Just weeks before the start of another school year, educational administrators across Manitoba have received a new directive from the province: student cellphone use is to be banned in classrooms.

The airspace over Hespeler Park is about to bring some big thrills for kids enrolled in this year’s adventure camp, hosted by Niverville Recreation. On Tuesday, August 20, a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CC-130H Hercules will circle the sky over the park and drop a parachute team of the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, based out of 17 Wing Winnipeg.

Mere weeks ago, the term “Plan20-50” would have meant nothing of significance to most residents of southeastern Manitoba. Today it has become one of the most controversial subjects possible.

During these hot, dry summer days of August, the RM of Ritchot wants to remind residents to pay heed to their water consumption from now until September 30.

Following the success of its cell phone ban last year, the division scolaire Franco-Manitobaine (DSFM) has decided to take technology restriction one step further. Beginning this fall, teachers in the division’s Kindergarten to Grade Eight schools in Manitoba will restrict classroom screentime to a maximum of one hour per day.

Some friendly competition across the RM of Ritchot is keeping families in the region busy this summer.