Thompson Local News Archives for 2020-08

School zones go back in effect Sept. 1

School zones will be going into effect starting Sept. 1.

 

All motorists will have to adhere to the school zones designated at the elementary schools in town, and slow down to 30 kilometres per hour when entering the zone from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Thompson RCMP’s Constable Sandy Deibert explains that drivers caught speeding in a school zone would get a hefty ticket. Motorists caught driving 50 kilometres in a school zone will face a fine of just over $300, while those driving 60 kilometres would get a ticket closer to $450.

 

She adds that while drivers are not required by law to slow down around RD Parker Collegiate, she recommends they do so anyway since many pedestrians cross in that area.

 

Deibert goes on to say that school zones are in place to make sure students get to and from school safely, as the reduced speed gives motorists time to react if a child goes on to the road for by accident.

 

For more information on school zones, check out Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

MLA Adams on provincial government's childcare spaces announcement

After the province announced they were investing $22 million into 1, 400 child care spaces and providing more options to families, Thompson’s MLA criticised them for not using the funds for public childcare spaces.

 

In a press release issued Aug. 26, the government said the funding was comprised of new and re-allocated money, with $8.5 million going towards new programs to create more childcare services.

 

Of that, $1.5 million will go towards home-based child care providers, while $2 million is for providers to develop satellite locations for physical distancing.

 

In a statement, Danielle Adams says the move is  “just another step towards privatization”, and that less than one per cent of the previous announcement of $18 million for child care funding back in March was spent according to documents the NDP obtained through the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

 

She goes on to state that there are more children on waitlists than ever before, and that the government should treat childcare as an essential service by investing in public, non-profit childcare spaces.

TRCC reopens most facilities to the public for bookings

The TRCC has reopened most facilities this week, but Thompson residents have to call ahead of time to use them.

 

The Director of Recreation, Parks, and Culture for the City of Thompson, Carol Taylor, says the city has done research to prepare for the reopening, with the goal to keep visitors and staff safe.

 

Taylor explains there are two areas currently closed to the public: the play area which is going through repairs, which the TRCC hopes to have open by November, as well as table tennis.

 

She explains that a number of protocols have been put in place at the TRCC to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including providing hand sanitizer at the entrance and having everyone entering the building  sign-in for contact tracing purposes.

 

No drop-ins will be allowed at this time, and anyone wishing to use any of the facilities available at the TRCC can call 677-7952 to make a reservation.

 

To learn more about what’s going on at the TRCC, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

City council meetings to resume in-person Aug. 31

City Council committee meetings will resume in-person starting on Monday.

 

This follows roughly five months of conducting committee meetings over Zoom, which will be discontinued until further notice.

 

Council, staff, and residents will need to pre-screen before entering the meeting room, and wearing a mask is strongly recommended.

 

Residents who wish to attend the committee meetings will need to pre-register their attendance by calling 204-677-7938.

 

Pre-registration for regular meetings of council continues.

TCN states community member self-isolating following contact with positive COVID-19 case in Thompson

Tataskweyak Cree Nation Leadership says the patient that tested positive for COVID-19 in the Gillam/Fox Lake District did have contact with a member of their community in Thompson.

 

In a Facebook post, TCN states that the member in question is currently self-isolating and awaiting test results.

 

At this time, both TCN Chief and Council and the pandemic team are encouraging members to stay home.

 

Masks are also mandatory in public spaces.

 

TCN says the curfew is still in effect, and parents and guardians are being asked to enforce it.

 

At this time, travel is being restricted from Gillam, Brandon, the South Western Health Region, Prairie Mountain Health Region, and Southern Health-Santé.

BCN provides details on recent $9.9 million in funding awarded by CRTC

Following the announcement of Broadband Communications North being awarded 9.9 million dollars to improve connectivity in the north, the non-profit’s executive director spoke to Arctic Radio News about how important this project is to these communities.

 

Ken Sanderson explains the need for better broadband and bandwidth in these communities is substantial, and that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased that need.

 

Sanderson states that Manitoba has the highest number of remote and satellite-dependent communities in the country, and that most of these communities have been struggling with having a small amount of bandwidth for a very long time.

 

He says that the satellite deployment BCN has done since 2002 has been made possible by government subsidy, which had ended last year, and so they had to work with Ottawa to figure out other ways on how to fund their projects.

 

BCN was established in 2002 by northern communities, First Nations, and tribal councils who wanted to improve connectivity in their areas, and initially got their start as a satellite network.

 

Listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on BCN’s northern broadband project.

NRHA's CEO on the recent case of COVID-19 in Gilliam/Fox Lake District

The patient from the Prairie Mountain Health Region that tested positive for COVID-19 in the Gillam/Fox Lake Cree Nation District is successfully recovering in self-isolation.

 

The Northern Health Region’s CEO Helga Bryant says additional public health nurses are in the communities conducting extensive contact tracing, and daily monitoring continues.

 

Bryant explains northern Manitoba residents have been doing well in keeping COVID-19 out of the region, pointing to our low numbers since the start of the pandemic.

 

She adds that northern citizens must continue to focus on the fundamentals to reduce the spread of COVID-19, citing frequent hand washing, physical distancing, staying home when sick, and avoiding close contact with someone experiencing symptoms. 

Thompson RCMP seeking 32-year-old male

Local authorities are asking for the public's help in locating a wanted man.

 

On Aug. 24, Thompson RCMP issued an Unendorsed Warrant of Arrest for James Edwin Wood, 32-years-of-age, for being Unlawfully at Large. Wood is currently wanted by the Leaf Rapids RCMP for multiple warrants on charges including Assault with a Weapon, Assault and Breaking and Entering.

Wood is believed to still be in the City of Thompson but is known to frequent the communities of Leaf Rapids and Nelson House.

If you have any information on the location of James Wood, you’re asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

Manitoba government offers $52 million for COVID-19 measures in schools

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government is putting up another $52 million to help schools welcome back students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says school divisions can apply to use the money for items such as masks, enhanced cleaning, and extra staff.

 

Goertzen says the money is in addition to $48 million that school divisions saved during the spring when schools were closed, and which can now be used.

 

The Progressive Conservative government says 4.7 million masks have already been distributed to school divisions and more will come.

 

Classes in Manitoba are to resume Sept. 8 with masks mandatory for students in Grades 4 to 12 where physical distancing cannot be maintained.

 

The Opposition New Democrats have called on the government to cap class sizes at 15 students and set up more classrooms, in order to ensure proper physical distancing.

Coke seized during traffic stop on Riverside Drive this weekend

Two people are facing drug-related charges following a traffic stop.

 

On Aug. 22 at approximately 2 a.m, the Thompson RCMP completed a traffic stop with a vehicle on Riverside Drive. 

 

As a result of this traffic stop, approximately one ounce of cocaine in multiple plastic baggies was seized. 

 

A 31 year-old woman and a 33 year-old man, both from Thompson, face cocaine trafficking charges.

COVID-19 case confirmed in Gillam/Fox Lake Cree Nation District by Northern Health Region

There has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Gillam/Fox Lake Cree Nation District in the Northern Health Region as of this past Saturday.

 

This comes after a resident of the Prairie Mountain Health Region who had travelled to the  District from  August 13-21 was confirmed to have COVID-19.  This person has no connection with Manitoba Hydro and is now home recovering.

 

Anyone presenting at the Gillam Hospital over the weekend was being screened for COVID-19. Those showing symptoms were tested and told to self-isolate.  Those who were asymptomatic had their information taken and were told they would receive a test in their home today.

Kinew on NDP's back to school plan, wants PCs to invest more in reopening

As the beginning of school is about a week-and-a-half away, the Leader of the Manitoba NDP spoke to Arctic Radio about what they would like to see the government do to ensure that schools are prepared for in-class learning.

 

Wab Kinew says the New Democrats would like to see the PCs invest in schools more, such as renting or building more spaces for classrooms, capping the maximum number of students to 15, and having more buses on the road so that students can get to and from school safely.

 

Kinew explains that access to technology is another aspect the government should be giving more attention to, especially in the north.

 

Kinew goes on to say that the government can act through the school divisions to ensure every student has access to technology should remote learning resume this upcoming school year, but should also invest more into improving cell and broadband coverage in the province.

 

Tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview with Kinew.

Lions Manor 55 will be ready for occupancy by Sept. 1

With the Lions Manor 55 nearly ready for occupancy, the board will be holding a couple more open houses this weekend for people to check out the building.

 

The vice chair for the board Penny Byer says the 30 apartments are complete, and people will be allowed to move in beginning Sept. 1st.

 

Lions Manor 55 is a co-op housing facility, which people have to become shareholders at the cooperative to live there.

 

However, Byer explains that Lions Manor 55 has expanded the criteria to allow single-share renters as well, though they would have to pay a bit more rent to live in the housing complex.

 

The open house will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m on Station Road.

 

For more information, you can call 204-677-1496 or listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Garden Hill offers $5K reward as the search for Tammy Nattaway continues

The search for Tammy Nattaway continues as Manitoba RCMP seeks new information on the case.

 

The 16-year-old from Island Lake has been missing since July 14th, and further investigation has determined that she was last seen by a family member on July 20th in Garden Hill First Nation.

 

Nattaway is described as five feet tall, around one hundred pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes.

 

Based on the information available, RCMP believe that Nattaway is still within the Island Lake area, which include Garden Hill, Wasagamack, and Saint Theresa Point.

 

Garden Hill First Nation is offering a five thousand dollar reward for any information that leads to finding Nattaway.

 

Anyone with information should call Island Lake RCMP at 204-456-2626 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

MKO voices concern over schools reopening in the north

With schools set to reopen in less than a month’s time, MKO is voicing concerns over how the reopening will go in the north.

 

In a news release, Grand Chief Garrison Settee states that the risk of COVID-19 in Manitoba is still very much prevalent as we continue to see a rise in cases.

 

Settee explains that schools across the province lack the adequate resources to respond to the coronavirus.

 

He says that some schools in the region are better equipped to respond to the pandemic due to having low student populations to allow for physical distancing, but many schools have large student bodies, which means they will have to consider setting up classes in gyms, multi-purpose rooms, and libraries.

 

Settee states that First Nations are planning for various scenarios to ensure that schools can e safe from COVID-19, and that the province should utilize every possible avenue to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

BCn awarded $9.9 million to improve connectivity in 5 northern communities

A non-profit telecommunications company in the province has received $9.9 million to improve internet quality in five northern communities.

 

Broadband Communications North’s Executive Director, Ken Sanderson, says the entity has already tripled capacity in satellite dependent communities since last October, and the funding from the CRTC will allow them to improve connectivity in these communities.

 

Communities that will benefit from this project are Pukatawagan, Lac Brochet, Shamattawa, Tadoule Lake, and Barren Lands.

 

To access these funds, BCN will be working with the CRTC to establish an agreeable statement of work, as the timeframe and funds for the work must be completed within the next three years.

RDPC held prom this past weekend

The Grad Prom that was held this past weekend was well received by attendees.

 

That’s according to the parent committee who organized the event to ensure it followed the public health orders to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

 

While there couldn’t be an in-person viewing of the Walk of Fame, the committee was able to remedy this by having Shaw TV stream the viewing, as well as having a photographer take pictures.

 

There were 55 grads that attended the prom, and 15 volunteers helped out with the COVID-19 guidelines in addition to the usual jobs needed to run the event.

 

The committee says that according to a student survey, holding prom before the fall was important to them, and that the decisions they made were based on that feedback.

Adams thanks front-line workers in recent MLA report

As schools reopen this fall, MLA Danielle Adams is reminding the community to stay diligent in order to make things easier for front-line workers.

 

In her latest MLA report, Adams thanked front-line workers like healthcare workers, retail and restaurant staff, trucker, housekeeping staff, and mental health and addictions supports, whom she says are a contributing factor in curbing the spread of COVID-19 in the north.

 

As we head into fall with schools opening back up and cold and flu season approaching, Adams states people should stay home if they’re sick, to physical distance when possible and to wear a mask if not possible.

 

Adams concludes her report by saying that she knows the north will continue to make good choices to keep our community safe.

UCN outlines its fall term pandemic plan

With UCN’s pandemic plan for the fall term published on their website, Arctic Radio News reached out to the school for more details.

 

The institute’s Vice President of Academics and Research, Dan Smith, explains that most of the courses offered this fall will be taught remotely, except for more hands-on programs, which will have some aspects of face-to-face learning.

 

Smith adds that for in-class learning, class rooms have been reconfigured to ensure students are two metres apart, and for situations where physical distancing is not plausible, personal protective equipment will be required.

 

He acknowledged that the plan may change depending on the situation with COVID-19 at any given time, and that the Sharing Space Safely document will be improved on as time goes on.

 

For more information about UCN’s Sharing Space Safely, listen in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

MKO "disappointed" in Manitoba Hydro's rate increase for First Nations customers living on reserve

After learning that Manitoba Hydro will increase rates for many Indigenous customers living on reserve, MKO states it’s disappointed in the decision.

 

Hydro rates will go up by 6.5 per cent on Sept. 1.

 

This comes after the Public Utilities Board directed the crown company to create a First Nations on Reserve Residential customer class, which would have froze hydro rates for that class.

 

Manitoba Hydro appealed this decision, and the court decided that the PUB couldn’t create the customer class, and those who were in the former customer class will see an increase of $15 per household.

 

Grand Chief Garrison says increasing rates for Hydro during a pandemic is unacceptable.

 

Settee explains he’s concerned the increase may end up being more that $15 a month, given people are being told to stay home and maintain physical distance in response to the pandemic.

 

He goes on to explain that he doesn’t want people to have to choose between purchasing food and turning their heat on in their homes.

 

Settee urges the provincial government to address these issues and to develop a program to address energy poverty issues for residents living in northern Manitoba.

Former health care worker on the current situation with COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for several months and many safety protocols have been put in place that many had never experienced before, the most extreme of which was a full lockdown.

 

Retired public health worker Jo Beyers told Arctic Radio that the lockdown approach was put in place because early on we did not know how this virus worked, and having too many cases early on could have overwhelmed the healthcare system.

 

Beyers explained that the lockdown put in place early on helped our health care systems to prepare and adapt to the current situation.

 

While we are still in the pandemic, Beyers also recommends that we avoid what is known as the three C’s of COVID: closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact.

 

She added that in the foreseeable future we will continue to see regional and local public health responses which will be different depending on the number of active cases in the respective areas.

Thompson RCMP officer assaulted with bear spray

A man is in police custody after allegedly assaulting a local police officer with bear spray.

 

On August 12 at approximately 11:15 PM, Thompson RCMP received a report of suspicious persons possibly carrying machetes on Juniper Drive in the city of Thompson. Two officers responded and located a group of four individuals matching the descriptions provided.

The officers approached and detained the group, who were questioned in regards to being in possession of weapons, when one of the suspects pulled out bear spray and sprayed an officer in the face.

The 18-year-old male, from Thompson, was immediately arrested by the two officers while the other three suspects fled the scene.

The officer was taken to hospital and has been released.

The 18-year-old male remains in police custody at this time and will face charges of Assaulting a Police Officer, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

Manitoba requiring masks on school buses, recommending them in classrooms

WINNIPEG - Students heading back to school in Manitoba can expect masks on buses, staggered recess times and sanitizing stations.

 

The province has released protocols for parents and teachers about what's required ahead of schools opening their doors to students on Sept. 8.

 

Manitoba's chief public health officer, Dr. Brent Roussin, says masks will not be mandatory but are strongly recommended for students in Grades 5 to 12.

 

Masks will be required, however, on buses and parents are being encouraged to drive their kids to schools as much as possible.

 

Parents are also being asked to screen children for symptoms every morning and keep them home if they aren't feeling well.

 

The province will be providing masks as well as other personal protective equipment to school divisions.

Island Lake RCMP looking for missing teen

Island Lake RCMP continue to search for missing 16-year-old Tammy Nattaway who has not been active on social media.

She was last seen on July 20 in Garden Hill.  It is possible she may have travelled to St. Theresa Point or Wasagamach.

 

Tammy is 5’0” in height, approximately 100 lbs, with short black hair and brown eyes.

 

The RCMP and her family are concerned for her wellbeing and are trying to determine if she is safe.

 

If you have information, please contact the Island Lake RCMP at 204-456-2626, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson city council and SDML board by-elections to be held Oct. 13

The upcoming by-election for both the Thompson City council and the School District of Mystery Lake Board will be held Tuesday, October 13th.

 

A resolution to set the date for the by-election was passed at Monday night’s council meeting.

 

It is being held to fill the vacant councillor position left by the passing of Judy Kolada earlier this year, and the school district told the city that they will have a trustee spot open by that time as well.

 

The city will be looking into modifying some of the voting measures to make sure they are following provincial health guidelines to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19. It will also be encouraging residents to use the mail-in voting ballots.

MASRC and AGG partner to deliver sports gear to northern communities

The Manitoba Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Council and the Arctic Gateway Group have been delivering sports equipment to remote communities in the north this summer.

 

The council was given a grant to distribute gear for KidSport that would get elders and youth active in the Bayline communities, and partnered with AGG to deliver the equipment.

 

Communities that have received sports equipment include Wabowden, York Factory Cree Nation, and Pikiwitonei, as well as War Lake Cree Nation, Fox Lake Cree Nation, and Thicket Portage.

 

AGG says it’s important that these communities receive equipment because sports and recreation are important contributors to mental, social, emotional and spiritual health.

 

 It goes on to say that helping to get northern youth active and pursuing their sports dreams, and it could potentially open up further sporting opportunities for their youth.

MKO urges First Nations to remain vigilant during COVID-19 as cases in Manitoba continue to grow

As Manitoba is seeing more cases of COVID-19 in the province, MKO’s Grand Chief is reminding northern First Nations to work together and support one another to curb the spread of the virus.

 

Garrison Settee says that although northern Manitoba currently doesn’t have active cases, everyone must continue to be vigilant in response to the growing rate of cases.

 

MKO encourages communities north of 53 to continue to monitor and consider restricting travellers coming in and out of their First Nations to help slow the spread.

 

Settee goes on to say that he encourages citizens to remain calm and not panic, and to not feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek out COVID testing if they’re displaying symptoms.

 

He adds that people should follow the public health orders to curb the spread, such as frequent hand washing, physical distancing, wearing non-medical masks, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces.

 

As of Aug. 10, there are 196 active cases in Manitoba with six people hospitalized, three of whom are in intensive care.

 

The total number of positive and probable cases in First Nations people is 17 as of Aug. 4, and there have been no confirmed cases in First Nations communities.

 

MP Ashton addresses concerns with First Nations education

MP Niki Ashton sent out a letter outlining concerns that the Federal Government has not done enough to address the safety of First Nations children returning to school during the COVID 19 pandemic.

 

Ashton stated that many Indigenous schools are overcrowded, have a lack of proper ventilation, and inadequate access to materials that will keep students safe.

 

She goes on to say that she believes that First Nations students deserve to have access to education and a healthy and safe learning environment.

How students can stay safe at school during the COVID-19 pandemic

The new school year will be starting for most students in September, but there have been some concerns around sending kids back to school with an ongoing pandemic.

 

Medical Officer of Health Natalie Casaclang from the Northern Health Region spoke to Arctic Radio to address these concerns and to provide safety tips for students.

 

Casaclang says that schools are doing a lot of planning and preparation to prevent COVID 19 from coming into the schools including staff screening, hand washing, and physical distancing.

 

She adds that wearing a mask should not take the place of physical distancing and hand washing.

 

Parents that want their children to wear masks at school are encouraged to have their children practice wearing a mask at home first so they can get a feel for wearing one.

 

It’s also important that children refrain from sharing food and drinks with their classmates to prevent the spread of germs and to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID 19.

 

Casaclang recommends that students get their annual flu shots to reduce the chance of student absence.

Young people at risk of substance abuse during COVID-19 pandemic

August is National Drug Drop Off Month, and this year is focused on reducing substance abuse by young people who may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Winnipeg pharmacist Danny Lee explains that young people may feel cooped up during the pandemic due to schools closing and having no extra curriculars such as sports to participate in. As a way to cope, they may turn to medication to help them.

 

Lee says that properly disposing of prescription or over-the-counter medication that has either gone unused or is expired is important to reduce the chances of substance abuse occurring in the home.

 

He says people should not throw medication in the garbage or flush them down the toilet, and instead should drop off loose pills at the local pharmacy in a zip-lock bag.

 

For more information on how to safely dispose of expired or unused medication, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Three Thompsonites arrested, charged with drug trafficking charges following traffic stop

Three suspects from Thompson were taken into custody for drug-related charges.
 
On Aug. 7 at approximately 01:30 AM, the Thompson RCMP were on patrol on Highway 6 when a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and not signal a turn. 
 
Police initiated a traffic stop with this vehicle and as a result of this traffic stop, approximately 88 grams of crack cocaine were seized. 
 
Two men, ages 39 and 33, and a 23 year-old woman, all from Thompson, were arrested and face drug trafficking charges.

Leaf Rapids Health Centre reopens a week early thanks to NRHA partnership with MKO and OHS

The Leaf Rapids Health Centre reopened the Aug. 4, after the Northern Health Region initially said it wouldn’t resume services until Aug. 10.

 

A spokesperson for the NRHA says the reopening was the result of the joint efforts of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Ongomiizwin Health Services, and the Northern Health Region.

 

The health authority says their goal was to avoid closure if at all possible, and that services are being provided by staff from Region, and are bolstered by the team from OHS consisting of a physician, two registered nurses, and an occupational therapist.

 

The NRHA goes on to explain the team from OHS is working in partnership with them to meet the primary health needs of citizens served by the Leaf Rapids Health Centre.

 

They will be working at the clinic until Aug. 9, and after that the NRHA staff will resume the services in Leaf Rapids on Aug. 10.

MKO to provide funding to continue YWCA's Sheltering the Homeless in Place Project

MKO is providing funding to the Thompson YWCA so that the organization can continue helping First Nations people living off reserve.

 

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says MKO recently received funding to assist people who live off reserve as they deal with the growing impacts of COVID-19, and will use some of the money to financially support the YWCA’s Sheltering the Homeless in Place Project.

 

Settee explains that the YWCA has been working to support Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in Thompson.

 

MKO states in a press release that since April of this year, the YWCA has hosted 25 of Thompson’s most vulnerable residents, with many of them being able to access personalized counselling services.

 

The financial contribution to the program will allow it to continue into the late fall.

 

The Sheltering the Homeless in Place Project was initially formed through Thompson’s Community Advisory Board on Homelessness, and funded through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.

Terry Fox Run will be going virtual this year due to COVID-19

As with many other charity events taking place this year, the 2020 Terry Fox Run will be going virtual.

 

An organizer for the Thompson Terry Fox Run, Samantha Leahy, says the theme for this year’s virtual run is “One Day, Your Way”, which encourages people to go on a walk, run, or bike anytime that works for them on Sunday, September 20th.

 

This way, people can still take part in the Terry Fox Run while still practicing physical distancing.

 

People interested in participating in the run can register as an individual or a team at terryfox.org.

 

For more information, you can contact Leahy at 204-679-5962 or sleahy@live.ca. You can also visit the Terry Fox Run Thompson Facebook page.

 

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for the full interview with Leahy.

MKO calls on province, Northern Health Region to reopen Leaf Rapids Health Centre before Aug. 10

After the Leaf Rapids Health Centre temporarily closed its doors due to staffing and high-water issues in the community, MKO is requesting the province and the Northern Health Authority to re-open the facility as soon as possible.

 

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states in a press release that many MKO citizens live in Leaf Rapids, and that the organization is concerned about the residents’ ability to access healthcare services should an emergency arise.

 

The release says that Settee and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Marcel Moody met with the NRHA regarding options in reopening the health centre, as there is only one ambulance in Leaf Rapids to serve the community.

 

A spokesperson for the NRHA says the health authority does have contingency plans in place to serve the community during this time.

 

The health centre temporarily closed beginning last Tuesday, and is expected to be reopened on Monday.

Impaired boating continues to be an issue in the province, accounts for 40-70% of drowning deaths: Lifesaving Society Manitoba

While impaired boating being illegal in Canada, Lifesaving Society Manitoba and MADD Winnipeg say that a number of boating fatalities involve alcohol or other substances.

 

Doctor Christopher Love with Lifesaving Society Manitoba explains that depending on the age group and exact year, between 40 to 70 per cent of all drowning incidents involved intoxication.

 

Love adds that the age group that statistically has the highest percentage of drowning fatalities due to impaired boating is the 35 to 64 age group, who account for 68 per cent of cases in that range.

 

Love explains that the penalties impaired boaters face when caught is the same as impaired drivers.

 

Depending on the exact circumstances, that could mean losing your license, getting your boat impounded, getting fined, going to court or even jail.

 

For the full interview with Love, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Coke seized at local hotel as two Winnipeg women face drug trafficking charges

Two women from Winnipeg are facing drug trafficking charges following a drug bust at the Burntwood Hotel.

 

On Sunday afternoon at approximately 4:15 p.m, the Thompson RCMP executed a search warrant in one of the rooms at the hotel.

 

As a result of the search, around 24 flaps of cocaine weighing roughly 16 grams each were seized along with drug trafficking paraphernalia.

 

The two suspects, a 19-year-old and a 25-year-old have been charged with cocaine trafficking.

15-year-old Thompsonite found safe

UPDATE: Allison Bighetty has been found safe and sound by StreetReach.
 
The Thompson RCMP are seeking the public's assistance in locating 15 year-old Allison Breanna Heather Bighetty of Thompson.  
 
Bighetty was last seen on Thursday, July 30th near Brandon Crescent in Thompson. 
 
Bighetty is described as being 5'9 and approximately 120 lbs with long dark brown hair, brown eyes, gold glasses and a lip piercing.
 
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Bighetty is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

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