A head-on collision west of Kemptville sent three people to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
It happened Friday, June 6, 2025, just before 6:00 p.m., on County Road 43 near Meadowglen Circle. A sport utility vehicle and another vehicle collided in the westbound lane.
All three people in the vehicles were transported to a regional trauma centre with potentially life-threatening injuries. Their conditions were all upgraded later that evening, but were still considered very serious.
County Road 43 reopened just before midnight when the on-scene investigation by Grenville OPP was completed. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have relevant dash-cam video, should contact the Grenville Detachment at 1-888-310-1122 and refer to incident E250725667.
Glengarry DHS gold medal winners of the Green Energy (Wind Turbine) Challenge. From left to right: Aaden Walker, Ben Wood, Kacey Kivits and Ruby Cox. Photo credit: Submitted.
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From blueprint to build and concept to code, approximately 115 Grade 7 and 8 students from across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) put their creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills to the test at the 2025 Intermediate SKLZ Competition in Kemptville on April 8.
Teams of students worked on six categories: TV/Video, Green Energy (wind turbine construction), Technology Challenge (hydraulic mining challenge), Construction Challenge (tiny homes), LEGO Mechanical Engineering and LEGO Robotics.
The competition emphasizes collaboration, innovation and problem solving, as students take on real-world design and engineering challenges. Judges for the event include local industry professionals, educators, and technical specialists who volunteered their time to evaluate student performance and creativity.
Gold medal winners from each event will now advance to represent the UCDSB at the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition in Toronto on May 5 and 6, 2025.
Gold Medal Results:
TV/Video Production Athens District High School Presley Scharfe and Erabella Stevens
Technology (Hydraulics Challenge) Glengarry District High School Atley Lajoie, Callum MacPherson, Kenzie McRae and Xavier Stang
Green Energy (Wind Turbine) Glengarry District High School Ruby Cox, Kacey Kivits, Aaden Walker and Ben Wood
Construction Challenge (Tiny Homes) Glengarry District High School Micheala Davidson, Cal MacDonald, Olivia MacLeod and Yannis Mbianda
LEGO Robotics Carleton Place High School Duncan Ferguson, Sarvesh Lakshman, Tessa Salter and Bronwyn Scollan
Mechanical Engineering (LEGO) Rideau District High School Leah Brown, Rowan Bruyere, Emilia Halfpenny and Rubie Lynn
Jessica (left) and Georgia (right). Photo credit: Submitted.
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A missing person from the Municipality of North Grenville has been located in good health.
On April 2, 2025, shortly after 9:00 a.m., the Grenville County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of missing persons. The missing mother and child were located in the morning of April 3, in good health, by a Grenville County OPP officer.
Thank you to the public and local media partners for their assistance with the investigation through sharing of OPP social media posts.
The Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears have kicked off the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL)’s 2004/25 season with some tough one-goal losses.
They sit currently in the No. 5 hole at 7 points, five back of the division leading Brockville Braves who have clocked a 6-2 record for 12 points. Overall, the Rockland Nationals are leading the league at this early stage, with a perfect 8-0 record for 15 points.
After coming off an impressive campaign in 2003/24 where the Bears were the runner up to the Navan Grads for the Bogart Cup — the new young team is starting to settle.
In pre-season play, the Bears were 4-1-1 to tie Brockville at the top of the Robinson Division with 8 points.
Now in league play, the team has had a hat trick of wins against five losses – one of them in a shootout.
Their two October games were one-goal losses: Sunday in Ottawa, it was a 3-2 defeat to the Jr. A Senators, and Friday at home it was a 1-0 upset to the visiting Cornwall Colts.
September showed a 3-3 win/loss record with two points coming in games against Navan (3-1 on Sept. 14); Carleton Place (5-3 on Sept. 20) and Kemptville (2-1 on Sept. 27. They posted a 3-2 loss to Navan on Sept. 14, a 4-3 loss against Cornwall on Sept. 15, and a 4-3 shootout loss to Nepean on Sept. 29.
OCTOBER SCHEDULE
Oct. 10: at Hawkesbury, 7 p.m. Oct. 11: at home against Renfrew, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, at Kemptville at 2 p.m. Oct. 18, at home against Nepean, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20, at Brockville, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25, at home against Pembroke, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27, at Navan, 3:30 p.m.
TEAM STATS
Tyson Parker has been noted as the team’s leading scorer to date. In 8 games, the 19-year-old forward has 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points.
Quinn Booth, 20, has 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points.
Kyle James and Travis Ouellette are sitting in the team’s third spot with 8 points each with 3 goals and 5 helpers.
In the crease, Ethan Morrow had played 7 games with three wins and four losses recorded for a 2.61 GAA.
ON THE BENCH
Head Coach/ Gen Mgr: Pat Malloy Asst. GM / Asst. Coach: Joshua Filoso Assistant Coach: Rob Dopson Assistant Coach: Marc Lafleur Trainer: Dale McCabe Trainer: Gerry Savage Equipment Manager: Tom Arnold
Integrity is everything. “We appreciate the little things; the people in the community and the details we offer matter,” says Lyndsay.
Jackie Taylor and her daughter, interior designer Lyndsay, procure quality home decor, family apparel, and gifts for Jac’s Boutique in Kemptville and Merrickville. “It’s about the experience. Jac’s offers a no-pressure shopping environment,” says Lyndsay. Jackie adds, “Right down to the packaging, it’s part of the whole gift, and we add our touch there too.” Reflecting on her past experience managing at Tanda Shoes, Jackie adds, “I learned a lot working for others, but it was time for my own venture.”
“We began building our brand community in 2016 and noticed that people connected with us for retail therapy.” says Jackie, adding “Customers would visit to share personal challenges; some as they shopped and unwound. They still do.”
“It’s a privilege to serve and create friendships. We’re more than just a clothing store,” says Lyndsay. “This is a store with community impact at its core.” Jackie appreciates her fantastic staff, supportive family, and friends who contribute to the positive word-of-mouth marketing that benefits the business.
Jackie humbly shares customer care stories, like the client who lost everything in a fire and left the shop with a kindly donated outfit, or the gentleman who entrusted Jackie to help his wife, who had dementia, choose and wear fancy clothing for a same-day occasion. Jac’s has raised over $35,000 by hosting fashion shows in support of the Kemptville Hospital CT Scanner campaign.
This June, an opportunity arose for a Merrickville location, which Jackie embraced after ensuring it would fit among the well-established village retail scene. She reached out to other shop owners to avoid carrying the same brands and focused on offering something unique.
The new Merrickville location; fall apparel, home decor and autumn accessories. Photo credits: Leeds Grenville newsletter
Mindful of sourcing domestic products, both boutiques carry Canadian brands such as sympli, Dot & Lil, Echo Verde, French Dressing, I Love Tyler Madison, Hanky Panky, Lyla & Luxe, Pink Martini, Saxx, Tofino Towel Co., and Ink + Alloy. Local products from The Floating Farm Girl, Fox and Fern Farm, and Olive & Co. are also featured.
Jac’s Style Rewards offers loyalty program members points to earn and redeem, with special promotions offering additional gifts. “We’re always looking to make improvements,” Jackie says, emphasizing the importance of feedback. The pandemic pushed them to develop their online store presence, which continues today. “We’re just being ourselves and learning as we go,” says Lyndsay.
With custom fittings and alterations available to make each experience special, Jac’s Boutique is truly a ‘Taylor-made’ experience after eight successful years.
Photo credit: Westport Brewing Company [Facebook.com/WestportBrewingCo].
BRIAN PRESTON
Here we are in August already after a hot July when many of us still look to a brew as a thirst quencher. Yes, the younger crowd and many others are pleased to see such a large and diverse set of coolers, spritzers and the like come to market in the last few years. This gives us a lot more options on what kind of alcoholic beverage we would like given the situation, event and time of day. As well, we have seen an explosion in the number of craft beer companies and I thought it would be handy to provide a list of them within easy driving distance for us here in Eastern Ontario.
There are several local breweries in our neck of the woods to check out:
Weatherhead Brew Co. offers good, quality brews including their signature Pilot IPA, while Perth Brewery is your go-to for more than a dozen different flavours and beer styles.
Westport Brewing Company, just a short walk from the municipal docks. Try their Lakeside Lager and pair with charcuterie board or traditional hot pretzel.
Smiths Falls’ own brewery, 4 Degrees Brewing Company located in Settlers Ridge Centre at 275 Brockville St. A fine range of craft beers to suit many tastes.
Bridgemaster’s Brewing in Perth by the Tay River and Canada’s oldest metal swing bridge. They also have a small restaurant and lovely patio.
Here are six of the breweries to check out in Eastern Ontario:
Braumeister Brewing Co. with locations in Carleton Place (taproom) at 19 Moore St., and in Ottawa (beer hall) at 175 Carruthers Ave., Braumeister Brewing Co. is a Bavarian-inspired craft brewery. A place to enjoy quality beer and quality conversation.
Cartwright Springs Brewery is located at 239 Deer Run Rd. in Pakenham, is built in a natural setting only 15 meters from a natural artesian spring. A taproom allows people to try before they buy. The brewery prides itself on its environment-friendly initiatives.
Farmgate Cider is family-owned and operated and can be found at 4547 Mohrs Rd. in Arnprior. Valuing local and sustainable agriculture, no pesticides, hormones or other chemicals are used on the cidery’s apples. Sulphites, preservatives or additives are not added to the cider. Public and private tours are available.
Cold Bear Brewing Co. is located at 100 Madawaska Blvd. in Arnprior. Beer is not only available in a taproom but in restaurants and bottle shops. The brewery focuses on using local ingredients to brew classic and innovative styles.
Stalwart Brewing Co. offers full-flavoured ales at its retail store and tasting room, Stalwart Brewing Co., which opened in 2015, is located at 10 High St. in Carleton Place and taps can be found in many bars and restaurants, from Ottawa to Kingston.
Whitewater Brewing Co. is located at 78 Pembroke St. in Cobden on Muskrat Lake north-west of Renfrew. The company was founded in 2011 by three friends who believe the Ottawa Valley is fertile with ingredients to make great-tasting beer. They are thrilled to announce that they are Canada’s First Climate Neutral Brewery.
There are many other breweries in surrounding areas including Kingston and Prince Edward County. If you are travelling farther afield, you might want to search out a few places to add to your list of stops along the way as you discover Ontario! Cheers!
McDonald’s Restaurants in Perth, Smiths Falls, Carleton Place and Kemptville raised over $75,000 for Ronald McDonald House during the one-day McHappy Day event on May 8, 2024. Photo credit: Submitted.
LAURIE WEIR
The McDonald’s Restaurants in Lanark County and Kemptville have raised a whopping $75,152 for the Ottawa Ronald McDonald House during McHappy Day.
“On behalf of all of us at McDonald’s Restaurants, Carter Foods Ltd., thank you for helping to make the 30th McHappy Day® an outstanding success. Your participation and support are very much appreciated,” Tim Carter, of Carter Foods Ltd. expressed in an email to Perth council in May, which was accepted for information at the June 4 committee of the whole meeting.
On Wednesday May 8, 2024, McHappy Day was an outstanding success for local McDonald’s Restaurants, Carter noted.
“Thanks to the communities of Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville and Carleton Place $75,153 was raised for the Ottawa Ronald McDonald House, and the two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® located at CHEO.”
McHappy Day is a long-standing Canadian tradition and is at the heart of who they are and what staff does at McDonald’s, Carter noted.
For more than 40 years, McDonald’s Canada has been a supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
“With your help, we were able to support children and their families at the Ottawa Ronald McDonald House,” Carter stated. “We hope you are as delighted as we are to be a part of this success. We hope to see you again next time!”
Coun. Barry Smith said it was an incredible feat to raise this much money from the Lanark County and Kemptville restaurants.
“I found it amazing that four of Tim Carter’s restaurants raised over $75,000 on one day for Ronald McDonald House and two family rooms inside CHEO,” he said. “I thought it was pretty amazing.”
That was the reason Smith wanted the correspondence noted on the agenda, which council agreed unanimously to accept as information.
Double win! Finn Vanderlinden, a Grade 4 student at Kemptville Public School, is a two-time Ottawa Award winner for his popular weather podcast "Finn's Friday Forecast." Photo credit: Submitted.
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A Kemptville Public School (KPS) student’s passion for weather has gained him a 2024 Ottawa Award for the second year in a row.
Finn Vanderlinden, a Grade 4 student at KPS, won the best Podcast/Podcaster category for his weekly ‘Finn’s Friday Forecast’ contribution on the audio streaming site Blast the Radio (BTR). He won the same award in 2023.
“It’s fun to be on the air and it helps people,” Finn said of his weekly forecasts, which air Friday afternoon and run through the weekend.
Finn began doing forecasting segments in 2019, and his on-air talent actually runs in the family.
“My Papa has his own Dutch jazz radio show in The Netherlands, and my mom has a few friends on the radio,” Finn said. “My Great Oma used to call into the Brockville radio station five days a week to give the Athens weather for decades. She was nicknamed the ‘Athens Weather Lady’, so it’s in my blood.”
The Ottawa Awards celebrate excellence in more than 300 categories, including business, food, politics, and media. It is the largest people’s choice awards in The Capital, and winners are chosen by the public.
Finn used his Facebook page to rally for votes, gaining traction from all over the world, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Spain, England, New Zealand, Denmark, Australia and the USA.
“Some of my friends at school don’t believe that I have my own weather forecast, because it airs when they are at school,” Finn said. “Some have heard the clips and think it’s pretty cool. It’s like having a secret identity.”
With his popularity growing, some classmates are now asking Finn when upcoming snow days will occur, surprising his mother with his forecasting ability.
“He came to me earlier this year and said it’s going to be a snow day tomorrow, and I look at the weather and said no way,” Tara Schouten-Vanderlinden said. “He said it’s going to be a snow day, 99 per cent, and he was right!”
Last week BTR asked Finn to expand his on-air presence and contribute a daily forecast from Monday to Thursday, while keeping Finn’s Friday Forecast through the weekend.
While Finn is unsure if his radio success will turn into a full-blown career, he has dreams of staying within the communications field as an air-traffic controller, or pilot.
Dan and Wanita Andress have retired from the grocery business. Dec. 31 was the couple's last day at Andress' Your Independent Grocer in Smiths Falls. The new owner is Sylvia Jonsson of Kemptville. Photo credit: Andress YIG/Facebook.
Kemptville YIG co-owner comes to town with extensive background
BY LAURIE WEIR
After 15 years in Smiths Falls, Dan and Wanita Andress have retired from Your Independent Grocer.
“It has been an incredible journey filled with meaningful experiences, growth and cherished memories,” they said in their farewell Facebook post on Dec. 31.
The duo credited their team’s hard work, commitment, and passion as the driving force behind their collective achievements.
“We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the community members who has made our time here so rewarding,” the post stated. “Thank you once again to our community, our team and the opportunity to be a part of something special in our hometown.”
Andress’ Your Independent Grocer has been instrumental at many local functions with financial and food support. They are well known for going above and beyond for their community.
For the RCL Automotive Build a Mountain of Food fundraising campaign, it’s been a lifelong partnership.
“Dan this year did a one-shot donation of 10,000 pounds. They also sold well over the 1,200 bags (of prepackaged food),” co-organizer Jim Wright said. “They are going to be missed. They did so much for the Build a Mountain of Food campaign.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lanark County also offered their thanks for a supportive relationship: “Thank you for your many years of generosity and kindness to our agency and the local children we serve. You had a very positive impact on Smiths Falls and the area and will be missed!”
Sylvie Jonnson is the new franchise owner of the Smiths Falls Independent Grocer. She is pictured with her husband, Steve Jonnson, who is the owner of the Kemptville YIG. Photo credit: Sylvie Cousineau Jonsson/Facebook.
Sylvie Jonsson is the new owner of the Smiths Falls YIG, who will take over physically on Feb. 24, but will be present in the Smiths Falls store and the Kemtpville store until then, noted Carley Hess, social media manager at the Kemptville YIG.
In a media release from Loblaws, it was noted that Jonsson brings over 35 years of experience in store management as co-owner at Jonsson’s YIG in Kemptville.
“Sylvie is a friendly enthusiastic co-owner with natural leadership skills which have been valuable in mentoring new team members and driving sales,” the release noted.
“Sylvie’s hard work ethic through five renovations and close community involvement has helped build a stronger business and partnerships in the area with the local food bank and multiple schools.”
In addition, Jonsson is a bilingual co-owner who has core business skills and valuable management experience in many departments. She is a Blue Culture Ambassador who supports and participates in the Go Further Women pillar.
“Sylvie is excited to become YIG franchisee and is eager to connect with staff and customers in the Smiths Falls community.”
The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is moving its service delivery site in Kemptville. The current location on Concession Rd at the Kemptville Hospital will be closed as of November 17, 2023 at 4:30pm. The new location of the Health Unit’s Kemptville service delivery site will open at 80 Shaver Cres., in the Kemptville Campus Starting November 29, 2023 at 8:30am, the new site location will be open Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm and closed from 12 to 1pm. The phone number is unchanged at 613-258-5941. Please enter from Concession Rd onto Campus Drive and follow signs; parking is free in Lot P4.
“The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has been serving North Grenville for decades, with public health services being delivered in a number of different sites over the years,” said Medical Officer of Health, Linna Li. “We are pleased to have leased space from the Campus to continue to provide many of our services.”
From November 20 – 29, the Health Unit will reduce disruption of services as much as possible. There will be no Sexual Health Clinic or Immunization Clinic services available in Kemptville. Community residents can go to the Smiths Falls Office for these services or check our other clinic locations. Clients can call 1-800-660-5853 x2467 to arrange Infant Feeding appointments. Preschool Speech and Language staff will be letting clients know that there will be no in-person visits during the closure (Nov. 17-Nov. 28 inclusive). Some clients may be seen virtually or at other locations. In-person visits will resume at the new site on Nov. 29. Contact your Speech Language Pathologist or your Communications Disorders Assistant with any questions.
Public Health Services at the Kemptville Site, Times & Details:
Baby Talk – Kemptville: EarlyON Centre located at the Kemptville Public School, 224 County Road 44 – 1-866-433-8933 extension 2374. Public Health Nurse attends the third Wednesday of every month.
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