The United Way Brandon & District held their annual Touchdown Lunch at the Victoria Inn today where they announced the 2017 Campaign Total and the new 2018 Champaign Chair.   The 2017 campaign raised $716,682.90 last year under the guidance of Champaign Chair Scott Hlady.   This year’s Co-Campaign Chairs will be Jeffrey DeSarno of Westman Communications Group and Kevin Martin of Branstone Financial Strategies.

BRANDON, January 29, 2018 – Westman Communications Group (Westman) is ending its naming rights for the main arena at the Keystone Centre (Keystone). In 2007, Westman became the first ever naming rights sponsor for the arena. “Westman Communications Group Place is the home of the Wheat Kings and over the past 10 years has hosted many major events and concerts for the enjoyment of Westman area residents” said Dave Baxter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Westman Communications Group. “The Keystone Centre plays a vital role in the Western Manitoba economy. We have been able to provide nearly a million dollars in financial support to the Keystone over the term of our agreement and are pleased that the Keystone has found a new naming rights partner” added Baxter. Westman provided financial support but also technology including high speed data and internet services for the entire Keystone Centre, plus high definition cable TV. Free Wi-Fi was recently installed to be enjoyed by all attendees of events at Westman Communications Group Place.  Westman will remain involved in the main arena as we broadcast our twenty-seventh season of Brandon Wheat Kings games on Westman owned radio station Q Country 91.5 FM / 880 AM. “Westman will continue playing a leadership role in supporting local events and organizations based in Brandon and Southwestern Manitoba.” stated Baxter. In the past year, Westman provided nearly $200,000 in community support via sponsorships, donations and other services.

Brandon Police Service Media Release At approximately 11:50 a.m. on January 28th, a female contacted Police reporting that she had been taken hostage by two males with a shotgun at a residence in the 400 Block of Park Street. The female reported that she was assaulted by being burned with a cigarette while held captive. Two male relatives were able to get the female out of the residence but were threatened with the shotgun by the two male suspects. The Brandon Police Service Emergency Response Team was activated and a perimeter was established around the apartment complex. After lengthy attempts at negotiations, one of the male suspects finally exited the residence at approximatley 10:00 p.m.and was taken into Police custody. Negotiations continued and at approximately 12:00 a.m., the second male suspect exited the residence and was taken into Police custody. A search of the apartment recovered a 12-gauge pump action pistol grip shotgun. Ammunition for the firearm was also located and seized as well as a military style flak jacket. The first suspect to exit the apartment, a 22-year-old man from Brandon has been arrested for: - Pointing a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Threatening to Cause Death or Injury X 2, Assault with a Weapon and Assault Cause Bodily Harm, Forcible Confinement, Careless Use of Firearm/Ammunition and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. He was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in Court on Monday. The second male taken into custody, a 45-year-old man from Brandon has been arrested for: -      Pointing a Firearm, Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Assault with a Weapon, Careless Use of a Firearm/Ammunition, Unsafe Storage of a Firearm/Ammunition and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. This male was transported to hospital for medical treatment and when medically cleared was lodged at the Brandon Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in Court on Monday. Members of the Brandon Police Service Criminal Investigations Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. The adult female victim did not require medical attention for the physical injuries sustained.

A 17-year old male was recently clocked doing 152 km/h in 100 km/h zone, while travelling north on Hwy 5 towards Neepawa. RCMP say the teen had been driving his 2010 Chev Silverado 148 km/h, was continuing to accelerate, and was quickly gaining on the vehicle ahead of him. Unfortunately for the driver the vehicle in front of him turned out to be an unmarked RCMP Traffic services vehicle. Apparently the young driver was on his way to a hockey game and didn't realize the vehicle in front of him was a police vehicle. He was fined $731 and served a Serious Offence Notice. He now also has to report to MPI within 5 days to appear at a hearing to determine whether or not his license will be suspended.

Brandon, MB – The City of Brandon, Brandon University, and Assiniboine Community College have formalized their existing spirit of collaboration and have charted a course for strong partnerships in research and innovation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the three parties today at Brandon City Hall. Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest was joined by Brandon University Interim President Steve Robinson and Assiniboine Community College President Mark Frison in signing the MOU, which places importance on collaborating on research and educational projects of mutual benefit. The three institutions have committed to regularly discuss challenges and opportunities within the City of Brandon, which may be addressed through applied research and educational projects. “Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College are extremely important assets in Brandon, as they support both the economic and the community growth within the municipality and across the western Manitoba region,” noted Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest. “Therefore, the City of Brandon has an interest in creating local opportunities for students to put into practice the skills and innovation being taught at Brandon University and at Assiniboine Community College, and also provide pathways for graduates to stay and work in the community following their studies.” This new MOU builds on the existing MOU that Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College signed in 2014, which has deepened collaboration between the institutions and has led to new projects including a joint ‘Welcome Students’ campaign each fall and a new joint program in Public History, unveiled this month. “Collaboration is truly at the heart of what academics do, and there are many exciting opportunities for Brandon University students, faculty, and staff to contribute in new ways to enhance our community,” said Brandon University Interim President Steve Robinson. “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding allows us to further develop the many ongoing partnerships that we are already eagerly pursuing.” “We look forward to building on the existing relationships our college has developed with both Brandon University and the City of Brandon to provide applied research projects and activities for our students,” added Assiniboine Community College President Mark Frison. “Collaborative projects that stem from this new initiative will provide benefits to both Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University, particularly for students who will have new opportunities for hands-on experience with real-world impact.” Under the new MOU, the three institutions will each name a representative who will collectively identify the most fruitful avenues for new research, drawing on the combined needs and strengths of the City of Brandon, of Brandon University, and of Assiniboine Community College