Portage

Tick season is already in full swing, but mosquitoes have yet to make their presence known in a big way.  Let's just say when the time comes for them to realize our Manitoba winter is officially over, they'll be sure to show up!

It's interesting to note how something so tiny like a mosquito can live through a Manitoba winter.

"They're hardy!  They overwinter as either eggs or really early larval stages, depending on the species, and they're able to survive until conditions become favourable," says Dr. Bryan Cassone, Professor of Biology at the University of Brandon.

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza recently recognized the Koko Platz Community Club’s power to bounce back and rebuild during a Private Member’s Statement in the Manitoba Legislative Assembly. The club, a longstanding local favourite gathering place, was destroyed by a fire in 2021 but has since been rebuilt through grassroots fundraising led by younger generations.

As the temperature rises, it's the perfect time to prepare for the cold months ahead by donating gently used winter coats.

The Coats for Kids and Coats for Seniors programs are now accepting donations for the month of May to help those in need.

Drop-off locations across Portage la Prairie

The community can drop off gently used winter items at the following locations from May 1st to May 31st:

Portage ARC Industries Inc.’s “No Ordinary Dog” hot dog stand is far from ordinary.

The sizzling initiative empowers adults with mental disabilities to gain hands-on work experience while raising funds for the organization. Now in its second year, the stand has become a hub of community support, serving up burgers, chilli-topped dogs, and smiles.

Skills, snacks, and second chances

Tara Ryzner, Executive Director of ARC Industries, highlights the program’s dual impact.

While the recent federal election turned into a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives that left other parties trailing far behind, a new poll suggests most Canadians don't want the country end up with a two-party system.

The poll of over 1,600 Canadians, conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies between May 1 and 3, suggests only 21 per cent of Canadians think the country would be better off with a system where two parties dominate the political landscape.

Manitoba is grappling with a rise in measles cases, prompting urgent calls from public health officials for vaccination and heightened awareness.

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met with residents of Oak Tree Towers last Friday after learning 24-hour security at the Manitoba Housing complex for seniors will end June 24. The facility, which houses 55+ residents, has relied on around-the-clock safety personnel for the past month to address crime and vandalism. Bereza pledged to challenge the decision in the Legislative Assembly today (Monday).

“What is the thinking behind this?”

Bereza says the move undermines progress made at the building.

Southern Manitoba endured record-setting heat over the weekend, as a heat warning remains in effect for the Portage region.

Portage la Prairie and several other communities experienced temperatures well above seasonal norms, with Portage reaching 31.2°C on Sunday—just edging past its 1976 record of 31.0°C.

Eric Dykes, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, confirms the heat has affected much of the region.

Spring is in full swing at La Verendrye School (LVS), and that means a busy schedule for both students and staff, according to physical education teacher Mitch Nelissen. The middle years students are currently preparing for their annual track and field day, set for May 28.

"Our kids get pretty excited for it. It's just a fun, relaxed day for them. They have to do four events and for the rest of the day they get to hang out with their friends and just chill," Nelissen said.

A group of Grade 1 and Grade 6 students from Yellowquill School are leaving their mark on Portage la Prairie—literally.

Back in October, teachers Kristen Harley and Kelly Gretsinger launched a "learning buddies" partnership between their classes. What started as a classroom mentorship program quickly grew into something much bigger when Mayor Sharilyn Knox got involved. She shared news of the city's upcoming green space improvements and saw an opportunity for youth input.