Portage

Erma Botterill is celebrating 45 years of service at Canadian Tire, a career that began in September 1980 and has spanned three store locations, multiple ownership changes and decades of technological evolution.

Botterill started at the original downtown location, which was later replaced by a store on the same plot, now Dufresne. The current site opened in 1999.

Over the years, she has adapted to changes in retail, from manually pricing items to today’s digital systems.

Carla Hemingway, Community Relations Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child, says the official kickoff event takes place Friday, September 12 at 7 p.m.

She explains the evening will be a chance for the community to meet the new drop-off team lead, Michelle Alec, and to see the new drop-off location.

The stage is set for one of Manitoba’s most exciting showcases of homegrown talent. The Manitoba Voice is returning this fall, taking over the William Glesby Centre in Portage la Prairie on Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and audiences can expect an evening of live entertainment, community spirit, and plenty of big-stage energy. 

Canada’s canola industry is expressing deep frustration over the federal government’s newly announced support package, saying it fails to meet the urgent needs of farmers and the broader value chain affected by the ongoing closure of the Chinese market.

While industry leaders welcomed the government’s attention to agriculture, they say the measures announced on Friday do not reflect the scale of the crisis.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

NFL
Minnesota 27 Chicago 24

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH

MJHL EXHIBITION
Virden at Portage, 7:30 PM
Niverville at Selkirk, 7:30 PM

MLB
Houston at Toronto - 6:07 PM

Carol Kruck, a member of the Portage Collegiate Institute class of 1975 reunion committee, says the milestone gathering has been months in the making.

She explains that the day includes registration, a tour of the school, professional photography, and even a drone photo to capture the class together again.

For Brent Gertridge, the last 12 months have been surprising, rewarding and very, very busy.

“It’s been a busy year, and I’m so grateful for the incredible support from the Portage la Prairie community,” he says. “People have been really welcoming and supportive.”

Alicia Bailey, Indigenous Seniors Resource Coordinator with the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), is calling for more volunteers to help older residents with yard work and snow shovelling in Portage la Prairie.

She explains that the program is part of an effort to help seniors age in place by keeping them in their homes as long as possible. Tasks include mowing, raking, weeding, and, as winter arrives, clearing walkways and driveways.

At 73 years young, Murray Patterson is not just a participant in judo; he is a pillar of the local sports community.

For four decades, the first-degree black belt has been a constant and passionate presence at the Portage Judo Club, where he now serves as an instructor, passing on his knowledge and love for the martial art to a new generation.

Patterson’s journey into the world of judo began not from a personal ambition, but through the interests of his two daughters.