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If you're a fan of fresh berries in season right now, you might run into a pesky insect in your summer berry hauls.

Entomologist Dr. John Gavloski tells us why a type of fruit fly is a growing problem in this situation.

"Spotted Wing Drosophila is a little different, even though it's a fruit fly. The egg-layer is serrated, like a saw, so it makes it so they can saw their way into fruit that is a little bit firmer, raspberries, or any of the soft fruits."

Luckily, Dr. Gavloski also mentions that there is no harm from accidentally ingesting these fruit flies.

Thoroughly cooking or freezing your fruit will also kill off any that are actively in fruits.

There are traps and insecticides being used against these bugs, but they're still being reported in many locations across the province.

Manitoba Hydro Is looking to return to the international stage.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala, the minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced this today, noting he was pleased to see this operation return

born as a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro in 1998, Manitoba Hydro International aims to bid on other energy projects and offer advisory services, and provide training to international partners.

It was in February of 2021 that MHI decided to wind down operation, but new staffing is now expected to be in place over the next 3 to 4 years.

For over 20 years, MHI provided services and products to clients in over 120 countries, building capacity in Manitoba’s high-tech power industry.

Dauphin native Clint Nepinak will be back in Brandon court this Thursday to deal with matters related to a mid-January arrest near Ste Rose on a drug charge and outstanding warrants. 

The 28-year-old was in court last week, where his matters were put over to the new date.

And one of two people arrested in connection with a drug and weapon bust in Dauphin last November was also back in court late last week.

36-year-old Chantelle Ferland had her matters adjourned to August 27.

It is the first of what will be several significant events over the next three weeks leading up to and during the Manitoba Summer Games.

A volunteer pep rally is set for tomorrow (Tuesday) night from 5:30 to 8 pm at the Parkland Rec Complex Curling rink.

Games co-chair Carla Wolfenden says volunteers will be able to pick up their volunteer packages at this event.

"Including your t-shirt that you will get to wear during the games, your accreditation.  As well as all of our committees and most of our sub-committees will be in attendance to answer any questions.  If you still have scheduling questions or problems, they will be there to help you. There is a lot of important information that will be given out."

Wolfenden says there will be plenty of other activities besides the handing out of volunteer packages.

"There is also entertainment and we will have snacks as well.  We really want to get the word out that if you can make it, come for 6 pm, because we are making a special announcement that we are really excited to share with everyone."  

The pep rally event is for Games Volunteers only.

A by-election will be held in Gilbert Plains on August 28th to fill one vacancy on municipal council.

A total of three candidates have stepped forward - Roy Becks, Tyler Bileski, and Robert Shumka. 

Voting on by-election day will take place from 8 am to 8 pm at the Richardson Pioneer Community Hall.

Advanced voting will occur on August 21st at the Municipal office in Gilbert Plains.

Residents that can not make it out on either voting day are encouraged to apply to vote by mail. 

Application envelopes will be available at the Gilbert Plains Municipal office starting on August 1st, with the deadline to apply to vote by mail being August 25th. 

One of Russell's favourite sons is returning home for a special party. 

Former Olympic gold medalist and Amazing Race Canada host Jon Montgomery will be back in his hometown tomorrow night for what's being called "Our Amazing Block Party".

It will take place from 6 - 9 pm tomorrow (Tuesday) night at the George Buleziuk Centre, and is highlighted by a viewing party of what is believed to be the edition of the Amazing Race Canada that was shot in Russell - before it is aired nationally. 

Kids activities and live entertainment are also planned for the evening. 

A Bacon Ridge man arrested after a February drug and firearms bust on the Ebb & Flow First Nation is in more hot water.

42-year-old Connie Malcolm was slated to appear in court this week in relation to the incident.

But he failed to appear for his slated court date, which has led to a warrant being issued for his arrest. 

Grasshoppers may yet become more present in our province, according to the weekly Crop Pest update.

Entomologist Dr. John Gavloski says grasshoppers have been laying in wait for the hot weather we've had.

"Until now, everything's been a bit lower-key for grasshoppers. There's been a few areas that have some spraying, and some larger populations, but so far, lower-key than last year."

Over all though, Dr. Gavloski is feeling pretty optimistic about the insect outlook in our area.

"Right now for the northwest region, no really really big insect issues to deal with. Just keep an eye on the grasshoppers, they are probably the ones we're keeping an eye on the most. Keep an eye on Bertha armyworms levels in canola, so far, no heavy levels. Other than that things are looking pretty good."

This week's report also noted a presence of Canola flower midge in the Northwest, but they will likely have minimal impact on crop outcomes.

Stay tuned for Monday's Noon Hour Edition Of AgriView for a more in-depth chat with Dr. Gavloski.

The Dauphin and District Food Bank has always offered support to those in need, and with inflation hitting hard, their work is more important than ever.

Robin Gambler is the Executive director of the food bank, and she notes it's a series of issues hitting people's wallets.

"I think a lot of it is high rent and the inflation in stores. if someone is working minimum wage and has 2 children, paying $1400 a month in rent, they're very much struggling." 

Gambler also has the details on how people who need nutrition can get assistance through the Dauphin and District Food Bank.

"You just have to show up with your Manitoba medical card or some sort of ID and if they don't have a medical card we'll give them a number to call to get one. They just have to come down."

If you're looking to help out with this initiative, call the food bank at 638 7853 and leave a name and number.

All help is welcome, as it often takes 15 volunteers for their operation to run smoothly.

The city is reminding residents that Wednesday is the deadline to pay your 2024 property taxes. 
 
Payments can be made at City Hall by either cash, debit, or cheque. 
 
They can also be made at your financial institution or online.
 
Payments received after Wednesday will be considered late and will be subject to penalties.
 
Homeowners with questions or concerns regarding their tax bill are encouraged to contact City Hall at 204-622-3200. 

Fusion Credit Union is Proud to be changing lives and building stronger communities by giving back to the community.

In their latest intake of the Full Circle Fund, $89,900 was allocated to 15 community-building projects.

Some of these include $15,000 to the Watson Auditorium cooling project, $15,000 to the Oak Lake CARE Centre, and $25,000 towards Winnipegosis Curling Rink upgrades.

Brand & Business Development Manager Mike Csversko, was happy to fund these projects, noting “There are so many people doing great things in our communities"

If you or someone you know has a community project that could benefit from Full Circle Fund’s support, apply now at fusioncu.com