Sunrise Credit Union, with its commitment to academic excellence and community development, offers 14 scholarships totalling $24,000 to students across southwestern Manitoba. The selection process was rigorous, with 60 applicants. A six-person committee scored each application on academics, leadership, extracurricular activities, volunteerism, community involvement, and essay quality. St. Alphonse’s Laura Delichte received the largest scholarship: $5,000 for a high-school graduate seeking post-secondary education. Delichte’s high school career has been a testament to her work ethic, achieving honour roll with distinction each year while participating in many extracurricular activities, including various school sports and committees. Delichte also made it a priority to give back to and be involved in her community. Her community involvement includes, but is not limited to, involvement with the 4-H club, lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons, refereeing middle years and scorekeeping high school sports, and volunteering with St. Alphonse & District Foundation’s pumpkin cart. Delichte will attend the University of Manitoba in the fall. Upon graduating from the agriculture diploma program, she plans to pursue a degree in agribusiness and secure a job at a rural financial institution. Her goal is to help small family farms be financially sustainable for future generations and assist the ag industry in continuing to play a significant role in rural Manitoba. Each year, Sunrise Credit Union employs students in various positions throughout the organization. Abbigail Conrad of Swan Lake received the $3,000 scholarship awarded to a Sunrise Credit Union Summer Student. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Greig of Melita received the $3,000 scholarship for a first-year student continuing their education at Brandon University, and Lindsay Wytinck of Glenboro received the $3,000 scholarship for a first-year student continuing their education at Assiniboine Community College. Ten $1,000 scholarships were awarded to a diverse group of high school students from various communities in southwestern Manitoba. These students, each with unique aspirations and potential, are seeking post-secondary education this fall. The recipients include Shaylee Frattinger (Elkhorn), Kendra Wytinck (Cypress River), Siena McMillan (Brandon), Nadia Nickel (Solsgirth), Raelee Brasch (Grandview), Ainsley Boulanger (Hartney), Anna Forbes (Glenboro), Carys Wytinck (Bruxelles), Dominique Lansing (Virden), and Nicholas Hiscock (Brandon). Sunrise Credit Union would like to thank all 60 applicants and extend a heartfelt congratulations to the scholarship recipients. Best of luck to all applicants and the entire graduating class of 2024 in your future endeavours.

In response to an increase in the number of suspicious fires in the City of Brandon, The Brandon Police Service and Brandon Fire and Emergency Services have established an Arson Task Force to investigate suspicious fires in the City of Brandon. The Office of the Fire Commissioner will also be assisting in the investigation process when requested and needed. The Task Force will be dedicated to investigating and preventing these crimes, ensuring the safety and security of the City of Brandon and the Westman area. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in our investigations.  

Please see the following article from City of Brandon City Manager Ron Bowles. As the city manager, I am acutely aware of the critical role that our streets and roads play in shaping the well-being of our community. Beyond mere aesthetics, they form the backbone of our daily lives, connecting neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces. After a particularly hard winter on our asphalt, a vital commitment to safety and prosperity is critical, and our city crews are up to this daunting challenge. Today, I want to emphasize how the city manages a strategic commitment to safety, efficiency, and economic vitality, by providing some statistics from last year. Did you know: 352 km of streets and lanes are managed, repaired, and maintained by the city, In addition, the Province manages 65 km, 12,979 potholes were filled last year and thus far 9,299 have been repaired in 2024, 332 km of streets are swept, cleaned and our storm drainage system is kept debris free, In 2023, 5.6 km of roads were replaced, and 4.5 km were re-coated, 20 km of back lanes and streets are graded, 143 km of sidewalks and trails are managed, Approximately 11,000 signs are maintained, and Summer road, lane, sidewalk, and trail program costs each resident $35.43 per year ($0.19 per day during summer months). Safety-first as our streets are more than just thoroughfares; they are lifelines. Whether you are commuting to work, dropping your kids off at school, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, safe and well-maintained streets are essential. Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces pose risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. By addressing these issues promptly, we ensure the safety of everyone who uses our roadways. Efficient transportation is the lifeblood of any thriving city. Imagine a scenario where traffic congestion slows down emergency responders, delivery trucks, and daily commuters. It is not just an inconvenience; it affects our productivity, quality of life, and overall economic competitiveness. Regular maintenance—whether filling potholes, repaving roads, or improving signage—keeps traffic flowing smoothly and reduces travel time for all. Businesses thrive when their customers can access them easily. Well maintained streets attract visitors, shoppers, and investors. Conversely, neglected roads deter economic growth. Potentially lost revenue due to poor infrastructure far outweighs the cost of routine maintenance. By investing wisely in our streets, we create an environment where businesses can flourish, jobs can be created, and our local economy can thrive. As stewards of the future, the City is committed to funding these critical services and to leave a legacy for our children. We combine municipal budget allocations, provincial and federal funds to ensure that our streets receive the attention they deserve. For example, we have recently received funding from the Province to assist with the reconstruction of 26th Street. We recognize we had a tough winter with numerous potholes emerging due to an extraordinary spring freeze-thaw cycle. Our Streets and Roads Department works tirelessly year-round so, the next time you drive down our city streets, remember that each pothole filled, each road repaired, and each sidewalk maintained contributes to a safer, more efficient, and economically vibrant community. Together, let us pave the way to a better future—one street at a time.

During the first week of June 2024 Brandon Police Service, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Winnipeg Police Service Counter Exploitation Units united and entered into a Joint Forces Operation regarding sexual exploitation in the City of Brandon. The investigation was named Project Blockade. The investigation focused on street level as well as online sexual exploitation. Over the course of this two day operation, Police arrested 21 adult males for Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration, or communicating in any place for that purpose. These arrests took place on the streets in the downtown area and in local hotels within the City Of Brandon. As a result of 9 of these arrests, vehicles were seized under section 242.2(3) of the HTA (Prostitution related impoundment of a motor vehicle). All of the accused were released by way of Undertaking as mandated by the Criminal Code.

MISSING PERSON – Lyndon Xavier NEUFELD The Brandon Police Service requests the public’s assistance in locating a 20 year old MALE, Lyndon Xavier NEUFELD. He was last seen on June 10, 2024 in the town of Virden, MB. NEUFELD is described as being Caucasian, 6’2 in height, slim build, 160 lbs, brown shaggy hair and blue eyes. NEUFELD was last seen wearing black pants, a black Reebok hoodie and a black Chicago White Sox Baseball cap. The Brandon Police Service is concerned for NEUFELD’s wellbeing and is asking anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Brandon Police Service Missing Persons Unit at 204-729-2416. For information Contact the Brandon Police Service Missing Persons Coordinator – Cst. Adam Potter – 204-729-2416