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Friday, December 5, 2025
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Brandon Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week for Dec 2, 2025

Sunrise Credit Union gives over $29k in Support of Community Initiatives Through the Building Community Grants

City Announces Partnership with Southern Chiefs’ Organization for Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach

Province pledges $500K for school safety

Moose Hunting Season Opens in Manitoba on December 1

Police Arrest Intoxicated Man After Threats and Disturbance at Brandon business

Search Warrant Leads to Triple Bust of Cocaine, Cash, and Cartons

Minnedosa RCMP respond to fatal scooter collision

Brandon Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week for Dec 2, 2025

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Paris PRATT-FAVEL FOR Assault, Causing a Disturbance & Failure to Attend Court X2 Pratt-Favel was charged with Assault and Causing a Disturbance in fall of 2024 and failed to attend court summer of 2025. She then later failed to subsequently attend court in November of 2025. As a result of these violations, a warrant has been issued for her arrest. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

Sunrise Credit Union gives over $29k in Support of Community Initiatives Through the Building Community Grants

Photo: Boissevain Arts Council – Left to Right: Bruce Luebke (Community Engagement Coordinator, Sunrise Credit Union) and Bradley Peters (Treasurer, Boissevain-Morton Arts Council) Sunrise Credit Union is pleased to announce that $29,550 has been awarded through the fall edition of our Building Community Grant program. Supporting and strengthening the communities we serve remains one of our top priorities. Launched in 2023, the Building Community Grants Program has invested $208,098.68 in 21 deserving projects and initiatives. With each intake, we are able to broaden our reach and support even more of the communities we serve. There are two intakes a year, the spring and fall that welcome applications fo ffunding for three categories: Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant, Individual and Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Culture and Sport. This fall’s intake drew more than 70 applications, making the selection process both exciting and challenging. Using the criteria outlined in the program guidelines, our team carefully reviewed each submission and selected five organizations to receive funding to help move their projects forward. With funding now awarded, the chosen projects can begin right away - some as early as this fall. “Since we started this program in 2023, we have seen a steady increase in applications for each intake. It has been truly remarkable to see so many organizations working to strengthen their communities,” said Tim Klassen, President and CEO of Sunrise Credit Union. “While all applicants demonstrated exceptional commitment and community focus, we are pleased to announce the five organizations selected for this intake. These contributions reflect our ongoing commitment to fostering growth in the communitieswhere we live and work, while also supporting the local economies that sustain them.” The Grandview Fire Department will receive $15,000 to go towards replacing their aging Quick Response Unit through the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category. The Grandview Fire Department responds to calls in their municipality working with Prairie Mountain Health, RCMP, STARS Air Ambulance and Mutual Aid calls through the Parkland area. The current Quick Response Unit -dispatched first and is equipped with essential tools such as a water tank, foam, and a portable tank - canno longer meet the community’s needs due to its age and mechanical issues. Funding for a new unit will help ensure reliable service and maintain fast, effective emergency response times. The Shilo Military Family Resource Centre, located on Canadian Forces Base Shilo, will receive $2,100 as part of the Individual and Community Wellbeing category to fund the development and launch of Rise Up Kids, an initiative designed to enhance resilience, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational connections between youth and older adults. By fostering meaningful engagement with older adults and veterans, the program aims to reduce isolation and encourage mentorship. Classroom kit activities will focus on themes such as adaptability, healthy relationships, and emotional regulation - important skillsfor all students. Once developed, this program will be shared with other youth organizations and classrooms to broaden its reach and impact. The Waskada & Area Recreation Centre is a vital community hub hosting Hockey Manitoba events, figure skating, school events, and numerous other community events. The centre will receive $1,450 to purchase and install a second gas deep fryer, helping to reduce wait times during busy events that are held there throughout the year. This upgrade allows the Centre to be able to expand their food service, which is currently the only food establishment in town, allowing more people to enjoy a meal with their community. The Boissevain-Morton Arts Council will be receiving $6,000 through the Facilities Construction or Improvement Capital Grant category. The council, which was founded in 1990, is based out of the Arts Hall in Boissevain where they offer year-round various arts and musical programming. Their mission is to make the arts accessible to everyone by encouraging education, promoting public art, and fostering local artists. They purchased their heritage building (built in 1910) in 2021 and have since been taking on upgrades and repairs. This funding will support the much-needed replacement of the Arts Hall’s windows and doors, allowing work to begin promptly at a critical time, as falling temperatures make these upgrades essential for improving energy efficiency, long-term sustainability, and preserving the building’s historic character. The Elgin Community Rink has been granted $5,000 to purchase new rubber skate safe flooring for their rink lobby and dressing rooms. The previous flooring had to be removed due to age and disrepair. The Elgin Community Rink serves as a gathering place for local and surrounding communities, offering skating, hockey, and curling throughout the winter months. Applications for the next Building Community Grants intake will open in April 2026. Organizations or groups that have previously applied but were not selected remain eligible to apply again. We look forward to collaborating with more organizations on projects and initiatives of all sizes, to continue improving the communities we serve and to invest directly back into them – creating a brighter future together.

City Announces Partnership with Southern Chiefs’ Organization for Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) to deliver a Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach service tailored to the needs of our community residents who urgently require this support. Health Canada has provided $340,740 in funding for this initiative to support overdose prevention efforts. The City of Brandon applied for these funds, and SCO was selected as the lead partner through a competitive procurement process to implement this essential program, which prioritizes overdose prevention and trauma-informed care. This partnership reflects Brandon’s commitment to responding proactively to the significant rise in drug usage and the associated increase in homelessness. The initiative has strong backing from local partners who recognize the urgent need for dedicated outreach efforts. The City is very pleased to work with SCO on this program, as they bring a wealth of experience through their existing Harm Reduction Program, Mobile Crisis Response Team, and Mental Wellness services. Their expertise will strengthen Brandon’s ability to support those most in need. “The Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach aims to provide culturally appropriate, compassionate support directly to those most affected, particularly people living in homeless encampments and others facing barriers to accessing services,” said Shannon Saltarelli, Community Housing and Wellness Coordinator for the City of Brandon. “By increasing on-the-ground outreach, the program will connect with individuals where they are, offering harm reduction supplies, water, snacks, and referrals to essential services such as addictions treatment, mental health and crisis supports, and housing providers.” “Every life in our communities matters,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “This partnership is about meeting people with dignity, respect, and the supports they deserve. When we work together—First Nations, municipalities, and all levels of government—we create real pathways to safety and care for those who need it most. Harm reduction must be rooted in culture, community, and a trauma-informed approach. SCO brings proven expertise from our well-established Harm Reduction Program, and with this support, we can reach unhoused relatives directly, offer culturally grounded care, and connect people to the services they need. SCO will deploy a mobile team to reach unhoused relatives where they are, offering supplies, education, and connections to vital services—including mental health supports, treatment for substance misuse disorder, and safe, dignified housing.” “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to solving the overdose crisis, and no community can solve it alone,” said the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health. “By investing in community-driven, culturally relevant, and evidence-based initiatives, we are making sure people have access to the care and support they need, close to home.” “I’m excited that the City of Brandon can partner with Southern Chiefs’ Organization to bring the Mobile Harm Reduction Outreach service to Brandon,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Thanks to Health Canada’s support, this partnership shows how much we care about helping people with compassion, expertise, and culturally appropriate care. Together, we’re tackling the tough issues of substance use and homelessness while working toward a healthier, safer community for everyone. A big thank you to Health Canada, SCO, and all our local partners for making a real difference.”

Province pledges $500K for school safety

The Manitoba government is taking immediate action to enhance safety in all schools by providing $500,000 in new funding to support training and by requiring schools to review controlled access policies, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced today. “As a parent, I know nothing matters more than your child’s safety,” said Schmidt. “Families deserve certainty every single day. That’s why we are acting quickly and working closely with school divisions to re-inforce controlled access measures, so every child in Manitoba is supported and protected.” The Manitoba government will require all school divisions to review and update emergency preparedness plans, including controlled access measures such as locking doors and monitoring entrances, and report back to the government by Dec. 25, the minister noted. These updated plans will build on existing requirements under the Public Schools Act, which directs divisions to assess visitor access controls, emergency response protocols, communication procedures and physical security measures. “The safety of our students and school communities is the number one priority for school boards, and we appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Manitoba government on comprehensive enhancements to school safety measures across the province,” said Alan Campbell, president, Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA). “Local school boards and our senior administration teams are best positioned to ensure enhanced school safety measures and investment from the Manitoba government have the most meaningful impact in schools.” To support this work, the Manitoba government is investing in safety assessments, in-person and online training, and a cross-sector safety forum. Working in partnership with the MSBA, the Manitoba government will provide school divisions with access to safety assessment services, with a focus on controlled access. These assessments will identify vulnerabilities and help divisions strengthen controlled access, monitoring practices and risk-prevention approaches. To strengthen safety across the system, the MSBA will deliver training sessions for all 37 school divisions and develop a provincewide online school safety training module for staff. The training will cover controlled access, risk identification, emergency response and related safety protocols. The Manitoba government will also fund the MSBA to convene a provincial school safety forum, bringing together education leaders, law enforcement, child welfare partners and community experts to collaborate on system-wide safety improvements. These are the first steps the Manitoba government is taking and further measures will follow as school divisions complete their reviews and assessments, the minister noted.

Moose Hunting Season Opens in Manitoba on December 1

Moose hunting season in Manitoba opens Dec. 1 and all hunters are asked to follow all hunting and safety rules. Conservation Officers will be deployed to ensure access to game hunting areas (GHAs) is maintained, so licensed hunters can hunt safely and responsibly and that hunting regulations are followed. Key safety guidelines to remember: always carry your valid hunting licence and identification, wear hunter orange for visibility, know your target and what lies beyond before shooting, do not trespass on private or restricted lands, and report illegal hunting or wastage to the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service by contacting the Turn in Poachers line at 1-800-782-0076. Hunters who are active in areas where chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a concern should have harvested animals tested, practise safe carcass-handling protocols and avoid consumption of any animal that has tested positive or has not yet been tested. To access the CWD dashboard visit www.manitoba.ca/cwd. Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures reminds all hunters across Manitoba, including licensed hunters and those exercising Indigenous harvesting rights, of their shared responsibility to hunt safely, ethically and legally this moose hunting season. For more information about seasons, bag limits and regulations, and GHAs, consult the Manitoba Hunting Guide by visiting www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/huntingguide.pdf.