The Road Runners will be rolling out this evening in full force as Operation Red Nose kicks off in The Pas.

 

Operation Red Nose is a volunteer-based service that operates during the holiday season.

 

In addition to facilitating safe transportation, Operation Red Nose fosters awareness regarding responsible drinking, emphasizing the importance of preventing impaired driving.

 

Donations are not required but are appreciated, and all funds raised go to support the Road Runners Swim Club.

 

Drinking and driving should never be the answer, especially during the holidays. Call 623-3300 this evening between 9 pm and 2 am for your safe ride home.

 

The operation takes place from now until New Year's Eve, most Fridays and Saturdays.

The Pas Family Resource Centre will be hosting their annual holiday hamper drive today and tomorrow on the air at 102.9 CJAR.

 

The Pledge drive will run from 8:30 to 10:30 both days, with the goal of providing food and holiday cheer to community members during Christmas.

 

The Resource Centre is partnering with the Northern Manitoba Blizzard this year to help spread the joy.

 

Donations can be called in during the pledge show at 204 623-1240.

 

Donations can also be dropped off in person, and we hope to see everyone out.

A performance of the 60th anniversary of the Charlie Brown Christmas will take place in The Pas tomorrow night.

 

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, with support from the Manitoba Arts Council, is touring the show across the prairies.

 

The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra is one of the most prominent ensembles in the province.

 

Tomorrow night's show will have accompaniment from the MBCI jazz band and the Pas community choir.

 

Tickets are $20 for children and $40 for adults. The show will take place at the Métis hall and will begin at 7 pm.

Last Thursday evening, the Thompson RCMP responded to a stabbing report outside a business on Mystery Lake Road.

 

They found a seriously injured 25-year-old man, who was taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition. Officers quickly identified a suspect, who fled on foot.

 

After a brief chase, the suspect was arrested without incident, and a search of the area led to the recovery of the knife used in the assault.

 

Last Friday, a 19-year-old from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation was charged with aggravated assault and was held in custody until his court appearance.

 

Thompson RCMP continues to investigate.

The First Canadian woman in space is visiting the UCN The Pas campus, giving a presentation and showcasing her photography collection.

 

Roberta Bondar's Exhibit will start tomorrow, and the presentation will take place at the UCN tomorrow at 6 pm.

 

There will be over 50 of her photos on display, showcasing the unique intricacies of birds from several perspectives.

 

The Guest List Inc. has been working to make this exhibit possible for over 2 years. In Honour of the exhibit coming to the north for the first time, it has been translated into three different indigenous languages.

 

Tomorrow's exhibit and presentation are free to attend.

Two men have drowned in separate incidents in Northern Manitoba over the weekend.

On Saturday, Norway House RCMP received a report of a person having fallen through the ice on the Nelson River in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

Officers discovered a 72-year-old woman on the ice near open water. She was afraid to move and cause the ice to break under her.

Once rescued by the RCMP with help from a First Nations Safety Officer and local Fire and Rescue personnel, the woman said a man had been walking with her.

The woman was taken to the hospital with signs of hypothermia.

A search for the 44-year-old male victim continued, and his body was retrieved from the water on Sunday.

Also, on Sunday, Cross Lake RCMP were advised by a First Nations Safety Officer of a set of footprints on shore that led into open water in Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Officers, along with local fire and rescue personnel, attended the scene.

With the use of a drone, a body was located and recovered from the water and taken to the Nursing Station, where the 47-year-old drowning victim was pronounced dead.

RCMP continue to investigate both incidents.

The Home Routes concerts will be back tomorrow night with a performance at the Sam Waller Museum.

 

Mary Simon will be this month’s performer as she is currently touring the prairies with stops in Cranberry and Flin Flon this week, too.

 

Simon is performing solo but is also working with her band Mississippi Bends on a new album, and you will hear a few samples from it at Sam Waller tomorrow night.

 

The show starts at 7:30, and tickets are $20.

The OCN’s 4th Annual Fireman’s Ball is coming up this weekend in support of local search and rescue and the local department.

 

The social is an 18-plus event taking place at the OCN Veterans’ Hall this coming Saturday from 9 pm till 2 am.

 

Tickets can be picked up for $ 10 each at the OCN Payment Center in the Otineka mall.

 

There will be a silent auction, 55/55 and live entertainment provided by Derek Dick.

 

Everyone attending is reminded that this weekend marks the first weekend of Operation Red Nose service in the community.

A robbery took place at a lounge in Opaskwayak Cree Nation on October 12, 2025, at around 5:40 PM. Two suspects, armed with bear mace, entered the lounge, sprayed staff, and stole money before escaping on foot.

 

The suspects are described as Indigenous males in their 20s, wearing all-black bandanas with red trim.

 

Police are reviewing CCTV footage and are asking the public for help in identifying the suspects.

 

Pictures of the suspects can be found on the Manitoba First Nations Police Facebook page.

 

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is urged to contact the MFNPS in the OCN at 204-843-7705.

 

Tips can also be left anonymously at 1-833-978-0048.

The latest addition of the muses of the north is out.

 

MFTN is a biannual student journal published by UCN campuses in The Pas and Thompson.

 

It offers UCN students a platform to share their thoughts on northern traditions and culture through text and images.

 

The latest edition showcases contributions from students in community programs, including the Peguis First Nation and York Landing First Nation, where UCN offers a Bachelor of Arts.

 

It also features work from students in English, Aboriginal and Northern Studies, and Social Science.

 

This issue includes 13 submissions, nine from Indigenous authors and artists.

 

The latest edition of The Muses of the North can be found online at ucn.ca.

The Kelsey Community School and Ecole Opasquia are both still accepting donations for their Christmas stores.

 

There is still a need for gifts, gift wrap, and volunteers to help wrap all the presents.

 

Consider donating items such as Christmas ornaments, books, toys, candles, and even household goods.

 

The stores will then be set up at the schools, giving the children a chance to purchase gifts for loved ones for only 25 cents.

 

Children will each get to search the stores for goodies, and if there are enough gifts, there may be opportunities for a second and even third pass.

 

You can call the schools or drop off donations this week from 9 am to 4 pm.

Matthew Lavallee, 40, is wanted by Dauphin RCMP for several serious charges, including kidnapping, aggravated assault, and forcible confinement, related to incidents over the past few months.

 

He is about 6 feet tall and weighs around 250 pounds, with three outstanding arrest warrants.

 

He may be in Dauphin, Brandon, or Winnipeg.

 

If you see him, do not approach. Instead, call Dauphin RCMP at 204-622-5020 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

On November 11, 2025, at 8:45 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an injured 27-year-old man who sought medical help at a residence on McGill Place.

 

The man was taken to the hospital for surgery and is currently in stable condition.

 

The investigation revealed that he was stabbed by a 22-year-old male who has since fled the scene.

 

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Brayden Charlette, also 22, from Thompson, who faces charges of aggravated assault.

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The suspect was located and has been brought in.

Today, The Pas Friendship Centre, along with CJAR, will play host to an annual fundraiser in support of Senior Christmas Hampers

 

The hampers mainly have food and dessert, but other items are always considered. A donation of body lotion came in this year that will also be included in hampers.

 

The number we are looking to raise is $6000, which will cover the rest of the cost of food for the senior hampers.

 

Donations can be called in from 8:30 to 10:30 today at 623-1240; every donation counts.

 

To inquire about hampers, contact the Friendship Centre. Hampers will be delivered on December 10^th.

Operation Red Nose aims to promote safe transportation during the holiday season.

 

The initiative provides a free ride service to individuals who may have been drinking and need a safe way to get home.

 

Volunteers are needed for Operation Red Nose in The Pas.

 

Teams of 3 are needed to drive everyone home safely over the next few weeks.

 

Next weekend is the first for service in the community, and the Safe Ride service will run until the New Year.

 

Service will run from 9 pm to 2 am, and donations are being accepted in support of the Road Runners Swim Club.

 

Call 204-623-3300 for a safe ride over the holidays.

The Festival of Trees is happening this weekend at the Ecole Opasquia School, and everyone’s invited to come and get in the festive spirit.

 

The 2-day event will kick off on Friday night with an evening of elegant desserts, food, performances, and a viewing of the trees.

 

On Saturday, the public viewing will take place from noon to 3 pm.

 

North Poll carnival stations will be set up for kids, and gingerbread house displays and baked goods will be set up in Miss Claus's tea room.

 

Santa Claus will also be in attendance, and families can take their own photos.

 

They are still in need of last-minute volunteers and baked goods for the tea room, to help contact the Ecole Opasquia.

The University College of the North has joined the AI Workforce Readiness program, a national initiative led by the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and supported by Google.org.

 

This program involves 29 Canadian institutions and aims to close the AI skills gap, impacting about 125,000 students each year.

 

Tara Manych, AVP of Transformation at UCN, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing its importance for digital equity in northern Manitoba.

 

UCN experts will work with Amii to develop curriculum resources that provide students with essential AI skills and knowledge.

 

Cam Linke, CEO of Amii, emphasized the commitment to making AI education accessible, with a focus on empowering instructors and students in underserved communities.

“Be a Santa to a Senior” is back, and the Pas community resource center is encouraging everyone to get involved.

 

The TPCRC relies on contributions from the community to make this possible.

 

You can support this effort by selecting a gift idea from their tree this weekend at the Festival of Trees, and then providing a gift that will be given discreetly to seniors in need.

 

For those who cannot attend this weekend’s event and wish to get involved, they can contact the TPCRC, and gifts for seniors can be dropped off there.

 

You can also register digitally on the TPCRC website and select a bulb from the digital tree to help support seniors locally.

 

Last year, the program contributed to over 80 seniors receiving holiday gifts.

ImagiNorthern and Creative Manitoba are hosting an Art Appreciation and Valuing event today.

 

If you’ve ever wanted to know how to price your artwork and understand the value without underselling yourself, now’s your chance to learn more.

 

The Free event runs at White Feather this evening, and everyone attending is encouraged to bring a piece of their artwork to have evaluated.

 

ImagiNorthern Hosts events in Flin Flon, The Pas, Thompson, and more as they strive to connect the northern Manitoba art scene to the world.

 

Rachael Kroeker, an Artist from Winnipeg, is a Creative Manitoba representative specializing in ceramics and will be presenting.

 

Learn more about the event at creativemanitoba.ca.

Community Futures, the Cedar Lake Region, is preparing for three back-to-back workshops in December, and space is filling fast.

 

On December 16th, a workshop on legal responsibilities runs, on December 17th, it’s about financial management, and on December 18th, the workshop will be about preparing for economic or financial crises.

 

Community Futures is inviting businesses and local organizations to take part.

 

Jason Dembo, the executive director of Community Futures Manitoba, will lead the workshops.

 

Links to register can be found on the Community Futures Cedar Lake Region Facebook page.

 

The workshops are free to attend, but space is limited, so register fast.

This weekend will be your last chance for flu shots at one of the open clinics.

 

The OHA is hosting flu clinics today at the Otineka Mall from 11 am to 3:30 pm.

 

The Opaskwayak Health Authority is encouraging all community members to get the seasonal influenza vaccine.

 

Doing so can help protect against the virus, reduce complications for those who do get sick, and contribute to creating community immunity.

 

Flu shots will be administered at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center location within the mall.

 

In The Pas, vaccination clinics, which will take place tomorrow at the Primary Healthcare Center, will run from 10 am to 4 pm.

On November 16th, the Giving Challenge in Manitoba will come to a close.

 

One of the newest foundations, the Tri-Community Foundation, has experienced significant growth over the last five years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.

 

Because of the giving challenge, funds donated this week will be stretched, thanks to the Winnipeg Foundation and the Manitoba Foundation.

 

To donate, go to endowmanitoba.ca.

Northland Ford will once again host their annual Sensitive Santa Event that will be held at the dealership on November 30^th.

 

The event gives those with ADHD, Autism and anyone on the spectrum to meet Santa in a safe and supportive environment without all the distractions that can take place in larger, fuller venues.

 

The event will run from noon to 2 pm, and pre-registration is required to participate by contacting Melanie Young at 627-9007.

 

Northland Ford also recently wrapped up their Scare Hunger Program and was happy to donate food and cash to school breakfast programs and the Friendship Centers' food bank program locally.

A significant amount of Cocaine has been removed from the streets of Thompson.

 

Thompson General Investigative Services executed a search warrant on November 4^th at a residence on Riverside Drive, resulting in the Arrest of two individuals.

 

During the search, officers located 4.5 kilos of the substance believed to be cocaine, Canadian currency, drug paraphernalia, Firearms, ammunition and Rolex watches.

 

A 27-year-old male was arrested on November 5^th, and a 35-year-old female was arrested on November 7^th, and both were remanded into custody as RCMP investigations continue.

Food sustainability in Northern Manitoba has long been a concern, with costs rising the further north you head.

 

Local Agriculture, Indigenous traditions, accessibility, and sustainability are all key aspects to creating a viable solution.

 

The UCN is hosting "Let's Talk Sustainability," an event designed to spark a conversation about food sustainability and what we can do to help here at home.

 

Next Thursday, November 20th, conversations will take place at the UCN regarding food safety. Local knowledge keepers and food sustainability experts will be on hand to discuss the issues.

 

Hunting, Fishing, Climate Change, and gardening will all be examined, and a tour of the UCN's greenhouse will take place.

 

For information or questions, please email the sustainabilitycommittee@ucn.ca.

Due to an ongoing cybersecurity issue with the Kelsey School division Report card will not be headed home with children next week.

 

The incident took place on November 3 when a third party gained access to the school's systems.

 

Law enforcement, along with cybersecurity consultants, has been contacted to conduct an investigation, but at this time, the school division does not have access to the reporting system that is used for report cards.

 

Parent-teacher interviews will still take place next week, but report cards will not be available till a later date.

 

Parents are encouraged to talk with teachers in regards to children’s reports during parent-teacher interviews.

Several more arrests were made following an assault in Gods Lake Narrows that resulted in the death of a 33-year-old male.

 

The assault took place on November 3, and the first 2 youth suspects were arrested at that time and later released before being re-arrested after the victim passed away in the hospital.

 

The continued investigations led to the arrest of 2 more youths on November 6^th for manslaughter, and they were remanded into custody.

 

All four youth are currently in custody while investigations continue.

RCMP in Thompson are looking for witnesses to an aggravated assault that took place over the weekend.

 

The assault took place outside a residence on Cornell Place at 6:50 pm on Saturday.

 

Officers located a 32-year-old male unconscious with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, and are looking for anyone who may have more information.

 

The suspect was last seen driving a dark colored SUV headed towards Princeton Drive.

 

Anyone with information in regards to the assault is urged to contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Tomorrow is your opportunity to pay tribute to Canadian service men and women around the world.

 

Remembrance Day services will be taking place at the MBCI Doors will open at 10 am for those who wish to pay their respects.

 

A march from the legion will take place, and those who wish to take part are asked to muster at the legion hall ahead of time, as the march will leave at 10:30, and services will start at 10:45.

 

This year, the organizers will be recognizing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

 

Town facilities will be closed tomorrow, and there will be no garbage or recycling pickup.

The Pas Health Complex Foundation helps provide funding for equipment at the hospital in The Pas that might not be available otherwise.

 

One of their biggest fundraisers of the year is coming up on November 22^nd at the Wescanna Inn’s Rendezvous Room.

 

The 2025 Black and White Gala and Auction will be taking place.

 

It’s an evening of food, entertainment, Art auctions, Silent Auctions and prizes.

 

A handful of local artists have contributed to the events' auctions.

 

Tickets will only be sold in advance, and tables of up to 8 are available.

 

Contact Sue Lambert for tickets at 204-620-7122

The Pas and OCN Chamber of Commerce hosted their AGM on Wednesday night, following the annual awards for business and citizen of the year being handed out.

 

Brody Snowden and Sara Shawaga were awarded Business of the Year for their generosity towards fundraisers and their continued strides toward customer satisfaction.

 

Lynda Geswin was honoured as citizen of the year, who is committed to various volunteer projects in the community with the animal shelter, a distinguished member of the community and the Kelsey school division, respected by both her peers and students.

 

Some of this year’s highlights included the annual trade show and sale, which saw more vendors and attendees, the election forums the chamber hosted at the UCN, the growth of the lunch and learn series, storefront grants, scholarship programs and more.

RCMP are investigating following the death of a 15-year-old on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation that took place on November 1st.

 

Officers and EMS were called to a residence where the female was pronounced dead.

 

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

 

On November 4th, an arrest was made of a 17-year-old female also from the OCN who was charged with manslaughter and remanded into custody.

 

MFNPS, along with the Manitoba RCMP, are continuing to investigate.

The Ecole Opasquia’s annual festival of trees is coming up, and now’s the time to register displays.

 

First off, on Friday, November 21^st, the evening of desserts and entertainment will run from 7:30 to 9, it is a 12+ event and will include a view of the trees, light food, and local performances.

 

The Public showing will take place on Saturday, November 22^nd, from 12-3 pm; there will be pictures with Santa, Food and games for the children, and a look at all the tree and gingerbread house displays.

 

Families, businesses or groups can put together displays for the festival of trees or the gingerbread display. There is no cost to enter, and the funds being raised will go to support the school's swim program.

 

To register, email JLittle@KSD.mb.ca.

A Churchill band is gearing up for a tour of Northern Manitoba next May, following the release of a new album, which came out last week, called "Tales from the Shallow".

 

Roy Mexted relocated from Australia to Churchill in 2017 and worked on a solo album several years before the formation of "Days on Land" in 2024.

 

Roy and Days on Land have already performed in Thompson and Churchill, but the group is now planning a tour across Northern Manitoba in May.

 

Learn more about "Days on Land" and find their new music video on their Facebook page.

RCMP are investigating after a 41-year-old man in Flin Flon was shot over the weekend.

 

The male went into the hospital early last Saturday morning and was later flown to Winnipeg in unstable condition, where he remains.

 

When officers spoke with the victim, they learned that the incident had occurred in Flin Flon, and not much else was disclosed.

 

RCMP are actively investigating the matter, and anyone with information is asked to contact them at 204-687-1422 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

There are a handful of new primary care providers in the Northern Health Region, including The Pas, Thompson, and Flin Flon.

 

In The Pas, Dr. Nicolle Ann Barbaran, Dr. Elena Sakharov, and Nurse Practitioner Jessica Yameen have joined the team at the Fischer Avenue Clinic.

 

In Flin Flon, Dr. Sarah Abiolo-Ojo and Dr. Sadia Homyra are now part of the Flin Flon Clinic team.

 

And in Thompson, Dr. Tolulupe Akinboni, Dr. Roopam Gill, Dr. Liya Maliyakkal Abdulgafoor, and Dr. Chioma Umeh have joined the team at the Thompson Clinic.

 

The Beatrice Wilson Health Centers diabetes awareness team will be set up at the Otineka mall today, providing support and screenings.

 

They will be talking to community members about the importance of foot care, retinal screenings, Diabetes education, nutrition and more.

 

Clinics are happening monthly and are tailored to those living with and those caring for individuals with Diabetes

 

The walk-ins will run from 1 to 2 pm today, and a Diabetes Sharing circle takes place in the evening from 6:30 to 8 pm.

 

Anyone can take part.

A local film being produced in The Pas is seeking actors.

 

The film is about two old friends from different racial backgrounds who lost touch but reunite during World War II, finding solace in their friendship during troubled times.

 

The film is titled “Our Blood the Same” and is written and being produced by local resident Steven Bignell.

 

The Casting call is out now, and production is expected to take place in the next few months.

 

They are looking for male and female indigenous leads, a male Caucasian lead, and numerous extras.

 

To take part, email bignellsteven1@gmail.com.

Police dogs were brought into the Dauphin area last week to locate a prolific offender who had been spotted in the area.

 

RCMP Officers located the individual following a chase through a wooded area near Keld, Manitoba, southwest of Dauphin, following an extensive 3-hour pursuit on October 30^th.

 

The wanted Jordy Robertson, 27-year-old, was safely located and taken into custody, and charged with multiple offences, including possession of property obtained by crime, failing to comply, Mischief over $5000 and more.

 

He was remanded into custody.