After 2 years Brown's Socialhouse in Brandon has closed effective this morning due to unforeseen circumstances. Sources close to BDNMB.CA have said they expect a new concept to open within 3 - 6 weeks. At this time this is all the information we have been able to acquire.  

The Brandon School Division Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the following appointments made at the Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Trustees, held on Tuesday, September 5, 2017:  Dr. Linda Ross, Chairperson; and  Ms. Sherilyn Bambridge, Vice-Chairperson. Senior Administration and Staff of Brandon School Division would like to congratulate Trustee Linda Ross and Trustee Sherilyn Bambridge on the appointment of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and wish them a successful experience during the 2017-2018 School Year.

Changes under The Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act (E-Cigarettes) to address the use of electronic cigarettes by minors will come into effect Oct. 1, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today. “Electronic cigarettes have been growing in popularity over the past number of years, particularly with youth and young adults.  But, there is little conclusive evidence about the potential harm of long-term e-cigarette use,” said Goertzen.  “That’s why we are amending The Non-Smokers Health Protection Act to limit access to youth and place reasonable restrictions on these products while allowing access for adults wishing to use e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid.” The Non-Smokers Health Protection Amendment Act (E-Cigarettes) received royal assent on Nov. 5, 2015.  The amendments will prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and vapour products to minors. They will also prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in enclosed public spaces and other places where smoking is prohibited with exceptions similar to those currently allowed for smoking and place restrictions on the display, advertising and promotion of e-cigarettes and vapour products. “These restrictions are similar to those currently in place for tobacco and tobacco products,” said Goertzen. Businesses that meet the definition of a vapour product shop in the act will be permitted to continue to allow consumers to test and sample products in-store for the purpose of a sale and use elsewhere. For more information on the new measures, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/tobacco/guide.html.

A Brandon woman, and her two sons ended up having to distribute diapers in the parking lot at the Victoria Inn, after a Red Cross worker had informed her that “they were not accepting donations at this time like that as diapers were not needed.” Melissa McLaughlin tells bdnmb.ca that her 7-year old son Lucas had the idea to drop off some diapers to the evacuees of the northern forest fires, following her 4-year olds (Landon) inquiry as to why there was so many buses parked outside the hotel. Melissa say that upon asking where she could place the unopened diapers, she was told they were not needed. At that moment an evacuee, with a baby in her stroller, interrupted saying that her baby was on her last 3 diapers and that diapers were indeed needed. Melissa says the women was informed that diapers were coming, but when asked when, the worker could not give a date/time. The lady in the stroller informed Melissa that the Red Cross had been saying that for a few days now. Hearing this Melissa proceed to hand out the diapers to the lady, with the stroller, and was instructed that she could not do so inside the room they were renting and that she would have to do so outside. At that point she tells bndmb.ca that she went outside with her boys, ripped open the bag of diapers, and handed the diapers out to anyone in the parking lot with babies and toddlers. “Some came rushing across the parking lot to collect a few. It felt like handing out candy on Halloween. That was the boys favourite part.” says Melissa. BDNMB.CA did reach out to the Red Cross at the Victoria Inn but was met with a no comment. They did however reply to Melissa on Facebook (see images below) thanking her for thinking of those who have been impacted, and with a link to a YouTube video explaining why they don't accept physical donations like diapers.

Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecasting Centre reports that forecast high winds developing over the next 24 hours to 48 hours have resulted in a high wind warning effect for the South Basin of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg. Strong northwest winds are forecast starting tomorrow afternoon.  Wind speed and wave action could raise levels by as much as five feet or more.  Lake Manitoba is currently at 812.80 ft. Property owners are advised to take precautions.