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Dan Ward announced that Mountain View School Division was postponing its graduation and convocation earlier this week. 

This will affect roughly 200 students who were set to celebrate this spring after completing 13 years of school.

One of those students affected is Dauphin's, Storm Karlson. She was set to graduate with honours. She will still graduate; however, a ceremony this spring is no longer the case.

For Karlson and her friends, it's unfortunate news, but she understands it's for the best right now while we deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

"We mentally needed graduation, we were going to use it as a send-off so we could close this chapter on our lives and open a new one," said Karlson. "We do understand; however, that we can't force anything because we want everyone to be safe."

Karlson is a part of the DRCSS' Grad Committee and she says there are options available moving forward.

"Parents are working hard to get us something in the fall before we leave," Karlson added. "There are solutions for this, there's just nothing in place right now."

As mentioned above, Karlson will graduate this year with honours. Her academic average is a sparkling 94% with her highest mark being 97%.

As the Dauphinite soon will close the chapter on her days at the DRCSS, she'll be remembering the school as one that was very welcoming with tremendous fellow students and teachers.

"I really enjoyed my time at the DRCSS, all the teachers were wonderful and super supportive," continued Karlson. My experience was fantastic."

Karlson's new chapter in her life will see her move to Regina. She's been accepted to the University of Regina's nursing program. At this point, she's expected to start classes on September 2.

Storm decided she wanted to become a nurse because she wants to help people. When she was 13, her brother was diagnosed with diabetes and she wants to help people just like the nurses helped her family during that time.

"I was very, very excited when I got accepted into the program," concluded Karlson. "I get even more excited when I see how hard these nurses and doctors have been working since this outbreak began."

You might say Mayson’s 8th birthday was a memorable one.

The young girl from Makinak was all smiles after being treated to a special birthday concert from a family friend; 15-year-old Avery Stykalo.

“To be able to go to my mom’s friend's home and sing for her little girl was really great. Her face was priceless when she walked out and saw me.”

Avery had her guitar on-hand Wednesday evening. She opened with “Happy Birthday”, followed by “Let It Go” from Disney’s Frozen.

The grade 10 student at Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School finds music to be very calming, and hopes her tunes can help make somebody’s day a little bit better, during this challenging time.

But Avery isn’t immune to stress, and says the past few weeks have definitely been an adjustment period. The musically talented 15-year-old from Laurier says she misses being with her friends.

While it is an uncertain time we’re living in, it seems as though one thing we can count on is Avery using music to give us something to smile about.

“I’ve always loved music. I started playing guitar at 10 or 11 years old. My dad plays guitar and would play for me before bed when I was younger. He taught me a few cords, and I picked it up myself and have been playing ever since then.

Another local school division has decided to postpone their graduation ceremonies for the time being.

The Turtle River School Division is announcing they will put off convocation ceremonies until the fall.

Division Superintendent Bev Szymesko says graduation is a big milestone in a young person's life, and stresses the importance of having some kind of event to mark the occasion.

School principals will be contacting families of grade 12 students, and will also be available to answer any questions or concerns.

Turtle River Memo

We now have more details about some mental health job opportunities that are coming to the Dauphin hospital.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen announced yesterday the $1.5 million in funding for the new “Peer 2 Peer Connections” program being developed alongside the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society (MSS).

That works out to four full-time positions at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, according to Christine Miner, Manager with Prairie Mountain Health.

The new program will help individuals and families dealing with various mental health diagnoses.

Christine says these types of peer-support programs are quite effective; combining the expertise of trained staff with lived experience of people struggling with mental health and addictions.

We can expect to see the job posting going up soon, and PMH Manager Christine Miner says they are good opportunities for employment for people in the Parkland.

A 36-year-old man is dead after he was hit by a suspected impaired driver this morning in the Ebb and Flow First Nation.

Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP responded to reports of a vehicle-pedestrian collision around 6:30 am on Lake Road NE, about 3 kilometres east of PR 278.

The victim was pronounced dead on the scene.

The driver of the suspected vehicle, a 27-year-old woman from Ebb and Flow, was arrested for impaired driving causing death and remains in police custody.

Anyone who information, or may have witnessed this collision, is asked to contact the Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-2513, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Today Public Health officials announced 4 new COVID-19 cases in Manitoba.

That brings the total number of cases in the province to 250.

At this time, 121 people have been recovered from the virus, and 8 are being hospitalized.

The number of cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region remains at 12.

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Public Health official Dr. Brent Roussin is reminding Manitobans that although we are seeing lower numbers, that doesn’t mean we can reduce our social distancing measures

If you are worried about your risk of having or exposure to COVID-19, you should call health links at 204-788-8200, or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

We’ll soon be seeing a new schedule at the Dauphin Waste Disposal Site.

Dauphin City staff announced the Waste Disposal Site will be switching to a year-round schedule.

Below are the new hours for the site, that take effect on May 1st.

Monday        8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday       8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday  8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday      8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday           8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday       8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday         Closed 

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You can add the Lundar Fair to the list of cherished summer events that we’ll have to go without this year.

President of the Lundar Agricultural Society, Mike Kostyshyn tells CKDM the decision to postpone the Fair is unfortunate.

Mike explains the cancellation of their April 4th bull sale made it difficult for the Ag Society to cover their Fair expenses.

“It’s quite a blow for us, but that’s the way it goes.”

The 68th edition of the Fair was set for June 12th and 13th.

The Fair features fun events to draw people in, such as the tractor pull, fireworks, and Saturday morning parade. But Mike thinks what people will miss the most is the chance to socialize and get together as a community.

On the bright side, Mike says there is a plan to try and host some kind of make-up event later in summer. The Open Farm Day on the third weekend in September has a petting zoo and different activities for children, information sessions.

Should social distancing restrictions be lifted by that time, Mike says “I’ve been in contact with the midway. If they get clearance to go, we would try to bring in some of the events of the fair, and have a 2-day event on Saturday and Sunday.”

The Manitoba RCMP provided stats yesterday from their first few days of enforcing orders under the Public Health Act.

Between April 8 and 13, the RCMP received 64 calls related to COVID-19. The majority of calls were reports of 10 or more people gathering at one location.

In the West District which includes Dauphin and area, there were 12 calls of service. Of that, three were warned and nine were cleared. 

Paul Manaigre is a Media Relations Officer with the RCMP and he explains what goes into a warning.

"Officers will speak with homeowners and educate them on the current rules in place and the possible fines," he said. "It's just about educating them on the whole thing and making sure they know that's something that can't happen."

In the West District, no fines or arrests were issued.

"We're really encouraging people to continue what they've been doing," he continued. "Stay home and stay safe. We need everyone to hang in there to stop the spread of this virus."

During this time, Paul also wants to assure everyone that officers will remain on duty and they will continue to serve and protect.

"Absolutely, it's business as usual for us. Every officer at all detachments is still working and responding to calls," concluded Manaigre "Our response may differ from what we've done in the past; however, in reality, we have to continue with our business."

RCMP have charged 25-year-old Lawrence Jade Shingoose in relation to the killing of a 15-year-old girl on Waywayseecappo First Nation.

Around 7 pm on Saturday, April 11th, Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) responded to reports of a gunshot at a home.

Responding officers discovered the teen girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was then transported to a hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.

Lawrence Jade Shingoose, of the Waywayseecappo First Nation, is facing charges of Manslaughter, Criminal Negligence Causing Death with Firearm, Careless Use of a Firearm and Possess Weapon Contrary to Order in relation to this incident.

He has been taken into custody.

Public Health officials have announced 2 new cases of COVID-19 today.

However, it was also announced that 2 previous cases have now been ruled out.

The number of positive and presumptive positive cases in the province remains at 246.

There has been an additional case announced in the Prairie Mountain Health Region, bringing the total number of cases to 12.

An additional COVID-19 related death has been confirmed, bringing the total number of deaths in the province to 5.

108 people have recovered from the virus, and 9 people are currently being hospitalized.

Public Health official Dr. Brent Roussin says that we should continue social distancing measures, but remain optimistic.

“We need to address these next couple of critical weeks in this outbreak. Then we can start to look at the possibilities of loosening some of these measures. We know we are going to be dealing with this virus going forward for quite some time, but not necessarily to the degree of what we’re looking at it right now so I think we should be optimistic.”

To find the most up to date information about COVID-19, and to access the online screening tool, visit Manitoba.ca/covid-19.