Guests of the Easter Bunny

On Friday evening, around 7 p.m., fire broke out in one of the townhomes on Victoria Crescent in Morrisburg.

According to South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services chief Chris McDonough, both the Morrisburg and Williamsburg stations were dispatched to the call.

“Upon fire crews arrival, there were flames and heavy smoke coming from the rear of the home. The crew began an aggressive attack on the kitchen area.”

“The fire crews did a excellent job of extinguishing the fire and ensuring the damage did not spread to the adjoining units on either side,” said McDonough.

He also informed that there were no injuries reported and that damage is estimated at approximately $40,000.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

[…]

On January 12th, a winter storm hit the area with freezing temperatures, freezing rain and, of course, snow.

Students woke up to good news on the 12th: a snow day! Schools remained open, but buses were cancelled.

Unfortunately, Friday the 13th proved to be unlucky for those hoping for another snow day. Despite the freezing rain, snow, and poor driving conditions, buses were not cancelled. 

According to the Upper Canada District School Board’s (UCDSB) website: “the UCDSB strives to ensure the safe transportation of children. Ultimately, each parent has the right and legal obligation to protect their child. You may decide to keep your child at home at any time if you feel that it is too risky to have him/her transported to school.”

By mid-morning on the 13th the storm was still going strong and, according to police reports, “SD&G OPP officers responded to a total of 37 traffic/weather related calls for service. The incidents ranged from vehicles in ditches to property damage collisions. Fortunately, no injuries resulted.”

Flashbacks of 1997’s Ice Storm were front and centre in the minds of many local residents, especially when, at 11:54 a.m. on the 13th, the power went out in Morrisburg, Williamsburg, and areas farther north. Iroquois was not affected.

According to John Walsh, a representative for Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution Inc., “the storm caused trees to come down on the main line that feeds Morrisburg.”

The main line belongs to Hydro One and “they repaired the problem.” Hydro power was up and running by 1:31 p.m.

And, on January 17th, children were gifted with another snow day. As of 9:20 a.m., there was still a freezing rain warning in effect for all parts of South Dundas.

[…]

From 9 a.m. Saturday March 2, until 3 p.m. Sunday March 3, 70 year old Elsie Knight laid outside the back door of her home with a broken leg, unable to move.

She laid there until the keen ears of a 10 year old boy heard her calls for help.

Tyler Barkley, Elsie’s neighbour, heard her calls from his County Road 18 home, which is about 100 meters away.

“I was outside shovelling the ditch, looking for some ice,” said Tyler. “I thought I heard her calling her dog, but then I heard it better. I heard ‘Help me please!’”

Hearing that call for help, Tyler got his dad, Rick. The two listened and heard the calls for help. It was then that Rick went to Elsie’s and found her outside on the ground. 

“My dad threw his coat over her. She was soaked because she was right under the eavestrough,” said Tyler.  

It was Rick who called the ambulance. 

Elsie has slipped while shovelling the snow off the back stoop and broke her leg just above the knee.

Elsie was taken to Ottawa Hospital, but is likely to be moved to Winchester Hospital soon. Tyler is planning to visit Elsie there on Sunday.

Tyler credits his ears with making it possible for his dad to find Elsie. “I hunt,” said Tyler. That hobby has obviously allowed him to develop very strong listening skills.

The whole experience hasn’t changed Tyler at all, according to his dad.

Tyler is not sure what to think of all the attention and of seeing himself on the television news. “We got lots of phone calls,” said Tyler. 

His friends at school thought what he did was pretty cool though.

Tyler is in grade four at St. Mary- St. Cecilia Catholic School in Morrisburg.

[…]