The Manitoba government is supporting families in western Manitoba by providing a 50 per cent funding increase to Community Mobilization Westman (CMW), Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “This initiative tackles the root causes of crime by teaming vulnerable folks and families up with social service agencies, and community supports,” said Wiebe. “Our funding will help law enforcement partner with community organizations so supports can move quickly and target chronic issues that lead to crime.” The Manitoba government is providing an additional $40,000 to Community Mobilization Westman. Twice a week, this program brings together more than 20 professionals from 16 different organizations in a hub to co-ordinate services and supports for at-risk individuals or families. Participating agencies include the City of Brandon, the Brandon Police Service, the Brandon School Division, Manitoba Child and Family Services and Prairie Mountain Health. “To help keep Manitobans safe, we need an ‘all hands on deck’ approach,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “Our government supports initiatives that see law enforcement and community organizations working side by side. By getting tough on the causes of crime, we are improving public safety for all Manitobans.” In total, the Manitoba government provides $120,000 to Community Mobilization Westman, Simard noted. “As Mayor of Brandon, I am grateful for the Province of Manitoba’s increased support of Community Mobilization Westman,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “CMW is instrumental in fostering community engagement and addressing local issues. This increased funding will assist several of their initiatives including improving the safety and security of families in our community. On behalf of Brandon city council, I want to thank the province for investing in and supporting Community Mobilization Westman.” “We are grateful for the additional funding and support,” said Janis Irvine, co-ordinator, Community Mobilization Westman. “Collectively, we are a model of what collaboration can look like between organizations and agencies which can mitigate risk and prevent further harm. We bring our knowledge together to find better work practices and address the barriers that prevent community safety and well-being.” The additional funding for Community Mobilization Westman is being made through Manitoba’s Guns and Gangs Suppression Strategy, made possible by more than $4.6 million in funding from the Government of Canada through its Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund. For more information on crime prevention in Manitoba, visit: https://manitoba.ca/justice/commsafe/crimeprev/index.html.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is “WANTED BY POLICE”: Jerret STEWART FOR Assault, Breach of Court Order & Fail to Attend Court X3 On March13th, 2024, police learned Jerret STEWART attended the complainants home address and proceeded to assault him despite being bound by conditions to not attend his address or contact him. Police located and arrested STEWART, however; he has failed to attend court. Jerret STAWART’s whereabouts are currently unknown, please contact Brandon crime stoppers with any information. CRIME OF THE WEEK for February 7th, 2025 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a Break Enter & Theft. On February 6th, 2025, at approximately 1:00 AM, two thieves broke into a shed located in the 800 block of 26th Street. The thieves stole a snowblower, leaf blower and a jerry can. The culprits fled on foot but not before being caught on surveillance video. ************** If you have information about this or any other crime 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.

Western Canada Hockey Academy Announces Launch of U15 Wolves Team Competing in the Premier Hockey League February 6, 2025 – The Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA) is proud to announce the launch of its U15 Wolves Team, the newest addition to the academy’s growing lineup. The Wolves will compete in the highly competitive Premier Hockey League (PHL), providing players across Brandon, Rural Manitoba, and Southeast Saskatchewan with an incredible opportunity to play at an elite level. This new team will offer young athletes the chance to develop their skills in a high-performance environment, surrounded by top-tier coaching, competition, and resources. The PHL is known for its focus on player development and commitment to excellence, making it the perfect platform for the Wolves to grow and showcase their talent. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to young hockey players across the region,” said Jason Roblin, VP of Operations at the WCHA. “This new U15 Wolves team will give players a chance to compete at one of the highest levels, advance their hockey careers, and represent the WCHA Wolves with pride.” Identification (ID) Skates for the U15 Wolves will take place in the last week of August, providing aspiring players the chance to showcase their skills and make the team. These skates will allow the coaching staff to evaluate talent and select players who are ready to take their game to the next level. For more information about the Premier Hockey League (PHL), visit https://phl.academy/. The U15 Wolves Team is set to make an impact in the league, and the WCHA is eager to watch the next generation of hockey talent shine. Get ready, Wolves fans – it’s going to be an exciting season ahead! About Western Canada Hockey Academy (WCHA): The WCHA is dedicated to providing young athletes with the highest level of hockey development through programs focused on skill-building, teamwork, and character. The WCHA serves players from diverse communities, offering them the resources they need to succeed both in hockey and beyond. In addition to the hockey Academy, the WCHA offers Development Programs and AAA Spring Wolves teams. The new U15 Wolves team will be an exciting addition to the academy’s growing lineup of offerings. Media Contact Jason Roblin VP of Operations jason@vhproperties.ca 204-726-1681

On February 3rd, 2025, the Brandon Police Service Major Crime Section entered into an investigation after being notified by the National Child Exploitation Center that an individual was possibly creating Child Sexual Abuse Material of children in their care in the city. Police were able to determine the identity of the suspect and where he was residing. The investigation revealed that the suspect and his common-law partner are Foster Parents of young children, and a home daycare is also operated within the residence. After learning this information, the Major Crime Section including Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Investigators, Child Abuse Investigators and Patrol members attended the residence with Child and Family Services. It is believed the distribution was at an international level. The suspect was located within the residence and taken into Police custody. The suspect’s common-law partner and six children were also located within. A search warrant was soon after executed with computer systems seized. All children were safeguarded. The 37-year-old male suspect was arrested and lodged at Brandon Police Service. He appeared before the courts on February 4th facing charges of Making Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, Access Child Pornography, Distribute Child Pornography and Sexual Assault and was remanded in custody. As a result of continued investigation and examination of evidence, the male suspect has also been arrested for and charged with additional offences including Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference. Through this investigation the male was also identified as the suspect from an incident that occurred on June 9th, 2024, where images of Child Pornography were uploaded, stored and distributed. Further investigation resulted in additional charges of Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference and Assault. He was arrested for these charges on February 5th at Brandon Correctional Centre, where he is in custody, and will appear in court on February 6th. As this is an ongoing active investigation and to protect the identities of the victims and their families, Police will not be making any further comments at this time. The Brandon Police Service is working with our partner agencies at CFS and Toba Center for Children & Youth Inc. in order to provide the support required for both the victims and their families. Source: BPS Special Media Release

(file photo) The Manitoba government is directing casinos to report suspicious transactions to local and federal law enforcement to crack down on money laundering, Premier Wab Kinew and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. “Drug dealers often use casinos to launder their cash and we are making it easier for law enforcement to track down people bringing toxic drugs into our communities,” said Kinew. “Fentanyl has had a devastating impact on Manitobans and people attempting to profit off it need to be held accountable.” Casinos operated by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) will now report suspicious transaction records directly to the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP as well as the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), a practice similar to what is being done in Ontario and British Columbia, noted the premier. “Our government has been cracking down on drug traffickers since day one,” said Wiebe. “Today’s announcement adds another layer of protection for Manitobans against money laundering.” MBLL will also enhance its anti-money laundering team with staff and equipment and work with FINTRAC to improve information sharing to provincial agencies, noted the minister. The Manitoba government will also invest $325,000 in surveillance equipment for MBLL.