On Tuesday  December 26^th  at approximately 12:30 a.m., Pelican Narrows RCMP received a report of a serious assault.

Investigation determined a group of individuals approached an adult female and assaulted her. She was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

As a result of investigation, 20-year-old Shante Beatty and 18-year-old Aiden Charles both from Pelican Narrows are each charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, plus charges related to breach of court order conditions.

Shante Beatty was arrested in Pelican Narrows on Tuesday  December 26th  and was scheduled to appear in court in Prince Albert on Wednesday  December 27th.

Pelican Narrows RCMP is actively working to locate and arrest 18-year-old Aiden Charles and asks the public to immediately report all sightings of him or information on his whereabouts.

Aiden Charles is described as 5’7” and approximately 200 lbs. He has brown eyes and short brown hair. The RCMP  are working to obtain a photo of him.

Aiden Charles is known to frequent the areas of Pelican Narrows and La Ronge.

If you see or know the where abouts of Aiden Charles you are asked to call your local RCMP detachment or crime stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

On Friday  December 22^nd at approximately 8:55 am, Cross Lake RCMP received a report of an injured male inside a residence in Pimicikamak Cree Nation. When officers arrived, they located a deceased 47 year-old male from the community and considered  his death  suspicious.

On Saturday  December 23^rd  RCMP Major Crime Services investigators arrested Christopher Scott, 42, and charged him with Manslaughter in relation to the death of a 47-year-old male on December 22^nd.

Scott is from Pimicikamak Cree Nation and remains in custody. He will appear in court in Thompson on Wednesday December the 2th.

On Thursday, NDP deputy critic for Indigenous Services Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) urged the Minister for Indigenous Services to deliver the necessary funding and support for Red Sucker Lake First Nation to access clean drinking water.

In a letter to the Minister, Ashton highlighted that Red Sucker Lake First Nation relies on cisterns for clean drinking water for which Indigenous Services Canada is not providing the necessary funds to clean – most tanks have not been cleaned for up to 20 years.

Ashton mentioned in her letter that people living in the community can’t rely on water to brush their teeth, wash food or cook and about 200 homes are being affected.


Ashton will continue to push the government to act and deliver the necessary funding so that people in Red Sucker Lake First Nation get access to clean drinking water. 

If you would like to view the entire letter that Ashton has sent to Ottawa can be seen at media@ndp.ca.

As we get set for Christmas festivities the next few days, the Flin Flon Recycling Centre’s Deb Odegaard reminds us what Christmas items can’t be recycled.

"  The typical types of things we receive at Christmas time that we can't recycle are gift wrap, bows and ribbons, styrofoam packaging, any plastic  bags or plastic wrap. We will recycle regular packaging like cardbord, boxboards, plastic drink containers and the regular things that are on our website at flinflonrecycling.org."

The Recycling Centre will only be closed  Christmas and New Years day and open the rest of the days through the holidays. The Flin Flon Landfill be closed Christmas , Boxing and New Years Day and will close at 2pm on Christmas and New Years Eve.

Flin Flon City Council held their last meeting of 2023 in Council Chambers on Tuesday night.

Deputy Mayor Steve Lytwin chaired the meeting and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked the community for all their support in various projects from the last year.

Several resolutions were passed including the City donating $2,500.00 towards the Flin Flon Archives Board who continue to do a great job preserving Flin Flon’s history. The City has also come into agreement with Strelezki Mechanical Service for the extension  of transit services in Flin Flon and the contract is in effect between January of 2024 til December 31^st  of 2026.

The City has also approved Rec Director Cait Bailey and Councillor Funk to attend the Recreation Manitoba Conference in Winnipeg in  March of 2024.  Mayor Fontaine and Councillor Funk are in Winnipeg the next couple of days to meet with ministers of health, justice and northern relations.

Another resolution was passed where the city will once again sponsor Hockey Night In The North for $500.00 for an upcoming Flin Flon Bomber game.

The Fire Chief gave his report and 12 incidents were reported between November the 4^th and 27^th including assisting with EMS on 4 occasions, 4 fire alarms, two structure fires on Tweedsmuir and Channing Drive and a bush fire at the Rotary Wheel.

The Flin Flon Heritage project has received a donation from the City Of Flin Flon  to help cover costs as this local group keeps coming up with ways to preserve this city’s long legacy.

Board member Bill Hanson talks about how this group got their start.

" We got $25,00.00 from the city to help our bank account. Doug Evans started the Flin Flon Heritage project around 2012 and help from lots of different people including Ted Nelson, Dick Lyons was involved in the beginning. Once they got the website  and facebook page up, lots of former Flin Flonners started sending them pictures and history of what went on here. Right now Doug is going through the Gunn family, the Phelan family got a hold of him and started sending him stuff . The Green family just got a hold of him  and we just got the Channing archive. Don Peake has been scanning stuff for Doug since 2012 and I don't know how many hundreds of hours he has into this."

There are more than 60,000 photos on the Flin Flon Heritage Club’s website and facebook page including the history , sports figures, artisans and different industries of Flin Flon. If you would like more information or would like to volunteer to help out this organization you can contact Bill Hanson at 204-271-3090.

On Tuesday  at approximately 3:40 a.m., Carrot River RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge on Red Earth Cree Nation. Officers immediately responded to the scene where two individuals were located and apprehended to determine their involvement. No charges have been laid at this time and this portion of the investigation remains ongoing.

A third individual, a 25-year-old male identified as being involved, was located nearby. Upon arriving at the scene, a firearm was discharged at RCMP patrol vehicles. RCMP officers exited their vehicles and an altercation occurred between the male and the officers. Firearms were discharged during the altercation; both the adult male and one of the responding officers sustained injuries as a result.

The adult male, from Red Earth Cree Nation, was later pronounced deceased by EMS at the scene.

The officer’s injuries were described as non-life threatening.

As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the Saskatchewan RCMP’s interaction with the deceased and the circumstances of his death. 

It has been an  exciting year for Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsay who was appointed speaker of the house after the NDP won the provincial election in October. Lindsay is the first ever speaker of the house from Flin Flon and says the role brings plenty of challenges.

" The interesting part for me is being non partisan now, so I can't really wade into the political sphere anymore. The actual part of sitting in the chair and conducting business in the house has been interesting, fun and a learning experience. There is so much more to being the Speaker Of The House than anyone see's and I am still learning how it go's."

Lindsay also commented that he will continue to serve the people to the best of his abilities in this constituency and looks forward to gathering with the rest of the speakers from across the country in Yellowknife in January.

The house won’t sit again til March and you can stop by the office on Flin Flon’s Main street 9 to 4 Monday to Friday or call 204-687-3246.

As a result of continued investigation by Pelican Narrows RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section, a 23-year-old male was arrested in Pelican Narrows on December 14^TH.

23-year-old Coltin Ballantyne from Pelican Narrows is charged with multiple offenses including :

- two counts, aggravated assault

- one count, possession of a restricted/prohibited weapon with ammunition- two counts, discharge firearm with intent, - two counts, pointing a firearm, - one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, - one count, use a firearm in the commission of an offence.

He is scheduled to appear in court in Pelican Narrows this week.

On December 16^th  at 7:55 pm, Flin Flon RCMP received a report of an assault that had occurred at a residence, located on Main Street in Flin Flon, at approximately 6:00 pm.

The victim, a 16-year-old male, advised he was in the residence with several other individuals when he was suddenly attacked by two males (23,15). The victim was repeatedly punched, kicked and had a knife pulled on him as the suspects demanded his cell phone.

The victim turned over his cell phone and was then pushed outside and further assaulted. One of the suspects pulled out a machete and struck the victim.

The victim was able to escape from the scene where he ran to the hospital and obtained medical attention.

Officers were able to  locate one of the suspects, a 23-year-old male from Stanley Mission, SK, who was arrested without incident. The second suspect involved in the assault, a 15-year-old male from Denare Beach, fled the scene and was not located.

A 21-year-old male, from Denare Beach, was also located in the residence and was arrested as a result of him having an outstanding Warrant of Arrest.

Ethan Merasty, 23, was remanded into custody on numerous charges including Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Robbery, Forcible Confinement, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Uttering Threats. He remains in custody.

Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

Operation Red Nose had their best weekend so far this holiday season as they were extremely  busy this past weekend as we get the details from the Flin Flon Rotary Club’s Ted Hewitt.

" This past weekend the Steelworkers provided the volunteers for Friday and the Hudbay and Ruth Betts staff provided the volunteers on Saturday. A total of 31 rides were provided for our clients to have a safe ride home and it was by far the best weekend we had this year. It went very well actually."

Operation Red Nose will only operate for one more night and that will be for New Year’s Eve and are still in desperate need of volunteers,  so if you are interested you are urged to contact Ted Hewitt a.s.a.p at 204-687-7450 or tedheitt@outlook.com. Operation Rednose numbers are up this year with a total of 89 rides for 7 evenings. Operation Red Nose had 89 total rides  last year operating for 9 nights.

On December 14, 2023 at approximately 2:10 a.m., Pelican Narrows RCMP received a report of a shooting in Pelican Narrows.

Officers immediately responded and located two injured individuals, a teenaged male and a teenaged female. The teenaged male was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature. The teenaged female was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

Pelican Narrows RCMP have arrested an adult female in relation to this incident. Charges have not been laid. Updates will be provided as they become available. 

Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section and Forensic Identification Services are assisting with this continuing investigation.

At the last Flin Flon school division meeting, Jodi Pawlachuk the Principal of Many Faces school announced that they had received a grant for $10,000.00 from the  Jays Care Foundation.

Pawlachuk explains how they obtained the grant and what they will be using the money for. " We have a big thank you to the Toronto Blue Jays for their generous donation of $10,000.00 for the breakfast and lunch program. They sponsored our school to be a Jays Care affiliate school . We have access to their free awarding programs that are catered for youth and children facing barriers.We filled out an application and we were informed about it from the Friendship Centre who are also a Jays Care affiliate who also offer the baseball program through there."

This is the third year that Many Faces has been sponsored by the Jays Care Foundation and the money is for the current school year. You can find out more about all the grants that Jays Care offers by going to bluejays.com. Jays Care has helped thousands of Canadiens coast to coast and is rated in the top 100 charities across Canada. 

The Santa Clause Parade Of Lights took place downtown Flin Flon this past Thursday and lots of families took advantage of the great weather with  a tremendous turn out to watch all the floats.

The U-15 Flin Flon/ The Pas Hockey team coordinated the event and the Head Coach Greg Kritzer was excited to see the big crowd. " Absolutely it did, the weather made a big difference for sure and the community always does a great job coming out and supporting events like this. It is a great team building event,  but more than that this community supports our team and we just weanted to get out in the community and say thank you."

A big thank you to the sponsors of the event including the FFNRC, Hudbay, Chamber Of Commerce Main Street Committee, The Reminder and CFAR.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM THE FLIN FLON BOMBERS TO ASSIST IN HOCKEY NIGHT IN THE NORTH. THE EVENT ALLOWS MANY FAMILIES THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF AN EXCITING EVENING OF HOCKEY AT NO CHARGE. HOCKEY NIGHT IN THE NORTH WILL HELD FEBRUARY 2nd 2024 WHICH IS EXPECTED TO DRAW OVER FIFTEEN HUNDRED FANS.  COUNCIL AGREED TO OFFER THEIR SUPPORT OF $500 DOLLARS THE SAME AMOUNT AS LAST YEAR.

COUNCIL ALSO RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM THE OWNER OF 313 SECOND AVENUE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF STREET LIGHTS IN FRONT OF THEIR HOME AND UP THE STREET FOR SAFETY REASONS. THE REQUEST WAS REFERRED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

COUNCIL AGREED TO AWARD THE TENDER FOR ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES TO TAD COLLIER FOR FIVES YEARS. AND ALSO AGREED TO LEASE THE SPACE IN THE

SPORTEX ARENA BEHIND THE BLEACHERS TO MINOR HOCKEY FOR DRY LAND TRAINING.

After a three year hiatus the Borealis Choir is bringing back Lessons And Carols for the Food Bank this Sunday at the Lutheran Church. It is a traditional Christmas Carol Service for the whole community and Tim Spencer says they look forward to performing once again.

" This is a really exciting event and was a Flin Flon tradition til Covid hit in 2019. We did it ever year and always had lots of people that came out and enjoyed it. What you can expect is a beautiful carol service called Lessons and Carols and it will support the Food Bank. The lessons are bible readings that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The carols are all of the traditional carols and some really great new carols."

Borealis is really excited about adding the Children’s Community Choir who will be part of the service this year. This is a big fundraiser for the food bank so everybody is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item or you can make a cash donation. The show starts at 3:30 and you should try to get there early to get a good seat.

The Flin Flon Salvation Army is into the final stages of their Christmas hamper campaign as they will be delivered next week. Captain Mark Burford says there is still time to get involved.

"  Our hamper program is in full swing right now and this past Tuesday we had a whole bunch of volunteers in our church to pack 181 Christmas hampers. It was a good night of fun and now we are waiting to hand them out which will take place nerxt week. A way you can support this wonderful program for the community is to volunteer for a kettle shift or donate on the kettles. All the money raised on the Christmas kettles stays in Flin Flon to support our Christmas hamper  program and our lunch program." 

Burford went on to say that the hamper numbers are slightly up this year and there are a lot of new households using the program. If you would like to find out more about volunteering for a kettle or would like to make a donation you can call 204-687-7812.

EARLIER THIS WEEK THE FLIN FLON SCHOOL TRUSTEES RECEIVED TWO PRESENTATIONS ONE FROM HAPNOT VICE PRINCIPAL JORDAN DUMENKO AND JODI PAWLACHUK PRINCIPAL AT MANY FACES. BOTH JORDAN AND JODI SHARED A WEALTH OF INFORMATION WITH THE BOARD ON BOTH THE SCHOOLS PATH TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS SOMETHING THEY ARE CONTINUOUSLY TRYING TO IMPROVE. JORDAN SPOKE ABOUT EVERYTHING FROM LITERACY AND NUMERACY, SCHOLARSHIPS, MENTAL WELLNESS AND ATHLETICS. JODI SPOKE OF SCHOOL PROGRAMING
AND SPECIAL GUEST VISITING THE SCHOOL AS WELL AS STUDENT ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES. SHE ALSO THANKED THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION OF TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS AS A SPONSORSHIP OF BEING A JAYS CARE AFFILIATE SCHOOL.

IN OTHER SCHOOL NEWS THE BOARD REPORTED THAT LAST YEAR KAITLIN McCULLOCH HAD APPLIED FOR THE TEACHER IDEA FUND THROUGH MANITOBA EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING. KAITLIN WAS SUCCESSFUL IN RECEIVING FUNDING OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS TO BRING IN GUEST SPEAKERS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF ADDRESSING TOPICS AROUND MENTAL WELLNESS IN THE NEW
YEAR. THE BOARD ALSO APPROVED TWO MOTIONS FIRST TO APPOINT MICHAEL McLELLAN AS VICE PRINCIPAL OF HAPNOT COLLEGIATE JANUARY 8th 2024 TO JUNE 30th 2024. AND SECOND TO APPOINT EMILY KNOWLES AS VICE PRINCIPAL OF RUTH BETTS JANUARY 8th 2024 TO JUNE 30th 2024.

As the temperatures continue to cool off the Flin Flon Friendship Centre has opened their cold weather shelter to give those in need a safe  place to keep warm.

Project Co-ordinator Amanda Fleury tells us they have received a lot of donations so far. " I have sent out donation letters and have got a huge response from our community business's,  and community members have also been coming in and asking what we need. We are still in need of touques, mitts, socks and jackets. As soon as they come in they are gone so we need a supply of that stuff."

The shelter is only open during the day so far but as temperatures continue to get colder they will also be open at night. If you would like to make a donation you can send an e-transfer to finasst@mymts.net, stop by the Friendship Centre at 57 Church street and you can also call 687-3900 and they will come and pick donations up.

Community Futures Greenstone will be holding a Holiday Maker Market right beside the Orange Toad at 79 Main street this Thursday.

Greenstone’s Anna Lies let’s us know who is going to be there.

" Right now we have 5 vendors including MS B'S Ceramics, Tina's Resen Works, Chelsea from Uptown Emporium, Kerri Lentowitz and Aurora and Pine joining us. It is 4 to 7 in conjunction with the Santa Parade. You can come into our office right beside the Orange Toad and feel free to do some Christmas shopping."

There are still a few spots available if you would like to have your vendor at this event and you can register by contacting Anna at 204-687-6967 or e-mailing admin@cfgreenstone.com.

The Santa Clause Parade Of Lights will be taking place this Thursday. The Flin Flon /Pas U-15 Hockey Team are coordinating things and the coach Greg Kritzer says they look forward to bringing this event to the community.

" We have secured a grant in being able to put on the Santa Clause Parade Of Lights. It is a way to show our appreciation to the community that helps support us in playing hockey. We wanted to do something that the community would enjoy and make sure everyone has  a good time. On Thursday starting at 6pm we will be joining Santa Clause and he will lead us on to a quick parade route starting at the PCH. We will then make our way down Main Street ending at Pioneer Square."

Kritzer says they have a lot of floats registered including the RCMP, the Firemen, Dealerships, Santa and others. You can still enter a float by going to the Flin Flon Minor Hockey facebook page or by going to flinflononline.com. Deadline to register is this Thursday at 4pm.

Simonhouse Bible Camp was back in operation this past summer after being shut down the previous three years due to Covid. This camp has operated in Northern Manitoba for decades and has a very good reputation for the programs and resources they offer for kids all over the North.

Camp Director Darrell Janzen is hoping for your continued support. " In order to keep our camp fees low and accessible for everyone, it is one of the lowest rates in the province. We do rely on donations and we have had a really good group of donors throughout the decades that have consistantly provided that. Every year we look to cover some of our expenses to keep the fees low and anyone can make a donation to camp. One of the easiest ways is to go to our website at simonhouse.ca and go to the donate tab and it gives you lots of ways you can do that."

Campers come from Flin Flon,  Thompson, The Pas, Snow Lake and Cranberry. They also get kids from many indigenous communities like Deschambault, Norway House, Cross Lake, Moose Lake, Shamattawa and others. If you would like more information go to the website at simonhouse.ca.

Operation Red Nose was out in full force this past weekend, getting people and their vehicles home safe and sound. Rotary Club member Ted Hewitt says the service continues to pick up numbers each weekend.

" This past weekend the Hapnot staff and the U-13 Kinsmen Bombers hockey team provided the volunteers for Operation Red Nose. A total of 24 rides were provided for clients for a safe ride home. Next weekend the Steelworkers will provide the rides for Friday night and Hudbay staff and Ruth Betts will provide rides on Saturday. The service is available from 9 til 2 am by calling 204-687-7331."

Operation Red Nose is in desperate need for volunteers for New Year’s  Eve, so if you are interested in volunteering you can contact Ted Hewitt at 204-687-7450 or tedhewitt@outlook.com. You can volunteer as an individual or a team and all the necessary forms will be forwarded. Remember this is a free service to use but donations will be accepted. All the donations will be used for children’s sports.

If you have an outdoor light display that you are proud of and want to share,  The City Of Flin Flon wants to know about it.  Rec Programmer Kelsey Anderson explains:

" If you have a holiday light display, blow ups or any kind of decorations you want to share with the community. You can take a picture and send it to kandersen@flinflon.ca for your chance to win some great prizes."

E-mail your photo and include your address and name to win a holiday prize pack. Submissions will be taken til December the 22^nd and addresses will be shared for all to enjoy.

The Flin Flon Friendship Centre is holding their 30^th  annual Christmas Gift Program to make sure that every kid in Flin Flon and area  gets a gift this Christmas despite the  circumstances.

This past Saturday the Friendship Centre was at the Red Apple collecting gifts on behalf of the program and Program Co-ordinator Joe Anne Pelletier says the response was  very strong.

"  So Red Apple partnered up with the Friendship Center this year and they have done it in previous years and they call it Fill The Sleigh Day. All store wide 5 percent of the purchases get donated to the Friendship Center's Gift Program. I came here today with intentions to bring awareness to the program and we brought Santa in and we have quite a few kids. We even had some adults get their pictures taken and getting into the Christmas spirit."

Pelletier went on to say that 360 kids have been registered for the gift program this year and there is still one more week to get kids registered. You can contact Joe- Anne at the Friendship Centre til this Friday at 204-687-3900. They supply the gift, paper, tape and tags. A big thanks to the Flin Flon Bombers, Northland Ford, Canadian Tire, McMunn and Yates, Kleen ALL and the  Red Apple for your kind donations.

Members of Flin Flon City Council attended the recent Association Of Manitoba Municipalities meetings in Brandon. All 137 municipalities from the province were in attendance and Councillor Mike Slip tells us there were a lot of important topics discussed.

" We met with various ministers and the Premier for the better part of two days. We got to listen to the ministers talk about their plans for Manitoba and the future. There was key note speakers who talked about everything from artificial intelligence to leadership.  It is a very important meeting where we get together  with all the municipalities and talk about each other's issues and success's. We can work together  as municipalities in Manitoba to make it better for everybody."

Slipp went on to say they had the opportunity to pursue some grant opportunities and will also get a chance to meet with the Health Minister to discuss health concerns in the North, and funding to build a new RCMP station. 

While Snow Lake RCMP continue to support Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage areas, as well as patrol along the roadways in between all three communities, officers  responded to  22 calls in October. The different incidents included

• 1 Assault – cleared by charge
• 10 traffic-related events –
• 2 Mischief – 1 unfounded, 1 investigation ongoing
• 1 abandoned vehicle
• 1 assist the general public
• 1 traffic collision – non-criminal
• 1 Liquor Prevention Act – non-criminal
• 1 Fire Prevention Act
• 1 Excise Act – no charges
• 1 false alarm
• 2 911 Acts – non-criminal

During this same time period, Flin Flon had 248 calls and Cranberry Portage had 54. Of those files, nearly 8% were calls involving violence where bodily harm occurred and multiple resources were required.

In November, the RCMP  North District Traffic Services patrolled Highway 6, 39, 10 and 392 in various locations around Flin Flon, Bakers Narrows, Snow Lake and The Pas and issued 70 tickets and also reported a drug trafficking arrest for a violent offender

Flin Flon City Council held their regular meeting in Council Chambers on Tuesday night and provided an update on the rezoning for the Willowpark area.

Deputy Mayor Steve Lytwin commented that they were waiting for a public hearing to be called before they could make an official announcement on the rezoning of Willowpark. There is a group interested in purchasing the  land to build an Assisted Living Complex.

Councillors Slipp, Richardson, Funk, Mayor Fontaine and CEO Lynn Brown attended the Association of Manitoba Municipality Convention in Brandon  where all 137 municipalities from across the province were represented.

The Councillors were able to lobby the ministers for various grant opportunities and were able to raise concerns with different issues surrounding the North. They also discussed some future funding including building a new RCMP station.

The City is looking into investing into the Flinty Campground area. The City is looking at upgrading the Dadson Rowe Park area by adding a board walk, healing forest by planting some trees and community garden. The City is applying for two separate grants for $10,000.00 each.

Mayor Fontaine has been granted a personal leave til the end of December.

Northern Growing Abilities will be hosting the Festival Of Trees Christmas Event this Friday and Saturday at the Creighton Community Hall. Tracy Brown invites everybody to come out for one of the biggest Christmas events of the season.

" It will start this Friday from 6 to 9 pm and continue Saturday from 10 to 4. This year community members have donated trees, wreaths and centre pieces that people can bid on in a silent auction. There will also be a penny parade, chili cook off at the concession , lots of vendors so people can come out and do their Christmas shopping and pick up baking. The Creighton grads will be out and they will be doing pictures with Santa on Saturday between 11 and 1 pm.

Prizes will once again  be awarded for the best Christmas trees, wreaths and centre pieces in the silent auction and you will be able to bid on your favorite and take it  home after the show.

Once again seniors in Flin Flon and area will have a chance to tour the Christmas lights in the community with the Christmas Lights Tour which will take place on Wednesday December the 13^th starting at 6:30.

This is being organized by the Inner Wheel and Betty Smith encourages seniors to book a seat as soon as possible.

" It is open to all seniors in Flin Flon and Creighton and it is put on by the Inner Wheel, Rotary and Hudbay. What we do is we take names and then we are in contact letting people know to be at City Hall at 6pm on December the 13th. We have school busses, the little white one from the Flin Flon School Division and they will take the seniors on a bus tour to see all the lights. We have done this for a number of years and the seniors really seem to like it."

When the  bus tour is over there is a get together at City Hall with hot chocolate, goodies and the  singing of  Christmas carols. Santa will also make an appearance. If you would like to be included in the tour you need to book a seat by calling Fran at 204-687-0057 or Betty at 204-687-3298.

Today is recognized as National Day Of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The Flin Flon Women’s Resource Centre will be recognizing this event and local councillor Hope Liebaert lets us know how we can pay our respects.

" On this day every year we host a candle light vigil to honor the women who were victims of the Montreal massacre. The Women's Resource Centre invite you to our office today to honor the lives lost on December the 6th, 1989. The vigil will be set up between 9am and 5pm and all are welcome to come light a candle in remembrance and to have a moment of silence."

The Women’s Resource Centre is located at #228 35 Main street.

Operation Red Nose was operating once again this past weekend getting people and their vehicles home safe and sound. The Rotary Club’s Ted Hewitt says they were very busy.

" This past weekend the Flin Flon Kinsmen and Kinnettes as well as the Flin Flon Ski Club provided the volunteers for Operation Red Nose. A total of 21 rides were provided for people to have a safe ride home. Next weekend the Hapnot staff will provide volunteers for Friday and the Under 13  Kinsmen Bantam Bombers will provide the rides for Saturday night."

They will operate between 9 and 2 both Friday and Saturday and you can call 204-687-7331 if you need a ride. It is a free service but donations are welcome.

Pelican Narrows RCMP is actively working to locate and arrest 27-year-old Ashton Ballantyne.

Ballantyne is wanted on multiple warrants for charges including assault, assault with a weapon, break and enter and fail to comply with release order. The warrants relate to incidents reported to Pelican Narrows RCMP in the past six months.

Pelican Narrows RCMP is asking the public to immediately report all sightings of Ashton Ballantyne or information on his whereabouts.

Ashton Ballantyne is described as approximately 6’ with a medium build. He has brown hair and brown eyes. A photo of him is attached.

Investigators believe he is in Pelican Narrows.

If you see him, do not approach him. Contact Pelican Narrows RCMP immediately at 306-632-3300. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Manitoba ranks fourth across the country when it comes to gas prices.

According to gasbuddy.com Alberta has the cheapest gas averaging at 127.9 a litre. Saskatchewan ranks second at 142.2 followed by Ontario at 143.2 and Manitoba at 143.9.

Flin Flon is above the Provincial average ranging between 157.9 and 160.9  per litre.

The new average price for Manitoba is 12 cents a litre cheaper than a year ago and is down 8.4 cents from last month.

Northland Ford held their annual Teddy Bear Toss at the Flin Flon Bomber game this past Friday night where fans were encouraged to bring a teddy bear or unwrapped toy to donate to the Friendship Centre Gift Program.

Promotions Director Mike Slipp tells us it was one of the most successful yet. 

" It was fantastick, I don't have a count on how many teddy bears we got but it was a record amount for sure. We just took them down to the Friendship Centre this morning and we filled up one of their offices. Thanks to everyone in Flin Flon for their contributions, we even got toys including a Barbie suitcase and a Jenga. Thanks to everybody who donated and there will be a lot of happy kids this Christmas."

Northland Ford looks forward to more community events in 2024 including helping out the food bank,schools, Bombers and other organizations.

On Wednesday  at approximately 6:30 a.m., Pelican Narrows RCMP received a report of a shooting in Pelican Narrows.

Officers immediately responded and located an injured adult male, who was transported to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

Investigation determined several individuals approached a residence and discharged a firearm, injuring the victim.

Pelican Narrows RCMP continue to investigate and are working to locate and arrest the suspects. It’s believed the incident is targeted in nature.

Further information will be provided when available.  Saskatchewan RCMP’s Forensic Identification Services and General Investigation Section are assisting with this investigation.

If you have information about this incident, call Pelican Narrows RCMP at 306-632-3300. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The Christmas season officially arrived in Flin Flon with the tree lighting at Pioneer Square on Friday. There was a tremendous turn out with members of City Council, Flin Flon Parks and Rec, lots of families and Santa.

Deputy Mayor Steve Lytwin was happy to see a lot of people come out.

" I just got here a not to long ago myself and really pleased with the turn out, a great group of people out here ready to celebrate the season. It is all about family, friends, loved ones making memories and supporting our families. Right now we are really lucky because weather wize this is a lot better than last year. It was a lot colder last year."

The next event will be the Santa Clause Parade Of Lights on December the 14^th being hosted by the Flin Flon/The Pas U-15 hockey team. Registration forms are available at CFAR and you can send your completed form to gkritzer@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army is still in need of volunteers to ring the bells at various locations in Flin Flon through out the Christmas season, as this is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year to provide for the needy.

Captain Mark Burford explains.   " We are always looking for people to ring the bells and help the Salvation Army raise money. All this money stays local to help out our Christmas  hamper program and lunch program which we run all year. If you would like to give back in this way , what we ask of our volunters is to dress warm because our kettles are outside. Also come prepared to stand for about an hour at our locations around town and to ring the bells and wish people a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays."

The kettles are located at Walmart, The CO-OP and downtown at the RBC. There are plenty of shifts available next weekend and if you would like to volunteer contact Mark at 431-346-5820. They have already reached 26 %of their goal this year hoping to raise $27,000.00.

Ham Sandwich Theatre group is going to be holding auditions for their next production Noises Off , next Thursday December the 7^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall in the Arts Council office.

Co Director Raphael Saray tells us what they will be looking for.

" We are looking for 5 outragious males and 4 outlandish females to perform in our play which is in essence about a play. It is about a rag tag theatre company who are doing their very best to put on a production,  but things don't always go as they seem. We need some energetic and athletic folks to make this all come to the skill that I require."

Auditions start at 7:30 and the show will be performed in March of 2024.