Wednesday afternoon, a grey SUV traveling northbound on 18th St past the cemetery hopped the curb, drove along the grass shoulder, and smashed through a metal fence that lines the perimeter. Tire tracks could be seen in the wet grass. It is unknown how the incident occurred. The vehicle needed to be towed away, as it had significant damage to it's front end. The driver did not leave the scene in an ambulance. Photos by: Liam Pattison Photography.

Vanessa Hamilton announced today she is seeking to run as an Independent for Brandon-Souris in the 2019 federal election. Hamilton is a public servant with fifteen years experience as a health professional. She was a board member for Manitoba Association of Healthcare Professionals. Her career includes helping residents access local, provincial and federal programs and services. Hamilton’s work includes partnering with Service Canada, Canada Revenue Agency and Economic and Social Development to connect individuals and families to government benefits that puts more money in their pockets. “I truly love serving all of Westman, from families with children to older adults. The public’s interest and wellbeing are always number one,” said Hamilton. “What sets me apart from partisan candidates is that I’m running to solely represent the residents of Brandon-Souris, not to serve the interests of a political party and its leader. The odds are against Independent candidates. They rarely get elected. Hamilton will not have a formal campaign, accept donations, put up signs or hand out pamphlets. “Right now I have a less than one percent chance of getting elected. Essentially what I bring to this election is an opportunity for real change,” Hamilton said. “There’s a strong probability that the final result of this election will be a minority government. In a minority government Independent MP’s can make a difference. It’s up to Brandon - Souris if they want a real change in politics and to send a message to Ottawa.” Hamilton has also been involved in the democratic process the last nine years, including running for school board, being president of the NDP Brandon- Souris federal riding association, getting elected as a city councillor in Brandon and running as a liberal candidate for Brandon East in the 2016 Manitoba provincial election. Vanessa Hamilton can be reached at 204-724-2163 or hamiltonv@live.ca (submitted)

In 2019, we will be bringing the best street food vendors to Brandon for three days of amazing food.  We have some exciting new food trucks making their debut at our event including Trendy Treats, BeaverTails, Simba Safari Grill, BBK's BBQ and more.  Some of the trucks you may already be familiar with, as they have been with us since day one, including Tot Wheels, Walleye Wagon, Joe Beeverz, Island Fusion, and Smoked & Sauced Mobile BBQ.  From poutine to perogies and from BBQ to BeaverTails, Food Truck Warz will showcase diverse and delicious menus from across the province. This is a festival you won’t want to miss!  Admission is free, and there will be a Farmery beer garden and midway from Select Shows. September 13-15 at the Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre. Hours of operation: Friday, September 13: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Saturday, September 14: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Sunday, September 15: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

On Monday afternoon, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services and Brandon Police Service responded to the 1100 block of 8th Street for a structure fire. Upon arrival, a two-story single family house had smoke and fire showing through the roof/attic area of the home. Firefighter/paramedics quickly went to work with a hose-line through the front door, and were able to knock down the bulk of the fire almost immediately. A large diameter hose-line was stretched to a nearby fire hydrant to supply fire crews with water. A positive pressure ventilation fan (PPV fan) was set up on the front steps of the home to help clear the building of smoke. Crews were on scene for over an hour, conducting overhaul and clean up. Nobody was injured.

Select Shows Midway is coming to Brandon to be a part of the 3rd annual Food Truck Warz event. They will be set up in the parking lot at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on September 13-15. The company has grown to become one of central Canada’s largest midways. For more information on Select Shows please visit their web site. They will be bringing a variety of rides for adults, as well as children, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy their experience together. Hours of operation: Friday, September 13: 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm Saturday, September 14: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm Sunday, September 15: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm The wristband prices for this weekend will be Friday and Sunday $28.00 per person, per day. Saturday will be $30.00 per person, per day. Among the rides scheduled to make an appearance include: Adult Rides: Ring of Fire Starship 2000 Expo Wheel Typhon Tilt-a-Whirl Rockoplane Yo-Yo Swing Car Snow Birds Family/Kiddi rides include: Dragon Wagon Toontown Funhouse Bumble Bee Cartoon Express Merry Go Round Car ride with monster trucks, hot rod, taxi-cab & more Tea Time There will also be a variety of midway games where you can test your skills and win some prizes. (lineup subject to change)