There’s another pretty major storm on the way today, which could dump up to 60 millimeters of rain on flood weary residents of western Manitoba. Provincial officials say this storm will push our flood measures beyond the limit. 2 weeks ago, residents along Lake Manitoba saw their homes damaged due to high winds and about a thousand still can’t return to stay. Meantime, The Portage Diversion…which takes water from the Assiniboine and dumps it into Lake Manitoba, is already running over-capacity, and with more rain in the forecast, officials are more than a little worried.
Friends and family hope a national campaign….and a 5 thousand dollar reward….will be enough to locate Mildred Flett, who hasn’t been seen for over a year. They gathered at the Indian and Metis Friendship Center here in the city this weekend, to launch this new campaign. Flett was last seen on June 8th of 2010. She’s described as aboriginal, 5 foot 10, with medium wavy black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who might have seen Flett, or has information on her disappearance, are asked to call CrimeStoppers.
Hundreds of people living on Winnipeg’s streets were offered a caring and helping hand as volunteers gave out more than 250 backpacks filled with personal hygiene items. The homeless were also treated to a BBQ lunch. But Ron Eldridge a spokesperson for Devoted to You Ministries, the group handing the packs out says, sadly, demand was so great, they actually ran out.
Well hundreds of workers at Air Canada may go on strike at one minute after midnight tonight, if a deal with the airline isn’t reached today. Both the company and the union say they’re committed to reaching an agreement to avoid a strike by customer service and sales staff. But so far…that hasn’t happened. The airline by the way has downplayed the potential impact of a walkout saying….if it happens it’ll continue to operate a full flight schedule.
Weekend talks aimed at settling the postal dispute, failed to produce a deal to end the rotating strikes which began 10 days ago now. Post office officials say the disruptions are pushing customers away….and that means starting today, the mail will only get delivered 3 days a week.
The U.S. Congress returns to work today….but at least one lawmaker won’t be there. New York Democrat, Anthony Weiner starts this week on a temporary leave of absence, as he seeks treatment for an undisclosed disorder. Weiner spent most of last week embroiled in a sexting scandal that has since produced even more suggestive photos….and more calls for his resignation.
Flood weary Manitobans can’t catch a break. Another storm, which could bring a deluge of rain and wind is expected to hit the southern part of the province today. That means, flows into the Portage Diversion are forecast to come close to peak levels reached in mid-May, which would again cause the Souris and Assiniboine rivers to spill their banks.
A series of strong earthquakes have shaken the New Zealand city of Christchurch today. At least two buildings collapsed, but fortunately, there are no reports of any deaths so far. It was only back in February when the same city was hit by a massive quake, killing 181 people.
Sources say saxophonist, Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, has suffered a stroke. It was only last month that Clemons performed on the season finale of “American Idol.” Clemons has suffered numerous ailments over the last few years. So far there’s no word yet on his condition.
