Students were honored for all their hard work and accomplishments over the past year as Hapnot Collegiate handed out diplomas to 44 graduates last night.

Robert Smith received the Governor General Bronze Medal for Academic Standing and the Hudbay WA Green          Bursary for the student with the highest average.

The Bill Friesen Memorial Scholarship was presented to  Brooke Baynton and Shea McCullum for pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in the direction of natural sciences and academic proficiency.

Ray Daneliuk Memorial Trades Bursaries were presented to Caleb Dyck, Hendre Gouws and Jenna Thompson. Jenna also received the Sparling Trophy for a grade 12 student that contributes most to school life while maintaining a good academic standing which was selected by the staff members.

The Colleen McKee Community Volunteer Bursary went to Ava Williams .

Herb Simms Endowment Fund Bursaries were presented to Cailie Erickson, Morgan Burwash and Sara Mansell.

A complete list of last nights awards can be seen at flinflononline.com.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON GAVE FIRST READING TO BY-LAW 3-2024 TO AMEND THE ZONING BY-LAW TO ALLOW FOR REGULATIONS FOR A CANNABIS RETAIL STORE IN A COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. 

THE BY-LAW CAN BE VIEWED AT THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON OFFICE AND COUNCIL WILL BE HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING ON JULY 24th AT 6:30 PM IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS. 

WRITTEN OR FAXED COMMENTS WILL BE RECEIVED AT THE TOWN OFFICE  NO LATER THAN JULY 22nd AT 12 NOON.

COUNCIL APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM FLIN FLON MINOR HOCKEY TO HAVE THE ICE IN AT THE SPORTEX FOR OCTOBER FIRST AS THIS WILL ASSIST WITH FULL OPERATION FOR ALL MINOR HOCKEY PROGRAMS.

COUNCIL AGREED TO SUPPORT TO FLIN FLON JUNIOR BOMBERS BY PURCHASING A GOLF FLAG SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $175.00 DOLLARS. ALL FUNDS RAISED FOR THE GOLFING EVENT SEPTEMBER 14th GOES DIRECTLY TO OUTFITTING THE PLAYERS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. 

There will lots of activities and entertainment as we bring in the nations birthday this Monday at the Creighton ball field.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran has more.  "  Our day is a great one as we start off with the parade which will wrap up in Creighton. That leads to a fun afternoon at the Creighton ball diamond where we host our Canada day activities. We have a lot of great local entertainment as well as some outside entertainment,  which will include a new addition this year with Roger Boucher the magician from Prince Albert. Our opening ceremonies will be led  by the Color Party brach Canadian Branch number 73 and hosted by Dreyden Lowe. We will have various trivia , a market and free cupcakes and ice cream while supplies last and prizes."

The spray park will also be open and the Show and Shine will take place over at the Sportex. The day starts at 1pm with the flag raising and singing of Oh Canada. The event is sponsored by Hudbay, Canadian Heritage Grant and the Town Of Creighton.

26 graduates received their diplomas on Wednesday night as Creighton Community school held their graduation ceremonies.

36 scholarships and bursaries were presented.

The Hudbay scholarship for two thousand dollars a year for four years went to Isabelle Kohlenberg who also received the Fred and Pearl Schwarga Memorial Bursary for two thousand dollars.

Madsion McDermott also received the Fred and Pearl  Schwarga Memorial Bursary.

Creighton Community School Foundation awards for one thousand dollars each went to Madison McDermott, Isabelle Kohlenberg, Anabelle Babbage, Liam Grindle and Hollie Currie.

You can see the complete list of bursaries and scholarships at flinflononline.com.

Students and adults who attended Many Faces Education Centre over the past year were honored last night with their graduation  and awards ceremony.

Diplomas were handed out to 12 graduates and 12 bursaries and  scholarships were also handed out.

Charyse Jackson received the Governor General Bronze Medal, Flin Flon School Division and Flin Flon Lions Club bursaries.

The Founders Bursary, Flin Flon Health Auxiliary and Womens Resource Centre Bursaries  were awarded to Amber Fisher.

Nathaniel Rainville received the USW Local 7106, Tavon Scully the Flin Flon Motorcycle Association and Kyler Colomb the Flin Flon Friendship Centre and Tom Lindsay awards.

Many Faces Alumni Awards were handed out to William Brooks, Rebekah Crofford, Chevy McKay, Nathaniel Rainville and Erika Primrose.

The Women’s Resource Centre in Flin Flon  will be offering various programs  for the public starting in July.

Crisis Councillor Ally Klippel gives us the details.  "  We have a grief support and informational group called Walking With Grief starting July the 10th at 1:30. It will be three sessions minimum on Wednesdays. On July 18th we will be having a Toddler Crafternoon, where toddlers and their parents can come in. Then July the 25th we have a bingo going on with a chance to win multiple prizes and that should be a lot of fun."

You can sign up for all these events by phoning 687-3105 or you can go to the Women’s Resource Centre facebook page.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE FFSD TRUSTEES AGREED TO SIGN THE 2023/24 AUDIT ENGAGEMENT LETTER FROM BAKER TILLY..

THEY ALSO APPROVED TO SIGN THE ANNUAL COLLATERAL AGREEMENT AND THE LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR MANITOBA PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES EXTENDED HEALTH PLAN  BETWEEN THE FLIN FLON SCHOOL DIVISION AND THE FLIN FLON TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF THE MANITOBA TEACHERS SOCIETY.

AS THIS WAS THE LAST SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR SUPERINTENDENT TAMMY BALLANTYNE CONGRATULATED ALL THE GRADUATES WISHING THEM THE BEST ON THE PATH THEY CHOOSE.

SHE ALSO THANKED THE STAFF FOR AN AMAZING YEAR WHICH SEEMED TO HAVE FLOWN BY WISHING THEM A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE SUMMER.

BOARD CHAIR JACKIE HUCKALUK THANKED WINGS OVER KISSISSING FOR THE FLIGHTS THE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS GOT TO EXPERIENCE MENTIONING THERE ARE MANY ADULTS THAT DON'T GET THAT OPPORTUNITY.

SHE WENT ON TO SAY THE YEAR WAS A SUCCESS DUE TO THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE TEACHERS AND STAFF SUPPORTING EACH STUDENTS DEVELOPMENT AND THEY LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE DIVISIONS PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE YEARS TO COME.

The grad for Hapnot Collegiate will take place tomorrow with doors opening at the Whitney Forum at 4pm. Grads and guests will be able to come and take pictures between 4 and 5:30.

The graduate ceremony will take place at 5:25 with undergraduate awards.  Graduates will then  enter the arena at 5:45 and the ceremony will begin. A program will be available at the front door for guests to follow.

The Grad March will take place at approximately at 7:45 which will start at the Whitney Forum parking lot and make it’s way down Main street.

After the march, graduates will go to the Flin Flon Community Hall to have the first dance with their escorts. Following the dance a formal photo will be taken before Safe Grad begins.

Be listening to 102.9 CFAR on Friday for all the bursary and scholarship winners.

You will be able to gather at Ross Lake this Sunday for a chance to view the fireworks and paddle a canoe with the Ross Lake Regatta.

Rec Director Cait Bailey says there will be a lot going on. "  We will be at Mike's Ice And Burger Hut , usually we have some seating set up, you can bring your own chairs and there will be some good music playing.  Closer to Ross Lake you will see the new Trout Festival dock , that will help you get kayaks and canoes out. We will have them available on Sunday including paddles and life jackets and you will be able to watch the fireworks from there."

The event will start at 9pm and go til 11:30 and canoes will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. You can also bring your own canoe if you like and the event is free.

Last Thursday , as part of an ongoing investigation, Thompson RCMP General Investigative Section with the assistance of Thompson RCMP detachment, executed a search warrant at an apartment on Nickel Drive.

RCMP seized approximately 15 grams of crack cocaine, Canadian currency and drug paraphernalia.

Two adult males were arrested at the scene.

A 43-year-old male from Thompson is facing a charge of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, and was released with an upcoming court date.

Christopher Manning, 39, of Ontario, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Failing to Comply x2. He was also WANTED on two warrants from other Provinces. He was remanded into custody.

Thompson RCMP continue to investigate.

One of the longest running and popular  events of the Trout Festival will be returning  for the nations birthday this Monday.

Creighton Parks and Rec is hosting the Canada Day Parade with the theme Community Spirit  which  will begin at 11 am sharp in front of CFAR.

Lindsay Shirran says they are hoping that a lot of groups and business’s will participate. "  We have both commercial and non commercial entries and commercial would be business's like Hydro and things like that. Non commercial would be entries by volunteers, home business's, non profits, things like that. We do remind walkers who choose to march or walk , you are asked to have a designated vehicle to assist with transport during water and rest breaks so we don't hold up the parade. We will be excepting entries at my office and you can call me or e-mail me to register your float. My e-mail here is creightonrecreation@sasktel.net and the number is 306-688- 3538."

You can also pick up a parade float form by going to CFAR’S website at flinflononline.com or e-mail Lindsay and she will send you a copy. 

Creighton Community school will be hosting their graduation ceremonies tomorrow   with 26 students set to receive their diplomas.

The Grad Ceremony will take place in the gym starting at 4,followed by the Grad March at 6pm. The March will go down Creighton’s Main street towards the park over by DI’S Confectionary, then back t the school.

After the March, graduates will make their way back to the gym for a Grad Supper being put on by the parents.

The Creighton Car Parade will take on Wednesday starting at 2:30 and will begin in Creighton, make it’s way through Flin Flon then back to Creighton.

We will announce all the bursary  and Scholarship winners Thursday on 102.9 CFAR and flinflononline.com.

Many Faces Grad will also take place tomorrow  starting at 5pm at the school gym  and doors will be open  to the public at 4:45.

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Pelican Narrows RCMP is asking the public for help to locate 25-year-old William Custer from Pelican Narrows who  was last seen this Sunday at a house in the community.

William is described as being approximately 5’5” tall, 130 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

He was last known to be wearing all black clothing and a red and black hat.

If you have seen William or know where he is, contact Pelican Narrows RCMP at 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The Northern Neighbors Foundation  gathered at the Creighton Community Hall this past Wednesday to hand out over $167,000.00 of grant money to worthy organizations from Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach, Cranberry and Snow Lake.

The Northern Neighbors also paid tribute to long time board member and volunteer Tom Stevens who passed away earlier this year and President Jane Robillard had high praise for his involvement. "  Tom was on our board for many years and was a great advocate for the community of Creighton where he has been forever. He believed in that philanthropy and Tom was a great gift to Creighton where he never stopped giving. He never missed a meeting and didn't show up for the showy part but he was always there."

You can see all the grant recipients at northernneighbors.com.

Ham Sandwich theatre group held their AGM on Sunday. It was a successful artistic and financial year with the fall production of Jack and The Beanstalk earning $8422 in revenues. The spring production, Noises Off  garnered  $8580. The next play has been chosen. Clue based on the popular board game will take to the Flin Flon Community Hall Stage November 15 and 16^th.

Leslie Fernandes was voted in as president for another year. Alain Lachapelle will serve as Vice President. Laurie Belisle is taking on the role of Secretary Treasurer.

Ham Sandwich will be entering a float in the Canada Day Parade and will have their spring production take place in March of 2025. The group will be looking for on stage and backstage contributors and will be holding auditions in the fall.

The month long fishing derby for the Trout Festival is entering it’s final week and one of the organizers Dianne Russell says it’s not to late to take part.

"  You can still get your ticket and you can still fish all week, right up til June the 29th at midnight you can enter fish. We have 6 thousand dollars on the line including fifteen hundred for each species. We also have a specific sponsor for second place which is the Town of Creighton and they each get five hundred dollars. We have lots of other prizes which arn't cash which we will be giving to everyone who enters, so enter a fish and that is what I want everyone to know."

Pick up your derby kits at Village Of Denare Beach Office, Creighton Rec Tourism Office, Rubi’s Outdoors and the Tempo Gateway. You can then go to flinflononline.com or scan the QR code to submit your entry.

The Northern Neighbors Foundation gave out their 2024 grants Wednesday night at the Creighton Community Hall. The funds came from three organizations including Northern Neighbors Foundation, Moffat Family Fund and Joe Brain.

A total of over $167,000.00 was handed out to volunteer groups across Flin Flion, Creighton, Denare Beach, Cranberry and Snow Lake.

The President Jane Robillard mentioned it is a pleasure to be able to help out these dedicated volunteers and organizations.

"  We have five communities that we serve and the majority of the people who get the grants are people who are  volunteers. Like ourself, they run great programs and they make their communities better and this is a great way to help them."

Among the organizations to receive grants was the Creighton Town Hall receiving over $12,000.00 for wheelchair ramp repair, Town Of Snow Lake $16,000.00 for a warm up shack and storage facility for their only outdoor rink,Lord’s Bounty Food Bank $15,000.00 for a new floor and the Village of Denare Beach $12,000.00 for a upgrade groomer and brush cutter.

A complete list of all the grants  can be seen at northernneighbors.com.

Another Trout Festival is upon us and there is a new event to look forward to this year, the Trout Festival Fish Fry Parking Lot party which will take place at Chicken Chef.

One of the organizers Greg Kritzer talks about where the idea came from.

"  We were just looking for something new, something fresh and we were looking around the community and trying to think of things that have been successful that people have enjoyed. Blueberry Jam came to mind, so we decided to try and piggyback off that and make a mini  outdoor festival kind of thing just a one night deal. That is where the idea came from and we have been running with it."

This is an 18 plus event which will include a specialty menu, happy hour,50/50 draw and two great bands, Rockut and Flinty’s Hammer. Tickets are $20.00 and can be picked up at the Tempo Gateway, Orange Toad, Creighton Rec Office and Alpine Convenience.

On Friday , as a result of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking within the City of Thompson, RCMP officers with the Thompson General Investigative Section (GIS), along with assistance from Thompson Detachment officers, executed a search warrant at a residence located on Greenway Crescent.

The search of the property led to the seizure of approximately $8,000 in cash, over 250 grams of crack cocaine, a 9mm handgun and other drug-related paraphernalia.

RCMP have charged Logan Evans, 28, Kelton Thomas, 22, both of Winnipeg, along with Midnight Hamilton, 18, Creedance Swartz, 28, Kash Morris, 18, all from Thompson, with multiple offences including Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

They were remanded into custody

A couple of Flin Flon City Councillors got a chance to attend the AMM conference  in Calgary a few weeks ago where Provincial, Federal and Municipal leaders all had a chance to come together and share ideas.

Councillor Richardson  said she learned a lot from getting the chance to sit in on a lot of sessions. " It was a lot on how to make leaders accountable , that includes business leaders, community leaders, everyone in the community that is considered to be a leader and getting them all working together. We know with the fire recently that we need to work with our stakeholders, we need to work with those big companies and business's. We need to work with the school divisions and other organizations to make sure our plans are cohesive and don't overlap each other."

The two Flin Flon councillors will share the information they received with the rest of council and will have a chance to discuss with other northern leaders as Flin Flon will host the Northern AMM starting on Monday.

City Council gathered at Council Chambers on Tuesday night as progress continues to be made on the new Aqua Centre.

Construction has started and it is going well as they have started to pour concrete. The basement has been poured and they are now working on the pool basin. The contractors have reported that they are on schedule.

Mayor Fontaine also reported that they continue to revise an evacuation emergency plan. They have been working with Creighton and Denare Beach and lots of different groups to make sure everybody is on the same page. After the forest fire situation back in May, the city wants to make sure they are more than prepared to handle any situation.

The City has amended a bylaw to an existing bill about graffiti. If any home owner or business has graffiti on their building it will receive three readings at Council meetings. After the third reading the business or home owner will receive a letter and will have 14 days to clean up the graffiti.If they don’t the city will do it and bill the home owner or business.

An update was given on the Flin Flon hotel location. There is still interest in the purchase of the building but the developers have changed. Asbestos people were sent in last week and the city is waiting to hear back on the report and will move ahead after they receive the information.

On Saturday  at approximately 6:35 am, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of an unresponsive male who was discovered in an area near the Thompson Public Library, located on Thompson Drive.

Officers arrived on scene and located the lone male with life-threatening injuries who was transported to hospital where he was subsequently life-flighted to Winnipeg in critical condition.

The next day  the victim succumbed to his injuries. 

RCMP are seeking out any witnesses and asking anyone who may have information in relation to this homicide to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Thompson RCMP, along with Major Crime Services and RCMP Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

A Memorandum Of Understanding was signed at Northlands College earlier this week  between the NHR, City Of Flin Flon, Town Of Creighton and Northlands College.

Raj Sewda  the C.E.O of the NRHA   explains why this is such an important announcement. " It will primarilly enhance exchange  of professional services and training , exchanges in employment opportunities and programming. It is an effort to bring collaboritive community development intiatives with everybody at the table. We will also work towards health promotion and educational activities, research and innovation. What we have tried to do here is to eliminate any barriers that may come with a border town circumstance around Flin Flon and Creighton." 

Sewda went on to say that they have been very proactive for the past year on getting this agreement reached and this is really big news  for everybody in our region. If you require more information  you can reach out to nhrcommunications@nrha.ca or call 204-687-3014.

National Indigenous Peoples Day will be celebrated right across the country this Friday including Flin Flon. The Flin Flon Friendship Centre will be hosting an afternoon of culture and fun and Program Coordinator Joe Anne Pelletier talks about the different events that will be taking place.

"  So we are going to start off in the morning with Tipi Teachings and blessing of the ground. We have students coming from the schools and we have feather teachings for them, cultural games, spear throwing , nail drive and Fox tail games.  There is going to be a free barbecue at 5:30, so get your tickets from the registration table and the Rez Boys will be our headliner performance. There will be lots of other musical acts including a drummer group from McIsaac and Ruth Betts."

Other highlights include an opening prayer with Margaret Head Steppan, speeches from dignitaries and Ron Burwash will be the opening musical act of the day. It all takes place at Rotary Park this Friday from 1 to 8pm.

This past Friday , tips from the public led to the capture of Isaiah Andrew Kenneth Cromarty, 25, who was the ninth and final suspect arrested for this horrific assault on a 34-year-old female who sustained life-altering injuries after being held for multiple days and repeatedly assaulted.

Cromarty was remanded into custody.

The victim has since been released from hospital.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

The Flin Flon Station Museum has opened at the Flin Flon campground and will have some new items on display to help preserve Flin Flon’s long history. Chair person Joe Buie tells us what is new to the museum this year.

" We have a couple new displays that we have pulled out of the back. If you haven't been to the museum before I recommend going as there is a lot of history in there. Something new this year is a couple of books from local authors which is very interesting as I didn't realize how many people in Flin Flon are authors. Most of this is written about this area, so those are on display. We also have some artifacts that all deal with winter activities from this region including curling, skating and skiing."

The museum is open daily from 10 til 6pm and there is a fee of $4.00 and will remain open til Labour day. The virtual tour is back where you can enjoy all of Flin Flon’s artifacts with a pair of 3d goggles. This will be offered online later in the summer. If you would like to arrange a private tour you can contact the museum at 204-687- 2946.

The Joe Brain Petting Zoo on Green street in Flin Flon  has opened for the summer with lots of animals for you to come by and visit.

Zoo supervisor Riley Reierson tells us what new animals have arrived. " We have some sheep, a few goats and babies. We have a pig this year year with some piglets and we have two horses and some chickens. Something brand new this year is snakes and a lizard which we have in the barn and a few ducks."

The zoo is open every day 11 to 7 right til the end of August. Admission is $2.00 and there is a concession this year. The Zoo is planning on doing a hay day later this summer, will have a float in the Trout Festival Parade and will have a pop up zoo with horse rides. The zoo is also open for birthday parties and you can book by going to the City Of Flin Flon website at cityofflinflon.ca.

The  Wahkohtowin Trails Committee has developed  their first trail at Phantom Lake and are looking to raise some funds to complete the first trail. Leslie Beck who is chair of the organization says they are looking for some volunteers to help out at a summer event in August.

"  We are looking to raise $15,00.00 for our trails and Blueberry Jam has asked us if we want to take on a shift to help volunteer. We will be taking Saturday August the 10th from 11 til approximately 2 am. I am looking for people who want to come out and run beer sales, check for id, put on arm bands and sell liquor tickets." 

If you are interested in helping out you can call or text Leslie at  204-680-6089 or send an e-mail to leslie.beck1960@gmail.com. You are welcome to go and walk  the trail at Phantom Lake any  time and you can get the QR code off their instagram page which will download a map right to your phone.

Last Tuesday RCMP responded to a disturbance at the hospital in The Pas. It was reported a male was being aggressive with staff and punching the glass to the admitting room

The suspect fled on foot but was later arrested

A search resulted in the seizure of cash, knife, illicit cannabis, cocaine and drug paraphernalia.

Police Service Dog, Phlex, searched the area he was fleeing and recovered two stashes of Canadian currency totaling over $17,000.00.

Alpha Matthews, 21, has been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, Resist/Obstruct a Peace Officer x2 and Mischief.

He was remanded into custody.

Flin Flon Arts Council presents a night called of “Strings and Stories.”  Performing will be Ted Longbottom, who has toured the United  States & Canada and written for the CBC and APTN. Daniel Koulack is a Juno nominated violin player whose has performed overseas and also plays the banjo and string bass. They will be joined by  Ryan D’oust from Norway House who has performed for Queen Elizabeth II. In addition to the music they will share stories of their travels and the history of Indigenous and Metis people. This event is being done in conjunction with Home Routes; but will be taking place at Johnny’s Social Club tonight (June 14) Tickets are available at the Uptown Emporium and at the door  $25 for adults, $10 for youth, Children 12 and under Free.

Doors open at 7:00 Show starts at 8

A street drug sample from town tested positive for medetomidine, xylazine, and fentanyl. It was tested on May 9th by Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service.  The sample collected was a purple powder.

Medetomidine and xylazine are both veterinary tranquillizer approved only for use on animals.

This is the first time Medetomidine has been detected in street drugs in Manitoba.

Xylazine can cause drowsiness and sedation,  and may cause the person to lose consciousness.  Naloxone does not work on either of these drugs.

Fentanyl is a well-known toxic opioid that can result in overdose causing respiratory depression, unconsciousness and death.

For more information go to streetconnections.ca

Community Futures Greenstone is once again presenting  their  Biz Kids Summer days camps. The camps are designed to give youth between the ages of 9 to13 the opportunity to learn what takes to be an entrepreneur.

Camp Co-coordinator Kayley Oulette is excited to bringing this back again for this year. She says that it will feature some indoor “classroom” style sessions but an opportunity for campers to be outside and on field trips. The kids will also have a chance to develop a product and sell it at a market.

Dates and Cost:

Snow Lake, Manitoba: July 3rd to 5th (Registration fee $60)

Cranberry Portage, Manitoba: July 17th to 19th (Registration fee $60)

Flin Flon, Manitoba: July 22nd to July 26th (Registration fee $100)

Creighton, Saskatchewan: August 12th to 16th (Registration fee $100)

Registration is now open. You can pick up a form directly at the Greenstone office on Main St, call 204-687-6967, or email admin@cfgreenstone.com

The registration for BizKidz Summer Day camp is open. To register please contact Community Futures Greenstone at (204) 687-6967, or admin@cfgreenstone.com

The Flin Flon and District Chamber of commerce held their final general meeting before the fall on Tuesday. The business builders brought in just over $6000 with the Canuck Amusements at the end of May. Also discussed was meeting with the new Main St. Revitalization committee and forming a partnership regarding public safety. The chamber is planning helping fund a partial covering over Pioneer Square that can be retracted when not in use. Dianne Russell of the Trout Festival gave a presentation informing the chamber that the Flin Flon Trout Festival will simply be known as the Trout Festival in order to fully promote it as a regional event. New Flinty merchandise will be available at the uptown emporium and tourist destinations around the area.

Every other year the CBC presents their “Future 40” honorees. They highlight 10 Manitobans under the age of forty who reshape their communities through business science and volunteerism.

Northern Manitoba’s,  Karen Laforte Gallagher, is one of  this years’ recipients

Gallagher has worked for University College of the North for nearly a decade and is currently the school's human resources administrator. 

She's also vice-president of The Pas Health Complex Foundation and a member of the Pas Volunteer Fire Fighting service.

The spirit of volunteerism is something that can under the right conditions, Gallagher said:

"Time is a finite thing and we make the time or we don't," she said. "When other people see you getting out there and helping within your community, it's often a bit contagious.… They're more likely to step up."

Gallagher is the only person from Northern Manitoba on this year’s list

A group of Indigenous youth from northern Manitoba have  just returned to the province from a trip to the Dominican Republic.

While there the youth, part of a group of 22 volunteers, built a home for a family in Puerto Plata on the island’s northern coast.

More than a dozen teens raised about 3-thousand dollars each for the trip.

Sheila North, a board member of the non-profit charity LiveDifferent, said it was an opportunity for young Indigenous people to experience what it's like going to a different country. But, she added,  it was also about giving back.

The youth came from Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Sapotawayak Cree Nation and Nisichiwayasik Cree Nation

The Flin Flon Neighborhood Revitalization Corporation has received a 10 percent increase in its operation budget from last year thanks to the Province of Manitoba. That equals to approximately $8500. FFNRC Executive director Lawrence Gillespie says that this is the largest expansion of funding that the group has received in ten years. That will go toward their Small Grant program where community groups can apply for projects up to $5000

If you belong to an organization that has a need for  funding please contact the FFNRC at 687-6972 to find out how to apply.

Flin Flon RCMP are investigating after an 85-year-old man was found dead in Kisseynew Lake, Man.

Saturday afternoon, Mounties said officers were told about an overdue fisherman who had left the day before and never came back.

An extensive search was held, and the man was found dead Saturday night, not wearing a life-jacket.

Police said the investigation will continue, and an autopsy will be conducted

Callinex Mines has received a $250,000 grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund ("MMDF") to complete long lead items to support permitting and future mine development at the 100% owned Pine Bay Project, located 16 kms away from Flin Flon, Manitoba.

Chair of the MMDF, Chuck Davidson said, "We are extremely pleased with how Callinex has progressed the high-grade copper discoveries at its Pine Bay Project" and went on to say "Callinex has been a great partner and we are glad to support their bold vision to create prosperity within our province by supplying metals critical to our economy and the green energy transition

Max Porterfield, President and CEO, stated, "We are grateful for MMDF's generous grant and continued support, which has been ongoing since our first exploration drill holes into the Rainbow deposit." he continued, "We are pleased that the Manitoba government shares our vision at Pine Bay to create long-term jobs in the Flin Flon area while also strengthening the provincial economy."

Callinex  has received over $1million in grants from MMDF to advance high-grade copper discoveries at Pine Bay since 2020.

Flin Flon Pride wrapped up their festivities highlighted by three well attended events. Despite a steady drizzle the Pride Flag raising took place Friday at City Hall with Mayor George Fontaine sharing the city’s sense of inclusion.

On Saturday, Pride put on a sold out drag show at Johnny’s Social Club with performers’ from Flin Flon,Cranberry Portage and Saskatoon taking to the stage.

Sunday, the Annual Pride Parade made it’s way from Main St. to  Green Street, featuring  floats from the City of Flin Flon, Manitoba and Saskatchewan Teachers, Ham Sandwich, Cupe, the Freindship Centre, and dozens marching.

A popular spot for families to enjoy over the summer months has now become more accessible for everyone. The Channing Recreation Committee has received grant money from the Northern Neighbors Foundation to purchase a mobility map and Carrie Stinton tells us more.

“So what that is, It's a map that anybody in a wheelchair or who uses a walker or somebody who might be unsteady in the sand can access the water easily.”

“Then we purchased a wheelchair accessible picnic table, we have a new moulded bucket swing that's for ages 5 to 12 years old. And that just kind of secures the child in the swing, like a child who might have some limitations with their mobility and not be able to sit on the swing themselves.”

The mobility map is now in place and the committee wanted to make the beach even more accessible for everyone, as Carrie tells us about more upgrades.

The beach improvements came at a cost of $4,500.00 dollars.

The Flin Flon Rotary Club recognized two long time volunteers in the community by handing out the highest honor they can bestow with the Paul Harris Award.

The ceremony took place on Thursday night at the Flin Flon Rotary Wheel.

The Rotary Club honored Kathy McCormick who has volunteered in the community for over 30  years in lots of different capacities.

Kathy has volunteered for  the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Horticulture Society, Girl Guides, Catechism classes, St Ann’s Church and Manitoba Emergency Assistance.

Kathy also worked with Habitat for Humanity in forming a local branch in Flin Flon and was able to help build a brand new home. After Habitat folded she helped establish the RE-Use It Store which still operates today.

RE Use It has been able to donate over $25,000.00 throughout the years to many needy organizations.

Dennis Whitbread was also honored and is another  long time local volunteer including a lot of activities involving kids. He was a synchronized Swimming Coach, Soccer Coach, Band Chaperone and helped organize a fishing derby for kids. He has been on the board of the CO-OP, Knights of Columbus, Ducks Unlimited, Canadian Parents For French and has devoted a lot of his time for the Flin Flon Ski Club.

This summer he will become the Rotary Club President.

Flin Flon Pride will be celebrating their 8^th annual Pride celebration with activities taking place this weekend. Committee member Melissa Streitle lets us know about the different events that they have planned.

"This year we have three big events planned. Our first event is the flag raising, which is on Friday, it's at the Flin Flon City Hall at 5 p.m. Saturday is
our Flin Flon drag show at Johnny's, tickets are $20 each and available at the Orange Toad. Doors open at seven, and the show starts at eight. Sunday is our Pride parade. It's starting at 11 a.m. at the old Co-op and ending at Willow Park. QB will be sponsoring a barbecue and there will also be some kids events. Pride would like to thank our sponsors this year: Foran mining, QB, Manitoba Hydro and the Victoria Inn."

If you would like to enter a float this year you can stop by Pharmasave and pick up a registration form. Once it is filled out you can take it back to Pharmasave or e-mail it to flinflonpride@gmail.com.

Deadline to get forms in is 5pm on Friday.

On Saturday , at approximately 6:55 am, Norway House RCMP were notified of a severely injured 34-year-old female located outside in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation. She was being taken to the hospital. Officers attended the hospital and learned that the female had been held against her will and assaulted repeatedly for several days.

The victim was transported to Winnipeg hospital with life-altering injuries, and she remains in hospital at this time.

Officers were able to locate the suspects a short while later and made arrests.

Russel York, 31, and Stephanie Anderson-Paupanekis, 32, are charged with Aggravated Assault, Forcible Confinement, Unsafe Storage of Firearms, and Unauthorized Possession of Firearms. They are both remanded in custody. Police continue to look for five remaining suspects involved in the incident.

The victim and suspects are known to each other, and police believe this was a targeted attack.

If you have information, please call Norway House RCMP at 204-359-4955, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

One of the biggest fundraisers for the Flin Flon Inner Wheel will take place this weekend. It is the popular Car Boot Sale and it takes place this Saturday at the Victoria Inn parking lot starting at 10.

Fran Reibin who is one of the members tells us what the club will do with the money that comes in.

"Often times our money goes towards local events or local organisations that may require a donation or we also donate to the gift of life. There's many projects that we work towards, the pool one, of course, and we like to support Flin Flon in general here."

If you would like to sell from your vehicle or are looking for a table you can stop by the Uptown Emporium to register and it will cost you $15.00. Hot Dogs, hamburgers, fries and drinks will all be sold on site. You can contact Nora at 204-687-6188 or Fran at 204-687-0057 for more information.

The City Of Flin Flon held their first meeting of June Tuesday night at Council Chambers.

Final reading was given on the resolution for the piece of land that Willowvale Curling Club was sitting on be transferred from Parks and Rec to the city.

Councillor Lytwyn read a resolution where the city will be putting together a proposal for the Northern AMM which will be taking place in Flin Flon on June the 24^th. The city would like the province to put together a plan with the unorganized territories to work together on delivering services for everyone in the outlying areas.

If this passes at the Northern AMM, they will take it to the rest of the province in Winnipeg in November.

Councillors Slipp and Richardson are off to Calgary for the FCM meetings this weekend where they will get a chance to meet with different federal officials and take part in workshops.

The city has reached out to the Public Utilities Board who will be announcing a rescheduling of their meeting which was postponed due to the wildfire a few  weeks back. A new date is expected soon.

The city will be donating $250.00 towards the Flin Flon Pride events and Friendship Centre for National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The Flin Flon Lions Club will be holding a walk for dog guides this Saturday June the 8^th for the first time since 2009.

One of the organizers Jan Nikkel explains why this is such an important fundraiser.

"The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide holds a yearly dog walk and these dogs are to supply Canadians with dogs for vision, hearing, autism, seizure, diabetic support and mobility issues.And it's to raise money for these dogs. And the only way that they raise money is from donation and fundraising.They get no government support."

Pledge sheets can be picked up at the Candy Bar and Northern Rainbows End. Registration is at 10, the walk at 11 and a dog show will take place at noon and it all takes place at Flinty’s Boardwalk. Prizes will be handed out to the people that collect the most pledges.

The Royal CDN Legion in Flin Flon is presenting their pig roast and social on Saturday June the 29^th . The night will include a delicious meal and entertainment with live music from the Mix.

President Bob Penner says besides the food and entertainment there will be no shortage of chances to win various draws.

Tickets are $30.00 and can be picked up at the Legion Lounge and if they don’t have 90 tickets sold by June the 19^th the event will be cancelled. A big thanks to Werbicki Trucking for sponsoring the event.

There is a brand new event to look forward to at this year’s  Trout Festival  which will be a whole new way to enjoy the Fish Fry.

Austin Mattess who is part of the Trout Festival committee gives us the details.

"The Trout Festival Fiish fry, we're kind of going above and beyond this year. Taking it to a new level. It's a parking lot party in the Chicken Chef parking lot. There's gonna be two bands, Rock Kut,  Flinty's Hammer and djing from Amisk Sounds. And then, we got tons of games too. Like a big jenga, we're gonna have bean bag toss and a whole other list of things. Of course, the fish as usual, there's also gonna be a specialty menu Chicken Chef's putting on. So it's just a huge, kind of different flair on a big event that's been going on for so long."

This event will take place on Friday, June the 28^th from 8pm to 2am and tickets are $20.00 and can be picked up at the Tempo Gateway, Orange Toad, Chicken Chef, Creighton Rec Office and Alpine Convenience.

On Thursday , at approximately 12:15 am, Cross Lake RCMP received multiple reports of shots fired at a residence in a North End neighbourhood in Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Officers responded immediately to the area, as no specific address was confirmed. When the residence was located, officers found an injured 13-year-old male inside.

The victim received an upper body injury from a firearm and was transported to the Nursing Station and then to hospital in Winnipeg, where he remains in stable condition. Nobody else in the home at the time was physically injured. Police do not believe the youth was the target.

Officers recovered a firearm on scene outside the residence.

Police are looking for any information related to this incident. If you have information, please call Cross Lake RCMP at 204-676-2600, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.