News briefs for March 23, 2020

Manitoba has a new online tool to connect volunteers with those needing help during the COVID-19 emergency.

It will help people across the province who need assistance come into contact with those nearby who want to help them, Premier Brian Pallister said as www.HelpNextDoorMB.ca went live today.

Residents in greatest need, such as the elderly, disabled and those at high risk of contracting COVID-19 will find the application useful, he told a news conference.

The provincewide online platform was designed and developed by North Forge Technology Exchange, a non-profit Winnipeg technology organization.

Winnipeg police are asking the public for assistance locating Michelle Grozelle, a 17-year-old girl last seen on March 16.

Grozelle is described as Indigenous, 5-foot-6 tall with long hair and a thin build. She was last seen in Point Douglas wearing a black and white sweater, jeans and a pink tank top.

Police are asking anyone with any relevant information to contact the the Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250.

Provincial Trunk Highway 59 in Roseau River is closed to accommodate an investigation, the province says.

No details were provided about the investigation. Detours are in effect.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes signed third baseman Eric Wood on Monday.

The 27-year-old from Toronto played last season for the Triple-A International League’s Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) where he hit .247 with nine home runs and 32 RBI in 78 games.

Wood played a key role in Canada’s international success in 2019-20 at both the Pan-Am Games in Lima, Peru (silver medal finish) and the Premier12 Olympic Qualifier in Seoul, South Korea. Wood was a combined 13-for-33 (.394) in nine games between the two tournaments and batted third or fourth in the lineup during all of them. 

Additionally, the Goldeyes have officially signed left-handed pitcher Jose Jose to a contract. Jose was acquired from the Frontier League’s (formerly Can-Am League’s) Sussex County Miners via trade on November 6. The 29-year-old reliever posted a 1.58 ERA for Sussex County in 2019, and ranked tied for ninth in the Can-Am League with 37 appearances.

The man wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of Vincent Scott Ross is in custody.

Winnipeg Police arrested Christian James Bruce, 28, Sunday in the St. Johns neighbouhood. 

On March 16, around 3 p.m., police were called to a multi-unit home on the 500 block of College Avenue for a report of a man who was shot. Ross, 24, was found by police suffering from a gunshot wound and taken to hospital, where he died.

Police believe Bruce and Ross had been at the home on College Avenue when a dispute broke out and Ross was shot.

The Winnipeg Comedy Festival will be doling out the laughs at a later date in light of ongoing COVID-19 developments. The 19th annual comedy festival, which was set to run at the end of April at venues across the city, has been rescheduled for Aug. 23 to 29. 

“We had a great festival lined up for the end of April, but now’s the time for the community to come together by remaining apart,” artistic director Dean Jenkinson said in an announcement sent out Monday morning. “It’s our hope we can physically come together to laugh in a few months.”

The comedian roster is expected to remain the same, with minor changes as needed. 

Gala tapings for CBC Television will happen Aug. 24 to 26 at Club Regent Event Centre. A live taping of The Debaters will take place at a later date in a yet to be determined location. A revised schedule will be announce in the coming week.

Contact tickets@winnipegcomedyfestival.com to exchange or refund existing tickets. 

Thompson RCMP has charged a teenager after a man was stabbed multiple times.

The Mounties responded to report of an injured man on Station Road in Thompson at 11 p.m. March 20.

Upon arrival, officers found a 31-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. He was taken to hospital in critical condition. His condition has since been upgraded to stable.

Police charged Sunil Tiger Oman, 19 of Thompson, with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and possession of a control substance. The investigation continues.

Northern and NorthMart stores have announced a $2 per hour temporary pay increase for all active front-line employees.

The temporary pay raise will be retroactive to March 8 and will continue to April 4, the company said in a written release Monday. The pay raise could continue past April 4 if needed.  

The move from Northern and NorthMart comes on the heels of Canada’s three largest grocery store chains announcing a similar pay bump amid the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Loblaws, Sobeyes and Metro all announced $2 per hour temporary pay increases over the weekend.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service battled a fire at a multi-family residence on Sutherland Avenue Sunday evening.

Fire crews were called to the scene in the 100 block of Sutherland Avenue at 4:28 p.m. Upon arrival, they found smoke coming from the building.

The crews launched an offensive attack and the fire was declared under control at 4:44 p.m.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.