Looking back — Dec. 6, 2023

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/12/2023 (1017 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SIXTY YEARS AGO

Brandon opened its heart to one of the greatest guys last night and honoured the most successful hockey manager this city was ever fortunate enough to have. Hockey personalities from across the west also descended on the city to add their praise and presence on Jake Milford Night. United Grain Growers Limited’s 110,000-bushel elevator at 16th Street and Pacific Avenue is beginning to dominate the Brandon skyline. It is scheduled for completion in late December or early January.

FIFTY YEARS AGO

Agribition 1973 is over and it went out in a cloud of success coloured by total livestock sales of almost $3 million in just five days. Unless community support comes through soon, the Brandon Volunteer Bureau operating in the city for three years will close Dec. 31, says chairman Graham Eagleton. A survey taken in November in Brandon showed that only in three other places across Canada — Halifax, Edmonton and Vancouver — did it cost more to fill a market basket with selected items.

FORTY YEARS AGO

Sometime on the weekend, thieves broke into offices at Bradley Sand and Gravel Ltd. on Victoria Avenue East and walked off with the safe. The broken safe was found about five kilometres away. Less than $100 and a few cheques were stolen. St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment as a parish with a mass today. Many former priests and parishioners were present. Archbishop Adam Exner of Winnipeg and St. Augustine pastor Father Stan Jaworski presided.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

Children lined up at the Brandon Gallery old Economy Foods location this weekend to meet Alvin and the Chipmunks at the Chipmunk Christmas show. Donations were taken for Christmas Cheer in return for pictures with the furry characters. Fifteen-year-old Chris McIntyre of Brandon won the senior competition at the Orange Crush Talent Search last night at Trails West.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The next steps toward a smoke-free province are being taken by the Manitoba government. As the latest legislative session wrapped up yesterday, Health Living Minister Jim Rondeau tabled a report that recommends a total ban on public smoking by Oct. 1, 2004. In its first general rate increase in six years, Manitoba Public Insurance has announced motorists will pay 3.7 per cent more overall for car insurance next year. Public outcry has ensued in several provinces this year over skyrocketing auto insurance rates, which have left some Canadians facing increases of nearly 19 per cent. Fifty radio-collared elks in the west end of Riding Mountain National Park will be slaughtered and tested for tuberculosis. Park staff will begin capturing the elk this weekend, says the park’s spokesman, Ken Kingdon.

TEN YEARS AGO

Tracking down bank robbers, fraudsters and killers — all in a career’s work for a pair of Brandon Police Service officers who were recently honoured for their years of service with the force. Staff Sgt. Rod Koscielny and Sgt. Mike Melanson both recently received the province’s Excellence in Law Enforcement Award, which recognizes officers who have made outstanding contributions to the community and public safety.