On February 7th, 2023 police conducted a pedestrian stop with a male in the 800 block of Rosser Avenue.  A check of police records revealed the accused to have an outstanding warrant of arrest.  A search incident to arrest resulted in police locating a 12 inch blade concealed in the man’s clothing.  A 20 year old male was arrested and released with conditions to appear in court March 14th, 2023 for the outstanding warrant and a new charge of Possession of a Weapon.

On February 6th, 2023 police attended to a victim in the 0 hundred block of 9th Street.  Investigation discovered that a male and female whom are known to each other had gotten into an argument while at an apartment located in the 700 block of Rosser Avenue.  The female suspect accessed a kitchen knife to cut the wrist of the male and the 25 year old male was transported by ambulance for a non-life threatening injury.  A 47 year old female suspect was arrested at the scene and lodged at Brandon Police Service to appear in court February 7th, 2023 for the charge of Assault with a Weapon.

“CRIME STOPPERS WANTED” for: February 3rd, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Chance SCHMIDT (29 years old) FOR Break Enter to Commit Assault. On August 27th, 2022, Chance SCHMIDT broke into a Brandon residence where he assaulted a female and was subsequently arrested and charged with Break Enter to Commit Assault. SCHMIDT has breached his court order and has failed to attend court to deal with the charges. A warrant has been issued for Chance SCHMIDT 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. ****************************************************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for February 3rd, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Fraud Under $5000  On January 17th, 2023, at approximately 4:20pm, a female entered a business in the 1500 block of 18th Street.  Once inside, the suspect stole a customers wallet and then proceeded to make several debit card transactions at various other locations. The female suspect was captured on video surveillance and photos of the suspect are attached to this release.

The Manitoba government is strengthening the province’s education system by increasing funding for kindergarten to Grade 12 schools by $100 million for the 2023-24 school year, representing an increase of 6.1 per cent in operating funding, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Wayne Ewasko announced today. “Our government believes that all students must succeed regardless of where they live, their background or circumstances, and this year’s investment will provide an operating funding increase to each and every school division across the province,” said Ewasko. “Every division will see an increase in funding next year, which will help them engage students and invest in the programs and services that will best meet the needs of local communities.” Since 2016-17, operational funding to schools has increased by $328 million or 23 per cent, the minister noted. This year’s annual funding includes an increase of $100 million including: $62.9-million increase in operating support including an additional $20 million to address cost pressures, $5 million for special needs along with increases in other existing grants; $8-million increase in capital support payments; $24-million increase to the Property Tax Offset Grant; and additional $5-million increase for independent schools. The Manitoba government is also investing another $106 million to make one-time funding provided to school divisions last year permanent. This includes $22 million to support student presence and engagement to facilitate the implementation of Safe and Caring Schools, the new policy directive and action plan for enhancing student presence and engagement. Making this funding permanent will help school divisions respond to financial pressures, strengthen student learning and supports, and provide additional support for students with special learning needs. Building these increases into the annual funding allotment to schools will ensure these funds remain available now and into the future, the minister said. “This significant investment in kindergarten to Grade 12 education keeps Manitoba among the highest per-pupil funded provinces across Canada,” said Ewasko. “This investment continues to highlight our ongoing commitment to improving literacy and numeracy and strengthening Indigenous education.” The minister noted work continues on the development of a new education funding model, with one-to-one consultations planned with each school division post-budget. The minister noted today’s announcement builds on other recent investments to strengthen Manitoba’s education system with a focus on continuous improvement including: providing an additional $900,000 to increase the Intensive Newcomer Support Grant to $1.8 million, helping schools provide supports for newcomers entering Manitoba’s education system; establishing the Manitoba Education Council to take a provincewide approach to planning, implementing and monitoring Manitoba’s K to 12 Education Action Plan; completing the construction of seven new schools since 2019, with seven additional schools in the design or construction phase; investing $5 million in 57 new projects under the Teachers’ Idea Fund; and launching an action plan on student presence and engagement. For more information on school funding, visit: https://edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/finance/schfund/index.html. (Province of MB News Release)

Brandon Riverbank Inc. announces that Dean Hammond has been named Executive Director of the non-profit charitable organization committed to developing the Assiniboine River Corridor as a gathering place connecting people with nature. Born and raised in Brandon, Dean holds a business degree from Brandon University and is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Dean has worked for small and medium-sized businesses, a Fortune 500 company, and most recently in Municipal Government. Dean has vast experience in finance, leadership, project management, Six Sigma, and many other areas. Dean has sat on many not-for-profit Boards including six years with Riverbank, most recently as Vice-President. Dean is a lifelong resident of Brandon and he and his family are frequent users of the Riverbank facilities. In his spare time, Dean enjoys cycling, paddle sports, travel, and anything to do with the outdoors. “I’m extremely honoured to be selected as the Executive Director for Brandon Riverbank Inc. Hammond said. This facility is very near and dear to my heart and I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Staff, the City of Brandon, and our many partners who are so devoted to this space. Riverbank is already a jewel for our community, but I truly believe that we are on the verge of many more great things to come.” Dean will be responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plans of the organization. Dean will be starting with Riverbank on February 27th. “All of us at Brandon Riverbank Inc. are thrilled to have Dean lead the organization, as we continue to move forward with the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan, Sawatzky Sculpture Gardens, and many future projects”, Board President Terry Jaenen, said. “I can’t wait to see where we can go.”