News briefs for Thursday, February 19, 2026

Farmers hand out 10,000 coupons to Manitoba schools

11:34 AM

Local farmers are helping schools across the province stock their fridges with a kitchen staple.

Manitoba Egg Farmers announced plans Thursday to distribute 10,000 coupons — each for a dozen eggs — to schools this year.

The industry association is once again partnering with the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba to feed students.

“Eggs are an affordable, easy-to-prepare source of high-quality protein that helps fuel a full day of learning,” Sandra Dyck, a farmer on the association’s board, said in a news release.

Dyck was among those who celebrated the announcement at Lavallee School in Winnipeg on Thursday.

Manitoba Egg Farmers spokesperson Claire McCaffrey said her team was impressed by the “well-oiled machine” that is Lavallee School’s daily breakfast program.

Lavallee, which hosts the René Deleurme Centre, the hub of the Louis Riel School Division’s universal nutrition program, served students egg sandwiches Thursday.

The Pas RCMP make arrests in home invasion

11:33 AM

RCMP in The Pas have arrested four people in connection with a home invasion earlier this month.

Officers responded to a report of a home invasion involving a firearm at a residence on the morning of Feb. 19. Police say the homeowner had invited four individuals into the residence when one allegedly produced a modified firearm and demanded money from the 37-year-old male victim.

The victim was able to flee the home without injury and called 911. The suspects fled the scene on foot.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby residences and, with assistance from RCMP Police Dog Services, located and arrested four suspects without incident. The modified firearm believed to have been used in the robbery was seized.

Tommy Bignell, 44, Kurt Nasekapow, 28, Connie Constant, 25, and Raychelle Dorion, 20, have each been charged with robbery with a firearm, unlawfully being in a dwelling house, and several additional firearm-related offences. All four were remanded into custody.

The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

Wolitarsky retiring in blue and gold

8:18 AM

Receiver Drew Wolitarsky has signed a one-day contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers so he can officially retire as a member of the club.

The 30-year-old spent 2017-24 in Winnipeg before suiting up for two games with Hamilton last season.

Wolitarsky played 96 regular season games for the Bombers and had 227 receptions for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Born in Santa Clarita, Calif., and a product of the University of Minnesota, Wolitarsky was selected by the Blue Bombers in the 2017 CFL Supplemental Draft after discovering he qualified as a national player because his mother was born in Montreal.