Two area projects are getting a helping hand thanks to Red River Mutual.

The Manitoba based insurance company has awarded a total of $36,000 to help restore community spaces in Ste. Rose du Lac and Winnipegosis as part of its community sponsorship initiative, Spruce Up Your Story.

Ste. Rose du Lac’s only full-sized basketball courts are set up for youth in the community to use, but they have no  lights. With the funding of $18,000 from Red River Mutual, the community can install solar LED lighting, add player and spectator benches, paint court lines and complete landscaping at the site.

With demand to play minor baseball increasing in Winnipegosis, the town’s diamonds require upgrades to meet Baseball Manitoba’s safety standards.

Because many of the players already rely on subsidies to afford playing, Winnipegosis could not charge more registration fees to help pay for upgrades.

With $18,000 from Red River Mutual, they will be able to replace the dugouts and backstops, and redo the infield on both diamonds in town.

“We love seeing our kids so excited to play baseball and we want to be able to give them a safe place to play,” said Beth Rempel, secretary and registrar of Winnipegosis Minor Baseball.

“The fact that we can provide that without having to raise the cost for players is nothing short of life changing for these kids. We’re looking forward to many more years of playing ball and creating memories at the diamond.”

Every year, Red River Mutual calls on organizations across Manitoba and Saskatchewan to submit well-worn but well-loved recreation centres, community halls, parks and more for the chance to win up to $25,000 to rejuvenate the space.

Since 2020, Red River Mutual has awarded more than $750,000 to help revive more than 48 spaces. For its fifth anniversary this year, Spruce Up Your Story received 212 applicants.

“Supporting a community space goes beyond protecting its four walls,” said Brenda Gibson, president and chief executive officer of Red River Mutual.

“It’s about supporting the people who live in these communities, whose passion and resilience contribute to what makes these spaces so great to live, work and play in.” 

The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) is hoping to bring awareness to some of the causes of drownings. URT has been called out to four drownings already in 2024, and if previous years are any indication, they can expect to be called out to more.

“When my team arrives on scene, it is not typically in a rescue capacity,” said Cpl Kathryn Ternier, head of the RCMP URT.

“We are coming to recover someone from the water. I am asking you, the public, to put me out of a job recovering drowning victims.”

While URT also dives to assist other RCMP units in locating items underwater that are related to an investigation, it is the grim task of recovering drowning victims that keeps URT busy.

“We talk a lot about life jackets and personal flotation devices, and they are so crucial to water safety,” Ternier said.

“However, we also need to be talking about what happens that lands people in the water or makes them unable to survive in the water once they are in there.”

Regardless of how strong a swimmer one feels they are, there are obstacles in the water that can affect anybody’s ability to stay afloat.

Read more in this weeks edition of the Dauphin Herald.

Dauphin MLA and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyushyn joined with his federal counterpart, last week, to anounce assistance for Manitoba’s agri-food and agri-product producers and processors to adopt and improve  food safety and traceability practices.

“The Manitoba government continues to support the agri-food and agri-product sectors through these programs to protect consumer safety and increase market access and export capacity,” Kostyshyn said.

“We are proud to provide programming that meets the demands of sustainability and that leverages traceability as an effective tool to prevent and respond to animal health or food emergencies, making Manitoba food products competitive on a global scale.”

The Pre-Approved Food Safety and Traceability Equipment Program assists in the purchase of pre-approved common equipment used to monitor and control food safety parameters and to improve traceability systems.

Food safety and traceability are not only important for public safety, but also a requirement for many regulators, associations and customers. In 2023-24, a total of 37 projects were approved for close to $200,000.

“With investments through the Food Safety and Traceability Equipment Program, we’re making sure they can modernize their operations, grow and stay competitive, while tapping into new export markets,” federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay said. 

Eligible applicant groups that may apply for funding under the Pre-Approved Food Safety and Traceability Equipment Program include primary producers, agri-food processors, agri-product processors, licensed commercial kitchens, food and ingredient wholesalers, abattoirs and Indigenous communities, groups and governments.

There is a maximum funding limit of $30,000 for all food safety items and $30,000 for all traceability items.

Applications are being accepted until Jan. 23, 2025.

A playoff was needed to determine the winner of the Gilbert Plains Men’s Open Golf Tournament, Saturday afternoon at the Gilbert Plains Country Club.

Dale Murray birdied the first playoff hole to win the tournament over Boston Karlson and Zach Fedorak. They all carded a 77. Karlson was awarded second place, with Fedorak finishing third.

In the first flight, Mitchell Rauliuk took top spot on a countback over Mark Simpson after they both finished with an 85. Shawn McQuarrie was third, one shot back.

Another countback resulted in Brayden Kohlman winning the second flight with a 92. Stan Mancheese was awarded second place on a countback ahead of Wayne Bazylo after they both finished with a 93.

Nathan Zadorozny won the third flight with a 102. Keith Pottle was second with a 103 and Eric Price was third with a 104.

Closest-to-the-pin winners were Scott McCallum on no. 4, Pottle on no. 9, Mike Zazuliak on no. 14 and Scott Lynxleg on no. 17.

The high foursome was the group consisting of Charle Schellenberg, Kieran Doerksen, Sam McBurney and David Doerksen, while Murray, McQuarrie, Larry Johnston and Darvis Ryden were the low foursome.

Price won the water ball contest on no. 10.

Police are warning the publicas they search for a man believed to be a high risk to offend in a sexual manner.

Clay Byron Starr, also known as Chad Crate, Clayton Starr, Richard Starr, Clay Richard, and Byron Richard, is wanted for breaching conditions imposed upon him when he was released from federal custody, June 2.

Starr, 33, is to reside in Sandy Bay First Nation, but is evading police and is believed to frequent the Winnipeg and Brandon areas.

He is considered violent and should not be confronted. Starr is also considered to be a high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner and females are at risk of sexual violence.

He is described as six feet tall, weighing 262 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has scars on the bridge of his nose and his chin, and lettering tattoos on his neck. Starr also has sleeve tattoos on each arm.

If you have information on his whereabouts, call the Manitoba High Risk Sex Offender Unit at 204-679-2257, or 204-471-2811, any RCMP detachment, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

No charges will be laid in connection with last year’s bus crash near Carberry which killed 17 Dauphin area seniors.

At a news conference in Winnipeg last week, Crown prosecutor Chris Vanderhooft and RCMP Supt. Rob Lasson explained no Criminal Code or Highway Traffic Act charges are forthcoming as the driver of the bus suffered a traumatic brain injury and has been unable to aid police in their investigation.

“As investigators, we hope to provide the ‘why’ of what happened, and that is why we do what we do. In this case, we cannot say why the bus proceeded into the intersection that day when it was unsafe to do so,” Lasson said, adding the driver has no memory of the accident.

Lasson said the collision happened because of a choice by the driver, but there is no proof that decision was made because of any criminal actions.

His cellphone showed no calls or text messages, at the time of the crash, he had no alcohol or drugs in his system and he was properly licensed  to operate the vehicle. which was in good mechanical shape at the time of the collision, Vanderhooft added.

Expert analysis indicated a blind spot on the vehicle may have prevented the driver from seeing the tractor-trailer as he crossed the Trans-Canada Highway while heading south on Highway 5.

“It is apparent from all of the evidence that the driver, due to the blind spots in that vehicle and when he may have looked in that direction, did not see the semi-truck travelling eastbound,” Vanderhooft said.

“He did not hit the brakes, nor did he speed up to avoid the oncoming semi-truck.”

While the Crown considered charging the driver with dangerous driving, there would be no reasonable expectation of a conviction.

“The act of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle is driving in a manner dangerous to the public in all of the circumstances. The focus must be on the risks created by the driver’s manner of driving and not on the consequences of the driving,” Vanderhooft said, adding his office also considered the public interest in determining whether to proceed with charges.

“While the Crown is certainly aware of the consequences of this mass casualty and the tragedy that families have had and continue to deal with, there is no public interest in proceeding.”

With one change in the list of scheduled performers made, everything is now in place for the 35th edition of Dauphin’s Countryfest.

George Fox will step in to replace Mark Chesnutt, who underwent emergency bypass surgery, recently. Fox will bringing his classic hits and unforgettable performances to the Play Now Main Stage as part of Sunday’s lineup.

The 2024 Dauphin’s Countryfest Homecoming Edition, takes place at Selo Ukraina south of Dauphin, June 28 to 30.

According to Countryfest general manager Kamryn Winters, this year’s festival promises to be a memorable celebration of music, community and nostalgia.

“The Countryfest team has been working tirelessly and has now moved up to the festival site to ensure everything is set for an incredible weekend,” Winters said.

Ticket sales have surpassed last year’s totals, Winters added, thanks in large part to local support, but also representing growing excitement outside the region.

“Local businesses have stepped up immensely in the last two weeks by purchasing Business Party Packs for staff, family and friends,” she said.

“We cannot thank our community enough for the support they give every year.”

Additionally, volunteer needs have been met and surpassed.

“Thanks to the overwhelming support from our dedicated workers from as far away as Brandon to the Pas. Our volunteers don’t stop at the city limits,” Winters said.

Weather is always a concern, Winters added, but the forecast for the weekend looks promising with clear skies and warm temperatures expected throughout the event.

That will make for enjoyable performances  including the throwback to the 1990s with main stage appearances by country music icons such as Clint Black, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Michelle Wright, Doc Walker, Jason McCoy, Quinton Blair, The C-Weed Band, Alabama, Diamond Rio, The Frontmen, Patricia Conroy, Lisa Brokop, Beverley Mahood, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Jo Dee Messina.

Meanwhile, the hilltop stages will offer a dynamic mix of tribute bands covering genres from rock to folk and everything in between, alongside some fantastic headlining rock bands in Harlequin, Snake Oil and Who Made Who a tribute to AC/DC, Winters said.

“Attendees can also look forward to a vibrant marketplace, as we have a full lineup of vendors offering a diverse array of food and shopping options. From gourmet treats to unique crafts, there’s something for everyone,” she said.

“Join us at the 2024 Dauphin’s Countryfest Homecoming for a weekend filled with great music, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. Let’s come together to celebrate our community and enjoy the best of country music in the heart of Dauphin.”

For more information, ticket purchases, and 50/50 draw details, visit www.countryfest.ca or contact the festival office toll-free at 1-800-361-7300.

It was a long battle, but Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier has helped to level the playing field in Canada’s telecommunications landscape.

After more than three years of extensive work, cross-party negotiations, and navigating the parliamentary process, the Senate officially passed Mazier’s private Member’s bill (C-288) that amends the Telecommunications Act to force internet companies to disclose transparent and accurate information on the speeds they sell Canadians.

“For too long, Canadians have been purchasing internet services at sky-high prices only to realize the quality and speed they expected to receive is nowhere near what they actually receive,” Mazier said.

“This is because the government has allowed internet companies to advertise speeds Canadians may never receive.”

Bill C-288 will force internet companies to disclose accurate speeds that reflect what a consumer is most likely to obtain instead of a maximum theoretical speed. Currently, internet companies use language such as “up to” when advertising their service quality, leading consumers to believe a service will be better than it actually is.

“A lack of accurate information when choosing an internet service can result in consumers overpaying, user complaints, and not purchasing the best-fit service. It also reduces overall service quality within the telecom industry,” Mazier said.

Telecommunication experts and advocacy organizations across Canada rallied behind Mazier’s bill from the beginning, helping garner support for the legislation from all political parties.

Read the full story in this weeks Dauphin Herald.

On May 29, as a result of an ongoing investigation into the illegal sale of liquor from a home, officers from the Ste-Rose du Lac RCMP, along with assistance from the Manitoba West District CREST unit and Police Dog Services (PDS), executed a search warrant under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act at a residence located in Ebb and Flow First Nation.

As a result of the search, officers seized numerous bottles of liquor, several cases of beer, over seven grams of crack cocaine, marihuana, unstamped tobacco, over $5000 in cash and a loaded firearm.

Upon entry into the home, officers arrested three suspects, a 45-year-old woman and two men, aged 29 and 17. They were later released for and August 29 appearance in Dauphin Provincial Court where they will face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm and possession of property obtained by crime.

Charges were also issued under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act for the unauthorized sale of liquor and possession of fewer than 25 units of unmarked tobacco.

Police continue to investigate.

Jordan’s Principle is a child-first principle to ensure First Nations children get the services they need when they need them.

Jordan’s Principle was established by First Nations in response to the death of five-year-old Jordan River Anderson, a child from Norway House Cree Nation, who suffered from Carey Fineman Ziter syndrome, a rare muscular disorder that required years of medical treatment in a Winnipeg hospital.

After spending the first two years of his life in a hospital, doctors cleared Jordan to live in a family home near the hospital in Winnipeg.

However, the federal and provincial governments could not resolve who was financially responsible for the necessary home care.

For over two years, the Government of Canada and Manitoba provincial government continued to argue, while Jordan remained in the hospital.

In 2005, at the age of five, Jordan died in the hospital; he never had the opportunity to live in a family home.

Private Members Motion 296 in support of Jordan’s principle passed in the House of Commons, on Dec. 12, 2007.

May 10 is Bear Witness Day, an annual observance dedicated to Jordan’s Principle.