PembinaValley

“Why not us?” That’s the question Central Manitoba’s U15 Central Energy Girls Softball team asked themselves—and then answered, in spectacular fashion. From underdogs to national heroes, this squad captured hearts and headlines at the 2025 Canadian Softball Championships, turning a daring question into a silver medal and memories the province won’t forget.

“This is the best group. They’ve put in so much work, and they deserve this. Sensational doesn’t even begin to cover it.” - Head coach of U15 Central Energy girls softball team Kylyn Shindle

It could be another chaotic day for travellers as a labour dispute continues between Air Canada and the union representing its flight attendants. 

Flight attendants with the Montreal-based airline represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees are expected to remain on the picket lines today as a battle against a federal return-to-work order continues. 

You can call in to ask host Carla Hrycyna all of your gardening questions live every Saturday morning starting at 9:15am: 1-800-374-3315

A surface trough sweeping across southern Manitoba brought showers Sunday night into early Monday, delivering regional rainfall to the area.  

For the latest Petro Canada Winkler Forecast details, click here 

The following totals are for Sunday, August 17th and are courtesy PembinaValleyOnline Rainwatchers and the Manitoba Ag Weather Network: 

25mm = 1 inch 

Southern Manitoba has entered the peak season for West Nile Virus. 

Dr. Aly Dhala is Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health-Sante Sud. He says Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes are the ones that carry West Nile Virus, and those species are most active from mid-July through August, especially during warm evenings.

According to Dr. Dhala, there are no active cases of the virus in humans in the region. He notes, however, there is one suspect case which the regional health authority is following. The region performs active surveillance with monitoring traps. 

Air Canada cancelled hundreds of additional flights on Sunday after the union representing its flight attendants announced the workers would remain on strike in defiance of a back-to-work order.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees said it filed a challenge in Federal Court on Sunday to an order by the Canada Industrial Relations Board that said its members must return to work by 2 p.m. ET.

"Our members are not going back to work," CUPE national president Mark Hancock said outside Toronto's Pearson Airport. "We are saying no."

Ukraine and its allies held a virtual meeting Sunday as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares for a high-stakes discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., on Monday.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's office said in a Sunday afternoon statement that he took part in the call with the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of nations that have agreed to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian's full-scale invasion. The statement did not indicate that Carney would be part of Monday's discussions.

After an incredible, and memorable few days, the U15 Central Energy captured silver at nationals, earning them the right to call themselves the second best softball team for their age in the country.

An all-time team

The Stanley Community Pathway received a boost this week with a $10,000 donation spread over three years from Winkler’s auto dealers, supporting the ongoing development of the Stanley Community Pathway. 

Collaboration 

The cheque presentation was attended by representatives from Janzen’s Chevrolet, Hometown Ford, and Southland Honda.  

Habitat for Humanity is back with its annual playhouse raffle, and this year’s creation is turning heads. The new playhouse takes inspiration from a fire watch tower, combining fun for kids with a nod to community safety. 

“This year’s playhouse is really neat,” said Christina Falk, Habitat for Humanity’s Manager of Chapter Support. “It’s got climbing walls, an escape slide, and even working sprinkler valves—kids can hook up a garden hose to make it come alive.”