With the country of Ukraine still bravely battling against a Russian invasion, residents of Brandon are invited to join the world in showing solidarity and support. This Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, the one-year anniversary of the start of the invasion, Brandon will once again host a community march and rally. The march is based on a similar one that was held in early March 2022 and will once again begin at Brandon University and go to Brandon City Hall. Starting at 5:30 p.m. at the BU campus, the university will raise a flag of Ukraine. After a few brief remarks, the march will head to Brandon City Hall, for a short program of speeches, and for the flag of Ukraine to be raised there as well. “The continuing support from the Brandon and Westman community for Ukraine has been so important and so special,” said Ukrainian community president Vasyl Marchuk. “For the last year, the heroic Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ukrainian people have stood united in defense of freedom in Europe athwart Russia’s genocidal onslaught. With their courage and determination the Ukrainian people inspire the world,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “To mark 365 days of Ukraine’s resilience against Russia’s genocidal war– join us on February 24 to show that all Canadians Stand With Ukraine!” Everyone is invited to join the march and show their support for Ukraine. You are invited to bring candles — especially blue and yellow candles, the colours of Ukraine — to march with. The event will coincide with many others happening the same day across Canada and around the world. “With Brandon home to many Ukrainians, we once again gather as a community to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine both at home and abroad against the Russian invasion, said City of Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “This anniversary march will be a demonstration that our resolve continues. We are proud to stand with our community to show the enduring support for the people of Ukraine.” At least year’s march, BU President David Docherty announced new measures to support university students fleeing the conflict, including alternate admissions for those unable to access their documents, eased deadlines, and waived fees. These supports have now also been extended to any displaced person who is otherwise eligible to attend BU. Three new Ukrainian students have since started classes at BU, with close to a dozen more who have been officially admitted but who have not yet been able to attend. “One of the biggest smiles I’ve seen all year was when I met our first incoming Ukrainian student, Andrii, as he was being given a tour around the BU campus,” Docherty recalled. “I keep that moment close as a reminder that the grim news from Ukraine will not last, and that our support hastens the day that all smiles can return to the faces of all Ukraine.”

At approx. 2:20 Sunday, police were called to a single vehicle vs fence collision in the 000 block of 23rd St, however the driver of the vehicle fled prior to police arrival. During the course of investigating the incident officers attended to a residence in the 300 block of 2nd St.  A 40 year old male, well known to police, confronted the officers outside the residence. He made threatening comments and gestures before discarding a knife in the snow, and retreating into the residence. The male then sent his dog after the officers, however they were able to subdue it without injury to the dog or the officers. Shortly thereafter the male exited the residence and was arrested.  The male has been charged with uttering threats and will appear in court on May 1.

On February 17, 2023, at 2:38pm, staff from a business located in the 900 block of 18th St. North, contacted police regarding a male who had stolen a television earlier in the day.  At 4:23pm, police were contacted regarding a male sleeping in a restaurant in the 900 block of 18th St.  Police attended and located a 51 year old male who was in possession of the stolen television.  The male was arrested and was also in possession of several other items that had been stolen from other area businesses.  The male was detained at the Brandon Police Service where he appeared before a Justice regarding the matter.

The Community Health and Housing Association Westman Region (CHHA Westman) is excited to announce the Global Market has found a new home at CHHA’s Building Re-Fit Store for the 2023 market season! Since 2010, the Global Market has evolved, aligning with the organizations goal of providing a space in downtown Brandon to support the importance of buying local.  As the Global Market has grown over the years, so have accumulated expenses such as the canopies. “CHHA was very proud to create an affordable space for vendors to sell their produce and goods.  However, revenue generated from table rentals is not enough to cover all the expenses to run the Global Market at its current location,” says Stephanie Lockerby, CHHA Executive Director. “It was hard to come to the realization that our organization cannot continue to operate the market as it is and that we had to make a change” Lockerby continues, “Moving the Global Market into our Building Re-Fit Store allows us to continue to run the summer market rain or shine!” The Building Re-Fit Store is undertaking some interior changes with the addition of murals from local artists, to create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere the Global Market was known for.  “Joining the store and market will provide a unique and eclectic atmosphere for all to enjoy”, says Lockerby. The Global Market will run every Saturday from 10am – 2pm starting May 13th until the end of September 2023 at the Building Re-Fit Store located at 23 – 12th Street.  Tables will be provided for vendors.  For more information or to become a vendor, please email Erin at chha.information@gmail.com.

On February 1st, 2023 police received a report regarding a female that was invited to a residence and proceeded to steal the home owner’s wallet contain personal identification and financial cards.  The suspect was captured on video surveillance using the victim’s bank card at a local business.  On February 15th, 2023 a 34 year old female was arrested and released with conditions to appear in court March 23, 2023 for the charges of Theft Under $5000 and Fraud Use Debit Card.