Over 1,300 graduates from across certificate, diploma, and post-graduate programs are projected to graduate this fall, Assiniboine Community College released earlier today. Graduation numbers have increased at the college by 49% since 2013 to this past academic year.  The college has a strategic goal of 2,028 graduates by 2028. The college also announced that all June graduation ceremonies were postponed. From today's release: "“Graduation is a memorable time for students and their families to share in together, and we’re committed to having venues for all graduates to celebrate at a later date,” said president Mark Frison. Ceremony dates and locations for the various program areas are expected to be announced in the coming months. The full release can be read here.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 6, 2020 police received a report of a Break and Enter to a residence in the 400 block of 14th street.  Amongst some of the items stolen were some cheques. On March 10, 2020, one of the stolen cheques was forged and cashed at a local financial institution. Investigation led police to arrest the 26-year-old female suspect On March 31, 2020, for Fraud Under $5000, Utter Forged Document, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.  She will appear in court on a later date.

Source: Brandon School Division Update #10 on COVID-19 Brandon School Division is continually monitoring this highly fluid situation and its impact on staff, students, parents and the community. We are in constant communication with health authorities and the province. Key Messages  Following the recommendations from the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, all schools have been directed by the Minister of Education to suspend classroom learning indefinitely for this school year.  Our schools will continue to operate with an essential services model which means the doors are locked, but we will have essential staff working so that the building is accessible. We will continue to respect the Chief Provincial Public Medical Officer’s Health Order for social distancing.  All students will be expected to actively engage in remote learning.  Students who were on track to graduate this year will graduate.  No student will be held back a grade because of COVID-19 pandemic.  Provincial exams will be cancelled. However, assessments will continue.  Students will receive a final grade and report card.  Planning is underway to develop a framework for teaching and learning for the remainder of the school year and Manitoba Education will share the specific framework and more details in the days ahead.  To assist in the planning, Manitoba Education has established planning teams related to seven priority areas. The teams include: o Distance and Online Learning Technology o Child Nutrition o Students without Technology o Clinical Supports and Special Needs o K-8 Assessment and Learning o Grade 9 – 12 Assessment and Learning o Graduating Students and Adult Learners  Child-care centres located in schools will continue to operate under the current conditions set out by the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. We understand that this is a difficult time. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we work through this challenging situation and will keep you updated in the days ahead.

City of Brandon Public Service Announcement Brandon, MB – In an effort to ensure community cooperation with the Province of Manitoba’s Public Health Orders regarding the limiting of public gatherings to 10 people or less, City of Brandon Parks & Recreation Services has closed public access to the Kristopher Campbell Memorial Skate Plaza, effective immediately. Signage and fencing is being placed at the plaza today and we would ask that all members of the community respect these efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Access to the City of Brandon’s various picnic shelters and gazebos will also be restricted to deter gatherings, basketball hoops are being removed from City-maintained basketball courts in the community, and tennis nets and volleyball nets will not be installed in City of Brandon parks at this time. Residents and visitors to Brandon are reminded that access to all City of Brandon-maintained playground structures and outdoor fitness equipment stations remains prohibited until further notice. Parks/greenspaces, off-leash dog parks and walking/biking trails remain open at this time; however, the City of Brandon would stress that anyone accessing these spaces MUST practice safe physical distancing protocols as laid out by the Province of Manitoba. Information on the City of Brandon’s COVID-19 response can be found at http://www.brandon.ca/covid-19-updates. General enquiries relating to municipal services can be directed to the City of Brandon Enquiry Line at 204-729-2186 during regular business hours or can be submitted online at http://www.brandon.ca/contact-us.

Source: Province of MB News Release The Manitoba government will authorize the sale of liquor with take out and delivery meal service by licensed establishments, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today. “We have heard from restaurant owners who have expressed a strong interest in selling wine, beer and single-serve beverages through food take out or delivery service, and had already started the process of bringing in necessary changes,” said Wharton.  “These businesses have been significantly impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and by allowing this flexibility now, restaurants will be able to offer an additional service to customers when it is needed most.” The Manitoba government has issued a new public health order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that prohibits all restaurants and other commercial facilities from serving food to customers in their premises.  However, restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery or takeout. Enabling licensed establishments to sell liquor with take out and delivery will provide greater opportunities and flexibility for businesses significantly impacted by COVID-19, and more choice and convenience for consumers coping with the pandemic at home, the minister said. Liquor delivery and take out orders would be linked to meal orders and offered by licensed establishments whose primary business is food, such as restaurants.  Liquor pricing will be the same as in-dining service menu prices, which will link wine and beer retail to the licensees’ meal service.