The Manitoba government is providing more than $270,000 through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund to the Brandon Police Service (BPS) for a variety of initiatives to help keep the community safe including hand-held drug testing devices, additional mental health supports for police officers and events to help build community, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their community,” said Wiebe. “This funding will support important initiatives that will improve public safety for Brandon families. This is one part of our government’s plan to get tough on crime and the causes of crime in every region of this province.” The funds will assist the Brandon Police Service to purchase required equipment, provide training and organize community events including: handheld drug testing devices which can instantly identify controlled substances; mental health supports for police officers and their families; funding to the organized crime unit to expand successful programs targeting organized crime; and additional emergency medical equipment such as backboards, first aid kits and ballistic blankets. “Serving our community comes in many forms. The Brandon Police Service is committed to protecting the citizens of Brandon by fighting crime and combatting drug trafficking in our community,” said Chief Randy Lewis, Brandon Police Service. “Our officers require the tools to do this difficult work. We are also focused on continuing to build on the already strong relationship that we have with our Indigenous community in Brandon and surrounding area and we are excited to do so. Taking care of those that take care of our community is of the utmost importance and we are dedicated to developing and supporting the sworn and civilian staff at the Brandon Police Service with training and promoting mental health. Funding from the Manitoba government Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund will aid the Brandon Police Service in moving these important initiatives forward and we thank them for their ongoing support.” The funding will be provided through the Criminal Property Forfeiture Fund, a program that uses the proceeds of the sale of seized criminal property to protect Manitoba families and enhance public safety. The funds are provided to organizations across Manitoba whose important initiatives build community, prevent crime, invest in youth and support victims of crime. The minster noted an immediate action plan will be developed to address downtown safety concerns in Brandon in partnership with business, law enforcement and community partners. For more information about criminal property forfeiture, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who  is  Wanted by Police: Jerrid Mikaeli. On June 28, 2024, Jerrid MIKAELI, was involved in a verbal argument with a female that became physical when he assaulted her by elbowing her to the eye. MIKAELI’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. CRIME OF THE WEEK for July 11, 2024 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Mischief to Property. On July 3, 2024, at approximately 1:40 AM, 2 suspects in hoodies picked up a large rock and threw it at a vehicle that was parked in the 400 block of 18th Street North. The vehicle sustained damage to the windshield and hood. If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

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.