On April 23, 2024, at approximately 2:30 pm, Brandon Police Service members conducted a traffic stop on a Commercial Motor Vehicle (semi-truck and trailer) which was observed to be swerving in its lane on the Trans-Canada Highway in Brandon. During the roadside check, Police conducted a cargo securement inspection. In doing so, Police learned the driver was transporting a large amount of contraband tobacco. The commercial motor vehicle was found to contain 26 pallets of unstamped tobacco. The suspect, a 26-year-old male driver from Winnipeg was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code for Trafficking Contraband Tobacco. He was subsequently released on an Appearance Notice to appear in court on July 15th, 2024. In total, 7.8 million unstamped cigarettes were seized with an estimated illicit market value of 4 million dollars. The Brandon Police Service would like to thank the Manitoba Department of Finance and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance. This matter remains under investigation.

 Join the Alzheimer Society for their annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s, taking place at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on June 6 at 5:30 pm. There will also be participating Walks in Winnipeg (May 25), Steinbach (May 29) and Selkirk (June 13). Manitobans can also join the “Walk Your Way” virtual option to get involved in their own way. The Walk is the Society’s largest annual, province-wide fundraiser that takes place across Canada in support of people living with dementia, their families, friends and care partners. “There’s an overwhelming feeling at the Walk that we’re all in it together,” says Erin Crawford, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. “Nobody should go through dementia alone. We want everyone to understand that the Alzheimer Society is a place to turn for support -- reach out to us, we can connect you with a community of resources.” The money raised during the walk allows the Alzheimer Society to provide families with the programs, resources and information they need to live their best lives possible, including one-to-one counselling, support groups, dementia-friendly programs, education sessions and more. For Laura Bishop, Team Captain of the IG Wealth Management North Central team, the Walk is an opportunity to come together as a community to support families living with dementia. “Every story with dementia is a little bit different, but the feelings of loss are similar. The Walk is somewhere I listen, learn and strengthen my understanding of dementia and the different ways it affects families, including the people I work with.” Here's how to get involved in the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s: Register online – sign up as an individual, team member or team captain at alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2024. Start fundraising – share your fundraising page and your reasons for walking on social media using the official hashtag #IGWalkForAlz. Reach out to your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues (in-person and online) to ask for support. Participate in the Brandon Walk on June 6, 2024 – join dedicated people like you, who are committed to helping people living with dementia and care partners. “Come join us at the Walk this May and June. It’s more than just a Walk – it’s a chance to connect with others who know what dementia is like, show your support, and have fun along the way.” Erin says. Visit alzheimer.mb.ca/wfa2024 to learn more about the Walk and to register.

Ross Sheard's dream of a driving range / bar and grill comes to reality on Sunday. Located roughly 4 kilometers east of Brandon on the Trans Canada Highway the doors of Shanks will open to the public. This will be the first of it's kind in Manitoba. Derek Sobkow told BDNMB.CA "this place will be my new goto ..... food was solid" Photos courtesy Farran Munn and Peyton.

On April 24th at 6:30 pm an employee from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Avenue reports that two males were in the store loading their arms full of pizza pops and chocolate bars. A 32-year-old male was located a short distance away with the stolen items. He was arrested and held for court as he was also breaching his release order. He will appear in court on April 25th, 2024.

In light of the temporary pause of the green bin collection program due to unexpected staffing shortages, the City of Brandon has received significant feedback emphasizing the community’s value of this service. As a result, the Solid Waste Section is excited to introduce a revised, alternating collection schedule starting Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. This initiative will ensure the continued collection of all three bins—green, blue, and black. Residents will maintain their regular collection day, with an alternating schedule for the green and blue bins each week. The black bin’s collection will remain on a weekly basis. This new temporary system is designed for the efficient collection of the compost, recycling, and refuse materials. Collection Schedule Details: Your collection day remains unchanged Each week you will alternate placing your green and blue bins out for collection, along with your black bin, provided they are full. The entire city is not on the same schedule, so please check the schedule to know whether it’s the week for your green or blue bin to be collected. For your exact collection day, visit brandon.ca/collection/maps. The bi-weekly schedule is as follows: Week 1 (April 30 - May 3):  Tuesday: Green bin Wednesday: Blue bin Thursday: Green bin Friday: Blue bin Week 2 (May 7 - May 10): Tuesday: Blue bin Wednesday: Green bin Thursday: Blue bin Friday: Green bin This bi-weekly rotation is city-wide and will continue until the staffing situation is resolved. For a detailed collection calendar, visit brandon.ca/modified-collection-schedule. For residents with additional recyclable or organic materials that cannot wait for the next bi-weekly pickup, the City’s recycling and organics depots are available for drop-offs. Please note that the depot at the Keystone Centre does not accept organic materials. In addition, the Eastview Landfill welcomes organic materials at no cost, provided they are not mixed with other types of waste. The Eastview Landfill is open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and is closed on Sundays and statutory holidays. For additional information on the Solid Waste Section, visit brandon.ca/solid-waste. The City of Brandon is grateful for the public’s patience and cooperation during this period of adjustments. Should you have any questions, please reach out to the Solid Waste Section at 204-729-2281 or email solidwaste@brandon.ca.