Portage

Forty-five years after Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland, his mission continues to inspire Canadians of all ages. This year's theme 'Finish It' reflects not the end of a run, but the continuation of the dream, ending the suffering that cancer causes. For Fred Fox, Terry's older brother, the message is as powerful today as it was back in 1980.

During his recent visit to Winnipeg, he reflected on the enduring impact of his brother's legacy.

Manitoba's auditor general is suggesting the province should have more oversight over the operations of municipalities following an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement, improper governance practices and lack of accountability measures. 

Over the course of a year, Tyson Shtykalo investigated claims against six municipalities, with some of the allegations dating back as far as five years. 

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

As the Labour Day long weekend nears, many Manitobans are making plans for one last outdoor escape before back-to-school routines and cooler temperatures take hold. Prime campsites may already be snapped up, but Manitoba Parks says there's still no shortage of natural beauty to explore, and the summer camping season was a solid success, despite some weather challenges. 

The anticipated edge-of-your-seat-byelection for who was going to claim their chair around the table in the Manitoba Legislature to represent Spruce Woods didn't disappoint.  Both PC Candidate (and now newly elected MLA) Colleen Robbins and NDP candidate, Ray Berthelette, both hovered close to that 3,000 mark, but Robbins took the win with just 70 votes more at the finish line.

Colleen Robbins (PC) received 2,805 votes.  Ray Berthelette (NDP) was not far behind with 2,735 votes, and Liberal candidate Stephen Reid came in with 444 votes.

The Positive Portage Runners are finding their stride as a local group that brings together community members who share a love for running, walking, and staying active.

Organizer Diane Wing says the idea started a few years ago after she looked for something similar closer to home.

“I travelled to Winnipeg sometimes to go run with the group and thought this would be so much fun. I thought, let's see if Portage would like to do something like this. I got some good responses,” notes Wing.

The Herman Prior Activity Centre is heading into a packed fall schedule, with several major events lined up. Executive Director Kathy Bryce says the building is already buzzing as preparations come together.

One of the highlights this week is the annual Rainbow Auction in partnership with Sunset Palliative Care, hosted inside the auditorium. The auction coincides with the popular car hop, which has become a staple for the centre.

Emergency crews responded to a single-vehicle rollover near PR 352 and Road 68W on Wednesday afternoon, only to find the vehicle abandoned and its occupants missing.

Austin MB Fire Department was dispatched to the scene around 2:20 p.m., where they discovered a sedan resting on its roof. No one was inside the vehicle when firefighters arrived.

The RCMP is looking for a Fairford woman after a drug trafficking investigation led to the discovery of cocaine and weapons at a home along Highway 6.

The Manitoba East District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST) began looking into suspected cocaine trafficking at the residence on August 18. Just days later, on August 22, officers executed a search warrant for the property with support from the Gypsumville RCMP.

No one was home at the time of the search, but police say drugs were found hidden in various compartments throughout the house.