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The Manitoba Arts Council will be seeing an extra 1 million dollars in its annual funding to promote home-grown talent and culture.
A total of 13.7 million dollars has been allotted to the Manitoba Arts Council, marking an 8% increase for arts and cultural professionals, Indigenous knowledge keepers and arts and cultural organizations.
Each year, MAC provides approximately $8.4 million in operating support to 108 organizations and $3.5 million in project grants to organizations such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Opera, and Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.
It also provides grants to 550 individuals and smaller arts organizations like the Dauphin Allied Arts Council.
This year, over 25 new organizations will receive support along with over 40 new projects by individual artists.
To learn more about this funding, you can Visit artscouncil.mb.ca
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The RCMP is reminding people to be ever wary of Fraud after 2 recent cases of Grandparent Scams were reported in Manitoba.
On the 30th of October, 2 different reports came in one from Portage and one from MacGregor, where an unknown male caller claimed to be a lawyer representing their grandchildren.
The Caller provided the name of the target's grandchildren and told them they needed money for bail.
Both Causes had the Targeted senior meet the caller in person to exchange cash.
These cases show similarity to other reports of Grandparent Scams through October in Minnedosa, Kleefeld, and East St. Paul, but it's unknown if these cases are related.
the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre offers several tips to identify fraud:
• If you receive a phone call claiming to be from a family member in an emergency situation, hang up the phone and contact them directly using a phone number you already have – not one provided by the suspected fraudster.
• If the caller claims to be a law enforcement official, hang up and call your local police directly, using a phone number from a reputable source – not one provided by the suspected fraudster.
• Be suspicious of telephone calls that require you to immediately act and request money for a family member in distress.
• Listen to that inner voice that is screaming at you "This doesn't sound right".
• It is important to know the Canadian Criminal Justice System does not allow for someone to be bailed out of jail with cash or cryptocurrency.
• Be careful what you post online.
• Scammers can get details that you share on social media platforms and dating sites to target you or get names and details about your loved ones.
• Don't trust caller ID names and numbers.
• Scammers use technology to disguise the actual number they are calling from and can make it appear as a trusted phone number, also known as spoofing.
Victims of Cybercrime or Fraud, can also contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The annual Dauphin Fire Fighters Ball takes place tomorrow night at the 8th avenue hall.
Dauphin Fire Chief Cam Abrey says the sold out event will begin with cocktails and appetizers at 5:30, followed by supper at 7.
"Musical entertainment will be provided by the group "Men in Cheap Suits". We had them out for the event last year and they are back by popular demand. They are a a band out of Winnipeg. Very popular within the city and they enjoy coming out to Dauphin so they wanted to come back out here as well. We also have a few awards that will be presented on the evening. We have some years of service recognition that we will present there, and we also have the Dauphin Fire Department Fire Fighter of the year award."
Abrey says this is an event steeped in tradition.
"Going back to 1901, there has only been a few times over the past century that we have had to cancel this event. We are just continuing that tradition because that is what the fire service is all about. Getting everybody together in a safe and enjoyable manner. We would rather celebrate the safety than have to respond to a tragic event."
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The completion of several key capital projects was one of the major highlights of Prairie Mountain Health's annual report, unveiled during their AGM earlier this week.
That wprk included clinical spaces renovations at both the Brandon and Dauphin Regional Health Centres, as well as additions to the Cancer Care centre in Russell, and of a new CT Scanner in Swan River.
The report also highlighted continued construction of the new Neepawa Health Centre, as well as renovations to Emergency Departments in Virden, Killarney, and Souris.
It also highlighted recent strides made in improving mental health and addictions services in the region, as welll as several recruitment and retention campaigns for physicians, nurses, and other health-care professionals.
PMH also reported an operating deficit in 2023/24 of $29.7 million, after having balanced its operating budget the previous year.
This was largely related to the increase in salary expenses related to the use of agency and overtime to maintain current service levels.
Interested individuals can view the full annual report on their website prairiemountainhealth.ca.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Gypsumville RCMP have identified the remains found inside a barn in early June as belonging to Xavia Skye Lynn Butler.
Butler, who was believed to be between the age of 1 to 2 years, was discovered on June 3rd on a property off of Highway 6 in the RM of Grahamdale.
Mounties are investigating Xavia's death as a homicide, saying they can physically place her about a year before her body was discovered.
With no missing person reports ever filed, investigators hope the public ca help identify her whereabouts within that time.
In particular, they are looking for any photos taken of Xavia that have date and time stamps on them in order to give them a better timeline of her life.
Anyone with information is asked to call RCMP Major Crime Services at 431-489-8112.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The government of Manitoba has reaffirmed a major campaign promise today.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Premier Wab Kinew announced today that the government is freezing the scheduled rental rate for agricultural Crown land forage leases for the 2025 growing season to ensure ALC leases remain affordable for Manitoba cattle producers.
In 2024, Manitoba effectively froze ACL forage lease and permit rental rates. For 2025, the annual rent will be set at the same rate as 2024 for ACL forage leases and permits which means producers won’t see an increase to the rate on their invoice for 2025.
Manitoba’s agricultural Crown lands are parcels of land leased to producers for agricultural use including grazing, haying or annual cropping. Agricultural Crown lands are important public assets economically, environmentally, and socially.
These Crown lands are essential to supporting and growing the livestock industry in Manitoba and provide mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn noted as “Our government is committed to affordability, and this freeze will help producers deal with the cost of their rent.”
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A lack of a license led to many more charges after a traffic stop in Dauphin.
On October 28th, at roughly 8:30 pm the officers from the Dauphin RCMP pulled over a vehicle containing 5 people, and the driver indicated they did not have a license on them.
The driver, a 33-year-old female from Crane River was also found to violate curfew. A 29-year-old male passenger was deemed to have an outstanding warrant, and a search of their person found drug paraphernalia.
A subsequent search of the vehicle was completed, and officers found 44 grams of crack cocaine, and Canadian currency inside.
A total of 5 arrests were made, and the following individuals were arrested and charged.
The following individuals were arrested:
Ariel Anderson, 24, of Norway House
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Failure to comply with a release order
- Warrant of arrest out of Ottawa, Ontario
Breann Breland, 33, of Crane River, MB
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Failure to comply with a release order
Marsha McDonald, 39, of Ochre River, MB
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Karen Spence, 59, of Ochre River, MB
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Owen Spence, 29, of Ochre River, MB
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
- Possession of property obtained by crime
- Warrant of arrest out of Winnipeg, MB
Marsha McDonald, and Karen Spence, were later released from custody on a Release Order.
Ariel Anderson, Breann Breland, and Owen Spence, were remanded into custody with a court appearance at a future date.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Costumed youngsters will be patrolling the streets across The Parkland later today for the yearly tradition of Halloween.
As they gather their goodies from willing homes, trick-or-treaters are reminded to follow some simple safety tips.
Dauphin Fire Department chief Cam Abrey says it is a good idea to pre-plan the route you are going to take.
"Make sure you're not crisscrossing in the middle of the street, work one side of the block, cross over, and start the other side of the block. keep safety in mind!"
Abrey adds you should always take your time, keep your heads up at all times, and look both ways before crossing the street.
He also suggests wearing something reflective on your costume so that drivers will have an easier time seeing you.
As for after you are done trick or treating, Abrey reminds you to let your parents check your candy first to make sure everything is safe to eat.
"We want to make sure that all the treats are safe to eat for the little ones. and you know, parents, they don't mind sampling some of those kid's treats too."
Overall, Abrey hopes everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Prairie Mountain Health is shining a light on the work done by its Regional Falls Prevention and Management Committee during Falls Prevention Month.
Made up of managers, nurses and staff from hospitals, personal care homes, home care, primary care programs, and members from therapy services, pharmacies, and Indigenous Health, the committee's goal is to promote, create, and educate on fall interventions and injury reduction strategies.
Through educational materials and fun activities, the committee has been improving communication in this area.
One example has been Neepawa Hospital, Shoal Lake Health Centre and Sandy Lake Personal Care Home all participating in a fun “Spot the Hazards” activity where a simulated room with multiple “risks” was put in place for staff to “spot.”
PMH also encourages individuals to check out their Prevent Fall Check-Up questionnaire through their website, which they say will help you learn what puts you at risk of falling.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A Dauphin man found out his fate on Tuesday in Minnedosa Court.
Wayne Becks, who admitted to a serious assault after an altercation in November of 2022, was sentenced to two years less a day behind bars.
In November of 2022, Yellowhead RCMP says a woman suffered severe, life-altering injuries. The 40-year-old Becks was facing several charges, including Aggravated Assault and Uttering Threats.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The ballots have been cast and the results are in.
Mountain View School Division has 4 new trustees on its board.
It was a very decisive vote as well, with some winners receiving over 200 votes over their fellow candidates.
Jarri Thompson was elected in Ward 4, the city of Dauphin with a whopping 307 of the 489 votes cast in the ward.
She expressed some clear goals going into her new position.
"Transparency... I want the public to know that the school board is working for education's best interest in the area."
Ward 2 also saw a landslide victory, as Scott Lynxleg took 255 of 395 total votes in his ward.
Roblin's race was a bit more tempered, as there were 2 candidates elected, Floyd Martens with 203 and Conrad Nabess with 130, both out of a total of 420 votes.
Returning Officer Kirk Dawson was quite pleased with the end of the night, as he says this whole election was a great representation of the democratic process.
Of course, he did not want to overlook the critical people who made this happen, the workers.
"I want to put a special shout-out to the workers. it takes a lot of time and effort and we've really got some great people that step up. we should be really proud of these people."
Thank you to the many people who make this process possible, and welcome to 4 new members of the MVSD board of trustees!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
