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Farming is one of the most essential industries in Canada, but it is also one of the most hazardous professions, with risks ranging from equipment-related injuries to exposure to hazardous materials.
Today marks the start of National Farm Safety Week, and the Canada Safety Council wants to remind agriculture workers that farm safety is a priority and not just an option.
To reduce risks, farmers and farm workers are encouraged to implement strict safety protocols and ensure proper training for all employees and family members.
Some key safety measures include ensuring all machinery is properly maintained and equipped with safety guards, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, using proper techniques and barriers when working with animals, and having first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency plans in place for injuries, fires, or other emergencies.
Agricultural work involves various risks that can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, with the most common hazards on Canadian farms including machinery and equipment injuries, livestock-related incidents, slips and falls, and child safety concerns.
The CSC adds that fostering a culture of safety will protect lives and create safer, more productive farms for future generations.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The province has introduced legislation that is designed to open up the market for more grocers, including independent businesses.
Bill 31 would bar grocery stores from preventing competitors from opening nearby.
Property owners would have their existing controls voided, unless they register them within six months after the amendment passes, according to a explanatory note on the bill shared by the government.
The hope is that more competition will help bring grocery prices down.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Ag society's Farm outlook 2025 has had a great turnout this year.
Chad Sahulka with the Dauphin Ag Society notes it's been one of the biggest crowds in a while that came out.
"Some of the members have been on the committee a lot longer than I have been, and they said this is one of the better turnouts that they've seen in the past 10-15 years. So I thank everyone for coming out today and supporting our great event. A lot of hard work goes into this and getting people out really makes us want to keep doing it going forward."
The day featured talks on soil testing, Grain Markets, and an outlook on financial and insurance landscapes ahead.
One of the annual highlights is the presentation of the Ron Brook Memorial award, which this year went to Dean and Barbara Durston for their many years of community service.
Sahulka notes that the day was filled with amazing speakers and important information, but he mentions there's an extra air of stress among many producers this year.
"It's going to be a tough year. We all know it. We just have to work together as an Ag industry and put our heads together and we will come out on top like we always have been"
Between the attendance, and teh many excellent speakers, The Dauphin Ag Society is looking forward to keeping this annual event rolling for many years to come.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Seven people have been arrested and face several charges after a 29-year-old male was seriously injured and being held against his will.
On March 11 at about 8:00 p.m., Dauphin RCMP conducted a well-being check at a home on 6th Avenue NE in Dauphin. When they arrived, the male was being held against his will. Six other men and one female were in the home and arrested without incident. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Residents living near the hospital and the Dauphin Medical Clinic have likely noticed some new construction in that area.
A new, expanded location for the current Dr. Brenna & Three Graces Medi Spa is being built, and expected to be open by this fall.
Owner Dr. Brenna Haverluck says they're bursting at the seems at their current location.
"We have expanded our services and staff over the years, and we just need the space."
While they'll move over just their existing services when they first move into the new location, Haverluck says they're eventually hopeful to add more services, including possibly a pain laser.
Haverluck says the new building would not be possible without the support they've received from the community.
"Dauphin and the surrounding area have been amazing in their support for our business and services. We could not be here without them, so it has been great. We are very thankful for our community and their support."
When the new location opens later this year, Haverluck says it will do so under the new name of "ARC: Skin. Laser. Veins."
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Dauphin man found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman suffering from a previous brain injury will spend the next seven years behind bars.
Wesley Chief was sentenced for his role in the incident that dates back to July 2021.
His co-accused Holly Mekish pled guilty earlier to one count of sexual assault and was sentenced to 20 months in jail.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Friendship Center will host a full day of indigenous cultural education tomorrow, March 14th.
The DFC describes this as a day of sharing, healing, and strengthening our traditions for the future, and everyone is invited to join in on this cultural experience.
Starting at 9 am, the day will feature 4 sessions that cover a wide swath of indigenous knowledge, including history, feather teachings, protocols of the circle, and the 7 sacred teachings,
You can register by contacting Audrey at the front desk of the Dauphin Friendship center, and it's recommended that you do so to give them an idea of attendance.
More information can be found on the Dauphin Friendship center Facebook Page, and you can register by calling 204 638 5707.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Canada’s Top 100 Employers has released its annual list of the Top Manitoba Employers for 2025, and Fusion Credit Union has made the list for a sixth straight year.
Fusion CEO Darwin Johns says the designation reaffirms their commitment to building a workplace where their employees can thrive, grow, and build meaningful careers.
The annual competition recognizes Manitoba employers that lead their industries in offering an exceptional work environment and employee experience.
Professional development and community involvement were two areas that Fusion was praised for in particular, as their employees logged 8,871 hours of volunteer work in 2024.
Fusion has 18 branches across the Parkland and Southwestern Manitoba.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Today is the first day of 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian steel and aluminum exports to the United States.
U-S President Donald Trump went back on his threat to impose 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum after Ontario Premier Doug Ford backed down on threats to lay a surcharge on Canadian Electricity used by several American states.
Rick Ilnisky, the CEO of RITZ Machine Works in Dauphin, has provided the following statement to CKDM News Now regarding the tariffs.
He says "RITZ Machine Works is well positioned to navigate the effects of tariffs, adding having facilities, customers and suppliers on both sides of the Canada/USA border provides the flexibility to adapt our operations as needed".
Ilnisky goes on to say "We have been working diligently over the years to develop a robust supply chain that allows us to meet these types of trade challenges head-on."
He concludes by saying "We remain committed to staying proactive and innovative in an ever-changing global trade environment and are confident in our ability to navigate these complexities."
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A rare event in Manitoba makes its return to Dauphin this week.
Tonight is the opening night for the Banff Mountain Film Festival at Countryfest Community Cinema.
General Manager Shawn Sarkonak says they will have different themed nights over each of the two nights of the festival.
"We are going to have one night that is called Quartzite and the other night is called Sandstone. And within that, we will be showing 7 short films each evening with about a 30-minute intermission in between. Anybody coming can enjoy adult beverages and relax and watch some amazing independent films that are all about the outdoors."
Dauphin is one of only two spots in Manitoba that hosts the Banff Mountain Film Festival.
Tickets are $30 per night and Sarkonak encourages you to buy in advance, as there are limited tickets remaining for either night.
They are available through the Countryfest Cinema website or their Facebook page.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The final public budget consultation for Parkland school divisions goes on tonight.
This time, it is the Swan Valley School Division that is inviting residents to take a look at their proposed financial plan for the 2025-26 school year.
The meeting is set for 7 pm tonight at the SVSD board office in Swan River, and you can take part either in person or via Zoom.
Details are available on their website www.svsd.ca
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson