Portage

Dry conditions are creating mounting concern for Manitoba producers as rainfall totals in many areas fall well below the seasonal norm. According to provincial livestock and forage specialist Shawn Cabak, climate data shows a sharp contrast from last year, with major implications for forage yields and pasture health. 

James “Jim” Wallace Pehura

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of James “Jim” Pehura on June 22, 2025. He died peacefully, surrounded by family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. A father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and retired principal, he leaves behind an unmeasurable impact on the lives of his family, students, co-workers and friends in Portage la Prairie.

A top federal official said fixing the payroll problems caused by Phoenix cost taxpayers more than $5 billion — and they'll keep paying extra to run two public service payroll platforms at once as Ottawa weans itself off the problem-plagued system.

Alex Benay, associate deputy minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, said the alternative to running the Phoenix system in tandem with its replacement, Dayforce, would have been worse.

"The unfortunate situation is there's no easy path," he said. "This is the one that's going to impact employees the least."

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

MONDAY, JUNE 23RD

Santa Clara Baseball League
Austin 4 Portage 5
Neepawa 14 Carberry 1
Plumas 7 Minnedosa 0

TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH

Manitoba Junior Baseball League
Altona at Winnipeg South Junior - 7:00 PM

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

The June 23, 2025, City Council meeting saw Waterworks Committee Chair Faron Nicholls provide an update on two initiatives under his portfolio — the city’s annual water main flushing program and ongoing lead testing efforts.

The flushing program is a routine part of maintaining the city’s water infrastructure and involves clearing out iron and other residues that accumulate in the water mains over time. Crews flush the mains at high velocities to scour accumulated sediment from the pipes.

A house fire is every family’s worst nightmare, where seconds matter, and years of memories can vanish in an instant. For the Holben family of Poplar Point, that nightmare became reality in the early morning hours of May 21st.

A frightening morning

Samantha Holben, daughter of Arny and Claire Holben, remembers the terrifying start to the day that would change her parents' lives. Around 4 a.m., Claire awoke to strange sounds and assumed she had left a tap running. 

“She opened her bedroom door and was almost knocked down by the smoke,” notes Holben.

Under initially uncertain skies that gave way to perfect sunshine, six dedicated golfers conquered an incredible 90 holes each at the Portage Golf Club today, all in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie.

The marathon fundraiser saw participants tee off early this morning, battling fatigue but buoyed by community spirit and a beautiful afternoon, ultimately raising crucial funds for the organization's mentoring programs.

The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier is finalizing a new strategic plan following months of community engagement. Residents, advisory groups and municipal committees were all invited to participate, and Council says the feedback received is helping shape the municipality’s direction in the years ahead.