February 7, 2017 (Brandon, Manitoba): In the face of critical financial challenges, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon is reaching out to corporate and government partners as well as local residents for financial support to ensure that essential mentoring supports remain in Brandon, Manitoba and area. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon has been a part of the Brandon, Manitoba community since 1972, providing many mentoring programs to children and youth for the past 45 years. When the organization opened there was a definite need for mentors to help children in their community. Today, that need is even greater with many more children and youth in need of a mentor. Unfortunately, revenue has not kept up with program costs, and the demand for services has far exceeded the finances available to provide them. The only nationwide fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters is Bowl for Kid’s Sake, which used to raise $35,000 - $40,000 each spring. Last year only $7,000 was raised as fewer and fewer businesses and community groups have entered teams. “As a result of significant decreases in fundraising revenue, staffing was cut last year and certain programs that do not have designated sponsorship have not been running at all,” said Carla Davidson, Executive Director. “Today we turn to the community for support so that all young people in Brandon and surrounding areas can reach their full potential with the support of a mentor.” Over 125 children and youth (ages 6 – 18) are part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon programs. In addition, 400 – 500 children are reached with gifts from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Christmas Tree at the Shoppers’ Mall and the Toyota Full of Toys. The agency has also had 13 youth receive $36,000 scholarships through the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship program and the agency selects the children that will attend Tim Horton’s Camps from Brandon and Virden. The agency continues to graciously accept donations and support from public and private sector partners as well as individuals throughout the region. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon also serves the communities of Forrest, Rivers, Neepawa, Minnedosa, CFB Shilo, Douglas, Alexander, Wawanesa and Carberry with requests regularly from other communities to offer services. ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF BRANDON: For more information, please contact: NAME Carla Davidson TITLE Executive Director  EMAIL carla.davidson@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca PHONE 204-727-1787

With files from City of Brandon Public Notice. The City of Brandon released a statement today that Scott Hildebrand, Brandon City Manager, tendered his notice of resignation effective the end of March of 2017.  Scott has served in his role of City Manager since June of 2011. “The last six years has been an amazing experience for me - from a business perspective, but more so from a people perspective,” Hildebrand said. “The City of Brandon staff are one of the most committed, dedicated, and customer service-focused groups I have ever worked with. Our team truly understands the meaning of our vision statement, ‘Serving and Building Community’, and deserves the respect of this community.” His employment end date is March 28th and he is going to return to the public sector, in British Columbia,  to pursue a career.  Mayor, Rick Crest, and the City of Brandon’s Personnel Committee will first appoint an acting City Manager before the search begins for an official replacement.

Source:  Royal Canadian Mounted Police Media Briefing On February 6, 2017, at approximately 8:15 am, Souris RCMP received a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 2, about four and a half kilometres east of Souris in the RM of Glenwood, Manitoba. A westbound car attempted to pass a semi-trailer by pulling into the eastbound lane. The car collided head-on with an eastbound pickup truck. The driver and lone occupant of the car, a 20-year-old male from Treherne, was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was wearing a seatbelt. The driver and lone occupant of the pickup truck, a 57-year-old male from Souris, was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. He was not wearing a seatbelt. Visibility was poor at the time of the collision. It is undetermined at this time whether alcohol was a factor. A RCMP Forensic Collision Reconstructionist is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Source:  Roayl Canadian Mounted Police On January 30, 2017, Powerview RCMP received a report of a missing 15-year-old girl from Fort Alexander, Manitoba. Hailey Boubard left her grandmother’s home in Fort Alexander in the evening of January 30 and did not return. Hailey is a vulnerable youth, and police are concerned for her well-being. It is believed that Hailey may be in the Brandon area with a male youth known to her. Hailey was last seen wearing all black clothing. She is described as Indigenous, has shoulder-length dark red hair and brown eyes. She is 5’6” and approximately 185 pounds. Anyone with information is asked to contact Powerview RCMP at 204-367-8728 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).     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Photos from a fire in Brandon, MB on HWY 10 North at the Co-Op propane supply..  Photos courtesy: John Cockburn       (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});