Portage

The Portage la Prairie Soup Kitchen has a new name. Now operating as the Highway Community Kitchen, the local non-profit continues to serve full meals to those in need three days a week out of Highway Pentecostal Church. Co-coordinator Carol Lang explains that the changes were made in December when a new team took over for the year-old operation.

"There was a change-up with who was coordinating the kitchen. When we took over, we changed the name.  

History is in the making at Fort la Reine School as the first-ever Grade 8 class prepares to graduate next month, marking a significant milestone for the community and the school’s evolution.

Janelle Neyron, the Grade 8 teacher, expressed deep admiration for her class, whom she's taught for the past two years.

"The bunch that I have is wonderful. I feel like I won the lottery. They're kind, respectful, and fun. I've really enjoyed my time with them, and I'm going to miss them a lot when they leave."

As summer weather settles in and pools reopen, water safety is once again top of mind for local officials.

With Splash Island Waterpark in Portage la Prairie set to open June 2, experts are reminding families to take a few extra precautions, especially when it comes to young children and backyard pools.

Backyard risks that are often overlooked

Lorne Edwards, Media Coordinator with Lifesaving Society Manitoba, says one of the most important things a parent can do is ensure their child learns to swim.

A new spy watchdog report says an overseas Canadian Security Intelligence Service operation was suddenly halted by government officials, "creating unnecessary danger for the CSIS team" and raising questions about ministerial accountability.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency found no written records indicating the decision to suspend the operation had been made by the CSIS director or the minister of public safety.

National defence is becoming an increasingly thorny topic for Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as Canada comes under heavy pressure from its allies to do more and spend more.

But with just weeks to go until NATO member nations assemble in the Netherlands for a summit that could put Ottawa in the hot seat on defence spending, several of his ministers took the unusual step of removing themselves from discussions with defence reporters this week at Canada's largest defence industry show.

Fire crews were on scene for an extended period Thursday evening as they worked to extinguish fires at two mobile homes on Estate Street, located in the northwest area of Portage la Prairie.

Firefighters were originally dispatched to a pallet fire in the area, and upon arrival discovered the situation had escalated significantly

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

There were no injuries.

Photos and video footage were captured at the scene between approximately 6:30 and 7 p.m.

As wildfires continue to affect communities in Northern Manitoba, Portage la Prairie is doing its part by opening an emergency evacuation centre at the Portage Curling Rink.

Getting around on two wheels just got easier in Portage la Prairie. The city has officially wrapped up work on the new bike lanes along Saskatchewan Avenue, giving cyclists smoother routes to get across town. As more people dust off their bikes, Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin, Director of Operations, shares a few important reminders to keep everyone safe.

“We have bike lanes from 4th up to 18th,” Lequier-Jobin explains. “From 4th to 8th, they're separated by curbs, and then from 8th to 18th, they’re up on the boulevard with grass strips in between.”

Phase 2 of Manitoba Hydro’s planned upgrade work in Portage la Prairie is now underway, several days ahead of schedule.

Brandon Avenue officially closed Thursday, May 29, instead of the previously estimated June 2 start date.

Brandon Avenue closed between Massey and Nana

The closure affects the stretch between Massey Crescent and Nana Lane near Island Park, where underground utility work is now taking place. The project is part of a multi-phase plan aimed at improving electrical infrastructure and preparing the area for future growth.

A vehicle unexpectedly collided with a local medical clinic Thursday afternoon in Portage la Prairie.

Shortly after 1 p.m., an SUV crashed into the side of the Portage Clinic. The vehicle appeared to have mounted the curb and struck the building near its north end.

The crash occurred near the entrance to the same-day clinic pathway.