Portage

Portage la Prairie’s green thumbs are getting ready to show off their work as the third annual Holiday Avenue Garden Tour returns on Saturday, July 12, and this year, one stop already has a provincial award to its name.

Running from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the self-guided event features eight garden locations across the Portage area. Each stop offers something different, from sprawling rural landscapes to charming small-space designs.

The summer sun is here, and so is a full lineup of local events to keep the days bright and busy. From vintage cars to muddy trails, and from fireworks to food trucks, there’s something for everyone happening this weekend and well into next week. 

Canadian varietal development system called a success story

Canada’s system of developing wheat varieties is both efficient and effective, says a University of Saskatchewan agricultural economist.

Australia invests much more into wheat genetics and improving varieties, but the yield gains are similar to Canadian results.

“In Australia, they’re spending three to five times what we are, right now, on wheat research and wheat genetics,” said Richard Gray, Canadian grain policy research chair at the U of S.

The annual COPP-RCMP Charity Golf Tournament teed off Thursday in Portage la Prairie, continuing a long-running tradition that raises funds for local youth while showcasing strong community support for the Citizens on Patrol Program. 

Held under sunny skies, this year's event welcomed dozens of golfers, local sponsors, and volunteers. Everyone is working together to support a cause that benefits both safety and youth development in the region. 

The group representing Manitoba physicians is warning people in northern and rural areas that they could see reduced hours and periodic closures in emergency rooms this summer.

Doctors Manitoba says based on the data and feedback it has received, 20 — or one quarter of rural hospitals — will have their emergency rooms open around the clock.

"This isn't a new problem. It's been building for many years, but the prolonged uncertainty and short staffing is taking a toll," group president Dr. Nichelle Desilets said Thursday.

The Federal Court has approved a multi-billion-dollar class-action settlement for people who suffered abuse at federally run 'Indian hospitals' following out-of-court negotiations between Ottawa and Indigenous survivors.

The federal government ran 33 such hospitals between 1936 and 1981. The total compensation amount is expected to be between $3 billion and $5.3 billion.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Thursday that a 49-year-old Canadian has died while in its custody.

A detainee death notice from the agency, commonly known as ICE, said that Johnny Noviello was pronounced dead by the Miami Fire Rescue Department at 1:36 p.m. on June 23.

The agency said he was found unresponsive at 12:54 p.m. at a federal detention centre where he was being held pending deportation proceedings. Medical staff attempted CPR and defibrillation but were unsuccessful, the agency said.

They make for an interesting concoction, these ever-evolving Winnipeg Blue Bombers now just three games into their 2025 Canadian Football League schedule.

Some, not all, of the familiar faces still remain in place from a crew that has appeared in five straight Grey Cup games, with championships in 2019 and 2021 and the early indicators are they have been mixed with a tasty crew of newcomers and second-year pros who are bringing their own magic to the potion.

THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH

CFL
Winnipeg 36 Edmonton 23

American Association Baseball
Winnipeg Goldeyes 5 Sioux City Explorers 4 (7 Innings)
Sioux City Explorers 1 Winnipeg Goldeyes (7 Innings)

MLB
Toronto 6 Cleveland 0

FRIDAY, JUNE 27TH

The final school board meeting of the year was a heartfelt evening of community, celebration, and reflection on years of quiet dedication. On Wednesday, Tricia Sawchuk, a Grade 1 teacher at Oakville School (OVS), was presented with the Portage la Prairie School Division (PLPSD) Excellence in Education Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions and commitment to her students.