Portage

The rhythmic beat of drums and the cleansing scent of smouldering sage and sweetgrass filled La Verendrye School (LVS) in Portage la Prairie earlier this week.

The school hosted a heartfelt indigenous ceremony, a special send-off for Grade 12 students graduating from Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) who began their educational journeys within LVS's walls.

A traditional cultural celebration

It was a vibrant celebration of achievement and a poignant homecoming steeped in cultural tradition.

Students at Oakville School (OVS) wrapped up the school year with a fun-filled day that brought everyone together. The school put a new spin on its traditional year-end field day, rebranding it as Fun Fest. On Tuesday morning, Kindergarten to Grade 4 enjoyed a variety of exciting activities that challenged their skills, sparked laughter, and kept smiles on everyone’s faces.

Wesley Huber has been named Volunteer of the Month by the City of Portage la Prairie, recognized for stepping up as coach of the PCI Trojans hockey team when no one else would.

“It is unexpected for sure, but you know it’s a great honor for to be recognized in anything,” Huber says. “That was great to be recognized.”

Jumping in to save the team from folding

Huber got involved because the team was at risk of folding due to the absence of a coach.

The Portage Stampeders Special Olympics team delivered an unforgettable performance, capturing medals and embodying spirit at the 2025 Provincial Summer Games for Special Olympics Manitoba this past weekend.

Head Coach Deanna Talbot beams with pride as her athletes return home triumphant, each having earned at least one medal from the provincial competition.

Westpark School’s Class of 2025 gathered Tuesday for a heartfelt send-off, celebrating years of shared memories, hard work, and friendships.

Among the proud graduates was valedictorian Katherine Knox, who delivered an emotional speech to classmates, staff, and families at the ceremony.

“It was really good. It actually went really smoothly,” notes Knox. “It wasn't very long. Only about an hour and a half, but everyone was happy.”

Knox says she teared up while giving her address but managed to power through.

For the past several days, Robert Pehura has been on what he describes as an emotional roller coaster. But writing his father’s obituary helped steady him. James Pehura passed away early this week, and Rob remembers him not just as a father, but as one of the kindest people you could meet.

Growing up, he notes he didn’t always realize the impact his dad had on others. But looking back, the signs were there.

“He just had a gift,” Rob says. “And people either have it or they don't. He definitely had it in spades.”

Buses carrying residents from the northern city of Flin Flon were being loaded up Wednesday morning, preparing to bring them back after a menacing wildfire forced thousands to flee weeks earlier.

"Welcome home to everyone," Deputy Mayor Alison Dallas-Funk said in a Facebook video Wednesday morning.

"Can't wait to have you back in community."

Buses began leaving Winnipeg and Brandon before 10 a.m., a schedule posted online showed. Residents staying elsewhere could expect to leave for Flin Flon later Wednesday, while some travelled back on their own. 

A well-known cave-like tunnel that attracts boaters to eastern Manitoba has reopened thanks to some ingenuity involving a backhoe, a grappling bucket and a crew removing fallen rock from a tight, gorge-like opening.

The tunnel between Caddy Lake and South Cross Lake, just north of the Trans-Canada Highway and west of the Ontario boundary, is the first of two cave-like tunnels along a popular water route for people in canoes, kayaks and small motorboats.

A wave of pride washed over Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment yesterday afternoon as Red River College Polytech (RRC Polytech) honoured its 2025 graduates from the Portage Campus during a vibrant spring convocation ceremony.

The event, described as the college's largest ever, saw graduates cross the stage to the cheers of family and friends, marking the culmination of significant dedication and effort.

The Prairie Pregnancy Support Centre (PPSC) in Portage la Prairie continues to grow as more families reach out for support during and after pregnancy.

Director Mary Loewen says their services are free and confidential, covering everything from pregnancy testing and parenting programs to counselling and donated supplies.