After two extremely successful years as Executive Director, Lois MacDonald will be leaving the organization to accept a position in the private sector. Westman Immigrant Services has experienced significant growth and development under MacDonald’s leadership. The organization secured a five-year contract with federal funder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada which has put operations on firm ground for several years to come. As part of this process, the organization assumed responsibility for settlement services beyond Brandon and across the Westman region – a major step forward. In addition, new funding opportunities with the provincial government have recently come to fruition, and a number of programs and initiatives have been enhanced with the support of new, external funders. The building lease at 1001 Pacific was re-negotiated, and recently the construction of an accessibile front entryway was completed. With MacDonald at the helm, the organization’s profile in the community has grown as the numbers and range of clients served has also increased, through the dedicated and passionate efforts of our employees and our many volunteers. The search for a new Executive Director is underway, as MacDonald’s time with the organization will draw to a close in the coming days. Board Chair, Dr. Steve Robinson, states “Westman Immigrant Services has much to be proud of and owes a great debt of gratitude to Lois for helping us to get there. As we turn this page to new leadership, we can look to a very bright future with ever-more-significant outcomes for this community, this province, and this country. I would like to extend deepest thanks to Lois, for her leadership, and myself and the Board of Directors wish her the best of luck in her future endeavours!” MacDonald states “I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the organization and on a daily basis was amazed by the excellent staff and volunteers who worked diligently to provide exemplary service and support to our clients. The strength and resilience of those who come to Canada to build a new life for themselves and their families is awe-inspiring and I have been honoured to lead an organization who supports them in their journey in so many ways. I have learned so much in this organization, and was pleased to be part of the great work that is accomplished here every day”. Westman Immigrant Services provides settlement support, language classes and a variety of programs for newcomers to Canada. With over 45 staff, they support thousands of clients annually on their settlement journey. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Medias Release On May 30th, a male used a stolen credit card at four separate locations in the city. Police, through video surveillance footage at all four locations, identified him. The 29-year-old Brandon male was located Sunday afternoon and arrested. He was charged with four counts of fraud under $5000.00 and was released from custody. He will appear in court in October.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release t approx. 4:30 Friday afternoon, members were called to the area of Willowdale Cres for a male knocking on windows and checking doors.  The caller believed the male was holding something in his hand that appeared to be a bike lock.  The caller was concerned he may use the item to gain entry through a window.  Members attended to the area and located the male in the bushes to the north side of Willowdale Cres.  The 16-year-old Brandon male was found to be the subject of an outstanding warrant for assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon, and carrying a concealed weapon.  At the time he was arrested he was holding a set of brass knuckles, which are prohibited. He was therefore also arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon.  The male was held at BPS overnight and will appear in court this morning.

source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 3:00 AM this morning officers observed a vehicle in a parking lot of Braecrest Drive that appeared to be stuck.  Members stopped to check and found the vehicle had driven off the edge of the parking lot, which is on a steep hill, causing the car to become stuck over the edge.  The 18 year old male in control of the vehicle attempting to drive it back onto the parking lot was observed to be displaying signs of impairment and was arrested for being in care and control of a vehicle while impaired. He provided two samples of his breath resulting in readings in excess of one and a half times the legal limit.  He has been released from custody and will appear in court on June 25th.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 7:25 PM Thursday evening, members of our Organized Crime Section apprehended a 40-year-old Winnipeg woman for possessing Meth for the purpose of trafficking.  Officers observed the accused in the 1400 block of 4th St and attempted to arrest her.  After a short foot pursuit she was apprehended and arrested on the strength of two warrants (one from Winnipeg and one from Selkirk).  At the time of the arrest she was found in possession of 18 ounces of Methamphetamine, with a street value of just over $50000.00.  The accused was held overnight and will appear in court this morning.  She is charged with possession of Meth for trafficking as well as warrant charges of possession for trafficking and breach of recognizance.