Candace Derksen

The bridge over the Morris River on Highway 3 near Brunkild has been closed until further notice.
    
According to a bulletin issued by the Province on Wednesday, structural instability led to the emergency closure of the bridge in order to ensure the safety of travellers.

As a result, both westbound and eastbound lanes are closed to traffic and a detour is in place directing traffic to PTH 13 and PTH 2.
    
The province also noted in the bulletin that plans are underway to replace the bridge.

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in August as Saint Jean Baptiste’s iconic Roman Catholic church was transformed into a festive film set for a new holiday movie slated to air this winter.

A film crew spent a week in the community shooting scenes for one of those popular made-for-tv Christmas movies. 

Raymonde Dupuis, a resident and member of the parish, was one of several locals who helped coordinate with the crew.

The dream of an updated training site continues to take shape for members of the Carman-Dufferin Fire Department (CDFD).

It all began about 6 years ago when the old and unsafe facility was demolished, explained Fire Chief Chris Lemky. A grant through the Office of the Fire Commissioner (OFC) also helped pay for the site to be levelled, graveled and fenced in. The department was also able to purchase and set up few sea containers, which are used to light fires and practice different firefighting, search and rescue, high-angle rescue and ladder techniques.

It's been a long summer for local fire fighters who have been deployed in shifts to help fight wildfires across the province.
    
Members of the Pembina Triangle Mutual Aid District—including a St. Jean man—were first sent to Woodridge, in eastern Manitoba, at the start of the season before heading up north to Cross Lake, Thompson and most recently, Leaf Rapids. 

A young man from Stuartburn has died following a two-vehicle crash in Western Manitoba Tuesday morning.
    
According to RCMP, a gravel truck was struck from behind by a water truck near the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Road 101 West, east of Brandon.
    
Authorities say the gravel truck was coming up to speed, heading east after turning on to the Trans Canada, when it was hit from behind by a large truck hauling a water tank.
    

It's been decided: Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) is permanently closing its doors.

It's been decided. Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) is permanently closing its doors.
    
In June, the board of directors announced it was pausing operations of the private school in Gretna. That led to a meeting with the school's society church delegates earlier this month where a motion to permanently close the school and liquidate all assets passed with a majority vote of 26-21 with four abstentions.

This decision ends a 136-year legacy of developing young peoples’ God-given gifts in an Anabaptist Christian setting 

After 136 years, the decision is final – Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) is closing its doors for good. 

MCI, an Anabaptist Christian high school (gr. 9-12) located south of Altona in Gretna, Manitoba, was founded in 1889. For over a century, it attracted students from all over the province, including many from the Southeast region. 

It was an emotional day as family and friends of Eli Jashyn were among the crowd that celebrated the grand opening of the multi-sport court in Morris last week. 
    
Incorporated into the new facility is a bench in memory of Eli, who passed away from cancer in 2022 at the age of 15. He would have graduated high school with his peers this past week.

The sound of bouncing balls and squeaking runners can be heard as people of all ages break in the newly completed multi-sport court in Morris, just in time for summer holidays.
    
Members of the Red River Wellness Committee were joined by local students and community members to cut the ribbon on the brand-new facility at a grand opening celebration on Friday.