Brandon University enters a new era today, as Dr. David Docherty assumes the reins as President and Vice-Chancellor. “It is a true honour to walk up the historic steps of Clark Hall to the Office of the President today, and a very real pleasure to begin my term as President surrounded by the energy and optimism that fills the BU campus,” Dr. Docherty said. “I am thankful for the warm welcome shown to me by the campus and the community, and I am eager to continue getting to know everyone here, who are all essential to BU’s success.” Dr. Docherty comes to Brandon University from Mount Royal University in Calgary, where he had served as President since 2011. Previously, he was at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont. Dr. Docherty holds a PhD in political science and has a background as an accomplished academic and administrator who has led institutions through times of transformative change. During his first few days in the new role, Dr. Docherty is planning to invest time in building friendships, and getting to better know the BU campus. “I’ll be taking my laptop to Forbidden Flavours in the Mingling Area this afternoon, but I hope I’ll be too busy to look at it,” he laughed. “Please come see me to introduce yourself. And if you see me around campus anytime, I am always happy to stop and say hi.” Along with his strong belief in the importance of genuine personal relationships, Dr. Docherty has a notable record as a successful fundraiser, as a committed champion of diversity, inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation, and as an enthusiastic community-builder. As President, Dr. Docherty succeeds Dr. Gervan Fearon, who departed BU in 2017. Since that time, the role of Interim President has been filled by Dr. Steve Robinson. Dr. Docherty thanked Dr. Robinson for his work as Interim President. “I know I will lean on his judgment and expertise in the future as he returns to his role as Vice-President (Academic & Provost).” Source: (Brandon University News)

During the noon hour on Wednesday, Brandon Fire & Emergency Services and RCMP responded to the intersection of Highway #10 and Sandison Road for a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, at least one of the vehicles involved had heavy front-end damage. Traffic was impacted, and slowed to an almost standstill along Highway #10 as emergency crews worked to secure the scene. At least one person left the scene in an ambulance.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release Intoxicated Persons Detention Act On April 30th, 2019, at 9:21 pm, police located a 50 year old man from Winnipeg passed on in the 000 blk of 8th Street. The man was lodged at BCC and will be released when sober. Intoxicated Persons Detention Act On April 30th, 2019, at 9:51 pm, police attended to a complaint of a man banging on doors in the 1000 blk of 9th Street. The 29 year old man was located and found to be intoxicated. As a result, he was lodged at BCC and will be released when sober. Intoxicated Persons Detention Act On May 1st, 2019, at 12 am, police attended to a complaint of an intoxicated woman banging on doors in the 200 blk of 8th Street. The woman was located and lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre.  She will be released when sober.

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release On April 29th, 2019, at 9:35 am, police responded to a stabbing complaint at the Brandon Correctional Centre. It was alleged that one inmate had stabbed another inmate with a home fashioned edged weapon. The victim was sent to hospital with a non-life threatening wound. Police charged a 21 year old man for Assault with a Weapon, Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Possess Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose as well as Breach of Probation. The man will appear in Brandon Court on April 30th, 2019.

According to an article on their web site, the Westman Journal is ceasing operations effective immediately. The article goes on to state "General business decline has made it impossible to justify keeping the operation open". The Westman Journal has been a weekly newspaper serving the Westman area for the past 17-years.