At approx. 5:15 PM Friday, Police were called to a retail outlet in the Corral Centre for a robbery.  A male suspect had been observed stealing from the store and when approached by a staff member he displayed a concealed weapon stating let me go or else.  The male who had concealed his face using a makeshift mask then left the store taking the items. Officers flooded the area and located the suspect in a vehicle still in the parking lot.  The 36 year old Brandon male was arrested without incident.  The stole items, the mask and the weapon were all recovered.  The weapon used was found to be a carpenters stapler, with a makeshift sling strung with a chain, concealed beneath his jacket.  The male was arrested for armed robbery, possession of a weapon, carry a concealed weapon and wear disguise with intent.  He was held in custody and will appear in court today.

Applications are open for the Manitoba government’s new security rebate program, which offers a $300 rebate to homeowners, renters and small business owners for purchasing security equipment, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Every Manitoban deserves to feel safe in their home and their community,” said Wiebe. “Our government committed to this rebate during the election and we’re excited to roll it out today to help lower the cost of cameras, lights and other security measures for homes and small businesses.” Announced as part of Budget 2024, this one-time rebate is designed to offset the cost of security improvements for Manitoba homeowners, renters and small business owners. Eligible upgrades include security cameras, doorbell cameras, alarm systems, motion detectors, reinforced doors or windows, anti-graffiti film and paints, security gates, pull-down protection shutters and permanent security fencing. “After having my house broken into, I felt vulnerable in my neighbourhood,” said Scott Henderson, resident, Fort Richmond. “I’m thrilled about the security rebate, which will make video doorbells and cameras cheaper and more accessible.” Any purchase made after Sept. 1, 2023, is eligible to receive the rebate. Manitobans are encouraged to apply for the rebate early, as applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The rebate can cover to multiple expenses for a single property or business under the $300 threshold as long as they are submitted in a single application. Manitobans with multiple homes or business locations in the province will only be eligible to apply once for one location. Ongoing subscriptions or monthly fees for existing security systems are not eligible and only equipment associated with a new security system is covered by the rebate. For more information on how to apply for a rebate, visit www.manitoba.ca/justice/securityrebate.html.

Manitoba’s gas remained the cheapest in Canada while work was completed to restore the Imperial Oil Pipeline, which is now operating at full capacity, Premier Wab Kinew announced today. “As Manitobans head to the cottage or to Canada Day celebrations this weekend, they’re saving 14 cents a litre at the pump and paying the lowest gas prices in Canada,” said Kinew. “Manitoba gas has been the cheapest in the country since we cut the gas tax in January, and with the pipeline back online and supply returned to normal, we’re making sure Manitobans can get out more and worry less about paying the bills this summer.” Imperial Oil’s decision to shut down the pipeline and undertake repairs came in March, after pipeline inspections identified integrity concerns in a section of pipe just south of St. Adolphe. The province engaged in oversight of the repair work to ensure all precautions were taken to protect the environment and worked closely with suppliers and industry partners to maintain the supply of fuel to the province by rail and truck. Provincial inspectors were onsite when Imperial Oil successfully repaired the two fuel lines and restored the pipeline to full operating capacity. With the repairs complete, the flow of fuel through the pipeline has been fully restored and alternative fuel deliveries by rail and truck are no longer required. The repair operation was safely completed on schedule without any impacts to the surrounding environment, noted the premier. Manitoba’s gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel supplies are stable and retail fuel prices in the province continue to be the lowest in Canada, Kinew added.

On June 27th at 8:30am police received several calls regarding an intoxicated male falling off his bike then trying to fight a security guard near the 700 block of Rosser Avenue. A 23-year-old male was found to be highly intoxicated and was lodged overnight. He will be released once sober.

Assiniboine College is the recipient of a $1 million investment through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), and an additional $1 million from Research Manitoba. The funding will support the expansion of horticultural applied research capacity to address climate change and food security. As part of the college’s Applied Research Strategy, the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment is consistently working to respond to sector challenges and industry needs. This investment will help the school expand on greenhouse operations, allowing faculty and students to research the roles greenhouses can play in addressing food production, and improve food security. “We are proud to be recognized as a premier applied research institution in Manitoba, and we are grateful for this investment made by CFI’s College Fund and Research Manitoba,” said Assiniboine President, Mark Frison. “This funding will enable Assiniboine to acquire the equipment and build the necessary spaces for our faculty researchers and students to expand on their work and help us in our goal to become a top 50 research college in Canada.” Over recent years, the applied research being conducted at Assiniboine has had significant contributions to advancements in agricultural practices, sustainable horticulture, and environmental stewardship. The research focuses on crop sustainability, pest management, soil health, and clean technologies, addressing industry and regional food production challenges. “The Edwards School is consistently working to address industry demands and challenges we experience at a local and global level,” said Tim Hore, Dean, Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine College. “Collaborative efforts and support from industry partners help Assiniboine continue to conduct research that will enhance food self-reliance, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.” For more on the applied research being conducted at Assiniboine College, visit Assiniboine.net/appliedresearch. (source: AC News)