Thompson Local News Archives for 2019-01

SDML Seeing Funding Increase

The School District of Mystery Lake is among the 16 school divisions here in Manitoba that are seeing their provincial funding go up.

 

The district’s funding is up 2.6% from last year, thanks to an increase in equalization support to offset the one point eight percent drop in enrolment and the phase-out of tax incentive grants.

 

The 2.6% increase is the third highest in the province, behind the Western School Division and Division Scolaire Franco-Manitobaine.

 

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says that this is the highest level of education funding in the province’s history, and that it shows the Pallister government’s commitment to education despite the current economic realities of the province.

 

That’s not the way the NDP see the situation, however, with opposition leader Wab Kinew saying that Manitoba has returned to the 90’s, and is "laying the groundwork for cuts and bigger class sizes."

 

The School District of Mystery Lake’s public budget presentation is scheduled for February 26th.

Flashing Street Lights A Result Of Cold Temperatures, Merger Of New Bulbs With Old Standards

It turns out that some street lights don’t like the cold weather any more than you do.

 

There are some street lights that have started flashing over the past few weeks, and Manitoba Hydro says it’s because of the weather.

 

A spokesperson for the Crown Corporation spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that when a light seems to be acting as a strobe light, it’s because of a bad connection.

 

He said that the flashing light indicates a bad connection, and that the issue is the result of having LED lights in old light standards that were not made for the new bulbs.

 

If you notice a light flashing, you’re asked to report it to Manitoba Hydro by clicking here.

MPI: Inspect Your Block Heater Cord

You need to be careful when it comes to your block heater cord.

 

Manitoba Public Insurance is encouraging all vehicle owners to check their cords following several fires that have been linked to block heaters.

 

A cracked extension cord, or block heater cord with a corroded plug, can result in what’s called electrical arcing, which can quickly spark a fire.

 

MPI says that extension cords with are cracked or have exposed wires should be replaced as soon as possible as corrosion can be caused by exposure to moisture, dirt and road salts.

 

The crown corporation also suggests that you have your block heater cord inspected each fall by a qualified mechanic.

NCN Launches Mobile App

If you want to know what’s going on with NCN, there’s now an app for that.

 

Available for both Apple and Android device, the app provides updates on all NCN news, events and notices, as well as photos, jobs opportunities and more.

 

Additionally, the app includes a section where you can provide ideas and suggestions to make NCN a better place for everyone.

 

To download the app, you simply need to search NCN Cree Nation in the app store or Google Play.

 

Thompson RCMP Looking For Wanted Man

The RCMP is looking to you for help in the search for a wanted man.

 

27-year-old Anthony Maurice Clemons is wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant for possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property.

 

Both charges stem from November, when members from the Thompson RCMP detachment executed a search warrant here in town.

 

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Clemons, you’re asked to call the detachment at 204-677-6911.

Nelson House RCMP Looking For Missing Woman

The RCMP want your help in locating a missing woman.

 

On January 30, 2019, at approximately 1:20 am, Nelson House RCMP received a report of a woman who had left a residence not dressed for the elements. Magen Spence, 26, has not been seen since she left the home just after 1:00 am.

 

Magen is described as Indigenous, 5’4”, 207 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a sweater with red, black, and white on it. She was not wearing a jacket or boots. Police are very concerned for Magen’s well-being.

 

Extensive foot, vehicle, and snowmobile patrols have been conducted, with the assistance of community members.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

 

Use Of Force Deemed Necessary And Reasonable During July Arrest In Nelson House

The officers involved in a July arrest in Nelson House will not be facing charges.

 

That’s the conclusion of the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba following an investigation into the arrest of a 20-year-old in the community.

 

On July 28th, RCMP officers were called to a home in Nelson House to deal with an intoxicated and aggressive family member who was armed with a knife.

 

While responding to the call, one officer used his baton to strike the man once in the hand that held the knife before the suspect was arrested under the mental health act.

 

The strike from the baton resulted in a fracture to the suspect’s right hand, though the investigation found that the use of force was both necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.

 

The suspect told the police watchdog during the investigation that he had little recollection of the incident as he had been drinking heavily.

NDP Announces Plan For Affordable Housing

It’s difficult, if not impossible, for Canadians to find decent affordable housing and the Nor-Man region is no exception.

 

That’s according to our Member of Parliament, Niki Ashton, who says that the number of houses in poor condition is growing, as is the wait list for affordable housing.

 

The federal NDP has released the first part of their plan to build 500,000 affordable housing units over the next decade, which Ashton says is a better use of taxpayer money than corporate tax giveaways and pipelines.

 

She says that the plan starts with addressing the housing crisis in Indigenous communities, and also includes doubling the home buyers’ tax credit.

 

She adds that everyone in Canada should have a safe and affordable place to call home.

 

Business Continues For Vale In Canada Following Events In Brazil

The beat goes on for Vale’s Manitoba Operations.

 

That’s according to company spokesperson Ryan Land following the tragic events in Brazil, where dam broke Friday at a Vale mine site resulting in over 60 deaths.

 

Speaking to Arctic Radio News, Land says that while the focus is on supporting the rescue efforts in Brazil, business for Vale in Canada continues from an operational standpoint.

 

Land says that the mining giant’s installations in Canada are being checked, though he adds they are safe and are monitored and evaluated on a regular basis.

 

He says that on a personal level, the focus for the company here in Canada is on speaking to employees, providing updates on the recovery efforts and offering support to anyone who requires it.

 

New reports are emerging that Brazilian authorities have issued arrest warrants for five people in relation to the collapse.

 

Doctor Alan Rich Remembered

Doctor Alan Rich was remembered and celebrated yesterday during a service at St Lawrence Roman Catholic Church.

 

Rich, who practiced medicine here in Thompson for 43 years, first came to Thompson before he was a doctor to work for Inco as a way to pay his way through school.

 

Over his career, his dedication and hard work saw him receive public recognition, including a key to the city of Thompson in 2014 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

 

Doctor Rich passed away in Swan River last week at the age of 73, just over a month away from his 74th birthday.

 

Photo courtesy of Thompson Citizen.

Lindsey: Elimination Of School Boards Is A Bad Idea

The possible elimination of elected school boards is just a bad idea.

 

That’s according to Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey, who spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that education isn’t the place for cuts, especially in the north.

He said that school boards provide some local autonomy, and that “certainly for us in the north trying to combine school boards just makes it impossible for parents to talk to people that are looking after their schools” Lindsey added that there’s no desire in those school boards in the north to be amalgamated with anyone else.

 

He went on to say that he thinks the commission is a way for the government to say that any changes made will be by the experts and not by them.

 

When it comes to the possibility of cuts within the system, he said that this isn’t the place. Lindsey said that education is so important, and if kids are going to get ahead, they need a good education. He added that he sees kids in the north that are already suffering because they don’t have the same education opportunities as those in the south. Lindsey went on to say that the government should be looking at expanding educational opportunities for everyone because that’s the key to the future for all these kids.

 

He added that this is “just another case of a government so focused on cuts that they don’t’ care about people.”

 

When it comes to the makeup of the commission that will be reviewing the system, Lindsey said that he questions why someone who voters did not want on their school board, referring to Thompson lawyer Jill Quilty, is the right person to be making decision about the future of that board.

 

Thompson Lawyer Named To Commission That Will Review K-12 Education System

There is a northern voice on a panel that has the potential to shape the future of Manitoba.

 

The nine member commission that has been tasked with a full review of the K-12 education system here in the Province includes Thompson lawyer Jill Quilty.

 

The Pallister Government announced the commission earlier this week, and Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says that nothing, including the elimination of elected school boards, is off the table.

 

Quilty unsuccessfully ran in October’s election for a seat on the School District of Mystery Lake board of trustees, finishing last among candidates with only 690 votes.

 

The commission is expected to wrap up their review and present their findings by next February.

Family Literacy Day Set For Saturday; Will Include Free Books, Teddy Bear Clinic

Saturday is Family Literacy Day.

 

Penny Brenton, from the Hello Parents Network of Thompson, spoke to Arctic Radio News about some of the activities they have planned for this years’ event.

 

She said that there will be several activities to choose from, and that you’re welcome to do them all. Brenton said the activities include making bookmarks, book giveaways and local celebrity readers.

 

She added that there will be a photo booth, musical entertainment and a teddy bear clinic.

 

Brenton said that they never want to see any children upset, so parents need to make sure that they’re kids bring their favourite stuffy with them.

Those events are slated to take place at the City Centre Mall near Wal-Mart between 1:00pm and 2:30pm.

 

In addition, there will also be escape rooms and board games at the library, starting at 2:00pm.

 

Brenton added that literacy skills are extremely important, and that something as simple as reading to your children when they’re young can go a long way to help them succeed once they start school.

 

She said “strong reading skills form the basis of learning in all of the subjects. It is important to identify those who struggle with reading as early as possible. Children who have been read to at home come to school with important literacy skills; they are prepared to learn, read and write. Children who have not had many experiences listening to books read aloud, or talking about books, typically start school with lower early literacy skills.

 

If you’d like to learn more about Family Literacy Day, including some easy tips on how to promote literacy in your home, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm only on 102.9 CHTM.

 

Alternatively, you can click here t to listen to the interview tomorrow morning.

Ashton: Trudeau Talks Big, But Isn't At The Table

The Prime Minister talks a big game when it comes to jobs, but he’s not there when it comes to taking action.

 

That’s according to our MP, Niki Ashton, who tells Arctic Radio News that the lack of any action by Ottawa on job losses in Thompson is a sign of what could happen in Flin Flon come 2021.

 

Ashton says that’s important to keep Justin Trudeau accountable, as he even though he “talks a lot about the middle class and good jobs”,  the federal government isn’t at the table whether it’s on issues of diversification or whether it’s on saving good jobs in our north.

 

Parliament is set to resume on Monday following their winter break.

Winterfest 2019 Dates Set

Circle the dates on your calendar; Winterfest is taking place the last weekend of February.

 

If you want to help plan the weekend, you’re invited to attending the next meeting of the planning committee.

 

The next meeting takes place Wednesday at the TRCC in the Mary Fenske boardroom starting at 6:00pm, and they are slated to meet every Wednesday until the big weekend.

 

The City of Thompson has officially announced February 22nd to the 24th as the dates for this year’s edition of the annual event.

Pallister Government Backs Thompson Airport

The Pallister Government is backing a funding application made by the Thompson Airport.

 

Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle says that the Minister of Municipal Relations, Jeff Wharton, provided the Airport Authority with a letter of support in principal.

 

The letter of support will be included with an application for federal funding for the Thompson Airport’s terminal redevelopment project.

 

Curtis Ross, the CEO of the Thompson Regional Airport Authority, said that this is one of the first times in his 15 years that the Province has shown support for the airport in "any way, shape or form."

 

He adds that in the past the TRAA has been stonewalled or pushed aside by the provincial government, and that the support from the minister will not go unnoticed.

 

Ross and the airport authority are applying for $70M from the federal government’s disaster mitigation and adaptation fund, which is for entities impacted by climate and are key points of infrastructure.

Council To Meet Monday, Vote on 14 Resolutions

The agenda is all set for Monday’s regular meeting of Thompson City Council.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook, along with the seven members of council, are set to receive a report on the December cheque register before reviewing a letter from the Province about the allocation of the Federal Gas Tax.

 

The agenda includes 14 resolutions, such approving fees for membership in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Thompson Chamber of Commerce.

 

Also on the agenda are reports from the public safety and recreation committees, as well as letter from Nick Di Virgillio, requesting support for the Lions Manor 55 project.  

 

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00pm in council chambers at City Hall.

 

The public is welcome to attend and the full agenda can be found here.

10th Annual CFIB Red Tape Awareness Week Kicks Off Next Week

Red tape, or the rules and regulations that appear unnecessary and to cause delays, have a big price tag here in Manitoba.

 

That’s according to Jonathan Alward, from Canadian Federation of Independent Business, who spoke to Arctic Radio News about the different forms that red tape comes in. He added that red tape costs in the neighbourhood of $350M annually in Manitoba.

 

The CFIB’s 10th annual Red Tape Awareness Week kicks off Monday, and Alward joins 102.9 CHTM for a special Thompson Today series which will air Monday and Tuesday.

 

Both parts will be available online by clicking here the day after they air.

 

By-Election Set For March 11th

There will be a by-election for the eighth and final seat on Thompson City Council.

 

The seat has been vacant since the October 24th election, when candidates Andre Proulx and Chiew Chong found themselves tied at 1,008 votes.

 

The results of the election were subject to a judicial recount in November over a rejected ballot, though that recount resulted with the tie remaining and a different ballot being rejected.

 

Chong had recently put forward an application for a determination of entitlement for the final seat, though the he did not file the required documentation in time to have it heard in court.

 

The by-election will take place on March 11th, and those wishing to run for the final seat have until February 3rd to register.

Thompson Fire Department Responds To Fire At Thompson Inn

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services were busy last night, as they received a call around 10:00pm of a fire at the Thompson Inn.

 

Fire Chief Mike Bourgon said that while the fire caused extensive damage, the quick response of the fire department meant that they were able to contain the blaze to the restaurant.

 

Bourgon added that there were no injuries as a result of the fire, and that the cause is under investigation.

 

Public Road and Churchill Drive are closed around the Thompson Inn, and will remain closed until the investigation is complete.

City To Upgrade Welcome Signs

You can expect to see a new sign welcoming you to Thompson in the fall.

 

Following the City’s new branding being displayed on their website and elsewhere, City Hall has deemed this the right time to give the welcome signs an upgrade; the first one in at least 40 years.

 

The City of Thompson’s communications officer, Kacper Antoszewski, says that while the existing structure for the signs will stay in place, the signs will feature the new logo and lettering as well as a visual reference to NCN.

 

Antoszewski added that there are also plans to upgrade signage at various City buildings, such as the ski trails and landfill.

 

Work on the sign upgrades is currently set to take place this summer, though the cost of the work has not yet been determined.

2018/2019 Flu Vaccine More Effective Than Previous Year

If you got your flu shot this year, chances are you haven’t gotten the virus.

 

Doctor Randy Gesell, the Northern Regional Health Authority’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, says that the early indicators show that this year’s vaccine is fairly effective, and better than it was last year. 

 

Despite the vaccine performing well, statistics from the Manitoba Government show that the north had 130 confirmed cases of influenza between September 1st and January 4th, second only in the province to the 210 cases in Winnipeg.

 

Dr. Gesell says that the reports of positive flu cases are dependent on who gets tested, so the number of cases in the north could be up in part because of more testing.

 

He adds that the most prevalent strain of the virus this season is Type A, H1N1; the same strain that hit the north hard in 2009.

 

Data shows that the season has already peaked, though the number of active cases remains high.

 

Flu shots are still available through the Northern Health Region.

Two Charged Following Stabbing In Eastwood

Two men were scheduled to appear in court yesterday following a stabbing in the Eastwood area.

 

Thompson RCMP received a report of a stabbing at a building on Princeton Drive Tuesday evening, and officers were dispatched to the scene just before 9:00pm. When they arrived, one man was taken into custody while another was transported to the hospital.

 

The man, a 23-year-old from Oxford House, was arrested on charges of assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

 

The victim, a 20-year-old man from Gods Lake Narrows, was treated for injuries at Thompson General Hospital. Upon his release from hospital, the man was arrested on multiple charges; two counts of failing to comply with and undertaking and one count of failing to comply with a probation order.

 

Guns, Cocaine Seized In Split Lake

Two people from Split Lake are facing charges following a drug bust in Split Lake.

 

Thompson RCMP executed a search warrant late last week in Split Lake, which resulted in the seizure of 32 grams of cocaine, five rifles, four shotguns and ammunition.

 

Officers also found two pellet guns and a hollowed-out pop can, which they believe is used to transport the narcotics.

 

55-year-old Baptiste Brightnose and 20-year-old Bruce Brightnose each face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, unauthorized possession of a firearm and multiple counts of careless use of a firearm.

 

The investigation, being conducted by members of the Thompson RCMP detachment, is ongoing.

 

Local MP Calls For Better From Ottawa In 2019

Niki Ashton is calling for better from Ottawa in 2019 when it comes to the north.

 

The NDP MP says that last year, our region faced job losses, the shutdown of critical infrastructure and continues to face an ongoing housing crisis. She says we also saw people and communities facing huge challenges in dealing with inadequate health care and education funding.

 

Ashton noted that the rail line to Churchill, as well as the port of Churchill, are now once again up and running, but only because of a northern partnership.

 

She said that closure of the smelter and refinery in Thompson was met with silence from the provincial and federal governments, and that the same reaction was given to potential closure of the mine in Flin Flon in 2021. Ashton pointed out the contrast between the complete lack of support for our region, and the billion dollars plus bail out for the oil industry.

 

She added that regions like ours produce much of the wealth of this country and that we deserve better.

Smook: No Update Yet On Public Transit

Work is still being done in hopes of restoring transit services within the city.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said that they are continuing as council to work on the issue, and are still in talks and negotiations.

 

Mayor Smook added that council has requested clarification from legal experts on the wording of documents, but that there isn’t any further update other than that.

 

There has been no municipal transit in Thompson since Greyhound left western Canada at the end of October.

 

City Council Approves First Reading Of Amendment To Business Licensing By-Law

You shouldn’t be surprised if the City’s proposed definition of hobbyist or artisan is tweaked before the by-law amendment comes back to Council for its second and third readings.

 

The first reading passed at the last meeting despite some pushback from Councillor Jeff Fountain, who pointed out that the wording leaves out a few artists and artist groups and that it should go back to committee for changes.

 

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino agreed with Fountain, adding though that this was only the first reading and that she will ask for the amendment to go back to committee to be changed further before the second and third readings.

 

The definition, as it currently stands in the amendment, classifies a hobbyist or artisan as one who makes hand made goods produced by themselves, or their immediate family, and offers them for sale.

 

The amendment was brought to council as a separate fee exists in the fee and fine schedule for hobbyists and artisans, though there is currently no wording in the business by-law to define the groups.

 

SDML's Board Of Trustees Set To Meet Tomorrow

The board of trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake is set to meet tomorrow night for the first time in 2019.

 

The agenda for the meeting includes a delegation from the École Riverside School parent council, which will be focused on full day kindergarten.

 

Following the presentation, trustees will hear reports from both superintendents and the secretary-treasurer.

 

The evening will also feature other standing agenda items, including reports from various board committees and the review of any correspondence.

 

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00pm at the school board office, located at 408 Thompson Drive.

 

The public is welcome to attend, and a link to the full agenda can be found by clicking here.

Judge To Hear Claim Over Final Council Seat Monday

There is still not a clear picture of what is going to happen to the eighth and final seat on Thompson City Council.

 

Mayor Smook told Arctic Radio News that following a recount of ballots in the Westwood area, a claim has been put in that will be heard by a judge Monday.

 

Mayor Smook added that council has put off a few things waiting for the final councillor to join them, but that at this point they’ll have to move forward and get to business as usual.

 

Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation, Canadian Kraft Paper To Hold Meetings In Thompson, Nelson House, Wabowden, Cross Lake

Nisokapawino Forestry Management Corporation will be holding community information meetings in the area stating Monday.

 

They’ll be joined by representatives from Canadian Kraft Paper, and will be talking about their two-year harvest and renewal plan.

 

Area planner Mike Paddock spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said that the discussion will include topics such as timber harvesting, forest renewal, road construction and road decommissioning activities.

 

There will be three meetings Monday; at 1:00pm in Wabowden (at the arena), and in Thompson and Nelson House starting at 7:00pm. The meeting in Thompson will take place at the Best Western, while in Nelson House they will be at the arena. Tuesday there will be a meeting Cross Lake at 7:00pm.

 

IIU Investigating Alleged Domestic Assault Involving Off-Duty RCMP Officer

Manitoba’s police watchdog is looking into an alleged domestic assault by an off-duty member of the Thompson RCMP detachment.

 

The RCMP received a report from a third party on January 6th, saying that an off-duty member was involved in an alleged domestic assault the day before.

 

The IIU was notified immediately, and has fully taken over the investigation.

 

Although there were no serious injuries, the director of the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba determined that it was in the best interest of the public to investigate.

 

It is unlikely that more information will be provided until the police watchdog has wrapped up their investigation.

 

The unit investigates all serious incidents involving police officers in Manitoba, whether occurring on or off duty.

Futures / Babies' Best Start To Start "School's Cool" Monday

Futures and Babies’ Best Start are once again offering their School’s Cool program starting Monday.

 

The program is for children who are four or five, and are scheduled to start school in September.

 

Penny Brenton, from Futures and Babies’ Best Start, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said “With School’s Cool, they deal with a multitude of issues and learning skills. They would do reasoning, self-help, language, social skills...things like that to help a child be better prepared to be integrated into the school system as well as into a kindergarten classroom.

 

She added that the program supports the active participation of children. Brenton went on to say that it helps promote self-sufficiency and independent decision making, which is balanced with accepting others and respect for the group.

 

Brenton added that free program is curriculum based, and intended to make sure that children within the community are as equipped as they can be to enter kindergarten.

 

She said that (the organizers) understand that each child learns differently, so they adapt their daily activities to meet their needs.

 

If you’d like more information, or would like to register, you can call 204-677-7820 or 204-677-7822.

 

 

Escape Rooms, Slime Making Part Of Exciting January Calendar For Library

There won’t be a shortage of activities this month at the Thompson Public Library.

 

Cheryl Davies, from the Library, joined 102.9 CHTM morning host Chris Walker earlier this week, and gave listeners a sneak peak of what’s coming up this month.

 

Davies highlighted a special “Winnie the Pooh” story time on January 18th, “Frozen”-themed sensory bottle making on the 23rd and winter slime making on the 30th.

 

She also spoke about what the Thompson Public Library has planned for Family Literacy Day, which is taking place on January 26th. In addition to having a table set up with books to give away at the City Centre Mall, Davies said that the Library will be hosting two different escape rooms as well as board games.

 

Davies said that the rooms (and games) are fitting for Family Literacy Day, as the day isn’t just about books. She said it’s also about thinking, and doing, and reading for instructions.

 

The two escape rooms will start at 2:00pm, and each room is expected to take around 40 minutes to complete. The event is completely free of charge, and everything is family-friendly.

 

Davies said that those wanting to take part in the escape rooms should register in advance, though walk-ins would be welcome. She did add, however, that if you don’t register in advance you might have to wait in line a little bit and show a little bit of patience.

 

If you’d like more information on what’s happening at the Thompson Public Library, you can visit their website, Facebook page, or give them a call at 204-677-3717.

Nelson House RCMP Ask For Help Locating Missing Woman

Nelson House RCMP are asking for assistance from the public in locating a missing 29-year-old woman from Nelson House who was first reported missing on January 3rd.

 

Tanys Lee Hughes was last seen on November 29th, when she told her family she was going to Winnipeg before leaving the community.

 

Hughes is described as 5’4” with short brown hair, and was last seen wearing a red parka and black pants.

 

Anyone with information is asked to call the Nelson House RCMP detachment at 204-326-4452 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Possible Gunshot Behind Tuesday's Lockdown, "Hold And Secure" At R.D. Parker, Ecole Riverside School

The RCMP say a report of a possible gunshot prompted the lockdown and “hold and secure” for R.D. Parker Collegiate and Ecole Riverside School yesterday afternoon.

 

Thompson RCMP received a call of the possible shot around 1:30pm Tuesday, and were told the sound came from the area between the high school and elementary school.

 

Officers quickly made their way to the scene, and spoke with administration at both schools to make sure they knew what was going on.

 

In an email to parents sent around 2:30pm, R.D.P.C. principal Rob Fisher said “Today at 1:50 p.m. we had a lockdown that was initiated by the RMCP based on an incident outside of the school in a nearby community location” and that “There was no known threat to the school. We then were in a hold and secure situation from 2:10-2:20 p.m. The hold and secure and lockdown have all been lifted and we are now operational as usual.”

 

Despite extensive patrols of the area and interviews with numerous people, nothing further was report to police.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, says that police maintained a presence at both schools for the duration of the school day.

RCMP Check 1433 Vehicles, Charge 24 In Final Week Of Holiday Checkstop Program

The numbers from the final week of the RCMP’s annual holiday checkstop program are in.

 

Constable Sandy Deibert, from the Thompson RCMP detachment, spoke to Arctic Radio News and said that between December 24th and January 1st, there were 47 checkstops across the province and 1433 vehicles checked. The stops led to 24 people facing charges of impaired driving.

 

Constable Deibert added that over the month-long program, 90 people were charged with impaired driving and 32 people had their license suspended as a result of 11,714 vehicles checked during 262 checkstops. The number of vehicles checked is up from last years’ total of 8333, while the number of people charged is down from last years’ 117.

 

Five people lost their lives in traffic-related collisions during the duration program. That number is up from last year, when Manitoba saw only one fatality.

13 People Use Eastwood Rink Warming Hut Between Dec 26 and Dec 31

The City of Thompson activated their cold weather policy to close out 2018.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook spoke to Arctic Radio News during “City Beat” late last week, and said that when the temperature dips below -30c, the Eastwood rinks warming hut is opened up as soon as the homeless shelter is full.

 

Mayor Smook added that in that situation, those looking for a warm place to stay have to go register at the homeless shelter, and they then will be transported to the warming hut.

 

Between December 26th and 31st, Smook told Arctic Radio News that the (cold weather) policy was active every night, and that 13 people registered to use the hut.  

 

Mayor Smook, or a representative from City Hall, joins 102.9 CHTM every Thursday morning at 11:30am for “City Beat”. If you have a question you’d like asked you can submit it via email here, or you can call the 102.9 CHTM news line at 204-677-3905.

Charges Pending Following RCMP, Thompson Fire & EMS Response To Assault Call

Two men have been arrested and charges against them are pending after RCMP and Thompson Fire and EMS responded to an assault call.

 

Last Saturday, January 5th, officers from the Thompson RCMP detachment responded to a call about a man with a machete on Ashberry Place.

 

After arriving at the scene, Mounties arrested a 27-year-old man.

 

A second man, also in his 20’s, was taken into custody a short time later for assaulting RCMP officers and medical services personnel.

 

The second man is believed to be the original victim of the assault that brought first responders to the area.

Operation Red Nose Raises $6,155, Down From 2017 Total

The numbers are in for Operation Red Nose 2018.

 

Local committee member Josh Cain spoke to Arctic Radio News earlier today, and said that across the province, $92,210 was raised by 2,619 volunteers who gave 4,293 rides over the holiday season.

 

Locally, 146 volunteers provided 339 rides and collected $6,155. All of those numbers are down from last year, when 200 volunteers provided 380 rides and collected $9,364.50.

 

Despite the numbers in all three categories coming down, Cain said that the numbers “aren’t bad considering what the city has gone through”.

 

He added that there will likely be more than $6,155 donated to local youth-based organizations, as all money saved from the operating budget will be added to that total.

 

Josh Cain will be the guest for “Thompson Today” tomorrow afternoon at 12:40pm and 5:10pm to further discuss the 2018 season for ORN Thompson.

RCMP Investigating Body Found In Eastwood Area

The RCMP are investigating the circumstances surrounding a body found near Queen’s Bay in the Eastwood area. 

 

Thompson RCMP says that they revceived a report of a body in the snow yesterday evening, and located the deceased female when they arrived on the scene. 

 

The investigation is ongoing, and Arctic Radio News will pass along any new information as it becomes available.  

Annual Sally Ann Kettle Campaign Raises Record Amount

Thompsonites have come through once again to help those less fortunate here at home.

 

The annual Salvation Army Christmas kettle campaign raised just over $55,000; the highest amount ever collected here in the city.

 

That’s according to Roy Bladen, the ministry director for the Salvation Army here in Thompson.

 

Bladen spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said that it was amazing to see the influx of donations especially given the uncertain economic times facing the community.

 

He added that he would like to thank everyone who donated their time, money, toys or food.

 

All money raised through the Christmas kettle campaign stays here in Thompson, and is used entirely for the operation of the food bank.

 

Smook: Zero Tolerance Policy For Dogs On The Loose

Be prepared to pay a steep fine if your dog is caught running loose.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said that the City has now developed a zero tolerance policy for when dogs are on the loose or left out in the cold.

 

According to the City of Thompson’s fee and fine schedule for 2019, the first time your pet is caught running at large will cost you $212, while the second and third offences will cost $424 and $636 respectively.

 

Mayor Smook added that the best thing to do is to keep your dogs on a leash while outside.

 

The full fee and fine schedule for 2019 can be found here.

 

2019 Water Rates Have Consumption Costs Up, While Service And Minimum Payment Fall

Some costs are up while others are down now that the 2019 water and sewer rates for the City of Thompson have been approved.

 

The Public Utilities Board of Manitoba approved the new prices through a board order on December 27th. The new rates include a decrease to the minimum quarter charge and cost of bulk water, while the costs of water over the quarterly minimum and sewage are up.

 

The minimum quarter charge dropped to $92.76 from $135.61, while the cost of bulk water dropped from $4.90 cents to $4.03.

 

The rate for water over the quarterly minimum went up 43% to $3.42, while the sewage rate is up just under 20% to $1.51. As a whole, the combined rate will be around 34% higher than last year at $4.93.

 

The fees for reconnection and hydrant rental remain will remain the same; $320 to reconnect and $125 for the hydrants.

Nominations Open For 2019 Premier's Volunteer Service Award

If you know an outstanding volunteer, now is the time to speak up; nominations for the 2019 Premier’s Volunteer Service Award are now open.

 

The award is meant to honour those who inspire the spirit of volunteerism in local communities, and past nominees have been involved in many different areas such as sports, arts, the environment and social services.

 

In addition to the award, there is a special youth category to recognize young Manitobans who have made exceptional volunteer contributions within their schools, organizations or communities.

 

Nominations need to be submitted by February 8th, and you can find the papers here.

 

All nominees receive a certificate of recognition, as well as public acknowledgement of their efforts.

 

New Fee And Fine Schedule Has Most Rates Up 1.9%

The 2019 fee and fine schedule is now in effect.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook spoke to Arctic Radio News, and said that the new rates for each year are consistent with the previous years’ tax increase; which means most fees went up by 1.9%.

 

Mayor Smook said, however, that there were some things that did not follow that increase.

 

Some of the notable changes outside the 1.9% increase include a $50 fee added for ambulance pick-up on the north side of the airport and an increase to Norplex Pool rates so that they are more consistent with other communities.

 

The full fee and fine schedule can be found here.

Gas, Insurance Prices On The Rise In 2019

You’ll probably notice that life will be a bit more expensive here in Manitoba now that it’s 2019.

 

The federal carbon tax will impact gas, diesel and natural gas come April first, which will mean an increase at the pumps of 4.42 cents.

 

The cost of your car or truck will also go up in March, when Manitoba Public Insurance’s one point eight percent increase takes effect.

 

Landlords will also be able to up your rent even more this year, as they are now allowed to raise your rate by 2.2%, up almost a full percentage point from last year.

 

Manitoba Hydro has also applied for a 3.5% rate increase, which if approved would come into play in April.

Province To Look At Bill That Would End Daylight Saving Time In Manitoba

Daylight saving time could soon be a thing of the past here in Manitoba.

 

November saw the first reading of bill to amend the Official Time Act, which if passed into law would see clocks here in the province not change after November.

 

According to Bill 205, which was introduced by now independent Emerson MLA Cliff Graydon, daylight saving time is associated with a decrease in productivity the day after clocks are turned forward, with no corresponding increase in productivity when clocks are turned back.

 

The bill goes on to say that the loss of sleep associated with the start of daylight saving time has serious consequences for physical and mental health and has been linked to increases in traffic accidents and workplace injuries.

 

The piece of legislation concludes by saying that there is no conclusive evidence that daylight saving time is effective in reducing energy consumption.

 

The fourth session of the 41st legislature is set to resume in March.

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