On Sunday , at approximately 3:40 pm, Norway House RCMP conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located on Highway 373 in the community.

Officers approached the vehicle, with two occupants, and spoke with the 21-year-old female driver who was determined to be driving an unregistered vehicle without a valid drivers license.

In speaking with the 20-year-old male passenger, he was found to have an outstanding Warrant of Arrest and was also found breaching conditions of a recent Release Order.

The 20-year-old was placed under arrest and upon search of the vehicle, officers located a small backpack under his seat containing a large quantity of pills, believed to be Ecstasy, and over $2500 in cash.

Dustin Chubb, 20, of Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, was remanded into custody on charges including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Fail to Comply with Release Order x2.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

On Tuesday , Shawn McKay, 23, of Pimicikamak Cree Nation was charged with Second Degree Murder in relation to the homicide of 45-year-old female located deceased in a residence on Monday.

McKay was arrested at the scene when police arrived. He has remained in custody since that time.

The victim and McKay were known to each other.

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has announced their slate of candidates for their general election.

Running for chief are incumbent Karen Bird, the challengers Darrell MccAllum, Tracy Merasty, Ovide Michel, Peter Beatty, Melville Linklater and Joseph McKay.

Elections will be held in Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay and Deschambault Lake on April the 9th. 14 councillors will also be selected. 

Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School is bringing their On The Edge Tour to Flin Flon on Friday April the 12^th  as part of their province wide tour.  Vanessa Leonard who started out as a dancer,  is now the Director of the Winnipeg Royal Ballet Post Secondary Program and is very excited to be coming back to the North.

"I like to explain to people that it's similar to like a university of dance. So it's like these students are basically getting their PhD in dance because it is an extremely intensive program. And while they are rehearsing for all of this, this tour, they actually do work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company as well. They're in the performances of Nutcracker and this year they were also in the performance of Romeo and Juliet. So they do get some really nice professional experience with the actual company. But these students are right on the cusp of their professional career and they're going out and auditioning for companies all around the world and you know, often end up dancing all around the world. So it's really an exciting group of dancers to see, they're young and they're extremely talented. So I'm really happy to bring bring our show to you."

The show will take place at the Flin Flon Community Hall starting at 7. Tickets are $30.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth under 18 and can be picked up at the Uptown Emporium or online at flinflonartscouncil.ca.

Mayor George Fontaine and Councillor Alison Dallas Funk were at the CFAR studio this past Wednesday for the City Beat Show. They were in to discuss many issues happening in the community including the increase in water rates.

"  The proposed rates are out and that doesn't necessarilly mean that those are going to be the exact rates. The notices that everyone is seeing is exactly that , this is a notice of intent from the Public Utilities Board and the City Of Flin Flon. We can't change water rates without approval from the governing body, utilities board. The reason for that,  is strict guidelines and legislation that municipalities have to adhere to when they are dealing with their utilities. Utilities have to be there own entity , you can't pull funding from your general reserve in your operating budget. Utilities have to essentially pay for themselves, so what ever is charged for the water bill must pay what it costs to produce water, clean the water and maintain the water plant."

The City of Flin Flon has done a 40 page water study including the rates, where they can improve, where they are lacking in funding, where they are short and how much consumption that people are using. You can pick up a copy of the report at City Hall or contact them and they will e-mail it to you.

On Wednesday , as a result of an ongoing investigation, officers from the Grand Rapids RCMP Detachment executed a search warrant at a residence, located on River Road, in Misipawistik Cree Nation.

Upon entry into the home, officers arrested two suspects who were taken into police custody.

As a result of the search, officers seized over 140 grams of cocaine, crack cocaine, illicit pills, cash and drug related paraphernalia.

RCMP have charged Vernon Lee Turner, 42, from Misipawistik Cree Nation, with a multiple of offenses including  possession for the purpose of trafficking.

A 38-year-old female, from Misipawistik Cree Nation, was later released from custody without charge.

The Manitoba RCMP is committed to working with First Nation communities that have asked to make drug enforcement a priority.  These enforcement actions will continue as per the expressed wishes of community leadership.

The investigation continues.

The City Of Flin Flon is hosting a public hearing and information session regarding the new Aqua Centre on April the 5^th at Council Chambers starting at 6:30.

Flin Flon Rec Director Cait Bailey outlines what they will be discussing at the meeting. "  We are looking forward to welcoming anybody   from the community that want's to come out and here some information. We are going to be able to talk about the new Aqua Centre, provide project updates, some construction planning and a little more information on how things look going into the Spring season.  We want the public to come out and ask questions  and see what the drawings look like and what the project is going to look like the next year and a half."

Bailey went on to mention that they expect construction to start in the next month with the piling, rebar, concrete and then start on  the building envelope and hopefully be completed by February of 2026. 

On Tuesday , at 11:15 pm, Thompson Rural RCMP received a report of a structure fire at a residence located in the community of Barren Lands First Nation.

RCMP were advised that there were three occupants inside the home at the time of the fire and that one of them was unaccounted for. The local fire department responded.

At approximately 3:30 am, firefighters were able to safely enter the home where they located a male who was pronounced deceased.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Thompson Rural RCMP, along with RCMP Forensic Identification Services and Office of the Fire Commissioner, continue to investigate.

The PDAC Mining Conference took place in Toronto at the beginning of March and two representatives from Flin Flon City Council took in the meetings including Heather Richardson and Bill Hanson.

Heather Richardson tells us they had a chance to meet with many investors and Ministers and share information on  all the resources and opportunities that the North has to offer. " Some of our primary goals in attending PDAC is to talk to investors. We want to gather information and support our local industries or those trying to get off the ground,  including Foran, Callinex and Manova just to name a few. We want to try to intice people to visit, show interest or move to the Flin Flon area. We also had a chance to meet with the Manitoba Minister of Mining, Minister Moses and talk with him. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew was there,  as well and other elected officials and we want to keep the lines  of communication open."

Richardson also mentioned they will continue to meet up with investors and make sure they continue to have a presence in the mining sector and continue to sell Flin Flon right across the country.

It was great to see the mayor back and in good spirits after taking a personal leave from council back in October. The Mayor thanked the members of council for covering during his personal leave.

Greg McBratney appeared as a delegate in regards to starting a Tri Community Health Care Committee to address health care issues in our area. McBratney wants to see all three councils from Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach all work together and talked about some of the issues his wife had to deal with after a lengthy stay in Saskatoon, and the complications of  being from Denare Beach. McBratney  thanked different members from each council who did reach out to help and his wife has been able to return home.

A second reading was given to amend a traffic bylaw for a designated handicap space in front of the Inferno Schwarma restaurant on Hapnot street. Right now it is very difficult for someone to find a place to walk and  safely get across the street.

The City has also come into agreement with the Flin Flon District Environment Council for the maintenance of the Flin Flon Landfill effective January 1^st of 2024 to December 31^st  of 2024.

The Animal Control report came in for February and they received 14 residential calls with three dogs captured, one turned over to the SPCA and one found a new home. There was also one report of a warning for a noise violation.

One of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Flin Flon Rotary Club is their annual lobster night and it returns Saturday May the 11^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

The Rotary Club’s Tim Smith tells us how you can get tickets.  " We are going to be doing the lobster night on Saturday May the 11th. Our tickets will be available the first week of April , the tickets will be available on line or you can get those in person at Kleen All."

Don’t forget you can order any dinner combination you wish including chicken, steak or an extra lobster. There will also be entertainment featuring the Usual Suspects. Tickets are $60.00 and doors open at 6, the meal at 7 and the band will play at 8.

The provincial government is seeking input towards a Critical Minerals Strategy, aiming to harness the full potential of our mining sector for sustainable development and economic growth. The Flin Flon Chamber Of Commerce has put out a survey looking for support from people, groups and organizations in Northern Manitoba and the Chamber’s Becky Cianflone explains why it is crucial to get people’s input.

"  So the survey is being initiated by the province of Manitoba , so the Minister of Economic Development and Mines, Jamie Moses announced this. The government is looking for feedback from Manitoban's on the critical minerals strategy. We think it is very crucial that people in Northern Manitoba fill out the survey,  as we know the impact that critical minerals and mining have in Northern Manitoba."

Anybody can fill out the survey by going to engage.mb.ca. You will have to register an e-mail to complete the critical minerals survey. The chamber would like you to fill it out a.s.a.p to help collect the data.

Teachers in Saskatchewan including Creighton school are upping the ante in their labour dispute with the province. Saskatchewan teachers will hit the picket line province wide tomorrow and Kirsten French President of Creighton Local Teachers Association and Executive member of Saskatchewan Teachers Federation says they are beyond frustrated.

"  I do not believe we have made any headway since the last time we were on the picket line. The Saskatchewan Teachers Federation continues to try to get the government back to the table. We have offered binding arbitration in which both parties  would present their sides to an arbitrater and a contract would be imposed upon us. The government said they are not interested and that would be a path forward. We have also taken the MLU that they signed with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and offered that MLU as a path forward back to the bargaining table as well."

You can join Creighton teachers on the picket line tomorrow on Creighton Ave  between 10 and 2, by showing your support by walking or honking your horn as you drive by. There is also a province wide withdrawal of extra curricular activities on Thursday and Friday.

One of the highlights of the spring and summer season is the return of the CFAR Trade Leisure Show and Sale which will be returning to the Creighton Sportex for the 39^th year April 25^th, 26^th and 27^th.

CFAR Manager Dianne Russell is excited to bring this back for the area and is encouraging people with home business’s to get involved.  "  I will tell you a little bit about the Makers Market that we created last year. You have to be local and you have to be a maker. We created a little special space just for them and it is a Maker's Market right when you first come in right by  the concession and that's where you find them. It went really well last year and we like it." 

The show is filling up quickly and you can reserve your spot by going to CFAR’S website at flinflononline.com by clicking on the trade show banner. This is a great way to promote your business or organization at very little cost and high exposure.

In total, officers seized five illegal firearms, 12 grams of cocaine, 21 grams of methamphetamine, ammunition and a sum of cash (see photo).  Five people were arrested, charged and remanded into custody as a result of investigations over the weekend in Pelican Narrows.

  Officers later located and arrested 28-year-old Kelly Ballatyne from Pelican Narrows, who was then charged with multiple offenses including  one count of weapons trafficking.

24-year-old Sunshine Ballantyne from Pelican Narrows, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses including  one count of possession of cocaine for purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

 Officers  located and arrested 23-year-old Drea Mccallum from Pelican Narrows, who was charged with multiple offenses including one count of possession of restricted firearm,  and one count of possession of weapon for dangerous use. 

Officers  also located and seized a stolen firearm during a search for a wanted individual at a residence. The individual cannot be identified as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act. 

Some investigations from the weekend continue.

If you have information about any suspicious or criminal activity in Pelican Narrows, report it to Pelican Narrows RCMP at 306-632-3300. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

THE BYLAWS, RESOLUTIONS, POLICY AND FISCAL SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON RECENTLY AGREED  TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO SIGN THE ASSIGNMENT OF MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING GRANT FOR THE SEWER MAIN REHABILITATION PROJECT. COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TO CONFIRM THEIR COMMITMENT TO THEIR PORTION OF COSTS RELATED TO THE PROJECT.

COUNCIL AGREED TO ASSIGN A PORTION OF ITS NORTHERN MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING GRANT TO THE NORTHERN MUNICIPAL TRUST ACCOUNT TO PAY THEIR DIRECT CONTRIBUTION FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT. THE ESTIMATED TOTAL PROJECT COST IS THREE MILLION THIRTY SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS WHICH INCLUDES A NMTA CONTRIBUTION OF FIVE HUNDRED FIFTY SIX THOUSAND AND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS. PLUS A MUNICIPAL CONTRIBUTION OF TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS AND OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS OF TWO MILLION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY SIX THOUSAND AND FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS.

THE FIRST ANNUAL PAYMENT IS THIS YEAR, WITH SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS ANNUALLY WITH THE LAST PAYMENT IN 2028.  
 

Hudbay has granted Marubeni an option to acquire a 20% interest in three projects located within  trucking distance of Hudbay's  processing facilities in Flin Flon. The exploration activities will be funded by Marubeni  and carried out by Hudbay. All three properties hold past producing mines that generated meaningful  production with  attractive grades of both base metals and precious metals. The properties remain highly prospective  with potential for further  discovery based on the attractive geological setting, limited historial deep drilling and promising geochemical and geophysical tarfets.

The Agreement focuses on three projects in the Flin Flon  region, namely Cuprus-White Lake, Westarm and North Star, which were selected by Marubeni, are all within  20 kilometres  of Hudbay's Flin Flon milling complex.

Marubeni Corporation  is a major Japanese integrated  trading and investment business conglomerate  that handles products and provides services in a broad range of business activities across wide -ranging fields.

APPOINTMENTS, APPROVALS, AND THANKS WERE ON THE AGENDA  TUESDAY EVENING.

THE FFSD TRUSTEES MET EARLIER THIS WEEK AHEAD OF SPRING BREAK WHERE DURING HER REPORT, SUPERINTENDENT, TAMMY BALLANTYNE, THANKED ALL OF THE DIVISIONS STAFF WHO CONTINUE TO WORK TIRELESSLY FOR THE STUDENTS AND FAMILIES.

SHE ALSO WENT ON TO COMMENT HOW FORTUNATE THE DIVISION IS TO HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING GROUP OF STAFF AND STUDENTS WHO ARE NO DOUBT LOOKING FORWARD TO SPRING BREAK.

THE TRUSTEES APPROVED THE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR AND IT WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE MANITOBA EDUCATION FUNDING BRANCH NO LATER THAN MARCH 31ST THIS YEAR AS REQUIRED.

THE BOARD ALSO AGREED TO SUBMIT THE 2024 SPECIAL LEVY REQUEST TO THE CITY NO LATER THAN THE DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY.

THE TRUSTEES PASSED A MOTION TO APPOINT JORDAN DUMENKO AS PRINCIPAL OF HAPNOT COLLEGIATE EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 4th THIS YEAR. 

THEY ALSO AGREED TO APPOINT MICHAEL McLELLAN AS VICE PRINCIPAL OF HAPNOT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 4th.

THE LAST MOTION PASSED WAS TO APPOINT EMILY KNOWLES AS VICE PRINCIPAL OF RUTH BETTS EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 4th.

It will be a big weekend for the local Ham Sandwich Theatre group who will be performing Noises Off, the 1982 play written by Michael Frayn. This will be a completely local cast and crew and Director Raphael Saray says they are looking to make local theatre history.

"It's one of the bigger scale ham sandwich shows that ever has been done. It's a set that is two stories, two levels and it spins around. It's a three act production, nine cast members playing  sometimes two characters each at  the same time,it's a British style farce. So there's lots of ins and outs and comings and goings and there's a part of the play where you get to see everything that happens backstage and we're really excited to bring a big show, a big, enjoyable comedic spectacle to the community."
 

The show will take place tonight and tomorrow at the Flin Flon Community Hall at 7:30. Tickets are still available at the Uptown Emporium and online at flinflonartscouncil.ca.

You can enjoy a bowl of soup at various restaurants around the province this week including Flin Flon to help support a great cause.

The Child Nutrition Council is hosting it’s Stone Soup week  which will support the school meal snack programs across Manitoba. The local Chicken Chef from Flin Flon will be taking part again this year and Dan Hlady says they are glad to be part of it.

"Chicken Chef has been a part of this for the last four or five years.

It's just a great way for people to come in and enjoy a bowl of soup.

And it's a great way for us to donate a dollar back to the cause.

You know what it happened in a newsletter or something like that with I think

food and restaurant association and we just decided to hop on board.

It was, it was a no brainer."

Chicken Chef will donate a dollar from every bowl of their 1978 Bacon and Cheddar soup which is sold this week. The Victoria Inn is also taking part with a donation from their Reuben soup and you can enjoy a bowl of Cream of Mushroom at Aurora and Pine.

The event will take place all week and a online interactive map and voting page has been created at childnutritioncouncil.com.

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will be bringing their On The Edge Tour to Flin Flon on Friday April the 12^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Vanessa Leonard who is the Post Secondary Program Director tells us to get ready for a energetic entertaining show.

"They can expect just an incredible high energy performance of really, really high level ballet from some of the the top dancers in Canada right now.

And, you know, it's really exciting to see these dancers as they're they're just so close to their professional careers and there's there's an incredible amount of talent in this group and some of them might go on to be stars. I think it's a great opportunity to see what the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is and. a taste of what the Royal Winnipeg Ballet brings."

Tickets are available for $30.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth under 18 and can be picked up at the Uptown Emporium and online at flinflonartscouncil.ca.

On Tuesday, March 12th, at approximately 10:45 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a serious assault at a residence in Cormorant, Manitoba. When police arrived on scene, the suspects had fled. A 42-year-old male from the community was found with serious injuries resulting from a physical assault and stab wounds. He was transported to local hospital and then to Winnipeg hospital.

Investigation determined that two men were involved in the attack, and officers were able to quickly locate them at a separate residence in the community.

Dayman Fenner, 19, from Opaskwayak and Braidon Fenner, 23, from Cormorant were arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault. Both were remanded in custody.

The victim remains in hospital in stable condition.

Spring break is quickly approaching and there will be no shortage of things for the kids to do at the Norva Centre. There are numerous classes and projects the kids can sign up for as we hear more from the Centre’s Megan Dupeis.

"  So we have a busybee flower pot painting class , a really cool water color class where they make a dragon's eye. We will have a print making class where you will get to use all kinds of materials,  and hot glue it on a board and you can use ink or acrylic paint to press it on to a piece of paper and make some fun abstract prints. Doneda Stallard who is well known locally for her artwork for making her own graphic  novel is going to be teaching two drawing classes as well." 

The classes range in ages from 6 to 17 and there will be a small fee between $20 and $25.00  and the classes will begin on March the 24^th. You can sign up at norvacentre@gmail.com and they do accept e-transfers.

The newly formed Trails Committee continues to make strides as they work with the Flin Flon District Chamber Of Commerce and are adding new members all the time.

They had a meeting last night and President Leslie Beck says she is very encouraged by the amount of interest they continue to get moving forward.

"  Right now,  every day two to three people ask to sign up to the e-mail list that we have and we have 59 people on that list right now. Not everybody can make it out to the meetings  but we do our best to keep people informed. I think a lot of people will be more interested when we start forming committees,  and we start cleaning up and identifying trails. The promotion piece is going to be getting people to find the trails,  and which ones we are working on and our future plans with them."

Beck went on to say they have received some local grants to help get started and are in the stages of putting a social medium platform together and i f everything go’s well they should be able to start using the trails by summer. If you are interested in joining or finding out more information  contact Leslie on facebook or call 204-680-6089.

On Saturday  at approximately 12:30 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a missing 45-year-old female, Julie Mckenzie.

Julie was last seen March 2 in the community of Little Red River. Since she was reported missing, Prince Albert RCMP have been checking places Julie is known to visit and following up on information received. They are now asking members of the public to report information on Julie’s whereabouts.

Julie is described as 5’7” and approximately 150 lbs. She has brown eyes, long brown hair, and a birth mark on her neck. Julie is known to travel to Prince Albert and the community of Little Red River, but her current whereabouts are unknown.

If you have seen Julia or know where she is, contact Prince Albert RCMP at 306-765-5501. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The Manitoba government has approved $958,000.00 for new projects this year through the fish and wildlife enhancement fund as part of it’s ongoing commitment to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife.

The money comes from a provincial fund that is supported through donations and restitution payments collected from fish and wildlife infractions. The new projects will focus on population and habitat enhancement, habitat protection, research to improve angling opportunities and education for young anglers through fishing camps, hunter education, and improved public access including updating docks.

The fund continues to grow every year as the Manitoba government contributes 10 %of the annual fees collected from recreational angling, hunting and trapping licenses.

For more information you can contact the Manitoba government at 1866-626-4862 or go to news.gov.mb.ca.

Community Futures Greenstone is hosting a Women In Business Community Celebration this Thursday at the Victoria Inn. Among the highlights will be a Women Of Action panel featuring Kelleen Blouin from Granny Willow, Dawn Hlady, the Big Island Drive Inn and Cyndi Pedwell from Peds Threads.

Dianne Russell from the Chamber Of Commerce will be the host and looks forward to showcasing some very successful business women in our community.  "  We have done similar events over the years with all different types of themes. I think this one is very exciting and I can't wait to just focus on women in business. We have more and more women in business in our community and we want to see what makes them tick and why they do it. We want to find out why other women don't and should consider to do the same."

If you need more information you can e-mail admin@cfgreenstone.com or call 204-687-6967.

The GED will no longer be available in Canada as of May 3, 2024. Manitobans have until April 2024 to write their GED tests. One of the teachers from the Adult Learning Center Heather Jobes explains.

"  Effective summer 2024, the Canadian Adult Education Credential, CAEC will replace the GED in Manitoba. The Community Adult Learning Center is a GED test center and is located on the lower level of the CO-OP Plaza on Main street in Flin Flon. The center has scheduled GED test dates for April the 12th and 13th,  and if you are interested in writing GED tests please register at least  three weeks in advance of the test dates. The current GED testing will be replaced by a new Canadian testing system starting in the fall at our center."

For more information, you can  contact Heather at the Community Adult Learning Centre at 204-687-3223 or drop by and talk to their  instructors.

Gary Campbell who is the new Director of Works and Operations was on the City Beat program on 102.9 CFAR this past Wednesday and says they have a number of priorities they want to address in the next few months.

" We do have a lot of our storm sewers that need to be addressed. They are aging and need to be replaced,  and there are certain areas including the Third Avenue project and Main street,  because we are hoping once we complete the infrastructure that will suit the new hotel going in. It will be a future project for Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation to resurface which would be a real benefit. Then there's the Aqua Centre and we will have a few mini projects associated with that."

If you have any questions or concerns and would like to reach out to Gary you can contact him at gcampbell@flinflon.ca or call City Hall at 204-681-7511.

Due to a lack of snow, Freedom Outreach and Adult and Teen Challenge have  moved their Sled For Eternity fundraiser to Dauphin this weekend. Ben Luc who is the Vocational and Development Manager says they are disappointed they couldn’t hold the event in Flin Flon but they wanted to provide the best venue possible.

"  We have some friends from Dauphin who told us they have a lot of snow down there, and we have folks coming from all over  coming to our rally so we want to make sure we put on a good event. We want to make sure people are happy with the ride and what ever we can do with a lack of snow right across western Canada. With this being the last ride for Teen Challenge for the year we wanted to put on something that people could get excited about."

This is the third annual and is put on by 6 different Teen Challenge Centres in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario  including the centre from the Flin Flon area. Last year the event made a profit of over $70,000.00. You can still register at teenchallenge.tc/events and it is easy to follow along to register and make a donation.

The event will take place at Mountain View Christian Assembly in Dauphin on Saturday  with registration at 8:30 and the ride will start at 9 with supper at 5. Many great prizes will be handed out including  a bonus entry  which is  a 70 inch tv.

If you have a love for the cinema you will want to be at the Hapnot Theatre this Friday for the presentation of the Prestige. Colin Davis says this is a movie you don’t want to miss.

"  This Friday we are really excited to bring you the film masterpiece the Prestige. The great Cristopher Nolan directed this thriller in what is one of the most imprsssive film specticles you can ever hope to see. This is an exciting, thought provoking , bewildering modern clasic of two  rival magicians who compete to out do each other and the lengths they will go to do it. If you have a love for cinema,  you will want to be part of this and want to experience a real thrill ride. Make sure you come  to the Hapnot Theatre this Friday and we will be thrilled to see you."

Doors open at 7, the show starts at 7:30 and snacks and drinks will be available and  don’t forget  admission is free. 

City Council passed a number of resolutions including traffic, park and residential and a number of agreements with local contractors at their meeting on Tuesday.

The City has agreed to lengthen the parking spot  in front of Inferno Schwarma to allow people getting out of their vehicles more space and room to safely get to the sidewalk. A final reading was given on turning the old Willowpark location from Parks and Rec to residential and now the City can take bids on that property.

The City has also made an agreement with Alliance Engineering Services for the upgrade to the Whitney Forums HVAC. They have received two grants including $90,000.00 from the Climate Chase Grant and another $75,000.00 from the Building Sustainable Committee to help pay for the upgrade.

There was a resolution passed that the RCMP will pay another year lease for a portion of the fire station. Plans continue to go ahead for the building of a new RCMP building this spring on old Hudbay property.

Councillors Richardson and Hanson are in Toronto for the Prospectors Developers Association of Canada Conference. They have had the opportunity to meet with various ministers including the Minister Of Mining. They are building valuable relationships including helping find investors for Callinex and Foran mining.

They will file a full report with the city when they return next week and we will have more details on CFAR news.

The Home Routes Series will be returning tomorrow at the Spencer’s home at 19 Hemlock Drive. The show will feature Juno award winning Andrina Turene  who will be kicking off her Northern Manitoba tour.

Tim Spencer says Turene will be playing lots of music  from her new album.

" She has gone out on a solo career now and she has just released her first solo album which she will be playing songs from. She describes it as being a daring mix of English and French language tunes that are sometimes navigating turbulent rapids, but also calm and quiet stuff as well refelecting her diverse influences. You will hear Bluesy R and B, Roots Rock and Old Time Folk in her music."

Doors open at 7 and the music  will start at 7:30. Tickets are $25.00 and if you are interested in attending you can text 431-746-4480 or you can go to the Home Routes Flin Flon Facebook page. E-transfers will be accepted at the door and all the proceeds go to the artist.

On Friday , at approximately 1:05 am, Pukatawagan RCMP received a report that someone had been shot at a residence on Crow Rock Drive in the Pukatawagan, Manitoba. Officers responded immediately and located a 16-year-old male with a shotgun wound. He was transported to the Nursing Station.

Investigation determined that Jerome Bighetty, 17, had come to the residence on snowmobile. The victim was outside with Bighetty and Bowden Nicholas, 22. A number of shots were then fired by Bighetty, and the victim was struck. Bighetty and Nicholas fled.

The victim was transported to Winnipeg hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

On March 1, 2024, at approximately 3:05 am, Pukatawagan RCMP received a report of an assault in the community. A 19-year-old female was physically assaulted and received minor injuries. It was determined by police that the assailant was Bighetty. Then at 7:45 RCMP received a report of a robbery with a firearm at a business on Amisk Drive.

A 12-year-old male was outside the business on his snowmobile when a male pointed a handgun at him and told him to get off the snowmobile. The male then stole the snowmobile and fled.

Investigation determined the suspect is Bighetty. The 12-year-old was not physically injured. The snowmobile was located a short distance away from the business, but the whereabouts of Bighetty is unknown.

Bighetty is described as 5’6” tall, 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He is wanted on warrants for Discharge Firearm with Intent, Robbery with Firearm, and Assault. Nicholas is described as 5’4” tall, 119 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He is wanted on warrants for firearm- and breach-related charges.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Pukatawagan RCMP at 204-553-2342 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Community Futures Greenstone is holding a Women In Business and Community Celebration on Thursday March the 14^th. General Manager  Becky Cianflone  is excited about presenting this to the ladies in our community.

" Community Futures Greenstone is very excited to honor and celebrate the work of women who are operating business's in our community,  as well as working in leadership and volunteer roles. We are inviting people to come together at the Victoria Inn on March the 14th. We will be featuring a Women In Action panel."

The panel will consist of Keleen Blouin from Granny Willow, Dawn Hlady, Big Isand Drive Inn and Cyndi Pedwell, Peds Threads. If you are thinking of attending you need to RSVP  by this Friday by   e-mailing admin@cfgreenstone.com or call 204-687-6967.

The City Of Flin Flon is offering homeowners a grant to help protect their property and make their neighborhoods safer with the installation of a home security system.

Councillor Judy Eagle tells us how you can get yours.

" This is one of City Councils initiatives to help address community safety issues. It is a resolution that was passed at the regular council meeting of May 16th  of 2023. The resolution privides a $150.00 off setting tax grant for residential home owners that purchase and install home security cameras. The reason for this is that we know working with RCMP, talking to our tax payers we know that these home security cameras are extremely effective. When something go's down people have been apprehended a couple days later. This is applied for with a one page form which can be picked up at City Hall."

The protocol for purchasing a home security system is one per property and you can not be in tax arrears at application time. Denare Beach and Creighton have adopted these grants as well.

The Flin Flon School Division gathered for their budget meeting this past Wednesday at their office at 9 Terrace Avenue. Heather Fleming chaired the meeting and reported that the original budget for 2023-24 was $10,914,284 and they actually received $10,804,230 and made up the difference through a formula guarantee.

Operating funding for 2024-25 increased by 3.57 % compared to the year’s previous budget to help with extra costs for the school’s nutrition project. Base support was down 9.8 % due to a decrease in enrolment numbers. It was reported that their was a total of  875 students in 2023/24 decreased to 858 for 2024-25. The FFSD believes this is due to Hudbay moving it’s operation to Snow Lake.

Equalization support is up by 14.9 % due to an increase in unsupported expenses and an increase in the funding of unsupported expenditures from 66 to 80 %. The proposed Mill Rate for 2024 is 29.51. This is an increase of 3.86 due in large part to the distribution of the Hudbay grant.

The government requires that the balance of the surplus not be more than 4 % of operating expenditures and the surplus for the upcoming Flin Flon school year will be 2.14 %.

The FFSD also would like to see more people participate in their survey which they post on their website. This pasy year only 19 people participated and gave their input on programs they would like to see offered, goals to strive for and different priorities.

For a complete report on this past week’s budget you can go to ffsd.mb.ca.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FLIN FLON MEN'S BONSPIEL COMMITTEE AS THEY PREPARE FOR THEIR 90TH EVENT IN MID MARCH. COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TO SUPPORT THE BONSPIEL WITH A $100 DOLLAR DONATION.

A REQUEST WAS ALSO RECEIVED FROM THE FLIN FLON JUNIOR BOMBERS FOR

SPONSORSHIP FOR THE UPCOMING PLAYOFFS. COUNCIL AGREED TO REFER THE REQUEST FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.
 

THE NORTHERN WOODS AND WATER HIGHWAY ASSOCIATION ALSO SENT A REQUEST TO COUNCIL TO RENEW MEMBERSHIP AT A COST OF $550 PER YEAR. COUNCIL DID RENEW LAST YEAR AND MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER MENTIONED IT'S GOOD FOR TOURISM AND A MOTION WAS PASSED TO RENEW AGAIN THIS YEAR.

COUNCIL APPROVED THE QUOTE FROM BEECH ELECTRIC FOR THE INSTALL OF THE NEW L.E.D DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS SIGN AT THE BOOSTER STATION AT A COST OF $19,154.97 PLUS APPLICABLE TAXES.

COUNCIL APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM FLIN FLON AND DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL TO INCREASE SUBSIDY FOR RECYCLING SUPPORT FOR THIS YEAR TO $12.50

TIMES THE POPULATION PER MONTH.

 COUNCIL DID DENY THE THE REQUEST FROM PRAIRIE DOG FOR A REDUCED PRICE PER CUBE ON FORAN CAMP AND LAGOON SEWER TREATMENT.

The Bust the Winter Blues Winter Festival will kick off today with Senior Events at the Flin Flon Community Hall, the popular Kinette night at the Community Hall and the Bomber game VS Estevan.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran  mentions a few of the other family events taking place throughout the weekend.  

"  Tomorrow the home Business Craft Sale has had a great response at St Anne's Hall between 10 and 4 with a hot lunch.  Our family  fun day at the Sportex will start at 1 til 3:30 with free hot chocolate and hot dogs while suplies last. The Phantom Lake Soccer Club will be hosting a snow soccer event at the soccer field,  and we hope to have a celebrity smooshing event as long as the parking lot isn't too slippery. We will have a fishing booth, games, turkey curling, snow drag races and the bonfire leading up to the fireworks at the Creighton Soccer Field around 7pm."

You can see the full list of events on CFAR’S website at flinflononline.com.

On Tuesday , at approximately 3:30 pm, Flin Flon RCMP received a report of a fight with a seriously injured victim at an apartment building on Aspen Grove . As a result of that incident McIsaac school was placed on  hold and secure as a precaution.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a 19-year-old male from Moose Lake who was suffering serious, life-altering injuries after being attacked with a machete. Officers administered emergency first aid until Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene.

Investigation determined that a fight had broken out between the victim and two males who also live in the apartment building. The two males attacked the victim with machetes. They remained on scene.

Darren Ballantyne, 19, and a 13-year-old-male, both from The Pas, were arrested and both charged with multiple offenses including aggravated assault and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Ballantyne was taken to the hospital for medical treatment for a minor injury sustained during the fight before being transported to the detachment.

Both males remain in custody. The victim was transported to Winnipeg hospital, where he remains.