Brandon’s 34th annual “Big One” Arts & Crafts Sale featuring all handmade arts, crafts and food items is taking place this weekend and next. The event has grown substantially over the years and is now spread out over two weekends (October 11 & 15, October 21 & 22).  A different lineup of vendors is featured each weekend. Admission is only $5 (12 & under free) with part proceeds from the door admission going to Cancer Care locally in Brandon and Westman. Additional information on this year’s event can be found on their web site here. Location: Manitoba Room & UCT Room, Keystone Centre, Brandon, Manitoba Dates: OCTOBER 14/15, OCTOBER 21/2 Time: Saturday and Sunday 10am -5pm daily.

Get ready to pamper your four-legged companions like never before, as a new pet clothing store is setting up shop in the Shoppers Mall. Mila's Closet (Pet Fashions) will offer a wide range of fashionable and functional clothing and accessories, ensuring that your furry friends are not just cozy but also incredibly chic. "It's a temporary store...but if we do good we can extend depending on the reaction from the people" Carlos Munoz told bdnmb.ca. "It’s something I’m starting as we have 3 Yorkies and we love them and we spend lot of money on clothes for them" added Munoz. Mila's Closet will inventory an extensive collection of pet clothing for all seasons and occasions. Whether you're looking for a cozy sweater for chilly winter walks, a dapper bowtie for a special event, or a functional raincoat for those rainy days, you'll find it all here. The store also offers a variety of sizes (xs to 3xl) to ensure every pet, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, can dress to impress. While "Mila's Closet" will specialize in dog apparel, they haven't forgotten about our feline friends. You'll also find a selection of stylish outfits, harnesses, and accessories for cats as well. The store is planning on opening on the 25th of this month.

Attendees at the launch event for Assiniboine’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment on Tuesday heard from Russ Edwards and Westman Group Inc (WGI) that companies under the WGI umbrella are investing an additional $300,000 in student financial awards. “We are very excited about the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment, as this is the legacy the Edwards family want to leave,” said Paul Cunningham, President and CEO of the Westman Group at Tuesday’s event. “In conjunction with that legacy, we wanted to announce today a series of scholarships for students entering their second year of studies at Assiniboine Community College (ACC) on behalf of the Westman Group of Companies.” The announcement came as a welcome surprise at the event and reinforces the confidence that Edwards and his companies have in the programming offered at ACC, and emphasizes their commitment to overall student success. “We are truly thankful for this remarkable gift and the recognition we have received from Russ and Edna Edwards and WGI,” said Derrick Turner, Vice President of Advancement at Assiniboine. “This gift will have such an impact on the futures of students in both the Edwards School and ACC overall, and will help set them up for success as they embark on in-demand careers in the industry.” WGI intends to distribute a $5,000 annual award on behalf of each of it’s six divisions, for a total distribution of $30,000 per year for a 10 year period to students entering their second year in programs that correspond to the industries in which each of the divisions operate. “Our group of companies are here to help students achieve their education and further be able to enter what we know from experience will continue to be in demand industries in Manitoba for a long time,” said Cunningham. “It is essential for students seeking a future in ag to have the opportunity to get the best agriculture education that is available as we depend on the sector for our food and our future,” said Russ Edwards, Founder of Westman Group Inc (WGI). “The Edwards School will be able to provide the opportunity for these students to advance their education in this crucial industry.” Edwards has been a leader in the business community for nearly 50 years, and a champion at the forefront of the agricultural sector across the Prairies. His business roots stem back to his first business in Winnipeg in 1976, constructing culverts, steel roofing, and siding. In the 45 years following, WGI has carved out a remarkable and uncharted path under Edwards’ leadership. It has grown into one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of steel products. This gift adds to a contribution of $4 million from Edwards and family, announced last year, for the college’s Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. The college has been fundraising for the Centre, which will advance education, research and industry engagement, has raised more than $17 million to date. The formal branding of the School, in honour of Edwards, represents another step in this journey.

A recent computer upgrade by Westoba’s IT department offered a valuable resource donation for Assiniboine Community College’s (ACC) Network Administration Technology Program (NAT).  The donation was facilitated by Westoba’s IT Analyst and ACC NAT Program Alumnus, Brett Stewart, who connected with NAT Program Instructor, Dean Johnson.   “The old devices no longer meet Westoba compliance requirements but are still usable devices for learning and non-business work,” said Stewart.   The NAT is a 2-year program that prepares learners to build and support modern networks. IT Service & Support Supervisor, Josh Hefferan sees this as an opportunity for Westoba to give back to the program for the value it has given Westoba’s IT department.   “Westoba IT is very excited to see these devices go to the NAT program. Over half of our department is made up of former graduates and we’re incredibly grateful for the opportunities the program has given us.” Said Hefferan.   Dean Johnson was grateful for the donation that he says will benefit the program for years to come. “These skills are used in all areas of society from school divisions, government, businesses of all sizes, computer shops and banks like Westoba!” said Johnson. “This hardware will allow students to dive deeper into laptop repair, wireless projects and provide students with working equipment to expand their knowledge base without high costs of equipment that has limited life spans.”   Source: Westoba News Release

Tuesday, September 19 is Fuel Good Day at Heritage Co-op gas bar locations in the area including: Erickson, Strathclair, Minnedosa, Brandon & Wawanesa. Coop is donating $.10 per litre of fuel sold and $1 dollar for any Cooperative coffee or Big Cool sold to the Brandon and rural food banks. Supporting your community is as easy as filling your gas tank.