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With all the snow that the Parkland has received so far this season, snowmobilers are eager to hit the trails once again.
As of the time of writing, most of Snoman's (Snowmobilers of Manitoba) trails have not opened up yet. There are a select few that are open, according to Snoman's trail map.
Before you get out on the trails, there are some things to consider. Make sure your snowmobile is registered, and if you plan on using any of Snoman's trails, purchase a Sno-pass at your local MPI agent. The fine for an unregistered offroad vehicle is $174 while the fine for not having a Sno-pass is $486. Also, ensure that you have a helmet and are dressed appropriately for the weather. An emergency kit containing items like extra gloves and socks, a whistle, flares, and a shovel, would be good to have as well.
Telling someone that you plan to head out for a ride, as well as giving them your route and approximate time of return is another layer of safety to add to your trips.
When you are actually out on the snowmobile trails, Yvonne Rideout, Executive Director of Snoman, has a few tips.
"Some important points are to take your time when you're riding--excessive speed often leads to incidents, and always ride to your right."
Rideout adds that it is also crucial to stay on the groomed trails. This way you avoid any potential charges under the Trespass Act.
While it may sound obvious, being sober is the best way to enjoy the snowmobile trails. The fine for being caught with alcohol, even if you are in one of the shelters, is $672.
"Impaired operation of a snowmobile carries the same consequences as driving a vehicle while impaired. Penalties can include significant fines, impoundment of your snowmobile, and a conviction resulting in a criminal record", warned Rideout.
Also, since it is early in the season, be mindful of ice thickness on trails that go over lakes. The minimum ice thickness to support a snowmobile is 5 cm.
"The clubs go and check for ice depth before they groom across ice, so that's why it's very important to stay on the groomed trails", said Rideout.
As we get closer and closer to trails being open, Rideout asks people to have patience while they are being packed and ready to be opened and to have a safe season.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Earlier this month, an investigation into illegal tree harvesting was started by Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development on a Crown land plantation near Marchand, Manitoba.
The investigation began after a tip was received from the public. Later, on December 13th, conservation officers observed a suspect bringing trees out of the plantation. The plantation itself is a valuable test area that grows high-quality trees for forestry renewal projects in southern Manitoba.
30 black spruce trees and a chainsaw were seized, along with 18 trees that had been cut but not yet removed. All together, 167 trees were cut and the majority of them were between 20 and 30 feet tall.
The suspect said that he was selling the trees at his business in the city of Steinbach. He now faces charges under the Forest Act of Manitoba and if convicted, faces a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to 6 months in jail.
Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development reminds Manitobans that a tree permit is needed to cut trees on crown land. Once you have that, you can cut a coniferous tree up to three metres high with a limit of one per household.
The harvested trees were donated to a Ukrainian church in Winnipeg.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Waskaa'igan Neegan overnight drop-in centre at Under One Roof on 37 - 3rd Ave. Northwest in Dauphin has been running for just more than a week in Dauphin and there has been great reception.
The centre provides a warm and safe environment for people who experience homelessness and it's open from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Over the past week, anywhere from 15 to 25 individuals per night are using the drop-in centre for shelter as temperatures continue to dip into the 30s overnight.
Frances Chartrand with the Northwest Métis Council says there were many factors that went into opening the centre in conjunction with the Housing First Program.
"We would see our people getting into trouble back when the jail was here so they could go to a warm space," said Chartrand. "They would injure themselves so they could go to the hospital, it's a harsh reality that there are people in our community that have no home. We are very happy to be able to provide this for the homeless in our city."
While there are no beds in the drop-in centre, there are many amenities including chairs and a television. Snacks and hot beverages are also offered.
"This is a safe place for the homeless to go to get away from any violence and the cold," said Chartrand. "Also the harsh reality of not having a home."
Chartrand says there is full-time security on site, and they have also hired outreach workers that will be there to assist anyone that needs it.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The extreme cold warning is no longer in effect:
4:23 AM CST Wednesday 21 December 2022
Extreme Cold Warning ended for:
- Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
- Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
- Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
- Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
- Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
- Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
- R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
- R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
- R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park
ORIGINAL STORY:
With temperatures expected to dip into the minus 40s on Tuesday night, an extreme cold warning is in effect.
The warning is in place for Dauphin and surrounding communities including Gilbert Plains, Grandview, and Ethelbert, to name a few.
Risks are greater for young children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, people working or exercising outdoors, and those without proper shelter. Temperatures are expected to return to seasonal by the weekend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Since 1998, the Tabs for Wheelchair program has provided 52 specialized wheelchairs for Manitoba children that need one.
Next year, the program will celebrate its 25th year and before that, you can be a part of the program. All you have to do is pull off your tab from your beverage and save it. Then the next time you head to the Dauphin Co-op Food Store or the Ste. Rose Co-op Home & Building Centre, you can take the tabs and put them in the collection bin.
Those tabs are then sent to the Winnipeg recycling depot and the money from the recycled tabs plus additional monetary donations go towards purchasing a new specialized wheelchair for a child that otherwise wouldn't be able to access one. The recipients are chosen by the rehab centre for children and Manitoba Possible, (formerly SMD).
It takes roughly 14 to 24 million tabs to purchase one wheelchair and while that may seem like a daunting number, Rachel from the Co-op says if everyone comes together, it doesn't take as long as one would expect.
"That's why I'm inviting you to be a part of this program with me because every little tab does help," said Rachel.
At next year's celebration of the program running for 25 years, two children will receive their wheelchairs.
"That's going to be very exciting presentation and emotional at the same time," said Rachel. "I love knowing that I helped out, even just a little bit, and I hope you will join as well."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
There have been 82 deaths related to fatal collisions in Manitoba this year, one-third of which are related directly to drinking and driving.
With the holiday season here, the RCMP knows people are going to be out and about having fun, but they want you to know that if you need to drive, you must do so sober.
Whether it's alcohol or cannabis, driving under the influence continues to take lives.
"People can't be drinking and driving, we lose too many people in impaired fatal collisions," said Paul Manaigre, Sargeant with the RCMP. "Our officers are going to be out there and the ones that get caught will face the consequences."
The consequences could include a criminal record, suspension of your license, and your license will cost more, to name a few. Manaigre says you should always enjoy time with your family and friends, you just need to make sure to do it safely.
"We want everyone to enjoy themselves throughout the holiday season," said Manaigre. "If you're going to drink or use cannabis, find an alternate ride or stay where you are."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Dauphin Food Bank is preparing for a very busy two days to assure that hundreds of families in need have food to eat and that's not it.
On Wednesday, 238 applicants will be getting hampers full of food, treats, and toys for the kids. Robin Gambler with the Food Bank says she is very pleased to be able to help those in need.
"It's a really good feeling that we're going to be able to help out so many families," said Gambler. "146 of those families were adopted and those that weren't adopted out are going to have a great Christmas as well."
If you missed out on applying but you and your family are still in need, the Food Bank will be hosting an intake on Thursday from 5 to 7 at Parkland Crossing.
"We will have very large hampers for the folks that come in," said Gambler. "It's going to be larger than our normal hampers."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
All previous extreme cold warnings are now over.
ORIGINAL STORY:
It has been a chilly week so far and it looks to get a little chillier south of Dauphin.
Environment Canada has issued an extreme cold warning for Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park and Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne. Periods of cold bringing windchills of -40 are expected this morning and through the week.
The worst of the cold weather will occur at night and in the early morning hours. Temperatures should return to seasonal norms by the weekend. Click here for a map of weather alerts in Manitoba.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Russell RCMP responded to an assault at a business on Main Street in Russell last Thursday, December 15th.
Reportedly, a woman who appeared to be intoxicated had entered the business and assaulted an employee. The employee then locked themself in a back room and called police.
Officers attended quickly and were able to arrest the female, who became combative and spat at officers. While in transport to the detachment, she was kicking at the windows of the police vehicle. Upon arrival at the detachment, she attempted to assault other officers. She also refused to identify herself.
Just before the assault at the business on Main Street in Russell, the female approached an adult male who was shoveling snow with a five-year-old child and struck the child with her purse before leaving the scene. The child was not physically injured.
33-year-old Renee Gambler of Waywayseecappo First Nation is charged with:
- 2 counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer
- 2 counts of Obstructing a Peace Officer
- 2 counts of Resisting Arrest
- 2 counts of Assault
- 2 counts of Mischief
- 1 count of Assault with a Weapon
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Canada Post office in Winnipegosis is closed for now due to unexpected staffing issues. In the meantime, customers can pick up their mail at the Fork River post office, which will have extended hours.
Keep in mind that you will need to provide valid government-issued photo identification to pick up your mail.
Canada Post says they are working on a contingency plan to re-open the Winnipegosis post office as soon as possible and apologize to their customers for the inconvenience.
If you have any questions about postal services, you can contact the customer service team at Canada Post by going to canadapost.ca or calling 1-866-607-6301.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Canadian crop hail industry provided 10-billion dollars in coverage for 2022, which is a record-setting amount, according to the Canadian Crop Hail Association (CCHA).
The association also notes that producers bought more insurance in 2022 in the face of heightened input costs, inflation, and stronger crop prices. Any producers who delayed getting insurance likely had issues finding it as there was an unanticipated 20% increase in demand.
Insurance payments to producers in the prairie provinces will be more than 265-million dollars while premiums producers paid totaled over 375-million dollars. This makes for an industry loss ratio of 71%.
Manitoba reported a loss ratio of 43%, compared with Saskatchewan at 68%, and Alberta at 98%.
The CCHA has been serving the crop insurance industry since 1915 and represents the interests of Canadian crop hail managing agencies and insurance companies.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
