The Manitoba government will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with a number of special events and an open house at the Archives of Manitoba, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox announced today. “We must honour these important milestones in our history,” Cox said.  “By remembering the past, we are reminded of the need for all of us to work toward a better future.” When the Armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918, it ended four years of fighting that saw more than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders serving.  Over 170,000 soldiers were wounded and 66,000 were killed. The Archives of Manitoba has a number of events to commemorate the centenary of the First World War including a display at the archives.  At 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, a special dramatic reading from the letters and diaries of Manitoba soldiers will be read by students from École Secondaire Kelvin High School.  The archives is hosting an open house for two days, Nov. 9 and 10, between noon and 4 p.m., featuring a display of records related to the experience of Manitobans at home and overseas. In addition, the Legislative Library is participating with an exhibit titled ‘As the War Ends:  Manitoba Newspapers Recount the Last Days’ with century-old newspapers from the time of Armistice on display near the Grand Staircase at the Legislative Building until Nov. 13. More information on the events around the centenary of the Armistice is available at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/archives/.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Tuesday at approximately 1:41pm, staff from a 900 block Victoria Avenue business reported a female stealing clothing and hair products. Police attended the area and located the female who had stolen approximately $200 worth of merchandise. Police arrested and released a 32yr old Brandon woman to appear in Court on January 07th 2019.

Just before 4:00 Tuesday afternoon, Brandon Firefighter/Paramedics and Brandon Police Service responded to 34th St, just south of Van Horne Ave for a single-vehicle rollover. The vehicle was in the east ditch, beside the north-bound lanes of 34th St. It appeared the vehicle left the roadway and rolled. Road conditions were poor at the time of the crash, as 34th St resembled that of a skating rink. Thankfully, it didn't appear that anyone was injured during the crash. An Accel Towing & Transport flatbed was on scene to flip the rolled vehicle. The red car on the back of the flatbed was not related to this incident.  Photos by: Liam Pattison Photography.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Tuesday afternoon at approximately 12:30pm, a male walked into an establishment in the 800 block of 18th Street and stole the Remembrance Day Poppy donation box. Brandon Police Service are asking the public for assistance identifying the male suspect. Please contact Brandon Police Service 204-729-2345 or Crime Stoppers 204-727-8477 if you have any information.

Do you ever think to yourself “there is something missing” or “I wish there was more I could do”? I certainly have! For years I have been missing out on sports and leisure activities that I used to love so much! I used to play soccer, football, badminton, and many other sports. Sports were a big part of my life. We all need connection with people, leisure activities, and exercise for our physical and mental wellbeing. For me, sports was the answer. I broke my neck and my back in an accident in 1999 which left me as a person with incomplete quadriplegia. I walk slowly with a cane which seems to have left me caught in between two worlds. I did not see myself as an avid wheelchair user that could participate in wheelchair sports nor did I see myself as a person who had the ability to stand and participate in any sort of sport. Part of me lacked the confidence as well and another part did not even know how to start. Was I really able to play any sports? Would I have the athletic ability? No matter what your disability I am sure we can all relate that it’s not always easy to try something new and put yourself out there for things like sports. Two years ago I made a decision. I was going to reclaim that part of my life. I was going to get back what I was missing. I have started training to try and become better in a wheelchair and stronger. I have started looking for sports or leisure opportunities but came up with very little. The nearest opportunity for sports would seem to be in Winnipeg. I wanted the opportunity to try some sports and provide others that same opportunity so I started Brandon Wheelchair Sports & Leisure in 2017. I found out that in Westman, 16,983 people have a disability limiting their mobility (Statistics Canada, 2011). There must be more people out there like me, but there are many barriers to people accessing Sports and Leisure activities when you have a disability including; transportation, physical health & limitations, monetary constraints, lack of support, and many more. I believe the community recognized that there is a need to help people with mobility impairments access to sports and leisure activities. We have received a lot of support and the participants also know when they come out that we are trying in every way to eliminate any barriers to accessibility and inclusion. As a community, we need to promote activities like this and assist in eliminating the barriers through education and support. Our vision is “Accessible wheelchair sports for all in Westman!” Ryan Sturgeon He can be reached by calling 571-1334. Submitted - Amanda Hamm