Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 23, 2020, shortly after midnight, police conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Rosser Ave. The vehicle was full of passengers. A 44-year-old male suspect within the vehicle was to have no contact with one of the other passengers. Upon his arrest, he was found to be in possession of a large knife. He was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear in court today on charges of Fail to Comply with Undertaking and Possession of Weapon. A 32-year-old male passenger was also found to be in possession of a knife. He was arrested and the knife seized. He will appear in court at a later date. A third passenger received a fine under the Liquor Cannabis Gaming Control Act for Carry Liquor in a vehicle.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On March 19, 2020, shortly before 5:00 pm, police received a report of an intoxicated male at a business in the 900 block of Middleton Ave. The male was naked in the laundry room of the business, while washing his clothes. The 54-year-old male had nowhere to go, and no one to care for him while intoxicated, so he was arrested and lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre until sober. Once his laundry cycle was complete, employees from the business turned his clothes over to police, so that they could be reunited with the owner.

Brandon Police Service's Tactical Response Unit was seen operating in the area of the 300 block of Maryland Ave late Friday afternoon. Vehicle and pedestrian traffic along Maryland Ave between 1st St. and the 400 block of Maryland Ave was completely shut down, as the Tactical Response Unit appeared to be operating in the area of Cornell Bay and Maryland Ave. Brandon Police Service released this statement on their social medias: "We would like to ask the public to avoid the area of the 300 block of Maryland Ave while our members conduct an investigation. We are unable to provide further information at this time." This message was followed by an "all clear" about 2 hours later. It is unclear the specifics of the police situation at this time.

A local business, Expressions Entertainment is organizing a food drive for this Saturday (March 21) to help those in need in the city. Project: Fill the Trailer for COVID-19) will see donations go to Samaritan House, Helping Hands and The Women’s Resource Centre. The company is looking to fill a trailer with a number of items and they have graciously set time aside on Saturday the 21st to pickup the items from your house/place of business. Among the items most in need are meals in cans, instant oatmeal, breads & jams, soups, pasta, canned veggies, and canned meats. They will also be collecting additional items like baby formula, diapers and female hygiene products. Those individuals or businesses looking at making a donation can private message Expressions Entertainment on their Facebook Page to make pick-up arrangements. Alternatively, you can drop off items at their house by messaging them for address information as well.

The Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba has been in uncharted water over the past week. As a direct result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to cancel our flagship event, the 113th Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. This was to be a celebration of the 50th year since Queen Elizabeth bestowed the Royal Designation. In response to the rapidly changing circumstances we have taken the unprecedented step of laying off 80% of our staff and temporarily closing our offices. This is both a fiscally and socially responsible action to protect the health in our community. As an organization, part of our mission is to provide education, entertainment, community pride and economic enhancement to our region. When this crisis is behind us, we will open our doors and continue to provide quality entertainment, education and financial input for our community. Let’s hope for a quick resolution to this situation. And when that time comes, we can come out of isolation and come together for a community celebration! Stay healthy and Thank you for your continued support, we will see you soon! (Source: Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba Release)