Councillor vows to keep serving despite charges

WINNIPEG — Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt vowed Thursday to continue doing his job after more criminal charges were laid against him this week, while the mayor called for “better tools” to address elected officials who face serious allegations.

Wyatt, 56, was charged Monday with sexual assault and administering a noxious substance in an October 2023 incident. He was previously charged with sexual assault and administering a noxious substance in March, based on allegations tied to a 2025 gathering.

On Thursday, Wyatt arrived at city hall and quickly walked to his office at 10:20 a.m., nearly an hour after the East Kildonan-Transcona community committee meeting he planned to attend was scheduled to begin.

He answered few questions from reporters.

Former Wheat King Borsheim dies at 47

Former Brandon Wheat Kings player Les Borsheim died Tuesday at 47.

As a tribute, here’s the profile on Borsheim that ran in The Brandon Sun on Jan. 29, 2019 as part of the Wheat Kings alumni series.

Les Borsheim’s life isn’t what he once would have imagined, but the former Brandon Wheat King remains grateful for all he’s been able to see and do.

Now 39, Borsheim was badly injured in a 2008 motorcycle accident that has left him in a wheelchair. He can still find the blessings around him.

Bauer inks two-year contract extension with Jets

The Winnipeg Jets have packed quite a punch with their latest player signing.

Popular defenceman Tyrel Bauer inked a two-year contract extension Monday — one that could very well see him make his NHL debut sooner than later.

Bauer, 24, was a restricted free agent this summer. The new pact will pay him US$875,000 if he’s on the Jets this season and US$250,000 if he’s in the American Hockey League with the Manitoba Moose.

The two-way contract switches to a one-way deal for 2027-28, meaning he makes NHL money regardless of where he plays.

Goldeyes win franchise record 13th consecutive game

The 2026 Winnipeg Goldeyes are swimming in uncharted waters.

A 7-5 comeback victory over the Chicago Dogs on Thursday night at Blue Cross Park was no ordinary affair. It marked the 12th straight win by the club, establishing a record for the 32-year-old organization.

“A little bit surreal,” manager Logan Watkins told the Free Press inside the clubhouse.

Historic, too. And maybe a bit shocking.

For most kids, first efforts to earn some money are often motivated by the desire to purchase a specific item.

For Logan Pandolfi, age seven, his first step into entrepreneurship came last year with his potato growing business “Welcome to Logan’s Potatoes.” But there’s more to Logan’s fledgling entrepreneurship than growing and selling potatoes. It’s a meaningful way to spend time with his dad, and he’s learning the art of philanthropy.

Last year, Logan received so much support from friendly local businesses, his dad encouraged him to donate some of his earnings back into the community and Logan happily donated $200 in supplies to two animal shelters.

“I really stress to Logan that we always want to be known and remembered as good people that think of others,” said Logan’s dad, Ryan Pandolfi. “Being a good, kind-hearted person is so important.”

Culture minister says province to cover repair cost after Islamic centre targeted

WINNIPEG — Government officials were left scrambling Friday to explain why the province is paying for repairs at a mosque recently targeted in a potential hate crime after a $1-million security enhancement fund was fully allocated in June.

Culture Minister Nellie Kennedy promised members of the Rahma Islamic Centre Thursday night that taxpayers would cover the estimated $3,000 cost of replacing windows shattered by pellet-gun shots.

“Since we formed government, we haven’t seen this kind of direct attack on a religious institution,” Kennedy said in an interview Friday.

“Let me be clear — we’re always going to support any religious institution who faces this kind of direct attack in any way that we can. At this point, it doesn’t matter if it’s a church, mosque, a synagogue,” said the minister, who was appointed in late 2024.