The Manitoba government is investing 65 thousand dollars to upgrade a key baseball facility in northern Manitoba.

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard announced the funding yesterday, saying the money will go toward improvements at the Arena 1 baseball diamond in The Pas.

The funding comes through the province’s From the Ground Up, Safe Healthy Communities for ALL program.

Upgrades to the diamond will include repacking and regrading the infield, improving the playing surface, installing new dugout shelters, and fixing long-standing drainage problems that have often made the field unusable after heavy rain.

The facility serves families across The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Rural Municipality of Kelsey.

Mayor Andre Murphy says the investment is about more than baseball; it’s about strengthening the entire tri-community and creating safe, reliable recreation spaces for youth and families.

Construction is expected to improve safety and playability for athletes of all ages.

The Manitoba government is teaming up with the Winnipeg Police Service to crack down on phone scams targeting older adults.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe Yesterday announced the launch of the “Just Hang Up” campaign, a province-wide effort aimed at stopping fraud before money is lost.

Grandparent and emergency scams often involve criminals posing as distressed family members, sometimes using artificial intelligence to sound convincing.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, Manitobans aged 60 and over reported losing nearly 350-thousand dollars to these scams in 2024.

The campaign encourages older adults to pause, verify the caller’s story with family, and when in doubt, just hang up.

The province is providing 134-thousand dollars from the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to support advertising, community outreach, and an online resource hub at JustHangUp.ca.

Construction is underway on Canada’s first Indigenous healing space designed specifically for children and families inside of Winnipeg’s HSC.

The 2,000-square-foot Indigenous Community Healing Space at HSC Children’s Hospital in Manitoba is being led by Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, health-care experts, and families from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

First envisioned in 2015 by Dr. Melanie Morris, Canada’s first Indigenous pediatric surgeon, the space is designed to support healing of the whole child — physically, mentally and spiritually — and will include room for ceremony, Elders, Indigenous language resources, and virtual connections to remote communities.

The $2.2 million project is funded through donors to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, including $500,000 from the Government of Manitoba.

Hospital leaders say the project is a concrete step toward reconciliation in health care, recognizing the importance of Indigenous healing practices for children and families.

Grad season is fast approaching, and students at OLC, along with staff at CJAR, will be hosting a fundraiser later this week.

Braylin Young, one of this year’s graduates, shares details about the upcoming event.

Young added that the entire graduating class sincerely appreciates the ongoing support from the community.

The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $10,000

The RCMP in Thompson are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 25-year-old woman.

On February 19th at approximately 11:10 p.m., officers received a report of a missing woman from a residence on McGill Place in Thompson.

Shyanne Dorion was last seen around 7:00 p.m. that evening and has not returned home.

She is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing approximately 100 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. A clothing description is not available at this time.

Police are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone who has seen Shyanne Dorion or has information about her whereabouts is asked to contact Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, or leave a secure tip online at Manitobacrimestoppers.com

The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival wrapped up Sunday, and organizers are sending a huge thank-you to all the volunteers, sponsors, and contributors who helped make this year’s event a success.

Crowned 2026 Fur Queen is Reegan Dick. Ally Finnerty was named First Princess, and Kiana Cook took home the title of Second Princess.

This year’s King Trapper is Lantz Heibert, and Queen Trapper is Clarissa Burns.

In the junior categories, Odin Cooper and Laine Conners claimed the top honours.

In dog sled racing, Annie Malo placed first in the 10-Dog Championship Race, while Jason Cote captured the top spot in the 6-Dog Jack McPhail event.

Congratulations as well to Mike Young and Michelle Richards, this year’s big 50/50 winners.

And once again, a big shout-out to everyone who supported the festival. The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival returns in 2027.

The sound of drills and hammers in Winnipeg later this month will signal more than construction; it will signal compassion.

On February 24th, more than 30 volunteers will build 22 beds before a team of 10 sets out on a 900-kilometre winter drive to Pukatawagan in northern Manitoba.

The group will travel through The Pas and navigate winter roads to deliver beds, winter coats and wheelchairs to families in Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, still rebuilding after devastating 2025 wildfires.

The effort will also push the Knights of Columbus past a record 300,000 coats donated this season.

Organizers say the journey is about more than supplies; it’s about showing a community they haven’t been forgotten.

Four people are in custody following a home invasion in The Pas.

Around 6:50 a.m. on February 10th, The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion involving a firearm on 7th Street East.

Police say a 37-year-old man had invited four individuals into his home when one allegedly pulled out a modified firearm and demanded money. The victim escaped unharmed and called 911.

With help from Police Dog Services and surveillance footage, officers located and arrested the four suspects. The firearm was seized.

Tommy Bignell, Kurt Nasekapow, Connie Constant and Raychelle Dorion face robbery and multiple firearm-related charges. All remain in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson is in Mexico City this week, representing Manitoba’s 63 First Nations as part of Team Canada’s official trade mission to Mexico.

The focus of the visit is building direct, nation-to-nation economic partnerships and strengthening First Nations participation in the global economy.

While in Mexico, she met with Indigenous leaders from both countries, along with officials at the Canadian Embassy.

Talks centred on expanding trade and investment opportunities, including clean energy, infrastructure, responsible resource development, and cultural industries.

The broader mission is aimed at attracting investment, strengthening trade corridors, and supporting long-term economic diversification.

Wilson says the goal is clear: create measurable, lasting benefits for First Nations communities and build sustainable economies for future generations.

The RM of Kelsey has planned community open house meetings at the end of February, focusing on fire safety and creating a Fire Smart environment in and around your home.

There will be a presentation from the Fire Operations Manager with Manitoba Natural Resources on how to Fire Smart your home, a presentation from the Wildfire Superintendent with Manitoba Wildfire Service, and a presentation from the Regional Emergency Manager, who is the EMO representative for the North.

Meetings will be held February 24 at the Wanless Community Hall, February 25 at the Carrot Valley Community Hall, and February 26 at the Cranberry Portage Legion Hall, all running from 7 to 9 p.m.

The town is beginning the process to change the zoning of the Devon Park area to Commercial due to strong interest in a major development.

Before any project can proceed, the zoning must comply with the Planning Act, which requires the council to pass a bylaw and hold a public hearing so residents can provide input.

If 100 or more residents formally object and the council still supports the change, the matter goes to the Municipal Board for a final decision.

If fewer than 100 object and the council approves it, the town will then assess requirements such as safe highway access. The process takes time.

Council says the goal is to remove barriers and prepare for future investment and job creation.

The change does not necessarily eliminate all green space and could allow for mixed-use concepts like riverfront development, shops, event spaces, and tourism amenities.

The town is doing this groundwork now to be ready for development opportunities while maintaining a balanced approach to growth.

A 37-year-old man wanted in connection to a deadly crash last summer is now in custody.

Matthew Govereau was arrested on February 14th by members of the Winnipeg Police Service. He was taken into custody in Winnipeg.

The charges stem from a head-on collision on July 1st, 2025, along Highway 10 north of Swan River. Police say a vehicle crossed the centre line and struck a parked vehicle.

A 42-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman in the parked vehicle died from their injuries. A 29-year-old passenger in the moving vehicle also died as a result of the crash.

Govereau is facing 18 charges related to the incident. They include three counts of impaired driving causing death, three counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, and three counts of careless driving.

He is also charged with multiple weapons offences, possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance.

Govereau was in court yesterday.

Makers Circles programs are returning to the TPCRC.

The TPCRC has moved locations and is now set up at its new offices at 1 Goddard Avenue, right next to Snack Land. Along with the new location, they are bringing back their Makers Circle programs.

Makers Circles will start up again on February 25 with traditional rattle making, followed by drum making — but the group is open to much more.

Drop-in creations will take place from March 11 to April 29, and drum-making sessions will be held on Saturdays throughout April.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation has received the go-ahead for a new landfill to be built for the community.

The project will be set up at a designated location approximately 10 kilometres south of The Pas. The engineered landfill is expected to meet all environmental regulations.

Additionally, there have been issues with the area’s recycling facility, which will result in a stop to regular recycling pickup until further notice.

Residents of The Pas are being advised that, for the time being, recycling can be placed with regular household waste, and there will be no limit on the number of bags during this time, within reason.

The reason for this is a lack of employees, and officials have posted that they are looking to fill various positions.

The Manitoba government is taking a closer look at what’s driving up grocery bills.

A new province-wide study will examine how food prices are set and what steps could make groceries more affordable.

Premier Wab Kinew and Finance Minister Adrien Sala say the review comes as many families continue to feel strain at the checkout.

The study will zero in on pricing strategies that may be inflating costs, including the use of shopper data or buying habits to charge different prices to different customers, practices that aren’t always visible.

Researchers will also explore broader concerns such as food access, market competition and how pricing impacts households across Manitoba.

The initiative fulfills a commitment in the 2025 throne speech, with updates expected as the work moves ahead.

The Northern Health Region is hosting a resistance band exercise class starting February 23.

Resistance band training is a form of strength training that uses elastic bands to create tension and resistance. It’s versatile, portable, joint-friendly, and effective for building strength, muscle tone, mobility, and endurance.

The four-week program will take place at the library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. The classes are free to attend, and resistance bands will be provided.

To register or learn more, contact Primary Health in The Pas at 204-623-9650.

The Opaskwayak Cree Nation is taking the federal government to court over what it calls the massive impacts of a hydroelectric dam built in the 1960s.

A trial between OCN and the Crown began Monday in Winnipeg, with elders testifying about how the Grand Rapids hydro project disrupted traditional ways of life.

The dam was installed on the Saskatchewan River in 1964. After a drum ceremony in court Monday morning, OCN lawyer Harley Schachter outlined the long history of impacts caused by the project.

By the 1970s, mudflats had formed on Kelsey Lake, reducing access to the water and contributing to a sharp decline in fish populations.

Opaskwayak Cree Nation is seeking damages from the federal government, alleging Canada breached its fiduciary duties and failed to properly consult or accommodate community members’ land-use and treaty rights.

The Grand Rapids Hydro Project was originally conceived by the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro.

Federal Court Justice Sébastien Grammond is presiding over the case, which is expected to last four weeks.

Several shots were fired near a trailer park in the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, leading to an arrest.

At approximately 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, officers responded to a report of shots being fired toward individuals working in the area.

Police conducted a door-to-door search to locate the suspect and, with assistance from the Manitoba First Nations Police, were able to apprehend the individual and recover the firearm believed to have been used in the incident.

Devin McKenzie, 32, of OCN, has been charged with multiple offences, including possession of a restricted firearm, possession of a firearm while unauthorized, and two counts of failure to comply with a release order.

McKenzie was remanded into custody.

With just one week to go before the Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival, preparations are well underway.

The fort and ice bar are being set up along the Saskatchewan River near the library, while decorations continue to fill the town.

One major change this year is the consolidation of the event headquarters and festival headquarters into a single location. Registration, Trappers Gear, and historical information will all now be available at the Wescana Inn.

Another of those changes affects the World Champion Dog Sled Races, which have been pushed back by an hour. Races will now begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

The Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival runs from February 18th to the 22nd. Event booklets are available for $5 at the Opasquia Times, the Wescana Inn, Michaels Corner Store, and Super Thrifty Drug Mart.

For up-to-date event information and to register for the talent show, King and Queen Trapper competitions, the parade, and the ice and snow sculpting events, visit the festival’s official registration locations.

The Pas Music and Fine Arts Festival is coming up, and it’s the longest-running event of its kind in the province, first established in 1935.

Registration takes place next week on Thursday, February 12th, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in the A&W meeting room. Those unable to attend in person can find an online registration link at mafafestival.com.

Organizers are also looking for volunteers and performers.

Following the regular performances, a grand concert will take place, with the date to be announced.

Event information, along with a list of last year’s participants and scholarship winners, can be found online.

The festival officially kicks off on April 9th.

The Home Routes Concert Series wraps up its northern season starting tonight with performances in The Pas, Cranberry Portage, and Flin Flon.

Canadian fiddle champions Jane Cory and Kyle Burghout are known for their rich twin-fiddle harmonies, detailed arrangements, and expressive original tunes.

Jane is a Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion, and Kyle is a North American Irish Fiddle Champion.

This marks the duo’s first visit to northern Manitoba. They will be joined by guest artist Alanna Jenish, a guitarist, pianist, and step dancer who will also perform.

Jenish appears on the duo’s latest album, Many an Open Ground, released last year.

Tonight’s show is at the Sam Waller Museum in The Pas, followed by Cranberry Portage tomorrow, and Flin Flon on Saturday.

All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets and event details are available at homeroutes.ca.

Clearwater Lake Provincial Park is launching a series of programs with a family-friendly bird watching workshop later this month.

The season begins Friday, February 13, with The Great Backyard Bird Count, running from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kelsey Watershed District office near the Grace Lake Boardwalk in The Pas.

Participants will learn how to spot and count winter birds, discover how those sightings support wildlife research, and pick up simple bird watching tips they can use at home. Registration is required, and refreshments will be provided.

The following day, Saturday, February 14, park interpreters will host the Crystal Caves Guided Hike and Campfire, celebrating Manitoba’s Winter Trails Day, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Caves Trailhead.

Later in the month, families can drop in for the Tracks and Scats Family Program on Friday, February 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Provincial Building Lobby in The Pas.

All programs are free, children under twelve must be accompanied by an adult, and more information is available through manitobaparks.com.

Once again, ice harvesting is underway, and there is open water at the boat launch north of The Pas Regional Library, and everyone is being reminded to stay back.

Strong currents can erode ice from below, and with strong currents on the Saskatchewan River, it makes the process even more dangerous

The area has been marked with a safety fence.

Residents are asked to use caution and to avoid the area when possible, as crews are working nearby.

Ice blocks and Fort Whoop It Up are being placed in the parking lot south of the riverbank.

While the public is welcome to come and check out the progress, everyone is reminded to please be mindful of the volunteers working in the area.

The Pas RCMP is strengthening emergency response across northern Manitoba through a new partnership known as the Rescue Ready team.

As The Pas and surrounding areas continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts, emergencies in remote and backcountry areas can occur. Over the years, the RCMP has responded to numerous incidents requiring multiple agencies to work together to bring travellers to safety.

To improve coordination and response times, Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Colin Stark established the Rescue Ready team.

The initiative brings together RCMP officers, RCMP Police Dog Services, Manitoba First Nations Police, Emergency Medical Services, local fire and rescue departments, Manitoba Conservation Officers, community safety officers, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation Traditional Knowledge Keepers.

Through collaboration, shared training, and respect for each agency’s expertise, the team is better prepared to respond when emergencies arise.

As northern Manitoba continues to welcome visitors and adventurers, the Pas RCMP and its partners remain committed to protecting the community.

A public hearing will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:00 a.m. regarding the proposed special mill rate and per-parcel rate.

The hearing will be held in the Council Chambers.

The Town notice, posted last Thursday, states that $1.456 million will be raised through commercial and residential properties.

For commercial properties valued over $200,000, this is estimated to result in an annual cost of $1,356, with a 3% annual increase over the prior year’s mill rate from 2027 to 2029.

For residential properties with two or fewer dwellings, the estimated annual cost is $1,056, also subject to a 3% yearly increase.

A copy of the by-law is available at gov.mb.ca

Last Thursday, January 29th, in the early afternoon, officers with the Manitoba North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team were conducting an investigation when they encountered an 18-year-old man from Winnipeg preparing to board a flight to Shamattawa.

Police say a search led to the discovery of three tightly wrapped packages containing 350 baggies of suspected cocaine, weighing a total of 143 grams.

The suspect was arrested and later released, and is scheduled to appear in Thompson court at a later date. He is facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.