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Global News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Province funds expansion, updates to regional airport in Virden, Man.
The Manitoba government says it's putting money toward rehabbing and expanding a small airport in southwest Manitoba. Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced Monday that $1.65 million is going toward the Virden Regional Airport, which will allow the community to accept commercial and medical flights like the STARS Air Ambulance. 'This is an important investment that will encourage regional development and job creation in Westman,' Simard said in a statement. 'Thanks to the hard work and commitment of the Town of Virden, this grant funding will enhance the airport's capacity, support commercial growth, and strengthen its role as a critical hub for medical access, economic development and regional connectivity.' Story continues below advertisement Town Coun. Bruce Dunning, chair of the Virden Airport Commission, called the funding a 'significant milestone' for the airport. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The money for the project comes from the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities Program. Some of the upgrades include a new Automated Weather Observing System and support for 24-7 medical transfer flights and charter services. 0:24 Minimal travel disruptions expected as Winnipeg airport repairs major runway
Winnipeg Free Press
30-04-2025
- Winnipeg Free Press
Truck driver believed to have been impaired in crash that killed father, husband on new motorcycle
A 30-year-old Winnipeg man killed in a weekend crash north of the city is being remembered as a loving father, devoted husband and a warm presence in the local motorcycle community. Winston Supena died Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle — affectionately nicknamed 'Silver' — collided with a three-ton truck at the intersection of Highway 9 and Mitchell Bay in the RM of St. Andrews. He was pronounced dead at the scene. RCMP say Supena had been travelling southbound on Highway 9 when the truck turned west onto Mitchell Bay, crossing into his path. Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the crash, though no charges had been laid as of Wednesday. The 67-year-old truck driver's licence has been suspended under the Highway Traffic Act. SUPPLIED Winston Supena with son Warren, daughter Mina, and wife Mica. The crash ended what had started as an ordinary day — one that included Supena's early morning shift as a health-care aide, followed by brunch with his wife, Mica, and two young children — six-year-old Warren and four-year-old Mina — at a Salisbury House on Henderson Highway before meeting up with his biker buddies. 'That was the last time we saw him,' Mica said Wednesday. She was at work in south Winnipeg later in the day when friends reached out, urging her to call one of Supena's riding friends who was at the scene. She was told emergency crews were performing CPR on her husband, and STARS Air Ambulance had been dispatched. She didn't get there in time. 'The friend's voice cracked, and he told me they were putting a white cloth over Winston,' she said. 'I feel like I died in the car because I couldn't do anything. I was stuck in traffic.' A close friend of Supena's says he's still struggling to come to terms with the crash that claimed the life of one of his closest friends, describing him as someone who would 'always have your back.' Rafael Bactol said Wednesday that he and Supena shared a deep friendship that grew even stronger over their shared love of motorcycles. 'We would bond over everything,' Bactol said. 'I got him into riding (motorcycles) last year. I was really happy. And I went with him to buy his first motorcycle.' That first bike was eventually sold, Bactol said, and just days before Saturday's fatal crash, Supena had purchased a new bike, travelling to B.C. with friends to bring it back to Winnipeg. 'It was his new baby,' Bactol said. On the morning of the crash, Bactol received a message from Supena asking if he wanted to go out riding. 'I ignored the text because I was bringing my bike to the shop to get it fixed,' he said. 'It's just hard. I'm still processing it all.' Bactol said the crash should never have happened. He emphasized the dangers of impaired driving and the needless risks it creates for others on the road. Supena's wife echoed that message. 'He shouldn't have been driving at all if he had been drinking… it's a common-sense thing we learn throughout our lives,' she said. 'And his poor decision cost my children their father. My kids are too young. SCOTT BILLECK / FREE PRESS A memorial for Winston Supena sits near the intersection of Highway 9 and Mitchell Bay in the RM of St. Andrews, where he died Saturday afternoon when his motorcycle collided with a three-ton truck. 'I'm just an independent contractor. I don't work full time. I don't have benefits. My husband worked hard, two jobs, to provide that for us. Now, I don't know what to do.' A neighbour who lives near the intersection and saw the crash site while returning home, said the truck driver resides in the area. 'We saw the motorcycle on the road and then just a big tarp,' said the neighbour, who asked not to be identified. Another neighbour noted the area is known for speeding vehicles, although RCMP did not say speed was a factor in the crash. 'It's just a bad situation,' the neighbour said. Douglas Houghton, director of the Coalition of Manitoba Motorcycle Groups, said drivers need to remember that it's spring and motorcycles are back on the road. During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. 'That's one of the common causes of an accident… a vehicle making a left-hand turn in front of you,' Houghton said. May will be announced as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the province Saturday. Houghton is leading a safety awareness rally at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Also Saturday, the local Filipino community, through the 55,000-plus member 204 Filipino forum on Facebook, is planning a prayer vigil at the crash site from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, members of the MotoBro63 riding group — Supena was a member — have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family. Scott BilleckReporter Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade's worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024. Read more about Scott. Every piece of reporting Scott produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Globe and Mail
17-02-2025
- Globe and Mail
RCMP say suspect is armed and dangerous after multiple stabbings in Saskatchewan
RCMP are hunting for a 29-year-old man who they allege stabbed people at three different homes on a northern Saskatchewan First Nation, and also tried to steal a vehicle in a nearby community while armed with a machete. Mounties warn that Ryan Lachance is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Police say they were called on Saturday afternoon about a stabbing at a home on Big River First Nation, where they say there was an altercation between a male and a female that ended with the female suffering non-life threatening injuries. Minutes later, police say a group of people entered another home in the community and stabbed a male, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and they say another stabbing victim was located at a third home and was flown to hospital by STARS Air Ambulance. While officers were responding to the third stabbing, they say they received a report of an attempted armed robbery with a machete in Victoire, Sask., but the driver exited the vehicle and fled and the suspect -- unable to steal the vehicle -- took off on foot. Lachance is described as approximately 5'6' tall and 150 pounds, with brown eyes, brown hair and a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. RCMP say he is already wanted in relation to an unrelated aggravated assault that occurred in November 2024. Police say the last confirmed sighting of Lachance was around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Victoire area. They say he may be in a stolen black Kia Optima with Saskatchewan license plate 649 NPP, or a grey BMW SUV, but they caution this is not confirmed. They ask anyone who spots Lachance, the black Kia or the grey BMW to call local police immediately.
