Our Member of Parliament says education has to be a top priority.

Churchill MP Niki Ashton says this is an important time in the north with the opening of the new University College of the North Campus in Thompson. She says the new campus shows just how far we have come in terms of post secondary education in our region,  giving people the option of continuing their education here in the north.

 Ashton says despite progress there is much more to do.  She says far too many schools in First Nations are overcrowded or in poor condition. Per student funding is far lower in First Nations Schools than the provincial average and because of the funding cap many students aren’t able to continue their post secondary education.

Ashton adds we have one of the youngest regions in the country and if we can provide the educational opportunities that people deserve we have almost unlimited potential.  She calls on the Federal government to make a real commitment to education for northern and Aboriginal people.
 
 

RCMP in Thompson have arrested 28 people during a DART Deployment.

Kevin Lewis, Staff Sergeant for the RCMP,  talks here about what the DART deployment is.

"The DART deployment is actually the Division Action Response Team which is a combined effort of resources within Manitoba between the RCMP and some of the Winnipeg Police Service members that are out enforcing outstanding warrants for individuals that are wanted."

Arrests were made on the spot and people were given a promise to appear. And others had to go to the station and speak to a justice of the peace.

As well as the DART Deployment, a controlled drug and substances act search warrant was executed. This resulted in a seizure of 20 grams of cocaine and cash. Charges are pending in that case.
 
 

The white whales are waiting in Churchill but the town’s mayor can’t nail down VIA Rail to get the tourists north to see them. 

The last passenger train rolled south from Churchill May 31st.    On June 2, thirteen cars carrying grain derailed just south of Churchill.   Bad weather stalled repairs to the track and also prompted the cancellation of several VIA trains carrying tourists. 

Freight service resumed June 11 following repairs.   Omnitrax said it completed repairs to the Hudson Bay Railway line that day, and the line was "cleared in accordance with Transport Canada rules respecting track safety."

A VIA Rail representative said last night that the operational review is not complete, that passenger rail service to Churchill is not yet available and he didn't know when it will resume.

A 34-year old male has been murdered in OCN on Friday night. The male
who’s named will not be released was stabbed at a residents in the early
morning hours. Tara Seel RCMP Media Relations Officer has more.

Joshua Zedidiah Parisian (Zed-ah-die-ah  Par-esh-ian) who is 26 has been arrested and
charged with Second Degree Murder. The RCMP Major Crime Services along with The Pas Forensic
Identification Section and members of The Pas RCMP Detachment continue to
investigate. 

The 10th annual Rotary Gala was held this past Saturday.   This year’s fund raising event hosted over 250 guests at St. Joseph’s Hall.   The Rotary Club of Thompson actively raises money every year to support local projects.  Some of those include the Thompson Skate Park, upgrades to Mystery Mountain Winter Park, A Port in the Storm, Rotary Park, scholarship for R.D. Parker graduates and more.   The Rotary Club, whose motto is service above self, is a world-wide organization that works to address concerns such as polio through their Polio Plus campaign, homelessness with their Shelter Boxes, and literacy.

Teaching moments can happen at any time in a school day.   Just ask the students at Deerwood School.  At last night’s School Board meeting a group of students described the clubs and activities offered and supervised by teachers during lunch hours and after school.    One of the groups is Peer Mediation which teaches students to solve conflicts and promotes anti-bullying messages.   Some of the other activities include Science Club, Games Club, Chess Club, Drum group, choir, and student council.   Many of the groups have been started at the request of students.   Students of all ages are encouraged to get involved and keep the school community thriving.

Put your heart into making a difference.    February is Heart Month in Manitoba, when volunteers go door-to-door to raise money and share the risks and warning signs of heart disease and stroke.   Since it's inception in 1957, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba has given almost $55 million to research.   They are now recognized as a major authority on heart disease and stroke, and have helped cut premature deaths from both conditions by 50 per cent through their programs.   To help with the Thompson and Area campaign, contact Al Meston at 778-89-88.