đŠī¸ Costliest Hailstorm in a Decade Hits Westman
The July 5 hailstorm across southwestern Manitoba generated 3,736 MPI claims, making it the region’s most expensive vehicle-damage storm in more than ten years.
Killarney and Boissevain were hit hardest, accounting for more than two-thirds of all claims submitted following the storm.
đ Flood Relief Payments Reach $20 Million
The Manitoba government says $20 million in flood assistance has now been distributed following widespread flooding in June and July.
The update comes as some residents continue to face recovery challenges, including extended power outages and the high cost of replacing damaged electrical panels.
đ RCMP Search for Missing Woman
RCMP are asking for the public’s help locating 30-year-old Jaydia Ferland, who has not been seen or heard from since leaving a hotel in Neepawa last Friday.
Investigators believe she may be in either Winnipeg or Dauphin. Anyone with information is urged to contact Neepawa RCMP. A picture of Jaydia is available here.
đĩ $50,000 Cash Seized During Highway Stop
RCMP Traffic Services arrested two Ontario men after officers discovered approximately $50,000 in cash inside a semi-truck during a traffic stop on the Trans-Canada Highway near Elie earlier this week.
The cash was found during a vehicle inspection prompted by unmarked cigarettes spotted in the cab. Both men have been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and were released pending a court appearance in January.
đŗī¸ Isliefson Promotes “Smart Growth” Vision
With Brandon’s municipal election less than a month away, mayoral candidate Len Isliefson is highlighting what he calls a Smart Growth approach to the city’s future.
The former Brandon city councillor and Brandon East MLA says his experience in both municipal and provincial politics has prepared him to guide Brandon through its next phase of growth and development.
đ School Trustee Candidates Face Public Forum
Voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking seats on the Brandon School Division board.
A public forum next week will feature 11 candidates competing for eight elected trustee positions ahead of the October 28 municipal election.
đī¸ Political Scientist Weighs In on PC Turmoil
A Brandon University political scientist says Agassiz MLA Jodie Byram took a significant political risk by triggering the confidence vote that ultimately led to Obby Khan’s resignation, according to reporting by the Brandon Sun.
Kelly Saunders says the move could either help reset the Progressive Conservatives ahead of the next election or deepen divisions within a party already struggling with its identity.
đē Increased Coyote Activity Reported
Brandon Animal Control is monitoring increased coyote activity near the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex.
Residents have reported coyotes approaching people walking pets. Officials are advising residents to keep children and animals close, remove food attractants and report sightings to Animal Control at 204-729-2345.
đģ New Haunted Attraction Opens in Alexander
A new Halloween attraction is opening tonight in Alexander.
Nightmares in Westman features a traditional haunted house experience along with a lantern-guided walk-through attraction inside the Alexander Arena, offering visitors two different ways to get into the Halloween spirit.
đĻ Congo Ebola Outbreak Surpasses 4,000 Deaths
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has now claimed more than 4,000 lives, with over 8,300 confirmed cases reported since May.
Health officials say it is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record and is being driven by a strain for which there is currently no known treatment or vaccine.
đģ Massive AI Data Centre Rising Near Regina
Construction continues on a $1.7-billion artificial intelligence data centre near Regina.
The facility is expected to become one of Canada’s largest AI computing hubs, with two of its four planned data halls scheduled to begin operations during the first half of next year.
đ Food Rescue Grocery Store Moves Downtown
A new chapter begins Tuesday for Brandon’s Food Rescue Grocery Store.
The non-profit organization is relocating to the Prairie Oasis building at 241 Eighth Street, continuing its mission of turning surplus food into affordable grocery options while reducing food waste.
đ Charges Laid After Sioux Valley Stabbing
A 19-year-old woman was taken to hospital following a stabbing at a party in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation earlier this week.
RCMP arrested another 19-year-old woman, who now faces aggravated assault and weapons-related charges.
đĢ Brandon Police Recover Stolen Firearms
Two people are facing charges after firearms stolen from an east-end Brandon residence were recovered by police.
A 40-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman face multiple weapons offences after officers located and seized two stolen guns.
đ Bank of Canada Warns Housing Challenges Remain
A senior Bank of Canada official says lower interest rates alone will not solve Canada’s housing affordability crisis.
The bank says while declining home prices may help some buyers enter the market, prolonged weakness could also discourage builders from constructing new housing.
đ Canadian Astronaut Reaches Space Station
Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk has arrived at the International Space Station following a record-fast journey aboard NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission.
The Alberta-born astronaut is expected to spend the next six months conducting scientific research and maintenance work aboard the orbiting laboratory.
đī¸ Eastview Landfill Switches to Winter Hours
If you’re planning a weekend trip to the dump, take note that winter hours are now in effect at Brandon’s Eastview Landfill.
Until April 30, the site will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with last vehicle entry at 4:45 p.m. The landfill remains closed on Sundays and statutory holidays.
