ARRESTED JUNE 2ND!

Investigation determined Custer was in Pelican Narrows today. Officers located and attempted to stop and arrest him but he ran away. Further investigation determined he may be armed and is actively seeking a way to travel from Pelican Narrows. 

Custer is described as approximately 5’9” and 190 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black Under Armour sweater and grey shorts with a white Ecko logo featuring a rhinoceros. He had socks on but no shoes. 

He may be armed and should be considered dangerous. If seen, do not approach him. If he approaches your residence, call 9-1-1 immediately. 

If you have information about Roger Wesley Custer’s whereabouts, contact Pelican Narrows RCMP at 306-632-3300. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Host Vale Manitoba Operations finished in second place, which also received the First Aid and Written Exams awards.

Meanwhile, Hudbay Snow Lake went home with the Firefighting and Technicians awards.

With the win, Hudbay Flin Flon will be participating in the bi-annual National Western Region Mine Rescue Competition in September 2023.

Next year’s Provincial Mine Rescue Competition will be hosted in Snow Lake.

Committee Chair Dianne Russell reports this year’s fishing derby runs from tomorrow to 12 noon on June 30^th.  She says there are some new features including two ways to be part of it through the Fish Donkey App and it’s called Trout Festival Fishing Derby on there or they can go to Gateway in Flin Flon, Di’s in Creighton or Twick’s in Denare Beach and get a regular paper ticket and included in that is the tape measure and the rules noting the rules are on the Fish Donkey App and if you need a tape measure just go to the Municipal Office and they’ll give you one as well.  She adds they’ve got 15 hundred dollars for the top fish so they’re doing four species so 15 hundred each and lots of other prizes and the other great thing is the Trout Festival is partnering with Denare Beach and people can fish on both Manitoba and Saskatchewan lakes between the 54^th and 55^th parallels.

Winners will be announced July 8^th. For more information on the fishing derby and all festival events visit their website www.flinflontroutfestival.com.

Flin Flon’s Inner Wheel Club is putting the final touches on their annual Car Boot Sale for Saturday.  It helps the Club fund the many projects they support. The Club’s Agnes Mills says they’re still accepting calls from people who want to sell from their cars, trucks or tables. She explains they have 14 presently booked and they’ve got room for more so if anybody out there is looking for a chance to get rid of stuff you don’t want any more they can come to their Boot Sale as it’s a good place to get rid of things.  She adds the Rotary Club is going to be there selling hot dogs, hamburgers and homemade fries and all three are delicious so come out and support the Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel at the same time.

The sale runs from 10 to 1 Saturday at the Victoria Inn parking lot.  You can still book a spot for 15 dollars by calling Agnes at 204-687-8204 right up to Saturday.

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is touting the significance eye exams have in maintaining eye health and ensuring proper diagnosis of diseases that cause vision loss.

The organization’s Doctor Phil Hooper explains symptoms for major eye diseases that cause vision loss won’t always be present until the disease has advanced.

But 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable or reversible if caught early.

Hooper says one-in-six Canadians are living with one of the four major eye diseases and are at serious risk of losing their vision.

The four diseases are cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

Flin Flon is hosting the 46^th Northern Juried Art Show Thursday through Saturday. The Show’s Ellie Spencer says they have 125 entries from artists across the north.  She explains there are nine categories and two of them are youth categories and the theme for this show overall is The Water and The Wild and there will be a prize for the best piece representing that particular theme.  She adds there will be first, second and third prizes awarded in each of the categories, then a prize for Best in Show and then a prize for the People’s Choice Award which will be announced Saturday when the show closes.

The show is open for viewing in the Flin Flon Community Hall Thursday starting at 6:30 for a reception and prize awards, Friday noon to eight and Saturday from 10 to 4 with no admission charged.

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment reminds you the warmer weather means bears are searching for food and there’s a greater chance that you may encounter one.  They note black bears are found throughout the province.  Their range includes all northern Saskatchewan forests and extends southward into the aspen parkland.

Environment Minister Warren Kaeding advises you keeping your yard free from attractants including household waste is the best way to avoid a bear encounter adding bears are smart animals and if they can’t find food they will leave the area.

To prevent a safety risk to yourself, your community and bears store garbage in a secure building or buy a bear resistant container and only put the bin out on the morning of collection, avoid leaving pet food accessible to wildlife, only use bird feeders in the winter when bears are hibernating, don’t add fish, meat, fat, oils, unrinsed egg shells or any cooked food to backyard compost bins and thoroughly clean and store barbeque grills after each use.

For more information about bears and bear safety visit www.saskatchewan.ca/wildlife-issues.

The Northern Health Region has issued a press release following a release from KIM or Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin declaring a state of emergency on health care services in the north.

The release states:

“The Northern Health Region looks forward to continuing to partner with MKO and KIM. To date this has included:
• Moving forward on our joint statement to end anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare
• Our ongoing, joint KIM/NRHA co-planning process on sustainable healthcare delivery in the region
 

Regional activities have included:
• Creation of a Wisdom Council;
• The addition of Elders as part of the NRHA Care Team
• The addition of a social worker to Thompson General Hospital focused on supporting Indigenous patients in the Emergency Department,
• Ensuring Spiritual Care includes greater access to Indigenous ceremonies like smudging,
• Expanded cultural training which includes First Nations inspired land-based education for staff and our Board of Directors.
 

We understand, and we all want these solutions implemented without delay but it will take work and time to solve these very complex, multifaceted issues. We are committed to working with all of our partners, especially our Indigenous communities and leadership to find and implement sustainable solutions that meet the health needs of the people we serve in support of our vision of healthy people, healthy north.”

Denare Beach is holding its annual Community Spring Clean Up Sunday afternoon.  Recreation Director Mel Durette invites everyone to come out. She explains everybody can meet up at the Denareplex at one o’clock and she’ll hand out garbage bags, recycling bags and gloves.  Then everybody can clean up giving it probably an hour or two and they should be done and then they have a free barbeque and drinks for everybody who helped clean up.

If you need more information you can call the Recreation Office at 306-362-2050.

At their meeting earlier this week the Town Council of Creighton agreed to pass a motion to donate five hundred dollars to the Phantom Lake Soccer Club to assist with the purchase of a bleacher at their field.  Council also agreed to sponsor and support the Flin Flon Bombers by purchasing press box advertising at a cost of one thousand dollars.  Council also agreed not to increase Sportex ice rates for the upcoming season.

Mayor Bruce Fidler mentioned the Town is continually working on beautification projects across the community including upgrades to the water and sewage treatment system as well as paving and patchwork and the regular summer agenda.

Saskatchewan health reported 376 new cases of COVID-19 for the week of May 15^th to 21^st down from 465 the previous week.  Far North East reported seven new cases down from nine the previous week.  6402 laboratory tests were performed down from 6908 the previous week with a test positivity rate of 5.5 percent down from 6.5 percent the previous week.  As of May 25^th 258 people were in hospital down from 270 with 10 in ICU down from 14 the previous week.

Manitoba public health reports 537 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 for the week of May 15^th to 21^st a decrease from 738 the previous week.  The total number of reported cases now stands at 144,140.  Of the new cases 288 were in Winnipeg with 50 reported in the Northern health region down from 90 the previous week. The volume of lab tests decreased to on average 704 people tested per day compared to 766 the previous week and the positivity rate was 15.4 percent a decrease from 18.5 percent the previous week.  There were 122 hospital admissions down from 149 the previous week and 21 ICU admissions up from 16.

The Cranberry Portage Child and Family Resource Centre is hosting their annual community yard sale Saturday.  Their Executive Director Debbie McLauchlan says it runs from 9:30 to 1:30 and your first stop is at the Legion for maps.  She explains as of right now they have 21 yard sales registered as well as a few tables set up at the Legion and people can pick up their maps at the Legion.  She adds they also will have an Artisans Market happening that day from 11 to 3 down at the Museum grounds where they’re going to have vendors and food and the Museum group is offering lunch at the Legion during the yard sale events so there should be lots for people to purchase.

If you need any more information you can call them at 204-472-3671.

Flin Flon School Division Board Chair Leslie Fernandes reported this past Tuesday as they near the end of the school year a reminder that this is municipal election year and there will be a new Board in the fall.  She encourages anyone interested in running for School Trustee to seek out answers to your questions either from any current Board member or the Manitoba School Board website.  She said it’s important that each community is represented by the people it serves.

Last year School Boards across the province faced challenges with Bill 64 but the communities spoke up and let the government know that School Boards are a valued and important part of public education.

The Board also made a motion to accept the promissory note from the provincial government in the amount of 371 thousand dollars for Hapnot roadway improvements and Queens Park track and field repairs which are expected to be complete by the start of school in the fall.

Hudbay minerals received a favorable decision from the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona relating to their Copper World

project in Arizona. The District Court ruled in favour of Hudbay on all issues including that Copper World and Rosemont are not

connected under the National Environmental Policy Act and therefore  the Army Corps of Engineers does not have an obligation to

include Copper World as part of its Policy Act review of Rosemont. The District Court also granted Hudbay’s motion to dismiss the

Copper World preliminary injunction request filed by the plaintiffs in the two lawsuits challenging the Section 404 Clean Water Act

permit for Rosemont on the basis that the lawsuits are moot after the company surrendered its 404 permit back to the Corp in April.

 The Corp has never determined that there are jurisdictional waters of the U.S. on the Copper World site and Hudbay has

independently concluded through its own scientific analysis that there are no such waters in the area.

This past April the company commenced early site work at Copper World with initial grading and clearing

activities continuing at site. The company also continues exploration and technical work at site with seven drill

rigs conducting infill drilling and supporting future feasibility studies on what they expect to be a low cost long

life copper project.

Creighton Community School families are invited to the school grounds tomorrow for an evening of entertainment and food.  School Coordinator Jennilee Lengyel says they have a variety of events planned starting at 4 o’clock including a free barbeque noting they’re going to have hot dogs and drinks and at 4 o’clock the grade six to eleven band students are going to be performing, at 4:30 they’re going to have the grade one to five students doing their spring concert, at 5 o’clock they’re going to have the Silver Evening Star Singers perform, then about 5:15 they’ll have the Hoop Troop come out and at 5:30 they’re going to cap it off with The Mix.  She adds they’ll also have some different booths set up with crafts, there’ll be face painting, bird feeders and all different types of crafts by local organizations joining them.

They ask that all students be accompanied by a guardian.

Regional Coordinator for Metis Employment and Training with the Manitoba Metis Federation The Pas Roy Osmond spoke on services available at their Flin Flon sub office.  He noted they have programs dealing with job opportunities, training, student employment and career counseling emphasizing a job opportunities subsidy and targeted wage subsidy.           

  “We want to be a partner, we want to help you get them trained so we always say the job opportunities subsidy is to get someone with multiple barriers the skills they need so they can move on after six months and hopefully find a job elsewhere.  The targeted wage subsidy is a little more restricted.  Our contribution would be higher but we would expect the employer to commit to hiring the person at the end of the program.”            

Osmond adds he also expects to have about 33 summer students working in this area.

              For information on the many jobs related and other support programs available contact the Manitoba Metis Federation sub office on Main Street and they will refer you to the appropriate person.

At approximately 7:15 pm on May 19th Snow Lake RCMP received a report of a missing 75 year old man from Snow Lake.  The man left Snow Lake in his vehicle on May 18^th and made his way to his cabin where he used an all terrain vehicle to travel along a trail where he worked.  His all terrain vehicle was located abandoned near a culvert on May 19^th.  RCMP began a search with the assistance of Conservation Officers, Snow Lake Fire Department, local guides and community members.  At approximately 10 pm May 20th the man was located deceased in the water.

Workplace Safety and Health have been notified.  Snow Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Flin Flon Recreation Manager Andrew Smith officially opened a temporary Dog Park at the Joe Brain Petting Zoo Friday afternoon.  He says with potential construction and ground work being done at the community’s preferred Willowvale site for a new Aqua Centre the City feels this could create a hostile environment for Zoo animals as there is a likelihood of having to relocate them if any major work commenced.  He explained they were trying to figure out a way to use the space without putting a lot of money into it and one of their Councillors said why not use it as a temporary Dog Park this year and see how it goes and see how the community likes it and they’ll continue on next year to see if this is viable then they’ll look for a permanent location for something like this.

They ask the community to follow posted rules to ensure the park remains a friendly and inviting place for all. The park will be open from 7 am to 10 pm daily, park staff will maintain the grounds and they are planning to work with the SPCA on program ideas.

Environment Minister Warren Kaeding has announced the 2022-23Saskatchewan Angler’s Guide is available online.  Outdoor enthusiasts can download the new guide to their phone or tablets for convenient access. 

The Guide details the regulations, policies and practices that guide fishing in the province, including a comprehensive listing of water bodies with specific catch limits and special regulations.  Physical copies are available at Minister of Environment field offices, most provincial park offices and selected retail outlets.

Anglers aged 16 and older are required to purchase a license to fish in Saskatchewan except for residents age 65 and older.  Angling licenses are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be stored in your digital device. The new season opens tomorrow in the northern management zone.  For more information or to purchase angling licenses visit www.saskatchewan.ca/fishing.

 Water Smart Coordinator with Lifesaving Society Manitoba Doctor Christopher Love shares the numbers on boating-related deaths in the province. He notes unfortunately we do see on average 8 to 10 fatalities related to boating incidents every year in the province of Manitoba, it can go higher or lower depending on the exact year, and they there’s unfortunately an uncounted number of incidents where there’s not a fatality involved but there could be injury or close shaves as it were that are never ever reported because they don’t have to call in police or search and rescue whatever the case may be.          

Love says it’s especially important for new boaters to practice safe boating behaviours. He says people should take a boating course to ensure they know how to operate the craft, make sure to wear a lifejacket and boat sober.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin reports we are looking at a stable picture in Manitoba related to COVID-19.  He says there are indications towards a downward trend including in hospitalizations and ICU admissions adding vaccination is still the best way to protect ourselves announcing changes in the timing for a booster dose so effective today anyone aged 50 and over can be eligible for their second booster dose.  In keeping with their prior eligibility for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people aged 30 and older will be eligible for a second booster dose and adults who are moderately or severely immune compromised are eligible for their second booster as well.

Roussin also noted they have shortened the interlude between doses to four months from the present six months.

Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Hartman says there are two ways to get rid of items you don’t want.  She explains landfill fees are waved May 20^th to June 13^th so they can go there on their own and not have to pay the fees.  She adds pickups start May 24^th and go to June 10^th and the pickup days are the same as their regular garbage collection they just need to keep things by their garbage, fridges and freezers should be tagged if they’re picking them up and they don’t pick up recycling or any large structures or anything like that.

The landfill is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am to 4:45 pm, Sundays from 12 to 4 and is closed on holidays.

At their meeting Tuesday night Flin Flon City Council received the Fire Chiefs report for April indicating three incidents.  On the 26^th they received a call indicating smoke coming from a home on Church Street. They found heavy smoke coming from the basement.  Rescue crews searched the building while attack crews fought the fire.  Fire was contained to the basement with heavy smoke damage throughout the home.

On the 29^th they received a call reporting heavy smoke and flames coming from a home on Centre Street. They found flames inside and outside the home and began external attack and exposure protection.  Firefighting efforts were focused on saving the attached garage and they were able to confine the fire to the front home. The report indicated three firefighters were injured with non-life threatening injuries.                           

And on the 15^th they were called to Hudson Street where a vehicle had struck a hydro pole and they assisted with scene security.

The total fire loss for April is estimated at 400 thousand dollars.

Manitoba public health reported 728 laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 the week of May 8^th to 14^th a decrease from 902 the previous week. The total number of reported cases now stands at 143,603.  Of the new cases 399 were in the Winnipeg region with 90 reported in the Northern health region up from 88 the previous week.  Hospital admissions were 149 down from 183 the previous week of which 16 were ICU admissions. The volume of lab tests decreased to an average 766 people per day compared to 832 the previous week and the positivity rate was 18.5 percent an increase from 17.6 percent the previous week.

Saskatchewan health reported 465 new cases were confirmed for the week of May 8^th to 14th down from 710 the previous week.  Of that total nine were in Far Northeast up from seven the previous week.  As of May 18^th 270 people were in hospital down from 321the previous week of which 14 were ICU cases down two from the previous week.  6908 laboratory tests were performed with less than one in 15 positive or 6.5 percent down from 7.6 the previous week.                               

The Town of Creighton is holding their annual spring clean up week. Chief Administrative Officer Paula Muench says the spring cleanup starts May 24^th and will go through the week.  She notes some people require special circumstances where they need assistance for large items and they can contact the Town Office at 688-8253 and they can make some arrangements for pickup and also to assist residents with their yard clean up there will be free dumping fees for the same time during that week but a reminder though any fridges  or freezers must have the Freon removed first.

If you need more information you can call the Town office at 306-688-8253.

Flin Flons Inner Wheel Club is holding their annual Car Boot Sale from 10 to 1 Saturday June 4^th at the Victoria Inn parking lot. The Club’s Agnes Mills says it’s a chance to sell what you don’t need while supporting the charities the Club donates to noting they’re going to support the pool this year and the Grad bursary, the Food Bank, the Legion and they’re making a donation to the Ukraine and that’s going to be a thousand dollars and that’s not written in stone, it could change and they could donate to more maybe depending on what they make at their Boot Sale.

You can book a space for 15 dollars to sell from the trunk of your car, a table or your truck by calling Nora at 204-687-6188 or Agnes at 204-687-8204.

Council approved an application to the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program as it has incurred expenses as a result of response and repair costs for 2022 spring flooding. That includes overtime for public works and water crews related to flooding and any other expenses not covered by insurance.  They also requested to participate in this program in the event residents incurred financial costs.

They approved the Community Hall Gym Fee Schedule setting rates at adults 400 dollars yearly, 150 quarterly and 60 dollars monthly and for seniors and youth 300 yearly, 112.50 quarterly and 45 monthly. This is the first year the City has operated the Gym.

They also passed on final reading the annual per parcel Special Services Levy for police and fire services, recreation support services and snow removal and dust control.  They total 894 dollars for all ratable properties and just over 395 dollars for the business tax roll in the community for this year going up one percent in each of 2023 and 2024.                                             

Council approved the appointment of Janice Bee as Senior Election Official for the October Municipal Elections and they will hold a public meeting to discuss plans for the proposed new pool on Tuesday June 7^th at 6 pm in City Council Chambers.

Manitoba’s recreational angling season officially opens Saturday in the northwest and north central regions of the province.  They note due to late spring conditions some fish may still be spawning during the start of angling season.  Anglers are asked to protect fish stocks by releasing fish that are discharging eggs back into the water.  The late spring may also result in dangerous conditions including unstable ice, fast flowing currents and colder water temperatures.  Anglers are reminded to follow boating safety measures, wear life jackets, check ice conditions and use caution when angling.

Angling licenses are available online and can be immediately purchased and printed at home by visiting www.manitobaelicensing.ca. For information on provincial fishing regulations refer to the 2022 Manitoba Anglers Guide at www.manitobafisheries.com and the province will again be operating watercraft inspection stations to help watercraft users be compliant with aquatic invasive species requirements.

The Manitoba government is providing 750 thousand dollars to the Manitoba Camping Association to support eligible overnight camps. The one time funding grants up to 50 thousand dollars per camp and can be used to offset financial impacts experienced by camps due to COVID-19.  This includes financial strain due to closures and implementing services under conditions of public health orders.  It will also help support future recovery efforts.  Eligible costs will include fixed operating costs such as property taxes, utilities and insurance.

Applications are available on the MCA website at www.mbcamping.ca.  Intake is open until May 31^st at 4:30 pm.  Camps should send completed applications and all required paperwork to financialaid@manitobacamping.ca.

At the opening of their Flin Flon sub office Saturday President David Chartrand reported the Manitoba Metis Federation is really active in the province. He stated they have invested in a lot of successful projects noting they’re building hotels, building apartment blocks, pharmacies, clinics and like Ronald McDonald House they’re asking if they come to the city it’s so expensive to stay at a hotel so they already bought the land by Notre Dame by the hospital so they’ll be building a 12 or 18 family facility there for when families come in they have a place to stay.  He said they started a fur company so he put a million dollars into a separate account and it’ll be buying fur starting this year and onward noting they believe in the industry of fur and particularly the cultural connection with their history.

Chartrand added one challenge is to provide services for their members not only in Manitoba but wherever they live in the country.  Chartrand was acclaimed as President for another four year term adding a promise he made when first elected in 1997 that he will never forget the north.

The announcement was made on the weekend by the Director of the Community Choir Crystal Kolt that they are going to be producing Mary Poppins with four performances in May 2023 and they’re super excited to have Ann Hodges back directing with them a wonderful magical adventure that only Mary Poppins can do for us.  She added she just sort of thought with everything we.re going through with COVID and all the issues that are happening in the community and the world generally it would be lovely to have a wonderful family production and it is one of the best scripts around in Broadway right now so they’re really excited to have the rights to produce this.

Kolt note auditions for Mary Poppins will open in October.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is asking Who Are You Walking For as they invite you to take part in this year’s IG Wealth Management Walk For Alzheimer’s.  Their Senior Manager of Regional Services Liz McLeod says it continues to help offer programs and services to meet the needs of over 23 thousand people living with dementia and their caregivers in Manitoba. She explains this is the 30^th year that they’ve held a walk to raise funds for their programs and services and they’re partnered with IG Wealth Management, they’ve been their sponsor now for a number of years and they’re very happy to have them on board.  She says the last two years they walk has been virtual but this year they’re actually having an in person walk but only in Winnipeg and the reason for that is many of their walks in rural areas are partnered with Personal Care Homes and they have restrictions.

McLeod adds you can sign up as a virtual participant at www.alzheimer.mb.ca and have fun raising money for a fantastic cause.

Bridges north and south of Mafeking have been severely damaged, which means none of the 130 residents can leave by road.

Robert Hanson, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Mountain, says the ambulance station has been closed because the ambulance is outside the community and cannot get back.

Hanson says anyone needing medical care will have to be taken out by medical helicopter.

Heavy rain late last week combined with melting snow, which has caused rivers to surge.

Hanson says he and others in Mafeking may be able to leave in three days, when a bridge to the north is expected to reopen.

 A sub office of the Manitoba Metis Federation The Pas Region officially opened on Main Street in Flin Flon Saturday morning.   The Federation’s Vice President for the Pas Region Judy Mayer says they wanted to expand their services to other communities and Flin Flon was the first one that they picked for a number of reasons, number one it’s their second largest local, two it’s their most active, three it’s right on the Saskatchewan border so as they expand their boundaries they’re representing all the Red River Metis in Canada wherever they live and they do have a lot of citizens that live in Creighton.  She adds having the office here show their presence in Flin Flon and the Flin Flon local is very active as they participate in a lot of community events and they want to show the City of Flin Flon that they want to be a good partner with them in the community.

Mayor Cal Huntley, Chamber President Colleen Arnold and MLA Tom Lindsey stated they look forward to the Federation having a really active future in our community.

Manitoba Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke has announced the Trout Festival has been conditionally approved to receive a grant from the Building Sustainable Communities Program.  Recreation Manager Andrew Smith says the Committee will make good use of it.  He explains they got around 12 thousand dollars for the Trout Festival this year and it’s meant to ensure that this event can continue sustainably in terms of them purchasing stuff and make all of the events run a little bit smoother and it will ensure them that they can sustainably continue this event and once again grow it to what it was in past times.

You can learn more about what the Festival Committee has planned for June 25^th to July 1^st on their website www.flinflontroutfestival.com.

UCN reports they will continue to administer the Collaborative Stock Monitoring Program in partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and Indigenous fishers in northern communities The Program is a unique training initiative and data collection partnership to achieve sustainable fisheries and economic development in northern Manitoba.

Coordinator Brian Kotak says the program supports the capacity building of Indigenous Commercial Fishers and provides a basis of fish stock monitoring knowledge.  It also empowers commercial fishers with more participation in fisheries management with the province of Manitoba and contributes local knowledge and fisheries data towards eco-certification of Manitoba’s harvest.

The program is funded through the Government of Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative under the Indigenous Inland Commercial Fisheries Initiative and the Province of Manitoba.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has announced the completion of its phase two drill program at the historical Last Hurrah Zone at its Freebeth Property in the Snow Lake mining camp.  The Last Hurrah Zone is defined as a near surface, steeply dipping, high grade volcanic massive sulphide lens that is open at depth, to the north and partially the south. They intersected shallow high grade mineralization with 7.2 percent copper equivalent across 1.7 meters, 4.3 percent across 3.0 meters and 3.8 percent across 4.2 meters.

Rockcliff  Interim President and CEO Ken Lapierre says their phase two drill program has now identified  continuity of VMS mineralization across the strike length of over 350 meters and to depths of up to 300 meters vertical.  He adds this Zone is part of their exploration efforts in the Snow Lake region to identify high priority targets near existing mining infrastructure.

The Executive director of the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba Joyce Kristjansson says this past year has been challenging for nurses in the province.

She speaks specifically about the challenges northern nurses face. She notes like all of the province but exacerbated more by remoteness of many communities in the north there is a huge nursing shortage and what that means is the nurses that are in place are giving everything they have.  She says she’s just so incredibly impressed by the dedication and the leadership of these nurses to fill the gaps and be creative to find ways to provide patient care within the limited resources that exist.

This year National Nurses Week runs from May 9th to May 15^th and falls during the week of Florence Nightingale’s birthday which is May 12^th.

Manitoba public health reported 902 new cases of COVID-19 for the week of May 1^st to 7^th down from 1042 the previous week.  The total reported case in Manitoba now stands at 142,875.  Of the new cases 455 were in Winnipeg with 88 in the Northern health region up from 83 the previous week.  Hospital admissions during the week were 183 down two from the previous week of which 131 were admissions to ICU. The volume of lab tests decreased to an average 832 people tested per day compared to 840 in the previous week and the test positivity rate was 17.6 percent a decrease from 20.7 percent the previous week.

              Saskatchewan health reports 710 new cases for the week of May 1^st to 7^th down from 765 the previous week. Far Northeast had the lowest number of new cases at seven up from five the previous week.  As of May 11^th 321 people were in hospital down 69 from the previous week with 16 in intensive care down four.  The Omicron BA.2 sub variant accounted for 94.8 percent of variants of concern which is higher than 83.4 percent the previous week.

The Creighton Branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation is in need of an executive in order to operate as a Branch.  The group’s Scott Rosenberger explains members need to step up and relieve their current executive and get some new and younger people involved for the club to keep their activities going.  He says the unfortunate part would be that with the  help of the Northern Neighbors Foundation they just put up a beautiful shooting structure out at the range and if they don’t have the executive to keep the club going they then will be losing the rifle range as well noting they have already lost the archery range due to the building being sold so it would be nice to keep what they have existing around for a while longer.

Anyone interested in the executive or volunteering can contact a current member of the Branch, call Scott at 204-271-1742 or go to their Facebook page Creighton Branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation.

President Peter Kukielski reported in their first quarter of 2022 Hudbay has net earnings of 63.8 million dollars compared to a net loss of 10.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. He explains they maintained steady operations during the first quarter despite being faced with a number of external challenges including COVID related absenteeism, extreme weather conditions and inflationary cost pressures.  He says this was testament to their effective risk management systems and focus on operating efficiencies and as a result they have reaffirmed their full year production and cost guidance for 2022.

Kukielski added they have seen strong performance from the New Britannia mill in Manitoba, they are on track to mine the significantly higher grades in Peru later this year and they look forward to continuing to advance their world class project pipeline including the release of a robust Preliminary Economic Assessment on their Copper World project in Arizona in the second quarter.

At their meeting earlier this week the Flin Flon School Division Board of Trustees Chairperson Leslie Fernandes reported that over the past few weeks the Board met with the Admin teams from each school.  This was a great way for Board members to see the schools in action and learn all the ways students are benefitting.  The Board appreciated the Admin teams for taking the time to highlight all the progress being made and showing the Board that students are put first.  From videos to project displays the Board was able to see students having fun while learning. 

Fernandes went on to say that one of the purposes of a School Board is to set forth the educational goals of the Division and meeting with the Admin teams allowed the Board to see student’s success in learning and follow up with the best steps in achieving those outcomes.

LOCATED MAY 12

Keith McCallum escaped at approximately 6:30 p.m. on May 4 when he fled on foot when being escorted to a parked police vehicle. He was in court to address numerous charges including theft of motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, break and enter, and failure to comply. 

As a result McCallum has been charged with one count of escaping lawful custody. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and Deschambault Lake RCMP are actively working to find and arrest him. 

Keith is described as approximately 5’8” tall and 140 lbs. He has black chin-length hair often pulled back in a ponytail and brown eyes. He is known to frequent the community of Pelican Narrows. 

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Keith McCallum is asked to call Deschambault Lake RCMP at 306-632-2392, 911 in an emergency, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Hudbay released their first quarter 2022 results yesterday.  President Peter Kukielski reported the Triple Seven Mine in Flin Flon is within a month of closure and as development requirements wind down personnel and equipment are being redeployed at Lalor in Snow Lake as part of the Lalor ramp up strategy.  He outlined what’s happening in the Snow Lake area noting they are advancing their Snow Lake gold strategy with plans underway to achieve 53 hundred tonnes per day at Lalor by the end of the year.  He said they are also implementing their recovery improvement program at the Stall Mill this year to increase copper and gold recoveries as part of their Snow Lake gold strategy.  He added they will continue regional drilling in the Snow Lake area to explore for base metals and gold upside and they will continue to compile results from ongoing infill drilling programs at Lalor and 1901.

Kukielski also reported Hudbay is continuing to explore the concept to potentially reprocess the Flin Flon tailings in the future but it is too soon to set a time line on the results of that project.

General Manager Randy Dumenko told the 77^th annual meeting of the North of 53 Co-op 2021 was another successful year.  Sales in the food division were just under 26.6 million dollars and the petroleum division were 8.4 million dollars for total sales of just under 35 million.  He noted as a result of this with their local savings, Federated Co-op patronage and loyalty programs they were left with savings after tax of just under 1.6 million dollars so the Board has elected to do a allocation of just over 719 thousand dollars to the membership and will pay out some of that this summer.

Board President Dave Kendall reported this year there were openings for three positions for a three year term.  Dave Kendall and Linda Clark were re-elected by acclamation along with new member Nevada Ross.  Other members on the Board are James Johnson, Del Ward, Dennis Whitbread and Kelsey Horrocks.

The City of Flin Flon has announced that with the

extremely high and rushing water they have place barriers

along the Boardwalk and will be shutting down the Ross Lake

portion as the bridge there is completely surrounded by water.

People are asked to stay away and warn your children of the danger until the water subsides.

The Choir is presenting The Big Reveal Saturday night.  Choir Director Crystal Kolt says they have been unable to present their Broadway Musical which they have done every second year due to COVID and are now prepared to make an announcement at The Big Reveal Saturday night.  She explains they have connected with New York and they know the musical they have the rights to be able to present and they are going to reveal what it is this Saturday.  She says this is going to be a cabaret style event and they’re going to be having musical theatre songs presented throughout the evening as well as having wine available so this is going to be a lovely evening and everybody should come out and see what the next big musical is going to be for 2023.

Tickets for The Big Reveal taking place Saturday night at 7:30 in Johnny's Social Club are available online at www.flinflonartscouncil.ca or at the Uptown Emporium on Main Street.

Hudbay President Peter Kukielski has congratulated their Executive Director of Metallurgy Technical Services Matthew Taylor on receiving the 2022 Mineral Processor of the Year Award from the Canadian Mineral Processors at an award ceremony last week.  The honor is awarded in recognition of outstanding results achieved in tackling significant mineral processing challenges and related to Taylor’s work on the Snow Lake and New Britannia processing strategy. 

Kukielski says Matthew has been a valued member of the Hudbay team for over three years whose contributions have not only been recognized internally but also by his peers in the mining community.  He noted Matthew has been instrumental in the implementation of the innovative flotation circuit at the New Britannia mill in Snow Lake and led the design of their processing facilities at their Copper World project in Arizona.

 In the first quarter of this year the Fund’s review committee approved funding in support of exploration activities, drill programs, business renovation and start up costs, equipment and training investment, renewable energy projects and community consultations.

Among the projects in rounded off figures 157 thousand to Snow Lake Lithium, 275 thousand to Wolfden Resources/ with exploration on the Rice Island project 5 kilometers from Snow Lake Mining infrastructure and Nickel Island 10 kilometers west of Garden Hill, 300 thousand to Willeson Metals exploring 72 kilometers southeast of Lynn Lake and 25 thousand to the Northern Manitoba Sector Council.

The Manitoba government established the Fund in 2019 with an initial investment of 20 million dollars and each year six percent of tax revenue collected from the Mining Tax is allocated to the Fund.

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is asking people in the province to share your opinions and insights on the recovery and future of the tourism and hospitality sectors. They note this industry was hit particularly hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Their Marketing and Communication Rep Karen Viveiros says they feel there’s a recovery that needs to happen.  She explains the survey itself is really driven by their need for information to find out not just from the hospitality industry but also from Manitobans in general what are their experiences, what are they looking for in terms of attractions, what is encouraging them to get out and see our province and what will be the biggest drivers and motivators to really help boost tourism.

The survey is open until 11:59 pm on Wednesday and you can take part by going to their website www.jointhechamber.com.

SKRR Exploration has received results from the ten hole 1867 meter drill program recently completed on the Olson Property located within the Trans Hudson Corridor 20 kilometers northwest of Deschambault Lake Saskatchewan.  Nine out of ten holes completed during the recent program intersected significant gold mineralization.  One new discovery at Michaels Lake showed 50.35 meters at 0.56 grams per tonne gold.

The President and CEO of Eagle Plains Resources Tim Termuende recently commented they continue to be encouraged by results to date at the Olson Project.  He reported the presence of consistent high grade gold mineralization identified at the Olson Zone and low grade bulk tonnage gold mineralization discovered at the Point, Ackbar and Michael Lake Zones confirms the overall potential of the Olson Project and the widespread presence of gold mineralization on the property.

National Youth Ambassador Sage Lacerte says the Moose Hide Campaign started eleven years ago as a way to encourage more men and boys to be more aware about violence against Indigenous women and girls.

It has since evolved into a national movement that invites all Canadians to help end violence against all women and children.

Lacerte shares what the upcoming Moose Hide Campaign Day will entail. She explains this is an opportunity that they provide all Canadians to hold a one day fast so no food and no water for one day from sun up to sun down and fasting is a traditional practice, around the world many people and cultures practice fasting.  She says they use it in part as a way to set your intentions and commitments to yourself.  She notes they have a key note from the Honorable Murray Sinclair, they have workshops throughout the day and then a fast breaking ceremony and keynote address from their co-founders.

The Moose Hide Campaign Day will be held virtually Thursday and for more Information visit www.moosehidecampaign.ca.

Rockcliff Metals Corporation has completed its phase two drill program where multiple high grade volcanic massive sulphide lenses were identified at its Copperman Property in the Snow Lake Mining Camp.  Their Interim President and CEO Ken Lapierre says their first two drill programs at Copperman have now identified at least three separate copper-zinc rich lenses associated in and around the historical Copperman VMS Deposit. He notes the lenses have been intersected near surface, over strike lengths of up to 200 meters and to depths of approximately 300 meters and all lenses remain open in all directions.  He adds they look forward in advancing the Copperman Deposit with additional surface work including drilling planned this year. 

Lapierre states Rockcliff remains committed to advancing their extensive portfolio of grass roots to Preliminary Economic Assessment level properties that are favorably located in the world class Snow Lake Mining Camp.

The Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation is offering fifty one thousand dollar scholarships to Canadian youth 25 years of age or younger. Foundation CEO Jeremy Diamond explains they are targeting and interested in hearing from students that are in college or university either entering into a program come this September or are already involved in the fields of aerospace or aviation, so those who want to be anywhere from astronauts to commercial pilots to joining the Royal Canadian Air Force and everything in between and they are excited to hear about people’s stories and also their career aspirations in these fields.

Diamond adds they are still looking for applicants so to apply go to www.rcaffoundation.ca with the deadline for applications Monday. They request a short essay or video on why you are planning a career in aviation or aerospace.

Manitoba public health reported 1042 new cases of COVID-19 for the week of April 24^th to 30^th down from 1436 the previous week.  The total reported cases in the province now stands at 141,973.  Hospital admissions during the week were 185 down three from the previous week of which 12 were admissions to ICU.  Of the new cases 584 were in Winnipeg with the lowest number in the Northern region at 83 down from 111 the previous week.

Saskatchewan health reported 766 new cases for the week of April 24^th to 30th down from 829 the previous week.  Far North East reported the lowest number in the province at five down from 31 the previous week.  As of May 4^th 390 people were in hospital down 19 with 20 in ICU unchanged from the previous week.  83.4 percent of the variants of concern cases were the Omicron BA.2 sub lineage up from the previous week.

The NorVa Centre is holding its final fund raiser event to support Ukraine tomorrow night.  Their Fund Raising Chair Cindy McLean invites you to register for a paint night fund raiser for Ukraine at seven tomorrow night. She explains if anyone in the community is looking for something fun to do with Mom or thinking of a Mother’s Day gift Rosimiere Anjos will be leading in a sunflower painting on a clay flower pot.  She notes snacks and refreshments will be served with wine available to be purchased and the cost is only 30 dollars and all the proceeds are going to be added to the community fund raiser for Ukraine so come out for a really fun evening adding they’ve only got a few spots left so they’d love to see you.

To register for the paint night call the NorVa Centre at 204-687-4237.

Callinex mines has started its 2022 drilling campaign at its Pine Bay Project 16 kilometers east of Flin Flon.  They note the fully funded 20 thousand meter drilling campaign will focus on two drill rigs.  One will continue stepping out and infill drilling at the Red, Orange and Yellow zones of the Rainbow Deposit at optimal 100 meter spacings between drill intersections within the first 900 meters of surface in anticipation of a maiden resource estimate on the deposit.  A second rig will test geophysical targets identified at the base of the interpreted growth fault that hosts Rainbow and five other deposits and along the trend that also hosts the Sourdough deposit and past producing Centennial Mine.

Additionally a current resource estimate will be completed on the nearby Pine Bay Deposit however no additional drilling will be required.

RCMP report during March 2022 over March 2021 Manitoba North District reported increases in all categories except for drug enforcement.  Overall common police act ivies increased from 875 to 944 with the largest increase in wellbeing checks up from 117 to 147. Assistance to the general public was up from 85 to 99 and persons reported missing increased from 151 to 172.

Crimes against persons increased from 881 to 992 including assaults up from 646 to 770 while sexual offences decreased from 63 to 38.  There was an increase in crimes against property from 859 to 1249 with arsons increasing from 4 to 10, theft over 5 thousand dollars increased from 14 to 31 while possession of stolen goods decreased from 12 to 4.  And drug enforcement decreased from 66 to 53 with possession decreasing from 15 to 9.

Justice Minister Gordon Wyant explains the week is commemorated to raise awareness about missing persons, discuss prevention strategies, and promote services and supports available to families of missing persons. It is the ninth year the week has been proclaimed in Saskatchewan. 

This year's theme is "Caring for Families One Day at a Time."

According to the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police website there are 133 long-term missing persons in the province. Long-term missing persons include men, women and children who have been missing for at least six months.

Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Christine Tell says individuals go missing for a number of reasons, sometimes by accident, sometimes due to an underlying mental health condition and unfortunately sometimes due to violence. She advises if you believe someone you know may be missing contact your local police service as all missing persons cases remain open until that person is found.

The total budget is just over 14.2 million dollars up from just over 11.4 million last year.  The mill rate for residential property decreased to 39.73 down from 50.25 and commercial decreased to 48.34 from 58.13 last year.  This is due to the Special Services Levy of 894 dollars for property and 395 dollars for business that removed police and fire services, recreation support services and snow removal and dust control from taxes.  The mill rate includes 22.80 mills for local schools. Hudbay contributes just over 6.4 million through a grant in lieu of taxes which is shared with the School Division.

An example notes residential property pays taxes on 45 percent of assessed value so a property assessed at 100 thousand dollars at 16.83 mills will pay 771 dollars in general taxes and 894 dollars for the special services levy for a total of 1651 dollars not including the school portion.

The City plans to spend just over seven million dollars on capital expenditures including government grants, other revenue sources and city reserves with larger spending of four million dollars to begin new construction for the Aqua Centre and one million on critical capital utility updates.                                            

The Flin Flon Credit Union is still accepting applications for their Community Enrichment Small Grant Program.  General Manager Kory Eastman explains the Community Enrichment Program is looking for projects either individual or organizations that have a community improvement or economic improvement element to it.  He says it’s pretty wide based and it’s a relatively new program they’ve only had for the past two years so this will be the third year for it. He adds there’s 16 thousand dollars available with the maximum up to 25 hundred dollars per project so it’s something they’re hoping will be a catalyst to some certain ideas or projects that people may have and they’ve extended the deadline to May 20^th to get their application in.

The application is online on their website www.ffcu.ca , click on In Our Community and then on Community Programs on the left hand side.

The goal of Safety and Health Week is to focus on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community. Labor Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan notes it’s important that we continue to work together to ensure everyone goes home safely at the end of each workday.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Occupational Health Act, 1972.  The bill was introduced in response to existing concerns for workplace health and safety and the implications for the economic and social development of the province The Act contained three important rights protecting workers that still exist today, The right to know what hazards are present in the workplace, the right to participate in keeping your workplace healthy and safe and the right to refuse unusually dangerous work for yourself and co-workers.

Visit the Safety and Health Week website for more information about the history and goals of the week, and to find tools and resources for the workplace.

General Manager Kory Eastman summarized the financial results for 2021 as total assets increased to just over 71.7 million dollars up 4.42 percent. The wealth management area also increased to over 17.3 million dollars in assets
under management as the Credit Union partnered with a new investment group Journey Wealth in2021 to provide further digital options for investments and a larger product lineup. Net income increased 55 percent from 2020 to end the year at just under 238 thousand dollars. Although the Board was unable to allocate any
funds towards patronage in 2021 both the President and GM provided positive expectations that the Credit Union has put in place a new plan to prioritize payout of previously allocated surplus shares and to return to a financial position to again disburse additional profits to members.
The Board of Directors saw a change as Tiffany Mohr’s appointment to replace Lorna Quinn was ratified by the general membership and Darren Grant and Don Scott were returned through acclamation. The other Board members still serving out their terms include Tina Oulette, Dawn Hlady and Ian Lee.

Copies of the summary financial statements are available for download from the Credit Union website.

The library at the University College of the North Thompson campus has completed its digital archive which preserves audio and video recordings that reflect Northern Manitoba’s Indigenous culture, heritage, and language.

The online archive titled Elder’s Traditional Knowledge was completed at the Wellington and Madeleine Spence Memorial Library over a 16-week period in partnership with the Keewatin Tribal Council and through federal grant funding.

Campus librarian Monica Mun elaborates on the material that’s a part of the archive.  She explains a lot of the materials have been sourced from a class in early 2000s as part of UCN instructor Dr. Peter Geller’s course that interviews Elders.  She says all the different interviews were made by students and a large majority of their tapes were from that class and it also included conference materials and oral history materials to local Indigenous Elders.

UCN hopes this archive will grow and be an excellent resource for all students, researchers, and community members.

Visit guides.ucn.ca/etk/home to access the archive.

The construction of the greenhouse began in 2020 in partnership with the Composites Innovations Centre with the primary purpose of strengthening food sovereignty, community health and student learning opportunities within northern communities.

The near-net-zero facility uses Biofibre blocks as the main heat reservoir. The blocks absorb light energy and heat the building with minimal energy input. The Biofibre blocks are built based on a Canadian design and are made from Canadian sourced hemp. The blocks are designed to capitalize on heat retention and allows year-round production.

The greenhouse helps to study exploration of growing produce north of the 53rd parallel. If successful, this type of greenhouse building will be tested further north. Project participants hope to address food sovereignty in northern Manitoba communities.

              The United Steelworkers Local 7106 held a ceremony at their monument to mark the National Day of Mourning.  Health and Safety Rep Shaleen Lycan explained it’s a time to remember workers who have died or been injured on the job. She explained…..

              “USW along with other workers across Canada have and continue to fight for safe and adequate working conditions.  This is rarely an easy job but it can be rewarding when issues are brought to light and corrected before someone gets hurt. Thank you to all the hard working individuals who have found the courage to speak up when a safety or health concern is found in the workplace.  It is workers like you that help keep others safe.  Speaking up when you identify an unsafe condition is so important.  I urge all of you to stand up, speak up and bring up safety concerns to your employer.  Everybody had a right to refuse unsafe work and I believe there’s a safe solution for everything, but problems must first be identified and communicated.  Whether you’re an employer, supervisor, contractor or worker you have a role to play in keeping the workplace safe.”

              Wreaths were laid by various union and community representatives.

At their meeting last week Flin Flon City Council received the Fire Chiefs report for March indicating five incidents.  On March 8^th they were called to alarms sounding in a building on Waldron Avenue. Crews searched and found no signs of smoke or flames and reset the alarm system.  On the 10^th a homeowner on Willow Crescent reported their chimney was on fire.  Crews found a small amount of embers coming out of the chimney so the stove was cut off and the fire snuffed out.  On the 19^th a homeowner smelled smoke on Hillcrest where crews found an electrical fire in the bedroom which they quickly extinguished.  On the 26^th they were called to a structure fire on Bellevue Avenue.  They found a fire in the basement which they quickly extinguished. And on the 31st they were called to a vehicle that had rolled into the ditch on highway ten.  They rapidly evacuated the driver and assisted EMS.  Total fire loss for the month of March is estimated at ten thousand dollars.