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The NDP government has announced details of its long anticipated universal school nutrition program, which was a key promise during last year's provincial election campaign.
$30 million was committed to the initiative in their spring budget, and details of where that money is going to were released today.
Approximately $21 million has been allocated to public schools within the 37 school divisions, with $6 million being specifically earmarked for 50 schools in communities with high socio-economic need.
A news release says ahead of the full rollout of the school nutrition program this fall, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Learning worked with schools and school divisions to develop and implement nutrition programming to meet the needs of students and families in their community, with the goal of ensuring any child who needs it will be able to access food at school.
Premier Wab Kinew says his government made a commitment to Manitoba families that they would make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, adding they have now delivered on that promise.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Harvest continues across the province, with fall and winter crops wrapping up shortly.
Some rain fell across most of the province, with the Northwest seeing the least moisture.
Strong progress was logged province-wide, with canola harvest being reported in 4 of the 6 regions.
Yields cannot be reported on canola yet, but many cereal crops have been reported.
Yield reports range from 40-110 bu/acre for fall rye and winter wheat, 25-90 bu/acre in spring wheat, 80-180 bu/acre in oats, and 90-115 bu/acre in barley.
Fall rye and winter wheat are 97% finished harvest, 41% of wheat, 49% of barley, and 47% of oats are estimated as complete.
Corn is still developing, ranging from milk to advanced crops in the dent stage.
Oilseeds are still developing, with sunflowers ranging from R5 to R7, flax is mostly beginning seed ripe and canola harvest is 13% complete.
In pulses and soybeans, Field peas near completion, at 81% provincially. Yields are reported between 30 and 65 bu/acre.
Soybeans are between stages R5 and R6, mostly reaching the full seed stage.
The mix of adequate moisture and warm temperatures led to good pasture and forage growth, with more on average than last year, due to the early rains.
Most producers have completed the second cut and spring cereal silage and lots of slough hay will be done.
Dairy producers in parts of Eastern Manitoba are working on the third cut, and Beef cattle producers continue to work on the second cut of tame hayfields.
Corn silage harvest has not yet begun however corn is fully dented and close to 50% milkline. Overall plant moisture remains slightly high, however, we can expect harvest to take off as soon as this drops down sufficiently.
Pastures are looking good for this time of year with rotational grazed pastures in better condition.
Dugouts are at 65 to 75% of normal capacity, and water supplies are reported to be adequate.
Taking a closer look at the northwest region, warm days and several thunderstorms made for damp conditions and heavy morning dews.
The Amaranth station received the most precipitation at 17.9 mm, and some hail was noted.
Some crops remain lodged from previous high winds and will be a challenge for harvest and possibly affect quality with recent rains and heavy dew.
Harvest rolled along, with fall rye and winter wheat reaching 90% complete, field peas at 60%, and spring wheat at 15%.
Canola fields continue to advance toward maturity. Swathing and desiccation started last week on the earliest maturing fields.
Soybean crops continue in the R5-R6 stage and are looking good. The recent heat has helped and advanced the crops quickly. Recent rain will have helped the pod fill.
With canola crops starting harvest, and spring wheat well underway, it's going to be a hectic time in the fields.
Be sure to drive safely around farm equipment, as there is sure to be a lot on the road.
To all the producers out there, here's wishing you a speedy and bountiful harvest.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
As the Skibicki trial comes to a close and the landfill search for the murdered, missing Indigenous women ramps up, The Manitoba Government is set to build some preventive measures by monitoring Waste disposal sites and vehicles.
Premier Wab Kinew stated in a news release today that the "government is committed to taking further action by exploring GPS monitoring to help police investigate crimes while ensuring Indigenous lives are given the value and dignity they deserve.”
The first step is finding a qualified service provider with comprehensive knowledge of the waste management industry and technology solutions to review the feasibility study’s recommendations, which included installing video surveillance at the entrances and exits of landfills, and equipping garbage trucks with GPS to track their location and rear-facing cameras to allow operators to see what is being unloaded.
These measures would enhance monitoring for offenses like those committed against Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris, and Rebecca Contois.
The premier noted that the assessment for these monitoring projects should be complete by the summer of 2025.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The provincial government has announced the appointment of Dr. Glen Duizer as Manitoba's new Chief Veterinary Officer.
In making the announcement, Dauphin MLA and provincial Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said “Dr. Duizer’s extensive experience and expertise in animal health, emergency planning and response, and epidemiology, and his strong relationships with livestock and poultry stakeholders and veterinarians, will help guide our work protecting animal and human health."
Dr. Duizer will lead the province's animal health, disease prevention and response programming. while also supporting biodiversity efforts, and collaborating in veterinary public health issues.
He will also be responsible for connecting farmers, processors, and others with information and resources on these issues.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
A project in Ste. Rose will be the benefactor of a $5,000 donation from Lallemand's.
The microorganisms production and marketing company recently held their 2024 Hometown Roots photo contest, and selected Shelly Brunel of Ste. Rose as their Manitoba winner.
The top prize included a $5,000 donation to a local organization of Brunel's choice, and she decided on the Ste. Rose Court Project, one that is very near to her family's heart.
The outdoor basketball court, which is located just south of the Ste. Rose school, was started by Brunel's son and one of his friends.
In a news release from Lallemand, Brunel says the donation will go towards finishing the final phase of the project, which is adding lighting to the court.
She adds doing so will make it a safer space that youth can use long after dark.
Launched in 2022, the Hometown Roots contest by Lallemand was designed to support rural communities by giving back to community-based organizations.
This year saw the contest evolve into a photo competition, inviting participants to capture and share the true spirit of agriculture in their communities.
A total of three winners were selected - one each in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
It is a day that youth have been dreading for the past two months, while parents have been eagerly anticipating.
Today (Wednesday) marks the opening day of the 2024-25 learning year for students in the Turtle River, Park West, and Frontier School Divisions, as well as most students in the Mountainview School Division.
The exceptions are Mackenzie Middle School, where only students attending grade six, and both the DRCSS and Winnipegosis Collegiate, where only grade nines are having their first day of classes today.
All other classes at those three schools are getting one more day of summer holidays, as their school year does not begin until Thursday.
Tomorrow will also be the first day back for students in the Swan Valley School Division.
MVSD Acting Superintendent and CEO Suzanne Cottyn issued the following statement regarding the start of the new school year.
She says she is looking forward to the start of the 2024-25 school year and welcomes back all new and returning students and staff.
She adds as we begin the school year together, she is reminded how interconnected we are as a school community and the importance each individual holds in being a part of creating an inspiring, safe, and respectful learning environment for our students and staff.
She closed by saying Community engagement and involvement is an important part of public education and with the upcoming by-election we welcome community members to engage in the process.
Tomorrow will also be the first day of classes for students in the Swan Valley School Division.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Environment Canada has issued an air quality advisory for most of the Parkland region, including Dauphin.
They say Wildfire smoke from fires in northern Saskatchewan has moved into west central areas of Manitoba.
Wildfire smoke can cause very poor air quality and reduced visibility, which can fluctuate over short distances and can vary considerably from hour to hour.
They add if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable while outdoors, you should stop or reduce strenuous physical activities.
People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to the smoke, along with young people and older adults.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
UPDATE:
The RCMP has confirmed that Joseph McIvor has been safely located.
They are thanking the public for their assistance.
The Ste. Rose RCMP are searching for Joseph Ryan McIvor.
On July 9, McIvor was reported missing after leaving his home and not returning. Although friends claim they saw him, police have been unable to find him despite checking multiple locations.
McIvor is thought to be in the Ebb and Flow First Nation area. If you have any information, please call 447-3082 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
With School back in session this week, School zones should be on the minds of many motorists.
Slowing down in school zones and stopping for buses is critical for student safety and can also cost you a sizeable fine if you don't.
Ewald Friesen, the Manager of Community Relations for CAA, runs the numbers on how much these speeding tickets could get you.
"Drivers caught speeding in a school zone could get a fine of at least $200 and move down the driver's safety rating scale 2 demerits"
Friesen offered a lot of good ideas to avoid the school zone congestion, including meeting your child away from the main pick-up area, or walking/biking/skateboarding while the weather is nice.
School transit safety expands just beyond school zones though, as buses will be busy moving children across the parkland.
Drivers who see a bus with the stop sign out and/or red lights flashing must stop on both sides of the road. the only exception to this is if oncoming traffic is divided by a meridian
The fines for not stopping for a bus can land you 2 demerits on your driving rating, but also a whopping $674 (or more) ticket if your caught.
Safe driving won't just save you money, but it could also save a child's life from an accident.
So stay sharp, drive safe, and make sure everyone gets to school.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The 50 Lt. Colonel Barker Dauphin Air Cadets Squadron is set to hold their registration and information night tonight (Tuesday).
However, unlike other community groups who are gathering tonight at the Parkland Rec Complex Curling Rink for the Dauphin Rec, Health, and Leisure Mart, the local Air Cadets group will be holding their event in the gymnasium at Parkland Crossing.
It is set to take place from 6:30 to 9:15.
More information can be found by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Individuals interested in running for one of the four vacancies on the MountainView School Division's board of trustees can start picking up their nomination packages as of today (Tuesday).
The packages are available at the school division office west of Dauphin between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
Prospective candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, and must live within the ward that they are looking to be elected in.
Once they pick up their nomination package, they must get signatures from a minimum of one per cent of eligible voters in the ward that they are running in.
Completed nomination packages are to be turned back into the division office between 8:30 am 4:30 pm between September 18th and 20th and September 23rd or 24th.
The by-election is scheduled to take place on October 30th.
Two new trustee representatives from the Roblin area are needed, as are one from the city of Dauphin, and one from the Ethelbert-Gilbert Plains-Grandview area.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
