Building on the success of last year’s initiative, the Manitoba government is once again offering free entry to provincial parks for a full week in mid-July, including Canada’s Parks Day weekend, so visitors can take advantage of these parks and all they have to offer, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “This week-long free access, which coincides with Canada’s Parks Day on Saturday, July 16, is designed to ensure all Manitobans can enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty of our provincial parks even more affordably,” said Wharton. “From hiking and birdwatching in lush boreal forests to exploring intriguing historic sites that showcase our province’s cultural heritage to paddling a pristine, tranquil lake, Manitoba’s provincial parks have something for everyone.” Vehicle permits will not be required at any provincial park from July 11 to 17. Overnight camping fees still apply along with fees to national parks. Manitoba’s provincial park entry fees are among the lowest in Canada, and this week-long offer and other free park access offerings are designed to ensure the cost is not a barrier to anyone. Several parks are offering special events on Saturday, July 16, for Canada’s Parks Day including family fun activities, barbeques and prize draws. Event details are available at local campground offices and online at www.manitobaparks.com. Numerous interpretive programs are offered at park visitor centres and museums, along with guided experiences and tours, campfire talks and amphitheatre presentations that inspire visitors to learn and protect each park’s natural, cultural and historical resources, the minister said. Information on interpretive programs can be found at www.manitobaparks.com and under the events tab on the Manitoba Parks Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks. Flooding and wet conditions continue to affect several provincial parks. Park visitors should check www.manitobaparks.com for the latest flood-related closures and advisories, and www.manitoba511.ca for road closures and potential detours before travelling. Campsite reservation holders will be contacted if they are affected by a site closure and can then request a full refund or move their reservation to another available location. Campers should not pre-emptively cancel reservations before being notified, otherwise cancellation policies will apply. Individuals who wish to camp in a provincial park can check site availability and make a reservation through the Parks Reservation Service at www.manitobaparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-482-2267. Beach users are reminded to be water smart this summer, which includes never swimming alone and supervising children on the beach. Boaters and beach users should wear properly sized life-jackets when participating in water-related activities. Visitors can borrow life-jackets in select parks and return them after their activity. Locations for the Life-jacket Loan Program and other beach safety information is available at www.manitobaparks.com. Manitobans can stay up to date with provincial park news, activities and events by following the Manitoba Parks on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MBGovParks or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MBGovParks.

Source: BPS News Release On July 5, 2022 shortly before 11:00 pm, police responded to a report of a female who had been stabbed by an extended family member at a residence following a fight. When officers arrived at the residence, they found a 28-year-old female with a large life-threatening cut, which they treated with a tourniquet prior to the arrival of an ambulance.  The victim remains in the hospital in stable condition. Investigation revealed the suspect used a pair of scissors. The 28-year-old female suspect left the scene prior to police arrival, but she was located and arrested at her own residence a short time later.  She was lodged at Brandon Police Service and will appear in court today on a charge of Aggravated Assault.

  Westman Communications Group (WCG) would like to extend congratulations to the 2022 Manitoba High School Graduates. Special recognition to the 37 graduates who received the Westman Award of Excellence Scholarship this year. The $500 Westman Award of Excellence scholarship is awarded to students who are furthering their education in Manitoba to pursue a technology-related program and have been accepted by a post- secondary institution. Further qualifications for the Westman Award of Excellence Scholarship include academic achievements and community involvement – qualities that WCG is proud to support and recognize in Manitoba youth, the leaders of tomorrow. "Technology is constantly changing; it is becoming more present and fundamental in our everyday lives. As a cooperative that uses today's cutting-edge technology to deliver its services, Westman wants to help students enter this vast and exciting field," said Courtney Baxter, WCG Marketing Manager. Westman is always looking for ways to help its communities grow by donating, sponsoring, or volunteering at events that are important to its members. This year, the Westman Award of Excellence Scholarship saw over $18,000 given to deserving graduates and has contributed over $450,000 to students in Manitoba since its inception in 2001. 2022 Westman Communications Group Award of Excellence Scholarship Recipients   Birtle Collegiate High School Shane Anderson Boissevain School Amber Unrau Carberry Collegiate Leiland Rempel Crocus Plains Secondary School Maria Gonzalez Dauphin Regional Secondary School Sarah De Vries Ecole Regionale Notre-Dame Clairron Mesina   Ecole Saint-Lazare Angele Simard Elkhorn School Chezney McAuley Elm Creek School Amber Vandevelde Elton Collegiate Emma Hrymak Erickson Collegiate Kyla Brewster Gilbert Plains Collegiate Troy Kotsur Gilbert-Rosset Community School Matthieu Dequier Glenboro School Goose Lake High School Grandview School Will Van Schie Emma Palmeruk Hayden Mikolayenko Hamitoa Collegiate Kate-Leigh Heapy Killarney School Halle Kachur Major Pratt School Jake Noguera McCreary School Jeffry Gilmore Melita School Rylee Fletcher Minnedosa Collegiate Hailey Rempel Neelin High School Kaiella Athaide-Lepp Neepawa Area Collegiate Kendall McCracken Pilot Mound School Calli Banman Prairie Mountain High School Hunter Mangin Rivers Collegiate Jillian Burt Shoal Lake School Jesse Szwaluk Souris School Katrina Spangler St. Claude School Complex Sam de Rocquigny Ste Rose School Callum Morrison Strathclair Community School Jorja Pedersen Swan Valley Secondary School James Mault Vincent Massey High School Mikaela Devers Virden Collegiate Hayley Kirkup Wawanesa School Dylan Brown William Morton Collegiate Peyton Starr  

Source: BPS News Release Theft Under $5000 On July 4, 2022 at approximately 4:30 pm, police responded to a report of theft of merchandise from a business in the 900 block of 18th street.  The 24-year-old male attempted to flee with a bicycle, but an employee was able to retrieve it.  Police arrested the male nearby.  He was later released to appear in court on September 8, 2022 on a charge of Theft Under $5000.  Theft Under $5000 On May 25, 2022, police responded to a report of theft of merchandise from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Ave.  Security footage assisted police in identifying the 34-year-old female suspect.  On July 4, 2022, police located and arrested her.  She was later released to appear in court on August 29, 2022 on a charge of Theft Under $5000

McCain Foods will be hosting a Free Fry Day Event in Brandon to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. The drive thru event takes place on Wednesday, July 13th at the Keystone Centre parking lot. To receive your free McCain Foods (Canada) product, stop by the Keystone Centre parking lot and help families with sick children by donating to RMHC Manitoba while you're there! Brandon Keystone Centre #1 1175 18th St Wednesday, July 13th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.