It’s going to get even darker in the evenings.  

This Sunday is when daylight saving time ends, meaning clocks will be going back an hour.

The official time change will happen at 2am on Sunday, during which time clocks should be set back to 1am.

Ghosts and ghouls and everything in between will be taking over the streets tomorrow night.

Thompson RCMP Constable Sandra Deibert is reminding everyone to be safe this Halloween:

"I just want to make sure that parents are ensuring that their kids costumes fit properly that they’re dressed warm enough we were getting some weather here a little bit chilly and that they have properly fitted shoes. If they’re not going to be going out trick or treating with their child to make sure that those kids are in a group of kids and you know where they’re going to be trick or treating"

Deibert says children shouldn’t be eating any candy until an adult has checked their candy.

As for motorists, Deibert is asking them to be extra careful Saturday night.

In addition to candy seekers, Deibert says there will be some students doing door to door, asking for non-perishable food items.

Red and white filled the gymnasium of Deerwood School as it hosted two citizenship ceremonies yesterday.

153 people currently living in Northern Manitoba took their oath of Citizenship, officially becoming Canadian.

Among the new Citizens was Vimaldeep Kaur, who came to Canada 5 years ago. She tells us what becoming Canadian means to her:

"It means more freedom. It’s different from what we come from and it’s just more independence. I can work independently and equally to men here, and that’s important to me".

Philipp Mirzoev who came to Canada from Russia told us Canada's democracy is important to him:

"For me it’s mostly about enjoying the democratic credentials of Canada. Its core values based on the human rights and principals of equality of non discrimination".

The ceremony included a singing of Oh Canada, and a pep talk from Citizenship Judge James Murray, who told the new Canadians to get involved in their community and be a good neighbor.

A representative from Split Lake is pleading for a full scale ambulance service.

At Tuesday’s Northern Health Region annual meeting in Flin Flon, the representative said they currently have a truck that takes patients over rough roads to Thompson. They also expressed the community’s need for a personal care home and dialysis unit.

Chief Executive Officer Helga Bryant said the NHR has been advocating with the province for an ambulance and said she would raise the other issues.

A Flin Flon resident asked about contamination at the hospitals, referencing an incident where girls who had been hit with pepper spray, were denied entry to a hospital.

Bryant said new emergency rooms will have a decontamination room, adding that they will continue to care for patients as best as possible, with other patients in mind.

Urban planning in Thompson was the topic of yesterday’s Chamber meeting.

Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Thompson Matthew Boscariol, spoke to chamber members about Thompson’s potential to modernize in a sustainable manner.

He identified 5 main pillars: education, industrial, healthcare, government, and research & innovation. Boscariol said Thompson has great potential to modernize, and can do so by building on those pillars, which already exist in Thompson.

One chamber member asked Boscariol about his thoughts on mall vacancies in Thompson, and where the City’s responsibility is in regards to that issue. Boscariol said part of the problem is the layout of downtown, which has design flaws, and the social issues in the area.

Boscariol says this is something he and his department will be looking at in the new year.      

A drawing of the School District of Mystery Lake schools, gifted to former Superintendant Eleanor Ingalls, is now hanging in the lobby of the school board office.

Trish Ingalls says she found it fitting to return the drawings, after her mother passed away:

"I felt that a little piece of that legacy would go back with her with the picture so I really felt that, that was where she would want it to be so people could see them and enjoy them. They were I think ink drawings of the front doors of all the schools in the school district- very nice piece of artwork".

Eleanor Ingalls was Superintendant from 1967 to 1981. One of the first women in Canada to hold this position. She had received the artwork from the School District when she retired.

She passed away in April on her 90^th birthday.

Economic development and urban planning are some of the topics being discussed this week by entrepreneurs.

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Northern Business Week. The week exposes business owners to ideas and presenters in topics of interest. Last year Chief Clarence Louie was a guest speaker.

This year presenters include Communities Economic Development Fund and City of Thompson Director of Planning and Community Development, Matthew Boscariol.

Mayor Dennis Fenske will be representing the City and the Provincial Contract Management Committee in a meeting next month in Ottawa.

Mayor Fenske says the meeting concerns RCMP contracts:

"In Manitoba there are 22 policing contracts with the RCMP. The City of Thompson has the largest contract, in the excess of $4.5 million and so we are concerned on a regular basis in regards to increases that are negotiated that we have no input in. The negotiations take place between the Government of Canada, public safety, and the RCMP".

Fenske says this issue will be raised at the meeting. The meeting will include RCMP, the Government of Canada, and Public Safety Canada.

Anyone who's recently lost their door-to-door mail service might not get it back, but Canada Post has halted the installation of community mailboxes.

It made the surprise announcement yesterday.

This means nearly half a million households that were to be converted over the next two months will keep their current mail service. This includes the 3,400 addresses in Thompson that were slated for the conversion.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers is elated, and says it will push the incoming Liberal government to reverse the cuts to postal services that have been made so far.

This week marks the 14^th annual Citizens on Patrol week.

Organized by the province and MPI, the week recognizes more than 1,700 Manitobans who volunteer their time each year to keep their communities safe.

Attorney General Gord Mackintosh says the grassroots program continues to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies.

Here in Thompson, the COPP program could use more help.

Residents interested in volunteering can call RCMP liaison Sandra Deibert at 677-6909.

A truck driver, who fled the scene after a collision last week, has been identified by police.

The head-on collision happened last Thursday at the intersection of Thompson Drive South and Cree Road. The passenger of the other vehicle suffered lower body injuries.

Thompson RCMP say charges have not been laid but are pending.

A simple shoe box can mean a lot to a child somewhere around the world. 

That’s thanks to a program called Operation Christmas Child. 

Laura Carter, a local organizer, tells us what it’s about:

"Operation Christmas Child is a unique project organized by Samaritan’s purse, that delivers gift filled shoe boxes in the name of Jesus Christ, to children living in desperate situations around the world".  

Since 1993, 94 million shoe boxes have been delivered to children in 130 countries. 

Boxes and information are available at 102.9 CHTM.  

Listen to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 for more on Project Christmas Child.

102.9 CHTM is making sure every child can join in the fun of Halloween.

We’re currently collecting any new and used costume items and will be giving them to kids at the kick-off of the Boys and Girl Club Haunted House.

After School Director at the Club, Christa Herkert says it will help kids in need:

"Well I think it’s actually great that they’re putting together the costume drive because there are a lot of kids that don’t get that opportunity of having a costume, and being able to put their name in to win something and at the same time have a costume to go through, is awesome".

Residents can drop off any items they have to donate, at 103 Cree Road.

This is the Club’s 4^th annual Haunted House. The kick-off is on the 29^th.

The City recently completed some work at the Thompson RCMP building.

Director of Planning and Community Development for the City of Thompson, Matthew Boscariol tells us what was done:

"So really what this was all about was ensuring that we can re-establish a roof top. Really we're focusing on the lower roof, where its terrace down the northern part of the building, and really fitting in some new insulation on that roof because historically it has been leaking".

Boscariol says the work is important because they want to ensure that the people, who are keeping us safe, have a safe conformable building to work in.

The project cost over $50,000.

One person is in hospital, after a head on collision at the intersection of Thompson Drive South and Cree Road.

Thompson RCMP responded to the call at around 6:40pm last night.

They say the driver of the truck involved in the collision fled the scene. The passnger of the other vehicle was sent to Thompson General Hospital with lower body injuries.

No word yet on the cause of the crash.

Thompson RCMP say the investigation is ongoing.

A resident, who’s struggled with anxiety herself, is hoping to spread her knowledge to help others.

Barbara Brass, who works with the Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba, is hosting an information session for parents, so they can help their anxious child.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems:

"Anxiety is a fear of something that’s going to happen in the future, and it’s almost like a dreaded fear. Say if you’re going to start school, you’re gonna have that fear of getting to school. Well of course the child that doesn’t have anxiety will welcome the chance to meet new friends, put new clothes on, but the child with anxiety will have that doomed fear that they don’t know what’s going to happen".

The session will be at the Futures Resource Centre, tomorrow at 1pm.

Brass hopes the event will help children facing anxiety. 

Thompson’s composting facility has been seeing success not seen in most municipalities.

Director of Public Works, Wayne Koversky says about 50% of composting facilities in Canada have closed their operations. He says it’s mainly due to contamination and lack of popularity.

This is far from what’s happening in Thompson. Koversky says the composting facility has been a huge success this year. He says they’ve been collecting 40 yards worth of matter every two days.  

The facility has even gotten attention from other communities. Koversky says municipalities have asked him how the composting site has kept going. A huge part of that is cooperation from residents.

The e-waste site has been busy this year too. Koversky says they've collected 7 semi-loads of e-waste so far this year, which surpasses last year's total of 6.

There isn’t much time left to contribute. The composting site, and e-waste facilities will be closing for the season at the end of the month.

There was Grey Cup fever in Thompson yesterday.

The CFL championship trophy was in the City, making stops at all the schools.

In addition to seeing the Cup, students got a talk from Blue Bombers’ alumni Doug Brown and Brett MacNeil.

Brown says they had two messages for students:

"What we’ve been doing is covering the history of the Grey Cup, letting the kids know the Grey Cup is in Winnipeg this year, encourage them to watch and participate. But we really want to get two messages across one, the importance of finishing school and education, and two was an anti-bullying message".

Ecole Riverside with the Grey Cup (Photo courtesy of Paul Anderson)

The Grey Cup is currently on a northern tour as part of the 103^rd Grey Cup festival.

Along for the ride is Ted and Marge Avent, who won a contest to join the tour. Marge says it's been a dream come true:

"We’ve been to a lot of centers and met a lot of people and it was a real treat to see the kids, and see how excited they were to see the Grey Cup and meet the blue bomber alumni- it was really special".

RD Parker with the Grey Cup (Photo courtesy of Paul Anderson)

The Cup was also at the Boys and Girls Club, during which time Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart donated equipment for a football program.

The tour has already made stops in The Pas and Flin Flon, and is now on its way for its final destination: Churchill.

MP for Churchill Keewatinook-Aski Niki Ashton says she’s honored to be re-elected.

She tells us her thoughts on the close race:

"Well we definitely saw on the ground that obviously in recent weeks there was an interest in the liberal wave, and the message that people were hearing from Justin Trudeau. That was definitely a discussion that was taking place in doorsteps, and as I visited in communities. I know many people said to me ‘I like the great work you do but we’re also interested in what’s happening nationally’, and that’s a discussion that I don’t think just happened in our riding, it happened in many ridings across the country".

Ashton says the NDP have lost some great MP’s in this election, but adds that there will be a strong presence from the north, noting the election and re-election of NDP MP’s from other Northern communities.

She doesn’t think the slip in NDP support will affect her impact on the House of Commons, or her ability to represent Northern Manitoba. She says her number one priority, no matter what else is going on, is to fight for our North.

Ashton says the Liberals have made some significant commitments for northern communities, and she looks forward to holding them, and Justin Trudeau accountable. 

You can hear our full interview with Niki Ashton at 12:40 and 5:10.

Residents were driving cautiously yesterday after the first snowfall of the season.

Director of Public Works Wayne Koversky says they were prepared for the hit, adding they didn’t need snow plows just yet:

"The trouble with truck plows in the City is because we go at a lower speed, they actually cause wash boarding. So with traffic on the street very early, it packs down the snow. They’re good for the highway application, so what we do, is we use the trucks plows when we find that we have a lot of heavy snow, and it’s continuous, so we put them to assist our graders".

Koversky says they had their sanders out.

With the snow season upon us, he reminds residents to drive cautiously around snow removal equipment and to drive accordingly to conditions.

The City has a snow removal operations policy that determines where the City removes snow first.

(Photo courtesy of Tony Taylor)

On Tuesday, Churchill RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the community.

They were assisted by the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team from Winnipeg and the Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team from Thompson.

A total of four firearms, assorted shotgun and rifle ammunition, and drugs were seized.

Two of the youths are facing additional charges of Assault Causing Bodily Harm. One of the youths will also be charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance For The Purpose of Trafficking.

All of the charged have been remanded into custody and will appear in Thompson court today.

The Thompson Humane Society is now called the Thompson Regional Humane Society.

The organization made a presentation to City council on Monday to inform them of changes they’re undergoing.

President Oswald Sawh says its part of a kick off for their new building:

"For most of those that have followed us over the years, we were created back in 2003. The building we’re in right know has been great for us, it’s served our needs, but the reality is we need a facility that would really help us with some of the challenges we have with house care of animals".

The new name is to reflect that they serve animals from all over the region.

They’ve also launched a new website, and have started using a new electronic board in the City Centre Mall.   

The School District of Mystery Lake is trying to drive home the message that attendance is important.

An unofficial report puts the districts attendance rate at 85%, compared to the province’s which is 94%.

Superintendent Lorie Henderson says the absences vary from health reasons, parent requests, truancy, and school trips:

"I know we live in the North and I understand that time away from school for the extracurricular school events, but students are required to keep up with their studies. I also recognize the time away for other reasons that require travel, such as community clubs, dance, hockey- these events are also important for our students. The absences that concern the district are those that are unexcused, in a pattern setting, from a young age". 

Henderson says most of the schools do monthly attendance awards to encourage students to go to school. She says councilors are also running attendance reports and following up on attendance concerns, which is new for this year.

Henderson stresses attendance is very important for student success. She says the Manitoba Association of Parents Council has data that shows if a student misses 2 days of school a month, it adds up to one month of missed school by the end of the year.

The federal election may be over, but not all the results are in just yet.

7 polls in the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski riding have yet to submit results on the Elections Canada website. They’re the only polls in the country that haven’t reported results yet.

Returning Officer for the riding Li Cripps, says 3 of those polls didn’t have access to a phone line on the night of the election, so she didn’t get their results until yesterday.

Cripps says the other 4 unreported polls are from advance polls. She says she’s waiting on some final numbers from an office in Peguis.

Cripps says she can’t make updates on the website anymore. The outstanding results will most likely make it onto the Elections Canada website when the official validation happens, which will be on Monday.

A pilot project to extend the camping season at Paint Lake and Lakeview ended last week.

Glen Cassie, Communications Director for Manitoba Conservation says about half of the seasonal campers at Paint Lake took advantage of the extension.

Randy Kajtar was one of those campers. He says the extended camping season was enjoyable but wishes they were given more advance notice of the extended season. He also says the fees were pricey considering not all the services were available.  

In August it was announced that the province would provide extended camping at Paint Lake and Lakeview this year as a pilot project.

A homicide at Nelson House over the weekend has resulted in the arrest of a 20-year-old female.  

On Saturday Nelson House RCMP responded to a call of an unresponsive 21-year-old male, who appeared to be the victim of a stabbing. He was taken to the Nelson House nursing station where he died from his injuries.

Edita Annette Spence has been charged with manslaughter.

She appeared in Thompson Court yesterday. 

NDP candidate Niki Ashton has been re-elected as MP for Churchill Keewatinook-Aski.

It was a tight race though: Ashton has 46.3% of the votes while Liberal candidate Rebecca Chartrand has 41.3%. As of 9:00am there are still 7 more polls in the riding that need to report their results.

On the national stage the Liberal party has won a majority government after last night’s election, winning 184 seats and making Justin Trudeau Canada’s next Prime Minister.

The conservatives finished second with 99 seats, prompting the conservatives to announce that Stephen Harper will be stepping down as leader.

68.5% of Canadians voted in this year’s election.

In Churchill Keewaintook-Aski, the voter turnout was 63.8%, significantly higher than the 45% who voted in the riding in 2011.

A challenge put out by the Chief of Nelson House is hoping to get more First Nations voters out today.

During a recent MKO meeting, NCN Chief Marcel Moody challenged all Northern First Nations Chiefs to get the largest percentage of voters out and see who can get the largest turnout.

MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson is endorsing the challenge, even promoting it on social media asking people which MKO community they think will have the largest voter turnout.

The Burntwood Curling Club celebrated the installation of their new ice plant.

On Saturday the club had their official ribbon cutting. In attendance was Olympic gold medalist Kaitlyn Lawes:

"I’m here with Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries as part of the IMPACT team and we’ve got 5 athletes that have been brought on to represent liquor and lotteries in the community. One of the things that liquor and lotteries has done, is sponsor the ice plant, which is really exciting. I’m so happy that I’ve had the opportunity to come up here and see it all come together and be a part of this grand opening".

Curlers got a chance to learn some tips from Lawes who assisted with Learn to Curl clinics during the day.

The Burntwood Curling Club had been fundraising for the new ice plant since last year.

The polls are open today for the federal election. Find out where the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski candidates from the national parties stand on issues in the North.

First Nations Issues

Incumbent NDP Niki Ashton says her party has committed to $2.3 billion in new funding for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, with $1.8 billion of that going entirely to education.

Liberal candidate for the riding Rebecca Chartrand, says the Liberals are committing $2.6 billion for First Nations education.  

Both Ashton and Chartrand say their parties are committed to a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.

August Hastmann, Green Party candidate for our riding says he would advocate for housing and education for First Nations people. The Green party supports the restoration of the $5.1 billion commitment from the Kelowna Accord.

Health Care

Niki Ashton says they’re committed to hiring 7,000 health care professionals, and opening 200 new community health clinics, across the country. She says the NDP are also committed to make prescriptions more affordable with a universal drug plan.

Rebecca Chartrand says health care is at the top of the list when looking at issues in the North. She says she would fight very hard to ensure essential health services are available, and would work in partnership with different levels of government to do so.

August Hastmann says there is a critical shortage of doctors and nurses in the North and says he would work on medical assistance. He says that his party is the only one with a costed out program for medication for seniors.

Economic Development and Diversification

Niki Ashton says her party is committed to creating 54,000 good jobs in construction, infrastructure, and transit operation across the country.

Rebecca Chartrand, Liberal Candidate says she would create the types of partnerships that will grow the economy in the North by investing in things like natural resources and green technology.  

August Hastmann, Green party candidate says he would like to see more tourism, eco tourism, and cultural eco tourism.

Kyle Mirecki, Conservative candidate for the riding did not respond to requests for an interview.

The Northern Health Region and Manitoba Health is encouraging all Manitobans to get a flu vaccine.

Carolyn McCusker, Registered Nurse and Immunization Coordinator for the NHR says symptoms of the flu are different than a cold because they’re more severe:

"Typical symptoms of the flu are high fever, between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius, severe headaches, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness lasting up to 2-3 weeks or more, extreme fatigue and exhaustion early on, sometimes a runny, stuffy nose, sore throat, chest discomfort and coughing".

The NHR starts their flu shot clinics for this year on Monday. A full schedule can be found on their website.

McCusker says the flu shot is 50-70% effective in preventing hospitalization and 85% effective in preventing death.   

You might want to double check your Voter Information Card.

Some residents have noticed their voting location has changed from previous elections.

Li Cripps, Returning Officer says if someone is confused with the location they’ve been assigned, they can visit the Elections Canada office in the Westwood Mall. They’re open all weekend long.

Election Day is Monday, October 19^th.

Spirit Way is off to Winnipeg this weekend for the 22^nd annual Wildlife Society Conference.

The group is a gold sponsor of the event and will be hosting a number of presentations.

President Marion Morberg says it provides a huge networking opportunity:

"We’re very excited cause we’re the only people there that are doing branding and marketing and they all love us, they love our pictures, they love what we’re doing, we always get a lot of support and interest from a lot of organizations and they’re from all around the world so we’re very very happy with that".

They also hope to secure funding for current projects, including the Boreal Discovery Centre wolf exhibit.

School Board Chairperson Leslie Tucker says a designated smoker’s area at RD Parker is in compliance with law.

At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, Tucker addressed questions that had been raised by Trustee Ryan Land at the last meeting, about the smoker’s area and a schedule change made at the high school.

Tucker clarified that both changes are in full compliance with provincial legislation.

She said the school was looking to solve 4 problems with the changes: students being late, students skipping class, the lunch hour being different than rest of the district, and students smoking at the east, west, and main entrances of the school. Tucker said staff, students, and senior administration were consulted about the changes.

Tucker also addressed why the changes weren’t discussed out of camera. She said Principal Rob Fisher, who was presenting on the changes, had two agenda items to discuss, and one was a sensitive student issue which had to be in-camera. 

See: School Board tustees debate RD Parker's new "smokers area"

Manitoba PC leader Brian Pallister is vowing to increase spending on tourism for the North, if he becomes Premier next spring.

In Churchill yesterday, Pallister unveiled his party’s “Yes North” initiative, which adapts for the region some of the work done by Economic Development Winnipeg towards attracting new companies, assisting entrepreneurs and help businesses expand.

Pallister also noted Manitoba’s north has an unemployment rate of 32%, saying there’s incredible, unrealized potential for economic and community growth, and that his plan will play a vital role in realizing that potential.

Thompson MLA Steve Ashton responded to Pallister’s announcement, saying he finds it amazing Pallister is talking about “Yes” North, because the conservatives have said “No” to the North in the past.

Ashton said his government has invested in tourism and that broader investments are needed such as the ones they made to mining and roads.  

A provincial election is scheduled for April 19.

Thompson RCMP are looking for the public’s help in identifying the owners of vehicle keys.

On October 5^th, four sets of vehicle keys were turned over to Thompson RCMP. Police believe the keys may have been stolen from parked vehicles.

The make of the cars are Dodge, Mazda, and Chevrolet.

RCMP are asking anyone that may be missing keys to contact the Thompson RCMP at 677-6909.

The Public Works and Infrastructure committee has approved to keep the Waste Disposal Grounds open on Saturdays until the end of the month.

The change comes after feedback received from residents. In past years the site would start operating on winter hours in the end of September. 

Wayne Koversky, Director of Public Works says the change is possible now that the City has taken over operation of the Waste Disposal Grounds.

Councilor Ron Matechuk, chair of the public works and infrastructure committee says the extended hours will give residents an opportunity to clean up their yards and get ready for winter.

A traffic stop of a vehicle believed to be trafficking drugs has resulted in two arrests.

On October 9^th, police conducted a traffic stop on Thompson Drive. Police searched the vehicle, and found 44 individually packed rocks of crack cocaine which were seized.

Kenneth Paynter and Chuck Spence of Thompson were arrested on the scene. They’ve been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

They appeared in court yesterday.

Council passed the third and final reading of the Organizational and Procedural by-law.

Changes to the by-law means City council will now have a new communications committee.

Deputy Mayor Penny Byer tells us more:

“The communications committee is going to look at policies and strategies for making sure communications with employees, with residents, with suppliers, other stakeholders like that, has a framework for success and that’s measurable, so if it’s not working we’ll say ‘ok this is what we have to change’”.

Byer says the Communications committee chair will be chosen during the organizational meeting of council, which will be in the first week of November.

The by-law will also allow council to form an aboriginal advisory committee.

The 103^rd Grey Cup festival is getting all of Manitoba involved by taking the Grey Cup on a Northern tour.

This weekend the Cup will board a VIA Rail train on route to Churchill. Along the way it will make stops in The Pas, Flin Flon, and Thompson.

The cup is expected to be in the City on the 21^st, where it will make rounds around the schools, meetings, and the Boys and Girls Club.

President of the 103^rd Grey Cup Festival, Jason Smith, says they’ve never taken the cup on a tour like this before.

The province is slowly deciding how to spend money next year.

As part of preparing the budget, Finance Minister Greg Dewar has been hosting public consultations.

Although there won’t be any in Thompson, Minister Dewar says there are ways to get involved:

"We have what’s called a telephone town hall and you have to go on the Manitoba government website which is Manitoba.ca and then you can follow the links to register and that is an interactive process with me, people can call up and ask me a question".

Minister Dewar was in the City yesterday meeting with council and administration.

Deputy Mayor Penny Byer said one of the issues she was planning to bring up was infrastructure. 

Residents may have been noticing a smoke filled trailer making its way around the City.

Don’t worry- it’s not a real fire.

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Chief, Rick Morris says the “sparky trailer” is a safety tool:

"It’s a good tool for educating the young because it does exactly what a trailer fire would do: fills it with smoke where you can’t see in front of your face, and then you have to get on the floor and crawl out to your nearest exit".

Morris has been taking the trailer to the elementary schools as part of Fire Prevention Week. He says many students have been excited to step foot into the trailer, while others have gotten a little too scared.

Morris makes his last two stops today at Juniper and Westwood.

Construction for a new Youth Crisis Centre in Thompson has begun. 

MLA Steve Ashton says the new facility will be called Hope North: Recovery Centre for Youth:

"It’s going to provide a 4 bed crisis stabilization unit, a 2 bed youth addiction stabilization unit, it’ll provide facilities for outreach services and I think the name of it really sums it up. It really is about hope and it’s about ensuring that when kids are in a crisis situation that there’s something there for them right here in Northern Manitoba". 

The building will be located next to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba building, near the Thompson General Hospital.

Ashton says the $7 million facility will be operational late next year.

It may be Thanksgiving weekend but it’s also advance voting days.

Those looking to cast their ballot for the Federal election before October 19^th can do so today up to and including Thanksgiving Monday.

The advance poll will be open from noon until 8pm at the Elections office at the Westwood Mall. 

Make sure to bring a piece of photo ID that includes your address.

More information can be found at election.ca.

A piece of artwork is coming back home.

Eleanor Ingalls was a teacher with the School District of Mystery Lake in 1963. In 1967 she became the Superintendent of the Schools in the District- a position she held until 198, and making her one of the first women in Canada to hold such a position.

When she retired and moved from Thompson, the School District gifted her with a set of original drawings of the schools and the Board Office.

In April of this year she passed away at the age of 90.

Her daughter, Trish Ingalls recently wrote to the School District of Mystery Lake, saying that she found it fitting to return the art work to its “home” in the School District, where her mother dedicated so many years of her life.

At last week’s School Board meeting, the artwork was shown. There are plans to display them in a public area at the school board office.

Even though they’re too young to vote, students at RD Parker are getting involved in this year’s federal election.

The students got a chance to do a mock campaign and voting process earlier this week.

The school had a presentation from Power to Choose, an education program developed by Elections Manitoba. With the federal election being on the forefront, Teacher Teresa Jenkins says they’re hoping they can create future voters. 

Over 200 students got to make up speeches to convince their classmates to vote for them.

Jenkins says the school will also be hosting a parallel election next week, which will give students the experience of the voting process firsthand.

The Recreation and Community Services Committee gave their quarterly report to council on Monday.

Capital projects were one of the items highlighted in the report. There are 6 capital projects that are currently being undertaken by the Recreation Department, including the stage cover for MacLean Park.

According to the report administration continues to work with the engineer to secure a roof system that meets the safety and aesthetics of the park.

The committee has also undertaken upgrades to the Norplex Pool. They report that bringing the pool’s mechanical and electrical items up to code will cost approximately $3.5 million.

The report also touched upon the usage of the TRCC.

Chair of the committee, Councilor Dennis Foley said outside groups continue to rent the Multi Purpose Room and the Mary Fenske Boardroom for meetings and training, and that birthday parties continue to attract renters.

The fitness area has an increase in attendance. Foley reported that the current daily average is 25 people.

The TRCC north parking lot is also getting lights. The report says they will be going in this month.

The Mayor of Lynn Lake has lodged a formal complaint with Elections Canada after finding out the nearest advance poll is 100 km away.

James Lindsay says he didn’t notice his Voter Information Card listed Leaf Rapids as the nearest advance poll location at first, but found out after a resident brought it to his attention.

Lindsay says in previous elections Lynn Lake had an advance poll in town. He says expecting residents to travel 200km round trip to get to an advance polling station seems excessive, espeically since there's no public transportation between the two communities.

Elections Canada says there are many ways for people to vote, including by mail, as long as they apply to do so by October 13^th.

The Thompson Recycling Centre is undergoing some changes.

At Monday night’s council meeting, council passed 2 resolutions. One: to make the Thompson Recycling Centre a standalone entity, and two: to remove the council members and administration off the board and appoint a new board.

City Manager Gary Cepetelli explained that operational changes made to the recycling centre in 2011, led the City and administration to oversee the operation of the entity. 

Recent efforts have gotten the operation to a point where it can once again be a standalone operation.

Council will still have a council liaison, who is currently councilor Duncan Wong.

Efforts to find Nicholas Brophy continue.

The 19-year-old went missing 4 weeks ago. He was last seen on the evening of September 8^th when he was walking on Arctic Drive going towards Beaver Crescent. He was wearing a black and white hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, and black skateboarding shoes.

Family and friends have held numerous search parties and have recently set up a crowd funding page to keep the search alive. The page says they would also like to hire a private investigator because all other attempts to locate Nicholas have led to dead ends.

Police say they continue to investigate the disappearance of Brophy, and ask anyone with information to contact either Thompson RCMP or Crimestoppers.

For the first time in 10 years, Vale Manitoba Operations came in 1^st place at the Manitoba Mine Rescue Competition.

Held in Flin Flon over the weekend, Renae Campbell, Manitoba Mining Association Director of Communications and Administration says the first competition was in 1961:

"This year was the 54^th year of the competition. The competitions really are to test the completeness of the emergency response teams. This year we had 4 teams competing: Hubday Snow Lake, Hudbay Flin Flon, the team from Vale and the team from Tanco".

Campbell says competitions included a fire fighting challenge, technician competition, and an underground portion.

The Vale team now qualifies for the Western Regional Competition.  

A Canada Border Services Officer who’s running as a Libertarian Candidate in the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski riding says he’s hoping to spark discussion.

Zachary Linnick says his party believes in “non-violence”:

"Right now we have the 3 major party leaders telling us daycare is for one people, or corporations, or this, or the environments and you know I agree with all three of them, but in terms of maybe some person is in their place in life where that’s not important for them, and you know if a certain party wins a majority in our government all Canadians are basically kinda following down that path of whatever their view is".

Linnick says the Libertarians policy and platform is based on keeping money in the hands of local communities and families because they know how to spend their money best.

The Flin Flon native says he knows he probably won’t win, but decided to run anyway in order to create a dialogue on how the country’s political system is set-up.

Thompson RCMP are investigating a report of sexual assault at Thompson General Hospital.

Police say last Thursday a female staff member at the hospital was assessing a 17 year old male when he touched her inappropriately. She did not sustain any injuries.

The youth was arrested, and was in custody as of Friday.

The investigation is ongoing.

This month marks 3 years that A Port in the Storm has been operational.

The organization provides rural Manitoban’s who need medical treatment in Winnipeg, with an affordable place to stay. Executive Director Stacey Grocholski says many are from the North:

"As of August 2015, we have served over 470 clients or guests, we call them, and of those people, 40% are coming from the North. So not just Thompson, but Thompson, Flin Flon, the Churchill area, that we consider the northern region, so 40% of those people or those individuals are coming from the North, which is huge". 

Grocholski says majority of the patients they see, are receiving treatment for cancer.

Getting around the City will be a little easier now: Cree Road is open.

The road was closed most of the summer for capital projects, and rainy days delayed some of the work, but paving was completed last week.

The City says line painting still needs to be done, and caution motorists as the area is still considered a construction zone.

RD Parker hosted the zone 11 soccer championships over the weekend. Both the RD Parker girls and boys teams went to the finals. The girls lost a very close game against the Hapnot Kweens with a score of 1-0, and the boys were defeated by the Kings from Hapnot, 4-0.

The RD Parker Senior girls were in Roblin over the weekend for the Goose Lake High Angels invitational. In the tournament they beat the Morris Mavericks, taking them to the quarter finals where they lost to the Elton Sabers 17-25, 25-22, 15-9.

Yesterday the Transportation Safety Board confirmed the plane that crashed last month, was filled with the wrong type of fuel.

Keystone Air Service sent a press release saying their own investigation of the September 15^th accident is consistent with TSB’s findings.

They note there is no suggestion that the aircraft was not airworthy at the time of the crash, or that the crash was the result of any in-flight operational issues.

They say the Thompson Keystone relies on Maratech Aviation Fuels, an independent company, to fuel its aircraft, and that it appears the cause of the crash is the result of their error in fueling the aircraft.

We reached out to Maratech Aviation Fuels Thompson who have yet to respond.

See: Plane crash in Thompson

A group of Thompson miners are off to Flin Flon this weekend.

Vale Manager of Corporate Affairs and Organizational Development Ryan Land, tells us about the Manitoba Mine Rescue Competition:

"It tests the competency of our real emergency response teams. Teams compete in a series of simulated exercises and these include firefighting, an underground event, a written exam, and a technician’s event. The winners will be announced at the mine rescue banquet on Saturday night, and those winners can move onto the national competition".

This is the 54^th year for the competition. Vale Manitoba Operations has attended every year. 

The Transportation Safety Board confirms the plane that crashed last month near the Thompson airport, was filled with the wrong type of fuel.

In a report, the TSB says the twin piston-engine aircraft requires aviation gasoline but was re-fueled with turbine engine fuel in Thompson, before departing for Winnipeg.   

The investigation is still ongoing. Next steps include further examination of aircraft fueling procedures and practices, and additional examination of aircraft wreckage.

The Keystone Air Service flight departed from Thompson on September 15, but shortly after takeoff the crew experienced a malfunction and alerted the Thompson Airport that they were returning.

The aircraft ended up crashing into terrain, 1 mile away from the Thompson airport. All 6 passengers and 2 pilots survived.

With Election Day less than 3 weeks away, things are heating up in Churchill Keewatinook-Aski.

Yesterday Liberal candidate for the riding, Rebecca Chartrand said the NDP and Pat Martin have their math wrong when they say the Liberal fiscal plan cuts funding for First Nations education. She said the commitment to First National Education is there in full.

Meanwhile, incumbent NDP Niki Ashton put out a challenge to the other candidates for a debate. She said efforts have been made to host debates, but other campaigns have not stepped up.

Ashton spoke at the Thompson Chamber of Commerce meeting yesterday outlining her platform, and answering questions. Chartrand will be doing the same at next week’s chamber meeting.

Changes at RD Parker sparked a debate among school board trustees.

At Tuesday night’s School Board meeting, Trustee Ryan Land wanted to know if the new designated smoker’s area, which is 6 feet away from the high school, is in compliance with provincial legislation. Land also wanted to know where the time, for a new 15 minute break, came from.

Land didn’t understand why the changes were discussed in a previous in-camera meeting. He said the public has questions.  

Some trustees went on the defense, including Chairperson, Leslie Tucker who said the changes were in-camera because the regular meeting had a packed agenda. She said consultations about the changes were held and that the public was made aware.

We spoke to RD Parker Principal Rob Fisher, who said the new 15 minute break was time added to an existing 10 minutes of break  and is to provide students with personal time so that they’re not late to class. He also said the new designated smoking area is off school property which adheres to school policy requirements. Before, students would smoke near the East door entrance, the main door entrance, and the West entrance.

Fisher says he spoke to someone from the province, who said they weren’t breaking any laws.

Update: RDPC smokers area "in full compliance with provincial legislation"