Local News

Toys Days presented by Penfor Construction is coming up soon. 

Toy coordinator Joanne Dyck says it’s always great to see parents take their kids to partake in the gift giving. 

“That is the best. I think they're teaching their kids a great lesson to give and to be generous to others, and to let them know that not everybody has all the same opportunities to bless their kids at Christmas as some families do.” 

Manitoba's Premier has promised an increase in funding to municipalities.

Speaking at the annual fall convention of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Wab Kinew told delegates that his government is creating the One Manitoba Growth Revenue Fund. Kinew says it is worth $62 million over the next five years, in what he calls a historic commitment to municipalities across the province.

The Center in Swift Current was pleased to accept the proceeds from this year's Co-op Week BBQ that took place last month.

Pioneer Co-op and Innovation Federal Credit Union partnered up to raise $1,200 for The Center's youth meal program.

Nathan Wiebe, executive director at The Center, highlighted that the meal program has been providing kids with high-quality meals for the past decade. 

Steinbach’s Deputy Mayor offered opening comments to begin the most recent City Council Meeting, highlighting the importance of focusing on essential services, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and recognizing the hard work of city staff. 

Drawing on his experience at a municipal conference in Calgary earlier this year, Zwaagstra talked about that city’s water crisis and how it underscored the need for reliable infrastructure. 

On Sunday, firefighters switched from fire to ice in support of the Winkler Christmas Cheerboard.  

Friendly competition 

Rick Schroeder is the head organizer of the Charity Classic that sees the Winkler Fire Department lace up the skates to take on the Winkler Flyers in the annual hockey game. It's always entertaining. 

It was somewhat disappointing, but it is new money.

That was RM of Portage la Prairie Acting Reeve Roy Tufford's reaction to the premier's Association of Manitoba Municipalities announcement of municipal funding.

Tuesday night's Lotto Max grand prize is worth $80 million for only the second time in Canadian history.

Back in September, the rules were changed to allow the jackpot to grow up to a maximum of $80 million.

It's only the second time the jackpot has reached $80 million as no one won Friday's jackpot of $75 million.

There will also be a number of Maxmillions prizes up for grabs.

The first record-breaking jackpot was split between two winners from Ontario and Quebec.

Light snow, a gusty wind and freezing rain were all wreaking havoc on Manitoba highways once again last night, especially in areas northwest of Portage. An accident was reported on social media near Macdonald on Highway 16, closing the highway from around 6:30 p.m. until 10:45 p.m. Traffic was reportedly at a standstill between Westbourne and Macdonald.

Most roads inside the city of Portage la Prairie are slick as well with the new fallen snow.

The new Estevan city council sat down for their first meeting on Monday night, with both old and new faces among those on the council.

Returning councillors Kirsten Walliser and Shelley Veroba returned to the council, joined by new councillors Brian Johnson, Dave Elliot, Matthew Dubowski, and Tom Mauss. Former councillor Anthony Sernick presided over the council as mayor.

The Alberta government announced new changes to its auto insurance system that will take place over the next two years.

Strathmore drivers may be able to cash in on savings as the plan is called the Care-First system and a new website has been launched to help residents navigate the changes and benefits.

According to the province, the program will help with better medical and faster income support benefits.

The benefits will last through the recovery period when Albertans are injured in collisions.