Downpour hammers parts of the Pembina Valley

An intense line of thunderstorms moving through parts of the Pembina Valley hammered the region early Tuesday evening with very heavy rainfall and hail. The downpour flooded streets in Winkler with water running down parts of Main Street and overflowing areas of downtown. Meanwhile, in Morden, ditches were filled in a short period of time.

Pair of suspects arrested following break-in at Manitou convenience store

On August 18th, Pembina Valley RCMP responded to a Break and Enter at Red’s Esso and Convenience Store in Manitou.  

Suspects entered the building overnight and stole approximately $15,000 in cigarettes as well as cash, fuel and fireworks damaging the building and closed-circuit video equipment in the process.  

Subsequent investigation led to the identification and arrest of two suspects, as well as the recovery of the cigarettes.

Lots for some, little to none for others – Rainwatchers August 18th

A very slow moving low pressure system brought multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms to Southern Manitoba Thursday.

“It all started with a trough of low pressure early in the morning which brought substantial precipitation to areas of the Red River Valley and Southeastern Manitoba,” said CMOS Accredited Weathercaster Chris Sumner. “For example, both Altona and Steinbach received more than 30mm (1.2 inches) in an hour or less during the early morning hours yesterday. Those totals were padded with additional storms and showers throughout the day.”

Youth cyclist encounters angry motorist

Winkler police are investigating after a 15-year-old youth reported being assaulted while on his bicycle last week Wednesday.
    
According to police, the youth crossed the intersection at South Railway and Main Street on his bicycle without pressing the button to activate the crosswalk lights. While he noticed a vehicle approaching from the north, the cyclist felt like he had plenty of time to cross the street. 
    

Central Charge capture U15 AA Provincial Softball Championship

The following article was submitted to PembinaValleyOnline by Central Charge Head Coach Keith Graham:

The "AA" program is a new program that has been in the works for the last couple years, but was finally able to get going with game play this year.  There is so much softball talent around Manitoba, with very limited AAA programs to play for.  This gives the girls a chance to showcase their talents in more competitive ball, as well as continue development in the sport. 

Tornado Warnings and large hail on stormy Monday evening - Rainwatchers, August 15th

Warm and humid conditions across Southern Manitoba, coupled with the slow eastward trek of a surface low pressure system, led to multiple Severe Thunderstorm Warnings and reports of large hail, heavy rain and strong winds Monday evening. In addition to that, several Tornado Warnings were issued, including for the R.M.'s of Dufferin and Grey.

Morden Police report ongoing thefts from vehicles

Police were called to the area around 11:15 p.m. and found a man, who matched the caller's description, carrying a laptop and backpack. He was arrested and found to have several vehicle keys and credit and debit cards, along with change on him. 
    
The man was charged with Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and released on an undertaking to attend Morden provincial court in October.

UPDATED - Severe Thunderstorm Warnings ended, but Watch continues for region

****Updated Monday, Aug 15th at 7:01 p.m.****

All Severe Thunderstorm Warnings have ended for the immediate region, but severe and non-severe thunderstorm activity is still a possibility Monday evening.

According to Environment Canada, baseball size hail was reported with the storm that impacted the Stephenfield Provincial Park and Graysville area. Heavy downpours and strong winds were also associated with that particular thunderstorm cell.

Winkler Police comment on float stoppage at Harvest Festival parade

A group of people and vehicles were held up by Winkler Police Service from driving behind the Harvest Festival Parade Saturday morning. 

As the last vehicle in the parade turned the corner at Mountain Avenue and 15th Street, toward Main Street, signalling the end of the parade, some people started packing up their chairs ready to go on about their day. 

Morden Police investigating multiple thefts from vehicles

Investigation continues into a report last week of property mischief in Morden. According to Morden police, the damage happened some time overnight from August 1st to 2nd. There were broken screens, garbage and damage to walls and electrical at the scene. 

Morden police are also investigating an attempted break and enter at a business on Stephen Street. The business owner noticed someone had attempted to gain entry through their windows by breaking them around July 31st to August 1st.