The first winter storm to hit the Brandon region closed down highways and forced schools to close today. The storm is expected to ease later this evening, but not before dumping close to 50-centimetres of snow. Once the system moves on – temperatures are expected to drop.
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The City of Brandon has now started snow-clearing and sanding efforts on the major streets and bus routes. Remember, Snow Route parking restrictions are now in effect, and if your vehicle is in the way – it could get ticketed or towed.
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This afternoon, the Emergency Management Organization is conducting a test of the Alert Ready system. The test on radio, TV and your smart-phones will be heard at 1:55 pm. The alert is meant to warn us about critical and potentially life-threatening situations.
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If you’re looking for a real Christmas tree, they’re in short supply this year and prices are higher. The Green Spot’s Bernie Whetter told the Brandon Sun there are fewer and fewer Christmas tree farms in Canada – and growers in the U-S prefer to sell exclusively to American buyers. He says his trees are going for about $120 – up from $80 five years ago.
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The new Hologram Zoo in Brandon has now officially opened. The venue, in the former ‘Just 4 Kidz’ site on Park Avenue, features virtual reality experiences including a new Christmas exhibit complete with Santa’s sleigh and snowball fights – it opens this weekend. There’s also work underway on a restaurant.
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The Manitoba NDP delivered its Throne Speech yesterday outlining the government’s priorities for the new session. Highlights include stopping grocery stores from preventing competitors from opening nearby – freezing electricity rates for a year – opening 102 staffed health-care beds throughout the province – reducing ER wait times – and bringing in tougher penalties for landlords who neglect maintenance or evict tenants illegally.
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While talks continue at Canada Post – a new poll has found a majority of us want the government to get involved and end the strike. 57% of Canadians are in favour of Ottawa stepping in and moving talks to binding arbitration. About 55,000 ‘posties’ went on strike last Friday.
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Sitting at your desk all day may put you at greater risk for heart disease – even if you work out in your spare time. Researchers recommend to avoid sitting more than 10.6 hours a day. They also say standing at your desk might not be enough to turn things around – and suggest a bike or treadmill desk.
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Delta Air Lines newest dining option for first class passengers is nothing fancy – it’s the exact opposite. They’ve partnered with ‘Shake Shack’ to offer cheeseburgers. Passengers can add toppings like pickles and lettuce –
and Shack-Sauce, all served on the side. The meal also comes potato chips, a small Caesar salad and a chocolate brownie. This is not a first though – in the 90’s, United Airlines once served McDonald’s Happy Meals.
