A season to remember for Tyson Philpot

Tyson Philpot has had an unforgettable Canadian Football League season in 2026.

For starters, his team, the Montreal Alouettes, are one of the strong favourites (along with Edmonton Elks) to win the Grey Cup in Calgary Nov. 15. Individually, Philpot has had a remarkable, record-breaking season that will cement his status as one of the CFL’s all-time greats.

Philpot and Alouettes’ quarterback Davis Alexander were in sync in a recent rout of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and when the final gun sounded, Philpot had established three records — most single-season receiving yards by a Canadian-born player; an Alouettes’ team record for receptions in one season; and most receptions by a Canadian-born player in one season.

Erased from the CFL record book is Terry Evanshen’s 1967 record of 1,662 receiving yards by a Canadian in one year; the Alouettes’ team record of 112 catches in one year, held jointly by Ben Cahoon (2003) and Jamel Richardson (2011); and Brad Sinopoli’s single-season CFL reception record of 116, set in 2018.

Last Post Fund seeks tips about unmarked veteran graves

The Last Post Fund is asking Westman residents to submit tips about unmarked graves of war veterans.

As Remembrance Day approaches, the organization, which aims to ensure that no veteran is denied a dignified funeral and burial, seeks to raise awareness about the need for headstones at veterans’ graves, Matthew Halpin, Manitoba branch president of the Last Post Fund, told the Sun in a recent interview. The organization hopes to elicit help from the public to narrow its search in the area, he said.

“We are just looking to advise the public, that if they’re aware of anyone, a relative, a friend, a citizen within the community, it doesn’t matter if it’s Flin Flon, or across the province, to give us a call,” Halpin said. “Unless the public comes forward … it makes it very difficult to find those individuals or come across any of those plots that may contain a veteran that has no marker.”

Halpin encourages the public to phone the organization and provide tips. Narrowing the effort allows researchers with the Last Post Fund to focus on select cases, compared to their normal effort where they fan through lists at cemeteries and compare names to military records. Two volunteers in Brandon research cemetery lists.

Proposed cell tower policy changes worry some

The Canadian government has proposed a list of policy changes to make cell towers easier to install, which has roused concern in a Brandonite and safe technology advocate who helped overturn a cell tower plan on 34th Street last year.

Chris Bird, a resident in west Brandon, and Marg Friesen, a Winnipegger, said that they are worried about proposed amendments introduced this year by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Friesen said the list of proposed changes stands to disempower residents and local government when it comes to the placement of cell towers in their communities.

“The problem is that it’s going to diminish and sometimes completely eliminate local say,” Friesen said. “We are concerned because, if this goes through, people like me who know some of the science, and have some depth, won’t be able to advise people or make suggestions.”

Friesen, who volunteers with Canadians For Safe Technology, last year spoke against the cell tower proposal at 1009 34th Street in Brandon. Council voted down the tower at that meeting in front of a crowd of roughly 40 residents.

Let’s Do Something — Oct. 20, 2026

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TODAY (Oct. 29)

• 9 a.m. — Manitoba Ag Ex, taking place at the Keystone Centre over the next four days, is the province’s largest all-breeds cattle show, drawing breeders, livestock exhibitors, and industry leaders from across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Also includes many vendors in our trade show as well as the popular Sheep Show and MooMania.

• Noon — Alternative Choice Garden Centre (34th St. and Patricia Avenue) invites you to their Haunted Greenhouse: Boo For a Cause event, on until Oct. 31, noon to 5 p.m. A fun, not-too-spooky adventure for families, classrooms, and groups. Explore interactive stations, take photos and enjoy seasonal games in a safe, indoor setting. Perfect for kids age two to 10 years. Admission: Family pass is $15 (covers 2 adults, 4 kids) is a one-time fee for entry anytime during the full event run. Group bookings $50 (groups of 12 or less); $75 (groups of 13 to 25). Weekdays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds to Westman Dreams for Kids.

Charity harvest expected to raise $110,000

RIVERDALE — The organizer of a charity harvest project estimates that roughly $110,000 will be donated to battle global hunger because of soybeans that were harvested near Rivers last week.

Ron Krahn, the organizer of Acres of Hope, a charity farming project, said that about 155 acres of soybeans were poised to be sold to donate cash to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. The year was turning out well for the charity project, he told the Sun in a recent interview.

“This would definitely be more than average,” Krahn said. “This would be more than normal.”

The value of the soybeans yield was calculated at roughly $135,000, but some expenses had to be paid to cover inputs to production that had not been donated, he said.

Rural Roundup — Oct. 29, 2026

NEEPAWA

Neepawa Middle School students raised $17,192 for the Terry Fox Foundation, with its annual fundraising campaign, showing that a little friendly competition and the right incentive can go a long way for a good cause.

It was a massive increase over last year’s amount of $7,752.

This year’s endeavour got underway during the second full week of classes and challenged students to raise money. A large contingent answered the call, as 75 students fundraised in the community and another 105 contributed by buying Terry Fox inspired T-shirts.

For those wishing to have their item listed in upcoming editions, there is now an earlier deadline for publication, so items are needed at least two weeks in advance of the date of your event. Please email to carthur@brandonsun.com.

TODAY (Oct. 22)

• 11:30 a.m. — The United Way Community Fun Lunch (also known as Spaghetti lunch) takes place in the Imperial Ballroom at the Victorian Inn. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch served at noon. Heading back to the ‘80s this year, so dust off your denim, break out the neon and get ready to tease that hair sky high! Play some table activities, connect with friends and coworkers and enjoy an amazing lunch in support of United Way’s 2026 Campaign: Planting Possibilities. Bryan Podworny of Expressions Entertainment will be bringing the ‘80s energy. Rainbow and silent auction as well as 50/50 race. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in advance at support.brandonuw.ca/co.

• Noon — Westman 365 Cancer Care support group meets at noon at the Centre For Hope, located in Western Manitoba Cancer Care (300 McTavish Ave.) Providing information sessions to help cancer patients, caregivers and those who love them, navigate their cancer journey. For more information call Ron at 204-728-9728 or Darlene at 204-761-8570 or Anne, 204-728-9958.

Canadiens have Stanley Cup talent

All of the pre-season prognosticators on TSN and Sportsnet didn’t stray too far when asked for their 2026-27 National Hockey League predictions about the final four and eventual Stanley Cup winner. Most of the talking heads who are insiders and have much more information than the average Joe — or Bruce — gave the championship nod to either Florida, Vegas, Carolina or Colorado.

Not in this space. We’re teetering on a limb and, although my Montreal Canadien friends beg me not to predict it, because I’m usually wrong, it says here that the Habs are going to become the first Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup since 1993.

Sports results rarely go as expected. Remember all the hype about the Blue Jays in 2026 after their run to the World Series in 2025? Well, the Jays finished dead last in the American League East this year, 19 games behind first-place Tampa Bay.

Montreal’s ascension in the NHL standings over the last three years has been remarkable — and steady. In 2023-24, they racked up 76 points (30-36-16). In 2024-25, they improved to 91 points (40-31-11). Last year, they zoomed up to 106 points (48-24-10). The trend is obvious; the Habs are a contender. At the very least, Montreal is the best of Canada’s seven teams.

Rural Roundup for Oct. 22, 2026

NEEPAWA

Following the Oct. 28 Manitoba municipal election, Darryl Gerrard will be acclaimed as Neepawa’s mayor, officially taking over as head of council from Brian Hedley. Gerrard said he understands that the role comes with accountability to the community.

“I feel, I guess, very honoured, but I also feel a heavy weight of responsibility now to make sure that I deliver for the people of Neepawa,” Gerrard said. “I’ve got to roll up my sleeves and make sure I earn that trust.”

Gerrard served on Neepawa council for 11 years. In that time, he worked under several mayors and served in a variety of committee roles, including as chair of the general government and finance.

Disability groups renew call for Public Guardian and Trustee review

Manitoba disability organizations are pressing for an independent investigation into the Public Guardian and Trustee Office, saying adults with intellectual disabilities need greater involvement in decisions about their finances, health care and daily lives.

Eight organizations asked the Manitoba Ombudsman earlier this month to investigate how the office acts as a substitute decision-maker for about 1,275 adults with intellectual disabilities.

The groups say they have raised concerns with senior government officials through letters and meetings since March 2024, but have not seen a commitment to what they consider systemic change.

Leanne Fenez of Abilities Manitoba said the organizations are now asking the Ombudsman to examine the system and recommend changes.

Med students check out Swan River during workshop

University of Manitoba medical students spent the weekend exploring health-care opportunities and rural life in the Swan River Valley.

The students took part in Prairie Mountain Health’s annual Rural Interest Group workshop Oct. 2-4, organized in partnership with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee.

The weekend included hospital and facility tours, clinical skills sessions and community activities aimed at giving students a better understanding of what it is like to live and practise medicine in a rural community.

Students participated in casting and suturing stations led by local physicians Tyler Burnside, David Cazakoff and Leah Koetting. They were assisted by Swan River physician assistant Charnae Betcher and residents Enas Alharethi of Neepawa and Ihuoma Amako of Parkland.

Selkirk middle school changes name to honour Murray Sinclair

SELKIRK — A local middle school now bears the name of one of its most famous alumni.

École Selkirk Junior High was renamed Murray Sinclair Middle School at a ceremony last week.

The late Sinclair, who was a judge, senator and chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, played basketball for the school team, back when it was known as Selkirk Collegiate Institute.

In 1968, he was named male athlete of the year and voted valedictorian. He would go on to dedicate his career to Indigenous justice and human rights in Canada.

For those wishing to have their item listed in upcoming editions, there is now an earlier deadline for publication, so items are needed at least two weeks in advance of the date of your event. Please email to carthur@brandonsun.com.

TODAY (Oct 15)

• 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. — The Haunted Forest at Lucky Break Ranch is back for 2026! Join us this weekend for scares, laughs, pumpkins, family fun and raising money for CancerCare Manitoba, Alzheimer Society of Manitoba and Riverdale Harvest Food Bank. For every food-bank item you donate, you’ll receive a ticket to our draw. Activities also include pumpkin patch and carving; carnival games; outdoor movie; face painting and more. No-scare hours are from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Scare hours from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Admission: adults $8; youth $5; family $20. Also taking place Oct. 23-25.

• 6 p.m. — The Take Back the Night event kicks off with a rally in Princess Park at 6 p.m. with greetings and speakers. March begins at 6:30 pm.. Refreshments in the Mingling Area upon arrival at Brandon University. Shatter the silence. Stop the violence.

It’s been a rocky road for Colorado Rockies

The New York Jets have been terrible in the National Football League over the last 10 years. The Chicago Blackhawks have sullied the team’s long-term reputation with putrid National Hockey League play over the same stretch. But no team has been as bad for so long as Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies.

Professional sports leagues traditionally do what they can to make sure a team doesn’t suffer in the doldrums for too long, thanks to draft rules which benefit the downtrodden. But the Rockies, who have had a top 10 pick in each of the last seven seasons, have somehow failed to pick a superstar or two who might form a nucleus around which to build at least a mediocre team.

Colorado hasn’t had a winning record since 2018, when they finished second in the National League West with 91 wins. Since then, fans at Coors Field in Denver have seen nothing but a succession of depressing seasons — 71 wins and fourth in the NL West in 2019; fourth in the COVID-19 year of 2020; fourth in 2021; last in 2022, with 94 losses; last in 2023 with 103 losses; last in 2024 with 101 losses; an embarrassing last in 2025 with 119 losses; and another last-place finish this year, with 104 losses. No MLB team has suffered through four consecutive 100-plus-loss seasons since the ‘Can’t Anybody Here Play this Game’ New York Mets of 1962-65. The Mets at least had an excuse; they were an expansion team in 1962. Within seven years of existence, though, they won the National League East.

The Rockies’ hitting in 2026 was bad and their pitching was worse. The highest team earned-run average (5.59). The most runs allowed (944). The fewest shutouts (one). The highest batting average allowed (.288, 16 points higher than the runner-up Athletics).