Portage

As wildfires continue to threaten parts of Manitoba, fire departments from across the province are stepping up to provide support.

The Austin Fire Department dispatched five of its members on Friday to help combat the ongoing blazes in the Whiteshell area. The members spent the day in the region and will reassess their need heading into the weekend.

A part-time member of the Portage la Prairie Fire Department is also in the region as part of the provincial ground search and rescue team.

Nathan Peto, CEO of Southport Aerospace Centre, accepted the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce’s Future Champions Award on May 12, citing the organization’s dual focus on economic growth and social responsibility. The award, presented at Winnipeg’s Club Regent Event Centre, honors businesses driving innovation in Manitoba.

Balancing profit and purpose

Peto notes the recognition reflects Southport’s 30-year legacy.

The program supports four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba by awarding $10,000 grants each to projects that support rural communities.
 
Garrett Ganden, President and CEO of Rocky Mountain Equipment, says they take pride in being embedded in rural communities in Western Canada.

Last year’s grant recipients were:

The Forestburg Ag Society in Northern Alberta, which received a credit towards a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom its indoor riding arena used for barrel racing and rodeo practice

Another case of avian influenza has been detected, this time in Alberta in a non-commercial, non-poultry flock in Leduc County. 

The premise is under CFIA quarantine and subject to restrictions, bringing the total number of AI cases in Alberta now to two.

Two cases have been found in Manitoba, three in Saskatchewan, and three in British Columbia, including an ostrich farm.

There are now 19 premises across Canada infected with AI.

Numerous countries are dealing with avian influenza.

Gary Sloik settles into his seat at the Portage Golf Club, where a group of seniors now gathers for morning coffee after relocating from their winter spot at the Herman Prior Activity Centre. The tradition, he explains, has bounced between locations for years—starting pre-pandemic at the Canad Inn office, shifting to Herman Prior during COVID-19, and returning to the golf club each summer.

The Manitoba Agricultural Museum has officially opened for the 2025 season, with Quilt Week and the Homesteaders’ Village welcoming visitors as of May 12. Located near Austin, the museum now operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This season features a mix of tradition and new experiences across the site, which includes more than 25 heritage and replica buildings.

Rob Pehura, head coach of the Central Plains Sea Lions, reflects on a season of swimming for his team as the swimmers are tackling back-to-back meets across Manitoba and beyond. The team recently competed in Kenora and Winnipeg, with athletes like Carson Pehura—Robert’s son—gearing up for high-stakes events like the Mel Zajac International Meet in Vancouver.

Balancing competition and adaptation

Pehura notes the grueling schedule has been a test of endurance.

With the long weekend upon us, many Portagers may be looking for ways to spend time with friends, family, loved ones, or by themselves.

We've compiled a list of activities for this May long weekend that you and yours can enjoy.

#1: Relive history at a local museum

The Fort la Reine museum is opening this weekend, and new this season is the CPR Rail Exhibit, located in the Visitor Centre.

The exhibit came to be with the help of the local CPR Heritage Station, and delves into the wealth of history behind the railways that helped bring our region to life.

The sexual assault case of five hockey players faced another major upheaval Friday, abruptly converting from a jury to a judge alone in order to avoid a mistrial that would have rebooted the proceedings for a second time in less than a month.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia ruled to discharge the jury Friday over concerns about possible jury bias. The move came after a juror sent a note to the Carroccia indicating some members of the panel felt two of the defence lawyers were laughing at them as they came into court each day.