Located on Park Ave and 16th Street the all new Kongo's is open for business. Kongo's is a brand new restaurant inside NeXgen Family Entertainment Center! With eight big comfy booths, it's the perfect spot to sit, relax, and chat about all the fun you've had. Whether you just traveled through far away lands in the Hologram Zoo, tackled a VR escape room, or took down a horde of zombies, Kongos is here to refuel you with delicious eats. From delicious pizza, hearty pasta, and tasty apps to fresh salads and sweet treats, there's something for everyone. Come hungry, leave happy!

We’re proud to announce that $46,730 will be awarded this spring through the Building Communities Grant Program — a reflection of Sunrise Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to empowering meaningful projects and strengthening our communities. For this spring’s intake, we received over 50 applications from across Westman and the Parkland area. After meticulously reviewing each application, five worthwhile projects were selected to receive funding, each representing a diverse aspect of our community, based on the criteria outlined in the guidelines. “It’s truly inspiring to witness the ongoing enthusiasm for the Building Communities Grant Program, with each intake consistently receiving over 50 applications,” said Tim Klassen, President and CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “We are proud to support five new initiatives this spring that not only strengthen the fabric of our communities but also foster sustainable, long-term impact. By investing in local projects, we help ensure that our dollars stay within our communities—supporting local economies, creating opportunities, and building a more resilient future for everyone.” The Virden Auditorium Theatre Restoration Project will receive $20,000 in much-needed funding through the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category of the grant program. A cornerstone of cultural life in Westman and Southeastern Saskatchewan for over 111 years, the theatre has long served as a creative hub for local performers and audiences alike. The funding will support critical upgrades including new seating, improved lighting, updated railings and carpet, and much-needed repairs to the flooring, lobby, and stage areas. The RM of Pipestone Handivan Service, a vital community initiative for over 35 years, is receiving funding to enhance its transportation program. This service provides safe, accessible, and affordable rides for residents attending medical appointments and social engagements. Facing a shortage of volunteer drivers due to the current van’s difficulty of use, the purchase of a newer, easier-to-operate vehicle is expected to encourage more volunteers and improve overall community safety. The Sandy Lake - Elphinstone Handivan Project will receive a $10,000 grant through the Individual and Community Well Being category of the grant program as well. The Sandy Lake – Elphinstone Handivan services a different geographic area than the RM of Pipestone Handivan, but their mission is similar; to provide safe and affordable transportation to members of their community. As a registered non-profit organization, the handivan is100% operated by community volunteers. The funding will go toward the purchase of a new, fuel-efficient van. The Burrows Trail Arts Council, who services the Parkland region, will receive a $5,000 grant through the Arts, Culture and Sport category of the grant program. Their organization is working to make arts and culture more accessible in their region by bringing in 4-time world hoop dancing champion, Dallas Arcand, to speak at local schools. Arcand will be in full regalia and share his knowledge about hoop dancing and his culture, perform a flute and drum demonstration and a full 13 hoop dance. The presentations will take place at local schools for students and staff, although community members are invited to attend as well. The Christian Heritage School in Brandon will receive $1,730.68 through the Arts, Culture and Sport category to create a “storybook orchard” on school grounds. Featuring ten apple trees and story walk signage, the orchard will serve as a literacy-rich green space, accessible to students and the broader community. Located directly in front of the school, it will promote outdoor learning and engagement for years to come. Since its launch in the fall of 2023, the Building Communities Grant Program has invested $178,048.68 to 16 projects and initiatives, each significantly impacting and enriching our communities. The next intake period for the program will be in the fall of 2025, offering more opportunities to inspire and shape our community's future.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) kicked off the Connecting Westman Tour in Rivers on May 29, 2025. A total of $4,095 was raised, with all proceeds going to the Riverdale Early Learning Centre. This total includes a matched donation from WCG, significantly boosting the centre's efforts to enhance existing programs and support the development of the Riverdale Early Learning Centre, and a planned second facility designed to provide expanded, high-quality childcare and early learning opportunities for young local families. The Connecting Westman Tour is a unique, community-focused initiative where WCG hosts charity barbecue lunches throughout the summer. Hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks are offered with donation-based pricing, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to a nominated local charity. WCG then matches the total amount raised, amplifying the community’s support for its own causes. “Our first stop on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour was very successful,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “Rivers residents showed up in droves to support such an important initiative in the community, and we’re glad to provide an avenue for fundraising. We are excited to keep the Connecting Westman Tour going throughout the summer.” The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider but as a dedicated community partner. Remaining stops on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour include Deloraine (June 19, 2025), Shoal Lake (July 24, 2025), and Virden (August 28, 2025). For more information about Westman Communications Group and the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding consideration, please visit WCG Connecting Westman Tour.

On May 1, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted its 142nd Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala—a night filled with community pride, inspiring stories, and well-deserved recognition. President Lois Ruston opened the evening with a powerful message: “We do it scared, but then something happens… the skies begin to clear.” That spirit of perseverance set the tone for a night that celebrated the people and businesses helping Brandon thrive. Award Highlights: Community Impact (Individual): Tracy Baker Community Impact (Business): Chez Angela Bakery and Café Lifetime Business Builder: Ron Ball Outstanding New Business: Leatherwood Custom Workwear Top 4 Under 40: Shonah Rathwell, Whitney Sharkey, Julia Teichroeb, Lyndsay Seafoot Business Excellence (Small): Create Marketing Business Excellence (Large): T-Birds Food Fun Games Business Person of the Year: Travis Chastko, Christie’s Office Plus & Learning Company (Brandon Chamber News)

Pictured L to R: Jordan Brown (Loans Officer, Sunrise Credit Union), Cassie Peak, Troy Johnson, and Brad Ross (VP, Member Services, Sunrise Credit Union) The excitement was palpable on Thursday, April 24, 2025, as Sunrise Credit Union officially wrapped up its “Thirty Grand in Your Hand” Contest with a celebratory cheque presentation at its Minnedosa branch. Local members Troy Johnson and Cassie Peak were awarded the grand prize — a cheque for $30,000. Long-time members of Sunrise Credit Union, Johnson and Peak expressed their surprise and gratitude upon receiving the $30,000 prize. With the purchase of their new home, the couple has various projects they want to complete and shared that the prize money would go to good use. Jordan Brown, a Loans Officer at Sunrise Credit Union, played a key role in helping Johnson and Peak secure their mortgage. Reflecting on their recent contest win, Brown shared how meaningful the experience was: “It reinforces why we do what we do—to help our members achieve their financial goals.” The “Thirty Grand in Your Hand” Contest ran from March 2 to April 12, offering an exciting incentive for new residential mortgage customers. Every qualifying mortgage approved during the six-week period earned an entry for a chance to win $30,000.