Steinbach

For the first time, an Anola-based beagle rescue has facilitated the release of two beagles from a Canadian laboratory.

Their names are Janet and Erica, named after the founder and executive director of the Eric S. Margolis Foundation, which the Beagle Alliance says helped it begin its mission in Canada.

"These two sweet beagles can now go on to live the lives they deserve in safety, love and freedom," says Lori Cohen, executive director of the Beagle Alliance.

Southeastern Manitoba is currently experiencing one of the best times of the year for bird watching as millions of migratory birds pass through the region. According to Norm Gregoire, of Adventures with Nature Norm, the key to successful bird watching is simply getting outside. 

“There’s no real wrong way to bird watch,” Gregoire said. “You just need to get out there. You’re going to see a lot more birds outside than you will by sitting on the couch inside.” 

The Tache Fire Department responded to a house fire just west of Lorette Saturday evening. 

Fire Chief Allan Rau says a passerby noticed smoke coming out of the attic of a home and called 911 around 8:30 p.m. 

The Bird River fire remains active, but recent rainfall has provided some relief, according to Matt Kinghorn, fire chief of the Bird River Fire Department and councillor for Ward 4 in the RM of Alexander. In a video update, Kinghorn said crews from Wild Land Services are currently on the scene, pulling in hoses in preparation for further fire suppression efforts.

“They will be working on that tomorrow, which will be Sunday, and hopefully have some air support with it as well,” Kinghorn said.

A frost advisory is in effect for southern Manitoba including Steinbach, the Rural Municipality of Hanover, Niverville, and Grunthal, as temperatures are expected to drop to the freezing mark tonight and into Sunday morning.

Environment Canada says skies will gradually clear overnight, increasing the risk of frost in frost-prone areas.

Residents are advised to cover up plants and take preventative measures to protect frost-sensitive vegetation.

The Winnipeg Jets’ record-setting season came to a sudden end Saturday night in Dallas, as Thomas Harley scored the series-winning goal in overtime to lift the Stars to a 2–1 victory in Game 6.

Wildfires in southeastern Manitoba continue to burn out of control, affecting areas including the Rural Municipality of Piney, Whiteshell Provincial Park, and the Rural Municipality of Lac du Bonnet. Manitoba Wildfire Service crews, local fire departments, and emergency responders are working to secure fire perimeters and protect key areas.

Breezy Oaks Inn and Tavern in Beausejour is now a temporary home for people escaping wildfires in areas like Lac du Bonnet, Bird River, and the Whiteshell. 

Brandy Arsenault, who works at the hotel and tavern, says it’s been both heartbreaking and heartwarming to see how evacuees are handling the uncertainty.

"It's pretty devastating to see what some of them have gone through and just the uncertainty of it all," she says. 

Black Bear Rescue Manitoba says a bear cub rescued from the Lac du Bonnet fire zone has died from its injuries.

According to a post on the rescue's Facebook page, the seven-pound cub was found alone on Wendigo Road by a fire-related worker who brought it to safety. The cub had been separated from its mother and was possibly alone for two days in the fire zone before being found.

Provincial parks in eastern Manitoba remain closed due to ongoing wildfires, with evacuation orders still in place in several areas.