News briefs for Thursday, July 24, 2025

Missing senior’s vehicle found

6:43 PM

Stonewall RCMP are asking the public for information after police found the car of a missing senior.

Stewart Campbell, 69, was reported missing on July 17, after he was last seen near Stonewall on July 15 at 3:30 a.m.

Police found his vehicle on Road 3 West, north of Highway 2 in the Rural Municipality of MacDonald at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Campbell was not with the vehicle.

RCMP are asking residents in the area to check their property and any security cameras for the missing senior.

Police asked if anyone has information about where Campbell to call 911, Stonewall RCMP at 204-467-5015 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or to submit a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Gas rates to decrease

6:20 PM

Manitoba homeowners will pay 5.5 per cent less for natural gas as of Aug.1.

The Public Utilities Board has approved the application from Centra Gas Manitoba Inc. to lower the gas commodity rate and the community cost balancing deferral rate, a news release said.

The changes are expected to save the average user $36 per year.

Lower purchase prices are forecast for the next year.

Centra Gas — a subsidiary of Crown corporation Manitoba Hydro — charges customers only what it pays for gas and does not make a profit.

The rates will be reviewed again Nov. 1.

Manitoba streamlines student aid applications

5:36 PM

Post-secondary students can now apply for federal grants to cover the cost of their studies without taking out a loan.

Advanced Education Minister Renée Cable announced immediate changes to Manitoba Student Aid in a news release Thursday.

“To be considered for federal grants, students had to choose between applying for student loans or not applying at all. With these new application changes for 2025-26, now available online, education is more affordable and accessible,” Cable said.

The release indicated full-time students enrolled in an eight-month study period will be eligible for up to $4,200 in federal funds they do not have to pay back. Students with disabilities and dependents may be eligible for extra funding.

Nominees for best new Manitoba play announced

12:31 PM

The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival announced the five nominees for the Harry S. Rintoul Award Friday morning.

The award, named for the late local playwright, who died in 2002, recognizes the best new original Manitoba work at the festival, which runs to Sunday.

The nominees are:

• Daredevils by Ellen Peterson
• I Hope You Know by Adia Branconnier
• The Goose by Ellen Peterson
• Third Party by Thomas McLeod
• Tycho Freakin’ Brahe by Heather Madill & Joseph Aragon

The award, established by the Manitoba Association of Playwrights, is made possible with the support of the Manitoba Arts Council  The winner ($750) and honourable mention ($250) will be announced from the outdoor stage at Old Market Square on Sunday at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Vacant house fire caught by police helicopter

11:51 AM

Firefighters were called to a vacant house fire on Elgin Avenue after it was spotted by the Winnipeg Police Service’s AIR 1 helicopter early Thursday.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called about a fire in a vacant home in the 300 block of Elgin Avenue at 1:49 a.m. It was declared under control by 2:27 a.m.

No one was injured and the fire remains under investigation.