Portage

Children throughout Portage la Prairie had the chance to receive gifts before Christmas this year, thanks to the Portage Friendship Centre’s Children’s Gift Giveaway. The event was an evolution of a program that began as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Employment and training consultant Jeanna Emms explains how the initiative developed over time.

An outstanding performance in goal and some timely scoring were the difference as the Portage Terriers took down the Winnipeg Freeze 3-0 in their final game before the Christmas break.

A couple of penalties were all that would hit the scoresheet in the first period, as Portage's powerplay put several good chances to the net, but were unable to capitalize. The shots were 14-3 for Portage but the score remained 0-0 after 20 minutes.

A cheque presentation was made Thursday to PAWS in Portage la Prairie following a fundraiser by a couple of local business owners.

Lynn Bereza is owner of Breeze Yoga and explains she wanted to have a Christmas offering for yoga students and anyone who just wanted an evening to relax.

Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) has seen remarkable progress in 2024, with a focus on youth engagement, affordable housing, and cultural events. Executive Director Mary Kozar shared her excitement about the year's successes.

One of the standout achievements of the year was the completion of the Communities Building Youth Futures (CBYF) pilot program, which laid the foundation for PCRC's new Youth Hub Project. 

The Portage Terriers will play one final game before the Christmas break will take players home for the holidays.

The Winnipeg Freeze come to town to face the Terriers for the fourth time this season, having lost all three previous contests by a combined score of 16-3.

The Dogs will look to extend the win streak against the Freeze with a sixth consecutive win over the last two seasons. Portage has only lost one game to the Freeze in their history, a 4-3 extra-time affair which saw the Terriers give up a goal late in the third period to tie it.

The Rotary Club of Portage la Prairie has been showing their exchange student Theo what it means to be a Canadian.

Theo arrived in Portage from Belgium for the Rotary Exchange Student Program, but his year has been a little different in the classroom. According to Theo, he had already graduated high school when he left for this trip, yet he still attends classes at Portage Collegiate Institute, giving him the chance to meet new people from the area.

Indications are for potential near-normal to below-normal spring runoff across Manitoba basins next year.

However, the extent of spring runoff is largely dependent on precipitation throughout the winter and spring and snowmelt conditions. The 2025 spring flood outlook will be released in the later weeks of February and March.

The Crop Research Organization of Portage (CROP) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Fair Board Office in Portage on Tuesday, December 17, where it showcased the 2024 variety trial results. Shawn Cabak, Manitoba Livestock and Forage Specialist, explained that the organization is a nonprofit organization led by local farmers and industry representatives to serve local farmers. Members conduct variety trials to help producers determine the best crop varieties to plant.

This weekend on the Canadian Country Showcase, we have a special holiday edition of the show! Courtney Fielder catches up with many of your favourite artists this holiday season to talk about all things Christmas, from their favourite holiday movies to how many trees they have in their homes—and so much more.

Tune in to the Canadian Country Showcase every Saturday at 12 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., exclusively on the Golden West Country Network.

Deacon O’Ray, a rising football talent from Portage la Prairie, has committed to the Kamloops Broncos Football Club in British Columbia, marking a major milestone in his athletic career. O’Ray’s dedication and hard work have earned him a spot at training camp in April, and he is excited about the future. O'Ray hasn't signed with the Broncos but will decide on his future in June 2025. 

O’Ray, who has been actively seeking opportunities to further his football career, shared the details of his journey.