Thompson RCMP is investigating two separate weapons-related incidents, including one stabbing.

At around 10:19 p.m. on Monday, police responded to a report that multiple people carrying weapons were chasing another person near Highland Towers.

As police were responding, they received an update that someone was stabbed on Princeton Drive past Station Road.

The victim was found by officers with non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Thompson General Hospital.

Earlier on Monday afternoon after 3 p.m, police received a report of a man who had a knife pulled on him outside Princeton Tower South.

The report indicated two youth stole the man’s jacket and phone, and no injuries were reported. One of the youth was seen wearing a black jacket and orange hat.

Anyone with any information on either of these incidents are asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-3905 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You can also submit a tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

More details have emerged regarding Tuesday morning's train derailment near Portage La Prairie.

The train involved in the accident was a Via Rail train traveling from Churchill to Winnipeg.

The train was traveling about 100 kilometres per hour before derailing at around 6:45 a.m.

Emergency crews attended to the train’s occupants, and no one appeared to be seriously injured.

The train’s two locomotives and one car came off the line.

The exact cause of the derailment is not known at this time.

The Thompson RCMP had their hands full last week dealing with a couple of unwanted persons calls, as well as a break and enter.

On Boxing Day night just before 11 p.m, police received a complaint that someone broke into a home on Lynx Cresecent and passed out inside.

Officers found the intoxicated 17-year-old male youth and took him into custody. The youth faces multiple charges, namely break and enter and breaches of a court order.

Another incident on Boxing Day occurred just before 7:30 p.m, where RCMP responded to a complaint of an unwanted person at a Wolf Street residence.

Once they arrived, police found an intoxicated 28-year-old man who gave them a false name.

After officers determined his real name, further inquiries revealed the name had a warrant for his arrest and was in a breach of a court order. The man is currently in police custody.

Another unwanted person report was filed Dec. 28 just before 4:30 a.m, this time at a home on Martin Bay.

When police found the suspect, they identified the unwanted person as a 22-year-old man from Winnipeg.

The man also had a warrant for his arrest and was bound to court release conditions to reside in a residence in Winnipeg.

The man was arrested and taken into custody.

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services and RCMP had a busy 24 hours respondong to two fires.

The fire department first responded to a residential fire on Cree Road yesterday evening at approximately 6:35.

While the fire was contained, the residence is a total loss. Both tenants were able to escape the residence with injury, but the building sustained significant damage.

Then just after midnight, the fire department and local police were called to another fire, this time on 35 Fox Bay.

The building was being evacuated when Fire and EMS and the RCMP arrived.

RCMP says one person was reported to have jumped from the second story of the apartment, and was later located by police uninjured.

The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported, and was believed to have started in the kitchen area of the building.

One man is dead following a fatal vehicle rollover on Highway 6.

At approximately 8:20 pm, on Dec. 21, Grand Rapids RCMP received a report of the rollover,  located approximately ten kilometers north of Devils Lake.

The investigation has determined that a SUV, being driven by a 58-year-old female from Nelson House, was heading northbound when it lost control and entered the ditch and rolled. Road conditions were reported to be icy.

The 51-year-old male passenger, also from Nelson House, was pronounced deceased on scene.

The driver and passenger were both wearing seatbelts and alcohol is not a factor in the collision.

Grand Rapids RCMP, along with a Forensic Collision Reconstructionist, continue to investigate.

One Thompson man was arrested over the weekend after pretending he was a police officer.

RCMP received the complain Saturday morning of man approaching people on Beaver Crescent and telling them he was a police officer doing patrols.

Police found the intoxicated 19-year-old, who was identified as the suspect.

The man was arrested and taken into custody for impersonating a peace officer.

The suspect was released once he sobered up, and is to appear in court at a later date.

One youth was arrested following an incident at the local bowling alley.

On Friday night after 11 p.m, police responded to a complaint of a group of youths bothering customers at Striker’s Lounge.

Officers conducted patrols, which resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old boy who was hiding a hatchet on his person.

The youth was released to appear in court at a later date.

Thompson RCMP is investigating an incident involving a taxi cab.

On Dec. 20 at approximately 10:45 PM, police received a complaint that a taxi had dragged a passenger several feet after it had stopped to drop off the passenger, and the passenger began to exit the vehicle.

The passenger sustained minor injuries and was not hospitalized.

Based on the evidence obtained, the cab driver was identified and arrested, and was later released to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Transit service in the city will be up and running in the New Year.

At a special meeting on Thursday, Thompson city council awarded the municipal transit contract to Maple Bus Lines, with transit service resuming on Jan. 2.

In a press release, the city says Maple Bus Lines will provide its services at an hourly rate of 27 dollars, which will increase by three per cent annually until the contract ends in June 2024 for a final cost of 30 dollars and 40 cents.

Highlights of the new transit system include having a main route that runs from 7:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon, discontinued Saturday service, and an express route that operates only during peak hours in the day that’s focussed on student service.

The city says there will be fare increases phased in over the five year period, but a rate has not yet been determined.

The full cost breakdown from Maple Bus Lines and competing bidders can be found on thompson.ca

The Northern Health Region has released its Community Health Assessment, and substance use continues to be a significant issue in the area.

The NRHA saw nearly 56 hundred residents diagnosed with a substance use disorder between 2010/11 and 2014/15.

The health authority says that represents 10.8 per cent of the NRHA population aged 18 and older, and is higher than the provincial average of 5.9 per cent.

The Northern Health Region says much work has gone into improving care for those with substance abuse disorders. Those include the RAAM clinic that was built in Thompson, enhanced harm reduction initiatives such as take home naloxone kits to prevent death from opioid overdose, and making safer drug use equipment available across the region.

On the flip side, teen births have decreased considerably in northern Manitoba.

The adolescent birth rate went from 104.6 per 1000 females aged 15 to 19 to 85.6 between 2012/13 and 2016/17.

The NRHA says teen births can sometimes be related to negative outcomes for both the mother and the child, due to it being linked with social inequalities such as poverty.

The health authority says it’s worked on programs to support healthy pregnancy, including increased support in the prenatal programs by public health nurses.

The NRHA adds that teen clinics cater to the needs of the adolescent population and healthy sexuality programs, including provision of free condoms and discussions about safe sex practices.

The full assessment can be found on the Northern Health Region's website.

Thompsonites are making good use of Operation Red Nose this holiday season.

The free-ride-home service gave over 90 rides on Friday and Saturday, with over 45 volunteers working through the nights.

Operation Red Nose also collected just over two thousand dollars over the weekend.

If you and your vehicle need a ride home, call Operation Red Nose at 204-778-8111.

UPDATE #2: At approximately 12:18 p.m. it was confirmed that the fire in the crushing area of the Mill Concentrator at Vale’s Manitoba Operations was extinguished. As a precaution, the affected areas continue to be monitored.

The company thanked the Vale Fire Crew and the City of Thompson Fire & Emergency Services for responding to the incident.

UPDATE #1: The fire at the Mill Concentrate is under control and the area is being monitored.

Vale employees were evacuated from the T1 mine this morning.

In a press release, the company says a fire broke out at around 9:30 this morning in the crushing area of the Mill Concentrator at Vale.

Vale explains fire and emergency procedures were initiated, and stench gas was released to alert employees working in the T1 mine as a precaution.

The company adds that all T1 mine employees and Mill employees were accounted for, with the T1 employees moved to refuge stations.

Two mill employees experienced smoke inhalation and were treated, Vale says no other injuries were reported.

Employees at the T3 mines were also moved to refuge stations as a precaution.

Updates will be provided once available.

UPDATE: Avery Ross has been safely located. RCMP thank the public for thier assistance.

Nelson House RCMP are asking for the public's assistance in looking for a missing 17-year-old male.

On Dec. 6 Nelson House RCMP received a report of a missing 17-year-old male from the community.

Avery Ross was last seen on Dec. 5 at approximately 8:30 pm in Nelson House.

Avery Ross is known to frequent Thompson, Cross Lake and Winnipeg.

If you have any information on his whereabouts please contact Nelson House RCMP at 204-484-2837.

The Thompson RCMP issued a plea for help in the homicide case of 29-year-old Bobbie Moose from Misichawayasikh Cree Nation.

On October 17th at approximately 5:10 PM, the Thompson RCMP received a tip from the public that a body was found in the grassy area along Nelson Road, and located the body.

Police have conducted over 300 interviews, and a highly trained search team was flown-in from Winnipeg to help find evidence.

Despite all this work, there is still very little known about Moose’s time in Thompson.

The police know for certain that Moose, who was from  was dropped off by her sister at the Walmart on October 1st, but they are missing where she was, who she talked to, where she stayed, and what she was doing between October 1st and October 17th.

The RCMP say they know someone has information about Bobbie’s time in Thompson during that time frame, and that we as a community must come together to find out what happened.

The police implore the public that if you heard anything, know something, or think you may have seen Bobbie between October 1st and the 17th to please call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909.

Tougher consequences for drinking and driving in Manitoba go into effect on Monday.

The Immediate Roadside Prohibition legislation is an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act, which will increase penalties for drivers who are caught driving while intoxicated.

Constable Sandy Diebert with the Thompson RCMP spoke to Arctic Radio News about the legislation.

"When a driver is asked to provide a sample of their breath roadside and they blow a "warn", what used to be a 24 hour suspension is now a three day suspension with a tow."

Diebert adds that when a driver got a "fail" when providing breath sample, it used to be a straight Criminal Code charge, but now traffic officers have some discretion and can decide to give an administrative suspension instead.

She explains that the legislation will help speed up the court processes, as these types of cases can take a long time to be completed.

Diebert says for the most part, she thinks the amendments will lead to more responsible motorists on the roads, especially during the holidays.

She explains it's important for drivers to have a plan before they go out, and suggests that they either take a cab home or use Operation Red Nose, as impaired driving is preventable.

For more on the Immediate Roadside Prohibition, check out the Government of Manitoba website, or listen in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle program is still looking for volunteers to take on shifts.

Organizers of the Christmas Kettles are asking for those interested to take on a two hour shift between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at various locations around town, including Walmart, Shoppers, and City Centre Mall.

Donations collected from the Christmas Kettles will go towards the Salvation Army food bank to help people in need.

If you’re interested in volunteering for the Christmas Kettle program, call Cathy Brenton-Pelley at 204-307-7253.

Last night, the Forest View Suites South Tower was evacuated due to severe flooding.

Flooding in the electrical room and several high voltage panels had resulted in a significant electrical hazard for residents.

A Reception Centre for South Tower evacuees has been set up in the TRCC lobby. All Forest View Suites evacuees are asked to register at the TRCC reception Centre by 3:00pm today in order to receive emergency support.

Manitoba Hydro is assessing the building and it's electrical equipment before residents can return to the building.

This could take at least 24 hours due to the extent of the damage.

The City of Thompson's Emergency Operating Team will provide updates to evacuees and the public as they become available.

For more information, please contact the TRCC Front Desk at 204-677-7952.

A pedestrian and driver where both charged following a traffic accident on Saturday.

On December 7th at approximately 9:45 PM, the Thompson RCMP were on patrol at the intersection of Mystery Lake Road and Station Road when they observed a vehicle collide with a pedestrian in the intersection.

No injuries were sustained as result of this collision.

The driver of the vehicle was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for failing to yield to a pedestrian and the pedestrian was charged under the Highway Traffic Act for leaving the curb when it was not safe.

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce and UCN will be holding their first Christmas Tree Contest and Auction this weekend.

The contest’s organizer, Charlotte Larocque, says five trees are entered into the contest, with four of them coming from organizations and businesses in Thompson.

Larocque explains that people who weren’t able to enter a tree can still volunteer on the day of the contest and auction or donate prizes and snacks for the event.

She adds that UCN and the Chamber of Commerce hopes this becomes a holiday tradition for years to come.

The Christmas Tree Decorating Contest and Auction will take place at UCN this Saturday at 11 AM.

Proceeds from the auction will be split evenly between the four organizations 100 Women Who Care Thompson will support next year.

The 4th Annual Toy Drive is being held tomorrow.

The Thompson RCMP and Fire and Emergency Services are partnering with the Salvation Army for this toy drive.

The toy and food donations will go towards the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hampers, which will be distributed in our community later this holiday season.

The toy drive will be at the Walmart parking lot from 1 to 4 tomorrow afternoon.

The re-opening of the Thompson General Hospital’s operating has been delayed.

The Northern Health Region stated in an update that the ORs have been pushed from next month to early March.

Craig Hillier, the executive director of clinical services in the Thompson area, clarifies what those delays are.

"There are pieces within operating rooms that need to be specifically manufactured. IN this case we're talking about the doors," Hillier says, adding that each door is custom made for a specific space.

Hillier explains that OR doors are meant to hold pressure within the operating room, and that they have to be sealed shut and opened properly to maintain sterility in the room for patient safety.

He says the hospital is expecting the doors to arrive from Winnipeg late January to early February.

The NRHA says that surgical procedures remain limited to life and limb-saving surgeries and emergency c-sections, but Hillier explains that the hospital has set aside a space for minor, non-urgent procedures that don’t require the sterility of an OR to help shorten the hospital's waiting list.

Three of the four operating rooms in the hospital were shut-down in June, after faulty air conditioning units located above the ORs caused flooding, which resulted in significant water damage.

With the holiday season among us, there is a greater risk of fire as holiday decorations can cause house fires.

That’s why the National Fire Protection Association would like to remind people to exercise caution to prevent the risk of starting a fire.

The association recommends that you choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant, replace strings of lights with worn out or broken cords, use clips instead of nails when hanging Christmas lights, and to keep decorations away from windows and doors.

They also remind people to keep lit candles away from decorations and other flammable materials and to blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.

The numbers are in for Operation Red Nose’s first weekend of Service.

The safe-ride-home service gave 46 rides in total on Friday and Saturday, and had 34 volunteers working throughout the nights.

Additionally, the organization received $990 in donations.

Operation Red Nose will run through the end of December.

If you and your vehicle need a lift home, just call 204-778-8111.

Grand Rapids RCMP are investigating a homicide in the community.

Officers responded to a shooting outside a residence Dec. 2 at approximately 4 p.m.

A 32-year-old man from Grand Rapids was taken to a nursing station, however he'd succumbed to his injuries.

Manitoba RCMP say more details are to follow, and police continue to investigate the incident.

Local police are looking for a driver who sped off without paying at the pump.

The theft occurred Nov. 14 at the Shell Gas Station on Thompson Drive.

The suspect, who drove a gray Mitsubishi SUV, went inside the store and asked for a pump to be turned on, and that he would come back and pay.

The driver did not come back after fuelling this vehicle.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling  1-800-222-8477 or online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

On November 29th, 2019, at approximately 4:21 PM, the Thompson RCMP received a complaint a 9 year-old child had been walking home from school by himself near Princeton Drive and Stanford Bay when he was grabbed by the arm by an unknown adult male wearing a mask and this male had tried to pull him into a vehicle.

This incident was reported to have occurred at approximately 3:40 PM.

This man is described as being in his 20s, having a darker complexion with black, curly hair and brown eyes. He is also described as being approximately 170 centimetres in height. This man was wearing a black hoody with the hood up and wearing a dark green bandana as a mask. The man was also reported to have had blood shot eyes.

The vehicle is described as being a grey Chevrolet minivan or SUV with tinted windows.

After the child had been grabbed, the vehicle drove towards Highland Tower.

It is believed multiple children may have witnessed this incident.

Anyone with information about this incident or with residential video surveillance in the area, is asked to call the Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Two people are in custody after police found meth in a room at a local hotel.

Thompson RCMP executed a search warrant on Saturday morning at one of the suite in the Mystery Lake Hotel, where they found approximately 16 grams of meth along with drug trafficking paraphernalia.

39-year-old Cory Couture from Winnipeg was arrested during the drug bust, and provided a false name to police.

After police found out Couture’s correct identity, they learned he had three warrants for his arrest.

He along with fellow Winnipegger, 48-year-old Melanie Allison Pasaluko, faces multiple charges for drug-related offences.

One man from Split Lake is in custody following a weapons complaint.

Thompson RCMP responded to the complaint on Nov. 29, as First Nations Safety Officers in Split Lake reported a man had shot a firearm at a residence.

As a result of the dispatched information and initial evidence gathered by investigators, the community school, nursing station and band office were requested to initiate their lockdown procedures.

Multiple Thompson detachment members attended the community and the suspect, 29 year-old Sean Alfred Spence of Split Lake, was arrested without incident at a residence in the community.

Spence was found in possession of an air rifle, and faces multiple weapons offences.