The City of Thompson is looking for 12 volunteers to join the TRCC Wall of Fame Nomination Board.

Applicants should have a background in community leadership, coaching, sports associations or volunteering.

Experience covering local sports in the media, or recognition through a similar program, is also considered relevant.

Applications must be submitted by four p.m. this Friday, by emailing swiseman@thompson.ca or dropping them off at City Hall, 226 Mystery Lake Road.

Full qualifications and application requirements are available on the City of Thompson website.

Colder weather can make it harder for some seniors to stay connected.

Penny Byer with the Thompson Seniors Community Resource Council says people without family or friends nearby can face greater isolation.

The council offers free drop-ins and chair yoga, along with shared meals and other opportunities to meet people.

Anyone nervous about attending alone can call the office for help making that first visit.

Hear more from Penny on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

More than 70 affordable homes for Métis elders and families are planned across Manitoba over the next five years.

The province and the Manitoba Métis Federation have signed an agreement worth 18 million dollars, with each contributing nine million.

The funding will support the Red River Métis Housing Strategy, aimed at addressing chronic homelessness and expanding affordable housing options.

The province says the projects will also create jobs in construction and building maintenance.

With Halloween approaching, Thompson RCMP are reminding families to plan ahead before kids head out trick-or-treating.

Special Constable Rob Cleveland says parents should know where their kids are going and when to expect them home.
 

Cleveland also reminds kids to use crosswalks, avoid distractions while walking, and trick-or-treat on one side of the street at a time.

Drivers should slow down and watch closely for children crossing the road.

For more Halloween safety reminders from Rob, tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Manitoba is putting five million dollars toward expanding children’s autism services through St. Amant.

The province says the funding will help reduce waitlists and improve access to early intervention, behavioural supports and case management.

Changes to St. Amant’s Early Learning Program will also allow more preschool-aged children to receive support each year.

The province is also accepting autism diagnoses from community pediatricians to help families access services sooner.

The government says that change is particularly important for children in First Nations communities and rural and northern Manitoba.

The City of Thompson is looking for 12 volunteers to help recognize local sporting achievements.

The TRCC Wall of Fame honours athletes, coaches, sports organizers and builders with photos and descriptions of their contributions.

City of Thompson Communications Officer Ian Graham explains the Nomination Board’s role.

Volunteers will serve a two-year term. People with experience in sports, community leadership, volunteering or sports journalism are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due October 23rd and can be emailed to swiseman@thompson.ca or dropped off at City Hall. Full application requirements are available through the city’s website.

Thompson voters can cast their ballots ahead of the October 28th municipal and school board elections.

Advance polls run October 15th through 17th, from eight in the morning until eight at night, in the Multipurpose Room at the TRCC.

Voters will elect a mayor, eight city councillors and seven trustees for the School District of Mystery Lake.

Anyone voting must bring government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s licence or passport, or at least two other documents proving their identity.

Election-day voting will take place October 28th in the TRCC’s Bill Comaskey Wellness Centre.

Music students from Thompson, The Pas and Flin Flon will come together at RD Parker Collegiate for the Norman Jazz Festival November 14th and 15th.

Kevin Lewis says the two-day event will give students a chance to develop their skills alongside visiting musicians and instructors.

The final performance will feature students from all three communities, along with six visiting clinicians Lewis describes as some of Manitoba’s top jazz performers.

To hear more from Kevin, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

MKO is calling on Premier Wab Kinew to reconsider his position on criminalizing residential school denialism.

In a release issued Tuesday, the northern Manitoba First Nations organization says it is disappointed with the premier’s support for addressing denialism through education instead.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee says education is essential, but cannot alone protect survivors and families from deliberate hate and harassment.

MKO wants Manitoba to engage directly with First Nations leaders and survivors, and urge Ottawa to work with them on stronger legislative protections.

The Canadian Nurses Association is calling for action to improve access to care as health ministers gather in Winnipeg.

The association wants governments to make better use of nurses’ skills and make it easier for them to work across provincial and territorial borders.

It also wants stronger privacy protections and oversight for artificial intelligence in health care.

CEO Doctor Valerie Grdisa says removing barriers for nurses could help reduce wait times.

The association is also calling for workforce planning that reflects the needs of rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

With colder weather arriving, Thompson RCMP are reminding drivers to get their vehicles ready before the first major snowfall.

Special Constable Rob Cleveland says checking fluids and batteries, packing emergency supplies, and putting on winter tires should be priorities.
 

Cleveland also recommends keeping water, snacks, a sleeping bag, a shovel and a snow brush in your vehicle.

To hear more from Rob on preparing and driving your car in Thompson’s winter conditions tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Thompson voters will have a chance to hear from municipal election candidates at two public forums next week.

The Thompson Chamber of Commerce is hosting a council candidate forum next Tuesday, followed by a mayoral candidate forum next Thursday.

Both begin at seven p.m. at the Letkemann Theatre in R.D. Parker Collegiate.

Residents can ask candidates questions and hear their views on important community issues before deciding who to vote for.

MKO is pushing back against Manitoba’s claim that open hunting areas have Indigenous support.

In a statement released Saturday, Grand Chief Garrison Settee challenged comments from Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Minister Ian Bushie.

MKO says Misipawistik, Pimicikamak and Bloodvein First Nations have called for closures or restrictions over concerns about declining moose populations.

The organization says hunting licences are being issued without meaningful consultation.

It’s calling on Manitoba to suspend licensed moose hunting where First Nations have raised conservation concerns and work with affected communities.

On October 9, 2026, at 8:25 p.m., Pukatawagan RCMP received a report that a male was being treated at the local health centre after an apparent assault.

Officers attending the health centre learned of another possible victim at a residence on Hunt Road. Police left immediately and when they arrived at that location, they located an injured male outside.

The 45-year-old victim was transported to the health centre in stable condition with a stab wound, but his condition worsened upon arrival. The victim was airlifted to hospital in The Pas where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services (MCS) arrived in the community to investigate.

On October 11, 2026, MCS investigators – with assistance from Pukatawagan RCMP – arrested 41-year-old Gabriel Bighetty of Pukatawagan.

Bighetty has been remanded into custody. He is charged with manslaughter without firearm and assault with a weapon.

Pukatawagan RCMP, along with Manitoba RCMP MCS and Forensic Identification Services continue to investigate.

A planned change to recycling responsibility in Manitoba is raising questions about the future of Thompson’s local program.

Thompson City Manager Anthony Mcinnis says the new model would put full responsibility on producers, who could arrange their own recycling services or contract existing operators.

Meanwhile, the Thompson Recycling Centre is looking for volunteer board members. Anyone interested can contact the centre at 204-677-7991.

The Thompson Recycling Centre processed more than 436-thousand kilograms of material by the end of August, but lower prices for those materials are putting pressure on its finances.

Thompson City Manager Anthony Mcinnis says the centre outlined several challenges at the October fifth council meeting.

Mcinnis says prices paid for recyclable materials are starting to rise again. He’s encouraging residents to keep making the effort to recycle.

Thompson RCMP are urging drivers to slow down and watch for pedestrians following concerns about unsafe passing at crosswalks.

Métis Special Constable Rob Cleveland says he’s seen drivers passing vehicles that have stopped to let someone cross.

He’s also reminding motorists to stay alert around schools, where several children may be crossing at once.

Cleveland is also encouraging drivers to leave enough space behind other vehicles, following a recent collision near the high school.

Thompson RCMP are reminding drivers to stop for school buses after receiving complaints about vehicles passing while their lights are flashing and stop signs are extended.

Métis Special Constable Rob Cleveland says some drivers have even moved into the opposite lane to get around a stopped bus.

Cleveland says drivers should leave at least five metres between their vehicle and the stopped bus to give children room to cross safely.

The provincial government announced on September 17th that Manitobans  would no longer be turning our clocks ahead or back.

Instead we will stay on Daylight Time all year around.

Dr. Inna Rabinovich-Nikitin, a Professor of Physiology and Pathophysiology at the University of Manitoba explains why doing so could be beneficial to us.

Dr. Rabinovich-Nikitin went on to say that it would be better to stay on Standard Time because it is a better match for our circadian rhythms.

She adds we need sunlight in the morning to help us set our body clocks so that we have energy in the day and then can sleep better at night.

Hear more about the time change and how it may impact us in the north.  Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.

With flu season approaching, the Northern Health Region is encouraging residents to get vaccinated before respiratory viruses start spreading.

Medical Officer of Health Dr. Natalie Casaclang says getting your shot early gives your body time to build protection.
 

Vaccines will be available through pharmacies, doctors’ offices and public health. For help finding a provider, call 1-844-626-8222.

Hear more from Dr. Casaclang on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Nominations are open for the 2027 Manitoba Healthy Aging Awards.

The awards recognize Manitobans aged 65 and older who make a difference in their communities.

Four categories honour leadership in health-care advocacy, active living, connections between generations and mental wellness.

Nominations close April 30th, 2027. Recipients will be recognized at a ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building.

Nomination details are available on the Manitoba government’s website.

An eight-million-dollar provincial investment will help create a new safe space for Indigenous women and their children in Thompson.

The facility will operate around the clock, offering temporary accommodation for those at risk of violence.

Thompson City Manager Anthony McInnis outlines what the building will include.

Residents will also have access to cultural programming, parenting supports and help finding long-term housing and other services.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.

Every aspect of our life comes with transitions.

Whether it’s school, work, our homes or our relationships, things are often changing.

Caroline Winship, a psychotherapist with Galia Wellness Services has some words of advice to help manage a transition such as retirement.

RCMP have announced 21 new charges against 11 people as part of Project Derry, an investigation into an alleged criminal organization operating in Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

Among those charged is 34-year-old Luke Grieves of Thompson. He faces charges including conspiracy to traffic firearms and reckless discharge of a firearm.

Police say the investigation involved drug trafficking and three shootings targeting homes in June last year.

In total, 35 people have been charged through the operation, and 10 have been convicted.

RCMP say the investigation continues.

Nominations are open for Manitoba’s Excellence in Education Awards.

The awards recognize teachers, school leaders, teamwork and contributions to school nutrition.

Students, parents, teachers, trustees and school administrators can nominate someone who’s made a difference in their school community.

The deadline is December sixth, with recipients honoured next spring.

Nomination forms and eligibility details are available on the Manitoba Education website.

MKO is condemning a Winnipeg Sun opinion column it says attacks residential school survivors’ credibility and distorts the public record.

The northern Manitoba First Nations organization is joining the Southern Chiefs’ Organization in speaking out against the column published October fourth.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee says residential school denialism dishonours children who never came home and undermines survivors’ accounts of what happened.

The organization points to survivor testimony and archival evidence documented through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Twenty-one new charges have been laid against 11 people as part of a 12-month investigation into a criminal organization operating on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation.

The Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team, which investigates serious and organized crime activities in the province, launched Project Derry in June 2025.

The investigation uncovered a criminal organization that trafficked the shipment and distribution of drugs into the community – including cocaine, oxycodone, fentanyl and carfentanil. Individuals working within the organization then distributed the drugs to local traffickers while handling collection and payments, enforcement and the storage and dissemination of weapons.

Last December, RCMP announced charges had been laid against 27 people in connection with Project Derry.

Since that time, MILET officers have continued to gather and review evidence as part of the operation, with support from Oxford House RCMP and local First Nation Safety Officers. As a result of this work, 11 people were arrested or re-arrested over the last three months and charged with new offences.

From June 15-30, investigators worked with Oxford House RCMP and Manitoba First Nations Police Service officers at the Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to arrest or re-arrest nine individuals on charges of conspiracy to traffic firearms. These charges were laid after officers seized 15 firearms during their year-long investigation – including some with obliterated serial numbers.

On Sept. 15, MILET officers arrested or re-arrested five individuals who were already incarcerated in connection with three separate shootings that targeted multiple residences on the Bunibonibee Cree Nation over a five-day period in June 2025. Those incidents include:

• On June 12, 2025, several people shot repeatedly into a residence. A 50-year-old female was hit with a pellet from a shotgun but was not seriously injured.
• On June 13, 2025, several people shot repeatedly into the same residence on Bunibonibee First Nation. One of the people charged was shot during this incident and transported to hospital in Winnipeg for treatment.
• On June 16, 2025, several people shot repeatedly into a second residence. No one was believed to have been injured as a result of this incident.

“These incidents reflect a flagrant and reckless disregard for human life, with multiple homes fired upon in an apparent attempt to threaten, intimidate and harm community members. We are fortunate no one was seriously hurt,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott McMurchy, commanding officer for the RCMP in Manitoba. “We thank our officers for their ongoing efforts to dismantle this criminal organization, bring these individuals to justice and make this community safer for the residents who call it home.”

“Our community members deserve to feel safe in their own surroundings so their families can thrive and live peacefully,” said Bunibonibee Cree Nation Chief Sheila North. “I want to thank the members of our community for standing strong under stressful situations and I want to thank the many people who worked tirelessly to make our community safer, including our First Nations Safety Officers, the Manitoba Integrated Law Enforcement Team and local RCMP members."

In total, 35 people have now been charged as part of Project Derry, resulting in more than 70 criminal charges being laid. To date, 10 people have been convicted as a result of Project Derry.

Since the initial arrests last fall, RCMP have seen a 27 per cent decrease in reports of violent crime in the community, including a 55 per cent decrease in serious violent crimes – such as aggravated assaults, arsons and firearm-related offences.

The investigation continues.

Backgrounder

Eleven people were arrested or re-arrested earlier this month as part of Project Derry. The suspects range in age from 20 to 36 and are from four different Manitoba communities, including the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, Thompson, Winnipeg, and God’s Lake Narrows.

Luke Grieves, 34, of Thompson, Ashley Clipping, 36, of Winnipeg, and Trey Stinson, 22, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation are charged with:

• Conspiracy to traffic firearms;
• Conspiracy to commit reckless discharge of a firearm;
• Reckless discharge of firearm; and
• Discharge firearm with intent.

Four Bunibonibee Cree Nation residents – 31-year-old Dayton Sinclair, 33-year-old Elton Robinson, 31-year-old Justice Grieves and a 17-year-old male youth – have all been charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms. Paxton Wood, 27, of God’s Lake Narrows and 46-year-old Winnipegger Tannis Delaronde are also charged with conspiracy to traffic firearms.

Dean Harper, 20, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation, and Trenton Stinson, 20, of Bunibonibee Cree Nation are charged with:

• Conspiracy to commit reckless discharge of a firearm;
• Reckless discharge of firearm; and
• Discharge firearm with intent.

On September 21, 2026, after an initial investigation involving drug trafficking in Pimicikamak Cree Nation, Cross Lake  RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on North Saggitawak.

Inside the residence, police located crack cocaine, a large amount of Canadian currency, and various drug paraphernalia.

Four individuals were inside the home at the time, and were all arrested without incident.

One of the males arrested, Nakeem Jamar Johnson, 36, from Brampton, Ontario, was wanted on a Canada-Wide-Warrant in connection with an attempted murder investigation. More details on this incident can be found here: https://www.peelpolice.ca/news-feed/posts/man-wanted-for-attempted-murder-since-2023-arrested/

Johnson is now also facing the following charges in Manitoba:

• Identity fraud;
• Resist/obstruct peace officer;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000

The following individuals were also arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000:

• 22-year-old male from Cross Lake;
• 34-year-old male from Fairford; and
• 35-year-old female from Cross Lake

Johnson was subsequently transported by Manitoba RCMP Major Crime Services investigators to Brampton, Ontario, where he is being held for a bail hearing. The remaining three suspects were released on a release order.

Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate.

Federal ministers are pointing to work on a Red Dress Alert pilot in Manitoba as they mark Sisters in Spirit Day.

In a statement released Sunday, they honoured missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people, and acknowledged the families still seeking answers.

The government says it provided 300-thousand dollars to help advance the next steps of Manitoba’s pilot.

Ministers say more work is needed, with survivors, families and Indigenous communities helping guide that response.

Anyone needing emotional support can call the national, round-the-clock crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation aimed at making cannabis stores safer for workers.

Bill 56 would remove the requirement for storefront window coverings, allowing people outside to see into stores and reducing workers’ isolation from public view.

It would also give the province’s Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority power to set minimum staffing levels during certain hours, so employees aren’t working alone when the risk of violence may be higher.

The proposed changes follow discussions with UFCW Local 832 after violent incidents at cannabis stores.

Caring for someone living with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure everything out on your own.

The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba’s Care for You Family Conference takes place October 17th in Winnipeg, offering practical advice and a chance to connect with other families.

CEO Erin Crawford says that shared understanding can help ease the weight caregivers carry.

The conference runs from nine until 3:30. Registration is fifty dollars, including lunch, through alzheimer.mb.ca or 1-800-378-6699.

To hear more from Erin Crawford about finding support while caring for someone with dementia, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

A new memorial park in Pimicikamak Cree Nation honours children forced to attend residential school, including those who never returned home.

Survivors, families and youth gathered last week at the former site of St. Joseph’s Residential School to unveil three red granite monuments.

They recognize former students, identify schools where children from the community were sent, and commemorate the 72 children known to have died while attending St. Joseph’s between 1912 and 1969.

Among them were 12 children who died in a fire in 1930.

Chief David Monias says seeing young people learning alongside Survivors brings encouragement and healing.

Phones, laptops and power tools are part of everyday life, but the batteries powering them can become a fire hazard.

Fire Prevention Week runs October 4th through the 10th, with a focus on rechargeable devices and safe charging.

Thompson Fire and Emergency Services Chief Dennis Benson explains what can happen when lithium-ion batteries overheat.

Benson recommends using the manufacturer-approved charger and keeping charging devices away from exits and anything that could catch fire.

The department is also hosting an open house and community barbecue at the fire hall Saturday, October 10th, from 11 until 2.

Indigenous women and their children will have a new place to turn for safety and support in Thompson.

The Manitoba government has announced eight million dollars toward a new transitional safe space that will operate around the clock.

The Northern Lodge will include ten private studio suites, counselling and program space, a shared kitchen and a dedicated child-minding area.

The project is a partnership with the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre and Infinity Women Secretariat, providing culturally grounded support to help women and families rebuild their lives.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2028.

Years of giving back to the community have earned Al Meston the 2026 Order of Thompson.

The Thompson Community Foundation recognized Meston for his volunteer work, dedication and the time he has spent helping others and making Thompson a better place.

Modelled after the Order of Canada, the honour recognizes lasting contributions through leadership, service and community commitment.

Meston was celebrated at the foundation’s fall gala on September 26th, marking the event’s return after a several-year pause due to COVID.

He joins past recipients including Tim Johnston, Fred Palmer and Volker Beckmann.

Manitoba Hydro is reporting a 446-million-dollar net loss for its latest fiscal year, with severe drought driving up the cost of keeping electricity flowing.

The utility says low water levels reduced hydroelectric generation, forcing it to import more power at higher prices to meet demand.

It was the fourth year of low water conditions in the past five years. Hydro also faced roughly 52 million dollars in wildfire-related costs.

Despite those pressures, work continued on energy projects, including an electric vehicle charging corridor between Winnipeg and Thompson.

Hydro plans to invest nearly 17 billion dollars in its infrastructure over the next decade.

Thompson residents came together Wednesday to honour residential school survivors and remember the children who never came home.

City communications officer Ian Graham says the growing support for Orange Shirt Day offers hope, while reminding people that reconciliation takes continued work.

Graham says the city continues that work through ongoing relationships with First Nations and Indigenous organizations, including partnerships supporting housing and people experiencing homelessness.

Fear of being judged can keep someone struggling with their mental health from asking for help.

With Mental Illness Awareness Week running October 4th to 10th, CMHA Thompson’s Darren Fulford says stigma remains a barrier.

Fulford says reaching out takes courage, and a conversation with someone you trust can be a first step.

Hear more from Darren Fulford on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Missing identification can make everyday tasks, from opening a bank account to accessing benefits, much harder.

At the Thompson ID and Financial Access Fair, people can ask what documents they need and get help figuring out where to start.

Northern Health Region Community Health Developer Yosola Fagade says that first step matters.
 

The fair runs on October 6th, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mamawi Talk Friendship Centre.  

Hear the full conversation with Yosola, tune into Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10.

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is calling for a full police investigation into what it describes as a racist display at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc in British Columbia.

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee says the display is especially painful as residential school Survivors continue to share their experiences.

The organization is also renewing its call for Canada to make residential school denialism a criminal offence.

First Nations chiefs passed a resolution supporting that move in July.

Manitoba is forecasting a 496-million-dollar deficit for this fiscal year. That’s two million dollars less than the province projected in its spring budget.

The first-quarter update shows revenue coming in 294 million dollars above budget, helped by stronger income tax revenue and improved earnings from Manitoba Hydro.

But expenses are also expected to rise by 292 million dollars, largely because of flooding and wildfire response.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala says the province is continuing to invest in health care and disaster recovery.

The operators of the Port of Churchill and Europe’s largest port have signed an agreement aimed at expanding trade between Western Canada and Europe.

Arctic Gateway Group and the Port of Rotterdam plan to connect Canadian producers with European buyers, with a focus on critical minerals and energy products.

Arctic Gateway CEO Chris Avery says the agreement could open new markets for products shipped through Churchill.

The two organizations are also bringing industry and government representatives together for a critical minerals and trade forum in Winnipeg today.

Canada Post has issued four new stamps ahead of Orange Shirt Day tomorrow.

Each stamp is shaped like an orange T-shirt and features artwork by an Indigenous artist.

Three reflect the experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, while the fourth honours Mother Earth.

The designs were developed with guidance from the Survivors Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

The release also marks a milestone in British Columbia: this year’s graduates are the first there to have observed Orange Shirt Day throughout their school years, starting in kindergarten.