Portage

The energy was electric at the North Norfolk Bull Bash last night as fans from across the region packed the stands to witness an evening of high-octane bull riding, community spirit, and rising stars in the sport.

"It was a packed house, outstanding athletes, two and four-legged," said Ben Kinkead, owner of Crossfire Bull Riding, who helped organize the event. "We had three really outstanding rides. The crowd was into it all night, packed house with a great atmosphere. So, we were very happy."

The City of Portage la Prairie and Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation are being recognized on the national stage for their work on reconciliation.

The two communities have received the 2025 Collaboration Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for their June 2024 reconciliation ceremony and formal apology. The award was presented during CAMA’s national conference in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

Portage la Prairie students will keep exploring the globe thanks to a new community-led initiative.

Teachers Laura McMaster and JoEllen Sevcenko have co-founded the Portage Travel Club.

This move comes after the Portage School Division recently decided to stop approving international student trips, prompting the veteran educators to ensure these life-changing experiences remain available locally.

Why Travel Matters

McMaster passionately explains the club’s core purpose, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of student travel.

Tiff Macklem is wearing an Edmonton Oilers pin as he reflects on coming very close to beating big odds.

It's a significant day for the governor of the Bank of Canada: he's just laid out his reasons to the entire country and a global audience for keeping the central bank's benchmark interest rate steady for a second straight time.

That night is also Game 1 of the NHL's Stanley Cup finals; Macklem ends his press conference with a hearty "Go Oilers!"

The sounds of trains and the excitement of enthusiasts filled the historical train station in Portage la Prairie this weekend during Portage Train Day, an annual event that draws model railroading fans from across Manitoba. Hosted by the Portage Model Railroad Club, the event featured seven displays and welcomed clubs like the Manitoba T-Track Group to showcase their layouts and foster community ties.

A recent uptick in black bear sightings along Highway 26 near St. François Xavier has raised questions about why the animals are venturing closer to roads and residential areas. According to wildlife experts, the answer likely lies in the early start to wildfire season across Manitoba.

This spring has seen frequent and intense wildfires, which disrupt natural ecosystems and force bears out of their usual habitats in search of food, safety, and territory.

Lakeside MLA Trevor King is officially a member of the Stonewall and District Lions Club after being inducted during the group’s 40th anniversary celebration.

King attends the milestone event over the weekend at the Lions Manor in Stonewall and says he’s happy to be part of the club moving forward.

“I was invited to attend the event. It was an invitation only by the Board and the members of the Stonewall District Lions Club. I was pleased to attend it,” notes King. “40 years is a milestone for sure and they've done a lot of great work in the community here.”

The Manitoba government’s new trade legislation is getting strong support from the province’s agriculture community, including Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) president Jill Verwey.

Bill 47, the Fair Trade in Canada (Internal Trade Mutual Recognition) Act, passed with all-party support at the Manitoba Legislature.

It aims to remove interprovincial trade barriers, making it easier for businesses to operate across provincial borders. Verwey says that kind of consistency is critical for farmers.

UPDATE Tuesday evening, June 10:

The RM of Portage la Prairie has also lifted its boil water advisory.

UPDATE for Tuesday, June 10:

Southport has also received word that its boil water advisory has been lifted today, but the RM is still in effect. 

UPDATE for Sunday, June 8:

A longstanding tradition came to life once again Friday afternoon as hundreds of kindergartners from across the Portage la Prairie School division gathered under sunny skies for the annual Kindergarten Picnic, a beloved event that's been going strong for over 40 years.