News

 

 It was supposed to be an ordinary Sunday afternoon, July 14.

“We’d just come home from playing golf,” said Walter Reid of Bridlewood Crescent in Iroquois. “I’d noticed that the brakes on my golf cart seemed to be sticking, so I thought I would fix them. While Lyse (partner Lyse Scharfe) made lunch, I put the front of the cart up on a block so  could get underneath to spray the brakes with oil.”

This is the point that an ordinary day turned into a very frightening one for Walter, Lyse and their neighbours Mike and Donna Zeron and Kirk Hunter and Tracey Beckstead-Hunter. 

As Walter lay under the 1,000 pound golf cart, “I reached for something and accidentally hit the accelerator from underneath: the cart suddenly came off the block and ran over me.”

Walter said that, had the machine not somehow caught his arm and rolled him over on his stomach, the full 1,000 pounds would have come straight down on his chest, crushing it immediately. As it was, he was pressed face down, deep into the dirt,  tightly jammed there, unable to speak or move, in terrible pain and slowly being smothered.

Lyse called him from the house, and when he did not answer, she came out. 

“I started screaming right away,” she recalled. “I could not shift the cart at all, and Walter was turning blue.”

Still screaming, she ran next door to the Zeron home, “and burst through their front door.”

Mike Zeron immediately raced over, but he too, could not shift the cart alone. 

“I remembered seeing Kirk (Hunter) out cutting his grass down the street,” Mike said. He leaped into his truck, flew down the street and yelled at Kirk to get in immediately.

“I didn’t completely know what had happened,” Kirk recalled much later. “But I got in right away. Mike drove me to Walter’s so fast I thought we’d go through the garage.”

Donna Zeron and Tracey Beckstead-Hunter, both of whom have taken first aid courses and know CPR, also rushed to the scene. 

“By now,” Walter said quietly, “I was in a really bad way. I remember heavy, heavy pain. Suddenly I know I saw bright lights, and then the pain just stopped. I think now, that for a minute, I might have actually passed away.” 

His condition terrified his rescuers. Walter, they say, was blue down to his shoulders. “His lips and ears were blackish purple, like he’d had a severe beating. We were really afraid he was gone,” Mike recalled.

Zeron and Hunter, with strength they didn’t know they possessed, flat lifted the golf cart off Walter, actually suspending it in air for nearly four minutes while the women grabbed Walter’s legs and dragged him to safety.

Donna immediately started CPR compressions. Suddenly, they heard Walter gasp, and then he began to choke.

“I heard Donna say he’s got a pulse,” Tracey said. “When he began to choke, I said get him into the recovery position. We immediately began talking to him, reassuring him, trying to keep him conscious. He was moaning and couldn’t form words at first.”

At that point, the Iroquois Emergency Fire Rescue vehicle pulled into the Reid driveway, responding quickly to Lyse’s 911 call. “I heard Walter suddenly ask for his phone,” said Mike Zeron, smiling now. “That’s when I began to think maybe everything was going to be alright.”

Trevor Riopelle, Andre Menges, Bill Ewing and Rick Cogdale of the South Dundas Fire Emergency Services “knew just what to do,” said Lyse. 

“What a huge relief it was to see them arrive. They set up oxygen, put on a neck brace and started alert tests.”

Gord and Cheryl Barton, who had just been passing by, also stopped and promptly looked after all the Zeron and Hunter children during the emergency. 

Walter was ultimately transported to the Ottawa Civic Hospital, which has a trauma centre. He suffered three broken ribs and bruising. 

He and Lyse are certain that he would not be alive today had his friends and neighbours not responded so fully to the crisis.

“I can’t thank everybody enough for what they did for me,” Walter Reid said. “They absolutely saved my life. I really wanted to recognize these good neighbours for their quick thinking and for helping me when I was in trouble.”

Incidentally, Walter says that “from now on, I will definitely not be fixing my golf cart myself.” 

[…]

 

Sherry-Lynn Harbers says she likes working outdoors, and she likes working with seniors. So when the opportunity presented itself to return to her summer job for a second year, it wasn’t a tough decision.

Harbers, 20, is employed by the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg, as a helping hand to seniors living throughout South Dundas.

She quite simply, does the various summertime jobs that seniors living in their homes or apartments might have a difficult time getting done.  These summertime chores include lawn mowing, planting of beds and gardens, weeding and cleaning and minor maintenance around the home, both inside and out.

“One of the hardest things I have had to do was cut out pieces of sod and move them to an old garden area. It was a lot of work,” says Sherry of the summer job she truly loves.

“Generally, I do a lot of lawn mowing, which has been difficult to keep scheduled this year because of the rain. But, I also weed beds, wash windows and even help clean decks.”

The Leader caught up to Sherry-Lynn recently, at the home of Earl and Sheila Hummell in Morrisburg. While Sherry-Lynn was busy mowing the lawn, Sheila pointed out how valuable her help has been this summer, their first time involved with the program.

“Our riding lawn mower quit. I’ve tried to cut it, and my husband has tried but we can’t do it. It’s wonderful to have Sherry-Lynn help us out. She does just about anything you ask her to do. One day she helped me clean the deck. She has a really nice personality. She is always friendly and always smiling. We have really lucked out with this.”

The Hummells have Sherry-Lynn booked for two hours on Thursdays, and Sherry-Lynn explains that some of her seniors may have her only once all summer for a special project, some appointments are for an hour or two every couple of weeks and some are on a weekly basis.

Now preparing to head into her third year at Brock University where she is studying Recreation and Leisure, Sherry-Lynn says she hopes to work in a recreation program in a senior facility or perhaps in a sports complex setting.

She says she is quite busy and has a list of some 40 to 50 seniors she will work for over the summer. 

Clients pay an hourly rate and Sherry-Lynn is employed by the Senior Support Centre. She puts in a very full 35 hour week, and covers all of South Dundas. She is available until August 23.

In addition to the outdoor gardening work, seniors can find themselves in need of some help indoors. “I might clean their windows, or I might go into their home once a week and help them to clean out a cupboard or two. They often can’t reach the higher cupboards or lift the heavier things. Some have arthritis which prevents them from doing things.”

Seniors who are interested in having Sherry-Lynn help out around their homes can call the J.W. MacIntosh Seniors’ Support Centre in Williamsburg at 613-535-2924.

Now in her second year of employment with the centre, Sherry-Lynn says she has enjoyed the work and the people she has met. “They really appreciate what I do, so they are always nice.”

The summertime student position is partially funded by a government grant, donations and by the charge assessed to the clients. 

[…]

 

Police and the Ontario Fire Marshals Office are investigating the cause of a July 21 fire that destroyed a camper trailer and damaged an adjacent home.

At 2:47 a.m. a tenant woke up to a fire at the side of his house located at 13027 Froats Road. 

The tenant reported the fire to emergency officials.

South Dundas firefighters from the Williamsburg station attended the scene. 

They quickly extinguished the flames that were burning in a makeshift wooden box. 

“Looking further, it was observed that a camper trailer, adjacent to the house was completely destroyed by fire,” said Chris McDonough, Fire Chief for South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services. 

“Exposures from the fire had melted the siding and facia down to the wood framing,” he added. 

Nearby lawn tractors and equipment were damaged as well.

Crews remained on scene until 4:19 a.m. No injuries were reported.

Fire Chief McDonough estimated damage at approximately $2,500.

[…]

 

A vacant house at 10873 Seibert Road was completely destroyed by fire July 21.

The call came in at 11:30 a.m. Firefighters from the Iroquois station attended the scene.

“Upon arrival, the building was fully consumed and the structure was down,” said Chris McDonough, fire chief for South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services.

“The amount of garbage and combustible debris that people have been disposing at this location made it very difficult for fire crews to access and extinguish the fire,” he explained.

An excavator was called in to remove excess debris to allow firefighters to ensure that the fire was completely out.

Crews cleared the scene around 3 a.m. and no injuries were reported.

[…]

 

Eleven-year-olds from Iroquois Public School and Morrisburg Public School will be the first students to get a chance to participate in a new pilot program that will get kids out on the golf course, with mentors, to learn the game of golf and the important life skills inherent in the game.

The pilot program, Stay on Course, was the idea of OPP Constable Pete Robertson, who is the local media relations officer and an integral part of the Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers Program.

OPP and the Upper Canada District School Board have teamed up with the Iroquois and Morrisburg Golf Courses, Archies Driving Range and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Community Futures Development Corporation to make this program possible.

“Stay On Course is a pilot program structured to present a quality curriculum that teaches students values such as integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf,” said Frank McDonald, Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers board chair, at the Iroquois Golf Course July 17, where the program and funding announcements regarding the program were made during the Seaway Valley Crimestoppers annual fundraising golf tournament.

“In addition to learning fundamentals of the golf swing and the game, this program will instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices which will help young people, starting at the age of 11 prepare for success in life,” said McDonald.

This program will not only allow Crime Stoppers and the OPP the opportunity to be more proactive in the community, it will allow them to form meaningful connections with this community’s youth. “All of the hard work that goes into this will pay off,” said McDonald.

“We are pleased to be a partner in this program,” said Dave Thomas, director of education with the Upper Canada District School Board, speaking about the benefits of the skills children learn while they are at play.

“We are really pleased for the federal government to invest in our youth for a better future,” said MP Guy Lauzon. The SD&G CFDC, which is funded by the federal government, through the Eastern Ontario Development Fund, has contributed $30,000 to Seaway Valley Crime Stoppers to support the new Stay On Course program. “The Government of Canada recognizes the important role that not for profit community based organizations play in strengthening our rural communities. We want our children to be active, healthy and have fun while participating in sports and physical activity.”

“This program will be a real asset to the community,” said South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds. “It will provide a great foundation for those who don’t often get the opportunity.”

“It is great to see this program for youth that will help before it’s too late,” said Dennis Fife, chair of the SD&G Police Services Board.

Although the full details of the program are still being ironed out, it is known that the program will be free, it will be organized through the schools and all of the necessary equipment for participation will be provided.

[…]

 

Take a ride back in time on one of Upper Canada Village’s elegant, vintage carriages which will be on display Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Looking for speed?  Test ride a spider phaeton or a surrey.  

Interested in something romantic?  Definitely try the vis-à-vis or democrat.  

Or, close your eyes and imagine you are one of the Province’s early settlers travelling via stagecoach on the King’s Highway.  

This weekend event is a once in a season opportunity to get up close to Upper Canada Village’s extensive collection of 19th century vehicles, some rare and unusual and not often seen on site altogether. 

Starting at 11:00 a.m. a parade featuring the diverse collection of horse-drawn carriages will travel through the Village.  

Guests will be able to sit in the carriages or take a ride from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and learn about these seldom seen historic vehicles.

Visitors can stop by the Blacksmith Shop and see a wheel wright demonstration and the specialized tools of this trade and drop in and chat with the Cabinetmaker about the work done to repair and restore Upper Canada Village’s historic carriages.  New this year is a special display in the Discovery Centre showcasing popular vehicles manufactured by the McLaughlin Carriage Company.

While a number of notable 19th century vehicles will be on display, one not-to-be-missed is The Barouche, said to have been driven by Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir. John A. Macdonald.  The Doctor’s Gig both the original and a unique historical reproduction made by Upper Canada Village’s talented artisans will also be showcased.  Other vehicles will include P.T. Barnum’s Band wagon, a racing sulky and many more.

Visitors can enter a draw to win a chance to ‘Ride in Style’ in a Pommier Carriage (a $90 value) during the 2013 Alight at Night Festival.  Entries can be dropped off in the Discovery Centre.

The newly renovated Village Store carries one-of-a-kind artisan-made tinware, woollen blankets, homemade Village fudge, cheddar cheese made right on site in the Union Cheese Factory, flour milled at Bellamy’s Steam Flour Mills and fresh baked bread from The Bakery.  The bread is delivered to the store twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., but sells out quickly!  

The Village Store also has a great selection of souvenirs, a Candy Shoppe and items made by local craftspeople.  

The Café located adjacent to the store serves specialty coffees and teas, baked goods including croissants, croissant sandwiches and other tasty treats.

Riding in Style ticket prices are Adult (13 to 64 years of age) $17, Senior (65+ years of age) $14 and Youth (6 to 12 years of age) $14.  Children 5 years of age and under are free.  For more information, call 1-800-437-2233 (613-543-4328 locally) or buy tickets online at www.uppercanadavillage.com. 

[…]

 

South Dundas council is not willing to declare this municipality as ‘not a willing host’ to industrial wind turbine projects.

A year and a half ago, South Dundas was asked to consider the designation, but the request was shelved at that time, as it did not have sufficient council support to even bring the resolution to the table. 

A couple of months ago, the South Branch Wind Opposition Group again asked South Dundas council to pass a resolution to declare South Dundas as ‘not a willing host.’

Finally, at the July 16 council meeting, the proposed motion from the  SBWOG made it to the table, only to be defeated.

South Dundas councillor Evonne Delegarde brought the motion forward, “We’ve been sitting on this request a couple of years. I think we should deal with it,” she said.

South Dundas deputy mayor Jim Locke seconded the motion.

“I’m only seconding it to get it to the table,” said Locke.

Once put to a vote, Locke voted against the motion. 

“I do not support the resolution and a will not support or deny any potential future project until the time comes,” said Locke.

“In my view, the South Branch wind project is already going ahead. I think council will be in a better position to understand the pros and cons of wind farms after is project is completed.

“We won’t stop the South Branch wind project. I’d rather work with them than fight with them,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds, who also opposed the resolution. “Will find out within a year what these things are all about,” he said, and added, “The province approved this project, so if there are problems, the province will have to deal with those problems.

South Dundas councillor Jim Graham stated that he would not second the motion, nor support the resolution because he of his strong opinions about the Green Energy Act.

“My problem is with the Green Energy Act. I don’t agree with it. I think the Ontario government should pull back on all of this. It’s almost criminal what they are doing to the taxpayers of this province,” said Graham.

“This resolution is moot. It’s a waste of our time.”

The motion was defeated.

South Dundas councillor Archie Mellan did not vote on it as he had declared conflict of interest.

Leslie Disheau, president of the South Branch Wind Opposition Group, released a  statement regarding council’s decision, saying she was not surprised by the outcome. She does not believe working out any potential issues that may arise with the wind developer is a viable option. “Council should have read the complaint process written on this wind project, and read the documentation given to them on how flawed the complaint process is in this province. I’m not sure how they think there is a different process for our area,” said Disheau.

[…]

 

It’s not even finished yet, but the new Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant is already getting an addition.

A year ago, South Dundas council decided that the sequencing batch reactor tanks at the new waste water treatment plant in Iroquois would be covered with fibre reinforced plastic, rather than be located within a building, because they believed that was the most cost effective option. 

Now, a year later, they have changed their minds.

At the July 16, council meeting South Dundas council was told that the pricing for the installation of FRP covers came in at $1.3 million, no longer making it a cost effective alternative.

Instead, it was recommended that the tanks be covered with a masonry structure.

“This might just be a blessing in disguise,” said South Dundas councillor Jim Graham. Council agreed, approving the change.

The additional 5,000 square foot masonry structure will cost up to $1.1 million and add about 16 weeks to project completion.

The report from AECOM Canada, of the project management team, points out that housing the tanks within a masonry building allows the plant to run more efficiently, particularly in the winter months. It also aids in controlling odours and results in a more aesthetically pleasing building.

“The masonry cover can be accommodated within the approved funding envelop,” reported South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald. 

Through this funding envelop, South Dundas has already been able to do significant work on Iroquois underground sewer infrastructure. 

This new spending will have some impact on the amount of infrastructure work that can be done through existing funding, but the impact will be minimal.

South Dundas should still have about $2.9 million worth of funding left to spend on sewer system upgrades in Iroquois. The funding will be fully utilized before the March 2105 cut off date.

[…]

 

A $2 million sewer and water project that will see 1,050 meters of roadway from Canada Way west to the first bridge of Lakeshore Drive dug up this summer will get started as soon as possible.

The project will include sanitary sewer and watermain replacement, storm sewer improvements and the necessary road and sidewalk rehabilitations.

Although it was agreed that work should start as soon as possible, South Dundas Mayor Steven Byvelds, asked that work not start until after Tubie weekend, the 43-year old summer event that attracts large crowds to the Morrisburg waterfront and includes a parade along that stretch of road.

This sewer replacement work was identified as a high priority in the inflow and infiltration study done on the Morrisburg sewer system. 

It is expected that the completion of this work will eliminate or reduce the risk of basement flooding, for which there is a history at several residences along Lakeshore Drive in Morrisburg.

This project includes up-sizing the sewer to accommodate expansion of the collection system to the west limit of the village allowing residents currently on private septic system, as well as future developments to connect to the sanitary sewer, according to the report to council by South Dundas chief administrative officer Steve McDonald.

Todd Grant of AECOM, the project managers, said the hope is that throughout the construction they will be able to maintain a lane to let traffic flow through the area.

“This will be a mess while it’s going on, but in the end it will be worth it,” said South Dundas mayor Steven Byvelds.

The sanitary sewer work will be funded by the Government of Ontario under the Strategic Investments Funding for the sanitary sewer rehabilitation program. The watermain replacement will be funded through water capital replacement and water rate stabilization reserves and storm sewer work will be funded by the United Counties of SD&G. 

South Dundas council awarded the project tender to Cornwall Gravel at the July 16 regular council meeting. 

Four bids were received, ranging in price from $2 million to $2.5 million. Cornwall Gravel submitted the lowest bid.

[…]

The Chesterville & District Agricultural Society (Chesterville Fair Board) announced last Friday that gate admission would be free for everybody on Sunday, July 28th. The gate fees will be covered by sponsorships from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the fair board.

July 2nd, the fair board announced free admission for children 12 and under, which it promised to do after its Facebook page received 1,000 Likes, and the challenge to Facebook users was continued. 

If the page could get 1,500 Likes, then everybody would get free admission; however, between OPG’s sponsorship and the board’s appreciation of the community’s support – both online and offline – it was decided that everybody will have access to Sunday’s festivities at no charge.

Fair-goers taking advantage of free Sunday will get access to an exciting day, including beef and goat shows, Dr. Kaboom, the baby show, dog agility shows, a pet show and a medieval show. The free admission will not include admission to the midway.

While not free, the rest of Chesterville Fair weekend still offers excellent value to provide an affordable day out for families. 

Friday kicks off with the midway opening early afternoon, a classic car show and Landmark. 

Saturday will feature a horse show, kickboxing and SportMMA demonstrations, Switchgear and, of course, the demolition derby. 

All-inclusive bracelets will be available throughout the weekend, giving access to the fair and all rides for only $25 per day.

For more information about all upcoming events at the Chesterville Fair, visit chestervillefair.com

[…]