Peony Farm Community Park completed in record time

What began as a regular community meeting quickly turned into something much bigger, all sparked by one simple question:

"Should we consider rebuilding the playground?"

That one idea quickly turned into a $188,000, community-led transformation, thanks to local fundraising, strong support from the RM of Portage la Prairie, and a timely boost from the Province of Manitoba.

Free breakfast, lunch, and snacks for La Verendrye students

Submitted by cory.knutt on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 17:00

La Verendrye School, located on the northern edge of Portage la Prairie, is launching a new free lunch program this school year, aiming to provide healthy meals while supporting families who may face food insecurity.

Principal Al Patterson, stepping into the role after serving as vice principal, says the initiative is part of a broader community schools program designed to ensure nutritious meals are accessible to all students.

Cairns fires 66 to win Junior Open

Submitted by cory.knutt on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 11:00

Sixteen-year-old golfer Logan Cairns fired his best-ever tournament round to win the Stride Credit Union Junior Open at the Portage Golf Club.

The event took place Thursday, August 28, with Cairns posting a four-under 66 to finish well ahead of the field.

Cairns notes, “It feels pretty good, especially since I played my best round ever in a tournament.”

The annual BBBS duck race results in a dramatic finish

Submitted by tylor.baer on Fri, 08/29/2025 - 10:00

In a spectacle of fun, over 1,000 rubber ducks took the plunge down the waterslides at Splash Island Waterpark on Thursday, August 28th, for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains' annual Big Duck Race fundraiser.

The event combined community spirit with a healthy dose of competition, all in support of local youth mentoring programs.

From one hero to another, Axel Argue meets Fred Fox

Forty-five years after Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope in St. John's, Newfoundland, his mission continues to inspire Canadians of all ages. This year's theme 'Finish It' reflects not the end of a run, but the continuation of the dream, ending the suffering that cancer causes. For Fred Fox, Terry's older brother, the message is as powerful today as it was back in 1980.

During his recent visit to Winnipeg, he reflected on the enduring impact of his brother's legacy.

Manitoba government should have more oversight in municipalities operations: AG

Manitoba's auditor general is suggesting the province should have more oversight over the operations of municipalities following an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement, improper governance practices and lack of accountability measures. 

Over the course of a year, Tyson Shtykalo investigated claims against six municipalities, with some of the allegations dating back as far as five years. 

Poll suggests 85% of Canadians want governments to regulate AI

A new poll indicates an overwhelming majority of Canadians are in favour of regulating artificial intelligence, and almost half are worried it will contribute to cognitive decline.

The Leger poll found 85 per cent of respondents believe governments should regulate AI tools to ensure ethical and safe use. More than half, 57 per cent, said they strongly agreed with that statement.

"It's very clear Canadians want government involved," said Jennifer McLeod Macey, senior vice-president at Leger.

Canada's sport system 'broken' and in need of change: report

A new national report on how abuse and maltreatment are handled in sport says "Canadian sport has lost its way" and the federal government must act to better protect athletes across the country. 

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report Thursday, saying it heard that there are "deeply ingrained" issues across the country, from a culture of silence that has led to abuse and maltreatment to underfunding and a lack of diversity. 

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