United States Archives

Border Busier Than Usual This Long Weekend

May 16, 2013 08:38 AM in News • 0 Comments

Posted by Sarah Klein

The Canada Border Services Agency searches a vehicle. (CBSA / HANDOUT)

If a trip across the border is in your May long weekend plans, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is offering up tips to make it as smooth as possible.

As with every long weekend, border traffic increases and Victoria Day is the busiest day of the year for the CBSA. Mornings are generally a quieter time to cross, but officers are reminding travellers to still keep track of their personal exemptions.

Staying in the U.S. 24 hours or more allows you to bring back $200 worth of goods, while 48 hours allows for $800.

Seized Gun, Drugs Top Manitoba Border Highlights

April 16, 2013 08:14 AM in News • 0 Comments

A firearm seized from a traveller at the South Junction border crossing into Manitoba on February 5, 2013. (CBSA / HANDOUT)

Border agents at the South Junction crossing in Manitoba seized a revolver in February.

That was just one of the many highlights over the past two months released by the Canada Border Services Agency on Monday.

On February 5, a Minnesota man was attempting to cross into Canada when his vehicle was examined. CBSA officers found loose rifle ammunition and shotgun shells. They later examined the centre console area and found a holstered, loaded revolver. The man was arrested for smuggling a gun into Canada, and the firearm and vehicle were seized. The man was able to reclaim his vehicle after paying a $1,000 penalty.

New Flyer to Manufacture 120 Buses for Phoenix

April 1, 2013 11:40 AM in News • 0 Comments

Posted by Tyler Sutherland

New Flyer’s Xcelsior bus model (WIKIPEDIA)

Winnipeg-based New Flyer Industries will produce 120 heavy-duty buses for the City of Phoenix.

The Arizona transit agency has placed an order for the 40-foot low-floor compressed natural gas (“CNG”) buses, which will be manufactured in New Flyer’s St. Cloud, Minnesota facility.

New Flyer has been building buses for the Arizona city since 1994. The newly awarded contract will replace liquid natural gas buses currently in active service on dedicated service routes.

The 120 buses are anticipated to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2013 and be delivered in 2014.

Spring Flood Risk Increases in North Dakota

March 21, 2013 10:50 AM in News • 0 Comments

The top of a stop sign is barely visible on a street in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, April 8, 2011. (WPGCAMERAMAN / CHRISD.CA FILE)

Flood forecasters south of the border are calling for an increased flood risk along the Red River after the region received nearly a foot of snow this week.

The National Weather Service in North Dakota on Thursday called for a “major flood risk” along the Red, with significant breakout/overland flooding to occur. Forecasters also said the I-29 corridor could be impacted and compared it to 2010/2011 water levels.

Pembina, North Dakota has a 96% chance of major flooding along the Red River, with a similar risk existing for the Fargo-Moorhead area. Grand Forks will see a somewhat increased risk of moderate to major flooding at 50%.

The NWS said cool and snowy/wet conditions could delay the initial spring runoff into early April. A rapid melt and more precipitation would increase the risk.

Manitoba will release its updated spring flood forecast next week.

Manitoba Musicians Heading to SXSW Festival

March 1, 2013 09:40 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

Imaginary Cities is one of four Manitoba bands performing at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. (MANITOBA MUSIC)

Manitoba will be well represented at the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) music and film festival in Austin, Texas later this month.

Six local acts are travelling to the Lone Star State to showcase their talent on March 14 at Canada House. Presented by Manitoba Music and Manitoba Film & Music, Imaginary Cities, Royal Canoe, Chic Gamine and Boats will perform.

The bands will hit the stage from 3 to 6 p.m. local time at 6th St. East in Austin.

This year’s SXSW runs March 12-17. A complete lineup is available at SXSW.com.

Flood Risk Minor to Moderate in Upper North Dakota

February 21, 2013 01:12 PM in News • 1 Comment

The top of a stop sign is barely visible on a street in Fargo, North Dakota on Friday, April 8, 2011. (WPGCAMERAMAN / CHRISD.CA FILE)

Officials south of the border released their spring flood outlook on Thursday, which will help shape what forecasters in Manitoba use to determine any flood risk this year.

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks says minor to moderate flooding is expected along the Red River from Halstad, Minnesota into Grand Forks, and the Red Lake River from Crookston into East Grand Forks.

The mainstem Red from Oslo, north into Pembina, has a higher snowpack and is indicating a risk of minor to moderate flooding.

The risk of moderate to major flooding exists in the far southern Red River basin, from Fargo-Moorhead down to the southern headwaters areas.

The next flood updates from the U.S. will come down March 7 and 21. Manitoba flood forecasters will release their first spring flood outlook on February 27.

On Wednesday, provincial crews began breaking up ice on the Red River north of Selkirk to prevent potential ice jams.

Florida Requiring Canadians to Carry International Driving Permit

February 14, 2013 11:00 AM in News • 0 Comments

Posted by Sarah Klein

United States - Canada Having a Canadian-issued driver’s licence won’t be enough to satisfy authorities in Florida if you plan on getting behind the wheel.

New legislation, which quieted went into effect January 1, now requires all non-U.S. residents to carry a valid International Driver’s Permit (IDP) when driving in the state. The permit applies to a visitor’s own vehicle or a rental.

The law was passed so Florida law enforcement officials wouldn’t have to deal with licences in different languages. The law now requires both a valid licence from the home country or province, and an IDP.

The Canadian Automobile Association says it will be requesting that Florida officials amend the law to exclude Canadians. The earliest any changes could be made would be July 1.

Travellers can obtain an IDP through CAA for $25. However, as of Thursday, a local CAA office in Winnipeg couldn’t provide details on an IDP when asked over the phone.

UPDATE: In a release late this afternoon, CAA Manitoba said, “The Government of Florida has announced that the Florida Highway Patrol will not enforce a new law requiring Canadians to have an International Driving Permit. We are grateful that the state of Florida has responded to pressure from CAA and thousands of concerned Canadians on this issue.”

CAA still suggests Canadians be safe than sorry and still purchase an IDP while it works to clarify whether the Canadian exclusion applies to all 400 law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

Manitoba Acts Nominated for Native American Music Awards

February 14, 2013 08:25 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

Singer Ali Fontaine performs during a news conference to launch the Manito Ahbee Festival in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 2, 2011. (SCOTT BENESIINAABANDAN / HANDOUT)

Singer-songwriter Ali Fontaine has been nominated for three Native American Music Awards (SCOTT BENESIINAABANDAN / HANDOUT)

Three Aboriginal musical acts from Manitoba have been nominated for six Native American Music Awards (NAMA) this year.

Ali Fontaine has been nominated in the best country recording category for her self-titled album, along with C-Weed for Forever. Fontaine has also picked up nominations for songwriter of the year and best female artist. Indian City has been nominated for best pop recording of the year and record of the year for Supernation.

The awards, which were originally postponed by Superstorm Sandy, will be handed out during the 14th annual awards gala on May 10 at the Seneca Niagara Events Centre in Niagara Falls, New York.

– Staff

New Flyer Lands Two Major U.S. Transit Contracts

February 9, 2013 07:04 AM in News • 0 Comments

New Flyer’s Xcelsior bus model (WIKIPEDIA)

It was a good week to be New Flyer Industries after the Winnipeg-based bus manufacturer landed two large contracts for bus orders in the United States.

New Flyer signed a five-year contract with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for 550 buses and options for up to an additional 350 buses. Metro will receive the 40-foot 900 Xcelsior heavy-duty model with compressed natural gas. It’s the first time New Flyer has built for the Los Angeles fleet in over 10 years.

Milwaukee County Transit has also ordered 55 Xcelsior XD40 buses with options for an additional 35 buses. MCTS and New Flyer have a longstanding partnership, with transit currently operating on a 100% New Flyer fleet.

All 550 buses to the Metro are expected to be delivered by the latter half of the first quarter of 2015, while Milwaukee County Transit can expect their new fleet by this summer.

Besides Winnipeg, New Flyer operates a manufacturing facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Minnesota Man Sentenced to Prison in Child Porn Case

February 8, 2013 06:58 AM in News • 0 Comments

CBSA A Minnesota man has been sentenced to one year behind bars after border agents found child pornography on a laptop in his possession four years ago.

Gregory Joseph Lague was sentenced Wednesday in a Winnipeg court after pleading guilty to possessing unlawfully imported goods.

Lague was attempting to cross into Canada at the Emerson, Manitoba crossing on September 24, 2009 when his vehicle was subjected to a secondary test. Border agents seized a laptop, which later was found to contain child pornography.

Lague, a foreign national, has been in custody since October 10, 2012 pending his sentencing.

– Staff

Bisons’ Demski Earns Spot on International Bowl Roster

January 23, 2013 07:45 AM in Sports • 0 Comments

Posted by Brian Schultz

Nic Demski (CHRISD.CA FILE)

University of Manitoba Bisons football player Nic Demski has been selected to join the roster to play in the 2013 International Bowl.

Held in Austin, Texas on February 5, Demski will make up the World Team of 26 Canadians that plays Team USA.

The 19-year-old running back/kick returner follows in the footsteps of Bisons Anthony Coombs and Evan Gill, who made the World roster in 2012.

“This is another great opportunity for Nic to gain experience and highlight his tremendous skills while playing at an international level,” said Bisons head coach Brian Dobie.

Demski finished his second season at Manitoba and was named a 2012 CIS First Team All-Canadian at the kick returner position and also a 2012 Canada West All-Star for kick returner.

Winnipeg Comedian to Perform at Obama Inauguration

January 17, 2013 10:15 AM in Entertainment • 0 Comments

Gerry “The Big Bear” Barrett performing as Elvis Presley (HANDOUT)

A Winnipeg comedian and radio personality is headed to Washington, DC to perform at a U.S. Presidential Inauguration ball.

Gerry “The Big Bear” Barrett hosts the morning show on NCI-FM. Also the station’s program director, Barrett is a stand-up comedian and Elvis Presley impersonator.

“The booking came as a complete surprise to me,” Barrett said. “My agent phoned and asked if I was sitting down as he had the booking of a lifetime.”

The performance is set for the Native Nations Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian Institute on January 21. Being one of several official balls in the city, Barrett hopes it’s one of the few President Barack Obama attends with his wife, Michelle.

“The committee that inquired about my availability watched my promo video and they chose specific jokes and bits, political in nature, for me to tell. As for what song I should perform as Elvis, some of my Elvis friends suggested, “American Trilogy,” “America the Beautiful,” although given how the economy is they suggested I stay away from “In The Ghetto.”

Barrett is a proud Ojibwe from the Saugeen First Nation in Ontario.

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