News briefs for Monday, August 31, 2026

Two people critically injured in highway crash

3:14 PM

Two people are in critical but stable condition in hospital after they were injured in a two-vehicle crash just west of Roland on Friday.

The crash happened at the intersection of highways 3 and 23 at about 5:40 p.m.

RCMP said an eastbound SUV was crossing Highway 3 when it was hit by a southbound SUV. The eastbound vehicle then rolled into the southeast ditch.

A 51-year-old Morden woman who was driving the eastbound SUV was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital by STARS air ambulance, RCMP said. A 44-year-old Winkler man who was a passenger in her vehicle was taken to a Winnipeg hospital by ground ambulance.

A 55-year-old man from Texas, who was driving the southbound SUV, was not injured, RCMP said.

The intersection is about 80 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg.

Shamattawa man charged with second-degree murder after fatal store stabbing

10:55 AM

A 58-year-old Shamattawa man has been charged with second-degree murder after a man was fatally stabbed at a store in the northern Manitoba community last week.

Shamattawa RCMP were called to the Northern Store around 3 p.m. Friday for a report of an assault and found a 36-year-old man suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound.

The victim was taken to the community nursing station, where he died from his injuries.

Police said a suspect, who was known to the victim, remained at the scene and was arrested without incident. Rodney Beardy, of Shamattawa, has been charged with second-degree murder and remains in custody.

RCMP major crime and forensic identification services continue to investigate.

Province shelves provincial park fees for Labour Day weekend

10:36 AM

Manitobans can visit provincial parks for free over the Labour Day long weekend, the province announced Monday.

The province said vehicle permits will not be required at provincial parks from Sept. 4 to 7, although regular camping fees will still apply.

Select campgrounds will remain open until Thanksgiving weekend, while free interpretive programming, including guided hikes and campfire talks, will continue through the fall.

Campers are reminded to check for fire restrictions, keep campsites clear of food and garbage that could attract wildlife and keep pets on leashes. The province also reminded visitors that transporting firewood outside Winnipeg is prohibited because of the emerald ash borer.

Free entry applies only to Manitoba provincial parks. Fees at national parks remain in effect.