Manitoba RCMP are warning the public about an elaborate online phishing scam involving con artists impersonating police officers.
Here’s how the scam works:
• A random text or email is sent to an unsuspecting individual.
• The text or email includes a link that connects to a video conference call with someone claiming to be a police officer.
• If the link is clicked, the fraudster then works to convince the individual they could be arrested unless they help officers by forwarding gift cards or bitcoin. At times, the fraudster may also try to convince the individual they have a warrant for their arrest but can have it removed by sending gift cards or bitcoin.
• In the past two weeks, dozens of individuals have been given the Manitoba RCMP’s general line phone number by fraudsters to convince them they are legitimate.
THIS IS A SCAM.
RCMP will never send people unsolicited texts or links to click on. If you receive such a message, do not click on the link and delete the text immediately. If you did click on the link and/or provided personal details via the fraudulent online meeting, contact your financial institution immediately, report the incident to your local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
There are a number of ways to guard against online approaches from scam artists:
• Don’t click on links or download attachments in unsolicited text messages or emails; • Never send your personal, credit card or banking details in response to unsolicited messages and do not enter those details on any website if you are not certain the site is genuine; and • Always take a moment to verify the source of messages received.
As a reminder, the RCMP will never ask you to:
• Transfer money or make a payment, whether it be cash, credit card, gift cards or bitcoin; • Provide remote access to your computer; or • Provide personal information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, email, address or banking details via text message.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of fraud or cybercrime should report it to their local police service and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, at 1-888-495-8501 or online at reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca.

Feb 24th 9: 15 am
Police were called by a Roblin man saying that he had lost an envelope containing $1,700. He told police that he was severely intoxicated and has no memory of his actions the night before. Police told him there was nothing they could do.
Feb. 25th 12:15 pm
Police were advised of an impaired driver on Russell’s Main Street. The white Ford SUV could not be located.

Read what the RCMP have been up to on page 3 in this week's Russell Banner.

Drew Hickman, daughter of Troy Hickman and Mattie Braden, who lives in Brandon made Team West to go to Manitoba Winter Games held in Thompson. These games have only been hosted in Thompson three times, 1994, 2018 and now in 2026. Drew’s dad Troy had the opportunity to be on the Russell team playing in the 1994 games. His mom Marilyn attended those games with him in 1994 and now has the pleasure to return to cheer on her granddaughter Drew.
“It is such a wonderful experience with lots of new friendships and memories made.” Drew plays for the U13 Female AA Wheat Kings in the Wpg AA League.

Summer Students

Summer Students

Last week, the Russell and District Chamber of Commerce held their AGM in the small meeting room of the Geo. P. Buleziuk Centre.
After a meal catered by Chicken Chef. Feature speakers were Breanne Goraluk and Breanna Johnston from Instil Hope Counseling, who shared powerful insights on the importance of mental health in the workplace. Their message on preventing burnout and supporting healthy wellness practices was impactful, leaving us with practical tools to foster supportive workplace culture.
The new Board was intoduced;
President – Jessica Jamieson
Vice President – Breanne Goraluk
Past President – Becky Flundra
Treasurer – Christine Jones
Director – Amy Tweet
Director - Mark Richards
Director – Breanna Johnston
Director – Starla Thom
Municipality of Russell Binscarth Representative – Mayor Judy Snitynsky
New Chamber members are:
Everyday Steak Cafe
McCauley Travel
Iv’s Rentals
Parkland Psychology & Wellness
Pattison Ag
Russell Tire
Russell Touchless Carwash and Stella’s Florals
A ten year award went to Spruce Grove Service and Southend Auto & Ag
Karma Salon Spa & Boutique was honored as a 15 year member while Russell Flowers Cut and Dried was recognized for their 30 year committment to the chamber. While both Setter Manufacturing and the Optical Image received 35 year membership certificates.
The Russell Inn and the Russell Banner were both recognized as 45 year members.

Pickleball, Badminton and Indoor Walking are still on hold at the GPB Hall as we finish installing the new floor. There is pickleball in Binscarth at the school on Mondays from 7-9 pm! You are welcome to walk indoors at the Russell Memorial Multiplex. We thank you for your patience!
NO Adults & Tots March 4 & 5. It will resume March 11 and 12.
I attended the Manitoba Recreation Conference last week in Winnipeg! There were some very interesting sessions, a few new connections were made, and new ideas are flowing! I feel very fortunate to be able to attend events like this and share what I learn with our communities!
FREE Public Skating every Tuesday AND Thursday from 9:30-10:30 am at the Russell Memorial Multiplex
Zumba is Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30 pm upstairs in the Bunge Room at the Russell Memorial Multiplex, Main St. entrance, $5 drop-in!
The MRB Recreation office will be closed March 3-10 for vacation, (I will have somebody checking messages during that time). Please contact the rec office at (204)821-8285.
SESSION #3 for Gym Kids Starts on March 11/12! Last session until fall 2026! Register now by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A list of classes can be found on our Facebook page: Recreation Department Municipality of Russell Binscarth

The Manitoba government will present the 2026-27 provincial budget on Tuesday, March 24, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.
“This year’s budget is going to have some big-ticket affordability items, which will help you out at the grocery store, with your mortgage bill and your rent payments,” said Sala. “We will also continue investing in health care and staffing up across the system to make sure staff are deployed in the right areas.”
Budget 2026 will include continued investments in health care, along with new measures to lower costs and support Manitoba’s diversified, low-carbon economy in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, the minister noted.
More than 25,000 Manitobans have participated in pre-budget consultations in recent months and are encouraged to visit https://engagemb.ca/budget-2026. The survey is open until March 8.
In addition to the survey, thousands of Manitobans participated in telephone townhalls and in-person public meetings in Winnipeg, Brandon and Gimli. Manitobans can email comments and ideas to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The members of the Russell Figure Skating Club congratulated (back row) coach Lesley Wray, (front right) Julia Wray and Justice Tremblay with gifts in appreciation of representing the club at the upcoming Manitoba Winter Games.
The Manitoba Winter Games will be held in Thompson the first week of March, with skating competitions happening March 4th to 7th.
Their regional based team is named TEAM WEST.
Russell Skating Club is thrilled to announce that we that not one, but three individuals from the club will be involved in Team West at the Games this year!

Read more on page 2 of the March 3rd, 2026, Russell Banner.