Tonight residents will be celebrating the start of a new year.

Thompson RCMP are reminding residents to keep it safe. For the month of December they conducted 16 traffic stops, and tonight will be no different.

Constable Wowchuck urges residents to not drink and drive. She says Operation Red Nose is a perfect way to get home safe.

You can reach the free designated driving service at 778-8111. Tonight will be their last night of operation for the season.

Positive results are being seen at 95 Cree Road, the newest part of Project Northern Doorway.

CMHA Director, Paulette Simkins, says the success of the project is being measured by the participants ability to maintain their tenancy.

Participants of Project Northern Doorway are not required to be sober however Simkins says after 6 months with the program, 4 of 16 residents have chosen to abstain from alcohol with others reducing their consumption.

Thompson RCMP are seeking the public’s assistance after a Christmas theft at the City Centre Mall on December 23.

Constable Human with the RCMP says the victim had a shopping cart with $400 worth of groceries and gifts taken after leaving it unattended for a moment.

The first suspect is female, and aboriginal in appearance. She was wearing a black coat and beige pants. The second suspect is male, and aboriginal in appearance. He was wearing all dark clothing and a black hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

Image of female suspect, taken from surveillance video.

Image of male suspect, taken from surveillance video.

Toys received from Toronto were passed on to deserving children in Northern Manitoban communities last week.

Thompson RCMP received the toys as part of the RCMP’s Toys for the North project. Around 500 Children in isolated communities such as Lac Brochet, Brochet, and Tadoule Lake received the gift wrapped toys.

This year Thompson resident Delphine Bodnarchuk knitted hundreds of scarves, toques, and mitts which she donated to Thompson RCMP, ensuring children had smiling facing and warm hearts after receiving the gifts.

Delphine Bodnarchuk and Sgt. Joe Frizzley of Thompson RCMP Detachment and of Thompson RCMP unloading toys at MKO.

The winter weather is not only harsh for humans, but for your pet too.

Oswald Sawh from the Thompson Humane Society is reminding pet owners to take extra care this winter.

Sawh recommends making sure the base of the dog shelter is properly insulated. He is also reminding people that not all dogs are made for the cold. Make sure your dog’s breed can withstand the cold before taking it outside for an extended period of time. 

Any teacher will tell you that kids don’t learn on an empty stomach.

Wapanohk has offered a breakfast program for over 10 years and there’s been one at RD Parker for over 4. Since November, Juniper elementary has been feeding their students morning success too.

Principal Lucy Mayor says teachers saw a need for a breakfast program.  Funded through Breakfast for Learning, the school offers breakfasts on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She hopes with more funding in the future they can expand to offer breakfast daily. 

Northern Manitoba will see an impact from the Brian Sinclair inquest, here in the region.

Brian Sinclair died in an emergency room after waiting for over 36 hours back in 2009. An inquest into his death has resulted in recommendations that are going to be embraced in the NHR.

Helga Bryant, CEO of the NHR, says they are already keeping a better eye on waiting rooms. She says more changes will be coming in the New Year.

On Sunday Santa Claus is coming down from the North Pole to skate with families.

Skate with Santa is here for another year. Organizer Cory Sparks says general public skating admissions will apply.

The event is happening at the CA Nesbitt Arena on the 21^st from 7-9pm.

There’s never a good excuse to drink and drive, especially when Operation Red Nose is around.

The service will be back for a 4^th weekend, providing designated drivers to people in their own cars, after they’ve been drinking. Last weekend they gave over 60 rides, and with it being closer to Christmas they’re sure to be just as busy.

Make sure to take advantage of the free service by calling them at 204-778-8111 when you’re in need of a ride. Anyone who’s been approved to be a volunteer is encouraged to come and help out.

It’s the time kids have been waiting for: Christmas break.

Today, all schools in the School District of Mystery Lake will dismiss students at 2:30pm, signalling the start of the 2 week winter break. All schools will be closed from Monday, December 22-Friday January 2. Classes won’t be in session until January 5.

 The library will also see some time off. From December 21^st to the 29^th the Thompson Public Library will be closed. They will be open on the 30^th and 31^st, with an early closure at 5:30pm on the 31^st. On New Years Day they will be closed all day. Regular operations will resume on January 2^nd.

The Boreal Discovery Centre is hosting “Kids Xmas Fun at the Zoo” which will have Christmas themes activities for children.

Edward Palmer with the Discovery Centre says people can even pet deer for $10 a person if they call ahead.

The Kids Xmas Fun at the Zoo event is happening tomorrow from 6-7pm and on Saturday from 10-11am.

It’s $5 a person and tickets can be picked up at the Meridian Hotel.

The Thompson Fur Tables are just around the corner.  

Although it features many types of fur, Manitoba Trappers Association Director at Large, Lane Boles says the yearly event also has activites for kids, and crafts for sale.

Around 200 Trappers from all over Canada come to Thompson every year for the fur tables.

This year the Thompson Fur Tables are going to be at St. Josephs Hall tomorrow and Saturday, all day

The Public Safety Committee is going back to the drawing board.

After taking results from the school speed limit survey into account, the Public Safety Committee brought forth a proposed amendment which was tabled by City Council.

The proposal would have seen the speed limit on Thompson Drive near RD Parker enforced from 7am-7pm, 365 days a week. The current speed limit of 30 km/hr is now enforced 24/7.

The Public Safety Committee will now meet again to deliberate.

The citys less fortunate will have something to keep them warm during the holidays.

For the 2^nd year in a row, Warm Your Heart Make a Scarf is happening in Thompson. The initiative encourages people to knit scarves throughout the year, which are then hung on tree branches in the city for those who need it.

This year they will be hanging the scarves at Anaypowin circle in between McDonalds and CIBC, on December 23^rd at 1pm.  Hear more about how the initiative got started during Thomson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Inspections are to blame for the delay in opening the TRCC concession stand.

Shane Cripps who has the building permit on the spot says they hope to be open as soon as possible. Electrical inspectors have met and they are currently waiting for Manitoba Hydro approval.

Cripps says food options people can expect include typical concession foods, in addition to healthy sandwiches and soups.

There's no need to be alone on Christmas day.

The Community Christmas Dinner will be held again and is open to anyone who would like a turkey dinner with all the fixings, along with some company. The dinner will be held from noon to 3pm on Christmas day at St. Joseph's.

Volunteers are needed on December 24th to help set up the hall for the dinner and get some of the food prepared. More volunteers will be needed Christmas Day to finish the food prep, serve the food and then clean up afterwards.

Donations of food, cash or gift cards are also needed to put the dinner on. If you can help as a volunteer or with donations, call Emily or Harlie Pruder at 677-1470.

It’s your last chance to volunteer with Operation Red Nose.

This week is the last week volunteer applications will be accepted for the designated driving service. If interested you can pick up a volunteer form at 102.9 CHTM at 103 Cree Road, or email ORNThompson@outlook.com

Operation Red Nose will continue to operate this weekend. To use their service you can call them at 204-778-8111. To date they have provided 161 rides this season.

Keep this holiday a merry one by reducing the risk of a home fire.

Deputy Chief Morris from the Thompson Fire Department says residents need to keep on eye on their Christmas tree and ensuring it's watered so it doesn't dry out.

Morris is also telling people to keep their Christmas lights off when not at home for an extended period of time.

To hear more holiday fire safety tips tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.  

Families across the city will be getting together tonight to watch some local talent.

The Old Fashioned Christmas Concert is coming back for its 6^th year. Organizer Donna Wilson says there will be a variety of performers.

Wilson also says Santa Clause might make an appearance. The concert is at the Letkemann Theatre and starts at 6:30pm.

Although free, there will be a silver collection at the door.

You no longer need to skate inside.

The outdoor skating rinks are back up and running starting today. The rinks are free to use, and there are even free skates.

Cory Sparkes with the TRCC says the outdoor rinks are at Eastwood park, Southwood park, and Juniper park.

They will be open throughout the winter Monday-Friday 5-9pm and noon-6pm on the weekends. 

Operation Red Nose has already given close to 100 rides in the two weekends they’ve been out this season.

The service provides party-goers with a designated driver to give them a lift back home, in their own car.

Although free, donations which are then given back to youth groups in the city are encouraged. This year they have already received over $1000 in donations.

If you’ll be going out this weekend but think you might need a ride back home, call Operation Red Nose at 778-8111.

Northern division RCMP are giving toys to children in Northern communities. For the 5^th in a row, the Thompson RCMP are participating in Toys for the North.

Inspector McMurchy says the toys are received from Toronto who ship it to Winnipeg and then to Thompson. RCMP North Division then gives the toys to rural communities throughout Northern Manitoba.

This year the communities chosen were Lac Brioche, Brioche, and Tadoule Lake. 

Almost 50% of residents surveyed, agree with plans to make Thompson the Wolf Capital of the World.

Dr. Alistair Bath shared some of the results from the wolf perception study that took place over the summer. Respondents of the survey were randomly selected.

Bath says Memorial University student Bonnie Bishop will be back next year to continue doing research. Moving forward they hope to take a look at the perception of wolves, by tourists and youth.

A detailed report of the results will be released in January.

Mystery Mountain Winter Park has replaced most of the equipment that was destroyed by a fire.

Geoff Lamontagne with Mystery Mountain says the next step is getting it inspected.

Lamontagne also says they still need about a foot more of snow. He says they are hoping to open in time for Christmas.

It’s been a year since Canada post announced plans to phase out door-to-door mail delivery.

A year later and efforts to save door-to-door are still going strong. In addition to lawn signs, Gord Fischer from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, says residents can sign petitions. 

Fischer says signing a physical petition as opposed to an online petition is more effective as it can be sent to MPs. In Thompson there is a petition at 102.9 CHTM located at 103 Cree Road that people can sign.

To hear more about the efforts to save door-to-door, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

Starting January 1, the fees and fines in the City will be increased.

The Fee and Fine Schedule was reviewed last month during a budget meeting and changes were presented to council who unanimously passed the changes. The overall increase was consistent with last year’s tax increase at 5.1%.

Changes include littering which will be $150 and public skating admissions which will be $5.75 for adults compared to the current $5.50.

The changes go into effect January 1. A full document of the fees and fines can be found at The City of Thompson website.

The Thompson Fur Tables is the only events of its kind.

This year it’s coming back, bringing in around 200 Trappers from all over Canada, to Thompson.

Lane Boles, with the Manitoba Trappers Association, says in addition to fur there are unique crafts for people to buy and activities for kids.

The open event is at St Josephs Hall on December 19 and 20.

Learn more about the event this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10 during Thompson Today.     

Getting around Northern Manitoba will get easier in the next few weeks.

Larry Halayko with Manitoba Transportation says they are getting winter ice roads ready for the season. He is also reminding drivers to be safe on them.

Halayko says Sea Falls ice crossing is expected it open in a week or two. There are around 800km of ice roads around Thompson.

The loss of a loved one can trigger a number of reactions. They start with shock and disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining and, finally, acceptance.

Lori Landers, a co-facilitator with an Adult Grief Group here in the city, explains the acceptance stage, "We accept the loss for what it is but we never forget that person and we integrate that person into our own identity and we have strength from having those memories of that person and they become a part of us and then we move forward. Its not about getting over the loss, its about learning to live with the loss every day".

If you are dealing with a lass and feel you could use some help or a sympathetic ear, drop by the Grief group meeting this Thursday from 6 to 8pm at the Northern Spirit Manor.

Dr. Allistair Bath is making a visit into Thompson again.

The human dimensions in wildlife management expert will be sharing his findings, from the survey conducted in Thompson over the summer.

Edward Palmer from Spirit Way says Bath studied the perception Thompsonites have of wolves. Dr. Bath will be speaking at the Meridian Hotel this Wednesday at 7:30pm.

To find out more about what Spirit Way has done this year, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

A new program proposed by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business could help small businesses attract new employees.

Called the "Introduction to Canada Visa", the program would help businesses attract and retain workers when Canadian employees could not be found.

For more on the Temporary Foreign Workers program and Introduction to Canada Visa, listen to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10pm this afternoon.

Take a walk through Bethlehem this weekend.

This Sunday the Thompson Pentecostal Assembly is bringing the sights, sounds, food and activities from Bethlehem to Thompson.

Pastor Dan says the activities include making a beaded necklace, baking, and pottery. Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus will be inside the stable as well.

The free event is come and go, from 6:30-8pm this Sunday and on Dec 14 at 126 Goldeye Cres.

Kids will be busy using their imaginations tomorrow.

In addition to LEGO building, the Thompson Public library will be hosting Pinkalicious cupcake decorating.

All children are welcome to come to the basement room at the library from 1-3pm.

879 residents participated in the RD Parker speed limit survey from the Public Safety Committee.

The results have prompted a proposal to council that would put a time restriction on the current 30km/hr speed limit.

If passed by council, the speed limit on Thompson Dr. near RD Parker would be 30 km/hr from 7am-7pm.

Mayor Fenske has said that he supports the recommendation from Public Safety and will support whatever direction council goes with.

With close to 400km of groomed trails in Northern Manitoba, snowmobilers are sure to be out in the next weeks.

Sergeant Sewell is reminding riders that the RCMP will be patrolling.

In addition to having a snopass, riders need to be wearing helmets and snowmobiles need to have operable head and tail lights.

Sewell also recommends riders to carry survival equipment.

The $60 million dollar Nutrition North program has not been properly monitored.

A report from the Auditor Generals office shows the governments failure to monitor costs and subsidies are making it difficult to determine whether the program is successful.

The program was implemented in 2011, and serves around 12 communities in Northern Manitoba.

Churchill MP Nikki Ashton says communities are facing food insecurity, and is calling on the government to make changes.

The Salvation Army is already in high demand this season.

Roy Bladen with the Salvation Army says they need help with the Christmas Kettles. Volunteer slots are 2 hours. Anyone interested can contact Lori at 204-307-0037.

In demand this year are also hampers, with 146 families applying for one this year, compared to 110 last year.

Due to the high demand toys are still needed. Bladen is urging residents to donate at the Thrift Shop in the plaza or contact him directly at 307-2193. 

Some say it’s not Christmas without Christmas songs.

RD Parker music teacher Kevin Lewis tells us the Thompson Community Band will be contributing to the city’s Christmas spirit.

Lewis says residents can also enjoy performances from RD Parker students on December 10 and 16, at 6pm and 7:30pm both days.

Find out more about the Christmas concerts on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

RCMP started their Christmas check stops this week. Constable Fenton says they’ll be checking for impaired drivers throughout the month.

An easy way to avoid getting pulled over is by calling Operation Red Nose. The free service is a designated driving program that drives people back home in their own car.

You can contact them throughout December on Fridays and Saturdays, and on New Years Eve at 204-778-8111.

Students and their families will be enjoying a feast at Wapanock School this evening.

Community connecter Johanna Petrowsky says 300 people are expected to attend the dinner which will be followed by performances.

This is the 14^th annual feast, which aims to bring together the community to celebrate the coming of the holidays.

Your car extension could be a fire hazard. Brian Smiley with MPI is telling drivers to reduce the risk by looking for cracks or damages on their car extension cord.

Thompson Fire Chief John Maskerine says around 2 cars a month catch on fire this way in the city.

Drivers can prevent a fire by replacing damaged cords with a new one that is meant for outdoors.

Our Home Kikinaw had their building and bowling bowl-a-thon over the weekend.

Event organizer, Bobbi Montean says the event was a success with 22 bowlers, and over $1000 raised.

The money will be going towards completing a second home. Low-income families can apply to live in this house at Our Home Kikinaw until Friday, December 12. 

This weekend is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

The YWCA, the Thompson Crisis Centre, and students from UofM have organized the REDdress project on December 5.

The REDdress project is an awareness initiative to focus on the issues of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

Everyone is invited to attend. The event is taking place at the YWCA and starts at 11am. 

The Cold Weather Policy has been utilized 3 times so far this season.

The policy provides the homeless a warm shelter for nights when the temperature drops to -35. Mayor Dennis Fenske says it’s a needed policy, especially due to the conditions experienced here in Thompson.

Citizens who need shelter can register at the homeless shelter.