The Planets have aligned in a celestial event that only happens every decade or so.

 

This evening, five planets will be visible to the naked eye, and two more will be visible using telescopes and binoculars.

 

The Term "Planet Parade" is used when several planets form a straight line in the sky.

 

Tonight, Venus joins the dance, creating a unique opportunity to see all the planets in the solar system simultaneously.

 

A lunar eclipse will take place on Thursday, March 13th, and, weather permitting; it will be visible across North America.

 

The Eclipse, sometimes referred to as a blood moon, occurs when the moon only partially enters the earth's shadow, creating a reddish hue.

 

Astronomer with the Winnipeg Planetarium, Scott Young 

spoke about a new astride recently discovered by NASA that was initially deemed a possible threat to the planet; that threat has since been determined to be very unlikely.

 

He said that these kinds of asteroids are discovered almost monthly, and it does take time for data to be analyzed for threats to be determined.

 

The Asteroid in question is about 40 to 100 meters in length.

It's pink shirt day, and everyone is encouraged to wear pink to support anti-bullying.

 

The last Wednesday of February is used to show support for those who have been bullied and to stand up in support of them.

 

Schools in the community will be doing their part to show students the impacts bullying can have.

 

According to studies, about 14 percent of Canadian students have been subject to some form of bullying, with students in grades 7 to 12 being the most prevalent targets.

 

Research shows that bullying can have severe psychological consequences on victims, including anxiety, depression, and lower academic performance.

 

Choose kindness and let everyone know you support the campaign to stop bullying.

Reclaiming, recovering, and rebuilding is being discussed over the next three days with workshops running in the OCN.

 

The workshop called "Reclaiming our Sovereignty" will share insight on residential schools and their survivors, missing children and unmarked graves, planning for future generations, and a host of guest speakers sharing experiences and knowledge.

 

The first session is running today at the Kikiwak Inn from 9 am to 5 pm.

 

Tomorrow and Friday's sessions will be running at a yet-to-be-determined location as renovations will be happening at the Kikiwak on those days.

The frigid cold of February is almost over, and temperatures are looking good for the Kelsey Sno-Riders Annual Poker Derby this weekend.

 

The Derby will start with registration from 10 am to noon on Saturday at A&W.

 

From there, riders will follow the trails, starting at the We Ste general store and ending at the Wanless community hall, where prizes and lunch will be served.

 

Sno passes are required, and 5-day passes are available at Cook and Cook to take part.

 

Find more event information on the Kelsey Sno-Riders Facebook page.

RCMP made an arrest Saturday afternoon after being alerted to be on the lookout for a suspicious vehicle travelling northbound with an Alberta license plate.

Police located the vehicle south of the junction of Highway 6 and Highway 60 and initiated a traffic stop.

After a brief investigation which led officers to search the vehicle, they arrested the female driver and male passenger.

The search found what is believed to be cocaine, methamphetamine, other narcotics and a substantial amount of cash.

Brian Buxton, 43, of Edmonton, and Amber Smith, 28, of Abbotsford, are facing drug charges and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.

Both were remanded until their court date.

The RCMP continue to investigate.

The Pas and Area Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion Committee seeks local members.

 

Last year, the provincial government implemented a new strategy to promote suicide prevention and awareness that incorporates the roots of hope model.

 

Roots of Hope initiatives prioritize mental health awareness, social justice, and community service, encouraging participants to become active community contributors.

 

The Roots of Hope program is typically designed to support and empower individuals, particularly young people, by providing resources, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities.

 

The NHR is hosting an information session tomorrow from 9 a.m. to noon. Register online at northernhealthregion.com.

An armed robbery occurred at a residence on Head Avenue just after midnight on February 20^th

 

Upon investigation officers found that 2 male suspects broke into the residence, shouted “Westside”, stole cash, and prescription medicine, and shot up the place, no injuries were reported.

 

The 2 suspects were described as being in their early 20’s, wearing all-black clothing and wearing masks.

 

Each suspect was carrying a long-barrelled firearm which was used to cause extensive damage to the home.

 

Anyone with information in relation to this armed robbery is asked to contact RCMP in The Pas at 204-627-6204 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

RCMP service dogs play various roles that often can’t be done by humans.

 

Rolls like narcotics detection, search and rescue, explosive detection and more.

 

Kids across the country are being encouraged to take part in the RCMP’s annual “Name the Puppy” contest.

 

Kids are encouraged to submit names that reflect the importance of police service dogs, and the work they do.

 

Names must start with the letter “A”, be 1 or 2 syllables long, and have no more than 9 letters.

 

The contest is open to Canadians from the age of 4 to 14.

 

Submissions can be made at RCMP.com/puppy and must be in before March 19^th.

Charges have been laid over a string of robberies that took place in Dauphin.

 

Officers responded to a break-and-enter early Monday morning where a man had entered a residence and stolen some cash before being chased off by one of the occupants.

 

While searching for the suspect, officers were notified that a man matching the description had been brought in.

 

Through investigation, it was determined that he had been involved in several break-ins in the Dauphin area.

 

Jayson Dumas, 18, of Dauphin, was remanded in custody on multiple charges.

 

RCMP are looking for more information on possible break-and-enter that may have occurred; leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

One of the coldest Northern Manitoba Trappers Festivals in years has wrapped up, and thanks are being given to everyone who braved the cold to participate in this year’s event.

 

Due to cold weather Saturday night, the crowning of the queen was moved indoors.

 

All of this year’s contestants made a considerable effort towards the event’s success, but only one could be named fur queen.

 

This year’s fur queen is Autumn Graff, Krissy Kirkness was named first Princess, and Trinity Flett won second Princess.

 

This year’s King Trapper is John Hendrickson, and Clarissa Burns won the Queen Trapper title.

 

The junior Trapper awards went to Lanie Connors and Colin Perchaluk.

 

You can find a full list of winners from competitions such as jigging, poker derby, decorating, the parade, and more at thepasonline.com.

Community Futures Cedar Lake Region is hosting a workshop tonight to help non-profit and volunteer organizations boost their impacts.

 

If you or your organization is looking for ways to strengthen your impact on the community, this event is for you.

 

Baker Tilly’s Dion Bird will help host the session to guide understating financial statements for non-profit organizations.

 

Topics covered include the basics of non-profit financial statements, how to read and interpret key financial data, making informed decisions based on financial data, and financial practices.

 

The Worksop is free to attend courtesy of CF Cedar Lake, but registration is required; call 204-627-5450 ASAP to participate.

 

Tonight’s event will take place at the Wescanna Inn, starting at 6 pm.

2025 Trappers’ Festival Results.
Fur Queen
2025 Fur Queen Autumn Graff
2025 1st Princess Krissy Kirkness
2025 2nd Princess Trinity Flett
Torchlite Parade
Commercial
1st - Round the Bend
2nd - Brody’s No Frills
3rd - Aseneskak Casino
Non-Commercial
1st - Manitoba Conservation
2nd - 2025 Fur Queen Lynelle Bon
3rd - Miss Funky Threadz Autumn Graff
Family/Youth
1st - NMTF Youth Board
2nd - The Pas Scouting
3rd - Roadrunners Swim Club
Ice Worms
Aurora - Shawn Yaschyshyn & Alecia Bignell
Boris - Sheldon Chartier
Willy - no found
Wilma - Joel Benson
Trappers’ Festival Baby
Baby Name is Kane Edward Fox
Parents are Rikki Crone and Trevor Fox
Born - Feb 13/2025
Time - 20:42
Weight -7lbs 7oz
King Trapper
2025 King Trapper John Hendrickson
Runner-up Richard Charles
Rookie - Brendon Ross
‘Nanook’ Sportsmanship Award - Abel Crane
hole chop
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Clint Merasty
3rd - Richard Charles
4th - Brendan Ross
Ice fishing
1st - Clinton Merasty
Axe Throw
1st - Don Bodnarus
2nd - Chris Johnson
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Abel Crane
Pole Climb
1st - John Hendrickson
Pulp Cut
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Abel Crane
Wood Saw and split
1st - Clinton Merasty
2nd - John Hendrickson
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Don Bodnarus
Log Throw
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
Moose Calling
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Abel Crane
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Richard Charles
Goose Calling
1st - Abel Crane
2nd - Clinton Merasty
3rd - Brendan Ross
4th - John Hendrickson
Pack Race
1st - Richard Charles
2nd - John Hendrickson
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Brendan Ross
Sleigh Pull
1st - Richard Charles
2nd - John Hendrickson
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Brendan Ross
Portage Race
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Brendan Ross
Canoe Pack
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Chris Johnson
9 mile snowshoe race
1st - Brendan Ross
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - John Hendrickson
4th - Don Bodnarus
5th - Clinton Merasty
Tea Boil
1st - Clinton Merasty
2nd - Abel Crane
3rd - John Hendrickson
4th - Richard Charles
Bannock Fry
1st - Chris Johnson
2nd - Don Bodnarus
3rd - Abel Crane
4th - Clinton Merasty
Fish Filleting
1st - Richard Charles
2nd - Abel Crane
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - John Hendrickson
Fish Frying
1st - Richard Charles
2nd - Chris Johnson
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Abel Crane
Rat Skinning
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Abel Crane
3rd - Don Bodnarus
4th - Clinton Merasty
Trap Setting
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Chris Johnson
Flour packing
1st - John Hendrickson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Chris Johnson
Leg wrestling
1st - Chris Johnson
2nd - Richard Charles
3rd - Clinton Merasty
4th - Abel Crane
Queen Trapper
2025 Queen Trapper Clarissa Burns
Runner-up Kristen Burns
2nd Runner-up Connie Constant
Rookie - Chelsea Head
Sportsmanship - Rolene Buck
Tea boiling
1st - Madison Atkins
2nd - Jessie George
3rd - Tricia Kotz
4th - Dhedra Ducharme
Bannock frying
1st - Connie Constant
2nd - Kristen Burns
3rd - Chelsea Head
4th - Clarissa Burns
Fish Filleting
1st - Clarissa Burns
2nd - Kristen Burns
3rd - Madison Atkins
4th - Rolene Buck
Fish Frying
1st - Clarissa Burns
2nd - Kristen Burns
3rd - Rolene Buck
4th - Connie Constant
Portage Race
1st - Madison Atkins
2nd - Clarissa Burns
3rd - Kristen Burns
4th - Rolene Buck
Log Throw
1st - Chelsea Head
2nd - Shaylyn Keeper
3rd - Jessie George
4th - Clarissa Burns
Axe Throw
1st - Clarissa Burns
2nd - Vienna Nagle
3rd - Shaylyn Keeper
4th - Chelsea Head
Leg Wrestling
1st - Kristen Burns
2nd - Shaylyn Keeper
3rd - Jessie George
4th - Clarissa Burns
Ice Fishing
1st - Chelsea Head
2nd - Brooke Personius
3 mile snowshoe race
1st - Connie Constant
2nd - Dhedra Ducharme
3rd - Clarissa Burns
4th - Madison Atkins
Trap setting
1st - Jessie George
2nd - Kristen Burns
3rd - Clarissa Burns
4th - Tricia Kotz
Nail driving
1st - Clarissa Burns
2nd - Rolene Buck
3rd - Nikki Constant
4th - Madison Atkins
Log sawing
1st - Clarissa Burns
2nd - Jessie George
3rd - Connie Constant
4th - Dhedra Ducharme
Moose calling
1st - Carla Constant
2nd - Kristen Burns
3rd - Leahanne Constant
4th - Connie Constant
Goose calling
1st - Kristen Burns
2nd - Leahanne Constant
3rd - Clarissa Burns
4th - Rolene Buck
Junior Queens
Junior Queen Champion Lanie Connors
Runner-up & Rookie - Jillian Koshel
Moose Calling
1st - Alzena Lajambe
2nd - Evalyn Lavallee
3rd - Jillian Koshel
Goose Calling
1st - Lanie Connors
2nd - Alannah Colomb
3rd - Jillian Koshel
Log Balance
1st - Jersey Young
2nd - Evalyn Lavallee
3rd - Jillian Koshel
Log Throw
1st - Lanie Connors
2nd - Barbara Grey
3rd - Heaven Walker-Genaille
Pack Race
1st - Jillian Koshel
2nd - Lanie Connors
3rd - Heaven Walker-Genaille
Leg Wrestling
1st - Jersey Young
2nd - Evalyn Lavallee
3rd - Barbara Grey
Trap Setting
1st - Lanie Connors
2nd - Brianna Young
3rd - Jillian Koshel
Log Sawing
1st - Alzena Lajambe
2nd - Jersey Young
3rd - Lanie Connors
Nail Driving
1st - Lanie Connors
2nd - Alzena Lajambe
3rd - Evalyn Lavallee
Tea Boiling - Scratched event no fires started
Bannock Baking
1st - Jillian Koshel
2nd - Jersey Young
3rd - Alannah Colomb
1.5 mile Snowshoe Race
1st - Jillian Koshel
2nd - Lanie Connors
3rd - Evalyn Young
Junior Kings
Junior King Trapper Colin Perchaluk
Runner-up & Rookie Keeston Merasty
Moose Calling
1st - Clinton Merasty Jr.
2nd - Colin Perchaluk
3rd - Chris Jebb
Goose Calling
1st - Colin Perchaluk
2nd - Justin Drake
3rd - Clinton Merasty Jr.
Pole Climb
1st - Colin Perchaluk
2nd - Keeston Merasty
Log Throw
1st - Keeston Merasty
2nd - Clinton Merasty Jr.
3rd - Garrett Charlette
Pack Race
1st - Keeston Merasty
2nd - Chris Jebb
3rd - Colin Perchaluk
Leg Wrestling
1st - Colin Perchaluk
2nd - Garrett Charlette
3rd - Justin Drake
Trap Setting
1st - Keeston Merasty
2nd - Kingston Moody-Lavalee
3rd - Colin Perchaluk
Log Sawing
1st - Colin Perchaluk
2nd - Garrett Charlette
3rd - Clinton Merasty Jr.
Nail Driving
1st - Keeston Merasty
2nd - Chris Jebb
3rd - Clinton Merasty Jr.
Tea Boiling
1st - Colin Perchaluk
Bannock Baking
1st - Colin Perchaluk
2nd - Garrett Charlette
3rd - Chris Jebb
1.5 mile Snowshoe Race
1st - Keeston Merasty
2nd - Clinton Merasty Jr.
3rd - Garrett Charlette
Logger Events
Men’s speed cutting
1st Darrell Anderson
2nd David Streit
3rd Chris Richardson
Women’s speed cutting
1st Keanna Bailey
2nd Dede Demery
3rd Carolyn Hiebert
Carving
1st Tom Pitt
2nd Roy Budinikas
3rd Sam Constant
Top Man vs Top Women
Winner Darrell Anderson
Digital Scavenger Hunt
1st place - 7 Ice Worms
2nd place - The Green Machine
3rd place - The Super Most Awesomeness

It’s a bust day at the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival, with events running all over the community and kids out of school to participate.

 

The Awasis events for children are taking place at the Otineka Mall, starting at 10 a.m. and running through the day.

 

Cash prizes will be up for grabs, and different events will be running for kids ages 5 to 12.

 

The second leg of the world championship and Jack McPhail dog sled races will take place at Halcrow Lake.

 

Following day one of racing, Jake Robinson is in first place, with John Beck in a close second in the 10-dog race.

 

Jason Cote is in first in the 6-dog race, with Marco Rivest tailing a few seconds behind.

 

Junior king and queen trapper events will get underway today, taking place at Fort Whoop it-up, while the King Trappers will make the 9-mile trek across the Saskatchewan River with the annual snowshoe race.

 

Find all this and more happening today at the 78th annual Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival.

Take part in the 78 annual Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival Running in The Pas this week.

 

To start off the event yesterday, not one but two ice worms were tracked down in the community.

 

Clues for the ice worm and ice weasel hunts are being released daily during the festival at 10 a.m. and can be found at the festival headquarters, the festival Facebook page, and CJAR.

 

Today’s events include Dog sled races, King trapper contests, the snow sculpt contest, and the National ice carving competition.

 

King events will be running at Fort Whoop It Up and along the Saskatchewan River, with moose and goose calling events for the kings running at event headquarters at 3:30.

 

Tomorrow, the Queen Trappers competition and the junior king and queen events will get underway.

 

Find a host of events, pictures, and Trappers Festival information at trappersfestival.ca.

RCMP in Thompson is asking for public assistance in locating a woman who was last seen in the community on February 5th.

 

Marlyn Charles was last seen at a residence on Goldeye Crescent in Thompson and has not been seen since.

 

There is concern for her wellbeing, and Thompson RCMP is asking anyone with information to come forward.

 

Marlyn is five feet tall, with a medium build, black hair, and brown eyes.

 

Please get in touch with Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

A quantity of drugs and firearms was removed from the Chemawawin Community last Saturday, February 8th.

 

RCMP got the call about a suspicious vehicle in the community.

 

The vehicle was stopped, and two males from Sothern, Ontario, were detained.

 

With the assistance of Police service dogs, a Handgun, Cash, and approximately half a kilo of cocaine were found.

 

Facundo Guerra, 37, and Horace Hunter, 22, both of Brampton, Ontario, were remanded into custody on several charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking.

 

Both are expected to make court appearances in The Pas this week.

 

Investigations are ongoing.

Today is the official start of the 78th Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival in The Pas, Manitoba, and there are contests, events, activities and more to participate in.

 

The opening ceremonies and the annual sawing of the log will take place at the fort located at Devon Park at 12:15, with event registration taking place throughout the day at the event HQ.

 

King and Queen Trapper and Junior Trapper's competition will take registration from 9 am to 6 pm.

 

The Torchlite parade will start at 5:30 in the evening, leaving the Legion and heading towards the GLMC.

 

The Fur Queens will display their talents at the Fur Queen pageant running at the MBCI starting at 7:30.

 

Stop by festival headquarters today from 9 to 5 to grab tickets, buy Trappers Festival Swag, and learn more about Manitoba's longest-running winter festival.

A new competition is coming to the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival that will see world-class ice carvers displaying their skills throughout the event.

 

The Trappers Festival National Ice Carving Competition and Little Chippers workshops will take place this Thursday through Saturday and will cap off with a workshop to help educate and teach everyone how to carve ice.

 

Ice displays are already taking shape with the ice palace and fort near Devon Park, and this year’s is expected to be the biggest and most elaborate to date.

 

A team of ice carvers with decades of experience will participate.

 

The Carvers are Larry MacFarlane, Kee Gawah, Thomas Pitt, Fermin Gomez, and Elmer Hernas, each with critical acclaim, awards, and worldwide experience.

 

The Talent displayed, and carvings shown off are expected to be some of the best in the world and shouldn’t be missed.

Thompson Rural RCMP is looking for assistance in locating a suspect in an attempted child abduction that took place in the community on January 29^th at 10 am.

 

A composite sketch is available, and Split Lake RCMP is asking for help identifying the male in question.

 

The sketch can be found on the Manitoba RCMP Facebook page and at thepasonline.com.

 

Ay information you have is greatly appreciated and can be left by calling 204-778-8477 or online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

It's the week everyone's been waiting for; The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival is just days away from kicking off at the giant ice fort erected on the banks of the Saskatchewan River.

 

Festival events will be at the Otineka Mall, kicking off today with a best-dressed Trappers Dog and a canine talent contest; registration starts at 3:30, and the show begins at 4:30.

 

Tomorrow at the Mall, the traditional best-dressed and jigging events are happening.

 

On Wednesday, the ODC staff will set up a jail and patrol the Mall, making sure everyone shows their trapper's spirit; the couples clothing swap contest will also be running.

 

Thursday's mall event will feature the annual Root Beer Chug-A-Lug.

 

On Friday, when the kids are out of class, the Awasis events will start at 10, and cash prizes will be awarded.

The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival is less than a week away starting on February 12^th.

 

The opening ceremonies will kick off the event and the crowning of the fur queen to help wrap it up.

 

They are looking for last-minute volunteers to help build the ice fort.

 

Volunteers are also needed to help at the ice bar, which will be set up during the festival. 

 

Anyone interested in volunteering can find more information on the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival Facebook page.

 

The event and festival headquarters will open on Wednesday morning with registration for king and queen trappers.

 

Opening ceremonies take place at 12:15 at the Ice Fort.

 

Clues for ice worms will be released, and the Torchlite parade will take place Wednesday night starting at 7:30.

Yesterday was World Cancer Day, which aims to raise awareness and share experiences, research findings, and the fight against the disease.

 

Cancer Care Manitoba was founded in 1999 to assist patients and their families and to prevent, treat, and conduct research.

 

The organization raises money through events and fundraisers to help fund things that treatment cannot, such as research, clinical trials, and physical and emotional support.

 

To learn more about Cancer Care Manitoba and how it helps Manitobans, find them on Facebook or go to cancercaremb.ca.

In Canada, Black History Month is not only a time for reflection on the significant past achievements and struggles of Black Canadians but also an opportunity for all Canadians to engage in discussions about racial equality and justice.

 

The UCN is celebrating Black History Month and will open its doors to the community later this month.

 

February 19th at 6 pm, an interactive drum group will have over 30 different drums to listen to at even test; there will be African Food to try and more.

 

Schools in the community have been invited to take part as well.

.

The need for childcare facilities in the community was one of the primary concerns that came up when Community Futures Cedar Lake Partnered with the UCN on their business needs assessment survey conducted last year.

 

CF Cedar Lake Region is looking to create opportunities for businesses, ECEs, parents, and others by helping bring a Co-operative Child Care Facility to the community.

 

The first step is finding interested individuals who want to help make that happen.

 

Tomorrow night, a Zoom session will take place with Co-Operatives First, a group that advocates for Co-Operatives and helps make them happen.

 

Take part in tomorrow’s session by registering on the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region Facebook page and helping support child care in the community.

Last Thursday, January 29th, RCMP in Thompson received a call about an attempted child abduction that took place in Split Lake.

 

Officers responded immediately but were unable to locate the suspect, who may have left the community before the RCMP were notified.

 

Investigations determined that the victim was headed to school when the assailant approached her.

 

An unknown male attempted to lure the child into a van by offering her a ride, but the child was able to get away and make it safely to school.

 

A description provided by the 8-year-old victim stated that the assailant was male of unknown age, with short white hair, and wearing a light grey jacket.

 

Other witnesses say the vehicle used was a white van that had been spotted several times by the TNC gas bar.

 

Patrols have been conducted, but the suspect has not been located.

 

If you have any information, please contact Thompson RCMP or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.