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Live music up on 'The Hill' is what so many people have been waiting for and in just less than two weeks, it's back.

Countryfest returns for the first time in two years from July 1 to 3 just south of Dauphin. An all-Canadian lineup includes the likes of Paul Brandt, Johnny Reid, and Dallas Smith, just to name a few.

Tickets are still on sale for the event and if you're looking to help out for the three-day festival, you can do so. Organizers are currently looking for volunteers to work at the gate and also event staff. Each shift is five hours and the gates open at 8:30 and the last shift ends at 11 p.m. 

"All volunteers get a wristband that gets them up top to the hilltop stage so you can take in some of the smaller acts," said Clayton. "Each volunteer also gets a wristband for free transportation to and from the venue."

If you are interested in volunteering, you can call the Countryfest office for more information at 622-3700.

During a traffic stop on Vermillion Place on June 14th, the Dauphin RCMP seized 157 grams of methamphetamine, 5 grams of cocaine, cash, and other drug-related paraphernalia.

When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered that 40-year-old Trevor Sutherland, who had two outstanding Warrants of Arrest for trafficking methamphetamine and other firearms-related offenses, was in the passenger's seat.

Officers searched a backpack that belonged to Sutherland which contained the seized items. He was then arrested and remanded into custody on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Sutherland is also facing previous charges from investigations where methamphetamine was seized following two separate search warrants. An investigation is underway.

The Government of Canada has issued a recall for certain Abbott brand powdered baby formula products. The products were originally recalled on February 17th for possible microbial contamination, but due to an error, some units were sold online.

The recall involves four Similac products, including the iron-fortified powder, hypoallergenic infant formula, and iron-fortified and calcium-enriched powder. A list of the recalled products, along with what to do if you believe some were consumed can be found here.

With above-average precipitation this spring, mosquitoes are going to be a major issue this summer. Entomologist Taz Stuart says there are some ways to make sure they aren't too bad around your property.

"Remove any standing water, dump it, spill it, drain it, treat it." Says Stuart, "If you've got any gutters make sure they're clean so there's flow there, bird baths, toys, pools, anything that can literally hold water for seven days, can produce mosquitoes."

If you can't remove standing water for any reason, there are larvicides that can be used to make sure mosquitoes don't reproduce in it. Even though there will be more mosquitoes this year than in the past few, it doesn't mean they'll be spreading more diseases.

It's been a cool spring, it's not very conducive for Culex tarsalis, the primary vector for West Nile Virus here in Manitoba, and it all depends, if it gets hot and dry, she's gonna love it, but numbers are low, I wouldn't be concerned but there's never no risk.

Stuart said to make sure you always protect yourself, wear insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, and avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active.

Driving through Riding Mountain National Park can be an absolute treat. From the rolling hills to the trees and everything in between, it can make a great escape.

Many times when driving through the park, you will notice wildlife, and in many cases, people stop to take photos because who doesn't love to see wildlife from afar. And while snapping some photos of any wildlife you see in the park is okay, getting out of your vehicle to do so is not.

RMNP has activated their 'Restricted Activity - Wildlife viewing practices'. This includes;

  1. No person shall willfully approach, remain, view, or engage in any activity within
    • 50 meters of any bear or moose, except when completely inside a legally positioned motor vehicle,
    • Any distance that displaces or interferes with the free, unimpeded movement of wildlife,
    • Any distance that creates or contributes to a potentially hazardous condition or situation
  2. No person shall remain within prescribed distances during inadvertent, accidental, or surprise encounters with wildlife

These were put in place to reduce the likelihood of motor vehicle collisions, ensure visitor safety during wildlife viewing, and protect the wildlife from disturbance and stress. 

Another no-no while driving through the park is feeding any of the wildlife. Feeding wildlife can make the animals become more dependent on human food and that can increase the likelihood of wildlife approaching you which could have a very bad ending. 

"We don't want wildlife looking for human food, that can end very poorly," said Tim Sallows, resource conservation officer. "Their natural food is dandelions in this summer of the year in the ditches, they don't need human food."

If you are caught breaking any of the rules stated above, you could be fined up to $25,000 under the Canada National Parks Act. 

UPDATE: As of 1:06 a.m., the severe thunderstorm warning has ended.

The previous update follows:

At 12:27 a.m., Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the following communities:

  • Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
  • Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
  • Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
  • R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River

More information can be found on their website.

The original article follows:

Enviornment Canada has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Dauphin and surrounding areas.

It is in effect for the following communities:

  • Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
  • Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
  • Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
  • Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
  • Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
  • Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
  • R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
  • R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
  • R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
  • R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park

According to Environment Canada, conditions are favourable for the development of very dangerous thunderstorms that may be capable of producing destructive wind gusts and destructive hail. They also say that the threat of severe weather should end overnight.

More information can be found on the Environment Canada website.

UPDATE: The tornado watch has ended.

The original article follows:

Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for Dauphin and surrounding areas.

It is in effect for the following communities:

  • Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
  • Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
  • Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
  • Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
  • Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
  • Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
  • R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
  • R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
  • R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
  • R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park

According to Environment Canada, severe thunderstorms are forecast to form in an unstable airmass centred over the Saskatchewan/Manitoba border this afternoon, some of which have the potential to produce tornadoes. They also say that strong gusty winds, heavy rain, and large hail will also accompany any severe thunderstorms that form.

More information on what to do in the event of a tornado can be found on the Environment Canada website.

Efficiency Manitoba wants to help you save money on your energy bill by offering a new financial incentive for anyone who upgrades their heating system — which can also be capable of cooling — to a more energy-efficient alternative.

The Air Source Heat Pump Program will give you a financial incentive of up to $1.65 per square foot of heated space to eligible homeowners and small business owners who replace their existing heating system with an air source heat pump or cold climate air source heat pump. This would result in an incentive of up to $2,640 for a 1,600-square-foot space.

Air source heat pumps are capable of heating and cooling indoor spaces.

More information on the new program can be found here.

Channel your inner child and get ready to hunt because the Dauphin and District Community Foundation has hidden prize-filled Pysanky Eggs around Dauphin.

"It's a way to just get out and have some fun with the family," says Executive Director Kit Daley, "We've used city green space and the sites of some of the organizations to whom we've provided grants."

The Eggs are filled with coupons for a free ice cream cone from Fudd's Corner Store, a Milkshake from Trocadero, or Sticky Buns from Western Bakery. On top of that prize, if you find one of the eggs you can go to the foundation's website and enter for a chance to win one of the three grand prizes.

The prize for June is two weekend passes to Countryfest donated by Countryfest, in July it's two weekend passes to Canada's National Ukrainian Festival compliments of CNUF, and in August you can win a $20 Fine Silver Pysanka Coin donated by Western Bakery.

The Rumble in Roblin Car Show & Shine will return to downtown Roblin on Saturday starting at 5 p.m.

Admission will be free for everyone wanting to attend.

Event Chair Keith Fast said that all special interest cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks and rat rods are invited.

This car show will be for... custom cars, specialized cars, cars that are modified... and some classic cars as well.  

In addition to the car show, there will be an RCMP golf tournament, as well as a street dance that will take place after the car show.

Fast also said that, while they're there, visitors should check out the stores and restaurants on Main Street in Roblin.

Assiniboine Community College's Alumni Association has announced the recipients of this year's alumni awards. Five of them are going to residents of the Parkland region and will be presented at an Advancement Dinner event in Dauphin this fall.

The Distinguished Alumni Award, which is given to graduates of the college who have distinguished themselves in both their chosen profession and their community, is being presented to Tere Stykalo. He is a partner of MNP in Dauphin and received his Business Administration diploma with Assiniboine in 1991 before going on to getting his Certified General Accounting designation in 1998 (now Chartered Professional Accountant). Stykalo is also an active volunteer in the community with a strong focus on the agriculture industry.

The One to Watch Award is being presented to Parkland residents Jadelyn McKay, Kayla Gillis and Nicole Koroway. It's also being presented to Dallas Flett-Wapash who studied at the Victoria Avenue East campus in Brandon.

The Excellence in Education Award is being presented to Retired Instructor Kent Wieb from the School of Business, who served the college for 21 years. The award is also being presented to Carla Gibson, a full-time instructor in the Social Service program since 2015, from Brandon.

More information on the award recipients can be found here.