Portage

The 600 residents of Lynn Lake in northern Manitoba are being told to leave town for the second time this year due to wildfires.

Town officials say a fire is threatening Manitoba Hydro transmission lines and, if those lines are damaged, the community could be without power for a month.

The town is offering transportation for evacuees and a reception centre has been set up in Brandon, about 1,100 kilometres by road to the south.

Portage la Prairie families and their cherished stuffed companions filled the air with laughter this past Wednesday evening as the Portage Family Resource Centre hosted its bustling 4th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic.

A record crowd of 97 parents and children enjoyed themed activities, stories, and songs under the summer sky.

Programming Director Peter Thiessen highlights the event's growing momentum.

Organizers are putting in long hours this week as the Portage Ex prepares to welcome visitors for another action-packed weekend.

This year’s event promises something for everyone, including midway rides, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, live music, agriculture shows, and more.

Board member Kaitlyn Richaud says the team is working hard to bring it all together for families to enjoy.

Manitoba’s measles case numbers continue to rise, reaching 116 confirmed and eight probable as of June 28, 2025. Most cases involve unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children exposed within their communities.

Monthly case breakdown shows surge in May

Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox says Manitoba’s municipal leaders are continuing to push for meaningful bail reform, even if their efforts don’t always make headlines. Knox, alongside Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, has been part of a joint campaign urging federal action on the issue.

Manitoba fair season kicks into high gear this weekend with the return of the Portage Ex Fair, Carberry Fair & Races, Eriksdale Creamery Days, and the weekly Gladstone Farmer’s Market. Each event brings its own flavour of small-town hospitality, family fun, and rural tradition.

Members from the Neepawa, Erickson, and Rapid City 4-H Beef Clubs came together for a full day of competition, teamwork, and celebration at the annual Neepawa 4-H Fat Stock Inter Club Show and Sale on July 2nd at Stride Exhibition Grounds. 

Shelley Bjarnarson, head leader of the Neepawa 4-H Beef Club and chairperson of the Inter-Club Committee, walked through the day’s schedule while the action was getting ready to happen behind her. 

Company works with the Farming Smarter Association as it searches for options other than the century-old Russet Burbank variety

Russet Burbank has been the go to potato variety for Canadian farmers and consumers.

This year, McCain Foods in Chin, Alta., has entered a corporate partnership with the Farming Smarter Association to explore the viability of other varieties in its food processing plant for farmers to consider.

Farming Smarter is using one of its commercial plots to do a research trial growing four varieties using six treatments.

Members of the Oakville and Portage 4-H Clubs are ready to show off a year’s worth of dedication at their upcoming Steer and Lamb Sale this Friday, July 4 at the Portage Ex grounds.

The event kicks off at 2 p.m., with a free lunch for prospective buyers from noon until 1 p.m.

Chase Wood from the Oakville 4-H Club shares that this year he’s bringing a steer and a heifer to the sale.

Portage la Prairie has earned a spot among the top eight communities in North America for best-tasting water, following a rigorous competition at the American Water Works Association’s annual conference in Denver.