In 2010, the Red Dress Project was initiated by Metis artist Jaime (Jay-me) Black.

She created the powerful art project as a visual reminder of the staggering number of missing and murdered indigenous women across Canada.  

What started as red dresses hung up in public places in communities across Canada, has evolved to red ribbons and other red items being added to the landscape.  

While May 5th is officially Red Dress Day, Northern Health Region elders and Knowledge Keepers will hold an event next week in Flin Flon to mark the day.

Next Friday in Flin Flon,  events will be held in the PCH visitation room from 10 to 11 am.

Another event will follow from 11 am to noon in the front lobby of the Flin Flon General Hospital.

The Flin Flon Heritage Project has teamed up with the Northern Neighbours Foundation, to help finance an annual award to a local student - either from Creighton Community School or Hapnot Collegiate - with an interest in local history.

It is officially being named the Doug Evans Heritage Project Award for the Preservation of Flin Flon and District History. Evans began studying our communities past in order to learn more about his father, former Flin Flon Mayor George Wellington Evans.

Winning students have to plan to attend post-secondary school focusing on history, archaeology, anthropology, library and information science, museum studies, education or a similar field.

The fund sits at $18, 000 allow for several years’ worth of awards for students, with interest accruing on the money keeping it sustainable over time.

Connecting Northern communities, facility construction and donations to organizations was on the docket at Tuesday’s Flin Flon City Council meeting.

Crystal Kolt and Emily Roberts-Young made a presentation on the Imagine-northern project; spearheaded by the Flin Flon Arts Council. It strives to create a digital framework to connect communities together in Northern Manitoba through artistic growth and economic development. A key component is a group known as “Northern Champions” a network of arts representatives from Flin Flon, Snow Lake, Thompson, The Pas, OCN, Brochet and Churchill.

The city has entered into an agreement with RBC for short term financing to assist with cash flow towards the Aqua Centre project while its under construction.

The city has also entered into an agreement with RK Metal Construction for structural repairs on the Flin Flon Public Library.

Donations were made to the Flin Flon Fire Works Committee and for $1000 and the Flin Flon Trout Festival Fishing Derby for $500 And Mayor George Fontaine made an acknowledgment of Flin Flon Bomber Joey Lies who won the SJHL Community Ambassador award that comes with a $2500 prize that will be donated to Ruth Betts School.

The province is encouraging Manitobans to limit the amount of fish they consume from a lake in the northwestern part of the province.

Manitoba Environment and Climate Change said Friday that fish from Schist Lake — near Flin Flon along the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border — contain elevated amounts of selenium, an essential element that can be dangerous if too much is consumed.

The province said a safe limit is eating fish from Schist Lake no more than four times a month, and that aside from the elevated selenium levels, they’re otherwise healthy.

The selenium levels will continue to be monitored, and the province said it’s working with area industries to keep levels low.

More information will be made available if and when the selenium levels decrease.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON PASSED A MOTION TO GIVE THE THIRD AND FINAL READING TO BYLAW 1-2024 TO AUTHORIZE TAX LEVIES AND MILL RATE FACTORS FOR THE YEAR 2024 FOR MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL PURPOSES.

THEY ALSO PASSED A MOTION TO GIVE THIRD AND FINAL READING TO BYLAW 2-2024 TO PROVIDE A MINIMUM TAX FOR THE YEAR 2024.

COUNCIL APPROVED THIS YEARS REGIONAL TOURISM BUDGET,AND ALSO APPROVED THE FIVE YEAR CAPITAL GRANT FOR 2024-2028.

COUNCIL AGREED TO SUPPORT THE STARS RESCUE SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $250 DOLLARS.

UNDER THE CREIGHTON NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION COUNCIL AGREED TO INCREASE THE CREIGHTON CONNECTION TRANSIT TICKETS TO PRINCE ALBERT FROM $105 DOLLARS TO $115 DOLLARS AND 50 CENTS, AND TO SASKATOON FROM $147 DOLLARS TO $157 DOLLARS AND 50 CENTS.

COUNCIL ALSO PASSED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION TO THE CANADA COMMUNITY BUILDING FUND FOR REMAINING GAS TAX FUNDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,287 DOLLARS AND 60 CENTS TO ASSIST IN THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF AN AUTOMATIC SWING  DOOR FOR THE SPORTEX MAKING EASY ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE FFSD TRUSTEES PASSED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2025/2026 TO 2029/2030 FIVE YEAR CAPITAL PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED TO CAPITAL PROJECT PLANNING AND DELIVERY BY THE DEADLINE OF MAY 15th THIS YEAR.

SECRETARY TREASURER HEATHER FLEMING MENTIONED THE DIVISION IS NOT RECEIVING ANY MONEY AS THE PLAN IS JUST A WISH LIST AND IF ANY PROJECTS ARE APPROVED THE GOVERNMENT WILL LET THEM KNOW AT A LATER DATE.

THE DIVISION HAS ALSO RECEIVED $40,000 DOLLARS FROM THE NORTHERN MANITOBA SECTOR COUNCIL FOR THE SUPPLIES NEEDED TO SET UP TWO POWER MECHANIC COURSES AT HAPNOT FOR THE 2024/2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

BOARD CHAIR JACKIE HUCALUK REPORTED THAT STUDENTS ARE ALREADY PREPARING FOR NEXT FALL WITH COURSE SELECTIONS BEING MADE. CONGRATULATIONS WENT OUT TO GRADE TWELVE STUDENT KAITLYN FIEBER WHO WAS SELECTED TO PLAY IN THE GRADUATING ALL STAR BASKETBALL GAME IN WINNIPEG EARLIER THIS MONTH. LAST WEEK DURING THE SPRING STORM RUTH BETTS HELD THEIR SPRING FEAST. AFTER THE CELEBRATION STAFF TOOK FOOD TO THE FAMILIES THAT COULDN'T MAKE IT DUE TO THE CONDITIONS WHICH IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF STAFF GOING OVER AND ABOVE THEIR USUAL DUTIES.

102.9 CFAR will be presenting their Annual Trade and Leisure Show starting today at the Creighton Sportex. Sales Consultant Raphael Saray  tells us there will be a little something for everyone.

"For over four decades, CFAR is bringing in this event to kickoff spring, everything from home renos to delicious treats, health and wellness, vehicles, as seen on TV items. The big Island drive-in will be running their concession there. So it's an exciting start to the spring time that we're bringing to the Sportex."

The show hours are 4 to 9 on Thursday, noon to 9 on Friday and 10 to 4 on Saturday. The show is free and open to everyone.

The 2328 Royal CDN Army Cadets will be holding their annual ceremonial review on Monday May the 13^th  at the Flin Flon Community Hall starting at 7.

Commanding Officer  Laurel Mymko  gives us the details:

"That evening, we're celebrating their accomplishments throughout the year. There is four star levels which are green, red, silver and gold. We also are giving out awards and trophies for different achievements throughout the year. The rifle team which will be getting their trophies and their D levels and their cross rifles and crowns, If they have qualified for that. During the year, we are celebrating our 75th anniversary for cadets in this year. So we're joining that with our anniversary cake and we're encouraging the parents to come and witness their and join in with their kids and their achievements."

This year cadets from Flin Flon, Cranberry , Creighton and Denare Beach will all be receiving awards and there are 26 total.

If you would like to join the cadets you can join any time you can register any time if you are between 12 and 18. You can sign up by going to www.joincadets,ca, then type in 2328, 21 field engineer and all the necessary information will pop up.

Members of Flin Flon City Council recently attended the Association Of Manitoba Municipalities meetings in Brandon . Mayor George Fontaine was there with councillors Alison Dallas Funk, Judy Eagle and Mike Slipp.

Slipp mentioned there were a lot of topics that got covered.

"  These meetings we have twice a year , this is the spring one and they are very important for a lot of reasons. We are able to connect with the Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, Bernadette Smith and Ian Bushie who is the Minister of Municipal of Municipal and Northern Relations. The meetings are quick but you get your mission in. There is networking with other municipalities, we are part of the cities caucus as Flin Flon is still considered a city. We pass ideas and solutions back and forth, it is a great networking and very important conference that we go to twice a year."

Some of the other topics that were covered included infrastructure, addictions, governance, the Stars Ambulance program and 911 service. Council will be sharing other information from the meetings on up coming City Beat programs on 102.9 CFAR.

The City Of Flin Flon has submitted two applications to the Public Utilities Board for a public hearing to be held on Monday May the 27^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Doors will open at 5 and the meeting will begin at 5:30. The first application will be the approval to recover a deficit which has been going on for a number of years. The second application is to increase the water rates which haven’t gone up since 2021.

Any questions concerning the City’s rates and recovery of the operating deficits can be sent directly to the city.  If you are interested you can attend the public hearing and make your views known to the board with a public presentation.

You can also send an e-mail to publicutilities@gov.mb.ca on or before May the 20^th.

The Flin Flon Aqua Centre Volunteer Committee continues to work hard on raising funds for the new building with construction starting up again this week.

Corine Kerfont  from the committee   says they will be teaming   up with some other organizations to help raise money.  "  On May the 5th, the Flin Flon Community Choir along with the Hapnot Choir and Children's Choir are doing a show. I spoke to Angela about doing something for the pool and she suggested doing an auction for people getting a chance to conduct one of our pieces. I am also looking to do a bake sale and am waiting to hear back from people. We will definatelt be doing some type of ticket option for something."

If you would like to make a donation, volunteer or need any information you can go to the City’s website at flinflon.ca and click on the Aqua Centre tab.

UCN through the Northern Mining Academy will be offering first aid courses to anyone who is interested .

Kelsey Farkus who is the acting Co-ordinator for the Northern Mining Academy explains what is going to be covered.  "  Our first aid programs include a one day and a two day, taught using face to face delivery of ST John's Ambulance corriculum. The primary focus is the CPR Level C for adults, infants and children with defibilater and emergency situations. The Intermediate First Aid is a two day course that is more in depth than the basic first aid and covers all the same things but is more in depth . This is good for anybody to take with a lot of people taking it for work , a lot of people take it just to have and it is good training that you can't go wrong with."

The courses will be taught by Kari Lentowitz and you can sign up going to the website at nmma@ucn.ca or calling the Northern Mining Academy at 204-687-7038. There will be a cost of $126.00 for Basic First Aid and $ 194.25 for Immediate First Aid.

On Tuesday , as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking, Nelson House RCMP, along with assistance from the Manitoba North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), executed a search warrant at a residence located in the community of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

As a result of the search, officers seized approximately 85 grams of cocaine, 24 grams of crack cocaine, over $3,000.00 in cash and other drug-related paraphernalia.

Jeffery Lee Linklater, 45, and Megan Kobliski-Dumas, 32, both of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, were arrested on scene and charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

Linklater was remanded into custody whereas Kobliski-Dumas was later released for court scheduled August 21, 2024, in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

Nelson House RCMP continue to investigate.

Progress continues to go well for the City Of Flin Flon who are working very hard on opening up the brand new Aqua Centre with fundraising efforts, donations  and work  has begun on the structural part of the building.

Flin Flon Rec Director Cait Bailey says this is very exciting.  "  It has been a long time coming project , and I know some of these volunteers that are on this committee really got going with other prevelent community members. Colleen McKee who we really miss dearly was instrumental on this project back in 2016. They have been at it for a long time and it is nice to see shovels in the ground and real movement."

Earnst Hunch has been hired out of Winnipeg to look after both the engineering and construction and have started working on the site. They don’t expect the snow to slow them down to much and will be back on the site next week. You can follow all the updates with the new Aqua Centre by going to the city’s website at cityofflinflon.ca and clicking on the Aqua Centre tab.

The Flin Flon Recycling Centre will be hosting their AGM and general information meeting coming up on April the 30^th starting at 7 at Council Chambers.  Deb Odegaard is the Recycling Centre administrator and is looking for the community’s support.

"  Well our AGM will be on April the 30th at City Council Chambers. AGM'S are usually boring but we usually have a more exciting meeting in the first part and this year we are facing some challenges as a recycling program so we want to hear from the community if they think it's important. What is working and what they think we should do better or different,  and we invite everybody to come out and participate. If anyone is interested we also need some board members so they can stay for the AGM which will be the second half of the meeting."

The AGM will also include a report on finances and reports from the Chair and Administrator. Feel free to show up and ask questions or feel free to just listen in. The Recycling Centre will also be at the CFAR Trade and Leisure Show starting next Thursday at the Sportex, so you can stop by and ask questions then.

The Progressive Conservative  Party of Manitoba will choose a new leader on April the 26^th but not til 2025.

The leadership committee led by Winnipeg lawyer Brad Zander  said the long lead time will benefit prospective candidates and ensure the race, the first to be conducted under new rules approved in January, will run as smoothly as possible.

Zander also said that Manitoba PC’S should benefit in 2025 from the leadup to the federal election that the Conservative Party hopes to win that  fall.

The new PC leader will be the first to be chosen by party members since Heather Stefanson won a race to succeed former Premier Brian Pallister in October of 2021. Stefanson served as Premier from November of 2021 til October of 23 when the PC’S were defeated by Wab Kinew’s New Democratic party.

Stefanson stepped down in January, when party members selected Lac Du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewasko as interim leader.

It is a trip down memory lane tonight with the Flin Flon Archives Board who are presenting a Fire Side Chat.

Les Oystrik is helping put on tonight’s event and  tells us what we can expect and some of the artifacts and stories that they will be highlighting.

"  What people can expect is an opportunity to ask questions and to learn a little more about the Flin Flon Heritage project. The history of it, what is in the collection which is an online collection that we would like help to explore. We will be sharing some information on how this all started and where it is today, particularly  how we are transitioning this collection to the city and community. We are going to go pull up the website and to go through some searches to familiarize people and answer some questions."

This will take place tonight at Council Chambers starting at 7 and is open to everybody.

Make your way to the Hapnot Theatre tonight for the last movie of the season as the Central Canada Film Group will be showing MR Dressup The Magic Of Make Believe.

Colin Davis says it will be a great way to relive your childhood. "  If I mention the names Casey and Finnigan, who does that make you think of? If you said MR. Dressup, then you were watching the CBC between 1967 and 1996. MR Dressup was and still is a Canadian icon, beloved by millions and sadly taken from us in 2001. We are honoring this great man tonight at the Hapnot Theatre with our very special presentation of the documentary MR Dressup, The Magic Of Make Believe. If you want to have a special look behind the scenes of one of your happiest memories  of your childhood, you owe it to yourself to come and join us."

Today is also recognized as Canada Day Of Film and the Central Canada Film Group is happy to be offering this Canadian masterpiece.  Doors  open at 7 and the movie is 7:30 and it  will be the last movie shown til September.

On Friday  at approximately 6:00 p.m., Sandy Bay RCMP performed a routine traffic stop in Sandy Bay, SK.

As a result of investigation, during the traffic stop officers located and seized approximately 107 grams of crack cocaine, 19 grams of methamphetamine, a small amount of ecstasy, a large number of knives, axes, baseballs bats, an imitation handgun, a sum of cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

An adult male was arrested at the scene.

34-year-old Kelvin McCallum from Prince Albert is charged with multiple offenses including three counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Kelvin McCallum will appear in court in Sandy Bay on Thursday 

Registration is now being taken for the 22^nd annual Flin Flon Poetry reading coming up  on Friday April the 19^th.

Harry Hobbes from the Flin Flon Toastmasters  invites everybody  to take part.

"  April is national poetry month and every year we celebrate in Flin Flon by having a poetry reading with members of our own community,  as well as guests from as far away as Malaysia and the States. We are always interested in having people to come out just to listen so don't forget to register and enjoy the evening."

The event is hosted by Flin Flon Toastmasters, Flin Flon Writers Guild and the Flin Flon Public Library. Readers are welcome from all over the world for this event which will be held online. You can read your own work or something submitted by someone else.

Once you sign up they will send you the link. You can also get information by going to the Flin Flon Poetry facebook page.

The Manitoba government is warning about the possibility of overland flooding in the northwestern part of the province.

Forecasters are monitoring a system that could bring up to 50 millimetres of rain and snow in the coming days.

Among the affected communities are Flin Flon and the Pas.

People in the affected areas are being advised to stay off waterways and keep away from flooding areas and dams.

On Friday , at approximately 4:30 am, Nelson House RCMP received a report that a youth had pointed a firearm at another youth before running off in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. Officers obtained a warrant for the youth’s residence.

A search of the residence located a rifle and ammunition.

The 16-year-old male suspect was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence, and Pointing a Firearm. The youth had been on conditions that included a curfew and not owning, possessing, or carrying any weapon. He is also charged with Breach of Release Order. He remains in custody.

You are invited to come out to the Flin Flon Pentecostal Church to hear the good news this Wednesday through Friday as evangelist Mark Davie will be in town and will help transform your life with stories on what his ministry is doing world wide.

The pastor from the Pentecostal church, Mikael  Mantyla tells us it will be a very inspirational  experience.  " He will be sharing  stories from the ministry of what he has been doing,  including some awesome things like people being healed, some miraculous things that are taking place. Not only will he be sharing testimonies and stories from his ministry but the bible as well. If anyone needs prayer for anything that they are going through including sickness are  more than welcome to come out."

Each service will start at 7pm Wednesday through Friday at the Flin Flon Pentecostal church at 180 Green street. Doors open at 6:30.

Raj Sewda  who is the  CEO of the NRHA stopped by the CFAR studio to update the public on Friday that they will be participating at all the trade shows happening around the North this spring.

Sedwa outlines what they will be sharing at these trade shows.  "  We will be featuring a lot of career information, public health programs and we will talk about our Northern Health Foundation and a there is a lot of prizes to be won. So stay tuned with these locations and dates as  we have a job for everyone. We always look for people to fill our vacancies and their may be jobs that we can fill with your skills."

The trade shows will be taking place in Flin Flon and Creighton April the 25^th to the 27^th, Snow Lake April the 30^th to May the 1^st , Thompson  May the 3^rd to the 5^th and the Pas May the 9^th to the 11^th.

You can also get information by going to the website northernhealthregion.com.

The Flin Flon Archives board want to take you down memory lane with a Fire Side Chat which will take place this Thursday at Council Chambers starting at 7.

Crystal Kolt stopped by the CFAR studio last week and invites everyone to come out for a great night in Flin Flon’s history.  " I am so excited about this little group that I have come to love. What we decided to do is form the Flin Flon Archives Board and it has been under the city for about a year and a half. We all know that this is an amazing town with all the great stories and we wanted to have Fire Side Chats. I started it during Culture Days where people could show up and talk about the history of the town. We are going to be holding this at City Council Chambers but it will be more with a big screen and pictures from the Flin Flon Heritage Project. There is going to be artifacts and stories with our local historians, Les Oystryk, Ken Pawlachuk, Don Peake and Frank Feiber. It will be a really good chance to get together as a community."

It will be a chance to enjoy an evening of memories including photos and stories about Phantom Lake, Early mining and the start of the town.  Kolt also went on to say they will be having more of these sessions in the future. It is absolutely free and all are welcome.

Fundraising continues for the new Flin Flon Aqua Centre as construction on the building will be starting very soon. As well as donations and grants the committee also have some more fundraising events coming up as we hear from Karen McKinnon.

" We are working are on a larger 50/50 with tickets on sale soon and will be drawn during the Blue Berry Jam weekend. We are looking at doing another Escape Room that was such a success and we have had requests to do another one. We are having that the weekend of May the 3rd to the 5th and there will also be an event hosted by the Flin Flon Arts Council."

On May the 5^th the Community Choir will be joining the Hapnot Choir and Children’s Choir and they will do an auction, and set up another fundraiser to help raise funds for the Aqua Centre. We will have more information soon.

You can follow updates on the Aqua Centre Committee by going to the City Of Flin Flon website at cityofflinflon.ca and click on the Aqua Centre tab.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING NOTICE OF THE NORTHERN MUNICIPAL REVENUE SHARING GRANT. THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON WILL RECEIVE $111,790 DOLLARS AND 84 CENTS FOR 2024-25.

COUNCIL ALSO RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM STARS,THE SHOCK TRAUMA RESCUE SERVICE FOR A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT THE LIFE SAVING SERVICE WHICH WAS REFERRED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

COUNCIL HAS RECEIVED AN INVITATION FROM THE UNITED STEEL WORKERS LOCAL 7106 TO PRESENT A WREATH ON THE ANNUAL DAY OF MOURNING CEREMONY APRIL 28th. COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE INVITATION.

COUNCIL RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM THE FLIN FLON FIREWORKS COMMITTEE FOR A DONATION TOWARDS THEIR CANADA DAY CELEBRATION. COUNCIL AGREED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF $750 DOLLARS.

COUNCIL ALSO PASSED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE SUNCORP VALUATIONS 2024 APPRAISAL UPDATED FOR PROPERTIES OF INTEREST TO THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON.

AND A MOTION WAS PASSED TO NOMINATE LINDSAY SHIRRAN TO THE NORTHERN SPORT CULTURE AND RECREATION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The newly formed Wahkohtowin Trails Committe   continue to meet regularly as  they continue to identify trail areas in the Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach areas.

Christine Williams from the committee reports that they have come up with their first trail that people of all ages will be able to enjoy.  " On Tuesday night a group of people met for the Wahkohtowin Trails Committee, for the weeks leading up to Tuesday we had been having a vote for 5 local trail areas around Flin Flon. We voted on Tuesday night that we were going to develop an all season hiking, snow shoeing trail at Phantom Lake. Phantom Lake is the perfect location for a lot of people because Hudbay graciously allowed us to use their land and they made a great donation for covering our insurance costs. This will allow us to safely use the trails and volunteers to work on the trails."

This will be approximately a 2 km trail that they will start working on in the spring. If you are interested in finding out more or would like to join their committee, they meet the second Tuesday of each month at the Creighton Rec Office.

They will also be meeting this Sunday at noon at the Phantom Lake parking lot to hammer out the first part of the trail.

The Saskatchewan  Anglers Guide for 2024-25 is now available online.

This Anglers guide will help with regulations, policies and practices that guide recreational fishing in the province including a list of all the water bodies, catch limits and regulations.

This guide will give you everything you need to know for the angling season.

You can access the online guide now by going to Saskatchewan.ca/angling.

Physical copies of the guide will be available at Saskatchewan Field Offices and Provincial Park Offices in early May.

Last Thursday , at approximately 9:40 am, Swan River RCMP received a report of a stolen vehicle from Swan River. It was reported that a suspect had entered a home, taken keys, and stole the homeowner’s vehicle.

Officers located the stolen vehicle on Valley Road at Highway 10, and initiated a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and was driving erratically at a high rate of speed.

The vehicle was later located and continued driving erratically.  Officers deployed a spike belt on Highway 10, and the suspect vehicle went over it and stopped a short distance away.

A female driver and male passenger were arrested. The female driver provided a sample of her breath which registered a fail.

Trisha Cook, 32, has been charged with multiple offenses including flight from a police officer x2.

She was also issued several provincial tickets under the Highway Traffic Act and the Liquor, Gaming, and Cannabis Control Act.

She was remanded into custody.

A 33-year-old male is facing a charge of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 17, 2024, in Swan River.

Swan River RCMP continue to investigate.

On April 1^st, at approximately 8:00 am, Gods Lake Narrows RCMP received a report of a shooting at an outdoor location in the community of Gods Lake Narrows. When officers arrived on scene, a 35-year-old male was found to have been shot and suffering life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Winnipeg for treatment, and he now remains in hospital in stable condition.

 The investigation determined that the 35-year-old male and a 28-year-old female had kidnapped a 28-year-old male at gunpoint and taken him to the outdoor location and confined him there. While in the commission of this offence, the 35-year-old male suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The other two individuals were not physically injured.

The 35-year-old male and the 28-year-old female are both charged with Kidnapping with a Firearm and Forcible Confinement. The female suspect remains in custody.

Community Futures Greenstone held a  Women In Business Community Celebration back in March show casing some successful women in business here in Flin Flon. The event was moderated and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce’s Dianne Russell who was very happy with the turn out.

"It was so great to see a full packed room, just full of women, really excited to celebrate the opportunity for entrepreneurship. Half of them, if not more were already entrepreneurs. So part of the evening was getting the support by Kelly and Cindy and Dawn, but it was also about supporting each other. So it was just really great motivation, motivational evening. And we know we're going to have a lot more in the future because there is just so many women going into business these days."

Russell went on to add they will be doing more events in the future to help promote helping people get into business in the North.

Simonhouse Bible Camp is looking forward to another busy summer of camps filled with lots of summer adventures and  a positive Christian message for kids and families  of all backgrounds.

Darrell Janzen is the camp director and he  lets us know how you can sign up.

"The best way to register is just to go to our website at Simon house.ca and lots of information there about the camp and all including our financial assistance programs we have there. So if you're not sure if you can afford camp or know of someone that can't afford camp, there's lots of ways to get kids there. Money shouldn't be a problem in that area. Yeah, we are taking early bird registrations till the end of April. So the price is reduced."

Camps will start at the beginning of July and range in ages from 6 to 17 and you can register and find out more information at simonhouse.ca.

The Imagine Northern Group from Flin Flon was one of many organizations  who attended the Northern Arts and Food workshops  at UCN in the Pas in late March.

The purpose was to bring together artists, body’s and creative organizations to connect and share resources with lots of people and groups from all over the province.  Christy Janvier was one of the people to attend from Flin Flon and says she got a lot out of the experience.

Attending the Northern Arts and Food Workshop. It's a great time for us to gather in person so that we can really communicate and find out what's happening in each other's communities. And this year, they had a lot of really great speakers, from indigenous communities as well as how the arts work in Yukon and then as well as in Halliburton, how they have a collective, working there so that all of our northern communities can start working together and supporting each other in a way for economic development for our artists."

They will have more information on this workshop on their relaunched website at imaginorthern.ca and next year’s work shop will take place in Thompson with dates being released in early 2025.

The City Of Flin Flon held a public hearing and information session regarding the new Aqua Centre on Friday night. City Council provided projects updates on how they are moving  ahead and Rec Director Cait Bailey says they were able to get a lot of information out to the public.

"It was a great meeting, It was nice to get some further information out to the public. Anyone that did miss it, we will have print copies of the presentations as well as everything available online at the City of Flin Flon. We were able to walk everyone through the building's architectural rendering, so they were kind of able to get a good picture of what it will be like, what it'll be like to be in the facility itself and to swim in the pool. We were able to go through financial information, the cost of the pool, tax information, Our CAO, Lynn had a lot of  info on that for the public. So again, all of that will be will be available."

Fundraising is on going and the City just received a nice donation from the Rotary Club for $100,000.00. If you have any questions or concerns about the new pool you can go to the city’s website at cityofflinflon.ca and click on the Aqua Centre tab.

The Home Routes Series will continue in Flin Flon tonight with their 72^nd show since 2009.  Tonight they welcome multi musician Jack Garton and one of the organizers Tim Spencer tells us he is a up and coming performer.

" We are excited about Jack who is coming from Galleano island off the BC coast. Jack is big in BC and was featured at the Calgary Stampede last year and just did a knock out performance. He is different  because his main instruments are accordian and trumpet. He is a song writer and he plays guitar and has original songs and plays with high energy."

Tonight’s show will take place at Tim and Elly Spencer’s home at 19 Hemlock with doors opening at 7 and the performance at 7:30. Tickets can be picked up right at the door for $25.00. Tomorrow night Jack will be performing in Cranberry at the Legion and he will be at the library in the Pas on Sunday.

The winners have been announced for the 40^th annual Volunteer Awards being presented by Volunteer Manitoba and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. These awards recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups who selflessly dedicate their time to make a difference in their communities.

Among The award winners is Flin Flon’s Karen Clarke who receives the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Leadership Award for the North. Clarke says she is very honored to be recognized.

"  It was really nice to get a call from the LT Governor, she called me and told me about the award and it I was thrown by it and it is a real honor." After we spoke I went online and looked up the award. I found it is an award for leadership in the community. It awards three things,  identifying a need in the community , devizing absolution and motivating other people to join with you to work towards a solution. I found it be an exciting award to be given because that is what people in Flin Flon do."

Clarke went on to add that she appreciates all the help she has received from various people through out the years on various projects  that  has been ongoing  since 2010. Clarke will receive her award at the Club Regent in Winnipeg on April the 18^th.

The Town Of Creighton is looking forward to the spring and summer seasons and have a lot of exciting events for the community to enjoy as the snow continues to disappear.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran tells us it will all kick off with their spring clean up campaign.  " The Town Of Creighton Spring clean up week will run from May 21st to May the 24th. You put your unwanted items or garbage at your usual pickup location and the public works department will pick it up and take it to the dump for you.  Any fridges or freezers must have the freeon removed first  of course. If you have any larger items you can call the Creighton Town Office at 306-688-8253 to arange pick up. That will also lead into our community yard sale which will take place on Saturday May the 25th. If you register your sale at the Rec Office before the 16th you can have your sale advertized in the Reminder and have a map and it will be shared on the Town Of Creighton facebook page and website."

The Town Of Creighton will be waving the dumping fees from May the 15^th to the 28^th and if you have any questions about the spring clean-up you can contact the Town Office at 306-688-8253.

While Snow Lake RCMP continue to support Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage areas, as well as patrol along the roadways in between all three communities, officers have also responded to calls in Snow Lake. These are the calls they received in March.

• 13 traffic-related events
• 1 mischief
• 1 traffic collision
• 1 False Alarm
• 1 assault
• 1 operation While Impaired by alcohol
• 1 child luring
• 1 fire prevention
• 1 coroner’s act – sudden death

During this same time period, Flin Flon had 257 files and Cranberry Portage had 35. Of those files, over 12% were calls involving violence where bodily harm occurred and multiple resources were required.

The City of Flin Flon will be making a donation towards Legion Housing as they made the announcement  in council chambers on Tuesday.

Councillor Dallas Funk said the $5,000.00 donation will go towards phase three to include upgrades to the area in front of the building which has already included the removal of the water fountain. The other renovations will include building a gazebo and helping with the cement and foundation.

Final resolution was given for the traffic bylaw that will include new parking for the area in front of the Inferno Schwarma  restaurant . Some residents have raised concerns on there being no where to park for the restaurant or people living on the other side of the street.

The city has cleared the last hurdle  where the old Willowpark Curling rink used to stand be turned from Parks and Rec to residential with the possibility of offering to contractors for sale or use of the land.

April the 1^st was the deadline for Flin Flon residents to submit questions and concerns to the public utilities board about the increase in Flin Flon water rates. The city is expecting an official announcement soon and will be putting a request forward for members from the government to attend a public forum.

The City also announced that they will be joining a city clean up with Greenstone and the Main street committee for the downtown area on Mother’s  day on May the 11^th.

The creators from Art In The Wild are offering free art workshops and open studio time starting this Sunday. One of the organizers Kristy  Janvier provides the information on this great opportunity.

"  We are offering 6 workshops which are free of charge to our community of Flin Flon. We invite artists of all mediums to dive into these practises as a way to explore our creativity. We are not actually teaching you a method of any particular practise or medium, but we want you to come share, explore and create altogether."

Some of the workshops being offered include Land In Sight, Dance A Poem and Collaboration As An Opportunity For Unique Outcomes. The workshops and open studio time will all take place at the Ukrainian Church on Church street.  For more information or to sign up you can e-mail artistsinthewild53@gmail.com. 

The Central Film group of Flin Flon is winding down movie season at the Hapnot Theatre with a Clint Eastwood thriller this Friday, In The Line Of Fire. Colin Davis discusses why they decided to show this movie from the early 90’s.

"  We all remember Clint Eastwood as the no name cowboy, it is what made him famous afterall. While many stars step into the shadows as they pass their prime, Clint Eastwood just wrote his aging in the script and went with it. We want you to come out and see Clint Eastwood in one of those roles. In this movie, Clint is playing a secret service agent who has been on the scene during the Kennedy assasination and was unable to save the president back then. Now 30 years later he is on the trail of another would be assassin and in order to catch the villain he has requested reinstatement into the secret service. This is a great Clint Eastwood romp and we would like you to come out to the Hapnot Theatre on Friday to see it."

This will be the second last movie of the season and doors open this Friday at 7, show begins at 7:30 and drinks and snacks will be available at the door. The show will once again be free.

At their monthly meeting on Thursday afternoon the Rotary Club made a presentation to the City of Flin Flon.

The Rotary Club of Flin Flon is proud to announce a $100,000 donation to city’s pool project. The Rotary Club thanked   the efforts businesses and individuals who made to make the donation possible.   Fundraisers such as the Operation Red Nose, The rotary dream draw, lobsters night, fly in fishing draw and Blueberry Jam concession all contributed.

City of Flin  Flon Recreation director Caitlin Bailey expressed her gratitude towards the Rotarians and hopes it leads to more contributions. " It is a wonderful community donation and we are really thankful to have the Rotary Club support this project so much. We are hopeful this will inspire other business owners within the region to either match or compete with Rotary and get their names up on the new pool."

Bailey went on to say that while they  appreciative of such a large public donation while this is not the Rotary clubs first donation to the pool project and that fundraising efforts for the pool are continuing. 

AT THEIR MEETING LAST WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM CREIGHTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR A DONATION TOWARDS THEIR PENNY PARADE AT THE UPCOMING LEISURE SHOW. 

PROCEEDS GO TOWARD ASSISTING WITH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS HELD FOR STUDENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. COUNCIL AGREED TO MAKE A DONATION OF A HOODIE IN SUPPORT.

COUNCIL ALSO AGREED TO DONATE THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS TO THE SASKATCHEWAN HEALTH AUTHORITY DENTAL PROGRAM WHICH HELPS
PROMOTE PRACTICING GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO STUDENTS.

COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE REVISING THE CURRENT POLICY FOR WATER AND SEWER LINE THAWING FROM $500 DOLLARS TO $300 DOLLARS AS AN EFFORT TO STOP RESIDENTS FROM USING BLEED LINES.

COUNCIL HAS ALSO AGREED TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER TO SIGN THE UPDATED MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES WITH THE CITY OF FLIN FLON AND THE VILLAGE OF DENARE BEACH.

IT WAS ALSO REPORTED THAT CREIGHTON RECREATIONS APPLICATION FOR THE SUMMER IN THE PARK PROJECT WAS APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,750 DOLLARS.
 

AND FOR THE FIRST TIME THE TOWN HAS BEEN SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEARS MIRACLE-GRO BEST GARDEN SELECTION PROGRAM FROM SCOTTS CANADA.

 PARTICIPATING COMMUNITIES WILL RECEIVE 12 SIGNS PLUS MIRACLE-GRO PRODUCTS SHOWCASING THE BEST GARDEN SELECTION IN THE COMMUNITY.