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After being the only province or territory in Canada to not have a weather alert yesterday, Manitoba was due for some eventually.

Extreme Cold Warnings are in effect for a handful of regions in Manitoba including the Parkland. Wind chill values around -40 are possible today and tonight. The warning should not be in effect for too long as conditions are to moderate during the weekend.

More information is available here.

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Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Dec 23, 2022 - 5:25 am

Adrian Gulay spent 10 years as an RCMP officer in Roblin. Nine years ago, Adrian took his own life, but his memory will live on and he will never be forgotten.

Quick to call Roblin his home, Adrian was an animal lover and his love for dogs was as genuine as love can get. While patrolling Roblin and surrounding communities, Adrian would carry dog food in his RCMP cruiser and he would feed any stray dog that he would come across. 

Gulay and Brian Onofreichuk became great friends and to this day, Brian still remembers the great times they spent together and in Gulay's memory, Brian has started collecting donations of dog food. The food will then be sent to the Parkland Humane Society in January. This isn't the first time that Brian has started collecting donations as last January, over 700 pounds of dog food was collected and donated. 

Hundreds of people have already donated dog food in the past month and the total is already just about 2500 pounds that will be donated. The total is expected to rise as donations are being accepted until January 13. You can drop them off at B&P Sales & Service or watch for an RCMP drop-off vehicle that is stationed throughout Roblin. Brian says the support has been incredible.

"It's just overwhelming," said Onofreichuk. "I tell people, if you walk down the street and mention Adrian's name, everyone remembers him. RCMP come and go, but he lives on."

Brian remembers Adrian for being a great man that was extremely kind to people and always wanted to make you smile.

"He had such a big heart and such a great sense of humour, I had so many great times with him," ended Onofreichuk. "The way he dealt with people, he was so nice and so far. He respected people, it was unbelievable how great he was."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 23, 2022 - 5:00 am

It's known as Western Canada's premiere grain industry showcase and it's coming up early next month.

The Western Canadian Crop Production Show takes place in Saskatoon from January 9 to 12. The four-day event features more than 300 exhibitors and over 95 per cent of the people who walk through the doors are directly involved in the grain industry.

The only exhibits you will find on the trade show floor are those directly related to crop production.

"It's a must-attend event for every single prairie farmer," said Leigh-Ann Hurlburt, Agriculture Manager for Saskatoon Prairieland Park Corporation. "This event is a true leader in the field of crop science and technology. Our exhibitors come from all over Western Canada ar the northern United States, it really is amazing."

The event will also be celebrating its 40th annual show. At the show, you will get to see and learn about all the latest technology in seeding, spraying, and harvesting. Tickets are just $20 and you can get them at the door or you can also get them at Crop Production Show. 

There will also be several presentations in the Nufarm Information Theatre beginning on January 9 with 'what pulse crops want to tell you about Aphanomyces and Fusarium' and running right up until the final presentation on January 12 with 'oilseed crop update' from 2:30 to 3:30. 

"There are very specific criteria to get into this show," said Hurlburt. "Everything that you see at our show and the exhibitors you speak with are all here to help you get the crop in the ground and get the most out of it possible."

Five buildings are used for the event with more than 950 trade show spaces featuring the largest equipment in agriculture today. 

"Everything you need to assure you will have a successful growing season, we have it here," ended Hurlburt. 

You can also get more information at Western Canadian Crop Production Show. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 23, 2022 - 5:00 am

After a successful two-year pilot, the Peer Support Program at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) has received funding to continue providing services. An announcement was made by Manitoba's Mental Health and Community Wellness Minister, Sarah Guillemard this week.

The funding is part of "A Pathway to Mental Health and Community Wellness: A Roadmap for Manitoba." Peer Support Canada defines peer support as “emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness.” Peer support is rooted in core values, including self-determination, respect, hope and recovery, and empathetic and equal relationships. Staff offer support in person or virtually as well as one to one or in group settings.

The Peer Support Program in Dauphin at the DRHC was started by Prairie Mountain Health and Peer Connections Manitoba in June of 2020. 

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Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Dec 22, 2022 - 7:13 am

The Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund has now brought 20 families from Ukraine into Dauphin. The first family arrived in town back in May and the 20th family just arrived in town just about a week ago.

Since arriving in town, the families have taken part in different activities around Dauphin, including Dauphin Kings games. Earlier this season, Nazar attended his first-ever Kings game and the team presented him with a puck. He has since been to multiple games and plans on heading to more in the new year.

Tere Stykalo says it has been an incredible honour to bring in families from war-stricken Ukraine to Dauphin.

"It has been very satisfying to help folks that are very appreciative," said Stykalo. "All of these families have faced more trauma than we would even know about, yet they are strong and kind. They are willing to contribute to their new community and country."

Tere also said all of the families have been very thankful and are very happy to be in Dauphin.

"They are so humble and so gracious to have the opportunity that has been provided here for them," said Stykalo. "They want to be as independent as all of us and they are well on their way."

While the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund would like to welcome more families to Dauphin, that is not possible at this time. Donations coming into the fund have slowed and Tere says they have run out of money to bring in families. With that said, they are hoping more funds come in. There are deductions available to any corporation that donates and there is a charitable donation receipt for any individual that donates. If you would like to donate or even just get more information about the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund, you can call Larry at 204-648-5904. 

"There are other families knocking on our doors, there are constant requests to come to Dauphin," ended Stykalo. "That's a feather in this communities hat. The whole community needs to step back and be proud. The word is out that as families come to Dauphin, the support is second to none."

Tere also wanted to wish the new families a Merry Christmas as they prepare to spend their first Christmas in Dauphin and he wants to wish everyone else a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 22, 2022 - 5:00 am

David Clark's father was a member of the Peterborough Fire Brigade and he would often share stories with his son about what happened and how he would help his community.

Then in 1988 as he followed in his father's footsteps, David joined the Dauphin Fire Department (DFD). He became one of the lead firefighting and first aid instructors in the area just two years later in 1990. During his journey on the force, David was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2005 and he was later promoted to Assistant Deputy Chief. Then in 2016, Clark was named Deputy Chief. He held that position for five years when he transitioned into the role of Training Officer/Safety Officer in 2021. 

While David will never forget his days as a firefighter, they have come to an end as David recently retired from the DFD after 34 years of serving and protecting the community. Clark says serving the community was a great honour.

"It was a humbling experience," said Clark. "Arriving on the scene on the worst day of someone's life and being able to give them the aid and help that we could was always an honour. Providing a service to the community felt really good."

A post on the department's Facebook page thanked David for everything he did over the past three-plus decades.

"Thank you David for your dedication and commitment to the citizens we serve, and for all your years spent instructing members of the fire service," said the post. "A great number of students have benefited from the knowledge that you have shared over the past 30-plus years."

Just 10 years after he joined the department, David was selected by his fellow firefighters as Firefighter of the Year and he was presented with the award at the annual Firefighters' Ball. Then in 2008, Clark received the Governor General's Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years. He then received a medal for 25 years of service and 30 years of service, as well. 

While David wasn't in it for the awards, it was a special feeling when he was selected to receive one.

"It's really affirmation from your fellow firefighters that I was able to provide a special service and be recognized for that special service," ended Clark. 

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 22, 2022 - 5:00 am

The number of people using food banks in the country continues to rise. 

In March of 2022, there were 1.5 million visits to food banks across Canada, the highest usage on record. This was a 15 per cent increase from the year prior and a 35 per cent increase from March 2019.

The Dauphin & District Food Bank has remained extremely busy ahead of the Christmas season. On Wednesday, they will give out 238 hampers to families that applied for help and they will also host an intake on Thursday from 5 to 7 at Parkland Crossing. Data has shown that 5.8 million Canadians lived in food-insecure households in 2021. An item that food banks are always in search of is dairy products and that's where the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM) has come in.

Partnering with food banks in Manitoba for the past 30 years, the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba have donated 333,000 litres of milk to food banks across the province. David Wiens with DFM says he understands the struggle that so many Manitobans are going through right now when it comes to food insecurity.

"There are people out there that simply don't have enough income to fully support their families when it comes to nutritional needs," said Wiens. "This program continues to be a very important part of what we're doing in terms of making dairy products available to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to purchase it."

The dairy industry continues to be one of the leading industries in the province and that will never change. There are 242 dairy farms in Manitoba and 414.4 million litres of milk were produced in the 2021-22 dairy year. There are also 11 dairy processing plants and 6269 jobs are created by the dairy industry in Manitoba. When you are purchasing your next jug of milk, look for the Blue Cow logo to guarantee that the dairy product is made from 100% Canadian milk. In turn, you will also be supporting dairy farmers. 

"We continue to grow and our production of milk reflects the demand for dairy products," ended Wiens. "We continue to be a very important part of everyone's healthy lifestyle and that will never change, we are here and we will remain here."

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Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 21, 2022 - 1:00 pm

With all the snow that the Parkland has received so far this season, snowmobilers are eager to hit the trails once again.

As of the time of writing, most of Snoman's (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) trails have not opened up yet. There are a select few that are open, according to Snoman's trail map. 

Before you get out on the trails, there are some things to consider. Make sure your snowmobile is registered, and if you plan on using any of Snoman's trails, purchase a Sno-pass at your local MPI agent. The fine for an unregistered offroad vehicle is $174 while the fine for not having a Sno-pass is $486. Also, ensure that you have a helmet and are dressed appropriately for the weather. An emergency kit containing items like extra gloves and socks, a whistle, flares, and a shovel, would be good to have as well. 

Telling someone that you plan to head out for a ride, as well as giving them your route and approximate time of return is another layer of safety to add to your trips.

When you are actually out on the snowmobile trails, Yvonne Rideout, Executive Director of Snoman, has a few tips.

"Some important points are to take your time when you're riding--excessive speed often leads to incidents, and always ride to your right."

Rideout adds that it is also crucial to stay on the groomed trails. This way you avoid any potential charges under the Trespass Act.

While it may sound obvious, being sober is the best way to enjoy the snowmobile trails. The fine for being caught with alcohol, even if you are in one of the shelters, is $672.

"Impaired operation of a snowmobile carries the same consequences as driving a vehicle while impaired. Penalties can include significant fines, impoundment of your snowmobile, and a conviction resulting in a criminal record", warned Rideout. 

Also, since it is early in the season, be mindful of ice thickness on trails that go over lakes. The minimum ice thickness to support a snowmobile is 5 cm.

"The clubs go and check for ice depth before they groom across ice, so that's why it's very important to stay on the groomed trails", said Rideout.

As we get closer and closer to trails being open, Rideout asks people to have patience while they are being packed and ready to be opened and to have a safe season.

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Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Dec 22, 2022 - 9:34 am

Earlier this month, an investigation into illegal tree harvesting was started by Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development on a Crown land plantation near Marchand, Manitoba.

The investigation began after a tip was received from the public. Later, on December 13th, conservation officers observed a suspect bringing trees out of the plantation. The plantation itself is a valuable test area that grows high-quality trees for forestry renewal projects in southern Manitoba.

30 black spruce trees and a chainsaw were seized, along with 18 trees that had been cut but not yet removed. All together, 167 trees were cut and the majority of them were between 20 and 30 feet tall.

The suspect said that he was selling the trees at his business in the city of Steinbach. He now faces charges under the Forest Act of Manitoba and if convicted, faces a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development reminds Manitobans that a tree permit is needed to cut trees on crown land. Once you have that, you can cut a coniferous tree up to three metres high with a limit of one per household.

The harvested trees were donated to a Ukrainian church in Winnipeg. 

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Contributed by Alec Woolston

Published: Dec 21, 2022 - 11:12 am

The Waskaa'igan Neegan overnight drop-in centre at Under One Roof on 37 - 3rd Ave. Northwest in Dauphin has been running for just more than a week in Dauphin and there has been great reception.

The centre provides a warm and safe environment for people who experience homelessness and it's open from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Over the past week, anywhere from 15 to 25 individuals per night are using the drop-in centre for shelter as temperatures continue to dip into the 30s overnight.

Frances Chartrand with the Northwest Métis Council says there were many factors that went into opening the centre in conjunction with the Housing First Program.

"We would see our people getting into trouble back when the jail was here so they could go to a warm space," said Chartrand. "They would injure themselves so they could go to the hospital, it's a harsh reality that there are people in our community that have no home. We are very happy to be able to provide this for the homeless in our city."

While there are no beds in the drop-in centre, there are many amenities including chairs and a television. Snacks and hot beverages are also offered.

"This is a safe place for the homeless to go to get away from any violence and the cold," said Chartrand. "Also the harsh reality of not having a home."

Chartrand says there is full-time security on site, and they have also hired outreach workers that will be there to assist anyone that needs it.

Details

Contributed by Darnell Duff

Published: Dec 21, 2022 - 5:00 am