News

 

During the May 1st South Dundas council  meeting, council passed a by-law to sell 2 Miller Street in Iroquois for $8,000 plus HST.

According to clerk Brenda Brunt, the lawyers working on the deal required the bylaw to be passed prior to the deal’s closing.

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“The investigation is ongoing,” said Constable Pete Robertson when asked about the status of a break-in at the Morrisburg Golf Club.

On Sunday, May 6th, some time after club hours, the Morrisburg Golf Club was broken into and the contents of its safe were taken.

When club manager Anita Cooper arrived at work Monday morning the alarm was still activated. For this reason, she didn’t suspect foul play when she noticed the storeroom ceiling had been destroyed.

She said it wasn’t until she went to retrieve the cash from the safe and saw that the safe was missing that she realized there had been a break-in.

According to Cooper, the thief or thieves entered the building through the roof. “They pulled the vent off, shimmied down in through the vent hole and took the safe out.”

Having gone through the roof, Cooper said, they were able to avoid setting off the alarms. 

She pointed out, however, that a neighbour’s dog went into a barking frenzy some time around 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. Cooper suggested this could point to a possible time line for the theft.

According to Robertson, police “were advised of the break in around 6:30 a.m. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken.”

Cooper reported that the safe was found empty in some hedges on club property. The safe, small and compact, had been bolted down in the storeroom.

She also confirmed, as of May 8th, that the amount of money stolen was still unknown.

According to Robertson, the police are asking anyone with information about this crime to come forward by calling their local detachment or by contacting Crime Stoppers.

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“Yes, this is my recommendation,” said Hugh Garlough, South Dundas manager of public works. He suggested that council hire Willis Kerr Contracting Ltd. to construct Parlow Road South at a cost of $127,355 before HST.

During the May 1st South Dundas council meeting, Garlough also informed council that nine local companies had been notified of the tender, which had been prepared by Eastern Engineering Group. Only five companies returned bids on the project.

In addition to the bid from Willis Kerr Contracting Ltd., South Dundas also received bids from David Brown Construction, Cornwall Gravel, Frank Ault Excavating, and Cruickshank Construction.

In answer to councillor Jim Graham’s inquiries into the quality of the work to be done, Garlough assured council that, “Eastern Engineering will make sure it’s done up to the contract.”  

He also pointed out that, in addition to being the lowest bid,  “we had good luck with Willis Kerr last year on the north part.”

“Willis will do a good job,” agreed councillor Archie Mellan.

Council, all but mayor Steven Byvelds, voted in favour of hiring Willis Kerr Contracting Ltd. Byvelds eliminated himself from the discussion and decision due to a conflict of interest.

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Fire fighters with the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services are ‘suiting up’.

South Dundas council approved chief Chris McDonough’s request to purchase uniform tunics and station wear from Carleton Uniforms.

McDonough chose to sole-source the purchase “to ensure consistency and compatibility with the existing uniforms.”

“Prior to my coming to South Dundas, they used Carleton Uniforms,” he said.

In addition, McDonough praised the quality and service provided by Carleton Uniforms in the past.

He outlined this year’s uniform needs in a report to council: “A majority of our uniforms in all three stations only require the new crest, however there are some that need to be replaced in addition to the fire fighters that have completed their one year probation.”

“There will also be new ‘station wear’ that will need to be purchased for staff.”

“For clarification, uniforms are worn for formal functions such as parades and funerals whereas the station wear is worn for school tours, local community events and our ‘Smoke Alarm Program’.”

McDonough assured council that the purchase would not exceed the already approved $20,000 budget allowance for uniforms.

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 What began last summer as a good-natured Liars Derby among a group of long time fishing buddies, this year became a tribute to the memory of one of those old friends.

The 2nd annual Liars Fishing Derby was held at the Galop Canal Marina in Iroquois on Saturday, May 5, in honour of the late Garry Banford, a keen amateur fisherman. Organized by Bruce Mullin and other friends of Garry’s, the Derby drew 155 entrants with prizes of $500 going for the largest pike and the largest pickerel catches of the day. The event was capped in late afternoon by a barbecue which featured some very fresh fish on the menu.

“This event was a kind of dream for us,” Bruce Mullin said. “When we first came up with the idea of holding this derby, we really didn’t know if people would come out to support it. But the response was just unreal. We had 155 people purchase tickets, people of all ages from 10 to 70. Garry was a very close friend and we wanted to do something special for him.”

Mullin joked that the name the Liars Derby came about last year. 

“A group of us buddies just casually started calling the event the 1st Liars Derby, and the name stuck.”

Mullin had a lot of praise for the friends who helped him plan and organize and run the Derby. 

“Ron Monroe, Gary Locke, Doug Byers, Ron Baker, Gary Jarvis, Lynn Dillabough and Danny McLaughlin all got involved. Then Aaron and Ann (Banford) came in to help as well with ticket sales.”

The Derby raised $4,000 for the organizers.

The proceeds will allow two scholarships, in Garry Banford’s name, each for $500, to be given to Seaway District High School in time for the fall graduation. Organizers were also thrilled to be able to present the Iroquois Marina with a donation of $1,700.

The entire Banford family took part in the Derby.

“I thought this was a fantastic idea when Bruce came to me with it,” said Ann Banford. “Garry was one of the fishing buddies and he would have loved this event. Bruce and his group are really to be commended. They put so much work and effort into getting the Derby together.”

Many people, who were not actually planning to fish, also approached the organizers with donations. 

Prizes of $500 were awarded to Ernie Beckstead for the largest pike, weighing in at 10.12 lbs and to Kevin Sabourin with the largest pickerel at 8.3 pounds. Ernie donated $100 of his winnings back to the Derby.

Gary Locke took second prize in the pike category while Jeff Adams took third. Ron Gillard received second prize for his pickerel and Rob Barkely went home with third.  Bert Fawcett came closest to the Hidden Weight while Kevin Keyes was ‘honoured’ with the Skunked Trophy.

The weather co-operated for the day.

“It was a bit cold and windy when we started out at 7 a.m.,” Mullin said, “but sunny and getting warmer by the time the deadline arrived. I guess it was a challenge for the guys out there, but we brought in 160 pounds of fish. And that doesn’t count the ones that were released. The fish were all caught in the immediate area. Some bass and some bowfin were also hooked.”

Are any good fishing stories coming out of the 1012 Liars  Fishing Derby?

Well, it seems the winning pike is still gaining weight as the Leader goes to press…

Organizers are already looking ahead to next year’s Derby. 

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National Nursing Week 2012 provides an opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful nurses at Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). They truly care about keeping our communities healthy.

“Every day, WDMH nurses contribute to excellence in care and education,” notes Lynn Hall, Vice President Clinical Services, Chief Nursing Officer and Professional Practice Leader. 

“They devote themselves to providing each patient with compassionate, skilled and timely care.”

This year, several celebration events are planned including unit coffee breaks and a pub night at the Winchester Curling Club. 

WDMH nurses will also be hosting a free Blood Pressure Clinic for the community on May 8th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Andy’s Foodland in Winchester.

WDMH has more than 100 nurses on staff, as well as 40 registered practical nurses. 

“Nurses have historically always risen to the ongoing challenges of our chosen career,” adds Lynn Hall. 

“Nursing Week is a time for recognition. We are very proud of all of our nurses.”

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– You might not see yourself as a big time fan of country music, but Leisa Way’s new production, Country Jukebox, making its debut at Upper Canada Playhouse, will surely go a long way to converting you.

The show bursts from the gate with the Country Jukebox ‘overture’ and hits the ground running. 

“My heart ain’t ready for the Rollin’ Stones/I don’t feel like rocking since my baby’s gone/Don’t rock the jukebox/Play me a country song..”

Backed up by the incredible Wayward Wind band, Dave Wilson, Kim Ratcliffe and Bruce Ley, and supported on lead vocals by Aaron Solomon and Randall Kempf (whose individual and collective talents are stunning) singer Leisa Way delivers a show for all musical tastes.

The traditional harmonies of country artists like Loretta Lynn and Reba McIntyre are balanced by cross-over modern artists like LeAnn Rimes and Lady Antebellum. Way’s show, as she explained in an earlier interview with the Leader, is primarily designed around duets, country music match-ups that are considered gold standards. 

Tammy Wynette and George Jones, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, among others, were featured artists. Bruce Ley, who arranged the music for Country Jukebox, has orchestrated some wonderful medleys blending these artists’ singles and duets. Way, Solomon and Kempf segued effortlessly from one piece to another to deserved applause.

I particularly enjoyed the Dottie West/Kim Carnes set which included “Till I Can Make It On My Own”, and “Don’t Fall in Love with a Dream”, among others. Could just be the romantic in me, of course, but as Way said at one point, music like this reflects “a true love story,  true country magic.”

Seldom off the stage (except for some striking costume changes) during the entire concert, Way is the exuberant focal point of Country Jukebox.

 Her singing voice is a powerful and versatile instrument. Whether she is singing alone on stage, or harmonizing with Solomon and Kempf, her range and energy are phenomenal.

Because she and Solomon and Kempf have worked together before, there is a musical easiness among them as they sing. They seem to be having a great time.

And when the spotlight solos in on Solomon and Kempf, these two deliver. 

Randall Kempf, (who really does resemble Willie Nelson), delivered a rousing rendition of  “The Gambler” at one point that had the audience cheering.  And Aaron Solomon, ‘knocked ‘em dead’ when he and his fiddle roared into ‘Orange Blossom Special’. As Leisa said earlier,  the man also “sings like an angel.”

Way showcases the individual members of her band throughout the production. Was there anyone whose foot wasn’t tapping when the five men burst into a boisterous “Elvira’? 

You can’t get better performers than these musicians anywhere.

Way’s Country Jukebox is upbeat, humourous and musically, a knockout. However, this is a very new show: as with any new venture, it is still undergoing some growing pains in terms of length and  editing. 

 Way makes it clear that what matters most in her show is the music:  she, and the artists sharing the spotlight with her, let that music speak for itself.

By the way, this show already had me hooked, but when it ended with Roy and Dale, well, all I can say is, what could have been more perfect?

Country Jukebox is only at Upper Canada Playhouse until May 13. Contact the box office at 613-543-3713 for tickets.   

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On May 7th, the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health held a launch event for a video produced by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) involving teens from our region. 

The video, Epic Tan Fail, is part of a larger social media campaign called Enjoy the Skin You’re In, targeted at youth between the ages of 16 and 18 in Eastern Ontario. 

The campaign is using the Epic Tan Fail video, as well as other YouTube videos, a Facebook page and an “app” that mimics the effects of tanning, to raise awareness among youth about the dangers and undesirable effects of indoor tanning. 

In addition to causing eye damage and premature aging of the skin, use of tanning beds before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75 per cent, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the most common types of cancer in young Ontarians aged 15 to 29. It’s also one of the most preventable.

The Epic Tan Fail video uses humour to deliver its message, with the aim of reducing indoor tanning among youth and promoting the health benefits and beauty of natural skin colour. 

“We’re proud to participate in a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the health risks of indoor tanning,” says Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. 

“We hope the video will put the adverse physical effects of indoor tanning in perspective for youth.”

The EOHU would like to thank the staff and students at North Dundas District High School for their support and assistance with the Epic Tan Fail video.

The Enjoy the Skin You’re In campaign was spearheaded by Ottawa Public Health in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Care Ontario, the EOHU, Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit, and Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

Epic Tan Fail is available on the EOHU’s youth website at www.MeMag.ca. For more information about the campaign, visit www.facebook.com/YourSkin.

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In April, the shopping plaza on Dickinson Drive in Ingleside welcomed the addition of Carol Delorme and her new store, Farran Footwear. 

On April 26th, Delorme, who lives just north of Ingleside, took a moment to talk about her new venture selling shoes and accessories and how she hopes to provide area shoppers with “quality” and “comfort”.

With 30 years experience in the shoe business, Delorme is well qualified to help her customers to find the perfect fit with a selection of dress shoes, comfort shoes, sandals, professional shoes and more from top quality lines. 

Her former employer, Clark’s Shoe Store in Cornwall, is in its final year of business and Delorme felt that this was the perfect time to take the leap.

“I’ve always wanted to go on my own and I like the independence,” she said.

“This is a great little plaza,” Delorme said of her current location at 15 Dickinson Drive in Ingleside. “It’s a quaint little town. I like the small town atmosphere. People can come in and visit.”

Farran Footwear carries several lines of “quality comfortable shoes” for men and women, including the following: Alegria, Bandolino, Birkenstock, Hush Puppies, Rieker, Taos, and Volks Walkers. 

“People who have tired, sore feet… I try to cater to them,” said Delorme. “I want to carry quality shoes that are worth the money.”

“I plan to expand the lines.” SAS (San Antonio Shoes) is just one of the shoe lines Delorme is pursuing. “It’s an American brand,” she said. “They have shoes and sandals for men and ladies… casual walking shoes.” 

She pointed out that SAS has a great selection in terms of “widths and full and half sizes” with sizes 4 to 12 for women and up to size 15 for men. “They have a lot of shoes and they’re just a phone call away.”

She pointed out that both Birkenstock and SAS “cater to the special sizes.”

Delorme is quite excited of her Taos line, which is a line of “comfortable walking sandals.” 

In addition, she also carries the Alegria and Volks Walkers line of “sandals and shoes with removable footbeds for those who have custom-made orthotics.” Alegria also includes professional shoes which are both stain resistant and slip resistant.

“I buy quality. I want happy customers. I want them to feel they’ve got a good pair of shoes,” she said.

In addition to selling quality shoes, Delorme also carries a line of fashionable quality leather wallets and purses. At present her stock consists of products from La Diva, which are so popular that she’s had to reorder twice already.

So far, Delorme has spread the word about Farran Footwear through advertisements in local newspapers and, more importantly, “through word of mouth.”

“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback so far. I’ve sold a lot of shoes,” she said.

“I would like to get to know what my customers are interested in and the sizes they want.”

In the event that someone is looking for a shoe or size not in stock, Delorme can place special orders.

On the afternoon of May 11th, Farran Footwear will celebrate its grand opening with special guest visitors, various give-aways, cake, tea and a draw for a free pair of shoes. 

According to Delorme, she has invited MP for Stormont, Dundas, and South Glengarry, Guy Lauzon and his wife Frances  as well as members of the South Stormont council, including mayor Brian McGillis.

She’s hoping that people will join them for the grand opening so “people can find out where I am, who I am and what it’s all about.”

“My goal,” she emphasized, “is to have what people want in this area. I want to keep with the quality standards.”

Delorme’s 30 years in the shoe business has left her with an overwhelming amount of customer service experience which she intends to put to good use with her customers.

Farran Footwear is located at unit 6 in the 15 Dickinson Drive plaza in Ingleside. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday and again on Saturday. On Thursday and Friday, the store is open an extra hour from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

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