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Thursday, April 6th, 2023:
All previous advisories, including the blowing snow advisory, have ended.
Original story:
A blowing snow advisory has been issued for three western Manitoba regions.
Blowing and falling snow continue to make visibility an issue in the following areas:
- Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone
- Minnedosa - Riding Mountain National Park
- Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne
Strong winds have developed in western Manitoba, as a Colorado Low tracks over Northwestern Ontario. Wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h are expected this afternoon.
Blowing snow advisories are issued when winds are expected to create blowing snow giving poor visibility to 800 meters or less for at least 3 hours. Conditions are expected to improve as the wind diminishes this evening.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
With the Easter Long Weekend just two days away, and a winter storm hitting the southern part of Manitoba, CAA is reminding people to be prepared for winter driving.
While the Parkland isn't supposed to be hit as hard as southern Manitoba if you're heading out on the road over the next couple of days, make sure you're ready for anything. Elisha Dacey, the CAA Communications Manager for Manitoba, says there are a few ways to make sure you're ready.
"It's always best to wait until the snow clears, the roads are clear, and then you just know that it's a little safer on the roads. But if you do have to travel, and you are coming south of Dauphin, there are a few things you can do, just to make sure you're a little safer on the roads."
Dacey says they know that not everyone has the ability to stay in when the weather is bad, so there are a number of ways to be as safe as possible.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead. Stopping distances increase on ice and snow.
- Stay on main roads when possible. Back roads may not always be well plowed during winter storm events.
- Always keep a phone charger in your car. You can’t call for help without a charged phone and you will need battery power until help arrives.
- Avoid using overdrive or cruise control. You want as much focus and control of your vehicle as possible.
- Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. This includes tow trucks and service vehicles.
- Never pass a snowplow. This could result in a severe, even fatal collision. Stay well back when you see the flashing lights of a snowplow.
It's also important to know driving conditions ahead of time so you can plan accordingly, and make sure you're staying off of closed highways says Dacey.
"If something happens to you on a closed road, CAA can't come get you. We're not allowed to travel on a closed road, so at that point, you'd have to call the RCMP."
For the most up-to-date road conditions, check out the Parkview Auto Glass Road Conditions Tab.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
A heads-up for anyone who plans to book a campsite at places like Rainbow Beach, Manipogo, or Duck Mountain Provincial Park. You will be able to book one starting April 4th at 7.
The following places are available for reservations:
- All western and northern region parks including Asessippi, Bakers Narrows, Clearwater (Campers Cove and Pioneer Bay), Duck Mountain (Blue Lakes, Childs Lake, Wellman Lake), Manipogo, Paint Lake, Rainbow Beach, Rivers, Spruce Woods (Kiche Manitou), Turtle Mountain (Adam Lake), William Lake and Wekusko Falls.
You can find more information online at manitobaparks.com then click on the "parks reservation service" link on the upper left side of the page. If you have already made an account and are ready to book, go straight to the reservation service by clicking here.
You can also call 1-888-482-2267 if you prefer to do it by phone.
Campsites for the rest of the province will be available for bookings from next Tuesday to Friday:
- April 11 - Campsite reservations for Birds Hill and Winnipeg Beach;
- April 12 - Campsite reservations for south Whiteshell including Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore and West Hawk Lake;
- April 13 - Campsite reservations for Nopiming (Tulabi Falls main campground, Bird Lake, Black Lake, Shoe Lake, Beresford Lake) and north Whiteshell (Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Betula Lake and White Lake) campgrounds; and
- April 14 - All remaining locations including Camp Morton, Grand Beach, Hecla, Hnausa Beach, Lundar Beach, Moose Lake, St. Malo, Stephenfield and Watchorn.
- Details
- Contributed by Alec Woolston
Two people were arrested after a vehicle that had been stolen in Portage la Prairie was found speeding down the Trans Canada Highway near Carberry.
The situation started last night when Portage RCMP received a report of a vehicle in the parking lot of a local business being stolen. The description of the vehicle, along with the licence plate number, was shared with surrounding detachments, and patrols were made.
Brandon RCMP was the first to spot the vehicle near Carberry, speeding along Highway 1, and a traffic stop was made. The two females in the car were arrested without incident, and police recovered a knife and stolen items including a cell phone and wallet.
The Driver of the stolen vehicle, 24-year-old Jessica Levasseur from Brandon, had two outstanding warrants for her arrest. She's been charged with Theft, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Failing to Comply.
The passenger, an unnamed 26-year-old female, has been charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and was released from custody with an upcoming court date.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Canadian Cattle Association(CCA) recently named two new executives at their AGM, and Manitoban Tyler Fulton is taking over as Vice President.
Fulton previously served as the President of Manitoba Beef Producers and has been a part of CCA for about 4 years. During his time with CCA, Fulton has served on a number of different committees, and he says that's helped him prepare for his new position.
"I've been pretty lucky to have been involved with a number of different campaigns and been involved with the environment side, the domestic policy side, as well as foreign trade. When you take on that leadership role, you need to have a little bit of a general view on things, so that you at least understand the issues on all fronts."
He says that's not always easy, because they have a lot on the go at all times, but they have a great staff that makes it all possible.
Fulton says he really loves getting to represent beef producers on the national scale.
"The culture around beef production in Canada is one of humbleness, humility, and resilience. You know, it's a tough business at times, and it's really the people and those connections that really motivate me to continue to serve. I'm really interested in all of these issues, and I find it rewarding to be involved with some of those government lobbying campaigns, and in developing policies that'll have a major impact on the industry going forward."
Fulton, along with his wife Dorelle and their kids Evan and Mae own and operate Tyton Farms Ltd. a 600-head cow/calf/backgrounding operation, south of Birtle.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
Update posted on April 4 at 3:54 pm:
While we're still expecting some winter weather over the next few days, the winter storm watches in effect in the Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone region, along with Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne region have ended.
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Original article posted on April 4 at 5:19 am:
Once again Manitoba's Spring season comes with some potential Winter-like weather as certain parts of the province could potentially see a bit of snow thanks to a Colorado Low.
A winter storm watch is in effect for certain parts of southern Manitoba and a winter storm warning for Winnipeg and the surrounding area.
The Ste. Rose - McCreary - Alonsa - Gladstone region along with Brandon - Neepawa - Carberry - Treherne are under winter storm watches and the closer to Winnipeg you get, the more that becomes a warning. Check the public alerts map to see if your area could be affected.
The previously mentioned Colorado Low has the potential to bring between 15 to 25 cm of snow to an area of southeast Manitoba that is mainly centered around Winnipeg, but outlying areas like could see some of that snow as well.
Make sure to keep an eye on the Parkview Autoglass road conditions.
- Details
- Contributed by Alec Woolston
The RCMP responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Highway 10 near Ethelbert on Saturday night.
The driver, a 50-year-old female from Dauphin, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. She was given an Immediate Roadside Prohibition.
There were four people in the vehicle at the time of the accident, and no one suffered serious injuries.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Dauphin Regional Health Centre is in the middle of getting some upgrades, and things are progressing quickly.
Phase one of the project is well underway, with a new chemotherapy unit and a new endoscopy suite coming to the hospital. Brian McKenzie, the Project Coordinator for Prairie Mountain Health Capital Planning, says the renovations are adding to services already offered at the hospital.
"This would be expanding on the existing capacity. For the main floor, relocating the endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room is going to provide the opportunity to free up the operating space, and increase their surgical capacity. As well, some of the other renovations we're going to enhance our inpatient care areas and increase our hospital's inpatient capacity."
Increased capacity isn't the only positive to come from the work that's being done says McKenzie.
"Relocating the chemotherapy from the third floor down to the main floor comes with a number of benefits as well. A more efficient layout, reduced distance to travel for the hospital, so there's definitely some good benefits."
Phase one of the project is expected to be completed this fall, and McKenzie says phase two will follow within weeks of the first phase being finished.
"In phase two, we'll construct the new inpatient rooms on the second floor, in the former physio, rehab space, and common area. We'll also renovate the old third-floor chemotherapy area to provide a new space for physio."
The space on the main floor that is currently being renovated was the temporary emergency department that opened in 2017, while the new emergency department was being built.
- Details
- Contributed by Sam Brownell
On Saturday morning, the Dauphin RCMP responded to a call at a residence in the city and found a 68-year-old male and 67-year-old female deceased inside a home.
At this time, police say they don't believe there is any ongoing risk to public safety, and no suspect is believed to be on the run. The Dauphin detachment, along with the RCMP Major Crimes Unit and Forensic identification officers are on the scene.
The RCMP says that an investigation is underway, but as it has just begun, there won't be any further details released at this time.
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- Contributed by Sam Brownell
The Manitoba Government is offering some historic help for Manitobans with high prescription costs by freezing deductible rates for the Manitoba Pharmacare Program.
In a press release, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced the freeze, which will come into effect on April 1st.
Each year, program participants are required to pay a portion of the cost of their eligible prescription drugs, which is the pharmacare deductible. It is updated every year, based on a set formula.
According to the formula, rates would have increased by over six percent had this freeze not taken place.
The deductible is calculated based on adjusted family income, and Manitobans are reminded that a family’s deductible may still change this year if their income has changed.
For more information about the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, visit https://gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.
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- Contributed by Michael Brossart
A feat of coordination and collaboration led to the rescue of a man in a remote cabin.
In a press release, Sergeant Lisa Wowchuk, Detachment Commander of Leaf Rapids expressed the importance of teamwork in these remote rescue responses.
“In remote areas, it can be a challenge to respond to emergency situations. In this instance, our officers, EMS, and community members worked together and were able to get this male the medical assistance he needed.”
On March 28th, the Leaf Rapids RCMP responded to the call of an 85-year-old man experiencing medical issues, but he was far off of any main roadway at a cabin near Lake Suwannee.
Officers were notified that a friend of the distressed individual could meet them at the closest road, which was a 6.5km Snowmobile ride away.
EMS crews quickly drove to the rendezvous point 40km south of Leaf Rapids and were escorted to the distressed 85-year-old.
After getting the male on a sled, emergency crews made the trip back through the snow and got him to the hospital.
The 85-year-old male was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
- Details
- Contributed by Michael Brossart
