Portage

You may not expect Eurasian wild boars to be causing problems in Manitoba but that's exactly what's been happening for several years now.

Wild pigs are a growing issue in the province and pose a significant threat to both the environment and local agriculture. Dr. Wayne Lees is the project coordinator for squeal on pigs in Manitoba and is working to control the problem. Lees explained that these animals were introduced in the 1980s and some escaped over the years. Those animals have since reproduced and pockets of the boars have created concern. Lees tells us why.

A welcoming dinner was held for newcomers to Portage la Prairie, hosted by the Portage Friendship Centre in partnership with the Local Immigration Partnership Program and the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre.

Local Immigration Partnership Program Coordinator Mitch Tilk says it was to bring newcomers together with local Indigenous leaders. Newcomers had the opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous people about some of the realities of life in Canada from their perspective. 

The federal Liberals are creating a new agency to beef up Canada's ability to handle rapidly spreading infectious diseases and protect from future pandemics.

Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the agency is meant to preserve the "top-gun team" of public servants that helped steer Canadians through COVID-19.

Health Emergency Readiness Canada is being tasked with boosting Canada's life-sciences sector and ensuring Canadians get faster access to vaccines, medical therapies and diagnostics by accelerating the transition from research to commercialization.

The Portage Pitbulls felt an infusion of Blue and Gold at last week's practice.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Wide Receiver Ontaria Wilson travelled down Highway 1 to Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park in Portage la Prairie to spend time with Pitbull's players on the practice field.

When you go to Stride Place, you'll still hear the goal horn go off when the Portage Terriers score, you'll still enjoy the same popcorn from the canteen, and you'll still see so many friendly faces fill the arena, but something has changed that you might not have noticed. 

Long-time ice cleaner Jim Nickels has hung up the keys to the Zamboni. 

Tuesday, September 24th

MJHL
Neepawa 5 Winkler 4
Selkirk 5 Niverville 1
Virden 5 Waywayseecappo 4

Fall is a critical period when it comes to managing winter hardiness or winterkill in alfalfa stands.

Range Management Specialist Trevor Lennox says alfalfa is thought of as queen of the forages.

"It's a very important forage, as a result, it's important to keep the stand as productive as possible."

He points out that when an alfalfa plant is cut, the initial regrowth that follows is produced from root reserves, as new leaves are developed, they begin to manufacture their own energy for growth.

While rain and a gloomy sky forced the event indoors, Maawanij Idiway (They Come Together) successfully united the communities in and around Portage la Prairie.

Originally set to take place at Simplot Central Park, the event was moved to the William Glesby Centre, where attendees enjoyed a free feast provided by Bannock Hut on September 21. An unveiling of an Indigenous art sculpture was postponed, but the remaining activities proceeded as planned.

Motorists beware: a detour is coming to a frequently travelled route in the Central Plains this week.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) and the Canadian National Railway (CN) will temporarily close Highway 16 north of Trans-Canada Highway 1 at the CN Railway Tracks to conduct repairs.

The closure will take place from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25. 

The PCI Trojans, under head coach Brendon Brydges, are riding a wave of excitement after a promising start to their football season. Following a triumphant home opener, the team has experienced a mix of highs and lows, but the spirit of the team remains strong as they prepare for their upcoming match against St. Norbert.

In their opening game, the Trojans delivered an emotional win, marking a significant moment for many players who had never experienced victory before.