With most students returning to class this week, the Manitoba RCMP is reminding parents, caregivers and motorists to take the necessary precautions to ensure students stay safe.

For motorists, road safety is paramount – particularly in areas around schools. It is up to motorists to do everything they can to ensure the safety of those around them when driving in school zones. This includes: watching for lower speed limits, looking out for crossing guards, stay alert and don’t drive distracted and always stop for busses when they are flashing red lights at an extended stop sign.

Additionally, parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk to their children about basic tips to stay safe when walking or riding to school. This includes: walking the safest way to school, walking on the sidewalk or away from the roadway, putting devices away and be alert when walking, wearing fitted helmets when driving a bike or scooter and crossing at marked crossings or crosswalks.

Keeping students safe is a responsibility that all of us share. Driving safely and ensuring your child knows what to do – whether it be on the walk to school or while surfing online – will go a long way towards ensuring students have a safe and productive school year.

Community Futures Greenstone in conjunction with the Flin Flon Public Library have come together to form a makerspace shared workshop at the Library.

They are calling it Flinty’s Market and they will be holding their grand opening next week. Library Administrator Lisa Slugoski tells us they have been working on this for a while. " We actually did some strategic planning with Greenstone last Spring. One of the goals was to create a Maker's Space as Greenstone had a lot of this equipment sitting there. They said why don't we bring it over to the Library and we can set it up in the back room and it can be a Maker's Space for the community to use. We are hoping that people will come out and use this equipment which is free."

The Grand Opening will take place next Thursday 3 to 6pm at the Library. You can use all the tools and supplies free of charge, so you bring the project and the Library will provide the space to build it.

An exciting opportunity is available for a visionary leader who would like  to join the Northern Health Region as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will drive organizational excellence, strengthen workforce sustainability, advance health system transformation, and foster strong partnerships across Indigenous communities, governments, healthcare teams, and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will hold an active presence across the NHR Regional Offices located in Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon.

If you would like to make a lasting impact on health care in Northern Manitoba you can apply by going to the MNP website at mnp.ca.

In late August,  Flin Flon RCMP received a report of a possible impaired driver on Dominion Avenue.

Information was received that a male was driving a truck erratically, ran a stop light and appeared to be falling asleep behind the wheel. It was then observed that the male then switched seats with a female passenger who began to drive the truck.

Officers immediately began patrols for the vehicle and located it shortly and initiated a traffic stop.

Officers arrested the 36-year-old female and the 38-year-old male both for impaired operations and she was also issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition. The other passenger, a 53-year-old female was released without charge.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered the truck involved in the incident had been reported stolen.

The male, from Saskatoon received a ticket under the Highway Traffic Act for driving while disqualified and is facing  multiple  charges.

Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

This past Saturday  Deschambault Lake RCMP received a report of a missing 42-year-old male, Ernest Ballantyne.

Ernest was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. on September 5^th  at a camp on Viney Lake.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System and Search and Rescue, Prince Albert Grand Council Search and Rescue, the Search and Rescue Saskatchewan Association of Volunteers (SARSAV), the Civilian Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA), the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and community members are amongst those assisting in the ongoing search in the Viney Lake area.

Deschambault Lake RCMP are now asking members of the public to report information on Ernest’s whereabouts.

Ernest is described as:

• Height: 5 ft 6 in
• Build: medium
• Eye colour: brown
• Hair colour: brown
• Other descriptors: missing some teeth

A photo of Ernest has been released on social media. 

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

Preparations are underway for the local Ham Sandwich Theatre group’s fall production of Dracula.

It begins tonight with auditions starting at 7pm at the Flin Flon Community Hall. The production will be directed by Susan Gunn Saray and she explains the inspiration behind the local theatre group giving this a try.

" Dracula is something that has been in my blood for decades you might say. Probably since I found my dad's copy of Salem's Lot when I was about 10 or 11 years old and that is what kicked off this fascination. I read the original novel when I was to young to understand it completely. Dracula and Vampires is something I have been interested in for a while."

They will be looking for between 6 to 8 people to appear in the show and will also need backstage people including Painters, Carpenter’s and people that can make costumes and props.

If you are interested in being involved make sure you head to the Flin Flon Community Hall tonight. The show will be performed on November the 20^th and 21^st.

Super Tuesday is back at the Flin Flon Alliance Church and this will be a new bible study that will include a dinner, Bible  study and a chance to have a discussion as a group.

Pastor Claude Marais says this is a study that may change your life. " Come fall we like to host some good Bible Studies. What we are having this year is a Bible Study that was compiled by John Bevere that is called The Awe of God. It will run for about two months or maybe longer depending on the interaction we get with individual people. We want to be thorough with this because we think it is important for the Church as a whole."

The evening starts with a dinner at 6pm, then at 6:45 you will head up to the Main Hall for a study. There will also be a break for Dessert around 7:45 with the evening ending at around 8:45pm.

This is open to everyone in the community and if you would like to sign up contact Pastor Claude at 204-687-8498.

If you are looking to be able to handle a firearm legally in the Flin Flon area ,  there is going to be another Possession and Acquisition License course coming up in October.

Ryan Gray is the instructor and he explains what he will cover in the course. " The course covers safety, which is a very big part. We look at the different types of action and we also look at some of the storage and transportation of firearms. You also need your Possession and Acquisition License to purchase ammunition for the different firearms that you own. Of course you will need a license if you are going to inherit, lend or sell a firearm."

The course is $175..00 and is open to anyone over 18  and will take place at the Creighton Community Hall on October the 16^th and 17^th.

Register by contacting Ryan at 204-687-3163 or kanvasback5253@gmail.com. There are only 10 spots available.

A teenaged male was arrested in Creighton in relation to a robbery investigation.

On September 2^nd,  Creighton RCMP received a report of a suspicious male on Creighton Avenue.

Investigation determined a male approached two individuals outside, demanded their personal belongings, and threatened them. The male was wearing a face covering and was armed with a knife. The male then left on foot. No physical injuries were reported to police in relation to this incident.

Shortly after officers responded, they located and arrested the male suspect nearby. Officers seized a knife that the male had in his possession.

As a result of investigation, a teenaged male from Creighton, SK is charged with multiple offenses including one count of robbery with a weapon.

Since the teenaged male is under the age of 18, he cannot be identified as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The teenaged male appeared in La Ronge Provincial Court on September 3^rd.

Flin Flon RCMP assisted in this investigation.

If you were impacted by the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires you will be able to receive in person support.

The Red Cross will be at the Creighton Sportex Lounge October the 14^th to the 16^th  and again on the 19^th to the 21^st between 9am and 4pm.

There will be representatives to do one on one assessments, rebuilding with insurance , financial assistance and referrals to community resources.

Remember that Virtual Case Management support is available Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm by phoning 1-800-863-6582 or skrecoverysuport@redcross.ca.

With this new position now in place, residents can expect to see the Director of Bylaw out and about throughout the streets and neighborhoods of Flin Flon. A key responsibility of this position will be ensuring that City bylaws are followed and that the  community remains safe, clean, orderly, and welcoming for everyone.

Please be aware that illegal parking and stopping will be actively monitored, and tickets will be issued where violations occur.

The  Director of Bylaw, Planning and Enforcement will also be responsible for ensuring properties and yards are maintained in accordance with City byalws.

Residents and property owners are expected to keep their yards and properties clean, tidy, well-maintained, and free from excessive accumulation of debris, waste, of materials that may negatively affect the appearance or enjoyment of our neighborhoods.

The goal is to help maintain a community that residents can be proud to call home. Enforcement will focus on compliance with City bylaws while encouraging property owners to address concerns and keep their properties in good condition.

For more information including a current list of parking fines can be seen on the City Of Flin Flon website and their Facebook page.

Eldorado Gold is supporting eligible local students pursuing education and training connected to Mining, Trades, Environment, Technology, Business and Health through their Post Secondary Scholarship program.

This is open to students in Northern Communities including Flin Flon, Creighton, Denare Beach, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Deschambault Lake, Southend and Cumberland House.

Applicants must be from an eligible community/group and have lived in and graduated from a local school in one of these communities. A complete and required documents must be submitted to eldoradogold.com.

There will be up to $5,000.00 available for each successful applicant with the funds awarded by October the 1^st.

Denare Beach elected a new Mayor  on Wednesday.

A By-Election was needed as long time Mayor Carl Lentowicz who held the position for the last 33 years passed away in February.

Karen Thomson a long time resident and Councillor has been elected as the new Mayor and is just the third in the Village’s history.

Karen received 120 votes with Dale Holmgren coming second with 85, followed by  Jennifer Hysert with 49. The Village want to thank all three individuals for running and were very happy with the voter turn out.

With Thomson being elected,  the Village will have to have another By-Election to fill Karen’s  spot on Council.

The Village will announce a date for that at their next Council meeting which is taking place on Wednesday September the 16^th.

With Fall approaching,  the Flin Flon  Community Safety and Well Being Steering Committee continue to work hard to get a program into place to make the streets and neighborhoods safer around our  community.

Mike Slipp who helps chair the committee talks about the progress that they are making. " Well we are continuing with the folks from the Canadian  Centre For Safer Communities who we have been working with for months now.  They are completing their engagements with committee members and asking them their thoughts on the status of Flin Flon's safety and well being. They are finishing up with the Northern Health Region and business owners. I know they have been talking to a bunch of people on engagement."

On October the 6^th members from the Canadian Centre for Safer Communities will be in Flin Flon to meet with members of the steering committee directly and discuss their findings from a recent online survey and find solutions moving forward.

The results of that meeting will be put together in a report that will be released for public viewing on the City of Flin Flon website and Facebook page.

On August 23^rd , Cross Lake RCMP were notified after a body was discovered in a wooded area in the community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Officers attended the scene and located the body of an unknown individual.

An autopsy confirmed the body to be that of a 17-year-old female from the community who had been reported missing on August 22.

The victim had last been seen by family on August 17.

Her death has since been deemed suspicious and is being investigated by Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services (MCS).

Manitoba RCMP MCS and Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

More by-laws were passed at the latest  Flin Flon City Council meeting at Council Chambers this past Tuesday.

The City has amended a by-law to relocate a bus stop sign on Flin Flon’s Main Street from the Post Office to in front of the Library. This went to a third reading and is now passed.

First reading was given for the proposal for a Combination tax to  be increased from 5 to 7%. This is applied to anyone who stays in a hotel. Motel, B and B or short term rental. This has been repealed and a Public Hearing will now  take place later this year  to give citizens a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.

Mayor George Fontaine and Deputy Mayor Alison Dallas Funk will be attending the 2026 AMM Cities Caucus Meetings in Winkler later this month starting on September the 24^th.

Members of the Caring For Our Community group were in attendance and were looking for responses for their questions which they had e-mailed to the City regarding the duties of the new by-law officer, the latest information  from the Community of the Whole meeting and they have requested building a new public washroom on Main Street.

More information and an open discussion will take place at the next City Council meeting.

Preparations continue for Flin Flon and areas 100 year celebration coming up in 2027.

Celebrations are being planned for the entire community including the Flin Flon Bombers, HBM&S and Hudbay Minerals.

Save the Date cards are available at business’s all over Flin Flon, Creighton and Denare Beach which include a QR code on the back of the card,  which you can scan  to register and receive all kinds of information about  the event.

They are also in need of  volunteers to help out in lots of different capacities. If you are enthusiastic, have lots of energy and can help out for just a few hours they would like to hear from you.

E-mail them with your contact information at welcometoflinflon27@gmail.com.

Hapnot Collegiate  are welcoming students back to school on Wednesday, September 9^th with  Slot 1 beginning  at 8:45 am.

If you need to view your timetable, please download the app 'PowerSchool' on your smartphone. PowerSchool is where you can not only access your timetable, but it  also marks, attendance, and daily announcements. If parents/guardians need assistance, please contact the school by phone 204 687 7506 or email hapnot@ffsd.mb.ca.

If students cannot access their timetable, please visit the office or Ms. Link and they  will assist you.

There is a link to the web version of PowerSchool on Hapnot’s  website at https://www.hapnotcollegiate.com/

Hapnot Collegiate  encourage students/parents/guardians to check the Hapnot website regularly as exam schedules for each semester, the school year calendar, staff contacts, the student handbook,  Facebook page and  the  policies/procedures, will all  be posted for your reference.

On Aug. 28^th,  RCMP arrested six people at a property on the 300-block of 7th Avenue South in Swan River as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

The RCMP’s Swan River General Investigation Section (GIS) executed multiple search warrants – first at the residence, then at outbuildings and vehicles associated with the property. GIS officers were assisted by Swan River RCMP, the RCMP West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, the RCMP West District GIS and Police Dog Services.

Six people were arrested at the scene without incident.

Carla Slepicka, 49, of Swan River is charged with:

• Drug trafficking; and

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

Wayne Cook, 45, of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation is charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Michael Matsakoff of Swan River  is charged with drug trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Lawrence Severight, 56, of Cote First Nation in Saskatchewan is charged with multiple offenses including drug possession.

Two people – Dustin McDuff, 45, of Swan River and 22-year-old Kaylee Keefe of Kenville are both charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The investigation continues

Flin Flon is getting ready for a Municipal Election on October the 28^th and Community Futures Greenstone,  and the Flin Flon Chamber of Commerce want to make sure you know what to expect.

They will be hosting two Pre Election Information sessions that will include a lot of information on how the whole election process works. General Manager Becky Cianflone has more. " So we are offering two different opportunities, one is virtual by Zoom taking place tonight between 7 and 8pm. The second session  is in person and at Flin Flon City Hall on Thursday starting at 6:30pm."

If you are wanting to sign up for the virtual session, the deadline is 6pm tonight and you can contact admin@cfgreenstone.com and they will send you the link.

The In person session will include presentations from Tiffany Anderson from the RM of Kelsey and former Flin Flon Mayor Cal Huntley.

The NRHA are calling on Mothers, Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Friends, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grand Parents, Sons, Daughters, Nieces and Nephews to come out and recognize International Overdose Awareness Day.

The event has been rescheduled for tomorrow and the NRHA’S Christa McIntire explains the history behind the event and what will be taking place in Flin Flon. 

"So International  Overdose Awareness Day is an annual campaign held across the World on August the 31st. The purpose is to hopefully end drug overdoses and also to remember those that have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends. We invite everyone to come out to our event and we are going to have free food, entertainment, Naloxone training and we will also have information sharing."

It takes place at Pioneer Square between noon and 1:30 pm and is being held in conjunction with the Play It Safer Network and Manitoba Harm Reduction Network.

On August 28th, at approximately 3pm., Shamattawa RCMP were called to an assault at the Northern Store in the community.

Officers immediately responded to the scene where they located a seriously injured male suffering from what appeared to be a serious stab wound.

The initial investigation determined the male suspect, who was known to the victim, was still on the scene and was arrested without incident.

The 36-year-old victim was transported to the local nursing station where he succumbed to his injuries.

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services (MCS) deployed to the community and took charge  of the investigation.

Rodney Beardy, 58, from Shamattawa has been charged with second-degree murder in relation to the male’s death and remains in custody.

Manitoba RCMP MSC, Forensic Identification Services continue to investigate.

The City of Flin Flon is currently accepting letters of application from anybody  who may be  interested in serving as a volunteer member of the Flin Flon Station Museum Board of Directors.

This is a great opportunity to support the preservation and promotion of the  community’s rich history while contributing to the future of one of Flin Flon’s most valued heritage organizations.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a brief letter outlining their interest in serving on the Board, along with their contact information.

 Applications can be dropped off at City Hall and you can call 1-833-210-6435 for additional information.

Hapnot Collegiate will be holding their Grade 9 New Student Orientation this Thursday September the 3^rd from 1:30 pm to 2:30pm.

The orientation will take place in the Hapnot Theatre with Ms Link.

Mme Milligan will also be available at the school for any French Immersion questions.

There is a suggested school supplies list on their website at hapnotcollegiate.com or the Hapnot Facebook page.

For more information you can contact MS Link,  the Hapnot Guidence Councillor at alink@ffsd.mb.ca or 204-687-9702.