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The Thanksgiving Long Weekend is right around the corner.
For many, this means gathering with friends and family for a nice meal and games around the table. As the weekend approaches, the Manitoba RCMP wants to make sure that every single Manitoban stays safe this weekend.
The RCMP has seen a sharp increase in impaired driving throughout the summer months whether that be alcohol or cannabis. When it comes to cannabis, Sargeant Mark Hume says the numbers have been alarming.
"We're seeing a lot of people claiming that they smoked or ingested cannabis 12 to 48 hours prior but when they're checked by officers, they're still over the legal limit," said Hume. "Many people are saying they use it medically or to sleep but it's still a drug that impairs you. People have to be careful about how much they're using and how quickly they're driving after the fact."
If you are planning on heading to a friend or family member's house this weekend, Hume encourages you to have fun but to be aware at all times.
"The general rule of thumb is you have to hesitate and think am I sober enough to drive, the answer should be no," commented Hume. "If you're at all hesitant, you should not be driving anymore. Whether it's alcohol, cannabis, or any other illegal drugs, you should plan for an alternate drive home."
If you do happen to get pulled over during your travels this weekend, you should expect to be checked. Since legislative changes in 2018, Mandatory Alcohol Screening is now in effect.
"Gone are the days that officers had to have suspicion or probable cause to give a person a roadside breath test," offered Hume. "Expect to be tested if you are pulled over."
The law that came into effect in 2018 clearly states that officers are allowed to demand a breath test of any driver even in the absence of suspicion or cause. This has been a positive as officers have been able to get many impaired drivers off the road.
"This law has been huge for us, it's contributed to the rise in impaired driving apprehensions," ended Hume. "We're noticing a rise in morning or early afternoon cases where people went too hard the night before and thought they slept it off but they didn't."
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
A Bill was introduced by Justice Minister Matt Wiebe that looks to regulate the purchase of long-bladed weapons.
this comes in the of instances of minors acquiring and attacking others with machetes in Winnipeg.
Bill 39, the Long-bladed Weapon Control Act, would seek to restrict the purchase of knives, machetes, and swords longer than 30 cm in several ways.
Bill 39 would prohibit the sale of long-bladed weapons to minors, and require purchasers to provide photo ID at the time of purchase.
Retailers would also be required to retain records, including purchaser information and transaction details, for a minimum of two years.
The Minister added the province plans to consult retail businesses, law enforcement, and Indigenous leadership to develop the regulations in the coming months.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
Over 1000 people have been busy these past few weeks taking in Dauphin's Culture Days, and there is still more on the way.
Tonight, the Watson Art Center is hosting a progressive paint night, that has a twist on the usual.
Jean-Louis Guillas says the "progressive" aspect comes from people passing their canvas to their neighbors for a collaboratively painted product.
"It always goes nicely with a glass of wine and visiting with your friends. It's not high art necessarily, just good fun with your friends at the Watson, where it all happens."
The paint night is nearly booked full tonight, but culture days continue tomorrow with Tales From the Trails, and even more on the weekend.
Be sure to follow The Watson Art Center, and Dauphin's Culture Days on Facebook to keep up with everything going on.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A food safety course is being offered through a partnership between the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and Temptations Food Service.
It is set for October 21st from 9 am to 4 pm at the DNRC Community Centre on 3rd Avenue North West.
According to DNRC Executive Director Amanda Novak, there is considerable interest in this course.
"We have a lot of people that are involved in serving food. And now it is required that you have your food safety course. So a lot of people want to make sure that they are certified."
The cost to register for this course is $85, and you can register by calling 204-648-5911.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Dauphin Co-op has announced that its members will be sharing in 1.2 million dollars in cash back after a very successful 2023 business year.
The cash-back to its members is part of a total 2.6 million dollar allocation from 2023.
Besides the cash rebates to its members, Dauphin Co-op also invests some of its yearly allocations to projects and equipment in the communities they serve.
In a news release, Dauphin Co-op says these investments have contributed $34,000 per day, $1,027,000 per month, and $12,326,000 per year over the past five years back into their communities.
Dauphin Co-op Members can view their 2023 Equity Statement on the Co-op App, once it is available.
If you are not a member yet, you can sign up at any of the Co-op locations in Dauphin and Ste Rose.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
This week's crop report had high winds and low temperatures that caused some issues for producers.
Many regions experienced their first frost during the overnight hours on Oct. 3 to 4, and the Northwest region was also hit by some of the most rain throughout Agro-Manitoba with the Pas station logging 18.5mm of rain.
Despite these harsh conditions, a lot of progress was made in harvesting.
Corn and Sunflower harvest is beginning, and flax harvest is also well underway.
Many crops also have some more firm estimates of yield.
Spring wheat yield estimates range from 40 to 95 bu/acre. Protein ranges from 10 to 15%, Oat yield estimates range from 110 to 180 bu/acre, and Barley yield estimates range from 80 to 120 bu/acre.
Preliminary yield reports of Corn harvest are in, ranging from 140 to 240 bu/acre. Notably, high winds have contributed to some stem breakage.
Canola nears completetion, with yields ranging from 25 to 65 bu/acre, but average around the 30-45bu/acre range.
Canola harvest had its own challenges, as canola swathes were blown, and standing canola was lodged by those high winds.
Flax yields are reportedly 20 to 40 bu/acre, and sunflowers are yet to be reported.
With Dry beans at 85%, yield estimates are sitting at 1700-2000 lbs/acre, and soybean's average yield is at 45 bu/acre.
Forage and pasture growth has been strong this year from the early season rains, but the frost from last week is giving cattle producers pause for grazing annual forages.
The baling of straw is nearly done, and corn silage continues, reporting varied yields across the province.
The colder weather is making pasture growth notably slower, and some producers have started supplementing cattle feed on pastures.
Overall, calves are coming off pasture in good condition, and dugouts remain adequately stocked with water.
Closer to home in the Northwest, progress marched ahead despite the cold, wet weather.
The Northwest region received frost, with overnight lows ranging from -2°C to -7°C. The majority of the region had below-zero temperatures for 10 to 13 hours.
Precipitation slowed harvest for a couple of days in some areas, and extreme winds hit the region once again over the weekend damaging canola in the Dauphin area. Swathed canola was blown and standing canola was lodged.
In our area, the spring wheat harvest nears completion at 98% complete. Lodged fields have made for slow progress in some areas, and the average reported yield is approximately 65 to 70 bu/acre. Some fields are averaging less at 40-50 bu/acre and some are going 80 bu/acre plus.
Canola harvest made good progress again this week and is approximately 85% complete across the region. Reported yields have been quite varied based on crop conditions throughout the season but are generally lower than average. Average yields so far have been approximately 30 to 40 bu/acre.
Soybean harvest is approximately 45% complete across the region and more advanced in the Swan Valley area, while Dauphin/Ste. Rose area is behind. Early yield reports range from 35 to 40 bu/acre and 50 to 55 bu/acre in some higher yielding fields.
Post harvest field operations are ongoing. Anhydrous ammonia and dry fertilizer application has begun.
This week's clear and warm weather promises some substantial progress in the fields.
Notably, the Crop Report next week will be available a day later due to the long weekend.
But for now, here's wishing producer a safe, speedy harvest, and a bountiful yield.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
The provincial government has announced a temporary shuffling of some cabinet responsibilities.
Tracy Schmidt has been named acting Education and Early Childhood Learning minister.
She replaces Nello Altomare, who is stepping away from the portfolio for a few weeks to attend to some health issues.
Schmidt will retain her current portfolio of Environment and Climate Change.
To assist her, Riel MLA Mike Moyes has been named legislative assistant for both the Education and Environment portfolios.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Another case that has been before the courts for some time has come to a resolution.
33-year-old Jory Rowe appeared in Winnipeg Provincial court last Tuesday, where he pled guilty to one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking in relation to a Match 2021 traffic stop in the RM of Dauphin.
At that time, Mounties pulled over a vehicle on Highway 5, about ten kilometres west of Ochre River, and seizure of a large variety of cannabis products, about 195 grams of cocaine, cash, and an open bottle of liquor.
Rpwe was sentenced to 18 months probation, a ten-year weapon ban, a DNA order, and he had to forfeit the seized items.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
The RCMP are searching for a man who attempted to pay for gas using stolen Amazon packages.
On September 12 at 5:35 p.m., a suspect went to the Fas Gas Plus on Highway 6 in Lundar and tried to pay for fuel using stolen Amazon packages. The suspect then fled the gas station in a vehicle that was reported stolen out of Winnipeg earlier in the day.
On September 13, the vehicle was recovered in a ditch located off of PR 229 in the RM of Coldwell at 11:40 a.m. The vehicle was found full of the stolen packages which were destined for addresses in Winnipeg.
If you have any information or can identify the suspect, contact the Ashern RCMP at 768-2311.
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- Contributed by Darnell Duff
The Mountainview School Division Board of Trustees are moving forward with a decision made at a recent trustees meeting to allow only the Canadian, provincial, and school flags to be displayed in their schools.
In a letter posted to the division's website today, the board stated that by choosing to only fly these flags, they aim to send a clear message: that everyone is welcome, included, and supported under these banners.
It adds Canada’s rich tapestry of cultures and communities is a source of strength, and the board's goal is to foster inclusivity and positivity in all that we do.
The board added in the release that while the decisions they face may be difficult, they are necessary steps toward a brighter future, adding that by promoting unity through these symbols, we can work to eliminate negative responses towards diverse cultures and communities, especially during sensitive times.
They added in order to support their staff through this transition, the Board of Trustees will be working with Senior Administration to clarify the details that will inform an administrative procedure which will assist in implementing these changes effectively.
The release ends by stating that further questions or feedback can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
Some great news for local motorists,
The City of Dauphin has announced that Main Street South and PTH 5A is reopening to traffic as of today.
They do caution that the newly erected traffic lights at the entrance to the Dauphin Marketplace Mall will flash red in all directions for 24 hours, making that intersection a 4-way stop until the lights are fully operational.
As well, they caution that temporary lane closures may be required over the next few weeks. in order to complete final construction activities.
They encourage drivers to keep watching for and obeying all signage and flag people.
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- Contributed by Jeff Henson
