AT THE CREIGHTON TOWN COUNCIL MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK MAYOR BRUCE FIDDLER ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS ELECTED BACK ON TO THE NEW NORTH BOARD AT THEIR RECENT AGM. HE SAID HE IS VERY MUCH LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING NEW NORTH BACK IN OPERATION AND SERVING THE NORTHERN COMMUNITIES. NEW NORTH IS A NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION LOCATED IN LaRONGE WHICH REPRESENTS AND ADVOCATES FOR THIRTY FIVE NORTHEN MEMBER COMMUNITIES LOCATED WITHIN THE NORTHERN ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT.

COUNCIL AGREED TO SUPPORT THE 91st ANNUAL MEN'S CURLING BONSPIEL ON MARCH 14th-16th WITH A DONATION OF $150 DOLLARS,

COUNCIL ALSO AGREED TO SUPPORT THE NORTHERN JURIED ART SHOW BY PURCHASING THE PEOPLES CHOICE CATEGORY AT A COST OF $200 DOLLARS FOR THE SHOW TAKING PLACE APRIL 10th TO 12th. 

THE COUNCIL AGREED TO SUPPORT THE HAPNOT AA VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL 

PURCHASING THE BRONZE PACKAGE AT A COST OF $200 DOLLARS FOR THE PROVINCIAL EVENT MARCH 20-22nd.

COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE TRANSFERRING $50,000 DOLLARS FROM THE NWMO FUNDS TO THE NORTHERN CREIGHTON DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO ASSIST WITH THE TRANSIT OPERATIONS.

The Manitoba Theatre Centre in conjunction with the Flin Flon Arts Council are presenting the production o f Murder For Two at the FF Community Hall.

The show will take place on Friday March the 7^th starting at 7 pm and the Arts Council’s Crystal Woodward tells us they need some volunteers to help out. 

" MTC is looking for 8 volunteers to help them with the load in with their sound equipment and setting up  and  loading out. So the performance is on March the 7th and they are looking for the volunteers to show up at the Community Hall at around 1:30 pm and that is when they will start loading in with their set up. That will last til about 5:30 pm  and the second batch for the load out,  the volunteers can meet at the Community Hall at 9:15 pm and that will last til approximately  about 11:30pm." 

Anyone who does volunteer will be able to watch the show for free and if you interested in lending a hand you can contact Crystal at 204-687-5974 or send an e-mail to flinflonartscouncil@gmail.com. Tickets are still available for the show and can be purchased on the Flin Flon Arts Council website by clicking on the showpass link or you can pick up tickets in person at the Uptown Emporium.

The FF School Division held their Public Budget meeting on Tuesday at their office at 9 Terrace Avenue. Their total operations increased for 2025/26 by 9 % compared to the 2024/25 budget. Wage assistance decreased by 24 % and Nutrition funding decreased slightly at .4 %.

Student enrolment was slightly down from 857 in 2023 to 843 in 2024. Equalization support is up by 18 % due to an increase in unsupported expenses, mostly due to the fact that Hudbay moved the majority of their mine operations to Snow Lake as well as a shrinking tax base so there isn’t as much revenue.

The FFSD will not be increasing the Mill Rate and were able to reduce the Municipal revenue by $282,416.00 in order to keep the Mill Rate the same. Overall the School Division’s budgeted expenses for 2025/26 compared to last year are only increasing by 2.48 %.

The surplus as of June 2026 is forecast to be 3.25 % which is below the 4 % that the government allows.

The full Flin Flon School Division Budget can be seen online at www.ffsd.mb.ca.

AT THEIR MEETING THIS WEEK THE FLIN FLON SCHOOL DIVISION TRUSTEES REPORTED BEING INVITED TO TOUR THE RUTH BETTS FACILITY EARLIER THIS MONTH. TRUSTEE TYLER KITTLE MENTIONED HE REALLY ENJOYED WHAT EACH OF THE CLASS ROOMS WERE DOING LIKE ART AND MATH AND IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE. THE STAFF AND STUDENTS PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORT TO SHOW THE TRUSTEES WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND THE BOARD GAVE A BIG THANK YOU TO PRINCIPAL MIRANDA BOWMAN.

THE PROVINCE OF MANITOBA HAS A NEW MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING TRACY SCHMIDT. TRUSTEE TIMOTHY DAVIS EXTENDED HIS CONGRATULATIONS OF BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND SAID HE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH HER.

SUPERINTENDENT TAMMY BALLANTYNE GAVE A REMINDER TO PARENTS WHO HAVE STUDENTS THAT RIDE THE SCHOOL BUS THAT THERE IS NOW AN APP THAT CAN BE DOWNLOADED TO TRACK THE BUSES TO THEIR PICK UP AND DROP OFF LOCATIONS. IF PARENTS ARE INTERESTED AND DID NOT RECEIVE THE INFORMATION TO ACCESS THE APP, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL. THE NAME OF THE APP IS FIRST VIEW.

The Imagine North team representing arts groups from Flin Flon, The Pas, Thompson, Snow Lake and Churchill had a chance to gather in Churchill recently and connect on different ideas to bring to the North.

Crystal Woodward representing the Flin Flon Arts Council tells us she learned a lot. " We just focussed on doing a bunch of work shops that helped us with marketing, podcast training as well as learning reels and what programs to use. We learned about the different types of equipment we need, the different microphones, headphones, sound boards and so on. It was very good and I think the biggest thing I took away from it was the podcast stuff, because my biggest goal is to have the Uptown Emporium and Arts Council to have a consistent podcast."

Woodward says the plan is to start doing live updates on social media by this Spring. They will also get a chance to meet with the Lieutenant Governor in  Winnipeg coming up in March  and look forward to presenting their ideas and getting the government’s support.

You can find out more by going to the website at imagiNorthern.ca.

UCN will be holding their basic first aid and intermediate first aid training at the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy on March the 19^th and 20^th.

All classes will run 8:30 am to 4 pm with a half hour break for lunch.

Basic First Aid Training will be a one day course using face to face delivery of ST John Ambulance curriculum. They will focus on CPR Level C, Defibrillator and emergency situations. Intermediate First Aid will be a two day course using face to face delivery of ST John Ambulance curriculum and will include CR Level C, AED, with more thorough coverage of first aid situations.

The course will be taught by Kari Lentowicz and to sign up or for further information you can contact the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy at 204-687-7038 or nmma@ucn.ca.

Prince Albert RCMP are asking the public to report all sightings of a grey 2009 Chevrolet Silverado with Saskatchewan license plate 916 NID.

Investigators believe the occupants are connected to a robbery that occurred in the City of Prince Albert early on February 26th. Prince Albert Police Service located the suspects in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and continued into Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction.

The suspects were last observed in St. Louis, SK at about 8:30 a.m. and are believed to be driving the Chevrolet Silverado.

Prince Albert RCMP are actively working to locate the suspects, who are believed to armed.

If you see this vehicle, do not approach it. Contact police immediately by dialling 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Bust the Winter Blues is now just a couple days away and there will be no shortage of events that the whole family can enjoy all over Flin Flon and Creighton.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran highlights some  of the events that will be taking place. " On Friday night is the Trivia Night through the Kinette club , the Disco night at the Sportex will be a fun night. We will have a photo booth and some prizes and glow sticks to hand out and the Disco lights will be on. The night snowshoe event will be at Phantom Lake at 6pm, and our Home Business Market will be at ST Annes Hall at 10am to 4pm on Saturday. That will lead up to our Family  Fun Day at the Sportex,  where we  will have a free skate and hot dogs and hot chocolate while supplies last. There will be a Smooshing contest, different cultural games , Turkey Curling and the Snowdrag races."

Other events to look forward to throughout the weekend  include  the fireworks at the Creighton Soccer Field, Aloha Family Dance at the Creighton Community Hall, Border Explorers Snow Mobile Poker Derby and the 50^th annual Val and Ivor Hedman  Centaloppet  for the Flin Flon Ski Club.

You can see the complete list of events online at both the Flin Flon and Creighton Rec facebook pages.

Community Futures Greenstone is holding a Women In Business and Community Celebration  on March the 20^th at the Victoria Inn .

The  Emcee and opening message will be provided by Joeann Pelletier who is the Program Coordinator of the Flin Flon Friendship Centre. Dianne Russell who is the Manager of CFAR and CJAR radio in Flin Flon and the Pas will be making a keynote presentation and talks about why it is important to recognize women in business here in our community.

" It is a unique nish to have women willing to  run their own business's and they often have a lot of other projects that they are doing. Like myself , a lot of volunteering and things like that and it is International Women's Month, so that is one of the reasons we do it. This is very important and we are hoping that we get a good turn out."

Tickets are $10.00 and you can register by going to admin@cfgreenstone.com or calling 204-687-6967.

Bust The Winter Blues will start this weekend with lots of events planned in both Flin Flon and Creighton. One of the longest running events of the festival  is the Flin Flon Kinette Trivia night.

One of the Kinette’s,  Kerri Wood says tickets are moving very well.  " Tickets are selling very well and they are available at the Orange Toad and Gateway for $25.00 a ticket and cash only please. You can have 6 people per team and you can bring your own appetizers with  cocktails  at 6:30 and trivia at 7:30. It is going to be a wonderful evening with cash prizes, door prizes and an awesome Penny Parade."

The evening will also include an Elimination Draw for a two night fall/winter stay at the Ravens Hollow Eco Dome resort. Mike Slipp will be the host and all the proceeds will stay in Flin Flon and area for community projects.

The Flin Flon District Chamber Of Commerce will be holding their first general meeting of 2025 on Tuesday March the 18^th at the Flin Flon Friendship Centre starting at noon.

New President Kory Eastman talks about the Chamber’s goals and vision for 2025 and beyond.  "  What we are looking for this year,  we are still working on the formalized strategic plan , but we are looking to engage more. We are looking to engage more not only with our members but with the public. We want to hear their concerns and see if there is solutions there for the issues that are perceived on safety and security. We want to make sure all the stakeholders are heard not only from the Municipal level of government but the Provincial and National as well."

There will be updates on the  Student Housing Project, Northern Manitoba Mining Academy, Health Care Training and more. Guest speakers will be Doug Lauvstad and Jamie Grant.

Healthy Together Now is a grass roots program designed to help prevent chronic illness and improve wellness in Manitoba. Christa McIntyre, community health developer with the Northern Health Region provides the details on what type applications they are looking for.

"  To receive a Healthy Together Now Grant,  a project has to focus on at least one of the four main  pillars of Healthy Together Now. They are healthy eating and access to healthy foods, physical activity, commercial tobacco prevention and reduction and mental health and well being. We have had some really great  grant projects come out of the Flin Flon area, including gardening programs, cultural programs , healthy cooking circles and lots more."

If any group is interested in a Healthy Together Now grant, they can contact McIntyre directly at 204-681-3145. She’ll review your project idea and see if it meets the criteria of the program. Plus provide the funding guidelines and walk you through the application process.

The Minister of Health recently announced the new board of directors for the Norman Regional Health Authority with different appointees  who will represent a strong commitment to enhancing the health system and to improving health for Manitobans in the North.

The Norman Region covers a great deal of territory including Thompson, Norway House, Cross Lake, The Pas, OCN, Snow Lake, Leaf Rapids, Lynn Lake, Gillam, Grand Rapids and Flin Flon as well as  many other communities.

The new board of directors includes: Jacqueline Fitzpatrick Thompson, Lloyd Flett Kinosao Sipi, Kelsey Horrocks Bakers Narrows, Connie Measity OCN, Dayna Zaharia The Pas, Brandee Albert Norway House, Warren Lucky Thompson, Sylvia Zamzow Snow Lake, Bruce Fidler Creighton and Cathy Valentino Thompson.

For more information on the latest news and events of the Norman Regional Health Authority you can go their website at northernhealthregion.com.

It is a blockbuster at the Hapnot Theatre tonight as we hear from the Central Canada Film Group’s Colin Davis. 

 “...one of the most famous movies ever to be made! Casablanca. Now it may be an old film but don’t dismiss it if you haven’t seen it, it’s a whole lot edgier than people give it credit for. And if you have a love for cinema you owe it to yourself to see one of the most important cinematic cornerstones that the foundation of modern cinema has been built upon.”

There is going to be a pre show which will start tonight at 7:10 and the regular show will start at 7:30. There will be snacks and drinks available at the door and don’t forget that admission is free.

Gary Vidal who is the MP for the Desnethe- Missinippi- Churchill River was in Denare Beach at the Ridge on Amisk Resort to make a couple of special presentations this past Wednesday.

Gary was in town to present the Kings Coronation Medals that a lot of MP’S around the country have been presenting. These medals are presented to recognize people that make significant contributions to their communities over a course of a lifetime.

These medals were presented to Bruce Fiddler the Mayor of Creighton and Carl Lentowicz who is the Mayor of Denare Beach.

Vidal explains how the respective mayors were chosen.

“It’s a nomination process where we went around the ride in looking for people that have significantly contributed to their communities, have done outstanding contributions and I mean both these gentlemen have been serving as the leadership in our communities I think since 1994. So, it’s been a very long time of municipal service to their communities and obviously the Governor Generals Office in Ottawa determined after we nominated them that they were worthy recipients and agreed to come and present them with medals.”

In May of 2023 to mark the coronation of his Majesty King Charles the 3^rd, The Prime Minister announced that the government would award 30,000 Coronation medals to people across Canada that make significant contributions to their country, province, territory, region or community.

An armed robbery occurred at a residence on Head Avenue just after midnight on February 20^th

Upon investigation officers found that 2 male suspects broke into the residence, shouted “Westside”, stole cash, and prescription medicine, and shot up the place, no injuries were reported.

The 2 suspects were described as being in their early 20’s, wearing all-black clothing and wearing masks.

Each suspect was carrying a long-barrelled firearm which was used to cause extensive damage to the home.

Anyone with information in relation to this armed robbery is asked to contact RCMP in The Pas at 204-627-6204 or leave a secure tip online at manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The City Of Flin Flon Has hired a new Public Relations and Community Engagement Manager.

They have hired Kasper Antoszweski from Thompson who held a similar post in Thompson for 6 years and also spent some time at Vale. He was hired in January and his first official day on the job was this past Tuesday.

The City has passed a resolution to establish a special services levy for Protective Services, Recreation Support Services and Snow Removal in Flin Flon. This was the first reading and needs to be negotiated every three years. There will be a community meeting on March the 19^th.

The City’s emergency plan has added a few minor changes including updating phone numbers, updates for the different service clubs including contact information and an updated wildfire situation.

Formation for the City budget is still being worked out and will need to be held by May the 15^th. The budget will be set after the results of the Special Service Levy, Municipal Mill Rate and School Division Mill Rate.

The 46^th annual Denare Beach Winter Festival will kick off three days of fun starting tomorrow.

The Denare Beach Rec Director, Mel Durette lets us know about all the events that will be taking place.

“Friday we’re going to start with the Musher Supper like always, and there will be the Penny Parade, Pizza Shoot, Kids Events, Turkey Curling, Trap Setting for Friday. Saturday will be Pancake Breakfast, Bingo this year will be at 11 o’clock...Fishing Derby will start from 2 to 4 we did push it further because it’s always colder in the morning, there’s a Crib Tournament at 4 o’clock, there’s also we’re bringing in Dog Sled Team to do Dog Sled rides for the kids from 2 to 5 at the Water Treatment Plant and then Sunday will be a Sliding Party from 1 to 3 for the kids”

Don’t forget that you will need to purchase a Winter Festival button to attend any of the events which you can pick up at the Alpine, Village office or the Denareplex. You will also be able to see a complete list of all the events on the Denare Beach Rec Board Facebook page.

On February 12th, at approximately 2:00 am, an officer with the Lynn Lake RCMP was awoken in his residence by intense banging noises from outside.

The officer received a call from another officer that someone had tried to kick in his residence door. The officer scared off the suspects and when he went outside, discovered extensive damage to his police vehicle.

Through their initial investigation officers were able to identify two suspects.

Lynn Lake RCMP were able to arrest a 16-year-old male suspect, but are still searching for another male suspect.

The 16-year-old was charged with Mischief under $5,000 and Breaking and Entering with Intent and was released on conditions.

Lynn Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Cranberry Portages’s third annual Winterfest will officially start tomorrow and one of the organizers Carleen Wollman  tells us they have lots of events for the whole family.

" Yes we have lots of stuff for kids and families to do and we will start on Thursday with the Merchandise Bingo at 7pm at the Cranberry Legion that is hosted by our local daycare. On Friday we have Opening Ceremonies at 5 followed by the Rick Murray Memorial Singles Cribbage tournament and the Pearl Anderson Memorial Bonspiel and there is also a public skate going on as well. On Saturday we have the Elbow Lake Wilderness Lodge free pancake breakfast that starts at 9am. Following that we have our James Murray Memorial Doubles Cribbage tournament at 10,  and we also have our kids skill event that you do need to be registered for." 

You can still register by going to the website cranberryportagewinterfest.com and you can find the  registration form by clicking on the event info tab. You can also sign up in person  by going to the Cranberry Portage Resource Centre.

The Flin Flon Lions Club recently held their Journey For Sight Snowmobile ride that went through several Manitoba communities.

Local Lion Andy Wasylciw says it was one of the most successful years that they have had. " Well it all started from Flin Flon here , and there were snowmobiles that came from southern Manitoba and it went on to the Pas the first day. Then they went to Swan River where they split with some going to Roblin, Russell area with some that go to Dauphin. They all eventually congregate into Brandon. They raised just under $50,000.00 for that ride for the cause and went very well."

All the proceeds will go towards the Lions Eye Bank for cornea transplants and different eye issues in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The Lions would also like  to thank everyone for their donations and for helping store the sleds right across the province.

They look forward to seeing everyone out next year for their 40^th anniversary.

On February 12^th , at approximately 8:30 am, Cross Lake RCMP were called to a residence in the community for the report of an assault.

When officers arrived on scene, they learned a 35-year-old male suspect had entered the residence after breaking down the door and after an altercation with the female inside, threatened to return with a firearm and then fled. The victim was not seriously injured.

A search warrant for his residence was obtained, and inside officers seized 10 long guns, large amounts of ammunition, approximately 45 grams of cocaine, over 200 suspected hydromorphone tablets, and digital scales.

Cross Lake RCMP have issued a Warrant for Arrest for Patrick Ross, 35, of Cross Lake who is being charged with 10 offences including Assault, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, and numerous Firearms offences.

If anyone has information on his whereabouts please call Cross Lake RCMP at 204-676-2600, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

We are a little less than three weeks away from the Manitoba Theatre Centre’s presentation of  Murder For Two  which is touring around Manitoba including Flin Flon.

The Flin Flon Arts Council’s Crystal Kolt is very excited that they have included Flin Flon on their tour. " Well first of all it is always such a privilege and a pleasure to have a professional theatre company come to Flin Flon. The Manitoba Theatre Centre has been a big friend of Flin Flon for decades now, so really excited about that. This one is going to be so much fun it is almost like a sequel to what Ham Sandwich did with Clue this past fall. The show that is coming to Flin Flon on March the 7th is called Murder For Two. It is a high energy musical who done it."

The show will take place at the Flin Flon Community Hall on Friday March the 7^th starting at 7pm. Tickets can be picked up online through Showpass  at flinflonartscouncil.ca. You can also get them in person from the Uptown Emporium. Prices are $40..00  for adults and $20.00 for youth.

Community Futures Greenstone will be holding a couple of free community workshops including Chat GTP Essentials which will be happening on Thursday.

Becky Cianflone go’s into detail on what will be covered. " You should certainly attend our workshop this Thursday February the 20th and learn how to use it to maximize your productivity. We are going to be talking about how you can use Chat GPT to save time. This is everything from meal planning,  to writing proposals and analizing reports. It is a beginner level , so for folks that have used Chat GPT a little bit and arn't really sure and want to know more, or for people that haven't used it at all , we will be covering that area."

It will start at 6:30 at 79 Main street and you can sign up by going to admin@cfgreenstone.com or calling 204-687-6967.

On February 6^th  at approximately 9:56 p.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of an armed robbery near a business on Highway 2 and 264 in the Elk Ridge area.

Investigation determined a female approached a vehicle, threatened the driver and directed them to drive to a specified location.

The incident was reported to Prince Albert RCMP and officers located the vehicle at a business in Northside, SK and arrested the suspect at the scene. The driver did not report physical injuries to police.

As a result of continued investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP arrested 20-year-old Jade Grieves.

Jade Grieves from Nipawin is charged with robbery and failing to comply with a probation order.

The Flin Flon Creighton SPCA continue to hold fundraisers and events to keep their shelter open. The SPCA  get zero funding from the government  so they continue to rely on donations and fundraisers and appreciate all the support that they continue to receive.

Delta Genaile who is one of the workers says there are a lot of animals available right now for adoption. " We have quite a few animals  here at the Shelter that people can either foster for the weekend or foster in general for us. We would provide the supplies if need be. We have three, 3 week old puppies, we have two 5 week old puppies, 2 older puppies about 5 months old and we also have four older dogs. We have a young male cat that went in  today to get neatered and we also have a younger kitten that has been vaccinated and de-wormed recently."

If you are looking to adopt an animal you can stop by the shelter Tuesday through Saturday noon to 5. You can also find an adoption form right on the SPCA’S facebook page. They also want to remind you to come out and support On Alert with Rockut and Modern Rock for the Paws Of Rock fundraiser for the SPCA on Saturday February the 22^nd at Johnny’s Social Club. Tickets are $30.00 and available at the Orange Toad.

AT THEIR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CREIGHTON AGREED TO ACCEPT THE QUOTE FROM BEECH ELECTRIC TO REPLACE THE SPORTEX LOUNGE ROOFTOP HEATER/AIR CONDITIONER AT A COST OF $38,379.12 PLUS TAXES. 

COUNCIL AGREED TO TENDER A THREE STALL TRANSIT VAN GARAGE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS YARD AS THEY ARE SEEKING A CONTRACTOR TO BUILD. SEALED TENDERS

ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE CREIGHTON TOWN OFFICE BY FEBRUARY 26th BEFORE 4PM.

COUNCIL AGREED TO SUPPORT THE FLIN FLON BOMBERS DURING THE PLAYOFFS BY PURCHASING A BANNER FROM THE REMINDER AT A COST OF $149 DOLLARS PLUS GST. 

COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE PROVIDING A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE CREIGHTON SCHOOL DIVISION WHICH WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE DIVISIONS FUNDING APPLICATION TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT. 

COUNCIL APPROVED THE REQUEST FROM JAN LAKE WASTE MANAGEMENT TO EXTEND THEIR AGREEMENT TO HAUL DRY HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE TO THE TOWN LANDFILL WITH A 3% INCREASE FOR THIS YEAR.

 COUNCIL WILL ALSO BE PURCHASING TWO RADAR SPEED SIGNS FROM AIRMASTER SIGNS AT A COST OF $3,927.00 DOLLARS PLUS TAXES.

The Northern Health Region is bringing a Living Well Lunch Series to Flin Flon starting at the end of February.

Christa McIntire tells us the different benefits that you will be able to take advantage of. " Well living a healthy lifestyle can be  challenging,  but we know it can even be harder in the Winter months. We are dealing with reduced levels of sunlight, we often feel less energetic and we spend more time indoors and away from others. We also tend to crave those comfort foods that are ften  full of sugar and starches. We just wanted to offer our community some supportive and informative sessions to help support good health and throw in a delicios lunch each time."

It all begins February the 26^th with Mental Health Strategies for self care with Tom Dubreil. They will also be offering Eating For Your Heart, Secrets To Becoming Active and Intuitive Eating.

All 4 sessions will take place over the lunch hour at the Green room at the Flin Flon Community Hall. You can attend all or just one session. Sign up by calling Christa at 204-681-3145 or cmcintire@nrha.ca.

Celebrate the long weekend with free ice fishing at provincial parks.

From this Saturday to Monday during Winter Family Fishing Weekend, anglers may fish without a licence, except in national parks where a federal angling licence is still required.

Anglers must follow all possession limits and size restrictions including regulations for specific individual waters.

In addition to the Winter Family Fishing Weekend, the Manitoba government is also offering free entry into provincial parks during the month of February.

Vehicle permits are not required but Snopasses are still required for snowmobiles using groomed trails in the parks.

For more information about Manitoba parks, visit gov.mb.ca.

Johnny’s Social Club are excited to present a very talented performer in Del Barber who will be performing in Flin Flon on Sunday February the 23^rd.

Greg East who is one of the organizers tells us what kind of a show we can expect. " Del Barber is a pretty famous musician and we are very lucky to have him coming to Flin Flon. I have been bugging him for about 4 or 5 years and he did play Johnny's once, maybe 6 or 8 years ago. Since then he has been travelling the country and making a living and he is a Canadian Independant  Folk artist. He is also a record producer and he has been nominated for multiple awards including a Juno Award recently. He is coming back with a two of his back up singers that are travelling with him."

It is all part of his At The Can Tour and will be performing at Johnny’s Social Club on Sunday February the 23^rd with doors opening at 6:30, show at 7 and tickets are $30.00 which  can be picked up at the Orange Toad.

Ma-Famii  is a program through Metis Saskatchewan  that is   hitting the road and will be in Creighton tonight to answer questions and provide assistance on anything that has to deal with Metis people in the province.

Julia Holiday Scott who is the Manager gives us the specific details on what they will be covering. " So MFamii is a program through Metis Nation's  Saskatchewan and we are coming up to Creighton to provide mobile support. You will be able to connect with our Citizen Support worker who is coming to the community to apply for any of the programs that Metis Nations Saskatchewan offers. That will include housing, ELCC, anything that you might ask about, so we are there to answer questions and offer support."

The meeting will take place tonight at the Prospector Inn in Creighton between 5 and 8pm and is open to anybody who would like to attend. You can also get more information by going to metisnationsk.com.

You can join the Flin Flon Public Library for their Silent Book Club tomorrow night from 6:30 to 8pm.

Lisa Slugoski explains it will be the easiest book club you have ever been a part of.  " So our Silent Book Club runs every second Thursday, and you basically just show up with what ever book you are reading and we sit and read silently together. We usually have about a 15 minute discussion at the beginning where people can talk about what they are reading if they choose. If you don't want to, you don't have to participate in that part, and we read about an hour and a half."

You are asked to RSVP  FFPL@SHAW.CA so they will know how many seats to set up.

No assigned reading, no commitment  and  no pressure. Just show up and enjoy the evening.

The Flin Flon Ministerial Association wants to celebrate love in the community and will be hosting a free lunch for Valentine’s day this Friday.

Kristina Lies tells us the Flin Flon Ministerial really wants to bring people together.

" Well this year because of weather, not the lack of leadership but of Ministers in Flin Flon we were not able to have our Christian Unity Week. More and more the church's in Flin Flon are enjoying getting together. I talked to a few ladies and said I would like to have a lunch celebrating love on Valentine's day, because if the church's in the comunity arn't sharing love than what are we doing. I thought this is a great day to do it as it lands on a Friday."

The lunch is hosted by all the church’s in Flin Flon and will take place this Friday at the Lutheran Church between 11-2 with soup, buns and dessert. It is absolutely free and everybody is welcome.

The Women’s Resource Centre in Flin Flon is holding more events in the community  this week to help remember missing and  murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Ally Klippel lets us know what they have planned for the rest of the week and the significance of the red dresses that are hanging on Main Street.  

" So the red dresses that we have hung are to pay tribute and respect to the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. They are a sign to show that we still think about them , they still live with us, among us and not to forget the things that have happened. For the rest of the week on Thursday the 13th we will have a informational group that will be coping with the loss of loved ones. A group on grief and a  support group from 2 to 3 pm at the Women's Resource Centre. On Friday from 2 to 4 we are going to be beading Red Awarenss Ribbons and starting at 4:30 we are going to be having a little event up here. There will be drumming from the Northwind Turtle Women's Singers, plus speaking and other events to take part in as well."

The Memorial March which was supposed to take place at Pioneer Square on Friday at 5:15 has been moved to the Women’s resource Centre due to the extreme cold. They also have a Women’s Healing Circle planned for today between 5 and 7pm.

You can find out more about all the events on the Flin Flon Women’s Resource Centre facebook page.

If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s day and win some great prizes, Discover Flin Flon/ Creighton has an event that people of all ages can participate in. We hear more from Tatem Buzby.

" We are doing a Valentines Day Bingo, so you can get  one from Emily or  I at the Creighton Rec Office. All you have to do is come and get a sheet or use the one you saw on social media. The rules are to complete activities from the bingo card , there is 16 in total. You can snap a photo as proof for each activity , you get one entry for every completed row , columnn or diagnal complete full card for 5 bonus entries."

You have to submit your photos and complete bingo card by February the 21st to Emily at eroberts@flinflon.ca.  The grand prize is a Flin Flon and Creighton merch package.

We are just a little over a week away from kicking off the third annual Cranberry Portage  Winterfest which will start on February the 20^th.

Even though the event is still a little more than a week away, Carleen Wollman tells us it is very important that you do register a head of time to take part in the different events. 

" Registration is starting next week on Monday and it is very important that everybody who wants to compete and attend for kids events and stuff like that, that you  register and have all your fees paid. This year we wll not be accepting any late sign up because we do need to know how many people that we are preparing for competition. For signing up you can do so in person at the Cranberry Portage Resource Centre, we have people there that will accept cash. You can also sign up online, we have all the registration forms under event info on our website at the top of the page. You can fill them out and send them in and our e-mail is there where you can send in an e-transfer."

A complete list of all the events can be seen at cranberryportagewinterfest.com or the Cranberry Winterfest facebook page.

NCN Thompson Bus Lines is offering bus expansion to The Pas and Flin Flon.

The expansion will offer regular Monday to Friday daytime passenger service starting April the 1^st. It will connect Flin Flon, The Pas, Swan River, Dauphin, Portage La Prairie and Winnipeg. Freight pick- ups and drop offs will be available along the entire route along with final mile deliveries.

The expansion will also create jobs for Northern Manitoba with seven new staff based in The Pas which will include four bus drivers, depot staff and a mechanic. They will join the other 27 current staff members in Thompson and Winnipeg.

More details and routes can be found at www.thompsonbus.com.

Flin Flon City Councillor Alison Dallas Funk was in Winnipeg and recently met with Minister Naylor who is the Minister of Infrastructure and Highways.

Funk gives us the details for the reason for the meeting. " It was really great and it was last minute , so I was really happy they agreed to see me as I was in Winnipeg anyways, so why not try to get in and see some Ministers. It is really great that they recognize that we are from the North, so when we are down there why not see them. The whole point of me going down was again and again to discuss Highway 291 which is our Channing highway. I think this is the fifth time that our administration has approached them on this in the last two years. We have now talked to two different Ministers on this and I feel like we are making some head way."

Funk mentioned that they will be coming up this summer to visit the site and do an assessment. They will also be inspecting the guard rails over by the Fairview Apartments and will be looking at a procedure for a different route to help reroute large trucks and semis.

You  are invited to come out  and celebrate the one year anniversary of the Wahkohtowin Trails Committee who have a lot planned for Family Day in Saskatchewan on Monday February the 17^th.

Leslie Beck tells us that their group continues to grow and they are excited about their new trail in Creighton. "  So to celebrate our being a committee for one  year, on the 17th which is family day in Saskatchewan we are going to be taking people out to have a look at the trail we just developed in Creighton. So we will meet at the Creighton Rec and Tourism office at 1pm on Feb 17th,  and we will take people up to the top of Green street then out into the area that is situated behind Creighton to the south."

The tour will be done by snowshoe and if you need any information you can contact Leslie at 204-680-6089 or lesliebeck1960@gmail.com.

The Central Canada Film group are inviting you to come out and check out another classic film at the Hapnot Theatre tonight.

Colin Davis tells us what they will be  showing this time on the big screen. 

" Well we have another great classic tonight at the Hapnot Theatre, Clint Eastwood is back as the man with no name in High Plains Drifter. This film has all the fun you can expect to have in a Clint Eastwood film with Cowboys, bad guys and  shoot outs. We really encourage everyone to come out and join in the fun tonight. Just come down to the high school , park you car in the parking lot and come in the front door and join us for this Clint Eastwood classic."

Doors will open at 7 and the show will start at 7:30 with drinks and snacks available at the door. Don’t forget the show is free.

A local business will be celebrating 25 years of making tasty food this weekend as Creighton Pizza will celebrate the milestone on Saturday.

Telis and Kaiti Keramydas who are the two owners,  say they have enjoyed serving the public and being part of the community.

Katie commented " What I have cherished most is the people and the support. What I feel is that you can never just give 50 %, it is always 100 % and you have to go again, again and again."

Telis has lots of fond memories from the past 25 years. " So many people will stop by to pick up pizzas for their kids and grand kids from out of town, because that is the first thing they asked for when they go to visit them. Lots of kids come back from University in the summer time,  and tell us that we are their first stop. We remind them of home as we have become of their every day life and that is what I am most proud of."

This Saturday you are invited to join Creighton’s Pizza as they will kick off 25 year celebrations by bringing back their 1999 pizza menu which will include 1999 pizza prices and 1999 hours of operation from 11am to 3am.

To celebrate the 25^th anniversary , anyone who purchases food between this Saturday February the 8^th and Friday February the 14^th will be entered into two draws for gift cards from local business’s around town.

The Flin Flon Kinette Club is presenting a fun event for the kids this weekend with their Capes and Gowns this Saturday at the Creighton Community Hall.

Kerri Wood provides the details. " It is a wonderful little event that  the Flin Flon  Kinettes put on every year. There is a dance, coloring, crafts, draws and a canteen. It is an overall good time for kids. The purpose is to get kids out from the cold of winter and raise funds to give back to the community."

It takes place this Saturday from noon til 2 and is only $10.00 per child. Parents and children under 2 are free.

The third annual Jimmy Custer Memorial Dog Races will take place this weekend in Denare Beach.

One of the organizers, Wally Olsen looks forward to seeing a lot of spectators coming out to cheer on the dog teams. " The teams will take off at 11am, but I encourage people to show up a little earlier,  maybe around 10:30 just to witness the excitement and adrenaline of the teams. It is really something to see as they prepare. It is looking like we have 10 to 12 teams confirmed but it could be more as I am still  getting messages on when registration is."

There will be three different categories including a 10 dog, 6 dog and a 4 dog. The races will take place at Shwaga Bay just past the water treatment plant or where the old Beaver Lake grounds used to be. All the races are free  to watch.  Cash prizes will be awarded for the top 9 teams in each category with some teams coming from as far as Alberta and Quebec.

Time is running out for you and your organization to apply for grants for  the Northern Neighbors Foundation with the deadline coming up next week.

Shylo Rogers explains how the Northern Neighbors works and who should apply. " It supports all community projects, so if there is someone out there who is looking for a project,  or has a project in mind, we strongly encourage them to apply for a grant this year. Again they only have until February the 15th and the exciting part this year is we have $193,000.00 to give away this year. That money only go's to the communities of Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach, Cranberry and Snow Lake. "

In order to apply you are supposed to be a registered charity as it does require a charity number. There is a work around that if you don’t have a number.  you can apply in partnership with a municipality who has a registered number,  and then  fill out a declaration on line and that will make you eligible to get granting.

Find out more information and apply at northernneighbors.com. They will announce who will be receiving grants in May and then present the funds on June the 15^th.

On February 1^st , at approximately 4:00 am, Pukatawagan RCMP were called after the victim of a shooting arrived at the Nursing Station in the community.

When officers arrived at the Nursing Station, they found a 36-year-old male being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

The victim told officers he was threatened by a male suspect, while inside a vehicle with four other occupants, after being offered a ride. A struggle ensued inside the vehicle and it was then that the victim was shot.

The victim managed to escape the vehicle and run to safety. The four other occupants inside the vehicle, were not injured.

While officers were still at the Nursing Station, a second male victim arrived with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury. The 43-year-old male victim was not cooperative with police.

In relation to the first shooting, RCMP have arrested a 16-year-old male at a residence in the community and charged him with multiple offenses.

RCMP have issued a Warrant of Arrest issued for 22-year-old Austin Castel also in relation to the first shooting.

Pukatawagan RCMP are asking anyone with information to please call the detachment at 204-553-2342, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The investigation continues.

With Bust The Winter Blues just a few weeks away, one of the events to look forward to will be a Home Business Market happening at St Anne’s Hall.

Rikki Odua is organizing it and says they already have a great variety of vendors that have signed up. " We have a lot of different business's from sign making to bath and body products, Momma J's Cookies, Northern Natural Handmade Huggables which is everyone's favorite. We will also have a Penny Parade and will serve a hot lunch. We are looking for home business's or anyone who has home made stuff or something that you would like to sell."

There will be a $20.00 fee per table and the deadline to sign up is February the 15^th. Contact Rikki for all the details at 204-271-3605. Hours are 10am to 4pm on     Saturday March the 1^st.

Teen Challenge in Flin Flon is going to start Community Support Groups later this month with lots of different programs and Outreach for people who are struggling with addictions.

Al Legore shares the different ways that people will be able to get help.

" One is called Breaking Free and it will be starting February the 25th, 7 to 8 pm. It will really help people that are struggling with addiction and it covers some topics like the nature of  addiction, toxic denial and grief in addictions. The next one we will be doing is called Concerned Persons,  which will start on Thursday Feb 27th from 7 to 8pm. This is for a group for people who have loved ones struggling with life controlling addictions. It will help you find comfort and to walk through on how to not enable."

Starting this week , Teen Challenge will also be opening their Community Outreach Office at 78 Main Street and the hours are noon to 6pm and is open to anyone looking for support and encouragement.

The countdown to Bust The Winter Blues is on with the festival now only a few weeks away and a lot of events for you and your family to enjoy.

Creighton Rec Director Lindsay Shirran tells us what will be happening on the Saskatchewan side. " We wil have our Disco Skate night where will have our Disco Lights on with Glow Sticks with music. On Saturday will be a Familly Fun Day at the Sportex, so there will be a free skate with free hotdogs and Hot Chocolate while supplies last. We will have our Celebrity Smooshing Contest, fishing booth, games, Turkey Curling, Snow Drag Races, sliding and a bonfire leading up to our fireworks at dusk over the Creighton Soccer Field."

Another fun event will be the Border Explorers Frozen Aces Snowmobile Poker Derby on Sunday  at the Creighton Sportex Lounge starting with registration at 10. $10.00 per hand or 3 for $20.00. There will be cash prizes and you can contact Dwayne for more information at 306-688-7159.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation will be hosting a Town Hall meeting in Flin Flon next Wednesday February the 12^th at 7pm at the Flin Flon Community Hall.

Rob Olsen will be chairing the meeting and he looks forward to hearing from people in this area. " We are excited about the meeting and we are going to get a bunch of folks in the room to talk about some issues. It is mainly a meeting to gather licensed hunters and anglers but all are welcome. Indigenous and Non- Indigenous, everyone is welcome in the room. We are going to talking  about the issues facing hunters and anglers in what we see as threats to access for people who like to hunt and fish in the North."

Olsen also went on to say they will be looking for Federal and Provincial Governments to make sure they include all users of the land when they make decisions about land use.  

The Women’s Resource Centre invites you to join them for a week of events to honour and support missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls between February the 10^th and 14^th.

The Women’s Resource Centre’s Ally Klippel let’s us know  the different events they have planned.  " So starting on Monday February the 10th we are painting MMIW feathers from 1:30 to 4:30. On Tuesday we are doing sign making and an MMIW girl painting , on Wednesday we have a women's healing circle which will have women coming in between 5 and 7 pm. On Thursday we have an informational group on grief and support from 2 to 3 pm, coping with the loss of loved ones. On Friday we have Beading Red Awareness Ribbons from 2 to 4."

Also on Friday at Pioneer Square,  they will have a gathering at 5:30 with drumming, speeches, refreshments and you will also have a chance to come out and speak for either yourself or someone else that has been affected by missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

More information is available on the Flin Flon Women’s Resource Centre Facebook page.

The Flin Flon Kinette Club in conjunction with Bust The Winter Blues will be holding their annual Trivia Night later this month.

Vice President of the Kinette’s Kerri Wood tells us how the night will work. " Friday February the 28th, cocktails will start at 6:30 with the trivia at 7:30. Your team is a maximum of 6 people and you can bring your own appetizers. There is going to be cash prizes, door prizes, penny parade and it is always a good time."

Tickets are $25.00 and can be picked up at the Orange Toad and the Gateway, cash only. Among the highlights will be  a chance to win an elimination draw for a stay at the Ravens Hollow Eco Dome resort.

Your host is Mike Slipp and all the money raised will stay in the community and be used for community projects.