Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) is pleased to announce that as of April 1, 2020, it is responsible for delivering settlement and English language programming to a number of communities throughout the region of southwestern Manitoba. The organization’s federal funding partner, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), outlined plans to streamline the delivery of services to newcomers through a national call for proposals issued in 2019. In response, Westman Immigrant Services worked in partnership with settlement serving agencies in Russell, Virden and Cartwright to submit a plan for the regional delivery of services to newcomers that included enhanced programming and support. A five-year contract has been negotiated with IRCC which will see WIS expand its services to newcomers living in communities throughout the southwestern corner of Manitoba. Until now, WIS has delivered programming to newcomers mainly Brandon and the immediate area. This has included settlement and employment services, English language assessments and classes, family and youth programming, and support to students in the Brandon School Division through a settlement workers in schools initiative. Under the new funding agreement, regional offices in Russell and Virden have become part of WIS, and employees now have access to settlement services, information workshops and school programming that they were not able to deliver in the past. A partnership initiative with the Roblin Cartwright Community Development Corporation sees settlement services delivered in Cartwright, Killarney and Boissevain, with additional programming and support available to newcomers in those communities. WIS has also assumed responsibility for the delivery of English assessments and classes in Cartwright, Killarney and Boissevain. As the region continues to grow and welcome newcomers from around the world, WIS is poised to support service delivery to more communities through the offices located in Russell, Virden and Cartwright. WIS Board Chair, Chris Griffin states “This is an exciting time for Westman Immigrant Services as the organization grows to deliver programming to newcomers throughout the region. We look forward to expanding our base of service and supporting the settlement experience of newcomers in many communities. We welcome new partnerships and employees to our organization and are hopeful that our board of directors will become more diversified with members from around the region”. As a non-profit, charitable organization, WIS is governed by a board of directors and supported by more than 45 employees and over 100 volunteers. The organization is currently seeking applications of individuals who are interested in serving on the board of directors. Individuals who live in all communities now receiving regional services (including Brandon) and are committed to assisting the organization in meeting our mission by providing settlement, employment and language services while helping newcomers create connections and become successful members of their community, are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals are asked to contact Westman Immigrant Services at 204-727-6031, ext. 2235 or email: loism@westmanimmigrantservices.ca for an application form. (submitted)

On Wednesday April 29th Brandon Firefighter/Paramedics responded to the 400 block of 12th St. in Brandon for reports of an attic fire. Heavy smoke was visible throughout the neighbourhood upon arrival of fire crews. Smoke and flames could be seen coming from the attic/top story of the multi-story house. Firefighter/Paramedics went to work pulling hand-lines, throwing ladders, and connecting a supply line to a nearby hydrant. Crews were able to extinguish the stubborn fire within a few hours. No injuries were reported.

Brandon Police Service members were seen taking cover with their rifles in the 300 block of 15th St. on Tuesday night. Police could be heard over a loudspeaker telling someone to "exit the house with your hands up", and that the police "are not going away until you come out". According to Brandon Police's Twitter, the situation was resolved at around 9:45 on Tuesday night, but that they were still investigating. Updated Below: Brandon Police Service Media Release Shortly before 6:00 pm on Tuesday, police received a complaint from a resident of the 300 block of 15th St. He reported seeing two males on a balcony arguing, one with a hand gun in his waistband and the other with a handgun in the back of his pants. Officers attended and secured the area. A second witness reported seeing the males and confirmed the presence of what was believed to be two handguns. Two men briefly exited the residence and when challenged by police, returned inside the apartment. A member of the Crisis Negotiation Unit was at the scene and used a loud hailer to make contact with the residents of the building. Two other apartments were safely evacuated and contact was made with the males inside the residence. After continued negotiation, two males exited the residence and were taken into custody. A third male was in the residence and contact was established with him, resulting in his leaving the residence a short time later. The two residents of the apartment were interviewed by members of the Major Crimes Unit and admitted to arguing and having a cap gun in their possession at the time. They consented to a search of the residence and the cap gun was recovered. Both men were released with out charges. The third man was arrested on a warrant and held at BPS due to intoxication. He was released on Wednesday morning for a court date in July.

Brandon Neighbourhood Renewals Creation Nation Makerspace project is happy to provide support to essential workers during the Covid 19 pandemic. Using makerspace 3D printers, laser cutter, maker expertise and initial support from Summus Security and The Cooperators we have created lab-tested face shields. The Creation Nation Makerspace project opened up about a year ago and provides the community with access to space and equipment for developing innovative ideas. The space is made up of over 6000 sq. feet of workspace in the heart of downtown Brandon and brings together craftspeople, artists, makers and innovators to create using various equipment. The space currently has 3D printers, laser cutter, vinyl cutters, sublimation printer, heat press, sewing machines, bike repair stations, cnc router and a full woodshop among other offerings. Temporarily closed due to Covid 19 on March 22nd but seeing constant requests for personal protective equipment and having 3D printer solutions we could use to help solve the problem the space was opened up to a couple of members who experimented with some designs and equipment and came up with our current offering. Face shields are assembled by volunteers and available to front line workers usually within a day or two.  To date, we have given shields to women’s shelters across the province, dental organizations, Brandon Covid 19 isolation site and pharmacies. One local pharmacist said “I was so surprised and grateful to find the face shields on my desk when I returned to work. What a wonderful project for you all to be working on in stressful times.” You can contribute to this project by sponsoring shields, donating the use of your 3D printer or simply spreading the word. We are asking for a $10 contribution for each shield but cost should not at all be a deterrent to getting this much needed equipment. We have community sponsorships to assist us in donating shields to people and organizations in need. The shield design was created by 3D printer maker Prusa. Sourcing inputs for the design and making sure they met local health specifications was no small feat - a special thank you to Summus Security for doing the ground work for the project and being our first financial contributor. Startup and input cost support was also provided by our local Co-Operators insurance agent Drew Collins. Finally, we would like to thank Rob Shearer for his maker expertise and those who have sponsored face masks to date. (article submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 2:15 A.M. Monday morning, Police observed a vehicle at 26th Street and Victoria Avenue with no licence plates. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the vehicle accelerated westbound on Victoria Avenue, refusing to pull over. The vehicle passed 34th Street and reached speeds of 134 km/h. The vehicle continued northbound on Governor’s Road turning onto Centennial Blvd and continued eastbound on Centennial Blvd reaching speeds of 100 km/h before finally coming to a stop at 34th Street. The driver of the vehicle and only occupant was taken into Police custody without further incident. A search of the vehicle recovered 10 grams of methamphetamine, $880 cash and a large hunting style knife. The 25-year-old man from Rivers Manitoba was arrested for Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Flight While Pursued by Police, Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Proceeds of Crime and Possession of a Weapon. The man has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Court in July.