Portage

It’s early — waaay too early — to make any bold declarations and concrete proclamations. Shoot, it’s still June.

Yet, say this about the work-in-progress Winnipeg Blue Bombers two weeks into the Canadian Football League season:

There are just enough flashes of brilliance on offence and special teams — both units backed by a stifling defence — to have everyone in Bomberland sliding to the front of their collective seats wanting to witness much, much more of the 2025 edition.

Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling for de-escalation after the United States carried out strikes against Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday.

Carney issued a social media post saying the U.S. military action was "designed to alleviate" threats posed by Iran, but the situation in the Middle East remains "highly volatile."

He says stability in the region is a priority and is calling on parties to get back to the negotiating table to find a diplomatic solution.

A sunny sky and strong turnout helped turn this year’s Walk for Alzheimer’s into something more than just a fundraiser. It became a day of connection, compassion, and community strength. For Nicole McDonald, senior manager of Dementia-Friendly Communities with the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, and Pam Anderson local office coordinator, the energy of the crowd spoke volumes. 

A powerful community moment 

McDonald reflects on the strong turnout and sense of unity at the event, crediting local support and enthusiasm for making the day so memorable. 

Portage la Prairie’s growing disc golf community is gearing up for a major milestone.

The Portage la Prairie Disc Golf Club is hosting its 10th annual Portage Open tournament this summer. Chairperson Cody Buhler says the event has come a long way since the first tee-off back in 2015.

“We’ve been holding this tournament since the course was founded back in 2015,” notes Buhler. “So this year is our 10th edition of the Portage Open. We’re really excited to have competitors coming from all over Manitoba.”

The Town of Carberry is in the running to win a new set of bleachers and they’re counting on public support to help get them across the finish line.

Carberry is a finalist in the Ugliest Bleachers Contest, hosted by Sports Systems. The winning community will receive a full set of brand-new bleachers, with second and third place earning credits toward future purchases.

Callie Sudak, manager of joint services for Carberry, says the current bleachers are in bad shape.

Students from Portage Collegiate Institute’s PCI Channel 1 visited Golden West Broadcasting on June 18 in Portage la Prairie as part of the “PCI Channel 1 Takeover” event.

The group toured CFRY 920AM, Country 93.1, and Mix 96.5 studios, gaining insight into how local radio stations operate alongside their work with PortageOnline.

PCI Channel 1 has been a student-led initiative for more than five years, producing video content that ranges from live sports broadcasts and community interviews to monthly newscasts and school event coverage.

First Nations youth leaders are warning Canadians can expect a long, tense summer of protests as governments push forward with plans to fast-track major projects — and young people will be leading the charge.

"You will see us in your cities, your city's hubs," said Ramon Kataquapit, a youth councillor with the Chiefs of Ontario and Nishnawbe Aski Nation and a member of Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario.

Portage la Prairie celebrates a unique distinction as local volunteers Angela and Colin Hourie each receive the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal, recognizing their exceptional dedication to community service.

The couple stands out as both partners independently earned the honour through their tireless work with different organizations, marking a rare double recognition within their community.

Midland MLA Lauren Stone is calling out the provincial government’s decisions during the recent legislative session, saying affordability challenges are being made worse by new tax policies.

Stone reflects on the session and says the NDP’s approach has been reactive, not planned.

Short-sighted decisions and rising costs

Stone says Manitobans are already feeling the effects of the rising cost of living, and new government policy is adding to the pressure. She points to the elimination of the education property tax rebate as a major concern.

Portage la Prairie celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day today with official recognition and community festivities. Mayor Sharilyn Knox and City Council issued a formal proclamation honoring the day, followed by public celebrations starting at Stride Place.

City officially recognizes significance

Mayor Knox and Council formally proclaimed June 21st as National Indigenous Peoples Day in Portage la Prairie. Lori Anderson, Administrative Assistant at the Portage Friendship Centre, attended the signing and shared her appreciation.