Portage

The fire ban in the Municipality of WestLake–Gladstone has been lifted following significant rainfall and improving conditions.

Local residents can now resume open burning activities in accordance with municipal regulations.

Miriam Ghitale, a settlement manager working with immigrants in Manitoba, with the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, describes a growing crisis as newcomers face impossible choices between housing and basic necessities. Many work minimum-wage jobs while paying exorbitant rents that consume nearly all their income.

"It's quite difficult. People are trying to buy houses because it can be cheaper for them, but right now, most decent apartments are way out of the price range of a lot of newcomers," Ghitale says.

Brad Burnell, course facilitator for the Thrive Learning Centre at CMHA Portage la Prairie and a certified peer support worker, is leading a grief support series at the Portage Regional Library for the second time this year. The sessions blend structured guidance with personal storytelling, creating a space for shared healing and run Fridays at 10:30 a.m., as opposed to a former series Fridays at 5 p.m.

Canada needs flexible, farmer-driven standards to guide regenerative agriculture, experts say

With producer and policy interest in regenerative agriculture growing across Canada, policymakers and industry leaders are debating how to standardize the concept without undermining its core principles or grassroots appeal.

Questions around standardization and regulation were front and centre during an April 30 webinar hosted by the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.

Alberta's latest crop report shows seeding of major crops is significantly ahead of historical averages. Manglai, product coordinator with Alberta Financial Services Corporation, who helps compile the report, says seeding is now at 47 per cent, well above the five-year average of 26 per cent and the ten-year average of 29 per cent.

Breaking down the regional analysis, the South region leads with 76 per cent of seeding completed, followed by the Central region at 51 per cent  the Northeast at 37 per cent, the Northwest at 29 per cent, and the Peace region at 27 per cent.

The Manitoba government has announced a $1 million partnership to enhance veterinary care services in northern and remote communities, which will include mobile spay and neuter services. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostitsyn emphasized that this funding is a step in the right direction to ensure every animal receives timely and compassionate care.

You can call in to ask host Carla Hrycyna all of your gardening questions live every Saturday morning starting at 9:15am: 1-800-374-3315

Marilynn Ann Lawrence  (nee Mernett)
June 9, 1942-May 16, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marilynn Ann Lawrence on May 16, 2025 at Portage District General Hospital with her family by her side.

Marilynn was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and wonderful friend to many.

Paul Michael Caslor

Peacefully on May 14, 2025, Paul Caslor passed away at home in his yard at the age of 74 years.

Scott Kent Williams

July 5, 1959 – May 15, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved father, brother, uncle and friend Scott Kent Williams on May 15, 2025, at the age of 65. Scott passed away peacefully with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

Scott was predeceased by parents Evelyn and Vernon (Bunny), sisters Patty and Darlene and brothers Vaughn and Blake.