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An Easterville man charged with Manslaughter, in connection with a deadly stabbing in The Pas has made another court appearance.

41-year-old Eugene Michelle, of The Pas, died of injuries sustained in the January 19th incident, while a 37-year-old man was transported to hospital in Winnipeg.

33-year-old Pierre Young remains in custody after appearing in The Pas this week for a preliminary hearing, where he was committed for trial in The Pas Court of King’s Bench at a later date.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man arrested in connection with a police chase on the Ebb & Flow First Nation last December has also appeared in court again.

Edward Sutherland remains in custody until his next court date in Dauphin on September 24.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 6:00 pm

Dauphin Culture Days unofficially begins tonight (Thursday) with the regular Third Thursday Music night beginning at 7 pm at the Dauphin Public Library.

Co-organizer Jean-Louis Guillas says their first official event is the Meet the Makers Under the Stars event, set for Friday night

"It will be the second time that we are doing this right along Main Street, by Fusion Credit Union and all the way down to Matijn and Kelly's (van Lujin) yard. Last year I think they had around 18 differet vendors set up there. Come and meet them and see what they are all about. We are starting a bit earlier this year because it gets dark a little earlier now. So it will be from 4 pm until dusk. although they will have lights and music do you can stay longer."

Dauphin Culture Days runs until October 13th

The full list of events can be found by typing Dauphin into the search spot on the events page of www.culturedays.ca.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 3:00 pm

A 25-year-old man from Keeseekoowenin First Nation faces charges after RCMP in Hamiota recovered a 2024 Polaris side-by-side that was reported stolen from a cottage at Sandy Lake.

A report that the stolen side-by-side was at a residence on the First Nation came in to Hamiota RCMP on September 10th.

Along with assistance from the Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, they executed a search warrant at this property where officers recovered the stolen side-by-side with a trailer.

Information obtained from this address led officers to another home in Keeseekoowenin, where more stolen property was observed outside.

A search of the property led to the additional recovery of four golf carts, two snowmobiles, two off-road vehicles, one trailer, and six firearms.

The accused was eventually released on a promise to appear in Minnedosa Provincial court on December 17th.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 1:20 pm

If a career in health care is something of interest to you, then Assiniboine College's Parkland Campus wants to see you tonight (Thursday).

Campus director Carol Stewart says they are holding a special open house.

"We will be starting at 6:30 in the evening at our campus, located at 520 Whitmore Avenue East in Dauphin. We are going to be providing lots of information about two programs that we offer at the Parkland Campus. That is our Practical Nursing program and our Comprehensive Health Care Aide certificate."

Stewart adds they strongly encourage anyone interested in applying for either of these courses to attend this event.

"We are going to present information on both programs and admission requirements, we are going to offer a tour of the campus, and we will answer any questions and help with any applications."

The Comprehensive Health Care Aide program is a six-month course that will begin in January, while the Practical Nurse course begins in September of 2025 and runs for 2 years.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 19, 2024 - 12:23 pm

Fusion Credit Union is working to support local businesses with the return of their annual Infusion Program.

This program started in 2021, focuses on economic development by supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and job creators.

Since May, fusion has been receiving applications from local businesses. Their five judges narrowed down the list to 12 applicants, who submitted detailed business plans.

After thorough review, the final 5 have been selected, for a chance at $30,000 in funding.

Fusion Credit Union invites the public to their "final five" night, October 23rd, were these 5 businesses will pitching their business for their shot at the funds.

It will be 6:30 pm at the Aspen Lodge, and free to attend for everyone. the winner will be announced following the pitches.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 6:30 pm

Several local activities and groups will benefit from money raised earlier this year by Sunrise Credit Union branches, and their members.

The 19 branches that make-up Sunrise Credit Union held a combined total of 26 fundraising events over the spring and summer.

In Ste. Rose, the branch there raised $1100 for the Fitness Centre, while the Grandview branch brought in $1300 dollars for the Parkland Humane Society.

In Shoal Lake, $1,005 was raised for the Oakburn Community Hall, while the Strathclair Fire Department received $1,004 through fundraising efforts at their branch.

And, four groups in Minnedosa received funding, including $512 for the Minnedosa Drop-In Centre, $300 for the Canada Day Committee, $283 for the Fun Fest Committee, and $252 for the Minnedosa Museum and Heritage Village.

In total, $27,893.89 was raised by Sunrise Credit Union branches this year for local community groups and activities.

Sunrise Credit Union president and CEO Tim Klassen applauded the time and effort given by their staff to hold these fundraising events, as well as thanking their members for supporting these initiatives.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 3:15 pm

Two people have been charged after Swan River RCMP and a number of other agencies executed a search warrant on a home on 1st Street South.

At around 6:35 pm on September 7th, Mounties entered the home and took two men into custody.

The search resulted in the seizure of five firearms, as well as six BB and Airsoft guns, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, ammunition, knives, machetes, brass knuckles, and a crossbow, as well as unstamped cigarettes.

RCMP Emergency Response Team, the RCMP Remote Piloted Aircraft Section, and the RCMP Police Service Dog Flex and his handler all assisted with the search warrant.

The 77 and 31-year-old men face two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, as well as firearms charges.

They have been released from custody pending a court date.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 2:00 pm

The former Executive Director of Sandy Bay Child and Family Services has been named in a statement of claim by the organization.

In a news release sent to CKDM News Now, Sandy Bay CFS says it filed its claim in Court of King's Bench in Winnipeg on Tuesday, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract among other things.

They are seeking over $10 million dollars be repaid back to them by Richard De La Ronde, as well as Radka Inc., Timothy Catcheway, and Shawendasaawin Inc., along with damages.

The statement of claim alleges De La Ronde unjustly used money intended to help vulnerable children and families for his own personal gain.

The suit also seeks punitive and aggravated damages.

According to the release, Sandy Bay CFS terminated De La Ronde from his position for cause in 2021 after he approved multiple purchases without supporting documentation and because he was suspected of fraudulent activities.

The charges have yet to be proven in court.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 12:28 pm

A relatively dry week made for a strong harvest progress in the weekly Manitoba crop report.

The highest amount of precipitation fell in the central area with Windygates with 24.2 mm of rain. Several locations saw no rain in the week.

Harvest continues to roll along, with the Fall rye and winter wheat already wrapped up. Field peas are right behind, sitting at 99% complete provincially.

Yield reports are also coming in, with some wide ranges.

In Cereals, we're seeing 40 to 90 bu/acre for winter wheat and fall rye in the north Interlake and Eastern regions, and 80 to 110 bu/acre for fall rye in the south Interlake and Central regions.

As for this year's crops, Spring wheat yield estimates range from 60 to 90 bu/acre, with an average of 70 bu/acre in the Central and Eastern regions. In the north Interlake, yields range from 25 to 55 bu/acre, and up to 70 bu/acre in the south Interlake.

Barley ranges from 90 - 115 bu/acre, oats from 80 - 180 bu/acre, and corn is yet to be harvested.

Corn is approching maturity quickly though, as cobs are in the dent growth stage.

Canola continues to be harvested, but other oilseeds are still developing.

Flax is mostly drying, and at the stems turn brown, pre-harvest applications will go on. flax fields are looking fairly good, aside from the areas that suffered from flooding earlier this year.

Sunflowers are also in the later stages, moving mostly in the R9 stage, but there are still a few locations in stage R8, due to later planting.

With dry bean harvest picking up, there has been a massive varied report of yield, ranging from 500 - 3500lbs/acre. Quality reports are still good overall.

Soybeans will be reaching full maturity soon, but fields range from R7-R8.

As fall approaches, Dairy producers have completed third cut harvest in Eastern Manitoba. Beef cattle producers continue to work on second cut of tame hayfields.

The seasonal risk of frost does increase the possiblity of excess nitrates in feed, and producers are recommended to be mindful of the critical harvest fall period.

Overall forage and pasture growth is more than last year due to the early season moisture. Pastures rarely look this good in September and are still producing regrowth.

Many producers are bailing straw as cereal harvest continues, and some have reported higher production of straw this year.

Aside from some much drier conditions in the southwest portion of the province, dugouts are averaging 65% full.

Closer to home in the northwest region, it was a strong week of harvest, with a small break mid-week for some rain.

The week started hot but also saw some rather chilly nights. The hottest day was seen at the Birch River Station, logging 35c, and the coldest was at the Minitonas Station at 2.7c.

Harvest has been a bit challenging in areas where crops have been lodged, and that's in cereals, oilseeds, and field peas.

Local yeild reports are varied, with spring wheat being a wildcard. The average reported yield so far is approximately 65 to 70 bushels/acre. Some fields average less at 40 to 50 bu/ac and some go 80 bu/acre plus.

Field pea and canola harvest are more stable, with only a 5-10bu/acre range. Canola is a bit lower than expected, as crops have dealt with difficult conditions and disease pressure.

With the season moving a long, it's only a matter of time before the fields mature, and the last of the grain hits the bin.

We here at CKDM wish all producers a safe, speedy, and bountiful harvest.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Sep 18, 2024 - 11:13 am

Joel Fedorchuk was born and raised in Swan River.

As he grew up, Joel became increasingly more interested in a career as a firefighter. In September 2013, Joel made his dreams a reality as he joined the Swan Valley Fire Department. Fedorchuk has now been serving and protecting the Swan Valley for 11 years.

While firefighters are presented with extremely difficult situations, Joel couldn't imagine not being a firefighter. He loves doing anything he can to help his community.

"I enjoy the camaraderie of our department, being alongside the fellow firefighters," said Fedorchuk. "I've made many lifelong friendships and it's where I met some of my closest friends."

If you look up the definition of 'Swan River Strong' in the dictionary, that's where you will find Joel's name. It's his hometown and he's extremely passionate about the community.

"I've been here my whole life, the people around here are amazing," said Fedorchuk. "It's great to serve them in this role, it's a dream of mine and I love that I get to do it."

Chairperson of the Swan Valley Fire Board David Moriaux recently announced that Ed Shao had been promoted to Lieutenant.

At the same time, Fedorchuk received a promotion as he is now Captain of the Fire Department.

"I feel extremely honoured that the senior officers and fire board promoted me," said Fedorchuk. "It's a great feeling. I look forward to continuing to work with the department in this new role."

Joel admits the last 11 years have been the best of his life so the next time you see Captain Fedorchuk around town, congratulate him and thank him for his service.