Shannon Dueck

Manitoba Health is reporting the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in 2023. In addition, there are three probable WNV cases currently under investigation.

The confirmed case is an individual between the ages of 40 and 49, who lives in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. The individual experienced neurological symptoms and was hospitalized. The individual was most likely exposed to WNV sometime in late June to early July. A public health investigation has been completed. 

Council for the Rural Municipality of Ritchot has said 'no' to Nelson River Construction.

Nelson River Construction is undertaking the task of rebuilding Highway 75 south of Ste. Agathe. As part of this project, President Gord Lee told Ritchot Council last week that it will need to extract 80,000 cubic metres of clay material in order to reconstruct the shoulder embankments between Ste. Agathe and Provincial Road 205. 

Mennonite Central Committee has announced that it will soon be closing the Mennonitische Post bookstore in downtown Winkler and Steinbach.

Laura Kalmar is the Director of Marketing and Communications at MCC Canada. She says the move is effective March 31, 2024.

A meteorologist with Weatherlogics says what is happening across the Prairies this week, even in parts of Manitoba, is extremely rare. Scott Kehler is referring to the fact that the remnants of Hurricane Hilary are being felt in our province.

A meteorologist with Weatherlogics says what is happening across the Prairies this week, even in parts of Manitoba, is extremely rare. Scott Kehler is referring to the fact that the remnants of Hurricane Hilary are being felt in our province.

A meteorologist with Weatherlogics says what is happening across the Prairies this week, even in parts of Manitoba, is extremely rare. Scott Kehler is referring to the fact that the remnants of Hurricane Hilary are being felt in our province.

The Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health is referring to it as a "fairly remarkable agreement."

Dr. Denis Fortier is referring to the physician services agreement signed with the Manitoba government. In part, the agreement features $268 million in increased funding over four years to help stabilize medical services and support recruitment and retention. The agreement includes a 6.1 per cent increase in funding over four years for physician services.

The Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health-Santé Sud is referring to it as a "fairly remarkable agreement."

Dr. Denis Fortier is referring to the physician services agreement signed with the Manitoba government. In part, the agreement features $268 million in increased funding over four years to help stabilize medical services and support recruitment and retention. The agreement includes a 6.1 per cent increase in funding over four years for physician services. 

The Mayor of Ritchot says new housing starts might be way down this year, but construction as a whole is still thriving in his municipality.

From January 1st through June 30th of this year, there were 122 building permits taken out worth $34.4 million. Compare that with the same period last year when there were 130 permits pulled for a combined $33.6 million.

"We're very happy with the numbers," says Chris Ewen. "We didn't think it would get to these strong numbers and they are here, and they look like they are going to continue for the rest of the year."

Our provincial government has announced funding for the Rural Municipality of Ritchot for a project that will protect the environment.

Last Friday, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein promised $150,000 for a rural car share initiative. 

"We're very excited about this," says Mayor Chris Ewen. "Since the day I started (we've) always been about experimenting and taking opportunities with green initiatives and this is one of the big ones we're going to be stepping into."