The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE”: Kyle BLACKSMITH FOR Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Proceeds of Crime & Fail to Attend Court X4 On October 24, 2024, Police conducted a traffic stop where Kyle BLACKSMITH was a passenger in the vehicle. BLACKSMITH was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine and Canadian currency and was subsequently arrested, charged and released. To date, BLACKSMITH has failed to attend court and his whereabouts are unknown, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Kyle BLACKSMITH. CRIME OF THE WEEK for June 26th, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Break & Enter. On June 24th, 2025, at approximately 1:00 P.M. it was reported a male stole property from a business located in the 900 block of 18th Street. The male was caught on video surveillance exiting the business without paying for a tent and camp stove had stolen. ************** If you have information about this or any other crime you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display. Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime.

Canadian Forces Base Shilo received a new Commanding Officer this morning. Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Nguyen officially took over command of the Base this morning in a brief ceremony. He replaces Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk. Lt-Col Nguyen arrives in Shilo from a posting in the United Kingdom as Canadian Army Liaison to the British Army. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba Lt-Col Nguyen has had five overseas tours in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq and Lebanon. He has also held staff officer positions with the United States and British armies. Lt-Col Cronk will now serve with the Chief of Force Development in Ottawa.

Robbery with Violence, Theft under $5000 On June 23, 2025 at 3:55PM, Police received a report about a male suspect, who stole merchandise from a local business in the 1000 Block of Richmond Avenue.  Employees reported that a male suspect had stolen merchandise from the store on multiple occasions throughout the same day and as the suspect fled the business, he pushed an employee who attempted to intervene. A 34-year-old male was located and observed to be in a highly intoxicated state. He was arrested and lodged at BPS Detention Unit, to appear in Court on 2025-06-24 Possession of Controlled Substance  On June 23, 2025, at 5:00PM, Police responded to a business in the 1200 block of 18th Street following a report of an intoxicated male causing a disturbance. Upon arrival, Police located a 31-year-old male who was highly intoxicated. He was arrested for causing a disturbance. During a subsequent search, the male was found to be in possession of a substance believed to be Methamphetamine. He was lodged at BPS Detention Unit to appear in Court on 2025-06-24.

The Manitoba government has launched the Affordable Home Energy Program, making it easier for homeowners to upgrade to energy-efficient heat pumps and start saving on their energy bills, Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced today. “This is a big step toward a greener, more sustainable province that is building a low-carbon future by harnessing renewable energy, while making life more affordable for Manitoba families,” said Moyes. This program is a key part of Manitoba’s Affordable Energy Plan, lowering energy costs for families, reducing emissions and supporting the creation of clean-energy jobs, noted the minister. The program, delivered through Efficiency Manitoba, helps cover the cost of ground-source heat pumps for eligible homeowners. Manitobans who heat their homes with electricity could lower their energy bills by up to 30 per cent, approximately $1,000, in the first year, added Moyes. “We’re proud to be part of this important initiative to help Manitobans make smart energy efficiency upgrades that deliver lasting savings and comfort. Our efficiency-first approach supports homeowners from their initial energy evaluation to upgrades like insulation, through to installing the right heat pump system for their needs,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO, Efficiency Manitoba. The Affordable Home Energy Program offers flexible options, including a no-upfront-cost option, so families can start saving on their energy bills right away, noted the minister. It also includes support for retrofits in multi-unit residential buildings, in addition to single family homes. “Bringing together industry partners to support the Affordable Home Energy Program will help ensure Manitoba is prepared to meet growing demand with a skilled local clean-energy workforce to support reliable and affordable geothermal energy,” said Clarence Jonker, president, Manitoba Geothermal Energy Alliance. Manitobans can visit https://efficiencymb.ca/affordable-home-energy to learn more about Efficiency Manitoba’s heat pump offers and find the right offer for their needs.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) continued the Connecting Westman Tour in Deloraine on June 19, 2025. A total of $4,181.32 was raised, with all proceeds going to the Deloraine Food Cupboard. This total includes a matched donation from WCG, significantly boosting the Deloraine Food Cupboard’s efforts to enhance its existing food security programs, which support residents in the town and surrounding areas. The Connecting Westman Tour is a unique, community-focused initiative where WCG hosts charity barbecue lunches throughout the summer. Hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks are offered with donation-based pricing, and 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to a nominated local charity. WCG then matches the total amount raised, amplifying the community’s support for its own causes. “Our second stop on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour was another great success, building on the momentum from our kickoff event.,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “We were thrilled to see the strong turnout from Deloraine residents in support of this vital community cause. It’s an honour to help create opportunities for fundraising, and we’re looking forward to continuing the Connecting Westman Tour all summer long.” The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider but as a dedicated community partner. Remaining stops on the 2025 Connecting Westman Tour include Shoal Lake (July 24, 2025), and Virden (August 28, 2025). For more information about Westman Communications Group and the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding consideration, please visit https://westmancom.com.