Portage challenged to give back during Blow Away Hunger

From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Portage la Prairie residents will be challenged to Blow Away Hunger.

Formerly known as Jingle Bell Breakfast in years past, Blow Away Hunger encourages Portagers to stop by the Rona parking lot and make a donation of cash, non-perishable food items, or new unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army Food Bank and their Christmas Hamper program.

Major Brenda Hammond from the Salvation Army in Portage says that there has been more tension this year with families signing up for hampers.

Shoplifter arrested on theft charges in Portage, found with imitation firearm

A shoplifter is feeling the consequences of his actions after being arrested at a Portage la Prairie business this past Sunday.

Portage RCMP officers responded to a call of a shoplifter at Dollarama on November 26 at 4:25 p.m. When police arrived, they arrested 46-year-old Kevin Pashe for two counts of theft under $5,000. 

While police were searching the man, they located an imitation firearm in his jacket pocket as Pashe was reportedly reaching for it. The 46-year-old was then arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Gunshots at Swan River home leads to multiple firearms seizures

On November 25, 2023, at 9:30 p.m., Swan River RCMP responded to a report of shots fired at a home on 1st Street South, in Swan River.

Officers attended to the home and noticed the front door, a front window, and wall were damaged by gunfire. The suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival and no injuries were reported.

As a result of this ongoing investigation, on November 27, officers from Swan River, with assistance from the West District CREST unit, executed a search warrant at a house on Lorne Avenue in Birch River.

Oakland Rec Club President ready for hockey sign-up season 

The Oakland Recreation Club is ready to hit the ice with another hockey season for the youth in their community.

Hockey registration for this coming season will occur at the rink next Monday, December 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

President of the club, Ryan Kontzie, says he is very excited to be a part of another season.

Warm weather on the way this week, Portage experiencing 9th warmest autumn on record

Environment Canada says a warmer work week is in store for Portage la Prairie.

Meteorologist Samantha Mauti tells PortageOnline that a system is being tracked across the southern portion of the prairies that will see a warm front come to town starting Tuesday morning. 

Ashern RCMP seeking help to identify man who stole vehicle

Ashern RCMP are seeking your help in identifying a suspect who stole a vehicle on October 29 at 7:45 p.m. from the parking lot of the hotel in Ashern.

The man was captured on surveillance camera and is described as having a slender build, wearing a red ball cap, grey sweater, and black pants. He was dropped off in a black Chrysler 300 vehicle.

Zebra Mussel discovery shuts down Riding Mountain boat launch until next year

The boat launch at Riding Mountain National Park has been closed by Parks Canada until 2024, following the discovery of zebra mussels at Boat Cove.

The announcement comes after Parks Canada received test results from water samples gathered from Clear Lake throughout this past summer.

The results have revealed the presence of environmental DNA (eDNA) for zebra mussels at Boat Cove. Parks Canada has stated that they are working with partner organizations to analyze these results and will release more information that will be shared when it is available.

Sandy Bay First Nation man charged with multiple trafficking charges

A 29-year-old man is facing multiple trafficking charges after a gun complaint on Sandy Bay First Nation.

On November 17, shortly after 6:00 p.m., Manitoba First Nation Police Service (MFNPS) responded to a residence on Little Ridge Road North to investigate a man armed with a shotgun.

According to the officers, they launched a drone and drove to the house after arriving at the location. However, upon their arrival, four individuals immediately fled. The officers chased them and managed to apprehend one of the suspects, who was already known to them.

Salvation Army Christmas Kettles Launching Thursday

The Salvation Army's Christmas kettles will be set up across town starting this Thursday in hopes of once again providing everyone with the best holiday season possible.

Brandon Letexier, the Christmas Kettle Coordinator for the Portage area, explains that the kettles will run from November 23 to December 23 at Co-op, Portage Supermarket, Walmart and Sobeys.

RCMP Officer gets sprayed with gasoline during arrest on Long Plain First Nation

Five people (two adults and three youths) have been arrested during a warrant arrest on Long Plain First Nation Saturday afternoon.

Police say that members of the Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) attended the 90 Block of Keesh Drive on the reserve. Officers had received information that Brent Houle, who was wanted on outstanding warrants, was possibly at this location.