Local News Archives for 2014-12

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Plugged in Safely.

Every year damaged extension cords cause car fires across the province. With the return of cold weather Brian Smiley from Manitoba Public Insurance reminds you to prevent these fires by checking your extension cords.  He explains you have to be looking at the extension cord to see whether it’s been cracked out and you can see exposed wires and at the plug in area see if its broken away from the cord or is loose and again if you can see exposed wires you should replace that extension cord.

 

Broken or cracked extension cords can result in electrical arcing. Smiley says residents need to make sure they’re buying an extension cord meant for outside.

A Lot of Children Received Gifts With Your Help.

The Christmas Gift Program run by the Flin Flon Friendship Center was a success again this year.  The program allows parents to give their children a gift at Christmas when circumstances prevent them from doing so.  The Center’s Events Coordinator Jeremiah Hermann says there were 142 parents and guardians who signed up for the program this year so that’s 456 children who got a present under the tree.  He thanks the community for all the support as this program runs strictly on community donations adding they had a couple of depots one at the Bargain Store and the other at the public library and they thank them as well for their support.

             

This was the 21st year for the Christmas Gift Program.

Your Generosity Helped Others to Have A Good Christmas.

 Flin Flon’s Elks Lodge delivered 103 hampers to those in need this Christmas.  Their Exalted Ruler Gord Evans says they received a lot of support from the community.  He says there were a lot of people who came out to help with packing and delivering the hampers on the Saturday so it was a good turnout.

            

  Evans thanks all who donated to their Christmas Cheer program as well as those who came out to pack and deliver the hampers.

An Exploration Company is Changing Hands.

Alexandria Minerals Corporation and Murgor Resources have entered into an agreement in which Alexandria will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Murgor by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act.  Murgor Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold and copper exploration in Canada.  It owns a one hundred percent interest in two gold-copper deposits in the Snow Lake and Flin Flon mining districts, the Wim project 16 kilometers south of Snow Lake and the Hudvam project 47 kilometers northeast of Flin Flon.

             

Murgor President and CEO Andre Tessier says they believe the enlarged Alexandria gold and copper exploration and development company will have a greater market visibility and penetration allowing the company to move forward with more certainty for the development of the quality assets in its portfolio.

 

Charges Have Been Laid After A School Break In.

   Around 5:15 the morning of December 18th Flin Flon RCMP received a report of a break and enter at McIsaac School. The RCMP report they were on the scene within ten minutes startling the suspects who fled.  The items they were attempting to steal were left behind including various electronic devices and surveillance cameras.  There was significant property damage to the school as a result of the break and enter.  On December 20th the RCMP arrested a 16 year old male and they are still looking for a second male youth. 

             

Anyone with information about this ongoing investigation is asked to contact Flin Flon RCMP at 204-687-1423 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com to text TIPMAN plus your message to CRIMES.

 

In Spite of the Cold Weather Volunteers Were Out Again This Weekend.

Operation Red Nose took a break Friday which was Boxing Day but they were out on Saturday night getting people and their vehicles home safely.  The Rotary Club’s Committee Co-Chair Ted Hewitt says on Saturday they provided ten rides, not very many but he’s sure those who called for rides during that cold evening were very gratified and they would like to thank all those who volunteered from the Aqua Doves.

             

Operation Red Nose will be available New Years Eve and they expect it to be very busy as in past years.  If you would still like to volunteer for New Years Eve you can visit their website www.operationrednose.com and print a form or call Ted at 204-687-7450.

 

People Interested in Manitoba History Can Receive a Special Award.

The Manitoba Historical Society is accepting nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award.  The award recognizes people interested in the preservation and promotion of the province’s history.  The Society’s Gordon Goldsborough says nominations are open to anyone.  He explains what they are looking for is people who have been involved in their community for a long period of time promoting the history of the community.  He says it might be in the way of a museum, it might be because they’ve helped put together a community history book, they could have led tours so there’s a number of things they could have done or maybe they’ve done many of these things.               

             

Nominations forms and more information on the award are available on their website www.mhs.mb.ca.  Nominations close on February 27th.

There Are Some Christmas Items That Cannot Be Recycled.

It’s time to pack up your Christmas items. The Flin Flon Recycling Center’s Administrator Deb Odegaard reminds you there are some items they can’t take.  She says they can’t recycle wrapping paper or Christmas decorations or anything that’s got mixed materials like the card envelopes with foil inside.  She says they can take all other cards and envelopes.

             

Odegaard also reminds you the Recycling Center will be closed New Year’s day but there will be someone there on Friday and pick up in the Town of Creighton will take place this week on Friday.

 

 

The RCMP Are Finding More Than Drinking Drivers.

In the third week of their Holiday Checkstop Program the RCMP checked 2863 vehicles across Manitoba during 90 checkstops.  13 people were charged with either impaired driving or driving over .08.  The average blood alcohol reading was .205 about two and a half times the legal limit with the highest reading .390 where the driver was operating a snowmobile near Nelson House. 457 other charges were laid under the Highway Traffic Act and approximately 73 warnings were issued.

             

Five seizures under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act were made during the checkstops in addition to the execution of a Canada wide immigration warrant for a US citizen.

 

Local Talent Will Be Featured at a Musical Evening.

The Norva Center is presenting Home For The Holidays this coming weekend.  Doug McGregor and Ann Ross will host local musicians and performers in what McGregor says will be their fourth annual open mike night.  He says they’re looking for local people to come out and play some music and have some fun.  He says they feature a variety of people as whoever shows up gets to play, it’s free, they’ve had some good turnouts, they usually take a silver collection at the door and there’s usually good eats there.  He adds a variety of ages perform and it’s a relaxed atmosphere so it’s pretty easy going.

             

The musical evening takes place Sunday starting at 7 at Johnny’s Social Club next to the Norva Center on Green Street.

Manitoba is a Great Place To Live.

In his annual Christmas message Manitoba Lieutenant Governor Philip Lee notes the spirit of this festive time traditionally brings people together with family, friends and neighbors to celebrate the season.  He says customs and cultures may differ from one home to another but each tradition uniquely reflects the timeless themes of love, peace and goodwill.  Lee adds as Manitobans, we are very fortunate to live in a province where diversity is valued, respected and encouraged and our citizens are free to celebrate as they wish.

 

Manitoba is the Place to be For The Holidays.

In his annual Christmas Message Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger praises the province. He says in a province like ours where snow and good cheer are plentiful there’s perhaps no greater time than the holiday season.  He hopes you will take a minute during this magical season to reflect on the many things that make our province such a great place to live, work and raise our families.  On behalf of the members of the Manitoba Legislature and all the government employees Selinger wishes you and your family a happy holiday and all the best in the new year.

People Make Saskatchewan a Great Place.

In her annual Christmas message Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield speaks about our amazing good fortune to be in Canada asking have you ever noticed when tragedy strikes Canadian rally together and actually become closer?  She adds this year our citizens faced challenging circumstances with empathy and renewed determination to maintain the rights and freedoms we hold dear.  She thanks our men and women in uniform including our military, police, firefighters and paramedics noting we are deeply grateful to you for the sacrifices you make to serve our nation.  She also thanks our generous and capable volunteers who make Saskatchewan great.

             

Schofield wishes you happiness and good health today and throughout the coming year.

We Should Share The Promise of Christmas.

 In his annual Christmas message Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the promise of Christmas is peace and gave an example of how we can keep that promise.  He explains in Prince Albert two young women, First Nations University students started a blessing bag project to reach out to the homeless.  The blessing bags are full of helpful small items meant to add a little spark to someone’s life just when they need it most and with each blessing bag the promise of Christmas is made anew and kept anew.  He asks do we not each of us have promises to keep this Christmas.

             

 Wall wishes everyone a Christmas full of shared blessings and kept promises in surroundings filled with love.

A Lot of Lights in the Community Have Been Judged.

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              The Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its Light Up In The Spirit of Christmas contest. The winners include for Light UpThe Town the Johnsons at 12 Hudson Street, Spirited Christmas Display 164 Centre Street and Let’s Celebrate business or group the Town of Creighton for the white tree on Main Street and Santa display on the Creighton freeway.  They receive prizes from Manitoba Hydro and the Chamber of Commerce.

             

Neighborhood recognition goes to Queen Street and Flin Flon’s Main Street.

             

The Chamber thanks all of the community for spending time to light up their homes and businesses to make the season bright.

RCMP Stats Show Some People Still Are Not Getting the Message.

RCMP statistics from the second week of their Holiday Checkstop Program show some people are still driving after drinking, some quite a lot.

             

During the week 2883 vehicles were checked across Manitoba during 71 checkstops.  25 people were charged with either impaired driving by alcohol or driving over .08.  The average blood alcohol reading was .150 nearly twice the legal limit with the highest reading .240 three times the legal limit.  Two people were charged with impaired driving by drugs.  438 other highway traffic act charges were laid as well as 4 other criminal code driving offences.

 

You Can Still Get Tickets for a Family New Years Celebration.

The CADAC Center in Creighton is holding their December 31st First Night Out Celebration.  The Center’s Laurel Mackie says it’ll be a great night for children and parents as they have a family night planned.  She says they have partnered with the Flin Flon Friendship Center and they’ll have their pot luck supper, entertainment, a family fun dance and the New Year’s countdown with the balloon drop.  She adds they have some incredible prizes with the businesses being so generous to them so it’s a big family fun night.

             

The pot luck supper starts at 6:30 and the dance at 8. Tickets can be purchased for five dollars until December 29th at the Library, Candy Bar, Super K, Coutt’s, Friendship Center, Your Dollar Store With More, Orange Toad, Di’s, Gateway and the CADAC Center.

Operation Red Nose Will Only Be Available One Night This Weekend.

Operation Red Nose had another successful weekend of getting people and their vehicles home safely.  The Rotary Club’s committee co-chair Ted Hewitt says this past weekend was another good one for their service.  He reports between Friday and Saturday nights they provided about 50 rides and they would like to thank volunteers from the Women’s Resource Center, Flin Flon Ski Club and the staff and teachers at Creighton School.  He advises this coming weekend they will not be covering Friday which is Boxing Day but they will be working Saturday.

             

Hewitt notes they still need volunteers for New Year’s Eve.  If you can help out go to their website www.operationrednose.com or call Ted at 204-687-7450.

Safety Has Been a Focus in Developing a Mine.

VMS Ventures continues moving forward at its Reed mine located between Flin Flon and Snow Lake in which they have 30 percent ownership and Hudbay 70 percent and is the operator. They report in November mining of Zone 20 stopes began on the 160 meter level resulting in increased copper grade. The focus for this month is on safety, ore production and driving the main decline down to the 235 meter level.

             

Chief Operating Officer Neil Richardson stated as of the end of November they have had 192 consecutive days with no lost time accidents and there has only been a single lost time accident through the life of the project and commercial production to date.  He said in November the mining personnel worked safely through some heavily jointed ground while achieving good mine development and production.  He adds year to date they are close to achieving budgeted tonnes and development meters.

Our MLA says he will run again.

Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen says a lot has been accomplished over the past three years he has spent as an MLA.  He says he has managed to get 150 million dollars in commitments for the constituency including highway upgrades in the Flin Flon Snow Lake areas, the emergency room in Flin Flon and the Collegiate residence in Cranberry Portage but he will run again because there is more to be done.  He says seniors housing is important but it’s not only in Flin Flon because the need seniors housing in Snow Lake and Lynn Lake.  He says they need winter roads into all weather roads throughout the constituency which is one of the largest in the province. Pettersen adds there are infrastructure needs as our community is getting older and so are some of the other mining communities like Lynn Lake and Leaf Rapids and they need help.

             

The most recent grant money was presented by Pettersen last week which was 55 thousand dollars for Cranberry Portage beach development from the Community Places Program North.

The Recycling Center Can’t Handle Some Christmas Items.

Flin Flon’s Recycling Center will be closed for only two days over the holiday season.  Their Administrator Deb Odegaard explains they’ll be closed Christmas day and New Years day so there will be someone at the Center Boxing Day and also on January 2nd and the whole town of Creighton will have pick up on December 26th and January 2nd.

             

Odegaard reminds you that the Center cannot recycle wrapping paper or Christmas decorations or anything that has mixed materials like card envelopes with foil inside but all other cards or envelopes can be taken.  Anyone needing more information can call the Recycling Center at 204-687-6169.

You Can Save the Tax Today.

The Flin Flon Aboriginal Friendship Center is having a special day of shopping to celebrate moonlight madness.  From 9 to 7 today there is no PST at their Handicraft outlet on in store items and they have a lunch special in their restaurant.  The Center’s Bert Linnick says they have some special events from 5 to 7 this evening when they’re having a special treat with bannock and sugar coated bear paws and the youth center is working on creating some dream catchers, head dresses and doing a bake sale and then they have local artists Theresa Wride who is known for her caribou hair tufting and she will do a demonstration.

             

The Friendship Center is located at 57 Church Street.

There Are More Eyes on our Community.

The Citizens on Patrol Program officially gets underway in Flin Flon today.  Their Marketing Coordinator Dave Etienne says 19 of their 24 patrol members will be out today to do the official kick off.  He says they’ll be patrolling the Main Street area at 4 pm and again at 7 just to make the public aware that they have officially started the patrol program. He says after that patrol a few teams of two will patrol by vehicle in the Flin Flon area during this evening.  He adds from then on you’ll see them patrolling at random times throughout the Flin Flon area acting as additional eyes and ears for the local RCMP detachment to hopefully deter some of the crime going on in our community.

             

For information on the program you can call Dave at 204-687-6646.

Our MLA Says He Is Standing Up For What He Believes.

Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen spent most of an information meeting Wednesday night defending himself from strong criticism over going public with his request to have Premier Greg Sellinger resign.  He explained he was standing up for what he believes would be best for the party and the province as polls were showing they would not win the next election with Selinger and they would lose everything they have worked for over their years in government.  Former MLA Gerard Jennissen and others said it was the wrong move as it divides the party when it has to be united to win the next election.

            

In reply to a question on how much say he has as an MLA Pettersen said he has managed to get 150 million dollars for this constituency adding even though he is not in the caucus he still meets and discusses issues with ministers in the government. He said if she runs he thinks Theresa Oswald will make a good leader but if Selinger continues on he can work with him as well.

 

There’s Still Time to Support Salvation Army Programs.

The Salvation Army’s 124th Christmas Kettle Campaign is halfway to its national goal of 21 million dollars with just over 10 million dollars in donations so far this holiday season.  They report their charitable fundraiser runs through Christmas Eve and helps local Salvation Army units provide vulnerable people with basic necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and other provisions. They add every contribution remains in the community in which it is given in order to assist local people in need. The annual Christmas Kettle campaign is the Salvation Army’s largest fundraising drive of the year with kettles in more than two thousand locations across Canada.

            

  In Flin Flon the kettles to support the Christmas hamper program continue to be located at the Co-op, Walmart and RBC today through Saturday and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

A Series of Recommendations Will Be Implemented in Our Health Region.

A Northern Health Region implementation team is being formed to follow up on recommendations made following the death of Brian Sinclair who died over six years ago during a 34 hour wait in a Winnipeg emergency room. The Northern Health Regions Chief Executive Officer Helga Bryant says a 195 page judicial inquest report into the death released last Friday contains 63 recommendations many of which apply to health regions around the province.  Bryant adds this report provides a catalyst for change that health care staff will use to improve how they deliver services in the north, how they construct their facilities and how they ensure the highest quality of care is provided day in and day out.

             

The Implementation team will be led by Helga Bryant with additional team members drawn from all parts of the Region and will begin work immediately.  Their work is expected to continue well into next year.

You Have a Last Chance to Shop.

 A last minute Christmas shopping sale is being held tomorrow and Saturday.  Organizer Rikki Petersen says there will be a great variety of merchants on hand including Baking by Mom’s Kitchen, Barb’s Beads, jams, soaps, mukluks, Triple H Homestead, Younique, Tuesday Night Special, Beach Glass, Jockey, Epicure, Light of the Prairies, Highland Honey, Papa Rick’s Kettle Corn, AW Memorials, lots of homemade gifts and more.

            

The sale is being held in the building next to Pharmasave on Main Street and will be open tomorrow from 3 to 7 and Saturday from 10 to 4.

The Years Plans are Set for Another School.

Ruth Betts Community School Principal Tammy Ballantyne and Vice-Principal Amber Kubat reviewed this year’s school goals for the Flin Flon School Board last night.  The presentation touched on strategies to improve student engagement, programs in place to improve literacy and numeracy and promoting sustainable development within the school and community.

             

The Flin Flon School Division will receive a grant of 80 thousand dollars to support Ruth Betts continuing involvement in Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning’s community schools program. The grant has increased by 15 thousand dollars from last year’s funding due to recent grant adjustments to community school funding.  The Division also recently received just over 7 thousand dollars from the Departments of Manitoba Health, Living and Seniors, Manitoba Education and Advanced Learning and Healthy Child Manitoba.  The money will go toward purchases of new equipment and support for ongoing programs.

             

The last day of school is Friday and classes resume of January 5th.

Trout Festival and the Holiday Season Were Part of Last Nights Flin Flon City Council Meeting.

Parade Director for the Trout Festival Annette Last approached Council regarding rebuilding the Trout Festival Parade Float. She has approached several groups to assist and has received some funding with Hudbay agreeing to partner with them on the float and assistance in building the float offered by the Skills Training Center at Hapnot Collegiate.  She asked Council if there is somewhere indoors to store the float or somewhere to build a Quonset for it.  Council agreed to look into the matter.

            

  Council agreed to make their annual donation for 2015 to Manitoba Crimestoppers of ten cents per capita or 553 dollars.

           

   Mayor and Council all took the opportunity to wish everybody Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays reminding you to be safe and use services such as Operation Red Nose.  Mayor Cal Huntley added he’s very excited to see what 2015 will bring with a lot of participation by the community in recent events which will hopefully carry over into the New Year.

 

You Can Buy a Gift From the Angel Tree.

The Salvation Army has set up an Angel Tree in Walmart in Flin Flon to help collect toys for their Christmas hampers.  Major Debbie Allen explains on the Angel Tree they have gift tags which include the age of the children who they are supplying gifts to.  She says all you need to do is go and grab a tag, buy a toy for a child and give it to the customer service desk at Walmart and she will pick them up and distribute them to the children.

             

The Angel Tree will be in Walmart until December 23rd.

You Can Attend A Christmas Open House.

The Women’s Resource Center will be holding a Christmas open house tomorrow afternoon.  Executive Director Colleen Arnold says they’ll have some Christmas treats for everyone and welcome everyone to drop by, check out their programs, meet the staff and just get together for the holiday season.

             

The open house runs from 1 to 4 tomorrow afternoon at the Women’s Resource Center at 60 Hapnot Street.

The RCMP Are Working to Keep Drinking Drivers Off the Road.

Manitoba RCMP have released the details on the first week of the Holiday Checkstop Program.

           

   During the first week of December 2164 vehicles were checked across Manitoba during 80 checkstops.  18 people were charged with either impaired driving by alcohol or driving over .08, three were charged with impaired driving by drugs and two were charged with refusing a breath demand.  The average blood alcohol reading was .016 which is twice the legal limit with the highest reading .220.

            

  271 other traffic related charges were laid under the Highway Traffic Act along with charges related to 6 other criminal code driving offences.

There is Increasing Interest in Getting Home Safely.

Operation Red Nose completed its third weekend of getting people and their vehicles home safely in the Flin Flon area.  The Rotary Club’s committee Co-chair Ted Hewitt says it was an excellent weekend possibly the best weekend ever at least in what he can recall.  He says between Friday and Saturday nights they provided a total of 81 rides and they would like to thank all those who volunteered from the Steelworkers, Flin Flon Ski Club and the group of friends from Bakers Narrows.

             

Hewitt adds they still need volunteers to help out New Years Eve.  You can volunteer by going to their website www.operationrednose.com, print a form and take it to the RCMP office or call Ted at 204-687-7450.

The Wolf Is Getting More Attention in Thompson.

Almost 50% of the community’s residents surveyed, agree with plans to make Thompson the Wolf Capital of the World. Dr. Alistair Bath shared some of the results from the wolf perception study that took place over the summer. He says they found fear or attitudes towards wolves drive the acceptance or opposition to the Wolf Capital idea.  He says what they found there is the perception of economic opportunities, so if you think this is going to generate economic opportunities then you’re more likely to support it being the Wolf Capital of the World.

 

Respondents of the survey were randomly selected. Bath says Memorial University student Bonnie Bishop will be back next year to continue doing research. Moving forward they hope to take a look at the perception of wolves, by tourists and youth.

You Can Help Preserve the History of Flin Flon.

 The Flin Flon Heritage Project is holding a membership drive and fund raiser to support their project.  Board Member Laurel Mackie explains the goals of the Project are to archive a website and to capture, store and make the history and the heritage of Flin Flon and surrounding area readily available in one central place and its to capture the living history of our pioneers who are still around and remember the development of the community since the beginning.  She says they have a website and people are sending them things to scan and put up on the website.

             

You can purchase a lifetime membership for ten dollars or a mug for fifteen dollars by contacting Laurel at the CADAC Center or at home.  You can learn more about the project on their website www.flinflonheritageproject.com.

A Christmas Gift Program is in its Giving Phase.

 A lot of applications have been booked and gifts are now being picked up until December 24th in a Christmas gift program. The program allows parents to give their children a gift at Christmas when circumstances prevent them from doing so.  The Friendship Center’s Events Coordinator Jeremiah Hermann says it’s going great. He says donations are coming in strong and he and Virginia picked up 3220 dollars donated at the Bargain Store so thanks to the community for that.  He adds he will be taking an extra week of registration so feel free to call him or drop in to the Friendship Center.

             

Gifts can still be donated at the Friendship Center.  This is the 21st year for the Christmas gift program.

The Santa Store Will Be Available to Students For the 11th Year.

 Creighton Community School is running its annual Santa Store at the school next week.  School Coordinator Carol Sutherland explains the store is an initiative from the Community School Council and they receive donations from the community, they set up so the students can come in and shop for their families and then all the gifts they purchase are either wrapped or bagged so they’re a complete surprise for Christmas morning.  She says all items are 25 cents each, adding donations will be accepted until Tuesday and the school Community Council thanks everyone who has been able to support them by donating items for the event.

             

If you would like to donate gifts you can drop them off at the school.  The Santa Store will be open for students to shop Tuesday and Wednesday.

An Annual Christmas Service Supports Flin Flons Food Bank.

For a 10th year local choirs will hold a Service of Lessons and Carols for the Whole Community Sunday afternoon to support the Lord’s Bounty Food Bank.  Tim Spencer says the Borealis Choir will be joined by two other choirs and they will have readings of the Christmas story and then carols interspersed with lots of carols for the congregation to sing.  He says they’re very excited about partnering with the Coppertones Children’s Choir and a youth choir Susan Fulford has pulled together called Kaleidoscope.

             

The service will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 at the Lutheran Church.  Admission is an offering of money or non-perishable food items for the Food Bank.

An Exploration Company is Moving Forward at the Snow Lake Project.

Rockcliff Resources has completed an historical geophysical review surrounding the high grade Talbot Copper Deposit.  A preliminary total of six high priority geophysical targets were clearly identified of which four are drill ready and will be tested in a planned drill program in the new year.  The company reports all necessary permits are presently in place.

             

Rockcliff President and CEO Ken LaPierre says their private placement has gotten off to a great start and they look forward to completing the financing so they can begin a very promising program of potential copper discoveries near their existing high grade copper deposit.  He says the Talbot deposit was discovered by geophysics and the fact that VMS deposits like to form in clusters bodes well for these nearby untested targets.

 

You Can Welcome the New Year at a Family Celebration.

The CADAC Center in Creighton is planning their December 31st First Night Out Celebration. The Center’s Laurel Mackie says they have partnered with the Flin Flon Friendship Center and they’ll have their pot luck supper and they’ll have entertainment, a family fun dance and the New Years countdown with the balloon drop.  She adds they have some incredible prizes with the businesses being so generous to them and it’s a big family fun night.

             

The pot luck supper starts at 6:30 and the dance at 8.  Tickets can be purchased for five dollars until December 29th at the Library, Candy Bar, Super K, Coutt’s, Friendship Center, Your Dollar Store With More, Orange Toad, Di’s, Gateway and the CADAC Center.

Its Time to Light up Your Homes in Denare Beach.

Residents of Denare Beach are again urged to be part of the Village of Lights by putting up Christmas lights.  Organizer Maureen McBratney says this is the sixth year for the event. She explains they’re just a small community that’s why they are called a Village so they named the contest Village of Lights and they ask everybody out there to throw up a string of lights, decorate your yard, your garage and the boat in the side of the yard to get in the spirit of things and light up the evenings out there during the holiday season.

             

The event is sponsored this year by the Village of Denare Beach, Mary’s Landscaping and E Original Graphic Designs. Judging will take place after dark on December 19th.

You Can Learn More About Snowmobile Safety.

Creighton Community School and the Flin Flon Army Cadets are holding a snowmobile safety course Saturday.  School Coordinator Carol Sutherland says it covers what you need to know about being a safe rider including basic trail safety, safety on the roadway and some basic mechanical things.  She says the registration fee is 75 dollars per participant and the course will be held Saturday from 9 to 5.

             

Sutherland adds participants must be 12 years of age and must bring identification such as a health card.   The course is being held in the junior computer lab at Creighton School. Any inquiries can be directed to Daryl Wilkinson at 306-688-7420.

 

The Community Will Gain From a Fishing Derby.

The Rotary Club’s Glen Smith filled Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce members in on the details of their new Flinty Ice Fishing Derby coming up at Bakers Narrows on April 12th.  Smith said they consulted with The Pas committee and they explained what the Bill Bannock Fishing Derby has done for their community.  He said the number of out of town people that come to their community is 500 plus, every hotel is packed, every restaurant is packed and people are all over town, it’s just great for the community.  He added Al McLauchlan made a comment when he was Mayor that the derby brought as much money  as the Trappers Festival did for The Pas.

             

Smith thanked the business community for their support as sponsors of their event with 21 thousand dollars as first prize and 32 prizes totaling 100 thousand dollars. You can learn more at their website www.flintyfishderby.com.

 

It’s Time to Celebrate With Santa.

 An annual Christmas party is being held in Creighton Friday evening.  Recreation Director Channa Senyk invites families to come out for the celebration.  She says this year they are having a community family dance which is free to the communities of Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach.  She says Santa will be making an appearance and they have a lot of treat bags for the kids and a picture corner set up for you to come out and take pictures of your kids with Santa.

             

The family dance runs from 7 to 9 Friday evening in the Creighton Community Hall.

 

You Can Take A Break From the Christmas Rush.

Flin Flon young musicians will present a calm candlelight concert titled Still Friday evening.  Director Susan Fulford says the relaxing evening will be a special fund raiser with a silver collection. She explains in the past as well as this time the money at the door will go to an organization called Camfed which is a British based non-government non-profit organization and it goes to support young women in Africa in their secondary education, so educating women in under developed countries and she thought because a lot of the children in the choir are young girls that it was a good place for it to go.

             

The evening will feature the Coppertones, Kaleidoscope and many fine young piano players and vocalist.  It will be held Friday evening starting at 7:30 in the Lutheran Church.

 

A Movie and Santa are Coming to the Library.

The Flin Flon Public Library will be hosting A Polar Express Christmas Movie Party on Saturday.  Administrator Cindy McLean invites you to a fun time.  She says you can come into the library and get your golden ticket and there are 50 tickets printed so if you’d like to bring your child come to the library on Saturday, bring their pajamas if they want to wear them.  She says they’re going to have the movie, free hot chocolate, hot dogs, coffee, cookies and story time with Santa.

             

The party runs from 11:30 to 2 Saturday at the Public Library.

Ruth Betts Students Can Do Their Christmas Shopping at School.

The Ruth Betts School Parent Council is putting together their annual Christmas grotto.  The Council’s Christa McIntyre says the grotto will be open to students to shop tomorrow.  She explains the Christmas grotto is open to all students who attend Ruth Betts School and it’s an opportunity for them to purchase new or gently used items to be used as Christmas presents for their family or friends and they purchase those items at a really low cost and all the items are donated from the community so they thank the community for all the donations that are given to their school.

            

  McIntyre adds if you wish to donate to the Christmas grotto new or gently used gifts, wrapping paper and gift bags can be dropped off at Ruth Betts School until 4 o’clock today.

Pukatawagan RCMP are Investigating a Homicide.

Last Tuesday the body of a 13 year old boy was discovered on a trail in Pukatawagan.  The death was determined to be a homicide.  The boy was a resident of the community and his name will not be released.

             

The RCMP continue to investigate the incident.

A Lot of People Got Home Safely Again This Weekend.

Operation Red Nose had a successful second weekend in the Flin Flon area.  The Rotary Club’s Co-chair Ted Hewitt says drivers really appreciated their service.  He says between Friday and Saturday nights they provided a total of 45 rides and they would like to thank all those who volunteered from the Hudbay staff, Ruth Betts School and the Women’s Resource Center.  He adds they are still looking for volunteers from individuals or groups to work Operation Red Nose on Saturday, December 27th and New Year’s Eve.

             

If you can volunteer go online to www.operationrednose.com print a form and drop it off at the RCMP office.  If you have questions you can call Ted at 204-687-7450.

You Can Help Recognize Women Business Owners.

The Women Business Owners of Manitoba is accepting nominations for the 2015 Women Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.  Awards Committee Manager Lise Carbineau explains its open to women business owners across the province.  She says the basic criteria for nominations is the business owner must be in business for at least three years, have at least a 50 percent or more ownership in the business and have the leadership role in the organization making major decisions.

             

Carbineau adds even if you are not sure they meet the qualifications nominate them and the committee will call and qualify them. She says anyone can submit a nomination by visited their website www.wbom.ca by January 24th.

 

 

The Library is Practicing Forgiveness at Christmas Time.

The Flin Flon Public Library’s Administrator Cindy McLean says now is the time to return overdue library books.  She explains if you bring in a toy for the children’s Christmas Gift Program they will wave your fine so all you do is donate a toy and your fine will be waived right up to December 24th.

             

McLean adds the library also has a good selection of children’s Christmas books available.

A Grant Program That Has Supported Projects in This Area is Accepting Applications.

Grant applications are being accepted until December 15th for the Hometown Manitoba Program. The program has three components meeting places, Main Street enhancement and tree planting.  It provides financial support for community projects initiated by local governments, non-profit community organizations and businesses to promote unique identities and themes that will define a community through projects that enhance Main Street building exteriors and public outdoor spaces.  Past funding from the program has been used to update local businesses, for Pioneer Square on Main Street and Channing Beach projects.

             

Application forms are available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture and click on Hometown Manitoba under quick links.

You Can Give a Meaningful Gift This Year.

World Vision Canada is urging you to join other Flin Flon area residents in giving a gift from the World Vision catalogue. Their gift giving expert Alicia Pereira says gifts can range from livestock to clean water to medical supplies for children and families in developing countries.  She says for example you can give the gift of a goat in the name of someone like your mom, your dad, your wife or your husband and they will receive a card and a stuffed animal that represents what has been given to someone in need who lives across the world from them.

             

Pereira adds last year regionally 75 northern residents gave just over 15 thousand dollars and in Flin Flon 9 people gave just over 13 hundred dollars.

Your Help is Needed at a New Years Celebration.

The CADAC Center in Creighton is sponsoring their December 31st First Night Out Celebration again this year which is a family celebration to welcome the New Year.  Their Executive Director Laurel Mackie says they could use some help.  She says first off they’ll need help decorating the hall and that takes some time and will be happening on the 30th and they have the pot luck and entertainment and the pot luck takes a lot of help clearing tables and getting things set up. She adds they also have the canteen and the door and a lot of little jobs so they can find something for just about everybody.

             

Anyone interested in helping out can call the CADAC Center at 306-688-8291 or Jeremiah at the Friendship Center at 204-687-3900.

There is an Application Process for City Funding.

At their meeting this week Flin Flon City Council agreed to donate 500 dollars to the Elks Christmas Cheer Fund with Finance Chair Councillor Colleen McKee noting they have very few members to do their canvas and the request meets guidelines set out for funding.  McKee took the opportunity to add anyone needing financial support from the city for their projects should familiarize themselves with the process of applying and be aware the intake dates for requests are January 31st, April 30th, July 31st and October 31st.

             

In other business Council received a letter from Harry Hobbs requesting handicapped parking stalls in front of and behind the Community Hall. The letter was referred to the Traffic Commission.

           

   Council also received a letter from Nevada Shirran asking them to encourage the opening of new restaurants in our community because it will help Flin Flon get more money and will make the people living here happier.  Mayor Cal Huntley said it’s good to hear from a young person interested in the community.  The letter was referred to the committee of the whole council.

 

You Are Invited to Light a Candle Saturday.

The Women’s Resource Center is holding its annual candle light vigil Saturday evening to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  The Center’s Colleen Arnold asks everyone to take part.  She explains this candle vigil is in memory of the Montreal massacre where 14 young women lost their lives to gender violence, so they say a few words at 5:15 on Main Street and then have a moment of silence in remembrance of these 14 young women and they hope that Main Street will be lit up all the way down to the Bargain Store.

            

  If you plan to take part and would like a candle call the Women’s Resource Center at 204-681-3105 or pick one up on Main Street Saturday evening.

 

A Show of Great Christmas Music is Coming Up.

The Flin Flon Community Choir will be presenting their annual Christmas concert Saturday and Sunday titled Jingle Bells.  Their Director Crystal Kolt says it’s a celebration for the whole community with a lot of work put in to it by a lot of people right from decorating the hall to the music.  She says they have the Community Choir that is going all out with the songs for Christmas this year but there’s so many people in the choir that are so talented so they’re going to be sharing with individual members which is going to be really a lot of different styles and talents in all of their Christmas favorites.

             

Jingle Bells will be presented Saturday night at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2 in the Flin Flon Community Hall with tickets available at Northern Rainbows End on Main Street.

Flin Flon Was Well Represented at an Annual Meeting.

Councillor Leslie Beck reported to Flin Flon City Council Tuesday night on her attendance at the Mining Conference and then joining fellow Councillors at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities annual meeting in Winnipeg in November.  She says it gave them opportunities to make contact with representatives of mining companies, several government ministers and representatives of other Councils and organizations.  Beck reported at the bear pit session with government ministers she raised the issue of making sure Flin Flon is included in any discussions on developing a northern strategy and a northern transportation route to Nunavut.  Mayor Cal Huntley said they had some productive dialogue on topics including implementing a base tax and will wait and see what results come from that.

             

In other business Council received the Fire Chiefs report for November indicating two fire calls during the month one of which was a false alarm.

Its Time to Enter Your Favorite Christmas Display in a Contest

The Light Up In the Spirit of Christmas contest is sponsored by the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President Elect Dianne O’Brien says the contest celebrates the fact people take the time to decorate to make our community look better at Christmas.  She says what they are really looking for is input from the communities of Flin Flon, Creighton or Denare Beach to call CFAR and nominate the houses that they see who really have put a big effort on their Christmas displays whether its lots of lights or a nice display.  She adds it could be a business or a residence and all you do is give CFAR a call and say this is who we nominate and we would like to see them get an award for their Christmas display this year.

             

Nominations should be called in prior to the judging that will take place the evening of December 22nd

 

You can also contact CFAR on Facebook or online at www.flinflononline.com.  Three prizes will be awarded from Manitoba Hydro.

 

You Can Apply Now for an Elks Hamper

Flin Flon’s Elks Lodge is accepting applications for Christmas hampers until December 12th.  Exalted Ruler Gord Evans explains anybody who’s in need of a hamper for Christmas can apply.  He says they’d like to have people phone in for other people but if you have nobody to phone in for you phone in yourself and just tell him your address and how many kids you have.

             

To apply you can call Gord Evans, Linda Martindale or the Elks Hall and leave a message.  You can also call to donate to the hamper program.  The hampers will be delivered on December 20th between 9 and noon.  Evans adds the hampers will not include toys as those are available from the Christmas Gift Program by calling the Friendship Center at 204-687-3900.

A New Fishing Derby is Offering Big Prizes

The Rotary Club’s Glen Smith attended last night’s Flin Flon City Council meeting and outlined the Club’s plans for a Flinty Ice Fishing Derby to be held on April 12th at Bakers Narrows as a fund raising event.  He says they have met with the Bill Bannock Derby committee in The Pas and learned there are benefits not only for the Club but the community as well with attendance rivaling their Trappers Festival. They will be cooperating with The Pas Derby being held the previous day with special prizes if you attend both events.  Smith said they now have 22 gold sponsors who have donated a minimum of 15 hundred dollars and with everything added up they will be giving away 100 thousand dollars calling it the greatest fishing derby in western Canada with 200 thousand dollars available if you attend the derbies in both Flin Flon and The Pas.  He asked the city for permission to park in the airport area and equipment for moving snow in the Sally’s Beach area if needed.  The City will discuss the request with the airport staff.  You can learn more at their website www.flintyfishderby.com.

 

 

People Got Home Safely on the Weekend

Operation Red Nose had a successful first weekend of taking vehicles and their owner’s home safely in the Flin Flon area.  Rotary Club committee member Bunny Burke says they were busy.  She says on Friday night they did a total of 13 rides and Saturday they did 15 rides which is more than usual for the first weekend.  She says in the past it’s been two rides per night so it’s catching on and people are using the service and they appreciate that.

             

Burke adds they are still looking for groups or individuals to volunteer mainly for December 27th and New Year’s Eve.  Volunteer forms are available online at www.operationrednose.com, print a form, fill it out and take it to the RCMP office with two pieces of identification. Operation Red Nose will run Fridays and Saturdays through December plus New Years Eve.

A Weekend Event Attracted a lot of Attention

The CADAC Festival of Trees was held in the Creighton Community School gym Friday and Saturday under the theme The Sounds of Christmas.  Those attending were asked vote and bid on items that had been designed and donated by various individuals, businesses and organizations.

             

The People’s Choice Award for center pieces went to A Christmas Carol by Laurel Mackie, for wreaths to Jingle Bells by the Play It Safer Network Youth Advisory Committee and for trees Welcome Christmas-Dr. Seuss Tree by the Rat or Recycle All Things Pack from McIsaac School.

             

Best in Show went to Dare to Dream-The Kodiak Tree by Anita Rainville,

             

The CADAC Center’s Executive Director Laurel Mackie thanks everyone who entered for their generosity and support adding the Festival would not be possible without the wonderful support that only can be found in this community and area.

             

Next year’s theme is Making Spirits Bright.

Seniors Will Have a Chance to Tour the Lights

The Flin Flon Inner Wheel Club and Hudbay will be providing buses December 15th for seniors to see the lights in our area.  The Inner Wheel Club’s Betty Smith says the tour starts at 6:30 and they’re going to be using the Flin Flon School Division mini buses to transport the people.  She says they do have limited seating so you can call her at 204-687-3298 for information and to reserve spot. She adds when they finish the lights tour they’ll go back to city hall to have fellowship with hot chocolate and dainties provided by the Inner Wheel Club.

             

Details about pick up times and locations will be provided when you register.

There is a Program to Make Sure Children Get a Gift

The 21st annual Christmas Gift Program designed to enable parents to give their children a gift at Christmas when circumstances prevent them from doing so is getting underway at the Flin Flon Friendship Center.  The Center’s Program Events Coordinator Jeremiah Hermann says you can register starting tomorrow through December 12th.  He says you’ll need to call the Friendship Center or go there in person and they will give you a time slot for when you’re to come and please come to your scheduled appointment or you’ll be bumped down to the end of the list and its first come first served. He says there will be a fifteen minute time slot per person so they plan on maximizing the number of times this year to doubling it from last year when they had 98 families with 279 kids that they accommodated.

             

Hermann says they also welcome donations for the gift program. You can drop off gifts or cash donations at the Friendship Center at 57 Church Street or at the Bargain Store on Main Street.

There Will Be More Eyes on Our Community

Work continues to develop COPPS or Citizens on Patrol Program in Flin Flon.  One of the organizers Dave Etienne says they’ve gone through the steps to get started.  He says they’ve got about 28 members, they’ve put together an executive consisting of 5 or 6 members who have volunteered to be on the executive, they’ve put together a rough budget for the first year of operation and they’ve been in contact with the provincial and regional coordinators and they’ve already sent some gear to start the patrols.

             

Etienne says they hope to start patrols later this month.

             

COPPS is a crime prevention initiative where volunteers act as extra eyes and ears for the community and local law enforcement.  If you are interested you can call Dave at 204-687-6646.

Callinan Has Received its Latest Payment From Hudbay

Callinan Royalties has received interim quarterly payments from Hudbay for the quarter ending September 30th of just over 2 million dollars from the six and two thirds net profits interest royalty and just over 101 thousand dollars from the production royalty of 25 cents per ton of ore milled.  This is down from total payments of almost 2.2 million dollars in the same quarter last year.  The payments are due to Callinan’s royalty interests on lands that include the Triple Seven and Triple Seven North mine in Flin Flon set by the net profits and royalty agreement dated January 1st, 1988.

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