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Mental health is a topic that not everyone can be comfortable talking about, but it is a factor in everyone's life.
The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, started on March 1st, 2022, acts as an open line of communication for farmers of all varieties to vent about the things troubling them.
The staff is a group of counselors all from agricultural backgrounds who can offer insights and empathy that therapists outside of the field wouldn't understand.
Gerry Friesen, CAO of the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program wants to send a clear message to the producers who feel like they're struggling.
"It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to reach out for help. Without the farmer, there is no farm, so let's get on that road to being mentally well."
Modern farm management is constantly growing, bringing more important decisions and tight deadlines to an already stressful line of work.
Friesen spoke on his past struggles with depression and stress in his agricultural career and knows how important it is to have someone who understands what you're going through.
"if a family member, or a neighbor or a friend isn't enough, do not hesitate to reach out for some professional help. That doesn't mean that you're sick now, what it means is that there's stuff happening in your life, and by being proactive and reaching out for that help, you will be able to cope better and that will make your life better."
You can call 204-232-0574 for up to 9 free, anonymous appointments.
For more information on this program, or to book an anonymous appointment, visit their website manitobafarmerwellness.ca.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Despite rain over the past week, the province says the risk of wildfire remains high across Manitoba.
According to the office of the Fire Commissioner, overall conditions remain extremely dry, with several communities across the province seeing a notable increase in human-caused wildfires so far this year.
Manitobans are reminded that wildfires can spread quickly in open areas due to windy conditions and matted grass and dry dead vegetation.
You should never burn on windy days, along with using burn barrels when you can, and never leave any fire unattended.
Other tips for reducing wildfire risks include clearing combustable items like leaves and pine needles from roofs, gutters, and under decks and porches, as well as never using plant pots, peat moss, or vegetable gardens to dispose of smoking materials or ash.
If you happen to come across a wildfire, you are encouraged to call 9-1-1 or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Several measures introduced recently to beef up security and reduce crime in Swan River appear to be working.
Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobsen says security cameras were installed at several points across the town last fall, and plans are in the works to add more in the future.
"We are looking at installing more of them in the community, in places where we need them to be installed. And getting more businesses involved, I think that is the other part of it, and having them install cameras wherever they can in a strategic manner."
A security patrol vehicle has also been purchased and put on the road, and Jacobsen says he met recently with volunteers who have been taking the vehicle out on the streets.
"They are saying it does work and that it is having an impact on just the presence if being around in the community. We still have other issues that are ongoing but I hope that with the steps and with the other three municipalities on some other initiatives that we are working on with the RCMP that will help to combat some of the larger organized issues, along with drug enforcement as well."
In April of last year, the province provided 50-thousand dollars towards supporting community safety and crime prevention programs in Swan River.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Manitoba Blue Cross (MBC) is getting set to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the Parkland will be a part of the celebrations.
On Tuesday, May 14, MBC will be in town at the Aspen Lodge on 200 1st Street SE from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will be a come-and-go function and will include games, snacks, and prizes. You can also pick up a free gift at the three-hour event.
Nikki Makar is with Manitoba Blue Cross and she says next Tuesday will be a special day.
"We are coming to Dauphin to say thank you for allowing us to be a part of the community for the last 50 years," said Makar. "50 years for Manitoba Blue Cross means we have been here as fellow Manitobans providing coverage that is amongst the best in the industry."
MBC also isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
"We're going to continue being in the community," ended Makar. "We come out and visit whenever we can and we always assure that we're giving back to the community. This visit, we will be donating to the Dauphin & District Food Bank."
So from 2 to 5 next Tuesday, make sure you head to the Aspen Lodge in the Parkland Rec Complex to celebrate 50 years strong for Manitoba Blue Cross.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
After a controversial presentation at a school board meeting in the Mountain View School Division, the board of trustees has made further statements.
In a recent release, Board Chair Gabe Mercier welcomed a Governance review announced earlier by the province's Minister Of Education.
Mercier offered the board's full cooperation in sharing any information regarding this review, though a date has not been named for when this review is to take place.
A trustee by-election was slated to take place at the end of June, but due to the pending review, it has been pushed back to the start of the 2024-25 year.
For our previous coverage of this developing situation visit, Our Previous Article Here.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
You may have seen the pop-up on the south end of town, work is about to begin on the new Petrocan Gas station.
This station is owned in partnership by the Pine Creek and Ebb & Flow First Nations.
The land titles were officially signed over last summer at city hall between Chief Wayne Desjarlais of Ebb and Flow, Chief Derek Nepinak of Pine Creek, and Mayor David Bosiak.
The Groundbreaking ceremony will take place May 15th at 11 am, and everyone is invited to attend.
The Anishinaabe Aki PetroCan gas station is slated to open sometime this fall.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Open-season fishing is coming soon across Manitoba, and some changes are coming with it this year.
Size limits and amounts are the most notable changes that could land you some fines if you're caught exceeding them.
Walleye limits are capped at four, and no fish over 55 centimeters may be kept.
The pike limit is also four, with a 75-cm size limit. The smallmouth bass limit is now four, with a 45-cm size limit, and you may only keep one lake trout, which can be no larger than 65 cm.
The Manitoba Anglers guide lays out some clear guidelines as to what it might cost if you're caught breaking the rules:
- Using barbed hooks: $52
- Fishing without a license: $298
- Over limit: $102 plus
- Transport live fish away from the water: $486
- Unattended line: $52
- Failure to carry your license while fishing: $174
- Possession of crayfish: $102 plus
- Bringing into Manitoba live bait: $202
- Possession of AIS (e.g. zebra mussels): $1,296
- Failure to dispose of bait used in an AIS Control Zone: $672
- and Littering: $204
Some local restrictions are important to note as well.
Dauphin Lake, including that portion of the Mossy River to municipal road 107 west and all inflowing tributaries will require all walleye over 48 cm to be released.
Keeping these big fish in the lakes can help preserve populations, and knowing these limits and laws can keep you off the hook for some serious fines.
Be sure to check out the 2024 Angling Guide to stay informed, and avoid getting tangled up in these preventable issues.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Expressing one's self through art and using it for therapeutic benefits are the goals of a pair of special events planned for this week.
The local Mental Wellness Suicide Prevention Committee is hosting "Express Yourself" events tonight at the Dauphin Friendship Centre from 7-9, and on Wednesday at the Primary Health Centre in Ste Rose from 6-8 pm.
Anyone wanting to learn more info about these events can contact Melanie in Dauphin at 204-622-2243, or Ashley in Ste Rose at 204-447-4395.
The events are being held in conjunction with this week being Mental Health Week, as designated by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Dauphin Hero Club is holding a special fundraising dinner this Wednesday to recognize a significant anniversary for the group in our city.
A special lasagna lunch, catered by Irivng's, will be held from 11 until 1 at the DNRC building.
Dauphin Hero Club Activity Director Lori Bogoslowski says it is the 30th anniversary for the club, which was formed in 1994.
"Swan River was developed the year after, and then we had one in Roblin and there is one in Binscarth as well. So Dauphin was the first and it is thriving. Here in Dauphin we are building more members and reaching more people in the community which has been a great need for the community."
Bogoslowski says the club was formed as part of an incentive called Mental Health Reform.
"The closure of the Brandon Mental Health Centre was part of the incentive, and people who resided at BMHC were asked where they would like to live, and the individuals asked to transition back into their hometowns. Therefore the Hero Club was developed to assist in meeting the needs in those areas, in recreation, education, vocational, and for mental health."
Some of the programs offered through the Dauphin Hero Club focus on budgeting, cooking, and how to live off a garden.
Tickets for the lunch are $15.
Meals can also be pre-ordered for pick up by calling 204-638-7014.
Proceeds from the lunch go towards programming and outings for members.
Bogoslowski thanks the community for the support they have given the Dauphin Hero Club over the past 30 years.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
We will find out later this week where Dauphin ranks with regards to sales during the latest Tim Horton's Smile Cookie campaign.
The campaign wrapped up on Sunday, with Dauphin selling over $65,000 worth of cookies in the past week, according to local franchisee Greg Crisanti.
He says that is the highest total that the Dauphin restaurant has ever recorded, with those figures not including proceeds of special Smile Cookie pins that the Dauphin restaurant was also selling.
Over the last four years, the Dauphin restaurant has finished number one in Manitoba and number two across the entire country for Smile cookie sales, and Crisanti says we will find out later this week how we ranked this time around.
Money raised through the Smile Cookie Campaign will stay locally and go towards the Smile Zone project at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
