Portage

Update:

The severe thunderstorm watch has now ended.

Original Story:

Environment Canada had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Portage la Prairie and several surrounding communities as weather conditions became increasingly favourable for potentially dangerous storms Thursday evening.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew again declared a provincewide state of emergency Thursday, as renewed wildfires forced thousands out of their homes, some for the second time in weeks.

Kinew said the order, the second since late May, is critical to rally resources.

"We're going to be asking Manitobans to be helping out in a number of ways," Kinew told a news conference. 

"We want to underscore just how serious this wildfire season is."

John Ronald Fehr

August 29, 1936 — July 9, 2025

On Wednesday July 9, 2025, John Fehr passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years. John was predeceased by his wife Marlene (July 9, 2023) and his son Richard (April 17, 2000).

With another round of scorching temperatures expected this week, and memories still fresh from last week’s heat warning, Southern Health Santé Sud is reminding residents in Portage la Prairie to take extra precautions to stay safe in the heat.

People in the prairies are no strangers to intense summer heat, but when the temperature climbs, so does the risk of serious health impacts. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild dehydration and heat exhaustion to more severe conditions like heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Brad Bailey, director of public safety for the City of Portage la Prairie, says the continued evolution of the Community Safety Officer (CSO) program is helping build stronger ties between law enforcement and the public. 

Local farmers were treated to a well-deserved break from the fields on July 9th from CFRY and Country 93, hosting their annual Farmer Appreciation Lunch at Island Park. 

Held at the MNP Exhibition Building, the event ran from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and brought together farm families from across the region to celebrate their hard work, resilience, and vital role in the community. 

Local RCMP responded to 283 calls for service between June 30 and July 6, with files ranging from traffic offences to theft, assaults, and weapons charges.

The calls come from across the Central Plains area, including Portage, Treherne, Amaranth and nearby rural municipalities.

Traffic and provincial offences top the list

Police delt with 68 traffic offences under the Highway Traffic Act during the week, as well as seven vehicle collisions and one impaired driver.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9TH

Santa Clara Baseball League
Portage 7 Austin 7 (No Umps)
Plumas 14 Minnedosa 13
Neepawa 12 Carberry 0

Manitoba Junior Baseball League
Altona 5 St. Boniface 4

A second-year-running volunteer program for Portage la Prairie youth is running this summer, and is created to open doors for youth that will take them places in a good career. 

It's an that builds skills and supports local organizations and is meant to provide real-world experience. 

Portage la Prairie’s Community Mobilization program is making a real impact by helping individuals overcome barriers through a team-based, multidisciplinary approach.

Mari Kozar, executive director of the Portage la Prairie Community Revitalization Corporation, notes the program’s success during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, supporting 122 participants.

She says the program is designed to connect people with multiple agencies in the community to address their unique needs.