Operation Red Nose held their first night of getting people and their vehicles home safely this past Saturday and the Flin Flon Rotary Club’s Ted Hewitt was very happy with how their first night went.

" Our first evening of 2023 was last Saturday in which the Border Explorers provided the volunteers for the night.  There was a total of 8 rides called in. Next weekend, the Kinsmen and Kinnettes will provide the volunteers for Friday night and the Ski Club will volunteer on Saturday night. The service is available from 9pm til 2am and you can call 204-687-7331.

This is a free service but  you can make a donation to the Flin Flon Rotary Club and 100 percent of the proceeds will go towards youth local sports in the community. Operation Red Nose will operate for 8 nights throughout  the holidays including this weekend December the 1^st and 2^nd, 8^th, 9^th. 15^th and 16^th and New Years Eve.

They still need people to volunteer  for  News Years Eve and if you are interested you can contact Ted at 204-687-7450.

Last Tuesday , the La Ronge Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed a search warrant at a residence in the Sucker River community of Lac La Ronge Indian Band as part of a drug trafficking investigation.

Officers located and seized a loaded handgun, a quantity of ammunition, approximately 172 grams of crack cocaine, a sum of cash, and other drug paraphernalia. 

Two adults and one young person were arrested at the scene.

Officers located a child in the residence and brought them to a safe location.

A 33-year-old female and a 37-year-old male, both from Sucker River, are charged with multiple offenses including drug trafficking.

16-year-old male from Richmond Hill, Ontario, has been charged with multiple offenses including drug trafficking.

All three accused appeared in court in Laronge Provincial court on Thursday November the 23rd.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) assisted in this investigation.

Last Wednesday  at approximately 11:35 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a vehicle stolen from a residence on Crossley Avenue in The Pas. A pickup truck with GPS capabilities was stolen, and police were able, with the assistance of the owner, to track the vehicle through the streets of The Pas.

The truck was seen going at a slow speed on Cathedral Avenue, where it ran through a stop sign. A traffic stop was initiated. Allan Knight, 24, from Swan River, was the driver. He was placed under arrest and it was found that he did not have a licence. He was transported to The Pas RCMP Detachment.

When officers were placing Knight in the cell area at the detachment, he uttered threats to harm an officer and then assaulted one of the officers, who had to attend hospital for treatment. The officer has since been released from hospital.

Knight is facing numerous charges, including Assaulting a Peace Officer. He is remanded in custody.

COUNCIL REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM FLIN FLON MINOR HOCKEY TO USE THE SPACE BEHIND THE SPORTEX BLEACHERS FOR DRYLAND WORKOUTS. WORKOUTS ARE CURRENTLY HELD TWICE A WEEK,USUALLY IN THE LOBBY HALLWAY. THE REQUEST WOULD ALLOW PLAYERS TO WORKOUT IN A LOCATION AWAY FROM MAIN WALKING AREAS AND ANY OTHER GROUPS,EMPLOYEES, OR PATRONS OF THE ARENA. COUNCIL AGREED TO REFER THE REQUEST TO COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

A REQUEST FROM THE FLIN FLON FRIENDSHIP FOR A DONATION TOWARDS THEIR
CHRISTMAS GIFT PROGRAM WAS RECEIVED. THE PROGRAM RELIES SOLELY ON THE

COMMUNITY FOR CASH AND OR GIFT DONATIONS. THE LAST DONATION FROM COUNCIL WAS IN 2019 OF $100 DOLLARS. A MOTION WAS MADE TO UP THIS YEARS DONATION TO $150 DOLLARS

.COUNCIL ALSO RECEIVED A REQUEST TO SPONSOR THE SECOND ANNUAL JIMMY CUSTER MEMORIAL DOG RACE WHICH TAKES PLACE IN DENARE BEACH FEBRUARY 10-11th 2024.COUNCIL DONATED $500 DOLLARS EARLIER THIS YEAR AND AGREED TO PASS A MOTION TO DONATE ANOTHER $500 DOLLARS FOR THE EVENT IN THE THE NEW YEAR.

Johnny’s Social Club will be hosting a special fundraiser this weekend in support of the Norva Centre called Peace, Love and Harmonies.

This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for Norva and Brent Lethbridge gives us the lineup of local performers who will be part of the show. 

"  Kim Jones has put it all together and we have some great entertainment including Jenn McLean, Emily Sparling, Imrianna Jones, Joanne Daux, Courtney Lycan, Faith Krahn, Julien Logmore, Katrina Njegovin and the Panty Hose. You can get your tickets up at the Emporium on Main street and it is all happening at Johnny's."

The show takes place this Saturday and doors will open at 7:30 with the music starting at 8. Tickets are going fast and once again you can pick them up at the Uptown Emporium for $25.00.

Steve Lytwyn chaired the meeting and there was a final  reading to establish a policy for economic incentives for new businesses  or existing to be known as the Economic Incentives For Business Bylaw be done and finally passed.

A resolution was also introduced that the City is going to transfer the piece of land around Willowvale  Park including the location of the old curling rink and wading pool from Parks and Rec to residential. The City says that someone is interested in purchasing the property and is looking at building an assisted living complex. The City says there will be more information on this at the next Council meeting December the 5^th.

A water rate study was conducted with Way To Go Consulting and it was determined that the city does have a deficit and may have to increase the rates. Right now residents are paying a $105.00 a month for unmetered water  and the City is looking to increase it to $140.00 a month.

Public Utilities will be holding a public Forum at a date still to be determined, then the City will hold a public forum at Council Chambers where residents will be able to voice their concerns on a separate date.

The animal control report for Septemb

On November 18^th , at 2:05 am, Leaf Rapids RCMP responded to a report of an attempted robbery at a residence located on Wapoos Bay in Leaf Rapids.

Officers located an injured 18-year-old male, who advised that a male suspect known to him, had entered his home armed with a sawed-off firearm and knife, and attempted to steal money and ammunition from him.

The victim was assaulted and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene.

The suspect was identified as a 24-year-old male from Leaf Rapids.

Patrols were made and known addresses were checked, however, the suspect was not located.

At 5:30 am, Leaf Rapids RCMP responded to a complaint of an assault on Nisku Bay. Officers arrived and located an 18-year-old-female with visible non-life-threatening injuries. It is believed the same suspect was involved in this assault. The victim and suspect were known to each other.

At 5:45 am, officers were then dispatched to the initial residence, located on Wapoos Bay, to a report of a house fire, where the suspect was observed exiting the home as the fire started. The initial victim was no longer inside and the suspect fled the scene.

The following day, Leaf Rapids RCMP received information that the suspect wished to turn himself  in  and officers were able to arrest  the 24-year-old male without incident.

Gerald Spence, 24, from Leaf Rapids, was remanded into custody on 21 Criminal Code charges including Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Breaking and Entering, Careless Use of a Firearm and Point Firearm. He remains in custody.

Leaf Rapids RCMP continue to investigate.

The Flin Flon Chamber Of Commerce held their AGM on Tuesday afternoon at the Friendship Centre.

Business arising from last year included the Chamber closing their office on Main street and relocating to CFAR radio for the foreseeable future. General meetings will be held the first Tuesday  of each month starting in February  at the Friendship Centre. Executive meetings will take place the third Tuesday of each month starting in January at the Hub.

It was mentioned that the Chamber was invited to the FDC Economic Development Commission and they will be looking to upgrade their social media and find more ways to share information. Katy Andersen approached Chamber on behalf of Voices Of The North and is looking for the Chamber’s support on getting more beds for the personal care homes. They started a new relationship with Chamber Relations and have formed a Northern Chambers group which will meet in 2024.

The Chamber had a very good year financially and income from membership increased by 20 to 25 %. Their current membership stands at 104 local members.

The current executive is Dianne Russell Acting President, Heather Richardson Enns- Vice President, Becky Cianflone Secretary, Deb Odegaard Communications, Laurence Gillespie Mail, Crystal Kolt Director, Tara Koivisto book keeper.

Two new people were brought on for directors which include Leslie Beck and Cory Eastman.

Ruth Betts Community School in Flin Flon is going to be holding a winter clothing drive this Thursday November the 23^rd in the gym.

Courtney Lycan who is the family worker at the school  lets us know what items will be available. " People can drop off their gently used winter items to the Ruth Betts Office or even just message us and I can pick it up if that is easier. We are looking for any warm winter gear like toques, mittens, jackets, ski pants even sweaters and pants. We are looking for items for all ages including kids and adults and we take everything."

It will take place this Thursday 10 to 6 in the mini gym and all the items are free. If you would like to make a donation or need more information you can call the school at 204-687-9737 or contact Ruth Betts through messenger on facebook.

The Trout Festival will be holding their AGM on Wednesday November the 29^th at the Creighton Recreation and Tourism Centre starting at 1:30.

Current President Dianne Russell says it is important to continue to build on the momentum that the festival has created the past couple of years.

" We are just going to go over some of the highlights last year and see where our financials are and see what the plans are for this year. We really want to set up who is going to take over some specific projects , we have great support from the three rec commisions including Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach. We look forward to having some more faces around the table."

The Trout Festival is looking for anybody who wants to help out in a big or small way including some 20 or 30 somethings that would like to run next summer’s fish fry.

The Flin Flon Rotary Club will once again be giving  seniors a chance in the community to come out for a Christmas party on Sunday November the 26^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Rotarian Richard Trudeau tells us there will be a lot going on.

" This is the annual Senior Christmas party that the Rotarians put on every year and it is happening November the 26th starting at 1. It is going to be an afternoon of activity which includes entertainment on stage and  the great little daintie sandwiches. We are going to have an afternoon of fun with the Flin Flon Army Cadets helping us with the serving of the gifts. The afternoon will be topped off with the arrival of Santa Clause.

All seniors are welcome and if you need a ride you can contact Bill Pauley at 204-680-9688.

The Flin Flon Arts Council and the Flin Flon Community Choir will be performing their Christmas Concert a White Christmas coming up on Saturday December the 2^nd at the Flin Flon Community Hall starting at 7.

Angela Inslaka is the director and is very excited about this year’s show.

" We are so excited about our show coming up this year because we have a new group which is the Flin Flon Children's Community Choir. They are going to be performing a number of songs in the first half of the show on their own and a few with the adult choir. The adult choir will also be performing some songs on their own as well, so the first half will be just like a great mix of Christmas music which will be familliar in choral format. The second part of the show will be the story from the movie which is a clasic Christmas movie from 1954."

Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth under 16 and the show will feature Mark Kolt on piano, Anna Harrison on piano, 11 year old Bonham Martin on percussion and lots of talented local singers.

Operation Red Nose will once again be running in Flin Flon over the Christmas season to make sure you, your vehicle and party can all get home safe and sound throughout the holidays. The Rotary Club will once again be running the service and Rotarian Ted Hewitt knows how important this is for the community.

" Operation Red Nose started 30 years ago in Quebec, came to Manitoba 25 years ago and it has been in Flin Flon the last 22 years.The purpose of Operation Red Nose in reality is to raise money to give back to the community for children's activities.  It provides rides to people who should not be driving and provides a safety service for the community."

The honorary chairperson is Krista Eastman and if you or your volunteer group would like to volunteer for a weekend you can contact Ted at 204-687-7450 and the service will start on Saturday November the 25^th with the Border Explorers volunteering for the night. The number to get a hold of Red Nose is 204-687-7331 and will be operating between 9 and 2.

Once again this holiday season, the Salvation Army in Flin Flon will be providing hampers for any individuals or families in need of some extra support this Christmas.

Captain Mark Burford tells us that they are here to help anybody in need.

" If you are in need of a Christmas hamper feel free to drop in at our church at 3 Hemlock Drive or give us a call at 204-687-7812. You can do this starting next week on Tuesday November the 21st until the following Monday which is the 27th. You can come in or call on those days and what you need to bring is id, proof of income,  and some of youre expenses such as rent, utilities and groceries and fill out the application form."

Burford went on to say that there is no income cap so if you are in a tough income situation they would like you to give them a call and they will provide you with a hamper. The hampers will include a turkey or ham, dry goods,bread and fresh vegetables and potatoes.

On November 10, 2023, at approximately 11:15 pm, Oxford House RCMP responded to a home invasion on Tower Road, in Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

Multiple males entered the residence armed with a firearm and machetes, fired shots, and assaulted two males with a machete before fleeing.

The two male victims, aged 17 and 21, were taken to the nursing station with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers identified four suspects and three of the suspects were arrested.

Ricky McKay, 18, and two 14-year-old males were arrested and charged with multiple offenses

RCMP are still searching for the fourth suspect, 18-year-old Kyrell Weenusk, who is WANTED for a number of offenses including  aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

Weenusk is described as 6’3”, 170 lbs. with black hair and brown eyes. He is considered ARMED and DANGEROUS so do not approach and call police if seen.

If you have information on his whereabouts please call Oxford House RCMP at 204-538-2211, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

It is going to be a busy holiday season in Creighton with a number of activities coming up for you and your family to enjoy. Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran gives us the details.

"So we're going to be holding  a Christmas card making class on Sunday, November 26th at my rec office. We do have a kids class which is eight plus for $15 and we do have an adult class which will run at 6:30 for $20 per person. We do have limited spots and it's filling up pretty quick. We'll then head into December for  our family dance which we sort of co-host or have great helpers that come from Inclusion Saskatchewan, which is Anita and Amber. They come and help me decorate  and help out where needed. It's a fun event where santa comes, with  dancing and treat bags.Then on Saturday, the 23rd, we have our grinch skate at the sportex...The Grinch will make an appearance and we usually have candy canes and just a fun afternoon of skating."

If you require more information and would like to sign up for these events you can call 306-688-3538 or go to Creighton Rec’s facebook page.

At the last Flin Flon City Council meeting, Council  introduced a new policy for Attendance Of Unauthorized Persons on job sites. Councillor Mike Slipp explains.

"City council has made a commitment to go over all the policies that have been in place for the city of  Flin Flon. Some of them haven't been looked at for many years and this happens to be one of them. And this is more of a common sense thing  at work sites, unauthorized people  aren't allowed to cross over into that work site more for safety reasons, but also not to bother the employees while they're working.

 Asking why they're digging here and not digging there  sort of thing,  and again, a lot of that has to do with safety. 

We also  don't want people just walking into the back at City Hall. We love people to come to City Hall as long as they're invited and authorized to go in the back and talk to somebody. They're more than welcome."  
 

This does not apply to the City Hall lobby or any recreational facility including the Whitney Forum, Library, zoo etc. If you have any questions about this policy you can contact Lynn Brown at City Hall at 204-681-7511 or go to their website at cityofflinflon.ca

Johnny’s  Social Club is hosting a Christmas Party Extravaganza On December the 8^th and 9^th to help you unwind for the holiday season and organizer Brent Lethbridge gives us the list of entertainer’s.

"We want people to come down have some fun. We're going to decorate the hall. It's going to be on the 8th and 9th. We're going to create a dance floor, there is my self, there's Craig Bancroft, Eric Bergman, Kevin Emery, Johnny Betker and for singers, there's Joanna Mark M from Swan River will be playing bass as well. Kim Jones, Kristin Emory and,  Robbie Mote and CC Trubiak. So we have a lot, we're gonna do dance music, dance music, dance music so you can dance, dance, dance all night."
 

Tickets will be available this Thursday November the 16^th, 7pm at Johnny’s for $30.00.  Left over tickets will be available at the Orange Toad the next day. You can also purchase tables if you would like to make it your office Christmas party.

You can help the Salvation Army in Flin Flon with their kettle campaign which will start this Friday November the 17^th. Captain Mark Burford tells us their goals this year and where the money will be going.

"This is our big fundraising campaign for all of the ministry and the work that the Salvation Army does in Flin Flon and in surrounding areas. Our goal this year is  to raise 27,000 on our Christmas kettles. Our goal for the entire campaign would be to raise $40,000 for the communities of Flin Flon..So that would include the money raised on the kettles  from  businesses who mail in donations  through checks   to us and all the money stays locally to help the residents of Flin  Flon, Creighton, Denare  Beach, Cranberry Portage and Sheridan for Christmas hampers.  We also use some of the money for the people we serve year round that make use of our lunch program every Monday and Friday."

The kettles will be located at the CO-OP and Walmart every weekend until Christmas and if you would like to volunteer yourself, with your family, service group or people from work you can call 204-687-7812. You can also contact them on their facebook page and see the complete schedule for this year.

Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsay is the new speaker of the house for the Manitoba Legislature and was sworn in on Thursday November the 9^th. He will be taking over for Myrna Driedger who announced she  would not be seeking re-election after serving a two year term.

Lindsay says he will still be the voice for the North but will be expressing it in a different way and is looking forward to his new role.

" The new role as speaker is something that I never really envisioned that I would do, but pretty intensive learning curve at the moment to figure out just what the speaker does because there's so much more to it than just just what people see in the house.There's all sorts of different committees, you're part of, there's all kinds of different reporting entities that report directly to the speaker. It's a management position and I've never been in management. So some of that is,is completely new for me, but pretty exciting to be a part of that. What it means is I'm still the ML A for the Flin Flon constituency, But now I have to be seen as being impartial. So I can't present myself as being the NDP MLA as opposed to a conservative MLA, I just have to present myself in communities as the ML A for Flin Flon."

Lindsay is the first MLA  from Northern Manitoba to be appointed as  the Speaker Of The House and feels his new role will be more beneficial in getting things done for the people in this riding. Once again if you have an issue or a question you can call his office in Flin Flon at 204-687-3246.

Tomorrow  the Royal CDN Legion in Flin Flon Branch number 73 will be hosting their Remembrance Day Service at the Flin Flon Community Hall. President Bob Penner discusses how the service will run.

" We will be gathering around 9 am at the Legion and Major Naylor will call us out on the street around 10:05 and we will march down to the corner of Fourth ave and Hapnot street. We will turn left on to Fourth ave and then head to Hill street then head north on Hill street to the Cenotaph. From there we will carry on to the Community Hall with the service starting at 10:50. I'm not sure how many wreaths we have this year,  I am thinking some where in the neighborhood of 75 wreaths will be presented. The service should wrap up just before noon and we will form up a parade back to the Legion for a light lunch."

The guest speakers will be Mark and Kelsie Burford from the Salvation Army and Wade Lowe will be supplying the music. The service will also be broadcast on 102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com starting at 10:50.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING AN INVITATION FROM THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST RANGE PLANNING TABLE MEETING TAKING PLACE ON DECEMBER FIFTH TO DISCUSS THE WOODLAND CARIBOU.

THIS MEETING WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW THE RANGE PLANNING PROCESS WILL OCCUR,DISCUSS CARIBOU HABITAT,POPULATION,AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION. COUNCIL AGREED TO FILE THE INVITATION AS INFORMATION.

COUNCIL AGREED TO LEASE A PORTION OF LAND TO THE OWNER OF LOT 12 BLOCK 14 TO BE USED FOR STORAGE WITH CONDITIONS AND FEES AS PER LEASE AGREEMENT.

COUNCIL AGREED TO DONATE $2,500 DOLLARS TO THE FLIN FLON FRIENDSHIP CENTER SUPPORTING THEIR RESOURCES THAT PROVIDES THE UNSHELTERED A SAFE PLACE AWAY FROM THE COLD.

THE FUNDS ARE TO COME FROM  THE COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD ACCOUNT.

COUNCIL ALSO STATED THAT THE CREIGHTON CONNECTION TRANSIT BUS WAS ALREADY AHEAD OF WHERE THEY WERE LAST YEAR FOR TOTAL PASSENGERS AND ALMOST DOUBLED THE AMOUNT OF PARCELS.

The results of yesterday’s Flin Flon School Division Board of Trustee by-election have been certified.

Katie Kawerski will serve on the school board as she won the election with 63 votes. Patricia Sattelberger was the only other candidate getting 31 votes.

Kawerski replaces now-former trustee Jed Reeves; who was appointed as a trustee last year to fill one of two empty spaces.

Reeves resigned his seat last month after leaving Flin Flon for a new job with a Norwegian company.

Denare Beach will be hosting their Christmas Craft and Home Business Show on Saturday November the 18^th at the Denareplex. Rec Director Mel Durette welcomes everybody to the show which is completely full.

" There is 23 tables including baking, knitting, beading and Sunset Gourmet just to name a few. It will be from 10 to 4 and our youth program will be running soup and bannock for lunch. All the proceds will go towards the youth program."

It is free to attend, the doors will open at 10 am and if you require any other information you can call Mel at 306-362-2050.

The City Of Flin Flon  has a couple of events coming up that should get you and the family in the Christmas spirit. Rec Programmer Kelsey Anderson explains one event has been a tradition for many years and the other is a brand new event this year.

" The first event we have going on is November the 22nd which will be the Holiday Cheer Senior Crafts. What we are going to be doing is bringing the seniors together that is anyone 55 plus. We are going to be making homemade Christmas cards and delivering them to the Manor and PCH. The other big event we have going on is going to be the tree lighting. This will take place on December the 1st from 5 to 6 down at Pioneer Square. We will have Santa, hot chocolate, treat bags and this will be fun for all ages."

Kelsey reminds you to dress warm for the tree lighting and if you are interested in the Christmas Card Making Event you can e-mail her at kandersen@flinflon.ca.