SIXTY YEARS AGO

At Brandon College commencement exercises in St. Paul’s Church this evening, five students received silver medals for obtaining the highest first-class standings in the four-year course of the department concerned. The winner of two silver medals was Muriel Gray of Portage la Prairie for political science and sociology. Carol Mavis Porter of Oxbow, Sask., was the winner in history; Leonard Francis Rivers of Decker for physics and also the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal; Wayne Henry Johnston of Oak Lake was the winner of the G.R. Rowe Prize in Education, and George Fraser Trowell of Virden won for psychology.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Ken Burgess, a Brandon businessman and school trustee, was last night unopposed in his bid for the Progressive Conservative nomination in Brandon East for the June 28 provincial election.

FORTY YEARS AGO

For the third straight year, Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers has been chosen the NHL’s player of the year by The Sporting News.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

A paving company employee was sent to hospital today when a propane tank used to heat tar exploded in his face. The man was treated for first-degree burns and released.

The Liberals dominated almost every region of Nova Scotia as they swept 40 of the 52 seats in the provincial election yesterday.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Ground has been broken for a $39.4-million military complex at CFB Shilo. The three-building Garrison complex will prepare for next year’s arrival of approximately 700 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry soldiers and their families. The infantry is presently based at CFB Winnipeg South.

TEN YEARS AGO

Whether a major shopping centre is built at the south end of Brandon may hinge on the Brandon and Fringe Area Growth Strategy. City of Brandon economic development officer Sandy Trudel wouldn’t comment on the specifics of the Brandon Hills Shopping Centre, but she did say the company that proposed it, Shindico, has a strong track record in the area.

A recent study by Brandon University has added more fuel to the amalgamation fire within the province. The study, which was commissioned by the provincial government, was conducted by the Rural Development Institute at the university. It suggests the traditional ideas of municipal boundaries have been blurred by economic growth, provision of services and mobility of residents.

Brandon Police Service Chief Ian Grant was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in a ceremony at Lower Fort Garry on Thursday. The ceremony was timed to coincide with the 140th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Several RCMP officers received awards for bravery and outstanding service.