The Manitoba Chamber Of Commerce want to give you the opportunity to hear from Manitoba’s next premier with an election expected to be called in the fall.

You will have a chance to join the business community on September the 13^th and 19^th to hear from Premier Heather Stefanson and the leader of the opposition, Wab Kinew. Manitoba Chamber President Chuck Davidson  says this will be a great way to hear directly from the leaders on all the important issues. 

" I think it is the worse kept secret in Manitoba right now that we will be going to the polls on October the 3rd. As part of that process, the Manitoba Chamber Of Commerce has done this in the past, we want to provide an opportunity for the two candidates who could be the next Premier to  have a venue to talk about their platform. What we are doing with that , we will be  inviting the PC leader and current Premier Heather Stefanson to deliver a key note address and question and Answer session on September the 13th.  On September the 19th, Wab Kinew the leader of the NDP and leader of the official opposition will be doing likewise."

This will not be a debate format and everybody will get a chance to ask questions. There will be a cost to attend these meetings and you can sign up at www.jointhechamber.ca.

Snow Lake RCMP and RCMP Major Crime Services investigate youth shooting

On July 26^th   Snow Lake RCMP received a report that a 12-year-old female from Pukatawagan was the victim of a gunshot wound while at a remote cabin on Burntwood Lake. Two family members were able to travel to the Burntwood Lake Lodge, where they called for assistance.

Helicopter EMS (HEMS) flew to the lodge and then travelled by boat to the remote camp to provide medical treatment. The injured youth was transported with serious injuries to Winnipeg hospital, where she remains.

RCMP officers travelled by helicopter and boat to access the scene.

RCMP Major Crime Services  continues to investigate.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED THEY HAVE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM JENNIFER MITCHELL FOR A DONATION OF MERCHANDISE FOR AN UPCOMING FUNDRAISER FOR THE FLIN FLON CREIGHTON SPCA. A MOTION WAS PASSED AGREEING TO MAKE A DONATION.

 COUNCIL AGREED TO OBTAIN TWO DROP BOXES FROM THE PLAY IT SAFER NETWORK AND SUPPORT THEIR HARM REDUCTION PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THIS REGION. WHEN ASKED MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER SAID THE TOWN SEES A NEED FOR THIS NOW AS ITS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, AS THERE HAVE BEEN NEEDLES FOUND AND THE TOWN WANTS TO TAKE THIS PRECAUTION

 COUNCIL AGREED TO ORDER TO REMEDY LOT U BLOCK 2,LOT 5 BLOCK 20,CREIGHTON TRAILER COURT NUMBER 5,35,38 ALSO LOTS 1 AND 2 BLOCK 10 FOR YARD MAINTENANCE,GARBAGE AND WOOD PILE REMOVAL AND NUMEROUS DERELICT VEHICLES ON AND OFF THESE AREAS.

COUNCIL ACKNOWLEDGED CONFORMATION FROM THE CANADIAN PARKS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FOR APPROVAL OF SUBSIDY FOR ONE PARKS MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE AT A COST $3,960 DOLLARS.

The Flin Flon Arts Council have hired a new Executive Director to replace Crystal Kolt who has moved to City Hall. Her name is Alla Bondoreva who spent most of her life in Russia and made the move to Canada 4 years ago.

She has been in Flin Flon for about a year and is very excited to start her new position. " I am really happy to get this position because all my life I have done things that will  really help me. It is about painting, people around the community and culture. I know with this position I will be able to use all my skills."

Bondoreva brings lots of degrees to the new position including a journalism degree, pharmacy technician and a degree in Neurographica. She also spent time as a teacher in Russia teaching Russian to new people that entered the country.

If you would like to reach out to Alla you can stop by the Arts Council Office at the Flin Flon Community Hall, Monday to Friday 9 to 4 or call 687-5974.

The City Of Flin Flon wants to remind you to complete a city survey. Your participation and input will help the City move forward and councillor Mike Slipp explains why it is important you participate.

" The City Of Flin Flon is currently preparing  a new community plan called Flin Flon Imagining Together. We are welcoming people to share their vision of Flin Flon by completing our online survey. This is going to give the city a guide forward for the next 50 years by creating a strategic plan. You can go online, the city website, the city facebook page or go to city hall and get a hard copy."

The blueprint will once again lay the foundation for the future through a set of policies that address land use, transportation, pedestrian mobility and street improvements.

The survey will close August the 14^th.

Community Futures Greenstone is going to be partnering up with Creighton Recreation and offering another Biz Kids Day Camp, August the 8^th to the 11^th in Creighton.

Nikki from Greenstone says this will be another great opportunity for kids in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan to come out and have fun and learn.   

" We decided to do another one in Creighton, because there was so many kids who wanted to be in the first one and we had to turn some kids away. It will be kind of the stuff we did for our other camps , as we try to change it up every year so all our camps are pretty much the same. Some activities we will be doing are ice breaking activities for the kids to get to know each other. We have power points that are made for the Biz Kids Camps that cover the marketing aspect. This allows the kids to understand what the market will be like. We also teach them some key words and some other things to help them understand everything that is going on."

This is open to kids between 9 and 13 and there will be a $60.00 registration fee and is open to kids in Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach and the entire surrounding area. You can sign up bu calling 204-687-6967 or e-mailing admin@cfgreenstone.com.

Flin Flon has welcomed a new restaurant to town with Inferno Shawarma opening up in the old Verona's location on Hapnot street.

Inferno Shawarma has had the basement of their building open for the last three months for take out but are happy  to have the dining room open. Owner Shawn Mitchell says the new restaurant has been well received.

" It has been crazy busy for sure, it has taken a long time to get the upstairs to where we like it. It is ready for everybody to come and give it a try."

Inferno Shawarma specializes in Shawarma, Donairs, Smoked  Meats and Pizza. The hours are 11 to 8 Monday to Thursday and 11 to 9 Friday and Saturday. They are also looking for delivery drivers and kitchen help and if you are interested you should stop by the restaurant.

The 32^nd annual Cranberry Trout Challenge is now just a few weeks away and will take place on Lake Athapap on August the 5^th and 6^th. They have increased the first place prize to $6,500.00 this year and the committee’s Wade Roberts explains there are a lot of different  events happening on the weekend.

" Our first prize is guaranteed and thanks to our sponsors they have made this possible. We are working with some local people here including the Viking Lodge on bringing an Elvis impersonater to the event. He will be doing a live show on Saturday and this will be free. We are hoping everybody can come out and enjoy the show and the derby."

Other events happening on the weekend will be the Boat Parade, Horseshoe Competition, Beer Garden and Concession. You  can enter your boat of two for $200.00 entry fee by going on the fishdonkey app. Information is also available on the Cranberry Trout Challenge facebook page.

This is a catch and release event.

Nelson House RCMP, along with Major Crime Services, continue to investigate the homicide of Rico Linklater, who was last seen on October 21, 2021.

Officers have been working diligently on this investigation to find answers for Rico’s family. Investigators have conducted over 175 interviews, canvassed the entire community and conducted extensive searches for Rico’s remains.

This week RCMP Major Crime Services will be returning to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation to further the investigation.

Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have information related to Rico’s disappearance. If you have information please contact the Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The City Of Flin Flon will be holding a public information session to receive presentations for the City Of Flin Flon Bylaw regarding the safety and health of all residents accessing rental housing in Flin Flon.

The Chief Administrative Officer Lynn Brown tells us why they are having this meeting.  "The reason for the public information meeting is for people who are interested in providing their opinion with regards to the rental bylaw that we are giving a third reading to. It is important for public input and we have done this in the past with this particular bylaw. We wanted to make sure since Council has changed since the first time the bylaw was read that everyone has a chance to speak to this council."

The City Of Flin Flon believes that in order to ensure that Flin Flon is is an attractive and healty place to live, that certain housing standards must be met. The meeting will take place on Tuesday August the 15^th at 7pm in City Council Chambers.

You can contact Lyn Brown, the Chief Administrative Officer for more information at : 204-681-7511.

The Flin Flon Creighton Area SPCA is planning some fundraisers through out the summer  including a pledge show which will take place on 102.9 CFAR on August the 24^th and 25^th.

President Heather Richardson explains how it will work. " So basically it is a telethon , we will be on the radio with fun facts, sad stories, success stories and lots of other interesting tidbits. We are also going to be having a dog walk on August the 26th and we will be walking around the community on a pre planned route. We want to make people aware of what's happening in our community."

The Pledge Show will start at 9:45 and last about two and a half hours. The proceeds from the show will go to purchasing new kennels. Charitable receipts will be issued to anyone who makes a donation and you can call 204-687-8744 or e-mail ffspca@mymts.net for more information.

The Northern Growing Abilities held their grand opening yesterday at their brand new location at 433 First Street West in Creighton which is the old Northern Fellowship Chapel building.  The building was a gift in kind from the Evangelical Mennonite Central.

Tracy Brown who is the chair of the organization says it is exciting to see how far the program has come in the last five years. " We are very thankful for all the support that we have had and everyone that has helped get us to where we are today. It has been a huge successful grand opening and our drop in programs and everything are going so well, and we are very excited to see where we are headed."

Right now, the Northern Growing Abilities has 8 adult clients and 8 young adults and are open Wednesday morning to youth and Wednesday afternoon to adults. Friday afternoon to adults and Saturday afternoon to youth. This is a program that relies on donations, grants and fundraising. They are planning on doing some renovations that will include a new ramp for wheelchair accessibility and a new deck on the front.

If you have any questions you can phone 306-688-3441 or check out their facebook page.  

On July 19, 2023, at approximately 4:20 pm, RCMP responded to an assault on Thompson Drive, in Thompson.

It was reported that a male suspect bear sprayed a 62-year-old female and fled. The incident was unprovoked, and the victim did not know the suspect.

Officers began patrols and a short time later received a report of a 25-year-old male who had been bear sprayed by the same suspect. The victim provided information on the suspect which led officers to locate him a short distance away and place him under arrest.

Miles Samuel, 20, of Lac Brochet, has been charged with:

Administer Noxious Substance x2

Assault with a Weapon x2

Uttering Threats

Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

Carrying a Concealed Weapon

Fail to Comply

He was remanded into custody.

The big summer time extravaganza, the Blueberry Jam is just a few weeks away and the Director of Marketing, Thomas Duncan says they have some new events to be excited about this year.

" We have some very interesting things, we have the Blueberry Wine Bar which will be opening up in the Rotary Wheel and there is going to be a cabaret inside and wine and some other goodies. It is fully stocked with lots of talent with returning artists including the Usual Suspects who are tremendous players. We will have some new folks who are coming in from different parts of Manitoba that are coming up for their first experience here. One of the other things we have done this year, we have changed where the food tables are going to be. That area has changed a little bit, we have made it a bit more fan friendly, by removing the dance floor right in front of the stage. That was a request from some of the bands who felt a little disconnected from the audience."

The event will kick off August the 11^th to the  13th at the Flin Flon campground and they still need volunteers, food vendors and artisans. If you are interested contact flinflonblueberryjam.ca or call 204-687-6247.

The Flin Flon Arts Council is teaming up with the Manitoba Underground Theatre for a wonderful children’s production this weekend. Jamie Marple who is the administrative director gives us an insight on what the show is all about.

"It is called the Breman Town Musicians and it is by a composer by the name of John Davies, and it is about a rooster who gets kicked off the farm for singing to many operas. He meets up with some other animals including Dorabella a cat and Barkalow a dog who have also been rejected from their homes. They are all brought together by a donkey named General Boom,  who convinces them that their differences don't matter that much and they can all cooperate and help each other."

The show is this Sunday 1pm at the Rotary Park Community Garden and is free for any kids between 5 and 11.

On July 10, 2023, Swan River RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old from Wuskwi Sipik First Nation.

Abigail Sinclair was last seen on July 3, 2023 on Wuskwi Sipik First Nation.

Abigail also goes by the name Blake and is 5’6”, 160 lbs with black shoulder length hair and brown eyes. Police and family are concerned for Abigail’s well-being.

Anyone with information is asked to call Swan River RCMP 204-734-4686, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Northern Growing Abilities who are a non profit organization who recognize the need for programming for adults and children who have cognitive disabilities will be holding their grand opening in Creighton this weekend.

Tracy Brown, the chair of the Board Of Directors invites everyone out for the festivities on Sunday. " Our grand opening will be at 433 First Street West in Creighton in the back alley. It will take place between 4 and 6 with a free barbecue and will be a chance for the community to come and see what we are all about. It will also be a great opportunity to learn the importance of this program and future programs like this."

Besides the free barbecue, you will also get a chance to tour the building, find out about the programs, check out the community garden,  meet the staff and board and ask questions.

You can also get more information by calling 306-688-6619 or going to their facebook page.

The Witness Blanket which features over 800 pieces of Residential School history that raises awareness of this tragic era has been on display at City Council Chambers the last 5 weeks. It will only be in Flin Flon a few more days with closing ceremonies happening this Saturday at Pioneer Square.

The Norva Centre’s Tereasa Wride says they have a wonderful celebration planned for this weekend. " We are going to start off with the opening prayer and followed by Grandma Willow and the Hoop Troop, and also the Northern Lights Singers. We will be led by drum over to the Witness Blanket over at  City Hall. There we will share reflections and final remarks, then we will walk back to Pioneer Square for the closing pipe ceremony, closing prayer and partake with bannock and jam."

Wride also mentioned that they have had over 800 visitors make their way to City Hall to see the Witness Blanket. You still have a few more days to see it for yourself by stopping by City Hall today through Saturday 10 to 5. Don’t forget to stop by Pioneer Square this Saturday 11 to noon for the closing ceremonies.

They are also looking for a volunteer to help out at City Hall on Friday and if you are interested you can contact Holly at the Norva Centre at 204-687-4237.

Flin Flon City Council held their regular meeting last night in Council Chambers.

Mayor George Fontaine started the meeting by letting everybody know that the Witness Blanket which has been on display since June the 22^nd , will only be at City Hall for a few more days. Closing Ceremonies are Saturday and Mayor Fontaine said it was an honor for the city to host this display.

There were a few resolutions that passed including a city by law to ensure the safety and health of all residents accessing rental housing in Flin Flon  to be known as the Rental Housing By Law which means all  rental properties must be up to code. The City has also reached an agreement with Inferno Shawarma for operation of the Whitney Forum Consession. This will be a two year contract.

The City also passed a resolution to tender for the reconstruction of sidewalks to Kozar Construction which will include sidewalks in various parts of the community.

The City will be going ahead with the construction of a new pool with most of the work beginning in the Spring of 2024. The City has received 6.7 million dollars from both the Provincial and Federal Government and will be applying for more grants and are planning more fundraisers.

Sask Cancer is bringing their mobile mammogram bus to Creighton next month. This intended for Saskatchewan residents only. It’s an opportunity to get screened without a health care provider referral. Laurie Pearce, early detection director of Sask Cancer tells us more.

“The mobile bus is part of the screening for breast cancer in the province (of Saskatchewan). It’s for women 50 years of age and older that are not experiencing any breast health concerns. They are welcome to call and book an appointment on the bus. Our bus actually travels to 42 communities across Saskatchewan. And we do encourage women to make book while it is in their community so that they don’t have to travel a great distance to get a screening.”

The mobile mammogram bus will be located in the Creighton Sportex parking lot August 21 to September 1. Appointments are now open. Please book a time as soon as possible by calling 1-855-584-8228

Four local artists will have their pieces displayed at the Buhler gallery in located in the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

One of the artists, photographer, Noelle Drimmie, talks about her piece and what having it shown in such a prestigious location means to her.

“It’s a self portrait – in my living room. I needed a moment to myself which I don’t get very often. I’m in my late grandmother’s shawl basking in the golden hour light that we get through my front window. I’m excited that it’s at the Buhler Gallery at St.Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg; which is where we took care of our second daughter Ruby, so it means a lot to have it shown there as well”

Her piece titled “The Cleaning Can Wait” won the top prize in photography at this year’s Northern Juried Art Show.

Other Local artists work that will also be shown at the Buhler Gallery include; Karen Clarke, Matthew Enns and Rosimeire Cabral. The showing will take place in Winnipeg, August 1st to the 27th.

This is National Drowning Prevention Week. Life Saving Society Manitoba’s, Dr. Christopher Love, discusses how to the skills needed to stay safe in the water.

The big thing is everyone should learn how to swim to survive. Learn the three skills that could potentially save your life. Which are; can you roll in a disorientating  manner into deep water, tread water for one minute – that is keep your head above the surface , and swim 50 meters nonstop. All as a continuous  sequence. Those skills can save your life.

Life Saving Society Manitoba is partnering with Flin Flon Rec to host Swim to Survive Swimming Lessons Aug 15-17 at Channing beach from 1 -4pm. Basic lessons will be available for kids aged 6 and up. It is free but you must register as soon as possible. Email kandersen@flinflon.ca to sign up

Thursday, July 20^th is World Hepatitis Awareness day and the Play It Safer Network is hosting an outreach event at Pioneer Square from 1-3.  Tieryn Steele lets us know about what they are looking to accomplish:

“What we are really trying to educate people on is hepatitis transmission and treatment. Recognising that essentially Hep c rates in Manitoba are essentially sky rocketing right know. We have the highest average of Hep C cases in the whole country. Manitoba and Saskatchewan both have the highest rates of transmission”

The event will have food, soft drinks and prizes, including a door prize for a camping package. Plus vaccinations for hepatitis and testing for other blood born infections.

A missing man from Flin Flon has been has been found. RCMP received a report of a missing 47 year old male on July 11. He was last seen at the Flin Friendship Centre on  June 15. Marcel “Max” Sewap was safely located this morning.

The RCMP thanks the public and the media for their assistance.

One of the biggest weekends on the Flin Flon summer calendar will be August the 11^th to the 13^th and the return of the very popular Blueberry Jam  Music festival.

The Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt says they will once again need a lot of volunteers to pull off this huge event. 

"We are looking for people for various jobs... there is people we need for the main gate which is really an easy task, you just give wrist bands to people who come in...we could use people helping at the bar, a new event happening during bluebeery jam at the rotary wheel, we’re going to be having a wine bar there, so that going to be a really fun place to help out as well.”

Kolt says the typical volunteer shift will be between 1 and 2 hours. If you are interested in volunteering you can call 204-687-5974 and leave a message or e-mail ffartscouncil@gmail.com.

The Flin Flon Community garden is in operation at Rotary Park.  It is an initiative to promote being in nature and building community connection. Garden representative PJ Tippet discusses how it all works.

"The community garden project was started by Crystal Kolt and lot of the arts council representatives 2 years ago.  It’s a little unique because its actually free to use. You don’t have to be employed here or buy a plot It’s total “free for all” You can come for an afternoon – pick some plants , do some weeding , and just spend so time out there. Staff will be here from 10-5...ish. so if you have any questions you can always drop by.”

All food not picked within a week of being ready goes to the food bank for distribution there. They will be hosting their first fundraiser of the year.  The Flin Flon Community Garden presents their inaugural garden party Sunday June 23 from 10am- 1pm. Drinks and snacks will be available and local will buskers perform. That will be followed by a free children’s performance from the Manitoba Underground Opera.

A 28-year-old man charged with the death of his ex-girlfriend’s 10-month-old baby girl has been found guilty of second-degree murder and now awaits sentencing.

Robert Alexander Bear’s case was discussed last Friday at Court of King’s Bench in The Pas, MB

On Aug. 11, 2020, Flin Flon RCMP received a report of an infant in medical distress in Flin Flon. Officers attended along with EMS and located an unresponsive 10-month-old girl who was pronounced dead.

Following completion of a full medical report, the RCMP received further information and the matter was deemed to be a homicide.

Bear was arrested at his home in Sandy Bay and transported to Manitoba.

The trial verdict was subsequently reserved to last Friday.

The case has now been adjourned to Aug. 8. It’s unclear, however, if the sentencing will be completed on that day

A pre-sentence report has been ordered and the judge to take into an account Bear’s history, and the systemic and background factors that contributed to those circumstances.

Those findings will then be used by the judge to make a more informed decision for sentencing.

Denare Beach has a new convenience store that actually opened up last May by Mark and Eileen Ramshaw. The store is called Marent Convenience and store owner Mark Ramshaw  says they saw a really good opportunity.

“A number of years ago of course, we pastored the church right next door and we saw the building was available for sale...so I went and talked to the owner of it and we made a deal, we bought it and we just felt it would be good to have a convenience store. I’ve had experience, I have another convenience store in Green Lake...so we opened this one up and I know how to run one and its turned out really good!”

The store specializes in frozen foods and meats including steaks, burgers, pork chops, chicken wings, bacon, ribs and chicken breasts. They also carry a full line of grocery items, laundry facilities, lottery, tobacco products and ice cream.

The store hours are Monday to Saturday 8am to 9pm and Sunday 5pm to 9pm.

The Adult and Teen Challenge group will once again be hosting the Duck Race at the Wallace avenue  bridge on Saturday August the 26^th starting at 1. Candy Legore from Teen Challenge tells us where this year’s proceeds will be going.

“All the money that is raised is used for our programs. We run a one year drug and alcohol rehab program and we’re also starting a community outreach office downtown, where we will be running support groups and among other things, referring people to other services. It’s used for everything from day to day needs to opening up new facilities and helping those in need. Every bit counts and every fundraiser that we do, we really thank the public for all their help and support.”

Tickets are 20 dollars each and can be picked up at the Gateway, Baba’s and Northern Rainbows End. There will be three prizes awarded including a Polaris 110 EFI Sportsman Quad valued at $4,644.00 for first place

Vehicle permits won’t be required at provincial parks now through Sunday.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced that the province is providing the free provincial park access to coincide with Canada’s Parks Day, which is this Saturday.

Overnight camping fees and entrance fees to national parks will still be in place.

Campers at provincial parks are reminded to check for advisories before travelling.

They are also advised to check in at the campground office to get camping permits, maintain a clean campsite,  keep pets on a leash,  and keep campfires in approved pits.

The Flin Flon Arts Council is teaming up with the Manitoba Underground Opera to present the Breman Town Musicians who are coming to Flin Flon on Sunday July the 23^rd.

The Flin Flon Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt says this is going to be a really fun show for kids.

“The Maniotba Underground Opera came last year and they are opera performers but they do kids programming and last year they did a version of Goldie Locks, which everybody absolutely loved...and this year is going to be the Breman Town Musicians, where you have a rooster that makes a bit of noise in the morning as a tenor in the farm...and he actually gets kicked out of the farm for making too much noise...he also meets up with a cat and dog along the way and the adventure continues.”

The show will be about a half hour in length and is for kids 5 to 11 and absolutely free, starting at 1 at the Rotary Park Community Garden. Kolt also mentioned that they will also be hosting their first Garden Party of the summer taking place at the same time.

The City Of Flin Flon is conducting an  online  survey to get input from the citizens of Flin Flon and surrounding  area on  a variety of topics. Councillor Mike Slip explains what they are looking for.

" We are looking for the community to share their vision of Flin Flon. What they like, what they don't like, and the plan is called the Imagining Together Plan that will serve as a guide to the future of Flin Flon through a set of policies.  We hope this will address transportation, parking, pedestrian mobility, streetscape improvements and a key component of the plan will be the uptown action plan."

They are looking for input which will guide the City’s growth, and you can get a copy of the survey at City Hall, the City Of Flin Flon facebook page or  website. The survey closes August the 14^th. 

The Town Of Creighton is once again going to be participating in the Saskatchewan Communities In Bloom Project.

Creighton Rec Director, Lindsay Shirran explains what the project is: " Communities In Bloom is a national charitible Canadian foundation that is committed to fostering civic pride, environmental resposibility and beautification through community participation. The program strides to improve tidiness, appearance and visual appearance of neighborhoods, parks, open spaces and streets through  the use of plants, flowers and trees. The program benefits include increased tourism, increased civic pride, community involvement, participation of all ages, decrease in vandalism and town beautification."

The Town of Creighton participates in the program by planting and maintaining all of the  beautiful flowers in the community at their  parks, greenspaces, and along their  main streets. The  YARD OF THE WEEK, is a popular community program that is awarded weekly to a worthy house that boasts community pride and beautification.

You can nominate your own yard, or someone else’s for the Yard Of The Week by contacting the Creighton Town Office at 306-688-3538. They will announce a winning entry every week til the beginning of September, and all the yards that get nominated will automatically be entered for the Yard Of The Year for a big prize at the end of summer.

Flin Flon City Council held their regular meeting last night in Council Chambers.

Councillor Judy Eagle reported that the City Of Flin Flon and  C.U.P.E had successfully negotiated the terms for their next contract which will take them to the year 2026. Mayor George Fontaine commented that the negotiations went very smoothly and quickly.

It was also discussed that the City was applying for the Disaster Financial Assistance Fund to help people deal with costs that wasn’t covered by insurance caused by  the big down pour in early June.

The City will be purchasing advertising for $300.00 on the Border Explorers Snowmobile Club’s 2023-24 Trail Map. The City also passed a resolution to award a tender for the airport runway crack sealing to Clean A Lot LTD in the amount of $23,350.00 be approved.

The meeting concluded with Mayor Fontaine congratulating all the organizers, sponsors and general public on a fantastic Trout Festival. Fontaine mentioned it was great to see lots of people at all the events and was glad the weather co-operated.

After a 12 year hiatus the Gateway restaurant has re-opened for business featuring all the great menu items from the past including the Footlong, Go-Go burger, finger cut fries and lots of different milkshakes to choose from.

Co- Owner Mitch Foster says there was a lot of preparation to get the restaurant opened and they look forward to serving the public one again. 

" Tons, like I said before we were closed for more than a decade, so first things first we needed to get everything recertified, up to code, all that fun stuff. We basicilly rebuilt the menu from ground up, but we wanted to make sure that all our staples remained in place. We have brought back the footlongs and cheeseburgers to try and remain as close to the original as we possibly could."

Besides all the popular menu items from the past, the Gateway has also expanded the menu to include Smoothies, Ice Coffee  and lots of other tasty treats. The restaurant will be open 11 to 7 Monday to Friday and you can order online at www.gatewaycafe.com.

The Flin Flon Trout Festival wrapped up on Sunday with the return of Beaver Lake Day. The weekend also saw a breathtaking fireworks display, the Canada Day Parade with over 30 floats as well as lots of events in Creighton and the Ross Lake Regatta.

Trout Festival President Dianne Russell says it all came together. " It was a really great year this year for 2023. One of the most exciting things was the collaberation of the three communities with the three recreation departments. The participation in the parade, in the fishing derby, Beaver Lake Day existed, the Canada Day and all the events spread out. We had something for everybody , starting at the beginning of June and running all the way through. We are very proud and very excited on how Trout Festival went and we can't wait til next year."

The very popular Month Long Fish  Derby prizes were announced on Sunday with over $12,000.00 in cash and prizes being awarded. The Mystery Length Competition prizes at around $500.00 value were awarded to Tiffany Anderson, Derek Volesang,Mike Odut,Mark Panagapko, Jaron McDermott, Steve Collins,Colten Totoll,Daniel Wolman and Bradey Fidierchuk. The Share In The North winner was Terry Lofgren who won $1,175.00.

Forest fires continue to decimate the country coast to coast and there are a number of fires burning across Northern Manitoba including a major blaze around Leaf Rapids. Residents were evacuated to Thompson last week as firefighters try to get the fire under control.

MLA Tom Lindsay talks about the various challenges that are happening with this evacuation. " The most important things for folks right now is getting timely information, properly shared with them so they know what's going on, making sure they are  getting vouchers for food and medical attention they need. The other really important thing is getting the power back on in Leaf Rapids and South Indian Lake. A bunch of power poles have burnt up and we are trying to get answers as to when that is going to be restored. Somebody needs to co-ordinate all these things and that seems to be what is missing."

Firefighters are being  brought in from Minnesota to bring additional support and if you are looking for more information on the fire around Leaf Rapids you can e-mail minMIT@manitoba.ca or try calling the Manitoba Emergency Co-ordination center at 1-204-945-5555.

On July 4, 2023, just before 6:00 am, Cranberry Portage RCMP received a report of a possible abduction in Sherridon, Manitoba. It is believed that Rory Thomas, 29, of Thompson, abducted Angelica McKay, 29. Police believe McKay is in danger and that Thomas may be in possession of a firearm.

It was believed that Thomas and McKay could of travelled to Cranberry or Flin Flon, but the RCMP have located Angelica McKay in Cold Lake, Manitoba safely and not physically injured.

Rory Thomas is still at large and RCMP continue their search.

Thomas is described as 6’ tall and 196 pounds. He has short black hair and facial hair. He also has a large dragon tattoo on the left side of his face and tattoos over his eyes and cheeks.

anyone with information is asked to contact the police right away.

The Flin Flon Firemen hosted their Beat The Chief competition at the Flin Flon Firehall last Friday.

7 Firefighters tested their skill and fitness wearing full gear and carrying a hose up and down an obstacle course in intense heat in front of a good crowd who gathered tro watch the festivities.

Jordan Reykdal was the top finisher this past Friday with a time of 1:35.69, ending a three year run for Les Taylor who placed second at 1:39.48.

The rest of the times were Kevin Kemp at 1:43.67, Dan Hotel 1:51, Morgan White 1:51.96, Travis Pfoh 2:09.82 and Nathan Elliot at 2:38.25.

The Trout Festival Month Long Fishing Derby which took place from May the 29th to June the 29th announced their winners at Beaver Lake Day on Sunday.

Around 100 anglers took part in the derby this year and won a lot of fabulous prizes.

Here are the Derby winners

Walleye- 47 entries

First place- Cory Merasity- 32.75 cm- $1500.00

Second- Leon Wiebe-30cm-$500.00

Junior- Forest Ritchie-24.5cm

Burbot- 6 entries

First- Jayden Oulette-29.5 inches- $1500.00

Second- Ray Lavis-29 inches-$500.00

Trout- 16 entries

First- Gerry Robertson- 41.25 inches- $1500.00

Second- Lee Baker-39.5 inches- $500.00

Junior- Beau Fidierchuk-35.25 inches

Northern Pike-29 entries

First- Alan Fisher- 45.5 inches-$1500.00

Second- Bradley Fidierchuk- 44.25- $500.00

Junior- Sadie Wallaker- 28.25 inches