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First-time homebuyers will not have to pay the land transfer tax if the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives are returned to power after the October 3rd election.

The Tories made the promise during day two of the election campaign, saying such a move would allow Manitobans to put that instead towards other things such as a down payment.

Meanwhile, the Manitoba NDP promised to open five minor illness and injury clinics, which would offer same-day appointments through online booking.

Leader Wab Kinew says they would be located in neighbourhoods where they are needed the most. 

Manitoba Liberals are proposing roughly one billion dollars in new spending, such as minimum income for seniors, bonus pay for all front-line healthcare workers, and Medicare coverage for mental health services. 

Leader Dougald Lamont says this would be paid for by raising income taxes paid by people earning more than $120,000 a year while reducing income tax levels for many other people. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 6, 2023 - 3:01 pm

The Frontier School Division is doubling a signing bonus that it offers to attract new teachers. 

According to a CBC report, it is now offering new teacher graduates a $10,000 incentive per year for up to three years. 

Eligibility requirements include getting your bachelor of education degree between 2021 and 2023.

Recipients can then get the recruitment incentive payment for each year that they work for the division up to three years. 

The report adds there were 34 teaching vacancies within Frontier School Division as the new school year begins.

The district operates 42 schools across Northern Manitoba, including ones in communities such as Rorketon, Camperville, Skownan, and Waterhen. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 6, 2023 - 1:55 pm

The past week was a good one for farmers across the Northwest region as good progress was made on harvesting this year's crop.

31 per cent of this year's crop in the area is now in the bin, a sharp improvement from just 9 per cent last week. 

Our region is also now much closer to the provincial average, which sits at 37 per cent complete as of Tuesday. 

Fall rye and winter wheat harvest is now complete within the region, while spring wheat harvest now sits at about 65-70 per cent complete, with 70 per cent of that harvested spring wheat being rated as good to excellent in quality.   

Recent warm temperatures allowed canola crops in the area to advance in maturity, with some canola harvesting taking place near Roblin and in the Swan Valley. 

And field pea harvest is now said to be about 85-90 per cent complete across the region, while soybeans have been able to advance rapidly and now sit mostly in the R7 to R8 stage. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 6, 2023 - 10:00 am

Dauphin's Countryfest is bringing the Hunter Brothers to Credit Union Place in November and just after, they're bringing another great show.

Jess Moskaluke's Winter Wonderland Tour will go down on December 5 at the Watson Art Centre. Jess will be joined by special guests The Prairie States.

The show will feature Moskaluke's Christmas classics from her 'A Small Town Christmas' album, plus all of her hits. 

"It's going to be a really good Christmas show," said Kamryn Winters. "It's a good opportunity for businesses to take their staff out or for friends to get together right before Christmas."

Tickets for the show go on sale Friday at 10:00 a.m. You can get them at Winter Wonderland Tour or you can call 1-800-361-7300. The doors will open at 6:30 and the show will begin one hour after that. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 6, 2023 - 8:17 am

A bullet ripped through the walls of an apartment complex in Sifton  and the RCMP began their investigation.

Luckily, no one was injured in the incident.

On September 1, 2023, at approximately 5:50 pm, RCMP attended and were advised that a shot was heard coming from one of the apartments. Officers cleared the residences and located a bullet hole in one of the walls of an apartment. No one was injured and no one was located inside.

Officers secured two of the apartments and began the process of obtaining search warrants. During this time two suspects returned to the scene and were arrested.

A search of the apartments resulted in the seizure of three shotguns, two rifles, and ammunition.

Nick Ficzycz, 46, was arrested and charged with Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Careless Use of a Firearm, Unsafe Storage of Firearms, Unauthorized Possession of Firearms, and Resisting Arrest.
He was remanded into custody.

Kyle Shumsky, 36, has been charged with Unsafe Storage of Firearms and Unauthorized Possession of Firearms. He was released from custody on a release order.

Dauphin RCMP continue to investigate.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 3:47 pm

Premier Heather Stefanson has officially dropped the writ, and Manitobans will head to the polls on October 3rd.

Stefanson, who took over as premier two years ago, will try to win a third consecutive majority for the governing Progressive Conservatives.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew will lead the opposition party, and if he wins, would become the province's first First Nations premier.

The NDP has focused much of its messaging on health care and has also spent time on pocketbook issues such as utility bills and electric vehicle subsidies.

The Tories have accused Kinew of making spending promises that would require tax hikes and add to the province's fiscal troubles.

The Conservatives held 35 of the 57 seats in the Manitoba Legislature at the time of the election call, while the NDP had 18 seats and the Liberals 3.

For all the information on voting in the upcoming provincial election, visit The Elections Manitoba Website.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 12:20 pm

Children throughout the Parkland and across Manitoba are returning to classes this week.

And with that comes a reminder that we all need to adjust our driving habits in and around school zones. 

A recent study conducted by CAA Manitoba showed that 94 per cent of parents have at least one concern about safety in school zones. 

The three major worries include speeding, traffic congestion, and a lack of street or school parking, with other concerns including jaywalking, illegal parking or stopping, and distracted pedestrians and drivers. 

The study also showed that parents want to see additional solutions, with 26 per cent seeking better road infrastructure in school zones, while 21 per cent want to see more police enforcement. 

More crossing guards and road safety education for both parents and students were also suggested. 

A reminder that speed limits in school zones drop to 30 km an hour from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on school days. 

If you are caught speeding, you face a minimum fine of $200 along with two demerits, while passing a school bus with its lights flashing and stop sign activated could net you a $373 fine and five demerits. 

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 12:17 pm

It is an event that is widely regarded as Dauphin's one-stop shop for families to see what activities are being offered in the city over the fall and winter months. 

The annual Recreation, Health, and Leisure Mart takes place tonight (September 5th) from 5-7 p.m. in the curling rink at the Parkland Recreation Complex.

Hosted by Dauphin Recreation Services, the mass registration night will include representation from groups such as Dauphin Minor Hockey, Girl Guides, the Parkland Gators swim club, and the Air Cadets.

Other activities expected to be present are Dauphin Gymnastics, Dauphin Public Library, Dauphin Karate Club, and the local Ukrainian Dance groups, as well as others.  

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 11:52 am

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a special air quality statement for a large portion of the Parkland and Southern Manitoba, including Dauphin. 

They say smoke from wildfires continues to produce poor air quality and reduced visibility over a large portion of the province. 

The smoke is expected to clear out of southern Manitoba by Wednesday morning. 

Until then though you are encouraged to reduce or stop outdoor activities, and contact a health professional if you or someone you know experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, severe cough, dizziness, or chest pains. 

People with lung or heart disease, older adults, children, pregnant people, and people who work outdoors are at higher risk of experiencing health effects caused by wildfire smoke.

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Contributed by Jeff Henson

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 10:52 am

Roughly 4500 people every year in our country take their own life and more than 200 people attempt to every day.

That's why there has never been a more important time to take care of yourself, especially when things get tough.

Suicide rates are also about three times higher among men compared to women and that's why Prairie Mountain Health is here for those that are struggling.

"We have increased our efforts to provide additional naloxone to those in risk or their family members," said Sesley Sloboda, rehabilitation councillor with Prairie Mountain Health Addiction Services. "Providing education opportunities is something we have been focusing on. It contributes to both prevention and intervention efforts."

If you are struggling and need help, you still may be hesitant to reach out. Sloboda knows this is very common, but she wants you to know that you are not alone. 

"Asking for what you need and want is brave and it shows strength," offered Sloboda. "You set your goals, you will be the driver in your recovery, and we will be there as you go on a journey. Recovery is a journey that no one should ever have to go on alone, so we are here to give you the support you need."

There are a variety of resources available if you are looking for help. 

Resources:

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Sep 5, 2023 - 6:18 am