D’arcy’s A.R.C. rescued

Local businesses have rescued D’arcy’s A.R.C. after both the Winnipeg Free Press and HOT 103 brought light to the animal rescue centre’s financial plight. The Free Press reported that owner D’arcy Johnston said his shelter would not take new animals in 2011 because of little incoming cash due to a decrease in adoptions and donations. After HOT 103 organized a fundraising drive, local businesses donated roughly $5,500 to the no-kill animal shelter. “I can’t even find the words to thank those people,” Johnston told the Free Press.

Food shuttle promotes deals, healthy eating

The North End Food Security Network doesn’t just promote healthy eating, it also shuttles people with limited mobility to find deals at participating grocers. One man who uses the network told CBC News that the prices at his local convenience store are too high and there is limited selection, so access to such a program is “a big difference.” The network also identifies healthy foods on sale with signs at the participating grocery stores. Funding for the provincial program continues until March, when it will be decided whether the program will continue.

River trail ready for skaters

Stretch your legs, get the hot chocolate ready and lace up your skates, as the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail has opened. This year’s trail runs on the Red River for 3.5 kilometres towards Churchill Drive. High water levels on the Assiniboine River kept the trail from attaining the record-breaking length of 8.5 kilometres set in 2008. Last year, about 350,000 people visited the River Trail, the Winnipeg Free Press reported.

Police want public on lookout for meth labs

The Winnipeg Police Service has launched the Meth Watch Program to train the public to spot meth labs, the Winnipeg Free Press reported. The program details common household products used to produce meth, such as rubbing alcohol, drain cleaner, starter fluid, cold medicines and matchbooks. In a news conference, the police said meth labs are dangerous and a threat to public safety, which is why the public should be on the lookout for home labs. Retailers should also report suspicious purchases. Last year, the police shut down one lab and prevented several more from starting.

Song taken off air

A Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) ruling has influenced 92 CITI FM to stop playing the Dire Straits song Money for Nothing. The 1985 song includes the word “faggot” and was examined by the CBSC after a complaint from a Newfoundland listener. The program director at 92 CITI FM told the Winnipeg Sun that they pulled the song instead of choosing “to edit it because we don’t feel it’s our place to do so.” Power 97 will play the edited version, and BOB FM has played the edited version for years without complaint, the Sun reported.

Published in Volume 65, Number 16 of The Uniter (January 20, 2011)