Portage

It’s been three years in the making, but for volunteer and co-chair of the Parks Committee, Kim Wikdahl, the wait is finally over, and well worth it.

The installation of Portage la Prairie’s first wheelchair-accessible swing began today in Island Park, marking a major milestone in the push to create more inclusive spaces for local families and visitors alike. The new swing is being installed right next to the existing playground equipment, allowing children of all abilities to play side by side.

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is looking into a possible tornado that may have touched down southeast of Belleview on Tuesday evening.

Belleview is a small community in southwestern Manitoba, located between Virden and Souris.

In a weather summary issued early Wednesday morning, ECCC says a tornado report was received on August 5.

At this stage, the event has not been confirmed. However, meteorologists are continuing to investigate the details surrounding the reported tornado.

Gas prices in Portage la Prairie jumped this week, with most stations rising to 137.9 cents per litre from around 129 cents just last week. This increase reflects broader trends seen across Canada over the past two weeks.

Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis with GasBuddy, notes that oil prices have climbed back near $70 a barrel after several weeks in the low to mid-60s.

The Portage la Prairie Lions Club is staying busy this summer; cutting grass, collecting food donations, and calling on new members to help preserve its 85-year legacy.

Arishya Aggarwal, who serves on the club’s board of directors, says their free lawn mowing service was launched to support those facing challenges around yard work.

The Portage Youth Hub, a program run through the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), brought some movie magic to local youth this week.

On Tuesday, August 5th, the hub hosted a free showing of the new movie The Bad Guys 2 at Prairie City Cinema for 11 lucky registered participants, who, along with the admission, each got a free regular popcorn and drink, all paid for by the Youth Hub.

Shirley Blanchard

Unexpectedly, in the morning of August 1st, on what would have been her oldest son, Randy’s birthday, our mom, Shirley Blanchard (Chin), passed away, at the age of 90 years old.  She is now joined with her husband Maurice, sons; Randy and Dennis, and daughter Lynne, as well as her parents, siblings, in-laws and many other family.

From August 1 to 3, the rolling hills near Dauphin transformed into a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture, history, and community during Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival. Drawing thousands of visitors to the Selo Ukraina site, the annual festival brought together folk dancers, musicians, historical interpreters, vendors, and families eager to honour their heritage or to simply enjoy a weekend of food, music, and tradition.  

Manitoba First Nations Police Service (MFNPS) announced on social media that, after escaping police custody nearly two weeks before, Byron Alvin Solomon Roulette has been arrested.

Roulette now faces 11 charges:

The Manitoba Métis Federation is turning down Prime Minister Mark Carney's invitation to discuss his government's controversial major projects legislation, saying it won't attend the meeting alongside another Métis group it says has no reason to exist.

The federation, which represents Red River Métis, says Carney's decision to include the Métis Nation of Ontario in Thursday's meeting undermines the integrity of the gathering and puts the government's plans for major projects at risk.

The Winnipeg Goldeyes (31-44) suffered yet another one-run loss Tuesday evening, falling 5-4 to the Sioux Falls Canaries (43-33) in the second game of a four-game set at Sioux Falls Stadium.
 
Jordan Barth delivered the decisive blow in the bottom of the ninth, driving a double off the left field wall to bring home Matt Ruíz and send the Canaries faithful home happy.