News briefs for Thursday, May 25, 2023

Pimicikamak evacuates because of nearby wildfires

10:06 AM

Thousands of members of Pimicikamak Cree Nation fled their homes overnight, owing to growing concerns about raging wildfires in the northern community.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak indicated between 6,000 and 7,000 people have left the Cross Lake area since an evacuation was declared late Wednesday.

“This has developed overnight,” said Philip Paul-Martin, spokesman for MKO, which advocates on behalf of Pimicikamak and 25 other northern nations. “It’s very early. We’re getting snippets of information. Right now, we’re in the early stages of coordinating a response.”

Evacuees are seeking shelter in destinations including Thompson, The Pas and Winnipeg, Paul-Martin said, adding that Ottawa’s emergency response team is involved.

Pimicikamak is located roughly 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

Barbecue caused blaze in South Point Douglas residence: city

10:58 AM

City officials say a blaze that broke out in a single-storey duplex in South Point Douglas this week is believed to have originated from a barbecue.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has released the details of its Wednesday evening response to reports of a fire in a residence on Curtis Avenue.

Firefighters found smoke coming from a house when they arrived on the scene around 8:45 p.m. on May 24, according to a news release that indicates they put out the fire from inside the house and declared it under control within 40 minutes.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, originating with the barbecue,” it states, while also noting the City of Winnipeg’s safety tips for grilling — including: never leave a barbecue unattended and only use it outdoors.

All occupants self-evacuated prior to crews’ arrival and no injuries were reported. The city’s emergency social services team supported one displaced resident to find temporary shelter.

Late Tory bills get short-notice hearing

11:17 AM

A last-minute committee meeting was scheduled late Wednesday to hear two government bills tonight at the Manitoba legislature.

This morning, a notice was posted online for a 6 p.m. hearing concerning Bill 40 (Combative Sports Amendment Act) that would expand the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission’s mandate to include licensing and regulating amateur combative sports, in addition to professional combative sports. Bill 43 (Provincial Offences Amendment Act) would allow First Nations to enforce bylaws and collect fines.

No presenters have registered to offer input regarding either government bill.

Man charged with drugging, sexually assaulting teen

1:16 PM

A man is facing several charges for allegedly giving a teenage girl meth and sexually assaulting her in Brandon.

The victim is 15 and was taken to hospital for treatment by her parents. Brandon police were called on Sunday.

Police said they investigated and learned the suspect and victim had begun talking over Snapchat over the past 18 months. The man took the victim to his home on several occasions, the Brandon Police Service said Thursday.

The 23-year-old man is facing charges of sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual touching, luring and administering a “noxious thing.”

The man is scheduled to appear in court on July 20.

Kane County avoids a series sweep as they hand the Goldeyes a 3-2 loss

1:57 PM

Tyler Jandron gave up back-to-back home runs in the second inning to give the Cougars a 3-1 lead, which proved to be enough for Kane County to come away with a win. Despite the loss, Jandron did not surrender a run after the second inning in his seven innings of work. The lefty pitcher finished the day surrendering three earned runs and striking out seven batters.

Dayson Croes extended his hitting streak to nine games, hitting a single in the first inning and going on to score the Goldeyes’ first run of the game. Hidekel Gonzalez crushed a solo home run in the fourth inning to narrow the lead to just one. The Fish failed to score again the rest of the way.

The Goldeyes wrap up their homestand with a three-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Man charged with break-in baseball bat attack in Thompson

2:44 PM

A man has been charged after a suspect broke into a Thompson home, beat a man with a baseball bat and fled.

RCMP were sent to the home on Brandon Crescent in the northern Manitoba city at about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. An injured 21-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

RCMP said the attack happened earlier that night. A suspect was identified and arrested.

A 27-year-old man has been charged with aggravated assault, break and enter with intent, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.