BRANDON – Westman youth will get a head start on learning the valuable skill of coding, thanks to $95,000 of federal funding received by Brandon University’s Mini University through Actua. Actua, a not-for-profit organization that delivers youth programming in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, is distributing more than $10 million nationally after receiving the funding through the federal government’s new CanCode program. “Coding is the next big job. Industries ranging from automotive and agri-food to the life sciences and clean technology need coders, given their increasingly digital nature. That’s why our government is equipping Canadian youth with the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. By teaching kids to code today, we’re positioning Canada for future success across all industries and sectors,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. The funding will allow Mini University to offer new and improved programs in digital skills and coding through better equipment, more staffing and bursaries for at-risk youth. New programs include digital music composition and an all-girls tech club for Grades 3–8 participants, as well as new robotics and technology activities for students from Kindergarten through Grade 2. “Coding is a high-demand skill that is continually increasing in importance globally,” said Dr. Nancy Stanley, Mini University Director at Brandon University. “The programs that we are able to offer, with the support of CanCode and Actua, will give our youth a terrific introduction to this skill and the inspire them to make key contributions in STEM fields in the future.” The CanCode program is a historic investment by the Government of Canada of $50 million over two years that will support increased access to opportunities for coding and digital skills building for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Actua’s CanCode funding will be used to increase program delivery across Canada by its 35 network member programs, located at universities and colleges across Canada, and its Outreach Team, which delivers programming across the North. It will also support research, teacher training (providing teachers training in coding and digital skills as well as resources they can use in the classroom), and Maker Mobile Workshops. Over the two-year period, Actua will engage a total of 500,000 youth across every province and territory.   The CanCode program will invest $50 million over two years, starting in 2017-18, to support initiatives providing educational opportunities for coding and digital skills development to Canadian youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K-12). The program aims to equip youth, including traditionally underrepresented groups, with the skills and study incentives they need to be prepared for the jobs of today and the future. Canada's success in the digital economy depends on leveraging our diverse talent and providing opportunity for all to participate—investing in digital skills development will help to achieve this.   Actua is Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing 35 university and college based members. Each year 250,000 young Canadians in over 500 communities nationwide are inspired through hands-on educational workshops, camps and community outreach initiatives. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Actua’s major funders include: Government of Canada, Google Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, GE Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Finning, Toyota Canada Foundation and Lockheed Martin. For more information about Actua, visit actua.ca   Brandon University combines proud tradition with shared ambition at our growing, progressive campus, where we welcome a diverse and inclusive community. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Our roots date to our foundation in 1899 as Brandon College, and through 2017–18 we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our charter as a university. Join us at BrandonU.ca

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.