Westman

Hold onto your hats, the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition is back. Running July 18 to 20, Morris is once again hosting the only professional rodeo on Manitoba’s leg of the Canadian Tour circuit, and it’s shaping up to be a record-breaking weekend of thrills, community spirit, and cowboy grit.

Mike Williams, President of the Manitoba Harness Horsemen, found Harness racing thanks to his wife’s family bringing him to the Carman Fair more than 40 years ago. 

"I made my first $2.00 wage on a horse called Shirley’s Tango, paid $2.60 to win, and I've been hooked ever since." 

The All Canada Classic Sheep Show returned to Brandon this past weekend, bringing together sheep producers from across the country to showcase breeding stock and connect with fellow industry members.

With about 250 sheep for sale and attendees from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, the event marked a milestone for the national sheep industry.

A local success story

Brandon last hosted the national show in 1981, and the event remained here for three years before moving westward across the country.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises the province is at a high to very high fire danger level, with a section of extreme fire danger in the northeast, while the south and southwest have a moderate fire danger.

The primary evacuation reception centre in Winnipeg is now located on the second level of the RBC Convention Centre at 375 York Ave. Evacuees can attend this location to register with the Canadian Red Cross, and to access supports and services. Evacuees can also call 1 (800) 863-6582.

On July 14, 2025, at 9:53 am, Oakbank RCMP received a complaint after a Tesla Cybertruck was damaged while it was parked during Folk Fest activities at Birds Hill Provincial Park.

Through their initial investigation, officers learned a female had written a profanity on the truck with a marker.

Oakbank RCMP is asking the public for help in identifying the female suspect.

A Manitoba hotel owner accused of exploiting four employees from India has been granted bail following a court appearance in Winnipeg.

Jai Inder Sandhu, 63, who co-owns the Howard Johnson hotel in Portage la Prairie, was arrested in connection with an RCMP investigation into suspected labour trafficking.

He and his co-accused, Satbir Sandhu, face charges including human trafficking, benefiting financially from trafficking, and withholding or destroying identification documents. Jai Inder Sandhu is also charged with uttering threats. 

Manitoba Government Expands Electronic Monitoring Program to Help Keep Communities Safe

Additional 100 Ankle Monitors to Track More Offenders Will Help Enhance Public Safety Across the Province: Wiebe

Media Release - July 17, 2025

The Manitoba government is expanding its electronic monitoring program with an additional investment of $1.2 million this year to add up to 100 more ankle monitors, as required to track offenders released on bail, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced here today.

A group of Manitoba farmers is drawing provincial attention for their role in protecting land and water across the Lake Winnipeg Basin. As part of a multi-partner project involving Simplot and other agriculture and sustainability groups, four farms are demonstrating real-world practices that improve soil health, reduce water waste and support biodiversity. 

Information in the Brandon Police Service news releases may relate to issues of violence or trauma, which could be distressing for some individuals. Be mindful of your well-being and consider whether or not engaging with this content is appropriate for you.

July 17th Report:

The following is the RCMP report to July 12, 2025.  This reporting period, police responded to the following calls for service.

- 52 traffic violations

- 15 provincial statute (Mental Health Act, Fire Prevention Act, Coroner's Act, 911 Act)

- 32 common police activities (alarms, suspicious persons/vehicles, assistance to general public)

- 21 crimes against property 

- 10 other criminal code

- 11 crimes against person

- 3 traffic accidents

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: