7 people have been arrested following a raid at a local hotel.

Thompson RCMP with the assistance of other units including the RCMP Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant in a room at the Thompson Inn last night.

2 ounces of cocaine and half a pound of marijuana were seized.

RCMP say the investigation is ongoing and charges against the 7 people are pending.

Officers remind the public that illicit drugs are harmful to the community and anyone with information about drug activity is asked to call them.

MKO Grand Chief Sheila North Wilson is visitng her home community of Oxford House to mourn with community members. She shared this picture on Twitter. 

A GoFundMe page has been set-up to help Oxford House with bereavement costs after losing 3 community members to a house fire.

RCMP say the blaze broke out early Tuesday morning. They’re not suspecting foul play at this time.

Bunibonibee Cree Nation Chief Tim Muskego says volunteers and a fire truck quickly responded, but by the time they arrived the home was engulfed in flames.

He says “each and every one” of the reserve’s 26-hundred people is affected by the tragedy.

Just earlier this month, an internal federal government report revealed almost half the First Nations in the country have little to no fire protection.  

As of this morning, Manitobans donated over $1000 to the crowd funding page.

The new building for Ecole Communaituare La Voie Du Nord is complete, and students will start attending the new school next week.

This brings a change to drivers who frequent Weir Road, where the new school is located.

During a recent council meeting, the school was added to the City’s school zone speed limit by-law which means the speed limit is now 30 km/hr from 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday from September to June.

Even though school doesn’t start till the 4^th, the by-law goes into effect tomorrow, to get motorists in the habit of slowing down.

The Salvation Army kettle drive is winding down with only a few more mail-in donations expected in the next few days.

Thompson Director Roy Bladen says they raised close to $45,000, just over half of their $80,000 goal.

Despite the shortfall, Bladen says they won’t be making any changes to their services, at least not yet:

"We have significant food on hand to keep us going through that period and then we’ll have to start buying some and so forth, you know, the way it goes. We don’t anticipate too many changes probably until about July or August".

One of those changes may include going from regular hampers to bi-monthly hampers.

Bladen thanked all the residents who contributed to the drive in any way.

Wendy Anderson-Guignard says this is the most recent photo of her son (Photo courtesy RCMP).

RCMP say they’ve exhausted all avenues in their search for a missing 34-year-old man, and are asking for the public’s assistance.

Yvon Shawn Guignard was last seen near the Thompson General Hospital on November 28th.

His mother Wendy Anderson-Guignard, who lives in St.Catharines, Ontario, says he’s not taking his medication for schizophrenia and is worried about him:

"We’d love to get a phone call to say that he’s been admitted to the hospital there. Our family would for sure make a trip down there just to be with him. I’d love for him to be brought back home, but whatever happens right, I just desperately would love to hear from him".

Anderson-Guignard says Yvon, or Shawn as he’s known by friends, found himself in Thompson after leaving his hometown in the summer to look for work. She says she’s grateful for support received through social media:  

"My daughter and I posted on facebook here locally, and in such a short time it made it’s way to Thompson, Manitoba. We were overwhelmed by all the response that we’ve got, even just hearing from somebody to say ‘Oh I know Yvon, he spent the summer here’"

RCMP say Guignard should not be approached as he may be in medical distress.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 677-6909 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

See: Thompson RCMP looking for missing 34-year-old man; last seen November 28th

The community of Oxford House is in mourning, after a house fire killed 3 community members.

Oxford House RCMP detachment were called to a residential fire before 7:00am, yesterday. They say the initial investigation confirms the fire claimed three lives.

The RCMP Forensic Identification Section, in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Commissioner are continuing the investigation, including confirming the identifies of the three victims.  

Foul play is not suspected at this time.

Vale and the City are meeting regularly as part of the Water Treatment Plant transfer to the City (Vale).

The water treatment plant will not be transferred to the City by the New Year as originally hoped for.

The City and Vale has been discussing the transfer since last year when they announced they would be developing a letter of intent. Since then, regular meetings between the two have been continuing.

In June, two public open house meetings were held, during which time residents were told that the assets would be handed over, ideally by January 1, 2016.

However, City Manager Gary Ceppetelli says a final date for the transfer has not been set yet, and that discussions with Vale are ongoing.

See: Water Treatment Plant transfer explained to residents during public open house

Glen Shatford with Children and Youth Opporunities Minister Melanie Wight and Premier Greg Selinger (Photo courtesy of Glen Shatford).

A gr.12 RD Parker student was recently recognized by Premier Greg Selinger, for his work in healthy living.

Glen Shatford was 1 of 10, gr.12 students to receive a medal and a $500 bursary during the Premier’s Healthy Living Award for Youth ceremony. The award recognizes students for their work in areas such as active living and healthy eating.

Glen says his work has revolved around mental health:

"I participate in a lot of mental health activities, raising awareness about mental health and trying to defeat the stigma surrounding it. I’m part of the Hope North Suicide Prevention Committee, which is a committee here based in Thompson that tries to put on events such as the Defeat Depression walk or the Hope Summit that we have every year".

Glen says he became involved in the cause after his own experiences:

"From a personal aspect I fell victim to the stigma and I didn’t seek help because I felt that I was different, so if there is anything I can do to help just one person not feel the way I did for so long, then it makes it all worth it".

Glen says he’s focused on school right now, and hopes to go onto university and eventually become a physiatrist.

Residents will be cooking up a storm tomorrow to make a meal big enough to feed a community.

Thompson’s Community Christmas Dinner is tomorrow and organizer Emily Pruder says preparations are well underway.

She says the annual dinner is open to anyone:

"Its open to any member of the public, regardless of financial status or even if you’re not from Thompson. If you’re travelling from an outside community and you want to stop in for a Christmas dinner, it’s there for you".

The dinner is at St. Joseph’s Hall from noon-3pm. If you’d like to help out with preparations, or with clean up, call 677-1470.

RCMP have already been checking cars throughout this month but with the holidays now officially here, they’re once again reminding residents to not drink and drive.

Special Constable Robert Cleveland with Thompson RCMP says they will continue to carry out their holiday check stop program:

"We’ll be out and about on the streets and hopefully everybody drives safely, and they make wise choices and decisions before getting too carried away with the holiday season here".

Cleveland recommends residents make safe arrangements to get back home, such as a designated driver, taxi, or Operation Red Nose.

Last weekend Operation Red Nose made 57 rides brining in over $1400. They’ll be offering free, safe rides for 2 more nights: this Saturday and New Years Eve.

A fur table record was broken at last weekend’s Thompson Fur Tables.

21 wolverines were sold at $260 apiece at the event. Dean Berezanksi with Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship says the previous high was 19, set in 1986 and 2013.

Cherry White with the Manitoba Trapper’s Association says it was a slower table this year with warm weather to blame, but all factors considered she said it was a reasonably successful event. There was about 1/3 less trappers than usual. 

Close to $250,000 in sales were made at this year’s fur tables.

Berezanski says the numbers are remarkable because there was around 8% less marten than last year, and 1/3 less trappers, but sales were still up, by 3%.

Judge says medical system failed 2 month old Drianna Ross.

The inquiry into the death of a God’s Lake Narrows infant, who died at Thompson General Hospital in 2011, makes a number of recommendations for the hospital.

2-month old Drianna Ross died on November 26, 2011, 18 hours after she was transferred to the Thompson hospital from the first Nations community with a fever.  The report from the provincial inquiry into her death was released yesterday.

Judge Don Slough recommends the care of infants should not be left to the most inexperienced nurses. He says the Thompson hospital should establish a video connection to the Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg, and he also suggests guidelines be established to ensure pediatricians are given adequate rest. A number of recommendations to nursing stations are made as well.

Brenda Dawyduk, head of pediatrics at Thompson General Hospital told the inquiry that a number of changes have already been made in response to Ross’s death, including a pediatric sepsis protocol, and improved education for nurses.

Helga Bryant, CEO of the Northern Health Region welcomes the recommendations. She tells us they're sorry for the family and regrets the role the authority played in Ross’s death. She says all recommendations related to the region or Thompson General Hospital are in some fashion already in place or are being implemented.

The Miles Hart bridge is one of many bridges in the province that have been "tied red" (Photo courtesy Bobbi Montean).

A group of residents tied red cloths on the Miles Hart Bridge Monday night.

Organizer Bobbi Montean says they “tied the bridge red” to remember and honour all the missing and murdered of Northern Manitoba.

She got the idea from residents in OCN:

"A few ladies there, a couple of them are my friends, they wanted to raise awareness and bring empathy and support to those affected. They did it a couple of weeks ago to the bridge in The Pas, I just thought it was a great way to remember and honour".

Montean says there’s room for more cloths on the bridge and encourages others to tie their own red cloth.

Over 80 red cloths were tied Monday night (Photo courtesy Bobbi Montean).

2-month-old Drianna Ross died on November 26, 2011 at Thompson General Hospital.

A judge says the medical system failed a northern Manitoba infant girl who died two months after she was born.

Drianna Ross died of an infection in November 2011 in Thompson General Hospital.

An inquest into her death was told her parents repeatedly contacted the nursing station in their home community of God's Lake Narrows, saying the young girl had a severe fever.

The girl was eventually transferred to the Thompson hospital, where she was diagnosed with pneumonia and given antibiotics that were ineffective for the infection she had.

The inquest was told information from the nursing station about the girl's fever and treatment was not passed on to the Thompson hospital.

The inquest report makes a series of recommendations that include better monitoring equipment and training in northern communities.

Residents can take their ice skating to the outdoors now.

The City has opened the outdoor rinks for the season. Located in the Juniper, Eastwood, and Southwood areas, they’re open Monday to Friday 5-9pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6pm.

The City has also brought back free public skating and shinny for the Christmas break. Throughout this week and next residents can skate for free at the TRCC from 10am-noon and 1-3pm, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

34-year-old Yvon Shawn Guignard has been missing since November 28th. (Photo courtesy Thompson RCMP).

Thompson RCMP are looking for help locating a missing man.

34-year-old Yvon Shawn Guignard was last seen during the early morning hours of November 28^th at Thompson General Hospital. His disappearance was reported to RCMP on December 9^th.

Guignard is described as 6’1”, approximately 155lb, with blond hair and blue eyes. Police say he was last seen wearing a bright yellow winter construction jacket with reflective material, and black ski pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Thompson RCMP at 677-6909 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Police say he should not be approached as he may be in medical distress.

Out with the old and in with the new.

The City’s new brand identity, which was launched in January of this year, is becoming more visible around the City.

The Public Works Committee says 55 City vehicles have been updated with the new brand so far, and 25 vehicles are left.

Mayor Dennis Fenske says they’ve also been updating businesses cards, letterheads, and other City property. He says it’s an ongoing process and it will take 2-3 years to get everything changed.

The new brand identity was a result of the work done through the TEDWIG process, the City’s economic diversification plan.

Those making the trek down South this holiday season should remember a few things.

The province is reminding residents to drive slower in bad weather, and to turn headlights on rather than relying on daytime lights, to help other motorists see you.

For those staying in the City, Fire Chief John Maskerine warns to be careful around the Burntwood River. During last week’s city council meeting, he told resident’s the ice just isn’t safe, adding that he’s never seen the ice that honeycombed and rough before.

Santa Claus will be strapping on his skates this Sunday. (Photo courtesy Julia Freeman-Woolpert).

Santa Claus is taking a break from Christmas preparations to come to Thompson and skate with residents.

Corey Sparkes with the Recreation Department says the man in red will be joining in on this Sunday’s regularly scheduled public skate:

"Come skate with him, if you haven’t seen him yet this year, or if you haven’t got your last minute Christmas wish in, you can do it with our skate with Santa event and its happening this Sunday 6:30-9pm at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena".

Santa will be hitting the ice from around 7-8pm. Normal admission rates will apply.

Avoidable deaths are more common in the NHR than other health authorities in the province.

New data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows the NHR averages 396 avoidable deaths for every 100,000 deaths, compared to Winnipeg that will see about 176 avoidable deaths.

The CIHI describes avoidable deaths as ones that could potentially have been avoided through better treatment and prevention efforts.

Ambulatory care sensitive condition in the NHR is also above the provincial average. For every 100,000 people admitted to a hospital,  694 were admitted for a condition that could have been treated in an ambulance. The provincial average is a much lower 281.

The same report revealed Winnipeg to have the longest ER wait times in Canada, however it didn’t have data on wait times in the NHR.

The 7^th annual Old Fashioned Christmas Concert hits the stage tonight.

Singers, dancers, and musicians will grace the stage to get residents in the holiday spirit.

Organizer Donna Wilson says the event is free, but they will be accepting donations, with some of the money going to Scott Flight:

"Scott was born and raised in Thompson, he’s 22 years old. Him and his brother Will, and his mom all have a disability and they’re in financial tress right now with Scott being diagnosed with brain cancer, so Scott’s in the hospital and the family’s really in financial distress".

The concert is tonight at 6:30pm at the Letkemann Theatre.

Proposed changes to the taxi by-law will make it a little easier for taxi drivers to obtain their taxi license.  

During Monday’s city council meeting the first reading of the amended taxi by-law was presented to council. Changes include reducing the minimum score an applicant needs to get on the English Language Assessment, and giving the License Inspector authority to waive tests.

Currently those applying for a taxi license, have to receive 80% on the English Language Assessment, which is college entry level scoring.  The amended by-law will change the minimum score to a Gr.9 level, which the Public Safety Committee deemed more appropriate.

The first reading carried unanimously Monday, and the second and third readings are expected to happen early January.

Upgrades are being made at the airport, but they’re not the upgrades originally hoped for.

Yesterday CEO of the Thompson Airport Authority Curtis Ross told the Chamber of Commerce that they haven’t been able to secure funding for a $116 million project that would rebuild the airport terminal to the North side of the runway.

Ross said the timing isn’t right, and although they’re not closing the door on the proposed project, he said they are moving to “Plan B”, which is doing what they can.

Over the last year they’ve done a number of infrastructure and electrical work, and they’re currently working on getting a water treatment plant. In the next year they’ll be making changes to the parking lot, adding in-house security, and will continue to explore options to have more space and add more amenities.

A number of projects to maintain and improve health-care facilities throughout the Northern Regional Health Authority will soon be underway.

Health Minister Sharon Blady announced yesterday that in 2016 more than $450,000 is being invested in 11 projects in facilities throughout the region. They include $21,000 for a sewage lift station at the Thompson General Hospital.

The Flin Flon General Hospital, Flin Flon Personal Care Home and The Pas Health Complex will see projects including flooring and lighting replacement, a water filtration system and tub replacements.

Work on the projects is scheduled to be completed in the next two years.

The Salvation Army has just over a week left to meet their $80,000 kettle drive goal.

Director Roy Bladen says they’ve raised $23,800 so far. This Saturday, Wal-Mart will match donations made at the kettle in store, and in an effort to raise more money Bladen is challenging other businesses to do the same:

"We have a kettle at Safeway, we have one at Shoppers Drug Mart, we have one at Family Foods and at the liquor board. I want to challenge businesses to call 307-3193 and match what we collect at one of these locations".

Another organization accepting donations is Operation Red Nose. This past weekend they did 88 trips, collecting over $1,500 in donations.

The School District of Mystery Lake will be connecting with parents more. 

The district has received a grant to hire a Family Outreach Coordinator, who will work as an advocate for parents.

Superintendant Lorie Henderson says the coordinator will focus on Juniper School Wapanock School, and RD Parker:

"This person will work with the parents, they’ll work with the community, agency, and schools. And it’s to help parents build capacity in different ways to address school community needs and assets. It’s an advocate for our parents, to empower our parents to be able to work with the schools more closely".

Henderson says Mystery Lake was one of only two districts to receive the grant.

Two new emergency placement homes for children have been approved by city council.

During Monday’s meeting a conditional use public hearing was held for the two homes, located on Westwood Drive and Centennial Drive East, prior to the normal meeting of council.  

The occupants of the house will be 'Youth in Protection'. The applicant, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness, already operates 2 similar care homes. 'Youth in Protection' are children who have been removed from violent or abusive homes.

Director of HR Amanda LeDrew told council they’re looking to operate 2 more, in part, because the province no longer allows hotels to be used. The homes will house 6 children each, with 2 staff members on hand, 24/7, and the children will stay up to 2 weeks.

The resolution approving the conditional use, passed 7-2.

Councillor Penny Byer supported the resolution, saying its a shame so many children end up in these situations.

Candy canes like this one were left all around the City over the weekend.

Residents were on the receiving end of a Random Act of Christmas Kindness over the weekend. 

The Girl Guides of Thompson made their way around the City leaving candy canes on parked cars. Leader Nadine Vokey says 7 girl guides gave out around 450 candy canes. 

She says in past year’s they’ve done something to help the city’s less fortune, but this year they wanted to do something nice for everyone in the City.

In addition to handing out the canes, the girls are also planning to give inspirational notes to friends and classmates, and maybe bring a coffee to their teacher as well.

Thompson CMHA is proving a handbag can be more than just a fashion accessory.

They’ve started the “Fill a Purse Challenge”, which encourages organizations in the City to fill a purse with essential items like deodorant, pads, and lotion.

Katherine Pohjolainen with CMHA, says they’ll pick those filled purses up and give them to the City’s homeless Christmas morning.

Pohjolainen says everyone deserves a gift on Christmas, which is why they started the challenge.

If you have a filled purse you’d like to contribute, call 679-4687, and the CMHA will come by to pick it up.

Ralliers chant “chemo room”; some motorists honked, showing their support.

Frustrated cancer patients, and family and friends rallied outside Thompson General Hospital, Friday.

They want the government and the NHR to finally expand and renovate the chemotherapy room. The NHR identified the project as a need back in 2006, but the work has yet to be complete.

Organizer of the rally Shelley Carey says it’s time for the work to be done:

"Every year they would put a tender out, they would get a bid, which would be higher than what they thought they were gonna pay, so the government and the NHR would just say ‘oh we have to put this aside for another year’. Like, hello, some of us aren’t going to make it another year".

Thompson MLA Steve Ashton, who attended the rally, told us the most recent tender bids were above budget as well, but he says he’s spoken with Health Minister Sharon Blady, and the goal is to start construction early in the New Year.

2014 Thompson Fur Tables.

This weekend, trappers from the surrounding region and beyond will gather at St. Joseph’s Hall for the annual Thompson Fur Tables. 5 licensed fur dealers will also be on site, allowing the trappers to sell their furs.

The event has been happening in Thompson since the 1970's.

Manitoba Trappers Association President Ron Spence says the milder weather has been a challenge for trappers this year, but they still manage:

"Trappers get out, one way or another. They’re very experienced bush people and they’ve been doing it for generations. They manage to get out and harvest, and usually we bring in anywhere from a quarter million to half a million dollar in two days and it really helps the economy of Thompson".

Approximately 200 trappers plus their family members are expected to travel to Thompson to sell their fur.

The fur tables happen this Friday and Saturday.

World Vision is calling Manitobans very generous.

The humanitarian organization has a gift catalogue which allows Canadians to purchase items for families in developing countries, and last year Manitobans bought over 5,000 items. 

Chris Schroeder, Regional Representative for Manitoba says that include Thompsonites:

"In Thompson over $3200 was given last year through the gift catalogue. The beauty of it, is that in looking at various numbers from across Canada it’s actually a higher percentage per person than I’ve seen in some of the other communities, so that shows me that the people of Thompson fully understand what it is to make a difference".

Items for purchase include livestock, clean water, access to education, and medical supplies.

Charles Kelsey Ballantyne (L) has been located and arrested by police. RCMP are looking for Alex Sanderson (R).

One of two suspects involved in a Grand Rapids shooting and stabbing has been located.

RCMP say a tip led them to an establishment in Winnipeg, where they found 26-year-old Charles Kelsey Ballantyne.

He has been charged with aggravated assault, attempted murder without a firearm, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and failure to comply with a probation order.

RCMP are still looking for 22-year-old Alex Sanderson. Police believe he may be in Winnipeg. 

See: Suspects in Grand Rapids shooting and stabbing at large

Kelsey Ballantyne (L) and Alex Sanderson are wanted by police. 

Police are looking for two men after a stabbing and shooting in Grand Rapids.

On Friday, at around 1:30am, police received a call about a shooting. When they arrived on scene they found one man with a non-life threatening gunshot wound and another man with a non-life threatening stab wound.

The suspects, 22 year-old Alex Sanderson and 26-year-old Kelsey Ballantyne, fled the scene before police arrived. They are believed to have gone to Winnipeg.

Police consider the men armed and dangerous and ask the public to not approach them if seen, and call 9-1-1. 

Thompson residents want the government and the NHR to start renovations for a new cancer chemo-care room.

Resident Shelley Wells Carey says 8 years ago the old dialysis room was promised to be renovated into a chemo-care room, and it hasn’t been done yet.  

Carey has organized a rally today, to let the government and the NHR know that it’s time for the renovations to start.

Cancer patients, survivors, and family and friends will be gathering at the Thompson General Hospital at 2pm today.

Food donations are being accpeted at Wilson's Business Solutions or Thompson Public Library.

A local Christmas tradition will continue this year.

The Thompson Community Christmas Dinner provides a meal and company for everyone and anyone in Thompson on Christmas Day.

Organizer Emily Pruder says her main goal is to make everyone in Thompson feel like they’re part of a family.

She and her family will be organizing the event for a 3^rd time this year:

"It’s been put on by multiple groups throughout the year, it’s been going on for over 20 years, so when another group needed to step down from it, and somebody else to carry on, I stepped up and my family has really helped to organize this initiative".

Pruder says they’re looking for donations of fresh fruit and vegetables, hams, potatoes, and other food items. They can be dropped off at Wilson’s Business Solutions or the Thompson Public Library.

The dinner will be at St. Joseph’s Hall from 12-3pm on Christmas Day.

He’s making a list and checking it twice!

Thanks to the efforts of residents, the Santa Claus parade hits the streets tomorrow.

Mayor Dennis Fenske says he’s glad residents stepped up, after the original parade was cancelled:

"Kudos to the residents, and that’s what it’s all about. These events are volunteer driven, the city provides resources and facilities, but it can’t be driven by the City, and I’m so glad that the residents stepped up and made this event happen".

The parade starts at 1pm at the intersection of Cree Road and Hemlock Street, making its way down Cree Road, towards the TRCC, where it will end.

904 residents were without power for about 25 minutes earlier today.

Bruce Owen, Manitoba Hydro Public Affairs Officer says the outage was caused when a raven landed on some electrical equipment at a substation.

The outage happened at around 2:10pm. 

Owen says Manitoba Hydro crews responded quickly and reset the equipment to restore electricity.

The bird, however, did not survive.  

The days are more than numbered for the 1969 GMC Pumper.

The Churchill Fire Department is usually helping others, but currently they’re the ones looking for help.

The 100% volunteer run department has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for a new fire truck.

Deputy Fire Chief E.J. MacCuaig says they currently have two trucks: a 1992 Superior Pumper and a 1969 GMC Pumper.

He says they want to replace the truck that’s hitting 50:

"It originally started out life back in the day when we still had Port Churchill here, it was the military base actually that owned it. They gave it to the community once the port shutdown, and we’ve been using it ever since. There’s a NFCA standard that says you should replace fire trucks after 25 years".

In addition to the GoFundMe page, MacCuaig says they’re planning a number of fundraisers, and hope to purchase the new truck within the next year.

As of this morning, the page raised $1,700 out of the $50,000 goal.

The fire department developed this new logo.

They hope to feature it on merchandise, which will be sold, to raise even more funds. (Photo courtesy E.J. MacCuaig).

Ryan Land with the award he received (Photo courtesy Ryan Land).

Vale’s Manager of Corporate Affairs and Organizational Development has received an award for his work in career development.

Ryan Land was presented with a Manitoba Career Development Award of Excellence while at the Let’s Get to Work symposium in Winnipeg.

Land says it’s humbling to be recognized:

"What I said when I accepted the award, was that we always need to acknowledge the people in our lives who have the courage to say yes to us. They don’t often get the credit that they deserve as well, and I never would have been able to do anything on any of the teams that I’m part of, without the will and energy of supportive courageous leaders".

Land received the award not just for his work with Vale, but for his work as school trustee and his involvement with a number of provincial committees.

Ice development for winter roads has been pushed back this year due to the milder weather.

Concerns are growing in the communities that rely on these roads. God’s Lake First Nation Chief Gilbert Andrews says the roads are the lifeline of the community:

"The northwest company brings in supplies on the winter roads, and that alleviates, somewhat the cost of goods, services, and if they don’t bring them on the winter road and they have to fly them in, that will probably triple the prices".

School supplies, building equipment, and gasoline are just some of the goods brought in yearly through the roads. Andrews says he hopes temperatures get colder, soon.

Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation says from a weather standpoint the process is behind, but that the situation could change fast and progress will depend in December and early January.

General Duty Constable Francis Maheu and Constable Sandra Deibert conducted the Toy and Food drive for Salvation Army (Photo courtesy Sandra Deibert).

Salvation Army kettles are getting heavier as donations come in.

Thompson Director Roy Bladen says they raised over $3,000 this past weekend, bringing their total up to $16,000. However that’s not all they collected over the weekend.

Thompson RCMP hosted a “Fill-A-Cruiser” event to collect toys for the Salvation Army’s toy drive. 220 toys were donated, in addition to 275 items of food and $365. 

Thompsonites also donated to Operation Red Nose, who gave 60 rides over the weekend, collecting over $1300.

Both Operation Red Nose and the Salvation Army Kettle Drive continue this weekend.

One of two cruisers filled Saturday (Photo courtesy Sandra Deibert).

RCMP launched their holiday checkstop program December 1st.

The RCMP’s holiday checkstop program saw motorists driving responsibly in the first week.

From December 1^st to the 7^th, Thompson RCMP checked 241 vehicles. Police Community Relations Officer, Constable Sandra Deibert says they found zero impaired drivers, and no roadside suspension or seatbelt charges were made but they did issue 2 highway traffic act tickets.

Deibert reminds people who plan to drink, to make plans for a ride back before they head out for the night.

Last year in Manitoba, 29 people lost their lives in 28 collisions caused by impaired drivers.

Red cloths hung outside YWCA (Photo courtesy Nina Cordell).

Yesterday was Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

To mark the date, Thompson YWCA is hanging 25 red cloths around the City today. Women’s Programs Coordinator Nina Cordell says the cloths are a ceremonial offering:

"In the Indigenous culture we offer cloth as a physical representation, with specific intentions and it can be a wide range of things, you know sometimes you honour your spirit name or you honour a gift you’ve been given and in  this case we are honouring memories of women".

14 cloths represent each of the women who lost their lives in the 1989 Montreal Massacre at Ecole Polytechnique, 10 cloths represent the 10 women murdered in Manitoba this year, and the last cloth is for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women across Canada.

(Photo courtesy Nina Cordell).

Crafters looking to sell their goods can pay the City a little less to do so, next year.

City council approved the 2016 Fee and Fine Schedule last week, and one of the changes includes a decrease on the hobbyist and artisan license. The license will be going from $33 to $20 next year, with seniors paying even less.

Chief Financial Officer Jenny Krentz said the fee and fine schedule was reviewed by council during the budget deliberations. She said the overall increase is 3.4%, which is consistent with this year’s tax increase.  

There's a new $1000 fine for harbouring a pit bull, while dog and cat licenses have decreased.

A cemetery perpetual care and columbarium fee has been added. Many public safety fees remain the same.

The fees and fines go into effect January 1^st.

The officer involved in the death of a Thompson man remains on active duty.

Manitoba RCMP Media Relations Officer, Sergeant Bert Paquet has told CHTM that the officer’s status remains unchanged and the officer continues to be on active duty.

The RCMP Act allows for the suspension of an officer who is suspected of, or has been found to have violated the Code of Conduct, or a federal or provincial law. 

39-year-old Steven Campbell was shot dead during an encounter with the Thompson RCMP officer on November 21^st.  

The incident is currently under investigation by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba. The Unit investigates all serious incidents involving police officers, on or off duty.

See: Sister of man shot dead by Thompson RCMP officer hopes truth will come out

See: One man dead after shooting involving Thompson RCMP

Trailor home destroyed and possessions gone after house fire over the weekend. (Photo courtesy Craig White).

A trailer home has been destroyed after a house fire Saturday evening.

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Bourgon says the fire was at a trailer home on Wolf Street:

"When our crews arrived the fire was fully involved. It was caused by improper use of cooking equipment indoors; the fire ended up just spreading throughout the entire trailer".

Bourgon says one person and two dogs, inside at the time, got out safely.

A friend of the homeowner has set up a crowd funding page, to help him get back on his feet.

During blaze, picture taken by witness.

An initiative to warm the feet of the City’s homeless is back this year. 

102.9 CHTM started Socks from Santa several years ago, after finding out that socks are an item the homeless shelter is always in need of.

Since then, we’ve been collecting socks, in addition to mitts, hats, and other winter necessities every year.

Items can be dropped off at 103 Cree Road until December 18^th. aAll items collected will be taken to the homeless shelter.

Santa Claus is coming to Thompson for a parade after all.

The parade was originally set for November 28^th but was cancelled due to not enough floats being registered. A couple of residents however took matters into their own hands and got the minimum of 10 floats needed to get the parade going. 

The parade is now set for this Saturday at 1pm. The route will be the same as previous years, starting at Cree Road and Hemlock, going down Cree Road, turning left on Thompson Drive, and ending at the TRCC. 

There’s still room for more floats! Businesses, organizations and clubs can register one at the TRCC.

Police cruisers will be out in the Wal-Mart parking lot tomorrow but they won’t be there for traffic stops.

Fill a Cruiser has officers collecting items for the Salvation Army, in hopes of filling up their police cars with donations.

RCMP Officer Sandra Deibert says every small donation will help someone in need:

"The idea is to bring an unwrapped toy or non perishable food donation, or both, and help out the Salvation Army toy drive and the Thompson food bank this holiday season".

Salvation Army Director Roy Bladen had approached Thompson RCMP with the idea. If it’s a success, they’ll be doing it again.

They'll be out tomorrow from 1-5pm.

A new woman’s group in Nisichawasihk Cree Nation looks to fill a need in the community.

The Okawamateh Sakihewewin Cirlcle  (Women of Heart Circle), which launched last month, is a circle that supports and empowers women, girls, and transgender women.

Hilda Anderson-Pyrz  founded the group because services for women are currently lacking in the community:

"There’s currently no shelter or no second stage housing, the funding that’s received in the nation to address violence is inadequate, various levels of government need to step up and address this issue. Why should women, girls, and transgender women leave our communities in order to feel safe".

An event is happening on Sunday to introduce the group to the community. The event will feature guest speakers, and a candle vigil for those lost to violence.

They say music is for the soul, but it can also be used to keep others warm.

Jamming for Jackets is an event that will bring local musicians to the stage, for the price of a donation.

One of the organizers, Daniel Emerson has been planning the event for a number of weeks, and says the support has been great:

"From the people I know, the way people help out, what people do for each other here, it’s just amazing and you don’t see that in a lot of other communities these days. I think that’s one of the reasons that we chose to come together, we barely knew each other and we chose to come together and put on a show, just because we wanted to start getting out there and doing a little bit more".

They’ll be jamming for warm winter wear, and non-perishable food items tonight at the Juniper Centre from 6-9pm.

A helpline established by Manitoba Red Cross received over 200 calls in the first day.

The line was launched on Monday for people wanting to assist Syrian refugees arriving to Manitoba.

VP of Manitoba Red Cross, Shawn Freely says they let callers know what the needs of settlement agencies are:

"Some might say that they need clothes, some might say they need some volunteers, some may say they need housing. So what we do, is if people are interested, they can call that phone number and, say they wanna do something but not sure what the needs are,  we can give them that information".

The province’s refugee response plan calls for refugees coming to Manitoba, to initially settle in Winnipeg, and then to other communities.

There are currently no agencies that are sponsoring Syrian refugees to Thompson.

The hotline number is 1-888-662-3211.

An initiative launching today aims to make disability issues, a priority in the upcoming provincial election. 

Disability Matters: Vote 2016 is a joint community initiative of Abilities Manitoba and Barrier-Free Manitoba.

Brenda Davidson with Society for Manitobans with Disabilities says there’s a number of goals the non-partisan initiative has:

"Number one to ensure that all Manitobans with disabilities can participate fully in the election activities, number two is to promote priority attention for disability issues in the elections, and number three to support Manitobans with disabilities to make informed voting decisions".

The initative launches today, which fittingly is also the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Davidson says they will be live-streaming the launch from Winnipeg at the Juniper Centre from 11am-1pm.

Some of the loved ones who were remembered last night.

A vigil and feast to remember those who have been murdered was held last night.

Chief Executive Officer of the Family and Community Wellness Centre in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Felix Walker says coming together helps remind family and friends of lost ones that they’re not alone:

"This vigil is to remember all of those loved ones who have been murdered in northern Manitoba and it’s an opportunity for all of those families to get together, because we all share one common bond, and that is we’ve lost ones to murder".

Families shared memories of losing a loved one to homicide and of missing a loved one.

Councillor Shirley Linklater, who gave remarks on behalf of NCN Chief Marcel Moody, shared a story about a B.C. First Nations woman who was kidnapped by a man. She was later saved by her Chief and council. Linklater said they need to continue to bring awareness to the issue.

The group hopes to host a walk to Winnipeg next year, to bring awareness to those who are missing or have been murdered in Northern Manitoba.

City council members have already been meeting to decide how to spend the City's money in 2016. 

As part of the budget process, they're hosting a public budget consultation tonight. 

Mayor Dennis Fenske tells us all suggestions and concerns from residents are welcome. 

The consultation is at 7pm at the multipurpose room at the TRCC. 

A couple of residents are trying to “save Christmas”.

After the City announced that the Santa Claus parade, scheduled for last weekend was cancelled, 3 residents contacted the City to try and organize one at a later date.

Director of Recreation John Burrows says a tentative date of December 12^th has been set:

"Bobby Montean, Lindsay, and Andrea who have taken I guess the reindeers by the horns and started to organize the event. They’ve set it up for December 12 and their goal is to make sure we have at least 10 entries into the parade".

Burrows says if they get the 10 floats, the parade will be a go.

Organizations, businesses, and groups can register a float at the TRCC.

The Salvation Army is still accepting applications for their Christmas Hampers.

The “Christmas in a basket” is given to families in the community, who otherwise might not be able to afford a festive meal or gifts.

Director of the Salvation Army Roy Bladen says it’s the last week to register for one:

"If they’ve been here before all they need to do is bring their ID cause we'll have them on file. If they haven’t been here before they need to pick up an application, they can fill it out on site with income and expenses".

Interviews to receive a hamper are being done today and next Monday from 10am-noon.

Bladen says 68 families have signed up for one so far. The hampers will be distributed December 16th.

Steven Campbell (Photo courtesy Shannon Heck)

The family of the man shot dead by a Thompson RCMP officer is speaking out.

Shannon Heck says her brother Steven Campbell was an outdoors man who loved being out in the bush.

The 39-year-old was shot by an officer on November 21^st after a car chase. The incident is currently under investigation by the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU).

Passengers in the car that night told her it was just a regular night for the group:

"They brought a beautiful photo to my brothers funeral of that night. You know they were a bunch of friends sitting around having some drinks and they said my brother said he wanted a picture with his family and they had a picture of that night, so it was the last picture we have of my brother. You know it’s like any Saturday night for any group of friends and it just ended so tragically".

Steven Campbell (Photo courtesy Shannon Heck).

Heck admits her brother wasn’t perfect but says there are discrepancies between what RCMP say happened, and what the passengers have told her. She hopes the truth will come out after the IIU completes its investigation.

Campbell was a father of 2 who had been laid off from the mine, but recently got a call to come back.

See: One mad dead after shooting involving Thompson RCMP

One of the teams out this weekend (Photo courtesy Tony Taylor).

81 people made it home safely over the weekend thanks to Operation Red Nose.

The volunteer run organization was out, giving free rides to those who weren’t in condition to drive.

UCN nursing students came out to volunteer (Photo courtesy Tony Taylor).

Planning Committee Coordinator Tony Taylor says the weekend went smoothly:

"We had 37 rides, we raised $587.20 and we took 81 passengers home safely. We’ll be doing it up again this Friday and Saturday, and as always we’re looking for more volunteers so if you’d like to get a hold of us, you can reach us at ORNthompson@outlook.com or you can just search us on facebook by punching in Operation Red Nose Thompson".

If you need a ride, you can give them a call at 778-8111.

Firefighters were called to the Burntwood River on Saturday after a woman and her dog fell through the ice.

Fire Chief John Maskerine says they originally got a call about the dog, but when they arrived on scene, they found the woman had fallen through the ice as well:

"One of the captains from the crew scurried out to get her and got her closer to shore, where we covered her with blankets and keep hypothermia away from her, until an ambulance could be brought in, and transported to Thompson General. The other two members were still trying to get the dog out of the water but when they got to the edge, it was just too bad of ice, they had to give up".

Maskerine recommends residents stay off the ice until we get a good freeze.

HIV rates in the Northern Health Region have been increasing.

That’s why NHR Medical Officer of Health Dr. Michael Isaac is raising awareness this World AIDS Day. He’ll be speaking at a luncheon and awareness walk today.

He says despite a slight increase, the number of cases in the region remain relatively low:

"We bounce around. We have small numbers in our region, generally somewhere between 1 and 15 cases a year, over the past 10 years. When we look at a trend over time, or a rate over time, it does look like our rates are increasing in the north so we know it is becoming a bit more of an issue for us here in the  Northern Health Region". 

Mayor Dennis Fenske has proclaimed today as World AIDS Day in the City of Thompson.

The luncheon and walk starts at 11:30am at the TRCC.