The Board of Directors of Westman Communications Group (WCG) recognizes Bud (Eagle) Keys’ outstanding contributions and leadership as they announce his upcoming retirement as President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 1, 2027. Keys’ distinguished career in telecommunications spans over 38 years. He joined WCG in August 2012 as Director of Westman Business, where he quadrupled commercial revenues under his strategic leadership. In June 2022, Keys was appointed President & CEO, and by his retirement date, he will have served nearly five years at the helm of the organization. During his tenure as President & CEO, Keys spearheaded transformative growth and strategic initiatives across the Cooperative. Under his leadership, WCG expanded its service area from 54 communities to over 90, successfully completed the acquisition of a Dauphin-based fixed wireless provider (Rionet), and oversaw the sale of WCG’s radio stations to Pattison Media. He also oversaw the deployment of innovative new platforms to enhance service delivery for members. Beyond his operational achievements, Keys represented WCG as a recognized panelist at numerous industry conferences and held prominent leadership roles on the boards of the Manitoba Cooperative Association, the Keystone Centre, and the Canadian Communication Systems Alliance (CCSA). “It has been a privilege to lead WCG and work alongside such a dedicated team over the past 14 years,” said Keys. “I am proud of what we have built together, from expanding our network footprint to launching new platforms for our members. WCG is positioned for a bright future, and I look forward to supporting a smooth transition over the coming months.” Reflecting on Keys’ impact, the Board of Directors commended his commitment to the organization’s vision and community roots.“The Board of Directors would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bud for his vision, leadership, and dedication to growing our Cooperative and serving our members,” said Dan Robertson, Chairperson of WCG’s Board of Directors. “We wish him the absolute best in his well-deserved retirement.” The CEO succession committee, comprised of elected members of the Westman Communications Group Board of Directors, will soon be starting the search for the next leader of WCG. The committee is confident that the Cooperative will continue to grow sustainably for years to come.

Brandon music fans will have two opportunities to see one of Canada’s most recognizable country artists when Johnny Reid returns to the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium next spring. Reid will bring his In Retrospect Tour to the WMCA for performances on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, 2027, both at 7:30 p.m. The Brandon dates are part of a Western Canadian theatre tour announced Monday, which will see Reid visit communities throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The tour accompanies Reid’s upcoming album, In Retrospect, a collection of reimagined classics that have played a role in his musical journey. The album is scheduled for release Nov. 13. Rather than simply revisiting his own catalogue, Reid’s new project looks back at some of the songs and artists that have influenced him throughout his career. The 16-track album includes Reid’s interpretations of songs associated with artists including The Drifters, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Animals, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye and Tom Jones. Among the tracks are Under the Boardwalk, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, House of the Rising Sun, Always on My Mind, Into the Mystic, Sundown, Me and Bobby McGee and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay. The collection also features collaborations with Katie Kadan, Natalie MacMaster and Reid’s daughter, Ava Reid. According to Reid, the project originally began as a series of musical explorations shared online and was never intended to become either an album or a tour. The response from fans, however, eventually changed those plans. “I began working on In Retrospect ... simply [as] a chance for me to look back, revisit some old songs and share little pieces of my musical journey and influences,” Reid said in announcing the tour. “But then something magical happened. You (the fans) responded.” The resulting tour will feature two sets combining songs from In Retrospect with selections from Reid’s own career. For Brandon audiences, the upcoming concerts will mark another opportunity to see Reid at the WMCA. The singer has previously performed at the Brandon venue, where his combination of country, pop and soulful influences has attracted audiences throughout Westman. Reid has enjoyed a career spanning three decades, earning multiple JUNO Awards, releasing a catalogue of Canadian country hits and performing to audiences across the country. The In Retrospect Tour will make its way through the Prairies in early March, with Brandon following stops in Lloydminster, Red Deer, Prince Albert and North Battleford. Tickets for the Brandon performances go on sale Friday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m., with a Tartan Army fan-club presale beginning Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. With two Brandon performances scheduled on consecutive nights, local fans will have two chances to experience Reid’s musical look back — and hear some familiar favourites along with the songs that helped shape his musical journey. The WMCA is located at 205 20th Street in Brandon.

The Keystone Centre is pleased to announce Nate Haller as direct support for Dean Brody and The Reklaws on the Hometown Heroes Tour across Canada this fall. Haller is already back on the road this fall as direct support for Dean Brody and The Reklaws on their co-headlining Hometown Heroes National Tour across Canada.  “I still can’t believe I get to be a part of the Hometown Heroes Tour,” Haller says. “I’ve toured with these guys, opened for them, and been in bands with most of them at some point in my career, so getting to do this tour with them feels like coming full circle. I’m so grateful that the crew wanted me to come out with them - it’s going to be a heck of a time!” Hometown Heroes National Tour September 24 - Toronto, ON September 25 - Cambridge, ON* October 30 - Grande Prairie, AB November 1 - Red Deer, AB November 3 - Cranbrook, BC November 5 - Abbotsford, BC November 6 - Penticton, BC November 7 - Calgary, AB November 8 - Lethbridge, AB November 9 - Moose Jaw, SK November 10 - Edmonton, AB November 12 + 13 - Winnipeg, MB November 14 - Brandon, MB November 17 - Thunder Bay, ON November 19 - North Bay, ON November 20 - Windsor, ON November 21 - Peterborough, ON November 22 - Owen Sound, ON November 24 - London, ON November 25 - Montreal, QC November 27 - Moncton, NB November 28 - Halifax, NS

The Brandon Riverbank is inviting the community to experience the Assiniboine River in a new way at Paddlefest 2026, a full day celebrating paddling, river history, outdoor recreation and community connection. From relaxing on the water to hunting for hidden rubber ducks and hearing stories from experienced paddlers, Paddlefest offers activities for both first-time paddlers and seasoned river enthusiasts. There will be a photo opportunity from roughly 5:15pm to 5:45pm on the 18th Street Bridge to photograph the Sunset Cruise, which will feature a larger gathering of boats paddling west from Riverbank Discovery Centre, down the Assiniboine River. The day’s programming includes: Floating Sound Bath | 12–1:30 p.m. Paddle Bros Brandon will lead an all-levels floating experience designed to help participants relax and experience the river through sound. Rubber Duck Challenge | 1–3 p.m. The Western Manitoba Kayakers will challenge participants to find 150 hidden ducks on the river. Paddlers of all experience levels are welcome. Voyageur Boat Rides | 1–4 p.m. Riversong Wilderness will offer free Voyageur canoe rides, giving participants an opportunity to enjoy the Assiniboine from the water with an experienced guide. History on the River | 1–4 p.m. Keith Waterfield, Executive Director of the Brandon General Museum and Archives will share stories about the steamboats that once travelled the Assiniboine River. All Ages Paddle Panel | 2–3 p.m. Paddlers from different generations and experience levels will share their stories, experiences and perspectives on life on the water. Sunset Cruise | 5–6 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their own boat or board and join a fun group paddle at sunset. Paddle Soirée | 6:30–10 p.m. The evening continues at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre with an opportunity to gather, socialize and enjoy a beverage. Keynote: Mick Lautt | 7:30 p.m. Adventure paddler Mick Lautt will share stories and images from his packrafting expedition on Iceland’s glacial rivers. “Paddlefest was created to help build a community of people who use and respect Manitoba's beautiful network of waterways” said Brandon Riverbank Inc. Executive Director Dean Hammond. “It's about bringing together paddlers (and non-paddlers too) to share adventures, stories and knowledge.” Paddlefest also highlights the many ways people can experience the river, both on the water and from shore, while celebrating the stories and nature that make the Assiniboine an important part of Brandon. Paddlefest 2026 welcomes paddlers and community members of all experience levels. Participants are encouraged to bring their boat, bring their curiosity and spend the day exploring the river.  Paddlefest 2026 Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre and Assiniboine River Saturday, September 26th Programming runs from 12 p.m. through 10 p.m.

Sunrise Credit Union is supporting three major initiatives that make a difference in the lives of Western Manitobans for years to come: • YMCA of Brandon (Prairie Mountain Health Childcare Project) - $100,000 • YWCA Westman (Women’s Campus) - $100,000 • Keystone Centre Foundation - $50,000 “As a member-owned and community-based financial institution, Sunrise Credit Union has a vested interest in the health and well-being of the communities we serve. These three projects address tremendous needs and will have a profound impact on our communities,” said Sunrise President and CEO Tim Klassen. “Families across Western Manitoba depend on regional resources that tie our towns and cities together, meaning that an investment in one community radiates outward to lift neighbours across the entire map. By backing these initiatives, we are looking at the bigger picture: building regional resilience, closing critical infrastructure gaps, and ensuring that no matter where you live in Western Manitoba, you have access to strong, supportive services. We are proud to be able to help support the important work being done by these organizations to create lasting prosperity for our entire region.” The $100,000 to the YMCA of Brandon will help operate a child-care centre on Prairie Mountain Health property, about one block from the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Construction began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. “We are incredibly grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for their continued support of the YMCA of Brandon and the communities we both serve. Their investment in the new Prairie Mountain Health Child Care Centre will help us create a welcoming, high-quality environment for 148 children and provide families with the assurance that their children are receiving quality care,” said YMCA of Brandon CEO Lon Cullen. “With most of the parents expected to be PMH employees from the Westman region working on the hospital campus, this new centre will also contribute to the recruitment and retention of health care employees who provide essential services to people throughout our region.” The YWCA Westman Women’s Campus project is also receiving $100,000 from Sunrise Credit Union. The campus is a six-story facility in downtown Brandon designed to provide emergency housing, supportive spaces and wrap-around services for women and children. “YWCA Westman is deeply grateful to Sunrise Credit Union for its generous donation to the Women’s Campus Project. This early support shows how important this project is to our region and to the communities Sunrise serves,” said YWCA Westman CEO Lois Ruston. “We look forward to continuing to work with Sunrise, its branches, and its members as we create a safe and supportive space for families from across Western Manitoba who need it most. Thank you, Sunrise Credit Union, for helping extend care and hope to survivors of gender-based violence and their children.” Sunrise Credit Union is also donating $50,000 to the Keystone Centre Foundation. The Foundation was launched in the fall of 2025 to support the Keystone Centre's long-term sustainability, upgrades, and accessibility. The Foundation’s fundraising will support the vision for the Green Space enhancement project planned for the Keystone Centre property. “On behalf of the Keystone Centre Foundation, I thank Sunrise Credit Union for their generous contribution supporting the future of the Keystone Centre. Sunrise has long been a strong supporter of our facility, our activities, and the broader Westman community,” said Foundation Executive Director Barry Cooper. “As a cultural and economic cornerstone of our region, the Keystone Centre is where business, sport, culture, and everyday life come together. This donation helps preserve and strengthen the facility for generations to come.” The investments continue Sunrise Credit Union’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves, including more than $260,000 in funding to 26 community projects through the Building Communities Grant Program since 2023, and further demonstrate how credit unions make a meaningful difference beyond financial services.