Westman Morning News Roundup
Brandon School Division staffing strain back in focus
Staffing shortages are once again front‑and‑centre for the Brandon School Division. Board chair Linda Ross says the division is already stretched thin and warns that increasing class sizes isn’t a solution. Union president Lillian Klausen adds the widening gap between student needs and available supports is driving stress, burnout, and early exits from the profession.
Rossburn boil‑water advisory continues
A precautionary boil‑water advisory remains in effect in Rossburn as crews clean the community reservoir. The RM says the advisory will stay in place until water tests come back clean, with no timeline yet for lifting it.
Province warns: don’t dump aquarium fish into local waterways
Manitoba is urging pet owners not to release aquarium fish or plants after confirmed cases of goldfish and other invasive species were found in local waterways. Officials say even one released species can take over, posing a real risk to Westman’s lakes and storm ponds. More details available here.
Glenboro’s new Spirit Sands Medical Clinic nearly ready
The new Spirit Sands Medical Clinic in Glenboro is set to open in just weeks — built with no provincial or federal funding. Residents raised the full $2 million themselves in just a year. The clinic replaces the current 70‑year‑old facility located in the basement of the Glenboro Health Centre.
Wet weekend ahead — then a blast of heat
Forecasters say Westman will slog through a wet, chilly weekend, with a chance of wet snow at higher elevations. But the cool snap is brief — temperatures are expected to soar into the mid‑30s by Wednesday.
Boissevain–Morton dust‑control deadline approaching
The RM of Boissevain–Morton is taking applications for its rural dust‑control program until Friday, May 29. Residents are asked to stake their start‑and‑end points and contact the municipal office to register.
New Sprucewoods playground ready for summer
The RM of Cornwallis is showing off its new Sprucewoods playground — swings up, slides shiny, and final landscaping underway. The RM credits community fundraising and Canadian manufacturer BluImp for making the project happen.
Whitemouth store sold the $46‑million winning ticket — earns 25 cents
The record $46‑million Lotto 6/49 ticket was purchased at First Stop Grocers in Whitemouth. Owner Dileep Kumar says a regular customer scanned the winning ticket earlier this week. His cut? Twenty‑five cents — Manitoba retailers get no seller’s bonus, unlike Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
Province reminds well owners: testing is your responsibility
Manitoba officials are reminding private well owners that they’re responsible for testing and maintaining their water. The province has released step‑by‑step videos to help homeowners sample and care for their wells. More details available here.
BFES seeing fewer calls thanks to damp conditions
Brandon Fire and Emergency Services report a drop in calls as conditions shift from dry to damp. Fire Chief Terry Parlow says he’s grateful for the improvement but reminds residents that Brandon is always under a fire ban except for approved fire pits. Those outside the city should check their RM websites for updates.
