Brandon residents are being urged to share any information they may have about missing teen Owen Bedford, specifically video footage from devices like doorbell cameras. The 18-year-old disappeared early Sunday morning
after a night out at Houstons Roadhouse. Since then, family, friends, police and volunteers have been checking residential neighbourhoods, dense brush, creeks and the Assiniboine River.
———-
Recent rainfall has helped reduce the fire risk in many parts of the province, and the Wildfire Service has updated fire and travel restrictions dropping them to Level 2 for some regions. This means burn permits are allowed for agriculture and industry, and permits are available for motorized backcountry travel. 21 wildfires remain active across the province.
———-
As Manitobans struggle through one of the worst fire seasons on record, a new poll has found 1-in-4 Canadians have been affected by extreme weather, from heat waves and floods to fires and tornadoes. Besides property damage, complaints ranged from staying indoors because of bad air quality, postponed travel and emotional stress.
———-
Two new ‘Smilezone’ spaces have opened at Brandon Clinic in the main lobby and concourse area. The brightly decorated spaces are designed to lift the spirits of children and families as they seek medical care. The project was made possible by donations from local Tim Horton’s owners – the Pardy and Crisanti families – and the company’s Smile Cookie campaign.
———-
This Saturday is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and a variety of events are being held at Brandon Riverbank Discovery Centre. A pipe ceremony launches the day at 10:00 am, and the scheduled list of events kicks-off at noon with an opening ceremony. Displays will be set up on site, as well as children’s activities and a food tent.
———-
For the first time since 2004, Manitoba had a net increase in inter-provincial migration. In the first three months of this year, we saw 106 more people come to Manitoba than leave. Chamber of Commerce president Chuck Davidson says while it’s a small number – we can build on it. He says Manitoba has greater stability than a lot of other jurisdictions, and some major projects are in the works.
———-
Maple Leaf Foods shareholders have approved the creation of Canada Packers Inc., a new independent company that will assume control of the pork business in Brandon. The new company will run Maple Leaf’s entire pork operation, while the parent company will continue to focus on its plant-based and prepared food brands.
———-
The average Canadian household spends one-third less on food per week than its American counterpart. A new survey found a typical weekly food budget in Canada totals $179, while south of the border it’s about $203 U.S….or around $277 Canadian. Despite the decrease in our budgets, we will still accept higher prices to buy local goods.
———-
Cyclists and pedestrians in Canada have had a shockingly high number of close calls with vehicles. A CAA study of intersections across the country, including in Winnipeg, recorded close to 617,000 incidents. One out of every 700 pedestrians, and one in every 500 cyclists experienced a critical near miss with a vehicle. Left and right turns posed the most close calls.