On Sunday, Ukraine's flag proudly flew at Brandon City Hall as the local Ukrainian community came together to celebrate their country's independence day. This occasion was particularly resonant, as Ukraine continues its fight for freedom against Russian aggression that began over three years ago. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his recent visit to Ukraine, hinted at the possibility of deploying military troops to support Ukraine in its quest for security against Russia.

Construction Delays Hit Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub

Brandon's highly anticipated 40,000-square-foot Wheat City Tennis and Pickleball Hub is facing construction setbacks. Originally set to open in October, the facility's debut has now been pushed to January or February. This $3 million project will boast 14 courts, a full fitness center, a hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, and relaxing lounge areas.

Immunization Clinic for Kids This Tuesday

Attention parents! Prairie Mountain Health is organizing a pre-kindergarten immunization clinic at Brandon Shoppers Mall on Tuesday. The event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and is aimed at children born in 2020. The vaccines offered include critical protections against diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella.

Tragic Discovery: Missing Trekker Found

In a heartbreaking development, the body of 29-year-old Steffen Skjottelvik, a Norwegian trekker missing since August 14, has been discovered along the Hayes River. Skjottelvik was on an ambitious hike from James Bay to Alaska, and an autopsy is scheduled to shed light on his tragic fate.

Arrest Made in Deadly Crash Case

Justice is underway as 25-year-old Navjeet Singh, a semi-trailer driver linked to a fatal crash near Altona last November, has been arrested at Toronto's Pearson airport. Singh allegedly failed to stop at a sign on Highway 201, resulting in the tragic death of 35-year-old Sara Unger and her 8-year-old daughter, Alexa.

Fraud Cases Surge Across Canada

A shocking revelation reveals that Canadians lost over $638 million to fraud in 2024 alone—double the number of cases from the past decade. Experts suggest that reported losses have surged past $2 billion since 2021. Alarmingly, only about 5-10% of fraud incidents are reported, with impersonation scams, especially those posing as bank employees, on the rise.

Wildfire Evacuation Updates

Great news for Manitoba residents! The remaining 7,000 wildfire evacuees are now comfortably in hotel accommodations, moving away from congregate shelters. Thanks to cooler, wetter weather, residents of Snow Lake are returning home. However, Mathias Colomb and Marcel Colomb Cree Nations, Lynn Lake, and Leaf Rapids remain evacuated due to ongoing concerns, with 149 active wildfires still reported across the province.

A Unique Trend on Manitoba Hiking Trails

Have you stumbled upon plastic ornaments or whimsical sculptures on Manitoba hiking trails? This quirky trend, which started with painted rocks in America, has seen people nailing decorative troll houses to trees and placing plastic turtles along paths. Many hikers feel this trend detracts from the natural beauty of the forests, preferring to embrace the pristine landscape on its own.