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As it always is when it comes to supporting a good cause, the people of Dauphin were out in full force late last month.
On June 27, Westman Communications Group (WCG) hosted a charity barbecue, all proceeds going to the Watson Art Centre. While hotdogs and smokies were served free of charge, $5376.70 was donated. WCG then matched that total, bringing the total amount raised to $10,753.40.
"We certainly appreciate WCG's support and the entire community," said Cam Bennet. "So many people came out to donate and we all had a great time. We had some live entertainment as well, it was a fantastic afternoon."
The money raised will be going towards a heat pump. A heat pump keeps things cool when it's hot outside by removing unwanted heat and pumping it outdoors. Cam says they have now raised about $70,000 towards the heat pump which will cost roughly $100,000 plus applicable taxes.
That means when the heat pump is installed, Bennet says the Watson Art Centre will be much cooler and he's excited about the opportunity for more people to visit the facility 12 months a year.
"It's very exciting to know that in the near future, we will be able to be open for weddings and other events," said Bennet. "The temperature will be more enjoyable for all."
The facility is a busy place these days. While they are closed to the public, that doesn't mean the action inside the building has stopped. They are putting in new flooring and Bennet has a pretty exciting development when it comes to that.
"We are going to be opening to the public on Wednesday," ended Bennet. "So if folks want to come by and see the new flooring, they're more than welcome. The flooring looks fantastic, it brightens up the space."
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
UPDATE: July 09 @ noon.
An investigation that began earlier this year found that two teens were befriended by an older woman who said they would hang out with some of her friends.
The RCMP were initially tipped off when they were notified of a young girl that was seen with older men. 65 charges were laid as seven people were arrested and they face charges including child exploitation and human trafficking.
The older female would bring the teens back to homes where they would be offered drugs and money in exchange for sexual acts. This happened between June 2023 and May 2024. The RCMP said the teens would not be able to escape the residences as they were locked in by the woman, who stayed throughout each interaction.
The exploitation included the adult males sending nude photos to the two youths and requiring photos of the two youths. As well, telecommunications between several of the males and the adult female took place via Snapchat or Facebook Messenger to groom or procure services from the youths.
People also believe there may be more teens that were exploited.
When officers executed the search warrants for devices, they also seized a large quantity of methamphetamine and cocaine, and 14 firearms, namely rifles and shot guns.
The following individuals are charged:
Chasity Nicole Assiniboine, 43, from Long Plain First Nation –
- Trafficking of a Person under 18 x2;
- Child Luring x4;
- Uttering Threats x2;
- Benefit from Sexual Services provided by Person under 18;
- Advertising Sexual Services; and
- Procuring Person under 18.
Sean Michael Boak, 40, from Portage –
- Sexual Interference;
- Child Luring x2;
- Sexual Assault;
- Possession of Child Pornography;
- Print/Publish/Make Child Pornography;
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18;
- Make Sexually Explicit Material available to Child;
- Trafficking Cocaine; and
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking x4.
David Guy Howard Taylor, 40, from Portage –
- Sexual Assault x2;
- Sexual Interference x2;
- Child Luring x2;
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18;
- Trafficking Cocaine;
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine;
- Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose x2;
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm;
- Unsafe Storage of Firearm; and
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.
Scott Joseph Taylor, 34, from Portage –
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18; and
- Unsafe Storage of Firearms.
Wesley Clayton Roulette, 44, from Portage –
- Sexual Assault x2;
- Sexual Interference x2;
- Child Luring x2; and
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18.
Alexander Paul Lidster, 39, from Portage –
- Sexual Assault;
- Sexual Interference;
- Child Luring x2;
- Possession of Child Pornography;
- Print/Publish/Make Child Pornography;
- Make Sexually Explicit Material available to Child;
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18;
- Benefit from Sexual Services; and
- Trafficking Cocaine.
Frank Peter Justin Tecza, 39, from Portage –
- Sexual Assault;
- Sexual Interference;
- Child Luring x2;
- Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration for Person under 18;
- Trafficking Cocaine;
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine; and
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.
The accused are all known to each other.
“Investigators believe there are more victims and survivors,” said Inspector Shawn Pike, Investigative Services Officer for RCMP Major Crime Services. “Information has led officers to know that a currently unidentified 13- or 14-year-old female was also exploited by this group. We ask anybody who knows anything about this operation or is a survivor of it, to please call the Internet Child Exploitation Unit at 204-984-3129.”
“If you think this is not happening in your community, you are wrong,” added Constable Kirandeep Hira with the ICE unit. “This is human trafficking, and it is happening all over Manitoba. We all need to do our part to protect those victimized by traffickers. If you see something, say something. Those engaged in the production or exchange of child pornography are also throughout our province, and we are dedicated to enforcing against anyone who exploits children.”
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The RCMP will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning after seven people were arrested and 65 charges were laid.
The RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit executed several warrants and laid the charges in an investigation into child exploitation and human trafficking.
The conference will be at 11:15 on Tuesday morning and we will provide additional information following the meeting.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A wide selection of plant-based drinks has been recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after it was discovered they could be contaminated with listeria.
Stores across the country have been told not to sell or serve the following products. If you have them in your fridge, do not use them.
Products that should not be used with best-before dates up to and including October 4, 2024, include:
- Silk Coconut Unsweetened (1.89L)
- Silk Oat Original (1.75L)
- Silk Oat Vanilla (1.75L)
- Silk Oat Dark Chocolate (1.75L)
- Silk Oat Unsweetened (1.75L)
- Silk Oat Unsweetened Vanilla (1.75L)
- Silk Almond & Cashew Unsweetened (1.75L)
- Silk Almond & Cashew Unsweetened Vanilla (1.75L)
On top of the above, Silk Coconut Unsweetened in 1.89-litre cartons with best-before dates leading up to and including September 27, 2024, with the UPC 0 25293 00244 9 are being recalled.
Food contaminated with Listeria may not look or smell spoiled, but it can still make you sick. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache, and neck stiffness. Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.
While infected pregnant women may only experience mild, flu-like symptoms, the infection can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth. Adults can also die, in severe cases.
THINGS TO DO:
- If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, contact your healthcare provider
- Check to see if you have recalled products
- Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute recalled products
- Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the location where they were purchased
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Mossy River Municipality has declared a state of agricultural disaster, after massive effects from the heavy rainfalls this year.
From the start of May to Canada Day, The municipality saw between 270 - 310 mm of rainfall, flooding fields, raising rivers, and washing out roads.
Reynold Sahulka is the Reeve of the RM of Mossey River, and he's quite concerned about the state of soil moisture.
"After all the rains we've had here over the last couple of weeks here, some of our agricultural producers have been devastated with some of the overland floodings of Ethelbert and ourselves. All the water runs east, towards our municipality, so we end up getting the brunt of most of the moisture that comes from the west country of Ethelbert and Fork River area."
The RM's council has opened a request with the provincial government for financial assistance, not just for the road repairs, but for the producers heavily impacted by this excess water.
The conditions are causing serious ruts on rural roads, field failure from flooding, and even home garden growth is being affected.
Sahulka, just many, are just looking for the weather to cooperate.
"Hopefully, we get some nice dry weather for the next few weeks here"
Sahulka wants to make sure everyone gets the help they need, as everyone from beekeepers, grain growers, and even home gardeners are feeling the effects of this waterlogged year
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A local case that has been making its way through the court system for over three years now continues to move along slowly.
Winnipeg native Jory ROwe, who was arrested and charged with Possession for the Purpose of trafficking following a March 2021 drug bust in the R-M of Dauphin was back in Winnipeg court last Thursday and had his matters put over until July 9th.
And a Dauphin man made another court appearance,after being arrested in mid-January near Ste Rose on drug charges and several outstanding warrants.
28-year-old Clint Nepinak will return to court in Brandon this Thursday.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Dauphin Branch #20 has done it again.
Through their Poppy Fund, RCL donated $7,100 to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, which will use the funds to purchase a blood pressure machine and a mattress for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre's Palliative Care Unit.
The donation is a result of ongoing contributions received through the RCL's 2023 collections of poppy sales and wreath rentals.
In a release, the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Prairie Mountain Health thanked the Dauphin Legion Branch #20 for the generous donation.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba Public Insurance has filed its provisional General Rate Application with the Public Utilities Board, requesting approval of a three per cent increase to overall rates for the 2025/26 insurance year.
In a news release, MPI said the proposed rate increase is necessary to address a steady and prolonged rise in the cost of claims as well as the cost of labour, raw materials, and technology across their Basic, Extension, and Special Risk Extension lines of business.
The Corporation’s total insurance expense for the year was $1.7 billion, an increase of $334 million or approximately 24 per cent compared to the previous year.
In addition, they say the August 2023 hailstorm in the Winnipeg area was the largest natural catastrophic event in MPI’s history.
Over 15,000 hail-related claims were filed last year, which resulted in a negative $50 million impact to net income, created significant backlogs and increased the amount the Corporation had to pay out in claims. In the last year, the average cost per claim has risen by over $1,100.
The Public Utility Board normally issues its order in December. The proposed rates would be effective April 1, 2025, but because renewal dates are staggered, some vehicle owners won’t pay their new rates until March 31, 2026.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Swan River Town Council has given First Reading to their Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, which proposes several changes to that community's current Animal Control Bylaw.
Among the significant changes are cats being required to be licensed on an annual basis, much like dogs already are.
As well, cats and dogs of all ages would need to be licensed under this new by-law. Previously, cats and dogs under four months of age did not need to be licensed.
If passed, the new by-law would also limit the number of animals at a single property to 2 dogs and 2 cats, no matter how many tenants live at the property.
It also states that any animal impounded 3 or more times in a 12-month period while owned by the same owner, will be sold, disposed of to a new owner, or be destroyed regardless of its licensing status.
All dogs are to be sterilized unless an exemption is granted, with un-sterilized cats and dogs being subject to an un-sterilized fee that will be added to their yearly license fee.
Un-sterilized animals that are impounded would also be sterilized, with the costs associated to that being added to other fees that have to be paid in order to redeem the animal.
The new by-law would also set specific fine amounts for all offences, as well as increases in fine amounts for repeat offenders.
Residents wanting to look at the complete by-law can do so on the Town of Swan River website.
- Details
- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Score Store is a non-profit thrift shop in Erickson that opened in 2020.
One of their main goals is to help improve life for everyone in the region by providing things that can help improve one's mental and physical well-being. That's where the Leda Lake Park project comes in. Located in the community, the park will be going through some upgrades so more Manitobans find themselves wanting to visit the community and park.
Steve Langston says they first received a $75,000 grant through the Province of Manitoba and then another $75,000 from Trails Manitoba. That $150,000 was then matched by fundraising which brought their total up to $300,000.
Now recently, Sunrise Credit Union announced they have donated $25,00 to the Leda Lake Park project through their Building Communities Grant Program. That's now a total of $325,000 that will go towards the extensive upgrades.
"When the quality of life improves, it's good for everyone," said Steve Langston. "When we got the call from Sunrise Credit Union that they would be providing us $25,000, that was massive. Now we can spend more time finishing the project and not worrying about raising funds, which is great."
The park will include mountain biking trails, a covered lookout, and a boardwalk, to name just a few of the amenities. There are already campsites in place and plenty of water to soak in when the dog days of summer hit.
"By adding these things to do, it's super valuable when it comes to the tourism aspect of things," ended Langston. "Our goal is to attract more visitors and we believe these upgrades will achieve that."
Sunrise Credit Union also announced they are donating $10,000 towards the emergency exit at the Prairie Skills Centre in Deloraine, $10,000 towards the Oak Lake Care Centre, and another $5,000 towards the Pow Wow grounds on the Swan Lake First Nation.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A study is underway into improving safety at the intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans Canada Highway, and Manitobans are being invited to provide their feedback.
The intersection near Carberry was the scene of a horrific crash on June 15th of last year between a bus and a semi truck, that resulted in the death of 17 people and injuries to 8 others from Dauphin and the surrounding area.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor says the government wants to hear in particular from people who use that stretch of highway often and can best weigh in on what improved safety features should be considered.
A public open house regarding design work for improvements to that intersection will take place on July 16th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Carberry Community Memorial Hall.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It was a weekend that will not be forgotten.
The Village of Winnipegosis was bumping as Mossey River Days took centre stage. The three-day festival was a hit again despite some inclement weather on Friday. As the party rolled into Saturday, gorgeous weather allowed the kids in attendance to spend their day on the bouncy castle and for those wanting to enjoy a beverage, the beer gardens were a big hit amid a heatwave that hit the Parkland.
Riley Chartrand is co-chair of Mossey River Days and he's thrilled how everything played out.
"It was an incredible weekend, we had great volunteers and sponsor support," said Chartrand. "The kids had fun on the bouncy castles, full from when they opened until they closed. Everything went well, I can't imagine things going better than they did."
Chartrand was also very pleased with the entertainment that rocked the village. The Chris Barker Band was a big hit from 7 to 8:45 on Friday while Nelson Little, Christa Lucas, and Frannie Klein closed Friday night. Desiree Dorion even made a special appearance.
"We are so grateful to have so many incredible performers from here in the Parkland, what great entertainment," offered Chartrand.
Riley added that the Boo's Bubble Family Fun Kids Carnival was a big hit. The weekend also included a pancake breakfast, museum tours, a fire department display, Asham Stompers, and fireworks, to name a few.
As the 2024 edition of Mossey River Days has now come and gone, preparations for 2025 will soon begin.
"We will be back. We'll take a little moment here to decompress from this weekend," said Chartrand. "We will soon hit the drawing board to try and make next year even better than this year."
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
