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.

Week 1 of the 2025 Source for Sports AAA Hockey Challenge concluded earlier today. The tournament will then take a week off before resuming for two additional weekends; April 24 – 27 and May 1 – 4 will all games taking in place in Brandon. 2017 Silver  Jake Chandler scored two goals as the Synergy Wolves (pictured above) extended their winning streak to five games with a 6-4 conquest over the Central Plains Capitals at J and G Homes Arena on Sunday. Rounding out the scoring for the Synergy Wolves was Rhett Manns and Kylo Rae, Tucker Gray and Ryder Minshull each adding single tallies. Beau Findlay added two assists. Goaltender Blske Bell turned aside 10 shots for the Synergy Wolves in the win. Cashing in for the Central Plains Capitals was Mason Henderson, OLIVER HURRIE, BENTLEY GRAHAM and WESTON SIMPSON chipping in with a goal each. Goaltender WALKER POTVIN made 14 saves in the loss for the Central Plains Capitals.   2016 Silver Jackson Hilts turned aside all 14 shots he faced and Griffin Daviduk scored a hat-trick and added two assists as the Wheatland Wild won the 2016 Division with a 8-0 defeat over the Dakota at J and G Homes Arena. Adding markers for the Wheatland Wild was Rory Zawislak with two goals, Jayden Ryan and Easton McKay and Holt Arnason with a goal each. Callahan Smalley added three assists and Daviduk added two assists. Goaltender Nicholas Belohlavek made 25 saves in the loss for the Dakota.   2016 Gold Bryce Bell scored two goals to lift the Central Plains Chiefs to a 6-4 conquest over the Stealth Wolves at J and G Homes Arena on Sunday to win the 2016 Gold Dision.. Capping off the scoring for the Central Plains 2016 was Riley Ozunko and Jayden Boschman, Levi Hay and Cam Klassen each adding single tallies. Goaltender Kit Proctor turned aside 21 shots for the Central Plains 2016 in the win. Sniping for the Stealth Wolves was Colby Hodson with two goals and Ryder Henderson and Caisen Robertson contributing with a goal each. Knox Buskell added two assists. Goaltender Johnny Henderson made 12 saves in the loss for the Stealth Wolves.