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.

Shortly after 10am this morning, a two-vehicle collision occurred at 18th St and Park Ave in front of Wendy’s Restaurant. The entire wheel of one of the cars involved was ripped off. Airbags were deployed in both vehicles. BFES, BPS and Accel Towing attended the scene. BPS was redirecting traffic during the collision and closed down Park Ave from 18th to 17th St

Recently, the provincial government announced that a new school would be built in Brandon and that they would be looking for suggestions for naming the new school. Brandon resident Tom Wenham feels that having the school named after Mike Adamski would be a fitting tribute to a man that did so much for our community and the Brandon School Division. The division has asked for submissions as it relates to the naming of the new school. Wenham would like to gather as many letters of support as he can in order to present a package to the division for review. There will be a great impact if they are submitted together! If you would be willing to write a short email stating why naming the school after Mike would be a good choice, and what Mike has meant or done for you, please email it to nameitaftermike@yahoo.com. Tom will print them out and forward it to the naming committee at the end of May as a decision is expected in early June. Shannan Adamski and Tom look forward to getting your emails to pass on. In addition, you can also go to the Brandon School Division website and fill out an online suggestion form. Please feel free to do both!