Portage

Spring is here!

It's the season many have been waiting for, eagerly anticipating budding trees, blooming gardens, and the homecoming of some warmth-loving critters. But, while this time of year is held with open arms, there is reason for caution — especially as the ice melts.

"Roughly 30 per cent of drownings in Manitoba happen... between October and April," says Lynne Stefanchuk, the executive director of Lifesaving Society Manitoba. "There's always that danger around waterways in Manitoba."

Theft doesn't pay, as one Portage resident learned early last week.

On March 18, the Portage la Prairie RCMP responded to a report of a theft from a business located in the 2100 block of Saskatchewan Avenue West. When they arrived on the scene, officers learned the suspect had already left the area. However, police were provided with both a name and a photograph of the individual believed to be responsible.

The Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has just awarded its 2024-25 bursaries to six deserving university students from across the province, supporting the future of agriculture in Manitoba.

Madison Kostal, the Research and Production Coordinator at MCA, took some time to share what went into the selection process and why these bursaries are so important for the next generation of Ag leaders. 

The organizing committee of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is putting the finishing touches on their annual event taking place all of next week at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Monday to Saturday, March 31-April 5th!

The annual fair is hosted by the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba this being their 55th year since their 'Royal' designation from Queen Elizabeth back in 1970.  It features competition and entertainment from one end of the Keystone Centre to the other!

The Portage la Prairie Legion has completed significant upgrades to its handicap access ramps thanks to a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Portage and District. Bob Oldford, past president of the Legion and current service officer, spoke about the improvements, highlighting their importance for the local community. 

On March 21, 2025, surrounded by loving family in the Grace Hospital, William Fairbairn Carmichael, 78, died after a hard fought battle with Progressive Supra-nuclear Palsy.  Although his mind was intact, his body diminished leaving him with limited speech and mobility. He is survived and deeply mourned by his wife Lynn (nee Johnston) of fifty-six years; sons Bryan (Karen), Chris (Natasha), daughters Jocelyn and Riley; grandchildren Matthew , Logan, Gibson, Georgia and Charley; brothers Bob (Carol Anne) and Doug (Shelley), and sisters Jody (Andy) and Jane (Darcy), sister-in-law El

The national chief of the Assembly of First Nations says the fourth victim of a Winnipeg serial killer has been identified as Ashlee Shingoose.

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak says she has spoken with the woman's parents and offered her condolences.

"My heart goes out to all the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls," she said.

Police are scheduled to confirm the identity of the victim, who was given the name Buffalo Woman, at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU) has wrapped up its inquiry into the tragic in-custody death of an adult male at Long Plain First Nation. The incident, which occurred on July 9th, 2022, involved the Manitoba First Nations Police Service responding to a call about an intoxicated man who was behaving erratically.

The melting snow is a reminder that sunnier, much warmer days are ahead for the region. And with those warmer days will come summer sports. 

One of the most popular sports in the region, baseball and softball are preparing to kick off with a couple programs, according to Portage la Prairie's Umpire in Chief, Trent Lepine. He notes that whether your child is new to baseball, or a seasoned veteran, there will be something for them in the region.

Correction: A previous version of this article had a typo in the email address to reach the candidate. It has since been modified and corrected. The email address to contact Robert Kreis is rob@roblyn.net