Portage

Farmer Keaton Bachalo didn’t have the day off—but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the 2025 Farmer’s Appreciation Lunch with his family. Still in his work clothes, Bachalo made time to take a short break from his fieldwork to connect with fellow producers.

“The pulled pork really hit the spot after a day at work,” notes Bachalo. “I’m still in my work clothes. I’m ready to go back at it.”

He brought his son Blake along for the outing, describing it as a meaningful part of his day.

UPDATE: Miraculously, despite the severe appearance of the T-bone collision that took place yesterday, no injuries were reported, and neither of the drivers was sent to hospital.

At around 1:45 p.m. today, a white pickup truck collided with a silver SUV at the intersection of 25th St. and Saskatchewan Ave in Portage la Prairie.

Two police cruisers, one fire truck, and one ambulance were called to the scene.

The annual Senior Slo-pitch Tournament is in full swing at Republic of Manitobah Park in Portage la Prairie, with nine teams taking the field over two days of friendly but spirited competition.

Games began Tuesday, with players returning Wednesday to wrap up the tournament. The event features multiple divisions and draws slo-pitch enthusiasts from across the region.

Coach Robinson says the tournament has become a yearly tradition that continues to bring players together.

The state-of-the-art hospital is nearing completion in Portage, and the excitement in the community is building. Tara Pettinger, the executive director of the Portage District General Hospital foundation shared updates on the highly anticipated facility and the many ways the foundation is helping bring the project to life.

With construction slated to wrap up by the end of the year, Pettinger highlighted the impressive progress being made both inside and outside the hospital.

Manitoba country band Prairieline is gearing up for one of their biggest performances yet this summer as they prepare to hit the stage at the Manitoba Stampede for the first time.

"We're pretty excited actually for this one, it's kind of one of the bigger ones this summer," said bassist and backup vocalist Josh Gareau. " We are really excited to hit the stage right after Nelson Little on the Friday night."

The Province of Manitoba is responding to concerns from Portage la Prairie residents about worsening weed growth and uncertain water levels at Crescent Lake.

Thick vegetation has been building up across the lake this summer, and city officials say they’re limited in how they can manage it. At the same time, the city has had to pause its usual practice of pumping water in from the Assiniboine River, something that’s been done for decades, due to rules connected to aquatic invasive species (AIS).

TUESDAY, JULY 8TH

Manitoba Junior Baseball League
Pembina Valley 5 Carillon 11

American Association Baseball
Sioux Falls Canaries 12 Winnipeg Goldeyes 5

MLB
Toronto 6 Chicago White Sox 1 (6 Innings - Game called due to rain)

Two student pilots died Tuesday morning after their single-engine planes collided mid-air during practice exercises, the head of a pilot training school said.

The students, who were not identified, were practising takeoffs and landings when they appear to have tried to land at the same time on the small rural runway south of Steinbach, said Adam Penner, president of Harv's Air. 

The collision left the planes wrecked in a field on private property, roughly 400 metres from the runway.

This past weekend, the Portage Ex Fair returned in full force with record-breaking attendance, expanded entertainment, and rave reviews from both visitors and vendors. 

Fair general manager Heather Greenlay and Paul Trimble, chair of the Gate and Midway Committee, agree that the three-day celebration delivered a strong showing despite challenges like heat and Canada Day logistics. 

A new exhibition now open at Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment in Portage la Prairie is stirring fond memories for anyone familiar with summers at Delta Beach.

My Delta Experience by local artist Karen Braden is on display in the Portage Mutual Gallery until Sept. 4, featuring 42 detailed works inspired by her time at the lake between 1980 and 2010.

Lee Beaton, manager of gallery operations, says Braden has been a longtime contributor to the local arts community and it’s special to see her work on full display.