery. 

On March 13th of this year, Dauphin RCMP located a 45-year-old woman from Pine Creek First Nation, suffering from life-threatening injuries. 

A short time and a short distance later, a 66-year-old Dau0phin man was found suffering from serious injuries after he was assaulted.

A third co-accused, 49-year-old Kathleen Flatfoot of Pine Creek First Nation, also faces two counts of robbery and one count of aggravated assault. 

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A 68-year-old woman from Roblin has been charged after an accident on Tuesday in Dauphin.

On Tuesday afternoon at around 3:00 p.m., a vehicle with two occupants in it, was crossing Main Street South from east to west when it was struck by a southbound vehicle, with three occupants. The southbound vehicle did have the right of way.

As a result, the woman driving the vehicle that was trying to cross Main Street has been charged with Proceed Before Safe to do so under the Highway Traffic Act. 

No injuries were reported in the collision.

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Frequent rain, high humidity, and heavy dews all contributed to a slow week of harvest progress across the Northwest region.

According to the latest Crop report from Manitoba Agriculture, harvest is now about 9 per cent complete across the region, compared to five per cent last week. 

Province-wide, 18 per cent of this year's crop is in the bin.  

Upwards of 50 mm of rain fell in some isolated areas near Roblin and in the Swan Valley, while hail was also reported in the Swan Valley, although damage is unknown at this time.

The Dauphin area received 12.2 mm of rain in the past week while hitting a maximum temperature of 28.4 degrees. 

Alonsa had both the warmest and coldest day of the past week, reaching a max high of 30.1 degrees and a cold point of 4.5 degrees. 

Fall rye and winter wheat harvest in the region is about 99 per cent complete, with yields varying widely and dependent on Early season rain. 

Harvest of spring cereals is about 15-20 per cent complete, with the most progress being made in the Dauphin area. 

And canola across the region is mostly podded and maturing, with about 2 per cent of this year's crop still in the flowering stage. 

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A 23-year-old man from Brandon is facing several charges including sexual assault of a minor.

Originally arrested in May after allegedly giving meth to a teenage girl and sexually assualting her, five more victims have now been identified.

The 15-year-old girl had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment after she was given the meth. The 23-year-old began talking to the girl on Snapchat for 18 months, when she was just 14. The man was charged at the time with luring, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, and administering a noxious thing.

Brandon Police continued to investigate and it led to hundreds of videos and images of child sexual abuse on the 23-year-old man's phone. That's when the five other victims were idenified and all are between the ages of 10 and 14. 

Kirby Sararas is with the Brandon Police Service and she said this is a very scary situation.

"We have definitely seen people use the internet to lure and exploit youth," said Sararas. "With that said, we haven't seen a case with this many victims from one individual locally."

On top of his charges laid in May, the 23-year-old man is now facing charges of accessing and possessing child pornography, five counts of luring, four counts of invitiation to sexual touching, four counts of sexual assault, and two counts of sexual interference. 

Grooming:

While Brandon Police Service hasn't had to deal with a case of this magnitude in the past, cases just like these and worse are becoming much more common. With social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Facebook, to name a few, online predators are finding it easier to get in touch with youth.

The predator will then get to know their victim and make them feel safe before asking for sexual photos and or videos. At this point, situations only get worse and in the past, the victims have taken their own life.

While social media can be a positive, Sararas does stress the importance of parents speaking to their children about how to stay safe.

"Parents really need to be having conversations with their children, so they understand that it is okay to say no," said Sararas. "I believe there are many individuals that are sending photos to people around the world because they have been convinced to do so."

What are the signs? (according to Sararas)

  • The person will try to get to know your child, learn things about them;
  • They will be told it's okay to send images and or videos of themself;
  • If the victim has sent videos or photos, the suspect will demand more and if they don't receive them, they will say they will show them to their friends and family.

"Things can escalate very quickly," ended Sararas. "It's very important that parents talk to their kids about this type of thing very early on."

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Gasoline prices continue to edge down slightly, according to gasBuddy.com. 

A litre of regular fuel now costs on average 165.45 cents across the province, down 0.2 cents from last week and down 2.5 cents a litre from this time last year. 

Here in Dauphin, the price ranges from 165.6 to 166.9 cents for a litre.

The local and provincial average is below the national average price of  168.45 cents a litre. 

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