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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew attends a first ministers meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan.15, 2025. The Manitoba government is promising $150 million for the agricultural sector to help handle tariffs imposed by the United States and China. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } The Manitoba government is promising $150 million for the agricultural sector to help handle tariffs imposed by the United States and China. The province says it will provide $10 million in additional matching funds for the AgriStability program, as well as $140.8 million for business risk management programs such as AgriInsurance and AgriInvest. Premier Wab Kinew says some of the money is being used to align with federal government changes in the cap and threshold on aid. Kinew says the recent provincial budget has another $90 million set aside as a contingency for farmers and producers if the impact of tariffs grows. In addition to tariff threats from the United States, Canadian farmers are already facing tariffs from China on products such as canola and pork. Kinew spoke at the Maple Leaf Foods plant, a major employer and maker of pork products in western Manitoba. "These are ways that we can protect our economy. We can insulate against the shock of tariffs and give our economy time to adjust," Kinew said Wednesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 2, 2025.

.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, Manitoba                             April 2, 2025     Update #4 – Manitoba RCMP getting closer on providing answers to Lynxleg family Today marks five years since Melinda Lynxleg was last heard from by her loved ones. The 40-year-old, from Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve, had been missing for over three years when her body was located on June 7, 2023, at an abandoned property in San Clara, Manitoba. An autopsy confirmed her death was a homicide. For the past five years, RCMP Major Crime Services, with assistance of the Roblin RCMP, have been working tirelessly to find answers for Melinda's family. More than 130 people were spoken to by police, as investigators followed up on every lead while canvassing the entire community. Thousands of hours have been spent looking for answers, including a complete review of the entire investigation, which recently led to new information coming to light. This development has given the investigation forward momentum and officers are confident they’re even closer to finding answers for the Lynxleg family. RCMP Major Crime Services continues to seek out any information someone may have. If you have not reached out to us before, please speak up now on behalf of Melinda Lynxleg. The RCMP Major Crime Service Tip Line is 1-431-489-8042. 

.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } A fire broke out early this morning in MacGregor, with crews responding quickly to contain the flames and prevent further damage. According to Fire Chief Chris Leckie, the call came in just before 1:00 a.m., alerting responders to a structure fire in the town. "We arrived on the scene to find a detached garage fully engulfed in flames, at this time, the cause of the fire is unknown, and we are still investigating. Our teams are working hard to gather more information this morning." Leckie said that while the garage was severely damaged, the fire did not spread to the nearby homes, thanks to the swift response of the fire crews. "The fire was contained to the garage, and though it did cause some damage to surrounding homes, we were able to act quickly and prevent further destruction" The fire chief also confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, and the family whose property was affected is safe. "There were no injuries, and the home itself is intact. We were able to respond quickly and eliminate the risk to the surrounding structures." Leckie praised the efforts of his crew, as well as the other agencies that assisted in managing the fire. "We had a good crew on the scene, and all of the surrounding agencies were quick to respond. While it’s unfortunate that one structure was lost, we’re grateful that the homes were saved." The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } Assault with Weapon On April 1st, at 10:00PM Police, were called to a residence on Crocus Crescent for a disturbance. It was disclosed to Police that 18-year-old female was involved in a assault with weapon on 2025-03-31. The suspect was highly agitated and uncooperative with members.  She was arrested and lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released with an undertaking with Court on June 6th, 2025. Uttering Threats, Breach of Probation x2, Theft under $5000 On April 1st, at 04:00PM Police responded to a residence at 300 Block Percy Street for a complaint about a male, who was trying to get inside and was threatening the complainant. Upon arrival, Police located the suspect, who left the scene and was found in possession of the items that were stolen from the complainant. Police check was conducted and revealed that a 46-year-old male was bound by Probation Order conditions: Not to communicate with complainant and Not to attend complainant’s residence. He was arrested and lodged at BPS Detention Unit to appear in Court on April 2nd, 2025. Domestic Assault On April 1st, a complainant attended BPS and reported an incident of domestic assault involving her ex-partner. As a result of the investigation, a 49-year-old male was arrested. He was later released on an Undertaking and is scheduled to appear in court on June 17th, 2025. Mischief to Property under $5000 On April 1st, as a result of an investigation Police arrested a 37-year-old female for Mischief under $5000. She was released with an Undertaking with Court on June 17th, 2025. Breach of Peace On April 1st, at 0840PM Police located a highly intoxicated 20-year-old female at 2900 Block McDonald Avenue. She was lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released when sober. Breach of Peace On April 1st, at 10:40PM Police arrested a highly intoxicated 32-year-old male, who was causing a disturbance in the residence at 600 Block 8th Street. He was lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released when sober. Breach of Peace On April 2nd, at 03:00AM, Police arrested a highly intoxicated 23-year-old female, who was causing a disturbance in the residence at 400 Block 12th Street. She was lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released when sober. Breach of Peace On April 2nd, at 0545AM, Police arrested a highly intoxicated 52-year-old female, who was causing a disturbance BRHC. She was lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released when sober.   Arrest Warrant On March 31st,at 10:20AM Police conducted a person check in the 800 Block of Rosser Avenue. A 52-year-old female was arrested on the strength of the unendorsed warrant. She was lodged at BPS Detention Unit to appear in Court on April 1st, 2025. Arrest Warrant On March 31st, a 35-year-old male was arrested on the strength of two unendorsed warrants. He was lodged at BPS Detention Unit to appear in Court on April 1st, 2025. Arrest Warrant On March 31st, at 04:10PM a 49-year-old female was arrested on the strength of the endorsed warrant. She was released on an Appearance Notice with a court date of April 28th, 2025. Breach of Peace On March 31st, at 09:00PM Police responded to a disturbance in the residence at 700 Block 6th Street. Upon arrival, Police located a 47-year-old female, who was in a highly intoxicated state. She was arrested and lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to be released when sober.  Arrest Warrant On March 31st, at 1150AM Police conducted a person check in the 100 Block of 9th Street. 36-year-old female was arrested on the strength of the endorsed warrant. She was released on an Appearance Notice with a court date of April 25th, 2025. Breach or Release Order Conditions On April 1st, at 02:10AM Police located a 28-year-old female in the 800 Block Rosser Avenue. She was observed to be intoxicated. Police check was conducted and revealed the she was breaching her Release order conditions. She was arrested and lodged at BPS Detention unit to appear in Court on April 1st, 2025.   For general inquiries or to file a report: (204)729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact Anyone with information on any unsolved crime is asked to call Brandon Crime Stoppers at 204-727-(TIPS) 8477, www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP and your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers pays up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. CRIME STOPPERS 204-727-TIPS

(l-r) Ron Chapman, Murray Chapman, Bob Chapman, Andrew Kuski, Aubrey Chapman, Cliff Taylor.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } "It's time to pass the baton to a younger generation," says Ron Chapman. Killarney's GM Dealership has officially passed that baton yesterday, today being the first day open with brothers Bob, Ron and Murray not being in the driver's seat.  It's transition time at Chapman Motors. Chapman Motors has been serving their community of the Killarney area, and beyond those borders, since 1931 when the boys' grandpa Merril Chapman took on the McColl-Frontenac dealership in Killarney, a name which was later changed to Texaco.  In 1953 the brothers' parents, Glen and Corinne Chapman and their Uncle Jack bought out Grandpa Merril.  Then in 1983 the three brothers; Bob, Ron and Murray formed the partnership of Chapman Motors Ltd with the General Motors franchise.  That's 94 years of the Chapman family being a household name in southwestern Manitoba. Yesterday, April 1st marked the first day of the new Team Chapman to continue the GMC franchise as Murray's son Aubrey Chapman, and Bob's nephew Cliff Taylor partner with the newest member of the community, Andrew Kuski.  The three Chapman brothers are embracing retirement, making way for the next generation to step into their shoes. "My two brothers and I have operated Chapman Motors with our family since 1983, but we're getting a little long in the tooth," shares Ron. "So, we thought it was time to transition to a new management team. Fortunately, we've been able to set up a plan to transition the business to two current employees, Aubrey Chapman and Cliff Taylor (both 4th generation). At the start of the transition process with General Motors Andrew Kuski expressed interest in buying into the dealership. Kuski hails from Saskatchewan and has been in the auto industry for 13 years, most recently managing a GM dealership in Moose Jaw.  He and his family will be formally moving to Killarney this summer after their children complete the last few months of school in Moose Jaw. "It's time to pass the baton to a younger generation," add Ron Chapman, "one that's really up to date on what's going on in the computer world, the auto world, and the rest of the world. Now, having said that, I think it's important to talk about the transition," he adds. The process of transition will be uniquely tailored to each of the brothers.  The oldest brother, Bob, has been transitioning into full time retirement over the past two years. Brother Murray is expected to remain a key staff member in the service side of the business until they can solidify their parts department.  And Ron has decided to stay on as an employee in a .6 part time position, "until they kick me out," adds Ron.  "So, I'll be here for a little bit longer." "I find it interesting in that there's three old guys being kicked out and three young guys moving in. So, it's kind of like it was in 1983," adds Ron with a chuckle. "I just want to say Thank you, thank you very much," shares Ron. "We've been well-supported by southern Manitoba and I'm hoping everyone will continue to support the 'sort of' next generation, but not entirely next generation. And I also want to say Thank you to our staff that has worked hard, harder than most people. So, I appreciate both groups for their support for working with Bob, Ron and Murray." Related Story:  Chapman Motors celebrates 40 years - with THIS generation

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs speaks to media at an Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs press conference in Winnipeg on March 27, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } First Nations leaders in Manitoba say the search of a landfill for the victim of a serial killer must include recovery efforts for another First Nations woman who vanished more than a decade ago. Tanya Nepinak was last seen in Winnipeg in September 2011 and police believe her body was dumped in a garbage bin and taken to the Brady Road landfill in the city. "We need to bring Tanya home," Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said in a statement Tuesday. "We need all levels of government and the Winnipeg Police Service to come together to discuss a plan to bring Tanya Nepinak home." Police searched a small portion of the landfill for Nepinak in 2012 but were unsuccessful in recovering her remains and called off the search after a week. Shawn Lamb was charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of Nepinak and two other women. He was convicted of manslaughter in the slayings of Lorna Blacksmith and Carolyn Sinclair but charges against him in Nepinak's death were stayed. Nepinak's family holds yearly vigils to honour the mother who had ties to Minegoziibe Anishinabe, formerly known as Pine Creek First Nation, located northwest of Winnipeg. "Tanya comes from a family of Anishinabe leadership,” Minegoziibe Anishinabe Chief Derek Nepinak said in a statement. "The unresolved tragedy remains present in our family, and her children and future generations deserve closure and a path forward." Manitoba's government committed last week to searching the landfill for the remains of Ashlee Shingoose, one of four Indigenous women killed by Jeremy Skibicki in 2022. Police have said new information led them to believe Shingoose's remains were taken to the landfill. The city-run landfill is the same place where the partial remains of Rebecca Contois, another Skibicki victim, were found. The remains of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, also killed by Skibicki, were recently discovered at the Prairie Green landfill north of Winnipeg. Details on when a search for Shingoose could start and what it would look like have yet to be determined. Premier Wab Kinew said he has spoken with Shingoose's parents about their wishes and they want community members to be involved in the search, similar to what was set up at the Prairie Green site for the search of Harris and Myran. Provincial officials involved in the search at Prairie Green have started communicating with Winnipeg police and city workers on the technical aspects of a dig at the Brady Road landfill. "We're just starting to wrap our heads around the different challenges here, but the main message is we're going to try," Kinew said Tuesday. Mike Gordichuk, manager of Solid Waste Services for the city, couldn't speak to the Shingoose case but said garbage trucks going to the Brady site are equipped with GPS tracking that provides data on where a load was picked up and where it was dumped at the landfill. Data from three years ago, when police believe Shingoose was killed, would still be retrievable, he said. "It's very likely that we could narrow or pinpoint within a reasonable distance as to where we think that whatever it is that you're searching for is." The use of technology at the facility has expanded in the past five years, making it easier to track where refuse is deposited. Gordichuk was not working with the city when Nepinak disappeared and is unaware of what tracking was done at that time. He couldn't comment on whether a search is feasible. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs said Nepinak's family deserves answers so they can get closure. Kinew said he's open to meeting with Nepinak's family to discuss what they hope to see happen. This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2025. — With files from Steve Lambert

.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } From the Royal Farmyard to the Royal Courtyard to the main arena and everything in between there were plenty of smiles to go around!  It was the typical snowy, blowy, winters-come-back-kinda' day but that didn't stop folks from travelling to the Keystone Centre to spend the day with animals, horse and cattle events and competitions and of course the all the fun and games with dogs, clowns and farm animals. Here are just a few of the wonderful smiles (some silly!) that I caught just in time through the camera's lens. For the entire line-up of this week's events and activities please visit the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba website and click on the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair page ... or click HERE! (photo credit CJRB Radio Discover Westman Online)

Boissevain School Playground Committee co-chairs Susan Jackson and Heather Janssens with Boissevain School Principal Landon White.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } The Manitoba finalists for Growing Home with BASF have been decided. This year, all three organizations will win a portion of the newly increased $160,000 prize fund.  Media Release - April 1, 2025 ... Submit your vote before voting ends on April 15 Growing Home is an initiative developed by BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions to support organizations that act as the backbone of their rural communities. It gives Canadian farmers the unique opportunity to shine a light on the organizations that make an impact in their communities.  You can help support these organizations by rallying support for their submission and encouraging others to submit their votes to determine which of the three finalists in each province will be the lucky recipient of the first-, second- and third-place prizes.  First place: $25,000  Second place: $10,000  Third place: $5,000    Visit agro.basf.ca/growinghome to submit your vote before voting ends on April 15! Winners will be announced publicly on April 29.  Your Manitoba finalists are:  The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council  The Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council (PAC) plays an essential role in fostering community spirit and supporting student success with initiatives that enhance the school experience. The PAC’s playground committee is currently dedicated to transforming two existing school playgrounds into an inclusive and accessible outdoor space. They are also creating an outdoor space for their high school students. The team is working together to raise $500,000 to replace outdated structures with safe and functional equipment that can accommodate children of all abilities. Creating a safer space for community play, the PAC is dedicated to community cohesion and creating a sense of belonging for everyone. Winning the $25,000 prize will allow them to accelerate the project and create inclusive community playgrounds for all to enjoy.    HERO’s Alliance  A grassroots organization made up of hardworking volunteers, the Hero’s Alliance is committed to enhancing the mental, physical and social well-being of the Lac du Bonnet community. From subsidized mental health counseling to free community lunches, the organization ensures that every individual can access vital services that enhance well-being. One of their most impressive programs, Lunch is On Us, serves more than 250 meals to community members each week and has quickly become their most popular service. However, their current funding will only support the program for another eight weeks. The $25,000 prize will allow them to provide a lifeline to their most needed program and provide a consistent source of food that can build a healthier, more resilient community.     The Louise Aquatic Centre  The Louise Aquatic Centre project is investing in the Municipality of Louise to advance community well-being and improve access to much needed recreational spaces. Their current initiative is to develop a new outdoor swimming pool featuring modern amenities to replace their 50-year-old facility. The new addition to the aquatic centre will foster a safe and enjoyable environment for families, create summer job opportunities and attract tourism while taking a significant step towards improving community well-being. The $25,000 prize will help bring this much needed project to fruition. It will help support their commitment to the health, safety and enjoyment of the Louise community for generations to come.    Please help us support rural Canadian communities by spreading the word about Growing Home with BASF, highlighting finalists from Manitoba, sharing on social media and casting your vote.  You can also follow along on Instagram and X with the #BASFGrowingHome hashtag to help nominators and finalists raise support for their local organizations. 

.captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } This spring break and for the next year, the Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to head out into the great outdoors and visit provincial parks for free, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “In Budget 2025, our government announced free entry to all of our incredible provincial parks for the next year,” said Moyes. “As Canadians explore closer to home, we hope everyone will get out and enjoy our beautiful parks and take in all they have to offer. Whether you love to hike, canoe or just want to relax surrounded by nature, we encourage all Manitobans to visit our provincial parks, as no vehicle permit is required.” Budget 2025 includes an $18-million increase for infrastructure improvements at a number of provincial parks, the minister noted. Projects include new washroom and shower buildings at St. Malo and West Hawk Lake’s seasonal campground. This funding will also support campground improvements and the addition of electrical sites at Spruce Woods, Grand Beach and Hecla/Grindstone provincial parks. For the 2025 season, visitors to Whiteshell Provincial Park’s West Hawk Lake will see a restored Crescent Beach seawall, which will include an accessible ramp and beach access mat. New playgrounds will open at several provincial parks including in the Whiteshell, Clearwater Lake, Winnipeg Beach and Turtle Mountain. “Manitoba is home to more than four million incredible hectares of land and water set aside in 93 provincial parks,” said Moyes. “Visitors can make memories while exploring varied landscapes, including lush boreal forests to perfect prairie parklands and sandy shorelines, or walk through the past on a historic site tour and develop new skills at an outdoor workshop.” Provincial park campground reservations have a staggered opening from Monday, April 7 to April 11. The Parks Reservation Service will start taking reservations for specific campgrounds each day at 7 a.m. each day online at www.manitobaparks.com and by phone at 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1-888-482-2267 (toll-free). While park vehicle passes will not be required for the 2025 season, camping reservation fees continue to apply. For more information, visit:  www.manitobaparks.com.

(photo credit Betty Sawatzky).captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } The Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2025 is now available online and anglers are asked to follow all fishing regulations to help ensure Manitoba’s fisheries remain healthy for years to come, Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie announced today. “The release of the anglers’ guide is an important sign that another fishing season in our beautiful province is just around the corner,” said Bushie. “In addition to the usual information contained in the guide, this year’s edition also contains some proposed fishing regulations that address the sustainability, viability and health of our fisheries. It is important to hear from Manitobans on these proposed changes, as everyone has a role to play in the responsible management of our fisheries and we encourage every Manitoba to provide feedback on how we can make our fisheries work for everyone.” Hardcopies of the anglers’ guide will be available in stores where angling licences are sold. Anglers are reminded to exercise caution when fishing on ice. Prior to fishing, anglers should check conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience, noted the minister. Those fishing for walleye and sauger are reminded of the following fishing season dates: April 7 – walleye and sauger season closes in the southern division; May 1 – walleye and sauger season closes in the northwest and north central divisions; May 10 – walleye and sauger season opens in the southern division (with a few exceptions, such as Lake Winnipeg); and May 17 – walleye and sauger season opens on Lake Winnipeg and in the northwest and north central divisions. Anglers must not target species during their closed times. The fishing division map can be found in the anglers’ guide. Some areas are closed to all fishing during the spring from April 7 to May 10 including the Red River between Lockport Dam and Lake Winnipeg, Dauphin Lake and its tributaries excluding the Vermilion Reservoir, and the Assiniboine River downstream of the Portage Diversion to Provincial Road 240. Angling licences for 2025 will be available for purchase online and at participating vendors starting April 1 and become valid on May 1. The 2024 annual angling licence is still valid until April 30. All anglers are required to obtain a Manitoba angling licence to fish in the province, unless exempt or fishing within a federal park. For more information or to purchase an angling licence, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca. For more information about fishing regulations, refer to the Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2025 , available online at www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/fish/angling-guide.pdf or in stores where angling licences are sold.

Volunteers with MCC’s partner Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC) distribute relief kits to various shelters that were set up in Homs in response to the February 2023 earthquakes in Syria. (Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches photo).captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } A powerful earthquake has struck Myanmar, claiming the lives of more than 2,000 people and leaving countless others struggling to rebuild their lives.  Annie Loewen, interim director for disaster response at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada, says the organization has been programming in Myanmar since 1996.  “We have lots of experience providing things like food assistance, blankets, medical care, cash assistance to previous emergencies like Cyclone Nargis in 2008. But currently, we're working with our partners to determine what is the situation. Some of our partners are providing food and water to people who have lost their homes.”  She says that extreme heat is worsening the crisis.  “Part of the issue is that it’s also 40 degrees in Myanmar right now, which is just so hot and combined with this earthquake, it's impacting people severely, so we're working with our partners on what are the long-term plans for us as well.”  MCC aims to provide financial assistance so those affected can purchase essential supplies for survival.  “We're hoping to get as much as of that done in the next coming days as we can,” she says.  While there are currently no Manitobans with MCC in Myanmar, Loewen says that Manitobans can still offer support.  “I was at church on Sunday and already our church congregation was talking about sending prayers and thinking about those in Myanmar. Definitely, we invite as much prayer support as people can give. There's so much need. If people have the resources to give monetarily through donations to MCC or to other organizations responding, that is definitely a way to get support to people who need it as quickly as possible,” Loewen explains.  MCC is actively seeking donations through their website.  “You'll see on the landing page that we're calling for donations for our response in Myanmar. We've already had churches donate. We've had our constituents here in Manitoba and across Canada also donate. So, we would encourage anyone who has the resources to support and feels that call to support, please do. Think about giving.”  MCC currently has no missionaries in Myanmar, but there are Mennonite churches in the country.  “These are local national churches that are also responding. We've heard that their members are safe, although many have been impacted by either having damage to their home or feeling impact in other ways, but we are hoping to respond through our church partners in Myanmar as well to support their communities.”  The impact of the earthquake is large and Loewen is certain that even more people will need support.  “7.7 magnitude is very large. For context, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti was a 7.0. The 2015 earthquake in Nepal was 7.8, so we're looking at extensive damage and we know that people are going to need those basic things like food and water and shelter in the coming days. For the next few months.”  She adds that this will have long-term impacts on Myanmar residents.  “People have lost their livelihoods. Things like water systems will be completely rerouted because of this, and there's that long-term recovery aspect that also needs to be considered. So, we just would pray that those who have the resources would be able to give and we definitely pray for all of those in Myanmar as they're trying to sort through this crisis situation.”  To support MCC's relief efforts, visit MCC.org or click here.   With files from Adi Loewen 

A fan out of $20 bills. File photo..captiontext { font-size:90%;font-style: italic;margin-right:20px; } Many workers in Manitoba are set to see a slight increase in their wages this fall. The Manitoba government says the minimum wage is to go up by 20 cents to $16 an hour. The increase is to take effect on Oct. 1. Manitoba's minimum wage is updated annually and tied to inflation. The government says the latest increase reflects the province's 2024 inflation rate of 1.1 per cent. The federal minimum wage for employees in the federally regulated private sector is $17.75. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2025.