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.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release Just after 12:00 PM Monday, we were contacted by a home-owner who advised that she had located a sawed-off shotgun in her daughter’s bedroom. The shotgun was removed from the residence by another family member and was recovered by members who attended to the call. A 15 year-old male was subsequently identified as being responsible for bringing the weapon into the residence, and was arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon, along with multiple other weapon-related charges. The youth was also the subject of two warrants for arrest for failing to appear in court and for failing to comply with conditions of an undertaking. The accused was lodged at Brandon Correctional Centre to appear in court today

Story Submitted Your Brandon Firefighter / Paramedics honour guard took part in recognizing and honouring the line of duty death ceremony in Ottawa this past weekend. The second Sunday in September has been recognized by the Canadian Federal Government as Firefighters’ National Memorial Day. Two of our own former Brandon Firefighter’s, Mel McEachen and Norm Roziere were among those remembered for their service and sacrifice. Firefighter McEachen’s spouse Mavis and family as well as Firefighter Roziere’s spouse Norma, were in attendance while the Prime Minster acknowledged the families of our fallen. Many of the departments across Canada flew their flags at half-mast in honouring more then 1,300 Canadian Firefighters that have died in the line of duty. In the memorial ceremony much attention is focused on the red ceremonial table, which holds the helmets representing each of the fallen being honoured. These helmets, whether black for structural, yellow for wildland firefighters or caps for wildland pilots, are presented to the families of the fallen during the ceremony. At the corners of the ceremonial table are silent sentries, who carry an item that has some symbolic and spiritual significance. Honouring the Fallen includes a medal and helmet presentation to the family of those firefighters who were killed on duty or died from a work related illness while still actively employed. An extra helmet is placed on a raised pedestal to represent all Canadian line of duty deaths since 1848. This helmet remains from year to year with the hopes that no other helmet or cap will accompany it at the annual ceremony. The fire service of today is ever changing, but is steeped in traditions 200 years old. The ringing of the bell and the Firefighter's Prayer are two traditions of the fire service which reflect respect and honour to those who gave their lives to their duty. In the past each alarm was sounded by a bell, which summoned these brave souls to fight fires and to place their lives in jeopardy for the good of their fellow citizens. And when the fire was out and the alarm had come to an end, it was the bell that signaled to all the completion of that call. When a firefighter has died in the line of duty, paying the supreme sacrifice, it was the toll of the bell that solemnly announced a comrades passing and is rung three times.

Source:  Brandon Police Service Media Release On Sunday morning, a resident from the 800 block 14th Street, reported that sometime between 5:00 PM Thursday to 5:00 PM Friday, their garage had been broken into and a quantity of tools stolen. The matter remains under investigation. On Sunday afternoon, it was reported that a garage in the 900 block 4th Street had also been broken into sometime over the preceding night and a quantity of tools stolen. The matter remains under investigation. Early this morning, an alarm was activated from a business in the 900 block 24th Street. The owner attended and reported that it was a genuine activation with damage to the perimeter apparent. Members entered the premise and confirmed entry had been made; however, the suspects had fled prior. At this time, it is unknown if anything has been stolen. The matter remains under investigation.