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Unionized workers at Manitoba Public Insurance have rejected the latest offer made by the crown corporation and were slated to begin preparations last night for a potential strike.
According to MPI, their latest offer that was tabled earlier this week was for four years and included annual general wage increases of two percent, a one percent market adjustment on wages for about 75 percent of union members, and a proposal to enter voluntary binding arbitration to settle general wage increases.
But the MGEU says the offer falls far short of inflation, adding the top priority of their members is to negotiate wage increases that will help all members keep up with the cost of living.
No word yet from the union as to when a possible strike could begin.
The union represents 1,700 MPI employees across the province, including here in Dauphin.
They have been without a new contract since September of last year.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Russell Ag Society has been in existence since 1881.
While it hasn't all been sunshine and lollipops for the society, this weekend surely will be. Up until four years ago, there was only about five members of the society; however, membership has since grown substantially as they continue to rebuild.
As a part of that rebuild, Russell Ag is getting set to host their fair this weekend from Friday to Sunday. Opening with the Russell barrel race series finals on Friday, Saturday is a jam-packed day which begins with a slo-pitch tournament at 9 a.m. and round one of the Russell cowboy contest takes place at 10.
Moving ahead in the day, there will be a pork supper at 5:00 p.m.
"We certainly have many things to celebrate as we look to grow," said Cathy Clemence, secretary and treasurer. "We're really looking forward to this weekend and we welcome everyone to our community to see what's so special."
On Sunday morning from 8:30 to 10, Russell Ag Society will be hosting a pancake breakfast and that's followed by kids horsin' around and mutton bustin' wraps up the three-day event starting at 3.
"We're trying to have things that are going to be of interest for everyone," offered Clemence. "We want this to be a family weekend, we believe that's what the people want and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to pull it off."
There will alsol be a tractor display as a farmer from Langenburg is bringing some vintage tractors for the kids. There will also be beer vendors all weekend, food vendors, and a 50/50. You can always check out Russell Ag Society for photos throughout the weekend.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A new development in the Manitoba Liquor strike, MGEU has reached a tentative agreement with MBLL that, if ratified by members, would end the strike that began July 19th.
According to MGEU's bargaining committee, this agreement will be helpful to all MGEU liquor workers, and they're recommending voting in favour.
All Details of the agreement will be shared will MGEU members in meetings that will be held both Thursday and Saturday.
MGEU President Kyle Ross is has expressed a favourable opinion of this agreement, saying “Since this strike began, our members have stuck together for fairness. We look forward to discussing the agreement with members over the coming days.”
MGEU picket lines at MBLL locations will come down until voting by members is completed.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A traffic stop by the Portage la Prairie RCMP General Investigation Section led to an arrest and a seizure of 1 kilogram of drugs.
At a traffic stop on Fisher Avenue East in Portage, a driver refused to Identify himself, which led to his arrest.
A search of the driver and vehicle was conducted and officers located a large quantity of cash and approximately one kilogram of suspected methamphetamine and cocaine.
It was quickly discovered that the driver was wanted on an outstanding warrant of arrest.
Bjarne Roussin, 44, has been charged with two accounts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and Obstructing a Peace Officer.
He remains in custody at this time. Portage la Prairie RCMP continues to investigate.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The case of a Dauphin man charged after a traffic stop earlier this summer was back in provincial court earlier this week.
Back on June 13th, RCMP pulled over a vehicle that they witnessed speeding on Main Street.
Two men were inside at the time along with a strong smell of alcohol.
A search of the vehicle turned up a large bag of unmarked cigarettes, along with a homemade gun with a bayonet attached, used and unused ammunition, several cell phones, and cash.
37-year-old Christopher Bilay faces a number of charges including Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm.
He remains in custody and is due back in court on August 29th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Northwest region is slightly behind the provincial average when it comes to harvest.
The latest crop report shows harvest is about 13 percent complete across Manitoba, with the Northwest region reporting about 5 percent being finished.
Harvest of spring cereals has begun in some parts of the region and appears to be more advanced in the Dauphin area, while fall rye and winter wheat harvest is approximately 95 percent wrapped up across the region.
Most canola is reported as podding and maturing across the area.
Temperatures reached 30 degrees or warmer at times throughout the week across the entire region, with Swan River recording the warmest temperature at 32.0 degrees.
At the opposite end, Ruhthenia recorded the coldest low over the past seven days, getting down one evening to a chilly 3.9 degrees.
Scattered showers, strong winds, and smoke did impact harvest operations at times over the past week, but precipitation levels varied across the region from as high as 18.4 mm in Birch River, to as low as 1.4 mm in Amaranth.
Dauphin received 3.4 mm of rain over the past week.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The province's Chief Medical Examiner has called for an inquest into the December 2021 death of a man from the Sandy Bay First Nation.
31-year-old Marlon Whincup was fatally shot by RCMP along Highway 16 neat Westbourne.
According to a release by the Chief Medical Examiner's office, Mounties were investigating reports of a stabbing in the area and came upon Whincup, who was carrying a machete and reportedly acting erratically.
The release adds that police discharged a firearm while trying to subdue Whincup, hitting him in the neck and chest.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy determined he died as a result of the gunshot wounds.
The inquest was called due to Whincup dying as a result of the use of force by a peace officer, which is a requirement under the Fatality Inquiries Act.
It will also determine the circumstances leading up to Whincup's death, as well as what can be done to prevent similar deaths from happening in the future.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Winnipegosis RCMP are on the hunt for a man wanted for Sexual Assault.
37-year-old Joey Richard Delaronde is a part of Manitoba's most wanted. His possible locations are Winnipeg, Dauphin or Camperville. He has a tear drop under his right eye and he stands in at 5 foot 10, 190 pounds.
If you have any idea where Joey is, you're asked to call the RCMP as soon as possible. You're also reminded to never try to apprehend the person yourself.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Dauphin's Selo Ukraina site is playing host this week to the Crocus Girl Guides 2023 National Camp.
Over 500 Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers from across the country are taking part in the week-long camp, which kicked off Sunday night.
The event, which is held to share the sisterhood of guiding and reigniting the camping spirit among participants, also includes components surrounding nature and emergency preparedness.
Participants will be both in the city and in the R-M to engage in a number of activities not only associated with the girl guides movement but also centered around the local Indigenous and Ukrainian culture.
That includes the opportunity to learn about Ukrainian dancing and creating their own Pysanka, as well as Indigenous dancing and medicine wheel creation.
Geocaching, mountain biking, and exploring Riding Mountain National Park are among some of the other activities being offered to participants.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The initial list of regions in Western Canada designated for the 2023 livestock tax deferral has been released by the federal government. There are 19 rural municipalities in Manitoba on the list along with 98 in Saskatchewan, 56 in Alberta, and 62 in British Columbia.
So far, none of the locations on the list are ones in the Parkland, but depending on conditions, some could be added to the list in the future.
The RMs in Manitoba that are on the list include:
- Dufferin
- Grey
- Lorne
- Louise
- Macdonald
- Montcalm
- Morris
- Norfolk-Treherne
- North Norfolk
- Pembina
- Portage la Prairie
- Rhineland
- Roland
- St. Laurent
- Stanley
- Thompson
- Victoria
- WestLake-Gladstone
- Woodlands
The livestock tax deferral lets livestock producers who have to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought or extreme moisture, to defer some of their income from sales until the next year.
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- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Ukraine's 32nd Independence Day will be taking place, and Dauphin will be holding a few events to commemorate the day.
On August 24th, 1991, Ukraine declared itself an independent nation from the Soviet Union, and this has been celebrated annually since that time.
Stephen Jaddock is helping organize the events, and he wants to recognize the significance of the day.
"Given the current situation in Ukraine, it's even more important to get people out to celebrate that. We want to invite members of the public to be there, and to give organizations and groups a chance to say a brief speech and welcoming comments on the occasion of Ukrainian independence day."
Over the lunch hour from 11-2, CNUF will be hosting a BBQ selling Kuba burgers, and taking donations for their work.
Later at 7 pm, a gathering will take place in front of city hall where local dignitaries will present some speeches for the independence day celebration.
Everyone is encouraged to come out and show their support for this event, and afterward, the festivities continue.
Ukrainian newcomers will be hosting a social meeting in Vermillion Park at 8 pm. They'll be bringing an assortment of traditional Ukrainian food to show their appreciation for the welcoming hospitality shown by the citizens of Dauphin
Considering the outstanding attendance that was seen at the vigil held on a -20c night earlier this year, both city hall and Vermillion Park are going to be some busy venues.
Be sure to be there, 7 pm at city hall, and don't forget to bring your Ukrainian flag to show your support!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
