All-star Bryant re-signs with Bombers

10:01 AM

Four-time CFL Most Outstanding Lineman Stanley Bryant has re-signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on a one-year contract extension.

The 2023 campaign will mark Bryant’s eighth season in Winnipeg.

Bryant was scheduled to hit free agency in February.

Man sought in slaying arrested

11:19 AM

A man being sought by RCMP in connection with a slaying in Easterville has been arrested.

Brent Jeremy George was arrested on Dec. 31, RCMP said in a news release Thursday morning. RCMP did not say why they waited until today to announce the arrest.

A 28-year-old man was found dead outside a home in Easterville over the noon hour on Dec. 17.

RCMP announced on Dec. 22 that George, 32, had been charged with manslaughter and that a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Teens shot, younger boy charged

11:48 AM

Two teens were shot while walking along a street in Mosakahiken Cree Nation on New Year’s Day.

RCMP said the incident happened on Sesame Street at about 5:50 a.m. Three teens were walking when two of them — females ages 16 and 19 — were hit, police said in a news release. The other teen was not hurt, RCMP said.

A 15-year-old boy is charged with two counts each of discharging a firearm with intent, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and failing to comply with court conditions.

Jets expect bolstered roster Friday

1:39 PM

There’s every indication the Winnipeg Jets will have some top-end talent back on the roster Friday night when the Tampa Bay Lightning pay a visit.

A trio of forwards, Blake Wheeler, Cole Perfetti and Nikolaj Ehlers, were active participants during drills at practice Thursday morning, as was defenceman Nate Schmidt. They’ve all missed considerable time on the NHL team’s injury list.

To make room, the Jets sent Kristian Reichel to the Manitoba Moose, while Michael Eyssimont was placed on waivers and will join the AHL squad if he isn’t claimed by an NHL team.

The Jets (24-13-1), winners of three consecutive games, face the Lightning (24-12-1) at 7 p.m. at Canada Life Centre.

Former cabinet minister Cox calling it quits

2:01 PM

Cathy Cox is the latest Progressive Conservative MLA to call it quits.

The former cabinet minister and MLA for Kildonan-River East said in a written statement that she won’t seek re-election.

Cox has joined a growing list of Tory incumbents who won’t run in this year’s provincial election.

“Only God can foresee our future. Life is short and there are no guarantees in this world,” Cox wrote.

“I recognize that now is the time to step away from public life and enjoy more precious moments with our family and friends.”

DSFM issues “strong recommendation” for students, staff to wear masks

2:30 PM

Manitoba’s francophone school division has issued a “strong recommendation” to families to send their children back to school with a mask after the holidays.

“Each of our schools has a supply of masks and we encourage students and staff not to hesitate if they would like to access it,” wrote Alain Laberge, superintendent of Division scolaire franco-manitobaine, in French in a letter on Thursday.

DSFM resumed the 2022-23 calendar year on Thursday. Many schools across the province restarted in-person instruction on Jan. 5; others will welcome staff and students back on Jan. 6 and 9.

Missing girl, 13, last seen in St. Vital

2:54 PM

Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 13-year-old girl.

Annette Buck was last seen in the St. Vital area at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday.

She is described as 5-2 in height, with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black winter jacket and black Nike Air Force runners, the Winnipeg Police Service said in a news release Thursday.

The WPS is asking anyone with any information about Annette’s whereabouts to call its missing persons unit at 204-986-6250.

Police use CS gas and Taser to bring stand-off to end

4:11 PM

A man was taken to hospital for a Mental Health Act assessment after police used CS gas and a Taser to detain him during a five-hour stand-off in a downtown Winnipeg apartment building.

Police said they were called to reports of a man threatening people with a knife in a hallway and acting erratically in a building in the 400 block of Kennedy Street around 12:10 a.m. Thursday.

A knife-wielding man barricaded himself inside a suite after a less-lethal round fired by the tactical support team had little effect, said police.

After the floor was evacuated and negotiations failed, police forced open the door and sprayed CS gas into the suite around 5:30 a.m.

Police said a man exited but continued to act erratically, so a Taser was used to take him into custody. No injuries were reported.

Man with machetes punched officer: police

4:30 PM

Winnipeg police allege a man was in possession of two machetes and a “makeshift” metal throwing star when he punched an officer in the face in North Point Douglas on Wednesday.

Police said a suspect put a machete in a backpack and fled on a bicycle while officers approached him in a back lane in the 200 block of Austin Street around 9:40 a.m.

An officer suffered minor injuries when he was assaulted while arresting a man in a nearby yard.

Police said a 20-year-old man was held in custody after being charged with 11 offences.