Reservations for Manitoba campgrounds open next week and staggered dates will be offered to make it easier for outdoor enthusiasts to book a site at their favourite campground, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced today. “We thank Manitobans for their commitment in acting on the advice our health-care experts to stay home for the benefits of themselves, their loved ones and their community,” said Guillemard. “It is through their dedication and actions that we are able to allow Manitobans to continue to visit our provincial parks, and we are pleased to open up our campgrounds for the season, with additional safety measures in place. I believe this is welcome news for many Manitobans and their families. “I encourage everyone to keep practicing the fundamentals of good hygiene and social distancing while at home, and especially while enjoying some quality time outside with their loved ones, whether camping, at the cottage and throughout our beautiful parks.” Manitobans are reminded to take advantage of the new opportunity to buy a park vehicle pass online as part of the province’s new e-licensing program that launched earlier this year. To accommodate the expected high demand on the opening day of the parks reservation system, online and call centre services will begin at 7 a.m. at http://prs.gov.mb.ca, 204-948-3333 (in Winnipeg) or 1 888-482-2267 (toll free). Check the website for call centre hours on other days. Customers making online reservations are advised to check their user IDs and passwords prior to May 4. For more information, visit www.manitobaparks.com. The Manitoba Parks Reservation Service will accept bookings in two phases: •    May 4 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for Winnipeg Beach, Betula Lake, Big Whiteshell, Brereton Lake, Caddy Lake, Falcon Beach, Falcon Lakeshore, Nutimik Lake, Opapiskaw, Otter Falls, West Hawk Lake and White Lake campgrounds; and •    May 6 at 7 a.m. campsite reservations open for all remaining provincial park campgrounds. As part of Restoring Safe Services:  Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery, additional measures will be in place and enforceable under the public health order, the minister noted. Campers are reminded that current public health orders limit gatherings to 10 people or less and people must continue to practice good hygiene and social distancing protocols. Provincial parks will implement enhanced cleaning procedures and sanitization of public washrooms and shower facilities in the campgrounds. Staff will be monitoring to ensure social distancing is adhered to, especially in public areas like beaches and recreation areas. For more information visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/phase-one.html#parks. In addition, campers are reminded there is currently a travel ban north of the 53rd parallel, with certain exceptions for essential travel. While the ban is in effect, anyone from southern Manitoba should not be travelling to a campground in the north. If making a booking for a northern campground (anywhere north of Lake Winnipeg), confirm the travel ban has been lifted prior to the planned camping trip. Out of province campers and visitors must follow the public health orders related to travel including a requirement to self-isolate for 14 days when entering the province. Walk-in reservations and in-person payment arrangements can be made at 200 Saulteaux Cres. in Winnipeg and will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning May 4 for the parks and facilities described above. Be aware that public access to the building is limited due to COVID-19 protocols and may require queuing outside. Online or call centre reservations are preferred. For more information on the e-licensing program or to purchase a park vehicle pass when the program, visit www.manitobaelicensing.ca. Manitobans can also stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following Manitoba Parks on Facebook or Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks. (Province of Manitoba News Release)

BDNMB.CA had a chance to talk to former Brandon Wheat King and Dallas Stars first round draft pick Scott Glennie.   Many people do not realize that Scott now calls Brandon home as he works as a player agent for 2112 Hockey Agency and College Hockey Family Advisor How has the Covid 19 virus effected your professional life and also social calendar: No more trips , and my social calendar doesn’t exist. Couldn’t tell you what day of the week it is most of the time. Why are you not playing hockey today: Embarrassingly enough. A bunion . And a cheese toast (bad) surgeon . Do you have an interesting skill that people wouldn’t know about: Great cook Favourite dating APP: Crazy question . Rather not say TV show you could watch 20 times or more: Seinfeld Are you close with Wheat King alumni and if so who: Well there’s a few of them , had a great time at Andrew Hayes wedding . And I’ll shout out Jon Gaudet even though the guy was in way over his head for his 10 games.  Also can't forget J Pap and Brendan Walker Favourite meal: Steak , potatoes Biggest regret in life: Going to Vegas with garbs in 2012 Guilty pleasure: Grilled cheese sandwich Most respected coach or person during your hockey career: Kelly McCrimmon Trump or Biden, and why: Not overly political person but at least Trump can make me laugh Would you like to be a guest on Bar Rescue: No . Can’t take that guy screaming about nothing Worst pick up line:  Do you know who I am ? Biggest celebrity you have met: Eric Church Favourite NFL team: Was New England but I’m sticking with Tom . Bucs

Earl has lived in Brandon for the past 16-years. He is a Level 4 umpire, softball Canada. Current job title: Supervisor, Inspections, Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Authority Which is the most underrated fruit: Bananas, not only are they good but they can assist with hydration and muscle recovery, which can be critical for umpires wearing the gear on hot days.  First Job: I was a fuel administrator for the Texaco/Esso gas station operated by Canadian Motors. What movie/TV character, fictional or other, does your personality most resemble: Hmmm, tough one.   I would say I'm part Dwight Schrute from The Office,  part Chandler Bing from Friends.  I think I'm pretty serous and dedicated to work but also pretty sarcastic, and sometimes only entertain myself.  Lol  You can only eat 3 items for the rest of your life, name them: Ribs, Cheeseburgers and Chicken Alfredo.  What web site do you visit most often: Well it used to be the Score for all my sports news and stats before this pandemic interfered with my hobby! Favorite all-time Wheat King: probably have to say Jordin Tootoo here but we have been lucky to have so many great players develop in Brandon. You get locked inside a Wal-Mart alone for 24-hours, how would you pass the time: I'm not sure I've been in there more than 20 minutes so I'm not sure.   I'm sure I would be opening the largest smart tv and some other electronics to pass some time!  I hope they have some sports books or magazines in that section.   Could you lock me in Canadian Tire, Princess Auto or Home Depot next time?  What NHL player from the 80's would thrive in today's NHL: I am sure there are a few like Brian Lawton that would today with less physicality.  I can't remember a lot of that type of player because I was so busy watching the Oilers dominate.  I'd love to  see the points they would put up in today's NHL.  I will add though a player from the early 90s and say I really think Marty Murray would have a different career if he was born 20 years later.  Your favorite YouTube Channel: I use YouTube for do-it- yourself stuff, customer product reviews, and Android tv information mostly. Three movies everyone should have in their movie library: only 3 , that's difficult but Slapshot, Moneyball and Rudy.  Honorable mentions: Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator and John Q Who, or where, would you haunt if you were a ghost: oh I think there is a pretty good group of friends I have hung out with,  been in sports drafts with,  umpired with,  that I would be around to prank,  I wouldn't say haunt.   You know I also wouldn't forget about my family especially the sisters and brother in laws! I could however haunt boyfriends/girlfriends of my nieces/nephew.   Just for fun, I also wouldn't neglect a few coaches I've had discussions with over the years. What celebrity Chef would you most like to make you a meal: Does Guy Fieri count? What was the last thing you took a photo of on your cell phone: I have actually been taking more pictures than normal with my phone and finally an easy question!  I rescued a 8 week old puppy a couple weeks ago who has kept me busy with more than the camera.   She's been a great distraction, a lab cross and her name is Lola.  Cue the music.  If you could pick one animal to be your permanent sidekick, what animal would you choose: Easy,  as above, I love dogs, I just wish they had the life span of a turtle. What would be the most amazing adventure to go on:  Well I still haven't gone white water rafting and there is a lot of baseball stadiums and NHL arenas I would love to see.   I would like to check out MSG for sure and the rest of New York,  but not any time soon! Water slide, ferris wheel, synthetic mini-hockey rink, or micro-brewery....what would you most like to install in your backyard: water slide or the rink.   I know a few weak goalies who could come over I could shoot on and feel good about myself!  Dream dinner party guests (4): Mark Messier, Joe West, Nolan Ryan and Jerry Seinfeld As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up: like every kid that changed a few times, I knew early on I needed a back up plan to playing in the NHL.  I remember a time thinking a chef, a veterinarian, a teacher and an accountant. What songs take you back to your teen years: lots of 80s stuff.  Growing up on the farm, we had one tractor with a radio and i listened to 580 AM.  I listened to a variety of stuff, from Van Halen and Def Leopard to Phil Collins and Glass Tiger. What sport would be funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to: Broomball, but i'm hearing good things about that legends football league,

Zach signed with the Vegas Golden Knights after finishing his collegiate career in March of 2018. He made his NHL debut later that year (April 5, 2018) against the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers. This season the 6-1, 209 lb defensemen suited in 16 games for the Knights, picking up one assist. The former Brandon AAA Midget Wheat King and Virden Oil Capital recently took time out of his schedule to answer our 20 questions. Your fast food guilty pleasure: Cold stone if that counts, if not, don’t really eat fast food Any game day rituals/superstitions: have to put fresh laces in at morning skate for the game What animal would be most terrifying if it could speak: either a bear or a snake Your dream golfing foursome includes yourself and these three individuals: Joe Rogan, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson What as your first car: 2001 Dodge Dakota crew cab Soft- or hard-shell tacos: soft You win the Stanley Cup, what three locations in Brandon would you like to visit with the cup: hospital, the schools I went to, generic spot for friends + family to see it What was your best subject in school: business How did you get your sweater # with the Knights: Assigned number Finish this sentence: “I can’t live a day without my….”: hypervolt, take my massage gun everywhere with me Who or where would you haunt if you were a ghost: the boys A former teammate with the Virden Oil Capitals who one day will make a great coach: Ben Williams, former Southwest Cougar Favorite all-time sports movie: Bad News Bears or Dodgeball You have friends visiting Vegas for the first time, where are you taking them: Jjanga or Oyshi (all you can eat sushi) Would you rather go hang gliding or whitewater rafting: Whitewater rafting How do you relax after a hard day at the rink: hot tub for a bit and some TV Who’s your go-to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to: Morgan Wallen First job you ever had: Tamarack flag boy, and a Co-Op produce worker Do you hit the snooze button or wake up immediately: always wake up immediately, can’t start the day being lazy

Brandon's Brayden Payette recently captured curling's world junior gold (U21) as Team Canada toppled Switzerland 7-2 in the championship final. Payette (second) spent this season with Team Gauthier from the Assinaboine Curling Club in Winnipeg. What motivates you to work hard: the result in the end, example of curling all my life and winning gold this year makes it all worth it. Would you rather have unlimited sushi for life or unlimited tacos for life: unlimited tacos! You have to assemble a celebrity (non-curlers) co-ed curling team to enter a bonspiel, who do you choose (1 male, 2 females): Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Anniston, Mila Kunis! What was the last movie you went to? What did you think: Fast and Furious, loved it because it’s my favourite series. In the evening would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie,or read: play games with family or friends! Which county has the most passionate curling fans: Canada! What is your biggest pet peeve with modern technology: people not talking when you ask them something and they are busy on their phones The NHL is planning an exhibition game in Brandon, what two teams would you like to see face off against one another: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Vegas Golden Knights! You have to spend 3-months training in Russia, what three "Canadian" food items do you take with you: burgers! Pizza! Bacon! Where is one likely to find you when you're not curling: with friends, or at home relaxing! Who would you most like to sit next to on a 10-hour flight and why: Colin Hodgson! The guys always has interesting stuff to talk about and is always wanting to talk and easy to talk to! Where is the most interesting place you have visited: Krasnoyarsk! Who or where would you haunt if you were a ghost: my cousins because it’s always fun to scare them! What goal are you working on now: working forward, and someday hoping to make the brier! If a crystal ball could tell you anything about your future, what would you want to know: what my curling future has in store for me! Which song or artist are you too embarrassed to say you listen to right now: none! I’ll tell anyone what I’m listening to! What animal would be the most terrifying if it could speak: a lion or tiger! If you could jump into a pool full of something, what would it be: jello! Three must visit restaurants in Brandon: Wendy’s! Tavern for wings! Fast fired! Curling and softball are known as very social sports, What sport would be the funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol too: hockey or tennis!