MLA Bereza highlights rising costs and healthcare needs in new Legislative session

The first session of the 43rd Manitoba Legislature opened Wednesday, October 2, in Winnipeg. Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza gave a preview before the meeting, outlining key issues expected to be discussed.

He highlighted several important topics, including Manitoba’s significant deficit.

RCMP take down man impersonating a police officer

RCMP in Selkirk arrested a man posing as a member of the police service earlier this week.

On September 30, at about 9 p.m., Selkirk RCMP received a report that a woman was stopped on Highway 9 in Petersfield, Manitoba by a man identifying himself as an off-duty RCMP officer. He was driving a pickup truck with emergency lights when he pulled the woman over. He accused her of speeding, but soon left the scene when asked to present identifying information.

Officers did patrols to attempt to locate the described vehicle, but the vehicle was not located.

Manitoba Hydro announces a planned outage for online services

A press release from Manitoba Hydro is announcing an online services outage this weekend.

The release advises that some online services will be unavailable Saturday, October 5 as the utility upgrades some of its internal systems.

Website self-service transactions will be unavailable including customer account functions such as billing and submitting a meter reading, online power outage reporting and the utility’s outage map. In addition, the Manitoba Hydro app will be offline on Saturday, October 5.

Gimli RCMP arrest suspect for drugs and weapons charges

On September 20, around 7:45 p.m., Gimli RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence in Riverton, Manitoba as part of an ongoing investigation.

When officers arrived on the scene, several people were outside the house and taken into custody. They were all later released without charges.

Bicentennial celebration a resounding success as Grantown marks 200 years

St. François Xavier was formerly called Grantown, named after the first settlement of the Red River Métis, founded by Cuthbert Grant just outside of Winnipeg. Grant also led the Battle of Seven Oaks.

The community recently celebrated its bicentennial, marking one of the oldest communities on the continent.

RM of St. François Xavier Reeve Delmer Nott notes it was established in 1824 by Cuthbert Grant, and they decided it was time to revisit their roots. He calls the celebration, held on Sept. 21 and 22, a tremendous success.

Premier Wab Kinew weighs in on Portage General Hospital and MRI

As construction of the new Portage District General Hospital moves forward, there’s growing excitement in the community, but also some big questions; one of the hottest topics being the inclusion of an MRI unit.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has been vocal about the importance of healthcare in rural Manitoba and recently shared his thoughts on the new hospital.

Portage la Prairie's new activity park set to open in mid-October ▶️

Mid-October should see the end of the construction phase for the new activity park at the former dump hill just south of Portage la Prairie.

Junk Yard Dogs Cycling Club president Gary Bergen says it’s an exciting time.

“We're approaching the finish line in terms of construction. The trails and features are taking shape, and we can already feel the excitement looking at what’s there, what the riding experience will be like, and just the overall use of the activity park."

He notes many finishing touches are still to be completed, which can take some time.

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