The Perry Family from Thompson knows first hand the support to be found at Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg.

When their daughter Violet was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she 7 months old, the family including their older daughter spent long durations of time in Winnipeg for Violet’s treatment.

Destinee Perry, Violet’s mother, shares one important feature of the house here.

“They have beautiful kitchens for families to use and they also have volunteers come in I believe it was 3 or 4 nights a week and they will cook dinner. You just have to sign up and you can eat downstairs or if you are at the hospital or just not feeling it, you can pick up your dinner later too. It was very accommodating and very great.”

Perry said the cost to her family per night was just $10 and the location of the house made travel to and from the Children’s Hospital quick and easy.

Learn more about this important facility.  Catch the full interview with Destinee this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 on Thompson Today.

Ronald McDonald House Charities continuously raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House facilities they provide to families with sick children.

Wendy Galagan, CEO for RMHC Manitoba, shares details here about the facility in Winnipeg.

“There are play areas, there’s a theatre room, there’s a magic room, there are indoor and outdoor play structures, there are arts and craft stations. There are all kinds of spaces for families just to have some kind of normalcy during a time that is anything but normal.”

Since Ronald McDonald House in Winnipeg opened 40 years ago, it has expanded from a 14-bedroom facility to 40 bedrooms, growing from 11-thousand square feet to 60-thousand square feet.

Galagan said the Winnipeg Ronald McDonald House serves families in Manitoba, North Western Ontario and even into Saskatchewan and Alberta, depending on the medical services the children need.

Hear more about the RMHC and how ongoing fund raising at our local McDonald’s restaurant is helping the cause.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Wearing an orange shirt on September 30th to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is just the beginning.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator for the Northern Health Region adds other ways we can support this important day.

“You can take a moment of silence to honour those that are impacted by Residential Schools and also to honour their families and some of the children that never made it home. You can learn what traditional lands you live on, the nations that called that home and memorial. Reading and listening to stories of Residential School survivors and there are people in our community who can tell you stories about surviving Residential School experiences.”

There will be an Orange Shirt day event at the TRCC tomorrow from 5 to 7 pm, put on by the City of Thompson and the Ma Mow We Tak friendship Centre.

On Monday, Keewatin Tribal Council is sponsoring a drone light show at the TRCC.

The show will explain the Train of Tears and how the train carried indigenous children from their homes and transported them to residential schools.

It begins at 8:30 pm and will be followed by fireworks.

On September 11, 2024, at approximately 11:30am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 44-year-old female.

Carmen Chastelaine was reported missing by family after they had not heard from her after a prolonged period of time.

Since being reported missing, officers have been out doing searches in and around Thompson, checking in with family, friends and places Chastelaine frequents. The investigation to date has led police to believe that she may be in the City of Winnipeg.

Chastelaine is described as 5’6”, approximately 185 pounds, with short brown hair, and has a tattoo “Billy” on her neck.

If you’ve seen her or have information on her whereabouts, please call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On September 23, 2024, at approximately 12:35 am, Grand Rapids RCMP responded to a report of a shooting in a residence, located in Misipawistik Cree Nation.

Officers responded and located the victim, a 23-year-old male from the community, who had been shot and was pronounced deceased on scene.
 

The investigation led to the arrest of a 16-year-old male, from Chemawawin, who has been charged with numerous firearms-related offences and has been remanded into custody.

Grand Rapids RCMP, along with RCMP Major Crime Services and Forensic Identification Services, continue to investigate.

Back in May, National Public Works Week took place, with the City of Thompson holding an event at the TRCC.

On City Beat last week, Mayor Colleen Smook shared how the City’s Public Works employees got involved.

“Public Works come out in full force with all of their equipment, they had it down at the TRCC that the folks could come and take a look and just see what happens with it then they had a competition for all the Public Works employees. They got to challenge each other and it was really cool to watch.”

As a result of that event, the City of Thompson received the 2024 CPWA National Public Works Week award for the First Time Entry for a community under 25-thousand.

For this honor, the city will received an engraved plaque from the Canadian Public Works Association in Winnipeg this week.

Next year, National Public Works week takes place from May 18th to 24th.

Manitoba Possible, formerly the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, has been in the province for almost 75 years and in Thompson since 1988.

Their programs provide support for children, youth and adults with disabilities or who are experiencing barriers to participating in their communities to overcome these challenges.

Alyssa Wiebe (Weeb), Program Manager of Rural Services for Manitoba Possible, shares details here about the Children’s Service Coordinator.

“The Children’s Service Coordinators support families in navigating the variety of services, the resources available to them and their children. Our goal is to identify the services needed to help our client to thrive and be able to fully participate whether that’s at daycare, school, their communities or even with their family and the things that they do with the family.”

You’re invited to check out this and other Manitoba Possible programs at their Open House on Wednesday, October 9th.

It will be held at their offices on the 3rd floor of 83 Churchill Drive from 1 to 3 pm.

Hear more details about Manitoba Possible, their clientele and their services at the Open House.   You can also tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

On September 17, 2024, at approximately 12:15pm, officers in the Thompson RCMP detachment executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act warrant at a residence on Hickory Avenue in Thompson as a result of an extensive investigation.

Upon forced entry into the residence, officers discovered and seized 40 grams of crack/cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a scale, multiple weapons, cell phones, and an undisclosed amount of Canadian currency.

Three individuals inside the home were arrested and taken into custody.

Wendy Saric, 47, and a 33-year-old male, both of Thompson, were charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.

Robait Modi, 26, of Alberta, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purposes x 3, and Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon or Restricted Weapon.

Modi has been remanded in custody while Saric and the male have been released on an Undertaking.

The investigation continues.

The City of Thompson and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak are in the final stages of erecting a monument near city hall.

It is to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and will be situated at the corner of Mystery Lake Road and Elizabeth Drive.

The idea for the project came about in December 2022.

Mayor Colleen Smook shares how the city will contribute to the project.

“Our role is we need to provide the use of the land where the monument will stand. They have other partners doing the concrete work, electrical work and things like that. Also they want us to cover the cost of the power to light up the monument.”  

Smook said the estimated cost for the lighting of the statue will be around $20 per month.

On September 18, 2024, at approximately 12:30 pm, Shamattawa RCMP received a report that a six-year-old boy was missing. Johnson Redhead had attended the local school and attended the breakfast program until 9:00 am, but did not arrive in class after the program ended.

A large-scale search was immediately initiated by community members and RCMP. Searchers combed through wooded areas, trails, roads, sheds, and construction equipment looking for the child. RCMP officers obtained video footage from the school in an attempt to ascertain which direction Johnson went or the circumstances surrounding him leaving school property.

ATVs and vehicles are being used to search as well as searchers covering areas on foot.

The RCMP Search and Rescue Team as well as the Office of the Fire Commissioner, with several volunteers from Winnipeg Volunteer Search and Rescue (WinSar) are en route to the community via air to assist with the search. The Canadian Rangers have also been engaged and will attend the community to assist with the search.

If you have information, please call Shamattawa RCMP at 204-565-2351, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

There is a community FASD walk taking place tomorrow as part of FASD Awareness Month.

It starts at 1:30 at City Hall and wraps up at 3:30 at the Jordan’s Principle builidng at 80 Nelson Road.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, explains what FASD is.

“FASD is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and what it does is it describes the range of impact that can occur in the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a life long disorder, there is no cure, but early and appropriate supports can make a positive impact and improve outcomes for individuals with FASD.”  

The NHR has two FASD co-ordinators.  One is in Thompson and the other serves the Flin Flon and The Pas areas.

They are connected to the provincial FASD network that offers support and helps people affected by the condition manage the challenges that come with it.

On September 7, 2024, at approximately 6:35 pm, Swan River RCMP, with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, the RCMP Remote Piloted Aircraft Section, and RCMP Police Service Dog Flex and his handler, executed a search warrant at a residence on 1^st Street South in Swan River.

When police entered the residence, two male occupants were located and taken into custody. Police searched the residence and located five firearms, as well as six BB and Airsoft guns, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, ammunition, knives (straight blade, retractable, and fold-out), machetes, brass knuckles, and a crossbow. Unstamped cigarettes were also located.

The two males, aged 77 and 31, were arrested on firearms charges and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking x2.

They have been released from custody pending a court date.

On September 15, 2024, at approximately 4:25 pm, The Pas RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business on Fischer Avenue in The Pas. Officers attended immediately and received an update en route that the robbery had been committed with a firearm.

When police arrived on scene, they were able to determine that nobody had been physically injured. A description of the suspect was obtained and it was learned he had fled on a bicycle. The RCMP began immediate patrols of the area and engaged RCMP Police Dog Services to attend and assist in locating the suspect.

At approximately 4:30 pm, another report of robbery was received that occurred at a business further down Fischer Avenue. This robbery was also with a firearm.

At approximately 5:00 pm, an officer with RCMP Police Dog Services reported that the officer had contact with the male suspect on the train bridge. Other officers attended to assist and the male was placed into custody without further incident. An imitation firearm was recovered that matched the description of the firearm used

Berion Chartier, 26, is charged with Robbery x2, Use an Imitation Firearm in the Commission of an Offence x2, Carrying a Concealed Weapon x2, Disguise with Intent x2, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Possession of a Firearm Contrary to Order.

Chariter is remanded in custody. The investigation continues.

On September 15, 2024, at approximately 10:15 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle motor vehicle collision that occurred on Perch Avenue in Thompson. While en route to the call, police were informed that a possible gun shot was heard.

When officers arrived on scene, a 47-year-old male was found injured. Officers immediately provided emergency care. The male was transported to local hospital, where he was treated and has since been released.

Investigation determined that the male had been driving a pickup truck that was in a collision with a SUV. The SUV followed the victim to a residence and a male suspect exited the SUV, produced a firearm, and shot at the victim. A neighbouring residence was also struck by projectiles from the firearm, but nobody inside was physically injured.

After the shooting, the SUV fled the scene and was located soon after by police on Pike Crescent. The male suspect and a female suspect were seen by witnesses going into the residence. The residence was surrounded, and three individuals were taken into custody. However, none of the three individuals were determined to have been involved in the incident and were released. The two suspects were not located inside the residence.

Thompson RCMP continue to look for the two suspects involved in the shooting. At this time, police do not have confirmed descriptions to provide.

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

If you are 18 years of age or older and are looking for a chance to upgrade your skills, consider Steps to Success at the YWCA Thompson.

They will assess your skills to see what suits you best and help you work your way toward your personal and workplace goals.

Here, Cat Cogle, the Program Coordinator for Steps to Success, provides more details about the Canadian Adult Education Credential, the replacement for the G.E.D.

“They still recognize anything you took with the G.E.D. so if you took the G.E.D test before and you passed the social and science parts and maybe failed the math part, you only have to take the parts that you failed. Before, it did not matter how many pieces you were taking, if you were taking just one part of the G.E.D. or all five, which cost $75. Now it’s just $15 per section.”

All other classes at Steps to Success are free of charge because of provincial funding from Adult Literacy and Learning and Workforce Development and Training.

Learn more about the classes available and the class schedules. You can call Cogle at 204-677-5016 or drop by the YWCA at 39 Nickel Road.

Also, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is holding an event tomorrow that’s open to the community.

The CMHA is hosting a barbecue and will be giving away a variety of items from Charlie’s Store.

Here is Stephanie Hysert from the CMHA with details.

“Everything in the store will be completely free, many items will be brought into the yard for people to browse through. We have a ton of items, including clothing, dishes, household items, books, shoes and so much more.”  

The barbecue and give-away take place from 11 am to 2 pm at the CMHA location at 43 Fox Bay.

You can also call Hysert at 204-677-6051 for more information.

Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of Suicide Prevention Day across Canada.

The Northern Health Region has a number of mental health resources available for those who may be considering suicide and for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Jen Whalen, a Mental Health Coordinator for the Northern Health Region here in Thompson, provides some of those local resources here.

“We do have our mobile crisis services for youth which is based out of our Hope North facility. That would be a service for individuals who are under 18 years of age. Other local contacts for mental health support and information would be our Mental Wellness and Recovery Practitioners and they are located in Admin building. And also our Canadian Mental Health Association, they are a great source as well for information and they do provide some supportive services as well.”

Whalen said RCMP can provide emergency response and the Emergency Room at the Thompson General Hospital is also available.

For more on the importance of Suicide Prevention Day and resources that can be accessed locally, provincially and nationally, listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The Northern Health Region is holding a number of activities to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention Day which is this coming Tuesday.

The day itself is to recognize the impact of suicide and self-harm and the role mental wellness plays in prevention.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Region, has a way we can all participate.

“September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day and at 8pm, we invite everybody to join in by lighting a candle. Do it at your house or do it at your workplace if you happen to be working at that time. Just as a way to show your support  for suicide prevention, a way to remember a loved one and also for survivors of suicide.”

Suicide is a major public health challenge, with more than 700-thousand deaths each year globally.

Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide".

Aaron was last heard from via text by his mother and auntie on August 2^nd, 2024. His last Facebook post was on August 10^th. Attempts to search various locations has failed to locate Aaron. Numerous leads have been followed up on and many of his friends have not heard from him as well.

Today the family is asking for the public’s help, if you’ve seen Aaron, please contact the Winnipeg Police Missing Persons Unit at 204-986-6250 report # R24-41794 or Joanne Sinclair at 431-264-1319 or Lisa Sinclair at 204-676-0044

Aaron is 39 years old and a member of Pimicikamak Cree Nation who has been residing in Winnipeg for about a year. He is 5’9, approximately 210 lbs, with long medium brown hair that he likes to wear in a bun.

His family is very concerned about his well being and it’s not typical for Aaron to be out of contact with family for this length of time.

In attendance for today’s press conference, from left to right

Councillor Brenda Frogge, Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Councillor Shirley Robinson, Pimicikamak Cree Nation

Joanne Sinclair – mother

Al Thomas – Joanne’s partner

Jennifer McKay – Sister-in-law

We thank you in advance for your assistance.

The Workers Compensation Board in Manitoba has some extra funds in its coffers, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business wants to see it back in the hands of employers.

Research by the CFIB has shown Manitoba, along with 5 other workers’ compensation boards - or WCBs - are over funded to the tune of almost $5 billion.

Tyler Slobogian, a senior policy analyst with the CFIB, explains Manitoba’s situation.

“Manitoba’s board sits overfunded by about 381 million dollars despite returning 118 million just earlier this year. We estimate that returning that excess WCB money to employers in Manitoba to provide small businesses with five employees around 35 hundred dollars if issued through rebates.”

Slobogian adds that Ontario is the only province that legislates the return of surplus funds, but the CFIB is advocating for the other provinces and territories to do the same.

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