Portage

Five years ago, Thanksgiving in the area was anything but normal. That was when a Thanksgiving snowstorm rocked Portage la Prairie and surrounding areas.

The storm was one for the ages on October 11, 2019. It knocked out trees and hydro lines, leaving many without power. 48,000 people were reported to be without power across the province. Locally, Manitoba Hydro said that all seven power sources to Portage were out. Some, just outside of the community, were without power for more than 10 days.

Now until October 17th, head to your local Stride Credit Union to donate non-perishable food items, or make a monetary donation that will be matched 100% up to $7,000. With your donation, you’ll also be entered to win $1000 in Co-op gift cards! 

Stride Credit Union has long upheld one key value: supporting the community.  

“One of the cooperative principles that all Credit Unions guide themselves by is concern for the community,” said Brent Budz, CEO, Stride Credit Union. “It’s part of our proverbial DNA as an organization to give back to our communities.” 

Herman Prior Activity Centre held a series of events entitled the Song Catcher Series. Executive Director Kathy Bryce explains it was initiated by Jerry Maksymyk this year along with the volunteers here at the Centre and it significantly boosted attendance. 

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has named 16 farmer members to serve in the 17 available delegate positions on the four crop committees.

The Portage Terriers had a slow start to the season, but after a strong road trip, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) believes they're on the right path.

Week three of the MJHL's power rankings were released, with the Portage Terriers climbing from 9th to 7th. The Dogs were 1-3 going into this week, with all three upcoming games taking place on the road. 

Ag Growth International has teamed up with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) to raise funds for a cure for breast cancer.

Since its peak in 1986, the breast cancer death rate has been nearly cut in half. Today, the 5-year survival rate continues to improve. But there is still work to do! 

Ag Growth International’s (AGI) Canadian farm team has released a pink limited-edition UCX³ U-trough belt conveyor to raise funds to support breast cancer awareness.

Over the last few years, a real emphasis has been put on the importance of making your mental health a priority and removing the stigma around reaching out for help.

Farming is known to be one of the most dangerous occupations, it involves a lot of stress and factors unique to agriculture like the weather and markets both of which can have a major impact and are totally out of farmers' control.

Learning ways to recognize and release stress is key especially when trying to stay focused when working with large farm equipment or unpredictable livestock.

Portage la Prairie's efforts to acquire an MRI unit for the new hospital project is a provincial issue requiring the Manitoba government to give the go-ahead. However, we had a chance to hear the opinion of federal Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar, Branden Leslie. He notes that now is the time to get it right.

William (Bill) Zettler

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on October 6, 2024.

Two vehicles were involved in what turned out to be a collision followed by one of them, a pickup, driving onto the lawn of a home and into a hydro pole at the corner of 5th Street SE and Queen Avenue.

Portage Fire Department Captain Todd McKinnon explains the black pickup was heading west.