The weather in southeast Manitoba has continued to be warm and dry since the snow disappeared several weeks ago, and in that time many local municipalities have enacted fire bans. This week, the RM of Ritchot and RM of Hanover were the latest to take this step.

Early in the morning of Thursday, April 8, a fire broke out at a 12-unit condo building at 139 First Street South in Niverville. The Niverville Fire Department responded and can confirm that all residents of the structure were able to get out of the building without incident.

Despite some uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Whitetail Meadow Spring Market is still on the books. As of this writing, unless public health orders substantially change, the event will kick off on Sunday, May 2 at Whitetail Meadow, located at the corner of Highways 311 and 200.

Starting today, April 1, Niverville Service to Seniors is partnering with Bistro 290 to provide low-cost meals for seniors, Monday through Friday. Meals will cost $7 for a healthy, freshly prepared hot lunch delivered to Niverville’s many senior residents by local volunteers.

The RM of Ritchot has introduced some new lawn-watering restrictions that will be in effect throughout the summer. These measures will be place from May 31 until September 30.

On March 15, the provincial government released its proposed new strategy for Kindergarten to Grade 12 education, under the Education Modernization Act, also known as Bill 64. The province has said that the changes will remove top-heavy administration in order to shift $40 million in funding and resources to the classroom while giving parents and guardians more input.