On May 9, 2026, at 12:35 am, Cross Lake RCMP received a report of a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred on Island Park Drive, near Beardy’s Point, in Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

Officers attended and located a 43-year-old male, from Pimicikamak Cree Nation, with life-threatening-injuries. Cross Lake EMS transported the victim to the nursing station where he was pronounced deceased.

In speaking with a number of witnesses from the scene, it was reported that a pickup truck had struck the victim earlier and failed to remain at the scene.

Anyone with information, or may have witnessed this collision, is asked to contact the Cross Lake RCMP at 204-676-2600.

Cross Lake RCMP, with assistance of RCMP Traffic Services, continue to investigate.

The Thompson Community Choir is looking for more people in the community to join in and sing.

 

The group first started in 2016 after a Facebook post brought together people who wanted a local choir in Thompson.

 

Since then, the choir has performed at community events like Remembrance Day, Christmas concerts, and the Festival of the Arts.

 

Olga Abbing, a member of the Thompson Community Choir, says people don’t need to be professionals — they just need to enjoy singing with others.

 

 

The choir rehearses most Sundays during the school year from 2 to 3 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Church across from R.D. Parker Collegiate.

 

Anyone interested can find the group on Facebook by searching Thompson Community Choir Manitoba, or emailThompsonCommunityChoir@gmail.com.

A crime prevention proposal is being brought forward in Thompson, with input from the RCMP and outside expertise.

 

It’s called CPTED — which stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

 

The approach looks at how things like lighting, sightlines, landscaping, cameras, doors and windows can make public places and properties safer.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook explains what CPTED is and how the training could be used locally.

 

 

The proposal is expected to help guide how Thompson looks at public spaces, buildings and areas where residents have raised concerns.

Manitobans gearing up to climbing onto their off-road vehicle (ORV) over the next several months are encouraged to have their fun while keeping safety top of mind.

 

ORVs – which include all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and utility terrain vehicles – are an important part of outdoor life for many Manitobans. They're fun to ride, have practical uses and can get you places that you otherwise might not have access to. These machines can be very powerful and require the operator's complete attention. Every spring, RCMP officers respond to reports of Manitobans being injured, or worse, because of mistakes made while operating their ORV.

The Manitoba RCMP would like to remind the public of the following rules and safety tips regarding their ORV usage:

• Learn about the area you will ride in and ensure you carry your cellphone and/or GPS device.
• Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. It’s always safer to ride in a group of two or more.
• No person under the age of 14 is allowed to operate an ORV unless supervised and accompanied by an adult.
• You must wear your seat belt if your ORV is equipped.
• No person should be operating an ORV without a helmet – and it MUST be securely fastened.
• You cannot carry a passenger unless your ORV is designed for two riders.
• You are not allowed to travel on or thru private property, including farmland and gravel pits.
• Operating an ORV on a roadway is strictly prohibited. Crossing a roadway is permitted if you hold a valid driver’s licence.
• Riders should never operate an ORV while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Every ORV must be equipped with a noise muffler in good working order.
• Carry the proper safety equipment related to the type of ORV you’re operating.

 

For further information regarding ORV safety, visit: https://www.mpi.mb.ca/off-road-vehicle-safety/

The Manitoba Integrated Violent Offender Apprehension Unit (MIVOAU) arrested seven people earlier this week as part of ongoing efforts to remove violent and repeat offenders from communities.

 

The unit, consisting of RCMP and Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) members, deployed to Gypsumville on May 5. With the assistance of RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Emergency Response Team, MIVOAU officers executed multiple entry warrants in the community.

 

Two of the seven arrests occurred at one location, after a MIVOAU officer located a suspect walking across a field and into a residence while speaking with a community member. The suspects barricaded themselves into the home when officers arrived.

 

A warrant of entry was drafted and approved, allowing officers to enter the residence. Two suspects were safely into custody, including one who was found by officers inside a clothes dryer. They are:

• Harley James Sinclair, 34, who was wanted on multiple warrants relating to a number of charges, including forcible confinement, two counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault, two counts of uttering threats, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, multiple failures to comply and failing to appear in court. Sinclair was located by officers inside a clothes dryer.
• Clint Charles Marsden-Traverse, 27, who was wanted on warrants for assault, two counts of mischief, two counts of uttering threats, three counts of failure to comply and a failure to appear in court.

Other suspects apprehended by MIVOAU officers include:

• Douglas George Traverse, 45, who was wanted for the theft of an ATV and failure to comply. Traverse was found by officers inside a walled space behind a bathroom shower.
• Lee Thomas Woodhouse, 41, who was wanted on warrants for assault, possessing proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, failing to stop a motorized vehicle when pursued by police, failing to attend court and three counts of failure to comply.
• Alvina Ardele Beardy, 46, who was wanted on warrants for criminal harassment and failure to comply.

These five suspects were remanded into custody.

Additionally, Waylon Noel Houle, 33, was arrested in connection with warrants for pointing a firearm, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats. Houle was released from custody with conditions.

A 50-year-old female was also arrested after being wanted for failing to attend court and failing to attend for identification. She was released on an appearance notice.

Manitoba is on track to have the lowest deficit-to-GDP ratio in the country, according to the province’s latest update on its financial outlook.

 

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says that projection reflects what he calls a disciplined approach to spending, with a focus on balancing the books while still investing in priorities like health care, affordability, and job creation.
 

The government says it has been working to stabilize finances through targeted investments and steady deficit reduction, even as economic uncertainty continues across Canada.

 

Officials also point to growing interest from investors, highlighting opportunities tied to the Port of Churchill and the province’s critical minerals sector as part of Manitoba’s long-term economic outlook.

Five people have been charged as part of a sustained police investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in northern Manitoba.

 

Project Darling was launched by the RCMP’s Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team (MILET), which in January began investigating illegal drug shipments between Winnipeg and several northern communities – including Island Lake, Split Lake, Oxford House and Thompson.

 

The investigation led officers to a residential address on the 3000-block of Pembina Highway, in Winnipeg. On April 29, members of MILET North executed a search warrant at the address. Approximately $58,000 in cash was found inside the residence and was seized by officers.

 

Five people inside the residence were arrested.

 

Project Darling follows Project Derry, another MILET-led investigation that resulted in drug-trafficking related charges being laid late last year against 27 people across three Manitoba communities – the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Winnipeg and Thompson. Project Darling’s investigation focused on the same criminal network.

 

“The success of Project Darling and Project Derry underscores the unrelenting determination of our officers to uncovering, impairing and dismantling a criminal organization that brings harm and violence to northern communities,” said RCMP Supt. Jeff Asmundson, who oversees MILET. “These efforts remain ongoing as part of our commitment to making Manitoba safer for all residents.”

 

Carlita Vasquez, 28, of Winnipeg has been charged with:

• Conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance;
• Trafficking a controlled substance; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

 

Natneal Arefaine, 26, of Calgary has been charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and
• Failure to comply with a release order.

 

Three Ontario males – 24-year-old Ayub Abdi, 27-year-old Jabril Farah and 22-year-old Alex Keng – have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

 

Vasquez, Arefaine and Keng remain in custody. Abdi and Farah were released on an undertaking.

Job seekers in northern Manitoba will have a chance to connect directly with employers at a pair of upcoming career fairs.

 

The events, hosted by University College of the North, are open to the public and will feature a wide range of industries and job opportunities.

 

Career Resources Coordinator with University College of the North, Kelly House, outlines when and where the events will take place.
 

 

Organizers say the career fair is designed to connect job seekers with employers across multiple sectors.

 

Industries represented include healthcare, education, mining, transportation, hospitality, and more.

 

Positions range from full-time and part-time roles to casual and seasonal employment.

 

Attendees are encouraged to bring updated resumes and be ready to speak with a variety of employers.

The Manitoba government is rolling out a new tool aimed at helping people stay informed during emergencies.

 

The MB Ready app officially launched this week, marking Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 3rd to 9th.

 

The province says the goal is to encourage Manitobans to take steps now to protect themselves, their families, and their communities before an emergency happens.

 

The app provides real-time, location-based alerts for things like severe weather, wildfires, floods, road closures and power outages.

 

Users can customize notifications based on their home, workplace, or other important locations.

 

It also includes guidance on building emergency kits, creating household plans, and understanding local risks.

 

The province says the app is designed to make emergency information clear, accessible, and up to date.

 

Officials are encouraging Manitobans to use this week as a reminder to review or create an emergency plan and make sure they’re prepared.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is releasing new information in the ongoing homicide investigation into the death of Steven Seela in Thompson.

 

Investigators with Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services were in the community between April 20th and 22nd, speaking with more than 110 residents as part of the investigation.

 

Police are now asking for the public’s help identifying two dark-coloured trucks believed to have been in the area of the shooting on Pipe Road in the trailer park area on Nov. 24, 2024.

 

Investigators say people inside the vehicles may have information connected to the case, Steven Seela’s sister, Kendra Seela, is also urging anyone with information to come forward, saying the family continues searching for answers.

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RCMP tip line at 431-489-8106.

Mental health experts are continuing to raise concerns about the impact social media may be having on young people, as Manitoba looks at possible new restrictions tied to youth online activity and AI chatbots.

 

Wab Kinew recently announced the province is exploring options aimed at protecting kids online, with discussions focusing on screen time, social media use and overall mental health.

 

Dr. Joanne Unger, a clinical psychologist with Shared Health and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, says one of the biggest concerns is when online activity starts replacing healthy real-world connection.
 

 

To hear more about the effects social media and AI may be having on youth mental health, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 on 102.9 CHTM.

Mental Health Week is now underway, and Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook says it’s an important reminder for residents to keep checking in with one another and speaking openly about mental health.

 

Smook says conversations around mental health and addictions have become more common in recent years, but northern communities still face challenges when it comes to access to care and long-term support.

 

She also stressed the importance of reaching out for help and reminding people they are not alone if they’re struggling.

 

 

Smook says residents can contact Northern Regional Health’s public health office at 204-677-5350, the Canadian Mental Health Association in Thompson at 204-677-6056, or Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for support.

Following the installation of billboards and posters in the community of Thompson, Manitoba, RCMP Major Crime Services is releasing new details in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Steven Seela.

 

Investigators were in the community April 20-22, 2026, canvassing numerous residences as part of the investigation where they spoke with over 110 residents.

 

Police are now releasing images of two trucks, both dark in colour, that were in the vicinity of the shooting that occurred on Pipe Road, in the trailer park area of Thompson, on November 24, 2024.

 

Individuals in these vehicles are believed to have information related to the investigation and police are urging the public to come forward with any information which may help identify who was in these vehicles on November 24, 2024.

 

The sister of Steven Seela is hoping the billboards convince someone to come forward. “How would you feel if it was your sibling, your son, that was murdered? It wouldn’t feel good weighing on your heart if you had information,” said Kendra Seela. “He didn’t get enough time with his son Evi, but he really loved his son and was proud to be a dad.”

 

If anyone has any information regarding the two trucks including who was in them, or the Steven Seela case, they are asked to contact the RCMP Tipline at: 431-489-8106.

The City of Thompson says this spring’s snow and road conditions have created a much tougher season for public works crews than usual.

 

Mayor Colleen Smook says unlike last year, crews are still dealing with snow clearing well into late April while also trying to respond to potholes and standing water issues across the city.

 

 

Smook says crews continue prioritizing school routes, major roads and sidewalks before moving into neighbourhood problem areas.

 

She also acknowledged frustrations from residents dealing with potholes and flooding, especially in lower-lying areas and gravel roads.

 

The mayor adds warmer temperatures expected over the next several days should help thaw catch basins and improve drainage conditions around the city.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says governments across the country need to act quickly if they want to reverse what it calls an “entrepreneurial drought” in Canada.

 

Senior Policy Analyst Kayode Southwood says the organization’s latest report focuses on solutions aimed at helping small businesses survive and grow.

 

 

Southwood says high taxes, staffing shortages, red tape, and difficulties accessing financing are all putting pressure on businesses across the country, including in northern communities like Thompson.

 

To hear more from Kayode Southwood with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The Manitoba Nurses Union and the Northern Regional Health Authority are continuing discussions after the Northern Health Region briefly declared an emergency over staffing shortages earlier this week.

 

The declaration, which was later rescinded by Manitoba Health, involved departments at Thompson General Hospital and St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas.

 

The Mall of the Arts is preparing to officially launch its new recording studio with a full weekend of live music, workshops and podcast demonstrations next month.

 

The two-day event runs May 15th and 16th and will feature performances from Northbound Revival and Churchill-based band Days on Land, along with live podcast recordings and studio tours.

 

Manitoba Public Insurance has launched a new online dashboard aimed at giving Manitobans easier access to road safety and collision information.

 

The Manitoba Collision Dashboard provides interactive data on collisions, injuries and fatalities across the province through MPI’s website.

 

The new system replaces the Traffic Collision Statistics Report, which had previously only been updated once a year.

 

MPI says the dashboard will now be updated monthly using information from law enforcement agencies and MPI’s claims team, allowing for more current and accessible information.

 

MPI adds the dashboard is intended to improve awareness around dangerous driving trends and help support prevention and enforcement initiatives across Manitoba.

The 35th annual CHTM Trade Show and Sale returns to the C.A. Nesbitt Arena this weekend, bringing together vendors from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

 

 From crafts and collectibles to vehicles, food and local services, the longtime community event continues to draw both familiar faces and first-time visitors.

 

CHTM station manager Sue O’Brien says the trade show has become much more than just a shopping event over the years.

 

 

The show runs Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the C.A. Nesbitt Arena. Admission is free.

 

To hear more from Sue O’Brien about the history of the trade show and what visitors can expect this year, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

The University College of the North announces the return of its Language Arts Festival.

The sixth annual Language Arts Festival will take place at the UCN campus in The Pas on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.

Designed to inspire students in Grades 9–12, the festival will focus on this year’s theme: “Children and Youth Literature: More Than Bears and Bunnies.”

It will also feature keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities for students to engage with established authors and share their own creative work.

The festival is free to attend, and early registration is encouraged. Teachers and students interested in participating can contact the Festival Committee at languagearts@ucn.ca for more information.

The investigation into the shooting of two adult males in Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation continues.

At 10:45 pm on April 28^th, one of the victims, a 25-year-old male, succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, a 38-year-old male, has been treated and released from hospital. Both are from the community.

Additional RCMP resources are being deployed to Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation to bring the suspect safely into custody and residents can expect heavy police presence throughout the day.

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and to immediately report any information related to the shooting to the Norway House RCMP at 204-359-6715.

The suspect is considered is ARMED and DANGEROUS and should not be approached.  

At 5:30 pm on April 28, 2026, Norway House RCMP received a report of a disturbance, just off Provincial Highway 373, approximately 300 meters south of Lagoon Road. Upon arrival, officers located two males with gunshot injuries.

Investigators are searching for the male suspect and asking anyone with information to immediately contact the Norway House RCMP at 204-359-6715.

Additional specialized units, including Police Dog Services and Major Crime Services, are assisting the detachment with this ongoing investigation. Additional information will be provided as the investigation progresses.

The Northern Health Region declared an emergency due to critical staffing shortages Tuesday, only to have Manitoba Health say the declaration was rescinded.

Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said after the memo's release that the emergency declaration had been called prematurely.

The declaration covered the emergency and special care units at St. Anthony’s General Hospital in The Pas and Thompson General Hospital.   It also included the obstetrics and operating room departments at the Thompson hospital, according to an internal memo sent to health region staff members on April 27th.

A meeting between the health region and the Manitoba Nurses Union to discuss the declaration is scheduled for today.

The health minister said the region's existing contract with the Manitoba Nurses Union outlines options it could take to fix staffing issues before calling an emergency.

Music students from the School District of Mystery Lake schools and the Thompson Community Band are joining up for an evening of music to support CancerCare Manitoba.

Stevie MacPherson, co-director of the Thompson Community Band, tells us about the Manitoba Wave of Light project.

 

A concert featuring the Thompson Community Choir, the Brass Ensemble and R.D. Parker Collegiate’s “Vocomotion” will take place on Tuesday, May 5th at 7 pm in the Letkemann Theatre.

The evening will wrap up with a performance of “Wave of Light”, a music work composed by Winnipeg musician Peter Meechan.

Attend this fund raising event and support CancerCare Manitoba and the work it does for cancer patients.

Learn more by tuning in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.

Being lonely is a particular challenge that many seniors face.

And seniors can face serious impacts if they become more and more isolated from their family and peers.

Penny Byer, Coordinator with the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council shares details here.

 

A program called Prescribe Connection is being promoted by the Manitoba Association of Senior Communities during “Let No One Be Alone Week.”

Participants are encouraged to reach out to others in the community who could benefit from connection and contact with others.

Learn more about how to sign up and get some ideas on what you can do.     Catch Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 pm.