Manitoba | March 2020 – Thousands of students will participate in Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba’s (AITC-M) flagship program, Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) in March. Learn • Connect • Understand is the underlying charter for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month. The theme for CALM in Manitoba in 2020 is “Technology”. Volunteers will play AITC-M’s new Agriculture Innovation activities with students, read books related to technology in agriculture and share their agriculture story. Through CALM, students put a face to agriculture and make a connection to food and the journey it takes to their plate. 165 volunteer agriculture professionals will share their story with students across the province. Special events during CALM include: • On February 24, 2020 at 1:00p.m. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen will celebrate CALM with grade 6 students at Carman Collegiate in Carman, Manitoba. • On February 28, 2020 at 1:00p.m. Manitoba Minister of Education, Kelvin Goertzen will celebrate CALM with grade 2 students at Mitchell Elementary School in Mitchell, Manitoba. Both Ministers will read an agriculture-related book with students, teaching them how technology in agriculture has advanced. Minister Pedersen and Minister Goertzen will officially proclaim March 2020 to be Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month in Manitoba. “We are thrilled to have Minister Pedersen and Minister Goertzen celebrate CALM with students – it’s a perfect opportunity to bring agriculture and education together,” says Sue Clayton, AITC-M’s Executive Director. “We envision a future where all Manitobans are agriculture literate. Giving students opportunities to learn where their food comes from is integral to achieving our vision.” CALM will build on its past success of connecting people who work in agriculture with teachers and students across the country, which is crucial for informing future consumers, many of whom are three generations removed from life on the farm. In 2020, CALM will reach 8,206 students in 403 classes with a team of 165 volunteers in 188 schools in Manitoba. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release In July 2019, police received a complaint of the theft of approximately $180,000 from an estate. The suspect of the theft was the power of attorney for the estate. An ongoing investigation into the matter led to the arrest of the 76-year-old male suspect on February 19, 2020. He will appear in court on April 16, 2020 on charges of Theft by Person Holding Power of Attorney and Theft Over $5000.

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the intersection of 13th St and Park Ave for a large four-vehicle crash late Wednesday afternoon. Two SUVs, one van and one sedan (not pictured) were involved in the crash. All vehicles suffered extensive damage, and none were driveable. Airbags deployed in at least two of the four vehicles. Firefighter/paramedics used sand to soak up fluids that were leaking, and disconnected the batteries in all of the vehicles. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Accel Towing & Transported responded to the scene to clean up debris, and tow away the four vehicles. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 13, 2020, police received a report of the theft of merchandise from a business in the 1600 block of 18th street. The suspect’s image was captured on the businesses security camera, and the suspect was identified. On February 18, 2020 shortly before 5:00 am, the 22-year-old male suspect was located near his residence and arrested. He will appear in court on March 16, 2020 no a charge of Theft Under $5000.

1 in 7 youth in Manitoba were diagnosed with a mental disorder between 2009 and 2013. 75% of young Canadians with mental health problems don’t seek help.  Brandon & Area SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Headstrong Youth Anti-Stigma Initiative in 2014.  It is based on their award-winning Opening Minds program, which is an evidence-based approach to reducing stigma. We know that high school is when many begin to experience symptoms often associated with mental health problems or mental illness.  However, because of stigma and a lack of understanding and education, many students don’t know who to turn to for help, or are too embarrassed or scared to discuss their feelings.  Stigma is destructive and makes people feel different and socially excluded.  It delays diagnoses and treatment and is a major barrier for those that need help. SPIN will be hosting its 4TH STOMP OUT STIGMA Summit on February 27, 2020 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium  in Brandon.  Approximately 75 grade 9-12 students and staff from Brandon and surrounding rural schools will participate in an energetic day of education and conversation surrounding mental health, stigma and the importance of seeking help at a young age.  The students/teachers will listen to speakers with lived experience and participate in break-out sessions to explore stigmatizing beliefs and stereotypes.  The student and teacher champions will return with tools, ideas, and activities to be implemented locally in their schools following the summit.  This event is in partnership with SPIN, Prairie Mountain Health, Brandon School Division, Addiction Foundation of Manitoba, Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, and the Canadian Mental Health Association MB/Winnipeg. For more information, contact Jill Brown at info@spinbrandon.ca , 204-578-2713 or 204-573-9257. The high schools that are participating are Rivers, Carberry, Pierson, Neepawa, Sioux Valley, Crocus Plains, and Prairie hope. (submitted)