Manitoba Finance’s Taxation Special Investigations Unit (SIU), working in conjunction with the RCMP, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, Ontario Provincial Police and Quebec Provincial Police recently seized 470,500 contraband cigarettes and 2,000 cigars. On Aug. 5 at approximately 6:30 p.m., the RCMP conducted a traffic stop on two vehicles travelling on PR 207.  The officers conducted a legal search of the vehicles, and the tobacco products were seized because the cigarettes were not marked for Manitoba tax purposes.  There was no proof the related Manitoba tobacco tax was paid to a registered collector or wholesaler for the cigars.  The seizure also included $3,105 in cash. The RCMP arrested Ross Livingston, 66, and Ernest Delaronde, 49, both of Winnipeg.  The individuals are facing charges under the Criminal Code of Canada for trafficking contraband tobacco, as well as The Excise Act, The Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and The Tax Administration and Miscellaneous Taxes Act. Manitoba stood to lose approximately $139,365.50 in tax revenue if these cigarettes and cigars had been sold.  If convicted, the individuals face fines between $1,000 and $10,000 and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.  In addition, they will face a mandatory triple tax penalty of $418,096.50. The province urges anyone who has information on contraband tobacco to contact their local police department, call the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit at 204-945-1137, email smuggling_manitoba@rcmp-grc.gc.ca or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Brandon Police Service Media Release At about 8:30 PM Thursday evening, a report of 6-7 people fighting in the 700 block Rosser Avenue was received. The subsequent investigation revealed that a 36 year-old male had struck 2 male youths after they tried to intervene when the suspect was in an argument with 31 year-old female. One of the youths, 15 years of age, was taken to BRHC by ambulance as he was reported to have lost consciousness after being struck by the accused. A search of the accused located a set of brass knuckles. The suspect was arrested, for two counts of assault and possession of a prohibited weapon, and was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre overnight. He is to be released this morning on appropriate police-imposed conditions with a court date of September 10th. The 31 year-old female involved was intoxicated and continued to cause problems so she too was lodged at BCC to prevent any further breach of the peace.

At around 5:00 Thursday evening, police and fire crews responded to the intersection of 26th St and Park Ave for a crash involving an SUV and an excavator. It appears as though an SUV left the roadway, travelled down into a deep trench created by the construction, and struck an excavator before coming to a stop. Thankfully nobody was injured in the collision.  Photos: Liam Pattison Photography.

Source:  Government of Canada 1:09 PM CDT Thursday 09 August 2018 Special air quality statement in effect for: City of Brandon Mun. of Glenboro-South Cypress incl. Treesbank Mun. of Norfolk Treherne Mun. of North Cypress-Langford incl. Neepawa and Carberry Mun. of North Norfolk incl. MacGregor Sidney and Austin Mun. of Oakland-Wawanesa incl. Carroll R.M. of Cornwallis west of Shilo incl. Chater R.M. of Elton incl. Forrest R.M. of Victoria incl. Holland and Cypress River A northwesterly flow aloft is transporting smoke from forest fires in Alberta and BC into Manitoba. This smoke is causing locally poor air quality and reduced visibilities at times. While periods of improvement are likely, the weather pattern will remain in place for the next couple days. Smoke and reduced air quality will continue to impact portions of the province into the weekend. Individuals may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors, and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk. If your home is not air-conditioned, be sure the house doesn't get too warm when doors and windows are closed to keep out smoke. Exposure to too much heat can also result in illness. In general, wearing a mask is not the best way to protect your health during a smoke event. In fact, masks may lead to a false sense of security, which may encourage increased physical activity and time spent outdoors, meaning increased exposure to smoke. They can also make breathing more difficult. People with lung diseases, such as asthma and COPD, can be particularly sensitive to air pollution. They will generally experience more serious health effects at lower levels. Pollution can aggravate their diseases, leading to increased medication use, doctor and emergency room visits, and hospital visits. Due to the smoky conditions, individuals living in or travelling to the above noted areas are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In these current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience sore eyes, tears, coughing and a runny nose. In areas affected by smoke from wildland fires, Manitobans are encouraged to: - limit outdoor activity and/or strenuous physical activity; if breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity - reduce exposure to smoke by staying indoors or moving to areas with cleaner air, as conditions can vary dramatically by area - turn off furnaces and air-conditioning units that may draw smoke indoors - keep indoor air cleaner by avoiding smoking or burning other materials People at higher risk include young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions (particularly asthma), and therefore should avoid as much exposure to smoke as possible. Manitobans with health questions or concerns can contact their health-care provider or call Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. More information on the health effects of smoke is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/environmentalhealth/smoke.html Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk and your personal contribution to pollution levels, as well as for current and forecast AQHI values. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. Issued by Environment Canada and Manitoba Health

BRANDON – Under the theme of “Forever Blue and Gold,” Brandon University has released the schedule for its expanded fall Homecoming. This year’s Homecoming will celebrate 50 years of Brandon University and welcome back all alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and friends with a four-day community celebration. Everyone is invited. “Homecoming this fall will cap an amazing year of celebration for Brandon University. This is the 50th anniversary of the first class of official BU grads, as we transitioned from Brandon College,” said BU Interim President Steve Robinson. “Our theme this year honours the proud traditions of our history as Brandon College, acknowledges our success as Brandon University, and proclaims our ambition for the future. No matter when you came here, what you studied, where you worked, we are all connected by our ties to this campus. Past, present and future, we are Forever Blue and Gold.” The BU50 Homecoming will take over the Brandon University campus from October 11–14 this year, with something for everyone planned over the four-day event. “We get things rolling on Thursday evening with events across campus, including a special pro series concert and reception evening at the BU School of Music, a celebration of authors in Education, and a Night Under the Stars at the BU Observatory,” said Carla Eisler, BU’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. “All of these events — like everything at Homecoming — are open to the entire community as well as everyone who has a connection to Brandon University.” Homecoming continues on Friday with a day of reunions. Many of the classes celebrating special anniversaries will hosting their own gatherings to reminisce and reconnect on Friday. One in particular will be the Class of 1968, which was the first to graduate with a “Brandon University” degree after the institution received its official charter. Also on the schedule for Friday is an afternoon reception for faculty and staff, including retirees, at which all current and former students are also invited to come mix and mingle with professors and friends from all eras at Brandon University. Friday evening, the official Homecoming Kick-Off reception will take place at the Healthy Living Centre, as will a BU Bobcats Basketball Reunion, while current Bobcats take to the court for pre-season basketball and volleyball games. “This year’s BU Bobcats basketball reunion follows in the footsteps of our successful and very well-received hockey and football reunions. These events are incredibly rewarding to host because alumni are so happy to reconnect with friends and former teammates, back at a place that inspired and meant so much to them,” said Tyler Crayston, BU Athlete Services and Events Coordinator, who is organizing the basketball reunion. “Nostalgia is a powerful emotion and when you combine that with the rich basketball legacy shared on our campus, this reunion has the makings of another amazing celebration for alumni and fans.” Finally, Friday night will be capped by a special keynote address at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium. “We are very excited about who we have lined up for Friday’s keynote,” Dr. Robinson said. “I am eager to reveal an exceptional presence who will anchor our 50th anniversary Homecoming.” Saturday will be a day devoted to family and fellowship at Homecoming, as the campus sparks alive with activity, including a vintage car show, family entertainment, campus tours, a games day, food trucks and so much more. Start the morning at the cartoon cereal bar, or the Bobcats Wall of Fame Induction Brunch, then visit our alumni authors table and book launch, stop in to try on BU garb at the Bookstore, and be sure to stick around. The evening will feature the classic BU Homecoming awards gala and reception indoors, while the outdoors will rock to the sounds of a music street festival and beer gardens. “Saturday will be hopping,” Eisler said. “We have more planned than we could possibly list, and it seems like every day we are finding more academic, athletic and community activities that are happening on campus and that we can add to the agenda.” After such a full day, things calm down for a smooth conclusion to Homecoming weekend on Sunday. The weekend will culminate with a farewell brunch on Sunday — the perfect time for the final exchange of recollections as well as phone numbers and email addresses. Most of the BU50 Homecoming 2018 weekend is free, although space is limited at some events. A small number require tickets or free registration. For the full schedule of events, including opening hours and registration requirements, see BrandonU.ca/Homecoming.