Westman Communications Group (WCG) continued the Connecting Westman Tour in Deloraine on June 19, 2025. A total of $4,181.32 was raised, with all proceeds going to the Deloraine Food Cupboard. This total includes a matched donation from WCG, significantly boosting the Deloraine Food Cupboard’s efforts to enhance its existing food security programs, which support residents in the town and surrounding areas. The Connecting Westman Tour is a unique, community-focused initiative where WCG hosts charity barbecue lunches throughout the summer. Hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks are offered with donation-based pricing, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to a nominated local charity. WCG then matches the total amount raised, amplifying the community’s support for its own causes. “Our second stop on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour was another great success, building on the momentum from our kickoff event.,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “We were thrilled to see the strong turnout from Deloraine residents in support of this vital community cause. It’s an honour to help create opportunities for fundraising, and we’re looking forward to continuing the Connecting Westman Tour all summer long.” The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider but as a dedicated community partner. Remaining stops on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour include Shoal Lake (July 24, 2025), and Virden (August 28, 2025). For more information about Westman Communications Group and the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding consideration, please visit https://westmancom.com.

The Manitoba government is advising the provincewide state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act has been rescinded today as many Manitobans have started to make their way home, Premier Wab Kinew and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization, announced today. “The decision to lift the state of emergency reflects the progress made on the ground and the dedication of the firefighting teams,” said Kinew. “As a government, we acted when we needed to and now we’re stepping back at the right time. This is still a serious situation so we will remain vigilant and prepare for any changes but this marks a positive step for Manitoba.” The state of emergency was first declared on May 28 under powers set out in sections 10(1) and 10(2) of the Emergency Measures Act and expired at 12 p.m. today. Evacuation orders set by local authorities remain in place until deemed safe to return. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the front-line responders, the Emergency Management Organization and government departments for their continued efforts during this wildfire crisis,” said Naylor. “Their co-ordination, dedication and tireless work has been instrumental in protecting lives, property and communities across Manitoba and I know that they continue to work to keep Manitobans safe.” For information on the status and location of active wildfires, fire restrictions and bans, evacuations and how to help prevent wildfires, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/index.html.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is WANTED BY POLICE”: John BALLANTYNE FOR Break Enter & Theft, Fail to Attend Court On July 25, 2024, John BALLANTYNE broke into a property on Aberdeen Avenue and stole several items from the residence. BALLANTYNE then proceeded to the garage where he stole a GMC truck. Police later located the thief, who was arrested and released for the offences. BALLANTYNE has failed to attend court and his whereabouts are unknown, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for John BALLANTYNE. CRIME OF THE WEEK for June 19, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Mischief. On June 17th, 2025, it was reported that two individuals vandalized the back patio property of business located in the 600 block of 10th Street. The male and female suspects were dressed in all black and captured on video surveillance. ************************************ 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.

On June 18th at 1:29PM an employee was punched twice in the face in the parking lot of their business location in the 200 block of 10th Steet. In the altercation, the employee’s keys fell to the ground. The suspect took the keys and ran off. A fellow coworker captured photos of the suspect and described the direction and location headed. Police were able to locate the male hiding on the roof of a nearby building. The 31-year-old male was still in possession of the employee’s keys. He was arrested, charged, and held in BPS detention cells for court in the morning on June 19th, 2025. The keys were returned to the owner.

Resist Arrest / Assault Police Officer X2 / Mischief to Property On June 14th at 11:12AM a 23-year-old male attended BPS in a non-sensical state. He was prevented access to the main lobby however gained access when other civilians were allowed access. Two officers were already at the front aware of him. The male was intoxicated by drug and refused to leave the building after several requests. Upon arrest for Breach of the Peace the male resisted compliance, and a struggle ensued. The male punched one officer twice on the top of the head and he punched the second officer once to the side of the face. The male was cuffed and transported to BRHA for medical clearance. Due to his violent behaviour, he was kept in the police vehicle. The male proceeded to kick the rear driver’s door from inside causing damage. He was medically cleared and held in detention cells. He will attend court in the morning on June 15th, 2025.