Manitoba’s stronger and more timely sanctions for impaired drivers come into effect on Dec. 16, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today, reminding all motorists to make safe, responsible decisions to prevent collisions, injuries and other serious consequences. “Immediate roadside prohibition means we will be able to take more impaired drivers off the road sooner,” said Cullen.  “The strong sanctions in place are yet another good reason to make the right choice and never drive while impaired.  Manitoba continues to be a leader in dealing with impaired drivers, and together we are saving lives.” The Manitoba government highlighted additional details about immediate roadside prohibition earlier this fall in partnership with law enforcement agencies from across the province.  This approach increases sanctions for drivers who register a ‘warn’ level on an approved screening device and provides an alternative to the more time consuming criminal court process for those who ‘fail’ or refuse a test.  The testing device used for immediate roadside prohibitions provides a faster alternative to the breathalyzer, as testing a suspected impaired driver can take as little as six minutes. The new sanctions include monetary penalties and expanded use of vehicle impoundments and mandatory ignition interlocks.  Adding up all the administrative sanctions and monetary penalties, the minimum cost for a ‘warn’ will range from $700 for a first violation to $3,420 for a third or subsequent violation.  The minimum cost for a ‘fail’ will be $3,520, while the minimum cost for refusal of the approved screening device will be $3,970. The minister noted law enforcement will continue to have the option to proceed with criminal charges rather than the immediate roadside prohibition approach when they feel it is warranted. More information about current sanctions and penalties related to impaired driving is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/impaired.html. This website will be updated with information when the new law takes effect. (Province of Manitoba News Release)

No one should be alone at Christmas, however feeding 2000 + people each Christmas with another 1500 home deliveries to those that can't make it in, takes time, people, food and money! Now in it's 35th year of operation, the Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner requires volunteers for a variety of jobs including food preparation, kitchen help, assembling take-out meals and more. This year’s meal will be served between 12:00pm and 6:00pm at the Victoria Inn's Grand Salon. For volunteer opportunities, please call their office at 204-728-7987 and leave a message. Their office hours are Monday to Friday from 10am – 2pm.

The City of Brandon will be hosting a couple of events this weekend that are open to the public. A Free public swim/skate is scheduled to take place at the Sportsplex on Saturday, December 14. Public swimming runs from 1-6pm while public skating is scheduled for 2:15-4:15pm. They will be collecting non-perishable food items in support of Samaritan House.  Then on Sunday, the annual holiday concert and sing-along takes place at City Hall. The event features music by the Brandon Community Orchestra and begins at 1:30pm. Doors open 12:30 pm. Fort additional information, please visit the City’s Facebook page here.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday, December 8, 2019, we reported on missing youth Cheyenne BYCZKOWSKI. On the evening of December 9, 2019, she was located safe. We would like to thank the public for their support in sharing this information.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Cheyenne BYCZKOWSKI, age 16 years of Brandon, was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 03, 2019, at 2 p.m., when she was leaving school. She is described as being Caucasian, 5’03” tall, 120 pounds, has blue eyes, dirty blonde hair, a scar on her left cheek, and a medium build. When last seen she was wearing blue jeans, a green shirt, a blue hoodie with “Nashville” on the back, and black running shoes. According to her family, Cheyenne does have a history of not coming home or checking in for brief periods, however a five-day absence with no contact is unusual and they are concerned for her well being. She does have associations to several small towns surrounding Brandon including the Forrest, Rapid City, Rivers, and Minnedosa area. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Cheyenne BYCZKOWSKI, please call the Brandon Police Service at (204)729-2345.