Virden RCMP are treating the death of a 31-year-old man as a homicide.  On July 21, Virden RCMP responded to a call of a male in medical distress at a residence in the community at approximately 1:15 p.m.  Upon arrival Officers noticed the victim had injuries consistent with being in an altercation and there were several people at the scene.  The victim was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Virden RCMP, RCMP Major Crime Services, and RCMP Forensic Identification Services are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The Manitoba government has issued a request for pre-qualifications (RFPQ) to expand opportunities for retail cannabis stores in the province, Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “To help eliminate the black market, our goal within two years of legalization is for 90 per cent of Manitobans to be able to access legal cannabis within a 30-minute drive or less,” said Pedersen.  “Ensuring public health and safety remains our top priority.  We believe cannabis sourced from federally licensed producers and sold by provincially licensed and regulated retailers will better protect the health and safety of Manitobans.” Following an initial public tender that concluded earlier this year, the province selected four proponents that will operate over 30 retail cannabis locations.  The minister noted this next RFPQ will help expand the initial number of retail cannabis stores to more communities in Manitoba. “In proceeding with phase two of our retail strategy, we are keeping our promise to establish a competitive retail environment that creates new economic opportunities for all Manitobans,” said Pedersen. The RFPQ seeks to establish a pre-qualification list of respondents capable of operating a retail cannabis store in a community that may be under-serviced after the first phase of the retail market is established.  Retailers who submitted proposals to the initial public tender will be eligible for consideration on this list. Pedersen noted Indigenous business participation is encouraged in the RFPQ. “Unlike other jurisdictions in Canada, Manitoba’s hybrid model promotes opportunities for Indigenous participation in the retail of recreational cannabis,” said Pedersen.  “With Indigenous partnerships in all four of our initial retail groups, this next phase is another positive opportunity for Indigenous economic development and success in Manitoba.” The RFPQ will be available on www.merx.com and submissions will be accepted until Aug. 31.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 6:18 p.m., Sunday evening Police received a report that a 22-year-old male had just been bear sprayed at a residence in the 100 Block of 17th street. The male suspect was eventually located and charged with Assault with a Weapon, Possess a Prohibited Weapon, Possessions of a Weapon Dangerous, Carry a Concealed Weapon and Breach of Recognizance. The 20-year-old male from Brandon was lodged at the Correctional Centre and will appear in Court today.

For many of us our pets are without a doubt a key part of our homes.  When they go missing, what do you do to locate them other than put up posters on community billboards or local message forums? Now, you have the option of contacting the BALA (Brandon Area Lost Animals) for assistance. Brandon Area Lost Animals has become Brandon and Westman’s go to resource if your pet has gone missing, or if you have found a stray dog or cat.  Toni Gramiak and husband Chris spend countless hours, as well dollars, helping find homes for these missing animals.   Truly a thankless job. BDNMB had a chance to sit down with Toni to talk about what makes BALA tick. BDNMB.CA: Toni how long has BALA existed? Toni: Since 2012 it was founded and inspired by a greyhound named King, Mark Burgess's dog. Facebook page Help Find King. Sadly King was never recovered, but the knowledge, experience and equipment gathered for him has saved hundreds if not thousands of animals. Mark will gladly speak to you also. BDNMB.CA: Financially how do you keep things afloat? TONI: The BALA Community that donates toward specific animals or projects. Funds for Furry Friends has also assisted with helping with vetting and spays or neuters through their programs. BDNMB.CA: Is their a specific area or region you cover? Toni: We assist southwestern Manitoba,with majority of the requests to post being in Brandon. If necessary, we travel outside our area to capture scared dogs. Recently I went to Cromer and captured a pug. He had gone missing from Maryfield Saskatchewan and I delivered him home. I've gone to other areas to humanely trap, including Winnipeg, Beausejour, Woodlands, Selkirk. BDNMB.CA: Do you have any numbers or stats on success stories? Toni: I haven't tabulated stats, although sliding through profile photos, the captions indicates the outcome. BDNMB.CA: How can people help? Toni: The BALA Community helps by sharing & liking alerts, increasing awareness of BALA, and tagging people who have lost or found a pet we've posted. BDNMB.CA: Will the city or Province be of assistance? Toni: The City of Brandon assists by supporting BALA. The Animal Control Officers, Police Officers, BPS receptionists. The Mayor has even gone to bat for me, to allow me to postroad signs in Brandon so we could trap Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell is a boxer mix who was running in a blind panic all around the outskirts of Brandon, in the highways and on the busiest streets in Brandon. After we got the signs up, I had her in the Humane trap within 12 hours. It would be a dream come true if Provincial Animal Welfare would support our trapping endeavors, so we would have somewhere for trapped dogs to go. Then if unclaimed, the dogs would be available for rescue intake. Currently, very few RMs have Animal Services. Then I have a dog with nowhere to go into boarding, to decompress, rest and be held for owners to claim. Personally, 18 months I lost one of my Samoyeds in a snow storm and within half an hour BALA had found him.  I couldn’t be more thankful for what Toni and her crew of volunteers do.

Canada’s National Youth Track & Field Championships is coming to Brandon August 10 to 12 and they are looking for volunteers to help make the event a complete success.   It is a big meet, a big endeavor, so any volunteer help would be incredible and appreciated.   Shifts are as short as four hours and both morning or afternoon shifts are available on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday.  Experience is not necessary and there are a wide variety of different volunteer positions available ranging from concession services to track crew.  A more details list of the positions available can be found at this link.