Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 4:40 p.m. yesterday, the driver of a local taxi company reported to BPS that a fare had spit in the driver’s face when he dropped the customer off at his residence. Police located the 25-year-old Brandon male and charged him with one count of assault. The accused will appear in Brandon Provincial Court in May.

Assiniboine Community College is proud to announce their continued partnership with Conestoga College (Ontario) to deliver another tuition-free welding program at its North Hill Campus in Brandon commencing in July 2021. "We are proud and excited to continue our partnership with Conestoga to deliver this program which will create opportunities for students to gain skills and knowledge before beginning a career in the trades," said Kevin Poirier, Associate Dean, Trades. "This program supports Assiniboine's commitment to offering quality programs responsive to Manitoba's labour market while meeting industry and community needs," he added. The program, funded through the Government of Canada Skilled Trades Awareness Readiness (STAR) program, prepares students for in-demand careers while providing a head start for those wishing to work towards a Red Seal in the apprenticeship certification process. As a part of the program, participants will complete hands-on, in-school training for 25 weeks plus an 8-week paid work placement. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the program will operate with additional safety measures in place on campus to keep students safe. Selection into the eight-month program will focus on engaging key groups including women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, and those currently underemployed. There is space for fifteen students. Tuition, textbooks, and personal protective equipment are all covered at no cost to those enrolled in the program. The program includes an eight-week paid work placement offering students pathways into the labour market upon graduation. Interested candidates must attend a free program information session as part of their admissions process into the program. Program details, as well as registration for an online upcoming information session, which to be considered for the program prospective students must attend one of the available information sessions, is available online at assiniboine.net/welding-tuitionfree. (ACC Collège News)

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) announced today that the annual MJHL Draft will move from a U16 Draft (formerly Bantam Draft) to a U17 Draft highlighting players who are going into their 16-year-old season. As a result, there will be no 2021 MJHL Draft with the current 2006-born draft eligible age-group carrying forward into the inaugural U17 MJHL Draft to be held in the spring of 2022. Players who will be eligible for the MJHL Draft are Manitoba players who are registered to play hockey in Manitoba according to Hockey Manitoba regulations and are in their 16th year. “Moving the draft eligible age group to a year older will give MJHL organizations the ability to watch players develop for an additional season to allow for a better understanding of that players continued development and potential to play elite junior hockey,” shared MJHL Commissioner, Kevin Saurette. The MJHL has conducted virtual MJHL Prospect Presentations over the past several months with the 2006 age-group.  These presentations have provided players and families with important information on what it takes to get to junior hockey and the significance of the MJHL being a strong pathway to the WHL, NCAA, U Sports and eventually professional hockey at the highest levels. The MJHL is also currently in the planning process of including additional development and exposure events for the draft eligible age-group each season.  These events will compliment local league play in showcasing and educating players prior to each annual MJHL Draft. Please stay tuned for further announcements in the coming weeks. (MJHL Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On February 17, 2021 at 2:55 am, police responded to a report of a 911 hang up call, in an apartment building in the 100 block of 10th street.  When police arrived, they discovered that a 25-year-old female had pulled the fire alarm, when there was in fact no fire or emergency.  The female was under the influence of Meth at the time and uncooperative with police.  She was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service.  Once sober, she will be released on an appearance notice to appear in court on April 15, 2021 on charges of False Alarm of Fire, and Resist Arrest.

Demolition on the Pacific Plaza that sits in the 1700 block of Pacific Avenue started today, with crews ripping off the west side of the building.  Workers were seen using an excavator to tear away parts of the building and load the material into an awaiting semi.  The demolition is part of the Province's plan to make room for the new set of bridges that will replace the Daly Overpass. Demolition on the Kullberg's building is expected to begin soon.  Photo by Liam Pattison Photography Photo by Liam Pattison Photography Photo by Liam Pattison Photography