Portage

Manitoba star defender Ashton Bell was the first player selected in the PWHL's expansion draft and the Deloraine product will now join a stacked Vancouver team that's looking to make an instant impact on the league. 

The federal public service shed almost 10,000 people last year, with the Canada Revenue Agency and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada losing the most employees.

The last time the public service contracted was in 2015, when the number of people employed dropped just slightly from 257,138 to 257,034.

The number of public servants employed by the federal government fell from 367,772 to 357,965 over the last year.

Canada's fentanyl czar says the fight against the deadly opioid would get a boost from proposed new tools for law enforcement in the Liberal government's recently tabled border bill.

Kevin Brosseau, the federal point person on fentanyl, welcomes provisions in the Strong Borders Act to increase inspection powers, give police easier access to information, crack down on money laundering and improve control of chemicals used to make the drug.

With summer's arrival, ensuring your vehicle is prepped and you're ready for the road is crucial for safe and enjoyable journeys.

Dean Law, owner, operator, and shop foreman at Law's Automotive in Portage la Prairie, shares vital maintenance and safety tips to navigate the hot season.

Keeping your cool: vehicle maintenance essentials

Law emphasizes proactive checks to prevent common warm-weather breakdowns. Key areas demand attention before hitting the highway.

Looking for ways to make this Father’s Day weekend special?

Portage la Prairie and nearby communities are offering a lineup of engaging activities, whether you’re into museums, classic cars, or golf.

Classic Car Showcase & Country Music (Treherne)

Head to the Second Chance Car Museum this Saturday, June 14 (2–5:30 p.m.) at Railway Ave and Vanzile St.

A 17-year-old from Long Plain First Nation is facing charges after a bear spray assault in Portage la Prairie.

Portage RCMP say officers were called just before 9 a.m. on June 3rd to the 100 block of 3rd Street Southwest after reports of an assault with a weapon.

Several officers responded to the scene, but the suspect had already fled in a vehicle. Police say they are familiar with the youth involved in the incident.

According to investigators, the teen brandished bear spray during the confrontation. The victim managed to get away and was not physically injured.

As Portage la Prairie advances into the first year of its three-year paving plan, additional projects are also moving ahead, including upgrades at Simplot Park and shared infrastructure work in the city’s northeast.

Director of operations Jocelyn Lequier-Jobin says that alongside regular road renewals and the expanded reconstruction of Crescent Road West and Lorne Avenue, the city is adding new features to Simplot Park.

Portage la Prairie residents can look forward to ideal weather for Father’s Day celebrations, with sunny skies and summer-like warmth in the forecast.

Environment Canada meteorologist Shannon Moodie says the weekend starts off mild on Saturday with a high of 22 and some hazy conditions, but things really warm up on Sunday.

“We’re looking at quite a nice day with a high of 28 and some light southerly winds,” she notes.

Moodie adds that smoke and haze could still linger through the weekend, but overall, conditions stay dry and stable.

Members of the Association of Nigerians in Portage la Prairie recently joined evacuee support efforts at CanadInns, focusing their energy on a critical behind-the-scenes task: packing blankets for those displaced by regional wildfires.

A change in task, but not in plans

Their original plans had been to help give back by serving food, but the group adapted their plans after learning sufficient staff were already on hand for food service.

Adebola Adesanya, Secretary of the association, explained the shift in duties.

The MJHL's all-time winningest coach has decided to continue his run with the Portage Terriers, without much deliberation.

Blake Spiller and his staff are now set for Blake's twentieth season as the team's bench boss and General Manager, and twenty-fifth season total.

Spiller says it's nice to have the deal done and that he has high hopes for the team's return this fall.