The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Jamie GUIMOND FOR Assault Police Officer & Resist Arrest. On November 10th, 2022 while housed at the Brandon Correctional Facility, GUIMOND struck a metal decanter out of the hands of an officer, cutting the officer hands. Officers attempted to arrest GUIMOND for the incident which he resisted. A warrant of arrest has been issued for Jamie GUIMOND as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. 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. *********************************************************** The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Theft Under. On May 10th, 2023, a male entered a business located in the 900 block of Victoria Ave. Once inside the male stole items and walked out of the business without paying for the merchandise. The suspect was captured on video surveillance that is attached to this release below.

The Town of Carberry is thrilled to receive $4500.00 from the Westoba Credit Union Inspire Program to complete their project to install a zipline in the recreation area. Callie Sudak, the Manager of Leisure Services for the Town of Carberry said allow them to finish the project they have been working on. “The Town of Carberry and the RM of North Cypress-Langford along with numerous residents and volunteers are working hard to create a new recreation area in town for all residents to enjoy for years to come,” said Sudak. “With a lot of fundraising completed thus far, we have been able to purchase the zipline; these funds will be used to purchase the required safety base needed for the structure.” Westoba Branch Manager for Carberry and Ninette, Marie Bodnarchuk said this project will lend to the community economy through growth and tourism. “The zipline is just one of many great and exciting things the Town of Carberry has been working on,” said Bodnarchuk. “It is great to see the community coming together to raise funds for these projects to grow the community and attract visitors.” The funding from Westoba Inspire is part of Westoba’s 60th anniversary celebration and will be used to install the safety base with the project aimed at spring 2023.

This week, May 14-19, Diego Gaudet (École La Source, Grade 11), Jessica Tichit (École Harrison, Grade 8), Armaan Chaudhari (Vincent Massey High School, Grade 9), and Spencer Pearce (École La Source, Grade 10) have been in Edmonton competing at the Canada Wide Science Fair. These four students were the top winners at the Western Manitoba Science Fair in April, and they moved on to the Canada Wide Science Fair to represent Western Manitoba this week. The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, bringing together top young scientists and their projects, selected from a national network of over 100 regional STEM fairs in every province and territory. Edmonton welcomed 400 brilliant young minds from across the country for this national week long event, giving finalists an opportunity to compete for cash prizes, scholarships, and special awards. In addition, they participated in a variety of virtual science based activities/workshops. Aside from presenting their project to the judges, some of the activities this week have included: a night at the West Edmonton Mall, a full day at University of Alberta doing campus tours and lab experiences, a CWSF talent show, an evening and the Telus World of Science centre, and more. Three days of school and public viewing welcome visitors who engage with the finalists about their projects and also experience STEM Expo – interactive and inspiring exhibits featuring ideas and opportunities in STEM. Spencer Pearce has won a Silver Excellence Award in the Intermediate category. The Excellence Awards recognize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) excellence. Spencer Pearce has won a SHAD Scholarship Award. Awarded to an enthusiastic intermediate finalist who demonstrates a strong desire to attend SHAD (a STEAM and entrepreneurship enrichment program) and interest in pursuing their potential as a Change Maker. $1000 towards the entrance fee to the 2024 SHAD Program. Armaan Chaudhari has won a Bronze Excellence Award in the Junior category. The Excellence Awards recognize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) excellence. A huge congratulations to our four Western Manitoba finalists; Diego, Jessica, Armaan, and Spencer! ​It is a remarkable accomplishment to make it to the Canada Wide Science Fair to compete!

The Manitoba government is providing more than $349,000 from the proceeds of Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Brandon Bear Clan for crime prevention and safety initiatives in the Brandon community, Premier Heather Stefanson and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced here today. “The Brandon Police Service and the Bear Clan patrols have a strong reputation for being able to offer on-the-ground support, promote safety and deter crime,” said Stefanson. “Our government is pleased to provide this funding in Brandon for these important initiatives, which will help create safer streets for a stronger community.” Forfeiture funds result from seized assets used as instruments of unlawful activity or are proceeds of unlawful activity. Through the Manitoba government, the funds are allocated to programs, equipment and initiatives that support victims of crime, crime prevention in the community, and innovation and equipment for law enforcement agencies. “Our government supports front-line officers, emergency responders, and community groups that help provide safer streets,” said Goertzen. “Funding for the Bear Clan will broaden their reach to support more vulnerable Manitobans and the Brandon Police Service will receive new gear to help officers investigate violent crime and track down those responsible.” Criminal property forfeiture funds of $80,000 will be used by the Brandon Bear Clan to purchase a minibus to provide services over a larger area of Brandon, distribute supplies, and serve as a safe space for vulnerable residents to warm up in winter. “Brandon Bear Clan Inc. is very grateful for the funding that will allow us to increase support for community members and Brandon as a whole,” said Tammy Hossack, treasurer, Brandon Bear Clan Women’s Council. “A larger transport vehicle will allow us to expand patrols to areas of Brandon we are invited to and will provide a place to respectfully help community members out of the elements. We cannot express enough appreciation to the Manitoba government for this substantial grant.” BPS will use some of forfeiture funds to improve and increase tools available to its forensic identification unit, including over $64,000 to purchase new forensic evidence gathering equipment to better locate and capture trace evidence at crime scenes. In addition, the police service will invest $22,000 in remote-piloted aircraft technology to provide officers with enhanced search and rescue capabilities and improved ability to gather intelligence during critical incidents. “The funding allows our police service to purchase equipment and train our employees, outside of our regularly budgeted items, ensuring the BPS can continue to offer exceptional policing services to our citizens and those visiting Brandon,” said Chief Wayne Balcaen, Brandon Police Service. “The Manitoba government’s partnership with, and continued support of, the BPS year over year through criminal property forfeiture funding, helps solidify our mission of ‘Committed to Community Safety’.” The remaining $184,000 is being invested in other BPS programs, priorities, and equipment. Since its inception in 2009, the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund has distributed more than $26 million to communities throughout Manitoba. The program seizes and liquidates criminal assets, and redirects funding to projects and initiatives designed to protect Manitobans and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives continue to build community, prevent crime and invest in youth and support victims of crime, the minister noted. For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit https://gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf/index.html.

The City of Brandon Grants Review Committee is now receiving grant applications for the 2024 fiscal year from non-profit organizations operating a service within city limits.   Organizations requesting grants must meet the following criteria: Be a non-profit organization Clearly demonstrate that the organization is fulfilling a need in our community which is in line with the City’s mandate to provide social support and recreational, cultural, and youth services Include fundraising efforts as an important part of the organization's financial efforts Clearly demonstrate a financial need for the funds requested   Applications are required to be submitted online through the Grant Application Form. The deadline to apply is Friday, June 30, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.   Grant applications will be reviewed in the fall of 2023 by the Grants Review Committee, with recommended grant funding to be provided for City Council approval prior to its 2023 budget deliberations.  Approved grant funds will be issued following final approval of the Financial Plan in the spring of 2024.   The City of Brandon Municipal Grants Fact Sheet can be found on the City of Brandon website.  For more information, organizations may contact the Grants Review Secretary at 204-729-2296 or cityclerk@brandon.ca.