NewsNow
The family registration number on the Manitoba health card is about to include a letter in its 6-digit code.
This small change will allow the Manitoba healthcare system to keep options open for the growing population in the province.
The change will be seen on any cards issued after March 1st, 2023.
Manitoba Health has also worked to reduce processing times for people who need new or replacement health cards. The backlog created by the pandemic is now eliminated and most new application requests are handled within a four-week window.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The province released the February Flood Outlook and it reports a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding in most southern Manitoba river basins. As well, water levels are expected to stay below dikes and other means of flood protection at all locations where they exist.
The water level on Dauphin Lake right now is 854.9 ft which is about 2 ft above its operating level of 853 ft. After spring runoff, the lake is expected to remain above the operating range, but below flood protection levels.
Lake Winnipegosis is currently about half a foot above normal at 830.96 ft, but the lake level is expected to be near normal after the spring runoff.
Lake Manitoba is within its operating range right now at 811.76 ft and is expected to stay at a similar level once spring runoff finishes.
In the Interlake region the risk of significant flooding is moderate. However, the risk of flooding due to ice jams on the Fisher River is high. As well, the outlook notes that flows are above normal for this time of year at the Dauphin River and Fairford River.
When it comes to winter precipitation so far, the outlook says it was generally below normal across most of southern and central Manitoba from November to February.
Looking forward, as we all well know, the risk of flooding could change depending on weather conditions between now and the spring melt.
- Details
- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The Ukrainian Community of Dauphin came together last weekend for a pierogi fundraiser supporting the front-line troops in Ukraine
Over 50 volunteers came together to roll, cut, and stuff almost 12,000 pierogies throughout the weekend. After the ingredient cost, over $3500 was raised in support.
Annette Clement who's an organizer of the fundraiser tells us just how large an undertaking this was.
"Well, we made 988 dozen pierogies this past weekend". . . "We weren't anticipating the magnitude of the orders that people called in. we sure appreciate all the people who called in to get their orders."
Potato and cheddar were by far the highest-demand pierogi on the list, but there were also potato and cottage cheese, cabbage, berry pierogies, and gluten-free options made as well.
Clement also sends gratitude to all the local people and businesses that donated ingredients.
"A very very big thank you to the Dauphin Friendship Centre for allowing us to host this event... Koshowski and Birss' for donating potatoes and Dauphin Consumer Co-op for donating flour. We also had donations, monetary and food donations given to us from various people, and of course the amazing volunteers."
The volunteer group returns to the Dauphin Friendship Centre this Sunday, March 5th to continue to make another 200 dozen pierogis to fill the remaining orders.
Anyone looking to volunteer in the process can go to the Dauphin Friendship Centre this Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
For previous coverage of this event, see our past story here.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Farm Outlook 2023 is approaching fast, and the Dauphin Ag Society has been putting in the work to make sure it's a successful event.
There's a day full of informative presentations planned for the Aspen Lodge next Thursday, March 9th. Registration and coffee start at 8:30, and the presentations get underway at 9.
Farm Outlook committee co-chair Chad Sahulka says a lot of planning goes into making sure the event is bringing new, fresh ideas to farmers in the area.
"We tried not to make it so much similar as years past. We're trying to get new and bright shiny things out there for the ag industry in our local area."
The keynote speaker at this year's event is Mike Jubinville of MarketFarms who will be talking about Grain Buying and Selling Decisions. There will also be talks about the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program by Roberta Galbraith, and the Economic Situation in the Industry by FCC's Sarah Dobson.
There's also a talk about rural crime, which Sahulka thinks people will be really interested in.
"We're gonna have someone come in from the local RCMP detachment to come speak about rural crime, and what can be done to slow the trend of crime in the area. So I think everyone will be very intrigued by what's going on in that presentation, and I really look forward to it."
Registration is just $20, and you can get more information by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calling (204)639-4428.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Court Project in Ste. Rose has taken another step forward.
The project committee has announced that they now have a location for the planned basketball court and it will be just south of Ste. Rose School. In a release, the committee says they are excited about the location as it serves a dual purpose for people in the community and the school to use.
In an effort to gather more donations for the project, local grandparents Koreen and Terry Ogg have issued a "Grandparent Challenge" to encourage others to donate $100. If a total of $2,500 is raised during the challenge, Koreen and Terry Ogg will donate $500. If $5,000 gets raised, they will increase that donation to $1000. Their nephew Tyler Vandenbosch has agreed to match their donation.
All Grandmas and Grandpas, Babas and Gidos, Omas and Opas, etc., can mail donations to "The Court Project", C/O Derek Brunel, Box 658, Ste. Rose, MB, R0L 1S0.
- Details
- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The search is on for a 24-year-old man after shots were fired resulting in a 34-year-old sustaining serious injuries.
Trystan McAuley of the Ebb and Flow First Nation is wanted for nine offences including Aggravated Assault, Discharge of Firearm with Intent, Assault with a Weapon, and Pointing a Firearm.
On February 26 at about 12:20 a.m., Ste. Rose RCMP responded to a shooting outside a home on Ebb and Flow First Nation. The male who was shot was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
The RCMP are now looking for McAuley, who they consider armed and dangerous. RCMP believes he may be in the Brandon or O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation (Crane River) area.
- Details
- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Virden RCMP are searching for a suspect that's considered armed and dangerous.
At 9:15 Friday night, the Virden RCMP got a report that an injured person was being held agaisnt their will on Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Officers attended the scene and found the victim, but the suspect had fled before they arrived.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 32-year-old Seril Mazawasicuna from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. He's described as 6'1", 200 lbs, with black hair, and brown eyes.
Mazawasicuna is facing 16 charges, including Assault with a Weapon, Forcible Confinement, Pointing a Firearm, and Assault Causing Bodily Harm.
Mazawasicuna is considered to be armed and dangerous, and shouldn't be approached. He's believed to be possession of firearms and is actively evading police.
Anyone with information about the location of Seril Mazawasicuna is asked to immediately call 911, the Virden RCMP at 204-748-2135, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or a secure tip online here.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
A candlelight vigil was held last night to show solidarity with Ukraine, and commemorate their year of defense against Russia.
Several dozen people came out on the frigid Friday evening to show their support. The event consisted of a prayer, song, and speeches from local dignitaries.
The list of speakers included MLA Brad Michaleski, NDP candidate Ron Kostyshyn, Mayor David Bosiak, and several representatives from local Ukrainian groups.
Don Tarrant of the Parkland Ukrainian Family Fund spoke on the efforts put forth to help the newcomers in the area.
As of today, we are at 25 families that have come to dauphin and the parkland area. 43 of them are adults, and 32 children and the children are all in school, and believe it or not, they love school.
Tarrant sent a wave of gratitude to the Ukrainian Folk Art Museum, which has helped handle many of the donations.
they're receiving the funds that are being deposited. Without them, we could've never started this. They're doing this at zero cost and the project would've never got off the ground without them. we're very thankful to the Folk Art Museum.
The event was wrapped up with a performance led by the Local folk singing group.
It may have been a cold evening, but the warmth of the community with their support and unity shined brightly through the frosty night.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The provincial government has announced an end to the seven-year freeze on increases to the municipal operating basket funding.
The government will be increasing the funding by 28% provincially, with an additional $47 million dollars. Other than Winnipeg, which saw an increase of 14%, municipalities across the province will see a minimum increase to their funding of 24%.
With massive increases in costs over the last seven years, while the freeze has been in effect, Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak says the increase is a relief.
"Inflation really hit us hard last year, and we had to dip into some reserves to offset increases in some of the costs. This will certainly help this year, to help us balance some things because we're still looking at some significant inflationary costs related to our core services and programs."
While the exact number hasn't been released, Bosiak says the funding will go a long way.
"It gives the council a little bit of a relief. You know this is 170 or 180 thousand dollars that we don't have to go to our local taxpayers for this year. So it's great news. Would've loved to see this in years previous, but now is as good a time as any."
The provincial municipal grant has now grown to $217 million from $170 million.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The federal government says in a news release that it has signed an agreement in principle with Manitoba to invest more than $6.7 billion in the province's health-care system over 10 years.
That includes more than $1.2 billion for a new bilateral agreement focusing on shared health-care priorities for Manitobans. The priorities mentioned are:
- access to high-quality family health services when they need them, including in rural and remote areas, and for underserved communities;
- a resilient and supported health workforce that provides them high-quality, effective, and safe health care services;
- access to timely, equitable, and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services; and
- access to their own electronic health information that is shared between the health professionals they consult.
The agreement also includes $72 million in an immediate, one-time top up to the Canada Health Transfer paid to Manitoba to address urgent needs, especially in pediatric hospitals and emergency rooms and for long surgical wait times.
The agreements in principle are a first step to completing the $196-billion, 10-year health-care funding proposal that the federal government made on Tuesday, February 7th.
To get the money, the provinces must come up with specific plans showing how they would spend it and how they would prove to Canadians that their health-care systems are getting better.
- Details
- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Today marks one year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the Ukrainian community in the area's hosting a Candlelight Vigil to show support. The Vigil starts at 6:30 and will be in front of Dauphin City Hall, near the Ukrainian Statues.
Stephen Jaddock is helping organize the vigil, and he says they wanted to give people an opportunity to show their support.
"We want to be able to rally and show support, so we didn't want to have this date come and go without having an opportunity to participate in Dauphin, and give the Parkland area a voice in the terrible atrocities that are happening in Ukraine, because of the aggression of Russia."
Jaddock says they know it's going to be cold out tomorrow, so he's reminding people to dress for the weather if they're coming to show their support.
"Dress for the weather, it's going to warm up a little bit. It might be like a balmy minus 17 or something like that, but come prepared."
There's going to be a short program of prayer, dignitary speeches, and songs.
"Bring your Ukrainian Flags, wear Ukrainian Colours, and also for this one, the candlelit vigil, we're asking you to bring a lit candle or a battery-operated candle, just to be able to, in solidarity and in solemnity, remember this terrible anniversary."
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
