On January 29, 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, Thompson Rural RCMP received a call about an attempted child abduction in the community of Split Lake.

 

Officers responded to the area immediately and began patrols, but discovered the suspect had possibly left the community before RCMP were notified.

 

The initial investigation revealed the victim was on her way to school when an unknown male in a white van had offered her a ride while she was near the school. The victim was able to get away and make it to the school safely with no physical injuries.

 

The description provided to RCMP by the 8-year-old victim is as follows, male (unknown age), with short white hair, wearing a light grey jacket. Other witnesses were able to describe the suspect vehicle as a partially dirty white van that was spotted numerous times driving by the TCN Gas Bar.

 

Exhaustive patrols were conducted in and around the community, but the suspect was not located.

 

Thompson Rural RCMP are asking residents in the area that have either a camera at their residence or a dash camera to contact the detachment at 204-778-3050, Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com        

The Investigation continues.

Some changes are coming to two City of Thompson locations.

That’s according to Ian Graham, the Communications Manager for the City who was on City Beat yesterday.

This past Monday, council passed a resolution to approve spending on security services for the TRCC.  

Graham said that as the Rec Centre is a hub for many activities,  having security on hand to address any disturbances and provide crowd control made staff feel safer.  

He also added that the hours of operation are changing at City Hall this coming Monday.

Rather than being open continuously from 8:30 am to 4:30, the office will now be closed during the noon hour to avoid frustration for visitors.  

Graham indicated that often visitors dropped by in the noon hour looking for staff members who were on their lunch hour and would have to return at a later time or leave a message.  

On January 27, 2025, as part of an on-going investigation, Thompson Rural RCMP attended to a residence in the community of Split Lake to remove a non-resident who was believed to be trafficking drugs.

 

A search of the residence was conducted, and officers located a male suspect hiding in one of the rooms.

 

The 26-year-old male was arrested on scene without incident.

 

While searching the residence, a stolen handgun, 408 grams of drugs believed to be cocaine, 319 grams of drugs believed to be crack, a large amount of Canadian currency, scales, and cell phones were all seized.

 

Goitom Gezehey, 26, of Calgary, has been charged with 11 offences related to firearms and drugs including, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Resist/Obstruct Peace Officer, and Possession of Weapon Obtained by Crime.

 

Gezehey has been remanded.

 

The investigation continues.

The City of Thompson’s Sport Wall of Fame is looking for Board Members to help establish and oversee the nomination and selection process for the Wall.

On City Beat Thursday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided some details about the Wall of Fame.

“This year is the tenth anniversary in March so it consists of photos and information celebrating Thompson resident athletes, sports organizers, people that contributed to sports and it’s along the hallway just across from the arenas by the south entrance doors in the main lobby.”

Previously, additions to the wall were overseen by the Recreational Committee.

Those interested in knowing more about the role of the board and how to put forth an application can contact Sonya Wiseman at swiseman@thompson.ca.

Board members, once approved, will serve a term of 2 years, with the option for renewal.

A new system is about to enter the trial phase for some of the City of Thompson’s employees.

The system by MRF Geosystems Corporation is designed to make municipal operations more efficient by upgrading data management, tracking, and analysis.

Mayor Colleen Smook provided details yesterday on City Beat.

“This would be used by our Community Safety officers and inspections staff that have to return to the office and enter information every time, this way they can track the files and analyze right from when the ticket is being issued.”

As this is a trial only, the City employees won’t have access to all the equipment needed to use the system to its full potential.

Tickets will still be written up and issued as usual, but will be input into the system at City Hall to keep better track of them.

Smook added that the system trial will give the city a better idea if they should proceed with it and include it in budget deliberations.

Vale Base Metals is leaning toward selling Vale Manitoba Operations.

The global nickel and copper miner announced yesterday that it’s launching a strategic review of its northern Manitoba asset to consider all options, including a potential sale of the mine and its 250-acre exploration property,

Vale Base Metals said it’s reviewing the competitiveness of its entire mining portfolio in Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland-Labrador, Indonesia, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Japan.

The company has an eye to devote more resources into the growth of copper at its Carajas iron ore mine in northern Brazil.

A report from an undisclosed external advisor, hired to lead the Thompson review, is due out sometime during the middle of this year.

In pumping the tires of Thompson, Vale called it a proven nickel deposit with considerable upside over a 135-kilometre-long nickel belt. The former INCO made the ore body discovery in 1956 after extensively exploring northern Manitoba following the Second World War.

According to a news release, the Vale Manitoba produced 10.5 kilotonnes of the company's finished nickel for a 12-month period up to the third quarter of 2024.

The third annual National Report Card on Mental Health services is giving provincial and federal governments resounding “Fs” almost across the board.

According to the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Heath, it shows a stark failure to address the mental health and substance use crisis in the country.

Glenn Brimacombe with the Alliance shares the status of Canadians’ mental health as determined by the report card.

“Roughly one in five Canadians experience mental illness every year, more than one in two are struggling and not getting the mental health care that they need to improve their mental health status. Untreated mental illness costs the Canadian economy about 50 billion dollars every year and it’s estimated that about 21 percent of Canadians will meet the criteria for a substance use disorder or addiction in their lifetime. It’s also interesting to know when you look at some of Statistic Canada’s data, roughly 26 percent of Canadians say that they have poor or fair mental health.”

Brimacombe said the federal government should create new legislation to complement the health act to equally value the access to mental health services.

Added to that, they should provide specific funding for mental health care in the health transfer payment.

Thirdly, there should be better assessment of the services provided in the health care system to ensure value for money.

Hear the full interview with Brimacombe more on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The first-ever Thompson Polar Plunge took place last Saturday at the Paint Lake Marina and was an incredible success!

That’s according to Marlene Enberg, Special Olympics Thompson’s co-ordinator.

Despite the chilly morning, 35 brave participants took the plunge, and over $10,000 was raised for Special Olympics Manitoba.

Enberg thanked Thompson Fire & Emergency Services and RCMP for being the safety people at the event.

On Friday, Special Olympics Manitoba also hosted an “ in-school program” in the TRCC gym with  35 high school  students participating in basketball, soccer, and bocce (baw-chee) ball.

Cory Beardy and Fate Frank were awarded the Special Olympics athletes of the year awards for 2024 at this event.

This is Glaucoma Awareness Month and experts are cautioning us to take the condition seriously to protect our eye health.

Dr. Hady Saheb, President of the Canadian Glaucoma Society, explains the condition.

“Glaucoma is the most common cause for irreversible blindness in North America so it’s definitely an important condition. Essentially it is a disease where there is damage to the nerve of the eye, the optic nerve, often caused by pressure in the eye and that damage can lead to loss of peripheral vision and even central vision in more advance cases.”  

The main risk factors for glaucoma are age, family history,  and then certain ethnicities are more likely to develop the condition.

He warns that there are no symptoms of glaucoma and that patients often won’t know they have it until their vision is already damaged.

Saheb shares that glaucoma, if detected early through regular eye checkups, is treatable through drops or surgery and blindness could then be avoided.

Learn more about glaucoma, its current treatments and advances in those treatments.  Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

After almost two years of construction, the new Band Room at R.D. Parker Collegiate will hold its Grand Opening tomorrow.

According to the Band Director at the high school Kevin Lewis, the initial proposal for the band room expansion was put forward more than 20 years ago by then-Director Bob Miller along with Keith Derksen, the Facilities Manager for the School district of Mystery Lake.

Ground broke for the project in February 2023 and, over time, the scope of the project moved beyond the band room itself and expanded to renovating the full envelope of the school, along with some electrical and mechanical upgrades to the main building.

Everyone is welcome to attend the grand opening beginning at 5 pm tomorrow with opening speeches and a blessing.

That will be followed by musical performances at 5:30 and cake and refreshments at
6 p.m.

Four candidates are hoping to become the next leader of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs,  the organization that represents 63 First Nations across the province.

Former York Factory First Nation Chief Leroy Constant, Sapotaweyak Cree Nation band councillor Bava Dhillon, former Peguis First Nation chief Glenn Hudson and former Long Plain First Nation chief Kyra Wilson are competing in the upcoming byelection.

The leadership position will replace the former AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, who died suddenly in September.

Chief Betsy Kennedy, a leader from War Lake First Nation, was appointed Acting Grand Chief later that month.

The deadline for nominations closed Saturday at 4 p.m. and a vote will take place on January 29th in Winnipeg during the assembly’s three-day convention.

Manitoba business owners are making their thoughts known on measures they want to see to help their businesses survive and thrive.

Tyler Slobogian, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business lists them here.

“Right now, based on our data, the most widely supported measures for Manitoba businesses is that we are strengthening the border at 66 percent and reducing the tax burden at 62 percent. With retaliatory tariffs coming in at about 24 percent, it’s the least supported measure.”

CFIB believes the various levels of government need to take bold action and has provided recommendations to help businesses.

They include focussing on cutting red tape, addressing internal trade barriers, reducing the tax burden on businesses and strengthening border measures.

Slobogian added that Canada needs to stabilize our supply chain through our ports and railways and promote our energy sector, as well.

For the full interview with Slobogian, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Early yesterday, officers responded to the report of a home invasion in Norway House where a man and woman carrying firearms kicked in the door of the home.

During a struggle with one of the residents, a firearm was discharged by the male suspect.

Both suspects fled the home without the firearms.

Two adults and six children were inside the residence at the time of the incident.  There were no injuries.

Jeremy Scribe, 29, from Norway House was found a short distance away and was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

He has been has been remanded and charged with 11 offences including Breaking and Entering with Intent, Pointing a Firearm, and Careless Use of a Firearm.

Police are still searching for the female suspect, 24 year old Kendra Omand from Norway House.

The investigation continues.

 

Update: Norway House RCMP located and arrested Kendra Omand without incident on the evening of January 20^th.

 

Omand is presently in RCMP custody and awaiting remand. She has been charged with the following:

 

• Using a Firearm in the Commission of an Offence
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Possession of a Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized
• Breaking and Entering with Intent

You can help raise funds for much-needed equipment and supplies for the northern Health Region by volunteering to work at the hospital gift shop.

Cathy Pellizarro with the Thompson Health Auxiliary shares some items available at the shop.

“We have items from toiletries such as shampoo, hairbrushes as well as baby items since we are close to the obstetrics department and lots of babies are born so we have scratch mitts, knitted sweaters, snowsuits, clothing, toys and flower arrangements too for people who may be ill in the hospital as well.”  

The proceeds of the sales have helped the Auxiliary purchase items like beds for the care home and treatment recliners for the chemotherapy ward.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer at the gift shop or to knit or crochet items to be sold.

To volunteer or get more details about what’s involved, contact Pellizarro at 204-679-5007.

 

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided some background on the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Act.

“Municipalities have the ability to bring in bi-laws. We have to go to the public, we do the three ratings before they become law and then we can enforce them with fines, penalties for anyone who counter means these.”

Infractions like illegal parking, parking on your street on your garbage day, and failing to obtain a building permit for a project could earn you a ticket.

If you wish to challenge your ticket, the City of Thompson uses Screening Officer services provided by the City of Selkirk at a cost of $50 per appointment.

Smook said this service ensures impartiality.   Tickets that are challenged could be upheld, have the fines reduced or dismissed altogether.

She added there’s only one or two challenges per month, with the highest ever being 4 in one month.

Those caring for an individual living with dementia face many tough decisions.

Samantha Holland with the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba says the topic of living arrangements can often cause turmoil.

“I know we hear alot about the “promise” that people make to their loved one that you’re never going to put them in personal care but that reality doesn’t always support that goal. There may not be enough support at home or in the community that you live in and a different housing option is the only choice.”  

Moving a loved one into a personal care facility can take an emotional toll on all involved, and Holland said it’s important to prepare yourself for that eventuality.

She also advised caregivers to accept the offers of help from friends and other family members so as to avoid burnout and to promote self-care.

For more tips on how to support family caregivers of someone living with dementia, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The behaviour of someone living with dementia can change radically over time.

Some most common things to watch for are pacing, disorientation, repeated questions, frustration or paranoia, and misplacing items.

Samantha Holland with the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, says up to 60 per cent of those with dementia will get lost or wander away from home at some point.

She tells us here of some warning signs.

“Are they coming home later after a routine outing? Are they getting turned around or confused while navigating their home. Are they talking about needing to go to work or get the kids to school so trying to continue a long standing routine that may not reflect their reality right now? Have they started a new medication? Are they getting enough activity throughout the day? Enough sleep? Pain? All of these things can indicate a higher risk for leaving the home and getting lost.”

Keep records of when wandering happens and possible reasons why.    You can install a lock on the door to deter wandering or add a chime to indicate if the door has been opened.

For more tips on how to deal with the behavioural changes that come with dementia, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview with Holland.

This Monday is Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year.

While there is no research to support this claim, there are plenty of reasons why January might be a depressing month.

It follows the holiday season, bills from the holidays are rolling in, and you might struggle with your New Year's resolutions.

Combine that with long, dark and gloomy winter days, and you have a recipe for melancholy.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region, has a few tips for beating the blues.

“If you have stairs in your house or your apartment, you can easily get some really great exercise just doing stairs. Doing a bit of dancing is great, even just using your own body weight to do different exercises, lots of things you can do to stay healthy and keep your mind busy.”

Other suggestions include hobbies like knitting, crocheting, doing puzzles, or cooking together with family and friends.

If you feel you need help with your mental health, go to the Northern Health Region website or facebook page or contact the Canadian Mental Health Association for resources.

Break out your bathing suit.  It’s time for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge this Saturday at the Paint Lake Marina.

Melissa Suggitt, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Special Olympics Manitoba shares the purpose of the Polar Plunge.

“The Polar Plunge is the largest LETR driven fundraiser, LETR stands for Law Enforcement Torch Run, at the Special Olympics Manitoba. It supports over 2,000 athletes across the province of Manitoba and the Thompson Polar Plunge will see those funds directly impact the athletes.”

There’s still time to take the plunge.

Go to PlungeManitoba.com to see all the event information, to register or to make a donation.

Currently 19 participants are signed up for the fund raiser. Special Olympics Manitoba is hoping to raise 10-thousand dollars with this event.

On January 13, 2025, at approximately 7:30 pm, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 26-year-old male who had just relocated to Thompson from out of the province.

 

Ismaiel Sail was last heard from two weeks ago, his last location is unknown but he is believed to still be in the Thompson area.

 

Sail is described as 5’8”, approximately 165 pounds, with black hair. His last clothing description is also unknown.

 

RCMP are concerned for his wellbeing and are asking anyone with information to call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Suicide Alertness For Everyone or SAFE, is a program offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association in Thompson.

Stephanie Hysert with the CMHA explains what it is.

“Which is an internationally recognized, half day training program that prepares participants to recognize and engage with people who may be having thoughts of suicide and how to connect them to suicide first aid resources here in our community.”

The program is free over the next couple months at CMHA Thompson.

Hysert said she and a colleague could also come into local businesses or organizations to facilitate a session.  The only cost would be the resource book which is $20 per person.

For more information about the SAFE program, contact Hysert at 204-677-6051.

If you’re looking for a way to communicate with someone with dementia, knowing about their interests, past hobbies and career can help.

Samantha Holland with the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba said arranging activities should play on a person’s lasting strengths, but provide a challenge so they are using different parts of their brain.

She provides examples here.

“They could be creative like painting, flower arranging and woodworking while other activities might use some sensory engagement like a hand massage with some nice smelling cream or listening to the person’s favourite music.”  

Holland says we should remember that verbal communication makes up only 5 to 7 per cent of our communications and that the rest is non-verbal.

When those with dementia lose their words, body language, tones and visual cues can fill in the gaps.

For the full interview with Holland, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

On Monday, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak issued a press release about an attempted child luring near a school in Thompson.

The news release indicated two similar incidents had taken place last week.

Yesterday, the school district posted on their facebook that on Monday, elementary students reported being approached by a person on their way to or from school.

Then on Tuesday, a student from the high school reported they were followed on their way to school.

In all instances, the individual is said to be roughly 6 feet tall, wearing a high-visibility yellow or orange jacket, black pants and a balaclava.

Meantime, students are encouraged to walk in groups and stay aware of their surroundings at all times.

If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, contact RCMP at 204-677-6909.

On January 10, 2025, at approximately 8:00 pm, God’s Lake Narrow RCMP received a report of a snowmobile collision near the community.

Officers attended to a nearby trail, believed to be where the collision occurred, and located what appeared to be the collision scene but no snowmobile or persons were present.

Officers then attended to the Nursing Station where they located the victim and snowmobile operator.

The investigation has determined that a snowmobile, being operated by a 12-year-old male with a 14-year-old male passenger, was pulling a toboggan with three passengers, all 12-years-of age, when the toboggan struck a tree stump on the path. A 12-year-old female was thrown from the toboggan and suffered life-threatening injuries.

None of the children were wearing helmets.

The snowmobile operator then drove to the Nursing Station to call for help.

The medical van attended to the scene and transported the victim to the Nursing Station where she succumbed to her injuries.

God’s Lake Narrows RCMP continue to investigate.

On January 11, 2025, at approximately 6:15 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a call for service at a residence on Brandon Crescent.

 

When officers arrived on scene, they were informed that someone inside had been assaulted and another person stabbed.

 

After entering the residence, a male was identified as the suspect by others on scene. The suspect began verbally assaulting officers, and while they were trying to arrest him, he resisted, ensuing in a physical altercation assaulting one of the officers.

 

A 49-year-old male was treated in hospital for a minor stab wound, while a 45 year-old-female sustained minor injuries and was treated in hospital. Both victims were known to the suspect.

 

Everette Hart, 22, of Thompson was arrested and charged with the following:

 

• Aggravated Assault x2
• Assault with a Weapon x3
• Uttering Threats Against A Person x3
• Forcible Confinement
• Assault on a Police Officer x3
• Resists/Obstruct Peace Officer x3
• Fail to Comply with Release Order Condition x3
• Disarming a Police Officer

 

Hart has been remanded.

Dementia can take away many abilities for those diagnosed with the condition.

But, according to Samantha Holland, the First Link Regional Team Lead for the Alzheimer Society, people can still live well with dementia.

She explains here.

“Often, we and the rest of society are hyperfocused on the losses, what they can no longer do, butwe have learnt that there are still so many lasting strengths and abilities. They are also ways to help maintain those longer so they can have a better quality of life overall. We hope to just flip the script when it comes to how people think of and talk about dementia, living well with it rather then suffering from it.”

Studies show that 40 per cent of dementia risks can be controlled through being physically and socially active, challenging our brains with number and word puzzles, having a well-balanced diet, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.

Holland also said that protecting your head and keeping track of your numbers such as cholesterol and blood pressure are important.

Catch part two of a five-part series on dementia on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.  Today’s interview focuses on Living Well with Dementia.

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – In the wake of an alarming, attempted child abduction in Thompson, Grand Chief Garrison Settee of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. voices profound concern for the safety of our children and emphasizes the necessity of their protection.

 

In a deeply unsettling incident, the six-year-old child of Nisichiwayasihk Cree Nation Chief Angela Levasseur was targeted by a man approximately 6’4 with a thin build and wearing an orange jacket and black balaclava who attempted to lure the child. This brazen act occurred while the child waited outside the school for older siblings. Fortunately, the child had been taught by their family to never trust strangers sent to "pick them up," prompting them to flee to safety. This incident has understandably caused significant stress and distress for the family and raises pressing questions about the safety of all children in the community.

 

Chief Levasseur says. “This never should’ve happened. Our children deserve to be safe. It’s important to remember even trusted spaces can hold risks. Let this be a reminder to all parents – stay vigilant! No family should have to face this nightmare.”

 

Why were parents not informed by the Mystery Lake School Division of similar threats after two prior abduction attempts in the last week? Timely communication could have enabled parents to reinforce vital safety messages with their children, supplementing what is taught in schools.

 

Grand Chief Garrison Settee insists that the Mystery Lake School Division take urgent action to improve communication with parents regarding potential threats. Furthermore, the Grand Chief calls on the RCMP to bolster their presence at schools during operating hours to deter such threats.

 

Protecting our children requires collective responsibility. It truly takes a village to raise a child. Let this serve as a crucial reminder that we must all remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding our children.

On City Beat last week, Mayor Colleen Smook discussed some of the plans and projects coming up for Thompson in the coming year.

“We are excited to see the progress on the Aquatic Centre. Our project on the roads and water and sewer will be completed some more this summer and fall. The water main and sewer breaks this year were well below the average of last year. We’re thinking that the sewer water works are definitely having an effect already on the maintenance of the system and that is definitely good news for everybody.”  

Smook said she is also looking forward to the progress of the KTC Pusiko Development Project, after work began on the site last fall.

And the 24/7 Sobering Centre should be up and running in the near future, after many years of planning.

She also added that the City will be in full planning mode for the 2026 Manitoba Hydro Winter Games. The city hosted the games in 1994 and 2018 and Smook says it’s a great opportunity to showcase northern Manitoba to visitors who may be unfamiliar with the area.

There are presently just over 20-thousand Manitobans living with Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia.

That number is predicted to almost double by 2050 due to the aging population, as age is considered the biggest risk factor for dementia.

Samantha Holland, the First Link Regional Team Lead for the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba shares some warning signs of dementia we should take note of.

“Largely, we want to look at changes in a person’s abilities, so how they function on a day to day basis, their behaviour and then their communication skills. I call that the abc’s of dementia. Some examples are they struggling with day to day tasks that were part of their normal routine, they might become more easily upset or angry. For communication, are they getting the words out but they just don’t make sense?”  

Holland said there are 150 types of dementia and they can present separately or in a combination of types.

If you are concerned you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia, she advises a visit with a health care provider so the appropriate tests can be run to rule out treatable conditions.

Catch the first in a series of 5 interviews with Holland on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

In December,  members from the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team and the Roving Traffic Unit, seized a large quantity of drugs from two individuals at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

On December 19th, Kenneth Ross, 32, of Gods Lake Narrows was attempting to board a flight to Gods River when he was arrested.

A search of the suspect resulted in the seizure of 49 grams of methamphetamine.

On December 22nd, a woman from Gods River, was also attempting to board a flight to Gods River when she had a package seized by security. The package contained 67 grams of cocaine, and 56 grams of methamphetamine.

Tanya Okemow, 30, of Gods River, and Ross, have been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.  Both were released for a court date.

RCMP estimate the community street value of the drugs seized between $50,000 to $70,000.

The investigation continues.

On December 30, 2024, at approximately 11:30 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a missing 35-year-old male.

 

Justin Cook, was last seen leaving a business on Thompson Drive on foot, on December 30 around that time.

 

Officers attended to his last location, speaking to several people but it is unknown where he may have been heading.

 

Investigators have been attempting to locate Cook, but results have been negative.

 

Cook is described as being 5’5” tall, approximately 100 pounds, black hair, and hazel coloured eyes. He was last seen wearing all black.

 

RCMP are concerned for his wellbeing and are asking anyone with information to call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909/6911, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

The City of Thompson is encouraging you to protect your pet.

Animal Control Officer, Cory Sparkes, shares how you can do it and how it helps and your pet.

“It’s that time of year to get your animal pet license.  A lot of Thompsonites don’t know that it’s an annual licence and that you have to licence your animal. Some of the good stuff that comes with that is that we know what animals are in town, we know if they are vaccinated and if your animal gets out or if it’s on the loose, we are able to get it back to you.”

To licence your pet, bring your dog’s or cat’s vaccination records to City Hall.

For each spayed or neutered animal, the cost is just $20 if you licence them before January 31st.     After that date it is $25 per animal.

Sparkes said it is $70 per pet if they are not spayed or neutered until January 31st and $75 after that.

Go to Thompson.ca to download the pet licensing form.

If your willpower is starting to waiver and you could use some help to keep your New Year’s resolution to quit smoking, there’s help nearby.

National Non-Smoking Week is coming up in the third week of January, and includes Weedless Wednesday on January 22nd.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotion Co-ordinator with the Northern Health Region, said the quit smoking focus can also include vaping, as well.

He added that if you’re looking for support the Smokers’ Helpline is a resource that is available 7 days a week.

You can create your own Quit Program with the help of a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach.

They will talk about managing cravings, quit aids, help you find local support, and will even call you to follow up if you want.

It’s been found that Smokers’ Helpline phone clients are up to 8 times more likely to be smoke-free after 6 months than those who go it alone.

To access these resources go to smokershelpline.ca or call 1-877-513-5553.

The Canadian Mental Health Association provides the Graffiti Cover-up program here in Thompson, with financing through the City of Thompson.

The goal of the program, which began in 2007,  is to help support people living with mental health issues by allowing them to gain social skills and work experience.

At last night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, a report was provided to the City as requested during the budgetary process last year.

From last June 24th  through August 18th, the team from the CMHA did 28 cover-ups at 11 different locations.

The cost to the city for last year’s program was just shy of 49-hundred dollars and covered wages, supplies, travel and an administration fee by the CMHA.

2025 marks Rudy the Raven’s 50th birthday.

And it’s such a big deal that it’s the theme for this year’s Winterfest celebrations.

Planning for the event began back in December with meetings taking place every Wednesday at 1:30 pm in the Mary Fenske boardroom at the TRCC.

Currently a number of local groups have already stepped up to host activities and arrange events.

They include the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council, Fun Stuff Thompson, the Thompson Kin Club, the Boreal Discovery Centre, Hello Parents Network of Thompson, the RCMP and the Manitoba Metis Federation.

If you wish to take part, you’re welcome to join in the planning meetings.

You can also volunteer by calling Darlene at the TRCC at 204-677-7969.

The tax holiday continues but the buying boom that was expected didn’t manifest itself as hoped, according to reports from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

And a survey of business owners said only 4 per cent of them felt that an increase in sales was likely.

Dan Kelly, President of the CFIB, said many owners worry if they’ve exempted items properly and what that could mean in the future.

“If you spend a dollar in a small, local independent business, 66 cents of that dollar stays within that community through taxes, investments, contributions and wages. If you buy something from a large, multinational or big box store, only 11 cents of that sale stays in the local community and if you buy it from a big, online player, only 9 cents of that sale stays in the community.”

Kelly said some businesses have had to review thousands of products and change their point of sales systems, only to have to repeat the process again in mid-February.

He added the CFIB has fielded thousands of calls from businesses looking for direction on exemptions with little help from the government.

Hear the complete interview with Kelly on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Traven Hastings has claimed the title of Thompson’s New Year’s baby.

Traven was born at 1:04 am on January 1st at the Thompson General Hospital.

He weighed in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was almost 20 inches long.

He is the son of proud mom and dad Trishelle Hastings and Reagan Okemow of Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

The family was presented with a number of baby gifts on behalf of the Thompson Hospital Auxiliary.

On January 1, 2025, at approximately 9:05 pm, Thompson RCMP responded to a report of a snowmobile that had fallen through the ice near the Miles Hart bridge.

 

Officers responded immediately, along with Thompson Fire and Rescue. They were able to locate the two occupants of the snowmobile after they were advised by a RCMP Telecommunications operator to turn on their cell phone light.

 

A 20-year-old male, and 16-year-old female were on pieces of ice with water around them approximately 20-30 feet from the shore line. Their snowmobile was partially submerged in the water.

 

The male had already fallen into the river when he tried walking on the ice, but had been able to pull himself to safety.

 

Officers were able to throw their jackets to the stranded victims, as the temperature at the time of rescue was -21 degrees Celsius, with a windchill of -28.

 

A raft was brought down to the scene through difficult terrain to assist in the rescue.

 

There were no injuries, both were taken to hospital as a precaution and later released.

 

“This was a very dangerous, and challenging rescue given the freezing temperatures and time of night it occurred,” said Superintendent Paul Peddle, Manitoba North District Commander. “The officers responded quickly, along with Thompson Fire, and were all able to work together to bring both occupants to land safely for the best possible outcome.”

A 53-year-old Thompson man is facing multiple charges after an incident at the checkstop heading into Nisichawayasihk First Nation on Monday evening.

Nelson House RCMP were notified a vehicle had driven through the barricade at the checkstop.

Surveillance video showed that the vehicle made contact with one FNSO, while narrowly missing another. The FNSO that was hit by the vehicle suffered a fractured finger as a result.

Officers responded and immediately began patrols for the suspect vehicle.

The following day, officers attended a residence in the community, and arrested the suspect.

Terry Francois has been charged with assault with a weapon causing bodily harm, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle causing bodily harm and Obstruction of a Peace Officer.

Francois is out on a Release Order.

The investigation continues.

Tuesday morning, Thompson Rural RCMP received a report of a single vehicle collision on Highway 280, approximately 30 minutes south of Split Lake.

Split Lake Fire Department and First Nation Safety Officers were on scene providing first-aid to two occupants who were outside the vehicle when officers arrived.

An SUV driven by a 48-year-old man from Split Lake was travelling south when it entered the ditch and rolled.

The passenger, an 18-year old woman from Split Lake, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver received serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, and remains in hospital.

Both occupants were not wearing seatbelts.

Police along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist continue to investigate.

Snoman Inc. has been operating since 1975, advocating for the snowmobiling sector and supporting 53 volunteer clubs province-wide.

Club members groom and sign the trails with funding that comes from Snoman through the sale of Sno Passes, which every snowmobile rider in the province should have if they are accessing these trails.

Yvonne Rideout, Executive Director of Snoman, says Manitoba has lots to offer snowmobilers.

“We have 13,000 kilometers of snow mobile trails throughout the province and to put that into perspective, that is the third largest in Canada only behind Quebec and Ontario.”  

Rideout said that the pandemic played a large role in introducing younger people to  the sport.

There was a 16 per cent increase in snowmobile sales at the time, as people were looking for ways to socialize safely and according to pandemic protocols.

For more on Snoman and how it works to promote snowmobiling in the province, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.