Brandon, MB – Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporations makerspace, “Creation Nation”, located in downtown Brandon for budding hobbyists, contractors and entrepreneurs is open and ready to take on new memberships.  Memberships cost $50/mo and provides 24hour access to a full woodshop, laser cutter, vinyl cutters, large classroom space, 3D printers, electronics equipment, bike shop, sewing machines and more. Training is provided for the various pieces of equipment so no need to have experience. We will be hosting an Open House at 440 Rosser Avenue on November 4th between 5:30pm and 7:00pm for anyone interested in checking out what is available. If that time doesn’t work or you would like more information please feel free to contact 204 729-2490 ext. 104 or  makers@bnrc.ca “Creation Nation is an opportunity for anyone who wants to DIY but doesn’t have all the tools to do it, the inventor who needs to get a prototype made, or an entrepreneur who is looking for a space to create their products. Most importantly though, it’s a community of creative people who can inspire, mentor and help each other.” said Carly Gasparini, Executive Director of the BNRC. “We are excited to see the space filling up and the ideas coming to life!” (Submitted)

The Manitoba government has updated requirements for the recruitment of international long-haul truck drivers to ensure the safety of Manitobans and the integrity of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), Education and Training Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of all Manitobans while protecting the integrity of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program,” said Goertzen.  “The improved requirements will ensure that any long-haul truck drivers recruited in this province meet not only the new Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) standards for licensing, but have the verifiable experience and safety records required to drive on Manitoba’s highways.  We also want to ensure that all international worker recruitment is consistent with the laws of Manitoba including verification of employment offers.” The improved guidelines follow a review of requests from Manitoba trucking companies to recruit truck drivers from overseas.  On Sept. 11, 22 companies were notified the province would be pausing the processing of their requests pending the outcome of this review. The MPNP’s updated guidelines for international truck driver recruitment are available online at www.immigratemanitoba.com.  Trucking companies who have expressed an interest in recruiting international truck drivers through the MPNP will be notified directly whether or not their requests have been determined to meet the updated guidelines.  Those companies who are not approved to recruit directly through the MPNP will still have the option to apply to Service Canada for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), allowing them to recruit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program if they can meet federal recruitment requirements. “We continue to ensure that measures are taken at every step to protect the safety of Manitobans and all Canadians driving on our highways,” said Goertzen (Source: Province of MB News Feed)

Homecoming at Brandon University starts today and runs through Sunday. Homecoming weekend is a great way to connect with friends, former classmates and faculty as you tour the campus, take in exciting Bobcats action, and enjoy the many Homecoming events. Once again, a number of events have been planned including: Athletics Wall of Frame brunch, self-guided tours, indigenous pipe ceremony, homecoming concert, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Samantha Nutt. New this year is the Home Opener Tailgate Party on Friday evening at the Healthy Living Centre. The tailgate party will take place from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm prior to the Bobcats volleyball home opener.  A full schedule of events can be found here.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Police have been investigating a theft, which occurred on August 3, 2019, from a business in the 100 block of McTavish Ave E. The male suspect obtained an employee maintenance uniform from the business to navigate his way through the building without suspicion. He was able to enter the staff area of a cafeteria, while wearing the uniform, then take food out of the building on a cart without being noticed. The exact value of the stolen food is unknown, but it is believed to have consisted of sandwiches, ice cream, and beverages. A second similar report was made to police on Wednesday October 16, 2019. In this incident, the same suspect entered a business in the 900 block of Victoria Ave. on Tuesday October 15, 2019 at approximately 8:40 pm. He was wearing an employee jacket, possibly stolen from business the day before. The suspect then entered a storage area while carrying a suitcase. While in the storage area, he is believed to have stolen 57 cartons of cigarettes, valued at approximately $11,000. He exited the business with the suitcase and left in a taxi. Employees became aware of the theft when they discovered the storage area that housed the cigarettes has been damaged and forced open. Police obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence. At 11:30 pm on October 16, 2019, the 47-year-old male suspect was located there and arrested for both incidents. He was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will be appearing in court today on charges of Break and Enter and Theft over $5000, Theft Under $5000, and Breach OIC Undertaking. Only four cartons of cigarettes were recovered, as well as the employee jacket from the second incident.

Brandon’s Progressive Conservative MLAs are welcoming an important investment in the Keystone Centre. A grant of $68,675 from the Building Sustainable Communities Program will be used to replace boards, purchase and install a dehumidifier, and to construct a new female change room for the Kinsmen and Enns Brothers Arenas. The provincial contribution represents approximately 50% of the total project cost. “Our government is proud to be making this significant investment,” said Cliff Cullen, MLA for Spruce Woods. “This will help ensure a bright future for one of the crown jewels of Westman.” “The Keystone Centre is such an important facility here in Brandon,” added Len Isleifson, MLA for Brandon East. “I am pleased to be part of a team that works together to deliver support for projects like this.” “The Building Sustainable Communities Program is designed to provide a high quality of life for Manitobans,” said Reg Helwer, MLA for Brandon West. “This grant will do exactly that while benefiting our community for many years to come.” To learn more about the Building Sustainable Communities Program, please visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/grants/pdf/bsc-guidelines.pdf.