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Gerry Vermette has served and protected with the Winnipegosis Fire Department for 31 years.

He takes immense pride in what he does. When the phone rings, Gerry will be there.

"The reason why I stay on and do it is my way of giving back to the community," said Vermette. "It's a passion that I have. It's a great experience being a leader and doing things to help people out."

25 years after first joining the department, Vermette was promoted. He was named Fire Chief six years ago and has held the role since. 

"It was overwhelming at first," added Vermette. "It was great. It made me feel better. Having that stronger leadership role."

The Winnipegosis Fire Department responds to everything from wildland fires to structure fires, vehicle extrication rescues, and water rescues, and they work with Stars Air Helicopter. They're also looking to expand their services.

If you've ever thought of serving and protecting, now could be the perfect time to step up. The Fire Department is actively recruiting new members. If you decide to join, Gerry says it's a fantastic way to give back.

It's rewarding, and while it comes with its fair share of challenges, it's worth it.

"It's a role that isn't for everyone. It's a role for people who have a passion to be out there helping," said Vermette. "There are many good things about it. It's not only responding to emergencies. There are the fundraising events, different training opportunities, and different socializing things we do at the Fire Department for ourselves."

All recruits will be trained to receive Level One certification through the Office of the Fire Commissioner. That's about a 200 hour process. Training from there is ongoing. 

The Department has responded to 24 calls this year. Last year, they responded to 42. They currently have 15 active members. Two of those are part of the junior firefighting program. 

Vermette says he's very thankful to have a crew that is always willing to go above and beyond to serve and protect.

"We have a very good crew, excellent crew," said Vermette. "Everybody is willing to drop everything to help others. Some of my members are farmers. They're willing to drop their work to come and help someone who needs it. We have a really, really good crew."

If you're interested, Gerry invites you to Department meetings. They run every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The meetings are at the Winnipegosis Fire Hall at 136 2nd Street. They run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

You can also reach out to them on Facebook. 

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While staff and students did their best to enjoy summer despite challenges due to flooding in the Parkland region, others continued preparing for the new school year.

Students begin school next Thursday. Preparation for the new year included getting bus routes confirmed, maintenance on buses, and tech-related needs.

Custodians clean all facilities while administration staff plan for the new year. 

Superintendent and CEO Suzanne Cottyn says MVSD is very excited to welcome staff and students back.

"We recognize the school year ended in a challenging way for many of our families with the flooding," said Cottyn. "The recovery process is ongoing. We really hope that with the start of the school year, students will find our schools to be welcoming spaces where they can settle into positive routines for the year."

The school year will begin with a new transportation supervisor. After 13 years in the role, Ernest Karpiak stepped away at the end of last year.

John MacKinnon is the new transportation supervisor, and he settled in nicely over the summer.

"The summer was a good time for the transition. It gave him time to get into the office, learn the role, and meet all the staff," said MacKinnon. "Speaking with him the other day, we were talking about the countdown. They're ready to go. Ready to start the year in a good way with our students."

When it comes to bus safety, there are several ways to stay safe. Never approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the doors are open. Keep your distance. Take five steps back from the road while waiting for the bus to arrive.

Never cross behind the bus; always cross in front. Make sure the driver notices you before crossing. If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before picking it up. When on the bus, sit down facing forward.

Hold bags and backpacks in your lap so others don't trip. Never put your head, hands, or objects out the windows. Also remove headphones when approaching or crossing roads and listen for traffic.

Cottyn believes MVSD is a great place for students to learn and grow because they're proactive. They think innovatively and offer flexible programming.

With summer less structured for most, here are some tips to get ready for what's ahead. It's important to get rest and be mentally prepared. Cottyn knows many students will be excited to come back and reconnect with friends and staff. 

She realized some will have worries, whether they're entering a new school or grade.

Cottyn challenges all students to think about one thing they're looking forward to this year.

"And also, there are lots of staff ready to welcome them and support them," said Cottyn. "I encourage any students or parents who have concerns to reach out early and regularly to the school and classroom teacher. Ask those questions. That way we can have that really good home and school partnership throughout the year."

MVSD has about 3,100 students.

There are around 250 teachers. They have about 150 educational assistants.

Cottyn says the staff comes to do their best on behalf of the students every day.

"I've seen their hearts towards our students and how much they care," added Cottyn. "The extra time they'll put in. I see all of our staff going that extra mile many times to show their care and concerns for students. Really see them and speak up on their behalf. We have many staff who will advocate on behalf of students."

Late last month, the Manitoba government introduced a pilot program for a new health and physical education curriculum. Premier Wab Kinew said every student in Manitoba, from kindergarten through grade 12, will have gym class in-person.

Kinew said the government will change gym so it works for everyone.

It's as much about the kid who thinks working out is no joke as the kid who cracks a joke to skip a turn. Kinew said if a student doesn't want to get changed for gym class, then let's not make them.

This is already in place in some of Mountain View School Division's schools. Space is a key factor. Staffing is another.

"We know the curriculum needed to be revamped. We are looking forward to seeing what that will look like," said Cottyn. "Looking at how we may implement that for our students."

School is right around the corner, and MVSD is ready for a great year. 

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A 39-year-old female is dead and a 34-year-old man is recovering from his injuries.

On Monday at 9:55 p.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a collision between an all-terrain vehicle and two pedestrians on the Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation. The two pedestrians were walking in the community on Porcupine Bay.

They were hit from behind by a 21-year-old who was driving the ATV.

Emergency services performed lifesaving measures. However, the female died of her injuries. The male was taken to the hospital with multiple non-life-threatening injuries. 

The 21-year-old was arrested outside his home, not far from the collision, while standing near the ATV. It was seized and impounded. He was released from custody on conditions.

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A nine-year-old is dead after a rollover on Monday evening.

At 5:15 on Monday, Dauphin RCMP responded to the rollover involving a utility terrain vehicle outside of a home in the RM of Dauphin.

A 40-year-old man was driving the UTV with his daughter.

The vehicle turned while on the property towards the home when it rolled. The girl suffered significant injuries.

Lifesaving measures were attempted, but they were unsuccessful. The child passed away.

The father was sent to the hospital in Winnipeg with non-life-threatening injuries.

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According to the latest Manitoba Agriculture Crop Report, the Northwest region is 3% complete harvest, while the provincial average is at 11%. 

In the Northwest, most of the progress is attributed to 80% harvest completion in winter wheat and fall rye, though other crops have greatly progressed over the past week. Spring wheat and barley harvest is 5% complete in the region, while field pea harvest is up to 15% complete. 

Weather was mostly good, leading to crop advancements across the board, though the end of the week brought heavy rainfall in parts of the region. Notably, San Clara weather stations received 71.6mm on Sunday. 

Pre-harvest glyphosate applications continue in spring wheat, and desiccation of field peas continues as stages are reached. Desiccation and swathing of canola also continues, with the majority of the crop ranging in stages, from flower/podding to mature, and fields that experienced excess moisture still have patches of delayed growth. 

The majority of field peas are now in the R7 stage, and harvest is underway where crops have reached maturity. Yields are reported as lower than average so far. Most soybeans are in the R6 stage and looking good in areas that didn't have excess moisture earlier in the year. 

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The Bank of Canada announced earlier this morning they are holding their key interest rate at 2.25%, for the seventh consecutive decision. The last time the interest rate was held steady for seven straight decisions was from September 2023 to April 2024. 

The Bank cited a slight rise in inflation to 3% in July after international pressures brought volatility to fuel prices as one reason to hold the rate. They also commented on United States tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs, and the recent breakdown in trade talks, saying both situations are fluid. 

Canada's economy strengthened in Q2 of this year, with the Bank citing a raise in GDP by 3.3%, after notably weak growth in the first quarter. 

"With the economy and inflation evolving broadly as forecast in the July MPR, Governing Council agreed to leave the policy rate unchanged. However, the upside risks to inflation have increased, while new tariffs make growth prospects more uncertain," read part of the Bank's interest rate decision. 

They also said the Bank of Canada remains committed to maintaining Canadians' confidence in price stability, despite global uncertainty. 

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Earlier this week, Prairie Mountain Health announced that Emergency Department services will reopen in the existing ED space at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre on Monday, September 7. 

The temporary ED will use temporary power, water and other infrastructure. Restoration work continues in other areas of the hospital.

The ED will provide emergency services 24/7. 

Darlene Jackson is the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union. She said the facility's reopening is extremely rushed. She's been communicating with nurses from the facility, and they are extremely worried.

"They are worried about a few things. So, the ED will have no running water," said Jackson. "They will have hand wash stations only, which is a concern. Proper handwashing technique is the cornerstone of infection control."

Other health services will continue to be provided in nearby sites while restoration work progresses. Dialysis patients are currently receiving care in Brandon, Russell, Swan River and Ashern. Chemotherapy is being provided in Brandon, and labour and delivery services are available in Neepawa and Brandon. 

The DRHC was forced to close on July 1 after significant flooding hit the region. More than 50 patients had to be evacuated. 

When it closed, nurses in the facility were transferred to other facilities. Jackson said that brought challenges, but the nurses remained focused on ensuring all patients received the care they needed.

"You know, there have been quite a few snags in reassigning nurses to different sites. It hasn't been all that smooth," added Jackson. "However, the nurses have gotten up in the morning and driven 50 kilometres to work, instead of down the street. I believe the staff has been extremely accommodating."

Jackson told CKDM NewsNow that bathrooms would be established outside the hospital in a trailer. That is another key concern for the nurses.

Jackson was told there are two bathrooms in a trailer, but she was unsure of how many trailers will be on site.

"You know, at least in a facility where the washroom in the ED is within sight, you can check on your patient quite easily," said Jackson. "Now, staff may have to leave the building to assess and ensure their patients are okay while using the washroom. Staff truly don't believe this is going to be successful. They will go and do what is needed to be done to provide care. But they are very apprehensive that this is going to be successful."

The Community Health Services building attached to Dauphin Regional Health Centre will continue to provide outpatient community care, including IV therapy.

Walk-in diagnostic services temporarily being provided at the provincial building in Dauphin will also be moved back to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

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Anyone who knows David and Valerie McInnes knows how much they love animals.

At the end of June 2023, Barkland in the Parkland Pet Resort and Crematorium was born. They board fully vaccinated domestic pets, primarily dogs and cats, for people who need to travel or have something going on. Barkland in the Parkland provides them with a safe space.

They also take care of cremations for loved ones lost. Then there's Barkland Bridges Inc. That's a not-for-profit rescue. They take in wayward animals from several municipalities. Simply put, David, Valerie, and the entire crew at Barkland in the Parkland Pet Resort and Crematorium are all in.

In business for just more than three years, David said it's been amazing, humbling, overwhelming, exhausting, and thoroughly enjoyable, all in one. 

From the minute the furry friends arrive on the property to the moment they go home, David says it's been an incredible experience.

"Seeing the joy when they first come. They get to see all their friends at Barkland and us," said McInnes. "It's just amazing. Also, when we take a wayward pet in. Whether that's a stray that was lost and wandering, or a dog or cat that wasn't doing well. We help rehabilitate them and move them onto, hopefully, their forever home."

For quite some time, clients have been asking David and staff to run sessions to help build your relationship with your canine. Yuliana ran a kennel in Ukraine for many years before immigrating to Canada and arriving in Dauphin. She has more than 25 years of experience working with dogs.

Just like Barkland in the Parkland Pet Resort and Crematorium was born three years ago, Tips and Tricks for Treats will be born later this month.

There are five sessions that will help you build your relationship with your dog. McInnes says it's a way to learn other ways to build your connection and relationship with your dog. 

"When I was just a young lad, I used to say I didn't want to give my dog obedience training. It would take the character out of them and take who they are away," said McInnes. "That couldn't be any farther from the truth. Dogs and cats look to their humans for support, safety, communication, and direction. Building that relationship makes it so much safer and easier for them to exist."

The sessions are on September 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29. It's $189 per person for all five sessions. Each session begins at 6:00 p.m. and runs for roughly 45 minutes. 

Clients who register can bring their own crate for their furry friend.

"For those who don't, we will provide. Having that ability to go into their instinctual den-type home, have a timeout, take a break, that's important," said McInnes. "They can get overwhelmed, just like humans. It's mainly designed around puppies, but not totally. Bring your puppy, bring your dog."

To register for the sessions, head here. Don't delay; there are only spots for eight dogs. 

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Bradley Davidson has served as a firefighter since 1981.

He currently serves as the Regional Director for the Canadian Association of Fire Investigators and Manitoba Crime Stoppers. He's the provincial director for the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association. His first post was with the Flin Flon Fire Department.

Last year, he spent three weeks fighting fires in the northern part of the province when 300 homes were lost in Denare Beach. 

"Being in the fire service is about giving your time, and being of service to others," said Davidson. "The service has been good to me. I think I owe it to the younger generation to give back to them."

He also volunteers for Swan Valley Citizens on Patrol. Davidson says being a firefighter is rewarding and he encourages anyone interested to check it out. In the Parkland, the Winnipegosis Fire Department is actively recruiting firefighters.

With over 40 years of heavy industrial safety, emergency response, and fire investigation service, Davidson has founded the Canadian Firefighter Cancer Foundation. It's a national charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness of occupational cancers among firefighters. It will support firefighters, their families, and advance education and prevention initiatives. It will also advocate for improved firefighter health across the country.

The foundation was created in response to the growing impact of cancer within the Canadian fire service and the urgent need for a dedicated national organization focused on support, awareness, and action.

He also lost four friends to cancer. They were all firefighters. Firefighters often encounter hazardous environments that expose them to known and suspected carcinogens.

"Most recently, there was a firefighter in Flin Flon who was a pillar of the department and community," said Davidson. "I didn't even know he was sick. He had 47 years of service. I was grieving over his loss. I was his roommate for nearly 10 years when I was in Flin Flon."

The foundation's mission is to support firefighters and their families affected by cancer after diagnosis, and beyond and to promote cancer prevention and awareness initiatives. It will also fund and support firefighter health programs, create national awareness campaigns focused on firefighter health and wellness, and build partnerships with fire services, researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations across Canada.

As a firefighter himself for 41 years, Bradley knows being a firefighter isn't for everyone. He thanks those who serve and protect, often putting their lives at risk to help and make a difference.

"It's a critical service that needs to be there. Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for us," said Davidson. "I think it's up to us to support them. Members of the service and public. Right now, firefighter cancer is the number one killer of firefighters. That needs to change."

As part of its national launch, the foundation invites fire departments, firefighter organizations, healthcare professionals, researchers, sponsors, and community members to join its mission of improving firefighter health and cancer awareness throughout Canada.

If you're interested in becoming a part of the foundation, you can contact Bradley at 204-271-2248. 

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After the United States slapped a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports, the Canadian government fired back with scaling retaliatory tariffs, with 15%, 25%, and 50% on specific items. During the ongoing trade war, and with how it's affecting Manitoba's farmers and ag producers, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation announced a long list of supports. 

Cam Dahl, General Manager of Manitoba Pork, said the company is in support of those reliefs, saying it'll help give Manitoba's agriculture more independence, and will greatly promote agricultural investment in the province. 

"We're very pleased with the response, some of these measures, such as enhancements to loan guarantees programs, enhancements to funding for ongoing operations, these are things that we've been working on together with the province for some time...if you look at building a new finishing barn, it's gonna cost about 15 million dollars. So this increase in the loan guarantee program will allow producers to access loan guarantees for about a third of that cost of building that facility, or building that infrastructure," said Dahl. 

Two of the most notable changes that Dahl and Manitoba Pork support are an increase to the loan amount under the Diversification Loan Guarantee Program, up to $5 million from $1.5 million, and increasing the guaranteed portion of loans from both that program and the Operating Credit Guarantee Program to 33.33%, up from 25%. Dahl said those measures will help give Manitoba's farmers a bit more certainty. 

Though he said the changes are very welcome, Dahl still wants Manitoba Pork's great trading relationships with American states and companies to continue. The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) has shown that trade diversification when it comes to agriculture can lead to a lot of benefits, not just when it comes to prices. 

"One of the biggest impacts that we're seeing from the uncertainty with our largest trading partner, the United States, is the reluctance, or inability to invest in the future growth of the industry, and that just comes from not knowing what your market is gonna look like, six months or a year from now...agriculture in general, in the United States, and Mexico and Canada, really does recognize the benefits that have come because of trade liberalization, and the integration of our agriculture and food markets," said Dahl. 

Other announcements from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation include increasing the Operating Credit Guarantee Program to $3 million for individuals, corporations, and partnerships, and expanding eligibility for the Diversification Loan Guarantee Program to include oilseed and grain operations. 

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Leon Kowalski is calling all car enthusiasts.

Napa Auto Parts is proud to sponsor and support a Car Show & Shine in Dauphin on Saturday. It'll take place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds. Registration takes place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Whether your vehicle is from the 1920s or is a newer model, you can take part. If you have a vehicle worth showing off, the return of Dauphin's car show is perfect for you.

"There's quite a group of us in town here," said Kowalski. "We've counted. There's probably 15 or 20 guys that never seem to take them out of their garage. We're hoping they come out."

Leon expects vehicles coming from Yorkton, Brandon, and the surrounding areas. 

There is no admission fee. 

Kowalski is also hoping to make this an annual event. As of publication, the forecast calls for a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday with a high of 26. 

"We're hoping for the weather and a good turnout," said Kowalski. "There will be a silent auction as well."

Food trucks and music will be on site. Dauphin's Car Show & Shine returns for one day only on Saturday from 11:00 to 3:00 at the Fairgrounds. 

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