Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 5:00 PM Wednesday, members conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle being driven by a local female known to them.  During the stop a passenger of the vehicle was observed to have drug paraphernalia in her possession.  A search resulted in the seizure of 7 grams of Meth and $870 in cash.  The 42-year-old Brandon female is charged with possession of meth for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.  She will appear in court on August 13th.

TARS will be taking to the airwaves in Brandon and area June 18 for the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon – Westman. Broadcasting on 96.1 Bob FM and Pure Country 101, the radiothon will feature stories from STARS’ crew members, allies, and our Very Important Patients. The event will begin at 6 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. across both Brandon stations. “This will be our first radiothon in Western Manitoba and we couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with the team at BOB and Pure Country,” said Lori Derksen, STARS. Development officer “We look forward to sharing the incredible stories of our allies, patients and STARS team members with Brandon and area residents.” Colleen Mayer, STARS Director of Development, Manitoba, noted that roughly half of all Western Canadians live in rural areas where emergency ground transportation isn’t always fast enough and each year hundreds of Manitobans rely on STARS for advanced care and direct transport to hospital. “With 760 missions in our last fiscal year, which was a new record for our base, we know there continues to be a need for the services STARS provides in Manitoba,” Mayer said. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the postponement or cancellation of the events we rely on for funding, which has created significant challenges for our organization. With that, the money raised during the radiothon, is more important than ever.” Mayer added every dollar raised during the event will stay in Manitoba and go towards STARS mission of saving lives. “It helps purchase personal protective equipment, puts fuel in the helicopter and provides our team with the best medical equipment available. Most importantly it helps ensure the next time you, or someone you love needs us, STARS will be there.” There are three ways to contribute during the radiothon: online at criticalcareontheair.ca; by calling 1-877-57-STARS (577-8277) or by texting STARS to 45678 to make a $20 donation. Since beginning full-time operations in Manitoba in the fall of 2011, STARS has carried out more than 3,950 missions in the province, with several of them taking place in the Westman region. Of note, STARS has flown 154 missions to Brandon, 109 to Dauphin, 36 to Minnedosa and hundreds more to communities throughout the region. (submitted)

Home is where the heart is – that is the sentiment Travel Manitoba wants all Manitobans to embrace this summer with a new campaign and contest to create local tourism ambassadors. With the green light for Manitobans to travel safely between communities throughout the province and the reopening of parks, campgrounds, restaurants, museums and other attractions, Manitobans are in a great position to rediscover what they love about the province while supporting the local economy. “Manitoba’s experiences, whether they are wild, rural or urban, remind us that home is where the heart is,” said Travel Manitoba President and CEO, Colin Ferguson. “We are encouraging locals to show Manitoba some love this summer by safely exploring new – and returning to favourite – destinations around the province.” As part of the campaign, partly funded through a partnership with Destination Canada, Travel Manitoba is launching a contest that asks how locals are showing Manitoba some love. Entrants can tell Travel Manitoba where in the province they are travelling this summer and winners could receive up to $500 to offset their travel costs simply by sharing their experiences on their social networks – no need to be a professional photographer or influencer. See contest details and entry form (open until 5 pm CST Friday, June 26). “Manitobans have a great opportunity to safely explore their own province this summer,” said Honourable Ralph Eichler, Minister of Economic Development and Training. “I encourage all Manitobans to support local restaurants and businesses and become tourists in our own backyard. Experience first-hand that home is where the heart is.” Manitobans are reminded to explore their own province while being COVID Careful – maintain physical distancing, stay home when sick, wash hands frequently and opt for pick-up services when visiting local restaurants and businesses. This new campaign is a shift in focus for the organization that just last year was celebrating being named one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions in the world to visit in 2019. “Our international profile certainly got a boost,” said Ferguson of last year’s designation. “But Manitobans travelling within Manitoba have always been – and will continue to be – vital to Manitoba’s tourism industry.” Pre-pandemic, tourism contributed $1.6 billion to Manitoba’s economy, with 85% of visitation and 58% of expenditures coming from Manitobans travelling within the province. Estimates indicate that tourism spending will decrease between 25-60% in 2020, and between 6,800 to 11,600 jobs could be lost. The reopening of many tourism attractions, accommodations and parks means Manitobans can safely enjoy their summer by being COVID Careful while supporting the small and medium-sized businesses that make up the majority of the tourism industry. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release A 47-year-old Male has been charged with five counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking. Police conducted a search of his residence and located a quantity of what is believed to be Meth, Fentanyl, Psilocybin and Morphine. He is also facing a charge of Possess Proceeds of Crime due to the cash that was found within his residence. A charge of Breach of Release Order has also been laid. He will be appearing in court today.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 0330 hours, Brandon Police and Brandon Fire Department attended a structure fire in the 300 block of Percy Street. On arrival, a Ford F-150 was found fully engulfed in the driveway with some damage to the residence. The fire was extinguished with some damage to the residence; however, the vehicle was destroyed. A 41-year-old male located at the scene was arrested and has been charged with Arson with Disregard for Human Life and Arson causing damage to Property. He will appear in court in the morning.