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Joel Fedorchuk was born and raised in Swan River.
As he grew up, Joel became increasingly more interested in a career as a firefighter. In September 2013, Joel made his dreams a reality as he joined the Swan Valley Fire Department. Fedorchuk has now been serving and protecting the Swan Valley for 11 years.
While firefighters are presented with extremely difficult situations, Joel couldn't imagine not being a firefighter. He loves doing anything he can to help his community.
"I enjoy the camaraderie of our department, being alongside the fellow firefighters," said Fedorchuk. "I've made many lifelong friendships and it's where I met some of my closest friends."
If you look up the definition of 'Swan River Strong' in the dictionary, that's where you will find Joel's name. It's his hometown and he's extremely passionate about the community.
"I've been here my whole life, the people around here are amazing," said Fedorchuk. "It's great to serve them in this role, it's a dream of mine and I love that I get to do it."
Chairperson of the Swan Valley Fire Board David Moriaux recently announced that Ed Shao had been promoted to Lieutenant.
At the same time, Fedorchuk received a promotion as he is now Captain of the Fire Department.
"I feel extremely honoured that the senior officers and fire board promoted me," said Fedorchuk. "It's a great feeling. I look forward to continuing to work with the department in this new role."
Joel admits the last 11 years have been the best of his life so the next time you see Captain Fedorchuk around town, congratulate him and thank him for his service.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
21-year-old Jefferson Cook was sentenced on Tuesday to time already served.
In February 2023, RCMP responded to a report of an armed robbery outside a business in Swan River. Cook pled guilty to armed robbery.
While he will not spend any more time behind bars for this, he does remain in custody on an unrelated charge.
Manuel Houle; meanwhile, was sentenced to time served and then two years of probation.
He was convicted for his role in an armed standoff on the Ebb and Flow First Nation in July 2022.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Night sky will hold a rather special appearance of the moon tonight, as there will be 3 different phenomena occurring.
First, the moon will be very close in its orbit, second, it will rise sooner, lasting from dawn until dusk, and finally, we'll also see a partial eclipse.
That first effect is known as a Super moon, which happens 3-4 times a year, and the second is a harvest moon, which is regular this time of year.
Having both occur with a partial eclipse is a rather rare occurance.
The partial eclipse will make the part of the top of the moon darkened by the earth's shadow, and the rest of the moon will have a larger appearance and soft orange appearance.
Be sure to get out and see it for yourself tonight!
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Wednesday is the first day that prospective nominees in the Mountainview School Division trustee by-election can drop off their completed nomination packages.
Returning officer Kirk Dawson says the completed package, which must include signatures from one per cent of eligible voters in whatever ward you are running in, can be dropped off at the school board office between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm on September 18th, 19th, 20th, 23rd and 24th.
"People will come in with their nomination papers. We will sit down with them and go over it and make sure they qualify. And then we will have them officially nominated to be on the ballot."
A total of 4 school trustees are needed - two representing the Roblin area, one representing the City of Dauphin, and one representing the Gilbert Plains, Grandview, and Ethelbert area.
Dawson says a total of 16 nomination packages have been handed out so far. And he has some advice for those thinking of letting their name stand in this by-election.
"We have been stating to all people that have been picking up packages to get them early, get a few more names because the names have to be on the voters list from the specific ward that they are running in. And do not leave the nomination meeting with me until late on the 24th, because if somebody comes in at 4:30 on the 24th and they do not have their 25 signatures for example, we can not give them an extension on that. "
Advanced voting will take place on October 24th, with the by-election date set for October 30th.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Charges have not been recommended against a Manitoba First Nations Police Service officer who used a police dog to help apprehend suspects near Sandy Bay last September.
The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba says the use of a police dog in this case was reasonable, despite a male suspect having to be treated in hospital for bite wounds on his calf.
On September 26th, officers tried to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle that had left a home on the Sandy Bay First Nation that was known for drug trafficking.
A brief chase took place, with the vehicle eventually found abandoned on a trail.
The police dog was brought in and found the suspects in a field.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The federal New Democratic Party has maintained its grip on a historically orange Manitoba riding.
The N-D-P's Leila Dance won Winnipeg's Elmwood-Transcona riding in a byelection Monday night, edging out the Conservative candidate by 4.1 per cent.
Elections Canada data showed Dance won the race with 48.1 per cent of the vote.
Colin Reynolds increased the Tories' share of the vote from 28 per cent in the 2021 general election to 44 per cent in Monday's byelection.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Friends of Dauphin Lake and the Dauphin Coop are joining forces on Tuesday.
That's when Fuel Good Day will take place at both the Mountain and Main Street locations in Dauphin. Dauphin Coop will donate 10 cents per litre of gas to the Friends of Dauphin Lake.
Wayne Heide is the vice-chair of Friends of Dauphin Lake.
"To have Coop recognize the importance of our project and to provide us with this resource is great," said Heide. "It shows the committment of the community to the project."
Friends of Dauphin Lake was started by a group of volunteers concerned about Dauphin Lake's health, particularly the growth of weeds hindering the ability to use the lake safely.
The group got together to see what could be done. The short-term solution is buying a weed harvester to clean out portions of the lake.
"We know that this is just a short-term solution, there has to be long-term solutions to improve the health of the lake," offered Heide. "We have been meeting with the province and federal governments to address what can be done long-term.
The group has purchased a used weed harvester which is currently being refurbished.
As a part of the day, volunteers of the group will also be hosting BBQ fundraisers at both locations from 11-1. You can get a hot dog for $4, a hamburger for $6, or a cheeseburger for $6. You will also have the option to get a meal which includes a drink, chips, and a cookie.
"Grab some lunch while you're here and help a great cause," ended Heide. "This lake is here for everyone and the health of the lake is important to not only the beach community but the larger communities of Dauphin. It's a big part of tourism advertising that is done locally."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
An alert was recently sent out in the areas of Swan River and Brandon, as illicit substances have reportedly been cut with potentially lethal levels of fentanyl.
a recent test at a Brandon Mobile Overdose Prevention test site found a sample of what was sold as Meth was supposedly 21% fentanyl.
According to the RCMP, a 2 milligram dose of Fentanyl can be lethal in as little as 2 minutes if NARCAN or other medical intervention is not applied.
If you are experiencing grief after losing a loved one from drug toxicity, know that you're not alone, and support is available by calling 1 888 322 3019
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A federal by-election in the Winnipeg riding of Elmwood-Transcona is set to take place today.
A total of six candidates are running, including the NDP’s Leila Dance, the Conservative’s Colin Reynolds, and Ian MacIntyre for the Liberals.
Candidates for the Green Party, People’s Party of Canada, and the newly formed Canadian Future Party are also running.
The election is being held to replace Daniel Blaikie, who resigned as M-P earlier this year to work for the provincial government.
There is also a by-election taking place today in the Quebec riding of LaSalle-Emard-Verdun.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The Manitoba RCMP is reminding the public about drone rules after a recent incident.
Last week, officers were on the scene of a serious traffic collision, when a drone was flying over the scene. As a result, the STARS air ambulance was delayed at the scene as they could not land with the drone in the area.
While officers have been unable to identify the operator at this time, they want to remind the public that operating a drone in an area where police and first responders are could interfere with live-saving measures and a fine could be handed out up to $1,000.
There are several regulations that you must abide by should you be using a drone.
• below 90 m above the ground;
• at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg);
• at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg);
• at least 5.5 km away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land);
• at least 1.8 km away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only;
• outside of controlled or restricted airspace;
• at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area;
• away from areas where the operation could interfere with firefighters, police or first responders;
• during the day and not in clouds or smoke;
• within your sight at all times;
• within 500 m of yourself or closer; and
• must be marked with your name, address and phone number.
In a press release, the RCMP had the following to say.
“In an emergency, it is imperative that all necessary resources are able to respond,” said Corporal Ryan Cadotte of the Manitoba RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System unit. “I urge all drone pilots to be responsible and ensure they know and follow all regulations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations are in place for everyone’s safety.”
For more information on where your drone can be used and the regulations around it, head here.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation is combining forces with Dauphin's Citizens on Patrol Program to hold a free community barbecue this Wednesday.
DNRC Executive Director Amanda Novak says it is a great opportunity for them to introduce and promote the great work done by Citizens on Patrol in our city.
"Have the community come and enjoy a hamburger, talk to the head oragnizer of Dauphin Citizen on Patrol Richard Ives. He would be willing to share that information with anyone who might interested in volunteering with the Dauphin Citizens on Patrol."
Donations will also be accepted for COPP to go towards covering expenses such as fuel for volunteers who patrol the streets.
The barbecue is set for Wednesday from 11:30 to 1:30 at the DNRC office at 37 - 3rd Avenue North West.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
