After a week filled with high stakes sporting events, youth cattle shows, agricultural education and community coming together, the 2017 Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is over for another year. Ron Kristjansson, General Manager at the Provincial Exhibition reported 112,000 visits over the 6-day event. “Seeing an overall weekly attendance increase for the third Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in a row, is incredibly satisfying.” said Kristjansson. “The efforts of our incredible staff and volunteers have accomplished our goal of hosting a successful world-class event for athletes and our community. “The mission of the Provincial Exhibition and all of our events is to educate youth about the importance of agriculture,” said Kathy Cleaver, President of the Provincial Exhibition of Manitoba. “The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair gives thousands of kids and families a chance to touch, feel and experience agriculture. Our communities are changing and with more families living off the farm, our events have become even more relevant than ever.” Follow the Provincial Exhibition on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for information on their next event, the Manitoba Summer Fair coming up June 7 –11, 2017 at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, MB.

Twisters Ice Cream Shoppe in Brandon,MB. is under new ownership. Frank McGwire, and his wife Gerri, have purchased the popular 18th street destination spot. The store is currently closed for the next 2 days, as the transition of ownership takes place, and will reopen on Monday April the 3rd. New owner, Frank McGwire, tells bdnmb.ca that for now he is going to keep the same operating hours and that people can expect to see a few minor changes to the menu as time passes. A new Facebook page is also in the works. Twisters carries 24 flavors of hard ice cream and 8 different flavors of soft ice cream. They also carry a variety of sundaes, floats, cakes, and specialty ice cream treats. They are located at 305-18th St N in Brandon.

Credit: Assiniboine Food Forest Did you know maple syrup is tapped on trees right here in Brandon at our own Assiniboine Food Forest and sold locally? Come spend an afternoon with us and learn hands on how this is done. What a unique way to unplug with your family, get outside and spend a day reconnecting with nature. Tours start with an expert "Dave style" education, maple water and syrup tastings, and end with a roaring warm bonfire. There will be pancakes and syrup (with or without food forest Saskatoon berries), hotdogs (veggie options), and drinks available for purchase. Groups of 15- 20 max per hour and booking is highly recommended. You can message our page, text Gwen at 204-721-9252, or email gwenhicks30@gmail.com to book your tour. Bring boots, warm clothes, and cash payment. To find us, head East on Rosser Avenue past the Green-spot and look for the sign.

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba On January 26, 2017, and on March 23, 2017, thefts of gasoline occurred in the RM of Whitehead. The thefts occurred at the RM of Whitehead maintenance yard just east of Alexander. Two similar thefts have happened in the past two months at the same location. RCMP are seeking information on the identity of the pictured suspect and the white truck used in the commission of the offence. RCMP are actively investigating these incidents and are asking anyone with information to contact Souris RCMP Detachment at 204-483-2854 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).

Source:  Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Manitoba UPDATE - While investigating the death of a goat and a pony with their ears removed, RCMP received a report of a further discovery of animal remains. In a ditch close to where the remains of the pony were found, three coyotes and a raccoon were located deceased. The animals also had their ears removed. The RCMP renews the request for information. If anyone has any information in relation to this investigation, please contact Brandon RCMP at 204-726-7519 or Manitoba Crime Stoppers. ================== On March 26, 2017, Brandon RCMP received a report of a dead goat with its back legs tied up and its ears removed and a dead miniature pony with its ears removed. The animals were found in separate ditches approximately three days apart in the RM of Whitewater, Manitoba, 15 kilometres south of Brandon. It is unclear when, exactly, the animals were left there, as there were different levels of snow cover. The RCMP is working with the Chief Veterinary Office of Manitoba on this investigation. RCMP are actively investigating these incidents and are asking anyone with information to contact Brandon RCMP at 204-726-7519 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online or text “TIPMAN” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).