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Excitement has been growing for a while, and finally, Vermillion Growers is open for production.
The 8-year-long wait came to an end with a ribbon-cutting celebration where owners, investors, and provincial dignitaries all came out in celebration.
From left to right, Minister of Agriculture Derek Johnson, Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski, Deputy Mayor Christian Laughland, and Reeve Ernie Sirski all showed up to wish congratulations to this new industry.
Maria Deschauer, co-founder and managing director for Vermillion Growers was elated to host this event and to kick off operations.
"I'm almost speechless, and it truly almost brings me to tears because our Vermillion Grower's team has worked hard for many years for this to come to fruition. so yeah, just ecstatic. Our entire team is humming with energy, and ready for the next phase of operations"
The operational phase is no small feat either. Deschauer notes that once all the tomatoes are planted, a whopping 10 million pounds of tomatoes could be produced per growing year.
According to Deschauer, that's just the beginning as well.
"In an ideal world, we would be adding another 5 acres next year, and then another 15 acres, and then another 15 acres the following year. This is a very scalable project, and we want to scale it up as quickly as possible."
The Greenhouse is an impressive structure, featuring eco-friendly innovation from high-efficiency patterned windows, rainwater reservoirs, CO2 recyclers, and hyper-efficient watering systems capable of growing tomatoes all the way to the ceiling of the facility.
The technology doesn't stop there, as on-rail scissor lifts will be used to harvest these towering tomato behemoths, and robots will be used to assist in moving the harvest from the lifts to the sorting and packaging areas.
Vermillion is currently under contract and will be selling their tomatoes through Red Sun Farms, which you'll be able to find at the local Co-op.
As well, Vermillion is looking to grow their staff. If you have an interest in horticulture or happen to have particularly green thumbs, Vermillion Growers might be a place for you to apply.
To follow the growth of this budding industry, check out their website at Vermilliongrowers.com to stay up to date on all the juicy goings-on at Manitoba's soon-to-be biggest tomato producer.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A 28-year-old man from Dauphin has died after the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) he was driving went into a ditch and struck a tree.
On July 26 at 7:40 a.m., Ste. Rose RCMP responded to the collision on Road 95 West near Highway 5, in the RM of Lakeshore. The man was on the ATV with a 26-year-old female who is from Crane River First Nation.
They were going south on Road 95 West and neither were wearing helmets at the time of the collision. The 26-year-old female was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The ATV was reported stolen from the RM of Alonsa on July 4.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
This weekend, make the McCreary Fair and Rodeo a part of your plans.
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, you will be able to enjoy the rodeo, sanctioned by the Heartland Rodeo Association, and lots more.
Both days will begin with a pancake breakfast at the McCreary Legion hall starting at 8:30 am. There will also be food booths open at noon and beer gardens open at 1. The rodeo gets underway at 2. A full schedule can be found on our community calendar.
"When it all comes together, it's really something to see", says Debbie Johnson, the treasurer for the McCreary Agricultural Society.
There will also be a parade on Saturday and Johnson says if you want to take part, make sure to be at the McCreary Skating Rink by 11:30.
Admission to the fair and rodeo is pretty easy on your wallet. It is just $15 per day or you can pick up a weekend pass for $25. Kids 12 and under get in for free.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
From today until Sunday, one of the biggest fairs in the prairies is taking place in Swan River.
The Northwest Round Up and Exhibition, hosted by the Swan Valley Ag Society, is on from today until Sunday. The first day of the exhibition features the first annual western Canadian chuckwagon and junior chariot championships followed by a George Canyon concert at 9.
If you pick up a ticket for the George Canyon show, that will also cover your admission to see the chucks and chariots.
"So for $30 you can watch George Canyon AND the Western Canadian chuckwagon championships, that's a great deal", says Austen Anderson, the Swan Valley Ag Society's president.
Throughout the rest of the weekend, you can enjoy rodeo action, the Select Shows midway, several horse shows at the grandstand, beer gardens all weekend long, a rodeo dance, pancake breakfasts, and more. The schedule is jam-packed with activities for the whole family.
Anderson also mentioned that the wild horse race and wild pony race are back by popular demand this year for extra rodeo excitement.
"There's something here for everybody, you can spend the whole weekend here and still not see it all."
There will also be a parade on Friday starting at 10 am. Keep an eye out for the CKDM cruiser in the parade. I (Alec Woolston) will also be live on location from noon to 3.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Three men are facing a slew of charges after a drug bust in the RM of Mountain earlier this month.
On July 21, a search warrant was executed at a residence where just over a kilogram of cocaine was seized, along with drug paraphernalia, and a firearm. Two 2023 vehicles were also seized.
43-year-old Martin McKenzie from the RM of Mountain was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Failing to Comply. 25-year-old Adam Stevens of Swan River was charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He also had two outstanding warrants of arrest for Assault and Assault with a Weapon.
Additionally, a 41-year-old man from Pine Creek First Nation is facing a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was released from custody with an upcoming court date.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin & District Community Foundation is always working hard to support the city, the surrounding area, and its people.
Thanks to this new funding, It can now do even more to support the senior citizens of the area too.
The Support Our Seniors project was started in memory of the Carberry incident to enrich the lives of the elderly population of Dauphin and the area.
The Parkland is still reeling from the motor vehicle accident on June 15, 2023 near Carberry, MB that claimed the lives...
Posted by Dauphin & District Community Foundation on Thursday, June 22, 2023
Joan Chetyrbok, Community Relations Manager with Dauphin Co-op is proud to support such a great cause and tell us a bit about what these funds will offer.
"Funds will go towards programs, equipment, and activities for seniors in our area. they'll have to apply through the Dauphin & District Community Fund."
Lorne Eiffert, General Manager of Dauphin Co-Op notes that this donation is possible through combined efforts with Dauphin Co-Op, and Federated Co-Op.
"$5000 dollars, half of it, is from Dauphin Co-Op and the other half is through Federated Co-Op through the Co-Op Helps Program. This is the program that provides funds for local co-ops and matching contributions from the community. we're very pleased and honored to have Federated Co-Op support us, and support the Dauphin & District Community Foundation to help the seniors in recreation activities going forward."
If you're looking to make your own contribution to the Support Our Seniors Fund, visit the DDCF Website, give them a call at 204-638-4598, or visit their office here in Dauphin at 100 Main Street South.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
"The Dark Side of the Moon" is one of the best-selling albums of all time and it's being celebrated in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Museum.
The album that was put out by Pink Floyd 50 years ago in 1973 is 42 minutes in length and the people that take in the show will be taken on quite the ride. The show uses modern technology to transport viewers through space and time. Winnipeg's planetarium is also one of just a few in Canada that is equipped to show it.
The album has sold an estimated 45 million copies worldwide and it's ranked fourth on the list of best-selling albums of all time.
Brandi Hayberg is the manager of marketing and communications at the Manitoba Museum and she says this show is a must-see.
"The album is paired with stunning visuals of space and the solar system," said Hayberg. "It really takes advantage of the capabilities of modern technology. It truly is an immersive visual audio experience."
Future shows are now scheduled for August 12, 17, 26, and 31. Hayberg also says they are planning on adding several more shows because things are going very well.
"It has been amazing, we just decided to do a small run of shows to see how it would go," said Hayberg. "People are talking about it on social media and saying how amazing it is and that they would pay triple their ticket price. They're also saying it is one of the most amazing shows that they have ever seen."
When future shows are announced, tickets are just $20 and you can buy them at 'Pink Floyd Show'.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26TH, 2023
Environment Canada has issued a tornado watch for lots of communities in southwest Manitoba including the Parkland.
The weather agency says current weather conditions could cause severe thunderstorms to develop, which could produce tornadoes.
More from Environment Canada:
Tornado Watch in effect for:
- Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis
Conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms which may produce tornadoes. Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.
Be prepared for severe weather. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches. In the event of a tornado, or if a tornado warning is issued for your area, it is recommended you take the following actions: Go indoors to a room on the lowest floor, away from outside walls and windows, such as a basement, bathroom, stairwell or interior closet. Leave mobile homes, vehicles, tents, trailers and other temporary or free-standing shelter, and move to a strong building if you can.
As a last resort, lie in a low spot and protect your head from flying debris. Lightning kills and injures Canadians every year. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Tornado watches are issued when atmospheric conditions are favourable for the development of thunderstorms that could produce tornadoes.
Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada.
Communities in the Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis region that are also under a tornado watch include:
- Gilbert Plains
- Grandview
- Ashville
- Fork River
- Ethelbert
- Roblin
- Binscarth
- Sifton
- Ochre River
- Rorketon
- Riding Mountain
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Pemmican Island, located in the north basin of Lake Winnipegosis, has been designated as Manitoba's 93rd provincial park.
The island is 27 hectares in size and boasts limestone outcrops and cliffs, and trees like Manitoba maple, trembling aspen, and American elm. There are also several species of birds protected by legislation. Some of those birds include the double-crested cormorant (pictured above), Caspian tern, and common merganser.
The province's minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development, Greg Nesbitt, made the announcement yesterday. Nesbitt said the island will be protected and will stay undeveloped, to ensure people are able to enjoy the natural sites. The island will also have continues access for Indigenous Peoples to hunt, trap, fish, and carry out cultural pursuits.
Since 1990, Manitoba has seen its protected and conserved land grow from 350,000 hectares to a little over 7,200,000. This represents around 11.1% of the entire province.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The fog advisory that was issued this morning (July 26) has since been lifted.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:
Environment says a dense fog has developed over a large area of southwestern Manitoba. It shouldn't be around for too long as it is expected to taper off through the morning hours. Visibility may be significantly reduced at some spots.
See all active weather alerts in the province by clicking here.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
If you're looking to get a bottle of wine, some beer, or any alcoholic beverage in Dauphin and Swan River later this week, you have to slightly change your plans.
All unionized staff at Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries will strike on Wednesday and Thursday. That means the Liquor Mart in Dauphin and Swan River and many others across the province will be closed for the two days. MLL and MGEU continue to work at the bargaining table; however, MGEU is not happy with the current offer.
At this point, a two per cent wage increase each year was sent to MGEU, but it was declined. Kyle Ross, president of Manitoba General Employees Union, says they are looking for a 3.3 per cent wage increase, the same that Heather Stefanson and her cabinet are set to receive.
It is expected that the Liquor Mart in Dauphin and Swan River will be back open on Friday.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
