Local News

State of the City 2025: It’s All About Collaboration, Sustainability, And Core Services 

Media Release - April 17, 2025

Brandon, MB – Mayor Jeff Fawcett delivered the State of the City address today at the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, detailing the progress and future plans. Mayor Fawcett emphasized the significance of collaboration and partnership in achieving the city's objectives.

He underscored the unique spirit of Brandon and expressed his pride as Mayor, driven by the enthusiasm of residents, dedication of local business owners, and community energy.

Manitoba Government Invites Commercial Fishers to Attend Summit

Media Release - April 17, 2025

The Manitoba government has sent out invitations to Lake Winnipeg commercial fishers encouraging them to attend the province’s first-ever fishers summit, a gathering that will unite north- and south-basin fishers and address the long-term viability and success of the province’s freshwater fishery, Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie announced today.

Calling the Red River Valley his home for his entire life, and currently living in St. Pierre Jolys, author Philippe Sabourin has released his new book "Prairie Roots and Wings: Memoirs of Growing in the Red River Valley", published by FriesenPress. The book is not only about growing up in Southern Manitoba, but also a call to action to make our planet more sustainable and beautiful for our survival.  

As we start off the Easter long weekend, many people in the Portage la Prairie area naturally flock to social media to ask which local stores will and won't be open. While odds are you've already prepared in advance for the long weekend, whether it be to spend time with your church, your family, friends, or you're planning to relax by yourself, sometimes we all forget that one crucial thing we needed to get and are scrambling to figure out what's open and what's not.

Worry not, friend, we've been there too.

Mel Kachur may have only lived in the small community of Pansy for about five years, but he’s already made a big impact, not just in their area, but across southeastern Manitoba. 

"It's a small community and very peaceful. We’ve got good, fertile soil on our five acres."

The Central Community Homes main street Affordable Housing build is moving along ahead of schedule, according to John Bergen, the foreman of the site.  

Steinbach City Council approves variance application for Main Street subdivision

Steinbach City Council has approved a variance application that will allow a property owner on Main Street to subdivide a residential lot that does not meet the minimum width requirement.

Portage-Lisgar residents can cast advance ballots for the 2025 Canadian Federal Election at the Herman Prior Centre from April 18–21, with election day set for April 28. Kathy Bryce, executive director of the Herman Prior Centre, and Angela Malcolm, a central poll supervisor, share details on accessibility, ID requirements, and the five candidates vying for the riding.

When individuals in the Pembina Valley find themselves in trouble with the law—often for the first time—it’s not always a courtroom where their case ends up. For over two decades, the Winkler Community Justice Committee has quietly played a pivotal role in guiding people through restorative justice, offering an alternative that focuses on responsibility, healing, and meaningful consequences.

Support continues to pour in for Steinbach’s Tasha Wiese, as the local woman recovers from multiple amputations and a life-threatening illness. Among those rallying behind her are Keith and Talia Comer, former Christian musicians now living as missionaries in England, who remember Wiese as one of their most devoted fans.