The Oscars Place Homeless Shelter has been given a three month extension on their lease that will allow them to continue operating in their current building until June 30^th. The building they are using is owned by The Pas Friendship Centre and Manitoba Housing negotiated with the centre to make this extension possible.

Stand Up For Oscars Place member Chad Zolinski says this extension has granted the group more flexibility to stay where they are and offer emergency overnight shelter services. 

The Stand Up For Oscars Place Group is still planning to move the shelter and they will continue to search for a new building before the July 1^st deadline.

Manitoba Housing submitted a conditional use application for a new building for the homeless shelter and there will be a public hearing regarding this application on February 12^th.

The Pas Huskies minor hockey team has a good chance of winning the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup and the Grand Prize of $15,000. Minor Hockey teams qualify for the Good Deeds Cup by submitting videos of the teams players doing good deeds for the community. The videos are ranked based on how many views that they have had.

The Huskies video had the most views by the time voting had ended and their video made it to the Semi Finals. If they make the top three they will win $5,000 and if they win the Good Deeds Cup they will take home $15,000.

The Team plans to use their prize money to go towards the Oscars Place Homeless Shelter. according to the Chevrolet website the top three videos have been narrowed down and the finalists are set to be announced on February 1^st.

The 25^thAnnual Girl Guide Tea takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 19 on February 10^th from 1 until 3PM. There will be beverages and food served by the local Girl Guide members along with a cake walk, a penny parade, and chips for chance.

Admission is five dollars for adults, three dollars for children under 12, and babies in arms are free.

The Council for the RM of Kelsey has scheduled a public hearing regarding a proposal for a service levy for the cost of road maintenance in The RM.

According to a document from The RM of Kelsey, Council has proposed to move the cost from their Mill Rate and to move the cost into a situation where it is equally charged in all roles in the community. This means that everyone in The RM would be charged an equal amount for road maintenance such as snow plowing, and grading.

The total amount of the service levy is four-hundred thousand dollars of costs associated with road maintenance and transportation services. The special service levy is proposed to cost $249 dollars per parcel of land for all municipal rolls. People are invited to voice their concerns about this new levy at the public hearing which will take place on February 1^st at 264 Fischer Ave in The Pas at 6PM.

Last Week, The Manitoba New Democratic Party announced that they have cleared outstanding debt from the 2016 election.The party has been able to bring in Eighty Two thousand five hundred dollars worth of year end fundraising.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew stated in a press release that the money raised, will now be about the 2020 election in hopes of challenging Pallister’s quote “Agenda of Cuts”.

He added that the Manitoba NDP’s are starting fresh with renewed energy and a new direction.

The Second Semester for Mary Duncan Schools adult learning program starts on February 5^th and registration is now open. The courses they are offering are, college prep, power engineering, job readiness, upgrading, literacy, and a mature student diploma.

If you would like to register you are asked drop by Mary Duncan School with 50 dollars and your ID before February 5^th.To find out what else Mary Duncan school has to offer or for more information visit maryduncan.school or call 623-1420

The Public Budget Consultation meeting for the Kelsey School Division on Monday Evening had a good turnout. The meeting gave people an idea of what is on the budget for the 2018-2019 school years and to give them a chance to have a say on where they think the school board should spend the money by filling out forms.

RM of Kelsey Reeve Rod Berezowecki was in attendance and he says he has no problem with the school board budget but he is concerned about the way the budget is proportioned to the ratepayers. He has asked the province to look at a different system for proportioning the budget not only for education but municipal taxes.

The Flin Flon RCMP have arrested 19 year old Darnell Custer, the man who used a fire extinguisher to commit an assault earlier this week. Police received the report of assault around 6:20 PM on January 22^nd at a business on Hapnot Street in Flin Flon.

The officers found a female employee who had been sprayed with a fire extinguisher by Custer as he stole a bottle of liquor. Shortly afterwards a report came in that another worker at a nearby business on main street was also sprayed in the face when Custer proceeded to steal cigarettes.

The victims were not injured and Custer remains in custody. Some of Custer’s charges include assault with a weapon, Theft under $5.000 and for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

The Pas Town Council held their second Council and Committee of the Whole meetings of 2018 on Monday night. During the committee of the whole meeting a conditional use application submitted by Manitoba Housing for 202 Edwards Avenue was discussed. The application was submitted in hopes of turning the building into The New Oscars Place Homeless Shelter. Based on the current zoning bylaws a homeless shelter is not permitted unless it is under conditional use.

The next step is to have a public hearing regarding this application at the next regular meeting of council where council members will hear representations from Manitoba Housing and members of the public before voting on the resolution at a future meeting.

They also discussed the possibility of expanding the local fire hall. The reason behind the expansion plans is that the fire services want to purchase a new fire truck but there is not enough room for another vehicle in the hall. The town has contacted a local engineer to come up with a set of blueprints and plans to do an expansion on the fire hall so that the fire services will have the storage that they need.

Also, a public hearing for a variation application for 913 Constant Ave was scheduled to take place before the council meeting but had to be put on hold because the person that submitted the application was not present at the meeting.

Yesterday, the Manitoba Métis Heritage Fund and the Manitoba Métis Federation announced their partnership with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation for its 2018 gala “A Hunt For a Cure.”

Denise Thomas, The Chair for The Manitoba Métis Heritage Fund stated in a news release that they are pleased to partner with CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in support of their “Toward Improved Care for Underserved Populations Program.”

A Hunt for a Cure will take place on May 12^th at the Fairmont Winnipeg and proceeds raised will support the “Toward Improved Care for Underserved Populations Program which aims to close gaps for programming and services for Northern Manitoba.

Last Thursday, Delegates from the Halcrow Lake Golf and Country Club including course president Kevin Bernstrom spoke at The RM of Kelsey Council Meeting to voice their concerns about flood levels and flood protection for the course.

The RM of Kelsey has planned to raise the water levels at the Jory Pumping station since the Provincial Government has cut funding from the RM for pumping water. A raised water level could put the golf course and other land owners at risk of flooding.

According to president Bernstrom the flood levels last year were really high and if the course is flooded again they will not be able to afford repairs and the course will have to be closed.

Bernstrom hopes that the provincial government can figure out a way to get more funding for water pumps to solve the issue.

According to Manitoba Public Insurance, 73 people were killed in 65 fatal collisions last year. 2017 was one of the safest years on Manitoba public roadways since 1982 based on a preliminary analysis.

Ward Keith, the vice president of Business Development and Communications for MPI stated in a press release that the fact that 73 lives were lost is a stark reminder that much work still needs to be done to change the driving behavior within our province.

MPI has a few safety tips for safe driving, Have a plan before you go out partying or if you are planning to consume drugs or alcohol and never get into a vehicle with a driver that is intoxicated and do not drive if you have consumed drugs or alcohol.

Be aware of the posted speed limit and drive according to road and weather conditions, always wear your seatbelt whether you are driver or a passenger, and never use your phone while driving. Always pull your vehicle to safe area to answer texts or phone calls.

The Town of The Pas is having their second council and committee of the whole meetings for the month of January tonight starting at 6. There will be a public hearing regarding a variation application for 913 Constant Avenue and they will be discussing fire hall expansion and a conditional use application for Edwards Avenue at the Committee of The Whole meeting. For a complete agenda for these meetings visit townofthepas.ca. The public is welcome to attend.

Last week, Destination Marketing/Economic Development Coordinator for The Pas and area Kimberly Ballantyne was the guest presenter at The Pas Chamber of Commerce annual general meeting where she talked about the current projects that she and the Tri- Council are working on for economic development for The Pas and surrounding areas.

Ballantyne says she was focused on creating partnerships at the start of her role so she made it her priority to become involved with the Tri-Council.

One of the projects approved by the Tri Council is “Townfolio” an online network that can be used to showcase the Tri areas manufacturing, agriculture and growing tourism industry.

Drawing more tourists to the Tri area is a goal that Ballyntyne and the Tri Council has due to the vast number of attractions in the area.

She added that she recently conducted research on funding opportunities that The Pas, OCN and The RM of Kelsey could be eligible for. Some of these funding opportunities included the “Smart Cities Challenge” and the “Churchill Regional Economic Development Fund”. The goal is to use this funding for community projects such as improving the lagoon and the regional landfill, and for a transit system. Applications are currently being worked on for these funding opportunities and they have not yet been finalized.

Local NDP MP Niki Ashton recently spoke to 102.9 CJAR to discuss what she will be bringing to the House of Commons in 2018. According to a news release the economy is Aston’s top concern for the year. She also will be bringing forward the issue of jobs in Northern Manitoba where says it has been a difficult couple of years for the North.

She added that she looks forward to calling on the federal government to address the challenges that the North is facing in terms of unemployment and under employment and to push them to be part of the solution.

She says other key issues Northern Manitoba faces include the need of health care and pharmicare as well as continued investments in infrastructure across the country and she feels that the Trudeau Governments interest in privatizing infrastructure is the wrong way to go, adding that investments in infrastructure are needed to create jobs and improve the services that people depend on including transportation.

Parliament is set to open on January 29^th     

The Pas and District Chamber of Commerce held their annual general meeting on Wednesday night at the Rotary Room at the Sam Waller Museum. During the meeting Carrie Atkinson was elected the new Vice President and Chris Marsh was elected as one of the new board members.

Some of the items on the agenda included the financial report and resolutions to take to the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. Some of these resolutions include a feasibility study on bringing natural gas to the North, putting rest stops and garbage cans at highway intervals, and ending daylight savings time in Manitoba.

If you would like to join The Pas and District Chamber of Commerce there are a few open positions including the president position. Email tpchamber@mailme.ca if you are interested in joining or to find out what other positions are open. Anyone can be on the board as long as they work for a business that is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Only one employee for each registered business can be considered for a position and they still have to be elected.

An employee of a contactor working for Manitoba Hydro suffered a fatal injury on Wednesday near the Northern community of Gilliam.

The accident occurred at Marshaling Yard 45 kilometers from Gilliam near the limestone generating station.

The worker was later transported to the hospital where he succumb to his injuries.

Manitoba Hydro CEO Kelvin Shepherd sends his thoughts and condolences to the workers family and says the incident was very sad and tragic.

Representatives from the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health and the RCMP are investigating.

The 1000^th Block of Cathedral Avenue here in The Pas is now closed until further notice due to a water main break. For the time being drivers will be required to take a detour on Campbell Drive or Tremauden Ave. The town crews are working hard to fix the water main break but it is not known how long it will take to repair.

The Manitoba Chamber of Commerce held a special lunch gathering recently at the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre in Winnipeg where Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Navdeep Bains answered questions regarding the future of Churchill and the closed rail line as well as tech, and trade in front of business leaders, Northern Representatives, and technology stake holders.

According to a news letter, Bains is hopeful that a resolution can be found with the current owners of the rail line to Churchill and he hopes that rail service will be brought back this year.

Bains also answered questions about how Manitoba fits into the government’s innovation agenda, the government’s arctic strategy, and how the federal government views Northern Manitoba, stating that the government sees the North as “Critical to Canada.”

When asked about the governments Arctic Strategy it was stated that It is not known when it will be released but Bains hopes that it will be released in a few months.

The Lions Journey for Sight started in Flin Flon this morning from the Victoria Inn.  The Journey is the annual fundraiser for the Lions Eye Bank of Manitoba and Northwest Ontario.  One of the organizers Dean Lounsbury from the Dauphin Lions Club says snowmobiles from across the province left Flin Flon today.

If you would like to make a donation. the snowmobilers will be stopping at the Kinsmen Club in The Pas tonight at 7:00

The snowmobilers will be joined by others from across the province as they wrap up in Brandon Saturday afternoon.  The Journey for Sight raised just under 65 thousand dollars for the Eye Bank last year.

The Manitoba Historical Society is accepting nominations for the Lieutenant Governor’s Award.  The award recognizes people interested in the preservation and promotion of the province’s history.  The Society’s Gordon Goldsborough says nominations are open to anyone.  He explains the award is intended primarily for people serving in the promotion of Manitoba’s history, so pretty much anyone who’s done things like writing books, various art projects, running museums, anything that has an aspect of preserving and promoting Manitoba’s history would qualify.

Nomination forms and more information are available on the websites of the Manitoba Historical Society www.mhs.mb.ca or the Lieutenant Governor at www.manitobalg.ca.  The deadline is February 28^th.

The Province has started to move from words to action with regards to the Look North report.

Municipal Relations Minister Jeff Wharton was recently in Flin Flon, where he announced the northern steering committee, which will help co-ordinate and oversee the implementation of the Look North action plan.

Wharton said that the steering committee will lead the next phase of work to develop more detailed strategies and action plans to help unlock the tremendous economic potential that exists in the north.

OCN Chief Christian Sinclair, oversaw the report.

The full press release can be found here, and the list of committee members can be found below.

The RCMP received a report late Monday afternoon of a man who was threatening to harm himself on Highway 10 South of The Pas. Officers from surrounding RCMP detachments and the RCMP police dog services responded to the scene and they located the man in his vehicle unharmed. The man was taken to hospital and the highway was closed for about half an hour so the police could address the situation.

Last Thursday Afternoon, The Pas Fire Department responded to a report of a fire at a house on Hone Street. According to acting Fire Chief Randy Manych the fire involved combustible materials stored on the deck of the house

Manych removed the combustible material off the deck and it only took five minutes to put the fire out. Manych believes that the fire may have been caused by cigarette ashes. He would like to remind residents to exercise caution when storing combustible materials.

Manitoba’s Liberal Party Leader Dougald Lamont firmly believes that there needs to be a provincial strategy for extreme weather response for Manitoba’s homeless population to ensure that they have a warm place to stay.

Lamont stated in a news release that very few homeless shelters provide a place to stay 24/7 and they require people to leave during the day putting them at risk of frostbite or death from exposure. He added that this is a caring province where communities are stepping up to help but he feels the province isn’t pulling its weight.

Lamont is encouraging people to take action and help the Oscars Place Homeless Shelter here in The Pas by watching The Pas Huskies video for The Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup. If they win the cup they will receive $15,000 to go towards the shelter.

You can find the video on Chevrolet Canada’s You Tube Channel. The more views the video has the better the chance they have of winning.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is looking for applicants for a small grant fund from the Neighborhoods’ Alive Initiative. The small grant fund will support community projects up to five thousand dollars. The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is looking for applicants for a small grant fund from the Neighborhoods’ Alive Initiative. The small grant fund will support community projects up to five thousand dollars.

If you are a non-profit organization or community group that is planning a project or an event that would bring the community together in a positive way the TPCRC wants to hear from you. You must fill out your application 60 days prior to your planned event. If you wish to apply, stop by the TPCRC office at 1559 Gordon Avenue from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM or call 204-623-4269. Community based organizations do not have to be incorporated to apply.

Last Monday evening at around 6:30, The Pas RCMP responded to an injury of a taxi driver south of town. According to a news release from the RCMP the 15 year old male passenger in the taxi attacked the driver with a knife and attempted to steal cash. The driver was injured but his injuries were not life threatening.

The passenger cannot be named due to his age and he has been charged with aggravated assault and robbery.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is asking organizations in The Pas and OCN for their events to put in February's Social Calendar. You can get your event in the calendar by messaging the TPCRC Facebook page, personal messaging Tessa Rae Rock on Facebook, emailing tpcrc@hotmail.com, or by calling 204-623-4269. You can also drop off your information at 1559 Gordon Avenue.

The deadline to submit events is January 26^th at 4PM.

The Pas MLA Amanda Lathlin recently spoke to 102.9 CJAR to talk about her plans for 2018 and what she will be bringing to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly's spring session. Lathlin says she is currently planning a petition for The Pas citizens to sign as a way to advocate to get The Pas Health Clinic back on the provinces radar.

Lathlin says the clinic is badly needed in the region especially when there is a walk in clinic that has hours that change every week and that emergency rooms are being clogged with patients. She added that more doctors are needed and the doctors could have been housed at the health clinic which could reduce the cost of the Northern Patient Transportation Program.

If the cost of The Northern Patient Transportation program is reduced, patients would not have to travel to Winnipeg for treatment and they could receive treatment at home by seeing doctors housed at the clinic. Lathlin hopes to get as many signatures from residents and she will bring the petition to the spring session.

Lathlin went on to say that she also be discussing the lack of mental health and addiction centre’s in the North and the closure of rural medical emergency stations. She also looks forward to a couple of debates at the session including one on the legalization of marijuana and a bill regarding the amendment to the CFS act. The spring session will begin on March 7^th.

Mark your calendars, A Texas Hold-Em tournament in support of Miss OCN Blizzard Gabby Umpherhille is being held at Kikiwak Inns Bignell Room on January 20^th. The doors open at 10AM and the game starts at 1PM with a guaranteed prize of five thousand dollars for first place.

Advanced tickets are 60 dollars and there are currently 80 advanced tickets available. If you would like to purchase an advanced ticket or for more information call Herman Lathlin at 204-698-0199 or Lauren Melnyk at 204-620-6488. Tickets at the door will cost 80 dollars.

Umpherville will be running for the 2018 Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival Fur Queen.

The support for Miss Missinippi Airways Cherilyn Muilenburg continues with a Family Fun Mini Trappers Night at UCN on January 26^th. The event runs from 6-9 PM. Tickets are 10 dollars a person and children under 2 are free. Muilenburg is running for the 2018 Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival Fur Queen.

The first council and committee of the whole meetings of 2018 for The Town of The Pas were held on Monday.

The council meeting went by relatively quickly but a lot was discussed at the committee of the whole meeting. Some of the items brought forward at the committee of the whole meeting included a variation application for a building on Constant Avenue, The updated EMO Plan, an engagement letter for the 2017 audit, and board reappointments for the Sam Wallar Museum.

A request also came forward with regards to Stand Up For Oscars Place requesting a meeting with council to discuss the ongoing issues with the Oscars Place Homeless Shelter. It has not yet been determined when council will meet with the Stand up For Oscars Place Group.

The next council and committee of the whole meetings are set for January 22^nd

Olivia McCorriston the Chair for the Stand Up For Oscars Place group recently stepped down from her position and Louise Dewer will be filling the position as group chair.

McCorriston says she decided to step down because she is still working full time and she felt that Dewar was in a better place to be group chair because of the time that she has.

McCorriston will remain a board member for the group and will continue with fundraising and whatever needs to be done for the homeless shelter.

The group is currently working on fundraising to secure a new building for the shelter before the end of March. You can keep up to date with the Stand up for Oscars Place group on Facebook.

Yesterday, a new art exhibit called “Trying So Hard to Be So Hard” also known as “Hard Kids” opened at the Sam Wallar Museum. The Exhibit features Batik portraits done by artist Karen clark. The artwork was made using excessive layers of wax and dyes and the portraits contain various facial expressions.

Museum Director Sharain Jones says she likes how vibrant the fabric looks with the various types of wax and dyes that were used in the artwork. The art exhibit will be on display until March 23^rd

This Friday night, the Alouette Hotel will be holding a meat draw from 5-7PM in support of Cherilyn Muilenburg. She will be running for the 2018 Northern Manitoba Trappers Festival Fur Queen.

The event will also feature a 50/50 draw, cash calendars, and fur queen raffle tickets.

Zumba with Erin’s 2018 Winter and Spring Schedule has been released. Classes will be held every Monday this month at 5:30 PM and at 7PM on January 11^th and 25^th at the Legion Hall.

The entry fee is 7 dollars for a drop in, 35 dollars for a 6 class pass, and 50 dollars for a 10 class pass. Students will get 20 percent off a 10 class pass if they show a valid student ID.

To view the entire 2018 Winter and Spring Schedule or for more information to go Zumba with Erin’s Facebook page.

If you own a Ram 1500 model year 2009 through 2017 or a Ram 2500 model year 2010 through 2017, it might be part of a recall.

The recall affects 290,200 trucks across the country that have a steering column gear shift.

Transport Canada, who issued the recall, says that the brake transmission shift interlock may become inoperative in affected vehicles, which could allow the steering column gear shift lever to be shifted out of park without the brake pedal being pressed or the key in the ignition.

To find out if your truck is affected, you can click on the link here, by calling Chrysler at 1.800.465.2001 or by visiting the dealer.

Below is a chart of model years affected.

Pre-registration is now open for The Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Festival Stage & Talent Show. The categories range from 12 and under, 13 to 17 years, to 18 and over. Contestants are allowed only 8 participants per category.

Share your talent with the community and it could lead to cash and prizes worth one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.

The show is at Margaret Barbour Collegiate Friday February 16 at 7 pm.

You can also register the day of the show when doors open at 6 :15.

To pre-register e-mail onlyclaudette@g-mail.com.

The Moffat Family Fund is now accepting applications for 2018. In late 2001 Randy Moffat and his family established a fund through the Winnipeg Foundation with a gift of 100 million dollars. In 2018 sixty thousand dollars has been allocated to The Pas.

In order to disburse these funds in a fair and equitable way, a call for proposals is being done through the Kelsey Recreation Commission.

Applicants must be charitable, non-profit organizations.  Applications can be picked up at the front desk of the Wellness Centre.

For more information contact Kelsey Recreation at 627 – 1131, fax 627 – 1147 or e-mail wandad@townofthepas.ca.

Deadline for applications is Friday March 2^nd at 4 : 30 pm.

You can fish with friends and family this year in the Bill Bannock Classic ice Fishing Derby, to be held on Saturday April 7th, 2018. When you buy an early bird ticket, ask for a group number. It will be given to a group to mention when they buy tickets. Maximum number allowed per group is 10, and Bill Bannock Committee members are the only ones who can make changes to the group numbers. Early bird tickets are available at the usual outlets and at www.tickettailor.com until March 21/18

The Numbers are in for Operation Rednose for 2017 in The Pas.

The free service gave a total of 382 rides this year, with 160 volunteers.

A total of 883 passengers were given safe rides home and volunteers drove a total of 5460 KM

This total put The Pas in 3rd place behind only Winnipeg and Portage and ahead of Thompson for rides.

In total six thousand, two hundred and sixty six dollars was donated to The Pas Roadrunners. 

Operation Rednose thanks everyone who did their part to make the holiday season a little safer,

Karen Astrid Clark is interested in the social comment that artwork offers. Concern for people and the environment of her northern home are increasingly part of her subject matter.

The purpose of the hard project is to awaken empathy for the portrait subjects. The expression speaks of defense that is succesful or not so successful at hiding the emotions within.

Karen's hard portraits will be displayed at the Susan MacCharles Gallery at the Sam Waller Museum from January 8th to March 30th.

For further information call the museum at 623-3802 or email at Samwallermuseum@mts.net

The Pas Regional Library invites you to warm up with a good book and wants you to bring your children too.

Story hour will be starting again on January 11th and will run every Thursday until June 21st for Children ages 3-5 from 1030 to 1130 am.

To register your child call 204-623-2023, for $20 a session.

The Pas Regional library is located at 53 Edwards avenue

The Manitoba Infrastructure Water Management division warns people who still go outside in frigid temperatures and extreme wind chills that the dangers of thin ice still exist.

Areas currently affected are Big Lake to Jory Pumping station, Jory to Pasquia river and Pasquia river to town.

People are asked to take precautions around these areas which are also marked by signs.