THE FLIN FLON SCHOOL DIVISION TRUSTEES MET EARLIER THIS WEEK IN PREPARATION FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR.


SUPERINTENDENT TAMMY BALLANTYNE WELCOMED ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF BACK FROM THEIR SUMMER BREAK. STAFF WILL BE RETURNING

TO WORK SEPTEMBER FIFTH WHILE STUDENTS RETURN TO CLASS ON THE SIXTH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF KINDERGARTEN. PARENTS SHOULD

HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER WITH THE INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR CHILDS START TIMES. HAPNOT WILL BE HOLDING THEIR NEW

STUDENT AND GRADE NINE ORIENTATION TODAY FROM 2-3PM AND ANY STUDENT WITHOUT A TIMETABLE SHOULD CALL THE SCHOOL AT 204

687-7506 TO ARRANGE A  MEETING WITH THE GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR. STUDENTS ARE REMINDED TO CONFIRM THEIR SCHEDULE ONLINE

PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, WHILE ALL UPDATES CAN BE FOUND ON YOUR POWERSCHOOL ACCOUNT. ON THE FIRST DAY OF

CLASSES STUDENTS SHOULD REPORT TO THEIR SLOT ONE CLASS. SHOP STUDENTSARE TO ARRIVE AT McISSAC SCHOOL AT 8:45 AND

THERE WILL BE BUSSES RUNNING TO BRING THE STUDENTS TO HAPNOT FOR SLOT TWO

With August winding down, The Flin Flon Arts Council is looking forward to the return of Culture Days which will kick off three weeks of events on September the 22^nd.

Crystal Kolt who is the Director Of Culture and Community Initiatives for the City tells us there are going to be a lot of great events that you will want to be part of.

" It is true we left 2019 with over 140 events that year and with Covid we went down but we still consistantly reached number one in our category Nationally. Already there is so many new events that are going to be happening for Culture Days. Everybody will be able to see the events as we post them, and the National office is already asking us and helping us post our events. You go to culturedays.ca, you go into Manitoba and then Flin Flon and will be able to see all the events in the next few weeks."

If you would like to enter an event this year you can e-mail flinflonartscouncil@gmail.com and it will be added to the list to be celebrated this fall.

Gas prices are slightly starting to come down across Manitoba.

According to Gas Buddy.com a litre of regular fuel costs on average 165.45 cents across Manitoba which is down 0,2 cents from last week and down 2.5 cents a litre from last year.

Flin Flon is more than the Provincial average with prices ranging between 174.9 to 176.9  cents a litre.

The National average is 168.45 cents a litre.

Summer vacation is  coming to a close and kids will be returning to school very soon  including Hapnot Collegiate who will be returning on Wednesday September the 6^th. School Principal Steve Lytwyn gives us the run down on how the first day will work.

" Our big message right now to parents, guardians and students is the first day of class is Wednesday  September the 6th starting at 8:45. All students should go directly to their slot one class and from that point on they can pick up their registration form. If students have Shop they go directly to McIsaac and the Shop bus will bring them back to Hapnot for slot two. Another important thing to know is for any new students and grade nine's we are having our orientation tomorrow between 2 and 3pm. Students will come through the main door and there will be some staff there to direct them to the theatre,  and they will get a tour of the school and their time table and they can see where they are going on that first day of school."

Any students that don’t have a time table should call the school to make arrangements to meet with the guidance counsellor  at 204-687-7506. You can also e-mail MS.Link at alink@ffsd.mb.ca.

On August 25, 2023, at approximately 8:20 am, The Pas RCMP responded to the Grace Lake Airport for a report of a package containing drugs.

The investigation has determined that a male dropped off a package destined for Pukatawagan, at the airport. The package was inspected by employees and found to contain approximately 1400 prescription pills and 770 grams of illicit cannabis.

Michael Rushnell, 36, from Surrey, British Columbia, was arrested and charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was also charged with Distribute Illicit Cannabis and Distribute over 30 g of dried Cannabis under the Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Control Act.

He was released from custody on a release order and is scheduled to appear in court on September 15, 2023, in The Pas.

The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

The Labor Day Long Weekend is coming up fast, and the Provincial Government is looking to celebrate  with a weekend of free provincial park access!

Starting this Friday September 1st, and running through September 4th park passes will not be required to visit any of Manitoba's provincial Parks.

Notably, this does not include national parks in the province or cover any overnight stays or campsite fees.

Individuals who wish to camp can make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling toll-free at 1-888-482-2267.

Several provincial park campsites, cabins, and yurts will remain open through the fall, allowing campers to stay as late as Thanksgiving weekend in October.

This is the last weekend before the school year swings back into action, so get out and enjoy one of  Northern Manitoba’s beautiful Provincial  parks.

Freedom Outreach held their annual Duck Race at the Wallace street  bridge on Saturday afternoon and the Program Director Al Legore was very happy with the turn out and support they have received.

"It has been a great day, glad to see everyone come out and we want to thank everyone for the duck tickets being sold out early. This is going to a good cause helping many men and ladies who have addiction issues right across Manitoba. So we are actually helping our local center with the help they need. It was a great race and we want to throw a big shout out to all our volunteers and everybody who bought tickets to make this happen."

Congratulations to all the winners including Rick Banting who came first with ticket number 0906 and wins the Polaris Quad, Ross Kucheran finished second with ticket number 0119 and won a kayak. Mark Ramshaw was third and won a $500.00 gift certificate from Frontline. David Harris won the pre race with ticket number 0357 and wins $50.00 from Inferno Schwarma. 

La Ronge RCMP continue to investigate the report of an assault which occurred on Vickers Crescent in Air Ronge during the early morning of August 19, 2023.

Based on information gathered by officers to date, a suspect sketch has been illustrated to help spread awareness of the individual involved in the assault.

La Ronge RCMP continue to look to the public for assistance in reporting any information regarding this investigation that may assist with identifying the individual responsible to contact La Ronge RCMP at 306-425-6730 or your local police of jurisdiction. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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The Flin Flon Creighton area SPCA stopped by 102.9 CFAR this past Thursday and Friday for a special pledge show to raise funds for new kennels and food and toys for their shelter.

SPCA President Heather Richardson was blown away with the great support they received from the community. 

" It was absolutely amazing, the first day we did $4,140.00 and today we did an additional $2,625.00 for a total of $6,765.00 and it was amazing as were able to get the word out there. We got to talk about the animals and got to talk about a lot of what go's on at the SPCA.  We also got to talk about some of our other fundraisers and I think we really got the word out there and the community came out and donated a lot more than any of us were expecting."

You can  still support the SPCA by sending an e-transfer to ffspca@mymts.net or dropping by their office or calling 204-687-8744. They are also selling tickets on raffle tickets for a chance to see KISS in concert in Saskatoon November the 13^th. You can get more information on this and other draws on the SPCA facebook page.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM CFAR RADIO FOR A

DONATION OF 262 DOLLARS TOWARDS THE CREIGHTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND SNACK PROGRAM. THE TOWN HAS SUPPORTED THE

PROGRAM IN THE PAST AND AGREED TO CONTINUE THEIR SPONSORSHIP. A REQUEST WAS ALSO RECEIVED FROM THE ROYAL CANADIAN

LEGION SASKATCHEWAN COMMAND TO SUPPORT THE MILITARY SERVICE RECOGNITION BOOK BY PURCHASING AN ADVERTISING SPACE AT A

COST OF 225 DOLLARS. AS IN THE PAST COUNCIL AGREED TO MAKE THE PURCHASE.

COUNCIL DID DENY THE REQUEST FROM INTO THE WEEDS TO AMEND THE ZONING BYLAW TO ALLOW A CANNABIS RETAIL STORE WITHIN THE

MAIN STREET COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. AMONG THE FACTORS REGARDING THEIR DECISION WAS THAT COUNCIL DIDN'T THINK THAT BEING

ON MAIN STREET CLOSE TO THE SCHOOL WAS A SUITABLE LOCATION.

COUNCIL AGREED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO SIGN THE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH BROOKE

WHITE FOR THE REGIONAL TOURISM OFFICER POSITION EFFECTIVE JULY 27th 2023 AND ACCEPT HER RESIGNATION FROM THE POST OF

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER.

For the 5^th time this past summer 102.9 CFAR along with local sponsors were able to collect money to donate to a local cause through  the contest 100 Grand In Your Hand.

CFAR Manager Dianne Russell says the contest has really been catching on.

"  I am absolutely looking forward to it, this was our 5th annual and it's gone well every year and people are getting more and more excited about it and through it we are able to raise more money. We were able to give away $2400.00 from both Flin Flon and The Pas to support senior and elder recreation programming and we are very excited about that."

Russell also commented that they are looking forward to the contest returning for the summer of 2024.

Many Faces Education Center and Adult Learning Centre is getting ready for the 2023-24 school year and are now open for registration as we hear from the school principal Jodi Pawlachuk.

" So Many Faces Education Center and the Adult Learning Center are currently  taking registration for classes. Many Faces high school starts September the 6th and the Adult Learning Center starts September the 12th. Please come in prior to the start of classes to register for the courses. We are available for registration Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 11:30."

The courses being offered for semester one include Science, Life Work Exploration, Phys- Ed,Current topics in Indigenous Studies, Math and Canadian Film Studies. Adult  Learning Center Night School is offering study options including Family Studies, Biology, Psychology and Canadian Law.

For more information you can call the school at 204-687-6354

The Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Centre has hosted a summer day camp the past couple of months called Camp Moochikun which focussed on healthy life styles, cultural awareness and educated related skills.

Jo Anne Pelltier who is the Program Events Co-ordinator tells us the camps were very successful. " This year we had over 25 kids enrolled and it must of been a very busy summer for everybody,  as we had lots of weeks we had lots of kids and some weeks there wern't as many. There was lots of consistency with the ones who did show up and had a great time. Lots of crafts were done, culturally appropriate activitivities, we had some spirit weeks that we did that the kids really enjoyed."

The Friendship Center is looking forward to a busy fall and winter and are planning some big events for this year’s Culture Days starting next month.

With a Provincial election less than two months away the NDP made a big announcement yesterday that if elected in October they would suspend the provincial fuel tax.

Our local MLA, Tom Lindsay says this would be significant for people that live in the North. " Clearly it is a big deal especially  for people in the North, we have to spend more on fuel proportionately than a lot of people just because of the distances. This will be a huge savings as you take a look at people that have to commute to Snow Lake, that is going to be a big difference in their pocket book. The whole point is to give some relief now until they get inflation under control with  the skyrocketing price of groceries and everything else comes under control."

If you have any issues or concerns heading into the election, don’t hesitate to contact Tom Lindsay at his office on Flin Flon’s Main street , Monday to Friday 9 to 4. Stop by or call 204-687-3246.

The Flin Flon Creighton area SPCA will be stopping by the CFAR studios this Thursday and Friday starting at 8:45 for a special pledge show.

CFAR Manager, Dianne Russell says they look forward to bringing this show to the community.  " We are really excited, we have wanted to do a pledge show on the radio for a long time and partnering with the SPCA is a great fit. Heather Richardson and I set this up and we hope to raise a lot of money for the SPCA in the next few days."

You will be able to call in and make a donation during the show to 687-8300, you can also stop by CFAR at 316 Green Street or the SPCA or send an e-transfer to ffspca@mymts.net.

You will be able to sign the kids up for all the fall and winter activities at one time by stopping by the Flin Flon Community Hall for Registration Under One Roof coming up in September.

Rec Programmer Kelsey Andersen lets us know how your group and organization can be part of it.  " We are still looking for people to join us, so if you are taking registration for any type of group activity and want more eyes on it. You can send me an e-mail at  kandersen@flinflon.ca.

This will take place on Tuesday September the 5^th between 5 and 7pm at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

THE Joe Brain Petting Zoo officially wrapped up their season yesterday after a very successful summer. Maddy Jones who worked at the zoo all summer says it was a very enjoyable season.

" It has been a really good summer, a lot of people are really happy the zoo is open again as we were closed last year. We have a lot of kids that don't really know what kind of animals we have,  and don't have a lot of experience with animals. It is nice  for them to come and see what we have and get to know how the animals work. It has been a great summer and I have loved seeing the kids, my favorite part of it."

The animals are now being sent to their winter homes and the zoo will re-open next June. The Joe Brain Petting Zoo asks you to keep them in mind for birthday parties, school tours and tourist tours when they re-open next year. They are also accepting donations and you can find out more by contacting the City Of Flin Flon.

On August 19, 2023, as a result of an ongoing investigation into the possession of illegal firearms in the community, Norway House RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence where several firearms and drugs were seized.
 
The search of the home led to the arrest of four individuals, two males and two females, the recovery of a loaded handgun, two additional firearms, a machete, ammunition and drugs.

In the last two weeks, Norway House RCMP have seized 22 firearms and six machetes from individuals with suspected gang affiliations.

As a result of this investigation, Peter Keeper, 34, Sarah Keeper, 52, and a 17-year-old male were remanded into custody on numerous firearms-related offences. The fourth suspect, an 18-year-old female, was later released without charge.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

Manitoba residents will be heading to the polls October the third and the Flin Flon returning office is now open to make sure you get on the voters list.

The returning officer Barb Bragg tells us the process that needs to be followed.

" The biggest thing is to make sure you are on the voting list, that means you can register here at the office at the old Co-op building upstairs or you can go online at electionsmanitoba.ca. Getting your voting information correct and in place is going to make things run a lot smoother on election day October the third."

The office is located at the old CO-OP at 29 Main street, you can use the upstairs mall entrance. You will need to bring id and you will receive a voters card in the mail closer to the election. If you need any more information you can call the office at 431-303-8680 or e-mail flinflon@elections.mb.ca.

On August 15, 2023, at approximately 3:45 pm, Norway House RCMP received a report of a missing 14-year-old male from the community.

Diraye Al Mecas, 14, was last seen on June 16 in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation and most recently on August 12 in Long Plain First Nation.

He’s described as being Indigenous with black hair and brown eyes. No other physical descriptors were provided.

RCMP are asking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Diraye Micas to contact the Norway House RCMP at (204) 359-6483, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
 

Cranberry Portage will be hosting their final Artisan Market on Saturday September the 9^th at the Cranberry Portage Heritage grounds. Organizer Barb Bragg says there is always a great variety of local business’s on hand.

" We have been growing every market and this time we are already at 35 vendors so I expect we will hit 40 because we take them right up  to the last day. The type of vendors that are here are quilters, gourmet spices, people who are using forging in the bush for fur tea and lots of interesting concoctions. We also have beading and ceramics and it's just a whole bunch of different kinds of artisan products."

There will be great food including Hooter Dogs and live entertainment featuring the No Name Band. If you would like to be a vendor it will cost you $20.00 to get a booth and you can sign up by contacting cpartisanmarket@gmail.com.

Elections Manitoba officials will be visiting homes beginning this week to register residents for the upcoming provincial election.

Registration agents will be making the rounds between August 17-24 in newly constructed neighbourhoods as well as areas of high mobility, such as apartment blocks and near post-secondary campuses.

Voter registration agents will be wearing identification and will request the name, address, and phone number of all eligible voters in the household. They will also request eligible voters’ date of birth and gender to improve the accuracy of the voters’ list.

Voters who aren’t registered before the end of the revision period on September 14 can still register at the poll when they go to vote. Voters can also register to vote or update their information online at electionsmb.ca/register.

Manitoba residents will head to the polls on October 3.

The local returning office is now open in Flin Flon at the old CO-OP location at 29 Main street and you can use the upstairs mall entrance. The hours are 8 til 8 Monday to Saturday and Sunday noon til 6.

The Manitoba Chamber will be making their way to Northern Manitoba as part of a Northern Economic Tour in October. Lalonnie Shimonko the Administrative Coordinator says this will be a great opportunity for the Chamber to showcase attractions in the North.

" So the Manitoba Chamber is coming up with 25 delegates to explore Flin Flon and look at some economic opportunities for those delegates to potentially expand their business's. We are coming to visit some local attractions and also some local business's to seek some tours. We are also planning on hosting a reception for local business owners to attend to engage with thse delegates to explain why they should come to the Flin Flon area."

The itinerary is posted on the Manitoba Chamber Of Commerce Website and if you are a local business owner that would like to be included in the reception to engage with these delegates go to mbchamber.mb.ca and click on the link under events.

The Last summer installment of We Love Flin Flon will take place at Rotary Park tonight courtesy of the Salvation Army, Alliance and Lutheran churches. Mark Burford of the Salvation Army says the program has been received very well here in the community.

"  The other two went well, the first one was in June and the last one was  in July, we had a whole bunch of people come out. Tonight we will have some good food, entertainment, good worship music and we will have some activities for the kids. The water park will be going, we will have face painting, cotton candy and lots of treats for kids and adults with a sweet tooth. We are really looking forward to it."

It takes place at Rotary Park tonight starting at 5 and is free to attend. Stay tuned for more details on We Love Flin Flon programs coming up in the fall and winter.

There was a great turn out at City Hall tonight  for the third reading on the  bylaw to ensure the safety and health of all residents accessing rental housing in Flin Flon.

A large contingent of landlords made their way to City Hall to question and challenge the bylaw and were adamant that they did not agree with this bylaw and were given the floor to present their arguments. Mayor Fontaine and members of council said they will have further discussions on how to move forward.

There was also a resolution passed to approve funding for $2,744.00 to go towards Legion Housing for the removal of the fountain at Jobin Park to help prepare the ground for development. The Legion Senior Housing have half the money for the project but need assistance with the other half.

Plans are also being made for the development of the park in stages to build a pagoda and picnic area.

The City also have also requested an extension from the Manitoba Public Utilities Board on the City Of Flin Flon water rate study to be extended til November the 30^th.

The Blueberry Jam music extravaganza wrapped up last night at the Flin Flon Campground and Marketing Director Thomas Duncan says it was a weekend that no one will soon forget.

" It was a fantastic festival this year, the artists were absolutely incredible with great local artists and some people that came in from out of town that just blew me away. There was huge crowds every day and the BlueBerry Wine Bar was packed through out the entire weekend. We had a great sound crew that came in from Winnipeg, the food was great and we couldn't be any happier with how things turned out."

Over 5,000 people made their way out to the Flin Flon Campground through out the three days and you can relive the highlights with videos and pictures on the Blueberry Jam facebook page. A big thanks to the organizers,  musicians, volunteers, sponsors and to every one who came out to support the event over the weekend.

Adult and Teen Challenge are only a few days from one of their biggest fundraisers of the year with the annual Duck Race which will take place on Saturday August the 26^th.

One of the organizers Candy Legore says the fundraising has gone very well and they look forward to seeing a lot of people come out for a great afternoon of fun.

" I am happy to announce that all the tickets have been sold and we want to encourage people to come on out and watch the race and be part of the day. We are also going to be having a barbecue starting at noon. This will also be our first year doing a slip and slide at the Duck Race."

First place is a Polaris 110  EFI Sportsman Quad. Second is Dirigo 120 Kayak, third a $500.00 gift certificate from Frontline Sport and Leisure and their is a pre- race draw of $50.00 courtesy of Inferno Schwarma.

It all starts at 1pm on the Wallace street bridge on Saturday August the the 26^th.

On August 10, 2023, at approximately 3:25 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a male kicking in a door to a residence on Brandon Crescent in Thompson. Officers responded immediately and located the residence fully engulfed in flames. The 34-year-old male reported to have been breaking into the residence was located by police exiting the yard. He was taken into custody.

As the residence was a townhouse, officers began evacuating the neighbouring residences and making sure nobody was still inside the burning structure.

The local fire department attended to extinguish the fire. Damage was limited to two of the townhomes.

The fire is considered suspicious. The Office of the Fire Commissioner is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The Biz Kids Day Camp wrapped up on Friday in Creighton as the kids hosted a barbecue and show- cased the different products they made with their own home business’s .  Kaylee Oulette the Biz Kids Summer Camp Co-ordinator gives us a recap of what the program is all about.

" The Biz Kids Day Camp is a 5 day long program and in the morning we teach them about entrepreneurship and how to start their own business. In the afternoon's we do fun activities because we do belive in stimulating the kids and keeping them active. We take them to MS B'S ceramics, the beach, we do anything we can to help support our local entrepreneur's while teaching them about entrepreneurship."

There is still one more Biz Kids Day Camp which will take place in Snow Lake starting today. They will be planning  scavenger hunts , they will be going to the beach and the kids will be  selling their products at the market on Friday.

The Creighton Liquor store now known as Costan Liquor  has been under new ownership the last two weeks when 1CM Ink bought the local outlet from the Saskatchewan Gov’t. One of the Senior Managers Nisarg tells us they are very happy with the response they have received so far.

" We are having a great reception from the local community, obviously there are things we have to learn in any local community. Some of the inventory preferances like the wines that are preferred and even on the spirits side. We have learned what people like and we are now well stocked. It has been excellent and we love our customers and we hope to be here for the long haul."

Costcan Liquor is open 7 days a week from 10 to 9 and is a publicly traded company .

On August 3, 2023, Swan River RCMP became aware of an armed robbery that had occurred in the evening of August 2, 2023. Police found that a male had been held against his will by five people in a garage at a residence on 2^nd Avenue in Minitonas and robbed with a firearm. He sustained minor injuries as a result of the robbery.

A search warrant was sought by RCMP for the residence of the suspect in the armed robbery.

Swan River RCMP, Manitoba RCMP Emergency Response Team, RCMP Police Dog Services, and West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team executed the warrant on August 7, 2023. During the search, police located and seized approximately 193 grams of crystal meth, 3 grams of heroin, 104 grams of cocaine, 3.9 grams of MDMA, 4 grams of fentanyl/heroine mix, pellet guns, a cattle prod, brass knuckles, firearm parts, ammunition, scales, drug trafficking paraphernalia and stolen property from the robbery.

Two males and one female were arrested at the residence without incident and they are

Nikko Guiboche, 27, from Minitonas, Tanelle Mohr from Minitonas and Dawson Kozminski 27 from Teulon. 

Dawson Kozminski-Ursel, 27, from Teulon,

All three have been remanded in custody. The investigation continues.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM ADULT AND TEEN CHALLENGE

FOR A DONATION TOWARDS THEIR DUCK RACE AUGUST 26 AS WELL THE FALL BANQUET. THIS WAS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER

DISCUSSION. MAAD CANADA HAS ALSO REQUESTED THE TOWN PURCHASE AN AD FOR THEIR UPCOMING YEARBOOK WHICH WAS ALSO REFERRED

FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN STATING THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT HAS APPROVED THE

McIIVENNA BAY PROJECT.

COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TO GIVE THIRD AND FINAL READING TO BYLAW 3-2024,TO PROVIDE FOR THE RETENTION AND DISPOSAL OF

DOCUMENTS. A MOTION WAS ALSO PASSED TO ACCEPT THE SCOPE CHANGE ORDER FROM ASSOCIATED ENGINEERING FOR THE WASTE WATER

TREATMENT PLANT WHICH WILL INCLUDE DESLUDGING OF THE LAGOON.

THE REPORT FROM THE RECREATION DIRECTOR WAS ACCEPTED WHICH INCLUDED A REQUEST FROM FLIN FLON MINOR HOCKEY TO OPEN THE

SPORTEX ONE WEEK EARLIER. THE ICE WILL NOW BE READY ON OCTOBER 2nd.

Flin Flon Parks and Recreation is hosting a Seniors Garden Party on Friday August the 18^th at Rotary Park and the Rec Commission’s Kelsey Anderson says they have an enjoyable afternoon planned.

" We are going to have a little tea party, we will have coffee, tea and snacks and we are also teaming up with the community garden. They are going to help us create a cold soup using ingredients from the garden. We are also going to have the Summer In The Parks kids helping out as well as some folks from the zoo might be making a guest appearance as well."

This will take place from noon to 2 and is open to all seniors in  Flin Flon, Creighton,  Denare Beach and the entire surrounding area.

On August 2, 2023, at 1:30 am, Pukatawagan RCMP received a report of an off-road vehicle rollover that occurred on the main road in Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan).

Officers believe that a quad, being operated by a 21-year-old female, was travelling on the main road when she lost control and rolled. The operator, along with her two female passengers (32, 21), were thrown from the quad onto the road. No helmets were in use at the time of the collision.

The three females were transported to the nursing station where both 21-year-olds were treated and released with minor physical injuries. The 32-year-old was transported by life-flight to Winnipeg where, on August 4, 2023, she succumbed to her injuries.

Pukatawagan RCMP continue to investigate.

We are just a handful of days away from the summer outdoor extravaganza that everyone is waiting for Blueberry Jam. Besides all the great musical entertainment , there will be a chance to win a lot of great prizes.

The Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt explains. " We are very lucky this year for so many reasons. Calm Air has partnered with Blueberry Jam as a sponsor and we have two chances to win two tickets each to any where Calm Air flys in Manitoba.  One opportunity is through the Blueberry Jam raffle that is already at the Orange Toad, Uptown Emporium and the Gateway. There is also a chance to win a lot of other sensational prizes including amazing artwork by Randy Whitbread, we also have a Blueberry cigar box by Chris Freedman and artwork donated by Noelle Drimmie."

You will also have an opportunity to win two flights for Calm Air with the Blueberry Jam Scavenger Hunt with clues which will be available on the Flin Flon Arts Council website at flinflonartscouncil.ca. Clues will be posted Wednesday starting at noon. You can also get a physical copy at the Uptown Emporium. You will then have til Saturday August the 12^th  to email all the clues to the BBJ scavenger hunt gmail account.

Lots of other great prizes will be available as well.

The Norva Centre in Flin Flon has an exciting new display in their gallery which you will be able to view for the rest of August.

Megan Dupas,  the Norva Center’s Manager tells us what it is and a little about the artist who created it.

" The new exhibit is called Pattern Making, Pattern Mending and is by a Winnipeg artist by the name of Alison Davis. It is a bunch of ink drawings of hands and the whole show is about patterns. Alison has a BFA from Concordia and she has always been interested in hands and feet. Hands are so important to us as humans because everything we do in life involves our hands. Hands are really interesting in that way and that is what she likes to explore."

Admission is free and Norva will be open 10 to 5pm for the rest of summer. You will also be able to view animations on video screens that will be set up that Alison made including short films which were screened at festivals and venues world wide. You can also meet Alison who will be in Flin Flon for a work shop next Saturday August the 19^th.

For more information you can contact the Norva Centre  at 204-687-4237 or norvacentre@gmail.com.

There is still about a month to head out to see the animals at the Joe Brain Petting Zoo on Flin Flon’s Green street. Rec programmer Kelsey Anderson says the animals are very friendly and would love to see you.

" Our zoo is open every day 11 to 7 weather permitting. We have lots of animals to come see including our little pig named Pettle. If you talk sweet to her she will roll over and let you rub her belly. Our three cows are always a hit named Sugar, Spice and Briscuit. You have to be careful because they are known to give kisses once in a while. If you take a knee down at the zoo a goat is almost guaranteed to come jump on your back. They are very friendly and affectionite, so if you need your animal love come by the Joe Brain Petting Zoo."

The zoo will stay open til the end of August and is open daily 11 to 7 weather permitting. You can book the zoo for a birthday party or special gathering. There is a $2.00 fee to visit the zoo and you can purchase a pass for the rest of the summer for $50.00

You can get more details by contacting Kelsey at kanderson@flinflon.com or calling 204-681-7542.

Manitoba is expected to go to the polls October the 3^rd in what many people are expecting to be a very close race between the Progressive Conservatives and NDP.

Our local MLA, Tom Lindsay tells us what some of the biggest issues are among Manitoban’s heading into the fall election.

" Well I certainly think one of the big issues that affects us in the North as much as anybody is health care. We don't have doctors and nurses any more and Health Care Center's are shutting down. Flin Flon is a liitle more than a holding center. That will be one of the big issues for us and I think affordibility is going to be an issue. Things like hydro and how does this affect us in the North from other people in the province. Winnipeg has natural gas and we don't have that option. Some of the things they are talking about with hydro and surge pricing will affect us worse because we don't have a choice. Education,  we saw what happened with bill 64 and they tried to do away with elected school boards."

If you have a particular issue you can stop by Tom Lindsay’s constituency off, Monday through Friday 9 to 4 or call 204-687-3246.  

The Blue Berry Jam will kick off one week from today at the Flin Flon Campground. Lots of great musicians will be on hand locally and from all over for the three day festival.

The committee’s Crystal Kolt says they are still looking for volunteers.

"We are always looking for volunteers and we have reached out to a lot of people and a lot of people have responded and will be helping, but we could always use more help. The jobs that you could do at Blueberry Jam are super easy. One is greeting people and handing out wristbands when they come on sight and the other one will be a new event. We have a new bar and performance venue at the Rotary wheel , we are calling it the Blueberry Wine Bar. If you want to be able to help there, we have spots available and it should be a lot of fun."

They will also need people to sell 50/50’s and raffle tickets and help out with environmental and the take down when it wraps up on Sunday. The grounds will open up Friday at 3:30 with opening ceremonies at 4:15 in front of the museum.

If you can lend a hand you can send an e-mail to flinflonartscouncil.ca or go to the City Of Flin Flon facebook page.

The 32^nd annual  Cranberry Trout Challenge Derby is just a few days away as it will take place this weekend on Lake Athapap. The Committee’s Wade Roberts says registration is going very well.

" Well registration is going good and it is on fish donkey of course, so you can register on the fish donkey app. I think we had 42 entires the last time I checked and the fishing is good. We have a lot of local people who have registered and we do have some southern people coming up and some new faces we haven't seen before. We encourage more people to come and enter and enjoy themselves."

The fishing starts this Saturday at 8am with lots of other great events taking place including an Elvis and Johny Cash impersonator performing Saturday at 5 at the boat launch. The boat parade will take place Friday night at 6 on Cranberry’s Main street with lots of candy for the kids.

You can enter right til the derby Saturday morning on the fish donkey ap and it is a $200.00 entry per two people boat.

With the Blueberry Jam just a few days away, this would be a good opportunity to stop by the Flin Flon Station Museum as you make your way to the grounds to watch some great live music.

Joe Buie says they have some real interesting displays for all ages.

" Interestingly enough we have a new virtual thing at our museum that people should stop by and check out. You can put on 3d glasses and take a tour virtually through  the museum. You can go to an item and there will be a description and it will read it to you on different items in the museum. I encourage people to stop by and check that out as we have only had this for a few weeks. Of course there is lots of other displays on the  history of Flin Flon and how it got here. Lots of interesting artifacts and things of the past and people that help pioneer this community."

The museum is open daily from 10 to 6 and admission is only $3.00 to come check it out. You can also arrange your own personal tour . You can call 204-687-2946 and also find out information on the City Of Flin Flon Facebook page.

On July 28, 2023, at approximately 3:10 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a missing male. Arthur Ducharme, 32, from The Pas has not been seen by family since June 15, 2023.

It is believed Ducharme was in Swan River for a time to work, but has not been in contact with his family, which is out of character. He was expected to be back in The Pas on July 20, but he has not come back, nor has he been heard from.

Ducharme is described as 5’10” and 157 pounds with short black hair and amber green eyes. He has a large scar on the right side of his face and has several tattoos, including ones that say “Colby” and “Arthur” on his forearm.

Family and police are very concerned for Ducharme’s well-being. If you have information, please call The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6204, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Katy Anderson was at last night’s City Council meeting to make a presentation on behalf of the North regarding personal care home beds for the entire Northern Region.

The Provincial Government has allocated 15 million dollars  for personal care homes across the province but has excluded Northern Manitoba and Anderson says this is not acceptable.

" Out of all these beds, the four Southern authorities got promises of close to 1000 beds and the North got absolutely zero. zero promises and nothing at all. I am an advocate for the North  , I want to speak for the North, I just don't want to complain, I want action. This is a start and I went to our senior executive on Friday morning and they gave 100 percent support to address this issue by going  to council and senior's centers. We need to get out the word because a lot of people haven't heard about this."

The City Of Flin Flon has agreed to send out a letter of support and Anderson says they will also be contacting other local leaders, MLA’S, and a petition is also being put together to go out to all the centers in the North including The Pas, Snow Lake, Thompson and First Nations communities.

If you require more information you can contact Katie directly at 204-687-3935 or 204-271-0832.

Katy Anderson led a delegation at last night’s City Council meeting regarding personal care home beds for Northern  Manitoba. The Provincial government has allocated 15 million dollars for the different health regions but has left the North out.

Anderson will get a letter of support from the city and will contact local leaders, MLA’S and put together a petition in different centers across the North to make sure all of Northern Manitoba’s voices are heard.

Councillor Steven Lytwin commented that the Witness Blanket exhibit which just left City Hall was able to attract 1,067 visitors and 45 volunteers put in over 200 hours of volunteer time.  A big thanks to the sponsors the Flin Flon School Division, Hudbay and the City Of Flin Flon.

It was also reported that the City has received grants for an upgrade at the Flin Flon Public Library and a boiler upgrade at the Whitney Forum. A resolution was also passed to approve Mayor Fontaine and CEO Lynn Brown to attend the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Northern Region meeting in Prince Albert.

Creighton Recreation is hosting a Party In The Park tomorrow afternoon  for kids of all ages starting at 2. Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran says it will be a lot of fun.

" So Wednesday afternoon we will have our party in the park. We run a few over the summer where we get DJ Dre to come and he plays music. There is swimming , face painting, bubbles, games and prizes. Admission is only one dollar."

The event will take place at the Creighton Spray Pool and the concession will be open with freezies,ice cream,drinks and chips all available.

Cranberry Portage will be hosting an  Artisan Market this Saturday starting at 11 am at the Cranberry Heritage Museum grounds.

Organizer Barb Bragg says these markets have become very popular.

" This is the fourth year we have had this and we are growing in numbers every year,  going from 20 or so vendors and we have thirty seven right now. I am expecting to hear from more people this week. We are trying to focus in on artisans and having them showcase their work and crafts people. We have a variety of things like jewelry, bead works, this time around we have honey and bee products, pottery and stained glass. You will have to come out and see all these different things to figure it all out."

If you would like to set up a table you can register right up til this Saturday by emailing cpartisanmarket@gmail.com or calling Barb at 204-680-6003.