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News

State-of-the-art OPP Forensic Services Facility opens in Long Sault

Forensics is a part of policing that was once relegated to the basements, garages and back rooms of stations across the province.

That is no longer the case.

April 17, a newly constructed 13,510 building was officially opened at Long Sault. This is the last of 13 forensic services facilities that have been constructed across the province. The new local facility, is a stand-alone building located across the street from the Long Sault OPP detachment.

On hand for the official opening ceremony were the OPP’s top cops, including OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis. The 100 invited guests included area dignitaries, media and retired members of the Ontario Provincial Police force.

“The proper collection, analysis and storage of physical evidence is essential to solving modern crime and keeping dangerous offenders off the street,” said Lewis.

OPP Forensic Identification Services are responsible for collecting physical evidence at crime scenes and storing it until trial.

Advances in forensics and its importance in prosecuting offenders now have the units operating in new buildings with advanced tools to analyze evidence and solve crimes. 

The building includes a lab area with three biohazard suites which are used to keep evidence related to the crime scene, the victim and the suspect separate.

A chemical room, photo studio, multimedia room, multi-function storage room are also included in the building. 

A bloodstain room provides space for investigators to conduct bloodstain pattern analysis. 

Most impressed by the new facility were the retired officers who remember the ‘old days of forensics’.

“You guys remember the days when body parts were stored in the same fridge as your lunch,” said Lewis to a crowd of retired officers nodding in agreement.

The Forensics unit at Long Sault is staffed by four constables and one sergeant. It is shared with the Belleville and Perth units.

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Obituaries

Grietje Buter

Grietje Buter passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 15, 2013, at the age of 90. 

A former Williamsburg resudent, Grietje (nee Meems), was the beloved wife of the late Hemmo Buter.

She was loving mother of Jane (Hank) Luimes of Winchester, Ralph (Anna) of Morrisburg, Martha Lee of Rocky Mountain House, AB, Andy (Diane) of Williamsburg, Hank of Williamsburg, and Ann (Hans) Schroer of Kemptville.  

She will be fondly remembered by 15 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

Grietje was predeceased by her grandson Cory Lee, her daughter-in-law Janice Buter and brothers Hendrik, Jaap, Willem, Christiaan, and Roelof.  

She is survived by sisters-in-law Roelie Meems, Ellie Van Beilen, and Sjoukje Buter and nieces and nephews. 

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday, April 19 from 6-9 p.m.   

Funeral Service was held at Williamsburg Christian Reformed Church on Saturday, April 20 at 11 a.m. with Rev. John Noordhof and Rev. John Roke officiating.  Interment at New Union Cemetery.   

Her pallbearers were her granddaughters Johanna Luimes, Lisa VerBruggen, Kelly Buter, Jennifer Buter, Natasha Hodge, and Liane Buter.   Honourary bearers were Angela Marquis and Jessica Tensen.   

Donations to Timothy Christian School or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

 

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Obituaries

John William Merkley

John Williams Merkley passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital, on Friday, April 19, 2013. He was 89 years old.

John was born in Matilda Township on June 22, 1923, to Henry Merkley and the former Jesse Shaver.  

During his 89 years of life, John worked in the logging industry, helped in the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway,  and drove for Caldwell Linen Mill. He also did mechanical work in various garages, some of this while farming near Iroquois.  

Between all that he married his beloved wife Pearl Keeler, October 4, 1958, in Smith Falls. After retiring John and Pearl built a new home at Pages Corners near Williamsburg, where they lived for the past 36 years.

During their 48 years of marriage John and Pearl snowmobiled and travelled across Canada,  and vacationed in Jamaica which became his favorite pastimes. John also enjoyed reading, solving puzzles and playing solitaire. 

John is survived by his sister Allie McKee of Iroquois and his sister-in-law Ann and her husband John Hamiaux of RR1 Morrisburg. 

John will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and many friends 

John was predeceased by his wife of 48 years Pearl, his parents Henry and Jesse and his sisters Mary Pritchard, Jean LaVallee and Lois Champagne.  

Friends called at the Marsden McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  

Funeral service was conducted at the funeral home on Monday, April 22, 2013, by Rev Janet Evans. Spring interment will be at Spruce Haven Cemetery in Brinston.  

Pallbearers were John Hamiaux, Jeff Hammiaux, Francis Lapier, Mitchell Lapier, Dennis McKee, Devin Swank, Scott Keeler and Adam Hill.  

Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. Donations to the Winchester Hospital or the Ontario Heart & stroke Foundation were gratefully acknowledged by the family.

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Obituaries

Mary “Heather” McIntosh

A resident of the Park Drive Villa in Williamsburg, for the past six years, Heather McIntosh passed away at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2013. She was 88.

Heather was born in Vancouver, B.C. on March 15, 1925, to her parents William and Gladys Hetherington (nee Horne).   Mary moved with her family to Deseronto, Ontario, when she was two years old, to live with her grandparents. 

At age 11, she moved to Malartic, Quebec, where her father had opened the mines, and remarried, Florence Platt of Boston. 

After finishing her elementary school education in a log cabin, Mary attended Ontario Ladies College in Whitby, Ontario for her secondary school years. There she made many close friends with her classmates who were there, from Britain, during the war. 

She was very active in her school and was elected Head Girl in her senior year. Upon graduation, she chose to attend Ottawa Civic Hospital for her nurse’s training. 

It was here that she was ‘nicknamed Heather’ and it stuck when her classmate Betty Hamilton introduced her to Glenn McIntosh.

Sixty-five years ago Heather married Glenn on June 12, 1948 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. They lived in Ottawa until moving to Williamsburg in 1951. 

Heather and Glenn had three children who were born into the very large extended McIntosh family. Glenn’s siblings and cousins were very close, and Heather was welcomed into the clan. 

In addition, Heather and Glenn had many close friends with whom they bowled, cross country skied, and played cards with, and enjoyed going to dances. 

Once settled in Williamsburg, Heather worked as a specialty nurse at Winchester Hospital, and then for Dr. Rosenquist in Williamsburg, before finishing her career at the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic in the early 1970s. 

Though Mary ‘Heather’ moved many times throughout her early years, she made many good friends along the way, and stayed in contact with her extended family and friends from coast to coast, and overseas to Britain, through her avid letter writing. Her desire to keep in touch with distant family and friends, often served as good reasons for travel on many vacations. 

Heather volunteered at the Villa Seniors Residence and loved to quilt at the church, work with her craft group and have lunch at the Basket Case followed by performances at the Upper Canada Playhouse 

Heather loved to watch her grandsons play with her cat Bob, build with Lego, and she even tried to play Garage Band on the iPad with them.  

Heather is survived by her children Tim of Coquitlam, B.C., John of Iroquois and Mary Ann McIntosh (Robert Scott) of Mount Albert.  Heather will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Joshua McIntosh, Spencer Scott, Quinn Scott and Gilly Scott. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

Heather was predeceased by her husband Glenn and her brothers Bill and Pat Hetherington.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service was held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Williamsburg, on Thursday, April 18th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Norine Gullons officiating.  

Interment of cremated remains followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg. 

Pallbearers were Gordon Garlough, Bruce Garlough, Maynard Richmire and David McIntosh.  Honorary pallbearer was Brian McIntosh.  

Donations to Winchester Hospital or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

 

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Opinion

Perspectives by Rev. Sue McCullough

A Week of Sadness–Thank God for Prayer

This past Friday evening I was sitting in the kitchen having a cup of tea when it occurred to me that the week had been one of great sadness.

Who can explain the actions of the people responsible for the deaths and injuries that happened when two bombs exploded in Boston during the running of the annual marathon? Our lament of “Why?” can be heard around the world with no answer coming – at least not as soon as we would like. 

Yet through the tears and the pain we are called, by Jesus, to pray for those responsible and their families just as we are called to pray for the families of the people who died and who were injured. That is definitely not an easy thing for us to do.

That was Monday. Then there was Tuesday. 

Ironically, I was in Winchester when I heard the news of George Beverly Shea’s death. When I first moved into the area, many people told me about Winchester being the birthplace of George Beverly Shea with great pride. You can imagine the looks that I received when I asked “Who’s George Beverly Shea?” I was not long in finding out! 

A man of great faith; a man with a gentle soul; a man with a powerful voice that brought joy to the hearts of so very many people throughout the world – that was George Beverly Shea. The people of not only Winchester, but all of Dundas County claim him as their own. He will be missed and we pray for his family and friends as they mourn their loss.

On the drive home from Winchester I was listening to the radio and heard the report of the untimely death of Rita MacNeil. One of Canada’s rare gems, Ms. MacNeil sang her way into the hearts of many of us. 

She was a woman of faith. Her music came from the very core of her being and you could tell that about her.

I had the privilege of seeing Rita in concert in Kitchener several years ago, and I left the concert smiling, refreshed and ready to meet whatever came next – not something that happens regularly, I think. I know that I am truly saddened by her death as are the people of Cape Breton. Rita, too, will be sorely missed and we pray for her family and friends as they grieve.

And then there was Wednesday.

You never know when your world will rock. The people of the small community of West, Texas had theirs rock when a fertilizer plant exploded after a fire had started. The numbers of casualties from that horrible event numbers in the hundreds. The loss of life is staggering, not to mention the injuries sustained by people who live near the plant. People’s lives have been overturned in so many ways and yet they speak of when they will go back to their homes and do what they can to get their lives back to some sense of normal, grieving their dead and praying for the injured. 

We, too, pray for that community as the people struggle to come to terms with such an overwhelming disaster.

“Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord. And let light perpetual shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”

I wonder what next week will bring.

Blessings,

Sue+

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish of Morrisburg, Iroquois & Riverside Heights

 

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Sports

Minor hockey game sheet shows good year

Jeff van Moorsel was returned as South Dundas Minor Hockey president at the organization’s annual general meeting held at the Morrisburg Golf Club, Monday night. 

“We had a very good year,” van Moorsel told the handful of interested parents who attended this year’s meeting. 

“We had two teams win an Upper Canada Championship and another two teams win their east or west division. For a small association, when you have two championship teams and two runners-up, then you have done very well.”

“We had very good coaching, and not many complaints. They are all volunteers, and I think they did a great job.”

“I go to all the meetings and I hear complaints about refereeing, but I never hear any complaints about the South Dundas referees. They are doing a good job.”

van Moorsel reported the association had a good year financially, his statement backed by treasurer Pam Mullin’s  report later in the meeting. 

He explained that after breaking even for a couple of years and losing money last year, the association is in the black this year. This he said was mainly because the association used 48 less hours of ice time this year.

“There are several factors for this, but mainly it depends on the ice time required for playoffs. Hours are also affected by how Christmas falls, and how many events the Figure Skating Club hosts.”

van Moorsel took the time to say good bye and thank you to several out going executive members. They included Ice Scheduler Steve Martineau (four years service), Secretary Andrea Cartier (eight years) and Equipment manager Rob Perry (two years).

“This executive has done a great job,” said van Moorsel. “It was a pretty easy job this year, and you have all been a good group to work with.”

Of major interest was Pam Mullin’s financial report which shows the association ending the season with a net income of $10,554. 

“We have ended up in a very positive position,” said Mullin.

Because of the good year, Mullin reported that the board of directors had decided there would not be a fee increase for the 2013/14 season. 

“We have $4,400 cash on hand, and we have $30,000 again in GICs. Our goal now is to keep the numbers (players) consistent.”

Mullin suggested that to do so, the association could look at a more pro-active enlistment of players, try to keep the girls on teams longer before they move to all girl leagues and to continue to keep the Initiation fees low to attract the younger children.

“It is nice to keep a safety net so that when we have a year when expenses are higher, we don’t have to raise our fees,” said Mullin of the $30,000 in GICs.

This year’s registration fees brought in $82,613, while fund raising contributed another $43,110. The largest portion of the fund raising money, $40,800, came from the Lottery Draw. 

The major expense was Ice Rental at $78,024, which, with about 50 fewer hours used, was down from the previous season that came in at $83,035. Referee cost was the next biggest expenditure at $16,007. Insurance costs were $6,588 and league fees accounted for $3,433.

Total revenues were $127,597 while total expenses were $117,043.

The average program cost per participant this year was $567.57. There were 204 registrations. A total of 725.5 ice time hours were used compared to 773.5 used the year previous.

Various reports were given including that of registration, which this year was co-handled by Tanya Domanko and Cassandra Barry.

Domanko reported that for the coming season there would be no online registration. “We need to have it done in person,” she said. “Hopefully, we will be able to get all of the information correct. We will give everyone their draw tickets at registration and the ticket numbers will be recorded.”

Domanko indicated registrations have been set up at the arena for Saturday, May 14 (10 a.m. until noon) and Wednesday, May 8 (6-7:30 p.m.) For added convenience a minor hockey registration will be held at the Iroquois soccer fields on Saturday, June 1.

After various reports were given, three amendments were made to the South Dundas Minor Hockey Constitution. The first officially standardized the Association’s Lions logo; the second dissolved the board of directors position of Trophies, Awards and Tournament and moved those duties to that of the 1st Vice-President; the third created the position of Electronic Communications Coordinator.

The two changes to the board kept the voting directors at a total of 14.

The final item of the meeting was the election of the 2013-14 Board of Directors. 

van Moorsel remained as President, Mike Domanko is 1st Vice-President-Awards & Tournament Coordinator, Jamie Smith is 2nd Vice-President–Risk Management and Gary Hart remains Past-President.  Johanna Kronstal replaced Andrea Cartier as Secretary and Pam Mullin remained Treasurer. Tanya Domanko is  Registrar and Cassandra Barry took on the position of Electronic Communications Coordinator.

David Lapier remained Rules and Discipline Chair, and Bruce Mullin remained Coaching/Development Co-ordinator. John Connors was elected Equipment Manager, and Jason Broad was elected Ice Scheduler to replace Steve Martineau. Lisa Schwerdtfeger became Referee In Chief and Joanne Backes was elected Fundraising Co-ordinator.

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News

Pondering a new name for an old high school

The building that has long been called ‘The Old High School’ or the former Morrisburg Collegiate Institute is going to need a new name.

“It would be appropriate for that building to have a name,” said South Dundas CAO Stephen McDonald at the April 16, South Dundas council meeting.

He asked council to give some consideration to potential names and provide them to South Dundas staff. “We are open to suggestions,” he told council.

According to McDonald, staff have discussed ideas about a new name for the building currently undergoing a $4 million renovation that will bring South Dundas administration, the St. Lawrence Medical Clinic’s Morrisburg location and the Morrisburg library branch together under the same roof.

Staff have been kicking around the idea of trying to incorporate the Morrisburg Collegiate Institute initials into the new name. Early suggestions have included Medical and Community Integrated Facility or Medical and Civic Integrated Facility.

After council input is provided to staff, a report will be prepared for discussion at a future council meeting.

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Obituaries

Everett Levere

 

A resident of the Wellington House Nursing Home in Prescott for 1.5 weeks,  Everett Levere passed away there on Sunday, April 7, 2013. He was 88.

Everett was born in Edwardsburg Township on September 30, 1924, to his parents Bernie and Grace Levere (nee Lewis). He lived in several  communities throughout his lifetime including Hanesville, Newcastle, Elgin, Golden Lake, and Morrisburg.

In addition to being a dairy and beef farmer, Everett worked as an equipment operator at Cruickshank Construction, the Township of Edwardsburg and Laflamme Construction.   

He will be remembered by his family for his strong work ethic and his willingness to help anyone in need.     

Everett is survived by his children Karen (Shawn) 0’Connor of Vancouver, Roger (Debbie) of Iroquois and Gary (Lorrie) of Morrisburg.  

Everett will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Charles, James, Tanya, Rebecca, Cory, Amanda, Ryan, Ashley, Mitchell, Curtis, Taycie, Kaitlyn, Brittany and several great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews.   

He was predeceased by his wife Edna Lewis, his daughter Sharon Barkley, his sons Allen, Earl and Steve, his sisters Evelyn Bellinger and Dorothy Duffy and his brothers Hilliard and Alton Levere.   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Iroquois, on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until time of the service at 1 p.m. The service was conducted by Rev. Marcel Charrette.  Interment followed at Hanesville Cemetery.  

Pallbearers were Curtis Levere, Chuck Levere, Jim Levere, Bill Jollota, Francis Jollota and Roy Barkley. 

Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

 

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Obituaries

James Richardson

 

A lifetime resident of the area, James Richardson passed away at the Carefor Hospice in Cornwall on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, following a brief illness. He was 77.

James was born in Lancaster on March 10, 1936, to his parents James and Jenny Richardson (nee Trickey).   On December 4, 1953, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Morrisburg, he married Beatrice Richmire and together they had two daughters Debbie and Kathy. 

James was well known throughout the community.  He worked at Upper Canada Village for a number of years, and he drove dump truck for several local companies through his lifetime including; Alfred Link, Lee Shaver, Barry Forbes and Redmond Sand and Gravel.  

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who loved to spend time with his family.  He enjoyed baking, fishing and working on old vehicles.  

James is survived by his daughters Debbie (Terry) Woods of R.R.# 3 Williamsburg and Kathy Markell (Menno Helder) of Riverside Heights and his brother John Richardson of Cornwall.  

James will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Tim (Jennifer) Richardson, Calvin (Carolyn) Markell, Pam (Chris) Bullard; by great-grandchildren Tanesha, Jocelyn, Brittany, Haley, Cameron, Paige; and great- great-grandchildren Bryson and Bentley. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.    

He was predeceased by his wife Beatrice, his son-in-law Charlie Markell, his brother Herb and his sisters Pearl, Christine, Nellie and Elizabeth.    

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  Funeral service was held at the funeral home on Saturday, April 13th at 1 p.m., with Rev. Clarence Witten officiating.  

Interment followed at New Union Cemetery, Williamsburg.  Pallbearers were Calvin Markell, Bill Markell, Matt Richardson, Jim Hess, Chris Bullard and Menno Helder. 

Donations to Carefor Hospice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com. 

 

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Obituaries

Lorna Marcellus

 

A resident of the Woodland Villa in Long Sault for the past three years, Lorna Marcellus passed away there on Tuesday, April 9 , 2013.  She was 84.

Lorna was born in Aultsville, on August 24, 1928, to her parents Edward and Alice Canough (nee Gillard). 

On July 2, 1947, at Aultsville, she married Dale Marcellus and together they had one daughter Dianna.

Lorna’s 35 year teaching career began in Avonmore at a one room school house while she boarded near by.  Upon marrying Dale, she moved to his home farm.  

The local schools of Archer, Hosaic and Cass Bridge kept Lorna occupied until she moved farther afield to Leeds and Grenville.  While working for that school board, she occupied the positions of teacher, vice-principal and principal.

Lorna returned to SD&G and shortened her commute considerably while teaching at Elma. She completed her career at Maple Ridge Senior Public School.  

Lorna also contributed voluntarily to curriculum writing committees and the team for teachers’ contract negotiations.

Through the years, Lorna also worked on the farm milking, haying, drawing chickens, gardening, preserving and cooking dinners for the extended family. 

She could not be matched when it came to preparing holiday meals at the farm, or cottage.  No meal was ready for consumption unless there was a favourite dish included for everyone in attendance.  Dessert consisted of squares, cakes and pies all made by her hand.  

Retirement brought the cottage at Graham Lake where the smaller kitchen had no effect upon the volume and variety of food available.

After selling the farm, Lorna and Dale moved to an apartment on Rae Road, then to the Hartford.  Lorna later moved by herself to Woodland Villa.

Lorna is survived by her daughter Dianna (Jim) Moffat of R.R.# 2 Ingleside; her siblings Lenora Salmon of Ingleside, Rita Canough of R.R.# 3 Ingleside and Shirley (John) Fawcett of Ingleside; by her sister-in-law Dallas Canough of Graham Lake. 

Lorna will be fondly remembered by grandchildren Maeghan (Nathaniel) Miller, Gregor Moffat (Mary Proudfoot) and  great-grandchildren Alexander Moffat, Nicholas Moffat, Rey Miller and Janie Miller. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her husband Dale, her brother David Canough and her brother-in-law Lorne Salmon.   

Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 7-10 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. The service was conducted by Rev. Steven Silverthorne.  Spring interment of cremated remains will be at Maple Ridge Cemetery, Chesterville.  

Donations to Christ Church in Long Sault would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.  Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.

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