Pimicikamak Cree Nation declared a state of emergency on Monday following a widespread power outage in the Cross Lake area late Sunday.

The community was initially informed that power could potentially be restored by 6 p.m. today, but according to a news release from Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Peter Chura, that has been revised until tomorrow at 6 pm.

Hydro crews used a helicopter to discover a power line stretching across the Nelson River snapped about 10 kilometres north of Pimicikamak.

Specialized equipment, including track vehicles, worked Monday to clear an access road to the site.

Chura said crews need at least one full day of daylight to safely perform the majority of the work.

The Canadian Red Cross, on behalf of Indigenous Services Canada and at the request of Pimicikamak, is providing support to community members impacted by the outage, including evacuating some residents.

The national organization is providing support through emergency accommodations, meals and other essentials in Thompson.

Assistance is also being provided to residents who are remaining in Pimicikamak in the form heaters and generators being sent to the community.

This year’s Community Christmas Dinner host by the Thompson Neighborhood Renewal Corporation was a huge success.

Thirty volunteers helped with the dinner prep and serving over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with 230 people served at the dinner on December 25th.

Close to 100 presents were given to the children in attendance, thanks to a generous donation from Vale Thompson.

The dinner took place from noon to 2 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall.

The hall and the kitchen were donated for the TNRC’s use by the Legion and Legion’s Women Auxiliary respectively.

Extra food was passed out to residents of Harmony House, Rotary Place and Lion’s Manor 55.

Christmas celebrations are winding down and the New Year is set to launch.

That also means the time for Winter Wonderland to wrap up for another year is close at hand.

The final night for the holiday decoration display at McCreedy Campground is tomorrow evening.

The Thompson Music Parents Association will host the final night for guests from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Come out and view the lights and displays.  It’s just $10 per vehicle and you can drive around the loop as much as you’d like.

This fund raiser helps the Music Parents Association sponsor various activities for the music students in the School District of Mystery Lake as well as scholarships.

In November, nurses at the Thompson General Hospital, along with other members of the Manitoba Nurses Union, voted to grey-list the hospital.

It meant they felt unsafe due to past incidents of violence at the hospital and the union itself advised its members to not accept work there.

Since then, according to a Northern Health Region spokesperson, a Threat Risk Vulnerability Assessment and Recommendation tour has taken place at the hospital.

Taking part were Northern Health Region clinical leaders, NRHA and Shared Health security leadership, and representatives from both Thompson RCMP and the City of Thompson Fire Department.

Recommendations from the assessment will address communication and safety measures such as panic alarms, public address systems, outdoor security lighting, and potential weapons scanners with amnesty lockers.

To date,  the Northern Health Region has implemented new facility access protocols at TGH.  They include after-hours visitation screening and restricting access to the facility to one monitored entrance during overnight hours.

These measures have helped reduce unnecessary traffic throughout the building between 7p.m. and 6a.m.

On December 6, 2025, officers from God’s Lake Narrows RCMP flew into Manto Sipi Cree Nation to meet with Anishinaabe Peace Keepers and First Nation Safety Officers in relation to two recent drug seizures, which occurred on the afternoon of December 5 and in the early morning hours of December 6, in the community.

On December 5, at 4:00 pm, RCMP were advised that two adult females (37, 34), from Manto Sipi Cree Nation, were arrested by the FNSO’s at the airport for being in possession of suspected cocaine, crack-cocaine, cash and other drug-related paraphernalia.

On December 6, at 12:55 am, RCMP were advised that a small quantity of drugs, cannabis, illicit pills, cash, a firearm and other drug-related paraphernalia were seized at a residence in the community and that a 35-year-old male, from Manto Sipi Cree Nation, was taken into custody.

Upon arrival in the community, the three accused, along with the seized drugs and related items, were turned over to RCMP.

The two females were later released from police custody with a court appearance scheduled for February 18, 2026, in the community where they will appear on charges of Possession for the purpose of trafficking. The 35-year-old male was released for court scheduled the same date and will face charges of Possession for the purpose of trafficking and Unsafe storage of a firearm.

“The God’s Lake Narrows RCMP would like to acknowledge the efforts made by Chief and Council and the First Nations Safety Officers of Manto Sipi Cree Nation on their efforts to reduce the amount of illicit contraband from entering their community and endangering the lives of its people” said Sgt. Corbin Allingham, Detachment Commander of the God’s Lake Narrows RCMP.

God’s Lake Narrows RCMP continue to investigate.

If you’re travelling around Manitoba for Christmas, check the local hospital’s emergency room schedule for the December holidays.

According to Doctors Manitoba, only a quarter of ERs outside Winnipeg are expected to be open 24-7.

They said 18 of Manitoba’s 71 rural and northern ERs are expected to be reliably open 24-7, while 25 are expected to have limited hours or periodic closures.

Twenty-eight are fully closed due to suspension or a long-term closure.

Northern Health said no ER closures are anticipated between now and January 3rd and that temporary ER closures are considered only as a last resort when there isn’t enough staff to ensure safe care for patients.

For information about ER availability during the holidays, go to RuralCare.ca.

On City Beat last Thursday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided an update on a number of items of interest in Thompson over the past year.

While the music at the Walmart entrance of the City Centre Mall is still playing, there may be some relief once the RCMP staff the Crime Suppression Unit to work with the Community Safety Officers to deter loitering there.

Smook talks here about a data tracking system from MRG Geosystems Corporation that the city is now using.

“The actual trial was run from late spring to early summer and the system worked well. The purchase of the hardware and software was approved in August and staff has received training on it last month. The hardware was installed in the public safety CSO vehicles and it is now in use.”  

Shared Health took over the Ambulance Service from Thompson Fire and Emergency Services back in February.  The City still provides ambulance service, but they are now the third ambulance out.

The new system has seen ambulance calls handled by Thompson Fire and EMS reduced by two-thirds over 2024.

On December 17, 2025, at 12:45 pm, Island Lake RCMP received a report of two missing snowmobilers, from St Theresa Point First Nation, who failed to return home after going out for a ride.

The two snowmobilers, a 28-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, left the community on a single snowmobile in the early morning hours of December 15 and have not been seen since. No information on their intended destination or route of travel was provided.

Local search parties had been organized and actively searched the community including the winter and ice roads in the area.

In the early afternoon hours of December 18, the two snowmobilers were located deceased outside the community.

 

Investigators have determined that the snowmobile was travelling on the ice when it collided with rocks near one of the nearby islands. The resulting collision caused considerable damage to the snowmobile and ejected both the driver and passenger from it.
 

The cause of death remains under investigation as we await the results of the autopsy.

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

Every year, the Steps to Success Program at the YWCA Thompson works with around 400 adult students.

The program provides classes that range in duration from two hours to a full day, depending on the subject.

Cat Cogle, Program Coordinator for Steps to Success, talks here about the classes referred to as “upskills.”

“With the upskills, they are actually a specific set of courses that are put out by ABC Canada. They are designed to teach skills that we use in the work place. These are transferable skills; doesn’t matter which jobs you are doing, these are skills that are good for you to have. Things like adaptability, time management, and stress management.”

Steps to Success also offers certification courses for Safe Food Handling, Cannabis Retail, and Safe Alcohol Service.

For the full list of courses offered, all free of charge to adults 18 and older, go to the Steps to Success facebook page.

Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 for the full interview with Cogle.

The design for a new fire hall for Thompson is a step closer, thanks to over one-million dollars from the Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities fund.

City administration applied for the provincial GRO grant in October, after council approved a resolution authorizing them to do so.

The total amount of the grant is half of the overall cost estimate to design the fire hall.

The current one was built in 1971, housing 4 male firefighters and three emergency vehicles.

However, the growth of Thompson Fire and EMS to 29 employees, male and female, makes it necessary to expand the hall.

The City has set aside a parcel of land near the Heritage North Museum for the construction of a new facility, when the time comes.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has been tracking businesses throughout 2025, advocating for them in what’s been a tumultuous year.

One positive outcome of the tariff and trade war with the United States is the move to drop inter-provincial trade barriers.

Ryan Mallough, Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the CFIB comments.

“I think actually at this point, all ten provinces has some kind of legislation that has either been passed or is in the process of being passed but that is the easy part. The tough part will be making sure that the impact is actually felt on the ground, that we are living up to the rederick that we are hearing then we’ll be very on top of that in 2026 to make sure that governments are, in fact, following through and that trade is free within the country.”

The CFIB also wants to see the items in the mutual agreements between provinces expanded to include food and beverage as well as goods.

Mallough acknowledged that each province is approaching their legislation with slightly different wording which could unintentionally end up putting barriers back in place.

Catch the full update with Mallough this afternoon on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

While you’re busy planning for the holidays and making it magical for everyone else, what are you doing for yourself?

Jennifer Whalen, the Mental Health Promotions coordinator with the Northern Health Region, has some advice.

“We always talk about self care and the importance of looking after you so that you can look after everyone else in your family, do your job and do all the things you need to do. Get some much needed sleep, do some meal prep if you haven’t cooked a nice healthy meal in awhile, exercise or whatever it is that makes you feel well.”

Whalen suggests we check in on family and friends, maybe enjoy a coffee or meal together, or reach out with a phone call or facetime them.

She added it’s also a great time to pick up an old hobby again, or perhaps consider trying a new one.

The bottom line is to do something that brings you joy and re-energizes you.

On December 10, 2025, the Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU), an integrated team consisting of Manitoba RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service officers, along with additional officers from Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon, The Pas Police Dog Services and the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, conducted operations targeting prolific and violent offenders with outstanding Warrants for their arrest.

The focus of this operation, which ran from December 8 to December 11, 2025, was on apprehending 23 wanted individuals from the Flin Flon, The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation area.

Five of the 23 accused who were located and arrested, were wanted on various charges including Robbery, Assault causing bodily harm, Assault with weapon, Possession of a weapon and Resist arrest, they were also each facing numerous Fail to comply with release order conditions. The other 18 individuals were not located and remain at large.

Four of the five accused were located and arrested without incident and remanded into custody, with one of them later being released by a Judicial Justice of the Peace. The fifth, a 32-year-old male from Flin Flon, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at a nearby residence with the assistance of Police Service Dog Phlex.

Of the five individuals arrested on this date, four were located in Flin Flon and one in Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

The Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU) continues to investigate.

Generous Thompson residents and organizations teamed up for the annual Christmas Toy Drive in the city.

In all, 288 toys and $247 were collected at the event this past Saturday in the Walmart parking lot.

Participation and support came from Thompson RCMP, BGC Thompson, and Thompson Fire and Emergency Services,  including Thompson Professional Fire Fighters Association, Thompson Fire Auxiliary members and Vale Manitoba Operations, the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees and MDS Aero Test.

This Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm,  the toys will be available at BGC Thompson for parents and guardians to choose from.

There is one toy allowed per child in each household.

BGC Thompson is offering rides to those who don’t have transportation available.

On December 12, 2025, at approximately 8:25 pm, Cross Lake RCMP officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle located in the community. A query of the license plate revealed it be inactive.

An officer approached the vehicle, with a single occupant, and spoke with the driver, identified as a 34-year-old male from Winnipeg.

During the conversation with the driver, the officer observed multiple liquor bottles in the vehicle and a quantity of cash tucked into the back of the passenger seat. The driver was immediately placed under arrest and secured in the police vehicle.

A search of the driver and vehicle led to the seizure of over 63 grams of suspected cocaine, several bottles of liquor, a machete and Canadian currency.

James McLeod, 34, was remanded into custody on charges of Possession for the purpose of trafficking and Possession of property obtained by crime.
 
Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Holiday plans often include extra activities and guests in our homes.

Between meal prep and decorating, it’s a good idea to consider how your pets may be reacting to the added excitement.

Dr. Ingrid Sproll, a veterinarian with Winrose Animal Hospital in Winnipeg, shares that our pets can become stressed and anxious during the holidays, just like us.

Here are some signs to watch for with your dogs.

“Dogs, you’ll see panting, sometimes a little bit of trembling. Actually licking their lips or yawning as well as sneezing are more subtle signs of anxiety in dogs and then depending on the dog, some of them will be a little more clingy while others may be a bit more aloof. You could also see something like a pee accident in the house or like chewing on something they wouldn’t normally chew on.”

Cats may also have an accident or not use their litter box, but their tendency is to hide.   They will also hiss to indicate they want to be left alone.

For other tips and advice on how to look after our pets during the holidays, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

On December 10, 2025, at 11:00 pm, Oxford House RCMP received a request to assist the First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) outside a residence located in the community.

Officers responded and were advised that a 35-year-old female was being detained as a result of a drug investigation.

A search of the suspects backpack by FNSO’s led to the discovery a quantity of crack cocaine, oxycodone pills and an undisclosed amount of cash.

The 35-year-old female was placed under arrest and upon her search, officers located and additional amount of drugs in her possession.

The investigation led to the seizure of approximately 86 grams of crack cocaine, 127 oxycodone pills and approximately $28,800.00 in cash. The community street value of the drugs seized is estimated at $68,300.00.

RCMP have charged 35-year-old Melvina Kanabee, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, with Possession of proceeds of crime and Possession for the purpose of trafficking x2. She was remanded into custody.

“The Oxford House RCMP would like to acknowledge the efforts by Chief and Council and First Nation Safety Officers, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, for their leadership, cooperation, and commitment to community safety”, said Sgt. Currie Farebrother, Detachment Commander of the Oxford House RCMP Detachment. “Their proactive efforts and strong partnership have played a key role in several recent drug seizures, helping to significantly reduce the amount of illegal drugs entering the community. This collaborative work is making a meaningful difference in protecting residents and supporting the overall well-being of Bunibonibee Cree Nation.”

Oxford House RCMP continue to investigate.

Artificial intelligence is front of mind for many of us, in our workplaces, schools and even in day-to-day activities.

It’s being touted as a labor-saving tool, a quick way to analyse information and the way to get answers to almost any question we can think of.

But, it still needs to be kept in check, as David Gerhard, Head of Computer Sciences at the University of Manitoba explains.

“The accuracy of anything that comes from A-I is something we need to be careful of because one of the reasons A-I is good at language tasks and creative tasks is because it makes maybe unusual connections between ideas but that means it can get things wrong and it will continue to get things wrong. So we always want to have human validation in anything that A-I does.”

Gerhard adds that as A-I models “train” on available data, the accuracy or inaccuracy of that data shapes its responses.

He says it not only trains on published, well-established information, it also includes conversations that could be skewed in a particular direction or inaccurate.

Hear more about artificial intelligence and its pros and cons. Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

                                                                                                                                                                          

Twenty-seven people have been charged so far as part of a sustained police investigation into a drug trafficking network operating on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

 

Project Derry was launched in June by the Manitoba RCMP Integrated Law Enforcement Team following several violent incidents that occurred in the community, including an arson that destroyed the community’s band office. The investigation was supported by First Nation Safety Officers on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation and RCMP officers from Oxford House, Thompson, Selkirk and Winnipeg.

 

“RCMP officers have worked tirelessly over the past six months to identify and dismantle a criminal organization that worked to fuel the drug trade and intimidate the community,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, commanding officer of Manitoba RCMP. “That work remains ongoing as part of our commitment to protect the safety and security of the communities we serve.”

 

The RCMP investigation uncovered a criminal organization that arranged the shipment, processing, packaging and transportation of drugs into the community, including cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl and carfentanil. Individuals working within the organization then distributed the drugs to local traffickers while handling collection and payments, enforcement and the storage and dissemination of weapons.

 

During the investigation, RCMP found some buyers purchasing oxycodone pills were instead given fentanyl, a more powerful and deadly drug. The investigation also revealed that float planes were being used to fly large quantities of alcohol into the community to bootleg to residents.

 

In total, 51 charges have been laid so far against 27 suspects as part of Project Derry. Eighteen of the 27 suspects live on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, with the remaining suspects from Winnipeg and Thompson.

Further arrests and charges are expected.

 

Luke Grieves, the suspected leader of the criminal network, was arrested while in custody at Milner Ridge Correctional Centre and charged with conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance. Grieves, 33, has also been charged with criminal organization-related offences. He remains in custody.

 

Sixteen other suspects were charged with conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance. An additional nine suspects were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

 

Twenty-two of the 23 suspects arrested remain in custody. Four others are being sought by RCMP to face charges.

 

Nine firearms, approximately two kilograms of cocaine packaged for sale and hundreds of oxycodone and fentanyl pills were seized, as was a small amount of carfentanil.

 

Hundreds of liquor bottles were also seized.

 

The investigation has had a noticeable impact on public safety in the past six weeks, following a series of arrests made on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation in November. Calls for service to Oxford House RCMP were nearly halved in November from the previous month. For the first week of December, Oxford House RCMP saw a 67 per cent reduction in calls for service from the same time last year.

 

 

 

Backgrounder

 

Project Derry was launched in June by the Manitoba RCMP Integrated Law Enforcement Team to investigate a series of violent incidents that occurred in the community. The team worked with First Nation Safety Officers on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation and RCMP officers stationed in Oxford House, Thompson and Winnipeg.

 

As part of Project Derry, Luke Grieves, 33, of Thompson has been charged with conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, instruction commission of an offence for a criminal organization and recruitment of members by a criminal organization.

 

The following individuals have been charged with conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance:

 

• Tannis Delaronde, 45, of Winnipeg;
• Ashley Clipping, 36, of Winnipeg;
• Lynisia Chubb, 31, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Justice Grieves, 30, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Trenton Stinson, 19, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Ashley Paul, 22, of Thompson;
• Martha Munroe, 42, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Maury Lundquist, 39, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Raven Fitzner, 32, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Gracelyn Canada, 20, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation; and
• Blaine Weenusk, 24, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

 

A 15-year-old male, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, has also been charged with these offences.

 

The following individuals have been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime:

 

• Elton Robinson, 32, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Travis Weenusk, 30, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Natasha Weenusk, 33, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Tyra Munroe, 35, of Thompson;
• Sienna Wood, 20, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation;
• Alexa Grieves, 31, of Winnipeg;
• Martha Grieves, 52, of Winnipeg; and
• Dustin Harper, 45, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation.
•  

Nicky Harper, 32, of Winnipeg, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a firearm while prohibited.

 

Glenn Okemow, 21, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm.

 

RCMP have issued warrants for arrest to the following individuals:

 

• Shaylee Grieves, 22, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation. She faces charges of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, trafficking a controlled substance and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Brittany Robinson, 34, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation. She faces charges of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance;
• Carly Beardy, 33, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation. She faces charges of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance; and
• Gordon Hart Jr., 37, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation. He faces charges of conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance.

 

 

 

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services launched a new program this year called Adopt-a-Hydrant.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook provided an update on how many people took up the challenge.

“So a total of 33 fire hydrants were adopted prior to the November 30th deadline. There have been some inquiries since but Thompson Fire and Emergency Services decided to stick to the deadline to keep it fair for those who did enter by November 30th.”

Smook added that many residents have unofficially adopted fire hydrants on their streets  in years past and that City crews are on the lookout for hydrants that need to be cleared of snow or debris.

The program will run until May 1st, with monthly prizes being awarded and a Grand Prize to be drawn for in May.

If you’re grieving the loss of a loved one due to substance use or if someone you love is struggling with substance use, support is available through Moms Stop the Harm.

Stephanie Hysert, the Prevention and Education Consultant for Eaglewood in Thompson, has more details.

“Moms Stop the Harm has created a new support phone line that offers a non-judgemental, safe space to talk, connect with compassionate peer support as well as referrals to local resources. You can reach out to MSTH at 1-866-355-6784 from 5pm to 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays or you can visit their website at Momsstoptheharm.com.”

Moms Stop the Harm is a network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use-related harms and deaths.

They advocate for the change of failed drug policies and provide peer support and assistance to those with loved ones who use or have used substances.

Tourism opportunities are all throughout the north.

The challenge is to let people know about them and encourage more visitors to head to the region.

Mayor Colleen Smook, who took over as Chairperson for the Northern Tourism Advisory Board from Gary Bell of Calm Air, shared her thoughts on this.

“We need every part of the region to be recognized to increase their tourism. Norway House with their York Boat Days, Flin Flon has their Blueberry Jam in August, we have our Nickel Days and Winterfest. So it’s how to bring all these things together.”

Smook added that Thompson will be a tourist destination in March when athletes, coaches and parents head to the city for the Manitoba Winter Games.

It will be our opportunity to showcase what we have to offer and make visitors feel welcome so they come back again.

Travel Manitoba has now been given provincial funding to help with promoting northern tourism and, more specifically, indigenous tourism.

It’s time to celebrate the holidays with R.D. Parker Collegiate’s Christmas Concerts tonight and tomorrow.

Tonight, is the Winter Band Concert beginning at 7 pm at the Letkemann Theatre.

Performances tonight will include the Grade 6 to 12 Concert Bands, as well as the R.D Parker Intro to Band Class.

Thursday is the Winter Choral & Jazz Concert, also at 7 pm in the Letkemann Theatre.

Come out and show your appreciation for the hard work of the musicians and band teachers.

But, if you’re unable to attend in person, there is a link for the concert live stream.

You can find that at rdparkermusic.com.

On December 7, 2025, at 8:10 am, Flin Flon RCMP received a report of a theft of gas from a Service Station located on Third Avenue in Flin Flon.

As officers attended to the scene, an update was received from a caller reporting that they were following the suspect vehicle, which was heading south on Highway 10, and continued to provide information to RCMP Dispatch. The caller was advised to immediately stop following the suspect vehicle for their safety.

Officers departed southbound on Highway 10 and received further information from the caller stating that their vehicle had just been rammed, had things thrown at them and later shot at, as the suspects fled. No injuries were reported, and the caller indicated that they were no longer following the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle information provided to police matched that of a vehicle which had been reported stolen earlier that morning in Pelican Narrows, SK, at gunpoint from a 21-year-old male victim. The vehicle had been last seen heading towards Flin Flon with a female driver and three passengers.

Based on the information provided by the caller, the suspects were last seen travelling at a high of speed, possibly heading towards Thompson. Patrols continued in the area without success.

At 1:20 pm, Thompson RCMP, who had been provided the information on the suspect vehicle, were conducting a patrol in the Paint Lake area when they encountered a female walking alone on the road which seemed suspicious as there are no homes or communities in this area. When questioned, she stated she was from Pelican Narrows. The 32-year-old female was detained and a short drive further down the road led to the discovery of the stolen vehicle, which contained two of the three additional suspects, a 27-year-old male and 27-year-old female. They were arrested without incident.

With three of the four occupants now in police custody, officers were advised that the fourth male, a 26-year-old, had fled the scene on foot. Footprints located in the snow led deep into the woods.

A quick search of the scene led to the seizure of 5 firearms and other stolen property strewn about.

Fearing that the fourth suspect may be armed, additional RCMP officers from Thompson, along with Manitoba RCMP Police Dog Services, a drone operator and officers from Manitoba Conservation, converged on the area and began a track of the suspect into the woods. After several kilometres of tracking, the suspect was located walking along Provincial Road 275 and taken into custody without incident.

A further search of the stolen vehicle on scene led to the seizure of a sawed-off shotgun, a pellet gun, various rounds of ammunition and a sword.

RCMP have charged Jonas Merasty, 27, Gailynn McCallum, 32, Drew Linklater, 27, and Kolton Ballantyne, 26, all of Pelican Narrows, with a number of offences that occurred in Manitoba, including Possession of property obtained by crime, Theft, Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Mischief and multiple firearms-related offences. All four were remanded into custody.

Flin Flon RCMP continue to investigate.

On December 8, 2025, at 1:21 am, Gypsumville RCMP responded to a house fire in the community of Little Saskatchewan First Nation.

 

Upon arrival, the fire department was already on scene containing the fire. The residence, located on Keewatin Road, was completely destroyed by the fire.

 

Officers learned that the homeowner was not in the community at the time and had received some communication with an acquaintance of hers who uttered threats towards her and her residence.

 

Shortly after, a 30-year-old male was arrested nearby for the arson to the residence. The suspect attempted to run away from Police but was apprehended immediately. The suspect continued to resist until he was brought safely to the police vehicle.

 

Gavin Anderson, 30, from Winnipeg was remanded into custody and charged with:

 

• Arson
• Uttering threats
• Resist arrest
• Fail to comply with conditions of a Release order x 2

 

Gypsumville RCMP continue to investigate.

Last week, the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak Food Bank supported those in need with hampers so they can enjoy a Christmas dinner.

With help and support from a number of community organizations and volunteers, MKO made up 600 Christmas hampers.

Gina Spence, the Food Bank Supervisor, said that the hamper initiative will see over 25-hundred people able to enjoy a holiday meal.

MKO is also holding Open House events at all three Thompson locations this Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Visit the MKO Food Bank at 31 Nelson Road, the Main Office at 55 Selkirk Avenue, and their Youth Healing Lodge at 20 Wapusk Drive.   There will be refreshments, pictures with Santa and an entry for a grand prize for those who visit all three sites.

One Hundred Women Who Care Thompson played Santa Claus for a lucky local group last week at their December meeting.

Special Olympics Thompson was the recipient of the funds, with the money going toward enhancing participation in alpine skiing for their athletes.

Marlene Enberg with Special Olympics Thompson indicated current participants in alpine skiing are under the age of 18, but the program would be available to adults with intellectual disabilities if there is demand.

Funding from 100 Women Who Care will allow them  to purchase alpine ski equipment and keep it in an equipment library that could be used every year by youth who register for the skiing programs.

All charities in Thompson are invited to go to 100womenthompson.com and go to FORMS, if you are interested in being a funding recipient at one of their meetings in 2026.

On December 5, 2025, at 12:05 pm, Cross Lake RCMP received a report of an off-road vehicle collision that occurred on main road in the community.
 

Officers attended and have determined that an ATV, being operated by a 42-year-old male, was travelling on this road when the driver turned into the ditch and collided with a guy-wire located near a hydro pole.

The driver was transported to the Nursing Station where he succumbed to his injuries.
 
The driver was not wearing a helmet.

 

Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

The app that tracks the R.D. Parker Collegiate buses is in a trial run this week.

Parents and students must go to the R.D. Parker website or facebook page to click on the link that pertains to the route they travel on.

Danny Morris, Transportation Lead for the School District of Mystery Lake explains.

“Right now, just for the R.D. Parker students only. This is for pick up only. In the morning, there are two routes: there is an early morning route for the whole area which is called the early run and the second run is the Eastwood area which starts around 9:15 and also goes back to the R.D. Parker.”

Morris said the students using the bus will have to register for the ridership program in the coming week, meaning they have to sign a sheet and then they’ll be given a number for a QR code.

This will help the district keep track of who is travelling on the buses.

There is no charge for students to use the bus or the app.

RCMP are reminding motorists that officers will be conducting its annual festive season Checkstop campaign on Manitoba roads and highways throughout December.

Planning a safe ride home if you are consuming drugs or alcohol, can help you avoid a criminal charge and save lives by arranging for a designated driver or calling a cab,  rideshare or taking public transit where possible.

Expect to see an increased police presence on roads and highways.   RCMP Traffic Services will complete mandatory screenings for alcohol and drugs when they stop a vehicle.

People arrested for impaired driving in Manitoba face a range of consequences, including criminal charges, large fines, having their licence suspended and their vehicle impounded.

There were 21 fatal collisions in RCMP jurisdiction last year where drug or alcohol impairment were suspected as a contributing factor.

There were 43 collisions last year that resulted in serious injuries where impairment is either confirmed or suspected to be a factor.

The Association of Manitoba Municipalities fall convention took place last week in Winnipeg.

On City Beat yesterday, Mayor Colleen Smook indicated the event is an opportunity to network with municipalities of a similar size, with similar issues and concerns.

She speaks here about a positive outcome from the convention, after an announcement from the Province.

“We had a talk on health care at the Institutional Safety Officers coming to Thompson to work in the hospital which is something that we’ve been pushing for since 2019. It took a crisis to get our hospital grey-listed for things to finally move forward.”

The Thompson General Hospital was grey-listed by the Manitoba Nurses Union two weeks ago, due to safety concerns brought forward by their local members.

Smook added that there will be 8 Institutional Safety Officers working at the hospital, but couldn’t say what will have to happen before the grey-listing designation will be removed.

If we’re lucky, slips, trips and falls can just be slightly embarrassing.

In the worst case, they can be painful and life-changing.

Bruce Krentz, Health Promotions Coordinator with the Northern Health Region, has tips on preventing them.

“Proper footwear is a big one, walking slowly with small steps, keeping your hands free, using hand rails, walking where you should be walking, make sure you are keeping your walkways clear around your house and the big one, when you are falling, you gotta go for the soft parts. Try to land on your butt, maybe land on your shoulder. Try to stay away from your elbows and wrists or knees, stuff like that.”  

Slip-and-fall accidents rank among the most common property accidents in Canada.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information  reported over 162-thousand unintentional slip-and-fall injuries in 2020-2021. This represents nearly two-thirds  of all injury hospitalizations and emergency room visits for that year.

Most injured people were between 18 and 64,  followed closely by people between 65 and 84.

Take your favorite Christmas characters, add loads of twinkling lights and maybe a dusting of snow and you have Winter Wonderland at McCreedy Campground.

The Thompson Music Parents Association is again organizing this year’s showcase of one of Thompson’s favorite holiday pasttimes.

Erin Taylor-Goble, President of the Association says there’s still time to join this year’s Winter Wonderland.

“We do still have a few sites available but our last decorating date is this Saturday, December the 6th, from 10am till 1pm, and people can come out, see me there and pick a site to decorate. We’ll love to have you!”

Visitors can drive through the holiday display for just $10 per vehicle.

Hours are 6:30 to 8:30 pm nightly on December 11th to 14th, 18th to 21st, 24th and 25th and the last night, December 31st.

Hear more about Winter Wonderland and Music Parents Association on Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

The School District of Mystery Lake introduced limited bus service for students of Wapanohk Community School and R.D. Parker Collegiate in October.

Now, the service has expanded somewhat to transport students to the high school for their home-ec and shops classes.

To date, students from Ecole Riverside, Wapanohk and Juniper Schools have used the buses for that purpose.

Danny Morris, Transportation Lead for the School District, says the buses typically have down-time from 1:05 to 3:10 pm and this use makes good sense, especially as the temperatures drop.

Administrators at the elementary schools are encouraged to reach out to Morris at dannymorris@mysterynet.mb.ca if they have need for the buses in that time frame for school trips.

Twenty-plus years of evidence-based research has resulted in anxiety and depression programs that are seeing success across the country.

Based out of Nova Scotia, the Strongest Families Institute is a not-for-profit that has garnered support from provincial governments, including Manitoba, to support their programs directed at helping all family members deal with mental health issues.

Dr. Patricia Pottie with Strongest Families has more.

“We wanted to make sure these valuable skills get to people early, young children, youths, adults, families, to make sure that we can equip people with these valuable coping skills that they can use in every day life.”

Pottie said their programs are available free of charge and there is no need for a doctor’s referral.

Go to strongestfamilies.com to find which programs are available in Manitoba.

For more information about the organization and its services, catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.