-A new security rebate will help Brandon business owners with the rising cost of theft and vandalism. The Manitoba Government is launching a $10 million dollar program, It will offer businesses $2,500 dollars for security upgrades or repairs. It’s retroactive to August 23, 2024. Local business owners say the rebate is welcome; but it should be paired with stronger social support.
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-A New roundabout is planned at 18th Street North and Braecrest Drive. This from the city of Brandon and the Manitoba Government. The reason? safety concerns and increased traffic. Construction is expected to start next summer and end before December 2026.
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-The Government of Manitoba has put out a new on-line toolkit to help phase out ‘sick notes’, starting right now. Under new legislation, employers can now only ask for sick notes after 7 consecutive sick- days.
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-A huge turnout for the 40th annual Brandon Gun and Collectibles show at the Keystone Centre over the weekend, despite the cold weather. 60 vendors offered firearms, ammunition and collectibles; all part of a fundraiser for the Brandon Wildlife Association. This group supports local facilities and youth programs.
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-Canadian libraries say the federal budget proposal to end it’s shipping program would be ‘catastrophic’, and could force the closure of rural facilities. Bill C-15 proposes that Canada Post set its own rates, without having to seek Ottawa’s approval. Canada Post says it receives no appropriation or compensation of any kind from the government to offset this reduced postage rate. There has been no comment from Manitoba libraries yet.
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-Australia’s PM is proposing tougher national gun laws after a mass shooting in Sydney leaving 15-people dead and 27-in hospital. Police say the suspects are a father-son duo.
They targeted a Jewish celebration of Hanaka on Sydney’s Bondi Beach Sunday. The victims range in age from 10 to 87. Heroically, a bystander helped wrestle a gun from the older attacker, he was killed at the scene.
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-Helping Hands soup kitchen welcomed the Brandon community on Saturday for its first holiday music event. The kitchen on Seventh Street had live performances, dancing, seasonal cheer and a warm welcoming space to gather for the holidays. Organizers hope to make this joyful event an annual tradition.
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-Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co-op received the 2025 Manitoba Healthy Aging Award for Intergenerational Activities. It was given out last month at the Manitoba Legislative Building for connecting seniors with youth through classroom visits and holiday projects. The co-op wants to expand its school partnership and mentoring projects next year.
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-Knox United Church was filled with Filipino food and dancing on Saturday. The Westman Filipino Community’s annuals Christmas party welcomed those new to Brandon, and showed off Filipino culture; honouring volunteers for their service. The event helps to build connections within the Filipino community and across the city.
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-The Former chief of Sioux Valley, Vince Tacan, is fighting to overturn last month’s Dakota Nation election results. He wants a new vote because he says the process wasn’t done right. Winnipeg’s Court of King’s Bench will hear the case early next month.
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-Hollywood Director-actor Rob Reiner and his 68-year old wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home. The associated press says Police believe the pair suffered stab wounds, discovered by a family member Sunday. 78-year old Reiner directed some memorable movies of the 80s and ’90s, including: This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride. Reiner’s role as Mike Stivic, nicknamed Meathead by Carol O’Connor’s Archie Bunker in the classic sitcom All in the Family, catapulted him to fame.
