Portage

Prime Minister Mark Carney's popularity may be cooling off in the summer but remains broadly positive, a new poll from Abacus Data suggests.

The Carney-led Liberal government's approval rating dipped to 50 per cent in the firm's latest polling, down two percentage points compared to mid-July and the lowest level since March.

With 48 per cent viewing Carney favourably and 19 per cent disapproving, the prime minister maintains a positive net approval. That figure is a couple percentage points lower than in Abacus's previous poll.

The Portage Padres fell short at the Manitoba Senior Double-AA Provincial Tournament this weekend, after playing three games, including Elmwood, Cartwright, and Oak River.

All three games were won by a single run. The first game was a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Elmwood, that the Padres could only muster a pair of hits in the game. Manager Andrew Moar notes that Nolan Mariott, a pick-up from the Austin A's pitched a great game, but couldn't get the run support.

As the summer months continue, the City of Portage la Prairie looks to be taking full advantage of the good weather by continuing construction projects across the city.

Unfortunately for drivers, however, that means road closures and detours are being added to their commutes.

One such project starts work Monday, shutting down the westbound lane of Saskatchewan Avenue between Tupper Street and Third Street.

Thankfully, though, it won't be for an egregious period, and is part of crucial municipal infrastructure repairs.

Portage la Prairie’s Public Works department is dealing with more cases of unauthorized dumping at the city’s tree disposal site, Superintendent Paul Ziesmann says.

“We've been obviously noticing some of those social media posts, but we've also received a few inquiries and phone calls here at our operations department within probably within the last week and half or so. We've got a few more than normal,” Ziesmann notes.

He adds that some of the dumped materials include tires, concrete and engineered wood.

That creates extra work for staff.

The union representing front-line RCMP members wants the force to ease requirements for foreign applicants to help attract experienced police officers from agencies like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and counterparts in the United Kingdom and Australia.

The RCMP currently requires that applicants be Canadian citizens or have permanent resident status in Canada. Applicants with permanent resident status must have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for three of the last five years.

Don't cry fowl, cause these kids have learned how birds feed us.

Children from the Portage la Prairie area celebrated the culmination of the unique "Poultry Pals" program this week with games, food, and a deeper understanding of where their meals originate.

Hosted by Latanya Lewis on her homestead near Newton over several weeks this summer, the initiative aimed to show kids the real journey of chicken and eggs, moving beyond the grocery store shelf.

When summer hits, sleep schedules often fly out the window, especially for teenagers left to their own devices.  

“Sleep is for the weak”, as they say. 

Caroline Bitton, a nurse practitioner with Southern Health, is all too familiar with the pattern. 

“It's very common,” Bitton says, “Naturally, their circadian rhythms are a little bit later to begin with.”  

Farm groups are asking for federal action on regulation and trade amid mounting financial pressures and tariff fears

Keystone Agricultural Producers and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture want governments to consider agriculture more often when setting priorities.

They are ramping up pressure on governments to prioritize agriculture in trade, regulation and disaster response as farmers face worsening drought and mounting financial strain.

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is urgently reminding drivers in Portage la Prairie and across the province about the severe dangers and legal consequences of passing vehicles stopped for pedestrians at crosswalks. 

This warning follows concerning anecdotal reports and social media observations highlighting a risky behaviour that puts vulnerable road users at significant risk of injury or death.

Tara Seel, Media and Public Relations Lead with MPI, explains that the core issue stems from drivers attempting to pass vehicles stopped at unmarked crosswalks.

Central Plains Cancer Services is bringing back a popular event this fall with Sip & Stroll, a relaxed evening of tasting wine, beer, and spirits.

The event will take place on Friday, September 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Portage Golf Club, on holes one and nine.

Sharilyn Knox, executive director of Central Plains Cancer Care Services, notes the event was a hit in previous years before the pandemic paused it.