Winnipeg Jets fans in Brandon and the surrounding area turned out in full force today as the Whiteout Hype Tour rolled into town, bringing excitement, energy, and a wave of blue and white to the Shoppers Mall. Running from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the event saw a steady stream of fans eager to show their support for the Jets ahead of the playoffs. Jets merchandise was flying off the shelves from the Jets Gear trailer, with fans snapping up everything from jerseys and hats to foam t-shirts and rally towels. The atmosphere was electric, with families, kids, and longtime fans proudly donning their Jets gear. Adding to the fun were beloved mascots Mick E. Moose and Benny, who were on hand for photos and plenty of high-fives, bringing smiles to fans of all ages. “This is just awesome,” said one attendee. “You can really feel the playoff buzz. It’s great to see this kind of energy in Brandon.” The Whiteout Hype Tour is making stops across Manitoba, building excitement and uniting fans across the province as the Jets gear up for their postseason run. Today’s stop in Brandon was a clear success, proving once again that Jets Nation runs deep beyond Winnipeg.

As a member-owned financial institution, Fusion believes that success should be shared.  At the Annual General Meeting held last evening via webcast conference, Fusion announced a $1.26 million return to members in the form of patronage allocations and cash pay-outs to select members.  The $1.26 million in total returns for 2025, based on 2024 results, includes a patronage allocation of $800,000, plus an estimated $468,000 in cash payouts to select members. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” states Darwin Johns, Chief Executive Officer at Fusion Credit Union.  “This return is more than just numbers – it’s a reflection of our commitment to helping our members and our communities thrive.” A patronage allocation is a value returned to a member of Fusion Credit Union based on their relationship with the credit union.  The patronage amount is a portion of interest paid and earned during the past year and varies from member to member.  All patronage allocations are retained in a Surplus Share account and select member groups receive cash payouts. The credit union is returning value directly to those who make our communities strong.  “From family farms to small businesses to individual households, every dollar reinvested back to our members helps to strengthen our communities,” says Johns.  “The return is our way of saying thank you for trusting us with your financial journey.” This year an estimated $468,000 will be paid out in cash to members 65 years of age and older and those under age 19, as well as members who hold over $15,000 in surplus shares.  A new addition this year is a cash distribution of over $82,000 to non-profit or charitable organizations.  All eligible members will receive their pay-outs in May, while patronage allocations will appear on member statements in April 2025.  Over the past seven years, Fusion Credit Union has rewarded members with over $10.9 million in patronage allocations and cash pay-outs. “Our success is built on strong relationships, and this $1.26 million return is just one of the many ways we can show our appreciation to our members,” says Johns.  “We care about our communities and the people who live in them.  When we succeed, we all succeed together.”

The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 in one-time grant funding to ensure the continued success of Dauphin’s Countryfest, Premier Wab Kinew and Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today. “As Manitobans are increasingly impacted by tariffs down south, it’s important to preserve the organizations here at home that create economic activity, drive tourism and support culture – making us proud,” said Kinew. “Supporting this event will make sure country music lovers can continue to kick off their summer with first-class entertainment.” With the help of more than 2,000 volunteers, Dauphin’s Countryfest is the longest-running Canadian country music festival. In addition to internationally well-known and well-established headliners, the festival frequently showcases local Manitoba-based artists, noted the premier. “Dauphin’s Countryfest has played an important role in launching the careers of Manitoba artists and is a driving force in supporting the vitality of the Dauphin area and community,” said Kennedy. “Our government is proud to provide this grant funding to ensure the festival’s continued success.” Dauphin’s Countryfest is an important event for the City of Dauphin, which relies on the festival’s success to provide important investments that drive economic activity in the region, noted the minister, adding the festival also supports a variety of community initiatives and organizations. “Our board is beyond thrilled with the provincial government’s acknowledgement of just how vital a role we play in Manitoba,” said Duane McMaster, president, Dauphin’s Countryfest. “We are truly thankful to be able to invite all Manitobans to once again join us at Canada’s longest-running country music festival, not just this year but for many years to come.” The 2025 festival runs from June 26 to 29 at the Selo Ukraina site, 10 kilometres south of Dauphin. To learn more about Dauphin’s Countryfest, visit https://countryfest.ca/.

The Winnipeg Whiteout Hype Tour will make a stop at the Shoppers Mall in Brandon on Friday, April 18 from 11:00am-1:30pm. During the event, in the parking lot beside East Side Mario’s, fans can expect; White Out gear available for purchase, prizes to be won, and music, games & tons of fun.

Manitoba Lacrosse is putting on a FREE referee clinic to anyone, who's looking to make a little extra cash. Brandon native, and former Westman Wildcat netminder, Kristen Campbell recorded a 24-save shutout (5-0) against Finland in her first ever start for Canada at the World Hockey Championship. Brandon Wheat Kings goalie Carson Bjarnason recently was announced a finalist for the 2024-25 Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Goaltender of the Year. Bjarnason recorded a 22-15-3-0 record this past season with a 2.93 goals-against average (GAA).  Another Wheat King Luke Shipley was named a finalist for the 2024-25 Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Defenceman of the Year.  Shipley amassed 57 points (20G-37A) in 60 games this past season. Former Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA, and present Northern Manitoba Blizzard, player Loughlan McMullan is off the the MJHL championship after disposing of the the Winkler Flyers in their semi-final matchup. The Blizzard now wait on the winner of the Dauphin Kings vs Portage Terriers matchup to see who is the league's best. Dauphin presently leads that series 3 games to 2. A pop-up disc golf tournament for players of all skill levels will be held in Brandon (Canada Games Park) on Saturday, May 24 from 8:30 AM - 04:30 PM. To register, or for additional information, please see the following link. Brandon Bobcats basketball player Sultan Haider was recently selected as the 1st pick overall in in the 2025 Canadian Elite Basketball League Draft by the the Montreal Alliance.