Portage

One of the contributors to wind is the Coriolis force. The Coriolis force arises from the fact that the Earth rotates. | Photo: File
Last issue, we talked about how the pressure gradient force is the main driving force of wind in our atmosphere and that it exists due to the unequal heating of the Earth’s surface.

Now, if we were to take a simple look at the Earth, this would mean that the polar regions would have high pressure because they are cold and the equatorial regions would be areas of low pressure because they are warm.

India takes the plunge, but some crop sectors remain hesitant.

May 4, 2025, could be a significant day in the history of agriculture.

On that day, Indian agriculture minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release of two gene-edited rice varieties.

The announcement signals to the world that India — a country of nearly 1.5 billion people — is committed to gene edited technologies and modern tools to improve crop production.

The Austin Fire Department is reminding residents that fires can start from almost anything, following a grass fire Thursday afternoon just north of Road 70N along Highway 34.

Crews were dispatched around 12:31 p.m. on May 29 to reports of a fire in a field where cattle had been wintered.

Portage la Prairie firefighters were kept extremely busy Thursday, responding to a series of emergency calls throughout the day, including multiple fires and a highway crash, all within just a few hours.

Morning basement fire in RM of Portage

The first call came in around 10:15 a.m. for a basement fire in the Rural Municipality of Portage. Crews responded quickly, managing to bring the fire under control before it could spread further. The situation was contained without injury or significant escalation.

THURSDAY, MAY 29TH

NHL
Playoffs - Best of 7
Western Conference Finals
Game 5
Edmonton 6 Dallas 3
Edmonton wins series 4-1

American Association Baseball
Kane Country Cougars 2 Winnipeg Goldeyes 1

MLB
Blue Jays 12 Athletics 0

FRIDAY, MAY 30TH

Cobbe’s Plumbing & Heating has been a trusted name in Portage la Prairie for 70 years — and according to General Manager Andy Taylor, their secret isn’t so secret: it’s all about people, service, and staying rooted in the community.

“We’ve still got the same owners, and they’re still involved. Our staff are the heart of the company,” says Taylor. “Providing good service and getting that repeat business — that’s what’s kept us going. We’re part of the community, part of what goes on here. We support everything from community events to kids’ sports.”

The Portage la Prairie Soup Kitchen has a new name. Now operating as the Highway Community Kitchen, the local non-profit continues to serve full meals to those in need three days a week out of Highway Pentecostal Church. Co-coordinator Carol Lang explains that the changes were made in December when a new team took over for the year-old operation.

"There was a change-up with who was coordinating the kitchen. When we took over, we changed the name.  

History is in the making at Fort la Reine School as the first-ever Grade 8 class prepares to graduate next month, marking a significant milestone for the community and the school’s evolution.

Janelle Neyron, the Grade 8 teacher, expressed deep admiration for her class, whom she's taught for the past two years.

"The bunch that I have is wonderful. I feel like I won the lottery. They're kind, respectful, and fun. I've really enjoyed my time with them, and I'm going to miss them a lot when they leave."

As summer weather settles in and pools reopen, water safety is once again top of mind for local officials.

With Splash Island Waterpark in Portage la Prairie set to open June 2, experts are reminding families to take a few extra precautions, especially when it comes to young children and backyard pools.

Backyard risks that are often overlooked

Lorne Edwards, Media Coordinator with Lifesaving Society Manitoba, says one of the most important things a parent can do is ensure their child learns to swim.

A new spy watchdog report says an overseas Canadian Security Intelligence Service operation was suddenly halted by government officials, "creating unnecessary danger for the CSIS team" and raising questions about ministerial accountability.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency found no written records indicating the decision to suspend the operation had been made by the CSIS director or the minister of public safety.