For the past 2 weeks, the people of Brandon have been enjoying a taste of Germany. Ollie’s European Market opened on November 1st and since then customers have been feasting on classic European food like Schnitzel, Rouladen and Bratwurst. Steffen Spiess, one of the owners of Ollie’s says they are overwhelmed and unbelievably thankful for the support they have received thus far. Ollie’s is located at 363 1st St, in the same building where an old Brandon favorite, Hansel & Gretel Schnitzel House used to operate. Ollie’s offers the same great Schnitzel that was served at Hansel & Gretel, and you can get platters of it for 2-8 people available dine in or takeout. The restaurant is currently open 11-6, but they are hoping to extend the hours very shortly. They offer a special lunch menu from 11-3 with lunch favourites like ghoulash soup and Bratwurst on a bun. In addition to the hot menu items that are available for lunch & dinner, you can get mouthwatering homemade desserts like Apple Strudel and Frankfurter Kranz. The restaurant isn’t the only thing you will find there, because they also have a market where you can purchase their 9 different brats and other European foods and spices including German chocolate.  

As the cold weather begins to roll in, CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) is encouraging Manitobans to prepare themselves and their vehicles accordingly for the winter season. “All too often, motorists wait until the first snowfall before preparing their vehicles for winter driving,” says Nadia Matos, manager, external communications for CAA Manitoba. “Now is the time to get your winter tires on and check that your car battery will last the winter months. Even a fully charged battery can lose power when the temperature dips below 0° Celsius.” CAA Manitoba has compiled a list of winter readiness tips for Manitobans to help them prepare for the winter season. • Install winter tires for better traction – On cold and snowy roads winter tires can help reduce your breaking distance by up to 25 per cent. Members can call CAA before Nov. 15 to have our mobile tire service change them for you at home for a fee. • Test your car battery - If necessary, replace it before it fails. Even a fully charged battery can lose up to 30 per cent charge in temperatures below zero. CAA Manitoba will test Members’ batteries free of cost during a service call. • Ensure you have an emergency car kit – Your kit should have water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, batteries, waterproof matches, candles, and cat litter to help create traction under your tires. Add extra mitts, hats, socks and footwear to your emergency kit. • Have your brakes checked - If you’ve noticed any change in the feel of your brakes, or if they’re squealing or grinding, it may be time to have them serviced. With black ice and unpredictable weather, having good brakes can mean the difference between stopping and sliding. • Check your block heater- When you park– is your outdoor plug drawing power? Is your extension cord working with no missing prongs or exposed wires? • Check your lighting system - Make sure all your interior and exterior lights are working. For safe driving, ensure your headlights are aimed correctly. • Top up your fluids - Keep extra fluid in your trunk. Make sure it’s rated for -40ºC. Don’t let your gas drop below half full. • Inspect your wiper blade – Check the condition of your blades if you notice streaking on the windshield. Check for fraying or cracking and remove worn wiper blades and replace them with new ones. • Ensure you have the appropriate winter tools - Keep an ice scraper, small shovel and snow brush handy in your car at all times. While it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready to go, it’s also important for drivers and passengers to be prepared in case of an emergency or if you are stranded. Some additional ways to be prepared include: Have a cell phone battery bank and keep it on you, as well as a charging cable that connects your phone to your vehicle. • Download and register for the CAA app and keep your CAA membership card in your wallet or vehicle so you always know how to contact CAA Manitoba if you are stranded. • Check Manitoba 511.ca for road conditions and closures if you head into a rural area. • Always tell your loved ones where you plan to go and what your route is before leaving on a longer trip in your vehicle. “Member safety is always our top priority at CAA Manitoba,” says Matos. “There’s no better time than the present to ensure you, your loved ones and your vehicle are ready to drive safely this winter season.” For more information about driving safely in winter conditions, please visit our Safe Winter Driving page at caamanitoba.com.

In 2020, a life-altering loss led one local artist (Second Nature Designs & Customs) to rediscover his creative spark, rekindled at a friend’s funeral by fellow artists who encouraged him to pick up the brush. Starting with canvas paintings and murals, he quickly expanded his craft, launching seasonal window displays in 2021, hoping to bring holiday cheer to his community. Inspired by Neepawa’s own Gordy Vincent and family friend Anne Boychuk, both well-known for their seasonal window displays, he felt a calling to continue their legacy. "There was something magical about seeing their work light up the town during the holidays. I wanted to carry that forward," he shares. From intricate Santa scenes to winter wonderlands, his work reflects a blend of personal style and clients’ unique visions. The process of creating these Christmas-themed displays can take anywhere from 1 to 16 hours, depending on the level of detail. “Last year, I spent two overnight shifts on an 8-hour job for Sobeys South End,” he says. But no matter the time, the result is always worth it. Expanding beyond his home base in Brandon, he now serves nearby towns, including Onanole, Minnedosa, and Neepawa. Traveling to these locations adds a logistical challenge, particularly when racing against daylight to complete his work. “It’s a balancing act to make it to each client on time, especially before the sun goes down. But every completed display is its own reward.” Over the past three years, local businesses have been a tremendous support. Many clients reach out directly, drawn to his detailed, joyful displays. Others he contacts directly, introducing his work and offering quotes based on the size and intricacy of each project. Starting in February each year, he also offers cleaning services, a practical follow-up to the seasonal displays. The artist emphasizes that his clients have complete control over the themes and designs. "It’s all about bringing their vision to life," he notes. This year, as he heads into another busy holiday season, he feels deeply grateful for the support from businesses and communities alike, eager to brighten their windows and spirits once again. The seasonal window painting season is now upon us once more. Painting services for the 2024 season begin on November 12th. Interested residents and business owners are invited to reach out for a quote and reserve their place in their schedule.

Today, Bachman Turner-Overdrive, the legendary rock n’ roll band behind worldwide hits such as “Takin’ Care Of Business” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, announced an extensive tour across Canada in April and May of next year titled, Back In Overdrive Tour 2025, stopping in Brandon, Manitoba at Westoba Place on April 17. Multiplatinum April Wine and Headpins, two fellow Canadian rock bands, will open in support. Tickets go on sale next Friday, November 8, with an exclusive pre-sale offer available to Keystone Centre's BACKSTAGE newsletter subscribers. Last year, Randy Bachman revived BTO, and has continued to tour throughout 2024 with a run of US dates wrapping up next week. Led by Bachman, who was recently nominated to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, BTO's latest lineup also includes his son Tal Bachman. With Randy's legendary guitar and Tal's contemporary flair, BTO forges ahead, blending their classic hits with a fresh energy that captivates audiences worldwide. The band\ will also be performing hits from The Guess Who, the iconic classic rock group which Bachman co-founded with Burton Cummings. The BTO legacy lives on, promising unforgettable performances and a continued impact on the ever-evolving rock landscape. "Years ago, BTO rocked Canada coast to coast, sharing the stage with acts like ZZ Top.,” says Bachman. “Now, we're excited to return, bringing along Canadian rock legends April Wine and Headpins. Get ready for a night of 70's classic rock that continues to dominate the airwaves. I'll be playing all the Guess Who and BTO hits with my band, BTO, and with April Wine and Headpins joining us, it's going to be an unforgettable evening. Crank up the hits! Canadian rock is back, and BTO is back!" Bachman has become a legendary figure in the rock and roll world through his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, performer and producer. Bachman has earned over 120 gold and platinum album/singles awards around the world. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio playlists in over 20 countries and over the course of his career he has sold over 40 million records. Randy’s songs have been recorded by a broad range of artists and have been placed in dozens of TV shows, films and commercials. Impressively, his music has provided a veritable soundtrack of the last thirty years of popular music. Canada 2025 Tour Dates: April 1 – Victoria, BC @ Save On Foods Memorial Centre April 3 – Abbotsford, BC @ Abbotsford Centre April 4 – Penticton, BC @ South Okanagan Event Centre April 6 – Cranbrook, BC @ Western Financial Place April 8 – Prince George, BC @ CN Centre April 9 – Grand Prairie, AB @ Bonnetts Energy Centre April 11 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino April 12 – Calgary, AB @ Event Centre at Grey Eagle Casino April 13 – Lethbridge, AB @ VisitLethbridge.com Arena April 15 – Regina, SK @ Brandt Centre April 17 – Brandon, MB @ Westoba Place at Keystone Centre April 19 – Winnipeg, MB @ Canada Life Centre April 24 – Kitchener, ON @ The Aud (Kitchener Memorial Auditorium) April 26 – Toronto, ON @ Great Canadian Resort Toronto April 28 – St. Catharines, ON @ Meridian Centre April 29 – Peterborough, ON @ Peterborough Memorial Centre May 1 – London, ON @ Canada Life Place May 2 – Ottawa, ON @ The Arena at TD Place May 4 – Sudbury, ON @ Sudbury Arena May 5 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell May 7 – Saint John, NB @ TD Station May 8 – Halifax, NS @ Scotiabank Centre

Country music artists Sawyer Brown, Shenandoah, and George Fox delivered an energetic country music triple play at the Keystone Centre in Brandon on October 27. Scramble Studio's Jeremy Champagne was on-hand to capture the photos below for bdnmb.ca