It's Okay Not To Be Okay

In Canada, approximately 12 people die by suicide each day.

Per year, approximately 4,500 people die by suicide. In 2022, 153 Manitobans took their own life, 105 of which were males. Suicide rates are approximately three times higher among men compared to women.

Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 34. It is estimated that 12 per cent of people had thoughts of suicide in their lifetime while 2.6 per cent have had thoughts in the past year.

It's also estimated that 4.2 per cent had planned suicide in their lifetime and 3.1 per cent had attempted suicide.

Tuesday marks World Suicide Prevention Day.

Rod Seib is a peer support coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association - Swan Valley Branch.

"This is a topic that many people are uncomfortable discussing," said Seib. "So many people have been affected by suicide, whether it's a loved one or a friend. Suicide is something that needs to be talked about more and that is why this day is so important."

Seib understands that reaching out for help may be one of the most difficult decisions that has to be made. In a recent annual report from the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, 37 youth deaths by suicide were reported between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, 42 per cent more than during the previous year.

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, Seib encourages you to reach out because there are professionals who are ready to help.

"There is no judgement, many of us struggle alone and are scared to reach out," shared Seib. "By not reaching out, things can get worse. In many cases, things do not get better without help."

Seib also stresses the importance of being kind.

"Do not be afraid to ask someone how they're doing, it could make their day," said Seib. "Ask them if they have anything they want to open up about. Offer that patient, non-judgemental ear with empathy to hear what's going on."

You may have heard the saying 'It's okay not to be okay'. It means that it is normal and valid to feel off sometimes. It's also a reminder that self-care could be needed. You shouldn't blame yourself and always know that should you need it, help is there.

"You have to understand that it is not a weakness to be struggling," ended Seib. "We have to get the message out that it is okay to not be okay. If you are struggling, that is okay. Do not beat yourself up by thinking you should be doing better than you are. There are supports and resources available if and when you need them."

Locally, the Canadian Mental Health Association - Parkland Branch can be reached by calling 638-4097. You can also call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Sep 10, 2024 - 5:00 am

The RCMP are looking for Cheyenne Beaulieu.

The 33-year-old man from Dauphin failed to appear in Dauphin Court on Friday for sentencing. He was found guilty of manslaughter after a 33-year-old man died in July of 2021.

The wounded victim was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries. If you know the whereabouts of Cheyenne, you're asked to contact 911.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Sep 10, 2024 - 5:00 am

September 30th is the deadline for producers in the Westlake Watershed District to apply for funding through the GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds program.

Tatiana Sarigumba is the GROW Co-ordinator for the watershed district.

She says the program financially supports producers for projects that improve watershed health, while also benefiting their operation.

"Priority outcomes of GROW include improved watershed resilience through climate change and improved water quality. The co-benefits targeted include improved on-farm water management, enhanced sustainable agricultural production, improved biodiversity and habitat, and increased carbon sequestration and storage "

Examples of projects eligible for funding include well establishment, off-site watering for riparian enhancement, livestock exclusion fencing, and the establishment of perennial forage stands and polycrops for livestock feed and soil health improvement.

Producers that live in the Alonsa, Lakeshore, southeast Mossey River, and northeast Westlake-Gladstone areas, as well as Northern Affairs, are eligible to apply for this program.

More info can be found online at www.westlakewd.com or by calling 204-767-2101

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 9, 2024 - 3:00 pm

The body of late Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick will lie in state at Manitoba's legislative building.

Merrick, who was 62, died suddenly on Friday when she was speaking to reporters outside of Winnipeg's law courts. She collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where she passed away.

A wake, funeral and burial are being planned in her home community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, but no dates have been set as of yet. On Saturday, Premier Wab Kinew said that Merrick's family have been permitted for her to lie in state and the province is expected to announce the date for the lying in state soon.

Cathy spent more than a decade as a band councillor at Pimicikamak First Nation and became the community's chief in 2013, the second woman to do so. She was then elected grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in October 2022 and was re-elected in July of this year. Merrick became the first woman to lead the advocacy group in its nearly 35-year history.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Sep 9, 2024 - 12:59 pm

A man arrested following a high speed chase last month on the Ebb & Flow First Nation has made another court appearance.

33-year-old Sean Beaulieu remains in custody until his next appearance on October 8th.

And one of three suspects in a New Year's Eve armed robbery on the reserve was also back before a judge late last week.

27-year-old Braden Moar had his matters put over until May of 2025.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 9, 2024 - 12:34 pm

UPDATE:

Keith Racette has been arrested. The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

The Ste. Rose RCMP are on the lookout for an individual after arresting another, who were both involved in making violent threats on a video posted online.

On August 31, at approximately 6:05 pm, Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP was made aware of a video circulating on Facebook showing a male with a firearm on his front porch looking at an RCMP officer and, with another male present, making direct threats about killing the officer while the officer was at a neighbouring residence in Ebb and Flow First Nation.

The officer was executing an arrest warrant and was unaware of the firearm and the threats being made.

After seeing the video, officers attended to the property immediately. A drone was used to ascertain who was on the property, and the individuals inside came out and threw items at the drone.

Instructions were provided by loudspeaker to come out of the residence, and five people exited.

Germaine Beaulieu, 29, was arrested and charged with Uttering Threats Against a Person, Possession of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Weapons Possession Contrary to Order. He is remanded in custody.

Keith Racette, 29, is wanted on the same charges as Beaulieu but has not yet been located. He is believed to remain in the community or could have travelled to Winnipeg.

Racette is described as 5’9” tall, 194 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes. He has a large tattoo on the left side of his neck and a large birthmark on his left cheek. He is considered dangerous. If seen, do not approach. Call 911.

If you have information on Racette’s whereabouts, please call Ste. Rose du Lac RCMP at 204-447-3082, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Details: Contributed by Darnell Duff; Published: Sep 9, 2024 - 10:14 am

The final numbers are in from the 7th Annual Dauphin Memorial Ride, which was held last month.

Close to 50 motorcyclists, car enthusiasts, and supporters took part in the August 17th event, which raised three thousand dollars for current and future needs of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

Organized by Tony's Auto Electric, and JDS Laundromat, this year's 300 km ride went through Minnedosa and Shoal Lake.

In a news release, both the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, and Dauphin Regional Health Centre, thanked the organizers, participants, and everyone that contributed to the success of this year's event.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 9, 2024 - 6:00 am

There has been a breach in containment at Clear Lake.

Zebra mussels have been a looming threat to the lake throughout the summer, and the curtain containing them has been compromised.

Park canada has confirmed that strong winds created waves to push the containment curtain out of place.

Investigation is underway with Parks canada and their contractor to assess the repairs.

This containment curtain was installed at the start of August as an addition to the boat ban to prevent the spread of zebra mussels.

Details: Contributed by Michael Brossart; Published: Sep 8, 2024 - 12:00 pm

A 33-year-old man arrested following a police chase last December in Ebb & Flow has had a new court date set.

Cash and drugs were seized following the chase.

Edward Sutherland remains in custody until his next appearance in Brandon court on September 12th.

And a Dauphin man facing several charges, including aggravated assault and uttering threats, has had another new court date set.

40-year-old Wayne Becks was arrested by Yellowhead RCMP following an incident in November of 2022, and is slated to return to court on September 17th.

Details: Contributed by Jeff Henson; Published: Sep 7, 2024 - 6:00 pm

The Paws for a Cause walk and run will be raising funds this month with the Parkland Humane Society.

Both adults and children can register for either a 2k or 5k walk by committing donations. Tax receipts will be offered on donations over 20 dollars, as they will be tax deductible.

Janine Daniluck is with the planning committee for this event, and she has a full day of fun planned.

"We'll have different speakers that are going to be speaking a little bit about the history of the shelter, we're going to have a 50/50 and silent auction. We're going to have a kid zone, which was a real hit last year, so there will be a lot of fun kids' activities. There's also going to be a BBQ available which is going to be co-hosted by the DRCSS culinary team."

Daniluck also has details on how you can get involved with this event and the shelter.

"There are definitely volunteer opportunities at the event for anyone that might be interested in helping, but I know the shelter is also looking for either casual volunteers or people to actually sign up for shifts. The best way to go about doing that is to contact the shelter to see what shifts might be available and to get yourself added on to that volunteer list."

Pre-registration runs until sept 19th, and pledge forms can be found online, or at the Parkland Humane Society.