Severe Thunderstorm Watch Ends

6:54 p.m. Update:

The severe thunderstorm watch has ended.

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A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of the Parkland, as of 2:07 p.m.

Environment Canada is calling for conditions that could lead to severe thunderstorms, producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain.

The severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for:

Gilbert Plains Mun. incl. Ashville
Grandview Mun. incl. Valley River Res.
Mossey River Mun. incl. Winnipegosis and Fork River
Mun. of Ethelbert incl. Garland
Mun. of Roblin incl. Makaroff Shortdale and Bield
Mun. of Russell-Binscarth incl. Gambler Res.
R.M. of Dauphin incl. Sifton and Valley River
R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Ochre River and Makinak
R.M. of Lakeshore incl. Rorketon and Toutes Aides
R.M. of Riding Mountain West incl. Asessippi Prov. Park

The low-pressure system is tracking across eastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba, and is expected to trigger scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 2:16 pm

The Manitoba government is planning out how to get students back in the classroom for the new school year.

Teachers and staff will return to school on September 2^nd, and students will return on September 8^th.

Right now, officials are looking at three possible scenarios.

Scenario 1
Scenario one will allow all students to return to school with relaxed physical distancing guidelines. Students would be required to maintain one meter of distance between each other.

Scenario 2
Scenario two will keep physical distancing and health measures intact, and prioritize grades K-8 for in-person learning since online learning for this age group would present more challenges for both students and parents. High school students would see parts of their classes in person, and the other portion online.

Scenario 3
Scenario three will only allow limited use of school facilities, and the majority of learning will be done from home.

Manitoba’s Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen says a final confirmation will be given by August 1, based on public health directions.

The province is also looking into ways to safely resume specialty programming, extracurricular activities, and school transportation (busses).

All schools will take extra steps to ensure proper hygiene and sanitizing requirements.

For the provincial announcement of the Restoring Safe Schools plan, click here.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 1:38 pm

Manitoba public health officials have identified one new case of COVID-19 on Thursday.

This brings the total number of confirmed and positive cases to 316.

There are 16 active cases province-wide, none of which are in the hospital.

The number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

COVID testing sites in the Prairie Mountain Health region will be closed on Canada Day (Wednesday, July 1), and open back up with regular hours the following day.

The province is reminding Manitobans to continue to practicing social distancing during the holiday, whether at home, the cottage or camping — and to stay home if you feel sick.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, click here.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 12:50 pm

RCMP have found human remains in Portage la Prairie.

On June 24, 2020, at around 9:30 p.m., Portage RCMP received a report of human remains found near Baker Avenue.

The identity of the deceased is unknown at this time.

RCMP continues to investigate and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 12:20 pm

A man from Roblin made another appearance in Dauphin Provincial Court, Tuesday, in connection with a homicide.

26-year-old Joshua Britton was remanded to the next court date, next Tuesday, June 30^th.

Back on February 24^th, he was charged with manslaughter in the death of 35-year-old Daniel Paul.

The RCMP haven't released the cause of death because the incident is still under investigation.

Details: Contributed by Isaac Wihak; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 11:57 am

COVID testing sites in the Prairie Mountain Health region will be closed on Canada Day.

The testing sites in Dauphin, Swan River, and Brandon will be closed on Wednesday, July 1^st, but will reopen on Thursday, July 2^nd.

If you’re experiencing minor symptoms, it’s recommended you stay at home and self-isolate until the site reopens Thursday.

If you’re having more serious symptoms with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, you are advised to go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Dauphin's site is located at the Community Health Services Building Parking Lot. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

A referral is no longer needed to go to any COVID-19 testing site.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 11:09 am

One of the most iconic buildings in the City of Sunshine will be reopening on Canada Day.

The Dauphin Rail Museum is celebrating its grand reopening July 1st from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with live music, food, and ice cream.

Ed Stozek and Dauphin Legion Pipe Band will be handling the tunes, and C&D Snack Shack’s food truck will be on hand serving up the food.

With the province relaxing public restrictions, the Museum is now able to open, but will be taking safety measures like limiting the number of people inside at one time.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 10:24 am

This afternoon we’re expecting Manitoba’s Education Minister to reveal the plan for reopening schools in the fall.

Kelvin Goertzen will be alongside chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin at 1 p.m. for the announcement.

Earlier this week, Goertzen revealed students would be returning to class on September 8.

Schools were closed on March 23 as a COVID-related precaution, but were cleared to open earlier this month for limited activities, like one-on-one assessment.

Details: Contributed by Matt Hamel; Published: Jun 25, 2020 - 9:36 am

The province has released a specialty license plate that will support childhood cancer research.

The plate is now available from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and features a gold “Cure Childhood Cancer” slogan as well as the cancer awareness ribbon.

Each plate costs $70, with $30 from every plate going towards the Madox’s Warriors Foundation – a not-for-profit charity that raises awareness and funds towards cancer research.

Details: Contributed by Tess Kovach; Published: Jun 24, 2020 - 4:07 pm

A Brandon restaurant has been fined for violating public health orders.

Lee’s Buffet in Brandon is facing a $2,542 ticket, and was shut down on June 6^th – but is now open.

Back on May 15^th, another organization in Brandon was fined — the Daughter On Call home care in Brandon was issued a $2,542 ticket for failing to take precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

For a full list of Manitoba businesses that received fines for public health violations, click here.

Manitoba moved into Phase Three of reopening the economy on June 21^st, and restaurants can now operate at full capacity as long as there’s 2 meters of space between guests.

For more details about Phase Three, click here.