June 18, 2026

Wild storm hammers southern Manitoba

By Mark T. Buss

A severe storm system that rolled through southern Manitoba last week involving heavy rain, hail, high winds, intense lightning and tornadoes damaged vehicles, downed trees, flooded basements and left thousands without power.

In the Beausejour region, an average of 70mm of rain fell overnight June 9 with some rain gauges reporting as high as 165mm. The deluge caused numerous sump pumps to either fail or not keep up, resulting in several homes making insurance claims due to water in basements.

Infrastructure and roads were damaged, rivers swelled and overland flooding caused extensive flooding of cropping areas.

Brokenhead Reeve Brad Saluk estimated as much as 30 per cent of the crops in the municipality were under water with similar numbers reported in Springfield.

Approximately 100mm fell in Dugald. The massive amount of water likewise kept insurance companies busy. Schools in Anola, Dugald and Oakbank were closed June 10 due to power and water outages.

Cooks Creek Road at Hwy 15 and again at Springfield Road was temporarily closed due to culvert washouts. In Brokenhead, Road 41E was washed out at Road 81N.
Environment Canada confirmed twisters touched down near Ste. Anne and Dufrost. The agency says other reports of funnel clouds and potential tornadoes are being investigated including near Otterburne and at King’s Corner in Brokenhead. Roof damage was also reported in the Gull Lake area.

Manitoba Public Insurance received approximately 20,000 claims in the days following the storm, resulting in one of the highest volumes of claims ever recorded in the province’s history from a single weather event.

On June 11, Manitoba Hydro reported that nearly 17,000 in Winnipeg had no power due to the storm system. Across the province, the Crown corporation said there were about 1,000 outages and more than 25,000 customers affected.

Despite all the damage, the Weather Centre of Manitoba advised the environment was primed for an EF4+ tornado, which could have been disastrous if things developed further. Because it didn’t, the cyclic supercell that moved slowly southeast of Winnipeg will likely be added to meteorological case studies moving forward.

Temporary speed reductions on tap

Hwy 11 safety trials testing operating speed and collision risk at intersections

Temporary speed limit reductions are coming soon to Hwy 11 at two intersections as part of provincial speed trials.

The Town and RM of Lac du Bonnet have jointly announced Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) will be conducting speed reduction trials at the intersections of Hwy 11 and PR 502 (Minnewawa Street) and Hwy 11 and PR 313. In the coming weeks, the speed limits will be reduced to 80 km/h in these locations.

The municipalities had requested a reduced-speed zone of 80 km/h to manage safety concerns at these intersections, and both councils met with MTI representatives in late March to review the request.

MTI’s collision records show there are a higher number of serious collisions in these areas and that the safety performance is generally lower compared to other similar intersections on the provincial highway network.

One of the latest fatal collisions occurred in January when police say a SUV travelling west on Minnewawa entered the intersection of Hwy 11 and was struck on the driver’s side door by a semi-truck travelling north at highway speeds. The driver of the vehicle, a 78-year-old woman from Pinawa, was pronounced deceased on scene. The semi driver, a 41-year-old male from Fannystelle, was not physically injured.

Reeve Loren Schinkel said his council is very glad to see the speed reduction trials will begin soon. A commencement date was not available at press time.

“Council has long advocated for speed reductions at these intersections and others in Lac du Bonnet due to the high number of collisions, some fatal, and near misses we’ve seen over the past number of years,” Schinkel said. “We encourage drivers to obey the new posted limits when they come into effect, because at the end of the day, we want everyone to get where they’re going safely and slowing down is an easy thing to do.”
With the speed reduction trials, MTI will measure operating speed with measuring equipment and collect data over a period of time to get a sample of how well road users are complying with the new 80 km/h reduced speed zone. 

MTI will also measure collision risk by capturing video of actual intersection operations and use a computer program to count the number of “near miss” events and the risk level of those events. MTI has already collected operational video from the intersections as they exist with the current speed limit.

Community members can expect the reduced speed limit to go into effect in the coming weeks. After a few months of normalizing the reduced speed limit, MTI will return to collect additional data, then report back to the RM and Town on the outcome.
The reduced limit could stay in effect permanently, or be removed, depending on the information gathered.

Councils look forward to seeing MTI’s results after the trials conclude.

“The Town of Lac du Bonnet is pleased to see MTI responding to the concerns raised by our residents and local governments regarding safety along these important transportation corridors,” Mayor Ken Lodge said. “This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when municipalities and the province work together toward a common goal.”

MTI is pursuing a separate intersection improvement project at the intersection of Hwy 11 and PR 317, so that intersection is excluded from the upcoming trial.

PR 307 No. 2 worst road in Manitoba

By Jann Perry

A North Eastman roadway that dips, swings, heaves in winter, is riddled with potholes and often floods, remains near the top of the list of worst roads in Manitoba.
PR 307, which connects Seven Sisters Falls through Whiteshell Provincial Park, was chosen by Manitobans to be No. 2 in CAA Manitoba’s Worst Roads campaign.
The 2026 CAA Worst Road is Hwy 34 in Central Plains/Pembina Valley due to potholes, poor road maintenance, poor road signage and unpaved sections. 
PR 307 was previously chosen as Manitoba’s worst road in 2022 and 2023, and made No. 3 on the list in 2024 and 2025.

The remainder of the list shows a split of urban and rural selections including Saskatchewan, Richmond and Leila Avenue, Kenaston Boulevard and St. Mary’s Road in Winnipeg, Richmond Avenue and First Street in Brandon along with PR 422 in Pembina Valley

“The roads on this list reflect what Manitobans experience every day,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba.

“Manitobans want roads that are safe, reliable and properly maintained, whether they live in Winnipeg or in a rural community.”
With more than 210,000 members in the province, CAA Manitoba advocates on issues such as road safety and infrastructure, the environment, seniors’ mobility and consumer protection.

Since 2012, the CAA Worst Roads campaign has provided road users across Manitoba the opportunity to nominate for roads they believe are in urgent need of repair. With the rising costs of living, investment in roads and supporting infrastructure is more important than ever.

This year, 711 roads across 69 municipalities were nominated for the top spot. The most common concerns cited were potholes, poor maintenance and uneven road surfaces.

 Many of the roads identified are major commuter, trade and connector routes relied on by families and businesses. As governments focus on inter-provincial trade, congestion in Winnipeg and critical road safety issues, investments in the roads and highways are more important than ever.

“When key routes fall into disrepair, it affects more than just convenience,” Friesen said.

“Vehicle repair costs go up, fuel efficiency goes down, and delays increase. That adds pressure to already stretched household budgets and affects our economy.”
Repeated nominations often signal that communities want long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Several roads that have appeared on past lists are now under construction, resurfaced or scheduled for rehabilitation.

“We’ve seen that sustained public input makes a difference,” Friesen said. “The CAA Worst Roads campaign gives governments a clear snapshot of where funding and attention are wanted most.”

CAA Manitoba is urging provincial and municipal governments to continue prioritizing predictable, year-over-year investment in road maintenance and safety.

“Stable funding allows governments to plan ahead, address safety concerns earlier and avoid higher costs later,” Friesen said. “It’s about keeping people safe and keeping Manitoba moving.”

RCMP search for B+E suspects

By Jann Perry

Beausejour RCMP are requesting assistance from the public after responding to a late night residential break and enter last Friday where the homeowner was assaulted.
On June 12 at 1:08 a.m., Beausejour RCMP responded to a residential break and enter on Fifth Street South in Beausejour. Officers learned that two males had entered a residence unannounced while the owner was sleeping. The owner confronted the two males and he was assaulted. The two suspects left the residence and the owner called police. 

The homeowner, a 69-year-old male from Beausejour, suffered minor non-life-threatening injuries and did not require medical attention. 
As for the two suspects, their identity remains unknown, but it is believed that they are familiar with the owner.

Beausejour RCMP is asking people to review their surveillance footage in the vicinity of Fifth Street South for any suspicious activity between midnight and 2 a.m. on June 12.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beausejour RCMP at 204-268-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com

This is the second time in less than three months that RCMP have asked for the public’s assistance in searching for a late night break and enter suspect.
On March 29 at 2:24 a.m., police responded to a break and enter in progress at a residence in the 800-block of Ashton Avenue in Beausejour. The homeowners reported they heard loud noises coming from the front door and observed a male trying to break the door. 

RCMP say the suspect noticed the homeowners and ran away. As part of the search process, police brought in an RCMP drone operator and RCMP Police Dog Services attended, but they could not locate the suspect. 
Further investigation and review of numerous surveillance videos helped officers identify the alleged suspect, which led to an arrest two weeks later in Selkirk.

Driver suspended after close call with cyclists

By Jann Perry

A motorist had their driver’s licence suspended after a recent close call with cyclists in Pinawa.

On June 5 at 2:21 p.m., a Lac du Bonnet RCMP officer was flagged down by a concerned parent advising that his child and a friend were nearly struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes on Burrows Road in Pinawa. He pointed out the marks on the grass where the vehicle swerved towards the children. 
Officers located the suspect vehicle parked in a commercial parking lot nearby. Police observed a female exiting the business and starting the vehicle in preparation to leave the area. 

Police spoke with the driver of the vehicle who denied involvement in the incident reported. A mandatory alcohol screening was completed on the driver, which resulted in her failing both tests. 

The 62-year-old driver was issued a 90-day administrative suspension on scene and her vehicle impounded for 30 days. 

RCMP did not release the home community of the driver claiming the information was omitted to protect her identity.

Car splashes down on PR 302

By Jann Perry

A car submerged up to it’s windows in the ditch on PR 302 turned the heads of parents and bus drivers Thursday morning on their way to dropping children off at École Beausejour Early Years School.

On June 11 at 12:45 a.m., Beausejour RCMP responded to a motor vehicle collision following an iPhone crash notification at the intersection of James Avenue and PR 302. EMS and firefighters were already on scene when police arrived. They advised police that both the driver and the passenger of the white Nissan found in the east ditch had fled from the scene upon arrival.   

Police located the registered owner of the vehicle, a 24-year-old male from Beausejour. Police learned that he was in the vehicle with another male when they lost control of the vehicle. 

Upon further inspection of the vehicle, officers located and seized a BB gun in the backseat

At this time, it is unclear who was driving. No injuries have been reported and the Beausejour RCMP continue to investigate.

École Powerview students explore France 

By Nicole Joyal

Travellers from École Powerview School – 11 high school students, four parents and three school chaperones – spent our 2026 spring break immersed in the language, culture, art, history and flavours of France. 
The incredible week-long trip took us from the bustling streets of Paris to the quiet charm of the Loire Valley, and even to the windswept shores of Juno Beach, where Canadian forces landed during D-Day in 1944 – offering a hands-on history lesson no classroom could match. 

The trip to France was inspired by French Immersion students who wanted to experience the culture and language. The group departed March 30 with the help of Education First Tours. Each day was packed with visits to historic sites while also having time to explore the narrow streets, the little shops and the numerous cafés on our own.  

In Paris, the group visited iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and the elegant, tree-lined Champs Élysées. We also enjoyed an evening boat ride along the Seine River, where we glided from one graceful bridge to the next as the guide narrated the views. Our tour director named Aude, led us on a walking tour of Paris, making sure that we arrived at our next destination safely and on time. 

Magnuss, another guide, entertained us on a panoramic bus tour of Paris. He led us through some of the “arrondissements” to see incredible architecture, historic buildings, the impressive Opéra district and the Place de la Concorde just to name a few. 
Next, we travelled to see the Palais de Versailles, to marvel at the lavish and breathtaking estate for Louis XIV. 

Midway through the trip, the group travelled south to the Loire Valley, known for its fairy-tale châteaux and vineyards. We spent two days visiting some of the incredible sites, such as the 13th century Chartres Cathedral, the Château de Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau and the Château d’Amboise.  Another highlight was a visit to Château du Clos Lucé, the final home of Leonardo da Vinci. There we got to see his three workshops, models of his inventions (based on his drawings) and his serene gardens. 

On the sixth day, we headed to St. Malo, one of the channel’s busiest ports. After exploring this delightful town on our own, we went to visit the islet monastery of Mont-St-Michel. This eighth century abbey is perched high on a granite rock. The climb to get to the entrance of the abbey was quite challenging for some of us, and the descent equally so. This abbey is a place of pilgrimage, and as it was Holy Saturday, it was bursting with visitors from all corners of the world. 

The following day brought our group to a place called Arromanches, a seaside town in the Normandy region. Here we saw some of the remnants of the artificial harbour constructed there to facilitate the landing of the Allied Forces. Then we went to the shores of Juno Beach and the Juno Beach Centre, where we attended an educational tour that explained more about Canada’s role in the war. The day ended with quiet reflection as we paid our respects at the Bény-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery.  
Our trip concluded with a self-guided tour of the Louvre. There were so many priceless exhibits and exquisite masterpieces to see, it was difficult to know where to begin. Many managed a glimpse of da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the famous statue of Venus de Milo.

The group returned home tired on April 7 but brimming with stories to share. This trip was far more than just a sightseeing opportunity. It was a chance to experience the wider world, explore unfamiliar places, build memories and offer lessons that will last a lifetime.

Springfield officially out of WMR

By Tony Zerucha

Five months after it voted to leave the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, the RM of Springfield has finally received provincial approval to do so.
In a letter dated May 12, Assistant Deputy Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations David Neufeld informed Mayor Pat Therrien that the Capital Planning Region - Regional Member Municipalities Regulation has been formally amended and become law.

Back in January, Springfield voted 4-1 to leave the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. It informed Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations Glen Simard on Jan. 22. Simard soon acknowledged the request, but stated that the regulations had to be amended before Springfield would be formally allowed to depart.

Springfield joins Selkirk, Dunnottar, West St. Paul, St. Andrews, Headingley, Taché, St. Clements, Macdonald and Rockwood in departing, with concerns of loss of local autonomy leading the list of reasons cited for leaving.

Most will still have to pay their 2026 Winnipeg Metropolitan Region membership dues, as the annual budget had been set before they voted to leave. Springfield’s 2026 dues are $17,955.

All former members can apply to rejoin the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region in the future should circumstances change.

Eastman Judged Art Exhibition well received

Artists with a variety of styles and mediums were hosted in an exhibition of their work at the Great Falls Hall on June 12 with many going home winners in their chosen fields.
The Eastman Judged Art Exhibition (EJAE) saw 20 artists contribute 50 pieces of art to the show. A total of 16 artists in 11 different mediums were awarded first, second or third place awards with another six receiving honourable mentions. Eight artists won multiple awards.

Hosted by the Winnipeg River Arts Council (WRAC), the exhibition is open to artists who live at least two months of the year in the Eastman region. The art this year was judged via Zoom with the judges also providing written feedback to the artists.

This year’s first place winners were Kelly Murray for drawing (pen and ink), Lori Petrilli for painting (soft pastel), Theresa Young for painting (watercolour), Marilyn McNish for painting (Acrylic on canvas), De-Ann Holmes for mixed media (wood and fabric), Rick McGregor for photography and Louise Ylonen for fibre art (fabric and needle-point). 
Ylonen’s Crazy Quilt won Best in Show. It was made from a variety of fabrics that came from family clothing representing the family history across generations. Nine different types of needlework techniques were used including porcupine quill work.

Petrilli is the newest member of the WRAC and had a strong rookie showing with first place in soft pastel with Sunset at James Farm and second place in pastels for Witz End Sunset.

WRAC administrator Jodi Griffith said the event is a great opportunity to showcase talent in our region, for artists to develop and share their vocation and dedication to the arts. 

“As an art council it is a chance for us to bring together and celebrate all of the people we work with on a daily basis in the arts industry from the artists to patrons, to funding and regulatory bodies, and partner arts organizations,” Griffith said.

This year, the WRAC was delighted that the Lac du Bonnet Manitoba Métis Federation made a presentation of their traditional beading and weaving work and The Métis within by De-Ann Holmes won first in mixed media. The Riverside Quilters also had a display and both of these additions to EJAE are important in acknowledging the dedication and creative work that is occurring in our region. 

“Overall, the event was a tremendous success,” Griffith said.

Trio confirm Springfield council intentions

By Tony Zerucha

Three current RM of Springfield councillors have decided to continue in municipal politics, though one seeks a bigger role.

Coun. Melinda Warren has filed her papers to run for mayor. Warren was elected in Ward 4 in 2022. Mayor Pat Therrien is not running for re-election.
Three-term councillor Glen Fuhl confirmed over the weekend that he will seek a fourth term in Ward 1. Fuhl was first elected in 2014.

Fuhl and Warren join Ward 3 Coun. Mark Miller in running again. That leaves only Ward 2 Coun. Andy Kuczynski to announce his intentions. Kuczynski said earlier this spring that he is leaning toward running again. 

Prospective council candidates can begin registering on June 30 and withdraw by Sept. 23. The nomination period is Sept. 16-22.

Those seeking the role of mayor or reeve could begin registering on May 1. Their withdrawal deadline is also Sept. 23.

New cartoon strip featured in The Clipper

By Andrea Geary

A fascination with exploring his Filipino roots and culture has led ‘komik’ artist and illustrator Michael Moya to the pages of The Clipper as the creator of Pilandok the Trickster.

Moya, 35, moved to Pinawa from Edmonton about three years ago after he accepted a job with CNL. He grew up in Edmonton not knowing much about his family’s Filipino heritage. 

“I grew up with Saturday morning cartoons,” he said. 
Inspired in his youth by the brightly coloured characters populating old video games such as Super Mario and Legend of Zelda, the budding artist asked his father questions about Filipino culture and studied a book that his father gave him, which further sparked his interest.

“Since then I’ve collected a bunch of books on Filipino folktales.”
He said some of these folktales have their origins in Spanish culture as The Philippines was a Spanish colony for over 300 years, while other folktales show regional Indigenous aspects.

Self-taught as an artist, Moya said he read books and watched online instructional videos to improve his skills. He admires the styles of Korean and Japanese artists. Rather than using digital illustration, Moya’s comics are hand-drawn. 
“You develop your own unique skills. Pen on paper feels really good.”
He decided to adopt the title of ‘komik’ artist to reflect the Tagalog language where ‘C’s are often written as ‘K’s.

Moya combined his artistic skills with his knowledge of Filipino folktales to come up with a ghoulish shape-shifting character called Bawang Aswang, who he features in a monthly comic strip published in Alberta.
Looking for fresh inspiration from his Pinawa home, he said he enjoys watching the white-tailed deer that populate the North Eastman region. A folktale originating in the southern Philippines is based on the exploits of a native animal named Pilandok, which translates as mouse-deer. He thought this character would be appropriate for his new strip.

Moya uses a four-panel style for his comic strips which carry on a developing story narrative.
“They include comedy, adventure, conflict and slice-of-life,” he said. “I’m telling a story with only four panels.”

Moya hopes those who view his cartoons will appreciate both his artwork and the stories he tells. He includes footnotes providing information on Filipino language, history and culture.

“I want to promote my own culture and bring something new to the world.”
Moya said he feels supported by the arts community in Pinawa.
“I’m enjoying my new life here.”

Pilandok the Trickster will run beside the comic strip Jeff!, featuring the work of Anola artist Jacob Pauls.

Tabin reflects on whirlwind season

By Tony Zerucha

After a whirlwind season, Oakbank’s Kati Tabin now has the time to reflect on a year that included an Olympic silver medal and a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)championship with the Montreal Victoire.
Tabin, 29, began skating as a pre-schooler and joined her first hockey team around the age of five. It was part of a busy schedule that also included baseball and soccer. She credits that multi-sport background, joining a spring hockey league, and the influence of her parents and brother for helping to grow her game.

In 2012, Tabin began a three-season stint with Balmoral Hall in the Junior Women’s Hockey League. She registered 66 points in 88 games while playing left-shot defence. In 2015-16, Tabin played for the Cambridge Rivulettes in the Provincial Women’s

Hockey League, scoring 20 points in 39 games.
That strong performance earned Tabin a spot with the NCAA’s Quinnipac University Bobcats. Over 141 games across four seasons, she posted 52 points.
As Tabin’s amateur career progressed, several attempts were made to establish professional women’s hockey leagues. Tabin said she paid some attention to them, but mostly focused on enjoying her college experience.

“It wasn’t always my dream,” Tabin said of turning professional. “I think because there were multiple leagues that weren’t very successful, it made me a bit hesitant about playing in them after college. The only thing I was absolutely certain of was that I loved playing hockey and didn’t want to stop.”

However, Tabin did stop temporarily. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was a recent college graduate considering her next steps. As much as she loved the game, she also had to earn a living.

“There were so many unknowns,” Tabin recalled. “I decided I’d put my degree to use, and I started working at a campground and marina in Wisconsin Dells. About a year or so after that, I decided to give it a go again because I missed it so much.”

Tabin’s friend was playing for the Premier Hockey League’s Connecticut Whale. She tried out on a whim, staying on the friend’s couch for a few months. Visa issues stalled her comeback after six games, so Tabin returned home, thinking her career was over.
After six months working at the Rink Training Centre, the Premier Hockey Federation’s Toronto Six asked Tabin to join them for the upcoming season, so she resumed training. The comeback was a successful one, as Tabin posted 18 points in 24 games during the 2022-23 season. From there, Tabin joined the Victoire and has been there ever since. In 82 games over three seasons, Tabin has seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points.
Beyond hockey, women’s professional sports have flourished over the past few years, with opportunities coming in soccer and basketball. The athletes have noticed.
“Women’s professional sports are skyrocketing with success,” Tabin said. “I think about our league, the soccer leagues, the basketball league. They are all growing, and more and more people want to go watch and support. 

“It’s crazy thinking back to even four years ago when none of them were as popular as they are now. They just keep growing, and it’s amazing to see and be a part of.

“The PWHL has really outdone itself. With the league itself, the marketing it does, the new teams, and the Takeover Tour games, it’s so fun to be a part of. It just keeps growing and gaining more attention. It will be so cool to see where it all is in another four years.”

Tabin said she’ll remember every detail of her Olympic experience, calling it a dream come true. Even though Team Canada lost to the U.S. in overtime in the gold medal game, she retains a trove of positive memories.
“It was so cool to represent my country on the biggest stage,” she said. “I think one specific thing that stands out to me from the Olympics was the opening ceremonies. It was magical.”

There was little time to reflect, as Tabin had to soon return to the Victoire and prepare for the Walter Cup playoffs. That work paid off when the Victoire topped the Ottawa Charge in four games, becoming the first Canadian team to hoist the Walter Cup.

“I’ll remember the girls and how hard we’ve worked not only this season but the past two as well,” Tabin said. “My favourite part of winning the Walter Cup was winning it for and with every single one of my teammates. We did it together, and we had a lot of fun celebrating afterward.”

The Clipper Weekly

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