NewsNow
After months of effort to reverse the decision of the Conservative Government to close the Dauphin Jail, the jail is still closing. Dauphin Mayor Allen Dowhan still isn’t happy with the closure.
“It’s a sad day for Dauphin. We tried every effort in trying to convince the government to not do this. The closing has caused a lot of angst within the community and it’s a sad day for Dauphin.”
Since the announcement, Dowhan met with Justice Minister Cliff Cullen, the City of Dauphin held a town hall meeting, Dowhan had a meeting with Premier Pallister, the MGEU hosted rallies in Dauphin and Winnipeg, the city offered 1 million dollars to refurbish the jail, the coalition group was formed, they had a meeting with Minister Cullen, and nothing worked.
One thing that pleases the mayor is how much effort the community put in to try to reverse the decision.
“It shows the citizens’ love of their community and they knew the economic benefits and also the need for such a facility in this area. I can’t say enough for their efforts in helping to lobby against the closing of the jail.”
Dowhan says moving forward they’ll work diligently with any group that wants to lobby the government to see the error in their ways and decision, adding that they’ll work closely with anyone who wants to do that.
Dauphin MLA, Brad Michaleski says the closure is a disappointment.
“It’s a disappointment to have anything close in Dauphin. It’s not something that I’ve ever wanted in the time that I was MLA. I’m looking to help the region grow in a positive way and across the entire region including the City of Dauphin. So no, is not an easy one, but again, I’m not going to stop my advocating for the broader growth that I see across the region, the potential that’s there and I’ll continue to advocate like I have been for the past four years.”
- Details
- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
Many First Nations in the Parkland have cancelled their annual powwows because of the restrictions in place due to COVID-19. However, the Lake Manitoba First Nation has confirmed that they will host their powwow from June 19-21.
Chief Cornell McLean says making sure the powwow takes place for the community is very important and that there will still be precautions in place. They will adhere to any restrictions put in place by the province, one of which limits outdoor gatherings to 50 people.
They will also have plenty of hand sanitizer and masks on hand.
"This is for the belief in our culture. We need healing in our community and we need to get people out of the house," said McLean.
Lake Manitoba was one of the first reserves in the province to restrict travel in and out of the community two months ago and other First Nations followed suit. However, McLean has said anyone will be able to attend the powwow.
McLean says he hasn't seen this much RCMP presence in Lake Manitoba for a long time. He says alcohol and drugs have become a problem because everyone is cooped up. He understands that there will be a new normal and he believes this year's powwow will be great for the community, as it is every year.
"This is a big event, I'm not going to lie," said McLean. "This is huge for us and it's going to provide a sense of normal in a time when we truly do need it.
McLean assures that all social distancing will be followed.
"We'll find a way to make it work for our community," he continued.
McLean also knows there may some criticism from people in a time where many First Nations are cancelling their celebrations. He says some people will criticize anything that happened.
"It's pretty simple, our goal is to bring our people together to start the healing process," continued McLean. "People will say what they want."
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
On Monday, June 1st, the province will be allowing limited access to school facilities in Manitoba.
Students will be able to go back to school for one-on-one or small group sessions for assessment purposes.
Mountain View School Division (MVSD) superintendent Dan Ward says Division staff have been meeting with principals from each school to examine protocols that will be needed to safely receive students in small groups.
“We want to stress that it’s going to be an invitation to students and families to come back to school on an appointment basis.”
Ward wants to make it clear they’re not reopening schools to regular classroom learning on June 1st — but are embracing the partial reopening to ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy in September.
The MVSD superintendent says the reopening of school facilities will enable teachers to assess the learning needs of an individual student, and determine a plan of action heading into September.
“This will help everybody transition into the September reopening in a much easier way.”
The provincial government announced guidelines for allowing limited access to school facilities beginning June 1st, which include:
- Indoor occupancy limits of 50 percent of normal occupancy levels or one person per 10 square metres will be in place.
- Teachers and students may meet in small group or one-on-one settings to conduct student assessments, provide clinical supports, administer recovery and remedial learning plans and provide therapeutic services.
- Day camps and summer programming may operate
- Scheduled students can access school Wi-Fi and/or computer equipment.
- Counselling access and emergency phone access may be provided for students.
- The use of outdoor facilities and playgrounds is encouraged
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Two people from Waywayseecappo First Nation are facing multiple drug charges after a traffic stop by Manitoba First Nations Police on Tuesday, May 26.
The driver of the vehicle was known to police to not have a driver’s license, and a package of unmarked cigarettes could be seen on the passenger seat.
A search of the vehicle uncovered alcohol, needles, a large sum of cash, and two bags of a crystal substance believed to be crystal meth.
A 33-year-old woman is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, and failing to comply with an undertaking, not having a valid driver’s license, and possession of unmarked tobacco.
A 38-year-old man is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance, failing to comply with an undertaking and possession of unmarked tobacco.
This is the second arrest for both of these suspects in the past 2 weeks.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
UPDATE - RCMP are no longer looking to identify the woman in the red SUV. She contacted Lundar RCMP shortly after the photo was posted.
================
Last week on Thursday, we reported on the fire that burnt down the McMunn & Yates in Eriksdale, the fire is now being considered an act of arson.
At 4:30 in the morning on May 21st, Lundar RCMP responded to the fire, upon arrival, the business had already been destroyed by the fire.
Eriksdale, Grahamdale and Lundar Fire departments responded.
No one was inside or injured during the blaze.
The initial investigation determined the fire may have been an act of arson.
Investigators believe a female that was seen driving a red SUV in the area may have information about the incident.
The investigation continues.
- Details
- Contributed by Isaac Wihak
The Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, Dan Mazier, is criticizing the federal government's handling of the closure of Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP).
Mazier takes issue with park management closing down the park and causing some confusion as to whether or not the businesses in Wasagaming were still open.
“The local management has really let the businesses down that are in Wasagaming. They had blockades up in the streets, they had signs saying the park was closed, and yet the businesses were open and there were no indications on that.”
Mazier’s concerns are shared by the MP for Brandon-Souris, Larry Maguire.
The two Westman MP’s are asking the federal government to collaborate with Manitoba Public Health to safely reopen the national park for watercraft use and overnight camping.
As Manitoba’s provincial parks have been open for several weeks — allowing camping and boating — the two MP’s say it seems reasonable to allow Riding Mountain National Park to reopen in the same way.
MP Mazier is asking the people of the Parkland to support those businesses in RMNP that have remained open during the park closure — but have suffered a significant loss of business as they head into a short season.
“They’re still feeling the effects of that — trying to catch up in a very short tourism season.”
While the national park opens June 1st for limited day-use activities — boating, kayaking and paddleboarding is still not allowed until June 12th. Camping at Riding Mountain National Park is being ruled out until June 21st at the earliest.
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
The Dauphin and District Handi-Van Association have modified their weekend hours as they deal with decreased demand.
The Handi-Van service will no longer be operating on Sundays for the time being.
General Manager Craig Mosionier tells CKDM “it’s just not feasible to run on Sunday’s anymore because we don’t have the clientele with churches and bingo halls closing down.”
He says the service is still available Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After hours trips can still be arranged by calling the Dauphin and District Handi-Van Association during regular hours at (204) 638-8884.
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
Manitoba has announced 2 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases to 294.
There are 14 active cases and 273 people have recovered.
No one is in hospital and the number of deaths remains at 7.
On Monday, June 1, Manitoba will enter Phase Two of the Restoring Safe Services plan, and for more information, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Manitoba has launched a new online tool to help students that are looking for job opportunities.
Student Jobs MB will help match students with employers throughout the province while speeding up the hiring process and encouraging student summer employment.
Premier Brian Pallister says “summer jobs are important for youth in not only helping pay for education but for building life skills and developing future career interests. Employers also benefit from hiring students, who can bring energy and new perspectives to their operations and assist them greatly in rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This initiative will be the province’s primary source to connect students to employment opportunities. Private-sector employers, not-for-profit organizations and governments are able to post jobs and connect directly with students.
This new tool will complement the Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program, which was launched on April 24.
To sign up for the employment tool, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
This week, Dauphin city staff will be testing the waters when it comes to working more days per week from City Hall — and spending less time working from home.
City Manager Sharla Griffiths tells CKDM the city feels confident that staff could safely get back to doing more in-person business.
“As the public is moving around and wanting to get more information, or pop into City Hall and see if they can make an appointment with someone — we want to be available to the public.”
Griffiths adds that there's plenty of office space at City Hall, which gives staff a sense they can work safely with proper physical distancing.
The City Manager also gave an update on the challenges many municipalities are facing with navigating the funding announcements from the province.
“It’s always great to hear about the funding, and we know that it’s coming. However, once we hear that it’s announced, we are eager to apply for it or see if we qualify for it. That information does not seem to be readily available. So we have to exercise patience in waiting for those details.”
- Details
- Contributed by Matt Hamel
No new COVID-19 cases were announced in today’s update. Manitoba has a total of 292 confirmed and probable cases.
The province has 14 active cases and 271 individuals have recovered.
The number of deaths remains at 7 and no one is hospitalized.
For more information about COVID-19, click here.
- Details
- Contributed by Tess Kovach
