Manitoba artists up for four junos

Once hailed as sign of strong bond, U.S. consulate in Winnipeg to close

There was much fanfare when the U.S. government re-established a permanent presence in Winnipeg in April 2001 as it unveiled its consulate and hailed it as a major achievement between two friendly nations.

“It is testimony not only to the importance the U.S. government attaches to our bilateral relationship with Canada but also to the increasing prominence of Winnipeg, Manitoba and the western region of the country in bilateral and multilateral affairs,” said U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin at a ceremony with then-premier Gary Doer.

Fast-forward to this week when it was learned the office at Portage and Main is set to close, meaning the U.S. will lose its primary advocate for American business and trade interests in Manitoba.

Dwight MacAulay was chief of protocol for the Manitoba government in 2001, calling it a time of celebration and strength between the countries.

‘Sewing angels’ come to Folklorama pavilion’s rescue after Ghana dancers’ costumes stolen

Parents and volunteers had tears in their eyes when dozens of young dancers took to the stage for their opening performances at Folklorama’s Ghana pavilion Sunday night.

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: Caution. Avoid shopping (except food and gas) and important decisions from 1:15 p.m. until 10 p.m. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

You have lots of mental energy because the moon is in your sign dancing with your ruler fiery Mars, which pushes you into a leadership role. It makes you feel independent and ready to challenge anyone who challenges you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Today’s horoscope

MOON ALERT: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Taurus.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Resist the urge to get tangled up in financial disagreements with your kids, a friend, a group or a romantic partner. (Actually, anyone who wants to get in a fight with you.) You don’t need this. Focus on social outings. Keep things light.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Drunk driver who killed cycling couple, orphaned their infant daughter, sentenced to eight years

A Winnipeg man responsible for a drunk-driving crash that killed two cyclists last summer and left their infant child an orphan has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Kuldeep Singh Gill was arrested Sept. 13 after fleeing from a high-speed collision on Kenaston Boulevard that killed 31-year-old Egor Popov and his 25-year-old common-law partner Kerry Ashley Bonner.

Gill, 46, pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of impaired driving causing death and two counts of failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

Gill, who has a prior conviction for impaired driving, made a conscious decision to drive drunk, knowing it made him a danger on the road, provincial court Judge David Ireland said at a sentencing hearing Tuesday.