Westman

The Calgary Stampede is officially underway, along with the rodeo, midway and live entertainment... the event also showcases agriculture and Alberta's ranching history

It's a chance to step back in time and experience life on the farm and ranch, with the Vintage Tractor Pull and Blacksmith showcase;  to the Heavy Horse, Cutting Horse, and Team Cattle Penning competitions; Chuckwagon races, to the Junior Steer Classic, the International Youth Livestock Supreme Championship and Scholarships, the World Stock Dog Championships, and International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.

Waterhemp has been changed to a Tier 2 weed in 28 Manitoba municipalities where the invasive weed is now too established to eradicate

There’s too much waterhemp in parts of Manitoba for total destruction to be feasible in those areas, according to Manitoba Agriculture.

The invasive species has been downgraded from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 noxious weed in 28 municipalities where it has dug a foothold, Manitoba Agriculture has said.

Industry is applauding the federal government’s progress toward a foot-and-mouth disease vaccine bank after it awarded supply contracts to two companies.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Biogenesis Bago SA will supply vaccine products and develop the vaccine bank.

Canadian Cattle Association Saskatchewan director and former Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president Garner Deobald, who formerly worked for Boehringer, said both companies are well respected and were good choices.

“I think it is important, for sure, to be ready,” he said.

Wildfires that had receded in northern Manitoba have begun to roar back, forcing a wave of new evacuations and a major hub for people living in the north to declare a state of emergency. 

The province reported 81 active fires on Monday with 16 of those threatening communities, leaving some residents to leave their homes immediately, flee a second time or prepare to leave on a moment's notice. 

Fire is threatening the northern city of Thompson and its 13,000 residents, resulting in officials declaring a local state of emergency effective until Aug. 6. 

The town of Leaf Rapids declared a state of emergency related to wildfires for the community and a mandatory evacuation effective 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 8. This mandatory evacuation will affect an estimated 328 residents.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises the majority of the province has a high fire danger level, with pockets of very high danger. The far northwest corner and far southwest area of the province have a moderate fire danger level.

Sunrise Credit Union Awards $24,000 in Scholarships

Media Release - Sunrise Credit Union

Sunrise Credit Union, with its commitment to academic excellence and community development, offers 14 scholarships totaling $24,000 to students across southwestern Manitoba. The selection process was rigorous, with 60 applicants.

A five-person committee scored each application on academics, leadership, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, community involvement, and essay quality.

Temporary Closure of the CATPM – July 8–9, 2025 

Media Release

The Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum (CATPM) will be temporarily closed to the public on Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9, 2025, due to unexpected infrastructure work by Manitoba Hydro.

CATPM was informed of a scheduled upgrade to systems in the area, which directly impacts the Museum’s ability to operate and welcome visitors.

Structure Fire

On July 7th at 3:33AM 911 advised of a shed on fire in the 000 block of Lorne Avenue East. The residence as well as the neighboring residence was evacuated for safety reasons. No injuries were sustained. The fire was put out by Brandon Fire & Emergency Services. Damage consisted of a total loss of the shed, damage to the back of the house, as well as to the side of a neighboring residence. The incident remains under investigation.

Sexual Assault

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 9:50 pm, Dauphin RCMP received a report of a dirt bike collision on Road 114W in the RM of Dauphin, located southeast of Valley River.

It's summertime, and for some eager students, early exposure to health care careers can be a valuable experience that influences their future decisions.