Steinbach

The owner of Friedensfeld Honey and Berry Farm says it was humbling to see such a great turnout on opening day for U-pick.

The strawberry U-pick season officially got underway on Friday at their farm east of Friedensfeld. Andy Loewen says an opening day of June 27th is a little bit earlier than normal.

"I think sometimes we only open around July 1st," he says. "But it varies within kind of a one-week period."

The Manitoba Special Olympics took place last weekend, June 20–22, with athletes excited to compete from all across the province.   

This year, the games were held in Winnipeg, with events including track and field, swimming, softball, and bocce.  

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.

Hanover emergency crews responded to a second crash Friday evening, this one north of Grunthal.

Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says the call came in just before 6 p.m. for a single-vehicle collision on Provincial Road 216 and Road 30 North, approximately two miles north of Grunthal.

“We are dealing with a motorcycle crash,” Wiebe says. “One person is injured with what appears to be serious injuries.”

Hanover Fire crews were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision Friday afternoon on Provincial Trunk Highway 59.

Fire Chief Paul Wiebe says the call came in at 4:30 p.m. regarding a crash at the intersection of PTH 59 and Crown Valley Road. He confirms that each vehicle had one occupant.

“One male was transported by ground ambulance,” Wiebe says. “The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.”

A collision has occurred on Highway 59, approximately one mile south of Highway 311.

Hanover Fire crews are currently on the scene, and as of 5:15 p.m., both lanes are closed to traffic.

This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they become available.

As we roll into July, temperatures are starting to rise — and experts say caution around sun safety should too. 

Sun smart 

Scott Penner, pharmacist at Pharmasave in Steinbach, says the first step to staying safe in summer is to be sun smart. 

Ahead of Canada Day, the Manitoba Government is urging residents to celebrate with fire prevention in mind.

In its most recent wildfire update, the provincial Wildfire Service says there is an elevated fire danger in the southern half of Manitoba, as well as the northeastern corner.

A man from Beausejour has been handed a five-year prison sentence for firearms-related offences.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says 57-year-old Robert Ripcik received a five-year prison sentence along with a 10-year firearm prohibition and ordered to provide a DNA sample. 

Ripcik, who has been in custody since his arrest on March 12, 2024, pleaded guilty in Selkirk Provincial Court to the following charges:

With most provincial fire restrictions lifted as of Friday morning, Manitoba ATV riders are once again heading into the backcountry—but trail users are being urged to ride with caution and courtesy. 

Gary Hora, President of both the Woodridge ATV Sandhogs and the Manitoba ATV Association, says trails across the province are being assessed after a historic nine-week closure due to wildfire risks.