The Manitoba government is mailing employment and income assistance cheques for October early to avoid being delayed by a possible postal service disruption on Sept. 26. Manitobans who currently receive payments or benefits by direct deposit will not be affected.  It is strongly recommended that individuals consider signing up to have benefits or cheques deposited directly. In addition, due dates for provincial tax returns will remain the same.  Taxpayers are encouraged to use the online service TAXcess, to file, pay and view business tax accounts.  Visit www.manitoba.ca/TAXcess for more information. Individuals can call 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) or visit www.manitoba.ca/notice with questions about the Manitoba government’s plan if there is a postal disruption. The Manitoba government mails approximately 50,000 cheques every month.  Regular government mail will continue until a postal strike or lockout occurs. If a postal disruption occurs, distribution centres will be opened and information on how to pick up a cheque will be made available.

Bruce Luebke has filed his nomination papers at Brandon City Hall and will be seeking election as Councillor for Ward 6 run (South Centre) in the upcoming Brandon Municipal Election where he will run against Nick Brown. The election will be held on Oct. 24.  For more information on the election please visit this link. Bruce has lived in Brandon for the past 25 years, and has been actively involved in the community for most of that time. He has organized or helped organize a number of events in Brandon over the years, and has been involved in a number of community groups/organizations, particularly those related to recreation opportunities for Brandon residents. The 2018 municipal election is the first one in his post-media career, allowing Luebke the ability to commit fully to the opportunity. If elected, Lubeke stated that the people of South Centre Ward will be getting: -         A long-time Brandon resident who, like themselves, is a taxpayer and a concerned citizen. -         Someone who will be diligent in balancing the amount of tax revenue the city collects with the concerns of ratepayers when it comes to the management of assets and infrastructure. -         A strong advocate for recreational activities for all ages who will focus on maintaining the City’s current recreational facilities and green space while also exploring new opportunities. -         Someone who understands the importance of providing basic services to the community. -         A non-partisan person who would be able to work effectively with senior levels of government to tackle problems in our community.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release Just after 2:00 AM early this morning a 29-year old Brandon man was arrested after he stole a woman’s purse during a struggle at a residence in the 700 Block of 8th Street.  During the robbery he pushed the victim to the ground.  The victim did not require any medical attention.  He was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear in court this morning charged with robbery with violence.

Seventy-six nursing graduates from Assiniboine Community College will move on to the next stage of their lives and start careers in healthcare. Today’s graduation in Brandon marked the end of the two-year Practical Nursing program for 48 students who completed their studies in either Brandon or Melita. On Monday in Winnipeg, another 28 other nursing students will formally graduate from the program. All three groups began their studies in January 2016. “We are thrilled to celebrate the success of our nursing graduates and their families this September,” said Assiniboine president Mark Frison. “That’s seventy-six people who are ready to pursue careers as nurses, helping to meet the demand for skilled labour within Manitoba’s healthcare field.” Alyssa Marr and Jodi White were selected as valedictorians to represent their graduating classes at the Brandon ceremony. Alyssa Marr, who is originally from Redvers, Sask., enrolled in the program that was delivered in Melita as one of the college’s rural rotating nursing sites.   “I thoroughly enjoyed the nursing program and have grown so much as a person, as well as gained more knowledge than I even knew was possible,” said Marr. “Nursing is such a rewarding profession, and I know that being a nurse will truly fill my heart with so much joy and love each and every day." Marr plans to work in Brandon while her husband attends Assiniboine. Coincidently, Marr is graduating the same month her husband begins his studies in the college’s two-year Agribusiness program. The pair plan to put down roots in rural Manitoba after he graduates. Like Marr, Jodi White, who graduated from the Practical Nursing program delivered in Brandon, also wants to work as a nurse in rural Manitoba. “The Practical Nursing program provided me with more than an education,” said White. “I gained confidence, friendships, skills and insight that allowed me to follow my passion and become a nurse. I look forward to the new experiences and adventures that lie ahead for myself and my classmates.” In addition to the permanent nursing programs at Assiniboine’s campuses in Brandon, Dauphin and Winnipeg, the college is currently delivering nursing programs in Peguis First Nation and Southport, Man. The community of Russell, Man. will host the college’s next Practical Nursing rural rotating site with classes starting in January 2019. Since 1975, more than 3,500 individuals have graduated from nursing programs offered by the college. In the past five years alone, Assiniboine has delivered its Practical Nursing program in nine communities across Manitoba including Peguis First Nation, Deloraine, and Pine Falls. Graduate licensed practical nurses (LPNs) secure careers in hospitals, personal care homes, medical clinics, private agencies and the community. With some advanced preparation, some entrepreneurial LPNs are even choosing to start their own businesses. The demand for Assiniboine nursing graduates is high; 100 per cent of graduates surveyed from the 2016-17 academic year said they were employed, making on average $54,121 a year.

September 12.18 Brandon, MB – After many long years of renovation, Display Building No. II has reopened to the public and is now home to the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba and a collection of other local businesses.   With a crowd of close to 200 people, the Provincial Ex directors provided tours to the guests and gave insight into the process of the renovation project.   “This project has succeeded because of one reason, passion.” Said Stan Cochrane, Chair of the Restoring the Glory Campaign. “Everyone that has been involved has done so because they are passionate about seeing this building restored to its former glory.”   Local philanthropists, Gord & Diane Peters have been the driving force behind the funding campaign. “If you can just stop and imagine 100 years ago, the group of people that were so excited and passionate about constructing this building. “ Said Diane Peters. “If they ever thought that 100 years later that same pride and passion for this building would exist and that their ancestors would be standing in this same building today dedicating it for future generations as they did 100 years ago.”   “This puts the Provincial Exhibition on excellent footing going ahead for the next 100 years.” Said Gord Peters. “Having this space for the volunteers to work out of and produce the fairs is a great tribute to history of the Provincial Exhibition and this community.”   In-keep with its original purpose as a community facility for Agriculture education, Display Building No. II and volunteers from the Provincial Ex will welcome the public on Sunday, September 16 for Manitoba open Farm Day from 10 AM – 3 PM. A variety of activities are planned including butter making, ag learning opportunities, historical displays and a chance to meet with representatives from 4-H Manitoba.