1 in 7 youth in Manitoba were diagnosed with a mental disorder between 2009 and 2013. 75% of young Canadians with mental health problems don’t seek help.  Brandon & Area SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) partnered with the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Headstrong Youth Anti-Stigma Initiative in 2014.  It is based on their award-winning Opening Minds program, which is an evidence-based approach to reducing stigma. We know that high school is when many begin to experience symptoms often associated with mental health problems or mental illness.  However, because of stigma and a lack of understanding and education, many students don’t know who to turn to for help, or are too embarrassed or scared to discuss their feelings.  Stigma is destructive and makes people feel different and socially excluded.  It delays diagnoses and treatment and is a major barrier for those that need help. SPIN will be hosting its 4TH STOMP OUT STIGMA Summit on February 27, 2020 at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium  in Brandon.  Approximately 75 grade 9-12 students and staff from Brandon and surrounding rural schools will participate in an energetic day of education and conversation surrounding mental health, stigma and the importance of seeking help at a young age.  The students/teachers will listen to speakers with lived experience and participate in break-out sessions to explore stigmatizing beliefs and stereotypes.  The student and teacher champions will return with tools, ideas, and activities to be implemented locally in their schools following the summit.  This event is in partnership with SPIN, Prairie Mountain Health, Brandon School Division, Addiction Foundation of Manitoba, Child and Family Services of Western Manitoba, and the Canadian Mental Health Association MB/Winnipeg. For more information, contact Jill Brown at info@spinbrandon.ca , 204-578-2713 or 204-573-9257. The high schools that are participating are Rivers, Carberry, Pierson, Neepawa, Sioux Valley, Crocus Plains, and Prairie hope. (submitted)

Source:Brandon Police Service Media Release On February 15th, police received a report of a vehicle, which had been stolen from The Victoria Inn Parking lot sometime overnight.  Police observed this vehicle the next night travelling in numerous back lanes.  The vehicle fled westbound on HWY 1A where it drove off the roadway and became stuck in the ditch.  The operator a 33-year-old male from Sandy Bay fled from the vehicle on foot and was apprehended by a Police K9.  Inside the vehicle police located a sawed off shotgun on the front seat.  The male who was wanted on previous warrants is now facing numerous Criminal Code driving and firearms charges and will be appearing in court this AM.

Source: Brandon School Division Announcements Brandon School Division Senior Administration and Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Mr. Rob Tomlinson has been appointed as Principal of Earl Oxford School effective September 8, 2020. He will continue in his current role as Acting Principal at Earl Oxford until June 30, 2020. Mr. Tomlinson began his teaching career in 1997 and has been employed with the Brandon School Division since 2013 as Vice Principal at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and as the Acting Principal of Earl Oxford School. Brandon School Division Senior Administration and Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Ms. Susan Gilleshammer has been named Principal at École Secondaire Neelin High School, effective September 8, 2020.  She will continue in her current role as Acting Principal at Prairie Hope High School until June 30, 2020. Ms. Gilleshammer has been employed with the Brandon School Division since 2004, and has been the involved with the Neelin High School Off Campus, now known as Prairie Hope High School since 2015 in the roles of Vice Principal and Acting Principal. Brandon School Division Senior Administration and Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Ms. Katherine MacFarlane has been named Acting Principal at Prairie Hope High School, effective September 8, 2020 to June 30, 2021.  She will continue in her current role as Vice Principal at King George School until June 30, 2020. Ms. MacFarlane joined the Brandon School Division in 1993 and her experience includes K-8 and Resource. Katherine has been in the role of Vice Principal at King George School since 2018 and demonstrates a genuine commitment and dedication to the growth and development of students and adults Brandon School Division Senior Administration and Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that Mr. Curtis Gray has been named Vice Principal at Maryland Park School, effective September 8, 2020.  He will continue in his current role as Vice Principal and EAL at École New Era School until June 30, 2020. Mr. Curtis began his career in education in 2000 and joined the Brandon School Division in 2010. Since joining the Brandon School Division, he has worked as a teacher, Acting Principal, Head Teacher along with his current role as Vice Principal and EAL

Update: Sunday, February 16 It was learned earlier today, via a post on their Facebook page, that the Riverdale Community Centre's canteen in Rivers will no-longer be accepting cash as of Monday, February 17. The decision was made at a board meeting Tuesday evening. Debit, Visa, and MasterCard will be accepted. "There was a number of things that contributed to this decision, not just from 2020 but dating back from the past few years" read one post from the Recreation Commission. A subsequent post from the Recreation Commission indicated that the decision will go to the board for review at their next meeting, following a number of comments and concerns raised by members of the community and those who frequent the facility.

A two vehicle crash forced the closure of Pacific Ave and 11th St around noon on Tuesday. Traffic was rerouted while emergency crews were on scene. Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the intersection where the two cars collided. Both vehicles had moderate damage, and both vehicles were towed away by Accel Towing & Transport. Thankfully, there were no injuries. Emergency crews were able to clear the scene within the hour. Photos by Liam Pattison Photography.