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It's National Road Safety Week and the RCMP is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads, something that hasn't been happening in many cases during the pandemic.
In 2020, there were 1191 impaired driving charges laid by Manitoba RCMP and so far in 2021, officers have charged 323. And while the RCMP takes any speeding infraction very seriously, it's the 'super speeders' that they're spending extra focus on. In 2020, 20,515 drivers were charged with speeding. In 2021, 7163 people have been charged so far.
Sgt. Mark Hume, Acting Enforcement Commander with Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services, says not only are many people speeding, but many are doing so at an alarming rate. The RCMP has noticed that more people are driving more than 50 kilometres per hour over the speed limit.
"When you are going that fast, everything about your response as a driver changes – from stopping times, to maneuverability, to steering. This is the behaviour that puts lives at risk, and it is unacceptable," said Sgt. Hume.
In March and April of this year, the RCMP issued 106 tickets to drivers speeding by more than 50 km/hr over the posted speed limit. That number is more than twice that was charged last year or the year before, during the same time period. In 2020, 48 high-seed tickets were issued in March and April, 42 were issued during the two months in 2019.
"As I have said in the past, driving that fast is completely unacceptable," offered Sgt. Hume. "Not only are you putting yourself at risk, but you're putting others at risk as well. There is never a right time to speed, especially excessively as we have been dealing with this year far too many times."
Sgt. Hume says officers will be out and about more often this summer and they hope the next time that you hit the road, you will do so safely so everyone can return home safely.
I see people risking lives and taking deadly chances. We’ve said it before, but it remains true – our goal is to get everyone home safely," ended Sgt. Hume. "I don’t want to knock on any doors and tell someone their loved one has died."
The penalty for speeding can be quite severe, costing you thousands of dollars and could even cost you your license.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Due to a wildfire, Highway 6 between the St. Martin Junction and the Easterville Junction is closed.
Any traffic to Thompson will need to take a detour on Highway 10 and then take Highway 39.
The Wildfire Program of Manitoba Conservation and Climate is advising that wildfire danger levels remain extremely high across all of southern and central Manitoba.
As several wildfires are burning across the province, air-quality warnings have been issued for parts of western and central Manitoba due to smoke.
The province has also had to close Highway 5, between Carberry and Glenboro, and Provincial Road 307, between Seven Sisters Falls and Otter Falls.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Over $96,000 in COVID-19 fines were handed out last week in Manitoba.
Officials issued 62 tickets to Manitobans for various offenses, five for not wearing a mask in an indoor public place, and three to Manitoba businesses, for a total of 70 tickets.
Officials advise 53 of the 62 $1,296 tickets issued were in relation to gatherings in private residences or outdoors, six for failure to self-isolate, one for unnecessary northern travel, and two issued to sole proprietorships.
Manitoba Justice Officials report that 22 tickets were issued in relation to rallies, including two tickets from the Winkler rally on May 1, six tickets from The Forks rally on May 1, and 14 tickets from the Law Courts rally on May 3.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The Mossey River Municipality has issued a complete burning ban.
Effective today (Tuesday, May 18th) all burning in the municipality is restricted, including burn barrels and fire pits.
Anyone burning will be charged accordingly.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
The Mountain View School Division has announced that Henderson Elementary School will be moving to full remote learning for two weeks.
Beginning Thursday, May 20th, Henderson Elementary will be closed to in-person learning until June 3rd due to an increased number of COVID-19 cases associated with the school.
Exceptions will be made for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students who are children of Critical Service Workers and can’t make alternative care arrangements, and children with special needs.
The MVSD is advising of another case of COVID-19 associated with Henderson Elementary. The school division was notified of the case on Monday, May 17th.
The individual was not present at the school during their infectious period and had no school-related close contacts; therefore no public health investigation is required.
Questions about this remote learning period can be directed to the school at 204-638-4653.
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- Contributed by Tess Kovach
Nearly $2 million in fines has been handed out to individuals and businesses for breaching public health orders in the province -- but as of late last month -- not even close to that amount has been paid back.
By April 28, only $162,975 had been paid back, according to a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice.
At the beginning of Manitoba’s second wave of COVID-19 in November, the province announced 90 personnel from G4S Canada would be deployed to enforce the public health orders. At the time, Premier Brian Pallister said the move was to target the few people who refuse to follow public health orders, which puts those who do at risk.
Then, on May 7, the province increased the fines for people who fail to wear a mask multiple times from $298 to $486 and doubled the ticket for other penalties under the order.
People who don’t pay their fines can't renew their driver’s licence through Manitoba Public Insurance or the province could garnish their wages, Pallister said at the time.
If a ticket for a Public Health Act offence isn’t paid, it moves through the provincial court system and a $100 default conviction penalty would be applied. Unpaid tickets are also sent to a collection agency.
If a collection agency becomes involved, and funds aren’t recovered, the offender’s credit rating is negatively impacted for the next several years, according to a spokesperson from Recoveries Manitoba, a collection agency in Winnipeg.
On Monday, Dr. Brent Roussin reiterated how important it is to continue following public health orders.
"We need to be cautious and we need to continue doing what we can to keep everyone safe," ended Roussin. "We also need eligible Manitobans to get their vaccine, it's very important."
As of Monday, more than 50% of eligible Manitobans had gotten their first dose. You can book yours by calling 1-844-626-8222. If you are booking an appointment for your child who is under the age of 18, you must book in their name, not yours.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Manitoba 150 is providing $2.5 million to 240 legacy projects across the province through Build 150, and some of that money is trickling into the Parkland.
Five different projects are being funded in Dauphin.
Dauphin Public Library is receiving funding to create an enchanted forest feel in the children's area.
Parkland Regional Library Director, Alison Moss says they usually have a very busy children’s room with lots of programming.
“One of the things that we really got talking about that it was time for a refresh in the children’s space. So this project just fit the mandate of really celebrating our communities and Manitoba.”
Vibrant green flooring will be installed and a local artist will create a tree of life on the feature wall.
Alison says the library wanted to use local artists for the children’s area.
“We worked with Northern Edge Logworks and we shared our dream of bringing the outdoors in. We also had a youth volunteer come and do some painting on the wall.”
Existing furniture will be re-purposed by Perry Kowall from Northern Edge Logworks to complement the design, and new windows will flood the space with natural light.
Henderson Elementary School will be getting funding for playground upgrades which will include 16 new swing sets and the replacement of the sandbox with a single smaller piece of equipment.
Bart Michaleski, Secretary-Treasurer for Mountainview School Division they work closely with all of their schools whenever they’re looking to improve their playground facilities.
“It’s always great when one of our schools is successful in achieving some funding through various grants, and Manitoba 150 has been supporting a lot of community initiatives and it’s great to see.”
Dauphin Recreation Services is receiving funding and will be upgrading the ice plant, including replacing an outdated cooling system with a more modern and environmentally-friendly option.
The City of Dauphin’s funding is going towards designing and building a multi-use path to provide increased safety to cyclists and pedestrians.
Canada's National Ukrainian Festival will also receive funding to create a shed over the traditional bake ovens to protect them from the elements and prevent further deterioration.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
Cynthia Nault has loved baking for as long as she can remember. Whether she's making a cake, cookies, or anything in between, the Gilbert Plains native who now lives just outside of Winnipeg loves to be in the kitchen doing her thing.
And now with a quick few clicks, you could help her win $20,000. Cynthia is competing in the 'Greatest Baker Competition' and her group includes bakers from all over Canada. A passion for her, Cynthia advanced to the second round last year. Her sister; meanwhile, made the top five in the second round.
"That was so great, I was cheering her on, she did a great job," said Nault.
$20,000 would go a long way towards Cynthia's future goals, but she says it's not all about the money. At the end of the day, Nault will continue spending many hours in the kitchen whether she wins or doesn't.
"I do this for the fun, this is what I love doing," said Nault. "I'm happy to share my baking with others, it's a great feeling."
Now that's where you come in. Until May 20, you can vote for Cynthia as she looks to advance to the next round. At this point, she's in a good position sitting in 9th in her group and the top 15 will advance. All you have to do is head to 'Vote for Cynthia' and you can help send the Gilbert Plains native into the second round.
And the next time you're in the kitchen baking and you're wondering what the recipe to success is, Nault says to never rush things.
'Low temperature more time. Helps to not over-bake and burn and gives a nice even colour," ended Nault. "As well as when a recipe says room temperature make sure it’s that. There is a reason for it.
If Cynthia were to win the $20,000 grand prize, it would go towards opening a bakery, something she dreams about very often.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Police say a man from Rossburn has been arrested after impersonating a Peace Officer.
On May 13th Manitoba First Nation Police Service Officers received a report of a suspicious man that gained access to the Waywayseecappo First Nation, by pretending to be a Peace Officer.
Because of COVID-19, access to the First Nation is currently limited.
Police say the suspect was arrested without incident, and a 2014 retired Ford Taurus Police Interceptor was seized.
The vehicle was equipped with security bars on the rear windows. A set of red and blue flashing LED lights was also seized.
The 45-year-old suspect from Rossburn has been charged with impersonation of an officer and will appear in court at a later date.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
A record 41,754 COVID-19 vaccine appointments were booked on Friday after age eligibility was lowered to 12 and older.
The Manitoba government is reminding parents to book their child's appointment under their child’s name, not their own name. If that parent had already received a first dose, the appointment would be cancelled as second-dose appointments are not currently being accepted.
Parents who used their own names to book their child’s appointment and received a cancellation email are encouraged to call or go online to book again.
People aged 12 to 15 can either attend the appointment with a parent, guardian or caregiver, or bring a signed consent form at the time of their appointment. If the youth attends without a guardian and without a signed consent form, they will go through an informed consent process with a clinical lead to assess their ability to consent on their own and proceed with the vaccine.
Young people aged 16 and 17 can sign their own consent form.
Appointments can be made by calling 1-844-626-8222, or online.
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- Contributed by Trillian Reynoldson
A special air quality statement is in effect for Dauphin and much of the Parkland, including the Municipality of Ethelbert.
Several wildfires are burning northeast of Ethelbert and in Lake St Martin area causing localized areas of smoke, reducing visibilities and causing poor air quality downwind of fires.
Due to the locally smoky conditions that we can expect, individuals living in or travelling to the above-noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current local air conditions. In these current conditions, and even in less affected areas, some individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose.
In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, you're encouraged to take the following precautions:
- limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity;
- reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area;
- turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors; and
- keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials
People at higher risk include older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions, such as breathing difficulties or heart problems.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
