Manitoba government tax credits introduced in Budget 2024 and coming into effect in the new year will put more money into the pockets of Manitoba homeowners and renters, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today. “The previous government wanted to give breaks to out-of-province billionaires. We’re taking a different approach,” said Sala. “These new tax credits will provide help for all Manitobans, but particularly those who need it most.” Introduced in Budget 2024, the $1,500 Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit will benefit more than 80 per cent of Manitobans, the minister noted. The School Tax Rebate for farm properties is being maintained at 50 per cent as part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to support producers and their families, noted the minister. This new tax change will make it easier for young Manitobans to buy their first home and easier for homeowners to afford their mortgage payments, the minister added. Starting in the new year, the maximum Renter’s Tax Credit will be increased to $575, which marks the first step to the Manitoba government’s four-year commitment of fully restoring the Renter’s Tax Credit to $700.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that a complimentary and safe bus service will be available for New Year’s Eve, courtesy of Brandon Transit and its generous community sponsors. From 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) until 3 a.m. on Wednesday, January 1 (New Year’s Day), Brandon Transit will provide FREE TRANSIT across all transit routes and Brandon Access Transit services. Manitoba Public Insurance proudly continues to support Brandon Transit by sponsoring the New Year’s Eve Transit program.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Kristian BRUCE FOR Possess Firearm & Careless use of Firearm  On June 20th, 2024, BRUCE attended a business located in the 1700 block of Middleton Avenue. BRUCE exited a vehicle with a loaded shotgun and shot at the window of the building.  BRUCE fled the area, however, was later arrested and charged by police. BRUCE was released, however has failed to attend court. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Kristian BRUCE as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. CRIME OF THE WEEK for DECEMBER 20th, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Theft & Misue of Credit Card.  On December18th, 2024, a Brandon citizen had his vehicle broken into and his credit cards were stolen. The suspects were observed on surveillance cameras entering a business in the 700 block of 10th and using the stolen credit card. ************** If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) has appointed its 2025 Board of Directors. Announced at the WCG Annual General Meeting on November 30, 2024, the Board of Directors will consist of 10 members, including two new appointees. The Board of Directors is democratically elected by WCG members and consists of representatives from across the Westman region. This year’s new appointees include Terry McLenehan (Minnedosa) and Savaughn Peddle-Hastings (Souris) as Board Directors. Returning members include Mike Csversko as Board Chair, Dan Robertson as 1st Chair, Susan Brechmann as 2nd Chair, Lorne Zacharias as Treasurer, and Gail Janz as Secretary. Mike Brolund, Dave Mahoney, and Chris Sobchuk all return as Board Directors. “Our Board of Directors is imperative to our mission of serving the needs of our communities,” said WCG CEO Bud Keys. “These 10 individuals will help guide our cooperative forward.” Four of the 10 members of this year’s Board are made up of representatives from outside of Brandon – Mike Csversko (Dauphin), Lorne Zacharias (Elm Creek), Terry McLenehan (Minnedosa), Savaughn Peddle-Hastings (Souris). “As WCG continues growth into new areas of the province, I am pleased to see our Board of Directors reflect that,” said Keys. “Congratulations to our Board of Directors for 2025.” For more information on WCG’s Board of Directors, visit https://westmancom.com/about-us/company-profile/board-of-directors.

Drunk and Disorderly On December 15th at 2:07AM police responded to a report of a brawl at a pub in the 900 block of Rosser Avenue. A 27-year-old male was found to the primary cause of issues. He was arrested and held in BPS detention cells to be released once sober. Mischief Under $5000 On December 15th at 4:59AM a hotel in the 200 block of 18th Street North requested assistance in an eviction from a hotel room. The party in the room was shut down and the 35-year-old male who the room was registered to, was relocated and served a BPS Warrant for Mischief to Property Under $5000. A court date of March 3rd, 2025, has been set. Stolen Vehicle Recovered On December 14th at 9:24PM a BPS member was patrolling the parking lot of a hotel in the 900 block of Middleton Avenue when they located a 2013 Toyota Sienna van that was reported stolen January 3rd of 2024. The vehicle was covered in snow and appears to have been parked for some time. The vehicle was towed and further investigation will occur. Source: BPS News Release