A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a firearm, ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

Donna Mercredi, 42, and Conrad Genaille, 33, have been charged with Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm when Knowing Possession is Unauthorized, Unsafe Storage of Firearms and Weapons Possession Contrary to Order.

They were remanded into custody.

Grand Rapids RCMP continue to investigate.

Community members from Thompson and the surrounding areas are invited to contribute their thoughts and feelings toward an impact statement which will be brought forward at the sentencing hearing of Jeremy Skibicki in Winnipeg in August.

He was convicted in the murders of an unidentified woman referred to as Buffalo Woman, Marcedes Myran, Morgan Harris and Rebecca Contois.

Sandra DeLaronde, who is with a collective of urban, northern and rural organizations, as well as MKO and the Southern Chiefs organization, comments.

“We are hoping to have a broad section of Manitobans because we are doing impact statement gatherings in other communities which we’ll roll up into one statement to present to the court.”

DeLaronde said a group was in The Pas on Tuesday and will be here in Thompson tomorrow from 11am to 3:30 pm at UCN.

She said by compiling the comments made by participants, they will provide a written and recorded report to the court at Skibicki’s hearing on August 28th .

It will then become a part of the public record and part of case law.

Hear more on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Dear Parents, Staff and Students,

We have developed a plan for the Westwood School Community.  It was extremely important to all involved in the planning process that Westwood Students be kept together as much as we possibly could.

To maintain Westwood’s sense of identity and community, we believe that a school within a school model is the best way to achieve this. Our main priority is to preserve the traditions and culture of the Westwood Vikings until we can rebuild.

We have conducted a space feasibility study and have been able to develop;

• K to Gr. 5 Westwood Wing at Burntwood Elementary School
• Gr. 6 to 8 Westwood Wing at Juniper Elementary School
   

There are still a lot of details to work out, but we felt it was imperative that everyone knew that we have schools for students and staff to report to in September. We want to ease anxiety and dispel the rumors that students from Westwood Elementary School were going to be dispersed or absorbed into all the other elementary school population.

We will be hosting a public meetings at a later date in order to answer any questions/concerns from the community. Parents and students will have an opportunity to tour the Westwood Wing’s at both Burntwood and Juniper Elementary Schools after we have a chance to get everything set up and ready to welcome our Westwood Vikings.   

Co-Superintendents

Angele Bartlett

Lorie Henderson

On July 29, 2024, at approximately 10:50 am, Shamattawa RCMP received a report of a missing 60-year-old male from the community. It was reported that community members were conducting searches in the area.

Shortly thereafter, RCMP were advised that community members had located remains in a wooded area near a path, believed to be that of the missing person.

Evidence at the scene suggests that animal predation had occurred. RCMP Forensic Identification Services is assisting with the investigation.

An autopsy will be conducted.

Conservation Officers had been made aware and are en route to the community to assist.

Shamattawa RCMP, along with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, continue to investigate.

On June 27, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, the North District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team, along with Norway House RCMP, the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services, executed a warrant at a residence on Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation.

A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of over $30,000.00 in Canadian currency, 771 grams of crack cocaine, estimated to be worth over $77,000.00, and other drug paraphernalia.

Two males from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, 29-year-old Darnel Muswagon and 22-year-old Richard Ducharme, along with 22-year-old DeShawn Whyte of Brampton, Ontario, were charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

They were remanded into custody.

Norway House RCMP continue to investigate.

On July 8, 2024, Swan River RCMP received a report of a sudden death in Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, Manitoba. Officers attended the residence and located a 54-year-old female deceased inside her home.

An autopsy was conducted and it has been determined that the female died as the result of an injury sustained in the days prior to her death. Her death is now being investigated as a homicide.

RCMP Major Crime Services has taken carriage of the investigation.

With the fire Wednesday destroying Westwood Elementary School, there are many questions about what will happen next.

Deputy Mayor Kathy Valentino was on City Beat yesterday and indicated that representatives from the City of Thompson and the School District of Mystery Lake had been in contact.

“The City Manager, McInnis, and myself, met with some of the school trustees and superintendents late yesterday afternoon just so that we can provide an update of the fire and the status from the fire scene. They are starting their process internally as a school board and as a leadership of the superintendent.”

Valentino asked that the public be patient and stated that we will hear from the School District officials in due time,  as they are just beginning the process for how to move forward.

General updates regarding the fire are posted on the district’s facebook page.

On July 16, 2024, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 13-year-old male from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation.

It was reported that Jacoby Francois was with friends and a known adult in Thompson and had travelled to Winnipeg, but no one was able to confirm his whereabouts, or if he had returned to Thompson.

It is believed he may be in Thompson, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Nelson House) or Winnipeg.

Officers have attended several residences in those areas but have not located Jacoby.

If you have information on his whereabouts please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

We’re in the midst of National Drowning Prevention Week, and Lifesaving Society Manitoba is highlighting the need to be water smart.

Dr. Christopher Love with the Society has details about a group that’s disproportionately impacted by drowning deaths.

“We are choosing to really look at our work with newcomer communities here in the province. Unfortunately in the past, the newcomer communities have experienced some high profile, tragic incidents with fatalities.”

Love says they’ve been working with newcomer agencies for over 10 years to provide water safety training.

He added that some newcomers are arriving from countries where the water is unsafe for swimming, due to rough conditions or danger from predators like sharks and crocodiles.

General tips for anyone on or near the water include always supervising children, boat sober, and wear a lifejacket to avoid accidental drowning.

On July 24, 2024, at approximately 3:20 am, RCMP responded to a structure fire at Westwood School in Thompson.

Officers immediately attended along with the Fire Department. It is believed there was no one inside the building at the time of the fire.

The fire continued to burn this morning and Thompson Fire Department along with Vale Manitoba Operations Mine Rescue Firefighters were on scene attempting to extinguish the flames.

The cause of the fire has not been determined and remains under investigation.

Thompson RCMP, along with the Office of the Fire Commissioner continue to investigate.

While many of us crave the summer heat and sunshine, there are limits to what our bodies can handle.

If we’re not careful about limiting our time in the sun and heat we can experience heat exhaustion or, in a worse-case scenario, heat stroke.

And, according to Dr. Eileen Burnett, Medical Officer of Health for the Northern Health Region, northerners may be more susceptible to these conditions.  

She explains here.

“Interestingly, heat may have a greater impact on people living in the North because of adaptation to cooler temperatures. This makes the body less capable of handling high heat in the short term.”  

Burnett said signs of heat illness include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, weakness and confusion.   
       
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, stop all activities, find a cool place and hydrate with water.      

She says it’s important to take these signs seriously because excess heat can become life-threatening quickly.

Learn more about heat health on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

At a news conference yesterday in Winnipeg, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur addressed the critical nursing shortage on the First Nation.

Levasseur said that since last September, NCN’s nursing station has been open for emergencies only.

She puts the blame on a lack of nurses, which is created by a lack of funding.

“Our average league have had two to three nurses to serve our community with such a large population and it results in our people, including infants and elders being denied critical medical care and being told to go to Thompson.”

Levasseur added that rampant poverty in the community of 35-hundred has lead to addictions and violence.

She said the nurses are often kept busy looking after victims of violence while those who are ill often cannot receive medical care.

Levasseur, along with Chief David Monias of Pimicikimak Cree Nation and MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee, are calling on the federal and provincial governments to increase health care funding to First Nations to address what they call “two-tier health care.”

There’s lots to keep everyone in the family busy here in Thompson this summer.

The Thompson Public Library is hosting their next big event on July 31st with their Harry Potter birthday party.   

The Rotary Park Splash Pad and Eastwood Splash Pad are open to keep kids and parents cool on our hot days.

Mayor Colleen Smook also has details about activities at the TRCC.

“There is drop in basketball at the TRCC Monday and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5, ages 12 and up for three dollars. The Game Room opens at the TRCC and will run Monday to Friday from 6 to 8pm. It costs five dollars a person.”

You can purchase a 10-visit punch card to the Game Room for $45 for students and adults and a punch card for a family of four is 180-dollars.  

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Private rentals of the Game Room are also available on weekends only. For details contact the TRCC at 204-677-7956.

Active Aging Manitoba is encouraging older Manitobans to get and remain active with their Steppin’ Up with Confidence program.

It’s an exercise program aimed at promoting functional fitness for older people of any fitness level.

The exercise classes are conducted by volunteers known as Peer Leaders, who receive free training from Active Aging Manitoba.  

Linda Brown, the Executive Director of the group explains.

“The idea is that the peer leaders provide the classes in their local communities, it might be in their local 55 plus building or it could be in a church basement, whatever group maybe they have some affiliations with and they provide these classes for free.”

Brown said training to become a Peer Leader is usually a two-day process and is held in-person, virtually, or a combination of both.

She said they hope to hold a training session in Thompson this fall.  

If you’re interested in becoming a Peer Leader, contact Brown at active aging M-B DOT ca.  

Hear more about the Steppin’ up with Confidence program and its benefits for older Manitobans.  Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Mayor Colleen Smook provided updates on a number of construction projects around Thompson.

On City Beat yesterday, she said the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre Senior Complex should be closed in completely by the fall.   The interior work will continue over the winter and it will likely open for occupancy next summer.  

Smook said R.D. Parker Collegiate’s music room is scheduled to open this September, but the gym may not meet that deadline.  

Here, she provides an update on the Juniper Splash Pad.

“The equipment is here and stored in Thompson at Public Works. It was here last fall and now the company that is to be putting it together said that they would be here in early June and now the timeline is mid August installation.”

Smook  added that work at the Aquatic Centre location will resume next week once the construction crew returns for their next rotation.  

She said the pile-driving will continue over the next few weeks, so be prepared for the noise.  

Getting Healthy is the newest website from Doctors Manitoba and it’s accessible to everyone.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotions Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region, describes it here.

“You can put in your age and your gender and some of those things to get sort of a little bit more specific tips to maybe where you are at in life. They’ve also got a whole bunch of different health topics that you can click on and get some really great information and some really great links.”

Some of the links include Moving More, Getting Better Sleep, Eating Healthy and Reducing Stress.

Krentz also advised that this is a good time to catch up on health screenings and immunizations.

To do so in Thompson, you can call Public Health at 204-677-5350.

Check out the website at gettinghealthy.ca.

Zebra mussels made their way into a number of Manitoba waterways over 10 years ago. They have been joined by other aquatic invasive species like the spiny water flea and rusty crayfish.

In November 2015, as part of the water protection act, the Province’s “Clean, Drain, Dry” program became law as a measure to curb the spread of A-I-S.

Jeff Long, the Aquatic Invasive Species Director for Manitoba describes here how people should clean anything that’s been in the water.

“When you pull your water craft, gear, beach toys or whatever out of the water, you need to clean it. What you need to do is remove anything that was in that water body that should have stayed in that water body.”

Long says that includes any vegetation or organisms.  If you find either one, they should be disposed of in the garbage.

Then you should drain the water from your vessel and dry everything completely, to make sure you are not moving anything from that water body to another.

For more details about the Clean Drain Dry program, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

On July 14, 2024, at approximately 5:45 am, RCMP responded to a report of an alarm at a business on Station Road, in Thompson.

Officers attended and observed a male behind the business who was seen throwing items over and then climbed the fence and fled. Officers were able to follow the male and he was arrested a short distance away without incident. He was in possession of stolen property belonging to the business.

A 17-year-old male from Thompson has been charged with Breaking and Entering and Possession of Stolen Property Obtained by Crime. He was remanded into custody.

It’s Tim Horton’s Camp Day, the annual event where Tim Hortons restaurant owners donate 100 percent of the proceeds from hot and iced coffee sales to the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

These camps are aimed at helping under-served youth reach their full potential.

The event started in 1987 in Atlantic Canada and then was expanded to all Tim Hortons restaurants in 1991.

It has since raised over 250 million dollars worldwide to help send children to camp.

You can participate and support Camp Day in a number of ways – purchase a Camp Day Bracelet or Donation Badge, Round up your order to the nearest dollar or make donations online any time at timscamps.com.

On July 15, 2024, at approximately 9:30 am, Gods Lake Narrows RCMP responded to an aggravated assault that occurred at a residence on Manto Sipi Cree Nation. They were advised the victim was currently at the nursing station with serious injuries.

It was reported that the victim, an adult female, was at a residence with the adult male suspect when he assaulted her physically and with weapons over a period of four hours. Eventually, she was able to get to safety and RCMP were called.

At approximately 1:35 pm, officers located the suspect and he was arrested without incident.

A 32-year-old male from Manto Sipi Cree Nation has been charged with Aggravated Assault, Assault with a Weapon x2 and Assault. He was remanded into custody. The RCMP will not be naming him to protect the identity of the victim.

Gods Lake Narrows RCMP continue to investigate.

Manitoba’s parks have a variety of hiking trails available to visitors.

They include trails you can travel in less than an hour to back-country trails that are more rugged and may require an overnight stay.

Sloan Cathcart, Head of Interpretation for Manitoba Parks says hiking is an activity anyone can access.

“Pretty well anyone can do it and there are trails and experiences for everybody. There are some trails we have in the province that are paved or gravelled so they are easy to travel even if you have some mobility concerns. You can get outside and enjoy your parks and nature.”

Cathcart says one of the province’s most challenging trail is the 28-kilometre one in Pisew Provincial Park that leads to Kwasitchewan Falls, Manitoba’s highest waterfall.

An easier one in our area is the Coffee Cove trail at Paint Lake Provincial Park.

For more on hiking trails to consider trying, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

On July 11, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am, Norway House RCMP received a report of a missing 44-year-old male from Norway House, Manitoba.

Keith Shannon Wilson was last seen in Norway House on June 29, 2024, wearing dark jeans and black/navy sweater.

Police and family are concerned for his well-being.

He is described as 5’11” tall, with an average/medium build.

If you have information on his whereabouts, please call Norway House RCMP at 204-359-4955, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

With the water main renewal projects continuing through Thompson, homeowners in the affected areas can sometimes find themselves without water for a few hours.

Usually the City manages to provide a heads-up the day before or early on the day of a water shut-off.

However, there are occasions when that’s not possible.

Ian Graham, Communications Manager for the City of Thompson addresses a main reason why.

“Eighty percent of the time or more, it’s a valve that doesn’t work properly when they try to close it. It has to be a complete seal, there can’t be a trickle or anything, it has to be completely dry for them to fuse the sections together and sometimes those old valves just don’t seal it off completely and then they have to unexpectedly turn off the water.”

Graham suggested Thompson residents register for Thompson Connect by going to the city’s website at Thompson.ca.

Thompson Connect provides important updates about events and notices from the city.

On July 9, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, Thompson RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS), executed a warrant at a residence on Yale Avenue, in Thompson.

Officers seized approximately 113 grams of cocaine, over $3000.00 in cash, weapons and drug paraphernalia.

Three adults were arrested.

A 26-year-old female from Thompson is facing a charge a Possession of cocaine. She was released from custody with an upcoming court date.

A 16-year-old male from Winnipeg has been charged with Resisting Arrest, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Tyrone Whitmore, 18, from Winnipeg, has been charged with Resisting Arrest, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and Fail to Comply x2.

Both were remanded into custody.

The Canadian Dental Care Plan was announced in 2022 as part of the Supply and Confidence agreement between the Liberal and New Democrat Parties.

This federal subsidy program aims to provide funding for oral health care for those who don’t have dental benefits and a net household income below 90-thousand dollars.  

Dr. Daron Baxter, President of the Manitoba Dental Association, shares some thoughts on the program.

“So the CDCP is a historic opportunity to increase access to care and dentists and dental associations across the country have been working hard to support the development of a functional and sustainable Canadian Dental Care Plan.”  

Baxter added that an alternative pathway for dentists to participate in the program was introduced yesterday.

This claim-by-claim pathway allows participating dentists to file claims to the CDCP like they would with any other dental insurance plan.

This also allows patients to choose their dental care provider without having to go to specific dentists on a government-approved roster.

Hear more about the Canadian Dental Care Plan on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Thompson and Area Pet Care Community Co-operative is looking for support.

Ainslee McLaughlin, co-Vice chairperson, says that there are many ways people can help.

“As always, donations, active volunteerism, and active board membership. We want to see people out in the community supporting and attending our fundraisers and events. Lending skills to the board if we have anyone out there who may have some background in graphic design.”

The co-operative’s aim is to have full-time veterinary service available for northern pet owners.

Currently, those services are provided by the city’s only veterinarian with help from locums.

The group will be holding an event in McLean Park on August 10th where they intend to provide more information to the community about their work.

Catch the interview with McLaughlin this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

Upgrades and renovations for Phoenix House, and funding for permanent supportive-housing for families at 27 Purdue and 335 Juniper are just 3 of 8 active projects funded by Reaching Home in the first quarter of 2024.

Reaching Home is a federally-funded program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness in Canada.

Yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided details about the role of the Lived-Experience Circle in that endeavour.

“The Circle is supported by co-ordinator and advisors from a wide number of organizations. It really helps with people that have experienced being on the streets, with them helping give directions means that dollars are going in the direction that they need.”  

Earlier this year, the city began the transition to using the Thompson Model, including the Lived Experience Circle,  for their Community Advisory Board on Homelessness.

They anticipate having the first truly functional Lived-Experience CAB in the country in place this summer.

On Wednesday afternoon, Gods Lake Narrows RCMP responded to a single ATV collision in Manto Sipi Cree Nation.

A 14-year-old female driver and a 21-year-old male passenger were on the ATV when it flipped.

The man was taken to the nursing station where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver was not physically injured.

Neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Gods Lake Narrows RCMP continue to investigate.

On July 2, 2024, at approximately 5:45 pm, Pukatawagan RCMP received a report that a civilian out for a walk interrupted a sexual assault on a female youth in a wooded area. The adult male civilian tackled the suspect, freeing the youth. The youth fled and the suspect threatened the civilian with a knife. The civilian was able to get away and call for help.

RCMP responded immediately and were able to locate the suspect, Kyle Dumas, 28, from the community. Meanwhile officers looked for the victim, who was located at a residence nearby. The female, under the age of 10, was offered immediate medical assistance. She was transported to Winnipeg hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The youth had been walking down a path when she was attacked. Dumas and the civilian were unknown to the youth.

Dumas is charged with Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Assault with a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose and Failing to Comply with Orders to not have any contact with a person under the age of 16 unless under the supervision of a person considered appropriate by the court.

He remains in custody. The investigation continues.

During the pandemic, a survey by Deloitte found 54 per cent of health-care workers said they had thought of leaving their jobs.

A member survey this May of Manitoba Association Health Care Professionals shows that number has grown to 65 per cent.

Vice President of the Association, Tanya Burnside from Thompson, shares more survey findings.

“70 percent of our members feels they don’t have the necessary resources and that same percentage don’t feel valued by their employer. It’s a clear indication that change needs to happen and it needs to happen now and not later in order to provide the best quality of health care we can.”

Burnside said 90 per cent of workers surveyed said the workload has greatly increased compared to five years ago.   

They identify the main reason as being that the volume of work has grown, but staffing has not.  

Hear more from Burnside and Jason Linklater, President of the Association, as they discuss the state of health care in Manitoba on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.  

Don’t let the great summer weather go to waste.

Get outdoors.

That’s a message from Bruce Krentz, Health Promotions Coordinator for the Northern Health Region.

He lists some activities here that anyone can enjoy.

“There are lots of things to do outside too, right? Relaxing in a hammock, go out for a picnic, go camping, think about flying some kites, hit a bike trail or the Millennium trail, get on the multiuse path, or going fishing are some of the great things you can do.”

Krentz added that a fishing trip doesn’t have to involve a boat and a lot of gear.    Fishing from the shoreline can be just as satisfying and doesn’t require a lot of planning.

He suggests making up a list of the things you’d like to do before the summer months disappear.

On June 30, 2024, at approximately 3:40 pm, Gods Lake Narrows RCMP responded to a drowning on the south side of Gods Lake.

A group of children, ranging in age from 5-12, were swimming, when one child, a 7-year-old female, went under the water. The other children ran and got help, and an adult attended and was able to pull her out of the water and began first aid.

The child was taken to the nursing station where she was pronounced deceased.

Gods Lake Narrows RCMP continue to investigate.

On June 28, 2024, at approximately 7:00 am, Grand Rapids RCMP responded to a report of missing boaters on Little Moose Lake near Grand Rapids.

The three adult males, aged 28, 29 and 31, from Misipawistik Cree Nation, travelled by boat to the north basin of Lake Winnipeg to hunt moose. They were returning to the community but did not show up at their meeting place, and have not had contact with anyone.

A number of resources were deployed to the area including several Search and Rescue groups and the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.

The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre assisted by searching the area by air. A number of items belonging to the missing boaters were found along the shoreline.  A helicopter was also used in the search.

On June 29, 2024, the body of the 31-year-old male was located in the water by Easterville Search and Rescue.

Grand Rapids RCMP continue to search along with assistance from local fisherman and Search and Rescue from Easterville and The Pas.

National Fishing Week is not only a way to encourage people to try fishing, but to celebrate our country’s history with the pastime.

Jason Matity with Matity’s Get Fishing, says for over 20 years Canadians have been encouraged to share in that history.

He shares what National Fishing Week is about.

“Really the whole idea behind it is unplugging, getting off your devices, getting out, getting some fresh air and enjoying our great Canadian outdoors and doing a little fishing at the same time.”   

He reminds anglers to abide by the local fishing guidelines and laws.  He suggests going online to find that information for your region.

National Fishing Week runs through to this Sunday.

Listen for more with Matity this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.