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Sawyer Bauch loves to smile and she loves when other people are smiling.

Earlier this year at the Ashern Personal Care Home, it was all smiles not only for Sawyer but for every resident and staff member at the Care Home. While at Alf Cuthbert School in Moosehorn, Sawyer was asked by her teacher what one of her goals was. 

With no hesitation and no surprise, Sawyer wanted to make people smile. So she decided to train her miniature donkey named Fireball to be a service animal that could visit residents at the Ashern Personal Care Home.

The visit brought great joy to all involved.

"I wanted to bring my donkey to the care home because it makes me happy to see other people be happy," said Bauch. "It went great, everyone loved him. They were all interested and Fireball was so happy, he loves pets."

Sawyer has had Fireball for four years and spends as much time as possible with him. Previous to Sawyer getting Fireball, he had never been handled by people. Now he's a Bauch and Sawyer wouldn't have it any other way.

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While the visit at the Ashern Personal Care Home was outside, Sawyer is now training Fireball to be able to go inside. 

"I love spending time with him, he makes me so happy," shared Bauch. 

Sawyer plans on taking Fireball on more visits in the near future so if you're lucky enough to see him in person, give him a few extra pets and prepare to smile. 

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Grand Chief Cathy Merrick will lie in state on Wednesday at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

The former Grand Chief, who suddenly passed away last Friday, will lie in state between noon and 5:00 p.m. During this time, members of the public are invited to pay their respoects, but photography will be prohibited in the ceremonial room where the lying in state will take place.

A book of condolences will be placed at the base of the Grand Staircase of the Manitoba Legislative Building.

If you attend the lying in state, you can sign a book, which will be gifted to the family after the week ends. Following Wednesday, you can sign the book for the remainder of the week between the hours of 8 and 8. The flags at the Legislative Building will be lowered to half-mast until the funeral in Cross Lake on Saturday.

Cathy spent more than a decade as a band councillor at Pimicikamak First Nation and became the community's chief in 2013, the second woman to do so. She was then elected grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in October 2022 and was re-elected in July of this year. Merrick became the first woman to lead the advocacy group in its nearly 35-year history. 

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If your daily commute takes you to or from the west end of the city, you will have to alter your travel plans for the day.

CN Rail is conducting repairs on the track at the rail crossing on PTH 5A and Buchanon Avenue, meaning that crossing will be closed from, 8 am to 4 pm today (Tuesday).

Traffic will have to use the Highway 5 by-pass to get to and from the west end of the city.

 

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Parks Canada has announced it is removing a curtain deployed last month in an effort to contain zebra mussels to one corner of Clear Lake.

The curtain, which was weighted to the bottom of the lake, was positioned from Boat Cove to Wasagaming's main beach.

But it was recently dislodged by winds and high waves.

Parks Canada officials say the curtain was damaged and is no longer an effective means of containment and cannot be repaired or replaced this fall.

They add the private contractor that provided and installed the curtain will be responsible for its removal.

Clear Lake will continue to be monitored for mussel DNA, larvae, and adult mussels until ice forms this winter.

The monitoring will help determine whether plans for a potential eradication or control treatment using potash are feasible.

Temporary watercraft bans at Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to the public

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In Canada, approximately 12 people die by suicide each day.

Per year, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide. In 2022, 153 Manitobans took their own life, 105 of which were males. Suicide rates are approximately three times higher among men compared to women.

Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 34. It is estimated that 12 per cent of people had thoughts of suicide in their lifetime while 2.6 per cent have had thoughts in the past year.

It's also estimated that 4.2 per cent had planned suicide in their lifetime and 3.1 per cent had attempted suicide. 

Tuesday marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

Rod Seib is a peer support coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association - Swan Valley Branch.

"This is a topic that many people are uncomfortable discussing," said Seib. "So many people have been affected by suicide, whether it's a loved one or a friend. Suicide is something that needs to be talked about more and that is why this day is so important."

Seib understands that reaching out for help may be one of the most difficult decisions that has to be made. In a recent annual report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, 37 youth deaths by suicide were reported between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, 42 per cent more than during the previous year. 

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, Seib encourages you to reach out because there are professionals who are ready to help.

"There is no judgement, many of us struggle alone and are scared to reach out," shared Seib. "By not reaching out, things can get worse. In many cases, things do not get better without help."

Seib also stresses the importance of being kind. 

"Do not be afraid to ask someone how they're doing, it could make their day," said Seib. "Ask them if they have anything they want to open up about. Offer that patient, non-judgemental ear with empathy to hear what's going on."

You may have heard the saying 'It's okay not to be okay'. It means that it is normal and valid to feel off sometimes. It's also a reminder that self-care could be needed. You shouldn't blame yourself and always know that should you need it, help is there.

"You have to understand that it is not a weakness to be struggling," ended Seib. "We have to get the message out that it is okay to not be okay. If you are struggling, that is okay. Do not beat yourself up by thinking you should be doing better than you are. There are supports and resources available if and when you need them."

Locally, the Canadian Mental Health Association - Parkland Branch can be reached by calling 638-4097. You can also call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.

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The RCMP are looking for Cheyenne Beaulieu.

The 33-year-old man from Dauphin failed to appear in Dauphin Court on Friday for sentencing. He was found guilty of manslaughter after a 33-year-old man died in July of 2021. 

The wounded victim was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. If you know the whereabouts of Cheyenne, you're asked to contact 911. 

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September 30th is the deadline for producers in the Westlake Watershed District to apply for funding through the GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds program.

Tatiana Sarigumba is the GROW Co-ordinator for the watershed district.

She says the program financially supports producers for projects that improve watershed health, while also benefiting their operation.

"Priority outcomes of GROW include improved watershed resilience through climate change and improved water quality.  The co-benefits targeted include improved on-farm water management, enhanced sustainable agricultural production, improved biodiversity and habitat, and increased carbon sequestration and storage "

Examples of projects eligible for funding include well establishment, off-site watering for riparian enhancement, livestock exclusion fencing, and the establishment of perennial forage stands and polycrops for livestock feed and soil health improvement. 

Producers that live in the Alonsa, Lakeshore, southeast Mossey River, and northeast Westlake-Gladstone areas, as well as Northern Affairs, are eligible to apply for this program.

More info can be found online at www.westlakewd.com or by calling 204-767-2101 

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The body of late Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick will lie in state at Manitoba's legislative building.

Merrick, who was 62, died suddenly on Friday when she was speaking to reporters outside of Winnipeg's law courts. She collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she passed away.

A wake, funeral and burial are being planned in her home community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, but no dates have been set as of yet. On Saturday, Premier Wab Kinew said that Merrick's family have been permitted for her to lie in state and the province is expected to announce the date for the lying in state soon. 

Cathy spent more than a decade as a band councillor at Pimicikamak First Nation and became the community's chief in 2013, the second woman to do so. She was then elected grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in October 2022 and was re-elected in July of this year. Merrick became the first woman to lead the advocacy group in its nearly 35-year history. 

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A man arrested following a high speed chase last month on the Ebb & Flow First Nation has made another court appearance.

33-year-old Sean Beaulieu remains in custody until his next appearance on October 8th.

And one of three suspects in a New Year's Eve armed robbery on the reserve was also back before a judge late last week.

27-year-old Braden Moar had his matters put over until May of 2025.

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UPDATE:

Keith Racette has been arrested. The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

The Ste. Rose RCMP are on the lookout for an individual after arresting another, who were both involved in making violent threats on a video posted online.

On August 31, at approximately 6:05 pm, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP was made aware of a video circulating on Facebook showing a male with a firearm on his front porch looking at an RCMP officer and, with another male present, making direct threats about killing the officer while the officer was at a neighbouring residence in Ebb and Flow First Nation.

The officer was executing an arrest warrant and was unaware of the firearm and the threats being made.

After seeing the video, officers attended to the property immediately. A drone was used to ascertain who was on the property, and the individuals inside came out and threw items at the drone.

Instructions were provided by loudspeaker to come out of the residence, and five people exited.

Germaine Beaulieu, 29, was arrested and charged with Uttering Threats Against a Person, Possession of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Weapons Possession Contrary to Order. He is remanded in custody.

Keith Racette, 29, is wanted on the same charges as Beaulieu but has not yet been located. He is believed to remain in the community or could have travelled to Winnipeg.

Racette is described as 5’9” tall, 194 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. He has a large tattoo on the left side of his neck and a large birthmark on his left cheek. He is considered dangerous. If seen, do not approach. Call 911.

If you have information on Racette’s whereabouts, please call Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-3082, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

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The final numbers are in from the 7th Annual Dauphin Memorial Ride, which was held last month.

Close to 50 motorcyclists, car enthusiasts, and supporters took part in the August 17th event, which raised three thousand dollars for current and future needs of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

Organized by Tony's Auto Electric, and JDS Laundromat, this year's 300 km ride went through Minnedosa and Shoal Lake.

In a news release, both the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, and Dauphin Regional Health Centre, thanked the organizers, participants, and everyone that contributed to the success of this year's event.

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