The Trans Canada Brewing Company has announced plans to open a new location in Brandon, Manitoba, in the spring of 2026.  The announcement was made via their official Facebook page, where they shared excitement about bringing their wide range of craft beers to a new audience. The new Brandon location will feature a taproom where customers can enjoy freshly brewed beers, along with their famous pizza and a welcoming atmosphere that mirrors the vibe of their flagship location in Winnipeg. The company aims to create a community space where beer lovers can gather, explore new flavors, and enjoy special events. The Brandon location (105 Middleton Ave, old Barneys Motel) will further solidifying Trans Canada Brewing Company’s status as a leader in the regional craft brewing industry.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Trans Canada Brewing Company (@transcanadabeer)

Brandon residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy a fresh sushi experience, as Sushi Sama, a popular sushi chain, is set to open a new location inside the Shoppers Mall in the fall of 2024. Known for its high-quality ingredients, delicious flavors, and affordable prices, Sushi Sama has built a reputation for offering a wide range of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes that appeal to both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Sushi Sama offers an extensive menu, including classics such as California rolls, salmon nigiri, tempura shrimp, and more creative options like specialty rolls and vegetarian choices. Alongside sushi, customers can expect to find Japanese staples such as miso soup, gyoza, and seaweed salad. With Brandon’s growing demand for diverse dining options, Sushi Sama’s arrival is highly anticipated, providing an exciting addition to the food scene in the Shoppers Mall. The new restaurant is expected to attract a wide range of customers, including families, students, and professionals looking for a convenient and healthy meal. No official word on an opening date yet, please check/follow the Shoppers Mall Facebook page for future updates.

Westoba Inspire, Westoba Credit Union’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications during September 2024 for major community infrastructure projects up to $10,000.00. The Inspire program offers funding opportunities for a variety of projects that meet a wide range of ages and demographics. “Westoba Inspire provides an opportunity for our communities to bring their project ideas to reality.” said Westoba President and CEO, Jim Rediger. “The bi-annual application process gives us an opportunity to see what projects our communities are working on, and how Westoba can help support those efforts”. Applications are reviewed by Westoba’s Community Investment Committee which includes employees, members, and Board representation. Successful applications are chosen based on their ability to align with Westoba’s goal to support community infrastructure. HOW TO APPLY to Westoba Inspire Applications will be accepted through an online application form available September 1 - 30th at www.westoba.com. ABOUT WESTOBA INSPIRE Westoba Inspire has supported 40 community projects since it was launched in 2017. To be eligible for funding, projects must support community infrastructure initiatives that are started locally or have a clear local impact; are inclusive and bring people together; are long-term or multi-functional; and promote staying, taking part and engaging in an enriched community.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) concluded its 2024 Connecting Westman Tour with a charity barbecue in Boissevain on August 21, 2024. All proceeds went to the Boissevain School Playground, a cause chosen by the residents of Boissevain. After a matched donation from WCG, the event raised $3,758.40. The Connecting Westman Tour is a community-driven initiative that allows WCG to serve its members and support the projects that matter most to community members. The event was held at the Boissevain Co-op, where WCG served hotdogs and smokies with donation-based pricing. The community contributed $1,879.20, which was matched by WCG, bringing the total amount raised to $3,758.40. Susan Jackson, Co-Chair of the Boissevain School Playground Project, shared, “Many of the playground structures date back to the 1970s and 1990s and don’t meet current standards for safety and accessibility. We want to build something that all children can use. We’re so grateful that the community came out to the BBQ and showed their support for what we’re doing and for Westman Communications Group. We really appreciate all the support because every dollar helps; we have a big goal ahead of us. Thank you.” The 2024 Connecting Westman Tour had its most successful year to date, donating over $26,500 to initiatives across Notre Dame, Dauphin, Gladstone, and Boissevain. For more information on the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding from the Tour, please visit the WCG website

Dale Hutchings, a skilled local handyman, has found a unique way to combine his craftsmanship with a popular backyard game: cornhole. Dale, who began making cornhole boards 1.5 years ago, has quickly turned his hobby into a growing side business, providing custom-made boards to the community. The journey started when he created his first set for his family, with his daughter contributing a special touch by painting the boards. This initial design has since become the foundation for many of his creations. Dale’s attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in the materials he uses. Each board is crafted from 3/4” birch plywood, paired with premium-grade 2x4’s that have fewer knots for added stability. The legs of the boards are designed to fold, making them easy to transport and store. To ensure durability and weather resistance, Dale treats all the wood with a high-grade lacquer, applying two coats to the base, bottom, and legs, and three coats to the top surface. One of the standout features of Dale’s cornhole boards is the level of customization he offers. “I work with each customer on colors, designs, logos, and even bag colors,” Dale says. Whether it’s a simple design or something more intricate, Dale takes pride in bringing his customers’ visions to life. The basic sets typically take 1-2 weeks to complete, while custom orders, depending on the complexity, can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. For customers looking to add an extra flair to their boards, Dale collaborates with Cor Enterprises on Park Avenue, where the boards are enhanced with logos, designs, or words. The designs, which can be up to 12 x 12 inches in size, are created by two skilled ladies at Cor Enterprises. Additionally, Dale has partnered with Accent Striping for customers who want their boards completely wrapped. He can also supply the cornhole bags, ordering them from two different companies that offer a wide variety of color options. Dale emphasizes the importance of planning ahead when placing an order, as the turnaround time can vary depending on his workload and the availability of his partners. To secure a custom order, a 50% deposit is required. Customers can reach out to Dale via email at hutchingsdale1973@yahoo.com or through Facebook Marketplace for additional information and pricing options.. In addition to his standard offerings, Dale also provides options for adding lights and scoreboards to the boards at an extra cost. As demand for his cornhole boards grows, Dale remains committed to delivering high-quality, personalized products that bring joy and entertainment to backyards across the community.