Westman Communications Group Westman Communications Group (WCG), a member-owned cooperative providing high-quality telecommunication services to communities throughout Manitoba, has recently upgraded the area of Oak River and Minnedosa with Connect 2.5 Gig Internet services. The plan offers a download speed of up to 2500 Mbps and an upload speed of up to 150 Mbps. Connect Gig services deliver internet speeds that members need for the modern era of communication. “We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that our services meet and exceed member expectations,” said E.J. Keys, President and CEO of WCG. “Expanding Gigabit speeds is an opportunity for us to continue to innovate and improve, as well as to provide local support to rural communities.” WCG is an industry leader in communications services, offering High-Speed Internet, IPTV, and Home Phone services to communities throughout the Westman region. By leveraging fibre-powered connections, WCG can provide speeds typically unavailable to those who do not have pure fibre-connected households. Now, existing coaxial cables that are currently in most households can reach similar speeds. Through this technological advancement, more members can experience speeds typically reserved for urban centres. “As a communications-focused cooperative, innovation is a key pillar of WCG,” said Brandi Crowe, Marketing Manager of WCG. “We have been actively upgrading our networks across Manitoba, allowing us to bring Gig speeds to hybrid-fibre communities. We will continue our work to get more of our communities up to speed throughout 2026 for residences and businesses.” For more information about WCG and the services it provides or to learn more about its internet offers in Brandon and other Manitoba communities, contact WCG Customer Service at 204-725-4300 or 1-800-665-3337, follow WCG on social media, or visit http://westmancom.com. For details about Westman Business Solutions’ commercial Ultimate GIG service, call 204-717-2839 or 1-800-665-3337.  

Fusion Credit Union is distributing $65,500 in funding through its latest Full Circle Fund intake.  The Full Circle Fund supports initiatives that enhance quality of life, strengthen community connections and create lasting impact where members live, work and do business. Twelve projects are receiving funding across the nine communities of Roblin, Dauphin, Rossburn, Russell, Camperville, Brandon, Gilbert Plains, Hamiota and Inglis.  Roblin Children’s Centre is receiving $25,000 towards their Playground Renewal and Safety Enhancement Project, while $10,000 is being granted to the Rossburn Ag Society for grounds and building upgrades.  Another recipient, The Municipality of Russell-Binscarth, is receiving $5,000 for renovations to the community hall.  Dauphin Minor Baseball will receive $5,000 for diamond improvements.  The remaining funds are being used to support school libraries, youth recreation programs, community playgrounds, youth literacy projects, daycare centres, senior centers and pet rescue missions. The $65,500 from the fall intake, combined with the $67,000 from the spring intake, results in a combined distribution of $132,500 in funding to communities in 2025.  The funding reflects Fusion’s core value that strong communities are built through collaboration, shared purpose and long-term investment.  “Investing in our communities is part of who we are,” says Michelle Mazurkewich, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer at Fusion. “We’re member-owned, which means every dollar invested with Fusion helps to fuel projects that matter locally.  When you invest with Fusion, you’re not just investing in your financial future, you’re investing in your community.” Since inception in 2018, Fusion’s Full Circle Fund has contributed over $1.1 million to community projects, emphasizing the belief that Fusion is here to do good in our communities. “Thank you to our members, whose continued support makes the Full Circle Fund possible,” says Mazurkewich. “Together, we are closing the loop and creating a full circle of investment, impact and community growth.” The eight other organizations receiving funding from our Full Circle Fund include the following: Organization Project Community Amount Donated United For Literacy Free Literacy Programs for Children and Youth Brandon $2,000 Camperville Community Council Community Playground Project Camperville $2,500 Gilbert Plains Elementary School  Library Renovation Gilbert Plains $3,000 Hamiota 55+ Centre Storage Shed Hamiota $2,500 Kids First Early Learning Centre Building Maintenance Inglis $2,000 Goose Lake High School Reconciliation Park Roblin $2,500 Roblin Rec Wolves Hockey New Jerseys Roblin $5,000 Passion4Paws Rescue Kennel Fences Russell $1,000 The deadline for our Spring application intake is April 1, 2026.  Click here for more info on our Full Circle Fund or to apply.

After ten years of serving families in Brandon and the surrounding area, NeXgen Family Entertainment Centre and Just4Kids Playland are entering a new chapter following the sale of the business to new owners. Outgoing owners Darcy and Jess announced the transition in a heartfelt message on Facebook, thanking the community for a decade of support. The pair reflected on the businesses as a major part of their lives, their family, and the Brandon community, noting the countless memories, milestones, and moments shared with families, staff, and supporters over the years. “We’ve shared countless memories, milestones, laughter, and growth with so many amazing families, staff, and supporters along the way,” the statement read. The business has been sold to Payal and Nik, a family described as sharing the same passion and drive to keep the venue one of Brandon’s top entertainment destinations. The new owners are set to take possession at the end of January. As part of the transition, the incoming ownership has chosen to bring back the Playland, along with some of the features it previously offered. The facility’s virtual reality attractions and restaurant will remain in operation, and will stay open during the transition period. While the sale marks the end of a significant chapter for Darcy and Jess, they expressed optimism about the future of the space and confidence in the new owners’ vision. “While this chapter closes for us, we’re excited to see the next one begin and are confident this space will continue to be a place where families create unforgettable memories,” they said. The change in ownership signals continuity for one of Brandon’s well-known family entertainment venues, with familiar attractions remaining and renewed focus on the experiences that have made it a community favorite.

The Manitoba government has authorized Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) to offer select U.S. alcohol products for sale to the public until Dec. 24, with the proceeds from these sales to be donated to local charities, Premier Wab Kinew and Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard, minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation, announced today. “Manitobans have been resilient against Donald Trump’s tariffs and deserve some holiday cheer,” said Kinew. “We are offering people a chance to give back to the most vulnerable families during this holiday season.” Starting Monday, Dec. 8, MBLL will make select U.S. liquor products available for order by private retailers and liquor service businesses across Manitoba, including rural liquor vendors, beer vendors, specialty wine stores, and restaurants and lounges. On Dec. 10, U.S. liquor products will begin to be available for customers in 12 select liquor marts across Manitoba. A full selection will be available in these stores by Dec. 13 and will remain available until Dec. 24. All products sold under this program will be in saleable condition and within expiration dates. Up to $500,000 of net revenue will be donated to local charities including: Christmas Cheer Board of Greater Winnipeg Inc., Harvest Manitoba, Brandon-Westman Christmas Cheer Registry, Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc., and Boys and Girls Club of Thompson. “By offering these U.S. products during the holidays, Manitobans will have additional options for their family gathering while at the same time contributing to assistance for vulnerable Manitobans for whom the holidays can be a challenging time,” Simard said. “We strongly believe that removing U.S. alcohol from the shelves is the right thing to do at a time when our economy is under attack from illegal tariffs. Rather than waiting for products to expire and be destroyed, they will now fund community organizations instead.” During this time, consumers are encouraged to continue supporting the wide variety of great locally produced products available from Manitoba’s craft liquor community, the minister added.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has appointed its 2026 Board of Directors. Announced at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 29, the 2026 Board of Directors will comprise 11 members, including four new appointees. WCG members democratically elect the Board of Directors, which consists of representatives from across the communities it serves. This year’s new appointees include Brent Ewasiuk (Forrest), Gillian Halwas (Inglis), and Chris Sobchuk (Brandon) (re-elected) as Board Directors, and Tamra Rapsky (Minnedosa) as Treasurer. Returning members include Dan Robertson (Brandon) as Board Chair, Savaughn Peddle- Hastings (Souris) as 1st Vice Chair, Mike Brolund (Brandon) as 2nd Vice Chair, Gail Janz (Brandon) as Secretary, and returning as Board Directors are Dave Mahoney (Brandon), Terry McLenehan (Minnedosa), and Lorne Zacharias (Elm Creek). “I’d like to congratulate and warmly welcome our 2026 Board of Directors,” said WCG President & CEO Bud Keys. “The Board, democratically elected by our members, reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Westman region. This group of 11 community leaders plays a critical role in providing strategic direction. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure WCG continues to evolve and deliver exceptional value to all our members.” For more information on WCG’s Board of Directors, visit westmancom.com/about-us/company-profile/board-of-directors.