Brandon Sun – Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada

Koch Fertilizer Canada plant manager Rodi Sveistrup says the recognition reflects both technical performance and the culture behind day-to-day operations. The plant in Brandon has been recognized for its energy performance, earning ENERGY STAR certification for the fifth consecutive year, from 2021 through 2025. (Supplied)

Koch plant earns fifth ENERGY STAR

By Abiola Odutola 2 minute read Yesterday at 11:53 PM CDT

The Koch Fertilizer Canada plant in Brandon has been recognized for its energy performance, earning ENERGY STAR certification for the fifth consecutive year, from 2021 through 2025.

The designation, awarded by ENERGY STAR through the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Natural Resources Canada, is given to industrial facilities that rank in the top 25 per cent for energy efficiency compared to industry benchmarks and meet strict performance standards.

Brandon plant manager Rodi Sveistrup said the recognition reflects both technical performance and the culture behind day-to-day operations.

“For us, environmental stewardship means managing our operations and resources in ways that respect people and the environment while constantly looking for ways to improve and be more efficient,” he told the Sun.

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Attracting AI to Manitoba would need strict rules, BU prof says

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Preview

Attracting AI to Manitoba would need strict rules, BU prof says

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:49 PM CDT

Manitoba’s push to attract artificial intelligence data centres will depend less on its cold-weather advantage but on strong environmental and Indigenous involvement, Brandon University assistant professor Jennifer Mateer told the Sun.

Mateer said Manitoba does have a “potential advantage” in cold-climate cooling, but cautioned against overstating it as a decisive edge for AI-driven data centre growth.

“Any policy framework for attracting AI data centres in Manitoba must include free, prior and informed consent processes for projects sited on or near Indigenous territories,” she said. “This means more than notification or consultation. Indigenous governments must have meaningful regulatory authority over environmental impacts, including water use, noise, and energy infrastructure.”

Another important policy would be to require transparent public reporting on energy use, water use, emissions, and cooling systems, she said.

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Yesterday at 11:49 PM CDT

Brandon University assistant professor Jennifer Mateer says Manitoba’s push to attract artificial intelligence data centres will depend less on its cold-weather advantage, but on strong environmental policy and others. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

Soldiers, veterans honoured at Kapyong 75th anniversary parade

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Preview

Soldiers, veterans honoured at Kapyong 75th anniversary parade

By Abiola Odutola 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:52 PM CDT

CFB SHILO — Soldiers, veterans, dignitaries and community members gathered Saturday afternoon at Korea Parade Square in Canadian Forces Base Shilo to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong.

The parade was a defining moment in Canada’s military history during the Korean War.

The event paid tribute to the 25,540 Canadians who served in the Korean Theatre of Operations between 1950 and 1953 to defend the freedom of the Republic of Korea. Of those, 516 died, 1,211 were wounded and 33 were taken prisoner.

Among those in attendance was Korean War veteran Edward Ryan, who reflected on his experience serving overseas and the lasting bonds formed in uniform.

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Yesterday at 11:52 PM CDT

Canada’s 26th governor general Adrienne Clarkson, who serves as colonel-in-chief of the 2nd Batallion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, inspects the 2PPCLI guard during the commemorative parade of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kapyong at Korea Parade Square in CFB Shilo on Saturday afternoon. (Photos by Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

This Week on Campus — April 27, 2026

3 minute read Preview

This Week on Campus — April 27, 2026

3 minute read Yesterday at 11:42 PM CDT

BRANDON UNIVERSITY

The winter term is complete, and spring courses start next week, with the first day of classes being May 4. Students who have finished their programs are now preparing for convocation, which takes place on May 28-29 at the Healthy Living Centre.

The Mental Health on the Prairies Conference and Conversation takes place from Wednesday to Friday this week at BU. In addition to keynote speakers, the event will include a community film screening and discussion as well as a citizen’s forum on rural mental health challenges and potential solutions. More information is available at BrandonU.ca/mhp.

The Breast Cancer Cell and Molecular Research Lab is organizing the second annual BU Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on May 8, from noon to 1 p.m., in the Kavanagh Courtyard. Participants are encouraged to wear pink and everyone is welcome.

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Yesterday at 11:42 PM CDT

The Brandon University campus alongside 18th Street. (File)

1 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

LUCKY NUMBERS

FRIDAY

LOTTO MAX: 11, 14, 26, 31, 36, 39, 43 BONUS: 6

WESTERN: 7, 10, 19, 28, 32, 38, 41 BONUS: 5

RCMP ask public to help ID suspects in golf clubhouse break-in

1 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

Blue Hills RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify suspects who broke into a golf clubhouse near Brandon and stole several golf clubs on Monday.

Mounties received a report on Tuesday about a break and enter at a golf course just west of Brandon on Richmond Avenue.

Two men broke the front window of the clubhouse and stole merchandise, including golf clubs, at around 2 a.m. on Monday, RCMP said in a news release on Friday.

Brandon RCMP received a video of the break and enter and released it to the public in the hope that someone can help officers identify the suspects, the release said.

Feedback sought on beef cattle code of conduct

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Feedback sought on beef cattle code of conduct

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

The National Farm Animal Care Council has drafted a new code of practice for beef producers and is looking for feedback from the public.

The code of practice sets out requirements and guidelines for handling beef cattle on farms. A number of changes incorporating advancements in technology have been drafted to update beef stewardship since the last code in 2013.

The comment period opened this month and remains open until June 12.

Among the new requirements introduced in the draft policy, producers must more frequently monitor cattle during heat waves and cold, provide shelter from high winds during cold and use pain control during difficult calving in consultation with a veterinarian.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

Dr. Leigh Rosengren, chief veterinary officer for the Canadian Cattle Association, said the code of practice update is designed to last 10 years. (Supplied)

Man, woman arrested after domestic violence call

2 minute read Preview

Man, woman arrested after domestic violence call

2 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

Brandon police arrested a man and a woman after responding to a domestic violence call on Thursday.

Police were sent to the 2000 block of McTavish Avenue at around 1:30 p.m. after receiving a call about a domestic assault in the area.

A 41-year-old woman went to her neighbour’s house after her partner allegedly kicked in the door of her home, while possibly armed with a knife, and assaulted her, BPS said in a news release.

The neighbour called police to report the assault and said the woman had scratches on her arms and a cut lip.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

Brandon police search a backpack in Princess Park on Thursday after responding to a domestic violence call. (Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

Book club discussion focuses on rise of AI

By Abiola Odutola 3 minute read Preview

Book club discussion focuses on rise of AI

By Abiola Odutola 3 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is outpacing the policies needed to guide its use, Brandon University Prof. Gautam Srivastava said during an event Thursday evening at the Brandon Public Library.

The Mayor’s Book Club discussion, centred on “Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI” by Karen Hao, expanded into a broader look at how governments, schools and communities are struggling to keep pace with AI’s growth.

Srivastava said the lack of clear policy frameworks is becoming increasingly evident as tools like ChatGPT and other large language models become widely accessible.

“In the last six years, artificial intelligence has grown exponentially, and now students and the public have access to these tools,” he told the Sun. “But the policy structures to support their practical and productive use are not fully in place.”

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

Brandon University Prof. Gautam Srivastava says the lack of clear policy frameworks is becoming increasingly evident as tools like ChatGPT and other large language models become widely accessible. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

Toolkit designed to help rural communities recruit doctors

By Tessa Adamski 5 minute read Preview

Toolkit designed to help rural communities recruit doctors

By Tessa Adamski 5 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

The launch of a new toolkit, designed to help rural and remote communities improve and promote their local services and amenities, will support municipalities struggling to recruit and retain health-care professionals, a municipal leader says.

Attracting family physicians is a “huge issue” for many towns, including Russell, which recently went down to having only two full-time doctors, said Adrienne Falloon, chief administrative officer for the Municipality of Russell-Binscarth.

“We’re obviously looking for a more long-term solution to the problem and hopefully be able to recruit some physicians that’ll stay with us for longer period of time,” she said.

Falloon touted the Manitoba government and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities’ release of a 20-page guide, outlining strategies municipal and community leaders can use to draw in health-care providers and encourage them to build long-term careers in their communities.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

In this file photo, medical students from the University of Manitoba's Max Rady College of Medicine practise casting procedures at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre as part of a program that gives students an opportunity to see what a rural physician practice could look like. (Prairie Mountain Health)

Controlled burns ignited amid spring conditions

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Preview

Controlled burns ignited amid spring conditions

By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative 4 minute read Friday, Apr. 24, 2026

The spring season has brought with it controlled burns in Westman — including on private properties, military grounds and national parks.

Controlled fires were started this week at CFB Shilo and Riding Mountain National Park, and several requests have come in for controlled burns in rural municipalities bordering Brandon.

At CFB Shilo, a prescribed fire on Tuesday afternoon raised smoke that was visible from Brandon and prompted base firefighters to call in support from the Oakland-Wawanesa Fire Department.

The fire had jumped a “wet line” and began to burn outside of the planned area, but was brought under control a short time later with the help of the OWFD, CFB Shilo public affairs officer Lori Truscott told the Sun in an email.

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Friday, Apr. 24, 2026