The cause of the June 8 inferno that levelled two connecting New Bothwell hog barns remains a mystery. Though investigations have come to a close, investigators from the Office of the Fire Commissioner are suspicious that electrical issues are to blame.

Bergen Hall, the men’s dormitory at Providence University College in Otterburne, was tragically consumed by flames on Thursday, June 1.

Last month, the Government of Canada announced the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s (EAF) 2017 call for proposals, an opportunity for businesses, community organizations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, school boards, and small municipalities to apply for federal funding to facilitate the hiring of Canadians with disabilities which may prevent them from fully participating in their communities.

Years of anxiety about Niverville’s school overcrowding problems are finally being put to rest. Although the province made it clear a month ago that Niverville was a high priority for a new high school, the official announcement came on June 16 when the Honourable Ian Wishart, Manitoba’s Education and Training Minister, issued a request for proposals from architectural firms, with architects to be interviewed by the end of June.

Niverville’s town council has a plan to deal with the shortfall of water from its Spruce Drive water treatment plant. As previously reported, a new wellfield has been identified in the RM of Hanover, to the east of Highway 59, and a pipeline will have to be constructed to connect that well to Niverville’s water system.

In today’s world, having a good grasp on geography is becoming increasingly important. Douglas Richardson, executive director of the Association of American Geographers, says that geographic knowledge is essential for survival in our rapidly globalizing world. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society recognizes that too and sets out to provide an educational basis by which young Canadians can build on their knowledge.