(File Photo) Premier Wab Kinew awarded one of Manitoba’s highest honours, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, to the first responders of the Carberry bus crash to recognize their bravery and courage following a tragic collision, which took the lives of 17 Manitobans on June 15, 2023. “We want to honour those whose valour and heroism helped to embody the best of Manitobans,” said Kinew. “When we think of the first responders and how they stepped up and answered the call that day and in a moment of challenge or a moment of danger, they went towards the crisis instead of running away.” A total of 134 first responders were inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt following a ceremony held today at the Legislative Building. First responders from the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire Department, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Shared Health Emergency Response Services, STARS air ambulance and Manitoba RCMP, as well as provincial call takers and dispatchers, were inducted. Pilots and medical staff who were on board two Saskatchewan government fixed-wing air ambulance (Lifeguard) flights that responded and transported patients from Brandon to Winnipeg were also inducted. Keith Loney, fire chief of the Carberry North Cypress-Langford Fire and Rescue, Yves Guillas, fire chief of the Neepawa Volunteer Fire Department, Terry Parlow, chief, and Kevin Garrioch of Brandon Fire and Emergency Services, and Ryan Schenk and Grant Winder from the Office of the Fire Commissioner were on hand to accept the framed certificate and statuette on behalf of all recipients.

Flight From Police On October 26, 2024 shortly after 1:00 am, police observed a 40-year-old male known to them on a cell phone contrary to his release conditions not to have a phone.  The male got into a vehicle with no front license plate, and drove away, so members attempted to conduct a vehicle stop; however, the suspect fled. Police located the male driving in the 700 block of Percy Street shortly before 8:00 am.  They conducted a vehicle stop and arrested him. Following an investigation into the male suspect and his 24-year-old male passenger, police located Crystal Meth and Oxycodone. Both males were lodged and appeared in court on charges of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Meth & Oxycodone, and Possession of Proceeds of Crime.  The 40-year-old male received additional charges of Fail to Comply with Release Order X7 and Flight from Police. Assault Peace Officer On October 26, 2024 shortly before 10:00 pm, police responded to a report of an intoxicated female who was wandering in and out of traffic.  She was in no condition to care for herself, so police arrested her in order to lodge her.  The 40-year-old female was taken for medical clearance at the hospital where she proceeded to kick one of the officers.  She was arrested for this offence and later lodged.  While in custody, she also caused significant damage to a mat provided to her to lay on for the evening.  She will be released once sober on charges of Assault Peace Officer and Mischief to Property Under $5000. Impaired Driving On October 26, 2024 at approximately 2:30 pm, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked and running on Elviss Cres.  The 33-year-old female in the driver’s seat displayed signs of impairment and was arrested.  She provided samples of her breath more than twice the legal limit.  She was held until sober and released to appear in court on October 31, 2024 on charges of Operation While Impaired and Operation Exceeding 80 mgs%.

Assiniboine College and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have partnered to improve access to driver training in Manitoba. The college will offer a new driver education program for adults (18+), with initial intakes beginning on November 25 in Brandon and on January 6 in Killarney. The college and MPI are working to confirm future intakes for the program in other rural communities. "Through this collaboration, we’re making driver education more accessible for Manitobans while promoting road safety," said Rennen Rommelaere, Coordinator, Community Programs at Assiniboine. "We are excited to help individuals in communities across the province gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed as drivers." The program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to become confident and responsible drivers. It combines 16 hours of in-class theory with 4 hours of practical, in-car training using one of our driver training vehicles. The curriculum includes everything from road test preparation to mastering parallel parking, ensuring students are well-prepared for safely and confidently driving on Manitoba’s roads. “Improving road safety for everyone is a key part of MPI’s mandate,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President & CEO. “We are proud to increase our support for these programs across the province to ensure more new drivers have access to quality training, including experience making the right decisions behind the wheel and creating a foundation of responsible driving habits.” The Assiniboine College Class 5 Adult Driver Training Program will enhance road safety and support workforce development by providing affordable, accessible training in communities throughout the region. “This partnership is so important when it comes to improving access to driver education for communities in Westman,” said Justice Minister, Matt Wiebe. “We are proud to see MPI and Assiniboine collaborating to ensure that those wishing to pursue driver training have more opportunities, prioritizing the needs of Manitobans and safety on our roads.” New locations will be added to the college website as they are confirmed. To receive updates about confirmed locations, visit Assiniboine.net/MPI and sign up for the interest list. Applications for the Brandon and Killarney programs are now open. For more information and to apply, visit assiniboine.net/MPI.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Francesca HOULE FOR Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Weapon On April 11th, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, Police conducted a search warrant at Francesca HOULE’s residence. Police located Cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia along with cash and weapons. HOULE was arrested and released, however has failed to attend court, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Francesca HOULE as her whereabouts are unknown at this time. CRIME OF THE WEEK for October 25th, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Fraudulently Obtaining Food. On October 12, 2024, three females and one male attended a restaurant in the 200 block of 18th Street North. The culprits dined then fled without paying their bill. The suspects fled on foot but not before being 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.

Theft Under $5000 At 12:31PM an employee of a business in the Corral Centre reports a thief in custody for shoplifting $450 worth of merchandise. BPS attended and picked up the 37-year-old male. He was held in custody and will attend court in the morning on October 24th, 2024. Theft Under $5000 X2 At 2:27PM a female was observed stealing items from a business in the 1500 block of 18th Street. (Value of $492). BPS attended and picked up the 34-year-old female. She was held in custody and will attend court in the morning on October 24th, 2024. Records reveal she had a previous unendorsed Warrant of Arrest also for Theft Under $5000. Theft Under $5000 At 9:00PM police were called to a business in the Corral Centre where they had a thief detained. (Value of $25.98).  BPS attended and the 49-year-old woman, who was aggressive towards staff, was arrested, charged, and later released on an Undertaking with a court date of January 9th, 2025.