Portage

The past 18 hours have been interesting to say the least when it comes to the weather in the Central Plains.

The Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Hairstyling Program is set to expand thanks to a $26,612.43 grant from the Skills Strategy Equipment Enhancement Fund (SSEEF) which supports vocational and industrial arts teachers in upgrading their facilities. For PCI, this is funding five new hairstyling stations for the growing program. 

Brenda Hinch, an instructor for the PCI Hairstyling Program, is elated about the new developments.  

Last month, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or CFIA officially declared a herd of cattle infected with bovine tuberculosis or bovine TB. An investigation spanning back six years has taken place, tracking the movements of the herd to limit the spread of bovine TB. Dr. Stacey Vos, veterinarian and Animal Health Regional Veterinary Officer with the CFIA, talks about the case itself, and the risks associated with bovine TB. 

Arborg Mayor Peter Dueck says he and the community are thrilled to see long-standing efforts paying off, as construction on a long-awaited personal care home is finally set to begin.

"This is the result of the years and years of lobbying, a ton of background work, and a ton of the planning and preparation for this," said Dueck. "We had certainly expected that the PCH would be up and operational by this time, but we are absolutely delighted to know that it is coming." 

A 28-year-old man from Winnipeg was arrested early on March 19, after police caught him providing false identification during a routine patrol.

At approximately 5:41 a.m., Portage la Prairie RCMP officers were patrolling 3rd Street NE when they observed a man on a bicycle. The officers stopped to speak with the cyclist, who appeared nervous and gave inconsistent information. After allowing the man to continue on his way, police continued investigating his identity.

For the second day in a row, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has been pulled away from campaigning to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. 

Carney, in his role as prime minister, will meet virtually with Canada's premiers today to discuss the country's response to Trump's latest duties.

The president signed an executive order earlier this week to implement 25 per cent levies on all automobile and auto part imports — his latest move to upend global trade through a massive tariff agenda that pushed some automakers' stock prices down on Thursday.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has launched an inquiry following an incident in Portage la Prairie which left one adult man hospitalized yesterday evening.

With the storm out of nowhere that blanketed Portage la Prairie within an hour, accidents have been taking place around the entire region.  A traffic light was taken out at 18th St W and Sakatchewan Ave.  

Here are some photos near Oakville that were taken at about 5:15 p.m. today, March 27.

Drivers say that roads are slippery but drivable once the sanding trucks deal with the situation.

Unofficial witness reports say no injuries appeared to have occurred.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is ramping up its efforts ahead of the upcoming federal election, launching a campaign aimed at ensuring the voices of municipalities are heard and their needs are addressed.

Joe Masi, an FCM board member and City of Portage la Prairie councillor, says the campaign is built around the theme of being Stronger Together: Local Strength, National Prosperity.

UPDATE: 4:05 p.m.

Visibility has since improved but is still far from ideal. Please remain cautious if you absolutely must be out on the highways.

You may want to consider staying home this evening if you're able.

The amount of snowfall in town is already so bad that it's near whiteout conditions at times, and on the highways, it's not bound to be much better.

If you absolutely need to be on the roads, as always, take it slow, use your lights, and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.