Fusion Credit Union has awarded $18,000 in scholarships this year to high school graduates entering post-secondary programs. Now in its fifth year, the Fusion Scholarship Program was developed to support students in their academic ventures, and to invest in the future of our communities. Since its inception, Fusion has awarded over $100,000 in scholarship dollars to support more than 200 graduates across their 18 communities and beyond. The program is open to any grade 12 student graduating high school in Manitoba heading on to post- secondary education. “At Fusion, we actively support our members to achieve great things, because their success is our success.” says Darwin Johns, CEO. “We see these scholarships as an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.” The Fusion Scholarship Program is open for applications between April and May each year, and the criteria considers aspects such as community impact, leadership, and achievements in academics, athletics, and/or the arts. “We have such a diverse group of students apply to the program, each with their own strengths,” says Kelly Brook, Chief Financial Officer and a member of the evaluating committee this year. “It’s so inspiring to learn about what these students are doing to better our communities.” This year, 36 applicants from 13 communities were awarded a $500 scholarship at their graduation ceremony. “We wish them all the best going into this new chapter of their lives,” says Johns. “Fusion is here for them every step of the way.”  

Theft Under $5000 / Public Mischief On July 10th at 4:24PM police were called to an establishment in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue as a male had stolen several packs of meat. Police attended the establishment, viewed video footage and soon located the accused. Police were provided with a false name. Upon obtaining his true identity the 22-year-old male had fingerprints taken and was released on Undertaking with a court date of September 9th, 2024, with charges of Theft Under $5000 and Public Mischief.   Theft Under $5000 On July 10th at 4:32PM police were called to the same establishment in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue unrelated to the previous theft 10 minutes prior. Police attended the establishment, viewed video footage and soon located the accused. A bag full of stolen goods were recovered and returned to the establishment. The 30-year-old male was released with Undertaking and a court date set for September 23, 2024, with charges of Theft Under $5000.

City Manager Ron Bowles of Brandon will bid farewell to the City of Brandon later this summer. He has given official notice of his resignation to Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Brandon City Council that his last day in the office will be August 30, 2024. Bowles became the City of Brandon’s City Manager in April of 2021. He is leaving the City of Brandon for a career opportunity in British Columbia. Bowles said that he is very proud of Brandon’s municipal public service. “I am most proud of the leadership team at all levels of the City, as well as working closely with a progressive Mayor and Council,” Bowles said. “We have faced some very difficult challenges together and created unique opportunities for our citizens and businesses to enjoy.” “The City of Brandon staff are very committed, dedicated, and customer service oriented. Our team exemplifies our vision statement of ‘Serving and Building Community with PRIDE’,” said Bowles. “Financial sustainability has been a key focus, with the city moving forward on a solid financial path. Downtown business and social challenges have been addressed with real actions, and the outdoor sports complex has gone from a concept to construction. The city has also developed its first City Plan and Climate Action Plan. The senior leadership team has been reinvigorated with an improved mandate and greater effectiveness.” “It has been a great pleasure to lead and work with such an amazing group of people. I am very proud of our shared achievements over the last three years and feel that we have raised the bar with respect to our service to the community,” Bowles concluded. “I also want to thank Mayor Fawcett and City Council for all of their support and direction over the last few years and truly believe they will continue to move this City forward in a thoughtful and meaningful way, always keeping our ratepayers top of mind.” Mayor Jeff Fawcett expressed his sincere appreciation to Mr. Bowles for his outstanding service as the City Manager on behalf of Brandon City Council and the community of Brandon. “Ron’s leadership and dedication have been crucial in guiding our city towards a brighter and more sustainable future. His ability to work well with the Council and his team has resulted in significant improvements for our citizens and businesses. While we are sorry to see him go, we are proud of the legacy he leaves behind and wish him the very best in his new endeavors,” said Mayor Fawcett. Before Bowles leaves, the City of Brandon’s Personnel Committee, led by Mayor Fawcett, will appoint an acting City Manager. A formal search for a replacement has started.

The Manitoba government is opening applications for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant for Manitoba businesses to receive funding to train new and current employees, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced today. “Our government was extremely disappointed by the federal government’s sudden and unilateral decision to cut funding for workforce training,” said Moses. “As a result of the federal decision, this year the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant will be reduced by 70 per cent. We are continuing to advocate strongly to the federal government, for the restoration of supports for workers. The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant has very successfully supported Manitoba businesses, particularly small businesses, to train employees and build a skilled provincial workforce over the last number of years. While there is less funding to go around this year, we encourage all eligible businesses to apply.” The last two annual intakes made $10 million available to businesses through the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, which is funded through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement with the Government of Canada. This year, $3 million is available, the minister noted. Employers are eligible to receive up to $10,000 per employee and up to $100,000 per training project. Small employers with 100 or fewer employees can receive up to 75 per cent of eligible training costs, while larger employers can receive up to 50 per cent of training costs. The 2023-24 job grant: benefitted 485 companies and organizations, 411 (85 per cent) of which were small employers; trained 9,615 employees, 763 of whom were net new hires; and supported training projects in 19 distinct economic sectors and all regions of the province. Manitoba businesses can apply to receive workforce training support under the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/index.html. The intake will be open on July 24.

On July 10th between 1:19AM and 1:21AM, police received two separate reports of suspects throwing rocks at residential windows in the east end. Later a 3rd and 4th residence as well as a vehicle were also found to have damaged windows. Two suspects were located running in the area. An intoxicated 13-year-old female was lodged and will be released once sober. She has a court date of September 10th, 2024, with charges of Resisting Arrest and LGCA Consuming Underage. A 14-year-old male was held during the course of investigation and will be released in the morning. He has a court date of September 3rd, 2024, with charges of Resisting Arrest and Trespassing. Incident locations: - 1100 block of Louise Avenue East - 1200 block of Louise Avenue East - 200 block of 12th Street East - 300 block of Franklin Street.