Brandon, MB – Brandon City Council wishes to advise that the City of Brandon and City Manager Mr. Rod Sage have mutually agreed to separate. Mr. Sage has elected to retire from the City of Brandon having been employed by the City since 1987 in various capacities, becoming City Manager in November 2017. Having met the eligibility requirements to retire from the City, the move was mutually agreed to be in the best interest of all parties. Mr. Dean Hammond has been serving in the capacity of Acting City Manager since October 15th, 2019, and he will continue to do so at this time. Mayor Rick Chrest noted, “Council will continue to ensure our operations are handled in a seamless manner and that services our residents rely on are delivered on a responsive, effective basis. We will commence a process to secure our new City Manager in a timely manner.”  The City of Brandon thanks Mr. Sage for his many years of service and wishes him well in his future endeavors.  Having engaged legal advice and direction on this matter, both parties have agreed that no further comment may be provided. (Source: City of Brandon Media Statement)

Manitoba | March 2020 – Thousands of students will participate in Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba’s (AITC-M) flagship program, Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM) in March. Learn • Connect • Understand is the underlying charter for Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month. The theme for CALM in Manitoba in 2020 is “Technology”. Volunteers will play AITC-M’s new Agriculture Innovation activities with students, read books related to technology in agriculture and share their agriculture story. Through CALM, students put a face to agriculture and make a connection to food and the journey it takes to their plate. 165 volunteer agriculture professionals will share their story with students across the province. Special events during CALM include: • On February 24, 2020 at 1:00p.m. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen will celebrate CALM with grade 6 students at Carman Collegiate in Carman, Manitoba. • On February 28, 2020 at 1:00p.m. Manitoba Minister of Education, Kelvin Goertzen will celebrate CALM with grade 2 students at Mitchell Elementary School in Mitchell, Manitoba. Both Ministers will read an agriculture-related book with students, teaching them how technology in agriculture has advanced. Minister Pedersen and Minister Goertzen will officially proclaim March 2020 to be Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month in Manitoba. “We are thrilled to have Minister Pedersen and Minister Goertzen celebrate CALM with students – it’s a perfect opportunity to bring agriculture and education together,” says Sue Clayton, AITC-M’s Executive Director. “We envision a future where all Manitobans are agriculture literate. Giving students opportunities to learn where their food comes from is integral to achieving our vision.” CALM will build on its past success of connecting people who work in agriculture with teachers and students across the country, which is crucial for informing future consumers, many of whom are three generations removed from life on the farm. In 2020, CALM will reach 8,206 students in 403 classes with a team of 165 volunteers in 188 schools in Manitoba. (submitted)

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release In July 2019, police received a complaint of the theft of approximately $180,000 from an estate. The suspect of the theft was the power of attorney for the estate. An ongoing investigation into the matter led to the arrest of the 76-year-old male suspect on February 19, 2020. He will appear in court on April 16, 2020 on charges of Theft by Person Holding Power of Attorney and Theft Over $5000.

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the intersection of 13th St and Park Ave for a large four-vehicle crash late Wednesday afternoon. Two SUVs, one van and one sedan (not pictured) were involved in the crash. All vehicles suffered extensive damage, and none were driveable. Airbags deployed in at least two of the four vehicles. Firefighter/paramedics used sand to soak up fluids that were leaking, and disconnected the batteries in all of the vehicles. No injuries were reported as a result of the collision. Accel Towing & Transported responded to the scene to clean up debris, and tow away the four vehicles. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On January 13, 2020, police received a report of the theft of merchandise from a business in the 1600 block of 18th street. The suspect’s image was captured on the businesses security camera, and the suspect was identified. On February 18, 2020 shortly before 5:00 am, the 22-year-old male suspect was located near his residence and arrested. He will appear in court on March 16, 2020 no a charge of Theft Under $5000.