Portage

The Manitoba government is changing the planned location of its first supervised consumption site after facing stiff opposition from area residents.

The province, in partnership with the Aboriginal Health and Wellness Centre, submitted a licensing request with Health Canada last November for a site at 200 Disraeli Freeway, in the core area of Winnipeg.

The idea quickly ran into opposition from many local residents, who said the location is too close to schools, a child-care centre and some homes.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet will meet behind closed doors for a second day in a row today, as the Liberal government prepares for Parliament's return in a little under two weeks.

Cabinet is discussing efforts to spur industrial investment, refocus Ottawa's spending priorities for the coming fall budget and counter U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs.

The federal government is expected in October to table Carney's first budget since taking office.

A Carberry-based taxidermist and avid hunter, who recently showcased record-setting local game, is now set to become a television star.

Justin Lilley has been signed to a four-season deal for a new reality series on WildTV, turning his passion for the outdoors into must-see Canadian content.

The new show, "Beyond the Blind Hunts," was officially greenlit after a whirlwind summer for Lilley, who was first featured by Portage Online in early July this year, in a popular article that highlighted his hunting achievements and taxidermy work.

As we approach fall, there becomes a higher risk of frost at night. Frost is one of the disruptions to normal plant growth that can cause a buildup of nitrates in forages and cause nitrate toxicity in livestock. Other disruptions that can cause nitrate buildup can include hail, spray drift, or drought.

Harvest is in full swing, and the first Harvest Lunch delivery was made this week to Frank Farms Limited, southeast of MacGregor.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains is heading into a busy fall, fresh off an active summer filled with events and youth activities.

Executive director Dawn Froese notes the season was a strong one for both fundraising and experiences.

UPDATE: 

On Wednesday afternoon, the RCMP confirmed that Bone is now in custody after voluntarily turning himself in to the Manitoba First Nations Police Service.

The Manitoba RCMP issued a short statement thanking the public and media for their assistance in the case.

PREVIOUS STORY:

The province’s Rat Control Program has helped make it one of the few rat-free zones in the world

Alberta is marking 75 years of rat-free status.

An aggressive control program had made it the largest inhabited area in the world that is free of true rats.

There is no resident population of rats, and the rodents are not allowed to establish themselves.

The Assembly of First Nations' annual general assembly kicked off Wednesday with a strong message to government and industry that the countrywide push for major projects won't happen without First Nations at the table.

"We can all agree on this: that progress cannot come at the cost of our rights, our treaties or our responsibilities to the land," Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson told those gathered in Winnipeg.

Residents in parts of MacGregor are dealing with a water shutoff and precautionary boil water advisory.

The Municipality of North Norfolk says service is shut down Wednesday, September 3, starting at 8 a.m. near Maple Street, to allow for emergency line repairs.

“You will be without water September 3rd for the day or until the repair is complete. Prepare for water shut off by filling pails or tubs with water immediately,” notes the municipality in a public notice.