Manitoba seeing high levels optimism in business community: CFIB 

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has released its Business Barometer for March, which shows optimism among Manitoba small businesses.

Brianna Solberg, Provincial Affairs Director with CFIB, says that based on their latest business barometer, small businesses in the province have seen an improvement in their long and short-term confidence levels.

Solberg adds that this optimism could be because summer is approaching, and businesses can see the light at the end of the tunnel after surviving the winter.

Oak Bay residence reported as site of break-and-enter -- 2 arrests made

A possible break-and-enter was reported in Portage la Prairie. Police received the call just before noon on March 31 about a residence in the 600 block of Oak Bay.

Officers arrived and found four people inside. They were informed that learned that a person was there to pick up their belongings, but a police check revealed that two of them were not to be in contact with each other. 

Stolen snowmobile near Langruth under investigation

A stolen snowmobile broke down near Langruth Beach, and when the owner left and returned to retrieve it, he found it had been taken. It was stolen on March 30th.

Amaranth RCMP found a 2016 black and orange Polaris Assault 800, with licence plate 2J422.

Police ask that if anyone has information about this theft, please call the Amaranth RCMP at 204-843-2309 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
 

Two Portage vehicles vandalised same night in close proximity

Two vehicles were vandalized in Portage la Prairie at Poplar Bay and Oak Bay. It occurred over the same night on March 29th. The vehicle on Poplar Bay had its window smashed while the vehicle on Oak Bay appeared to have had the driver’s side shot with an air gun. 

Police are asking if you know anything about these incidents, to call Portage la Prairie RCMP at 204-857-4445.

Portage remembers Vimy Ridge 

The 106th anniversary of Vimy Ridge and the events that took place that day was honoured on Thursday afternoon in Portage la Prairie.

The city made a proclamation at City Hall to recognize the day when Canadians fought from coast-to-coast against one common enemy.

Bob Olford, the past President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65, talks about the battle which defined Canada as a nation.

CAA offers driving tips for April winter storm

As Manitobans prepare for a late-season winter storm, CAA hopes to ensure that everyone in the province is ready for the driving conditions we are set to endure.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Colorado low coming through is reportedly set to bring heavy snow and high winds in southern Manitoba, causing reduced visibility.

RCMP arrest two after recovering a stolen Portage vehicle

The RCMP has arrested two women following an investigation regarding a stolen vehicle from Portage.

Police say that on April 3rd, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from a parking lot on Saskatchewan Avenue West.

The vehicle's licence plate was shared with surrounding detachments, and patrols were made.

As word got out about the vehicle, Brandon RCMP located it on Highway 1, travelling at a high rate of speed.

Southern Health prepares for cancellations during incoming April winter storm

Southern Health-Santé Sud advises those with scheduled appointments to prepare for adjustments over the next few days.

These potential cancellations would occur due to inclement weather and limited road access.

Southern Health says you should call before leaving your home, have a backup plan with family members, and call the "after-hours" number as required.

The health authority notes that pregnant clients should also consider staying where they can access a hospital.

RCMP looking into shots fired in the RM of Macdonald

Stonewall RCMP are investigating an incident involving a civilian dodging gunshots in the Macdonald area last week.

Police say that they responded to a report of shots fired near a business on Laverendrye Road in the RM of Macdonald on March 31st at approximately 6:45 a.m. 
From there, the RCMP was advised that an off-road vehicle was driving on private property and that a civilian began following the off-road vehicle.

The off-road vehicle driver got off and ran on foot to a nearby pickup truck. It was later confirmed that vehicle was stolen.

Manitoba Chambers on minimum wage increase

Manitoba's minimum wage took a jump from $13.50 to $14.15 on April 1st.

Many are delighted by the rise in pay, but it seems Manitoba's Chambers of Commerce has mixed feelings.

In a statement on the increase, the chamber says that due to labour force shortages and inflationary pressures, businesses are experiencing a piling-on effect and are struggling to keep up with costs.