A somewhat typical story I often hear is that people have a hard time leaving Brandon and if they do they seem to return...kind of like the new marketing sell line for the city “ Brandon Brings You Back”. 27 year old Tia Smith (pictured above-L) from Brandon took a huge leap of faith several years ago and moved to Vancouver to study Interior Design.  Tia has always been on the cutting edge and now has the ability to use her skills in Vancouver and abroad.When did you leave Brandon and why did you choose Vancouver? I left Brandon in 2012 and moved to Vancouver to get my Bachelor of Interior Design. I had always been a fan of the west coast growing up so after graduating high school I selected a school here to pursue my career as a designer. Let’s talk about Jute Design. First of all why that name, and is this your business or do you have partners? My business partner, Jill Propoerzi and I started Jute Design & Management in 2016 when we saw an opportunity to create a design-build firm here in Vancouver. Offering both these services allows us to provide a cohesive package with seamless execution. We find that having one point of contact benefits our clients and has aided in our success. Our business model led us to choosing the name Jute. Jute is composed of multiple different natural fibers, once combined they create a strong, versatile material.   When you click on your website the list of services you offer is very impressive and one would assume that Vancouver is a competitive market in your industry. Do you find this to be true?  Yes, Vancouver's design industry is relatively competitive - We believe that the key is to find your niche and build strong relationships within it. There are plenty of very talented firms in Vancouver, and we are excited to be a part of the growing industry here.  Does your age give you an advantage when bidding on jobs and projects? Vancouver has a lot of young entrepreneurs and professionals who we believe see the value in working together. The design and construction industry is still very male dominated, and with our female team we strive to break boundaries, hire more female trades and continue to make a name for ourselves here.  On your social media I notice some very cool, trendy couches etc. Are you able to source those products and then ship them anywhere? Yes we can. We love to keep updated on the local and global trends for furniture and lighting. We have a team with extensive experience in furniture and textile selection and are always excited when we can show off our knowledge.  For anyone that is looking to hire you what is the best way to contact your firm? You can reach us through our website www.jutedesign.ca or send us an email info@jutedesign.ca

Police are asking for the assistance of the public in locating 13 year old Kylynn Kasto. Kylynn has been reported missing by her care providers. She was last seen on January 19th. She is described as Caucasian, 5’ 3”, 110lbs, brown eyes, dark brown hair. She was last seen wearing grey sweat pants, black hoodie, blue/red/white plaid jacket, black/white sneakers. She has been known to frequent the downtown area. If you know the whereabouts of Kylynn Kasto please contact the Brandon Police Service. Photo: Brandon Police Service

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 27, 2021 at approximately 12:45 pm, police responded to a report of a male in the 2000 block of Park Ave with a knife behaving in a strange manner. Police located and arrested the male who was found to be under the influence of illicit drugs. He was lodged at Brandon Police Service until sober and then released to appear in court on April 26, 2021 on a charge of Possess Weapon.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon’s Emergency Response Control Group recognizes the importance of re-establishing vital, in-person services for its residents, while continuing to follow current Provincial Public Health Orders and restrictions outlined in the Critical level (red) #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. Brandon City Hall (410-9th Street) and Civic Services Complex (900 Richmond Avenue East) has re-opened to the general public with limited in-person services as 8:30 a.m. on of Wednesday, January 27, 2021. CITY HALL (410 – 9th Street)Services provided in person by offices on the main floor of City Hall from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday: ·         Finance ·         Economic Development All other services in City Hall are available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. For a list of services, please visit brandon.ca/doing-business-with-us. To ensure services can be delivered in a way that is both safe for City Hall staff and customers, several protocols have been developed for safe interactions, including: ·         Limiting all entrance to City Hall via the north door located along Louise Avenue ONLY; ·         The presence of a Public Access Coordinator at the north door entrance to monitor public needs; ·         Mandatory handwashing or appropriate application of hand sanitizer BEFORE proceeding to service counters; ·         Adherence to the established system of arrows, safe physical distancing markers, and stanchions installed in the foyer of City Hall, with a maximum capacity of 33 persons in the foyer space at any one time; ·         The presence of Plexiglas shields at all public service counters; ·         Extra cleaning of commonly-touched surfaces; ·         ‘Health Check’ verbal questionnaire for any visitor proceeding past established front counters. CIVIC SERVICES COMPLEX (900 Richmond Avenue East) Individuals attending the City of Brandon Civic Services Complex are asked to respect all signage, directional markers and the Plexiglas barriers that have been put in place for the safety of all. Visitors must make use of the hand sanitizer available in the building’s front entrance prior to engaging with customer service staff. Please note that hours of public access at the Civic Services Complex are currently 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. OTHER CIVIC FACILITIES THAT REMAIN OPEN TO PUBLIC ACCESS WITH MODIFIED SERVICES ·         Brandon Transit (21 - 8th Street) open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. ·         Brandon Police Service (1020 Victoria Avenue) open 24/7 with a screening at the entrance ·         Brandon Municipal Airport (405 Agnew Drive) open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ·         Eastview Landfill (765 - 33rd Street East). There are no changes to the residential sanitation collection schedule. CIVIC FACILITIES THAT REMAIN CLOSED TO PUBLIC ACCESS ·         A.R. McDiarmid Civic Complex (638 Princess Avenue) ·         Parks Complex (2020 McGregor Avenue) ·         Brandon Community Sportsplex (30 Knowlton Drive) ·         Brandon Fire & Emergency Services / Provincial E-911 Dispatch Centre(Fire Hall No. 1: 120 - 19th Street North & Fire Hall No. 2: 321 - 13th Street) ·         Municipal Water Treatment Plant (108 - 26th Street North) ·         Brandon Cemetery Administration Building (1901 - 18th Street) ·         Eastview Landfill Administration Building (765 - 33rd Street East. Please note that the Eastview Landfill remains open winter hours) Any member of the public that is feeling unwell or are exhibiting ANY COVID-19-related health symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat) SHOULD NOT attend to any City of Brandon facility and should, instead, visit sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool or contact Health Links at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 for advice. City of Brandon staff will also be expected to adhere to these Shared Health guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. Information on the City of Brandon’s COVID-19 pandemic response can be found at brandon.ca/covid-19-updates. (City of Brandon PSA)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release (Media Release from December 21, 2020) On December 18, 2020, Brandon Police Service received a report of a missing individual, Adam KLIMCHUK. Adam was last confirmed to be in Brandon on December 10, 2020.  Family last heard from him on December 9, 2020.  Adam may have left Brandon; however his whereabouts at this time cannot be confirmed, and family are concerned for his wellbeing. Adam is described as being a white male, 23 years old, approximately 6 feet tall, 200 lbs.  He resides on the Roblin, MB area. JANUARY 27, 2021 UPDATE:  Adam KLIMCHUK’s vehicle has since been located between Brandon and Souris, but his whereabouts are still unknown.  Police are asking those who live in the area to check their properties, and their buildings. Brandon Police Service are asking anyone with information to call (204)729-2345.