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Smoke from wildfires in the northern prairies and the Northwest Territories has come in droves today.
So much so, a special air quality statement is in effect for pretty much all of Manitoba.
A low pressure system moving in this evening will bring improvement to some areas in the province tomorrow but another plume of smoke is expected to move in tomorrow night.
The following is from the special air quality statement which you can find a link to, above.
Wildfire smoke can be harmful to everyone’s health even at low concentrations. Everyone can take action to reduce their exposure to wildfire smoke. People with lung disease (such as asthma) or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke. Speak with your health care provider about developing a management plan for wildfire smoke events and maintaining a supply of necessary medications at home and always carrying these medications with you during wildfire season.
Stop or reduce your activity level if breathing becomes uncomfortable or you or someone in your care feel unwell. Contact your health care provider or local health authority if you develop severe symptoms or need advice. Check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and monitor your symptoms. People respond differently to smoke. Mild irritation and discomfort are common, and usually disappear when the smoke clears.
Drinking lots of water can help your body cope with the smoke. If you have an HVAC system in your home, use the highest rated MERV filter for your system (ideally rated 13 or higher) and set the fan to recirculate air constantly. You can also use a portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) air cleaner. Keep your doors and windows closed if the temperature in your home is comfortable.
Take a break from the smoke at a location in your community where you can find clean, cool air. If you must spend time outdoors, a well-fitted respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH certified N95 or equivalent respirator) that does not allow air to pass through small openings between the mask and face, can help reduce your exposure to the fine particles in smoke. These fine particles generally pose the greatest risk to health. However, respirators do not reduce exposure to the gases in wildfire smoke. It is important to listen to your body and reduce or stop activities if you are experiencing symptoms.
Be sure to check on people in your care and those around you who may be more susceptible to smoke. Reduce sources of indoor air pollution. If you can, avoid smoking or vaping indoors, burning incense and candles, frying foods, using wood stoves and vacuuming. Dust on indoor surfaces can be removed by wiping and wet mopping during a pollution episode. If you experience any feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, contact your mental health care provider for advice or visit Wellness Together Canada. Visit airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Update: 11:14 am August 16th, 2023
An update on the Missing Alberta teenager who was thought to be on his way to Manitoba.
Yesterday evening, Preston Bradstock was safely located in Fisher Branch, MB.
The RCMP would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.
Original Post: 3:11 pm, August 14th, 2023
Sylvan Lake RCMP continue to search for 15-year-old Preston Bradstock who was reported missing on July 23, 2023. He was last seen on this date in Sylvan, Lake.
Preston’s family is concerned for his well-being.
RCMP believes that Preston may have headed to Manitoba. We are asking residents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba for their assistance.
Preston is described as:
• Light complexation
• Brown Hair
• Brown Eyes
• 5'6"
• 180 pounds
• Is believed to be with a Blue 2012 Cadillac Escalade bearing Alberta licence plate BJC3366
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Preston, please contact Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333 or your local police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
If part of your strategy to stay awake during the day is to consume energy drinks, you should be aware of a recent recall by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
All flavours of Monster brand energy drinks with caffeine and no bilingual english/french labelling have been recalled. This is due to non-compliance issues related to the caffeine content of the drinks as well as labelling requirement issues.
If you have any of these products, you are advised to not consume, serve or distribute them. The CFIA says they should be thrown out or returned to where they were bought.
There have been no reported illnesses associated with the recalled products.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Manitoba's political parties continue to fill out their candidate lists and get geared up for the coming provincial election slated for tuesday, October 3rd.
The incumbent Progressive Conservatives have 48 candidates listed while the NDP have 45 and the Manitoba Liberal Party have 20. The Green Party of Manitoba has 13 and there are 2 candidates running as independents. Manitoba has 57 provincial constituencies in total.
So far, according to electionsmanitoba.ca, Dauphin has Ron Kostyshyn running for the NDP and Gordon Wood is running for the PCs.
Rick Wowchuk is the sole candidate so far listed for Swan River and is running for the PCs, and Jodie Byram is listed as a PC candidate for Agassiz.
Greg Nesbitt, the current Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development, is a PC candidate in Riding Mountain. Wayne Chacun will run in that riding for the NDP.
View the prospective candidate list here.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Tires will spin, cyclists will fly, and awards will be won at the Northgate Classic this weekend.
The weather may have laid some complications for some of the routes, but it's not going to stop the racers this weekend from vying for first place, and the prizes that go along with it.
Event coordinator Melisa Stefaniw notes that this race has already drawn a sizeable crowd, even though it's only the second year it's been hosted.
"We're expecting over 100 racers, so let's say 105 racers, plus we have their families and whoever they choose to bring with them. the crowd is about 300 people out there, plus volunteers."
the races are broken up into a few categories:
- 11U - 2.5km loop for kids 11 years of age and under.
- 5km Novice - recommended for first-time or very beginner riders. This loop will be conducted on its own.
- 10km Sport - recommended for confident beginner/intermediate riders.
- 20km Competitive - recommended for intermediate riders familiar with the trails.
- 30km Expert - recommended for riders with ample race experience.
- 40km Elite - recommended for experienced folks who just love to suffer.
- Sunday Mass Time Trial - open for adults 18+ who participated in Saturday's race. One fast loop.
Posted by Northgate Trails Dauphin on Tuesday, July 25, 2023Overall, this is going to be a friendly competition, where people can have some feuds on the trails but still get together for some fun afterward.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
On Sunday, August 6th, RCMP officers from the Spruce Plains/Neepawa detachment got a request from the Niagara Regional Police Service in Ontario to intercept a vehicle being driven by a 45-year-old man from Niagara Falls.
At the time, he and a 48-year-old female passenger were travelling west on Highway 16 about 10 kilometers east of Neepawa. Officers attempted a traffic stop but the suspect vehicle kept driving. A spike belt was then used, which the suspect vehicle drove over.
The driver was eventually forced to come to a stop on a residential street in Neepawa where he then fled on foot. The 48-year-old female passenger, who police were worried may have been the victim of an assault, stayed behind and waited for police. She was physically uninjured.
Upon a search of the vehicle, 4800 unmarked cigarettes were found, but the 45-year-old male suspect was nowhere to be seen. The previously-mentioned passenger was taken to the Neepawa RCMP detachment and released without charge.
[Image - seized cigarettes - provided by RCMP]
A day later on Monday this week, authorities received information that the suspect was staying at a motel in Brandon. Police from Brandon followed up on the information and located the suspect in one of the rooms. He was arrested without incident and remanded into custody.
He faces charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, forcible confinement, flight from police, and operating a motor vehicle while prohibited.
Spruce Plains RCMP continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Sandy Lake's Western Days are taking place this weekend just south of Riding Mountain and are already off to a great start.
The festivities kicked off today at 11:30 am with a community BBQ lunch, tonight will follow up with supper, beer gardens, live music by the local "Ridin' High Band" and a firework display.
There is no shortage of excellent food in-store.
No need to cook this weekend! There will be lots of delicious food served throughout the weekend. Check it out below...
Posted by Sandy Lake Western Days on Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Friday is just the tip of the iceberg, as Saturday is packed with local favorite events, and some new ones too.
Back by popular demand is the golf cart rodeo where drivers navigate an obstacle course blindfolded while receiving instructions from a passenger.
The Kids Bucket Brigade, which has 4 to 11-year-olds run obstacle courses carrying buckets of water will also be going on Saturday.
And a new event this year is the Bale Toss, which is a heated competition where contestants attempt to hurl bales over a high jump bar in a display of strength. this competition has both 12 to 16-year-old and 17+ categories
Committee member Charlene Lewandoski was busy getting ready for the event but still had time explain as to how Sandy Lake Western Days began.
"27 years ago, It all started with the activities director at the nursing home. They were putting something on for the residents, just some activities, kind of a Western day, and some local businesses decorated the town. When (the director) stopped doing it, the nursing home's local businesses took over. now it's just become a big community event!"
If you find yourself south of the Riding Mountain, get to Sandy Lake for some good food, great company, and to take in this year's Western Days!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Agriculture In The Classroom Manitoba (AITC-M), a charity organization that seeks to educate young students in Manitoba about the agriculture industry, recently got the significant amount of funding through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
"We are so grateful, we wanna give thanks to everyone who's supported us over the years, but the government of manitoba has been exceptional in helping us secure this funding", commented Katharine Cherewyk, AITC-M's Executive Director.
Cherewyk notes the funding will help with lots of things including expanding their programming to reach more students, putting together free hands-on learning kits for teachers, and it will also help alleviate the wait-lists for their direct-experience programming.
The charity organization was also helped by Keystone Agricultural Producers, who helped AITC-M advocate for their programs, which have similar goals to KAP.
"They are also really concerned about workforce growth and meeting the needs of the industry, so they've been extremely helpful to us", said Cherewyk.
AITC-M is a non-profit, charitable organization, that brings more attention to the agriculture sector to K-12 students in Manitoba. They aim to educate more young people about the issues facing the industry, the wealth of career opportunities available, and more.
Listen to CKDM's chat with Katharine Cherewyk below:
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Alonsa has been home to many people over the past one hundred years, and this weekend commemorates it with the Alonsa Homecoming.
The Homecoming is an annual event for the town, and there's a lot going on in the celebrations.
Events for the celebration include Pow wow demos, Ukrainian Dances, live music, lawn mower races, group suppers and so much more.
Schedule of events out!!
Posted by Alonsa Homecoming 2023 on Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Dana Thomspon, an event coordinator for the homecoming has been busy getting everything together but is excited to welcome people home.
"Over the years, a lot of people have left and went to the big centers and are raising their kids in different parts of the country. This is our chance this weekend to welcome people home and really hope welcome, create some memories, talk about the days gone by, and have the opportunity to socialize and remember the past."
be sure to pre-register ahead for the roast beef dinner Saturday night, as they have a limit of 300 seats for that event.
Thompson also wanted to mention that even if you haven't called Alonsa home, you're still welcome to come on out and enjoy the day.
The goal this weekend is for everyone to feel welcome and at home at the Alonsa Centennial celebration!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Officers from the Swan River detachment are looking into an armed robbery that happened last Tuesday, August 2nd, where a male had been held against his will by five people in a garage at a home on 2nd avenue in Minitonas and robbed with a firearm.
The male sustained minor injuries as a result.
Upon searching the home of a suspect in the armed robbery on monday, authorities located and seized approximately 193 grams of crystal meth, 104 grams of cocaine, 3.9 grams of MDMA, 4 grams of fentanyl/heroin mix, pellet guns, brass knuckles, firearm parts, ammunition, scales, a cattle prod, drug trafficking paraphernalia and stolen property from the previously-mentioned robbery.
Two men and one woman were arrested at the residence that was searched. All three have been remanded into custody.
27-year-old Nikko Guiboche is charged with:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Using imitation firearm in commission of an offence
- Forcible confinement
- Uttering threats
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking x5
- Possession of weapon contrary to order x2
- Resist/obstruct a police officer
37-year-old Tanelle Mohr is charged with:
- Robbery with a firearm
- Pointing a firearm
- Using imitation firearm in commission of an offence
- Forcible confinement
- Uttering threats
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Posession for the purpose of trafficking x5
27-year-old Dawson Kozminski-Usel, from Teulon, is charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking x5
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
The investigation is ongoing.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The roar of motors will fill the air of Grandview this weekend, as their annual Mudbog returns.
A wide variety of vehicles will be tearing up the dirt for a chance at $10,000 in prizes. Quads, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, and all sorts of suped-up vehicles will be flinging mud at this event.
So long as the driver maximum hasn't been met, you can still check in a competing vehicle upon arrival.
Jill Wiebe, an event organizer with the Mudbog says there will be a lot more than just the vehicles for entertainment, however, as the weekend also has all sorts of live music and other attractions.
"There are kids events, free swimming, scavenger hunts, we have a farm coming out. We'll also have helicopter rides this year, Prairie Helicopter is coming out just depending on the weather. We'll have 2 concerts on Saturday night and a mechanical bull there so you can take that in too."
The musical lineup features cover band Pop Vegas for the opening ceremonies on Friday and Saturday has Almost Famous to cap off the night.
Wiebe also noted that ticket sales ahead of the weekend are already very high, and the event is expecting to see 1,500 people attend, which is roughly the population of Grandview itself!
General parking will be freely available, but if you're looking to stay for the weekend, there are fully serviced and non-serviced campsites available.
There will also be a selection of food trucks and beer gardens on location open during the weekend.
Passes to attend for the weekend are $50 for adults, $25 for youths 13-17, and kids 0-12 get in for free. If you're looking to attend just for a single day, the prices are $30 for adults, $15 for youths, and kids will still get in free.
To learn more about the event, or see the full schedule of events, you can visit grandviewmudbog.com.
So whether you're going out to send some mud flying, or just going to grab a seat and watch, Grandview is going to be a hot-spot of action this weekend.
Kinsmen-Grandview-Mudbog-2023-Poster-56bcd6ea.webp
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
