Shannon Dueck

There will certainly be some familiar faces when the new council for the Rural Municipality of Piney is announced next month. 

Ward 1 Councillor Ken Prociw and Ward 2 Councillor Dale Edbom have each won their respective seats by acclamation. In Ward 3, incumbent David Beaudry is up against Jacob Dyck, while in Ward 4, there will be a new councillor, with Mark Bernard being acclaimed there.

There will also be a familiar face leading council as Reeve Wayne Anderson is back by acclamation.

A spokesperson for Manitoba Hydro says work is progressing well on a new transmission complex that zigzags its way through southeastern Manitoba.

Bruce Owen is referring to the St. Vital Transmission Complex and the portion that runs from Highway 52 to Letellier. The transmission line begins at the De Salaberry East Station, just east of Highway 59 and then runs south all the way to the Letellier Station. Construction started in September of 2021.

The Mayor for Ritchot is back for another four-year term. Chris Ewen has won by acclamation.

"Although we had a bit of an indication that it would be an acclamation, I'm still very, very excited and I'm very passionate about my municipality and I continue to look forward to serve them," notes Ewen. "I'm humbled by the faith that the municipality and residents have in me."

In reflecting on the fact that no one chose to challenge him in his bid for another term, Ewen admits that he does not enjoy winning by acclamation. He says he does not like apathy.

"I am very pleased with the result."

Provencher Member of Parliament Ted Falk made that comment following the federal Conservative's convention in Ottawa on Saturday, which saw Pierre Poilievre elected as the new leader of the Conservative party. 

"I was there and Pierre Poilievre got resounding support from right across the country of confidence in his leadership of our party," adds Falk.

Poilievre claimed the first ballot victory after receiving 68 per cent of support. 

"I think it's terrific because it was very decisive," adds Falk.

On the heels of a summer that was warmer than normal for southern Manitoba, the Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says that same trend will continue this fall. In fact, even though we are now into meteorological fall, David Phillips says there are summer-like temperatures in the forecast into next week. 

The normal high for this time of year is 22 degrees. 

"I'm just shaking my head when I see the temperatures," notes Phillips. "These are temperatures that could be a dozen or more degrees warmer than normal."

On the heels of a summer that was warmer than normal for southern Manitoba, the Senior Climatologist with Environment Canada says that same trend will continue this fall. In fact, even though we are now into meteorological fall, David Phillips says there are summer-like temperatures in the forecast into next week. 

The normal high for this time of year is 22 degrees. 

"I'm just shaking my head when I see the temperatures," notes Phillips. "These are temperatures that could be a dozen or more degrees warmer than normal."

With temperatures this week in the 30's for southern Manitoba, it may be hard to think about winter and snow. However, The Old Farmer's Almanac has just released its Canadian edition, which includes our forecast for the upcoming winter.

"I don't know how to break this to you," says Managing Editor Jack Burnett. "But we're saying that it's a chilly prediction."

Manitoba Justice Minister MLA Kelvin Goertzen says the RCMP vacancy rate in our province has become an increasingly serious concern. So much so, that Goertzen has sent a letter to the federal Minister of Public Safety asking for immediate action.

The Manitoba government announced Friday an investment worth more than $1 million in its provincial parks.

Environment Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton says the $1.1 million from the Provincial Parks Endowment Fund will support park enhancement projects. This year's funding will support 64 projects. 

If you have driven down Twin Creek Road north of St. Adolphe in recent months, there is a chance you have seen the large sinkhole.

Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen says the hole has been there since the spring flood and confirms that yes, the municipality is well aware that it is there. And, though it falls within the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, Ewen says there is an explanation for why repairs have not yet been made.