Local News Archives for 2020-03

COVID-19 Numbers Continue to Climb in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has released the latest COVID-19 numbers.  He reported seven new cases bringing their total to 103, the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 remains at one, three individuals are hospitalized, of that two are currently in intensive care.  He says their numbers indicate that four individuals are listed as recovered.  Public health investigations are ongoing and as details are confirmed their website will be updated.                     

             

Their website is www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

             

Roussin again noted they do not release cases by community but by health region so he emphasizes continuing to practice safe distancing.

 

Meanwhile Saskatchewan has eight new cases bringing the province's total to 184.  Health officials say one person is in intensive care while 21 other people have now recovered from the virus.  On Monday the province announced its first two deaths related to COVID-19. Both people were in their 70s. Updates can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

School Closings Have Been Extended in Manitoba.

Manitoba Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen has announced K to 12 in school classes have been suspended indefinitely for the school year unless the Public Health Officer says it is safe to go back.  He reports marks for all students will be base lined, they essentially hold at where they were at the last day of regular classes or exams but students will be expected to continue learning during this in school suspension.  He says they will have the opportunity to increase their marks during additional learning.  He notes grade 12 provincial exams are cancelled because they would not be a meaningful measure of a student’s effort for this year.  Students will be given assignments, final mark and assessment and teachers will be remotely teaching and assessing students who will receive a report card.

             

Goertzen adds for K to 8 students teachers will continue to engage with parents and students using existing communication tools and provide resources to parents and 9 to 12 will continue to learn using online and distance resources.

The Manitoba Government has Issued New COVID-19 Orders Affecting Business.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has advised all Manitoba non-essential businesses will close effective tomorrow.  He says restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery and take out only.  The operator of that restaurant must ensure that all persons maintain appropriate social distancing from one another when picking up.  He notes grocery stores will remain open but they must also maintain appropriate social distancing between their customers.  Bars will be closed as will personal service businesses such as hair salons and massage therapy services.

             

Roussin adds this does not prevent businesses from operating on a remote basis.  The closures do not affect health care facilities, government services and other institutions.

             

More information on affected businesses can be found online at www.engagemanitoba.ca.

 

Denare Beach Residents are Urged to Follows the Rules Under the State of Emergency in Saskatchewan.

Denare Beach Mayor Carl Lentowicz reminds residents to follow rules regarding hand washing, six foot distancing as well as self isolation after international travel.  He notes Denare Beach employees are considered essential to the operation of the community needs stating their health is paramount to consideration to ensure delivery of municipal services that are essential to the community including sewer, water, fires, solid waste, roads and administration so to meet this requirement they have met provincial requirements by shutting down their recreation which includes the Denareplex, weight room, playgrounds, hockey bunk and beaches.  He notes the administration building is closed to the public to reduce contact and prevent illness.

             

Lentowicz adds a lock box is available for payments at the Village Office so you can contact them at 306-362-2054, fax 306-362-2257 or email denarebeach@sasktel.net.  Information updates are available on their Facebook page or on their website.

Saskatchewan is reporting its first two deaths from COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health says two people in their 70s died from complications related to the virus on Sunday.

It says they died in hospital in different parts of the province and one of the cases was travel-related.

The province has also reported 20 new cases of COVID-19, which bring the total to 176.

It says five people are in hospital and one patient is in intensive care.

The province says most of the cases are related to travel or large gatherings, but eight are the result of community transmission.

COVID-19 Numbers Continue to go up in Manitoba.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has released the latest numbers.  He announced 24 new cases bringing the total to 96.  He noted the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 remains at one and at this time there are four individuals receiving care in hospital one of which is in intensive care, all others are recovering at home while they have two individuals listed as recovered.

             

Roussin confirmed there is one presumptive case in the north but they do not share personal public health information or specific communities where a case is reported just the health region.  He adds if you are aware of a case in your community practice safe public distancing which you should be doing anyway.

COVOD-19 Numbers Continue to Climb in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reported yesterday there have been new cases of COVID-19 in the province.  He reported 8 new cases bringing their total cases to 72 and the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 remains at one and at this time there is one individual receiving care in ICU with another admitted to hospital, all other cases are recovering at home.  He adds they have reports that two individuals are listed as recovered.

             

The majority of cases continue to be reported in the Winnipeg Health Region with none reported as of yesterday in the Northern Health Region. At last report Saskatchewan had 134 confirmed cases with 26 in the north. 18 of Saskatchewan new cases reported over the weekend were linked to a Christopher Lake snowmobile rally held on Saturday March 14th.

 

Access to Some Northern Saskatchewan Communities is Limited.

Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Chief Peter Beatty says they are taking action to protect their communities in Northern Saskatchewan from the spread of COVID-19.  He explains in their communities they’ve been instituting road closures or the monitoring of people coming in to the community in hopes of slowing the spread.  He says in Pelican Narrows, Deschambault they’re instituting that as well as in Southend their community north of Lac La Ronge and also in Denare Beach they are going to be restricting access the community there.

             

Beatty adds this is an effort the protect people in their communities which are overcrowded as well as the neighboring communities of Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach and The Pas.  He adds they are also following recommendations from the public health officer and delivering groceries to families staying at home who are not able to access groceries on their own.

             

Complete information on COVID-19 is available on the government website www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

The Government will Support Manitobans Coping with Anxiety.

The Manitoba government is investing 4.5 million dollars in the mental health of Manitobans by introducing a program to help address anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Health minister Cameron Friesen says they will be providing online counseling serving people in their homes.  He explains they are partnering with a company that is one of Canada’s leading providers of technology based human resources and mental health program delivery.  He notes they are creating therapy programs to help people who are feeling mild to moderate anxiety because of this pandemic and they’re making it easier than ever for them to get connected to professionals who can help.  Friesen adds Manitobans who are 16 and over are eligible to access the program and you can access it through your smart phone or you iPad right from your home.

             

The program will soon be available at www.manitoba.ca/covid19 with details to be finalized over the next two weeks.

 

Manitoba Has Reported the First Death related to COVID-19.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced the death related to COVID-19 this morning pointing out it is his understanding this was the client previously noted to be in intensive care.  He also announced three new cases as of 9:30 this morning bringing the total to 39 with public health investigation continuing to confirm the details on those new incidents.  He reported effective at 12:01 AM Monday they’ll be limiting public gatherings to no more than ten people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises including places of worship, gatherings or family events such as weddings and funerals adding this does not apply to a facility where health care or social services are provided including child care centres and homeless shelters.

             

Roussin strongly emphasizes the importance of maintaining separation of 2 meters between people at all times.  Complete information on behavior can be found online at www.manitoba.ca/covid19  or www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

A Weekly Training Program is Available on Your Computer.

Workplace Education Manitoba is offering an Essential Skills Webinar series called Training Tidbits.  Northern West Centre Training Coordinator Colleen McKee explains these are live training seminars offered from the comfort of your computer every Tuesday from 10 to 10:30 AM from March 31st to the end of April.  The sessions will cover Handling Difficult Situations, Building Trust, Leading Through Change, Emotional Intelligence and Building Stronger Teams. 

             

You can join by registering online at weminterlake.ca and there’s no cost to register.

Transportation is an Essential Service.

NDP Transport Critic Niki Ashton has called on the federal government to implement measures to support workers in the transportation industry deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.  She says workers including taxi drivers and truckers need government support and equipment to cope with the economic downturn and the higher risk to their health amid this crisis.  She notes people need to have access to reliable transportation even amid this pandemic adding the trucking industry is delivering medical equipment, food and necessities in this critical time so the government must support drivers who are working around the clock along with people who have to be in self isolation or are laid off.

 

The Provinces May Need Financial Help.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says they have worked to build up the province’s rainy day fund.  He notes because of the COVID-19 effect on decreasing revenue and increasing spending it may be used up in as little as three months so he’s asking the federal government to help with borrowing to protect the health care system and services.  Pallister is calling on the federal government to establish a pandemic emergency credit agency which will borrow funds and these funds will be repaid by province’s but because of the federal government size and it’s relative fiscal strength as noted recently by the Parliamentary Budget Officer the federal government will pay far lower interest costs on the borrowing than Canadian provinces will.

             

Pallister emphasizes this is not a hand out to the province but assistance in borrowing at a lower cost.

The Manitoba COVID-19 Count Has Gone up by One.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced this morning there is one new case of COVID-19 in the province bringing Manitoba’s total to 36 all in the south.  He says yesterday the provincial lab performed 734 tests for COVID-19 and today they are reporting one new case which is a man in his 20’s who lives in Winnipeg.  He notes Public Health investigation is continuing to confirm the details but it does appear there is a link to a previously announced case

             

Roussin adds they are expanding their criteria for testing to people at risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 and are showing symptoms including all symptomatic health care providers, individuals who live or work in a remote or isolated community including First Nations communities and people who work or live in group settings such as correctional facilities, shelters, long term care or residential facilities or remote work camps.

Testing for COVID-19 Will Expand in Manitoba.

Manitoba Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says they have developed a priority list that will expand as their capacity for testing for COVID-19 increases.  He says some of those priority lists would include any symptomatic health care workers regardless of travel, anybody symptomatic in a closed area such a long term care facilities regardless of travel and then as they move down that list it should be just any community individuals with symptoms but he notes remember there’s a lot of focus on testing but testing is not the only answer here, if we have someone in the community right now who is ill the advice is to stay home.

             

Roussin adds if you stay home you are drastically decreasing the chances of transmitting the virus.  If you have flu like symptoms and have related travel call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 to be referred for testing.

The Northern Health Region's CEO says the health authority is confident that there will be enough medical staff at their health facilities across the region should COVID-19 reach northern Manitoba.

Helga Bryant says staff retention is something the health authority takes into account when planning for potential cases of COVID-19 in the region.

 

Bryant adds that there are provincial human resources strategies being put in place to help with staffing.

 

 She explains the COVID-19 testing sites are staffed with their own staff, they just re-deployed and re-assigned folks to work at the testing sites.

 

Bryant reminds northern Manitobans that the testing sites in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but they do require a referral.

 

If you fit the criteria for COVID-19 testing flu like symptoms and related travel, call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.

 

The Village of Denare Beach Urges Everyone in the Community to Follow Guidelines set out by the Province of Saskatchewan and the Chief Medical Officer.

In a community update they state their employees continue to work to provide services and while the Village Office is closed to the public the office staff continues to work.  If you have any questions or require some guidance regarding bill paying you can call 306-362-2054.  They remind you of the government website www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19 for updated COVID-19 information and a phone number for question related to COVID-19 that are not health related such as getting prescriptions filled, groceries, being laid off, bill payment extension, mortgage payment or wait time for unemployment insurance toll free at 1-855-559-5502.

             

They thank residents for doing your part by following provincial guidelines, quarantine directions, social distancing and staying home.

 

COVID-19 Numbers are Climbing in Manitoba.

Manitoba Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced this morning there are 14 new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba bringing our total to 35 confirmed and presumptive cases all in the south.  He explains the public health investigation of these cases is continuing to confirm the details and at this point most of the new cases are connected to travel or through contact with previously announced cases.  He confirmed that one individual a woman from Winnipeg in her 60’s has been committed to hospital in critical condition in intensive care.

             

Roussin says other areas are seeing increasing numbers so Manitoba has been preparing so these are not unexpected.  He adds most people will have only mild symptoms and can recover at home.

             

In Saskatchewan there are 72 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 3 in the north.

             

For accurate up to date information go online to www.manitoba.ca/covid19 or www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.

 

The Northern Health Region is Well Prepared to handle COVID-19.

The CEO of the Northern Health Region Helga Bryant says there are no cases of COVID-19 in the health region yet.  She says they are prepared to admit or transfer patients if the need arises and that will be a critical assessment whether they need to be transferred out, they would follow processes around that consulting with Winnipeg depending on the clinical presentation and they are prepared to admit patients if that is required.  She notes the Northern Health Region is very well positioned to support however COVID unfolds and they’ve been preparing for weeks, in fact they’ve been preparing for years and there is a pandemic plan and she wants to assure you that they’ve got this and they feel very prepared and actually honored to be able to support the north during this time.

             

Byrant adds they do have ventilators available in northern hospitals and are closely following directions being presented by Manitoba’s Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin.

There are Steps to Follow to Enter the General Hospital.

Northern Health Region CEO Helga Bryant says due to COVID-19 they have set up protocols for entering the hospital.  She says they have screeners at their doors so a screen is done on people that need to come into the hospitals, they have limited visiting hours across the province, there’s really no visitors allowed except in unusual circumstances or for compassionate reasons and that is another reason why they have really reduced the number of elective procedures.

             

Bryant reminds you if you are experiencing flu like symptoms and have a relevant travel history contact Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.  If testing is indicated you will be referred to the testing site.

The Assembly of First Nations has declared a state of emergency.

National Chief Perry Bellegarde says Indigenous communities need immediate increases in funding and full involvement in all discussions with governments on planning and preparedness.

He says while the announced federal funding is a good start, more will be required.

The assembly's motion says that special consideration must be given to Canada's 96 remote, fly-in Indigenous communities.

The motion also affirms support for all First Nations that have already declared states of emergency, travel bans and other measures.

Manitobans are Advised to Stay Home.

Manitoba Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin is asking Manitobans to cancel all unnecessary travel outside of the province as all 20 cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba have been linked to travel.  He says the recommendation regarding interprovincial travel does not include the commercial transportation of goods and services, workers who may live in neighboring jurisdictions and travel to and from Manitoba to work or normal personal travel in order to commute for essential shopping or visits to the cottage.  He adds now is not the time for non-essential travel.

             

Roussin again reminds returning travelers to self-isolate for 14 days and if you develop symptoms call Health Links for an assessment on the need for testing.

             

You can keep up to date with reliable information by visiting provincial websites www.manitoba.ca/covid19 or www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19.  Saskatchewan reports 66 cases three of which are in the north.

 

Saskatchewan Ice Fishing Shelters Have to go This Month.

The Ministry of the Environment reminds you that ice fishing season is winding down.  That means all ice fishing shelters in areas north of Saskatchewan highway 16 must be removed by March 31st.  They note each spring a number of ice fishing shelters are abandoned on the ice and these can pose a danger to boaters and others enjoying the summer lakes as well as causing environmental hazards when pieces wash up on shore.  All litter must also be removed when the shelters are taken off the ice.

             

If shelters are not removed owners may be prosecuted and the structure and contents may be removed and confiscated.  They also warn anyone traveling on the ice should take extreme caution and watch for indicators of unsafe conditions such as slush, thermal cracks and pressure ridges.

The Budget Does Little for the North.

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey says a lot of the Manitoba budget presented last week is outdated.  He says it may have been relevant when prepared but doesn’t take into consideration the full effects of COVID-19.  He says he doesn’t see whole lot of anything in it for the north.  He explains the NDP delayed the government from introducing 20 some pieces of other legislation as they didn’t know what was in all 20 of those bills.  He said they looked at some of them that were related to labor, pensions and education and things like that and they knew it wasn’t going to be good news for Manitobans so those are the kinds of things they wanted to hold off until after that automatic pass date because then it gives Manitobans an actual chance to look at them and actively engage in what they see coming at them as opposed to just focusing on a budget and the pandemic.

             

The legislature is no longer in session due to COVID-19 and Lindsey says they may have to figure out how to do things from a distance but it’s up to the speaker to decide when they return.

Hudbay has developed a business preparedness plans in light of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

The company reports they  have been closely monitoring the status of the virus outbreak and the rapidly changing environment at all of its operations. Company-wide business preparedness plans were activated earlier this month as part of the company’s crisis management protocols. In response to the challenging environment in Peru following the Peruvian government’s recent declaration of a state of emergency, the company has commenced a temporary and orderly shutdown of operations at Constancia,

In Manitoba, Hudbay’s mines continue to operate and ship concentrate and zinc metal. At this point Manitoba remains a low-risk jurisdiction. However the Manitoba team is actively managing the evolving situation and implementing the business preparedness plan, including planning activities in the event the company needs to reduce or cease operations or construction activities in the future.

The company’s preparedness planning is reinforced by daily executive committee meetings, frequent employee communication, close monitoring of employee health and following recommendations from local health authorities.

The Lions Club Has Their New Executive.

At their meeting last week members of the Flon Flon Lions Club elected their new executive.  Alan French will serve a second term as President while Joe Bradford continues as Past President.  Vice-Presidents include Monica Lone, Ken Mansell and Joe Bradford.  Debbie Kuzub continues as Secretary while Neal Dimick takes over the Treasurers position.  Janice Cassidy continues as Lion Tamer and Andy Wasylciw takes over as Tail Twister.  One year Directors are Jan Nikkel and Lisa Tower and two year Directors include Joe McCormick and John Kuzub.

             

The new executive takes office on July 1st.

The Numbers Tell More Than One Story.

Manitoba Health Minster Cameron Frieson is asking Manitobans not to be overly concerned about the number of cases of COVID-19 as it is inevitable at this point but the numbers are also rising because our system is working, because they’re undertaking testing, because people are working hard in the background.  He says their job is to make sure as those numbers rise people should know what to do to keep themselves safe, keep your neighbors safe, families safe and the people you may not know safe and they need the compliance of Manitobans, they need their co-operation and they need acts of compassion every day.

             

Shared Health advises the Health Links health information line should not be used for general information on the virus as they are now receiving over two thousand calls a day for referrals for testing and urgent information.  They have quadrupled their staff but there is still a wait time of around one and a half hours.  Complete accurate information can be found on the government website www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

 

Medical Help is Needed in Northern Communities.

Member of Parliament Niki Ashton has called on the Minister of Indigenous Services to deliver the urgent help needed in northern Manitoba amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  In a letter to the Minster she stated many communities are concerned that there are only three testing sites across our region which makes it difficult to identify the sick.  She adds communities that already lack all weather roads, proper housing and running water desperately need support in terms of infrastructure.

             

Ashton reports she has been reaching out to leaders across northern Manitoba to see where help is needed noting far too many communities don’t have access to necessary medical supplies, hand sanitizers, gloves or masks and they also lack ventilators.

             

In the letter Ashton called on the Minister to deliver the help required to ensure people are safe and to prevent the potential devastating impact of COVID-19 in the region.

RCMP Have Updated Information on a Flin Flon Home Invasion.

Around 3Tuesday morning RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress at a residence on Hapnot Street in Flin Flon.  Officers went to the residence and were advised two men, one armed with a firearm and one with a hockey stick as well as a woman had entered the home and left in a dark colored vehicle with a television.  Patrols were made in the area, a suspect vehicle located and one of the suspects was arrested without incident while walking down Hapnot Street.

             

A search warrant was issued at a residence located on Ross Street where officers arrested the two remaining suspects.  A search produced a BB gun, an airsoft gun and a large sum of Canadian currency.

             

Charges will be laid against a 37 year old woman and a 19 year old man both from Flin Flon and a 21 year old man from Sherridan.  All three remain in police custody while Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

 

Denare Beach is Reacting to the Coronavirus.

The Northern Village of Denare Beach reports they are doing their part to keep residents safe and flatten the curve of COVID-19.

             

The Village office is closed to the public until further notice. Payments can be made online, through pre-authorized arrangements available on their website or by the drop box outside their front door. Their Denareplex and weight room are closed effective immediately until further notice.  The Youth Drop In including the wind up party is cancelled until further notice.

             

If you have any questions call 306-362-2054 or email denarebeach@sasktel.net.  They also urge you to keep well informed with factual information by visiting the Government of Saskatchewan website at www.saskatchewan.ca.

 

Protect Yourself and Others With Credible Information.

Manitoba Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says our preparedness and the use of credible information are vital right now. He urges you to go to the government of Manitoba website and Coronavirus as there’s a lot of information there for all individuals, the public, healthcare workers, an employer so please use credible information when making your decisions and now is the time for action.  He advises if you haven’t changed the aspects of the way you live your day to day life you’re not thinking about the role you can play to protect yourself, the people around you and our province at large so now is the time to implement those distancing strategies adding we will be able to get back to our normal day to day living but right now we need Manitobans to focus on what they can do to limit the spread of this virus in our communities.

             

Roussin notes there is no need for panic buying to stockpile food as Canada has a very efficient food chain.

Several People are Facing Charges Following an Incident on Ross Street in Flin Flon.

RCMP (in picture) report that around 3 yesterday morning they responded to a complaint of a home invasion with a firearm. Around 5 am two adult males were arrested with a third male arrested around 6:30.  Efforts yesterday were focused on a single residence in Flin Flon with a search warrant issued to search the residence and another adult male and female were arrested.  No injuries were reported.

             

Three males and a female are facing charges in relation to weapons and robbery all residents of Flin Flon or area.

 

There are More Notices Because of Cornonavirus Concerns.

Senior Election Official Katy Anderson advises due to COVID-19 pandemic uncertainty the by-election for the vacant Councillor position for the City of Flin Flon has been postponed indefinitely.  The by-election will be rescheduled for a later date.  The Alliance Church and First United Lutheran Church advise they have cancelled their services until further notice.  The Rotary Club Flinty Fishing Derby has been cancelled.

             

And Manitoba RCMP are asking the public to avoid attending their 80 detachments across the province for non-urgent matters. For precautionary measures due to COVID-19 effective immediately they are asking that the public only visit a detachment if it is urgent.  If it is a non-urgent matter, you have a general question or want to speak with an officer call your local detachment. If you need fingerprints for a background check this service has been postponed until further notice and as always if it’s an emergency call 911.

Flin Flon City Council met last night from a variety of locations using Zoom.

Regarding the COVID-19 precautions Mayor Cal Huntley stated they are trying to handle things as best they can from a community point of view with the closure of public facilities and provincially they are trying to keep up to speed with what is going on.  He said his biggest concern is we all have family and friends who are not home yet.  He advises everyone to take the recommendations being offered on health care seriously as we really want to nip this in the bud so be safe and go to the government website for accurate information.

            

In business Council passed on final reading several bylaws that result in the approval of their 2020 financial plan. Council referred to Engineering Services a letter from the Main Street Revitalization Task Force requesting a discussion on how sidewalks are cleared. They approved a one thousand dollar grant to the 2020 Fireworks Committee and approved a proposal for services from Expert Electrical for a lighting assessment for the Main Street business core at a cost of 3 thousand dollars. Council also received the Fire Chief’s report for February indicating four calls, a structure fire, a false alarm, a garbage can fire and a motor vehicle accident.

 

COVID-19 Testing Sites are for Referrals Only.

The Northern Health Region announced yesterday a screening and testing site for COVID-19 has opened in the auditorium of the Flin Flon Community Hall Monday to Friday from 9 to 4.  Manitoba Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reminds you these sites require a referral.  He says they want to ensure that the right people are getting tested, if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19 like a cough, fever, respiratory symptoms you do not need to be tested.  He adds health care practitioner do not test people who do not have symptoms. He notes returning international travelers with reparatory symptoms, contact of known cases with respiratory symptoms they absolutely want these tested.

             

For a referral for testing call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 or go to the online screening tool www.sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19.

 

Facilities in Creighton Have Been Closed.

The Town of Creighton advises as the threat of the COVID-19 virus continues to rise among Canadians they have deemed the safety of residents and staff a top priority.  Effective immediately the Town of Creighton office and the Creighton Recreation office will be closed to the public until further notice. The Creighton Sportex will also be closed and all recreation programming will be cancelled until further notice.  The Creighton Connection bus service, water and sewer operations and Creighton volunteer fire services will continue to run as normal.

             

Any bill payments can be made online with the Credit Union, CIBC or Scotia Bank and cheque payments can be made by mail or mailbox drop off at the Town office.

             

You are asked to call the Town of Creighton office at 306-688-8253 with any questions or concerns.  They will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates and respond accordingly.  You are asked to watch their Facebook page and website for updates.

Bus Connections To and From Creighton Have Increased.

The Creighton Connection bus from Creighton to Prince Albert and back has added two stops.  Passengers are now accepted to and from Caribou Creek Lodge and to and from Northern Lights Lodge along the Hanson Lake Road.  You can find more information and book and pay for your ticket over the phone at 306-688-8253 using a Visa, Mastercard or Visa Debit card. 

             

Seats must be prepaid and booked at least 24 hours in advance of the trip or by Friday for Monday’s trip. The bus travels to Prince Albert and back Mondays and Thursdays with connections on to Saskatoon.  You can also find more information on posters posted on their Facebook page.

 

A Coronavirus Test Site Has Opened in Flin Flon.

The Northern Health Region advises a testing site has opened in Flin Flon.  It is for screening and testing if necessary and to provide advice about precautions and self-isolation for COVID-19.  It is located in the auditorium at the Flin Flon Community Hall and is open Monday to Friday from 9 to 4.

             

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms and have had a relevant travel history contact Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.  If testing is indicated you will be referred to the testing site.

             

For reliable and up to date information visit the government site at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Manitoba Shared Health is Opening Access Centres in Flin Flon and The Pas.

Lanette Siragusa from Manitoba Shared Health says they have been working with Health Regions across the province regarding COVID-19 and are prepared to launch resources when they are needed.  She says an Access Centre for testing opened today in Thompson and they anticipate Centres opening in Flin Flon and The Pas as soon as tomorrow with more information to come.  Siragusa stated these dedicated testing sites are for referrals only not walk ins.  She urges you to contact Health Links at 1-888-315-9257 if you have cold or flu like symptoms for a referral.

The Saskatchewan government is suspending all pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 classes indefinitely over concerns about COVID-19.

The government says the shutdown is to take effect Friday but is encouraging parents to keep their children at home immediately if they can. Daycares located at schools will also close, but licensed daycare facilities outside of schools can remain open.

The province says there's no evidence that the novel coronavirus is spreading through sustained community transmission, but suspending classes is being done as a preventive measure. They note every student will receive a final grade based on their current grade and students will progress to their next grade level next year and every student who is eligible to graduate from grade 12 will graduate.

Saskatchewan is also extending its ban on large gatherings of 250 people or more to places of worship.

The Ministry of Health has so far announced six cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Public Facilities Are Temporarily Closing in Flin Flon.

As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread across Canada with cases now emerging in Manitoba, City of Flin Flon Council and Administration have deemed public health and safety a top priority. It is because of this that Flin Flon City Council has made the decision to close all public facilities effective immediately until further notice. Affected facilities include City Hall, Community Hall, the Whitney Forum, and the Uptown Curling Club.

                                                          

The bus lobby at Community Hall will remain open as bus services will continue to run uninterrupted during this time.  Council meetings will not be open to the public until stated otherwise. Those who have questions for City Hall are encouraged to call their main phone line at (204) 681-7511. Paying bills can be done through your banking institution, or though the dropbox located outside City Hall doors.

 

City Council and Administration note  they will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates and respond accordingly. The add the latest and accurate federal information on COVID-19 can be found on the Government of Canada’s Public Health website.  They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause; however, it is crucial they prioritize the safety of our community members above all else. Facility operations will resume as normal once it has been declared safe by healthcare professionals.  The Public Library has also closed and will be waiving late fees and the ballet performance slated for Saturday will be rescheduled.

Flin Flon School Division Continues to take Steps Regarding Covid 19.

Flin Flon School Superintendent Tammy Ballantyne has issued a letter to families regarding local schools.  She states if your child is sick with a cough, fever or runny nose keep them at home.  As of Monday March 23rd classes will be suspended until Monday April 13th.  Schools will refrain from any assemblies of students in more than groups of 50, all school extra-curricular activities and sporting events have been cancelled until further notice including their Regional Science Fair and the local Heritage Fair, all field trips have been cancelled until further notice, parents are strongly encouraged to call their student’s teachers during the week of March 23rd to 27th to discuss any concerns regarding report cards as family teacher interviews have been cancelled and school use for outside user groups have been cancelled.                                    

             

Ballantyne adds if students have a compromised immune system it would be recommended they remain home this week as well.

A Mining Project West of Flin Flon Has Taken a Major Step Forward.

Foran Mining Corporation has announced the results of a positive Pre Feasibility Study at their McIlvenna Bay zinc-copper volcanic massive sulphide deposit 65 kilometers west of Flin Flon.

             

President Patrick Soares says they assembled a project team that has deep experience with projects similar to McIlvenna Bay to prepare this feasibility study. He explains they are proposing a modern underground mine supported by surface infrastructure designed to take into account feedback they have received from local communities. He adds they are committed to taking the project through feasibility and into production in a safe, responsible manner that will provide economic benefits to the region for years to come noting they are now in a position to advance discussion with potential investors with experience developing similar mines as they explore the best way to credibly and safely build and operate McIlvenna Bay.

             

You can learn more about the study on their website www.foranmining.com.

The City of Flin Flon is Taking Coronavirus Precautions.

        

 In response to various announcements about cancellations and suspensions across Canada due to the outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 City Administration is ensuring that emergency management plans are in place to address the developing situation with the ongoing spread of the Cornavirus. In a release they state they have discussed different scenarios on what to do with a possible virus outbreak that may affect their organization and how it could affect the functions of the City.  It was determined the Water and Sewer services and Fire Protection services are the top of must operate services and will have resources directed toward continued service in the event of an outbreak.  Other services including recreation may be limited at times or even temporarily suspended according to the needed response.  Services will not be limited unnecessarily.

             

The City is also instituting hygiene practices to help minimize the potential risks including disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers and encourage everyone to adopt these practices.

 

With three presumptive cases of the novel corona virus in Manitoba the province's Chief Public Health Officer says the have been preparing for a quick response to the virus.

.  Doctor Brent Roussin says the province has been planning for potential COVID-19 cases at the regional and community level and has taken northern, rural and remote communities into account when planning for a potential outbreak.

             

He explains the incidents management structure is a provincial wide planning structure and also includes First Nations and Indigenous involvement so they were planning at the regional and the community levels in various plans and sharing information as well as working on things such as patient transport should it be necessary so it’s a provincial wide plan at the incident management structure so it is taking in all the regions including the remote isolated communities.

             

Roussin adds the government is in communication with the Northern Health Region regarding the virus.

 

You Can Register Now For a Summer Retreat.

The Norva Centre is sponsoring the 9th annual Art Retreat at Denare Beach July 19th to 26th.  Retreat Organizer Karen Clark says it’s a week to immerse yourself in whatever art interests you have and share ideas with others.  She says they have about 25 people who come to the retreat every summer and the activities that occur range from painting and drawing to printing, Raku, glaze firing, batique, fabric dying, some sculpting they’ve had, writers come and there’s a quiet room they can use and it’s just really good fun.  She adds it’s at the Denareplex out at Denare Beach and it’s such a beautiful little village and has so many supports for artists while they’re there in terms of getting out in the water and into the forest as well.

             

The cost is 160 dollars for the week payable at the Norva Centre at 177 Green Street.

 

Improved Grades are Reported at a Snow Lake Area Mineral Deposit.

Rockcliff Metal Corporation has announced an updated mineral resource estimate by P & E Mining Consultants at their Talbot Property.  This is part of the company’s property portfolio within the Flin Flon Snow Lake greenstone belt.

             

The deposit has been upgraded to 2.19 million indicated tonnes at 4.44 percent copper equivalent and 2.44 million inferred tonnes at 2.98 percent copper equivalent.

             

Rockcliff President Alistair Ross says they are pleased to see the indicated resource classification of the deposit along with an increase in tonnage at improved grades adding this bodes well for the next phase of the work on the Talbot Property.

             

Rockcliff recently earned a 51 percent interest in the property by completing expenditures totaling 6.12 million dollars over a five year period while Hudbay controls the remaining 49 percent interest.  A joint venture agreement is presently being negotiated between Rockcliff and Hudbay.

 

 

Member of Parliament Niki Ashton Has Raised Concerns in Question Period About the Coronavirus and First Nations.

Ashton asked the government about supporting First Nations concerned about the Coronavirus.  She said they advise regular hand washing but how do you do that without running water, they advise self isolation impossible with the housing crisis of 12 to 20 people living in a house and in places like the Island Lake region or Cross Lake thousands of people and no hospital in site adding people are worried so can a regular member of the Prime Minister’s Coronavirus Committee please stand up and tell us that they’re doing to ensure Inuit and First Nations communities are supported now.

             

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller noted in budget 2019 they included 79 million dollars over five years to improve and prepare support of health emergencies on reserves and are ready to act and support those communities.

 

Community Futures Greenstone Has the Room to Expand Its Services.

 

 

The official opening of the new Greenstone office took place yesterday afternoon.  Manager Becky Cianflone says they have expanded what they offer now they are in the former Co-op Admin offices at 31 Main Street. She explains the number one advantage that they have is that they’re located with a number of projects and support services for entrepreneurs from youth to women to anybody looking to start a business in any sector so they’re all co-located and able to really assist entrepreneurs in a much more meaningful way.

             

Board Chair Tom Therien says it’s great to have a ground level Main Street office giving people easier access to a variety of services to get together and work towards the future of Flin Flon.  In extending congratulations Mayor and Board member Cal Huntley paid tribute to former Manager the late Bunny Burke noting she made Greenstone a key operation in our region. CEO of the Community Economic Fund Oswald Sawh added starting a business can sometimes be scary so people now have a one stop place for support.

RCMP Have Made an Arrest Following a Robbery.

At approximately 10:15 last Friday night RCMP responded to a robbery at a business on Third Avenue in Flin Flon. Two male suspects entered the business, grabbed several items, threatened employees with a knife and then fled.  With the assistance of the public two suspects were located and arrested without incident.

             

A 23 year old man  and an 18 year old man both from Flin Flon are facing several charges including robbery, assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with conditions.  They both remain in custody.

Coronavirus Precautions Are Being Taken in Our Schools.

At the Flin Flon School Board meeting Tuesday night Superintendent Tammy Ballantyne outlined steps they are taking related to the coronavirus, That includes educating students on the cautions to take including hand washing, using available hand sanitizers and coughing into your elbow as well as following recommended cleaning and support protocols around the schools.

             

Ballantyne also had noted student achievements.  She reported the Division Science Fair held on March 4th had 53 projects entered including grades one to eight from Ruth Betts and McIsaac Schools.  The Division’s Heritage Fair is being held March 19th at McIsaac School.  Spring break this year runs from March 30th to April 3rd.  She also wished best of luck to the Hapnot senior girls basketball team heading to provincials in Winnipeg March 19th to 21st adding the boys just won the wild card and will be going to provincials as well.

 

 

The Ballet Returns to Flin Flon Next Week.

The Flin Flon Arts Council presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet on March 21st. The Council’s Crystal Kolt says it’s going to be a collective of different styles of ballet. She explains it’s the Royal Winnipeg Ballet aspirants program so the dancers that are waiting for somebody to leave the professional company to be able to get in there so it’s just a super high level of dance and the show is called On The Edge and you’re going to see lovely extremes in dance from the traditional classic ballet to something a little bit more contemporary so beautiful costumes and beautiful dancers as always so they encourage everybody to come.

             

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will perform Saturday March 21st at 7:30 in the Flin Flon Community Hall.  Tickets are available at Northern Rainbows End on Main Street at 30 dollars for adults and 15 for youth.

You Can Nominate Someone From Our Community for the Empower Women 20/20 Awards.

Manitoba recognized International Women’s Day by launching a new awards program to honor women who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of gender equality.  In all 20 awards will be presented to recognize women who have developed activities, programs or movements to advance gender equality in Manitoba reflecting the province’s rich diversity and regional representation.  The Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council will play a role in reviewing all award nominations.

             

Status of Women Minister Cathy Cox notes this year marks the 100 year anniversary of the election of Edith Rogers the first woman elected to the Manitoba legislative assembly.  She explains Manitoba women began the movement of women getting the right to vote and be elected to the provincial legislature in 1916 and the 1920 election was the first after the change in legislation so Edith ran in 1920, 22 and 27 winning her seat in all three elections.

 

A Postponed Fishing Derby Will Be Held Sunday.

Frontier Collegiate in Cranberry Portage postponed their annual fishing derby Sunday because of the heavy snowfall warning.  The 11th annual FCI Recreation and Junior Council Fishing Derby will now be held this coming Sunday afternoon on First Cranberry Lake. One of the organizers Shannon Burrows says they have a good line of prizes with first prize one thousand dollars, second prize 500 dollars and third prize is a brand new gas powered ice auger.  She adds they are fundraising for their May long weekend trip to the West Edmonton Mall. The derby runs from 1 to 3 Sunday afternoon on First Cranberry Lake in Cranberry Portage with access by Viking Lodge.  Tickets are still available at Wildwood Way and the Coffee Shop in Cranberry or on the ice at the derby.

 

A New Grant Program is Available in the Flin Flon Area.

The Flin Flon Credit Union has started a small grants program.  Manager Kory Eastman explains it’s intended for community groups or individuals who may be looking at trying to promote some sort of initiative or bring some economic development into the area.  He says it’s a small grants program so it’s modest in nature with the maximum grant being 25 hundred dollars but they do have 10 thousand dollars available this year.  He adds applicants must demonstrate how their initiative would achieve one or more of the following: either achieve a degree of improvement in the local economy, generate high quality long term employment, provide services or goods not currently available in the region or just create new opportunities in the area for local strength and skills training so you can cover a vast array of areas and this is the first year for the grant program so there is a bit of wiggle room for the committee.

             

You can learn more and apply for a grant on their website www.ffcu.ca with a link on the home page with the deadline being April 1st.

 

It Was a Fun Festival Weekend.

 

 

The annual Bust the Winter Blues Winter Festival resulted in a cool but busy weekend.  The Kinettes Trivia Nigh Friday was won by the The Trivia Night Needs More Cowbells team made up of  Jon Davis, Jenn Dickens, Cheryl Feszcyn, Eric Fernandes, Mark Wendlandt and Leslie Fernandes.

             

Saturday Featured Family Fun with indoor and outdoor games and a bonfire hot dog and marshmallow roast.  The Border Explorers Poker Derby had 36 entries and was won by Kevin Nivon receiving 750 dollars, 500 to Rose Reimer, 300 to Dave Zimmer and Rick Swain and Steve Woloshyn split the 200 dollar fourth prize.

Saturday wrapped up with the Night Out of the Blues Spaghetti Supper and Family Dance with spades and cribbage on Sunday.

             

The button draw for a 500 dollar Visa gift card was won by Dora Mills and in the raffle the two person fishing tent went to Paula Muench, the ice package from Rubi’s Outdoors to Peg Bradford and the Mr. Propane Heater to Odin Senyk.

 

You Can Help Celebrate the Opening of a New Space.

Community Futures Greenstone invites you to celebrate the opening of their new office space. Manager Becky Cianflone says on Wednesday they are officially opening their new office at 31 Main Street in the former Co-op Admin office.  She explains from 2 to 6 they are going to have an open house so people can come and learn the projects that are located with them there and they’ll have some goodies and coffee and at 3 they’ll have some local dignitaries cutting a ribbon and having a bit of a celebration.

             

Greenstone shares this office space with three other programs LYNK for youth interested in business, The Hub for Women interested in business and Look North which promotes northern Manitoba.

Local Actors Will Shock You as They Hit The Stage This Weekend.

The Ham Sandwich Theatre Group is presenting their production of Shock Corridor Friday and Saturday nights.  One of the directors Raphael Saray says they are really excited about this production. He explains it’s about a journalist who goes undercover in a mental hospital and they’ve got a special appearance by the Flin Flon Dance Troop, there is quite an amazing set design and creative lighting and professional quality makeup and hair along with the all local cast who have really stepped up in terms of the acting, the intensity and the energy that is coming to the Ham Sandwich Community Hall stage.

             

Shock Corridor is for mature audiences only and will be performed Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 in the Flin Flon Community Hall with tickets available for 20 dollars at Northern Rainbows End on Main Street and at the door.

 

Plans are Underway for an Annual Summer Pride Event.

At their meeting Tuesday night City Council received a request from the Flin Flon Pride Committee to declare the week of August 14th to 21st as the fourth annual Flin Flon Pride Week. It will begin with a rainbow flag raising at City Hall at 5 pm on the 14th followed by events at the Community Hall from 6 to 11.  Saturday will be for the Drag Queen Mermaid from 7 to 12 at the Community Hall and Sunday the Pride March at 1 from Green Street near CFAR to the Rotary Wheel where there will be a community barbeque. They also plan to repaint their rainbow crosswalk near the Royal Bank in June.                                        

             

In other business Council passed a resolution officially accepting the resignation of Councillor Guy Rideout for personal reasons.  It also authorizes Senior Election Official Katy Anderson to proceed with a by-election.  No date has been set but it is expected to be sometime in May.

             

And Council thanked Treasurer Lynn Brown for her years of service not only to the city but to the community as well as she moves to a new job in Saskatoon.

 

The Deadline is a Week Away to Nominate Someone for Special Tourism Awards.

Midnight next Friday is the deadline to nominate people or events for the Northern Manitoba Tourism Awards.  Senior Manager with Travel Manitoba Tracy Dandeneau explains there are five categories for nominations including the Award of Distinction which is an ambassador award, the Event of The Year, Indigenous Tourism, Innovation of the Year and also Partnership of the Year.  She adds if there’s somebody in the communities that you want to brag about or somebody who perhaps put on an great event or a favorite attraction, it could be somebody that someone has worked with and they fall into those categories, anybody who went above and beyond to make sure these events were a success.

             

You can nominate a person or event online at www.manitobatourismawards.awardsplatform.com.  The awards dinner will be held April 15th at the River Lodge Place in Thompson.  Flin Flon’s Blueberry Jam Music Gathering won last year for event of the year.

Member of Parliament Niki Ashton is Calling for Lower Cellular Fees and Better Internet Coverage for our Region.

Ashton says Canadians pay some of the highest prices in the world for cellular and internet access but at the same time many people in our region have limited or no coverage.

 

She notes for decades successive governments have left cell phone and internet companies with very little regulation – and absolutely no cap on what they can charge people adding these are services Canadians rely on for work, school and health care and they need them to stay connected to family and friends but prices are skyrocketing and families are facing bills in the hundreds of dollars every month.

 

Ashton says we must use every tool available to make life more affordable for people, including affordable cell phone and internet service and we must do more to expand high-speed Internet and cell phone service.

 

Addictions Awareness will be the Focus of Three Weekend Gatherings.

The Freedom Outreach Program in Denare Beach is hosting the Know Your Worth Tour this weekend.  They invite you to come and hear music and life stories from men and women who have once been trapped in addiction but are now living a life of freedom to let people who struggle with addiction or are concerned about someone who is struggling know you are not alone and there is hope.

             

Pastor Terry Thiesen and Kim Lowes will bring a few students from the Winnipeg’s Men’s Centre and the Brandon Women’s Centre and Pastor Allen Lagore will bring students from the Denare Beach Men’s Centre.

             

Tomorrow night at 7 is youth night at the Pentecostal Church at 180 Green Street with snacks to follow.  Saturday night at 7 they will be at the Anglican Church on Church Street with sandwiches and coffee to follow and Sunday morning at 11 they will be at the Amisk Lake Church in Denare Beach and you can bring something to share at the potluck to follow.

 

A Variety of Letters Supporting a New Pool Were Part of Tuesdays Flin Flon City Council Meeting.

The executive of the Flin Flon Creighton Aqua Doves Artistic Swimming Club outlined their successes due to having the Aqua Centre which is now closed.  They strongly encourage all levels of government that govern our community and the surrounding communities that use our infrastructure to support the development of a new facility within a timely fashion.  This was echoed by Barb Link with her families concerns so we northerners have this major facility in our community.  Letters from grades one and two students at McIsaac School added their voices to the need for a new pool.  Three people attending the budget meeting that night raised concerns about the city being able to cover the operating costs for a new pool once Hudbay closes its Flin Flon operations. Councillors stated they are confident Flin Flon will continue to be here and major recreation facilities like the pool are needed to attract people to our community.

               

The city is waiting for approval of a grant from the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure Program for the new pool. 

A Weekend of Events Will Help You Celebrate Winter.

The Bust the Winter Blues Festival is coming up tomorrow through Sunday.  The committee’s Chana Senyk says following the free public skate at the Sportex and Trivia Night Friday they have a lot of events on Saturday.  She explains they’re having a family fun and craft show at the Creighton Community Hall, the craft show starts at 10 and runs til 4 and their family fun indoor and outdoor events start at 12 and it goes to 3 followed by the Border Explorers poker derby.  She adds new this year is the Night of the Blues spaghetti supper and family dance taking place at the Flin Flon Community Hall with the spaghetti supper served from 6 to 8 and they’ll have spot dances, a photo booth, snowflake prize draw, a concession, tickets are only 3 dollars a person and those tickets are available at the door or the Flon Flon Friendship Centre.

             

Sunday includes a sliding party at the Ski Club from 1 to 3 followed by spades at the Creighton Seniors Centre and a cribbage tournament at the Friendship Centre.  A complete list of events can be found on their Facebook page or call Creighton or Flin Flon Recreation.

Community Input is Needed for Future Economic Development.

Managing Partner for Placemakers in Canada Hazel Borys is in Flin Flon as part of the Arts Council’s Inspiration Series titled Developing a Northern Vision.  She told the Chamber of Commerce yesterday economic development is about combining existing assets with new ideas to create new values and as Flin Flon moves to whatever is next consultations within the community are essential to come up with ideas on connections to create a more diversified set of industrial markets here that make the community more resilient over time so we’re not dependent  on  just one entity that we potentially create more opportunities whether it’s eco-tourism, whether it’s promoting and widening the reach of the rich cultural offering that Flin Flon currently has or whether it’s welcoming some completely new economies that don’t exist here now.

             

Borys said one step is looking for what place or ideas might provide the inspiration for what’s next in Flin Flon.

The City of Flin Flon Financial Plan was Presented at a Public Meeting Last Night.

The total budget is just over 12.58 million dollars down from just over 13.94 million last year.  Budgeted revenue is down due to a drop in assessments and grant funding.  The total mill rate for residential increased by 3.11 percent to 59.12 and for commercial an increase of 2.59 percent to 59.89.  It was noted Flin Flon School Division represents 48 percent of the total mill rate with the city portion dropping by 1.68 mills to 25.97.  An example noted with the lower assessments based on the city portion of the mill rate only a home valued at 50 thousand dollars would see a tax reduction of 84 dollars. The Special Services Levy will be 407 dollars.

             

Larger expenses include completing critical upgrades to utilities and upgrades and repairs to the Community Hall, Tourist Park and the Public Works Maintenance Shop including computers and the city’s communication system.  Demolition and clean up of the Aqua Centre is estimated at 237 thousand dollars which will increase to 880 thousand if the Canada Manitoba Infrastructure grant application is approved to include engineering and consulting work to prepare for the new pool.  In discussions three people attending agreed to a new pool only if other communities using it share the total costs with the city.

Our Young Students Science Work Will be on Display.

The Flin Flon School Division Wide Science Fair is being held tomorrow at the Flin Flon Community Hall.  Committee member Tristen Barteski says it includes grades one to eight students from McIsaac and Ruth Betts Schools starting in the morning with busing students to the hall and the grade 1 to 6 students will be going straight into judging and that’ll go until about 11:20 – 11:30 and then they’ll break for lunch and in the afternoon they will be busing the grade 7 and 8 students for the afternoon to do their judging.  He notes from 4 to 6 in the evening there will be the open show so parents and family can come in a look at their children’s project and then at 6 pm they will be doing the awards.

             

Barteski adds they have roughly 60 entries this year between the two schools.

 

Everyone is Invited to Join the World in Prayer.

The World Day of Prayer is being celebrated Friday.  One of the organizers Shelly Andres invites everyone to celebrate under the theme Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk.  She explains Zimbabwe, one of the more southern countries in Africa has prepared the service this year and we are encouraged to reflect on the challenges this republic has encountered during independence steps over the last sixty years.  She adds World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church event that began 98 years ago bridging social, geographic and political barriers in over 170 countries and together we pursue justice, peace and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.

               

In Canada the World Day of Prayer is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada.  The local celebration takes place at the Salvation Army Friday at 7 pm.

There are Several Events to Help You Celebrate International Womens Week.

The Women’s Resource Centre invites you to celebrate International Women’s Week under the theme An Equal World Is An Enabled World.  The Centre’s Brodie Hooper says they have several events planned starting with a family kickoff Thursday at Elder Margaret’s Healing Lodge, doors will open at 4, performances will begin at 5, there’ll be dancing, drumming and then a round dance for everybody.  Then March 7th they have Music for Pleasure at Ann Ross and Doug McGregor’s home at 183 Murton Boulevard, doors open at 7 and performers start at 7:30.  She adds March 11th they have Ski and Share starting at 4pm and runs to 6 and they’ll be at the Ski Lodge so you can come out and visit as well as see if you feel like skiing and March 11th they have water color for women at the Norva Centre from 7 to 9 and March 13th they have Yoga with Tanis above Scotia Bank from 6:30 to 7:30.

               

Everyone is invited to the events and for more information call the Women’s Resource Centre at 204-681-3105 or visit their Facebook page.

Charges Have Been Laid Following the Search of a Creighton Residence.

On Saturday Prince Albert General Investigation Unit and Creighton RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Creighton.  It resulted in the seizure of numerous items.

             

A 31 year old Creighton man was arrested and charged with multiple firearms and weapons related offences including the unauthorized importation of a prohibited device, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of prohibited weapons, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition accessible and careless storage of a firearm.  He was released on an undertaking with conditions to appear in Creighton Provincial Court on April 14th.

 

 

A Local Business Was Recognized for 20 Years.

Members of the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce were at Creighton’s Pizza Friday.  Co-Vice-Presidents Dianne Russell and Kory Eastman presented owners Kaiti and Teli Keramydas with a framed certificate recognizing 20 years in business.  Russell noted running a small business is not an easy venture, it can hold sleepless nights, unexpected detours, long hours, maybe even fear, it can also hold pride, success, autonomy, flexibility, legacy and purpose.  She said Creighton’s Pizza has provided employment and service to our community over these past years and we as a Chamber thank you.

             

Eastman added he cannot think of any businesses that would exemplify more the spirit of community focus and family owned better that Creighton’s Pizza.  He said with their leadership, care and family touch he can’t see an end for Creighton’s Pizza noting 20 years seems like just beginning so congratulations to you both and your family and everyone who has been part of the two decades, it’s very well deserved and you make your community proud.

             

Also on hand for the presentation was Chamber Board Member Mary Dwernichuk.

Millions of Batteries Continue to be Recycled.

The Flin Flon Recycling Center continues to collect dry cell batteries which are sent to Call 2 Recycle Canada for recycling.  Call 2 Recycle reports Canadians recycled almost 3 million kilograms of batteries last year which is an increase of nine percent over 2018 and a record for the organization.  Manitobans recycled 120 thousand kilograms which is an annual increase of 11 percent.  Flin Flon Recycling Center Administrator Deb Odegaard says battery recycling here continues to go well.  She says 2019 was a record year for batteries as they did 875 kilograms and in 2018 they did 655 so that’s 220 kilograms more and this includes all the household batteries, the dry cells, not automotive but anything from your computer battery to your smoke detector is what they recycle.

             

Call 2 Recycle says they ensure that these items which contain valuable resources are responsibly recycled to create new batteries and other products keeping potentially hazardous materials from entering the waste stream.

 

Member of Parliament Niki Ashton Has Called for Action on Conditions in First Nations Communities.

In Question Period last week Ashton noted the reality on First Nations is getting worse reporting this week a seven year old boy died in a house fire in Garden Hill a community with third world housing, no running water no all weather road in a region of 13 thousand people without a hospital.  She asked when is this government going to recognize that systemic racism and under funding is killing people adding when is this minister going to ask to ensure justice for the Knott family and for Indigenous communities across this country.

             

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller replied his department has been in contact with the First Nations leadership to identify and deliver support to ensure the well being of the community and will continue to work with First Nations partners.

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