RCMP Looking for Information About Victim

Weeks after he was reported missing, the remains of James Vernon Giesbrecht, a 37-year-old man from Brandon were identified earlier this month.

Back in October, Blue Hills RCMP responded to an area on the outskirts of the City of Brandon in the RM of Cornwallis. Officers located human remains when they arrived and an investigation was launched.

Over the course of the past four months, investigators have worked closely with a Forensic Anthropologist from Brandon University as well as the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify the remains and determine a cause of death.

Two months after the remains were found in October, James was reported missing on December 12. His death is being investigated as a homicide.

“We believe a number of people encountered and interacted with James in late September and early October,” said Cpl. Julie Courchaine of the Manitoba RCMP. “We need those people to immediately come forward and call the Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110. These individuals likely have vital information about his movements and acquaintances during that time that could significantly help the investigation.”

Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen James in late September or early October to contact the RCMP by calling the Major Crime Services Tip Line at 1-431-489-8110.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Jan 24, 2023 - 4:06 pm

An arrest has been made in a seven-year-old homicide investigation.

On January 4th, 2016, the Virden RCMP received a report of an infant in medical distress on the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, and they were told that the child had been taken to the hospital. The two-month-old female was in critical condition when she arrived at the hospital.

On January 23rd, 2016, the girl succumbed to her injuries, and the death was deemed to be a homicide. RCMP Major Crimes Services began an investigation to determine who was responsible for the death.

In April 2022, police received new information, that advanced the investigation and led to charges being approved. Yesterday, Police arrested 32-year-old, Keifer Mecas, of Brandon, and charged him with Manslaughter.

He was released for a court appearance scheduled for March 6, 2023, in Brandon. The investigation is ongoing.

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 24, 2023 - 3:23 pm

The Selkirk RCMP arrested a man after a failed break-and-enter attempt yesterday, who was later found to have ingested a balloon filled with heroin and meth in an attempt to smuggle the drugs into a prison.

Police received a report of a break-and-enter in progress at a business on Main Street around 4 a.m. Monday morning. When they arrived, with was discovered that the suspect had tried to break into the business but fled the scene when he wasn't able to.

Officers found the suspect nearby and he was arrested without incident. Once officers confirmed the suspect's identity, it was discovered that he had an outstanding Canada Wide Parole Warrant, and he was taken to the Selkirk RCMP detachment.

While in custody, the suspect passed a balloon(pictured below) that was filled with what is believed to be heroin and methamphetamine, which he ingested to try and smuggle into prison.

Lennox Atlookan, 23, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Breaking and Entering, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Mischief, and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2. He was remanded into custody.

Selkirk Drug seized2835

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 24, 2023 - 1:49 pm

The Inter-Mountain Watershed District(IMWD) has launched a public engagement survey about the Dauphin Lake Enhanced Surface Water Management Plan for Turtle River and Ochre River watershed residents.

They are looking for feedback from residents of the area, to get a better understanding of their priorities says Robert Brunel, board member of IMWD and mayor of Ste. Rose.

"It's a great opportunity for residents and landowners to provide some input. The watershed is always looking for input on what people would like to see, whether it's improved drainage or projects to improve slowing down the water. We know after last spring we had a lot of water within the watershed and there was some flooding, maybe there are some projects out there that people are interested in participating in, and this is a great step to start that conversation."

In the survey, residents will be asked to rank priorities for the plan, share opinions on the current drainage system, identify how the 2022 flood has affected them, and any other suggestions or improvements they feel could be made within the IMWD.

IMWD is responsible for the maintenance of about 800 km of drainage channels and 900 crossings that transport water from Riding Mountain, down to Dauphin Lake. Brunel says the survey is open to everyone, but those who will be affected the most by these projects get a mail out.

"There was a mailout to all households within the municipality of Ste. Rose, McCreary, and the Ochre River part of Lakeshore Municipality, but the online survey is open to anyone that may have an interest and may want to provide some input on the integrated water management strategy."

The survey is available online at the IMWD website and can also be accessed by scanning the QR code below.

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 24, 2023 - 5:37 am

Manitoba Ag Days returned to the Keystone Centre in Brandon with a vengeance last week.

After years of having to hold virtual events because of the pandemic, Ag Days had a fully booked speaker lineup, all booths were sold out, and there was a waiting list. Media Coordinator Teresa Vallotton says it was really great to be back.

"We're very pleased with how the ag community really pulled together and showed up, it was an amazing year from the perspective of visitors and exhibitors. We had great comments of positive feedback all around, so it was a really, really positive way to kick off the 2023 growing season, and definitely where the ag year begins."

This year's event took a focus on farmer health, safety, and wellness, and part of that initiative was the sale of Ag Days merchandise for the first time ever. The proceeds go to the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, and Vallotton says it was well supported.

"We had a great response to the Manitoba Ag Days shirts being sold. There was always someone at the booth having questions or conversations, so I think it was a success from both points of view. Both in terms of the shirt sales and the conversations that were started."

Vallotton says another great cause being supported through the show was the Ag Days Gives Back Program. All the money raised by the 50/50 draw goes to community improvement grants and scholarships.

"The 50/50 was through the roof, I can't even say thank you enough for the support. We were at almost $70,000, and the support was phenomenal. We started Thursday with sales above what they had ended with in previous shows. So again, just amazing, thank you for all of that support, and our winner took home almost $35,000."

This year, the money was given to community fire departments around the province, and next year's category will be announced in September. The application process will open once the category is announced.

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 23, 2023 - 10:26 am

Just two months ago, Brian Onofreichuk once again started collecting dog food in memory of Adrian Gulay, a former RCMP officer based in Roblin. He took his life nine years ago so Brian, a great friend decided to start collecting dog food because Gulay was a big dog lover.

Then two months after he started collecting, Brian was at the Parkland Humane Society on Saturday afternoon to donate the food. The total donated was just about 3000 pounds.

Standing outside his trailer full of dog food, Onofreichuk says he was overwhelmed by the support.

"There has been so much incredible support," said Onofreichuk. "The generosity from everyone has been incredible."

The food will now be used to feed homeless dogs around the region. Ron Chartrand is the President of the Humane Society and he says the donation means a lot.

"It means that we can help a ton of animals around the region," said Chartrand. "To have Brian be able to pull together something like this, it's just incredible. We rely on the support from the public so we really can't thank him enough, it's amazing."

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Jan 23, 2023 - 5:16 am

The Dauphin Bible Camp is hosting an Outdoor Family Fun Day Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4. Camp Director Andrew Sevigny says they have some great activities planned.

"We have our toboggan hill open, and we have a skating rink here available, as well as, we're gonna do this fun thing for younger kids, where our wranglers are gonna pull them behind their horse on a sled, and just go for a little horse ride in that way."

The day is free to attend, and Sevigny says you just need to bring your skates or toboggan, whatever you plan on using.

"It's just a day aimed towards families to come out and enjoy camp and get people introduced to camp before we start looking towards the summer."

Family Fun Day: Sunday January 22 1-4pm Come and join us at camp for an afternoon of sledding, skating, and...
Posted by Dauphin Bible Camp on Monday, January 16, 2023

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 21, 2023 - 6:00 am

The Neepawa RCMP, Fire Department, and EMS responded to a report of a structure fire at a residence located on Walker Avenue at 7:10 p.m. on January 19th.

Firefighters quickly entered the home and located a deceased 68-year-old man. The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental, and the Neepawa RCMP, along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, continue to investigate.

Details: Contributed by Sam Brownell; Published: Jan 20, 2023 - 1:52 pm

The water for Eclipse Water Co-op customers will be temporarily turned off at 10 this morning.

This will affect anyone east of road 108/east of Ecoil Recycling.

Details: Contributed by Alec Woolston; Published: Jan 20, 2023 - 8:52 am

After a memorable 40-year career, Ron Hedley retired as CEO of Fusion Credit Union on June 1, 2020.

Although Ron remains busy with the many groups and organizations he is a part of in Dauphin, Hedley says he is enjoying retirement and the opportunities that he and his wife can now take part in.

While it has been more than two years since Ron left Fusion Credit Union, his legacy lives on as he recently received the Order of Merit from Manitoba Credit Unions. The Manitoba Credit Union Order of Merit recognizes individuals who demonstrate a significant commitment to the credit union system at the local, provincial, national and international levels.

"It's such a great award to receive," said Hedley. "It comes from your peers and it's always nice to be recognized like that."

During Ron’s tenure at Fusion, he was instrumental in promoting environmental sustainability initiatives including loans for solar panel projects and promoting Dauphin’s first ‘net zero’ home. He carried the same philosophy to the wider credit union system by volunteering on several boards and committees at the provincial level. Also during his time, Fusion Credit Union received some impressive accolades including being named one of Manitoba's Top Employers. He also introduced the Full Circle Fund to support community groups and projects.

"It was a fun ride. I had a board of directors, staff, and management that were so awesome, it was great going to work every day," ended Hedley. "I truly enjoyed going to work with the wonderful people that I had the chance to.

Ron also wants to thank his wife and his two sons for their amazing support over the years.

"I really appreciate everything they have always done for me and how much they have supported me," ended Hedley.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Jan 20, 2023 - 5:00 am

There were ten people from the Dauphin constituency awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in Brandon this week.

Dauphin MLA Brad Michaleski was part of the selection process, and he says the most difficult part was narrowing it down to just ten people.

"We literally have thousands of people that do so much good work. You know the medal is to recognize Manitoba's generosity, community and volunteer service, and reconciliation, so when we look at that, there are literally thousands of people across the constituency that qualify for this honour."

Michaleski says he tried to make sure the entire constituency was well represented through the honours.

"I did try to make the selections based on different walks of life, different experiences, you know people that have helped people in different circumstances. Try to get a wide range of people and interests. Our region is just so blessed with fantastic people that it was tough to choose."

The local recipients are: