Betty Sawatzky

People of Portage la Prairie and all across the Central Plains are expected to take in the Manitoba AG EX as it's not too far away -- literally, and figuratively! The event takes place in Brandon in October and the Provincial Exhibition's newest staff member, Macayla Lyons, is looking forward to her first big tradeshow as their new Tradeshow Coordinator.

The Province of Manitoba announced two new programs, Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Horticulture Production, to be offered at Assiniboine Community College.

“Mechatronics is critical to support evolving manufacturing, processing, and food development sectors in Manitoba,” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine. “It’s a critical program to support industrial automation and help the sectors be competitive.” 

Minot, North Dakota, residents Tim and Christine Baumann have been Directors of the International Music Camp (IMC) at the International Peace Garden south of Boissevain for 10 years, having first each other met at the International Music Camp, and both being on staff now for 18 years.  "This is a job, obviously, for both of us, but it feels quite a bit more like a vocation and a calling, just because of the importance of it for the two of us, but also our friends and family that we've made here are just a really important part of this place in our lives," shares Tim.

The Provincial government announced on Thursday morning an additional $880,000 will be used to enhance testing and staff capacity to further monitor and prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), an incurable and fatal disease that affects members of the deer family (cervids) including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou.

For those who have a passion for the heavy horse, you'll want to take in the World Clydesdale Show now taking place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon.

The World Clydesdale Show is held every four years at different locations around the globe.  For Brandon to host this world-class event is very special, this being the first time where owners, breeders and riders of this magnificent breed are showcasing their prize-winning favorites here in the Westman Region.

Update at 11:15 a.m. on July 5th
Rory Thomas has been located in Sherridon by Cranberry Portage and Emergency Response Team RCMP officers. He was taken into custody without incident, where he remains. Charges are pending.
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Update at 2 p.m.

Angelica McKay has been safely located near Cold Lake, Manitoba. She was not physically injured. Rory Thomas is still at large, and RCMP continue to look for him.

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Cranberry Portage RCMP respond to possible kidnapping - July 4, 2023 Media Release

MANITOBA GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES ADVISORY FORUM

- - - Media Release June 26, 2023

As part of its comprehensive strategy to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), the Manitoba government has established an Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Forum to ensure a regionally diverse range of perspectives are incorporated into prevention and containment activities, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced today.

Cattle prices have remained strong, and by the looks of things that will continue through the summer and into the fall season.

After a couple of years of drought conditions across the prairies, low market prices, early spring blizzards, and the lack of hay, it's been a great turnaround for cattle producers with healthy cattle prices paving the way.

There's a couple of things for the strong market, says Rick Wright, Administrator for the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association. 

Conservation Officers across the province are looking forward to being connected to a central dispatch service that will allow them to respond to the POACHERS TIPS line call ins in real time, beginning in July.  

The announcement was made at the newly re-opened Conservation Office in Brandon this past Wednesday.

A new 24-7 centralized dispatch service for Manitoba conservation officers will enhance officer safety in the field and strengthen environmental enforcement across the province, Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced in Brandon this week.