Daisy Woelk

Bright, yellow fields have become like crown jewels in southern Manitoba's crop-lush landscape—bursting with sun-like splendor as summer quickly plows along.

But what exactly is growing in those brilliantly golden fields? That's canola. Not only is it a visually stunning crop, but it's also critically important to Manitoba and to Canada as a whole.

How is the canola season "growing?"

Jason Kehler, a director with Manitoba Canola Growers, says the crop has been doing well this season.

A local volunteer firefighter is doing his part to support those on the front lines of Manitoba’s wildfire response.  

The town of Snow Lake was evacuated on July 10 due to the threat of wildfires. Just two days later, on July 12, volunteer firefighter Steve Slaney from Dominion City joined crews to assist with wildfire protection. They returned one week later, on July 19. 

Steinbach's population is about to grow temporarily, as a local non-profit prepares to host an international conference.

Isi Masi, with Island Breeze, says at least 60 visitors from Australia, New England, South Africa, Hawaii, Philippines, United States, Fiji, and Samoa will be arriving in the city for the Youth With A Mission (YWAM) event.

"We're excited about that. We also have other friends... from Nunavut, from BC, from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario that are also planning to come," he says, noting some have been impacted by or a part of the YWAM ministry.

Motorists of all kinds are being urged to stay cautious following a spike in collisions this week. This includes staying on the lookout for motorcyclists.

Tara Seel, media and public relations lead with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), says warmer weather brings more two-wheeled drivers out on the roads.

"(They) are the most vulnerable road users in our province. We want all motorcycle drivers as well as motor vehicle drivers to be aware of how quickly things can turn really tragic," she says.

Evacuees from Woodridge are back home now—and for one resident, the realization of what could have been hits hard.

"All the homes in our town had been spared, and our town had been spared. But speaking with the firefighters, they said it was the closest call they have ever had," says Cheryl Wilson-Janz. "If the winds and rain hadn't come, then they think they probably would have lost the town within the hour."

Wilson-Janz, who is a member of the Woodridge Community Club, says when the town was ordered to evacuate, it was extremely difficult.

Evacuees from Woodridge are back home now—and for one resident, the realization of what could have been hits hard.

"All the homes in our town had been spared, and out town had been spared. But speaking with the firefighters, they said it was the closest call they have ever had," says Cheryl Wilson-Janz. "If the winds and rain hadn't come, then they think they probably would have lost the town within the hour."

Wilson-Janz, who is a member of the Woodridge Community Club, says when the town was ordered to evacuate, it was extremely difficult.

The rain in Bird River feels like an answer to the prayers of Southland Church, as the bible camp they run continues to be threatened by a wildfire in the area.

On Friday, the church posted on social media that the "fire has somewhat subsided. But we’re not fully out of the woods. It’s raining today—a true answer to so many prayers. But we still need even more rain."

Bird River Bible Camp, run by Southland Church in Steinbach, has been evacuated due to a wildfire.

Teena Cole, a pastor at the church, says late this afternoon, the church got a message from camp staff notifying of the evacuation.

"The fires were, according to firefighters, three to four kilometers away at that time, and moving closer," she says.

An emergency evacuation notice in the Rural Municipality of Alexander, says all residents between Hill Road on PR 315 and the Bird River Bridge must evacuate immediately, including the bible camp.

As the change in season reels in the heat, it's hooking anglers along with it.

"(It's) being out on the water, just the peace and quiet of it. I mean catching fish is great, it's fantastic. But at the end of the day it's, and I think it's for a lot of fishermen, the quietness of being on the water," says Trevor Fehr of Fehr's Sporting Goods in Steinbach.

He says while there's plenty of fish that can be caught through the year, the seasons for others still need to open.

Noel Gautron is once again the People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate for Provencher.

Gautron says the first time he ran for the PPC was for a Winnipeg riding in 2019, then ran again in 2021 for Provencher.

"A bit about myself: (I'm a) firearms enthusiast, classic car lover, and small business owner," he says, adding the reason he got into politics was to offer better political representation.

There are several issues top of mind for him as he takes to the campaign trail.