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Four areas in the southwest corner of the province are under Special Weather Statements right now.
According to Environment Canada, a low pressure system is developing in Montana and will spread snow into southern Saskatchewan tomorrow night and eventually into Manitoba as the system tracks eastward to North Dakota. The system will also bring some stronger winds with it which will make for blowing snow at some points.
The snowfall, which is expected to continue through Saturday, could bring anywhere from 10 to 20 cm of snow in some areas.
Even though there is a special weather statement in effect, the low pressure system could track further south, which would significantly reduce the amount of snow we will see.
Currently, the statement is in effect for these areas:
- Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne
- Killarney - Pilot Mound - Manitou
- Melita - Boissevain - Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
- Virden - Souris
We will keep an eye out for any weather statements issued for areas in the Parkland.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
On March 9th, 2022, the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund was announced, and Reit-Syd Equipment kicked things off with a $25,000 donation. Since then, the fund has been able to bring 27 families to the area.
Through donations, both monetary and in kind, the Fund and its volunteers have helped more than 70 people come to the Parkland, but the help hasn't stopped with just those families.
While the fund can't financially support every family trying to come to the Parkland from Ukraine, Fund volunteer Lindsay Rubeniuk says they're doing what they can to help people settle throughout the region.
"What we're trying to do now is provide them with some direction. You know we want people to come to our area because we want economic development to occur, so what our Fund is able to do is to try and assist them with employment, and also to try and find them housing."
Rubeniuk says the fund has helped find Ukrainian newcomers jobs in both Grandview and Roblin, as recently as this week.
Fund volunteer Tere Stykalo says while they want to support as many people as possible, they've had to dial back their commitments to new families that reach out.
"The support levels that were established at the start of the whole process were quite extensive, and the fund is not endless in its supply of financial support, so we do have to temper how the new families are going to get support, as Lindsay had said, which is going to come in the form of direction and the form of trying to assist them to get settled in a very positive and successful manner."
Stykalo says that word has spread about the generosity of the Parkland, and they continue to have people reaching out for help.
"We seem to always have knocks on the door, there are other families that want to come to this community and to the surrounding area. Word travels that they've been treated very well and they've had the opportunity to be successful here in a very short period of time."
A major part of the Family Funds' mission has been to bring in people that want to work and be a part of the community in which they're settling. Stykalo says that's already showing, and having positive results in the area.
"There's a spinoff back to the community, and we can see that happening already. When you look at employers who had voids where you didn't have anybody working, they now have some folks from Ukraine, from these families coming there, finding employment, contributing back to that employer's revenue stream."
Stykalo says it goes beyond the families filling job openings in the communities.
"They've got to go to the grocery store to buy groceries, they consume gas, and they're going to do all of their household spending here in Dauphin which creates a tremendous spinoff. You look at our schools, I believe one of the schools has had to hire more teachers, so that again provides a spinoff back to the community as these institutions also expand."
One of the initial goals of the Fund was to bring in families that want to set up roots in the Parkland, and Rubeniuk, who's an immigration consultant and has been helping the families since they arrived, says the process has already started.
"What we have now is currently five families that are in the midst of applying for immigration, and their intention is to remain in the community of Dauphin and surrounding areas."
While just five families are in the process of applying for immigration already, they aren't the only ones who have shown interest says Rubeniuk.
"These are just the first five families that are ready to go, and I've had several talks or emails from the rest of the families indicating their desire to remain in the area, and how to go about completing their application for immigration."
The fund also wants to thank the countless number of volunteers who have given their time, as well as everyone throughout the Parkland and beyond who has donated to the fund.
They are still accepting donations as they continue to try and help as many people fleeing the war in Ukraine as possible, and Stykalo says you can get a donation receipt for any financial donations to the fund.
"If anybody is considering making financial donations to the Fund, please remember and keep in mind that it is a charitable organization, so you will get a charitable donation receipt for your taxes, and also for corporations, there are some deductions available for corporations that want to make donations as well to the fund."
Stykalo and Rubeniuk say that anyone looking for more information can contact them or any of the other committee members.
You can get more information about the Fund, by calling Larry at 204-648-5904.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Dauphin Fire Department Hosted its Annual Firefighter Appreciation Dinner, and it was an excellent way to celebrate the people that help keep our city safe.
The event featured speeches from local dignitaries including Mayor David Boziak, Dauphin RM Reeve Ernie Sirski, as well as recognitions from Fire Chief Cam Abrey.
Throughout the night, several firefighters received awards for their years of service:
- Conrad Demeria, 10 years
- Cameron Popiel, 5 years
- Jordon Steiner, 5 years
- Mitchell Kanton, 5 years
- Devin Kiesman, years
- Chris Davidson, 5 years
- Sabrina Anderson, 5 year
Three other important awards were also announced, but are to be handed out at a later date:
- Wayne Wells will receive the Manitoba Association Of Fire Chiefs Long Service Award for 35 years of service
- Alvin Bogoslowski will receive the Governor General's Exemplary Service award after 40 years of service
- David Clark will receive a Retirement Plaque after 34 years of service
Fire Chief Abrey was able to speak about the event and its long-standing heritage:
The Appreciation Dinner, we look back into our history, and we see record of it happening in the 1950s, so this has been a long-standing event where, at that time, the town of Dauphin, which progressed in the city and rural municipality of Dauphin, have come together to recognize the achievements of our firefighters.
Picture from the Appreciation Dinner
While it was awarded last year at this event due to pandemic delays, Dauphin's Firefighter Of The Year award will be given out at the Firefighters Ball later this year on November 4th.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Update published at 5:38 pm on March 8th, 2023:
Seril Mazawasicuna has been arrested. Virden RCMP announced the arrest this afternoon, after a week and a half of searching for Mazawasicuna.
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Original article published at 4:09 pm Mar 6th, 2023:
The Virden RCMP has arrested two adult females and the search for an adult male continues.
On February 24, Virden RCMP received a report of an injured person, being held against their will by a male, on the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation. The victim was located, but the suspect fled prior to police arrival.
As a result, the RCMP continues to search for Seril Mazawasicuna, a 32-year-old male from the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation. He's facing 16 charges, including Assault with a Weapon, Forcible Confinement, Pointing a Firearm, and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
On March 2, the RCMP arrested Tanya Hunter, 34 years old and Whitney Mazawasicuna, 37 years old, both of the Sioux Valley Dakota First Nation. They are facing charges of Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Obstruction.
If you have any information on Seril's whereabouts, you're asked to contact your local RCMP detachment immediately.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
It's going to be a busy day for the Parkland Chamber of Commerce as three events are all going to be hosted on march 14th in the Aspen Lodge.
The events will kick off with the Chamber Appreciation Lunch, followed closely by the Annual General Meeting.
Shortly after that, The Parkland Chamber of Commerce's Annual Appreciation Awards will be taking place. The Awards showcase the people and businesses that make the Parkland a better place.
Stephen Chychota, the Chamber executive director, is organizing the event and is ready to highlight the community members being celebrated.
"In the evening, will be our chamber celebration night. That's where we go over to the Countryfest Community Cinema, we look at celebrating some award categories with some of the nominated individuals and organizations that we put the callout late last year for, go through that list, and show off our winners. Just overall celebrate with everyone."
All are welcome to attend the events, and tickets are available online for purchase.
For tickets, and more information, check out this link, or contact chamber executive director Stephen Chychota at 204-622-3140.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The Manitoba Government released a full description of this year's Provincial budget, totaling $21.9 billion, and many historic investments are on the way.
The press release began by outlining the new, and largest personal income tax reduction in Manitoba's history. Changes to the Provincial Basic Personal Amount will ensure that Manitobans won't pay a cent of income tax on the first $15,000 they earn in 2023. Further tax relief was outlined for 2024, in which the lowest tax rate will then apply to the first $47,000 of income, and the second rate will apply to income between $47,000 and $100,000.
That means more of Manitobans’ money will be taxed at lower rates. Combined, both income tax changes will save an individual taxpayer up to $1,399 in 2024.
In an effort to support the healthcare system, $7.9 billion will be going towards several key investments. These investments include adding more space to 9 hospitals and healthcare locations, reducing surgery wait times, and expanding coverage on insulin pumps and hearing aids.
Manitoba's education system will see the largest boost to its funding in 25 years, with $1.7 billion going towards K-12 programs, creating 23,000 childcare spaces, and the recently announced $10-a-day childcare program.
Finance Minister Cliff Cullen stressed this budget's focus on supporting the well-being of Manitoba families.
Budget 2023 will help people across all areas of family and community life while we work hard to create economic opportunities, This budget is about doing everything possible for Manitobans at a time when they need it most.”
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
City of Dauphin Crews will be working to repair a water main leak on 1st Avenue NE, first thing tomorrow morning.
The street will be closed between 1st Street NE and 2nd Street NE starting at 7 am.
People are being asked to avoid the area when possible.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Update published at 11:07 am March 7th:
The Gypsumville RCMP has arrested 28-year-old Gilbert Woodhouse of Lake Manitoba First Nation in relation to the March 2nd homicide in the community.
Woodhouse has been charged with Second Degree Murder and remains in custody. Police don't believe there are any other suspects.
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Original article published at 2:55 pm March 3rd:
The Gypsumville RCMP are investigating after they responded to a report of an injured male at a residence on Lake St. Martin First Nation.
The call came in around 6:20 pm yesterday, and it was reported that someone had been injured at a residence in the community. Police responded, and found the 34-year-old male, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.
His death is being treated as a homicide, and Gympsumville detachment, along with RCMP Major Crime Services, and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected in white-tailed deer in Manitoba for the first time since the disease was originally detected in 2021.
It was found in biological samples of 2 male white-tailed deer. There have now been a total of 20 positive cases of CWD in Manitoba. 17 of those cases have been found in male mule deer, 1 in a female mule deer, and 2 in male white-tailed deer.
CWD is an incurable, fatal disease that affects members of the cervid family which includes animals like deer, moose, elk, and caribou. An animal infected with the disease may appear healthy until the later stages of infection. As the disease progresses, infected animals become very thin and uncoordinated while displaying dropping ears and heads. They also can become unaware of their surroundings and often show excessive drooling.
The concern with CWD is that if it spreads, it could become endemic to Manitoba and affect the entire cervid population. The province thanks hunters who have been participating in efforts to manage the disease through submitting samples of harvested animals. To see if you are in a hunting area which requires mandatory samples, view the mandatory surveillance zones map.
CWD is not known as a health risk to humans, but meat from an animal infected with it is not recommended for consumption. For more information about Chronic Wasting Disease, visit the Manitoba government's website.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Dauphin Kin Business Expo is returning after a few years off, and spaces are selling quickly.
The event is already more than 65% sold out, and Chairman Dan Pylypchuk says they've sold out the walking track. He says Credit Union Place only has a couple of spots left, and most of the remaining spots available are in the curling rink.
"It's always been a great time. A lot of people smiling and laughing, a lot of people getting together just for general chit chat, and we actually have a lot of new vendors this year, so it'll be interesting to see how that all develops."
You can register for the expo on the Dauphin Kin Website, and at the bottom of the page, there's a map that shows available booths.
Are you and YOUR business in? https://www.dauphinkin.ca/index.php/business-expo/business-expo-registration
Posted by The Dauphin Kin Business Expo on Monday, February 27, 2023
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program opened its doors on March 1st, 2022, and a year later, they're continuing to grow and spread awareness.
Founding Board Member and Co-Chair, Roberta Galbraith, is going to be presenting at this week's Dauphin Ag Society Farm Outlook, and she says spreading awareness has become a big focus.
"We opened the doors on March first, 2022 and we thought, people know that the programs out there and uptake will be pretty quick. And we did have, initially, we had a little run of folks that were looking for the program, and then things just really died off. Partly that would be spring seeding and whatnot, but partly we realized very quickly that awareness about the program and its accessibility just wasn't out there."
Galbraith says they had to adapt their strategy, making awareness a top priority. That isn't anything new, however, as spreading awareness is a big way that organizations are addressing the stigma that comes with talking about mental health and well-being.
"I'd like to think people are becoming much more comfortable talking about mental health and wellness, and when they're just not feeling ok. So let's hope that some of that stigma and those barriers are being reduced."
Part of spreading awareness for the program is going out to events, like Manitoba Ag Days earlier this year, and Farm Outlook 2023 later this week.
The Farmer Wellness program provides six free counseling sessions a year for farmers and their families, with certified counselors who are in the ag industry and know the stress that's put on producers. You can find out more about the program on their website here.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
