Brandon University (BU) Food Services is teaming up with the Brandon Food Council, the John Howard Society and Assiniboine Community College to provide barrier-free nutritious meals for all. Everyone Eats is a curbside pickup program that will offer top-quality dinners, prepared by BU Food Services. The trial launch of the initiative will provide 200 meals per day for Wednesday June 10, Thursday June 11 and Friday June 12. On these days, individuals will be able to order chef-inspired meals for themselves and their household with payment by confidential donation of $0 to $100. People who are able are encouraged to Meal it Forward by contributing over and above the suggested donation of $8 per meal. “Everyone deserves a good, nutritious meal, but a lot of people struggle to feed themselves and their families,” said Nicholas Namespetra, Manager of Food Services. “Layoffs due to the pandemic are only making this problem worse. With Everyone Eats there will be no stigma as everyone who picks up a meal may be in a different situation, and all donations are confidential. The best part is that those who are able can chip in with a larger donation to lend a hand to their neighbours.” The first Meal of the Day will be available on Wednesday, June 10. Orders may be made online at EveryoneEatsBrandon.ca or by calling 204-727-9652 before 2 p.m., for that day or for all three days. For those who are unable to come for curbside pickup, limited contact-free delivery will be provided by a team of volunteers upon request. “Going forward, we hope to get enough support to continue Everyone Eats indefinitely,” Namespetra said. “It is our goal to ensure that quality, nutritious meals are available in a way that affords people dignity.” Everyone Eats will also be partnering with food retail and food rescue services to supplement the initiative and assist in the reduction of food waste in our region. “Nicholas has led a significant revamping of our Food Services with an emphasis on the importance of fresh, nutritious and varied meals to a healthy lifestyle,” said Susan Smale, BU’s Director of Business Operations. “We’re happy to see this approach being extended outward so that BU can help to fill a real need in our community.” (Brandon University News)

Firefighters from Whitehead Fire Department and Brandon Fire and Emergency Services battled an intense grass/brush fire on Wednesday afternoon, which threatened multiple structures. The fire occurred along the border of the RM of Whitehead and the RM of Cornwallis just west of Brandon which brought both fire departments. Firefighters from Whitehead battled fire on the west side of the road, while Brandon fought fire on the east side. As of 10:45pm Brandon fire crews were still on scene working to put out hotspots and finish containment.

Manitoba hospitals and health centres will be restoring visitor access for patients as part of Manitoba’s Phase Two reopening, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. The gradual easing of visitor restrictions will restore the ability for patients and their loved ones to visit while measures to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 within Manitoba’s hospitals remain in place. “Connecting with family members, loved ones and support systems are an important part of the healing process for someone in the hospital. During the peak of the pandemic, in-person visits had to be limited as we took every necessary step to prevent the spread of this virus,” said Friesen. “With the co-operation of Manitobans, our COVID-19 response has been successful and we are now pleased to be in a position to allow in-person visits to occur.” This expanded visitor access follows the successful introduction of outdoor visits at Manitoba’s personal care homes last week, the minister noted, adding Manitoba’s hospitals and health centres have also been tasked with finding ways to accommodate outdoor visits following the trial earlier this week at Victoria General Hospital. All visitors must comply with infection prevention and control measures, which includes strict hand hygiene and maintaining physical distancing (six feet/two metres apart) at all times. “We recognize that solitude and separation can have a significant and negative impact on a patient’s health and well-being. Our goal is to find a balance for the longer-term; a balance that will enable visits with loved ones to occur, with all necessary precautions in place,” said Friesen. Friesen indicated the likelihood of COVID-19 being a part of the ‘new normal’ for a longer duration requires finding a longer-term balance between preventative measures and the many benefits of in-person interaction between patients and their loved ones. Most patients will be eligible to identify a single designated support person who may visit daily. Most sites are expected to be up and running between Friday and Monday, the minister noted. Facilities will begin implementation as early as June 5, with all sites expected to welcome designated support people as visitors by the week of June 8. For current information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, such as steps people can take to reduce their risk and workplace guidance for businesses, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19. A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html. (Province of MB News Release)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Tuesday morning, police received a report of a theft from a vehicle in the 1300 block of 1st St.  A set of golf clubs and an Apple device were stolen from the vehicle. In the afternoon, the owner of the vehicle had contact with someone using the Apple device, stating they could have their property back if they paid $500, and they were warned not to involve the police.  Officers did get involved and the property was recovered.  A 24-year-old male has been arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime, extortion as well as 3 counts of breaching release order.  The male will appear for a bail hearing this morning.

Brandon University’s Fall Term will see instruction that is mostly delivered online, as we continue to take precautions to ensure the health and safety of our whole community. While Covid-19 trends in Manitoba look promising, BU is taking a cautious and prudent approach that is in line with provincial phased reopening plans. We will limit in-person instruction to where it is necessary, and avoid potential mid-term disruption from any resurgence of infection or second wave of cases.   Planning now for a mostly online Fall Term gives certainty to students, faculty and staff, and allows for the best possible learning experience to be developed. An online term also brings parity to students who cannot travel to Brandon, for those with continuing responsibilities at home, and for those with health considerations. A limited number of classes, labs, studios, or practicums may need to be held in-person. These exceptions, when known, will be posted in the online registration guide. Much work remains to be done to plan for the Fall, and the university has created several administrative and academic working groups to develop recommendations, in consultation with representatives from all areas of campus, for Senate and the President’s Administrative Council. Detailed plans for the Fall Term will continue to be developed through June and will be shared in early July. Faculty should begin discussions with their chairs and deans about their course plans, and the resources they will need. Faculty and staff have shown tremendous resilience and creativity over the past few months, as have students, as we responded together to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic. We know this is a challenging time and are committed to supporting you in the months to come. The university campus remains open for faculty and staff, as well as for students who have arrangements with their dean to access needed campus facilities. Phase Two reopening includes the possibility for limited in-person instruction over the summer. Employees should continue to work from home, where possible. This fall, we expect most services, including student services like advising and educational library services will continue to be offered largely online. Residence and Food Services we expect to be open, although capacities may be limited. Return of more people to campus will be determined based on public health guidance and campus modifications, and will be communicated as early as possible. As always, our commitment remains providing the highest quality educational experience and the safest environment for all. (Brandon University News)