Shannon Dueck

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

January is historically the coldest month of the year in southern Manitoba, but the first nine days of 2023 have been a far cry from what is considered normal. 

According to Environment Canada, the normal high for our region is around -13 degrees. Yet, if you look at the seven-day forecast, it's difficult to find an overnight low dipping that cool.

Manitoba's Justice Minister says changes are needed to the Criminal Code in Canada.

Kelvin Goertzen says there are people who are getting bail, almost by default, who should not be getting bail. He notes these are individuals who are proven to be violent or repeat offenders who are getting out on bail and creating more victims.

Manitoba's Justice Minister says changes are needed to the Criminal Code in Canada.

Kelvin Goertzen says there are people who are getting bail, almost by default, who should not be getting bail. He notes these are individuals who are proven to be violent or repeat offenders who are getting out on bail and creating more victims.

The Member of Parliament for Provencher says all signs are pointing to a federal election this year. 

The last election happened in September of 2021 when the Liberals won a minority government. Ted Falk says it is highly anticipated that we will return to the polls in early spring.

Meanwhile, Falk says one thing that concerns him, as we head into a new year, is inflation. But, having said that, he notes for those being pinched by inflation, there is a tremendous amount of opportunity to work in Canada. 

Another night, another chance of thick fog for southern Manitoba.
    
Natalie Hasell with Environment Canada says what we have been experiencing since last week Thursday is called radiation fog, which happens when our temperature drops to the dew point in a relatively stable, calm air mass.

"And it will be worse in the overnight period, in the early morning period," notes Hasell. "And that's pretty much what we've had here I'd say repeatedly now since late last year."