AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON REPORTED RECEIVING A REQUEST FROM THE BOREAL HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GOING TOWARD THE EXPANSION OF THE VICTORIA HOSPITAL IN PRINCE ALBERT. THE  REQUEST HAS BEEN REFERRED FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION..

 COUNCIL AGREED TO SEND MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER TO PRINCE ALBERT TO ATTEND

THE SUMA NORTHERN CAuCUS MEETING SEPTEMBER 12th. THE MAYOR COMMENTED THAT HE WOULD DO HIS BEST TO MAKE THE TRIP BUT  ALSO  INVITED ANY OTHER COUNCIL MEMBER TO ATTEND THE MEETING IF THEY WERE INTERESTED.

 EARLIER THIS MONTH COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE TOWN CAO TO SIGN THE INVESTING IN CANADA INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON FOR THE SEWER SYSTEM REHABILITATION PROJECT AT AN ELIGIBLE EXPENDITURE OF $3,036,000.00 DOLLARS.

Many Faces Education Centre is taking registration for education and mature  students next Wednesday September the 4^th  .

Many Faces Principal Jordy Dumenko has the details. " We will be here on Wednesday September the 4th starting at 10,  so  students can come in and register. You can come in any time between 10 and 3:30 we will get you signed up for classes and then regular classes for students will start this Thursday September the 5th. Classes for night school, English and Math will start on September the 10th." 

Class times this year will be  8:45 to noon and 1 to 3:20pm, Night school is Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s 6 to 8:30pm. Make sure you bring your health card and birth certificate when you register.

The fire at the Flin Flon City landfill is under control.

Emergency services remain on the scene and the landfill is closed today , but garbage is being picked up as usual.

The city is hoping to reopen the landfill tomorrow and do have aircraft working on the fire as we speak.

ONCE AGAIN: Drones are NOT permitted in the vicinity of the landfill as they create risk for aircraft. Aircraft are required by law to immediately leave the vicinity and are unable to continue their work, putting our community at risk.

102.9 CFAR will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when needed.

THE FLIN FLON SCHOOL DIVISION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MET EARLIER THIS WEEK JUST AHEAD OF THE START OF THE NEW YEAR. IN HER REPORT SUPERINTENDENT TAMMY BALLANTYNE SAID THE BOARD IS EXCITED TO WELCOME BACK STUDENTS AND STAFF AND EXTENDED THEIR EXTREME GRATITUDE TO THE HARD WORKING MAINTENANCE AND CUSTODIAL STAFF FOR THEIR EFFORTS OVER THE SUMMER.

 SHE SAID THE SCHOOLS LOOK AMAZING, WITH THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4th WITH THE EXCEPTION OF KINDERGARTEN. IF YOU

HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION REGARDING THE START DATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN KINDERGARTEN PLEASE REACH OUT TO YOUR SCHOOL.

SHE ALSO REFERRED THE AUGUST 15th ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MANITOBA EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING THAT KINDERGARTEN TO GRADE EIGHT STUDENTS ARE BANNED FROM USING CELL PHONES DURING SCHOOL HOURS INCLUSIVE OF BREAKS AND LUNCH. GRADES NINE TO TWELVE STUDENTS ARE BANNED FROM CELL PHONE USE DURING CLASS TIME AND MAY BE PERMITTED TO USE CELL PHONES

DURING BREAKS,LUNCH AS WELL AS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES WHEN DIRECTED BY CLASSROOM TEACHERS. A DIVISIONAL PROCEDURE IS CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT HOWEVER THIS IS IN EFFECT FOR THE START OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. 

BOARD CHAIR JACKIE HUCALUK ALSO WELCOMED BACK STUDENTS AND STAFF AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UPCOMING YEAR THANKFUL FOR THE DEDICATED TEAM AND IS CONFIDENT THEY WILL ACHIEVE GREAT SUCCESS TOGETHER.

The Women’s Resource Centre in Flin Flon held their AGM at their office this past Tuesday night.

New Executive Director Madison McIntire hopes to build off a very successful year. " We had a great year and the center saw a lot of changes including three new staff members including a new  Executive Director. We have been able to offer a lot more programs and resources to the community, so that has been good for us. We want to be able to keep this up for the next year offering more groups and programs and continue to raise awareness for the cause and connecting with the community any way we can."

Nominations took place last night with Doreen Roman returning as President. The new Vice is Christi Janvier, new Treausurer is Jeremiah Herman and the new Secretary is Vanessa Campbell. Board spots went to Andrea Adison, Margaret Head Steppen, Brock Lockhart and Wanda Davidson.

The Women’s Resource Centre will be offering lots of programs for the fall and details can be found on their facebook page.

It’s back to school in Creighton next week.

Grade one to twelve students from Creighton Community School will be back in the classroom on Tuesday and Principal Patty Korchinski tells us they already have a lot planned.

" Everything officially gets going on September the 3rd, students will arrive on busses. School does start five minutes early this year and high school students will end five minutes early and elementary kids will stay the same. We have all our teachers back working very hard as they are getting their classrooms ready to arrive on Tuesday. Next Friday we have a gym blast planned for our high school students in the afternoon and we are already planning volleyball and football teams to head out."

If you haven’t registered you can access a registration form online or stop by the school and see one of the secretaries. The hours for the rest of the week are 7:30 to 4pm. Registration is also taking place for Pre K.

This past Saturday  at approximately 6:45 a.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Lagoon Road in Bell’s Point.

Officers responded immediately along with local EMS. A passenger in the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 20-year-old male from La Ronge, His family has been notified.

The driver and a second passenger were transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening.

As a result of continued investigation, an adult male was arrested.

24-year-old Terrance McKay from La Ronge is charged with one count of operating a vehicle while impaired causing death and one count of operating a vehicle while impaired causing bodily harm.

La Ronge RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Travel across the north will be getting harder as Mahihkan Bus lines announced their closure yesterday.

The Bus lines will be cease operations on September 6^th.

Officials from the bus line said that despite their best efforts they will no longer be able to provide reliable transportation options to northern Manitoba due to a variety of pressures the business is under.

This will leave a gap in available transportation to northern parts of the province as Greyhound closed its doors back in 2018 and Mahihkan had been the only service available.

The City Of Flin Flon is pleased to announce that they have hired a new Chief Administrative Officer to replace the retiring Lyn Brown.

After an in depth and structured recruitment process the City is excited to announce the posting of Sandy Stokes.

Stokes was recently employed at the Chief Administrator for the Village of Pouce Coupe British Columbia and will bring experience in all functions of municipal operations after having worked in municipal government for the last 9 years.

Stokes will officially take over on September the 23^rd for current CAO Lyn Brown who is retiring but will remain with the city to assist in the transition. Brown will then begin a new role with the city which will be announced later.

The  Manitoba Public Utilities Board in conjunction with the City Of Flin Flon hosted a public meeting on the water rates in Flin Flon last night.

Shawn McCutchen opened the meeting on behalf of the Utilities Board and says they realized the importance of having this public forum after all the comments and feedback they received online.

Different members of the Public Utility Board made presentations and explained how they were able to come up figures and numbers for their findings.

The water rate study determined that the City Of Flin Flon has a working capital deficit of 8 million dollars. This was determined due to a significant increase in utility use, operating expenses and a decrease in revenue.

The study also found that there was a 22 %  decrease on water consumption for people that had water mitres compared to people that did not have mitres. There was also an increase of 70 % for water consumption for a single person home  compared to a multi family home. 87 % of the homes in Flin Flon are unmitred.

James Reitlo reported on behalf of the city that a lot of the costs are due to a distribution system that is heated to help the water lines not freeze up and a lot of the extra costs go to freeze protection. A lot of water lines are also built on rock and are hard to get to.

Warren Martin made a presentation to the city and challenged a lot of the findings in the study and wanted to know why a 73 %increase in over 4 years was necessary. He suggested the city submit a new rate increase more in line with other Manitoba municipalities.

Members of the public were given an opportunity to make comments and ask questions of the different personnel that were at the meeting and a lot of people got up and spoke and expressed  their concerns on the effect that these increases would have on the community.

The increases put forward include a current monthly surcharge of $3.44 per month going up to $7.09 for 2025 and $9.43 for January of 2028. A current water rate of $7.09 up to $12.44 for 2025 and 16.00 by 2028. A current  water waste rate of $5.03 up to $10.21 for 2025 and $13.52 by 2028.

The Public Utilities Board will now take the information and comments from the general public and the report from the city and make their final ruling heading into next year.

Thompson RCMP are requesting public assistance in locating a missing 36-year-old female from a residence located on Princeton Drive .

Officers have been attempting to locate Caitlin McKeith, 36,as they are concerned about  her wellbeing as she had left her residence without medication.

She’s described as being 5’4”, 145 lbs with long brown hair and hazel colored eyes. No clothing description is available.

If you’ve seen Caitlin McKeith or have any information on her whereabouts, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

 

The  City Of Flin Flon  continues to offer grants for Storefront Improvements for downtown businesses.

Councillor Mike Slipp tells us how the program works. " We are very excited , we have budgeted for sixty thousand dollars for a Main street matching grant. That is where businesses can improve their front of their business and exterior upgrades and things like that. We will match up to ten thousand dollars, so if you want to put ten thousand in,  the city will put ten thousand in. If you want to put in two hundred dollars for paint or something like that, the city will put two hundred dollars in. It is not just Main street but all the uptown businesses on Hapnot and Church. We just want to help the businesses improve the curb appeal."

You can apply by picking up an application at City Hall or you can print one off the City Of Flin Flon website.

People will be able to visit Manitoba Provincial Parks for free this Labour Day long weekend.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracey Schmidt hopes everybody can get out with their families and enjoy one of 90 provincial  parks across the province.

Any visitors to Manitoba’s parks will not require a vehicle permit and even though entrance to Provincial Parks is free, you will still have to pay for overnight camping. If you would like to make a reservation for a camping spot you can go to manitobaparks.com or call  1-888- 482-2267.

You are also asked to check the website for advisories  before you travel.

Watercraft users and beach goers are reminded to be vigilant against aquatic invasive species. Always clean, drain, dry and, if necessary, decontaminate watercraft and water-related equipment including all water toys and inflatables. Details available at www.manitoba.ca/stopais.

On Wednesday , at approximately 10:30 pm, Cross Lake RCMP responded to a report of a motor vehicle collision on Sipiseek Road in the community.

Officers approached the vehicle, with three occupants, and observed open liquor inside.

The 38-year-old male driver, from Winnipeg, provided a false name and was placed under arrest for Impaired Driving and Obstruction.

Two other male passengers were also arrested for pushing an officer and taken into custody.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 56 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine, over $13,000 in cash and other drug related paraphernalia.

The three suspects were transported to the Cross Lake RCMP Detachment where they remain in police custody at this time.

Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Camp Moochikun has wrapped up over at the Friendship Centre after two months of activities for kids of all ages.

The camp featured healthy life styles, cultural awareness and education related skills.

Program Co-ordinator Joe Anne Pelletier mentioned some of the highlights.

" This year it went over really well, we would of been more happier if we would of got more participation within the community for the kids to be more involved. We always look forward to it and are trying to work up ways to increase and advertise a little more, so people are aware of this amazing program. We have an elder coming in to do teachings for the kids for educational purposes. We have lots of other activities including going on nature walks , hotdog roasts, blueberry picking, go on medicine walks. It is educational, fun and exciting for all the kids that attend."

The Friendship Centre is looking forward to fall with a number of programs returning including Elders Gatherings, Women’s Circles and lots going on for Culture Days.

CFAR Radio  is excited to announce that they were able to collect and donate $1000. 00 for Rec Programming at the Seniors residence to improve quality of life.

CFAR Manager Dianne Russell says it is a pleasure to be able to help out the community.  " I will tell you it has become something that we as a staff and the two communities can't wait for. The phone rings off the hook and we have people from all ages call in and everybody enjoys playing and it is very exciting. We are really proud of this contest and we are really proud of the money we get to raise for Elder's and Senior's Recreational programming as well."

This was raised through the contest 100 Grand In Your Hand which took place through June and  July. This was the 6^th time that CFAR has run this contest in conjunction with 25 local businesses. 

Manitoba’s  Public Utilities Board  will hold a meeting next Tuesday to discuss the water rates here in Flin Flon.

Flin Flon Mayor George Fontaine was a guest on the CFAR Citybeat program on Wednesday and had this to say about what will be taking place.

" We had a rate study done by a professional group and a study done for the water people so we would know where we were at. They are the ones who discovered what the financial issues were and made suggestions for repairs and that sort of thing. Now that has to be gone over by the Public Utilities Board , they are the ones who look over the facts and take any information from the public and maje their decisions based off that. They make the decisions not us."

The City Of Flin Flon will have a representative   there to  explain what happens with Flin Flon’s water system and the Public Utilities board will be able to use that information in making recommendations moving forward.

This happens at the Flin Flon Community Hall on Tuesday August 27^th with doors opening at 5 and proceedings at 5:30.

After a 3 month shut down for some much needed maintenance to their building the Flin Flon Public Library has re-opened to the public.

Lisa Slugoski the Library Administrator says it’s good to be back.  " We are very excited to be open again and we are excited to serve the public again. We had a few material delays and a couple of issues with construction which always happens with construction. We are so happy to be re-opened and they are still doing some work outside but we are good to go inside. You will notice that we have a brand new wall and all the books are back on the shelf. We also have our discard book sale going on now and we would love to see you."

Hours are 11 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday and they plan on bringing back lots of their regular programs  including  Read To Me, a thousand books before kindergarten, culture day events  and lots of new programs to look forward to.

You can always find out what’s going on by going  to their website at flinflonpubliclibrary.org or by visiting their facebook page.

Pharmasave in Flin Flon is celebrating 30 years at their downtown location and have really enjoyed serving their customers in Flin Flon and the surrounding communities.

Shonnah Hanson has worked for Pharmasave all 30 years and tells us it is a very special place to work. " The thing about Pharmasave is we have so many employees that have been here for at least 25 years and I have been here for all 30. We all know our customers, we love what we do , we have won store of the year three times while I have been here. We have had school programs that we have supported, we do a lot with the Bombers and we have a staff that love their customers and we have a very happy fun loving atmosphere."

Pharmasave has lots of services that they offer including a Kodiac Kiosk, passport photos, vaccinations, injections and a full service pharmacy. They are open 8 to 6 Monday through Friday and 9 to 5 on Saturday.

On August 11, 2024, at 9:30 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of an assault at a residence located on Pike Crescent.

Officers attended to the location and spoke to several residents but could not substantiate what had occurred earlier that morning.

Investigators have been attempting to locate a 20-year-old female who may have information in relation to this incident but her current where abouts are unknown.

RCMP believe that she is missing and are requesting assistance in locating her.

She’s described as being 5’4”, 160lbs with long black hair and brown eyes. No clothing description is available.

If you’ve seen Angel Kraeker or have any information on her whereabouts, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The public will get a chance to ask questions and voice their concerns about the water rates coming up next week.

A public utilities hearing will take place next Tuesday August the 27^th at the Flin Flon Community Hall. A presentation will be made on the recent water study for Flin Flon  and a person will go over the information with a power point presentation.

This will give people a chance to hear the information first hand and ask questions. Doors will open at 5 and the meeting will start at 5:30.

Good progress continues to be made on the building of the new Aqua Centre as they have started to pour cement. The frames of all the walls are up and now they are pouring the basement. There will be a crew from Ontario coming in to do the piling work. Pictures can be seen on the City Of Flin Flon facebook page.

The library has re-opened and the structure of the building is now safe with the work completed on the ceiling. They still have to complete the work on one of the wash- rooms, but the library can be utilized once again.

Final reading was given on the garbage bylaw and passed with households being able to throw out 4 bags per week with additional tags available at City Hall if needed.

One of Flin Flon’s cornerstone downtown business’s is celebrating a milestone.

Pharmasave  is celebrating their 30^th anniversary serving Flin Flon and area and Store Operator Corey Thompson acknowledged the people that have been a big part of the business’s success.  "  It has been very rewarding and we have got to know our customers very well over the past 30 years. It has been a pleasure serving Flin Flon and the surrounding communities. We have provided many opportunities for pharmacists from both in town and out of town. We have provided mentorship to them and some have moved on with their careers and some have stayed with us." 

Pharmasave opened up 30 years ago in 1994 at the original location at 35 Main street before moving to 37 Main street in 1999. Among the stores highlights have been winning  store of the year on three different occasions for the entire Western Region.

The City Of Flin Flon has hired a new Economic Development Officer.

Emily Roberts was hired in late July and relocated to Flin Flon from Winnipeg in January and has worked with the Arts Council and recently was the interim Regional Tourism Officer.

Roberts is very excited about her new position and looks forward to meeting lots of people and organizations.   "  It has been great, I am from Winnipeg originally and I went to university for Developmental Economics and I have my minor in Business Management. Last year we had a connection with Crystal Kolt who invited us up for Blueberry Jam. We thought we would take a weekend off and go up to Flin Flon and see what is going on. We went up there and absolutely fell in love with the place. Since that day I have been looking for different opportunities with work and housing,  and with this being in my field and wheel house, I put my hat in the ring."

Roberts said her biggest goals are to attract new business’s to the North and  encourage business’s to invest in the North. If you would like to reach Emily you can contact her at 204-681-7505, 306-688-8253 or e-mail at  eroberts@flinflon.ca.

Last Wednesday  at approximately 6 p.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report that bear mace had been deployed at a sporting event in La Ronge.

Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined a male youth deployed the bear mace, targeting another youth. Numerous people felt the effects of the mace; one was treated at the hospital.

As a result of investigation, officers arrested a teenaged male shortly after in the vicinity of the event. It’s anticipated that charges will be laid in the coming days, as the investigation progresses.

Investigators have determined this was a targeted, isolated incident involving individuals unconnected to the event.

The Flin Flon Legion local branch 73 is getting ready for their tenth annual Fish Fry coming up in September.

Legion President Bob Penner invites the community out for a fun evening.

" The fish fry will be held on September the 7th, the meat draw will start at 4:30 with supper at 6. When supper is cleaned up the Usual Suspects will play til about 11:30. Supper will consist of Pickerel, home fries, Coleslaw, homemade baked beans , a bun and possibly a dessert. Tickets are available from the bartender at the Lounge."

Tickets will cost $30.00 and must be purchased by August the 3oth. Proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Legion which help keep it running.

A new addition has been added to Flin Flon when you come in from Creighton.

Two new chairs were donated late last week and are on display at the Flin Flon Duck Pond area. Flin Flon .Rec Director Cait Bailey says this will help promote tourism and signify Flin Flon being a border town.

" It was a joint project with our Tourism Officer, Economic Development Officer and Flin Flon Paks and Rec working together. It was wonderfully donated through a grant from the Flin Flon Credit Union and we are very thankful to them for that support. We thought it was really  important to have a location where people could come and take photos and do the whole your on the  Manitoba and Saakatchewan borders,  which is a really unique thing about our communities."

Bailey also mentioned that they continue to work closely with Creighton and Denare Beach on increased potential tourism for the area.

The construction has wrapped up on Main street over by the old CO-OP and dental offices after four weeks of detours and traffic stoppages.

Mike Funk the Interim Director Of Works and Operations is very pleased with how the project went. "It went very well and we are really pleased with it , we did render some obstacles with some other infrastructure that isn't ours. We made some adjustments and all in all very pleased with the progress and we actually finished a week ahead of schedule. We did have some additional help from some local contractors on this project that helped speed things along as well and thank you to those gentleman."

There will be some work in September by Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure  who will be doing some electrical on new lights so a temporary four way stop will have to  be set up . Work will also begin on line painting including curbs and storm sewer maintenance.

Sal’s Fitness is joining The City Of Flin Flon, Flin Flon Bombers, Reliance Services and CFAR for the first ever Rock Warriors Obstacle Race .

This will take place on Sunday September the 8^th  at Flinty’s Boardwalk with a Main Event and Youth Event.  Treasure Daneliuk explains how it will work. 

" So our Rock  Warrior event  that we are going to be hosting on the 8th, is going to be an obstacle course that will be a fundraiser  for Northern Growing Abilities out in Creighton. It is a community event and we will have two events going on. We have our main event  which is a 4.5 km run with obstacles where you will start down by the boardwalk and finish up by Sal's Fitness. There will be between 16 to 18 obstacles in the course. We are also going to be having a youth event which will start at City Hall and the Flin Flon Bombers will run that one. They will take the kids down to Rotary Park and they will go through some different obstacles and team  challenges."

There is an  entry fee  of $27.00 for the Main Event and $23.00 for the Youth Event. They also plan on having an Artisan Market and Food Vendors on hand. You can register by going to salsfitness.ca.

The local Chamber Of Commerce has reached out to the Department of Highways to get an update on the latest infrastructure with Highway 10A.

Walter White has reported that there will be one more brushing of the highway and then they will repaint the lines.

This treatment will increase the life of the highway and help provide a little more traction for tires in the Winter time. They will also be using Black Granite to help preserve the look of the highway.

They are hoping to have the project completed by the end of August. On a side note they will also finish the upgrade on the Ponton Highway later this fall.

The Flin Flon Main Street Revitalization Committee is going to be hosting a Night Market coming up later in August.

City Councillor Mike Slipp discusses how the idea came about. " The committee is comprised of local business  people from Main street and a few people from the city. It is not a City of Flin Flon Committee, but a committee in itself. We just want to get Main street going again,  revitalize it and find different ways to clean it up. We thought by having the Night Market on August the 29th from 6 to 10 would be a great idea. It will be a way to come down and meet friends, have fun, enjoy free hotdogs and enjoy the vendors that we do get."

If you would like to become a vendor it is $20.00 and you can contact flinflonmainstreet@gmail.com.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON AGREED TO ACCEPT THE TENDER FROM SCHIST LAKE DRIVE IN LTD. TO LEASE THE SPORTEX CONCESSION FOR THE 2024-25 ARENA OPERATING SEASON AT A COST OF $375.00 PER MONTH OCTOBER TO MARCH AND $25.00 PER MONTH IN THE OFF SEASON APRIL TO JUNE 2025.

THEY ALSO AGREED TO PUT AN APPLICATION IN FOR NORTHERN CAPITAL GRANTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NEW SUBMERSIBLE PUMP FOR THE #2 LIFT STATION AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF $23,000. WHICH WILL ACT AS A STAND BY PUMP FOR SAFE MEASURE.

COUNCIL AGREED TO SEND MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER TO OTTAWA THIS SEPTEMBER TO ATTEND THE CANADIAN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION EXPO.

COUNCIL APPOINTED THE FOLLOWING TO OVERSEE THE PROCESS AND PERFORM THE DUTIES REQUIRED FOR THE UPCOMING ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 13th. RETURNING OFFICER PAULA MUENCH,DEPUTY RETURNING OFFICER CINDY DAVIS, AND POLL CLERK TINA OULETTE.

COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE UPDATING THE ELECTION WORKERS FEES IN THE POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL.

THE TOWN OF CREIGHTON ELECTION CALENDAR IS AS FOLLOWS....

SEPTEMBER 18th POST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

OCTOBER 9th NOMINATION DAY

OCTOBER 11th NOTICE OF POLL

NOVEMBER 4th ADVANCED POLLS WITH ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 13th

The Flin Flon Heritage Board who were formed over 20 years ago recently created an Archives Board that continues to collect artifacts and pictures to preserve Flin Flon’s rich history.

Board member Bill Hanson says they continue to make progress. " The data base is in Flin Flon and the guys from Winnipeg still have a lot of input and are archiving stuff. We have got some new collections that have come in. I want to encourage people in Flin Flon that have photos from the past including Air Cadets, Cubs, Scouts, The Ski Club or what ever to donate their family collections  as there are a lot of pictures we don't have."

If you would like to view the pictures that have been collected over the years you can go to flinflonheritageboard.com or go to their facebook page. They will also have a presentation for Culture Days coming up in September.

The Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation is moving their members out of Sandy Bay because of a wildfire in the area.

According to a SPSA bulletin the fire is within 20 kilometres of the community. Bulldozers are building a guard around the community and crews and equipment including air tankers are attacking the fire.

An ignition team is looking for burning opportunities in case the fire gets closer to the community.

PBCN previously released a proactive pre-evacuation preparation list telling residents to prepare their homes, vehicles and go to bags for an evacuation.

There has been a partial evacuation of people from the community dictated by health conditions with the majority of people going to Prince Albert.

A film company out of Calgary, Dinosaur Valley Studios have put together a documentary about Flin Flon which can be viewed on the City Of Flin Flon website.

The City’s Crystal Kolt  mentions there are lots of different aspects of Flin Flon that are  covered. " It includes things like the Whitney's and their investment as well as a great piece from Kellen Blouin on her grandfather David Collins. He showed the ore body to Tom Creighton and Rascal Channing and the funding came from the Whitney's. There is a great tribute to the roll that Hudbay has played in our community,  and a great section on the Bombers from the very beginning including the Memorial Cup and how wonderful our team is now. There is also a section about our Arts community which we know is a thriving part of Flin Flon."

The crew came up in January to shoot the documentary and completed  it back in June. It is a half hour in length and also features a Flinty animation of the sunless city.       

You can view the documentary at cityofflinflon.ca or find it on youtube.   

Manitoba highways is doing a preservation program on Highway 10A between Flin Flon and The Pas.

This is normal practise for Manitoba highways to preserve asphalt highways that they have built.

Flin Flon and District Chamber Of Commerce President Dianne Russell reached out to highways and explains what she found out.  " You know through Chamber I decided to find out what the whole process was, and just to make sure our business's and economic development was being protected as this is such a beautiful highway. It is a process that was set to happen and usually happens two years after the highway was built. They are just now getting around to doing the preservation project."

The crew is working on sealing the asphalt white line to white line to prevent moisture from settling into the cracks. No update was given on resurfacing Highway 291 going out to Channing.

No timeline was given for completion.

On Saturday , at 4:20 pm, officers from The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Provincial Road 287, located south of Cormorant. 
 

Investigators have determined that a vehicle, travelling eastbound with five occupants, had lost control where it entered the ditch and rolled.

Two male passengers in the vehicle, a 35-year-old from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and a 36-year-old from Prince Albert, SK, were pronounced deceased on scene.

The 39-year-old male driver, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and a 28-year-old female from The Pas, were transported to hospital, and later life-flighted to Winnipeg, with life-threatening injuries.

A 25-year-old female, from The Pas, was transported to hospital where she was treated and released.

The Pas RCMP, along with an RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

Art In The Wild is presenting free community choral sound workshops coming up August the 31^st to September the 1^st at Johny’s Social Club.

Christy Janvier talks about this unique opportunity . " We have more free workshops coming to Flin Flon and this one is called Feeling Froggy. Jamie Reimer is a inter disciplinary performance maker, composer , educator originally from Winnipeg and she works internationally. She has an interest in healing choral and also how frogs operate in choral vocalization as well. She is coming to Flin Flon offering workshops, doing field walks and recording. This could be interesting for anyone interested in sound installation as well as community choral members."

The times are 1 to 5 both days , and they will take registration right up to August the 30^th.  You can sign up by emailing borealgatherings@gmail.com.

Flin Flon, Cranberry and Grass River Provincial Park continue to be under an air quality alert due to smoke from various fores  fires across Western Canada.

The smoke is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility.

Here are some ways to help reduce the effect of smoke. Keep windows and doors closed, use an air purifier, Window AC units should have the outdoor air intake damper closed, wear a mask to help not breathe in pollutants and limit your time outdoors.

The Flin Flon Aqua Centre Committee held their Monster 50/50 draw this past Saturday night at the Blueberry Jam Music gathering.

612 tickets were sold and congratulations to Albert Clarke who takes home a jackpot  of $12,250.00 with winning ticket number 1053.

Flin Flon Rec Director Cait Bailey thanks everyone for supporting their draw.

" We are really excited about it and we are hoping to do another one in the winter. It is incredible to see so much community support and it is awesome to see someone going home with $12,250.00. That is also $12,250.00 that is going into our community Aqua Centre fundraiser. A lot of volunteer hours and everyone out here was working really hard and it was great to see all these people come out for the draw."

They will have more fundraisers throughout the fall and winter and if you would like to get involved and help out the committee you can contact Cait at 204-681-7502. 

The Town Of Creighton is holding their last party in the park for the summer on Wednesday August the 21^st.

It will be an afternoon of kid’s karaoke and lots of other fun events. Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran tells us they have had a great summer. 

" Our spray pool this summer has been very busy as we have had a lot of hot weather so we have been thankful for that. We have had a lot of kids come and enjoy the pool, the playground and concession. This leads up to our last Party In The Park, our Karaoke and Jokes afternoon. We will have karaoke and anyone can get up and say clean jokes to everybody. There will also be dancing, swimming, bubbles and prizes."

It takes place between 1 and 3 at the Creighton Spray Pool and it will cost only a dollar to attend.

The Flin Flon Norva Centre has a unique exhibit that will be on display for the rest of August.  Megan Dupas the Gallery Manager has the details.

" We have an exhibit that is called the Dinner Party and it is by an artist who is an Associate Professor from the University of Brandon, Lisa Wood. She is a super cool person , she has come to our Norva Artist Retreats to teach us. She is a fantastick artist and she has a great collection of work on display that is mixed media including translucent paper and photographs based off of dinner parties she held with other artists."

It is on display for the rest of the month Tuesday to Saturday 10 to 5 and it  is free to view at  the gallery.  The Norva Centre also has a 50/50 going on for the rest of the summer and the draw is September the 30^th. Stop by in person or e-transfers are available.

The biggest music event in Northern Manitoba will kick off later today at the Flin Flon Tourist Bureau Campground.

Flin Flon’s Bluberry Jam featuring artists from all over the province will hit the stage starting at 4pm today and the committee’s Crystal Kolt says they have some new events to enjoy this year.

" In the Blueberry Patch which is the new area permit where people can grab a drink and go to where ever they want to sit. There is going to be a new tent that is called the Flinty tent which is located over by the playground structrure and there will be 5 or 6 seats in there where you can watch a series of Flin Flon films.

There will be a list of all the films and times and we are really excited about a new Flin Flon documentary that we are really proud of. The Flin Flon Archive Board will also be doing a presentation on Saturday between 2 and 3 plus there will be some Iranian drumming and Celtic dancing."

They are still in need of some volunteers to help out so if you are interested you can reach out to the Blueberry Jam facebook page. If you are signed up to volunteer. they are asking you to be there a half hour before your scheduled shift and you can meet up next to the stage.

On Monday , at approximately 12:00 pm, Cranberry Portage received a report that Raymond Moose, 41, was  last seen at the Kisseynew Fish Camp near Sherridon. However, Moose’s boat is missing and he has not been seen or heard from since the evening of Friday August the 2^nd when he was last seen at a business in Flin Flon.

Moose is described as 5’10” tall and 176 pounds with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a red sweater and a black hat. He often travels by bicycle in the area of Flin Flon, Sherridon Road, and Kisseynew Lake.

If you have information, please call Cranberry Portage at 204-472-4044, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

It is going to be a very busy August for the Women’s Resource Centre in Flin Flon. Allie Klippel talks about all the programs they have going on.

" So we have a few things going on this month. On August the 13th,  at 5:30 we have our Cactus Rock Garden going on again and that is a sign up one so call ahead to register. The following Tuesday on the 20th we are doing a wine glass painting  and you also need to sign up for that. Thursday the 22nd at 1:30  we have a new group called Soup And Stuff, it is going to be about  healty eating  and you can make your own dry soup to take home with you and a little cook book."

You can sign up for all these events by contacting the Women’s Resource Centre at 204-681-3105 or you can also go to their facebook page. All these programs are free of charge.

The City Of Flin Flon has come up with a Business Storefront Improvement Grant that will help provide financial support for Main street business’s to improve their building exteriors.

Councillor Mike Slipp explains " It is a mtaching grant and we are really excited about it. What we are offering is up to ten thousand dollars for a business on Main street or uptown to improve their fassad or frontage look. If we give you five thousand then you would put five thousand in and you can improve your frontage. We want to beautify Main street and I think this is a great opportunity for business's to take advantage of that."

You can request any amount up to ten thousand dollars from a total fund of sixty thousand and applications are available at City Hall.

On Monday, at approximately 3:45 pm, RCMP Traffic Services was patrolling on Highway 6, just south of Grand Rapids, when they located a head-on motor vehicle collision between a SUV and a minivan, operating as a handivan.

When officers came upon the scene they discovered that aperson in the accident was deceased.

The 42-year-old front seat female passenger in the minivan, from Mosakahiken Cree Nation, was taken to the Grand Rapids Nursing Station, where she succumbed to her injuries.

One other passenger and the 54-year-old male driver from Winnipeg received non-life-threatening injuries.

The 23-year-old front seat female passenger of the SUV, from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation was deceased on scene. The two other passengers and the 23-year-old male driver had non life threatening imjuries.

Early investigation has determined that the SUV crossed the centre line, colliding with the minivan. The investigation continues. No charges have been laid at this time.

The City gave their final reading to regulate the storage and disposal of garbage to 4 bags per week per household. Mayor Fontaine commented that this was due to an over abundance and abuse of the system.

If you need to dispose of more garbage you can pick up additional tags at City Hall. The City did talk to other municipalities in the province to get feedback on what they do and this process will be very similar to what other communities have in place.

The City signed off on the agreement with Rural Transit Solutions on the two million dollar grant for bus transportation around the city. The grant will allow the City to purchase a new bus,new sidewalks and shelters around the community. Some construction will start now and will be completed sometime in 2025.

After an extensive search the City announced they have hired a new Chief Administrative Officer, Sandy Stokes who comes to Flin Flon from Pouce Coup BC. Sandy has all kinds of experience in all functions of municipal operations and will be replacing Lynn Brown who is retiring in September.

World Bubble Day and the Flin Flon Dinosaur races will both  be celebrated during this weekend’s Blueberry Jam music gathering at the Flin Flon campground.

Organizer Lawrence Gillespie tells us what they have planned for the two events. " We are going to have the best selection of competitive  dinosaur events you will find any where. There is going to be dinosaur races, a dinosaur snack down, duck tank , all kinds of dinosaur events and these are all skill testing events designed for children. World Bubble day is all kinds of bubble day activities including who can make the biggest bubble. We have lots of high powered bubble equipment to make big bubbles and bubbles in unusual shapes. We will have bubble races, bubble skeet shooting and all kinds of bubble activities."

These events will take place on Friday between 7 and 9pm , Saturday 12 to 7 and Sunday 12 to 4 at the Flin Flon campground playground structure. It is free and open to kids 3 to 14. There will be a lot of great prizes. 

On Sunday  at approximately 8:55 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Whitfield Road, in the RM of Buckland.

Officers immediately responded and one adult female passenger was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. She has been identified as a 32-year-old from Pelican Narrows and her  family has been notified.

The adult female driver and an adult male passenger were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

Prince Albert RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Starting today at Fisher Island, families of those affected by the McKay Residential School will gather, because the Ministikok project is underway.

The Ministikok Project has been funded to find answers, search for those who went missing, and learn about the school and the people who attended.

They are investigating unmarked graves at the McKay Indian Residential School site and talking to those with insight.

The school ran from 1912 to 1932.

Joe Partridge said he had family that attended the school, but not much was ever discussed regarding their time spent there.

That's why they will contact community members for statements and record videos to learn more about people's experiences at the school.

The project team recently found what they believe to be the only living survivor of the school.

Starting today, birch bark basket making will take place.

On Thursday, tipi and medicine teachings and a performance of Bear Grease will take place.

On the evening of August 2, The Pas RCMP received a distress call reporting a stranded boater with his family and pets on Clearwater Lake.

The boat had experienced a power and propulsion failure, leaving them adrift two kilometres from shore near Camper's Cove boat launch.

The boaters, from Mitchell, Manitoba, had been stranded for over three hours and were struggling to fix the boat in diminishing light and worsening weather conditions.

When a rescue team of three RCMP officers arrived, they encountered rough waters but managed to locate the stranded boat just in time, as it was dangerously close to a reef.

The Joe Brain Petting Zoo is getting ready to host their Hayday which will be taking place on Saturday August the 18^th  between 2 and 5.

This is the first time they have held the event since Covid and Zoo Supervisor Taya Rogers tells us they are hoping to build off what has already been a very good summer. " We have had lots of people from the surrounding communities as well as Saskatchewan, Alberta and all around as people enjoy coming to the Zoo. This is my fouth year working here,  as I started in high school and it has been great for the heart and helped me pursue my careers. It has lots of importance and Hay Day is great as it is lots of fun and a good way to bring the community together."

The event is free and will feature horse rides, a barbecue,bouncy castle,lots of games and prizes including a cow pie eating contest. Thanks to Eddies, The CO-OP and Arctic Beverages for their donations.

Hunting season is nearly here in Saskatchewan and there are several things you can do  to get ready for the season.

Big Game Draw and regular licences are already  available . The quota limited antlerless mule deer licences are available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning August 15^th.

Your options to purchase a license includes. Online through the Hunting, Angling and Trapping Licence (HAL) system, 24 hours a day. In person at a Government of Saskatchewan field office with front counter service or at select provincial park offices. In person from any Saskatchewan hunting licence issuer or by phone at at 1-855-848-4773.

Hunters must provide their HAL identification number, or any other identification number previously added to their HAL account. 

You can find out more by getting your Saskatchewan Hunters Guide by going to Saskatchewan.ca/hunting or picking up a copy from a Saskatchewan Provincial office.

On Saturday  at approximately 2:30 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a missing 78-year-old female.

Laura Skelly was last seen on July 31, 2024 at approximately 9:20 am, leaving a residence on Campbell Street in The Pas.

The RCMP are concerned for her safety.

Laura was last seen leaving the residence in a 2019, black Jeep Compass, Manitoba license plate EXM 911.

The RCMP are asking anyone with information to call The Pas detachment at 204-627-6204, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Adult and Teen Challenge in Denare Beach are holding one of their biggest fundraisers of the year in September.

The Rubber Duck Race will take place on September the 7^th on the Wallace street bridge and tickets are available to support the organization.

Ben Luc tells us the different prizes that you can win this year. " We have a 2024 Polaris Sportsman 570 Premium Trail Edition,  a beautiful quad that you might of seen when the guys were selling tickets at Canadian Tire. That is first prize, and we also have a 2023 Polaris Outlaw 110 a little kids quad. For third place we have an ice fishing package that includes the shack. electric ice auger, sleigh to pull behind and a big portable heater."

Only 2000 tickets will be printed and tickets can be picked up at Canadian Tire, Northern Rainbows End, The Gateway  and Alexander’s .

The 33^rd annual Cranberry Trout Challenge will take place tomorrow on Lake Athapap with a chance to win lots of great prizes including $65,00.00 for first place.

One of the organizers Wade Roberts expects to see people coming in from a lot of different areas. " There are people that come from the Winnipeg area and all over Southern Manitoba. Past people that lived in the North who like this derby and even some folks from Mexico that retired from here. We have several folks that know the area and enjoy fishing for Trout who love the area, people from Saskatchewan etc."

Deadline to enter is tonight and you can sign up on the fish donkey app, or show up in person at the rules meeting at 7pm at the curling rink. Information on all the events taking place this weekend in Cranberry can be seen on the Cranberry Trout facebook page.

The City Of Flin Flon continues to work hard on fundraising for the new aqua centre and are  selling tickets  for a 50/50 draw which will take place at Blueberry Jam.

Karen Mackinnon from the fundraising committee lets us know where you can pick up tickets. " We will be selling them at the musical ride tonight and then we will be selling at the Tourist Bureau when Blueberry Jam starts. We will have a table out in front of the Tourist Bureau. Right now we have sold just over seven thousand dollars, and we want to sell them all so the winner would get over fifteen thousand."

You can also pick up tickets at the CO-OP, Creighton Rec Office, Flin Flon City Hall, Northern Rainbows End, Northland Ford and the Victoria Inn . The draw will take place on Saturday August the 10^th at the Tourist Bureau at 8pm.

The RCMP Musical Ride makes it’s way back to Flin Flon today for the first time since 2004. It will take place at the Centoba Ball Diamond  with the grounds opening at 4:30 and the show will start at 5.

Flin Flon Rec Director Cait Bailey is hoping a lot of people will come out to enjoy the show.  " We are really excited and they haven't been here for a really long time, I think something like 20 or 25 years, so it is exciting to see them back in the North. The show is going to start at 5pm, and that is a little of a pre show with some local entertainment and music and then the RCMP will kick off about 5:30. Bring a chair and umbrella maybe as it loks like it is going to be sunny and quite warm."

Tickets will be available right at the gate and are $10.00  for adults and $5.00 for kids three and older.