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Some troubling numbers have come in from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).
In 2024, 2,817 drivers were suspended for three days for distracted driving, while 150 were suspended for seven days due to distracted driving. Last year's numbers were a sharp increase from those in 2023, when 2,469 three-day and 98 seven-day suspensions were handed out.
Tara Seel is with MPI.
"These numbers are the highest they have been in the past five years," said Seel. "Distracted driving isn't just cellphones or electronic devices, there are many different forms, and all are equally as dangerous. These numbers are alarming, we're seeing more distracted drivers than ever on Manitoba roadways."
In 2024, there were 675 distracted-driving collisions throughout the province, many of which resulted in fatalities. While distracted driving collisions have gone down from their high in 2022 of 795 across Manitoba, even a single collision due to distracted driving is too much.
"It is the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways," offered Seel. "Distraction in all its forms is taking people's focus off the road, and when that happens, they are unable to respond in a timely manner to unexpected obstacles on the roadway."
There are a few easy tips to ensure you stay focused while driving.
- Turn on the do not disturb function on your cellphone;
- Tell your passengers you are focused on the road;
- When travelling with your animals, make sure they are restrained; and
- When travelling with children, keep them busy.
Not only is it extremely dangerous to drive while distracted, but significant fines can follow. Driving while distracted can result in fines up to $672 and a five-point deduction on your Driver Safety Rating (DSR).
Repeat offences can lead to a license suspension, and you can also be charged with an offence the distraction caused you to commit. This includes running a red light and or getting in a collision.
As April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, now is the time to make the right decision: don't drive while distracted.
"We see many Manitobans still practicing risky driving behaviours that are putting lives at risk," ended Seel. "The main message is, focus on the road, lives could depend on it."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The spring Rotary Book Sale begins Thursday morning at the 8th Avenue Hall.
Jean-Louis Guillas with the Dauphin Rotary club says there will be a little bit of everything at this sale.
"Everything that you want to read for all ages. Come and do your Christmas shopping early! We have two pristine, complete sets of Harry Potters, and all other kinds of books."
All books at the sale are two dollars or less.
Guillas explains what proceeds from the book sale go towards.
"It helps to sponsor all of our youth programs and scholarships and leadership camp experiences. We have a team going out to Model United Nations again this year, which we are really excited about. It is the second year in a row for that. This year, we are going to send someone to "An Adventure in Human Rights, which is at the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg."
It is free to attend, with the sale going from 9 am to 7 pm tomorrow, 9 until 5 on Friday and 9 to 4 on Saturday.
There is also a wine tasting event on Friday from 7 to 9:30 p.m., which costs $40 to attend.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Rail Museum is hoping a public information campaign will bring the City of Dauphin back to the table to discuss options for saving the last remaining rail turntable in Manitoba.
President Jason Gilmore says that includes an online petition, which can be accessed through their Facebook page.
He admits the city holds all of the cards in this situation.
"We have fully understood that it is a work site and have tried to be respectful of that. If we send people or visitors it is usually on evenings or weekends. But we were told that vehicles are getting larger, which is the reason why (the turntable) needed to be moved. And then finally, with the notification of the letter for the full removal, indicating that this would allow the shop to function better."
Gilmore says if discussions can not come to a resolution towards saving all or at least some of the turntable at its current location, they would at least like a detailed report from the city as to why that can not happen.
The rail turntable, which is 84 feet in size and weighs approximately 40 tonnes, first opened in Dauphin in 1906.
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It has been five years since Melinda Lynxleg was last heard from.
The 40-year-old from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve was found on June 7, 2023, at an abandoned property in San Clara. This was after she had been missing for three years, and an autopsy confirmed her death was a homicide.
The RCMP has spoken to more than 130 people over the past five years, looking for answers. Recently, new information came to light, giving the investigation forward momentum. Officers are confident they're even closer to finding answers for the family.
If you have any information, call the RCMP Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8042.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Two high-profile local court cases were back on the docket in recent days.
Former Gilbert Plains Municipality CAO Amber Fisher appeared in Dauphin Provincial Court on Monday, where she had her case adjourned until May 13th.
She is accused of defrauding the municipality of over 500 thousand dollars while she was employed by them and then allegedly claiming a cyberattack as a means of trying to cover it up.
And Marc Dorais was also back in court in relation to a fire set to an Ethelbert home last June while a female and her children were inside the house.
The 54-year-old from Ethelbert remains in custody until his next appearance on April 11th.
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The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba has completed its review of the death of an adult male following an interaction with RCMP officers from Ste Rose.
The interaction began on December 30th, 2022, when Mounties were alerted about an alleged home invasion and vehicle theft in Rorketon.
The vehicle was found in a ditch near Crane River with four people trying to dig it out.
Three of the suspects were arrested, and the fourth escaped into the woods.
A few days later, police received a missing person's report for the fourth individual and returned to the wooded area, where his body was located.
An autopsy determined that he cause of death was hypothermia, and following more investigation and consultation, the IIU decided no charges would be laid against the officers and no further action would be taken.
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The excitement is building at the Dauphin Fire Department (DFD).
Fort Garry Fire Trucks was awarded the tender in August 2023 to build a new fire truck that will be used in Dauphin to serve and protect the area. Less than two years later, the truck will soon be coming to its new home.
Cam Abrey is the Fire Chief of the DFD.
"We had our final inspection a couple of weeks ago with Fort Garry Fire Trucks to make sure everything was in line and had brief training on the new pump," said Abrey. "Once they're done the last of their prep work, delivery is planned for April 9."
The final cost of the truck was just less than $850,000, including taxes.
Elsewhere at DFD, Abrey says they're looking to recruit new firefighters.
"We are always in the process of recruiting new members," added Abrey. "We encourage if you're interested, stop by and ask questions. You can check out our facility and try out some of the equipment."
Abrey says they are looking at hosting an open house recruitment session later this year.
If you've always dreamt of serving and protecting, now is the perfect time. The Dauphin Fire Department is waiting for you.
"26 years ago, I took the step, and it's turned into a career for me," ended Abrey. "It's one of the best ways to give back to the community in which you live."
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Manitoba's minimum wage is going up as of October 1st.
It will jump 20 cents to $16 an hour.
This adjustment reflects Manitoba’s 2024 inflation rate of 1.1 per cent, rounded up to the nearest five cents.
The minimum wage is updated annually and is regulated through the Employment Standards Code
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Now that spring is here, one of Dauphin's favourite recreation spots during the winter is closed for the year.
Dauphin Recreation Services has announced the closure of the outdoor rink, effective immediately.
They thank everyone who used the outdoor rink over the past few months.
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You may have noticed several people on the picket line holding MGEU signs in front of Michif Children's Place in Dauphin over the past several days.
Kyle Ross is the president of the Manitoba General Employees Union (MGEU).
"Workers with Métis and Michif child and family services are on strike in the province," said Ross. "We've been trying to bargain a deal that would bring them parity with workers in the sector including the civil service that do the same work. Unfortunately, the employer has not even come close with the offer."
A strike mandate was voted on in December, and a two-week strike notice was issued earlier this month. Workers officially went to the picket lines on March 25. The contracts for about 390 employees expired on January 31, 2023.
According to Ross, workers are asking for a contract similar to what was given to other civil service workers last year. That was a four-year, 14 per cent wage increase.
Ross says this is not what the workers wanted, however, it's all about fair wages.
"These workers are not happy taking job action, but they know it's what they need to do," continued Ross. "They want to be treated as equals for the work they do."
Social services, family support, youth care, and administrative workers at the Winnipeg area Métis Child, Family and Community Services are also striking. If the latest offer from the employer was accepted, the hourly wages for Métis CFS members would fall $2.06 behind the civil service by the end of the proposed contract. That's $3,800 annually. The shortfall for Michif CFS members would amount to an annual shortfall of $5,300.
"When I talk to our workers on the picket line, the valuable service they provide to vulnerable families and children is second to none," ended Ross. "It's very frustrating for them. There are now families that are not getting the full support they require and expect, so it's frustrating for our workers being on the picket line. We know this could be resolved very quickly with the employer showing up and making a fair offer."
This is a developing story, and CKDM will provide additional information when it becomes available.
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The ice fishing season came to a close on Monday on Dauphin Lake.
Dozens of people were out on the lake looking for one final haul. Local guide and seasoned fisherman Rod Carberry called it a fantastic winter season.
"The increase measurement on slot limits from 45 to 48 cms had a very positive result in bringing some meat home," said Carberry. "Guys were catching good keepers, and the ratio from not legal to legal fish was good. I would say it was a fantastic year."
The Dauphin Lake Walleye Dash was a marquee event hosted this year. It was a partnership between Rod and the Kin Club of Dauphin.
"It went great. We set a capacity at 200 tickets and feel like that's a number we want to stick with moving forward," said Carberry. "We had 68 entries and plenty of good, positive feedback. 40 fish were caught; it was very impressive."
Now that ice fishing is in the books on Dauphin Lake until next winter, it's time to prepare for summer fishing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have never fished in the past, Rod says Dauphin Lake is a gem waiting for you.
"Dauphin Lake is pretty under-estimated in the summer; it has plenty of tributaries that flow into it," ended Carberry. "The spring river fishing is always great. In the summer, with it being a big basin, the fish are spread out, and there are a lot of them."
Your next fishing trip is waiting for you on Dauphin Lake.
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