Portage

The provincewide state of emergency declared last month in Manitoba will be extended until Aug. 22, as wildfires continue to rage across the province, displacing thousands and stretching emergency resources.

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Emergency Management Organization made the announcement on Thursday, noting the original order, put in place on July 10, was set to expire after 30 days. 

The former Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) in Portage la Prairie is set to temporarily reopen to house wildfire evacuees from across the province and according to Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox, the first arrivals could come as early as the end of this week.

"It's going to be a slow rollout," Knox told PortageOnline. "It all really depends on the First Nations who decide that they want to come here. We do know that the site can hold quite a few people, but we're not so sure on exactly how many are coming at this time."

It's a big night at Rotary Republic Park here in Portage la Prairie, as two industry giants, McCain and Simplot, go head-to-head in the long-running charity soft ball game known locally as the 'Battle of the Tater Titans'. But this isn't just about bragging rights. It's about community, compassion, and a cause close to many hearts in the community, supporting Central Plains Cancer Services and their Kids Fighting Cancer programs.

Started in 2004 by Gary Bergson and Mark Morgan, the annual game has become a staple event in Portage la Prairie.

A former Winnipegger and cancer survivor attempted to swim across Lake Winnipeg on August long to support others battling cancer. 

"It was tough to decide which day to go as every day was windy," says Jonathon Fenton. "We had a little opening on Sunday, where it was windy for the first three hours. I was swimming in the chop, like a cork in a washing machine, just bouncing around."

The 61-year-old, two-time cancer survivor ventured out on Lake Winnipeg at Grand Beach and started to swim the long way across to Gimli on Aug. 3. 

A frightening situation unfolded in Lake St. Martin First Nation late Friday night, but thanks to quick action, two young children are now safe and back with their family.

Around 10:30 p.m. on August 1, a man reportedly broke into a home and threatened the people inside with what has been described as a homemade weapon. 

Wildfire smoke has once again made its way into the region, bringing with it hazy skies and reduced air quality expected to last until at least Friday.

Health officials are reminding residents to take precautions, especially those who are more sensitive to air pollution, such as seniors, young children, individuals who are pregnant or have chronic conditions, and anyone who works outdoors.

If you or someone in your household falls into one of those groups, it’s best to limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities. Smoke can cause health risks even for healthy individuals.

The former Manitoba Developmental Centre (MDC) in Portage la Prairie will temporarily reopen to help house wildfire evacuees from across the province.

Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox shared the update in Facebook post, stating the move is part of the provincial government’s emergency response to the growing number of displaced families.

The Portage Padres are one step away from back-to-back Santa Clara Baseball League titles, but they’ll have to wait just a bit longer to seal the deal.

Game 3 of the SCBL final ended in a wild 13-13 tie Wednesday night at Republic of Manitobah Park after the umpires called the game due to darkness, leaving the Padres stranded with the potential winning run on third base.

The result shifts the remainder of the series to a points-based format, with two points awarded for a win and one for a tie.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH

Santa Clara Baseball League
Finals - Best of 5
Game 3
Plumas 13 Portage 13 (Game called due to darkness)
The series is now based on points - First team to 6 points (Portage leads 5-1)

Canadian Elite Basketball League
Winnipeg Sea Bears 86 Niagara River Lions 81

Administrators say federal government needs to build more trust into the Advance Payment Program

Administrators of the Advance Payments Program say Ottawa should stop treating farmers as if they are going to default on repayments.

They said the application process should be streamlined and the program made simpler and more consistent.

Dave Gallant, vice-president of finance and APP operations at the Canadian Canola Growers Association, said the CCGA administers about $2.5 billion in advances each year on behalf of the federal government.