Assiniboine Community College is presenting Rick and Karen Chrest each with an honorary diploma in Community Development at the college’s graduation ceremony in Brandon on June 16, 2023. The Chrest family have long been well-known faces in the community—Rick served as Mayor of the City of Brandon for eight years and Karen was the face of the CKX Noon Hour show for a number of years. Their family roots in Brandon date back to 1912, and their passion for the city can be seen through their community involvement serving on countless boards, commitees and organizations in the sectors of business, arts and charitable endeavours. “The Chrest’s dedication to the City of Brandon and their efforts to make the community an incredible place for people to call home has been remarkable for years,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “These two have been a dynamic team bettering our community for decades. They have been integral in supporting worthwhile causes that help move the city forward, and I have no doubt we will see continued contributions to the community going forward. We are honoured to present them with this well-deserved recognition.” As the former host of the CKX Noon Hour show, Karen was instrumental in telling the stories of those in the community, and provided a platform for many charities and events she became involved in. After leaving television, she would go on to be an emcee and volunteer for many worthwhile causes, while leading a fundraising charge for Murray House, a cancer care housing facility serving as a “home away from home” for patients in the Western Manitoba region. Other notable awards Karen has received include the District 64 Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award for "outstanding achievement, contribution and service to community, corporate and region, through communication and leadership excellence", which she received in 2016. “To be recognized as someone who may have played a part in supporting and celebrating this wonderful community is very humbling and moving, and to receive this from the exceptional institution that is our Assiniboine Community College is a true honour,” said Karen Chrest. “Having both Rick and I receive honorary diplomas is quite amazing, and while the recognition is unexpected, it is a good feeling to think that we can all make a difference in our communities in many different ways.” Rick was born and raised in Brandon’s East End. His service to the city of Brandon started when he served three terms as Councillor for University Ward from 1995 to 2006. Eight of those years were served as Deputy Mayor. On October 22, 2014, Rick was elected as the 32nd Mayor of the City of Brandon, and was acclaimed to a second term in October 2018. Rick retired from civic leadership in October of 2022. Rick and Karen have also been long-time co-owners of Leon’s Furniture in Brandon. As Mayor, he embodied his desire to embrace fiscal responsibility and took a “back to basics” approach to civic operations. He was proactive when it came to economic development to make Brandon a city of opportunity and diversity for its residents and newcomers. He brought to the job a strong background in management, business and community affairs, not only as a business owner, but also as the former General Manager of both the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and the Keystone Centre. “It is such a great honour to be granted this honorary diploma by Assiniboine Community College and a special joy to receive it alongside my wife Karen receiving hers as well,” said Rick Chrest. “ACC continues to have a long and profound impact on our community and on the education and training of thousands of lives. It is a great privilege to be included among their honorary recipients.” The Chrests remain active in the community and enjoy spending time with their three children and one grandchild. Assiniboine awards honorary diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.   List of past honorary diploma recipients: 2023 Dori Gingera-Beauchemin 2022 Leah LaPlante 2019 Kelly McCrimmon 2018 Ron Helwer 2017 Phil Fontaine 2016 Beverly Bunn 2016 Ian Grant 2016 Jason Yates 2016 Rick Borotsik 2015 Mildred Murray 2014 Jim Treliving 2014 Harvey Armstrong 2013 Dave Baxter 2012 Carmel Olson 2012 Allen Dowhan 2011 Dennis Hunt 2010 Bob Mazer 2009 Gord Peters (ACC News Release)

The Manitoba government is providing youth in Manitoba with the opportunity to experience their first jobs in a supportive environment that gives them the confidence and skills needed for work, Economic Development, Investment and Trade Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “Our government is committed to supporting young Manitobans so they can build their skills and engage with the workforce through this supportive model,” said Wharton. “The programs funded through the First Jobs Fund help youth develop the skills necessary to be successful in the future.” The First Jobs Fund supports registered non-profit or non-government organizations to implement programming for youth aged 15 to 29 facing barriers to employment, up to a maximum of $300,000 per organization. The two programs available include: a job readiness program which develops employability skills and provides mentorship, job coaching and life skills to youth participants.; and a wage subsidy program which provides a minimum of seven hours of employment per week and at least 150 hours of employment to youth participants. Last year, more than 300 Manitoba youth had the opportunity to build skills in their first job through the First Jobs Fund. These young people have gained valuable experiences that have supported them in their further education and career paths, the minister noted. The fund prioritizes projects that support Indigenous youth, include paid work experience, and provide skills and experiences in key economic sectors and for in-demand jobs, said the minister. Applications for the First Jobs Fund are open until July 31. For more information and the application form, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wd/ites/youth/first_jobs_fund.html.

Source: Brandon Police Service News Release At 7:42 pm, Police were called to the area of Queens Cres for a call of two unwanted people in the area. Police located a 16 year old male in the area of Queens Cres and 22nd St and found him to have an outstanding warrant for Second Degree Murder issued by Manitoba First Nation Police Service. He was arrested and held for court in the morning.

The City of Brandon is continuing with the Speed Limit Reduction Pilot Project and will be reducing the speed limit to 40 km/h in two neighbourhoods starting Thursday, June 1, 2023 and a third neighbourhood on July 1, 2023. The first two neighbourhoods impacted with a speed reduction to 40 km/hr as of June 1, 2023: Parkdale: 34th Street, Richmond Avenue, 26th Street and Maryland Avenue Riverheights: Northwest of Victoria Avenue and 34th Street to City limits and Assiniboine River The third neighbourhood impacted with a speed reduction as of July 1, 2023: Princess Avenue East from 1st to 13th St E (40 km/hr) Streets surrounding Rideau Park, including Lorne Ave E, Park St and Franklin St (30 km/hr) Signs will be posted indicating when motorists are entering and exiting a reduced speed limit neighbourhood. Speed limit enforcement will be conducted by Brandon Police Service throughout the reduced speed limit neighbourhoods. City staff will be collecting data to assess the enforcement needs associated with a reduced speed limit and determine if traffic calming is needed to aid in enforcement. How Long Is This Speed Study? The reduced speed limit areas will be in effect for at least one year and until a recommendation is established by the Vision Zero Task Force regarding default speed limits for the entire City. Periodic data collection, including display and discrete radar detection, will be administered at various locations in different seasons and road conditions to determine how effective speed limit reduction is on its own and under what conditions traffic calming is necessary to aid in enforcement. Various traffic calming techniques will be tested in recommended areas based on observed non-compliance with reduced speeds. Your feedback is valuable and will be used as feedback to Brandon City Council. The City of Brandon 2023 Speed Study Survey is open to all members of the public. The survey is open until July 15, 2023. Questions on this project can be directed to the project manager, Samuel van Huizen, Traffic and Transportation Planner at 204-729-2105 or s.vanhuizen@brandon.ca.

On May 11, 2023 shortly before 11:00 pm, police responded to a report of a disturbance in a residence.  Investigation revealed that the homeowner’s boyfriend forced his way inside when the victim went to let her dog out.  He then proceeded to threaten her and assault her. When police arrived, they found the 30-year-old male hiding in the closet.  He was to abide by conditions not to communicate with the victim. The victim received minor injuries that did not require medical treatment. Following his arrest, he was lodged at Brandon Police Service and he will appear in court today on charges of Assault, Utter Threats, Break, Enter and Commit Assault and Fail to comply with Release Order.