Assiniboine College and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have partnered to improve access to driver training in Manitoba. The college will offer a new driver education program for adults (18+), with initial intakes beginning on November 25 in Brandon and on January 6 in Killarney. The college and MPI are working to confirm future intakes for the program in other rural communities. "Through this collaboration, we’re making driver education more accessible for Manitobans while promoting road safety," said Rennen Rommelaere, Coordinator, Community Programs at Assiniboine. "We are excited to help individuals in communities across the province gain the skills and confidence they need to succeed as drivers." The program is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to become confident and responsible drivers. It combines 16 hours of in-class theory with 4 hours of practical, in-car training using one of our driver training vehicles. The curriculum includes everything from road test preparation to mastering parallel parking, ensuring students are well-prepared for safely and confidently driving on Manitoba’s roads. “Improving road safety for everyone is a key part of MPI’s mandate,” said Satvir Jatana, MPI’s President & CEO. “We are proud to increase our support for these programs across the province to ensure more new drivers have access to quality training, including experience making the right decisions behind the wheel and creating a foundation of responsible driving habits.” The Assiniboine College Class 5 Adult Driver Training Program will enhance road safety and support workforce development by providing affordable, accessible training in communities throughout the region. “This partnership is so important when it comes to improving access to driver education for communities in Westman,” said Justice Minister, Matt Wiebe. “We are proud to see MPI and Assiniboine collaborating to ensure that those wishing to pursue driver training have more opportunities, prioritizing the needs of Manitobans and safety on our roads.” New locations will be added to the college website as they are confirmed. To receive updates about confirmed locations, visit Assiniboine.net/MPI and sign up for the interest list. Applications for the Brandon and Killarney programs are now open. For more information and to apply, visit assiniboine.net/MPI.

The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating this person who is: “WANTED BY POLICE” Francesca HOULE FOR Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Weapon On April 11th, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation, Police conducted a search warrant at Francesca HOULE’s residence. Police located Cocaine and drug trafficking paraphernalia along with cash and weapons. HOULE was arrested and released, however has failed to attend court, therefore a warrant of arrest has been issued for Francesca HOULE as her whereabouts are unknown at this time. CRIME OF THE WEEK for October 25th, 2023 The Brandon Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in solving a; Fraudulently Obtaining Food. On October 12, 2024, three females and one male attended a restaurant in the 200 block of 18th Street North. The culprits dined then fled without paying their bill. The suspects fled on foot but not before being captured on video surveillance. ************** 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.

Theft Under $5000 At 12:31PM an employee of a business in the Corral Centre reports a thief in custody for shoplifting $450 worth of merchandise. BPS attended and picked up the 37-year-old male. He was held in custody and will attend court in the morning on October 24th, 2024. Theft Under $5000 X2 At 2:27PM a female was observed stealing items from a business in the 1500 block of 18th Street. (Value of $492). BPS attended and picked up the 34-year-old female. She was held in custody and will attend court in the morning on October 24th, 2024. Records reveal she had a previous unendorsed Warrant of Arrest also for Theft Under $5000. Theft Under $5000 At 9:00PM police were called to a business in the Corral Centre where they had a thief detained. (Value of $25.98).  BPS attended and the 49-year-old woman, who was aggressive towards staff, was arrested, charged, and later released on an Undertaking with a court date of January 9th, 2025.

Robbery, Break Enter & Commit, Resist Arrest, Possession of Dangerous Weapon, and Breach of Release Order X2 At 8:25PM a call came in of a 20-year-old female forcing her way into a residence in the 700 block of 10th Street and stole a vape at knifepoint. She fled prior to police arrival but was caught on video surveillance. Once identified on surveillance she was located at her residence where she resisted during the arrest. She was later released on an Undertaking with a court date of January 2nd, 2025. Stolen Vehicle Recovered At 8:31PM a report of an abandoned vehicle near 10th Street and Pacific Avenue came in to police. It had a broken front windshield and an axe on the front seat. At 8:47PM a female called BPS reporting her vehicle stolen from the 100 block of 4th Street that matched this vehicles description. The vehicle was towed, and police continue to investigate.

Shoplifting leads to Arrest On October 11th, Police received a report of a theft of merchandise from a business in the 900 block of Victoria Ave. The suspect was identified via video surveillance and located on Saturday and charged with Theft Under $5,000. The 34yr old female was released on an Undertaking and will appear in Court in December.  Traffic stop leads to Arrest At 9:14pm on the 19th, Police conducted a traffic stop on the 900 block of 26th St. where one of the occupants was found to have an outstanding Warrant of Arrest. The 30yr old female was arrested and then released on an Appearance Notice with Court in December.