Dozens of pigs were injured or trapped when the semi truck and trailer they were riding in rolled over into the ditch of Highway 270 on Monday evening. Brandon Fire and Emergency Services along with Blue Hills RCMP responded to the single-vehicle rollover which was about 2.5 miles north of Highway 1 on Highway 270, west of Brandon. The screams of dozens of pigs could be heard coming from the rolled over trailer as emergency crews worked to secure the truck. At least 2 pigs tried to make a getaway before being corralled by police officers. It is unknown how many pigs were injured in the crash, and it is unknown if any perished. RCMP stayed on scene to wait for a tow truck and another trailer to load the surviving pigs into.

Brandon, MB – To be fully transparent and out of an abundance of caution, the City of Brandon confirms that an employee of the corporation has recently tested positive for COVID-19. This represents the fifth positive case of COVID-19 confirmed within the municipality’s workforce since the City of Brandon identified its first staff case on Thursday, August 13th, 2020. The impacted employee works within the Brandon Police Service By-Law Unit. The employee last worked on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020. The employee began to experience symptoms on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 and was tested on Friday, November 20th, 2020. The employee had some contact with the public on their last day of work and contact tracing is ongoing. The Brandon Police Service building and vehicles that the employee used are being deep cleaned today, Monday, November 23rd, 2020. Public Health and the employee have been in contact. The employee is self-isolating at home as per the guidance of Manitoba Public Health. The City of Brandon wishes the employee a safe and speedy recovery. As it has since the outset of its response to this global pandemic, the City of Brandon adheres to a high level of COVID-19 prevention protocols in its workplaces and public spaces, including, but not limited to: mandatory handwashing/sanitizing upon entrance to all civic facilities, the installation of plexiglass barriers at all public service counters, the establishment of safe physical distancing protocols in its facilities, mandatory face coverings, and extra cleaning of commonly-touched surfaces. More information on the City of Brandon’s COVID-19 response can be found at https://www.brandon.ca/covid-19-updates. (City of Brandon PSA)

Brandon Riverbank Inc. is delighted to announce that plans for an All Nations Sharing Circle are now underway thanks to the generous support from Westoba Credit Union and the Westoba Inspire community investment program. “We’re so appreciative of this grant from Westoba Credit Union,” said James Montgomery, GM of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “With the support of the community and from Westoba Credit Union, we’re confident that we can see this project come to fruition.” The Sharing Circle will be located on the Riverbank grounds south of the picnic shelters near the Assiniboine River where there is a fork in the walking trails. The area will be a safe place for all people to share knowledge, experiences, stories and more and will also create opportunities for the Riverbank to continue its ongoing efforts in creating a positive place for reconciliation, says Bernie Chrisp, board president of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “We look forward to continuing to work with the community and we hope that this helps boost our Indigenous tourism and Indigenous learning here at the Riverbank,” Chrisp added. Leah LaPlante, chair of the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, says Indigenous people are naturally drawn to the Riverbank Discovery Centre because it reminds us of our stories that we were told as youngsters. “The Discovery Centre has given us every opportunity to be involved with planning and allowing us to share Indigenous culture in such a beautiful place,” she said. “Thank you Westoba Credit Union for strengthening this relationship as the Sharing Circle is a safe place to learn about each other.” Rick Chrest, Mayor of the City of Brandon, says this will be a fabulous addition to the Riverbank and is another step forward in Brandon’s overall journey of reconciliation. “We’re grateful for Westoba’s initiative in making this project a reality,” he added. Westoba believes in staying connected and engaged. Each year, they give thousands of dollars away in donations and sponsorships to a variety of organizations and programs. “Westoba strives to make a significant difference in the communities where we live and operate,” said Liz Roberts, a member of the Westoba board of directors and community investment committee member. “This project offers a space for social interconnections and learning that can have a powerful impact on individuals and the community.” (summitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media release On Friday morning, a female from Brandon reported that she was walking near 11 and Lorne Avenue when she was approached from behind by two males.  The males knocked her to the ground and stole a bag that she was carrying.  The males were described as wearing all black with face masks.  Police were unable to locate the suspects.  The victim was not injured during the altercation.  The police investigation is continuing.

In light of the ever increasingly difficult means to create and host events, United Way Brandon & District is moving ahead with it’s annual Holiday Tree Auction. The auction will take place December 3, 2020. Given the current Code Red restrictions evoked by the Province of Manitoba, this year’s Holiday Tree Auction is adapting so the event can go on in a safe manner. Instead of having an event to have the 12 donating businesses decorate the trees in person, the experience will be given to the families that receive the trees instead. “It makes it more of a family event, coming together, decorating their tree. For some, maybe for the first time ever,” commented Campaign Director, Areta Donnelly Complete with gifts, the trees will still be organized at the Victoria Inn on December 2. Businesses will be given a scheduled drop off time to be at the Imperial Ballroom, with two people from that business meeting a United Way volunteer to unload into the room. The following day, two United Way volunteers will pack all 12 of the trees and gifts into a moving truck and do some much welcomed curb side drop offs. Family names and addresses are given with permission by CFS, Big Brothers & Sisters, as well as the Community Hub. When asked why it was so important to ensure this event continued this year, United Way CEO, Cynamon Mychasiw, had this to say. “In a time when so many things are uncertain and people have lost so much, we wanted to attempt to keep a grasp of a little normalcy; even with safety modifications. The Holiday Tree Auction has always been a great fundraiser for us, but more importantly it has been the gift of the Holidays for 12 families in need. We can’t lose that too.” (submitted)