Canadian Red Cross urging Manitobans to donate towards earthquake relief

The death toll from Monday's deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria is now at more than 22,000 and rising.

Manitobans wanting to know how they can help out are being given that opportunity through Canadian Red Cross. Spokesperson Jason Small says the best way to assist is by making a donation to the Red Cross appeal fund. 

"The Canadian Red Cross currently has a fund that we're raising money for to help the folks who have been impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria," he explains. 

Falk says lots of energy and excitement as Parliament resumes

The Member of Parliament for Provencher is back in Ottawa and Ted Falk says there is a lot of energy and excitement within his party.

Parliamentarians returned to the House of Commons on Monday for the first time since December 14th. But, prior to that, Falk says the Conservatives held their national caucus retreat last week Thursday through Saturday. 

He notes right now what is top of mind is inflation and the rising cost of living. 

New role for Schuler

The MLA for Springfield-Ritchot is now the Caucus Chair for the Progressive Conservative Party of Manitoba. 

"I'm excited to help lead our PC Caucus Team as we gear up for the upcoming spring session," says Ron Schuler. "Manitobans don't want to go back to the dark days of the NDP, and we have a great PC Team that Manitobans have trust in. I will do my part to ensure we continue listening and engaging with Manitobans and acting on their priorities."

Manitoba announces plan to reduce physician red tape

Our provincial government has announced a plan to try and reduce the amount of red tape that is currently faced by physicians.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon says doctors often have excessive administrative requirements that place a burden on their time and take them away from their most important role, which is to provide care to Manitobans when they need it most. Together with Doctors Manitoba, Gordon announced a task force will be constructed in order to find solutions that will benefit doctors, patients, and our healthcare system as a whole. 

Janzen's Paint burning in Winkler

The Janzen's Paint and Decorating location in Winkler is on fire this afternoon.

Emergency crews are on scene and have cordoned off an area surrounding the business due to potentially toxic smoke. According to some eyewitnesses, police are advising people to stay away from the area due to potentially toxic fumes coming from the blaze. Highway 32 between Highway 14 and Cargill Road is closed due to intermittent poor visibility.

It is in active fire and more details will be provided as they become available.

It's a beautiful weekend but how long can it last? Polar vortex may be coming soon

The Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says the "balmy" weather we have been experiencing since Christmas may soon come to an abrupt end. David Phillips says their models are showing a polar vortex in Siberia that is tracking toward western Canada. That vortex has seen some weather stations in northern Russia record temperatures below -60, and that's without factoring in the wind. Although it would most likely never get that cold here, it could mean some frigid temperatures may be coming.  

Polar Vortex headed our way

The Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says the "balmy" weather we have been experiencing since Christmas may soon come to an abrupt end. David Phillips says their models are showing a polar vortex developing in Siberia and tracking towards western Canada. 

But Phillips is quick to point out that this change in the weather could still be a few weeks away. 

"Typically, when the polar vortex appears to begin to move, it takes about three weeks to finally get from Siberia over to North America," he clarifies.

Canada's weatherman says polar vortex in Siberia is headed our way

The Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says the "balmy" weather we have been experiencing since Christmas may soon come to an abrupt end. David Phillips says their models are showing a polar vortex developing in Siberia and tracking towards western Canada. 

But Phillips is quick to point out that this change in the weather could still be a few weeks away. 

"Typically, when the polar vortex appears to begin to move, it takes about three weeks to finally get from Siberia over to North America," he clarifies.

Morden man arrested in connection to string of southern Manitoba bank heists

RCMP have arrested an individual believed to be responsible for attempting to rob a bank last year at Lowe Farm and other locations in southern Manitoba.

The attempted robbery happened at TD Canada Trust on November 10th. RCMP responded to a call at the bank on Main Street at approximately 4:55 pm.

Police say a male entered the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. No weapons were seen, and the male left the bank shortly after. Police say he did not obtain any money.