Portage

Emotional mourners gathered by the hundreds in cities across Canada on Sunday to honour the victims of Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on Israel that sparked the still raging war in Gaza and roiled tensions in the Middle East and beyond.

In the nation's capital, a sea of Israeli flags could be seen draped over participants in front of Ottawa City Hall, with Canadian flags waving alongside them as they called for the release of hostages still being held in Gaza.

The highly anticipated Brake for Breakfast, presented by Dino's Appliance & Mattress Centre and Sobeys, will be taking place on Thursday.

This event enters its tenth year and is made possible by the community's continuous and immense support. It is a vital fundraiser for the students of the Portage la Prairie School Division.

Miami Fire Chief James Oakes described a call that came in Saturday night of a fire in the community. 

“It was about 8:30 to a quarter to nine and in the evening, we had a report of a structure fire in town, and we responded. A garage had started on fire, and it went to a neighbouring house. The heavy winds were a big factor in the fire.” 

Two teenagers from Portage la Prairie were arrested after they bear-sprayed other youths on September 23.

According to an RCMP news report, two youths were bear sprayed near a business in the 200 block of Saskatchewan Avenue West. After police arrived, they received information which led them to the arrest of the two teenagers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeatedly reiterated calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East on Saturday as he blamed Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel for a staggering number of civilian deaths.

But Trudeau stopped short of outright condemning Israel for beginning a ground war days after the Israeli military crossed the border into southern Lebanon.

"We need to see peace in the region," Trudeau said from Paris on the final day of the Francophonie summit.

Just before 3 p.m. on September 24, 2024, Portage la Prairie RCMP received a report of a woman waving a weapon in the 400 block of 6th Avenue NE. Officers responded and arrested a 20-year-old woman from Portage la Prairie. She was held in custody for a court appearance the following day, facing a charge of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. She was later released with court-ordered conditions.

Another young athlete has returned to Manitoba to take on what may be his final season of junior hockey.

Carson Bjarnason, from Carberry, MB, is back with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL after getting into the preseason with the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers. He notes that the experience taught him a lot.

Portage la Prairie firefighters put out a large blaze Saturday morning. 

At 9:20 a.m., emergency crews responded to reports of heavy smoke coming from a semi-truck on fire just east of the city

Manitoba Hydro announced that drought conditions have impacted its financial status, resulting in a $157-million net loss for the corporation.

Media Relations Officer Peter Chura explained that low water levels lead to less surplus energy available for sale.

The unveiling of an impressive sculpture took place today at Simplot Central Park in Portage la Prairie. Located near the new skate park, it stands at a staggering height, making it the largest piece of its kind in Portage.

Artist Kevin McKenzie built the sculpture and explained that it all began eight months ago.