Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release We continue to receive dozens of reports per day regarding the current telephone scam in which fraudsters pretend to represent government agencies, such as Service Canada or police agencies, in order to gain unsuspecting victim’s trust, personal information, and money. The most current variation of the scam involves fraudsters advising that your social insurance number (SIN) has been blocked, compromised or suspended. Often these phone calls begin as a robocall prompting you to press ‘1’ to speak to an individual. Do not press one, and simply hang up. Fraudsters are asking victims to send money in a variety of ways. One way is via Bit Coin, as it is extremely difficult for authorities to track. If you have sent money and given personal information over the phone, you are a victim, please call Brandon Police Service at 204-729-2345. If you merely received one of these phone calls, but did not fall victim to the scam, you do not need to inform police. We are very aware that they are occurring, as we too are receiving these calls.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 26, 2020, at approximately 7:35 am, police attempted to stop a vehicle after observing it fail to stop at controlled intersections, and then speed through a residential area on Queens Ave. After querying the licence plate, police learned that the licence plate itself was stolen, as it belonged on another vehicle of a similar make and model. The driver would not stop and a pursuit ensued as he continued east on Richmond Ave, then southbound on 1st St., eventually out of the City of Brandon. Members pursued the vehicle on rural highways and roads, which took them through several municipalities and communities including, Ninette and Glenboro. One of the two passengers did not wish to remain in the vehicle during the pursuit. At approximately 8:30 am he was able to exit unharmed, when the driver temporarily stopped. At one point during the pursuit, police attempted to prevent it from continuing by using a spike belt; however, the attempt was unsuccessful. The suspect vehicle finally stopped at as it drove into a field just north of Belmont at 9:36 am. The male driver and a female passenger were arrested. The driver, a 38-year-old male was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre. He will appear in court today on charges of Flight While Pursued by Police, Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle, Resist Arrest, and Possess Property Obtained by Crime. He was also the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant for Fail to Comply with Conditions of Undertaking. He also faces multiple charges under the Highway Traffic Act. The 29-year-old female was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear in court today. She was the subject of outstanding arrest warrants for Fail to Attend Court and Theft Under $5000. She also face additional charges of Flight While Pursued by Police, and Possess Property Obtained by Crime.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 24th at approximately 22:30, police received a report of a silver car striking a hydro pole near MAZER Implements, on Currie BLVD. Police attended the scene and located the driver who was bleeding and appeared intoxicated. He refused medical attention from BFD and was arrested. The 27 year old male was brought to BPS where breath samples four times the legal limit were obtained. The male was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Center to be released once sober, for court on February 6th.

The Brandon & Area Suicide Prevention Implementation Network (SPIN) is a network of community people working together to promote wellness and reduce the risk of suicide.  There are over 30 agencies involved, as well as other volunteers with personal lived experience or those that have been affected by a suicide.  Our goals are to build resilience and mental well-being; promote awareness about suicide; increase suicide intervention training to identify people at risk; enhance awareness of crisis services and community resources; encourage people in distress to seek help; and provide support to those bereaved by suicide. SPIN is thrilled to be the recipient of funds of a “Round Up” your bill promotion at both Smitty’s Restaurants in Brandon.  Smitty’s manager, Ivale Crooks, approached SPIN last fall wanting to donate funds locally and bring more awareness to the work that is being done in Brandon regarding suicide prevention.  This promotion started in November on International Survivors of Suicide Loss day and customers have the option of rounding up their bill to help out SPIN for the next year.  The funds generated will help with ongoing suicide awareness training, such as safeTALK, a 3 hour free program that teaches members of the community to recognize persons with thoughts of suicide and to connect them to suicide first-aid resources.  Donations will also assist with the development of resources, educational events, lending library, and monthly suicide bereavement support groups. Please go to our website spinbrandon.ca or follow SPIN Facebook, twitter, Instagram for updates and information on upcoming community awareness events such as Headstrong youth anti-stigma summit and World Suicide Prevention Day.  If anyone is interested in training opportunities, volunteering with SPIN, or require information on suicide bereavement, please contact SPIN at 204-578-2599 or info@spinbrandon.ca If you or someone you know is currently struggling, please contact Westman Crisis Services at 1-888-379-7699 or Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line at 1-877-435-7170. (submitted)

Brandon, MB – Fundraising for a major project at the Riverbank has recently kicked into high gear. With the support of community and corporate partners, work will soon begin on a legacy garden along the Assiniboine River Corridor. As part of the Riverbank’s master plan, world-renowned bronze sculptor Peter Sawatzky has chosen the Assiniboine Corridor to be the home of a sculpture garden, which will be incorporated into the rolling terrain north and west of the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Current fundraising efforts will go towards a sculpture similar to the one at Portage and Main in Winnipeg called “The Seal River Crossing.” This will be the centerpiece and one of the largest sculptures in the garden, says James Montgomery, GM of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “The garden will also eventually feature a series of braided walkways, which will weave between wildflower gardens and sculptures creating a trail of discovery and quiet appreciation of the artist’s talent,” Montgomery added. “Brandon Riverbank Inc. and the Assiniboine River Corridor is the perfect location for this project and I’m excited to get to work on the sculptures that will adorn this area,” Sawatzky said. Jeff Fawcett, a councillor for the City of Brandon and advocate for the project, says he couldn’t be more thrilled as well “The Seal River Crossing sculpture is the ideal way for Brandon to permanently celebrate Manitoba’s 150th anniversary since joining confederation, and will serve as a lasting legacy for Peter and be a cornerstone piece and priceless addition to Brandon Riverbank and to this area of Manitoba.” The public can already view some of Sawatzky’s work at Brandon Riverbank. In 2019, the deer and fawn sculpture that was previously at Eleanor Kidd Park was relocated to Festival Park. There is also a statue of great blue herons, donated by Westoba Credit Union, located outside the front doors of the Riverbank Discovery Centre Additionally, there are smaller pieces of Sawatzky’s work located inside the Riverbank Discovery Centre, such as a model of the Seal River Crossing, which is to scale and has the dimensions of the finished sculpture on display.