Portage

A senior medical advisor with the Public Health Agency of Canada says the country could lose its measles elimination status if the highly contagious disease continues to spread into the fall.

Dr. Marina Salvadori warned of the possibility Thursday as cases in Ontario grew by nearly 200 infections, adding that would only occur if prolonged spread continued beyond mid-October 2025.

Spring seeding is well underway in the Portage area, with many producers busy getting crops like cereals, canola, and soybeans into the ground.

Jill Verwey, a Portage-area farmer and president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), says that while the weather has been favorable in the last few weeks, dry conditions in some parts of the region remain a concern.

"We’ve had some really good weather here in the last couple of weeks, and now that the sun is out and it’s warming up, I think things are going in pretty good," Verwey said. "Everybody is very busy and active."

A dry spring and high winds have led to burn bans in several municipalities, including the Municipality of North Norfolk, where fire officials say extra caution is needed to keep the community safe.

“It's been a fairly dry spring here. High winds, extreme temperatures,” said MacGregor fire chief Chris Leckie. “We haven't had any significant moisture in the area or for almost the entire province as of yet. So that's why we exercise some caution there and just decide to put on the ban to ensure everybody's safety.”

Veterans, diplomats, members of the Armed Forces and political leaders gathered Thursday at events across Canada commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

"Nearly every family knows somebody who suffered from the effect of war," said Fraser McKee, a 100-year-old veteran who helped to lay a wreath at the Toronto ceremony.

"This is to remember people that will have to go to war, as well as remembering those that went and didn’t come back."

Students at Yellowquill School are making creativity the centerpiece of their education with the return of the school's annual art show, now expanded to include music and dance. This year's theme, "O Canada: A Creative Tribute," celebrates Canadian identity through vibrant visual arts and performances, all crafted by students from kindergarten to grade 8.  

"We've been doing an art show annually for many years here at Yellowquill," said Carley Wood, a resource teacher at the school.

A wreath was placed at the Portage la Prairie Cenotaph early Thursday morning to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, quietly honouring the end of the Second World War in Europe and those who served.

The wreath-laying took place at 7:30 a.m. and will remain at the site until sunset. The act of remembrance acknowledged a turning point in Canadian and world history.

‘All of the known worlds celebrated’

Bob Oldford, service officer and past president of the Portage Legion Branch 65, laid the wreath on behalf of the local branch.

A new pope has been elected following the death of Pope Francis. White smoke began billowing from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling the decision by the College of Cardinals.

A large crowd in the thousands erupted into cheers as the words “Habemus Papam” ("We have a pope") rang out in St. Peter's Square, about an hour after the smoke first poured out. The new pope then came out onto the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and greeted the crowd.

Portage la Prairie’s Director of Public Safety and Fire Chief Brad Bailey reports a drastic reduction in emergency calls and false alarms at Oak Tree Towers since the province implemented 24-hour security at the affordable housing complex. Community Safety Office Manager Caitlyn Saindon confirms similar declines in service requests.

Dakota Tipi First Nation Chief Dennis Pashe and development advisor Blake Russell provided updates on a major housing and commercial project underway on Saskatchewan Avenue West in Portage la Prairie. The development, a partnership between Dakota Tipi and Kenmare Developments, includes 54 residential units and 8,700 square feet of retail space, with completion expected this fall.

Affordable housing and commercial growth

Blake Russell notes the project aligns with provincial housing programs, reserving approximately 10 to 11 units as affordable housing.

William “Bill” Arthur Rodgers

1929 – 2025

William (Bill) Arthur Rodgers, age 95, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 5th, 2025.

Bill was born on December 14th, 1929, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, the eldest of 3 boys to Arthur and Isabel Rodgers.