Portage

The sport of pickleball has become a sensation for all ages, and the President of Pickleball Manitoba, Ted Fardoe, couldn't be happier with where they are, or more excited for where the sport is going. 

A new survey conducted by CAA Manitoba found that Manitobans are very worried about the dangerous driving they’ve seen across the province, especially distracted driving and speeding.

The study found that 88 per cent of Manitoba drivers feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving. According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), distracted driving is now the number one cause of fatalities on Manitoba roadways.

As Manitobans honour the legacy of Terry Fox today, for Axel Argue a 5-year-old from Oakville, Manitoba it's more than that. Terry Fox isn't just a Canadian Hero, he's his hero!

It all started last fall when Axel came home from his kindergarten class at Oakville School with a spark in his eyes and questions on his mind. He had just learned about Terry Fox and was instantly captivated by the young man who ran across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

Here’s the August long weekend lineup—some places keep their doors wide open, others take a little break.

Plan ahead so you’re not left hunting for essentials!

Here’s what's open (and when) this Terry Fox Day (Monday, August 4):

Canadian Tire

• Store: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Auto Shop: Closed

Pharmasave

• Closed

Hill’s Drug Store

• Closed

Panko’s

• 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Two new “Bicycle Fix-It” stations are now available in Portage la Prairie, giving riders a handy way to tune up their bikes while on the go.

The equipment is installed at the west side of the Causeway walking path and the northeast corner of the Bridge Road and Meighen Avenue walking path, with a third station expected this fall at Simplot Central Park.

The Portage Active Transportation Committee purchased the stations, and the City of Portage la Prairie is helping promote them as a valuable public resource.

The Prairie Spirit Teachers’ Association (PSTA) has partnered with two municipalities to bring little libraries to the communities of Treherne and Baldur.

These small book exchange structures aim to increase access to books and encourage literacy for residents of all ages.

Ten recipients were announced for the first Brady Grasdal Memorial Scholarship this summer.

The initial list was announced in a Facebook group for a golf tournament honouring Brady, with some familiar faces to Portage among them.

Portage's Tyson Chandler, along with Portage Terriers last season, Ryan Velan and Tristan Gravenor were named on the list.

Brady Grasdal's mother, Amber Grasdal, and his cousin, Melissa Marzolf, discussed the selection process.

Ottawa's new trade minister says he's looking to sign deals in South America, Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond — and to convince businesses to actually use the trade agreements Canada has already signed.

"My primary role as Canada's top salesman is to be out there hustling, opening doors for businesses and accessing new markets," Maninder Sidhu told The Canadian Press.

"My phone has been ringing with opportunities because people want to deal with reliable, stable trading partners."

In a world full of classic ice cream flavours, local shops in Manitoba are keeping things fresh by offering a wide variety of unique and sometimes unexpected tastes.

From bold new creations to nostalgic favourites, these flavours keep customers curious and coming back for more.

One flavour that stands out as a regional icon is blue licorice; a vivid, distinct treat that has become synonymous with the Prairies.

After a strong first full season, the Portage Hurricanes volleyball club is back in action this summer, building on momentum with a pair of training camps for local youth at the Central Plains RecPlex in Southport.

Vice executive director Shasta St. Louis says the July camp was a hit with players, and the team is excited to keep the energy going.