Portage

The bandages have come off, and we can finally see the results of the facelift Saskatchewan Avenue has received.

The Saskatchewan Avenue Revitalization project took three years to complete, costing a total of $25 million. The funding was provided by the Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba, and the City of Portage la Prairie.

Local historian James Kostuchuk describes this as a long-awaited development for the city.

Home sweet home. In many cases, when a holiday comes to an end, people are longing for one or two more days away. But for Dan Joudrey, a recent experience in Cuba had him longing for the usual uncomfortable plane ride so he could finally get home.

Joudrey recently vacationed in Cuba with a family member and it did not turn out as planned. Thanks to economic conditions on the island and a prolonged power outage that lasted an entire week, the trip was anything but relaxing. In fact the lack of basic resources made it difficult to survive, let alone enjoy a vacation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his MPs Wednesday that he would reflect on what they had to say in a three-hour caucus meeting where some Liberals confronted him about his leadership.

Trudeau was smiling when he left the meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and as he walked briskly past a horde of reporters on Parliament Hill he said only that the Liberal party is "strong and united."

The effort to find the remains of two slain First Nations women believed to be in a landfill is on track and excavation in the target area is set to start in early December, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Wednesday.

"I hope that everybody in the province and across the country sees that Manitoba values and honours Indigenous women," Kinew told reporters as he stood at the Prairie Green Landfill north of Winnipeg.

Kinew also addressed the families of Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran, who joined him at the site.

RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in a case of what they are calling a deliberate act of vandalism.

On October 22, Spruce Plains RCMP received a report of a fiber optic line having been cut in a ground vault at the intersection of 1st Street NW and 3rd Avenue NW in Minnedosa.

This caused a disruption in service that affected internet, phone and television services to approximately 90 homes and businesses in Minnedosa for an extended period of time. A second fiber optic line located in a ground vault near this intersection was also reported to have been damaged.

Phyllis Moar
1935 - 2024

Peacefully on October 20, 2024, with family by her side, Phyllis Moar passed away at the Portage General Hospital in Portage la Prairie, MB at the age of 89 years.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced Wednesday that manager Logan Watkins, pitching coach Mark Brewer, and hitting coach Adam Donachie have agreed to new two-year contracts with the club.

James “Jim” Bernard Hawco
1951 – 2024

Suddenly on Saturday, October 19, 2024 James (Jim) Bernard Hawco passed away at 73 years of age.

Jim was born in Bell Island, Newfoundland in 1951 to Gus & Mary Hawco. He had five siblings; Jerry Hawco, Mary Hawco, Paula (Gord) Kent, Betty (Jerry) Lockie & Vince (Elizabeth) Hawco. Jim was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary and his brother-in-law Gord.

Over 200 residents gathered Tuesday night at the Prairie Fusion Arts and Entertainment Centre to support a crucial healthcare initiative spearheaded by Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza. The event, which drew a crowd eager to advocate for an MRI unit in the new Portage District General Hospital, highlighted the community's pressing need for improved medical services.

In an emotional address, Bereza emphasized the importance of community-driven healthcare. 

"It's the people here tonight and the 24,000 waiting for an MRI that motivates me." 

The Portage la Prairie District & Chamber of Commerce hosted Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Minster of Housing Addictions and Homelessness, Bernadette Smith on Tuesday at the Canad Inns.

Attendees listened to the state of the province and there was a question-and-answer period where the Premier listened to questions and concerns regarding many issues Manitobans are facing. Those who attended expressed optimism about the government's responsiveness to local needs.