Oxford House RCMP have seized more than 279-thousand dollars worth of suspected illicit drugs following three incidents at the Bunibonibee Cree Nation airport.

Police say two women from Oxford House were arrested on October 16th in separate incidents just hours apart. An 80-gram quantity of cocaine was seized from a 29-year-old woman, while a 30-year-old woman was found concealing 31 grams of crack cocaine and 11 grams of cocaine.

Two days later, officers seized more than 182 grams of crack cocaine, along with cellphones and drug paraphernalia, from luggage flagged during a routine search. A 21-year-old man from Edmonton was arrested.

All three suspects face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and were released on court orders or undertakings.

The Pas Tri-Community Foundation will hold a Grant Workshop in November.

The Grant Workshop is aimed at helping local community organizations navigate the grant process with more confidence. Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions about applying for funding through the Foundation.

Topics include eligibility requirements, the application process, and what makes a strong grant application.

The workshop will take place in the Constant Room at the Kikiwak Inn on November 5th at 5:00 PM.

Anyone with a project or idea that could make a difference in the community is encouraged to attend.

Swan River RCMP are reminding motorists to slow down after recent traffic enforcement efforts resulted in eight speeding tickets being written over a four-day period.

The ages of the drivers ranged from 17 to 82.

The 17-year-old driver, a Brandon female, was clocked travelling 123 km/h in a 100 km/h zone while travelling on Highway 10 in the RM of Minitonas-Bowsman. She received a $351 fine, the largest ticket handed out by local officers over the four days.

Two of the eight drivers ticketed were pulled over during the noon hour on Friday for speeding through a school zone on 2nd Street South in Swan River. A 36-year-old Swan River female was caught travelling 51 km/h in a 30 km/h zone, while a second driver – a 64-year-old female from the RM of Minitonas, Bowsman – was pulled over after driving 49 km/h in the same area.

RCMP are reminding motorists to follow the rules of the road, which include abiding by posted speed limits and driving to conditions.

The Pas Tri-Community Foundation is looking for community-minded people who want to get involved and help strengthen our region.

They are currently seeking Board Members to provide leadership, oversight, and direction for the Foundation; Grant Committee Volunteers to review applications and support the Foundation’s grantmaking process; and a Granting Director to lead and coordinate the Foundation’s grantmaking work.

These roles offer a meaningful opportunity to contribute your experience, learn more about the Foundation, and help shape how local charitable resources are invested in our community.

If you're interested in learning more about getting involved, contact The Pas Tri-community Foundation at contact@tptcf.ca.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is calling on the province to ensure its proposed autism strategy supports First Nations citizens throughout their lives, including adulthood.

The call comes as Bill 232, The Autism Strategy Act, moves through committee. The AMC is raising concerns that amendments could exclude autistic adults from receiving support.

Grand Chief Kyra Wilson says First Nations families already face barriers, including long wait times, limited services in northern and remote communities, and disputes over government responsibility.

The AMC says the strategy must include meaningful First Nations input, equitable access to care, and accountability to ensure autistic people receive the support they need at every stage of life.

Swan River RCMP recently investigated a potential threat made against a local high school.

On October 19th, at approximately 8:15 PM, Swan River RCMP learned of the potential threat.

The report originated from a group chat on a social media site that was then shared online, generating concern from the community and RCMP officers.

RCMP located the youth who reportedly issued the threat at his residence. Following an initial investigation, RCMP found that the story circulating on social media was fabricated and that the youth did not send or post any threats.

RCMP continue to investigate the origins of the unfounded threat.

With the Town of The Pas municipal election approaching, eligible voters have several options to make sure their ballots are counted.

Advance voting takes place today, Wednesday, October 21st, from eight a.m. until eight p.m. at the Town Office, 81 Edwards Avenue.

The opportunity is available to qualified voters who have reason to believe they will be absent or unable to attend their regular polling place on election day, October 28th.

For voters who cannot attend in person, applications for voting by sealed envelope can also be made at the Town Office, in writing, or by email to Senior Election Official Julie Fothergill at julie@townofthepas.ca.

The town says applications for sealed-envelope voting are being accepted until October 25th. Voters applying in person may pick up their ballot package at the time of application, while mail and email applicants will receive their package by regular post or through alternative arrangements with the election official.

On election day, voters will elect one mayor and six councillors.

The regular election-day polling station will be the Pas Métis Hall at 1515 Gordon Avenue, open from eight a.m. until eight p.m. next Wednesday.

Anyone with questions can contact Julie Fothergill at 204-281-3415.

Yukon artist Hendrika will be performing on Friday, October 30th, at the Sam Waller Museum.

Hendrika’s folk/rock sound and musical talents have earned her a spot in CBC's top 100 Canadian songs of 2024. The same year, she was also one of Exclaim!'s Emerging Canadian Artists You Need to Hear. She toured internationally to Germany in 2025, and now she's visiting The Pas.

The concert kicks off at 7:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased for $20 in advance at the museum or at the door on the night of the concert. Doors open at 7:00 PM, and concessions will be available.

For more information, call 204-623-3802.

The deadline is fast approaching for items to be removed from Lakeside Cemetery.

The annual fall cleanup will soon take place to prepare the grounds for the winter season. The cleanup allows necessary maintenance and upkeep to take place.

The Town of The Pas is reminding residents that all seasonal decorations and unauthorized items will be removed from cemetery plots following October 30th.

This includes but is not limited to artificial flowers, wreaths, lights, seasonal decorations, mementos and keepsakes. Any other items that are not permitted under Cemetery By-law number 4658 will be removed.

Please remove any personal items you wish to keep before October 30th. Items remaining after this date will be removed by town staff.

The Town of The Pas says understanding and cooperation are appreciated while working together to maintain the beauty and dignity of Lakeside Cemetery for all visitors.

For more information, contact the Town Office at 204-627-1100.

It was recently announced that two major initiatives under the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program would receive $163.5 million dollars.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service is getting $121 million over four years, strengthening its capacity to deliver culturally informed policing in the 12 First Nations communities it serves.

The Manitoba First Nations Safety Officer Program will get $42.5 million to expand its program, making it accessible for any community that wants it. The goal is to extend the program to all 63 First Nations in Manitoba by March 2028.

The $163-million investment is intended to strengthen First Nations-led policing, expand access to community safety officers and provide resources to address local concerns across Manitoba.

The Town of The Pas is being advised to renew its annual snow-clearing agreement with Manitoba Highways for the 2026-2027 season.

The agreement covers lifting and removing snow from highway shoulders within the town’s jurisdiction, with the province proposing a payment of 48-thousand, 801 dollars.

While heavy snowfall earlier this year has pushed the town’s snow-clearing expenses above 45-thousand dollars, renewing the agreement would allow the town to continue receiving provincial revenue for the work.

Administration is recommending the deputy mayor and council approve the new agreement.

Manitoba Corrections will hold a recruitment information session on Wednesday evening, detailing what it takes to become a correctional officer. Those attending the session can learn about the hiring process, training, and benefits.

The session will be held at the Northern Learning and Support Center, at 60-3rd Street West in The Pas, on Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Karen Ballantyne, who is a recruitment coordinator with The Pas Correctional Centre, talks about future training and other job opportunities with Manitoba Corrections.

For more information and to answer questions, call 204-627-8407.

The Town of The Pas is looking to replace its aging fire truck fleet through a provincial grant application.

Fire Chief Shangraw is recommending council apply for Manitoba’s Growth, Relations and Opportunities, or GRO Grant, to help purchase a new 2026 pumper truck.

The department’s oldest pumper dates back to 1998, while its primary engine is from 2009. Both have exceeded the recommended frontline service life.

The proposed stock unit is estimated to cost between 850-thousand and $ 1.3 million, with the town potentially using its fire department reserves to cover its share of the cost.

University College of the North has received its first federally funded research grant as the lead institution since becoming eligible for SSHRC funding.

Dr. Tariqul Islam and his research team have been awarded just over 80-thousand dollars for a two-year study examining barriers northern youth face when accessing support services in The Pas, Thompson and Flin Flon.

The research will focus on areas including mental health, addiction treatment, housing, education and employment, with the goal of improving access to culturally appropriate services.

The project will also provide UCN undergraduate students with hands-on research experience.

The Pas Friendship Center is holding a Halloween Makeup contest, giving participants a chance to unleash their spooky creativity. The contest is open to those ages 12 to 29.

There are two options to submit an entry. You can post a picture on Facebook, using the hashtag TPFCHalloween2026 in the caption, and make sure the post is public. Another option is to email your photo submission to youth@thepasfc.ca.

All entries must include a name and birthdate.

The deadline to enter is October 26th, and the winners will be announced on October 30th.

The first-place prize is a makeup bundle. The second-place prize is a $100 Visa gift card. The third-place prize is a Boo Basket, and the fourth-place prize is a $25 trick-or-treating gas card.

Call Justin or Nicole for more information at 204-627-7500.

Saskatchewan RCMP recently issued a warning about a dangerous person who was believed to be armed, after a man was found deceased; the warning was lifted later that day.

Saskatchewan RCMP had issued a warning about a dangerous person with a gun on Thursday, October 15th, in the area of Red Earth Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, about 190 kilometres east of Prince Albert.

The warning was issued on Thursday afternoon, shortly after 3:30 PM, after a 34-year-old man was found deceased.

The suspect was described as approximately five feet tall and wearing a Canada Goose vest and sweatpants, and believed to be male.

RCMP advised people in the area to get to a safe location, lock doors, not leave their homes, and not approach the suspect. The alert ended around 9:10 PM Thursday, with Saskatchewan RCMP saying they believed there was no longer a threat to public safety.

The death was considered suspicious, and Saskatchewan RCMP’s Homicide Investigation Unit has taken over the investigation.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service is reminding everyone of its confidential tip line to help keep communities safe and report information anonymously.

You can call toll-free at 1-833-978-0048. Or you can email Tips@mfnp.ca.

Tips reported can help lead to an arrest, help someone who has been victimized, assist in the recovery of drugs, weapons, or stolen property, and can help solve crime and improve community safety.

Manitoba First Nations Police Service serves 12 First Nation communities, including Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

CancerCare Manitoba’s Hope and Healing program is holding a conference to help patients and families understand and navigate cancer care. This is the 5th year the conference has run. Virtual sessions will be held tomorrow, October 20th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM; on the 21st from 5:30 to 9:00 PM; and on the 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. 

The keynote speaker is Dr. Noel Arring, an associate professor at the University of Manitoba. She will speak on understanding cancer-related fatigue.

Having reliable, up-to-date information can make a big difference in understanding cancer, exploring treatment options, and making informed choices.

Participants can attend as many sessions as they want—registration is free.  For more information or to register, go to cancercare.mb.ca.

The Pas Community Renewal Corporation's Small Grants program is offered to community members and organizations to help fund community programming. The program helps community members and organizations fund projects such as training, holding events, workshops, or lessons.

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Holly Lajambe, the Community Engagement Coordinator with the TPCRC, gives more details on the Small Grants program.

Call 204-623-4269 for more information, or visit tpcrc.ca/small-grants for a full explanation of the program and step-by-step instructions on filling out the application.

Eighty years of tradition are taking centre stage as The Pas prepares for another Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival.

The festival is celebrating its 80th anniversary this winter, honouring the people, history and northern spirit that have made it a community tradition for generations.

For decades, local artist and Honorary Trapper Riel Berard created the festival’s annual logo, bringing northern imagery to life. This year, festival board members have worked together on a new design to mark the milestone.

This year’s design features Lonesome Mary helping Bill Bannock reach the milestone, with a northern cabin, trees and snow highlighting the region’s heritage.

The festival has long celebrated northern life and traditions, and remains a proud part of Manitoba’s cultural history.

The 80th Trappers’ Festival runs February 17th through the 22nd.

Flu season is approaching, and getting your annual flu shot is an important step toward protecting your health.

Vaccination can reduce your risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications, while helping protect vulnerable family members and others in the community.

The Northern Health Region is offering walk-in flu and COVID-19 immunization clinics in The Pas on October 21^st at Métis Hall from 10 am to 6 pm, October 26^th and November 2nd at the Roy H. Johnston Arena from 10 am to 6 pm, and November 14th at The Pas Primary Health Care Centre from 10 am to 4 pm.

Bring your Manitoba Health Card. For more information, call 204-623-9650.

Get vaccinated, stay protected, and help keep your community healthy!

Manitoba Eco-Network will be making stops in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas next week to hold Critical Reforms: Mining In Manitoba workshops.

The workshops give participants a chance to share their views on the law, critical minerals, environmental protection, and public health as they relate to the mining industry. Workshops are being held across Manitoba to hear from communities about their experiences and their ideas for law and policy reform.

Heather Fast is the Policy Advocacy Director for Manitoba Eco-Network; she shares about the purpose of these workshops.

Workshops will be held in Thompson at the Thompson Public Library on Tuesday, October 20th; in Flin Flon at the Flin Flon Community Hall on Wednesday, October  21st; and in The Pas, at The Pas Regional Library on Thursday, October 22nd.

It's free to register in advance, online, though spaces in the workshop will be kept open for unregistered participants.

Visit MBeconetwork.org for more information or to register.

Residents of The Pas, the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation are invited to share their ideas on garbage and recycling management at a community forum tonight.

The University College of the North is hosting the event, giving residents an opportunity to discuss how waste and recycling services could be improved throughout the tri-community area.

The forum takes place tonight, Thursday, October 15th, at 6:30 p.m. at the The Pas Regional Library Annex.

Anyone interested in learning more or contributing ideas is encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact Anderson at 204-887-6163.

École Opasquia is preparing to install new playground equipment, but families should be aware of temporary changes to student drop-off and pick-up locations.

Starting Yesterday, the side playground entrance on Constant Avenue is closed until further notice. A temporary fence has been installed to keep workers and students safe during construction.

Students who normally use the side entrance must now be dropped off and picked up at the south playground fence on Ninth Street.

The school’s front entrance will remain open for regular drop-off and pick-up.

The new playground equipment is an exciting addition for the school community, and families are asked to follow the temporary arrangements until further notice.

The Pas RCMP are reminding residents and visitors to take precautions before heading outdoors this fall.

Those planning activities like hunting, boating, or riding an ATV should check the weather, dress appropriately, and let friends or family know where they’re going and when they expect to return.

Police also recommend bringing a fully charged cellphone, checking that vehicles and equipment are in good working condition, and packing essentials like food, water, and a first aid kit.

Residents are also reminded to wear proper safety equipment, including helmets and life jackets when required.

The RCMP say being prepared can help everyone enjoy Manitoba’s fall season safely.

There is a call-out for food and craft vendors for the upcoming Halloween Festival put on by Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Food and craft vendors can register for the event by emailing gloriacowley@hotmail.com. All vendors must register by October 23rd at 4:00 PM. More information on vendor requirements and registration can be found on Facebook; visit “The Pas Community - What's happening in the Tri-Area” page for more information.

The Halloween Celebration will also feature a concert at Pike Lake from 5:00-9:00 PM, with live music and a DJ. Best costume prizes for singles, groups, and duos are available to those who register for the costume contest. Adult tug-of-war games, dancing and spot contests, and a bonfire are also part of the Halloween festivities. 

The Pas and RM of Kelsey Candidates will meet with the public tonight.

Residents will have an opportunity to hear from municipal candidates at a public forum Wednesday, October fourteenth.

The Pas OCN Chamber of Commerce and University College of the North are co-hosting the event from seven to nine p.m. at UCN in The Pas.

Mayoral candidates Herb Jaques, Ralph McLean and James Ridderikhoff will be featured, along with candidates running for reeve of the RM of Kelsey.

The public is invited to hear their priorities and vision for the communities.

Residents of The Pas will also have another opportunity to learn about municipal candidates through an online Town Council Candidate Q&A tomorrow, October fifteenth.

Questions about municipal spending, infrastructure, property standards, development and accountability will be posted at eight a.m., noon and four p.m.

Candidates will have equal opportunities to respond, allowing residents to compare their positions on key community issues.

The goal is to encourage informed participation and provide a fair, non-partisan forum for voters.

The Q&A will take place on The Pas and OCN Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for public viewing.

Manitoba’s Municipal election will run on Wednesday, October 28^th.

South Indian Lake RCMP are investigating a serious assault in O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation.

Police say they received a report at nine o’clock Friday morning, October ninth, and traced the investigation to a residence on McLeod Bay.

A 44-year-old man was taken to the local nursing station overnight with a serious stab wound. He was airlifted to a Winnipeg hospital, where he remains in stable condition.

Police say the victim and suspect knew each other, and there is no threat to the community.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Indian Lake RCMP at 204-374-2029.

The investigation continues.

The Northern Manitoba Blizzard are hitting the road, visiting northern communities to play games, and getting involved with communities for the Northern Manitoba Impact Tour!

Rob White, the owner of the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, talks about the tour and the stops they’ll be making.

Rob encourages everyone to stay up to date with the Blizzard on social media, saying that people can follow along with the tour online.

Blizzard players will be working with minor hockey teams during the tour, giving younger players the Junior A experience.

For more information about the Northern Manitoba Impact Tour, visit mjhlhockey.ca.

Fans can tune into the radio broadcast on 102.9 CJAR to catch both games on the tour.

Recycling is beneficial in many ways, but to ensure successful recycling, place only acceptable materials in your curbside recycling. If you include non-accepted items, your recycling may not be collected.

This applies to all curbside recycling for The Pas, OCN, and the RM of Kelsey.

Accepted materials include cardboard, paper, cartons, and metal, plastic, or glass containers.

Ensure all recyclables are empty, clean, and free of liquid or food residue.

Items that are not accepted in the recycling include toys, pans, books, diapers, and ceramics. Flexible plastics such as bags or wrap and foam packaging like Styrofoam are not recyclable.

The Manitoba First Nations Police in the OCN is looking for community input on their strategic plan.

They will be hosting a strategic plan meeting in the community on October 15^th at the Oscar Lathlin Collegiate.

The goal is to gauge community needs, receive feedback, and look for local support in the continued efforts of the MFNPS.

The meeting will run from 11:30am to 1:30pm and is open to the public and members of the community.

If you are unable to attend in person, you are asked to fill out a simple survey online to help provide feedback.

The survey can be found on the Manitoba First Nations Police Facebook page; all community support is appreciated.

The Town of The Pas is looking to secure funding for a new fire suppression system at the Sam Waller Museum.

A report to council says the museum’s current water-based system needs to be replaced with a clean-agent system to better protect its irreplaceable collections, including Indigenous cultural materials.

The project is estimated to cost 208-thousand dollars.

Council is being asked to designate up to 110-thousand dollars from the Town’s Canada Community-Building Fund allocation as its contribution, while also applying for funding through several provincial and federal grant programs.

The report says the current system continues to put museum artifacts at risk.

A joint election will take place for the Town of The Pas and The Kelsey School Division.

Voters in The Pas will have several options for casting their ballots in the October 28th, 2026, local election.

Election Day voting will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Métis Hall on Gordon Avenue.

Mobile voting will also be available at several locations throughout the day, including St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Paul’s Residence, Northern View Lodge, Kin Kourt, Pine View Manor and Val Halla.

Advance voting is set for October 21st from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town of The Pas offices at 81 Edwards Avenue.

Mail-in voting is not included in the joint election agreement.

It’s Fire Prevention Week, and the OCN Fire Department is reminding everyone to stay safe when charging devices with Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Most rechargeable electronics we use every day use lithium-ion batteries. These devices include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. Rechargeable transportation devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and golf carts often use lithium-ion batteries as well. Cordless vacuums, power tools, and other household items could also require the battery.

Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or explode if overcharged or damaged.

Charging electronics safely is key. Always use the cables that came with the product to charge. Charge your device on a hard surface such as a table, and do not overcharge. Stop using your device right away if the battery smells weird or gets too hot. Move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.

Most people don’t think twice about charging devices, but paying attention and keeping safety in mind can help prevent fires and keep everyone safe.

The Pas Regional Library is looking for people to join their board of directors. They are looking for one board member to represent the Town of The Pas and one member to represent the RM of Kelsey.

Board members help shape local initiatives and support community growth. The library is looking for people to bring unique perspectives to their team.

If you are passionate about making a positive impact in our community, contact the library to learn more. Call the library at 204-623-2023, or email tpregionallibrary@gmail.com if you are interested in applying to join the board of directors. The deadline for applications is November 3rd.

The Opaskwayak Health Authority is holding vaccination clinics at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center and is encouraging all community members to receive their influenza fall vaccination.

A flu immunization clinic will be held at the Beatrice Wilson Health Center on Fridays, beginning tomorrow. Walk-in appointments are available from 9:30 AM- 3:30 PM.

An additional clinic will be held on November 13th.

The clinic is available to provide vaccinations for all ages in their vaccination series. The flu shot is free for all Manitobans. Contact Public Health with any questions about vaccination at 204-627-7410.

The MKO MMIWG Liaison Unit is advising that the MMIWG2S+ Healing & Empowerment Endowment Fund is available. This fund was established to support healing, wellness, and empowerment for families affected by MMIWG2S+.

To be eligible, applicants must be a resident of Manitoba, be a member of a First Nation in the MKO Region, and must be an immediate family member impacted by MMIWG2S+.

Eligible applicants may receive support for cultural ceremonies and healing activities, memorial and funeral expenses, and other healing and wellness supports. Travel expenses, childcare costs related to court proceedings or search efforts, education and training opportunities, and costs associated with bringing a loved one home may also be supported through the fund.

More information about the funding can be found on The Pas Friendship Center Facebook page. The MKO MMIWG Liaison Units encourages you to share this information on social media platforms, with community contacts, and with anyone who may benefit from this funding opportunity.

If you have questions or need assistance with the application, call the MKO MMIWG Wellness Line at 1-800-750-7566.

The Northland Ford Scares Hunger program is back in The Pas this year with the hopes of bringing in more food to help local food banks and kitchens so children and the vulnerable population won’t go hungry.

The team at Northland Ford is currently accepting donations of non-perishable food, water, toiletries and other essential items for school breakfast programs, local food banks, and the Friendship Centre.

Northland Ford's Glen O’Connell shares how some local businesses are getting involved.

Donations can be taken to Northland Ford on Highway 10 south of The Pas, and for larger donations you can call the dealership and have them come pick it up.

Oscar's Place Homeless Shelter is also collecting for the homeless and is looking for socks and other warm winter gear, and donations can be dropped off at the homeless shelter or at the CJAR offices.

A 24-year-old man from The Pas is facing a 1176 dollar speeding ticket after being caught travelling nearly twice the speed limit on Highway 39.

Snow Lake RCMP say officers spotted the vehicle just after 6 pm Friday evening, west of Ponton.

Police say the driver was travelling 186 kilometres an hour in a posted 100-kilometre-an-hour zone.

He was issued a speeding ticket and a Serious Offence Notice, or S-O-N, under the Highway Traffic Act.

A SON can trigger an automatic driver’s licence review by Manitoba Public Insurance.

Police are reminding motorists to obey speed limits, slow down, and drive safely. Speeding can dramatically increase stopping distances and leave drivers with less time to react to hazards.

The nomination period for The Pas and OCN Business and Citizen of the Year awards is open now, and the deadline is fast approaching.

Nominations must be in by this Saturday, October 10^th, and the chamber is encouraging everyone to nominate a local business or individual that embodies the ideals of the award.

Past recipients include Lynda Gewsin for her outstanding work with The Pas and Area Animal Shelter, contributions through various volunteer services, and work with the Kelsey School Division providing educational services to the area's children.

The criteria for the awards are either a business or individual with a strong community background, entrenched in the services, volunteer work, and participation in community events and activities.

To nominate someone deserving of the award, you can go to The Pas and OCN Chamber of Commerce website and fill out the available forms. The deadline is Saturday at 6 pm and the awards will be handed out at the Chamber's AGM on October 22^nd.

Twenty-one new charges have been laid against 11 people as part of Project Derry, a 12-month investigation into an alleged criminal organization operating on Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

The Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team says the group was involved in trafficking cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl and carfentanil, as well as firearms.

Nine people were arrested or re-arrested on charges of conspiracy to traffic firearms, following the seizure of 15 guns. Five others face new charges connected to three shootings targeting homes in the community last June.

In total, 35 people have now been charged with more than 70 offences. RCMP say violent crime reports in Bunibonibee have dropped 27 percent since the initial arrests, including a 55 percent decrease in serious violent crime.

Manitoba is moving to remove limitation periods for civil claims arising from intimate partner violence.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine says survivors should be able to come forward on their own timeline, rather than being restricted by legal deadlines.

The proposed changes recognize that intimate partner violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and financial abuse, along with coercive control.

That can include isolation, surveillance and financial control.

The government says the amendments are intended to remove barriers to justice and better support survivors.

Manitoba public health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure in The Pas.

The exposure occurred at the St. Anthony’s General Hospital emergency department waiting room on September 28th, between 8:20 and 10:35 in the morning.

Anyone who was there during that time is asked to check their immunization records and make sure they’re up to date.

People who are unimmunized may be eligible for preventative treatment and should contact a health-care provider as soon as possible.

More information is available through Manitoba Health’s measles exposure website.

The town of The Pas is helping residents with fall yard cleanups by providing trucks to pick up yard waste.

Trucks will make pickups from October 13th to 15th. Those with garbage pickup day 1 or 2 will put their yard waste out on October 13th. Day 3 or 4 should put their yard waste out on October 14th, and day 5 should put their yard waste out on October 15th. All yard waste should be put out before 8:00 AM. Regular household garbage is still to be placed in bags in your garbage stand and picked up on its regularly scheduled day.

To see the full list of disposal instructions, visit the Town of The Pas Facebook Page. Homeowners can arrange stick bundle pickups at their own cost.

The town is also reminding residents of the Efficiency Manitoba Appliance Recycling Program for large appliance removal, such as old fridges or freezers.

Members of council and town staff are encouraging all residents to take part in yard clean-up.

Library Month is celebrated every October, highlighting the vital role that libraries and library workers play in building strong communities. During Library Month, The Pas Regional Library is up against the Flin Flon Public Library for a book checkout challenge!

Here, The Pas Regional Library’s Head Librarian Dawn-Maire Blanchette explains how the challenge works.

Library cards are available for free to those living in The Pas or the Rural Municipality of Kelsey; otherwise, the annual fee for a library card is $25.00. Books can be checked out for up to 3 weeks, with a 12-book maximum.

The library is a busy place with several programs running, including a play group, D&D club, art club, and silent reading and writing sessions.

Stop by The Pas Regional Library throughout October and check out a book to help them beat Flin Flon in the book checkout challenge.

The Opaskwayak Health Authority is offering Naloxone training sessions to learn how to administer this life-saving medication. Naloxone is a fast-acting medication that quickly reverses an opioid overdose.

The sessions will be offered on Thursday, October 8th and 22nd, in the Beatrice Wilson Health Center classroom at 245 Waller Road.

30-minute sessions will be held at 10:30 and 11:30 AM. In the afternoon, sessions are at 2:30 and 3:30 PM.

Learning how to help during an opioid overdose is valuable knowledge to have and can make the difference between life and death. For more information on the Naloxone training sessions, call Shawn at 204-627-7410.

Chemawawin RCMP have arrested a fourth suspect in connection with a serious assault involving a teenager.

Police say a 16-year-old male was arrested without incident on September 30th and has been charged with aggravated assault. He has been remanded.

The 17-year-old victim was assaulted by a group of youths in Chemawawin on September 26th and suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries from a machete and firearm pellets.

Three other youths were previously arrested and charged.

The investigation continues, but police say there is no threat to public safety.

The big Ghostbusters Pyro Musical Fireworks and light show will be taking place tomorrow.

The annual event has been running in the community Thanks to Ed Demchynski and his team for 7 years now, and this is gearing up to be the biggest and most extravagant display to date.

Demchynski shares details on this year’s special guests.

The gates will open at 5 pm, with concessions and haunted houses running up until 8 pm, at which point the pyro musical and light display will run, and there will be a 50/50 draw running to guess the pumpkin's weight.

The show features 6 songs accompanied by lights, fireworks, dancers and extra pyro displays and will run for about 30 minutes. Tickets are $35 dollars apiece and will be available at the gate.

The Pas Fire Department and OCN Fire Department are hosting a Fire Prevention Week open house. Fire Prevention Week raises awareness and educates the public about critical fire safety practices, lowering the risk of injuries, deaths, and property damage caused by fires. It’s held during the week surrounding October 6th to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

At the open house, you can meet the firefighters, check out the equipment, and enjoy fun and educational activities for all ages. Truck tours offer an up-close look at the fire trucks and gear.

The open house is set for Saturday, October 10th from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, at The Pas Fire Department.

The open house will also feature live fire demonstrations, showing how unsafe charging of electrical devices can spread fire quickly. A high-angle rescue demonstration will also take place, showing technical rescue techniques.

Burgers will be sold between 12:00 and 2:00 PM, with all proceeds donated to the Manitoba Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Opaskwayak Cree Nation will hold a community meeting on Tuesday, October 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Oscar Lathlin Collegiate.

All community members are invited to the meeting to discuss and gather input on several topics. Topics include post-secondary school sponsorship, the new OCN Training Center, HYCCC options for a new Child Care Center, and more.

An online meeting link will be available closer to the time of the meeting.

For more information, call 204-627-7480.

Manitoba Correctional Services will be holding correctional officer recruitment information sessions this month. The sessions will be hosted by Karen Ballantyne, a recruitment coordinator with The Pas Correctional Centre.

During the sessions, participants will learn about requirements and the training process of becoming a correctional officer. Benefits and career opportunities will also be covered during the sessions.

The first information session will be held in the A&W back room on October 17th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Sessions 2 and 3 will be held at the Northern Learning and Support Center. Session 2 is on October 19th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, and Session 3 is on October 21st from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

Anyone interested in becoming a correctional officer is encouraged to attend an information session to learn more.

The You Make The Difference Workshop with Ian Hill, presented by the Opasquia Agricultural Society, will be held on Monday, October 5th at the Kikiwak Inn. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the workshop runs from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.

The “You Make The Difference” National initiative is a program designed to address the challenges that fair boards, ag societies, and exhibitions face in the 21st Century. The workshop will be led by award-winning humanitarian Ian Hill, who is an agricultural society and fair advocate.

Val Berscheid, the president of the Opasquia Agricultural Society, talks about Ian Hill’s accolades and accomplishments.

Members of the agricultural society and fair board, exhibition organizers, volunteers, community leaders, and sponsors are all encouraged to attend the workshop. Proven strategies to raise more money, tools to recruit and retain more volunteers, practical solutions for fundraising, board renewal, and more will be covered in the workshop.

Register for the workshop at youmakethedifference.com.

The Pas Skating Club will be holding a free Try-Skate, offering the chance for kids and families to enjoy the fun of skating at no cost.

A Parent and Me free Try-Skate will be held on Monday, October 5th from 5:15 to 5:45 PM. All children must be accompanied by a parent, family member or family friend.

A free CanSkate will be held on Wednesday, October 14th, from 5:15 to 6:00 PM.

All participants must wear a helmet when skating. The skates will be held at the Roy H. Johnston Arena.

The Oscars Place is kicking off their annual sock drive early, as there is an immediate need to help clothe the less fortunate here in the community.

Donations are now being accepted at Super Thrifty, The Pas Friendship Center, Oscars Place Homeless Shelter, or at 102.9 CJAR.

Robert with Oscar's Place Homeless Center shares the importance of sock donations.

Robert says there is an immediate need for socks, but they are also accepting other donations.

With winter fast approaching, they will need more warm winter clothing, anything including toques, mitts, jackets, boots, long underwear and other winter essentials.

They also accept food donations and are willing to take whatever you can contribute, although it is recommended to call ahead if you are dropping off warm food. They say canned goods and nonperishables will always be accepted, along with toiletries and hygiene products.