Westoba Credit Union, has announced funding for its communities to address the growing need for resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. “In this time of unpredictable change, we as members of Westoba Credit Union stand by our commitment to our communities,” said Jim Rediger, Westoba President, and CEO. “We are grateful to continue to provide service to our members while keeping safety top of mind. This is a time for all of us to come together.” Recognizing that some people and organizations in our communities have been impacted by COVID-19 and its economic consequences, Westoba has designated funds to support organizations most in need. Each Westoba branch chose community resources to benefit from these donations. These selected charities will receive support immediately to help alleviate some of the strain on their services. For a full list of recipients, visit https://westobacu.com/news/community-donations/.

The Province of Manitoba introduced phase 1 of the re-opening of the Province on Monday. Golf courses, hair salons and patios were were among the businesses listed who were allowed to open under several rules and restrictions as set out by the province. Janet Sawatzky, from Studio 13 Salon on 13th Street, said business has brisk since opening Monday and the salon is totally booked up until June. They have also posted a detailed list of steps required for clients entering the establishment. Jason Earl, from Glen Lea Golf Course, also said that business has been steady and solid even with the new rules having been put in place. When visiting Brandon Source for Sports, at 2025 Brandon Ave, you will first be met by a staff member outside to explain the rules of entering the store as well as been provided education on how the staff will sanitize after each sale. Finally, the patios are now able to open if they so choose and yesterday at Montana's customers were able to eat and drink and enjoy the sun. According to the Province of Manitoba phase 2 could start no earlier than June 1st - 2020 If the results of phase one of restoring services are positive, the following activities and business may restart or reopen in a limited manner. Other changes may be considered as the results of phase one are reviewed. If results during or at the end of phase one are not positive, the province will not proceed with further easing of public health measures and may reintroduce others. PUBLIC GATHERINGS Public gatherings such as social gatherings, worship, weddings and funerals may be permitted up to increase, following a review of the health risk and as long as physical distancing can be maintained. RESTAURANTS Restaurants may be able to reopen indoor spaces to operate at 50 per cent capacity, in addition to take-out, delivery, patio and walk-up service, as long as physical distancing requirements are met. All businesses will be required to limit occupancy to 50 per cent of normal business levels. PERSONAL SERVICES BUSINESSES Manicurists and pedicurists may be considered for opening. FILM PRODUCTION Film productions may resume if operations maintain occupancy and activity levels to allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. NON-CONTACT CHILDREN'S SPORTS Seasonal non-contact children's sports activities may operate if they maintain occupancy and activity levels that allow people to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres, except for brief exchanges. Overnight camps will not be permitted.

If you were to pull into any farmyard in Westman and take a peek in the front closet, you'd likely see some plaid, a few pairs of coveralls, and a dusty old ballcap, all part of the uniform for the stereotypical farmer. At first glance, the Lepp sisters Cassandra and Stefanie may not fit the style found in most farmers' closets, but they can pull a wrench, stack a bale and drive a tractor better than most. The sisters who help run Rivers Air Spray, a family businesses just north of Brandon, have developed a social media / online following showcasing their love for fashion and farming. "We have always enjoyed expressing ourselves through our style, and at the same time, we are equally as comfortable in our workwear. We think that is an important message to send out to young girls and all women," Cassandra told BDNMB. "Stefanie went to modeling school and has always loved photography. We were and are constantly told we do not look like farmers. We started our page to empower anyone to chase their passion." The sisters have over 19,8000 followers on Instagram (@thetulepps), and although the online presence plays a significant role in their life, they know where the real priorities are. Cassandra and Stefanie are the ground crew for their father as he flies his Dromader and 802F Air Tractor all over Westman while helping their two brothers market a commercial sweep that is sold worldwide. Their unique collection of photos showcases the two sisters changing the oil in the tractor, helping at harvest time, unloading grain, and playing with the family dogs, all while displaying an impressive eye for fashion, makeup, style, and art. It may be an unconventional look behind the curtain into the world of farming, but the Lepp’s know they are making an impact. "We think it is important, especially for young girls, to see women comfortably glammed up or with no makeup fixing a tractor.  What we put out is very much who we are, and we are humbled by the support we have received. We have been told we have inspired other women to get in the tractors or do something they are uncomfortable with, and that is really rewarding for us." While they may not define themselves as trailblazers, the Lepp sisters know that the dynamic of the family farm has changed drastically in the last 40 years. Long gone are the days where papa went to work in the field, while mama stayed home and cooked up the meal. Women are more involved in the day to day operations of the farm than ever before, something the Lepp’s are proud to help showcase. "We share positivity, individuality, empowerment, mental health awareness, and facts about agriculture, “added Cassandra. "We want our page to be a positive one. We want to share our lifestyle with the general public to show the world what the ag community provides to society and not what the media often shows.  Farmers are some of the smartest, multitalented, hard-working, and kind people we have ever met."

Brandon, MB – When you can't visit your local barber to get your hair cut professionally, why not shave it off for a good cause? That is exactly what Q Country & 94.7 STAR FM's Tyler Glen did. On Friday, May 1, 2020, Glen went LIVE on Facebook after blowing his fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Samaritan House Food Bank out of the water. With the support of the local community, he was able to raise over $5,600 for his "Ty's Awful Haircut 2 Battle Hunger 4 Samaritan House Food Bank" initiative, and he stayed true to his word by shaving his head. "Food banks everywhere are going through a really tough time right now, and our local food bank is no exception," explained Glen. "Like so many in self-isolation whose hairdressers are closed, a home haircut was on my agenda! I thought it might be fun to take it to the next level and help the food bank at the same time. The result was something that helped Samaritan House and helped put a few smiles on people's faces at a tough time." After seeing this on Facebook over the weekend, Westman Communications Group, who owns and operates Q Country 91.5 FM and 94.7 STAR FM, stepped up to the plate to support this amazing cause by matching the funds raised and bringing the total to over $11,200. "We are very proud of Tyler's efforts to support the local foodbank, especially right now when they need donations the most," said President & CEO Dave Baxter. "We are honoured to support Tyler's initiative and such a great nonprofit organization with a matched donation of $5,500." Westman Communications Group is proud to support the local communities in which they serve, as they know that it is especially important to support local, now more than ever. (submitted)

A new coffee shop (H Coffee) will soon be operational in Brandon's west end at 60- 3300 Victoria Ave, inside the Sunset Mall. H Coffee stands for happy, home, health. The neighborhood community coffee shop will serve a variety of coffees, teas, lattes & more. Dessert items will also be added to the menu. The owners had previously run a similar coffee shop in China prior to relocating to Brandon in July of 2019. They are members of The SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) and the Q Grader of CQI (Coffee Quality Institute). Renovations on the unit started in December and a soft opening has been scheduled for Monday, May 11. For now store hours will be Monday-Saturday, 9am-6pm.