At approximately 8:17pm, Friday evening, Police were called to a hotel on 18th St. N after a male patron had reportedly punched another male in the face. The suspect, who had fled before Police arrived was located in the area, but instantly became aggressive. He attempted to punch one of the responding officers and then pulled knife and swung at the other officer with the knife, narrowly missing him. A successful Taser deployment enabled Police to gain control of the combative suspect. A 34yr old Brandon man will appear in Court today after being charged with Assault PO, Assault PO with a weapon, Resist Arrest, and other weapons related charges.

Travelling down 1st Street on the Accent Striping parking lot you will notice two large electronic billboards.   Owners Nikki Clearsky and Darcy Willey have spent close to two years to make this plan happen. Willey told BDNMB.CA " we suffered some set backs with Covid but we feel in Brandon these two signs have the best resolution and quality" Being locally owned and operated should be a selling feature for companies looking to expand their brand. Costs are reasonable at $700.00 per month gets your ad or message on one sign for 30 days. Contact Darcy for advertising 204 725 9390

At the Annual General Meeting held last night, Fusion Credit Union announced a patronage allocation of $525,000 to members, plus $784,000 in cash payouts to select members, for a total of $1.3 million in total returns in 2024, based on 2023 results. Our dedicated employees, leadership team, and Board of Directors, combined with the support of our members and communities, all contributed to a successful year at Fusion,” states Darwin Johns, CEO of Fusion Credit Union. “Our patronage announcement is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in us by our members and we are proud to reward and thank them for their loyalty.” A patronage allocation is a value returned to a member of Fusion Credit Union based on their relationship with the credit union. The patronage amount is a portion of interest paid and earned during the past year and varies from member to member. All patronage allocations are retained in a Surplus Share account and select member groups receive cash payouts. Guided by the sentiment, “Here for Good”, Fusion is committed to investing in the future of their communities and contributing to a more prosperous future for all residents. “Our members place their faith and trust in us, and, in return, we invest in the aspirations of local entrepreneurs, contribute to local organizations, and support grass-roots initiatives that build our economies,” says Johns. “Channeling these resources back into our communities generates local growth and creates opportunities for all.” This year $784,000 will be paid out in cash to members 65 years of age and older and those under age 19, as well as members who hold over $15,000 in surplus shares. All eligible members will receive their pay-outs in May, while patronage allocations will appear on member statements in April 2024. Over the past six years, Fusion Credit Union has rewarded members with over $9.69 million in patronage allocations and cash pay-outs. “We are grateful to our members for their continued support,” says Johns. “Your loyalty empowers us to foster local growth and prosperity. Thank you for being invaluable partners on this journey.”

The Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted a pivotal State of the City address by Mayor Jeff Fawcett today, where the City’s vision for a sustainable future was articulated with vigor and optimism. As Brandon celebrates its 142nd anniversary this year, the commitment to continue the legacy of our forebears by investing in the City’s future was reaffirmed.   Addressing Infrastructure Challenges with Innovative Solutions  The City’s leadership acknowledged the challenges faced by residents due to potholes and the deteriorating condition of 26th Street. In response, immediate action was taken this spring to improve road conditions. The reconstruction of 26th Street is not seen as a mere repair project, but as an opportunity to enhance the City’s services. Public engagement sessions have been instrumental in shaping solutions that cater to the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.  Balancing Fiscal Responsibilities with Community Services  The address also touched upon the sensitive issue of increased property tax rates. The City’s leadership expressed understanding of the community’s concerns and emphasized the importance of these taxes in funding essential services and infrastructure. The introduction of a four-year budget serves as a strategic planning tool and a means to foster collaboration with provincial and federal governments.  Investing in Water Security and Infrastructure  The City of Brandon has a long-standing history of providing safe and clean water since 1893. With the city’s growth, the Water Treatment Facility has undergone several expansions to meet increasing demands. At present, the Water Treatment Facility Upgrade Project is in progress. The first phase was operational in the fall of 2022, and the next phase will be tendered later this year, aiming to complete this expansion by 2029. These upgrades would not have been possible without funding partners including the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund as well as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.  In addition, the recent investment of nearly $43 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank is set to bring significant savings and developments, including the Water Treatment Facility Upgrade and Expansion Project and the Southwest Brandon Wastewater Servicing Project. This investment will also support the creation of up to 2,300 new housing units.  Brandon Transit: Connecting Our Community  Brandon Transit has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023, surpassing 1 million rides and approaching pre-pandemic ridership levels. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent the heartbeat of our community. Our buses are more than vehicles; they are vital links that connect neighborhoods, workplaces, and hearts. In support of public transportation, the Brandon City Council has expedited the acquisition of a new bus earlier than expected. This addition, along with four other buses slated for purchase this year, underscores our commitment to efficient transit routes. Furthermore, the arrival of new Brandon Access Transit buses will replace older models, ensuring safe and accessible transportation for all.  Parks and Recreation: Enhancing Quality of Life  Our Parks and Recreation department continues to be a beacon of community well-being. We have expanded our programming and events, offering over 60 diverse programs. From green spaces to recreational facilities, we remain dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for every resident. Our parks are not just places for leisure; they are spaces where memories are made, friendships are forged, and health is nurtured.   Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex: A Hub of Activity  The Maple Leaf Foods Sports Complex, situated at the intersection of First Street and Veterans Way, promises to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts. Among its features are a FIFA-standard soccer field, additional soccer fields, a cricket pitch, a welcoming clubhouse, and kilometers of pathways. As stewards of property tax funds, we are committed to delivering high-quality events and programs. We also explore innovative funding sources, including the sale of naming rights. Our successful partnerships to date with Maple Leaf Foods, Heritage Co-op, Assiniboine Community College, and McCain Foods exemplify our collaborative spirit.  Strengthening Emergency Services and Community Engagement  Last year, we secured additional funding from Manitoba Shared Health for a third primary ambulance and fifteen primary care paramedics. These resources bolster the services provided by Brandon Fire & Emergency Services and the Brandon Police Service Detention Unit. Our Brandon Community Cadets, launched in July 2023, have become an invaluable asset. Their dedication has garnered praise from various sectors, including our police force, downtown businesses, and residents who consider downtown Brandon their home or refuge.  The Bright Future Ahead  As we look to the future, envision a city where knowledge, skills, and personal growth are accessible to all. Our taxes, when invested wisely, pave roads, fund infrastructure, and support economic development.   Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University stand as pillars of knowledge, shaping not only young minds, but also our collective prosperity. ACC’s Prairie Innovation Centre and BU’s upgrades to the Brodie Science Building and medical campus exemplify our commitment to progress.   Mayor Fawcett closed his 2024 State of the City speech by encouraging us to embrace sustainability and collaboration. “Our aging infrastructure demands attention, and we can no longer turn a blind eye. As Adam Grant wisely said, “It’s more important to be good ancestors than dutiful descendants.” Let us focus on making our children proud by improving conditions for their future. Together, we will build a Brandon that stands strong for generations to come.”