Portage

Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza met with residents at Oak Tree Towers again on Thursday, and he explains the government has yet to provide lasting safety at Oak Tree Towers, despite major spending.

Security was still onsite at the apartment complex this past Thursday, but it's a day-by-day situation without any indication of what day it might end or continue.

"We come today to check to see because the security contract supposedly was over on the fourth of June. What a coincidence, right after the session closes," says Bereza.

Rob Pehura, head coach of the Central Plain Sea Lions, says his club is celebrating as two of its swimmers have secured spots on Team Manitoba for the upcoming Canada Games. 

"We got two on," he says. "Anika Dyck and Carson Pehura both made the team. It wasn’t even close. They weren’t inched in, they’re solid on that team." 

Pehura notes both athletes are the only rural swimmers outside the perimeter to qualify this year. 

The BDO Centre for the Community marks a significant milestone this year, celebrating 15 years since dedicated residents rallied to save the vital recreational hub from closure.

Originally facing shutdown when the Stride Place facility opened, the centre thrives today thanks to ongoing community support, key upgrades, and tireless volunteer efforts. The building itself boasts a much longer history, tracing back over 50 years.

Roy Andrew Lyall

Peacefully with his family by his side, Roy Lyall passed away on May 28, 2025, at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 103 years.

The energy was electric at the North Norfolk Bull Bash last night as fans from across the region packed the stands to witness an evening of high-octane bull riding, community spirit, and rising stars in the sport.

"It was a packed house, outstanding athletes, two and four-legged," said Ben Kinkead, owner of Crossfire Bull Riding, who helped organize the event. "We had three really outstanding rides. The crowd was into it all night, packed house with a great atmosphere. So, we were very happy."

The City of Portage la Prairie and Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation are being recognized on the national stage for their work on reconciliation.

The two communities have received the 2025 Collaboration Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for their June 2024 reconciliation ceremony and formal apology. The award was presented during CAMA’s national conference in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.

Portage la Prairie students will keep exploring the globe thanks to a new community-led initiative.

Teachers Laura McMaster and JoEllen Sevcenko have co-founded the Portage Travel Club.

This move comes after the Portage School Division recently decided to stop approving international student trips, prompting the veteran educators to ensure these life-changing experiences remain available locally.

Why Travel Matters

McMaster passionately explains the club’s core purpose, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of student travel.

Tiff Macklem is wearing an Edmonton Oilers pin as he reflects on coming very close to beating big odds.

It's a significant day for the governor of the Bank of Canada: he's just laid out his reasons to the entire country and a global audience for keeping the central bank's benchmark interest rate steady for a second straight time.

That night is also Game 1 of the NHL's Stanley Cup finals; Macklem ends his press conference with a hearty "Go Oilers!"

The sounds of trains and the excitement of enthusiasts filled the historical train station in Portage la Prairie this weekend during Portage Train Day, an annual event that draws model railroading fans from across Manitoba. Hosted by the Portage Model Railroad Club, the event featured seven displays and welcomed clubs like the Manitoba T-Track Group to showcase their layouts and foster community ties.

A recent uptick in black bear sightings along Highway 26 near St. François Xavier has raised questions about why the animals are venturing closer to roads and residential areas. According to wildlife experts, the answer likely lies in the early start to wildfire season across Manitoba.

This spring has seen frequent and intense wildfires, which disrupt natural ecosystems and force bears out of their usual habitats in search of food, safety, and territory.