Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is launching it’s annual COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine campaign with the first public clinic scheduled for Brandon on, Oct. 24.

The free public clinics will run in various other communities throughout November. Visit prairiemountainhealth.ca for a complete listing of vaccine clinics in the region. Check PMH Facebook, X or Instagram for up-to-date messages, as well. Community members are also advised to watch for information in local newspapers, listen to local radio, or check out posters in or around the communities for vaccine clinic dates, times and locations.

Appointments are preferred, however, walk-ins will be accepted. There are two ways to book an appointment - online through the PMH website as well as www.patient.petal-health.com, or by calling toll-free to 1-844-626-8222.

The updated COVID-19 vaccine will provide broader protection against the variants expected to be most common during the upcoming respiratory virus season, and can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine. At least six months should pass from your last COVID vaccine or known infection until your next vaccination. You will only need to book one appointment to receive COVID and flu vaccines the day you attend.

Anyone over six months of age can receive the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccine. The respiratory virus season last year affected many younger children. Public health strongly recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for children aged six months to under five years of age. Vaccination against both COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including:

• adults 65 years of age or older;
• residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings;
• individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk;
• individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
• individuals in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
• members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and
• people who provide essential community services.

If you are 65 years or older, you can receive the high-dose flu vaccine. The pneumococcal vaccine will also be available.

The vaccine consent form can be found on the PMH website and people are asked to bring their Manitoba Health card and wear short sleeves if possible.

If you are unwell or feeling ill, do not attend your vaccine appointment. If you need to cancel, please call 1-844-626-8222.

Influenza and COVID-19 can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs.

These infections are spread through the air when someone who is sick talks, coughs or sneezes. They can also be spread through direct contact with secretions such as saliva or if a person touches an object that can carry and spread disease, including doorknobs or toys, and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes before washing their hands.

Public health recommends all Manitobans take personal health measures including:

• staying home when sick until they feel better and no longer have a fever;
• washing hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;
• covering coughs and sneezes;
• wearing a mask in indoor spaces can be considered as an extra layer of protection; and
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by many people.

Voters in three wards of Mountain View School Division will head to the polls at the end of the month to select four trustees to fill vacancies at the board table.

On Oct. 30, voters in Ward 1 (Roblin) will choose two new trustees, while those in Ward 2 (Gilbert Plains, Grandview and Ethelbert) will elect one trustee and voters in Dauphin will select one new Ward 4 trustee.

Often it can be difficult to get the information you need to make an informed choice in the ballot booth and the further you head down the levels of governance, the more difficult that quest can be.

With no formal candidate forums or debates announced, the Dauphin Herald and the Roblin Review partnered with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society to ask the candidates six questions so voters can get a better idea of exactly who is hoping to help shape the local education system

Questions asked included:

1. Reflecting on your life experience, what has prepared you to run for school trustee?
2. If you are elected, what would your priorities be as a Mountain View School Division trustee?
3. What would you do to make those priorities a reality?
4. There has been a great deal of talk about racism and discrimination at the board level in Mountain View. How would you work to combat the hurtful misinformation that has been spread in recent months, commit to Reconciliation and repair the harm caused to students and families in the division?
5. What would being a school trustee mean to you?
6. How can voters reach you to discuss further?

Eight of the nine candidates responded. Their candidates’ unedited answers follow, sorted in order of where their name will appear on the ballot.

To see the full Q&A, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.

The zebra mussels situation in Riding Mountain National Park got worse recently after Parks Canada staff reported finding six living juvenile specimens attached to infrastructure on the north shore of Clear Lake.

These invasive mussels were found on Sept. 19 and 20 and were visually confirmed by representatives from Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Province of Manitoba’s aquatic invasive species program.

With this new information, Parks Canada staff will analyze the options for a potential eradication treatment using the best evidence available and in consultation with third-party experts in the field.

In the meantime, the temporary watercraft management measures for Clear Lake remain in place and Boat Cove remains closed to the public until further notice.

Parks Canada will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Zebra mussel infestations cost Manitoba taxpayers an estimated $10 million per year. This cost includes keeping mussels off critical freshwater infrastructure, such as hydroelectric dams and drinking water pipes.

When the damage to the Lake Winnipeg fishery and Manitoba tourism are taken into account, the total economic costs may be considerably higher.

Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation, takes actions to ensure the long-term health of national park and has a proven track record of effective ecosystem management.

The organization is committed to protecting the health of Clear Lake and the greater watershed, officials say.

Parks Canada is urging continued patience and understanding while staff and management partners assess this new development.

It was a tough weekend for the Dauphin Clippers senior girls volleyball team.

Playing in their first tournament of the season, the Clippers lost in the C-side final at the Royal Rumble Varsity Girls Invitational, Friday and Saturday in Selkirk.

Dauphin opened the tournament with a 15-25 and 12-25 loss to the Dakota Lancers, followed by a 14-25 and 18-25 loss to the host Lord Selkirk Royals.

A 10-25 and 18-25 loss to the Sturgeon Heights Huskies left the Clippers in fourth place in their pool, dropping them to the C-side of the draw.

In the C-side semifinals, Dauphin defeated the J.H. Bruns Broncos, 25-10 and 29-27 to advance to the final, where they lost, 22-25, 25-23 and 8-15.

Coming off a second-place finish in Niverville, Sept. 20 and 21, the Clippers JV girls team was in Virden for the JV Girls Fall Classic, this past weekend.

Dauphin began the tournament with a 25-5 and 25-12 win over the Neepawa Tigers.

Then they beat the Crocus Plains Plainsmen, 25-8 and 25-14 and ended the round-robin with a 15-25 and 17-25 loss to Brandon’s Vincent Massey Vikings.

In the quarterfinals, Dauphin faced the Neelin Spartans, coming away with a 25-22 and 25-12 victory to advance to the semifinals, where they lost to the host and eventual champion Virden Golden Bears, 16-25 and 24-26.

In the third-place game, the Clippers defeated the Swan Valley Tigers, 25-13 and 25-14.

Dauphin is home to one of the best hardware stores you can find on the Prairies.

Dauphin Home Hardware was named Best Home Hardware - Western Region at the  Proud of My Home Achievement Awards, handed out during Home Hardware’s 2024 Homecoming event in Toronto, Sept. 12. 

For over two decades, Whitney and Mark Odut have been proud members of the Home Hardware family, embodying the true spirit of a family-owned business.

Since 2001, they have transformed their store with numerous expansions and renovations, while ensuring they provide a superior customer service experience that consistently exceeds expectations.

“We are honoured to be recognized with the Proud of My Home Achievement Award for the Best Home Hardware in Western Canada,” said Whitney Odut, dealer-owner of Dauphin Home Hardware.

“My family has been in the Home Hardware business for more than 40 years, beginning when my father, Owen Connolly, opened his first store in 1983. Mark and I, who both began working at the store as teenagers, are proud to carry on his legacy. We share this award with him and our very dedicated team.”

Dauphin Home Hardware was one of 18 stores recognized with a Proud of My Home Achievement Award.

Recipients must demonstrate excellence in staff performance and customer service; interior presentation, including clear signage, tidiness, and merchandise presentation and displays; exterior presentation, including cleanliness and attractive window displays; staff training and participation in dealer network initiatives.

“On behalf of Home Hardware Stores Limited, I would like to congratulate Dauphin Home Hardware on their achievement and wish them continued success,” said Kevin Macnab, president and CEO of Home Hardware Stores Limited.

“As second-generation owners who have worked in the store for years, Whitney and Mark understand what it means to serve their community, improving life for the people of Dauphin.”

Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) has entered a transformative three-year funding partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), amounting to $105,000.

The alliance underscores a shared commitment to ensuring the next generation is well-informed about the agriculture industry’s opportunities and challenges. 

Katharine Cherewyk, executive director of AITC-M, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership following the announcement.

“We are incredibly grateful for Manitoba Beef Producers’ unwavering support. Their commitment is a testament to the vital role agricultural education plays in shaping informed and engaged citizens,” she said.

“Together, we are paving the way for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the agriculture sector, including the beef industry.”

According to Matthew Atkinson, District 8 director and president of Manitoba Beef Producers said the commitment will ensure school-aged children across Manitoba have access to accurate, balanced, and science-based resources about the beef sector delivered by Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba in a fun and engaging manner.

“There is tremendous value in connecting farmers and educators to spark conversations and promote hands-on learning opportunities that bring the farm to the classroom,” he said.

The ongoing partnership has already seen remarkable achievements. Notably, MBP’s support was pivotal to the success of the 2023 Amazing Agriculture Adventure: Animals event in Glenlea, Man., where 650 Grades 4 and 5 students immersed themselves in the livestock industry’s practical realities.

Additionally, MBP’s role as a Foundational Supporter of the Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture virtual hub has provided students with robust learning resources on 18 key agricultural commodities, including beef.

Last year, MBP also sponsored Beef Week, an AITC-M social media campaign that culminated in 60 students learning about cows in the classroom – virtually.

The impact extends to the Eat Well: Exploring Canada’s Food Guide initiative, which has benefitted 1,120 students from Grades 4 to 6, thanks to MBP’s contributions. 

AITC-M is committed to fostering connections between Manitoba's youth and agriculture through innovative educational programs and resources, ensuring a well-informed future generation.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the province’s cattle industry, representing approximately 6,000 producers in the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors.

The Do More Agriculture Foundation’s (Do More Ag) 2024 campaign, #TalkItOut, runs until the end of October. This important initiative seeks to raise awareness around the critical need for open conversations about mental health in agriculture.

Recent findings from the National Survey of Farmer Mental Health, led by Dr. Andria Jones-Bitton at the University of Guelph, reveal alarming statistics such as 40 per cent of producers across Canada are hesitant to seek professional help due to fear of judgment, while 58 per cent meet the criteria for anxiety and 75 per cent report experiencing mid-to-high stress levels.

These numbers highlight the important need for conversation in farming communities.

The #TalkItOut campaign highlights the power of conversation in tackling mental health challenges.

Do More Ag invites everyone aged 16 and older to join AgTalk, a safe, anonymous space to connect, share, and support one another. With 24/7 clinical moderation, this platform ensures a secure environment for open discussions about mental health in both English and French.

Recent research by Jones-Bitton found that a lack of accessibility to mental health supports and services, mental health stigma in the agricultural community, and a lack of anonymity were among the main reasons that farmers do not seek the support they need.

By providing a safe and anonymous space, AgTalk addresses barriers, ensuring that individuals can connect free of judgment.

“None of us have to be alone with our thoughts. There is power in connecting with each other, in finding the right support, and it all starts with a conversation,” said Lauren Martin, chair of the board of directors at Do More Ag.

Do More Ag is dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of those in agriculture. Through its various programs and resources, the foundation is working to build a supportive community and provide a safe space for individuals to share and seek help.

The #TalkItOut campaign will include a range of initiatives, such as social media outreach, digital advertising, and print media, to further spread the message.

Farm accidents can cause severe injuries, death, and damage to property and livestock. Most accidents are preventable.

As you work in your fields this fall, always take a moment to look up and check your clearance before moving machinery and maintain at least three metres between your equipment and power lines.

Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Measure the height of your equipment or load. If it exceeds 4.8 metres in height, obtain a Farm Equipment Clearance Permit from Manitoba Hydro at hydro.mb.ca/permits.

The permit is required before you drive or tow the equipment on provincial roadways or pass underneath power lines. The permit is free and valid until Dec. 31.

• Update your GPS with any changes if you have new equipment or land.
• Identify where power lines, utility poles and other hazards are in your fields and access points. Share safety plans with your employees, especially inexperienced workers.
• Lower truck boxes, grain augers, tractor loaders, and other equipment before you drive away.
• Locate bale stacks, grain bins, barns, sheds, propane and fuel tanks at least nine metres from overhead power lines.
• Click before you dig. Before disturbing the ground deeper than 15 centimetres, request a line locate from Manitoba Hydro. Utilities are closer to the surface of the ground than you might think.

Dry conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures have resulted in strong progress when it comes to harvesting the 2024 crop, according to the latest Manitoba Crop Report.

Despite some recent localized rainfall and frost over most of the region, the latest Manitoba Crop Report  shows that overall, harvest in the Northwest is 25 per cent complete.

Unsettled weather events did bring thunderstorms to parts of the region recently, including hail in the Swan Valley area, with varying degrees of damage to some crops.

Pipe Lake station received the most recorded precipitation at 16 millimetres, while the lowest recorded precipitation was at the Swan River station with just under one millimetre of rain. Some areas along the western portion of the region received a light frost, with temperatures close to 0C, but it was not a killing frost. The Swan Valley station had the lowest recorded overnight temperature at 0.5C. High day time temperatures helped crops to move along with The Pas station recording the highest recent temperature of 32.6C.

Yields continue to vary widely and are dependent on early season rains.

Some crops remain lodged from previous high winds and continue to be a challenge for harvest and may possibly affect quality with recent rains and heavy dew. Some post-harvest field operations are also being completed as time allows.

When it comes to early crops, the winter wheat and fall rye harvest is all but complete in the northwest region, and across the province, at 99 per cent.

Yield reports range from 40  bushels per acre to 110  bushels per acre  for fall rye and winter wheat.

Reseeding of the two crops for 2025 has also begun in the area. 

The spring wheat harvest in the region continues its strong progress, with most of the area around 40 per cent complete. Lodged fields have slowed progress for some producers

Yields have been widespread, averaging from  65 bushels per acre to  70  bushels per acre, while some fields have done even poorer at 40 bushels per acre to 50 bushels per acre and some better at up to 80 bushels per acre.

Initial reports of quality have been good, however, there have been some reports of lower protein.

The 50 Lt.-Col. Barker V.C., Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Dauphin, has some survival expertise to draw on after one of their number attended training in Whitehorse, Yukon, this summer.

Cadet Maison Legge, along with 57 other cadets, completed the Survival Instructor Course at the Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre.

The Survival Instructor Course provides cadets an opportunity to develop as a specialist with the skills and knowledge required to perform the duties of a survival instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities.

Activities include aircrew survival skills, team and solo survival exercises, aircrew survival exercise operations, instructional technique, and navigation by map and compass.

As part of their training, the cadets learned how to build shelters, tools, and furniture without damaging the environment.

“This summer at Whitehorse, I learned that anything can be a hammer, or be made into something useful for survival out in the field,” says Legge.

The Whitehorse Cadet Training Centre welcomed 230 other cadets from across the country this summer to participate in interesting experiences and to meet new people, as well as receive training in not only the Survival Instructor Course, but also an Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course or a Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course.

Other in-depth learning opportunities are also available at cadet training centres across the country.

Opportunities such as the one they experienced this summer are what drew Legge to the air cadet program.

Legge first joined cadets in 2022 to follow in the footsteps of two of their three older brothers, as well as to satisfy their curiosity about the cadet program.

This is their first trip outside of Manitoba where Legge has had the opportunity to experience another environment.

“I think that cadets is a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends for life, learn new skills, travel and experience unique things,” Legge said.

“I stay in the program for the friends, the flying, the field training exercises, the classes, and the drill.”

The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 19 and provides youth opportunities to develop skills that will last a lifetime including teamwork and communication.

Those who are interested in joining can find more information by visiting www.aircadetleaguemb.ca.

With the start of the air cadet program in 1941, squadrons were started at schools throughout the province in both cities and small communities.

The 50 Dauphin squadron began operating in 1941 and disbanded in 1948 when the program became less popular following the end of the Second World War.

It began operating again in 1958 and has continued since that time.

There are currently 24 active squadrons operating across the province.

Locally, training begins this month. Those interested in joining, or wanting more information can do so by emailing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There are opportunities for more than youth, however, as becoming part of the cadet program as an adult leader can be a rewarding experience. No previous military or cadet experience is required.