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).  

The March 2017 Flood Outlook was released today by Manitoba Hydrologic Forecasting and Coordination Branch of Manitoba Infrastructure. Flood risk ranges from moderate to major due to above normal soil moisture in the watershed and near normal to below normal snow water equivalent in the snow pack. Ultimately what happens will be dependent on additional snow and rain and the rate of the melt. Timing of spring thaw in the various river basins will also have an impact in that as more areas melt at the same time, they collectively add to the flow and ultimately stress the drainage and river systems. This can also increase peak levels as can additional precipitation during run-off. All measurements that follow are in feet above sea level measured at First Street, Brandon Manitoba. o Favourable weather: minor risk of flooding The range this Outlook provides for Brandon begins with 1170 feet above sea level for favourable conditions.This means an ideal gradual melt with temperatures slightly above and then slightly below zero until the melt is done throughout the Assiniboine River basin. At this level the river should remain within its banks although there may be locations where very minor overbanking occurs. o Normal weather: moderate risk of flooding With normal conditions the river level may go to 1174 feet above sea level. This means a gradual melt without large amounts of precipitation and also without several of the basins reaching peak at the same time. With this we can expect water overbank in the recreational areas along the river. o Unfavourable weather: major risk of flooding With unfavourable conditions the river level may work its way towards 1178.8 feet above sea level. This means conditions like a delayed and then sudden melt over large areas and could also include significant precipitation and/or several basins peaking together. With this we can expect a lot more work with the closing of the Grand Valley Road, maintaining pumps, continuous dike inspection and overall vigilance. As many of you are aware, as the threat increases our response increases and the level of difficulty in our decisions also increases. Historic levels at Brandon: 1995 1178.80, 1976 1179.54, 2011 1182.89, 2014 1183.10, 1882 1183.70 feet above sea level measured at First Street. Our current dike level is 1186.0 feet above sea level measured at First Street. Flood stage is considered as 1172 fasl. The complete report is available: https://www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/