Earl has lived in Brandon for the past 16-years. He is a Level 4 umpire, softball Canada. Current job title: Supervisor, Inspections, Liquor Gaming and Cannabis Authority Which is the most underrated fruit: Bananas, not only are they good but they can assist with hydration and muscle recovery, which can be critical for umpires wearing the gear on hot days.  First Job: I was a fuel administrator for the Texaco/Esso gas station operated by Canadian Motors. What movie/TV character, fictional or other, does your personality most resemble: Hmmm, tough one.   I would say I'm part Dwight Schrute from The Office,  part Chandler Bing from Friends.  I think I'm pretty serous and dedicated to work but also pretty sarcastic, and sometimes only entertain myself.  Lol  You can only eat 3 items for the rest of your life, name them: Ribs, Cheeseburgers and Chicken Alfredo.  What web site do you visit most often: Well it used to be the Score for all my sports news and stats before this pandemic interfered with my hobby! Favorite all-time Wheat King: probably have to say Jordin Tootoo here but we have been lucky to have so many great players develop in Brandon. You get locked inside a Wal-Mart alone for 24-hours, how would you pass the time: I'm not sure I've been in there more than 20 minutes so I'm not sure.   I'm sure I would be opening the largest smart tv and some other electronics to pass some time!  I hope they have some sports books or magazines in that section.   Could you lock me in Canadian Tire, Princess Auto or Home Depot next time?  What NHL player from the 80's would thrive in today's NHL: I am sure there are a few like Brian Lawton that would today with less physicality.  I can't remember a lot of that type of player because I was so busy watching the Oilers dominate.  I'd love to  see the points they would put up in today's NHL.  I will add though a player from the early 90s and say I really think Marty Murray would have a different career if he was born 20 years later.  Your favorite YouTube Channel: I use YouTube for do-it- yourself stuff, customer product reviews, and Android tv information mostly. Three movies everyone should have in their movie library: only 3 , that's difficult but Slapshot, Moneyball and Rudy.  Honorable mentions: Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator and John Q Who, or where, would you haunt if you were a ghost: oh I think there is a pretty good group of friends I have hung out with,  been in sports drafts with,  umpired with,  that I would be around to prank,  I wouldn't say haunt.   You know I also wouldn't forget about my family especially the sisters and brother in laws! I could however haunt boyfriends/girlfriends of my nieces/nephew.   Just for fun, I also wouldn't neglect a few coaches I've had discussions with over the years. What celebrity Chef would you most like to make you a meal: Does Guy Fieri count? What was the last thing you took a photo of on your cell phone: I have actually been taking more pictures than normal with my phone and finally an easy question!  I rescued a 8 week old puppy a couple weeks ago who has kept me busy with more than the camera.   She's been a great distraction, a lab cross and her name is Lola.  Cue the music.  If you could pick one animal to be your permanent sidekick, what animal would you choose: Easy,  as above, I love dogs, I just wish they had the life span of a turtle. What would be the most amazing adventure to go on:  Well I still haven't gone white water rafting and there is a lot of baseball stadiums and NHL arenas I would love to see.   I would like to check out MSG for sure and the rest of New York,  but not any time soon! Water slide, ferris wheel, synthetic mini-hockey rink, or micro-brewery....what would you most like to install in your backyard: water slide or the rink.   I know a few weak goalies who could come over I could shoot on and feel good about myself!  Dream dinner party guests (4): Mark Messier, Joe West, Nolan Ryan and Jerry Seinfeld As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up: like every kid that changed a few times, I knew early on I needed a back up plan to playing in the NHL.  I remember a time thinking a chef, a veterinarian, a teacher and an accountant. What songs take you back to your teen years: lots of 80s stuff.  Growing up on the farm, we had one tractor with a radio and i listened to 580 AM.  I listened to a variety of stuff, from Van Halen and Def Leopard to Phil Collins and Glass Tiger. What sport would be funniest to add a mandatory amount of alcohol to: Broomball, but i'm hearing good things about that legends football league,

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Friday afternoon, an officer noticed two people fighting in an alley near 7th St and Rosser Ave. Both subjects were observed striking each other with closed fists. After intervening, the officer determined the two were in a relationship and both were arrested for domestic assault. A 27 year man and a 30 year old woman were both released to appear in court in June.

(submitted:Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba) APRIL 3.2020 BRANDON, MB – The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Manitoba Summer Fair. “The health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance,” said Ron Kristjansson, General Manager. Due to the current health concerns related to the global pandemic of COVID-19, as well as the provincially mandated regulations for public health and safety, the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba made this difficult decision. The summer fair is one of the earliest fairs of the season, and after having to cancel the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, a flagship event, our board decided this is the most fiscally and socially responsible action to take at this time. The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba will continue to monitor the evolving COVID situation and will update the public on the status of future events. “We hope to be the exception, rather than the rule for events in Manitoba, and furthermore in Canada, this summer,” said Kristjansson. Kristjansson added, “None of this could happen without the dedication and hard work of the staff here at the Provincial Exhibition, as well as the countless volunteers, so I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to each one of them.” “What’s even more difficult is this doesn’t just affect our fair. There are hundreds of local businesses who rely on our events to generate revenue to support their families,” said Kristjansson, “we are intertwined with the fabric of the community in so many ways. Everyone is hurting right now and while we want to help our community through celebration, we cannot commit to that right now.” The summer and winter fair combined generate approximately $18 million in annual economic impact. The activities also create hundreds of jobs, including first-time job opportunities for youth. The Provincial Exhibition is working closely with the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) to advocate to the federal government for financial support to continue the legacy of events like their own. “Fairs and exhibitions rely on a very short season where they also build civic engagement, raise awareness in agriculture and foster community spirit. These historical organizations operate as non-profits and are at risk of closing forever if there isn’t targeted funding and support for the industry,” says Christina Franc, Executive Director of CAFE. “We need the federal government to support fairs like the Manitoba Summer Fair, and hundreds of fairs and exhibitions like it that are scheduled to ramp up with summer approaching.” Nevertheless, the Provincial Exhibition will do everything in its power to continue to bring high quality community events for years to come, continuing to be an integral part of the community as we have been for more than 138 years. “We are committed to producing the events our community needs, but when the time is right,” says Kristjansson.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On April 1, 2020, police received a report of the theft of a set of tires from a locked fenced compound in the 1900 block of 1 street. Several suspects entered the compound at approximately 2:00 am on March 31, 2020.  Anyone with information regarding this theft is encouraged to contact Brandon Police Service.

Please be advised that in accordance with the provincial guidelines, Westman Immigrant Services will not be providing in-person services from April 1-14, 2020 to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees and clients.  However their staff are all working remotely and remain available to provide settlement services.  Clients in need of support are asked to contact them at: Email:              client@westmanimmigrantservices.ca Phone:            204-727-6031 ext 2 Please contact them with the services you require and they will respond promptly. (submitted)