The 2025 Hope 4 Holden 50/50 Raffle is entering its final stretch with momentum building and the prize pot now exceeding $7,000. Hosted in partnership between the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation and the Hope 4 Holden Organizing Committee, the raffle supports the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Children’s Project and helps fund research into a rare disease affecting local six-year-old Holden Stewart. Holden was diagnosed in 2021 with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A‑T), a degenerative disorder that affects movement, coordination, and immune function. With no cure currently available, fundraising efforts like this raffle are vital to supporting promising research and offering families hope for the future. “We’ve been blown away by the support from the community,” said Derrick Stewart, Holden’s dad and one of the organizers. “It’s not easy sharing our story, but the response reminds us we’re not in this alone. Every ticket sold fuels real hope — not just for Holden, but for families facing A‑T across North America. There’s also a strong connection between A‑T and cancer research, so the impact of this fundraiser reaches far beyond one rare disease.” The raffle closes Friday, June 13 at 5:30 PM, and is open to residents of Manitoba aged 18 and older. Tickets can be purchased online at hope4holden5050.com. The campaign is generously supported by 2025 sponsors: Crosier Kilgour, Crane Steel, Shanks Golf, West Hawk Marine, Wheat City Electric, Farm House Consultants, Teranet Manitoba, Cando Rail, Light and Me, Brandon Maintenance, Brandon University, and Four Seasons. To learn more, visit hope4holden.com

Located on Park Ave and 16th Street the all new Kongo's is open for business. Kongo's is a brand new restaurant inside NeXgen Family Entertainment Center! With eight big comfy booths, it's the perfect spot to sit, relax, and chat about all the fun you've had. Whether you just traveled through far away lands in the Hologram Zoo, tackled a VR escape room, or took down a horde of zombies, Kongos is here to refuel you with delicious eats. From delicious pizza, hearty pasta, and tasty apps to fresh salads and sweet treats, there's something for everyone. Come hungry, leave happy!

Technical Producer Brad Smith and Team Lead Vern Riddle are joined alongside Bobcat head coach Grant Wilson. Volleyball Manitoba's 2025 Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Ceremony was held Sunday, June 8 in Winnipeg with WCGtv/Westman Communications Group earning volunteer of the year honours. WCGtv has been providing Brandon University Bobcat coverage for close to 40 years and that loyal service was on full display for the entire country to see. A talented crew of 24 staff members – the overwhelming majority being volunteers – assembled to produce 11 matches for the U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship – presented by Sunrise Credit Union from March 21-23. Over 200 hours of pre-production went into the lead up for nationals and 13 cameras were utilized during the tournament to provide fans with the best viewing experience possible. Brad Smith served as technical director at nationals and during the Canada West regular season he is in the director's chair. Smith works alongside play-by-play announcer Tyler Crayston to produce 10-minute pre-game shows for each game and together build a rundown that includes graphics and in-house produced videos that feature both the host Bobcats and visiting teams. During the near 40-year run, on-air talent has included Jeremy Sawatzky; legendary basketball coach Jerry Hemmings; former Bobcat volleyball star Brendan White; current Winnipeg Wesmen SID David Larkins, Volleyball Manitoba Hall of Famer Kevin Neufeld and Vegas Golden Knights' broadcast host Daren Millard. Over the last 10 years, Bobcat volleyball alum Pat Thompson has been a staple on Canada West TV broadcasts and was on the call during the historic gold medal match won by the host Bobcats. In the early years of the partnership, WCGtv also teamed up with Assiniboine College media production students to give them an opportunity to develop their skills before heading out into the work force. WCGtv has earned multiple accolades following the 2024-25 season. BU Athletics also honoured the broadcast team with the Bobcat Booster of the Year award back in April. WCG-TV crew list for U SPORTS Men's Volleyball Championship Team Lead/Audio Vern Riddle Technical Producer Brad W. Smith Director Brice Perkins Producer/ISO Director Cole Davenport Technical Director Katrina Spangler Graphics/Assistant Producer Kenzie Jordan Cameras Kevin Spooner Daniel Oluwadare Connor Ramsey Ryan DeGroot Jay Oleson Joshua Kutzan Shawn Cao Jeff Perkins Replay Operators Matt Dunn Carson Kearns Production Assistants Matt Schroeder Keira Stephens Master Control Travis Eilers Cullen Shaluck Administration Terry Wildeman Engineering Support Brad Tesarski Troy McKenzie Assiniboine College Advisor Greg Sherris (Source: BU Bobcat News)

City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services is pleased to announce the official opening dates for outdoor summer amenities. This includes the return of FREE Spray Parks across the city as well as the outdoor Kinsmen Pool, located at 411 Park Street. Spray Parks will open on June 6, 2025. All spray parks are available for use on a first-come, first-served basis. The spray parks operate daily throughout the summer months. There are three unsupervised and two supervised spray parks. Unsupervised spray parks:  Stanley Park – 1500 block of Princess Ave. Kin Park – Aberdeen Ave & 1st St. Valleyview Community Centre – 77 Whillier Dr. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through the summer months.  Supervised locations:   Rideau Park – 305 Park St. Westridge Spray Park and Paddle Pool – 61 Silverbirch Dr. Hours:  June: 4 - 8 p.m. Monday - Friday; 12 Noon – 8 p.m. Saturday & Sunday July: 12 Noon - 8 p.m. daily August: 12 Noon. - 7 p.m. daily The outdoor Kinsmen Pool will open on June 15, 2025 and will offer a variety of scheduled activities including: • Public Swim • Family Swim • Lap Swim • Adult Swim Children under the age of 7 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian aged 13 years or older. The admission rates are as follows: • Infants (Under 2 years): Free • Children (2–12 years): $5 • Youth/Seniors (13–17 years & 55+): $6 • Adults (18–54 years): $7 • Families (2 adults & up to 5 children): $18 Payments can be made on-site at the Kinsmen Pool using cash or debit card. This year, 10 swim punch cards are also available for purchase at the Kinsmen Pool. Please bring your own towel and any necessary amenities. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted, but glass bottles or containers are prohibited on the premises. “We are pleased to invite everyone to enjoy these outdoor spaces during our Manitoba summers,” said Perry Roque, Director of Parks and Recreation Services. “Our dedicated teams are diligently working to ensure that these areas are safe and enjoyable for everyone.” The City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services provides a variety of recreational programs throughout the year. For more information, including the Summer Recreation Guide, please visit brandon.ca.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) kicked off the Connecting Westman Tour in Rivers on May 29, 2025. A total of $4,095 was raised, with all proceeds going to the Riverdale Early Learning Centre. This total includes a matched donation from WCG, significantly boosting the centre's efforts to enhance existing programs and support the development of the Riverdale Early Learning Centre, and a planned second facility designed to provide expanded, high-quality childcare and early learning opportunities for young local families. The Connecting Westman Tour is a unique, community-focused initiative where WCG hosts charity barbecue lunches throughout the summer. Hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks are offered with donation-based pricing, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to a nominated local charity. WCG then matches the total amount raised, amplifying the community’s support for its own causes. “Our first stop on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour was very successful,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “Rivers residents showed up in droves to support such an important initiative in the community, and we’re glad to provide an avenue for fundraising. We are excited to keep the Connecting Westman Tour going throughout the summer.” The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider but as a dedicated community partner. Remaining stops on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour include Deloraine (June 19, 2025), Shoal Lake (July 24, 2025), and Virden (August 28, 2025). For more information about Westman Communications Group and the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding consideration, please visit WCG Connecting Westman Tour.