Local News

High River's Outdoor Rink Project is well underway.  

Crews began pouring the new cement slab last Thursday, (Sept. 11).

The $750,000 project to replace the old rink at McLaughlin Meadows began in August.  

An alert was issued at 12:25 p.m. today (Monday) from Environment Canada.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for parts of southwestern Manitoba, warning that conditions are favourable for funnel cloud development through this evening.

The statement, issued at 12:21 p.m. CDT on Monday, covers

Update 1:26 pm:

The power is back on in Simmie, Climax, Eastend, Val Marie, and all surrounding areas.

SaskPower noted repairs have been completed, and your power should be restored.

If your power didn't come back on, you can let them know at 310-2220, or report it online at http://saskpower.com/reportoutage.

Original Report 11:15 am:

A significant power outage has impacted Simmie, Climax, Eastend, Val Marie, and all surrounding areas.

The playground at Heritage Heights School was officially reopened on Friday, Sept. 12.

Several new elements were added, including saucer swings, a merry-go-round, an off-roader, a playhouse, and a "DreamWeaver" climbing net.

Funding came from a few sources, including grants and community fundraising.

Principal Rita Marie Rahn said support went beyond money.

Parks Canada is reminding hikers to stay alert as bears enter their busiest feeding season of the year.

Late summer and fall mark hyperphagia, a period when bears dramatically increase their food intake to prepare for winter hibernation.

During this phase, bears eat almost constantly, targeting high calorie foods like berries to build up fat reserves for the months ahead.

Travellers heading up to Rosetown on Highway 4 can expect delays. 

Roughly 17 kilometres south of Rosetown, traffic is being restricted to a single lane due to ongoing culvert replacement work. 

Crews are on site, with a traffic light directing traffic into a single lane. 

Reduced speeds are being enforced. 

This work is scheduled to be completed by September 20, 2025. 

It has many names across India, but the spirit of it is dancing and celebrating together. 

On Saturday at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre, Garba (a form that includes song and dance) took place in Altona for the annual Hindu festival of Navratri, which is a 9-day affair.  

Portage la Prairie firefighters were called to a small garage fire on 3rd Street Northwest at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Chief Brad Bailey says crews were on scene for a couple of hours before clearing.

The garage was located against the back lane, and firefighters returned later that night when smoke was reported. Bailey notes they went back just before midnight to ensure it was fully out.

“Itwas starting to smoke, so we went back just to deal with that,” says Bailey.

The MP for Provencher is back in Ottawa for the fall sitting of Parliament.

The House of Commons is scheduled to sit from September 15 to December 12. Ted Falk says the return to Parliament is a little bit like an excited kid on the night before the first day of school. According to Falk, Parliament has only sat for four weeks of the last eight months, and so this is still a chance to get to know some of the newer Parliamentarians. 

Falk says that as Conservatives, they are very curious to see what the Liberal legislative agenda will look like. 

Voters in Ponoka will elect a mayor and six councillors on Oct. 20.

Advance voting is scheduled for Oct. 15 to 18, with locations still to be announced. Eligible voters are reminded to bring identification. A list of accepted ID can be found on the Town of Ponoka website.

The deadline to file nomination papers is Sept. 22 at noon.

So far, two candidates have filed notices of intent for mayor:

• Kevin Ferguson

• Edwin Geuder