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The sandy beach of Clear Lake was a bit of a different experience this year, as it was a strict no-boat zone.
George Hartlan with the Friends Of Riding Mountain Group looks back on how this summer differed from those previous.
"The lake was quiet, in regards to motor craft and those using the lake for personal watercraft vehicles. There were definitely still those swimming in the lake or using the lake for fishing. Overall, I think the weather always has a bigger impact on things. May and June were a difficult time period for a lot of people just because we had a lot of wet days happening."
From his conversations with local businesses and his own experience, Hartlan noted that foot traffic was very strong this summer.
Cabins also became easier to rent, as the lack of boaters freed up some regularly rented spots.
Overall, Hartlan noted it was a solid year at Clear Lake, despite the growing issue of zebra mussels in the water.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The province has issued High Wind Effects warnings for parts of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg.
The Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre says high winds are expected to develop, beginning Friday night and lasting until Sunday morning.
Areas expected to be impacted the most are the south basin of Lake Manitoba as well as shorelines near Gimli on the west side and Victoria Beach on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
Property owners are advised to take precautions, as winds could gust as high as 90 km an hour over the weekend, which could result in action that could raise water levels by five feet or more.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Thursday was a big day for the residents of the Ebb & Flow First Nation.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially open their newly constructed elementary school.
Ebb & Flow First Nation Director of Education Darcy Malcolm says there is a definite need in the community for this facility.
"The existing school, which is now going to be renovated, first opened up in 1983 to accomodate approximately 250 students. And now today, we are sitting at approximately 800 students."
The elementary school is phase one of a 55 million dollar project, which includes renovations to the existing school - which is now used by grade 7-12 students, as well as the construction of 22 homes for teachers.
Malcolm says one feature he is particularly proud of with the new school is a marked improvement in internet access.
"And this is something that I feel is going to be a long-term benefit for our community's children. We have struggled in the past with internet connectivity. But now with 1 GB of dedicated internet fibre-optic service, that improvement itself allows our students to be able to access resources online."
Recreation was also a key component of the project, with a gymnasium, a combined soccer and football field, a track, and two baseball diamonds also included.
Malcolm says there is a lot of excitement in the community over the new school.
"All of the students were part of the celebration. We have approximately 800 kids - around 420 in the grade 7-12 program, and around 380 n the K-6 program, who are now in the new school. And we had all of these children gather during the ceremony, and you could hear all of the cheers and claps during the ceremony and everybody was so excited. There is a lot of excitement in the air."
He added this project has been a total team effort
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin's MLA and Manitoba's Agriculture Minister was elected almost a year ago, on a night when the vote was over until nearly 2 am.
"It's been an honor, it's been a pleasure, and definitely an honor on the fact of being asked to be the Minister of Agriculture for the province. No better place to represent as an MLA than the Dauphin constituency and the surrounding area."
Minister Ron Kostyshyn has been busy in the Legislature, representing Dauphin, and assessing how to grow agriculture in the province.
In a brief review of the year, The minister highlighted added-value projects that could increase processing, processing jobs in the province, and other avenues of agricultural growth.
We'll be Joined by the minister early next week for a more in-depth look at his year in review.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Visitors to Brandon's Keystone Centre will soon be able to enjoy their favourite beverage at events in the facility in new eco-friendly cups.
A joint partnership between the Keystone Centre, McCain Foods, and Westman Communications Group will see the introduction of 100% recyclable aluminum cups at all concession stands and bars in Westoba Place and other parts of the facility.
The cups will not only reduce waste, but will also provide a unique brand experience, as each cup will feature the logos of all three partners, as well as a QR code directing fans to a one-stop hub for ticket purchases, 50/50 tickets, and more.
The new aluminum cups will be used at all hockey games, concerts, and special events held at the Keystone Centre throughout the season, beginning this weekend.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
With a strike by health care support staff in four Manitoba regional health authorities set to begin on Tuesday, Shared Health is advising Home Care clients that there might be possible service disruptions.
The strike, which could begin as early as 6 am on Tuesday, would include MGEU and CUPE represented health care support staff in Prairie Mountain Health, as well as through Winnipeg, Sotuhern, and Interlake-Eastman Health authorities.
In a news release, Shared Health stated that essential services agreements will be implemented if strike action does begin. These agreements – reached between employers and unions – are intended to support ongoing vital health services, including priority home care.
They add all efforts will be made to minimize service disruptions, but clients should expect some delays and/or changes to services – including the possibility of some cancellations.
Shared Health adds priority will be focused on ensuring clients continue to receive essential services, while some lower priority tasks are offered less frequently or postponed.
Clients whose home visits will be postponed or cancelled can expect to be contacted by phone and notified of the change.
Home care clients under Prairie Mountain Health are encouraged to call 1-855-474-3338 if they have questions or orconcerns.
In the Interlake-Eastman Health Authority region, that number to call with questions or concerns is 204-785-5577
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
This week is School Support staff appreciation week across Manitoba.
Mountainview School Division acting Superintendent Suzanne Cottyn provided the following statement on the week to CKDM News Now.
She said the oivision is taking time this week to recognize and thank each of our school support staff teams for their daily contributions in supporting our students, families, and teaching staff, adding their contribution to our school community is vital.
Cottyn encourages students, parents, and the community to join them in showing our deep appreciation.
School support staff includes bus drivers, mechanics, educational assistants, library assistants, custodians, maintenance staff, IT technicians, food services, community networkers, and division office staff.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Weekly Manitoba Crop Report logged a lot of progress, thanks to some hot, dry conditions.
It was one of the dryer weeks seen this year, with several locations across Agro-Manitoba seeing no rain at all, and the most being logged at The Pas with 7.6mm.
We can see how these conditions affected the harvest progress:
Spring Cereals leaped ahead as, 95% of wheat, and 98% of barley and oats were estimated as complete. Some more accurate assessments of yield have come in too.
Spring wheat yield estimates range from 40 to 95 bu/acre, with averages estimated at 70 bu/acre and Protein ranging from 10 to 15%.
Oat yield estimates range from 110 to 180 bu/acre, and Barley yield estimates range from 80 to 120 bu/acre.
Corn also developed rapidly, with the heat, and some harvest of corn has begun in parts of the eastern region.
Prominent oil seed progress was also made, with Flax starting the harvest. The current yeild estimates are betwee 20-25 bu/acre.
Canola yields range from 25 to 65 bu/acre, with averages ranging from 30 to 45 bu/acre.
Pulses and Soybeans have some more solid numbers for yield reports, with dry beans averaging 1700-2000lbs/acre, and Soybeans averaging 45bu/acre.
In forages and livestock, things are looking fairly good.
Straw baling is nearly finished, and the harvest of tame and native hayfield is wraping up.
Corn Silage has also begun in the northwest, and sits between 50 - 75% across the province.
Patures and dugouts are in solid standing, as the excess moisture this year led to strong pasture growth.
Some operations are beginning to bring cattle in for weaning and fall marketing of calves.
Closer to home in the Northwest, that stretch of high temperatures allowed for good harvest progress.
Daytime highs reached the upper 20’s and low 30’s, and The Pas station received the highest precipitation this week at 7.6 mm.
Heavy dews in the morning continue to narrow the harvest window at this time of year.
Extreme winds and wind gusts across the region on Monday were a challenge and caused canola swaths to blow. The highest wind gusts were recorded at Keld station at 86 km/hr.
Spring wheat harvest continues across the region and is approximately 90% complete. Lodged fields have made some slow progress in some fields, but the average reported yield so far is approximately 65 to 70 bu/acre. with some fields averaging less at 40-50 bu/acre and some going 80 bu/acre plus.
Canola harvest is approximately 65% complete across the region. Progress is more advanced in Swan Valley and The Pas while Dauphin/Ste. Rose continues to be behind due to many challenges this spring.
Swathing and desiccation are mostly wrapped up. Reported yields have been quite varied based on crop conditions throughout the season as well as disease pressure but are generally lower than average. Average yields so far have been approximately 30-40 bu/acre.
Soybean crops are in the R7 to R8 stage and looking good. Soybean harvest has begun in the Swan Valley area and is expected to begin soon in the rest of the region.
Seeding of winter wheat and fall rye is complete. Earliest-seeded crops have emerged and look good with recent moisture and warm temperatures.
Strong harvest efforts and optimal conditions are making quick work of this year's harvest, but there is still much to do before it's all over.
But for now, Here's wishing you a safe, speedy harvest, and minimal complications.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
This weekend could feature some of the most brilliant displays of Aurora Borealis, after the second strongest solar flare in the past 4 years was recorded.
the last time something like this hit earth was in may of this year, were Northern lights lit up the skies, stretching far into the US, reportedly visible as far south as Florida.
The Radiation from the initial burst hit the earth October 1st at about 5:20 pm, but the charged particles that create the spectacular lights travel a slower than the speed of light.
The Solar Plasma should hit the earth's magnetic field this Friday, creating a super-charge Aurora display that will span most of the night sky.
So get out this Friday night, and look up for an incredible display.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Gilbert Plains Co-op has released final totals from its Fuel Good Day.
This year, they raised $348.17 through their fundraising efforts on September 17th, which included donating 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold on that day.
Proceeds from Gilbert Plains Co-op Fuel Good Day have been earmarked for the Gilbert Plains Historical Society.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Parkland Humane Society is set to hold their Annual General Meeting tonight.
The gathering is set for 7 pm at the DNRC building on 3rd Avenue North West
THe public is encouraged to attend.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
