At approximately 2:45pm this afternoon, Brandon Fire and Emergency Services along with Oakland/Wawanesa Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire near the junction of roads 107W and 52N (Spring Valley Road) south-east of Brandon. Upon arrival, fire crews observed a house fully engulfed in flames. It was determined that the house was a total loss, and that fire crews would go into defensive operations to protect neighbouring structures and prevent nearby grass/trees from catching on fire. Ammunition that was stored in the house created a safety concern for firefighters, as it was exploding throughout the duration of the fire.  One person suffered minor injuries but refused transport to hospital. The house is a total loss.

Brandon Police Service Media Release A 32-year-old Brandon man was arrested on Thursday afternoon for Sexual Assault X2 and Sexual Interference X2. The Police investigation began on April 4th 2018 after Police received information that the man inappropriately touched two stepdaughters. The alleged acts occurred between January 2013 and April 2018. The man was released from Police custody and is scheduled to appear in Court in June.

Shortly after 5:20pm this evening, BFES and BPS responded to the 2700-2900 blocks of Willowdale Cres for a fire involving a shed, trees and brush. Explosions were reported to be coming from the shed, and nearby parked cars and homes were in danger from the fire. BFES crews were able to manage both the structure fire and brush fire simultaneously with multiple people working to put both fires out. Firefighter/paramedics had to cut the lock on the shed to gain access and extinguish the rest of the fire inside. Heavy smoke could be seen upon arrival, and throughout the neighbourhood as fire crews battled the blaze, and contained it from spreading further down the ditch. No injuries occurred during the blaze and fire/police crews cleared within an hour.

The government of Manitoba is consulting on the implementation of a standardized system of training and certification for commercial truck drivers, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced today. “Our first priority is public safety on roadways and that is why we are announcing that we have started work across government to consider how a standardized system could work for the trucking industry,” Schuler said.  “This is something the trucking industry has asked for and we want to work together in a collaborative way to see how this would work in Manitoba.” Work will be done across government through Manitoba Infrastructure, Manitoba Education and Training, and Manitoba Public Insurance.  A standardized system of training would allow for a uniform standard for all truck drivers across the province and would allow road safety to be the number one priority in issuing licenses.  Educators in the province already provide training, approved by the province and Manitoba Public Insurance, to the current National Occupational Standard.  However, there is no current requirement for new drivers to access this training. Other jurisdictions, such as Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan, have either already changed their standard or are in process of working and engaging with stakeholders on upgrading to this standard. “It is clear that Manitoba needs to start this work to ensure that all provinces are moving together on a standardized system of training,” Schuler added.  “This work is beginning immediately and we hope to move forward with a plan of action as soon as possible.”

Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba Facebook The Portage la Prairie RCMP are asking for assistance in locating a missing female youth, last seen by caregivers on April 6, 2018. Karen Savanah Toth was reportedly travelling to Brandon to visit friends, but has not been seen or heard from by caregivers since leaving home. Toth was to return to Portage on April 8, but she did not arrive when expected. Toth is described as a 17-year-old Indigenous female, with a medium build. She stands 5’5” tall, weighs approximately 135 lbs, with brown eyes and black hair. Police believe that Toth may be staying with friends in Brandon or Winnipeg. Anyone with knowledge of Toth’s current whereabouts, please contact Portage RCMP at 204-857-4445, or your local police detachment. Anonymous tips can be made through Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or by visiting http://www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.