Michael Blume, PortageOnline Journalist Profile

Articles

Dennis Nykolation prepares for final Fraserwood concert

3 weeks ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Dennis Nykolation reflects on a career that stretches back more than 70 years, beginning when his parents first encouraged him to practice violin at the age of seven. By 13, he was already playing in adult dance bands in Fisher Branch, Manitoba, joining musicians on accordion, guitar, and drums. He says his musical path later took him to Winnipeg for work, where he reunited with friends to form the Interlake Polka Kings in the early 2000s.
Yoga sessions bring community together at Island Park - open for evacuees

3 weeks ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Robin Bourke, Settlement Worker at the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre, says they are thrilled to launch new community yoga classes at Island Park thanks to a recent grant. "We did receive a grant, and Lynn Bereza is instructing yoga, and we invited the whole community," says Bourke. The first session attracted 22 participants, and the program will continue through June with sessions every Wednesday and Friday at 2 p.m. at Island Park. "We had a good workout yesterday," adds Bourke.
From Portage to Cranberry Portage: evacuee shares heartbreak, hope and gratitude

3 weeks ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Carleen Wollman grew up in Portage la Prairie before moving north about five and a half years ago when her husband joined the RCMP. After spending two years in Moose Lake, they relocated to Cranberry Portage, where they chose to stay even after his initial posting ended. They fell in love with the community and the area, deciding to extend their time there. Despite now facing evacuation for the second consecutive year, Wollman says they remain committed to their adopted home.
Portage Firefighters battle blaze in two homes on Estate Street

4 weeks ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Firefighters were on the scene Thursday, May 29, for some time as they battled blazes in two mobile homes on Estate Street, in the northwest area of Portage la Prairie. Details are not known at this time. These photos and videos were taken between 6:30 and 7 p.m. VIDEO
PCI students launch businesses and give back to community

1 month ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Students in the applied commerce program at Portage Collegiate Institute showcased their business ventures last week after a semester of hard work. The event featured student-run companies offering everything from custom apparel and cleaning services to marketing strategies and community-focused food programs. Gavin Taylor, who teaches applied commerce at PCI, says the event gives students a real taste of entrepreneurship.
Portage library prepares for 47th annual book sale

1 month ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

The Portage la Prairie Regional Library is gearing up for its 47th annual book sale, set to begin June 28 and run through to August 30, just after the Canada Day long weekend. Suzy Laevens, the library’s clerk, graphic designer and longtime book sale coordinator, says it’s the library’s biggest fundraiser of the year and one that continues to grow. “This will be our 47th book sale. I haven’t been doing it that long, but I’ve probably been involved, probably for a good fifteen.
Bezan focuses on Arctic security and military housing as reinstated as shadow minister of defence

1 month ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk–Interlake–Eastman, says he is honoured to continue serving as the Conservative shadow minister for national defence—a role he’s held consistently since 2015, with the exception of a brief post-election stint in 2019. “I’m happy that our position has always been that we will, as Conservatives, always put Canada first; our safety, our security.
Federal commitments could boost safety, trade in Portage

1 month ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Manitoba's municipal leaders are eager to see the federal Liberal government follow through on key election platform promises that could affect local communities. From supporting economic growth to investing in infrastructure to achieving housing affordability and keeping communities safe, communities like Portage la Prairie could benefit.
Summer gas prices expected to hold steady through mid-September

1 month ago | steinbachonline.com | Michael Blume

We can expect summer fuel prices to remain relatively steady over the coming months, with average rates currently sitting between $1.35 and $1.37 per litre in Steinbach. Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, says the shift to summer gasoline blends is already complete, which typically adds about five cents per litre to production costs. However, a simultaneous $10-per-barrel drop in oil prices helped neutralize the effect, leaving pump prices largely unchanged for now.
Golf fundraiser supports anonymous crime reporting in Manitoba

1 month ago | portageonline.com | Michael Blume

Fran Myles, chair of Manitoba Crime Stoppers and a Portage la Prairie resident, says the organization is unique in Canada for offering citizens a way to report crimes anonymously while also earning potential cash rewards. “Manitoba Crime Stoppers is the only organization in the country that provides an outlet for citizens to report crimes safely, anonymously, and hopefully accurately, and receive a reward if the information they provide results in an arrest,” says Myles.