(Media Release from the Brandon School Division) Manitoba Public Health officials have advised École secondaire Neelin High School of a confirmed case of COVID-19 that was in the school on Friday, October 2, 2020. This case was not acquired at school. École secondaire Neelin High School is working closely with public health officials and following their recommendations. Be assured that public health investigations to identify individuals who may have been exposed begin within 24 hours of a confirmed laboratory test. Those identified as close contacts have been contacted by Public Health and provided instructions for self-isolation (quarantine). Testing may also be recommended. Please note: École secondaire Neelin High School is not permitted to release the name or any identifying information about the confirmed case of COVID-19 to any member of the school, community or media. The school will be going through a deep cleaning and disinfecting on Saturday, October 10, 2020. The school will be ready to open on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. The Brandon School Division along with all schools will continue to follow the recommendations of Public Health during this pandemic.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 3:05 PM Thursday police received several calls of a cow running loose in the area of Victoria Ave East.  The cow had reportedly been seen at Douglas St and Victoria Ave as well as near Dinsdale Personal Care Home.  Prior to police being called, a 72-year-old Brandon lady was charged at and struck by the animal near the Victoria and 1st St.  She was taken to hospital for treatment of undetermined injures.  The cow eventually made its way to the railyard and after consultation with staff from the stockyard the steer was put down by officers.   The animal is believed to have escaped from the stockyard, its unknown exactly at what time it got loose.  The matter is still under investigation.

Source: Brandon Police Service On October 7, 2020, at approximately 9:00 am, police conducted a vehicle stop in the 1000 block of Louise Ave.  A passenger in the vehicle was found to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant.  Upon his arrest, police located approximately 10 grams of Meth and $1500 in his possession.  The 24-year-old male will appear in court on December 10, 2020 on charges of Possess for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possess Proceeds of Crime.

Source: Brandon Police Service On October 8, 2020, shortly before 1:00 am, police stopped a vehicle in the 000 block of 10th street, as the plates were inactive.  The driver displayed signs of impairment, and open cans of beer were observed within the vehicle.  Following the driver’s arrest, the 45-year-old male provided samples of his breath more than twice the legal limit.  He will appear in court on December 21, 2020 on charges of Drive While Ability Impaired, and Drive with More than 80 mgs of Alcohol in Blood.

BRANDON, MB10.07.20–The community of Glenboro is coming together to develop programming to address the need for healthy food. Jim Rediger, Westoba President and CEO said Westoba’s involvement in this initiative is a direct result of staff recognizing need in their community and responding. “In the spring of 2020, Westoba provided much needed financial support to the food banks and food security programs in our communities,“ said Rediger. “Our staff noticed there was a gap in services for Glenboro and took it upon themselves to do something about it.” Glenboro Branch Manager, Marie Bodnarchuk has been the catalyst for this initiative united with Charlene Claeys-Godard from the Glenboro UCT. Together, they have put the wheels in motion to establish a food security program in Glenboro. “We know our regions are already doing great things on the issue of food security,“said Bodnarchuk. “We distributed a questionnaire to other food banks in the area to collect information on how they are operating and to lay the foundation for a similar program in Glenboro. “ The program is still in the initial planning stage,but local support has already started coming in. Tracy Rimmer of Rimmer Technology Partners has agreed to provide space for program delivery at their 504 Railway Avenue location in Glenboro. “The owners and staff of Rimmer Technology Partners are devoted to seeing their communities not only survive but thrive,“said Rimmer. “For us, people going to bed hungry, having to choose to pay bills over buying groceries to feed their families, should not happen in a country as rich and diverse as Canada. Especially rural Canada, where agriculture is such a mainstay of our economy.We are pleased to be able to provide space for this important program. ” A virtual community meeting to discuss the program and to recruit volunteers and resources will be held on Tuesday, October 20th via Microsoft Teams. “Everyone deserves access to healthy food” said Marie Bodnarchuk. “With respect for COVID distancing recommendations, we are asking the community to join us virtually to review the plans for this local food security program and find out more about how you can get involved whether it’s by giving your time or financial resources.” Those interested in attending the meeting are asked to email karen.burton@westoba.comto RSVP and receive a URL link to the meeting.