Shannon Dueck

Wayne Ewasko is now the Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. 

The PC Caucus has elected the Lac du Bonnet MLA to that position. The vote became necessary when Heather Stefanson stepped down from that position earlier this week. Because the Caucus was not immediately available to elect an Interim Leader, Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen served as Opposition Leader as the result of his role as Deputy Leader of the PC Party.

The cold weather that has entrenched Manitoba in recent days is good news for at least one local business.

Clint Masse is the owner of the world's largest snow maze at St. Adolphe. Masse says this cold snap is exactly what they need as they get the maze ready for opening day.

Masse explains that a lot of the snow that makes up the walls of the maze is man-made. Prior to this cold snap, they would make snow when they could. But this was very dependent on the weather, and with late December being so mild, it slowed down production.

It has now been nearly three months since a 70-year-old woman from the Rural Municipality of Piney went missing. And her whereabouts remain unknown.

Corporal Julie Courchaine with Manitoba RCMP says it was on October 19th when they first received a call to check on the well-being of Jean Backman. Police attended her property and residence in the RM of Piney but were not able to locate her. 

It has now been nearly three months since a 70-year-old woman from the Rural Municipality of Piney went missing. And her whereabouts remain unknown.

Corporal Julie Courchaine with Manitoba RCMP says it was on October 19th when they first received a call to check on the well-being of Jean Backman. Police attended her property and residence in the RM of Piney but were not able to locate her. 

It has now been nearly three months since a 70-year-old woman from the Rural Municipality of Piney went missing. And her whereabouts remain unknown.

Corporal Julie Courchaine with Manitoba RCMP says it was on October 19th when they first received a call to check on the well-being of Jean Backman. Police attended her property and residence in the RM of Piney but were not able to locate her. 

With the threat of less-than-ideal driving conditions this week, a meteorologist is warning all motorists to be extra careful when venturing out onto roadways.

Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says if you are headed out onto the road, you should make sure your vehicle is in good working order. This includes ensuring your fluids are topped up and you have plenty of gas.

Oakbank RCMP continue to investigate a crash that happened in early December on the Trans Canada Highway in the Rural Municipality of Springfield.

On December 4th at 6:35 am, officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash. The collision happened at the intersection of Settlers Road, which is about one mile east of Deacon's Corner. 

According to police, that crash changed the life of a 54-year-old male driver who suffered significant life-altering injuries. The victim has now been in hospital for 38 days.

RCMP in our province released statistics on Wednesday from its Holiday Checkstop Program.

From December 1st to January 1st, there were 5,223 vehicles checked by RCMP. This resulted in 853 Provincial Offences Act notices being issued.

In addition, there were 3,436 mandatory alcohol screenings administered.

According to RCMP, police issued 46 Criminal Code alcohol-impaired charges, four Criminal Code failure or refusal to comply impaired charges, and two Criminal Code drug-impaired charges.

The Mayor for Ritchot says growth and activity is happening in all corners of the municipality. And Chris Ewen says that translates into a huge win for their residents.

In looking back on the last 12 months, Ewen says two of the biggest projects that happened in Ritchot, were the daycares that moved into both Ile des Chenes and St. Adolphe.

According to Ewen, the daycare in Ile des Chenes is up and running with children already enjoying their new space. He notes the daycare in St. Adolphe will probably open within the next few weeks. 

The President and Chief Executive Officer for HyLife has announced his retirement.

Grant Lazaruk will be stepping down as of February 29, 2024. Lazaruk has been with the company since 1997.

"We have a solid leadership team at HyLife," says Lazaruk. "I feel the timing is right for me to transition and focus more on community-minded initiatives, such as the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach."

Lazaruk says he wants to continue giving back where he can and to support his neighbours and the place he calls home.