The ratings for Brandon and Area were released yesterday, November 25th, 2021, and once again Top 40 Radio is the choice of music by most listeners. 94.7 Star FM is the market leader with a weekly audience of 28,807 listeners on average, followed by 96.1 Bounce FM. Q Country 91.5 FM/880 AM and 101.1 Pure Country are virtually tied. Source: Radio Counts collected data between August 30th to October 24th on all listeners hours between 5am – 1am in the 12+ age group. “I was pleased with the outcome, Star FM has always been a market leader, but when we changed the sound of Q Country 91.5FM/880 AM to playing the legends of country from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s it was unknown how the station would perform during ratings. But we know today, it exceeded any expectations we had and our loyal listeners enjoy the new ‘old’ sound of country music. Now the combo of 94.7 Star FM and Q Country 91.5 FM/880 AM is at the top of the mountain. We thank you listeners and supporters for believing in our stations.” said station General Manager, Sales Manager Brian K. Wortley. Of note no radio ratings have taken place in Brandon and Westman for close to 3 years.

The RM of Harrison which includes Onanole – Clear Lake and Sandy Lake plus other communities is in the process of attempting to ban short term rentals such as Airbnb.com and Vrbo.com. A delegation of people that own and operate short term rentals such as Airbnb in Onanole and Clear Lake have of course lots to say about this proposition being put in front of Council and the Reeve. Bear's Den Cabin located near Clear Lake Short term rentals which would be classified as under 30 day rentals would be banned if this agreement is passed.  According to the committee they have made attempts to give suggestions and proposals but they say that the current council isn’t interested at all according to Connor Ross. Local Real Estate Agent Tyler Plante says he hopes that board members take into account both sides of the coin. He believes there should be a set of rules/bi-laws to hold STR units accountable. He also hopes the board is taking into consideration the local economy/tourism boost. Within their development they employ all local services/management, and have a welcome package highlighting every single local business. “I'm sure a reasonable middle ground can be met to accommodate both local residents, and business owners” says Plante. Tyler Plante Local Onanole resident Trevor Robins says he sees zero wrong with short term rentals or Airbnb rentals.  “This brings in new money to the community which hasn’t seen much happen in the way of new industry and tourism over the past two decades”. Tristen and Trevor Robins BDNMB.CA attempted to speak to Ralph Clark and others in regards to this motion but they decided to not give us any quotes at this time.

Assiniboine Community College’s campaign to build a leading-edge agricultural training centre, the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, has received a $500,000 contribution from Ron Helwer and Shur-Gro Farm Services, a long-time presence in Westman agriculture. “Ron is an agricultural institution in his own right, so it’s a thrill to welcome his support for what we know will be the future of agricultural education in our province,” said Derrick Turner, Director, Advancement & External Relations at Assiniboine. He’s a business leader and an influential voice within the agriculture community, and we know that his partnership, outside of any dollar figure, is invaluable. His legacy in Westman began in 1968 when he and his late wife, Vera, moved to Brandon following several successful business ventures in Eastern Manitoba, and started Shur-Gro Farm Services. As the current president of Shur-Gro Farm Services, Ron is still actively involved in the industry. Ron and Vera raised three kids in the Westman area, while he built his business and she kept things running on the home-front. Now, his generous contribution to the Prairie Innovation Centre, on behalf of himself and Vera, is giving back to agriculture in the area. “I think it’s a great expansion, and it makes sense for the Westman area. Increasing local graduates in agriculture programs, that’s great for everyone, not just our business,” said Helwer, who is an honorary co-chair of the Prairie Innovation Centre campaign cabinet. “To us, Assiniboine is really important and we are really pleased and proud to be involved. When I look at where our people get educated, Assiniboine plays a huge role. We are very supportive of the college. People is what makes the business.” Being a leader in the agriculture industry for more than 50 years, Ron recognizes the need to adapt with sector. “Things change so fast and now we have changes in technology, so that’s going to be a big thing going forward,” he said. If we want to stay successful, we have to adapt to change. And the Prairie Innovation Centre aims to help facilitate these changes and adaptations. “The Centre aims to expand training capacity to better meet labour market demands, and it will also be a hub for agricultural education, innovation and applied research,” said Tim Hore, Dean, School of Agriculture & Environment. This will give us the ability to collaborate and work with industry to transfer that knowledge to the ag sector. Ron is a long-time supporter of the college. He has participated on program advisory boards and was an honorary diploma recipient in 2018. Shur-Gro has long been supportive of Assiniboine’s ag programming, and hires many Assiniboine alumni. (ACC News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On November 23, 2021, shortly after 10:00 pm, police responded to a report of the theft of a vehicle, which was left running and unattended in the 1300 block of Rosser Ave.  Police located the vehicle being driven a short time later in the area of Victoria Ave E. Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver would not stop, drove through several stop signs and made several turns to evade police. No pursuit was initiated.  The vehicle was located abandoned in the 600 block of Rideau Street prompting police K-9 to initiate a track, which lead police directly to where the suspect was hiding a short distance away. Police arrested the 21-year-old female suspect who was lodged at Brandon Police Service.  She will appear in court today on charges of Theft of Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight from Police, Possession of a Weapon, and Fail to Comply with Release Order.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On November 22, 2021, police responded to a report of a break and enter to a business in the 300 block of 9th street.  Suspects entered the building by forcing a window open at approximately 11:00 pm.  Stolen was a laptop.  Anyone with information regarding this B&E is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345 or https://www.brandon.ca/police-contact/police-contact.