Westoba Inspire, Westoba Credit Union’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications during September 2024 for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00. The Inspire program offers funding opportunities for a variety of projects that meet a wide range of ages and demographics. “Westoba Inspire provides an opportunity for our communities to bring their project ideas to reality.” said Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger. “The bi-annual application process gives us an opportunity to see what projects our communities are working on, and how Westoba can help support those efforts”. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes employees, members, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available September 1 - 30th at www.westoba.com. ABOUT WESTOBA INSPIRE Westoba Inspire has supported 40 community projects since it was launched in 2017. To be eligible for funding, projects must support community infrastructure initiatives that are started locally or have a clear local impact; are inclusive and bring people together; are long-term or multi-functional; and promote staying, taking part and engaging in an enriched community.

In a world where food trucks are redefining street cuisine, one name stands out for its unapologetic embrace of indulgence: Dam Fine Deep Fried. Specializing in deep-fried delights, this food truck is scheduled to make it's first appearance at Brandon's Food Truck Warz in 2024. If you’re a fan of golden, crispy, and sweet treats, Dam Fine Deep Fried will be a must-visit destination at this years event taking place at the Keystone Centre from September 13-15. If you’re a fan of golden, crispy, and sweet treats, Dam Fine Deep Fried is a must-visit destination. At Dam Fine Deep Fried, the menu is simple yet irresistible. The focus is on deep-fried cheese curds, a Midwestern favorite, and a selection of deep-fried sweets that will make any dessert lover swoon. Each item is carefully crafted to ensure maximum flavor and texture, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey interior. Let’s start with the savory star of the show—deep-fried cheese curds. These bite-sized morsels of cheesy goodness are coated in a light batter and fried to perfection. The result is a crunchy exterior that encases melty, stringy cheese, making it impossible to eat just one. Served hot and fresh, these cheese curds are the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. For those with a sweet tooth, the deep-fried cheesecake is a revelation. Imagine a slice of creamy cheesecake, encased in a crispy shell, then fried until golden brown. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast between the crunchy outer layer and the smooth, rich cheesecake within. To make this dessert even more decadent, you can choose from a drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or strawberry sauce.   If you think chocolate bars couldn’t get any better, think again. Dam Fine Deep Fried takes classic chocolate bars and gives them a makeover by dunking them in batter and frying them to crispy perfection. The result is a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible treat that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Whether you prefer the rich flavor of milk chocolate, the smoothness of white chocolate, or the intensity of dark chocolate, there’s a deep-fried chocolate bar for everyone. Rounding out the menu are deep-fried cookies, a dessert that transforms an everyday favorite into something extraordinary. These cookies are dipped in batter and fried until they’re golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and chewy on the inside. Each cookie is then topped with your choice of chocolate, caramel, or strawberry sauce, making for a treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. One of the most appealing aspects of Dam Fine Deep Fried is the sensory experience it offers. The smell of frying batter fills the air, drawing in passersby with its irresistible aroma. The sight of golden-brown treats being pulled from the fryer, perfectly crispy and ready to be devoured, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And, of course, the taste—each bite is a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and sweet, leaving you craving more.   In a time when food can sometimes feel overly health-conscious, Dam Fine Deep Fried is a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself every once in a while. This food truck is all about embracing indulgence, offering a menu that’s meant to be enjoyed without guilt. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory like deep-fried cheese curds or craving a sweet treat like deep-fried cheesecake, Dam Fine Deep Fried delivers satisfaction with every bite. So, the next time you’re looking for a culinary adventure that’s as fun as it is delicious, keep an eye out for Dam Fine Deep Fried. Your taste buds will thank you.  

Donald Gregorski had quite a shock when he realized he’d won $500,000 on LOTTO MAX first thing in the morning! “I checked the numbers many, many times,” he chuckled. “Then I waited three and a half hours for my wife to wake up so I could show her our win!” The Brandon local won his $500,000 on the July 19 LOTTO MAX draw; he said he already knows exactly how he wants to spend it. “My main priority is to share with family,” he said. “It just feels absolutely fantastic. Amazing!” Gregorski purchased his winning LOTTO MAX ticket from Co-op located at 1035 Richmond Avenue in Brandon. He won his prize by matching one of the eight MAXMILLIONS draws on the July 19 draw: 7, 19, 37, 42, 44, 45, 50. Source: WCLC News Release

MCKAY BURIES TWO, WENDY''S PREVAIL OVER WESTMAN WARRIORS BRANDON, MB – Jerimiah Jacques scored his sixth goal of the season with 4:11 remaining in the third period and Brayden McKay scored two goals and added an assist as the Wendy''s extended their winning streak to three games with a 6-5 victory over the Westman Warriors at J & G Homes Arena on Sunday. Adding markers for the Wendy''s was Dylan Schrader and Spare Player, Colton Stone each contributing with single markers. Schrader and Nash Stone each added two assists. Goaltender Matt Stephens turned aside 20 shots for the Wendy''s in the victory. Providing the offence for the Westman Warriors was Evan Arch with two goals and Ty Schell, Jonah Lemoine and Rylan Bray with a goal each. Schell added three assists and Ryden Lemoine added two assists. Goaltender Cody Creasy made 18 saves in the loss for the Westman Warriors. The setback halted the Westman Warriors' nine-game winning streak. With the victory, the Wendy''s improve to 9-2-0-0 while the Westman Warriors fall to 9-2-0-0. MUNRO NETS HAT-TRICK, 2112 HOCKEY AGENCY BETTER VIONELL HOLDINGS BRANDON, MB – Will Munro scored a hat-trick and added an assist as the 2112 Hockey Agency extended its winning streak to 12 games with a 7-4 victory over the Vionell Holdings at J & G Homes Arena on Thursday. Adding markers for the 2112 Hockey Agency was Tucker Scantlebury with two goals, Reilly Shamray and spare player each adding single goals. Rene Hunter Jr and Carter Cowlthorpe each added three assists, Scantlebury and Grady Hobbs each added two assists. Goaltender KC Couckuyt turned aside 23 shots for the 2112 Hockey Agency in the victory. Scoring for the Vionell Holdings was Zeanan Ziemer with two goals and Colby Robak and Jaymes Knee each with single strikes. Quinn Shutte added two assists. Goaltender Urijah Moosetail made 24 saves in the loss for the Vionell Holdings. The loss snuffed out the Vionell Holdings' four-game winning streak. With the victory, the 2112 Hockey Agency improve to 12-0-0-0 while the Vionell Holdings fall to 8-3-0-1.

Dale Hutchings, a skilled local handyman, has found a unique way to combine his craftsmanship with a popular backyard game: cornhole. Dale, who began making cornhole boards 1.5 years ago, has quickly turned his hobby into a growing side business, providing custom-made boards to the community. The journey started when he created his first set for his family, with his daughter contributing a special touch by painting the boards. This initial design has since become the foundation for many of his creations. Dale’s attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in the materials he uses. Each board is crafted from 3/4” birch plywood, paired with premium-grade 2x4’s that have fewer knots for added stability. The legs of the boards are designed to fold, making them easy to transport and store. To ensure durability and weather resistance, Dale treats all the wood with a high-grade lacquer, applying two coats to the base, bottom, and legs, and three coats to the top surface. One of the standout features of Dale’s cornhole boards is the level of customization he offers. “I work with each customer on colors, designs, logos, and even bag colors,” Dale says. Whether it’s a simple design or something more intricate, Dale takes pride in bringing his customers’ visions to life. The basic sets typically take 1-2 weeks to complete, while custom orders, depending on the complexity, can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. For customers looking to add an extra flair to their boards, Dale collaborates with Cor Enterprises on Park Avenue, where the boards are enhanced with logos, designs, or words. The designs, which can be up to 12 x 12 inches in size, are created by two skilled ladies at Cor Enterprises. Additionally, Dale has partnered with Accent Striping for customers who want their boards completely wrapped. He can also supply the cornhole bags, ordering them from two different companies that offer a wide variety of color options. Dale emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when placing an order, as the turnaround time can vary depending on his workload and the availability of his partners. To secure a custom order, a 50% deposit is required. Customers can reach out to Dale via email at hutchingsdale1973@yahoo.com or through Facebook Marketplace for additional information and pricing options.. In addition to his standard offerings, Dale also provides options for adding lights and scoreboards to the boards at an extra cost. As demand for his cornhole boards grows, Dale remains committed to delivering high-quality, personalized products that bring joy and entertainment to backyards across the community.