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If you supported McHappy Day last week, then you can feel proud in the news that it was a huge success for the local McDonald's in both Dauphin and Swan River.
Thanks to your support, Ronald McDonald House and Whitmore School will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the day at the Dauphin restaurant.
In both Swan River and Dauphin combined, $35,000 was raised.
In Dauphin alone, $25,000 was raised.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A 36-year-old man from Brandon is facing several charges after assaulting a female in Dauphin.
On May 11 at 1:15 p.m., Dauphin RCMP responded to an assault on 1st Avenue NW. A 37-year-old female was outside with serious injuries. She was taken to the hospital and later transported to Winnipeg for treatment via STARS.
A short time later, the RCMP located Brendan Komarnicki, and he was arrested. While in custody, he assaulted a police officer.
He faces the following charges:
- Aggravated Assault
- Assault Causing Bodily Harm
- Assault while Choking, Suffocating or Strangling
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Assault on a Police Officer
- Assault on a Police Officer with a Weapon
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking Condition
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The message is simple: Slow Down and Move Over.
The law was designed to protect emergency responders and roadside workers. If you see an emergency vehicle or tow operator up ahead, reduce your speed and move to an open lane if it is safe to do so. If the posted speed limit is less than 80 km/h, you must slow down to 40 km/h. If the posted speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, you must slow down to 60 km/h.
Ewald Friesen is the manager of government relations for CAA Manitoba.
"If you see a fire truck, ambulance, or tow truck ahead, you can never go wrong if you reduce your speed by half and, if safe to do so, change lanes away from the scene," said Friesen.
AAA in the United States conducted a study last year. Over the last 10 years in North America, there have been 100 tow truck fatalities.
If you decide not to slow down when there is an emergency vehicle or tow truck ahead working, you could face consequences.
"The minimum fine is $298 and two demerit points," continued Friesen.
A recent study conducted by CAA found that eight in ten CAA members have heard of the Slow Down, Move Over law. While many drivers abide by the law when approaching an emergency vehicle, the same is not always true for tow trucks.
"Tow truck operators are included in this law," said Friesen.
So the next time you hit the open road and are approaching an emergency vehicle or tow truck, Slow Down and Move Over.
"The penalties are real," he ended. "We have partnered with the RCMP, and they will be doing more enforcement on Manitoba highways. We're very pleased to see they're keen to do this."
Fines can escalate to a maximum limit of $2,000 and/or a one-year driver’s licence suspension issued by a judge.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Nearly 20% of people in Manitoba have to deal with food insecurity and wonder where their next meal will come from.
In Canada, nearly one in four people don't know where their next meal is coming from. Several factors contribute to these numbers: rent is going up, grocery store prices are skyrocketing, and daily life is getting more expensive.
That's where the Dauphin & District Food Bank comes in. The local Food Bank is busier than ever. Just a few years ago, Robin Gambler and her crew provided hampers to about 50 families. Today, that has doubled to more than 100 applicants every two weeks. Many of those applicants have a household of more than one.
The Food Bank in Dauphin serves more than 200 people every two weeks. Add that up over a month, and that's more than 400 people staying fed thanks to the Dauphin & District Food Bank.
"Many people don't realize how many people are struggling," said Gambler. "When they have three kids, paying high rent and utilities. Sometimes there is no money left for food. Many people rely on us."
Recently, the Manitoba Egg Farmers announced they're doubling their monthly contribution of eggs to Manitoba Harvest. The contribution is now 3,600 dozen or 45,000 eggs. Gambler says they don't receive any eggs from Harvest Manitoba. However, they do get about 10 dozen per month from Safeway. The cartons are cut in half and given to the families who need.
"We used to serve maybe 50 or 60 families, and now we're up to at least 100 every two weeks," continued Gambler. "Every intake we get five or six new people that have never come in the past."
Gambler says the Food Bank is still in search of a new home. Parkland Crossing has been sold, and while the Food Bank has been given an extension, they need to be out by the end of September. Gambler says they have been looking at some spots, however, nothing has stuck.
"We need at least 2,500 square feet," offered Gambler. "We prefer it to be in Dauphin because many of our clients walk."
For 23 years, Robin has been a cornerstone of the Dauphin Food Bank, offering not just food but compassion, warmth, and a listening ear. Known for her kindness and unwavering dedication, Robin says if you or your family are in need, the Dauphin Food Bank will be here for you.
"I find it very rewarding that we can help so many families," ended Gambler. "When we started, we were feeding 30 families a month. When we started to grow, we ended at Parkland Crossing."
If you know of a spot for the Dauphin Food Bank, call the Dauphin Friendship Centre at 638-5707. Ask for Robin.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Several Parkland area nurses joined hundreds of their counterparts from across the province for a rally last week at the Manitoba Legislature.
Mandee Nakonechny is the President of the Parkland Community Nurses Local 122, and says their message to the Kinew government that day was simple.
"Our current slogan is "Same Shift, different day". And no pun intended as an X marks through the F in the shift."
Nakonechny adds that front-line nurses have seen very little change in how health care is moving from the previous government to the current one.
"(The government is very proud that they have hired 600+ health care workers and made some positive moves in that sense. But the front-line workers are not seeing that, and the nurses are not holding back on speaking about how that is affecting us on everyday job levels. And that is through the entire province."
"We would really like to know the number of staff that have left besides the 600+ that they have claimed to have hired."
She goes over some of the issues that nurses continue to face.
"Staffing shortages are one of the biggest ones. We are coming into our summer season of vacations, and we are already having nurses working overtime and over and above their exceeded amounts."
"Violence is another issue. (Apparently) It is okay for medical staff to be assaulted and spit on and have objects thrown at them on a daily basis at numerous health care facilities across the province. But if that were to happen at a different job site, that would not be tolerated."
Nakonechny says there is solidarity among nurses across the province, as well as other health care teams, and that they want Manitobans to know that things are not okay in the health system.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Organizers of Thursday's Moose Hide Campaign Day event have made some changes to the schedule due to the weather.
The event, which brings focus to the issue of violence against women and children - will still begin with doors at the Dauphin Friendship Centre opening at 1 pm, and opening ceremonies and speeches going at 1:30.
But instead of an outdoor walk followed by a barbecue, that will be replaced by an indoor gathering at the DFC Hall starting at 2:30, with burgers, hot dogs and drinks from the kitched being served.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Seeding operations progressed across the Parkland this past week, according to the latest crop report from Manitoba Agriculture.
Field pea seeding is about 65 to 70 per cent complete, with the Roblin and Swan River areas being the most advanced.
The earliest seeded field peas have germinated and are just starting to emerge.
Overall progress in spring wheat seeding is around 65 per cent, with some fields complete and others just starting, with those early seeded crops now starting to emerge.
Canola seeding has started across the region, with the exception of The Pas.
Weeds are also starting to grow in the region, as pre-seed herbicide applications have been a challenge due to high winds in the area.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Warm weather is here, paired perfectly with a home-cooked meal.
You may be planning to fire up the BBQ or have a smoker that's waiting to be used for the first time this year. How about that Blackstone that's calling your name? There are many wonderful options, but what's the difference between them all?
They all cook differently, providing a different taste. On Sunday, June 1, all your questions will be answered. Tortugas Smokehouse, based in Niverville, will be in Dauphin. They'll be hosting the Pit Master Academy, BBQ and smoking essentials course.
Adrian Bruce is the owner of Tortuga's Smokehouse.
"It allows your average person to come in and have a greater understanding of the basics of BBQing, things that took me 20 years to figure out," said Bruce. "The differences between grilling and smoking. The different types of fuel available and choosing the right meats, depending on what you're cooking."
The event will be at Obsolete Brewing Company (OBC), beginning at 12:30 and will take two and a half hours. For Bruce, hosting the event at OBC is a no-brainer.
"These guys are fantastic. We stumbled on their doorstep last year during the Manitoba Summer Games," continued Bruce. "I would say there is very much an alignment of perspectives on customer experiences. None of us are here to line our pockets and run down the road. It's making sure the people have good experiences through our efforts."
The cost to take part is $125 and is limited to 30 guests.
"They come in, and there is a bit of a classroom session. We'll demonstrate some of the meats, what they look like before and after," ended Bruce. "There is a hands-on component, we will get out and use some of the grills. Then we will enjoy some of the fruits of our labour. Sit down, have lunch, and get to know one another."
If you're interested in becoming a Pit Master, call Obsolete Brewing Company during business hours at (204) 647-5903.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Food banks across Manitoba, including several here in the Parklland, will benefit from a massive donation to Harvest Manitoba by Manitoba Egg Farmers.
MEF is doubling its monthly contribution of eggs to Manitoba Harvest to 3,600 dozen.
Manitoba Harvest President and CEO Vince Baretta says that means 45,000 eggs will be shared every month among food banks in fifty communities, including several in our area.
"Up in the Dauphin area, I know that there are about 100 families a month that use the Dauphin Food Bank. We also provide support to the food banks in McCreary and Ste. Rose du lac. And a lot of people are doing some really good work. I have to give a shout out to Robin Gambler at the Dauphin Food Bank, who is doing incredible work."
Baretta says Manitoba Egg Farmers have been long-time supporters of Harvest Manitoba and food banks across the province.
Fifty thousand Manitobans currently use food banks on a monthly basis.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Halfway through his first mandate as Mayor, Dave Bosiak says he is happy with how things have gone so far, although he admits he would like to have more items completed.
During his state of the city address on Tuesday, Bosiak admitted he would like things to be moving faster, but they are getting through items as quickly as the municipal world allows them.
"The big stuff that is going on, most of it is invisible. The $20 million project on the south end with the new roads and the new drainage - people just expect a place to drive. The same thing with when you flush your toilet - the water goes somewhere, and the waste goes somewhere. But that is $20 million too. And so that is what we are trying to do, is balance those mega-projects that we need to maintain and sustain the community, but also bring in the stuff that really makes people happy."
Bosiak says the creation of a new project manager position, which will come online this year, should help some of those smaller, less high-profile projects move along to the finish line.
Bosiak also spoke glowingly of his council team during his address.
He says the current capacity of council has allowed for some major work to be completed during the first two years of their current mandate, and will continue to allow more to be done over the next two years.
"The thing that I am most impressed with is that we have had disagreements on council in closed doors and different priorities, but at the end of the day in the public discourse, we are all on the same page. I don't want to brag, but we have not had a non-unanimous vote on any resolution yet in over two years."
Bosiak says that does mean there are no disagreements. It just means that those disagreements are all worked out before the votes take place.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Parkland area trail is one of five in Manitoba to receive funding through the Trans Canada Trail's annual Trail Care Grant program.
The Rossburn Subdivision Trail is receiving an undisclosed amount to be used towards trimming g overgrown brush.
The five Manitoba trails will share in $21,250 from the trail care program, which helps fund community-driven initiatives that include trail clean-ups and repairs, volunteer training and appreciation, and tree planting.
Nationwide, just under 250 thousand dollars is being given to 222 community groups through the program.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson