On 2023-12-20, police received a report of a theft from a Brandon business located in the Corral Centre.  A male suspect was identified through video surveillance as being responsible for stealing in excess of $700 of merchandise.  As the accused is in custody on a separate matter, on 2024-01-04 police attended to the Brandon Correctional Centre and arrested the 38-year-old male for the theft, whereby he will appear in court 2024-01-05 for the charge of Theft Under $5000.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) announced their generous contribution of $26,600 across ten educational initiatives across Manitoba through their Connecting Westman Funding Program. As a local cooperative, Westman Communications Group (WCG) is known for its role in their communities' growth by supporting initiatives and providing a brighter future for the communities and people within them. That is exactly what the Connecting Westman Funding Program provides. The Connecting Westman Funding Program was implemented in 2021 and has since been integral to WCG’s priority to give back to its communities. This year’s program sees either partial or full funding to initiatives in ten different communities across the region. Those that were successful applicants include Green Acres School, Riverheights School, Elm Creek School, Erickson Collegiate, Erickson Elementary School, Gladstone Elementary School, Rivers Collegiate, Rossburn Collegiate, École St. Lazare, and Virden Collegiate Institute. Green Acres School will receive funding for an accessible playground space. Riverheights School aims to incorporate technology and robotics into the school’s Makerspace. Elm Creek School will receive funding to upgrade and expand its gym equipment for early-years students. Erickson Collegiate will work towards the incorporation of a STEM lab. Erickson Elementary will use their donation to fund a sensory path for students and community members. Gladstone Elementary School will use their funds to create a Wellness Room. Rivers Collegiate will work to create a TV display board in the Hockey Skills Academy Program. Rossburn Collegiate will use their funding to purchase a portable public address speaker. École St. Lazare will receive funding to update their outdated iPads. Finally, Virden Collegiate Institute will utilize their funding to aid in the Virden Band Program Revitalization Project. “The Connecting Westman Funding Program has seen a tremendous response across many communities,” said WCG Marketing Manager Brandi Crowe. “The growth and success of WCG is due to the continued support of our members, and we’re happy to show our appreciation through funding opportunities such as this. We’d like to thank everyone for submitting applications, and we are excited to see how this funding will create a positive impact on the coming generations of students.” For a recap of information on the Connecting Westman Funding Program, please visit their website: https://westmancom.com/connectingwestman-funding.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who “WANTED BY POLICE”: Rodney BARKER FOR Fail to Comply with Release Order. On December 11th, 2023, Police conducted a curfew check for Rodney BARKER as he was bound by a court order to abide by a daily curfew. BARKER was not at his residence and was therefore in breach of his court order. Rodney BARKER’s whereabouts are unknown at this time, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. ***************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727-TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+your message to CRIMES (274637).  Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to Call Display.  Your call is not recorded and your identity will remain anonymous.  Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2000.00 cash for information that leads to the solution of a crime. ********************************** CRIME OF THE WEEK for January 5th, 2024 On December 31st, 2023, a male was captured on video surveillance spray painting a sea can behind a business located in the 1100 block of Richmond Avenue. The male spray painted in yellow, a large symbol and the word “da kid” on the sea can.  

On the morning of 2024-01-04, a Brandon business owner was notified by an alarm company that an alarm had been triggered from a location in the 0 hundred block of 18th Street.  The owner attended the business to discover that the front window of the building had been smashed.  Police investigation revealed that two male suspects had entered the store and stolen 6 laptop computers with a combined value of approximately $4100.  The items consist of 5 Lenovo 15” Idea PAD Slim 3 models and a Microsoft PRO Service 8 model.  The matter is still under investiation by police.

At 1:11 pm, a traffic stop was conducted in the 100 block of 4th St. The 43 year old male driver of the vehicle was suspended from driving and also had 4 outstanding warrants for arrest. The search of the subject incident to arrest located individually packaged drugs including cocaine, crack cocaine, Xanax, meth and T-3’s. As a result the subject was held in custody to appear in court in the morning