Former Brandon Wheat King, from Roblin and now calls Brandon home ,Jayce Hawryluk has made a mid season change in Europe. Jayce started the year in Slovakia in Nove Zamky and recently his contract was bought out by EHC Kloten in the top league in Switzerland. Kloten is roughly 15 minutes away from Zurich. Of note Hawryluk informed BDNMB.CA while we were in Europe his favorite meal is seaweed. The staff and mgmt of BDNMB.CA DO NOT agree with his meal preference.

In response to United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the Manitoba government is issuing a directive to Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to stop the sale of American products in the province, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “Trump’s tariff tax is an attack on Canadians,” said Kinew. “We support the federal response to these tariffs and here in Manitoba, we’re stopping the sale of American products at Manitoba liquor marts. How you choose to spend your money is one of the most important decisions you as a consumer can make. There are plenty of great Manitoba breweries and distilleries to support instead.” Effective Tuesday, Feb. 4, MBLL will be directed to pull American products off the shelves of liquor marts and will stop ordering American alcohol, the premier noted. The premier added the province will roll out more supports for Manitoba businesses and workers throughout the week in response to the U.S. tariffs. Manitoba’s U.S. Trade Council will meet on Monday to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and the province’s response. For more information, Manitoba businesses or workers impacted by tariffs can contact the Manitoba government tariff hotline at 1-877-827-4330 (toll-free) or 204-945-8011, Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or visit https://manitoba.ca/tariffresponse/.

The Westman Multicultural Festival returns to Brandon from February 6 to 8, 2025, bringing three days of vibrant cultural celebrations. Featuring 11 pavilions representing countries from around the world, the festival offers visitors an opportunity to experience diverse cultures through traditional performances, authentic cuisine, and immersive exhibits. This year’s lineup includes pavilions from India, Ukraine, Mauritius, the Philippines, Jamaica, Nigeria, Scotland, Palestine, Colombia, El Salvador, and HAMI (Hispanic Association of Manitoba).** With two exceptions*, all pavilions will serve alcohol. New for 2025:  Festival Passport Download and print the Festival Passport from our website, then visit all 11 pavilions to collect a stamp at each one. Once completed, take a picture of your passport and email it to info@gotothepavilions.com. A draw will take place on Friday, February 18, at noon from all completed entries. The lucky winner will receive $500 in cash and a prize package! Festival Kickoff The festival officially opens on Thursday, February 6, at 5:45 PM with an Opening Ceremony at the Ukraine Pavilion. For pavilion locations, schedules, and more details, visit gotothepavilions.com. About the Westman Multicultural Festival A volunteer-driven event, the Westman Multicultural Festival celebrates Brandon’s rich cultural diversity. Through performances, food, and education, the festival fosters community spirit and cultural appreciation. For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: info@gotothepavilions.com Instagram + Facebook:  @wmmfest Colombia pavilion will be located at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 560 13th St. East. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday noon–1 a.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • El Salvador pavilion, North End Community Centre, 1313 Stickney Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Only non-alcoholic drinks served. • HAMI (Hispanic Association of Manitoba), East End Community Centre, 405 Park St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–10 p.m. Only non-alcoholic drinks served. • India pavilion, Grand Salon at the Victoria Inn Hotel, 3550 Victoria Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–10 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Jamaica pavilion, Firehall Event Venue, 637 Princess Ave. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, noon–midnight. Alcoholic drinks served. • Mauritius pavilion, Westman Immigrant Services Multicultural Hall, 403 13th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, noon–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Nigeria pavilion, Army Navy Air Force Hall, 31 14th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Palestine pavilion, The Backyard on Aberdeen, 1624 13th St. Friday, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, 6 p.m.–midnight. Alcoholic drinks served. • Philippines pavilion, Knox United Church, 451 18th St. Friday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.–10 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Scotland pavilion, Imperial Ballroom at the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave. Friday, 6 p.m.–1 a.m.; Saturday, noon–11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served. • Ukraine pavilion, National Ukrainian Hall, 1133 Stickney Ave. Thursday, 6 p.m.–10 p.m.; Friday, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.; Saturday, 1 p.m.– 11 p.m. Alcoholic drinks served.

Some interesting things from the last 7 - 10 days Pizza Express has had a major change to their menu. Includes the following Italian Hero Pizza; house dressing base, ham, salami, mozzarella, onions, banana peppers, tomato, pepperoni and the Carnivore Pizza: meat sauce, ground beef, pepperoni, mozzarella, Italian sausage, bacon Keystone Centre has announced PBR is back on May 23rd and 24th. In the past this has been sold out. For many people sad news as Peavey Mart will close. Following the recently announced closures of 22 stores in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Peavey Mart released a statement on Facebook on January 28 that they will now begin store closing sales at all remaining locations across Canada. Former WWE Superstar Tatanka will be holding a meet and greet at this year's Dakota Nation Winterfest on Saturday, February 1 from 11am-4pm. darryl@bdnmb.ca

Harvest Manitoba is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Meals2Go student nutrition program to the community of Brandon, Manitoba. Starting this week, Betty Gibson and King George schools will be the first two Brandon schools to join the Meals2Go program. This milestone marks a historic expansion for the Meals2Go program, which provides essential weekend and summer meals to students. With the addition of Brandon schools, the program now supports nearly 5,000 students each week across 15 schools, including locations in Winnipeg, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, and Brandon. “The smiles on the faces of students, parents and teachers when we deliver the kits at our Meals2Go schools each week is the best reward,” said Mika Peterson, Harvest Manitoba’s Director of Community Programs. “It is wonderful to be able to bring this important program to even more kids this year.” Earlier this year, Harvest Manitoba began consultation with school divisions to identify schools with the highest needs for Meals2Go expansion. New support from Manitoba Education & Early Childhood Learning, along with expanded donor support from the K&P Talbot Community Fund, has allowed the addition of 2500 new students to be served weekly starting this year. “Harvest Manitoba has always been about more than just hampers; we’re about hope,” said Harvest Manitoba’s President & CEO Vince Barletta. “Programs like Meals2Go are an important part of our mission to help young children and families thrive and have the best chance for a future without food insecurity.” The Meals2Go program started in 2018 as Breakfast2Go, and it has continued to grow every year to meet the growing need for improved nutrition among K-8 students in Manitoba. This program, delivered by Harvest Manitoba, provides weekend nutrition kits to students in participating schools each Friday afternoon during the school year. These kits contain nutritious food items, including milk, yogurt, fresh fruit, granola bars and cereal. Harvest Manitoba also delivers Meals2Go programming during the summer months with pop-up locations outside school locals.