On June 20, 2025, at 9:50 p.m., officers from The Pas RCMP responded to a report of a house fire located on Hunter Drive in Cormorant.
As officers were enroute to the scene, a further report was received that a firefighter had been assaulted by a 29-year-old male during the execution of his firefighting duties.
The fight had been stopped by other firefighters and the two parties separated with the 29-year-old fleeing the scene.
The fire was then extinguished with no reported injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Pas RCMP have issued a Warrant of Arrest out for 29-year-old Scott Wishart who is wanted for Assault and Uttering Threats.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact The Pas RCMP at 204-627-6204, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The Pas RCMP continue to investigate.

The neighbouring communities of Flin Flon and Cranberry Portage were greatly impacted by the wildfires raging in northern Manitoba, as they were evacuated from their homes. The Pas Fire Department received a call for assistance to help with the evacuation.
“We received a call from Flin Flon Fire Chief Jason Kuras on May 28 at approximately 16:30,” said The Pas Fire Department Fire Chief Byron Shangraw. “This was shortly after the evacuation notice was given to the citizens of Flin Flon and surrounding areas. He requested a crew to assist with the evacuation and suppression of the wildfire.

The Town of Swan River has honoured two Swan River iconic leaders by naming two upcoming streets after them.
Dick Walker Trail and Glen McKenzie Bay will be the official designations of two new streets as part of a future residential subdivision north of the Rotary Soccer Fields and Orville Minish Field.
“These names are more than just markers on a map, they are lasting tributes to two men whose dedication, leadership and service have left a mark on our town,” said Town of Swan River Deputy Mayor David Moriaux, during an unveiling ceremony held on Thursday (June 19).
Moriaux recognized Glen McKenzie’s achievements during his time as part of the Town of Swan River council, which he was part of from 1988 to 2018, 23 years of which were as Mayor.
McKenzie was instrumental in building bridges between communities, notably through his role in the first Treaty Land Entitlement agreement between Swan River and the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation (SCN) in 2012, laying the groundwork for reconciliation and mutual respect. Since that time, SCN has also established two more Urban Reserves, and Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation has also developed an Urban Reserve.
McKenzie also helped form the G7, a coalition of Swan Valley municipalities that contributed to strengthening shared goals.
“One of his biggest accomplishments was the establishment of the 2014 Wellness Centre – a project that, despite its challenges, has become a key component of health and well-being in our community,” said Moriaux. “He also championed the Medical Services Recruitment and Retention Committee, ensuring that Swan River remained a place where families could access quality healthcare.
“Today, Glen McKenzie Bay stands as a symbol of leadership, vision and community spirit.”
McKenzie also was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, as a recognition of his service and commitment.
“I’m honoured to have a street or a bay named after me,” said McKenzie. “When you join municipal government, you never think about those kinds of things. In the 30 years I was in municipal government, I was very fortunate to have very good people to work with.
Dick Walker – who passed away in 2014 – was also recognized for his life dedicated to volunteerism and community service. He was a long-time member and president of the Swan River Rotary Club for more than 20 years, and served in the Swan River Valley Agricultural Society for 50 years. His passion for conservation was also evident in his 30 years of volunteer work with Ducks Unlimited.
From 1972 to 1980, Walker served as a town councillor, and even after his term ended, he remained involved through the Parks and Recreation Committee. He was also a driving force behind the Richardson Recreation and Wellness Centre, and the visionary behind the Duck Mountain Forest Centre, a project that continues to benefit our Valley’s environment and education.
Walker was also recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, as a testament to his lifelong commitment to making Swan River a better place.
“Dick Walker Trail will now serve as a lasting reminder of his generosity, his passion, and his enduring impact on our community,” said Moriaux.
Walker’s son, Bob Walker, accepted the honour on behalf of his late father.
“(Dick Walker) would be extremely proud of this,” he said.
Both the McKenzies and the Walkers received a replica street sign for themselves, and the official markers will be installed at some point in the future when the streets for the subdivision are further developed.

Presenting Swan Valley Regional Secondary School’s Class of 2025!  Graduates celebrated their final year of high school on Friday (June 20) with ceremonies, a banquet and dance.

The saying used to be “Go West” to seek your fortune and opportunity. But if you’re already as far west as you can get, perhaps the saying is now “Go East”.
That’s what the Northern Manitoba Blizzard’s new head coach is doing. Coming off a championship season that saw their coaching staff depart for a new opportunity, the Blizzard have hired Ty Valin to lead what was a very young, but talented hockey club.
Valin has deep ties to hockey in Alberta and British Columbia, contacts and experience he hopes to parlay into a successful move to the MJHL. A native of Peace River, Alta., and Valin played his junior hockey with the Grande Prairie Storm and the Bow Valley Eagles of the AJHL, as well as the Vernon Vipers and Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL. He won a Centennial Cup in 1999 as a defenseman with the Vernon Vipers, proving he knows what it takes to win a championship. He also played college hockey at a pair of Alberta secondary schools before transitioning to coaching, last guiding the Fernie Ghostriders of the KIJHL two seasons ago.

Last week, The Pas’ Devon Park hosted the National Amateur Disc Golf Tour (NADGT) on June 7. Disc Golf is a new sport catching on and growing in many rural and northern Manitoba communities.
“Disc golf works just like regular golf in scoring and play etiquette,” said The Pas Devons Park Disc Golf President Mark Armitage. “The only difference is that you throw a hard plastic disc. At a metal basket on a course designed like a golf course. Players registered with the Professional Disc Golf Association will also get a rating for playing in a tournament.

Getting into Driver’s Education through MPI has posed a real challenge, as there have been long wait lists due to a lack of trained driving instructors. Opaskwayak Cree Nation woman, Nicole Tornquist, has taken the wheel and gotten into the driver’s seat by owning and starting her own business, Tornquist Driving School.
“I’m a First Nations woman from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, located on Traditional Treaty 5 Territory,” said Tornquist. “I’ve lived in The Pas my entire life, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to help people. This has always been my passion.

Swan River’s Kal Tire once again hosted their annual fundraising barbecue on Friday (June 13), with hundreds of meals being served to loyal patrons and community supporters looking to support a local cause while having a great meal. This year’s fundraising support went to the Heyes School Parent Advisory Committee, which is raising money for some outdoor playground upgrades...

The Sam Waller Museum is welcoming a new curator to be a part of the team in preserving the unique and collaborative history of the tri-community area. Catherine (Cate) Gilpin is originally from Ontario and has an extensive education in history. Combining that with her hobbies, she will be an excellent addition to the staff at the Sam Waller Museum.
“I grew up in a few different places around Southwestern Ontario,” said Gilpin. “I'm originally from Toronto but spent most of my childhood through to early adulthood around Milton and Kitchener-Waterloo, so I always tell people Milton is my hometown.

Close to 50 students graduated from Assiniboine College at its convocation ceremony, Friday afternoon.

Following a blessing by Elder Reg Nepinak, Parkland Campus director Carol Stewart gave some opening remarks, followed by greetings from AC president Mark Frison, as well as greetings from Kayla Gillis of the Assiniboine Alumni, welcoming the graduates to the association.

Abigail Worrall, one of 12 students from the Practical Nursing program, then gave her valedictorian speech, stating it was an honour for her to deliver the address.

Worrall began by stating she had applied on a whim for the Practical Nursing program two years ago and just three days before the program began.

On her first day, she said, she sat down in her seat and was immediately overwhelmed with imposter syndrome.

“I questioned myself. Do I belong here? Am I smart enough to fill this seat?” she said, adding she was sure every graduate in attendance entered their program of choice with the same questions and not knowing if they would succeed  and doubting their own capability.

Worrall noted she soon realized a valuable lesson that carried her through her journey.

“We are capable of so much more than we let ourselves believe. It is only when we let go of those toxic doubts, start to believe in ourselves and begin to see our full potential that we can truly thrive,” she said.

“Now look at us today, celebrating the remarkable achievement that is graduating.”

Suddenly, she added, those distant doubts feel so silly and meaningless. Graduation day, Worrall said, testifies to the hard work, dedication and sacrifices they all made.

“But today is also a testimony to how capable, intelligent and deserving we are of this success. We have worked irelessly to reach this milestone and now, here we are, at the threshold of a new chapter, ready to turn the page into the unknown of the real world,” she said.

Worrall noted during the first year of school, Minegoziibe Anishinabe (formerly known as Pine Creek First Nation), gifted the campus a sacred bison skull, a symbol of strength and resilience.

Elder Reg, she said, met with students to share its profound spiritual meaning.

“I can vividly recall his words as he spoke about the bison, how it charges straight into the storm, meeting it head on without hesitation,” she said, adding Elder Reg told students to be like a bison, to face every storm, every challenge and every hardship with courage, not to run from it, but to push through it.

His teachings, Worrall said, resonated with her, leaving a lasting impression, guiding her through every test, every sleepless night and every setback she encountered during her time at the college.

“As we now begin to transition into our careers, we undoubtedly will endure plenty more obstacles. Let us all carry this powerful lesson along with us, remembering the strength of the bison to confront whatever adversity we may face,” she said.

Worrall then directed her comments to those who taught them, stating none of the graduates would be where they are today without the guidance of the dedicated, inspirational and passionate instructors.

“They have been with us every step of the way, offering encouragement and support, uplifting us to be the best possible versions of ourselves. With unwavering patience, often answering the same question 10 times or more, their hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed,” she said, adding a heartfelt thank you to her instructors on behalf of the Practical Nursing program students.

“You have not only taught us the clinical skills required for the nursing profession, but also the compassion, empathy and resilience needed to thrive in this demanding field. Your devotion to our success has made a lasting impact and profoundly shaped our lives and nursing careers,” she said.

“We will deeply miss the classes, skills labs and practicums with you immensely. Your exceptional guidance in the Practical Nursing program has been invaluable and we owe our success to you.”

Worrall then turned her thoughts to the students’ families and friends, who, she said, were beaming with pride and probably a little relief that they were finally done with their education.

For the full story and list of grads, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.