The adult learning centre has been running for 27 years in the community, and registration for the fall semester is now underway.

There are daytime and evening classes available starting on September 11^th.

The Kelsey Learning Centre understands the challenges that many adult learners face including juggling work, families and education and provides options for everyone.

Heather Marlow with the Kelsey Learning Centre has words for those who might be considering returning to school.

"If you've been thinking about going back to school, you know, feeling that trepidation, not really sure, we can absolutely be there to help you.

If you're interested in coming back, we are located on the 2nd floor of UCN and we're there from 8 to 4, so if you wanna pop in and just ask about things, we can get you started."

The center offers a high school diploma program, academic upgrading to prep for high school programs, and post-secondary prep programs for college and university-level courses.

Tomorrow is a day to remember those who have succumbed to overdose and to learn how to prevent it in the future.

The Play it Safer Network will be hosting an awareness event outside of the CJAR building from Noon to 3 this afternoon.

There will be games, information sessions, refreshments, and Naloxone Training being offered by trained professionals.

For those looking for information, you can stop by and speak with Krista Tooley, event coordinator.

"International Overdose Awareness Day is the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose and remember those who have died *without* stigma and acknowledge the grief that many friends and family have left behind."

The pandemic has seen an increase in drug-related deaths across Canada which makes this event as important as ever.

The 4-H Helping Hands Club is hosting a care closet once again for individuals in need.

They are asking for donations for the upcoming event that is set for September 2^nd.

There is a need for personal hygiene items, feminine hygiene items, toiletries, clothing, school supplies and other essential items.

Here Cheryl Antonio gives details on how to donate.

"If you have some donations for me, get a hold of me on Facebook, or email me: antc@mymyts.net, and I will be posting updated information on The Pas Community - What's Happening in the Tri-Area page."

The care closet has a goal to help provide essential items to those who might not otherwise have access.

For more on the care closet and other community events listen to the full interview with Antonio on The Pas Today at thepasonline.com.

Tomorrow The Pas Friendship Center will be hosting a Community Clean Up at the Kelsey Estates Park.

Following last week’s harm reduction session happening at the Kelsey Estates, it was noted that the park needs cleaning.

Janet Lowther with the Center talks about the event:

"We're gonna have some hotdogs, and we got a couple of singers there, so they're gonna come and play some music.  And hopefully, get that park all cleaned up. 

The Town of The Pas is gonna be coming and cleaning up the garbage and removing it.  So we're looking for more volunteers to come and help us out, or if you have something to contribute, we're always looking for donations all the time."

The cleanup will start at 10am and run until 2pm and everyone is welcome to join in.

Culture Days are coming fast.

The annual program is hosted by The Pas Arts Council.

There are lots of events already registered for this year’s event, but there is still time to sponsor a workshop or event.

Cheryl Antonio Shares details on how to get involved:

"We are still accepting events if you want to jump aboard with us and host something.  Just give me a shout via Facebook or email: antc@mymts.net.

We have a Facebook page: 2023 Culture Days by The Pas Arts Council.  Follow that for the calenders and all of the updated information, or head over to The Pas Regional Library.  They are our hub once again this year.

They will be also hosting some events and you could pick up the hard copies of that stuff as well."

The events start on Friday, September 22^nd with the Young Voices of the North podcast.

Some of the programs already registered include paint nights, cultural food tastings, poker derbies, movie nights, the Touch a Truck, and much more.

To hear the full interview with Antonio and learn about all the events taking place during culture days go to The Pas Today at thepasonline.com.

For children heading into kindergarten programs, you should have received letters informing you of teachers, supplies, and day cycles for which days your children will be attending.

If you did not receive your letter, you can contact the École Opasquia, Kelsey Community, and Joe A. Ross for details in regards to this.

Programs running in the community include English, French, and Cree immersion programs.

Meet and greets with teachers are planned over the coming weeks.

Offices will be opening starting next week for parents in need of information for the upcoming school year.

Arctic Radio’s Annual 100 Grand in Your Hand event wrapped up last week, where local contestants took home over $13,000 in prizes.

On top of all the prizes Arctic Radio and CJAR were able to donate 12 hundred dollars to local seniors through recreational programs.

This was the 5^th year for the event and with the help of over 25 local sponsors and businesses, a donation was made to support elders and seniors.

Both St. Paul’s Personal Care Home and Rod McGillivary Care Home received a check for $600.

There was a goal to provide something fun and positive to the community while also giving back and that goal was once again met.

Arctic Radio looks forward to bringing back the event again next year.

The Beatrice Wilson Health Center’s Kindergarten Fair is coming up tomorrow and will be running at the facilities on the OCN from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.

There will be drop-ins with information on immunization, nutrition, diabetes resources, Jordan’s Principal, the Maternal Child Health Program, healthy lunch ideas, CNTH dental care and more.

Nurses will be on-site to provide support and outreach.

Participants will get to take home a health snack package and will be entered for a chance to win draws.

With the fall school year looming children from the ages of 4- 6 may require immunization and support staff will be on hand to provide information.

Public health nurses can be reached by calling 204-627-7410.

Community Futures Cedar Lake Region will be bringing back their "Investing in our Future” grants program.

In 2022, this program awarded 33 projects in the region with funding of nearly $142,000 to promote growth in the community.

Here Sandra Shapiro with the Community Futures talks about organizations that are eligible for the funding:

"Any community organizations who are interested in applying for the grant: please do.

So, when I'm talking about community organizations, it's community councils, organizations, First Nations organizations, non-profit groups and schools.

And as long as they're located in the Cedar Lake Service Region: apply. 

For-profit, businesses and business organizations are not eligible."

The program opened last Wednesday and the deadline to apply is February 1^st, 2024 or as long as funds are available.

Grants are up to 2000 dollars which will be funded on a matching basis.

For information on how to apply go to https://cfmanitoba.ca/cedar-lake

This coming Wednesday Jordan’s Principle and the Beatrice Wilson Health Center are inviting families out for a Walking Derby.

The Derby will have lots of prizes for youth but there will also be something for the adults.

Her Ashley Cook with the Beatrice Wilson Health Center has more:

"So we're going from 0 to 17, but guardians and parents are encouraged to come as well, because they can also enter for a second door prize.  We got something special planned for them, too."

The derby will start on Wednesday Afternoon at 1pm with walkers leaving up until 2pm.

There will be games and prizes set up at booths along the route.

To learn more about the Walking Derby or other programs with Jordan’s Principle call 204-627-7410.

There’s a lot to take in this weekend at the Exhibition Grounds as the Opasquia Agricultural Society is hosting Chuck Wagon and Chariot races.

The event will start tomorrow with gates opening at 4pm and running all weekend long.

Races will happen at 8pm on Friday, 4pm on Saturday, and 1 on Sunday.

Darlene Dushanek with the Agricultural Society talks about Grocery races:

"And another really exciting event that is a crowd and family favourite is our Grocery Race that we put on.  That's on at intermission time.

So get out there and have a three-legged race on the track.  You get to carry home whatever groceries you can find!  

So you're basically gonna get your wrist bracelet back, and groceries, so get out there and get those zoodles!"

There will be performances happening on the stage in the beer gardens throughout the event with performances from the Metis Fiddlers, Cranberry Jam, and other local performers are encouraged to take the stage on Friday night at 5pm.

This year the Pull-a-Tow Truck event will happen, which will host local teams that will pull for a chance at a 500-dollar cash prize.

Weekend and day passes will be available at the gate, and for a full list of events and activities this weekend find the Opasqiua Agricultural Society on face book.

The Annual Street Festival will take place this weekend.

The event will be running in front of The Pas Regional Library on Saturday afternoon from 12 to 4 pm.

Holly Lajambe shares details:

"So it's just a really fun day where we encourage, like small businesses, vendors, et cetera, to have tables.

We have them for free, limited to two per person.  So if any vendors out there wanna give us a call.

We also do things like we have a DJ.  We've had Zoom in the past.  This year we're introducing a kids' carnival via The Pas Regional Library."

There will also be live music and the The Pas Community Renewal Corporation is currently looking for local musicians to perform 30-minute time slots during the event.

With coffee houses, a bounce house, popcorn, and cotton candy for the kids, the TPCRC has promised the 11^th annual street fest will be the largest ever.

The Pas Regional Library has been very active during the summer. 

They've been running educational reading packages for children, hosting movie nights, crafternoons, and more.

Rebecca Johnson with The Pas Regional Library talks about the  Library at the Lake event:

"Programs happening at the library that I would like to mention is we still are doing our Library at the Lake on Friday the 18th.  We will be out there at 5:30 to 8.

On the 26th, we will be out there from 1:30 to 4 30.  So where we are located, and what beach, will be posted on our Facebook and our website.

So just keep an eye on that, and come out to the beach and hang out with us, meet us, talk with us, get some free books off of us."

Johnson also talked about the Wool Club running again on the 17^th, knitters, crocheters, and even quilters are welcome.

And to wrap up the summer on the 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, and 27^th the library will be hosting a Fast and the Furious movie marathon where they will play the entire series.

To learn more about the summer reading program or other events at The Pas Regional Library find their event calendar online at thepasregionallibrary.com.

Today is the start of the Opaskwayak Indigenous Days in OCN.

With Opening Ceremonies set to take place on Pike Lake this afternoon at 3 pm, the Traditional Shooting of the Arrow will happen at 3:30.

Special OID Tomahawks and Bigfoot sculptures have been hidden throughout the community.

Hot dog eating contests are running at the Otineka Mall this afternoon, here Tenniel Ducharme talks about the events:

"On Tuesday, August 15th, we have the Traditional Leather Outfits at 1:30.  Registration starts at 1 p.m.

On Thursday, August 17th, we have the Neck Bone-Eating Contest at 12 o'clock.  Registration starts at 11:30.  We have two age categories: 13 and 17 for Boys and Girls and 18+ for Men and Women.

On Friday, August 18th, we have the Hair Contest.  Women's longest hair ages 18 to 64 and 65 plus.  And we have the men's as well.  Registration for that opens at 1 pm."
 

Bike races tomorrow are starting at the Jake Constant Memorial Bus Garage.

Pike Lake Day is on Wednesday and will have activities for everyone.

Venues will be set up with food and display at the Arbour Site.

Other traditional and fun events will be running all week during this year’s OID.

UPDATE

Angie Pillon, Town of The Pas Engineering Clerk shares this update: The Town of the Pas Water Main Flushing Program has been postponed until further notice.

The Town of The Pas Public Works Department will be flushing water mains next week.

It should be noted that during this time water pressure may be reduced and discolouration may occur.

During this period water is still safe to consume.

Flushing will take place from Sunday, August 13^th to Friday, August 18th.

Questions or concerns can be directed to public works at 204-627-1125.

The next town meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 16^th.

Breast cancer screenings are taking place in the community.

Shawn Yeremko talks about the importance of being screened:

"Early detection is key with breast cancer and any of the other cancers, so breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.  In Manitoba, women screening mammograms can find breast cancer early, when there might be more treatment options and a better chance of a cure."

Shawn goes on to note that the technology can help detect breast cancer earlier.

Two clinics are running with the first happening with the mobile mammogram breast check clinic.  It is set up at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center today and again tomorrow.

The second clinic will be running in The Pas from August 14^th to September 8^th.

Breast Cancer Manitoba can be reached directly at 1-855-95-CHECK to book appointments in The Pas.

The Pas Handi-Van is now into its summer shutdown.

This means the service will not be accessible from now until August 29^th.

The shutdown will allow for maintenance of the vehicle and a safety inspection to occur.

Services will be available again starting on August 29th from Monday to Friday and cost 5 dollars per trip, Bus passes for riders are also available starting at 10 Dollars, and you are asked to call 24 hours ahead of trips to arrange to pick up.

To learn more about this non-profit service and how to donate contact Handi-Van Office Manager Val Miron at 204 620 2036.

Preparations are underway for the town’s annual street festival that will take place on August 19^th.

This year the festival will be set up in front of The Pas Regional Library on Edwards Avenue.  The street will be blocked off up to second street for the event.

Vendors and crafters that would like to set up during the event are encouraged to contact The Pas Community Renewal Corporation (TPCRC) to register.

The festival will run from noon to 4pm and there will be music, games, treats, and activities for kids.

Today marks the start of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation's Annual Veterans Pow-Wow at The Arbour Site.

The 3-day event will be running all weekend long and will feature drumming, dancing, and singing honouring all the service men and women of OCN.

The flag-raising ceremony will take place during the first Grand Entry scheduled to start tonight at 7 pm.

Grand entry tomorrow will be at 1 and 7 pm, and on Sunday at 1 pm.

Crafters and vendors will be set up throughout the weekend with various goodies to sell.

Event registration opens at noon today, and there are singing and dance contests for all ages.

Enjoy all the entertainment this weekend out at the OCN Arbour site.

For years there has been an overwhelming amount of violence against Indigenous peoples.

While violence against women has been on the decline for many years, the number of cases of violence against Indigenous women has remained high.

Family, friends, and community members are asked to join in with the 4^th Annual Justice for Kendara Walk happening this weekend.

Gloria Ballantyne-Packo shares what Indigenous women go through:

"We - as indigenous women - deserve the kind of humanity that everyone else gets not just to lay in a ditch like or a landfill.  It's super, super important and it's not something that can be brushed off anymore.  We have so many families who are willing to fight, we're willing to fight for justice for our loved one and we want other people to be able to do the same."

The walk will start behind University College of the North this Sunday at 3 pm, leading to Kinsmen Park with speeches, a BBQ, and a Ribbon Hanging ceremony to follow.

The Link offers 24-hour support services to youth and families in need.

Some of these services include emergency shelters for families, family support services, mental health and addiction support, and life skill-building services to help individuals leave care and become independent citizens.

They can provide a variety of outreach services for those in need.

Kerri Irvin-Ross talks about a new gang prevention Campaign being led by The Link:

"We came together and created a really state-of-the-art social media campaign that really talks about that gang life is no life and it is based loosely on a video game.  And so the images are I think will attract the young people between the ages of 13 and 16 and they'll find out about the exploitation that happens with gangs."
 

To learn more about The Link and its youth gang preventative campaign go to thelinkmb.ca

A bylaw was introduced a few months back regarding loose animals on the reserve.

OCN Animal Control has been working diligently to remove dangerous animals from the community.

Ricky Karoly, OCN Animal Control officer shares words in regards to aggressive animals being released back into the community.

"I'm just giving you a general reminder for all the OCN members under the OCN Dog Feline Bylaw No. 8.  Please be advised that OCN Animal Control has noticed that people have been opening up the dog traps and releasing the dogs.  This is a very dangerous situation as some of the dogs are very aggressive."

Karoly goes on to state the dangers the traps pose to children and you are reminded to advise your children to stay away.

You can contact OCN Animal Control in regard to laws at 431-355-0298 and register animals at the Government Services office at 151 Fischer Avenue