The RCMP Musical Ride is touring Manitoba and Ontario this year.

 

It will stop in The Pas tonight at the Ag grounds and tomorrow night in Flin Flon at Centoba Park.

 

The RCMP Musical Ride is performed across Canada and worldwide.

 

The Ride involves a choreographed cavalry drill set to music and has been performed since the 1800's.

 

Country Rain will also perform, and over 20 horses and riders with the RCMP will participate in the Musical Ride.

 

Gates open at 4, and the show starts at 6.

 

The Ag Society is also preparing for chuck wagon and chariot races in The Pas on August 20th and 21st.

Workshops, Feasts, traditional ceremonies, and more will be held this weekend at the Guy Hill Residential School site for survivors and their families.

 

Prep for the event will start tomorrow, with tents and teepees being set up.

 

On Friday, survivors will gather at the site for registration, ceremonies, a sweat lodge, and a gathering at 7 pm.

 

A pipe ceremony will take place on Saturday, followed by workshops on drum making, medicine pouch making, and other teachings.

 

Marvin Cook, a survivor from Broche, will be sharing at 11:30 about the healing process.

 

Brighton Bigalow will speak at 1:30 on Saturday about the “Let’s Find the Children” Project.

 

At 6 pm, a dance to honour the survivors and children who never made it home will take place.

 

Workshops will continue on Sunday, and the feast will take place at 5:30 at the Guy Hill Site.

OCN Government Services offices will be closed tomorrow to honour a member who bravely served while fighting in Ukraine.

Austin Lathlin-Bercier, also known as running gray wolf and member of the Bald Eagle Program was killed in action fighting for what he believed in.

The Bald Eagle Program is a hands-on summer program for Indigenous youth to develop skills, encourage teamwork, provide physical fitness, and promote cultural awareness.

The service for Lathlin-Bercier will take place today and tomorrow at the OCN Veterans Hall.

There will be a host of guest speakers, including OCN Chief Maureen Brown, MLA Amanda Lathlin, Town of The Pas Mayor Andre Murphy, Grand Chief’s Cathey Marrick, and Garrison Settee, as well as others.

Services start tonight at 7 pm.

The Beatrice Wilson Health Center is hosting kids' cooking classes tomorrow.

The classes will run at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center in the classroom.

The parent, and me cooking class is designed to promote healthy eating and make it fun for the kids.

There is a very limited number of spots available so register fast by contacting Shawn Yeremko at the health center at 627-7410.

There will also be door prizes for those who attend.

The classes run from 1:30 to 3:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Mayor Colleen Smook is part of a delegation in Houston, Texas to learn about that community’s successful strategy to address homelessness.

Also from Thompson are Andrea Hatley, the Reaching Home homelessness funding co-ordinator and Kelvin Lynxleg, Executive Director of MKO North.

Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith is leading the delegation.

It also includes community representatives from Brandon and Winnipeg, Metis and Indigenous-led organizations from Manitoba, and community organizations like the Main Street Project.

Delegates will learn about Houston’s collaborative homeless response, visit the Coalition for the Homeless’ Housing Navigation Center and meet with community organizations working on the ground.

Houston’s approach to ending homelessness has reduced numbers in the city by more than 60 percent and moved over 32 thousand people off the streets and into homes.

 

Smith said the Manitoba government is committed to ending chronic homelessness in two terms. She acknowledged Houston’s significant success in reducing homelessness and feels the Manitoba delegation will learn from them.

The delegation builds on Budget 2024’s investment of over $116 million for the construction and upkeep of social and affordable housing. As part of this funding, the Manitoba government is building 350 new units of social and affordable housing and renovating and repairing another 3,000 units.

During the fire at Westwood Elementary School on Wednesday, evacuation orders were put into place in the afternoon due to the heavy smoke.

It started as a voluntary evacuation order and just after 3 pm, the City of Thompson notified the public that residents in streets surrounding the fire scene were on a mandatory evacuation order and should head to the TRCC.

RCMP was dispatched to go door-to-door to notify those residents of the order.

As of yesterday, the school was still considered an active fire scene.

 

With the fire destroying Westwood Elementary School, there are many questions about what will happen next.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino was on City Beat yesterday and indicated that representatives from the City of Thompson and the School District of Mystery Lake had been in contact.

 

Valentino asked that the public be patient and stated that we will hear from the School District officials in due time,  as they are just beginning the process for how to move forward.

General updates regarding the fire are posted on the district’s facebook page.

 

Councillor Bill Ward resigned after many years of service at this week's council meeting in the Pas.

 

The success of this year's Canada Day celebrations was discussed at the meeting, and preparations are already underway for next year.

 

The cleanup of the Lido is finally pushing forward, and it is expected to take place over the next month.

 

There are still some ongoing insurance issues, and the town continues to work with the insurance company and contractors to complete the cleanup as soon as possible.

 

The mayor and council of the town of Pas are looking at ways to save money for the town.

 

The fuel system at the town garage is being upgraded.

 

A water meter replacement project is currently being reviewed; it's about an 800-thousand-dollar project.

 

There was also a consultation with the provincial government last week regarding Highway 283.

 

A study is currently underway to seek public input, but upgrades are expected in the coming years.

We’re in the midst of National Drowning Prevention Week, and Lifesaving Society Manitoba is highlighting the need to be

water-smart.

 

Dr. Christopher Love with the Society said they’ve been working with newcomer agencies for over 10 years to provide water safety training.

 

He added that some newcomers are arriving from countries where the water is unsafe for swimming, due to rough conditions or danger from predators like sharks and crocodiles.

 

General tips for anyone on or near the water include always supervising children, boating sober, and wearing a lifejacket to avoid accidental drowning.

 

However, the latest report from the Lifesaving Society Manitoba shows that fatal drownings in the province are on the rise.

 

The new average for Manitoba is now 23 per year, up from 22.

 

Love advises that children should have adult supervision at all times when near water, including in the bathtub.

 

At the beach or pool, children who cannot swim should wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device and an adult supervisor must be within arms’ reach of these children at all times.

 

For more on keeping children safe from drowning as well as more water safety tips, check out lifesaving.mb.ca for their “Within Arms’ Reach” brochure.

Yesterday, Thompson Fire and EMS responded to a fire at Westwood School around 3:30 a.m.

Thompson firefighters along with Vale Manitoba Operations Mine Rescue Firefighters worked to douse the flames and heavy equipment was used in the effort to sever the two main parts of the building - the classroom area and the gym.

According to a city spokesperson, it was reported that the classrooms are a complete loss.

Firefighters remained on scene throughout the day.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A post on the School District of Mystery Lake’s facebook page said quote - “as a result of the fire September start up will be affected.  SDML requires time to plan and details will be released at a later date.”

Due to the heavy smoke, the City of Thompson issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents of on a number of streets surrounding the scene.

RCMP went door-to-door to inform residents of the mandatory evacuation order, advising them to relocate to the TRCC.
 

While many of us crave the summer heat and sunshine, there are limits to what our bodies can handle.

If we’re not careful about limiting our time in the sun and heat we can experience heat exhaustion or, in a worst-case scenario, heat stroke.

And, according to Dr. Eileen Burnett, Medical Officer of Health for the Northern Health Region, northerners may be more susceptible to these conditions.

 

Burnett said signs of heat illness include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, weakness and confusion.   
       
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, stop all activities, find a cool place and hydrate with water.      

She says it’s important to take these signs seriously because excess heat can become life-threatening quickly.
 

High temperatures and wildfires are going hand-in-hand for some northern Manitoba communities, this summer especially.  

Both present health risks and it’s important to be aware of how to manage those risks, especially for the elderly, infants, and those with conditions like asthma or COPD.

 

To keep wildfire smoke out of your home, keep windows closed and well-sealed, make sure you use a good-quality air filter if you have forced-air ventilation and set the H-VAC system to re-circulation mode.

Burnett also advises against using exhaust fans when you are not cooking.

Early Sunday afternoon Flin Flon RCMP received a report that Camp Whitney was on fire.

Officers responded to the remote camp by boat and found the main kitchen fully engulfed in flames as well as several close by structures.

Provincial Water Bombers were called in to extinguish the flames.

At that time officers were able to determine that nobody was present at the fire.

Investigation reported that a group of campers had been at the site but had left earlier in the morning and the site had been closed by a caretaker.

RCMP haven't found anything suspicious at this time and investigations are ongoing.

The Pas and Area Animal Shelter is looking for a new shelter manager.

It has been overrun with animals lately.

Over the last few weeks, more than two dozen animals have been taken in, and 19 kittens are currently in their care.

For the first time, the shelter is offering a two-for-one kitten sale to try and help find fosters and owners, but some of the animals are still too young to adopt.

In addition to adopting, there are other ways you can donate to the shelter, such as donating cat food, toys, cat litter, treats, other animal essentials, and your time by volunteering at the shelter.

If you donate food, keep in mind the shelter uses Presidents Choice and Iams and prefers to stick to those brands so the cats have consistency with their diet.

Open shelter night runs from 6 to 7:30 pm this evening and every Wednesday night.

At a news conference yesterday in Winnipeg, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Chief Angela Levasseur addressed the critical nursing shortage on the
First Nation.

Levasseur said that since last September, NCN’s nursing station has been
open for emergencies only.

She puts the blame on a lack of nurses, which is created by a lack of
funding.

 

Levasseur said that rampant poverty in the community of 35-hundred has
lead to addictions and violence.

She said the nurses are often kept busy looking after victims of
violence while those who are ill often cannot receive medical care.

Levasseur, along with Chief David Monias of Pimicikimak Cree Nation and
MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, are calling on the federal and
provincial governments to increase health care funding to First Nations
to address what they call  “two-tier health care.”

 

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee  was on hand as Chief Angela Levasseur of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
addressed the lack of nurses in that community leading to the Nursing
Station being open to emergencies only since September 2023.

 

Chief David Monias of Pimicikimak Cree Nation also added that health is
a treaty right, a human right and a legislative right.

He said extra funding is needed to address the nursing shortages so that
adequate medical care can be received in a timely manner by those living
on First Nations.

Last week, the Tri-Community Foundation handed out checks to the Pas Handi van, the Cranberry Portage Human Resource Center and the Opaskwayak Educations breakfast program.

 

An event was held last week to hand out the first checks.

 

Don Dunigan with the Tri-Community Foundation says they work with the Winnipeg Foundation and endow Manitoba to support the community.

 

The foundation is a group of local volunteers and charitable donors working to improve the communities.

 

Over the last few years, the organization has grown through collaborations with Endow Manitoba, the Winnipeg Foundation, and various grants.

 

A giving week is currently happening across Manitoba.

 

If you give money to your local community foundations, the Winnipeg Foundation and Endow Manitoba will match the funds.

 

You can learn more about donating to your local foundation at Endow MB dot Org.

Early Saturday Morning, Cross Lake RCMP were dispatched to a structure fire at a residence in Cross Lake.

When they arrived, they learned that a neighbour had attempted to rescue an individual from the residence but had been unsuccessful.

Firefighters extinguished the fire, entered the residence, and located the bodies of two deceased individuals, whose identities have not been confirmed.

RCMP, Forensic Identification Services, and the Office of the Fire Commissioner continue investigating.

Last Tuesday night,  The Pas RCMP received an emergency call about a boat collision on Frog Creek south of Cormorant.

Two officers, a guide with extensive knowledge of the area, and two Emergency Medical Services Paramedics travelled almost 20 kilometres in near total darkness, until they came upon the collision.

They located a 30-foot aluminum commercial fishing boat laden with ice and fish, and a six-person crew.     It appears the vessel hit something under water and veered, launching the boat about 40 feet out of the water and onto land.

A 34-year-old woman had serious injuries, and a 42-year-old man was injured as well.

They were transported back to the Cormorant boat launch, where they were then transferred to an Emergency Medical Services ambulance and taken to hospital in The Pas.

They were treated for their injuries and released.

The rescue team then returned to the scene to pick up the uninjured crew members.

The Manitoba Underground Opera will once again tour the north, making stops in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas.

 

The Show “Playtime” will be in 45 communities across the province; this will be the MUO’s most extensive tour to date.

 

The short Opera gives children a chance to experience something new. It’s about a young girl who gets bored of doing homework, and her mother helps her realize that learning is fun.

 

The MUO, started in 2008, features three main events during its season and tours the province’s libraries during the summer.

 

The show will be in the Pas and OCN on the 19th, Moose Lake on the 20th, Flin Flon on the 21st, and Thompson on the 23rd.

Garden locations will be open for public viewing from 11am to 3 pm weather permitting.

 

Garden locations are:

 

-   148 Batchelor Rd

-  37-10th St. West

-  30 Guymer

-  115 Head

- 1052 Cathedral

 

There will be prizes - First - Second - Third

 

People’s choice

 

They tour and then text (620-4540 )- message or email their choice (pasarts@hotmail.com)

 

First prize $100.00 Sponsored by Hummingbird Garden Center

 

Second $75.00   The Pas Arts

 

Third $50.00 The Pas Arts

The University College of the North has introduced the Level 1 Common Core Heavy Duty Truck and Transport Agricultural Technician program to bolster skilled trades in Manitoba.

For the first time, this program will be available to level 1 apprentices of these essential trades, signalling a significant milestone in UCN's technical education offerings in northern Manitoba.

Jamie Grant, UCN's Associate Vice President of Community and industry Solutions, said this training will enhance the skills of apprentices in the area and significantly benefit Manitoba's economy.

The program will run from September 3, 2024, through October 25, 2025, in Thompson, Manitoba.

The program addresses UCN's commitment to the critical need for skilled professionals in Manitoba's heavy-duty equipment, truck and transport, and agricultural sectors.

Eligibility for the program is limited to students who are registered apprentices with Apprenticeship Manitoba and specialize in any of the three trades.

Those interested in enrolling are encouraged to register through the Apprenticeship MB website.

You can also learn more about the program at UCN dot CA.

One and a half million dollars is being spent or road maintenance and repair in The Pas, most of which started in the town earlier this week.

The town is looking into equipment to help with back ally maintenance.

Some of the equipment for this will be in town next week, and testing will be done to determine the equipments feasibility.

Town officials have also been involved with conversations with M-P Niki Ashton, MLA Amanda Lathlin, and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara to share concerns about the community.

There are plans for the mayor and council to meet with ministers in regards to health care clinic upgrades in the community.

Also discussed at this week’s meeting was an upcoming by election for an open seat on the council, video equipment upgrades for filming by weekly meetings, and an upcoming call in show with the Mayor and council at CJAR on Friday July 19^th.

The Mayor will be taking live calls and answering questions then.

Questions can be sent in early to CJAR News at arctic radio dot ca.

A fire broke out on the south side of the Otineka Mall in The Pas last night.

 

The OCN fire department was called in, and the fire was quickly contained.

 

It has caused water and fire damage, which ODC and the OCN Fire Department are currently assessing.

 

Business had been closed this morning, but most reopened at 2pm.

 

ODC Management along with the OCN Fire Department is still working to determine the cause of the fire, so they ask for everyone’s cooperation at this time.

Garden tours in The Pas will be happening this weekend, weather permitting.

The Pas Arts Councils annual event is expected to take place this Saturday from 11 am to 3pm.

They are still looking for more registration since last week’s hail storm caused a few of the gardens to be destroyed.

You can Still Register your gardens for display to the community until Friday by emailing Debbie with The Pas Arts council at 204-620-4540.

For those that would like to tour the gardens you can also email Debbie, and Garden locations will be released Saturday morning, they will also be made available at The Pas Online dot com.

OCN Natural Resources is warning fishermen on the Saskatchewan River to be aware of possible abnormalities within the pickerel population.

They are asking the public to be on the lookout for abnormal growth that may be located on the fish.

They are also requesting that you photograph and freeze the fish whole before dropping it off at the natural resources office located of Fischer Avenue next to the post office.

OCN Natural Resources will be sending the fish out for testing to determine the possible cause and solutions for the issue.

You can contact OCN Natural Resources at 204-627-7087 for more information.

Parents and caregivers of those living with disabilities are encouraged to come out to an event this weekend.

 

The Family Advocacy Network of Manitoba is hosting a get-together to connect families in The North with one another for support.

 

Fan Manitoba is a peer support group created by families of those living with disabilities to help support each other.

 

The idea is that shared experience can help by connecting families living with similar issues and creating a network for those to lean on.

 

The group is six years old, has more than 1000 members, and continues growing into rural communities across the province.

 

The Manitoba government funds the Project to develop a peer support network for caregivers to rely on.

 

It will be an open opportunity to share information, challenges and triumphs related to caring for others.

 

The event in The Pas will be held at the Friendship Center on the 13th, at the Flin Flon Friendship Center on the 14th, and at the Best Western in Thompson on the 15th.

 

All events run from 2 to 4 and from 7 to 9 p.m.

Following years of debate and neglect, on Tuesday, a Manitoba Heritage site was removed from the community.

 

Skippy L was first placed in Devon Park in 1989 after it was decommissioned and reopened to the public as a provincially designated Manitoba Heritage object.

 

Years of vandalism and neglect had left the site unstable, making it a danger to trespassers.

 

There was some outrage in the community over the tearing down of this historic site.

 

After years of discussion with the mayor, council, community, and everyone involved,Skippy L has been removed from Devon Park, a decision that was not made lightly.

 

The Ship Skippy L was built in 1936 and was in service till 1977; it was the last surviving riverboat.

 

The ship was initially built to carry passengers and freight to inaccessible areas in Manitoba.

 

A restoration took place in 1989, and the ship stood at Devon Park before being removed two days ago.

 

Starting July 8, 2024, Manitoba dentists can treat Canadian Dental Care Plan patients on a claim-by-claim basis without formal registration with Sun Life Canada.

The change comes after the May 1, 2024, launch of the CDCP program, which limited patients to selecting their dentist from a provider network established by the federal government and Sun Life Canada.

Dentists beginning to use the claim-by-claim pathway will be restricted from using the CDCP lookup tool to confirm patient eligibility, start date, co-payment, and covered services.

The Manitoba Dental Association says this unnecessary administrative burden may limit a dentist’s desire to provide CDCP care.

There is a public misunderstanding about the program.

Many people think it is a free dental program, which adds extra pressure to dental offices and undermines patient care.

The Manitoba Dental Association is launching a public education program to address misconceptions about the CDCP.

It reaffirms its commitment to advocating for improving access to oral health care for all Manitobans.

Go to Manitoba Dentists dot ca to learn more.

Representatives from the Wellington College based out of Winnipeg will be in The Pas this weekend, hosting an information session about the wellness industry.

 

There has been a large amount of enrolment in the program from the north, but actually accessing the program can often be a challenge.

 

That's why they are opening a satellite program to help train individuals from the north.

 

The College attempted to do this before the pandemic but those operations had to be put on hold.

 

Some of the topics being covered include the industry and the regulations that go along with it, opportunities in the industry, and how the program will work on the satellite campus.

 

Registration is not required, but you can learn more and pre-register for the program at Wellington College dot com.

 

The Session runs this Sunday at the Wescanna Inn from 1 to 2 pm.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation is hosting a youth conference over the next few days in the community.

 

The Thunder Voice conference is geared towards giving Indigenous youth a voice.

 

Bringing people together through various activities encourages them to get involved, make new friends, and speak up.

 

Events will start tomorrow with a meet-and-greet in Moose Park at 6 pm, followed by a fishing derby, karaoke, and camping.

 

The conference will also host guest speakers from the community who have found their voice through music, art, entertainment, and community involvement.

 

On the second day, various speakers will encourage the youth to get up and do the same.

 

Some guest speakers include Donna Asmus, Dale Knutson, Kenneth Henderson, and many others from the community who have found their voices.

 

Speakers will host events throughout Friday and Saturday, and the event will wrap up with a Gala at the Kikiwak Inn on Saturday night.

 

The event is open to youth aged 13 and older and their families; everyone is asked to have proper camping gear and weather-appropriate attire.