Portage

A survivor of a rockfall last week in Banff National Park is remembering his 33-year-old roommate, who didn't make it out alive from under the rubble, as a kind and generous friend.

Khaled Elgamal says Hamza Benhilal of Surrey, B.C., was one of two people who died after a slab of mountain gave way Thursday, raining rock down on hikers at Bow Glacier Falls, about 200 kilometres northwest of Calgary.

MONDAY, JUNE 23RD

Santa Clara Baseball League
Austin 4 Portage 5
Neepawa 14 Carberry 1
Plumas 7 Minnedosa 0

TUESDAY, JUNE 24TH

Manitoba Junior Baseball League
Altona at Winnipeg South Junior - 7:00 PM

Protein Industries Canada says a new soybean breeding program will open new opportunities for producers and processors.

The new $4.3 million initiative for Canada's identity-preserved non-GMO soybean is being led by NRGene Canada, Pulse Genetics, Hensall Co-op, and Yumasoy Foods Ltd. 

The project, involves the launch of a new breeding program to develop early-maturing, high-protein, non-GMO soybean varieties suited to Canada’s northern climates, including Manitoba and northern Ontario.

The June 23, 2025, City Council meeting saw Waterworks Committee Chair Faron Nicholls provide an update on two initiatives under his portfolio — the city’s annual water main flushing program and ongoing lead testing efforts.

The flushing program is a routine part of maintaining the city’s water infrastructure and involves clearing out iron and other residues that accumulate in the water mains over time. Crews flush the mains at high velocities to scour accumulated sediment from the pipes.

A house fire is every family’s worst nightmare, where seconds matter, and years of memories can vanish in an instant. For the Holben family of Poplar Point, that nightmare became reality in the early morning hours of May 21st.

A frightening morning

Samantha Holben, daughter of Arny and Claire Holben, remembers the terrifying start to the day that would change her parents' lives. Around 4 a.m., Claire awoke to strange sounds and assumed she had left a tap running. 

“She opened her bedroom door and was almost knocked down by the smoke,” notes Holben.

Under initially uncertain skies that gave way to perfect sunshine, six dedicated golfers conquered an incredible 90 holes each at the Portage Golf Club today, all in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Portage la Prairie.

The marathon fundraiser saw participants tee off early this morning, battling fatigue but buoyed by community spirit and a beautiful afternoon, ultimately raising crucial funds for the organization's mentoring programs.

The Rural Municipality of St. François Xavier is finalizing a new strategic plan following months of community engagement. Residents, advisory groups and municipal committees were all invited to participate, and Council says the feedback received is helping shape the municipality’s direction in the years ahead.

A school-wide lacrosse event held Friday, June 20, in Portage la Prairie marks the latest step in a growing effort to reconnect students with the sport's Indigenous roots and build momentum for a long-term school-based program.

Allan Patterson, vice-principal at La Verendrye School helped lead the initiative. He says his passion for lacrosse began when he was young and continued when he moved to Portage to play junior hockey.

Portage la Prairie’s Fun With Family Day Festival is back on the calendar for Saturday, August 30, and organizers say they’re going full steam ahead with plans for another large-scale celebration, but they’ll need a boost from the community to make it happen.

The event is run by Concerts on Request, a nonprofit that draws thousands each year to Our Farm Greenhouses just south of Portage.

President of the board Bhryden Doherty says last year’s festival brought out over 7,500 people.

Portage la Prairie RCMP say a tip led them to stolen property and three arrests earlier this month.

A report of a stolen e-bike came in on the morning of June 16 from a home on 20th Street Southwest. Officers searched the area but didn’t find the bike at the time.

The next day, police received a tip and went to a home on Countess Avenue. When they arrived, they say three men were in a garage—one of them dismantling the stolen e-bike and attaching the parts to another bike.