The Students in the Beamline Program at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School have been awarded over one million dollars worth of beamtime to conduct groundbreaking research at the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron, located at the University of Saskatchewan. Crocus Plains is the second public school in Manitoba to receive this unique and prestigious opportunity. The research will focus on measuring microplastic levels in the Assiniboine River and their impact on local plant life. To investigate this, the students will grow cilantro—an important crop cultivated in Manitoba—using water from three different sources: distilled water, tap water from their school, and water from the Assiniboine River. The plants will be grown in a hydroponic system to ensure a controlled environment, eliminating any interference from soil and fertilizer. Using advanced synchrotron testing at the Canadian Light Source, the students will analyze the plants' roots, stems, leaves, and water samples to measure any potential fluctuations in heavy metal uptake, which may be caused by microplastics in the river water. In a further milestone, the students will also become the first group to use the facility's electron microscope, enabling them to identify traces of microplastics and heavy metals within the plants. “This research holds immense significance,” said the team’s lead teacher, Shivam Patel. “Microplastics are an ever-growing concern worldwide, and this study could have far-reaching implications for public health, particularly in how exposure to these contaminants may affect children and vulnerable populations.” If their hypothesis proves correct, the heavy metals found in the plants could present serious health risks, including potential impacts on brain development, reproductive health, and other health conditions across all age groups. The research may also spark changes in agricultural practices— particularly water usage and irrigation techniques—leading to improved food safety standards and better protection of public health. The CPRSS Beamline Program represents a significant step forward in student-led scientific research, offering invaluable hands-on experience while addressing critical environmental and health issues.

On January 10th at approximately 4:24PM a vehicle was stolen while it was warming up outside of a residence in the 700 block of 4th Street. The registered owner had placed a lunch, wallet and cellphone in the vehicle when it was started. The stolen vehicle was driven up to the Wayway gas bar where the accused used a credit card of the vehicle owner’s to purchase multiple items, including a jerry can. The jerry can was filled and the attendant put the full jerry can in the vehicle. The suspect did not pay for the fuel put in the jerry can nor for fuel for the vehicle. He fled, abandoning the stolen vehicle near Minnedosa, at which time on January 11th another vehicle was stolen by him. The 27-year-old male was apprehended and identified by surveillance videos. The male is bound by three prohibited driving orders, as well as a Release Order, from which he breached two separate conditions. The male is in custody at Brandon Correctional Centre on RCMP charges and was arrested there the evening of January 12th, 2025. He will attend court on January 13th, 2025.

Stolen Vehicles: At around 9:45 AM Friday morning, a member on patrol near the 600 block 1st Street observed a vehicle being operated in a suspicious manner.  A records query indicated the Nissan Rogue was stolen out of Winnipeg.  Two occupants abandoned the vehicle in a nearby parking lot and fled the area on foot.  One of the occupants was apprehended in the 200 block Victoria Avenue East, while the other eluded Police.  The 35 year-old male resident of Brandon has been charged with two counts of possessing property obtained by crime, and failing to comply with probation order.  He was later released from custody on appropriate police imposed conditions. Early Friday afternoon, a resident from the 300 block Lorne Ave. East reported that a male drove a truck up into the parking spot in her back yard, exited the vehicle, threw the keys on the ground, and ran away.  When members attended, it was determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen earlier in the day from outside of Brandon.  The vehicle was towed for forensic examination, and the matter is still under investigation. At approx. 4:25 PM Friday afternoon, a report of a vehicle having just been stolen was received.  The white 2009 Toyota Camry, was warming up outside of a business in the 700 block 4th Street when an unknown male jumped into it and drove off. Although multiple Police units were in the area very quickly, the vehicle could not be located. The theft is still under investigation.

The Eastview Landfill is currently closed due to a fire that occurred in an active landfill cell last night. Brandon Fire & Emergency Services, along with Operations staff, responded promptly to the incident. Work to put the fire out is still ongoing. Given the nature of the landfill, smoke may pose a health hazard; therefore, all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of staff and the public. It is advised to avoid the area if possible. Regular refuse and recycle collection scheduled for next week will not be impacted. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is wanted by police for Break & Enter, Administer Noxious Thing & Possession of a Weapon: Nathan SCOTT On November 8th, 2023, Nathan SCOTT broke into a residence on Westaway Bay and discharged a noxious substance that effected multiple people inside the residence. SCOTT fled on foot, however, was later arrested, charged and released. SCOTT has failed to attend court; therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Nathan SCOTT as his whereabouts are unknown at this time. ***************************************************************************** If you have any information as to the whereabouts of this person or anyone else “Wanted by Police” you are asked to contact Brandon Crime Stoppers @ 204-727- TIPS (8477), www.brandoncrimestoppers.com or by texting BCSTIP+yourmessage 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. Report a Crime: 204.727.TIPS (8477) https://loom.ly/umTRpT4