Shannon Dueck

A spokesperson for Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) says windy conditions last weekend certainly prevented crews from being able to tackle icy highways. 

A low-pressure system dumped snow on southern Manitoba. However, in many locations, the precipitation started as rain before turning to snow. As a result, many roadways became slick.

The Lifesaving Society is warning that it is still too soon to be venturing out onto the ice in southern Manitoba. 

Dr. Christopher Love is Water Smart and Safety Management Coordinator for Lifesaving Society Manitoba. He says we have not had consistently good ice formation weather so far this season. According to Dr. Love, what is not helping the situation is that the temperature is continually climbing above the freezing mark. He notes these yo-yo temperatures are weakening the ice formation. 

Several southern Manitoba communities have welcomed Afghan refugees in recent weeks and months. 

Emery Plett is the Executive Director of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC), which has its head office in Steinbach. Plett says EMC is partnering with several organizations overseas, but primarily, they are working with the Canadian government to bring Afghan Christian refugees into our country.

The annual RCMP Holiday Checkstop Program began Friday in our province.

RCMP Sergeant Mark Hume says from December 1st through January 2nd, motorists in our province can expect to see check stops at any time and any location throughout Manitoba. He says check stops will likely be a little bit more frequent on weekends.

Hume says officers will largely be targeting impaired driving, either from alcohol or drugs. However, he notes in the process, they usually spot other traffic offences, such as suspended or prohibited drivers.

Environment Canada's Senior Climatologist is calling for a milder than normal winter for southern Manitoba. 

David Phillips says the El Nino arrived about six months earlier than what is typically the case. And, for those who prefer warmer winters, Phillips says all signs are pointing towards that.

The annual RCMP Holiday Checkstop Program begins today in our province.

Sergeant Mark Hume says from December 1st through January 2nd, motorists in our province can expect to see check stops at any time and any location throughout Manitoba. He says check stops will likely be a little bit more frequent on weekends. 

Hume says officers will largely be targeting impaired driving, either from alcohol or drugs. However, he notes in the process, they usually spot other traffic offences, such as suspended or prohibited drivers. 

Southern Manitoba is experiencing temperatures that are well above normal for this time of year.

Altona's record high for November 29th of 8.0 degrees was set in 1997. Winkler/Morden's record high of 11.1 degrees was set in 1932, and reached 8.0 yesterday. It appears the Altona/Gretna area may have set a new record yesterday, with Environment Canada reporting 8.6 degrees as the official high. Meanwhile, Carman topped out at 6.8 degrees Wednesday, 

The daughter of a missing woman from the Sprague area is holding out hope that her mother is still alive.

According to RCMP, 70-year-old Jean Backman last made contact with a friend on October 15th. Four days later, Sprague RCMP received a request to check on her wellbeing. Officers attended and searched her property and residence but were unable to locate her. 

The daughter of a missing woman from the Sprague area is holding out hope that her mother is still alive.

According to RCMP, 70-year-old Jean Backman last made contact with a friend on October 15th. Four days later, Sprague RCMP received a request to check on her wellbeing. Officers attended and searched her property and residence but were unable to locate her. 

A mental health worker says we are entering the time of year when a lot more people start showing signs of depression. 

Cheryl Dyck is Mental Health Clinician with the Mental Health and Addictions Program of Southern Health-Sante Sud. She says Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is connected to the changing seasons.