Portage

A Manitoba grand chief says better cell coverage could help responses to emergencies such as last week's mass stabbings on Hollow Water First Nation.

Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs' Organization says First Nations deserve connection to emergency services the same as other communities.

The first-ever Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Southern Manitoba took place this past weekend in Portage la Prairie.

Tara-Marie Hall was one of the organizers, and says the turnout was great. 

"We had a really good crowd. It was a nice distance, and everybody had fun. We had the juggler with us, and everybody was cheering other people on, especially at the finish line. So, it was a big team effort."

Federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers are gathered in Manitoba this week for critical discussions on the future of Canadian agriculture. The meetings, which wrap up Tuesday, come at a time when global trade disruptions, domestic infrastructure needs, and food security are top of mind for producers and policymakers alike.

Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald says the meetings are an opportunity to listen to regional concerns and collaborate on national solutions.

As federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers are meeting in Winnipeg this week, the future of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is drawing renewed attention. While the Conservative Party has proposed eliminating the broader program, both farm leaders and Conservative MPs are emphasizing that agriculture will remain exempt.

Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), stressed the importance of the program to the sector.

Conservative Agriculture Critic John Barlow and Canadian Federation of Agriculture President Keith Currie are calling on the federal Liberal government to approve the emergency use of strychnine as a way to deal with the increased number of gophers or Richardson’s ground squirrels (RGS) across the Prairies.

 A vibrant new hub for recreation and community connection is officially open in Portage la Prairie, as the Peony Farm Community Park celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, September 7th.

The event drew approximately 75-80 people, beginning with a "learn to play pickleball" activity on the park's new multi-use court before community representatives took to the stage to thank those who made the project possible.

The Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie has launched a STEM program for children, blending science and technology projects with the group’s mission of cultural and community service.

Financial secretary and treasurer Oluwasegun Akintajuwa says the program grew directly out of the association’s mission statement, which focuses on cultural identity, integration, and contributing positively to the broader Portage community.

With sadness we announce the passing of Robert Steeden on August 31, 2025 at his home at the age of 55 years.

Peacefully Peter Cebrij passed away on September 4, 2025, with family by his side at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Left to mourn his passing are his children Nadia (Ryan), Holly (Rod), Gina (Karl) and Jay; grandchildren Mila, Anna, Alyssa, Robyn and Santee; brother Mike; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Peter was predeceased by his parents Pearl and Wasyl Cebry and sister Anna.

The smell of sizzling hot dogs filled the air around the Lions Prairie Manor this past Friday, with Lions Club members and volunteers coming together for Lions Prairie Manor Residents.

People came through during the lunch period between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., purchasing a jumbo hot dog, chips, a drink, and a bakery cookie for $10, with proceeds going directly towards the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation.