The Manitoba government has introduced new legislation to enshrine the current registered owner model into law, ensuring it remains the model used by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, announced today. “Our government is making sure vehicle insurance rates remain affordable for Manitoba families,” said Wiebe. “By keeping MPI public and protecting the registered owner model, our government is ensuring stable, affordable insurance for Manitobans, now and in the future.” “We’re putting MPI back on track and protecting Manitobans from future attempts to raise rates on families through changes to the insurance model,” said Wiebe. “These new protections are part of our government’s way of saving Manitobans money, which includes freezing hydro rates, providing permanent gas tax relief, and maintaining some of the lowest car insurance rates in Canada.” The Manitoba Public Insurance Amendment Act (2) ensures that MPI remains stable, affordable and focused on serving Manitobans, the minister noted.

Brandon residents are in for a tasty treat as McCain Foods will be hosting their drive-thru event with Heritage Co-op, Free Fry Day in Brandon on Thursday, October 9th. This is a drive-thru event, so swing by, grab your fries, and consider making a donation to RMHC Manitoba to make a real difference in a family’s life. Help support families with sick or injured children staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba. Brandon, MB: Keystone Centre (1175 18th St Unit 1) – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you like them plain, smothered in gravy, or topped with cheese curds, Free Fry Day in Brandon promises to be a satisfying way to kick off the weekend.

Vincent Massey High School is thrilled to announce its fall musical production of Once Upon A One More Time, a dazzling jukebox musical that reimagines classic fairy tales through the iconic hits of Britney Spears performed at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. Featuring fan favorites such as Oops!... I Did It Again, Crazy, Toxic, Stronger, Circus, and more, the show brings together beloved characters including Cinderella (Maia Placatka), her Stepmother (Autumn Reimer), the Stepsisters (Emery Hillman and Lydia Purdy), Snow White (Jordyn Gray), the Original Fairy Godmother (Dannah Pentney), Prince Charming (Cash Laluk), Clumsy (Grady Sanko), and an ensemble of thirty other familiar faces. This witty and empowering musical follows Cinderella as she begins to question her story within the confines of the Narrator’s (Reid Tacan) carefully crafted world. With the help of her fellow fairy tale characters, she dares to rewrite her destiny and take control of her own happily ever after. Directed by Nancy Pitcairn, the production team welcomes new choreographer Katey Rogowsky and vocal director Mitchell Wedgewood. Behind the curtain, a dedicated group of 15 Vincent Massey staff and nearly 100 student crew members are bringing the magic to life with sets, costumes, lighting, and technical design. Performance Dates: • Thursday, November 20 at 7:00 p.m. • Friday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. • Saturday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets: • $25 – Adults • $20 – Students & Seniors • $15 – Children under 12 Tickets are available online at www.wmca.ca or by calling the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium Box Office at 204-728-9510.

Brandon’s largest handmade shopping event is set to return this fall as the annual “Big One” Arts & Crafts Sale takes over the Keystone Centre on two weekends in October 2025. The sale will run Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19, and again October 25–26, 2025. Each weekend will feature 175 booths filled with handmade arts, crafts, food, and artisan goods—with new vendors each weekend to keep things fresh. The event will be held in the Manitoba Room & UCT Room at the Keystone Centre (1175 – 18th Street, Brandon).  The doors open daily at 10:00 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. Admission is $5 per person (kids 12 & under free).  Free parking will be available onsite.  The event also gives back — part of the proceeds from admission go to the BRHC Foundation to support CancerCare locally in Brandon and the Westman region. Organizer representatives say this year’s lineup will feature a wide variety of handmade items, from pottery, jewellery, woodworking, textiles, to food and décor. It’s a great chance for the public to meet the makers behind the goods and find one-of-a-kind gifts heading into the holidays. For Brandon area shoppers eager to get a head start on holiday gift shopping, this event offers one of the best opportunities to browse and buy locally made treasures.

Brandon is set to get a little spookier this October as the annual Halloween Hop returns, offering families and thrill-seekers a chance to enjoy frightful fun while supporting local charities. Running from October 14 to 31, the Halloween Hop invites residents to visit three participating “spooky stops” — Alternative Choice Garden, Green Spot, and Livingstone Outdoor. Each location has prepared festive displays and seasonal attractions, with Livingstone Outdoor hosting its popular Haunted House at 1610 Byng Avenue. The haunted house, which has become a Halloween staple in the city, promises a mix of eerie rooms, special effects, and jump scares. For younger visitors or those preferring a gentler experience, a special “no scare” hour will run nightly from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 12 and up and $7 for children under 12, with proceeds going to support organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westman and Habitat for Humanity Manitoba – Brandon Chapter. Participants can also pick up a Halloween Hop passport at any of the three locations. Collecting stamps from all stops earns an entry into the Grand Prize Draw, with gift cards from each business up for grabs. The event not only provides Halloween entertainment but also strengthens community ties by bringing people together in support of local causes. With haunted houses, family-friendly fun, and prizes on the line, the Halloween Hop is shaping up to be one of Brandon’s must-visit events of the season.