Local News

Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox says Manitoba’s municipal leaders are continuing to push for meaningful bail reform, even if their efforts don’t always make headlines. Knox, alongside Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham and Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, has been part of a joint campaign urging federal action on the issue.

Watrous RCMP are trying to locate the owner of a missing bicycle (pictured above).  

On Wednesday, July 2, a citizen turned over a black 18 speed Explorer Rialto bicycle that was found in the area of 5th Avene East in Watrous. 

Police conducted checks on the serial number of the bicycle, and it revealed there were no reports of the bicycle being reported stolen or lost.  

The Town of Claresholm is reassuring residents that the water in the town remains safe to drink and for daily use.  

The town was made aware that some residents may have noticed an earthy taste or odour in the water.  

“This is a naturally occurring issue, often due to seasonal conditions in the source of water,” the town said in a Facebook post.   

New Blood, a play based out of Strathmore High School, had its final show of the season last month.

The students performed the show in Medicine Hat, which was free for all to attend. The night also marked the last time that Trinity Pretty Youngman would be playing the lead role.

Pretty Youngman got the part three years ago, being mentored by Hayden Yellow Old Woman, the show's original actor.

RCMP are turning to the public to help find three suspects involved in a robbery in Virden on Monday.
    
According to police, a 61-year-old woman was approached by a man and two women who offered to help her with her shopping bags while inside a business on princess street. Then, one of the suspects stole the woman's wallet, which had a large amount of cash in it.
    
The suspects fled before the victim was aware of what happened.
    

Two Lotto 6/49 tickets in Alberta are each worth $2.5 million after the Classic Draw on July 2, 2025.

One winning ticket was purchased in Edmonton, but the other was bought somewhere outside Calgary and Edmonton—leaving room for some local speculation. Could Airdrie be home to one of the lucky winners? It’s anyone’s guess.

The winning numbers on both tickets were: 6, 25, 27, 34, 38, 49. (Exact match only).

The winner or winners have one year to claim their prize by contacting Player Care at 1-800-665-3313.

Manitoba fair season kicks into high gear this weekend with the return of the Portage Ex Fair, Carberry Fair & Races, Eriksdale Creamery Days, and the weekly Gladstone Farmer’s Market. Each event brings its own flavour of small-town hospitality, family fun, and rural tradition.

The Weyburn Police Service is offering safety reminders to fairgoers as Weyburn Agricultural Society Fair Days continues with the opening of the Midway. Sergeant Riley Ross stresses the importance of staying safe while having fun.  

“When going to the fair, we obviously want people to enjoy their time and have fun, but we also want people to be safe. It looks like this weekend is going to be hot, so we recommend people make sure that they stay hydrated and are eating.” 

The first of five Great Plains Taste of Summer Charity Barbecues today saw a great turnout at Memorial Park, with $769 raised from the lunch, going to Inclusion Weyburn.

"It was just so nice to see the long lineup of people after the parade," commented Jackie Wilson, president of Inclusion Weyburn. "So many good supporters came and had a hot dog and so many great servers taking care of everybody. It was wonderful and it was good for inclusion, for us to see people and visit with them, and the funding is going to be just a great, great thing."

Special caution is recommended while travelling or camping in the Rampart Creek area in Banff National Park due to a black bear frequenting the area and exhibiting curious behaviour, including close approaches to people and campsites.

Visitors are advised to store all food, garbage, and items with odours inside vehicles or in secure storage lockers provided in the campground. Fire pits should not be used to dispose of garbage or liquids. All food and garbage must be disposed of in a proper receptacle.