Looking Back — April 30, 2024

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/04/2024 (861 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

Coming up with a variety of entertainment that would rival that of the Ed Sullivan Show, Brandon YMCA presented its annual Gymkhana at the Brandon Armoury last night. The show is probably the best production in years with the climax of the work of more than 400 youngsters and 65 hard-working leaders. The armoury was packed for the first night performances.

Donald McLeod of Brandon’s 14th West End Boy Scout troop was made a Queen’s Scout recently.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

A gas compressor building at the J.R. Simplot chemical fertilizer plant was damaged early this morning when 4,600 pounds of natural gas mixed with the air and ignited.

Retail milk prices increased four per cent a quart today to 37 cents.

FORTY YEARS AGO

Prairie grain farmers will shell out an additional nickel a bushel on average to ship grain to market for export as of Aug. 1.

Big Brothers and Sisters is on the rise in Brandon. At a recent meeting, plaques were given to Melvin Slashinsky, who has been a big brother of seven years; Brad Chapin, six years; Burns Paddock, six years; and Jerry Agar, five years.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

The Keystone Centre put its stamp of approval on a contract with TicketMaster. The Keystone box office will become a TicketMaster outlet some time this summer.

Brandon-born 18-year-old violinist James Ehnes cast his magical musical spell over the local audience last night as guest soloist with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

John Hay of the Brandon Eagles Club finished third overall in the novice men’s compulsory event at the Western Canadian men’s gymnastics championships in Grande Prairie, Alta., on the weekend. Meanwhile, teammate Peter Mitchell finished first overall in the senior men’s compulsories.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

FOR SALE: The Keystone Centre. Not the buildings, mind you. Just the name. Last night, the Keystone board decided to start a campaign to find out just how much the Keystone Centre could get for selling either its name or the names of its different rooms and barns to corporations.

The Keystone Centre’s main arena needs a completely new roof. The provincial government services department inspected the roof recently and recommends that it should be replaced this year. The department also recommended that the Keystone replace its roof over the concourse and its heating, ventilation and air conditioning units in the area. A more detailed report on what needs replacing is needed soon. In the meantime, the Keystone is putting the $610,000 it received from the province for the roof into a term deposit.

TEN YEARS AGO

Results of an environmental study of the former Brandon Inn site will determine whether the vacant lot can become green space, or if more remediation is needed. The city expects the results this week on the property at the corner of Ninth Street and Princess Avenue.

Brandon school board trustees have denied a request for a $30,000 loan guarantee for a new play structure from Valleyview Centennial School’s parent council. Brandon School Division board chair Mark Sefton said after a lengthy discussion at Monday night’s regular board meeting, the majority of trustees weren’t in favour of approving the request.

Manitoba Emergency Measures Minister Steve Ashton says keeping a watchful eye on a failing embankment near Waywayseecappo is a “24-7 operation.” Flood-fighting officials are now focused on controlling water flows through a deliberate cut to the embankment made overnight Monday.