HEADINGLEY—Motorists in Manitoba will be reminded with a new set of highway signs they are required to ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ when passing roadside emergency scenes and police activity, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced here today. “We have heard from first responders, including the RCMP, rural ambulance and fire services, as well as the tow-truck industry and motor carrier enforcement officers, that motorists need to slow down and safely move over to give response crews a safe space to do their jobs, which are often life-saving jobs,” said Schuler.  “This is a matter of safety, common sense and courtesy, yet we hear of near misses and recklessness far too often.”    These signs are regulated as traffic control devices and any traffic authority, such as a municipality, can install them on busy rural roads.  The signs will be used on major routes entering Manitoba and departing major centres and lesser routes to obtain reasonable coverage. “Slow Down, Move Over laws have been in effect in Manitoba for eight years, yet our officers have encountered many close calls due to drivers not abiding by the law,” says Staff Sgt. Kyle McFadyen, Manitoba RCMP Traffic Services.  “Having more signage and messaging will ensure more people are aware of the law and its importance.  Ensuring everyone gets home safely is a top priority for the RCMP, but it has to be a shared responsibility with the public.” The Highway Traffic Act requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles and government enforcement officers such as motor carrier enforcement and tow trucks when their lights are flashing. Drivers must slow down to 40 km/h on roads where the speed limit is less than 80 km/h, and slow down to 60 km/h if the speed limit is 80 km/h or more.  On multi-lane highways, drivers must also move to the next lane if able to do so safely and pass only if it is safe.  The fine for failing to comply with any of the requirements is $298 and two demerits. “Unfortunately we must constantly remind motorists that excessive speeds, failing to drive to weather conditions, distracted driving, and neglecting to slow down and move over can lead to penalties and the ultimate cost, injury and death,” said Schuler.  “Our government is committed to improving the safety of our provincial roads and highways.”

The Facebook event page can be found here. Brandon’s third annual Food Truck Warz slated to take place September 13-15 this year is expanding to continue to meet the interest and needs of participating vendors, as well as event attendees. Event organizers, Darryl Wolski and Jody Sass, are pleased to announce that this year’s event will be held at the Brandon Riverbank Inc. “Moving to the Riverbank allows us more space to expand the event. As a result, Select Shows will bring their full, entire midway, plus there’s potential to have more vendors on site,” said Darryl Wolski, co-owner of Food Truck Warz and bdnmb.ca. “We’re thrilled to partner with bdnmb.ca and welcome Food Truck Warz to the Riverbank this year,” said James Montgomery, General Manager of Brandon Riverbank Inc. “We believe this will be a great location for an event like Food Truck Warz which has become a prominent event in Brandon.” To date, there are 26 food trucks from all over Manitoba confirmed. Many of the favourites will be back and a number of new ones will wow guests with their tasty dishes. Farmery Estate Brewery will provide entertainment and host the beer gardens at this free, popular event to be held later this summer. “As in the past two years, we plan to welcome literally thousands of visitors to Food Truck Warz. Our guests have embraced the concept and look forward to the fun, festival atmosphere,” said Jody Sass, co-owner of Food Truck Warz and bdnmb.ca. Food Truck Warz will once again support a number of local non-profit organizations, including Career Connections, Westman Dreams for Kids, Pawsitive Communities, and the John Howard Society of Brandon. For more information: Web: www.bdnmb.ca/food-truck-warz/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/bdnmb.ca/ Email: jody@bdnmb.ca or darryl@bdnmb.ca

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 2:00 pm police received a report from a car dealership that a female was attempting to purchase a vehicle with what appeared to be falsified personal documents. The dealership requested credit checks with the identification provided, which raised more red flags for the staff. They also discovered the identification the female used was in fact stolen after calling the actual female depicted on the documents. Police located the 34-year-old female suspect nearby. A search of the female following her arrest turned up multiple identification cards which had been reported stolen, as well as altered identification documents. In addition to the variety of ID on the female, she also was found to be in possession of a small quantity of meth. The female was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will be appearing in court this morning on charges of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Use Forged Document, Identity theft, Attempt Fraud Over $5000, Public Mischief, and Possession of Meth.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At approx. 2:40 AM officers conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of College Ave.  The driver was found to be the subject of a warrant of arrest for failing to appear for fingerprints.  The 53 year old male from Minnedosa was arrested on the strength of the warrant.  During a search incident to arrest officers found 3 grams of Meth in his possession. He was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear for a Bail hearing this morning.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Police located a 47-year-old male who was wanted for Assault stemming from an incident reported on May 8, 2019. On that day police received a report that the male had assaulted a female by grabbing her around the head and forcing her to the ground. He fled the residence prior to police arriving there, and stole some medication on his way out. Police attempted to convince the male to turn himself in, as he was able to be reached by phone. He would not cooperate, forcing police to issue an arrest warrant. He was finally arrested Thursday morning at 10:00 am. He was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear in court today.