Portage

Air Canada flights within North America are expected to ramp up this morning as the airline continues its operational restart following a three-day flight attendants' strike.

The company resumed flights Tuesday afternoon after a complete halt to Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge routes that began early Saturday morning.

It said it was focusing on outbound international flights to start.

When the Canadian U15 Softball Championships came to Winkler and Morden, Portage’s Larry Dewis found himself right at the heart of the action.

A lifelong fastball player, he volunteered to work as an announcer throughout the five-day tournament.

“Overall, it was a fun experience. Portage la Prairie hosted several similar events in the past, those who have been involved can relate to the feeling of accomplishment when it's all said and done. Volunteering is good for the soul. Good times for sure,” notes Dewis.

Local fire departments are feeling the strain of increased emergency calls as ongoing ambulance shortages across Manitoba and much of Canada are forcing fire crews to step in more frequently. Portage la Prairie Fire Chief Brad Bailey says the rise in ambulance assist calls is stretching resources thin, and he's urging the provincial government to help municipalities shoulder the cost.

Sunset Palliative Care has officially launched its much-anticipated Rainbow Auction this week. The auction runs this week and until August 28 at 8:00 p.m. With over $11,000 in prizes and 16 grand prize bundles up for grabs, this year's auction is set to be one of the biggest yet.

Aldene Moroz, a long-time Sunset volunteer and the executive director board, shared the organization's excitement,

Southern Manitoba has entered the peak season for West Nile Virus. 

Dr. Aly Dhala is Chief Medical Officer for Southern Health-Sante Sud. He says Culex Tarsalis mosquitoes are the ones that carry West Nile Virus, and those species are most active from mid-July through August, especially during warm evenings.

Farm Credit Canada is extending its trade disruption support program for canola producers impacted by the ongoing trade disruptions.

Last week, China implemented a 75.8 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports.

FCC's President and CEO Justine Hendricks says the agriculture and food industry is resilient, but global trade uncertainty can create real pressure on cash flow and operations.

CN Rail submitted its 2025-26 Grain Plan to Transport Canada at the end of July.

CN's Assistant Vice-President of Grain, David Przednowek, says the grain plan is based on what CN knows from customers and other stakeholders about the volume of grain and processed grain products that it expects to move over the course of the 2025-26 crop year.

A landmark of Portage la Prairie’s industrial past is once again at a crossroads.

The former Campbell’s Soup factory, vacant for decades, is back on the market, prompting a community lookback at its significant history and a pragmatic discussion about its future. Local historian and heritage enthusiast James Kostuchuk reflects on the plant’s golden era and what should come next for the prominent property.

The factory was announced by the Premier in 1957. Kostuchuk notes it was an ambitious project for its time.

The Portage Disc Golf Club hosted its 11th annual Portage Open at Island Park, welcoming 60 competitors to a course in top condition and under ideal weather. The event continues to be a highlight on the Manitoba Disc Golf Tour, drawing players from across the province.

“Yeah, we're really excited. We had 60 disc golfers sign up for our event, and the weather was perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better day,” said Portage Disc Golf Club Chairman Cody Buhler. “It wasn't too hot. It was nice and cool. Just a very slight breeze.”

“Why not us?” That’s the question Central Manitoba’s U15 Central Energy Girls Softball team asked themselves, and then answered, in spectacular fashion.

From underdogs to national heroes, this squad captured hearts and headlines at the 2025 Canadian Softball Championships, which took place from August 13th to 17th in the Morden/Winkler area.

The team includes players from across different communities located in the Central Plains region.