Province weighs in on Crescent Lake water and weed issues

The Province of Manitoba is responding to concerns from Portage la Prairie residents about worsening weed growth and uncertain water levels at Crescent Lake.

Thick vegetation has been building up across the lake this summer, and city officials say they’re limited in how they can manage it. At the same time, the city has had to pause its usual practice of pumping water in from the Assiniboine River, something that’s been done for decades, due to rules connected to aquatic invasive species (AIS).

‘Heartbreaking’: Flight school mourns students killed in mid-air collision

Two student pilots died Tuesday morning after their single-engine planes collided mid-air during practice exercises, the head of a pilot training school said.

The students, who were not identified, were practising takeoffs and landings when they appear to have tried to land at the same time on the small rural runway south of Steinbach, said Adam Penner, president of Harv's Air. 

The collision left the planes wrecked in a field on private property, roughly 400 metres from the runway.

Portage Ex Fair breaks records and delivers family fun for all ages

This past weekend, the Portage Ex Fair returned in full force with record-breaking attendance, expanded entertainment, and rave reviews from both visitors and vendors. 

Fair general manager Heather Greenlay and Paul Trimble, chair of the Gate and Midway Committee, agree that the three-day celebration delivered a strong showing despite challenges like heat and Canada Day logistics. 

Prairie Fusion buzzing with new exhibits and events this summer

A new exhibition now open at Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment in Portage la Prairie is stirring fond memories for anyone familiar with summers at Delta Beach.

My Delta Experience by local artist Karen Braden is on display in the Portage Mutual Gallery until Sept. 4, featuring 42 detailed works inspired by her time at the lake between 1980 and 2010.

Lee Beaton, manager of gallery operations, says Braden has been a longtime contributor to the local arts community and it’s special to see her work on full display.

Prairie Queens make royal entrance into Manitoba Women's Slow Pitch League

A new powerhouse in Manitoba's women's slow pitch is making waves both on and off the diamond. The Prairie Queens, a competitive slow pitch team led by sisters Melora Barton and Ashley Ozunko, recently clinched the provincial title with a perfect 6-0 record, a remarkable achievement for a team in its very first season.

The idea for the team started as a casual conversation between the sisters, who had been subbing with other women's teams.

Threshers return for showcase of prairie heritage and horsepower

The 69th annual Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede is set to bring prairie history to life from July 24 to 27 at the Manitoba Agricultural Museum grounds in Austin. The long-running event blends rural heritage, entertainment, and hands-on exhibits for families, history buffs, and machinery enthusiasts alike.

Elliot Sims, executive director of the Manitoba Agricultural Museum, says the reunion offers a rare glimpse at the evolution of farm machinery through generations.

Ottawa set to miss 2026 deadline for establishing $10-a-day child care: report

Ottawa is expected to miss its 2026 deadline to implement $10-a-day child care services across the country, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives said in a new report published on Wednesday.

The analysis concluded that just six provinces and territories are meeting that fee target now.

David Macdonald, an economist with the centre, said even though fees have dropped significantly everywhere, the federal government is unlikely to meet its self-imposed deadline.

Armed Forces members part of alleged terror plot to take over land in Quebec: RCMP

Two active members of the Canadian Armed Forces are among four people arrested and charged on Tuesday for allegedly participating in an anti-government plot to forcibly take possession of land in the Quebec City area.

Three of the suspects, motivated by "violent extremism," planned to start a militia and "took concrete actions" to facilitate terrorist activity, the RCMP said. Two 24-year-olds and a 25-year-old allegedly took part in military-style training that included shooting, ambush, survival and navigation exercises, using a variety of firearms and high-capacity magazines.