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Dauphin conservation officers gave out a total of $5,670 in fines after catching three people using dip nets along the Valley River.

In the most recent Manitoba Conservation Officer Service Enforcement Update, there were two reports made by Dauphin officers near the end of April.

On April 27th, officers found two males using dip nets to catch and retain spawning walleye at a low-lying area of the Valley River. In all, the pair had 20 walleye in their possession.

Both men were from Camperville and were issued court appearance notices along with restitution charges totaling $4,200 for retaining walleye in a conservation closure.

On April 30th, Dauphin conservation officers saw someone using a dip net to catch and retain spawning walleye in a low-lying area of the Valley River.

The man, from Dauphin, had seven walleye in his possession. He was issued a notice to appear in court along with a $1,470 restitution charge for retaining walleye in a conservation closure.

In both cases, all the fish were donated. Anyone with information on illegal activity is asked to call a local Natural Resources and Northern Development office or the TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 12, 2023 - 2:33 pm

Today is Manitoba Day, the 153rd anniversary of the provinces founding.

The province was founded on May 12, 1870, when the Manitoba Act received royal assent. Manitoba was officially incorporated into Confederation on July 15, 1870, becoming the fifth province, and the only one to enter Confederation under an indigenous leader.

The name Manitoba originates from the languages of the Aboriginal people who lived on the Prairies and traveled the waters of Lake Manitoba.

According to the province's website, the name's evolution mirrors the region's history.

"At the Lake Manitoba Narrows a strong wind can send waves washing against the limestone rocks of an offshore island. The unique sound from the waves is said to be the Manitou, or Great Spirit (in Ojibway, “Manito-bau”)."

A plaque commemorating its origin is located on the east side of the Lake Manitoba Narrows.

There is a Manitoba Day event at the Children's Museum in Winnipeg from 11 - 3 today. Mitchell Makoons will also be performing and speaking in the Mingling Area of the Douglas Knowles Building at Brandon University at 5:30 today.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 12, 2023 - 10:23 am

Dauphin's 2023 Budget was passed by City Council after its announcement earlier in the week.

The meeting acted as a follow-up for the State Of The City that happened on Tuesday, and officially confirms the budget plans for this year.

Mayor David Bosiak says there are big plans coming for the city, but he couldn't have done it without the support of his staff and council.

"We're very lucky to have -and I can't say this enough- a tremendous staff. There's very strategic thinking done by our staff and council, we acknowledge that."

Bosiak noted that though the plan this year is to spend a bit more to invest in the city, taxes will not be impacted nearly as much.

He also said The City of Dauphin's financial reserves are collectively over $10-million dollars, and debt its is non-existent, so the time is right to make the big changes that will help this city flourish. 

A full overview of Dauphin's 2023 budget is available on The City Of Dauphin Website.

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 12, 2023 - 6:00 am

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing an overland flood warning for the southwestern corner of Manitoba, as up to 150 millimetres (mm) of rain could be coming to the area starting tomorrow morning.

Areas including Brandon, Griswold, Deloraine, Melita, Boissevain, Souris, and Virden are currently affected by the warning.

The warning will be effective early tomorrow morning, and continue until midday on May 13th.

For information on how to prepare for flood conditions, and where the flood warnings are, visit the Manitoba Government's Flood Information page.

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Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 11, 2023 - 4:32 pm

The Portage la Prairie RCMP are investigating a fatal two-car collision on Highway 1, in the RM of North Norfolk.

Around 9:45 yesterday morning, police responded to a two-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada highway, at the intersection of Road 64 West. It was determined that a vehicle traveling south on Road 64 West collided with a vehicle going east on Highway 1.

The driver and lone occupant of the southbound vehicle, a 43-year-old woman from the RM of North Norfolk was pronounced deceased on the scene. The driver and lone occupant of the eastbound vehicle, a 20-year-old female from the RM was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Portage la Prairie RCMP along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 11, 2023 - 3:30 pm

Manitoba has sent a group of firefighters to Alberta to help fight the wildfires that rage on throughout the province, but the provincial government is keeping a close eye on the situation here at home as well.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt says that to date, there have been 16 wildfires in the province as of yesterday. He says it's important for Manitobans to do their part in limiting fires as much as possible.

"Many Manitobans are looking forward to the start of camping and fishing season in the coming days and we all must remember to do our part to prevent wildfires whether we’re at home, at the cottage, or enjoying the backcountry."

All 16 wildfires this year have been caused by humans and none are a concern at this time. Nesbitt says that one tanker group is currently activated in Manitoba, and another is on standby.

This week is recognized as emergency preparedness week and Nesbit says there are some easy ways to reduce wildfire risks.

Campfires:

• If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

Backyard debris burning:

• Don’t burn when it is windy or when vegetation is very dry.
• Check local regulations, a permit may be required.
• Choose a safe burning site away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
• Burning sites should be surrounded by gravel or mineral soil at least 10 feet in all directions.
• Keep the surroundings watered down during the burn and have a shovel close by.
• Keep debris piles small and manageable, add additional debris as the fire burns down.
• Make sure burning barrels are made entirely of metal, properly equipped (at least three evenly-spaced, three-inch, screened vents and top metal screen), and in good condition.
• Stay with the fire until it is completely out. Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with a shovel, and drown it again, repeat several times.
• Check the burn area regularly over the next several days and up to several weeks following the burn, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and windy.

Vehicle safety:

• Be sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging from the vehicle, as they can create sparks.
• Check the vehicle’s tire pressure. Driving on an exposed wheel rim can cause sparks.
• Be careful driving through or parking on dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes can cause grass fires.
• Never let brake pads wear thin. Metal on metal creates sparks.

Lawn care:

• Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment can start wildfires. Be careful on hot, dry days, and be sure to check equipment regularly.

Taking care of your home:

• Keep roofs, gutters, decks, and patios clear of leaves, pine needs, or other flammables at all times.
• Remove flammable mulch and vegetation 1.5m from homes and replace it with non-flammable material.
• A mowed lawn is a fire-resistant lawn. Grasses shorter than 10cm in height are less likely to burn intensely.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the toll-free TIP line at 1-800-782-0076.

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 11, 2023 - 2:30 pm

A massive mural will be making an appearance on the Main Street side of the Dauphin Public Library this summer.

Local Artist Patrick Paul presented his work for this project earlier this week, and the final result is both massive and magnificent.

The design, done in the Woodland art style will span a total of five aluminum canvases, each measuring four-by-eight feet. Paul says it will feature a combination of rich Indigenous culture and a diverse representation of local fish, fowl, and more. 

"There's local species, the turtle, and even the fur-trading animals. It's a very big part of Dauphin's history. It took 285 years for Ojibwe art to thrive in this town. I've been working at it for 2 years, and I can proudly say that Ojibwe art is thriving in Dauphin now."

Paul's journey into the arts is a relatively new one, but he says it was a crucial step in finding his spirituality and a healthier path in life.

"When I first started, I didn't know why I picked up the pencil, crayon, and some paper. but two years into doing my art, I've finally realized that I needed deep spiritual healing. It seems to be for a great reason because time after time it's proving to me that I'm making a change with my art, with my own life, and for my community most importantly."

The final prints are tentatively scheduled to arrive in June, but depending on the print shop's schedule, could be later in the summer.

The library also announced its next step, which is to raise funds for a lighting system, so this local artist's work can shine brightly any time of day, at any time of the year.

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 11, 2023 - 6:00 am

Update #5 posted on May 10th at 9:05 pm:

Environment Canada has ended all weather warnings and watches in the Parkland and western Manitoba.

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Update #4 posted on May 10th at 6:36 pm: 

Environment Canada has cleared the Dauphin area of the severe thunderstorm watch, as the weather system continues to progress to the southeast. 

A chance of more rain and thunderstorms still exists for the Parkland area this evening, but it seems the worst of the storm has passed.

Environment Canada still has a large area under watches and warnings, and you can track that system through their website.

Update #3 posted on May 10 at 4:35 pm:

Environment Canada has downgraded the severe thunderstorm warning, back to a severe thunderstorm watch. The thunderstorms developed this afternoon and are expected to continue into the late evening hours.

Reports of hail up to 5 cm have been made. Take cover immediately, if threatening weather approaches.

Find all of Environment Canada's public weather alerts here.

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Update #2 posted on May 10 at 3:40 pm:

Environment Canada has upgraded the extreme thunderstorm watch to a warning for the RM of Dauphin including Sifton and Valley River, as well as Gilbert Plains Municipality including Ashville.

Environment Canada meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm capable of producing very strong wind gusts, up to toonie size hail, and heavy rain. This thunderstorm is tracking east at 30 km/h toward Ashville and Dauphin.

Find all of Environment Canada's public weather alerts here.

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Update #1 posted on May 10 at 3:23 pm:

Environment Canada has issued a Tornado Warning for part of the Parkland. Right now, the warning is in effect for the R.M. of Ellice-Archie including St-Lazare McAuley and Manson, as well as Prairie View Mun. including Birdtail Res.

Meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm that could possibly produce a tornado. Damaging winds, large hail, and locally intense rainfall are also possible.

As the storm pushes west, it is likely the warnings will continue to expand.

A severe thunderstorm watch is still in effect for the rest of the Parkland and most of southwestern Manitoba, including:

• Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis
• Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone
• Swan River - Duck Mountain - Porcupine Provincial Forest
• Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park
• Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne
• Killarney - Pilot Mound - Manitou
• Virden - Souris

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Original Article posted on May 10 at 2:29 pm:

There is a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for the entire Parkland right now, as well as a severe thunderstorm warning in effect for the RM of Mountain including Cowan and Camperville.

The warning stretches over most of southwestern Manitoba and into southeastern Saskatchewan. Environment Canada says that conditions are favorable for the development of dangerous thunderstorms, which are expected to develop this afternoon.

Thunderstorms may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, damaging hail, and heavy rain. The following areas in Manitoba are affected by the watch:

• Dauphin - Russell - Roblin - Winnipegosis
• Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone
• Swan River - Duck Mountain - Porcupine Provincial Forest
• Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park
• Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne
• Killarney - Pilot Mound - Manitou
• Virden - Souris

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 10, 2023 - 9:05 pm

The federal government has announced some changes that will be made to the Canadian Passport, including the ability to renew passports online.

The announcement was made by Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Karina Gould, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development this morning.

Starting this fall, the government of Canada will be offering Canadians more online options for passport services. This includes the ability to renew passports, pay fees, and upload photographs securely and conveniently online.

The passport itself will include new state-of-the-art security features, like a polycarbonate data page, which is a similar technology to what is used in driver's licenses. The data on that page will now be laser engraved, instead of printed, making it more durable and resistant to tampering.

New Passport Data Page via www.canada.ca

The new passports will also feature artwork celebrating Canada's natural beauty throughout all four seasons says Minister Fraser in a press release.

"The new Canadian passport is more than a travel document; it is a representation of our national identity and values. It is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of Canada, and it reflects the country's commitment to welcoming people from all around the world."

Visa pages in the new passports will have seasonal art that changes under ultraviolet light, which adds to the art and is an enhanced security feature.

Sample New Passport Visa Pages via www.canada.ca

Details

Contributed by Sam Brownell

Published: May 10, 2023 - 10:50 am

A plan for Dauphin's growth was laid out yesterday at the State Of the City.

Over lunch, both the City of Dauphin and The Parkland Chamber Of Commerce made presentations on how they're planning to guide the city's expansion.

Stephen Chychota of the Chamber highlighted the Dauphin and District Community Foundation, which contributed nearly $75,000 to local organizations, including The Almost New store, Dauphin & District Handi-van, the Food for Thought Program, and several recreational facilities.

Mayor David Bosiak spoke on several key items that he believes are crucial to the growth of the city, and broke them down into 6 pillars:

• Community & Innovation
• Climate Action & Leadership
• Housing & Neighborhoods
• Truth & Reconciliation 
• Public Health & Wellbeing 
• And Local Tourism

Before diving into all of these points, Bosiak brought up the financial situation of the town coffers. 

He noted the city is in a perfect situation to make some big moves, as the financial reserves are well stocked, and the city's debt is nearly non-existent.

Bosiak was very thankful for the groundwork laid by his predecessors that will allow him and his council to make the big positive changes he's got planned.

"It's that combination of preparation, planning, and the ability to strike while the iron is hot, and I think we're there."

As the presentation progressed, Mayor Bosiak spoke on the new businesses in Dauphin that will begin ramping up, and how the Provincial Nominee Program will help.

"The interesting challenge that we have is we don't have a large industry like Steinbach or Winkler, that needs 50 of a certain kind of worker. We've had to take a more strategic approach and work with the farmer that needs 1 or 2 workers, or other industries that need the 1 or 2 specific skill sets."

There were a lot of talks focused on developing infrastructure, both in new housing developments and ecologically friendly means to power them. Developments in low-income housing have already made 3 domiciles for people to live in, and the Dauphin and District Community Foundation is looking to keep making that number rise.

The importance of community was not understated, as Bosiak also spoke on the importance of developing the city's relationships with its neighbors in the Parkland area. He referenced the recent land signing between Dauphin, Ebb And Flow, and Pinecreek as a prime example of steps towards strengthening these bonds. 

Tourism was another hot topic, as the many festivals in the area create a lot of revenue for the town. There was discussion on expanding outside of these festivals, and Bosiak presented a promotional video for Dauphin tourism entitled "Dauphin: Adventure From Here On Out". It showcased the many natural areas, trails, campsites, and experiences one can find around Dauphin and the area. 

The Address wrapped up on the themes of coming together as a community and making Dauphin a place that isn't just a place to live in, but a place to experience.

Details

Contributed by Michael Brossart

Published: May 10, 2023 - 6:00 am