Westman

This past Friday, 32 people graduated from the Safety Officer 1 program at Assiniboine College - 'a proud milestone on their journey to serve and protect,' shared Brandon Police Services.

'We're especially excited to welcome seven of these grads as the newest cadets joining the Brandon Police Service family.  With over 300 years of combined policing experience guiding their training, these graduates are stepping into their roles with knowledge, courage and a strong desire to help their communities.'

The Oak Lake-Sifton Fire Department recently deployed a team of four, consisting of David Houston, Justin Decroliere, Cody Davies from Whitehead Fire Dept - EST 2005 and Joel Neumier (not pictured) from 

Sometimes I don't think our dad's get enough recognition for all the things they do to help our families do all the things they do; from coaching kids' hockey to building a deck to putting in the crop, we sometimes expect the men in our lives are superheroes who can do everything they like to do, as well as everything we ask of them!

Today, on Father's Day I wish to recognize our dads, husbands and grandpas for all the many ways they bless our families.

Hat's off to the Men in our Lives!

A local wood systems manufacturing company in Boissevain is helping the Boissevain school playground committee raise money to replace the aging school playground equipment. 

Western Archrib is challenging the businesses and producers in Boissevain to make a donation to the Boissevain School Playground Project, and they will match donations up to a total of $20,000!!

"We are very excited for this new partnership and have created a new "Wood" Partner category in recognition of their contribution and product," shares committee co-chair Susan Jackon.

Almost a decade after 24 Sussex Drive was abandoned as the official residence of the Canadian prime minister, taxpayers are still shelling out tens of thousands of dollars a year to maintain the vacant property, and the new prime minister has signalled he's in no rush to deal with the crumbling building.

Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters in May that it's up to the National Capital Commission to decide what to do with 24 Sussex.

Through hard work and dedication, star athlete Charlie Shearer has dominated multiple sports for years and the 17-year-old is not stopping any time soon.

Calling Shearer a multi-sport athlete might be an undersell. "I play AAA softball, AAA hockey, high school softball, I play school volleyball and basketball, I was on the school golf team this year, I'm into cross country as well as track and field. Plus, I'm an avid hunter."

At this past week's Tribute to Tourism Awards at the Backyard on Aberdeen in Brandon, Killarney took home two significant wins; Event of the Year over $10K budget, and the Partnership Award.

The annual event is hosted by Tourism Westman and shines a light on the significant events and the volunteers that facilitate them in our Westman communities.

Event of the Year (budget over 10k): Killarney Community Events Committee Outdoor Concert

Funeral For:  Fred Wanke 
Funeral Date: June 21, 2025 
Fred Wanke, 90, of Menisino passed away Sunday, January 26th at Vita Personal Care Home. He is survived by his wife Margit, 5 sons, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and their families. He was predeceased by 1 son, 1 brother, and 2 brothers-in-law. 
A memorial service for Fred Wanke will be held Saturday, June 21st at 11am at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. 
Arrangements by Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach.  

He sold his first million-dollar pre-sort cattle sale in Kelvington, Saskatchewan at just 12 years old and hasn't looked back!

Last week, Branch Manager at Heartland Livestock Services in Brandon, Brennin Jack won the Reserve Champion at the World Livestock Auctioneering Championship in Iowa, placing second in the 30-competitor lineup.  The Livestock Marketing Association convention was held in Omaha, Nebraska with the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship being held at Dunlap Livestock Auction in Dunlap, Iowa.

Manitoba star defender Ashton Bell was the first player selected in the PWHL's expansion draft and the Deloraine product will now join a stacked Vancouver team that's looking to make an instant impact on the league.