A popular Brandon restaurant is turning heads — and filling stomachs — with its latest creation, a towering, meat-loaded pizza aptly named “The Beast.” The new menu item at Kongo's, features a hearty combination of double pepperoni, double salami, double ham, loads of cheese, and an overflowing layer of crispy bacon. The result is a bold, flavor-packed pizza designed for those who love their pies piled high. Owner Darcy Willey said the inspiration came from one of his longtime favorites: a legendary pizza once served at the former Vern’s Pizza in Brandon. Wanting to bring that nostalgic experience back to the community — but with his own twist — Willey crafted The Beast to deliver the same unforgettable punch that Vern’s fans still talk about. While The Beast is already generating buzz, it’s far from the only thing drawing customers through the doors. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of appetizers, pastas, and subs, making it a go-to spot for groups and families looking for variety. View menu here. Located inside NeXgen (1608 Park Ave) the restaurant continues to build a reputation for generous portions, friendly service, and a willingness to experiment with bold new menu ideas. zFor hours of operation, please click here. With The Beast now officially on the menu, Brandon pizza lovers have a new challenge — and a delicious one at that.

The City of Brandon and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Livingstone Landscaping Ltd. as the recipient of the 2025 Brandon Green Business Award. The Green Business Award celebrates a local business that goes above and beyond to champion sustainability through initiatives such as water conservation, waste reduction, renewable energy adoption and other innovative environmental practices. This year’s recipient, Livingstone Landscaping Ltd., has been recognized for its forward-thinking electric vehicle (EV) fleet transformation. The company replaced seven gas-powered trucks with all-electric vehicles to reduce emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs and enhance safety for its crews. It also installed level 2 charging infrastructure at its Byng Avenue facility and at employees’ homes, fostering a culture of proactive sustainability. The results have been impressive: a 25% reduction in fleet emissions and $800–$1,000 per vehicle in monthly fuel and maintenance savings and greater employee engagement through EV training and sustainability education. "At Livingstone Landscaping, our shift to an all-electric fleet in early 2025 was driven by a commitment to slash emissions and operational costs while delivering reliable service to our Brandon clients - proving sustainability can fuel both our bottom line and our community's green future," said the Berg family, Owners of Livingstone Landscaping Ltd. Based in Brandon, Livingstone Landscaping Ltd. is a full-service landscaping, design, construction and maintenance company specializing in hardscape and softscape design and installation. The Company plans to build on their success by adding more EVs, installing rooftop solar panels and launching a zero-waste landscaping initiative to compost and repurpose green waste. “Livingstone Landscaping’s EV initiative is well thought-out,” said Ingrid Gatin, Environmental Initiatives Programmer with the City of Brandon. “They combined a strong business case with creative solutions, setting an inspiring example for the community.” To celebrate, members of the City of Brandon and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce along with Mayor Jeff Fawcett presented the Green Business Award and a Fair Trade Treat break to the Livingstone team. Brandon Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Ludwig says, "The award creates a culture of growth, innovation and sustainability across the city and is a positive reflection of what is possible when the business community and the local government pull in the same direction.” The award’s criteria align with the objectives of Brandon’s Climate Change Action Plan, and Livingstone Landscaping’s initiative is a strong example of Big Move #3 – Rethink Transportation. For more information about the Green Business Award or the Climate Change Action Plan, visit brandon.ca/environment or brandonchamber.ca.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that Sunrise Credit Union has entered into a multi-year agreement to secure naming rights for the Clubhouse at the Canada Packers Sports Complex. Henceforth, the facility will be referred to as the Sunrise Credit Union Clubhouse. “We’re proud to partner with Sunrise Credit Union, a member-owned, community-focused organization committed to community development,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Through this partnership, the Sunrise Credit Union Clubhouse at the Canada Packers Sports Complex will become a welcoming space where families, friends, and neighbours can connect, stay active, and celebrate what makes Brandon such a great place to live.” “The construction of Brandon’s outdoor sports complex is a landmark moment for our community. It will help meet the growing demand for sports facilities in the community.” said Tim Klassen, President & CEO of Sunrise Credit Union, “By supporting this project through the Clubhouse naming rights sponsorship, Sunrise Credit Union reaffirms its commitment to backing worthwhile initiatives that enhance our communities, including parks and recreation amenities that promote healthy, active living for both youth and adults.” Situated at First Street and Veterans Way, the Canada Packers Sports Complex will feature a FIFA-regulation soccer field, up to eight 11 v 11 soccer fields, one dedicated 9 v 9 soccer field, a cricket pitch, a clubhouse equipped with changerooms and washrooms, and 3.6 kilometres of pathways. Supported by investments from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba, the City of Brandon anticipates completion of this project in 2026. The City of Brandon remains committed to offering quality events, programs, facilities, and services to its residents, while ensuring responsible stewardship of property tax revenue. Naming rights agreements provide alternative sources of funding which enhance the quality of life for citizens of Brandon and the surrounding region. Sponsorship presents an excellent opportunity for businesses and organizations to partner with the City of Brandon and increase their visibility. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available for various fields and amenities. Interested parties may contact City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services at parks@brandon.ca or 204-729-2148.

Fusion Credit Union CEO, Darwin Johns, presents funds to winner, Sasha Golding from Silver Frame Photo & Video Memories Innovation, inspiration, and hometown pride was on full display in Hamiota on October 21st as Fusion Credit Union announced the winners of Community Infusion 2025. The annual event celebrates local entrepreneurs with bold ideas and the drive to make a difference in their communities. Four finalists took the stage at this year’s final live event, each pitching their business idea to a panel of judges, for a chance to share in up to $30,000 in grant funding. The evening was filled with creativity, inspiration and community spirit – proof that ideas grow right here at home. After the pitches were presented, Fusion Credit Union CEO, Darwin Johns, announced Silver Frame Photo and Video Memories from Dauphin as the grand prize winner of $20,000. The funding will help the business expand services, invest in equipment, and develop marketing initiatives. Grit and Glam Salon, also from Dauphin, received $5,000 as the 2nd place winner. Sumatu Intercontinental Trade Wears (Brandon) and Friendly’s Grocery Coop (Inglis) each took home $2,500 for their business ideas. “Community Infusion is all about empowering local people with big ideas,” says Johns. “Each finalist showed incredible passion and dedication to building something that benefits their community. We’re proud to be a part of their journey.” A fresh new idea to the stage this year was the “Pick the Pitch” Audience Choice Award. All audience members were given the opportunity to pick their favorite pitch of the evening. This year, Silver Frame Photo & Video Memories took home the $1,000 prize. Since its launch in 2021, Community Infusion has invested $150,000 in new and existing businesses, helping to fuel local economies, support local businesses, and spark innovation in our communities. “We started with a simple belief – that economic development is the driving force behind thriving communities,” says Mike Csversko, Brand & Business Development Manager at Fusion Credit Union. “And now five years later, to hear the success stories of our past winners is proof that we are accomplishing our mission and strengthening the foundation of our communities.” Welcomed to the stage was last year’s winner, Kaycelyn-Rosales Knight from Countryside Studio & Gym, who discussed the impact Community Infusion is having on the Town of Hamiota. The business owner mentioned how the grant helped kick-start the business which has now evolved into a space for all community members to thrive. “It’s heart-warming to know that Community Infusion is doing more than providing funding to fuel dreams,” says Csversko. “It’s also bringing people together to support the ideas that will help our communities grow stronger and more vibrant.”

L to R: Landon White (Principal), Heather Heide (Librarian), Sandrine Conrad (Worker, Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association), Cathy Williams (Co-Founder, Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association), Derian Penziwol (Boissevain Branch Manager, Sunrise Credit Union) We are excited to announce that we have been awarded an Empowering Your Community Grant valued at $10,000 from Concentra & Equitable Bank to continue our School Mental Health Resource Libraries project. At Sunrise Credit Union, we are dedicated to giving back to our local communities and our youth. We believe that investing in young people today is an investment for the future as we aim to create opportunities that help them grow, thrive and succeed. This grant, in partnership with the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association, will go towards an initiative to bring mental health resource libraries to 14 schools across Western Manitoba. These resources will be available to students aged 5 and up, along with their educators, and will feature age-appropriate literature that is professionally reviewed, sourced, and supported. Each library will include paper and digital books, wellness activities, workbooks, and mental health content, including directories for available support through local, provincial, and national services and programs. They will be designed to spark meaningful conversations, empower youth, and work towards reducing the stigma. Establishing these libraries in schools not only provides students with access to these valuable mental health and wellness resources, but it also extends the support to our communities. By integrating these libraries into our educational spaces, we are creating safe environments for our youth and educators, and therefore their families to find support and information. The resources will be reviewed annually by mental health professionals and educators to ensure that they are up to date and relevant. This grant builds on Sunrise’s $16,000 contribution in 2024 to the Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association, further strengthening our long-term commitment to supporting youth mental wellness in Manitoba. We can inspire hope while building brighter futures by working together. Westman Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Association is a registered Canadian Charitable organization run by a group of dedicated volunteers. The Association provides funding and support to individuals, organizations and communities for initiatives supporting mental wellness and suicide prevention.