The body of a woman who was reported missing last week was found in McLean Park.

35-year-old Cora Lee Wood was discovered in the park on Sept. 24 at around 2:30 p.m., and her identity was confirmed Sept. 28.

Wood was reported missing on the night of Sept. 22 after last being seen at an establishment on Selkirk Avenue on the evening of September 18^th.

The cause of death is not considered to be criminal in nature, and the investigation continues.

Thompson RCMP is asking the public for help in relation to the death of 52-year-old Craig Lafoy Clemons.

Clemons was found unresponsive outside a facility on Nickel Road on August 21^st of this year, and was later taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

He was last seen leaving the YWCA at 10:25 p.m. and is believed to have been in the downtown area.

Clemons is described as being 5'8" and weighing 150 pounds.

Anyone who may have seen or interacted with Clemons on the night of August 20^th or the morning of August 21^st is asked to call the Thompson RCMP at 677-6909 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be submitted online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Tech Manitoba has been providing free digital literacy training to underserved communities, most recently in Lynn Lake and Mathias Colomb First Nation.

Paula Canas, the program director of the non-profit’s DigitALL program, says they partnered with the Northern Manitoba Sector Council to “help bridge the digital divide.

Tech Manitoba states confidence in digital literacy is generally lower in Indigenous youth, newcomers, low-income earners, seniors, and in rural and northern communities.

Canas explains when they initially announced the free training for those communities, the sessions filled up quickly.

She goes on to say participants appreciated the course, as this was the first time many of them learned about basic computer skills, and hopes to continue to provide courses to northern Manitoba communities so that residents can develop those skills closer to home.

Hear the full interview on digital literacy on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

The Take Back the Night walk is back next week after a one year hiatus.

The Thompson Crisis Centre organizes the walk as a way to spread awareness about domestic violence in the community.

The centre decided not to hold the walk last year due to the surge in COVID-19 cases last fall.

The rally and march will be next Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Robin’s Donuts.

Participants are expected to follow COVID-19 public health orders.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.

MKO is having a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for its new Food Bank later today.

The new food bank is located on 31 Nelson Road, and the grand opening event will begin at 1 p.m.

The food bank is run by the Urban Initiatives program at MKO.

It’s open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, and is closed during the noon hour.

Those wishing to contact the food bank can do so at 677-1637 or 677-1638.

The general manager at the Thompson Co-op Gas Bars says Fuel Good Day went fantastic.

The fundraising event took place Sept. 21, where five cents from every litre sold and $1 from every slushie purchase went towards the Thompson CMHA, Hope North, and the Thompson Crisis Centre.

Alvaro Filipe adds the three charities hosted a free barbeque at the new gas bar, where people donated money directly to the groups.

Filipe says while he doesn’t have the official amount raised as they’re waiting to hear back from the Federated Co-op, he anticipates they exceeded what they set out to raise.

He goes on to thank the community for supporting the cause.

The University of Brandon’s women’s basketball team is making a trip up to Thompson to host a basketball clinic with RD Parker Collegiate students and staff interested in the sport.

The team will arrive in Thompson Sept. 24, and will hold a practice game at 6 p.m. at the high school. Then on Sept. 25 at 10 a.m, a free youth basketball clinic will be open to high school students, which will be followed by an intra-squad game at noon and a coaches’ roundtable at 7 p.m.

COVID-19 measures will be enforced throughout the event.

Thompsonite Adrianna Proulx is a senior on the team, and is leading the team after the 2020-21 season was cancelled due to the pandemic.

For more information, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon, or visit gobobcats.ca.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) says with the many promises made on the campaign trail for the federal election, it plans to hold the newly formed government accountable on those promises.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee congratulated Justin Trudeau on his re-election, adding that he appreciated the support First Nations received over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He urges all MPs elected Monday to work closely with First Nations to ensure treaty rights are upheld and recognized.

Settee adds there’s much work to be done when it comes to reconciliation, and cooperation is important in closing the gaps between First Nations and non-Indigenous communities.

He goes on to thank northern Manitobans who voted in the election, and expressed admiration to all Indigenous candidates who ran in the race.

Fox Lake Cree Nation began their Unity Walk for residential school survivors on Saturday.

The over one thousand kilometre walk began in Gillam, and walkers are to arrive at the Manitoba Legislature on September 30^th, the same day as Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The walk, led by Fox Lake Councillor and residential school survivor Sophie Lockhart, started with 20 people, and is expected to grow as they’re joined by supporting communities.

Lockhart says the community is also calling on government to provide increased addictions and healing supports closer to home.

Those wishing to support the walk can contact Lockhart at 431-285-3510 or slockhart@foxlakecreenation.com.

Any donations not used to support the walk will go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.

On September 16, 2021, at 5:40 pm, Pukatawagan RCMP officers attended to the airport to transfer a 19-year-old male over to Manitoba Sherriff’s for a flight to Winnipeg. The accused was scheduled to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on September 20, 2021, on charges of Robbery and Fail to Comply with Probation.

The accused, who was in handcuffs, was escorted to awaiting Sherriff’s officers where, during the prisoner exchange, the accused ran off on foot into the wooded area and was pursued by officers who lost sight of him. A search of the area did not locate the 19-year-old male.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Kelly John Castel for being Unlawfully at Large. He is described as being 5’10”, 130lbs with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing black sweat pants, black sweat shirt and a black baseball cap.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kelly Castel is asked to contact the Pukatawagan RCMP at (204) 553-2045, call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

Pukatawagan RCMP continue to investigate.

The annual Terry Fox Run is a taking place this Sunday, and there’s still an opportunity for interested parties to register and gather pledges.

It’s an opportunity for the Terry Fox Foundation to raise money for cancer research.

It has have raised at least $850 million across the globe.

It will be a virtual event this year due to the ongoing pandemic, as participants are asked to walk, run, or bike on their own or within their bubble anytime on Sunday.

For this year’s local run, organizer Samantha Leahy says the fundraising goal for Thompson is $1, 500.

Thompson has raised $925 as of September 16.

For more information or to register, visit terryfox.org or the Terry Fox Run Thompson Facebook page.

NDP candidate Niki Ashton made a campaign stop in the city yesterday morning to talk about labour issues over at the United Steel Workers Hall.

Ashton was joined by Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske, who stated workers need someone on Parliment Hill who will stand up for working people.

Ashton adds that this is especially true for our riding, stating sectors in the region contribute millions to the nation but aren’t seeing the favour returned.

She adds the NDP will push back against foreign ownership and unfair labour tactics, and will promote supports for women and racialized workers.

The two other main parties also have labour-related issues as part of their platforms, with the Conservatives stating it will take immediate action to help the hardest hit industries like tourism, as well as securing opportunities for women and young workers.

Meanwhile the Liberals say they will expand and extend their recovery programs they have in place and double the Union Training and Innovation program.

Ashton’s name will be on the ballot Monday, alongside Conservative Charlotte Larocque, Liberal Shirley Robinson, Green candidate Ralph McLean, and Dylan Young from the People’s Party of Canada.

The Independent Investigation Unit is looking into the death of man in the custody of Thompson RCMP.

On Monday evening at 6 p.m., the man was arrested under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act and was held in the local detachment.

At 11 p.m, he was found unresponsive in his holding cell, and was taken to hospital where he died the following day.

Since the death occurred under the watch of the RCMP, they notified the IIU on Tuesday.

Any witness or individuals who have information or video footage that may help the investigation are asked to call the IIU toll free at 1-844-667-6060.

On September 14, 2021, at approximately 9:40 am, Thompson RCMP received a report of a sexual assault that occurred on September 13, 2021, at approximately 9:30 pm. A 16-year-old female was walking home on a trail leading to Lynx Crescent, close to the Deerwood park area, when she was grabbed by an unknown male and sexually assaulted. The victim suffered injuries and was transported to Winnipeg hospital.

The male is described as Indigenous in appearance, approximately 5’8”, average weight, with thin eyebrows, a crooked nose, and a short beard. He was wearing a black Nike sweater, black pants, black Air Force 1 sneakers, a black tuque, and a black medical mask around his neck.

If you have information, please call Thompson RCMP at 204-677-6909, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.

RCMP have no other reports of sexual assault in this area, but do caution the public to avoid walking on the trails alone, if possible; walk without headphones so you are aware of your surroundings; and if you are confronted, be loud and yell for help.

Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin has announced self isolation or quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19 will be reduced to 10 days from 14.

Roussin says the evidence supports the shortening of the self isolation period to allow people to get back to school and work a bit sooner and doesn't pose a signifcant risk.

Additionally, COVID-19 immunizations will be starting next week for young people at school based clinics during school hours. It will begin with low immunization areas with local health regions working with schools to set up schedules.

Public Health reported 41 new cases of COVID-19 today with 21 in Southern Health and 12 in Winnipeg, with single digits in other regions, including two in the Northern Health Region.  There are three active cases in the Thompson/Mystery Lake District.

Rehearsals for the Thompson Community Band will kick off tomorrow.

Director Kevin Lewis says the rehearsals will return to RD Parker Collegiate’s band room, and they will follow the public health orders in place to ensure everyone in the band is safe.

Lewis adds participants will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and will need to provide proof of vaccination.

He says new members will need to let him know beforehand if they’d like to join due to the current measures in place.

While public health orders allow, band rehearsals will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more on the Thompson Community Band, or visit rdparkermusic.com.

Vale is working diligently to clean up a contained spill of nickel concentrate on company property after a storage tank failed at the Manitoba Operations earlier today.

At approximately 5:50 a.m., the storage tank failure released nickel concentrate slurry into the parking lot near the main entrance of the Concentrator. The release was contained on site with no injuries and no subsequent risk to employees or contractors.

Vale responded immediately with a clean-up effort focused on the surrounding area that is expected to be completed over the weekend. During this period, traffic into the plant site is reduced to a single lane.  

The appropriate authorities, including the Environmental Emergency Response Team from Manitoba Conservation and Climate, were notified and all parties are working collaboratively to ensure a safe and complete cleanup. An investigation into the cause of the failure is underway.

The concentrator is the first step in separating valuable minerals from waste. Nickel concentrate at Vale’s Manitoba operation contains roughly 17% nickel.

Eligible voters can cast their ballots for the federal election at the advance polls starting today.

The advance poll is located at the Elections Canada office at 55 Station Road, and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. beginning today until Monday, Sept. 13.

Elections Canada spokesperson Marie-France Kenny says voters also have the option of voting with a special or mail-in ballot, however they must be returned by Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

Both electors and employees are required to wear masks at the polling locations, and physical distancing and hand sanitizing will be enforced.

Registered voters should have received their voter card with their polling location for the September 20^th election. They can also check their registration status at elections.ca.

Candidates for the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski riding are Niki Ashton for the NDP, Charlotte Larocque for the Conservatives, Shirley Robinson for the Liberals, Ralph McLean for the Greens, and Dylan Young for the People’s Party of Canada.

EDITING NOTE: Corrected from Shirley Jackson to Shirley Robinson in the fifth paragraph.

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention is holding a virtual event tomorrow afternoon to recognize World Suicide Prevention Day.

Spokesperson Erika Luoma says suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in Canada, as there was an average of 4, 121 suicides per year between 2013 and 2018.

Luoma adds suicide rates in Manitoba surpass the national average, with the province's rate at 13.4 people per 100, 000 people, compared to just over 11 people per 100, 000 across Canada.

The virtual event will take place tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m, which will feature presentations from a group of panelists about their experiences with suicide, which will then be followed by a Q-and-A session.

Visit suicideprevention.ca for more information, or hear the full interview with Luoma at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon on Thompson Today.

A local union has put together a drive-thru celebration to commemorate the Labour Day Long Weekend.

United Steelworkers Local 6166 President Warren Luky says they will be handing out hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks, as well as kids bags.

There will also be speakers at the event, including Mayor Colleen Smook, MLA Danielle Adams, and MP Niki Ashton.

Luky says it’s important to commemorate Labour Day, as it highlights the work labour movements and organizations have done to develop and uphold workers’ rights from both the local level and across the globe.

The celebration will be held at 19 Elizabeth Drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 6.

People interested in volunteering can call 204-677-1700 or show up at the USW building on Monday at 8 a.m.

To hear the full interview, catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee expressed his relief after Brian Pallister formally stepped down as Manitoba’s Premier yesterday.

In a statement, Settee said the organization was pleased to know that Pallister’s term came to an end yesterday, explaining it’s a positive step forward for the province.

He goes on to state that it’s in Indigenous peoples’ best interest that they never have to experience a Premier like Pallister again.

Settee adds MKO looks forward to working with a Premier that’s committed to truth and reconciliation and working with First Nations.

Former Deputy Premier Kelvin Goertzen was sworn in as interim Premier yesterday, a position he will hold until the PCs select a new party leader on October 30^th.

Following the shooting that occurred last month on Pipe Road that resulted in a man getting shot, local authorities have made an arrest in connection to the incident.

20-year-old Liam Heickart is in custody and is facing numerous weapons-related charges for the August 17^th shooting.

Officers have also recovered the firearm that’s believed to have been used in the shooting.

The investigation continues.

Organizers of the Thompson Terry Fox Run are encouraging residents to register to take part in this year’s event.

Much like last year, this year’s run will be virtual where those taking part can walk, run, or bike either on their own or within their bubble in order to lower close contacts and potentially spreading the COVID-19 virus.

One of the organizers of the local run, Samantha Leahy, says they hope to raise 15 hundred dollars this year for The Terry Fox Foundation, which uses the money for cancer research.

This year’s Terry Fox Run will be on Sunday, September 19^th.

Those interested in registering can do so at terryfox.org.

Catch Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon to learn more.