The Township of Greater Madawaska is holding their first ever GM Summer Bash in Calabogie and Griffith. Program Coordinator, Caitlin Norton says the event has been in the planning since last summer.

Norton goes on to say, the event grew when the Canada Day committee’s celebrations joined in on the event after being rained out on July 1st.

Friday, August 21st, the event kicks off with face painting, carnival games, cotton candy and more. Then everything migrates onto Madawaska Street where the Canada Day committee takes over. Festival goers will be able to take in live music by Mountain Turn, enjoy the Calabogie Lions Beer Garden, then wrap up the day with the rescheduled Canada Day fireworks show.

Saturday, August 22nd, the party heads to Griffith. Everyone can enjoy bouncy castles, plow painting, a barbeque hosted by the Denbigh-Griffith Lions Club and more.

Norton says the township is happy to have a day filled with family fun to close out the summer.

The August 21st event starts at 4 p.m. in Barnet Park at 5179 Calabogie Road. Everything shifts to Madawaska Street at 7 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. On August 22nd, the event will run from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Griffith & Matawatchan Recreation Centre at 25991 HWY 41.

Full information on the event is available on the Township of Greater Madawaska’s website.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

The Sûreté du Québec announced on Thursday, August 13, that 66-year-old Jérôme Hérault was found dead in the woods near Jim Lake.

Jérôme Hérault was last seen riding an ATV with his dog in a wooded area within the municipality on June 19.

An investigation is underway in collaboration with the coroner, but police do not suspect foul play.

Out of respect for Hérault and his loved ones, no further information will be released at this time.

(written by Kasey Egan)

The westbound lane and shoulder of HWY 17 and O’Brien Road were closed for about an hour on August 13th due to a collision between a passenger vehicle and a pick up truck.

Renfrew OPP says officers were dispatched to the collision around 9:55 a.m.

Police say two individuals were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The roadway was fully reopened around 11 a.m.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

Starting August 13th, the highway will be closed in both directions between Stone and Whelan Roads.

The work is expected to take place from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day until August 15th.

For more information on the closure, visit Ontario 511’s website.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

The FIRST Robotics LEGO Team at the Arnprior and District Museum holds weekly get-togethers where kids can build, learn, design and even program their own robots to solve local issues and compete in tournaments.

Daniel Williams, Education Coordinator with the museum says the program helps children learn through problem solving, design and teamwork.

One of the overall goals of the group is their competitions. Kids will spend time refining the coding and design of the robots to get them tournament ready.

Williams says the program helps children learn about ongoing issues in the community and teaches them ways to adapt or attempt to solve said issue through an innovation project.

Already waitlisted, the team at the museum is exploring ways to open the program up for more children to join as FIRST Robotics has a limit of 10 children per team to qualify for tournaments. Williams explains that none of this would be possible without the work from their dedicated volunteers.

For more information on the FIRST Robotics LEGO club and to see if spots become available, visit the Town of Arnprior’s website.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

We’ve compiled the list of gas prices on Thursday, August 13 as of 8:30 a.m., according to gasbuddy.com.

ARNPRIOR  

Ultramar and On the Run, Madawaska Boulevard $1.56.5

MacEwen, Madawaska Boulevard $1.56.6

Shell and Circle K, Daniel Street $1.56.9

Stinson, Vanjumar Road $1.56.9

Ultramar, White Lake Road $1.56.9

Mr. Gas, Daniel Street$1.56.9

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, Daniel Street $1.57.6

Stinson, Madawaska Boulevard N/A

RENFREW  

Mobil, O’Brien Road, $1.51.0

Esso, Raglan Street South, $1.51.3

MacEwen, Raglan Street South, $1.51.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, $1.51.6

Shell and Circle K, Raglan Street South, $1.51.6

Petro-Canada, Stewart Street, $1.51.9

PEMBROKE 

Irving, Paul Martin Drive $1.59.9

Stinson, Mackay Street $1.59.9

Canadian Tire, Pembroke Street East $1.59.9

Petro-Canada, Pembroke Street East $1.59.9

Perkins, Pembroke Street West $1.61.7

Ultramar and On the Run, Pembroke Street West $1.61.9

Mobil, Pembroke Street West N/A

MacEwen, Highway 41 N/A

PETAWAWA 

Esso and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.64.9

Shell and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.64.9

Prices are subject to change. For up-to-date information, check gasbuddy.com . 

(Kasey Egan) 

Taste of the Valley will make its first-ever appearance at the Douglas Recreation Centre from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 22, rain or shine.

County staff expect an estimated 80 local farmers, food producers, artists, and artisans to attend, allowing guests to discover and purchase fresh local produce, prepared food and baked goods, handcrafted goods, artwork, and other specialty items.

“We’re incredibly excited to host Taste of the Valley for the first time in Douglas, right in the centre of Renfrew County,” adds Admaston/Bromley Mayor Michael Donohue. “The breadbasket of the county, Admaston/Bromley, teems with bountiful production, whether from large-horsepower modern farms, one-horsepower traditional farms, or market gardens.”

Since launching more than a decade ago, Taste of the Valley has grown to highlight and celebrate the region’s agricultural, culinary, and artistic talent.

Scott Hamilton, Economic Development Coordinator with Invest Renfrew County, says the county is excited to see the event come to life in Douglas. “It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase local businesses, connect consumers with producers, and celebrate the agricultural roots and entrepreneurial spirit that make Renfrew County unique.”

Following their stop in Douglas, Taste of the Valley will continue its annual series with stops at the Petawawa Civic Centre (September 19), the Cobden Fairgrounds (October 17), and a special holiday-themed event at the Renfrew Armouries (December 12).

(written by Kasey Egan)

TODAY: Renfrew will hit the water this Thursday with a paddle along the beautiful Bonnechere River. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and meet at the Riverview Drive boat launch at 6:00 pm to join for free, or reach out ahead of time to Mad River Paddle Co. at madriverpaddleco@gmail.com to rent for just $25. Bring your own lifejacket and whistle, as well as other mandatory items depending on your craft of choice.

TODAY: The Renfrew Public Library calls on all hard-boiled sleuths to solve the mystery of what to read next with Cuppa Crime Book Club! Mystery, true crime, and thrillers readers unite to share recommendations and chat about their latest reads every second Thursday of the month. The group also reads a crime book each month and then meets to discuss the twists and turns. Registration Required 18+

TODAY: The Eganville Legion hosts its Thursday Dinner and Dance at their branch office, 57 Veterans Way this Thursday, August 6. Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin with roasted potato, salad, desert, and coffee or tea served from 5:00 to 6:00 pm followed by music until 8:00 pm. $18/person. Call 613-628-2802 to reserve.

TOMORROW: Music comes to Mallard’s Milk Bar in Arnprior this Friday! Ottawa Valley-native singer-songwriter Vicki Brittle performs a live intimate concert at the Milk Bar, 55 John St. North, starting at 7:00 pm. Tickets: $20.

TOMORROW: The Downtown Renfrew BIA presents the Heart of Renfrew Market every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in July and August. Low Square will transform into a vibrant gathering place featuring local farmers, artisans, makers, and small businesses from across the Ottawa Valley. Plus, stick around for their weekly Music in the Square concert.

TOMORROW: The annual Hospice Renfrew Golf Classic returns to the Renfrew Golf Club this Friday, August 14! $165/person – includes 18 holes with cart, lunch and banquet meal. Funds raised supporting palliative care for their six bed palliative care centre, serving residents of Renfrew County. Details at: http://www.hospicerenfrew.ca

THIS MONTH: The Cobden, Arnprior, and Renfrew Agricultural Societies present the Renfrew County Fair Jackpot 50/50. Proceeds from the raffle support community events and invest in improvements for all three volunteer-led organizations. Buy your tickets online, at the Cobden Fair August 28-30, or the Renfrew Fair September 10-13.

Tap or click here for more community events.       

Local Sports:           

Registration is open for the upcoming season for both Renfrew and Arnprior Minor Hockey, with parents in both communities encouraged to sign up online.

Have something for the 48? Adding it is easy to do. Click here to get started. 

Set for August 30th at 10:30 a.m., the event will take place at O’Brien Park in Renfrew. Janine Wall, Development Coordinator tells us that the event is a way for people to gather and remember departed loved ones.

The event signifies the release of a loved ones soul and the memories they left behind. Seniors Home Support will have volunteers on hand the day of to release butterflies for anyone who cannot attend.

Wall goes on to say if there is inclement weather on the day of, purchasers will be able to pick up the butterflies at the office on Raglan and release them privately instead.

Butterflies are available for purchase until August 17th. Visit their office at 214 Raglan St. S. or call 613-366-4747 to purchase butterflies for the following prices by credit card or e-transfer:

• 1 Butterfly for $25
• 2 Butterflies for $45
• 3 Butterflies for $70
• 4 Butterflies for $85
• 5 Butterflies for $100

Information can be found on the Renfrew and Area Seniors Home Support website.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

Environment Canada has issued a Yellow Watch – Severe Thunderstorm notice for Arnprior, Renfrew and Calabogie today, August 12th.

The weather service says conditions are favourable for developing severe thunderstorms that could produce strong winds, large hail and heavy rain.

Conditions could include:

• Wind gusts near 90km/h
• Quarter sized hail
• Heavy rain

When severe weather occurs, head indoors or take cover immediately.

The watch is in effect from now until later this evening.

For more information on the notice, visit Environment Canada’s website.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)