The Brandon Area Community Foundation (BACF) has awarded grant recipients throughout Brandon and the Westman Area, totaling $641,152 for 2019. The grants will support scholarships, local projects and organizations that align with the objectives of the Foundation, which is to have an impact and a lasting presence in the communities in which we live. Grants fall within six categories:  arts & culture, community, education, environment, health & wellness and recreation. “Our granting committee is very thorough when assessing applications that have been submitted to BACF,” states Laura Kempthorne, Executive Director of BACF.  “This group of dedicated volunteers must decide where best to grant the Foundation’s money, as there is never enough dollars for the amount of requests we receive. We are pleased with the grants BACF has awarded this year and the committee members are happy to work more effectively with these organizations by coming together and filling a need in our communities.” A few of the 2019 grant recipients are: Andrews Field - $35,000 for upgrades to the ball diamond; Westman Trail Association - $15,000 new equipment for trail maintenance in the Brandon Hills; Brandon Riverbank - $40,000 for new LED lighting along the walking paths; Western MB Science Fair - $5,000 to support the annual science fair held in Brandon; Oak Lake Day Care - $5,000 to create a new play space for children; Glenboro Gaiety Theatre - $6,000 theatre audio system upgrade. Listing of all 2019 grant recipients visit www.bacf.ca (submitted)

Brandon, MB – In association with the Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council, a new Brandon Indigenous Tourism logo has officially been unveiled. The Brandon Indigenous Tourism logo was created to uphold the acknowledgement of embracing the Indigenous story of our community, peoples and land. Brandon is located on Treaty 2, the unceded Territory of the Dakota and homelands of the Metis Nation. The logo is shaped in the form of a medicine wheel that embodies the four directions (north, east, south and west) and is represented by the four colors (red, yellow, white and black). The logo is also shaped in the form of a compass as it provides direction and a sense of adventure and navigation through history. The story of First Nations is represented by the tipi embraced by two trees on the land and the Metis are represented by the Infinity symbol that is expressed in the shape of the Assiniboine River and its many twists and turns. The image of the logo tells of a story that is often found in most urban centres and asks the question; what is the origin story of the land? Here you will see the city of Brandon in the background as the Indigenous learning experience is showcased in the forefront and offers a teaching and understanding of Indigenous history, peoples and importance of recognizing land and water. “In Brandon, Manitoba we have embraced the ancestral story of the land and give recognition to the history of the land and Indigenous peoples who originated here in Southwestern Manitoba on the crossing of Treaty 1 and Treaty 2, homelands of the Metis and a community we call home.” – Jason Gobeil, Aboriginal Community Coordinator Brandon Indigenous Tourism is created to support local actions and events that educate and open opportunity of building relationships with land, with Indigenous peoples and with each other. You will find many opportunities in Brandon to learn from the community with National Indigenous Peoples Day, Honouring the Good Road Gala and commemorative walks for Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit just to name a few. The logo is already showcased at the Brandon & Region Tourism Centre along with indigenous tourism publications for anyone interested. (submitted)

Zoo Lights Festival opened yesterday at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg (2595 Roblin Boulevard). The 32-day winter lights festival is an ideal place to "experience a spectacular display featuring thousands of light installations to bring to life a magically illuminated fictional Manitoban winter town: Polar Town". Zoo Lights Festival is more then just lights. The event also features interactive experiences and warm-up areas, visits from Santa, fire pits, nightly entertainment, a Third + Bird market, live music, and great food. Zoo Lights Festival is a ticketed evening event. The after-hours festival runs between November 30, 2019 and January 5, 2020. For additional information, visit the Zoo Lights Festival website at www.assiniboinepark.ca/zoo-lights-festival.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At 4:54 a.m. today, a 23-year-old Brandon woman struck a parked vehicle in the 200 block of Dennis Street and left the scene. She was located parked in the 100 block of Dennis Street, still behind the wheel of the vehicle and was found to be impaired. She provided samples of her breath above the legal limit, and detained at the Brandon Correctional Centre for remand later today. She is charged with having care and control of a motor vehicle while impaired, breach of recognizance, and prohibited driving, and will appear in Brandon court next week.

The Council of the City of Brandon wishes to advise that the administrative leave of City Manager Rod Sage has been extended to January 31st, 2020. As with his initial leave, Council has determined that an extension of that leave continues to be in the best interest of all parties. Mr. Dean Hammond has been fulfilling the role of Acting City Manager and that arrangement will continue during this period. As this matter is ongoing, Council will not make further comment on this matter. (Media Statement from Brandon City Council)