The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a Federal Offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result, of a breach of his Statutory Release.
Adam Reid is described as a Caucasian Male, 36 Years Old, 5’8″ (178cm), 160 lbs (73kgs), with brown hair and blue eyes.
Reid is serving a 2-year, 4-month 1-day sentence for;
Possess Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
Possess Schedule I/II Substance for Purpose Trafficking
Possess Property Obtained by Crime – Under $5000
The offender is known to frequent the Ottawa, Perth and Smith Falls area.
Sami Holmes joins the Carleton Place Jr. Canadians hockey team as assistant coach. Photo credit: Submitted [Carleton Place Jr. A Canadians].
Busy young mother of three finds gym time helps keep her on track
LAURIE WEIR
Sami Holmes has recently joined the Carleton Place Jr. Canadians hockey team as their assistant coach and director of player development.
It was a “no-brainer” to add her to the team, said the EOJHL team’s owner Brent Sullivan. She will be assisting head coach Cole Burton and the rest of the staff, “but her main focus will be on individual player development – whether that be on-ice or off-ice.”
A Player Development Coach focuses on enhancing individual players’ skills, performance, and overall understanding of the game. They work closely with athletes to improve fundamental techniques like skating, shooting, and positional play, often through personalized coaching and tailored training plans. Utilizing video analysis, they provide feedback on players’ on-ice decisions and positioning while collaborating with strength coaches to ensure optimal physical conditioning. Beyond physical skills, they also support players’ mental development, helping them build confidence, focus, and decision-making abilities. By continuously tracking progress and adjusting development strategies, Player Development Coaches play a crucial role in guiding players to reach their full potential and contribute effectively to their team.
Catching up with Holmes was a little like trying to herd cats. She’s everywhere, all the time, but one place she goes to keep her focus, is the gym.
“Balancing family, business, and personal life is a lot,” she shared with this publication. “Building a business while raising a young family is not a small feat. I am very fortunate to have extremely helpful family members who are generous with their time. They see my passion for my business and help out whenever they are able. Scheduling gym sessions into my daily routine is nonnegotiable — I am a better parent, spouse, and skills coach when I go to the gym.”
On a personal note, she said, “I’m eagerly watching my kids grow up. They’re at such fun ages (5, 3, and 3). My oldest is currently playing hockey and is having a blast on the ice. Should they decide to continue with the sport, I hope hockey will bring them as many positive experiences as it has brought me.”
She’s no stranger to hockey. She played minor hockey with the Carleton Place Kings when girls’ hockey was still in its infancy and only available in the city. Once the Cyclones came to Carleton Place, Holmes joined the team for a season.
“I met a great group of girls from all over eastern Ontario who had the same aspirations that I did and we created a competitive team with the same core of players in a few different towns throughout three seasons (Smiths Falls, Ottawa, and Perth),” she said. “For grades 11 and 12, I headed down to prep school in New Hampshire and continued from there to play NCAA hockey at Utica College (now Utica University) in Upstate New York. I have worked as a mentor and skills coach since I graduated from university.”
When asked about her mentor, she mentioned two people who have helped her along the way.
“As a hockey player, Brian Hart. I found my grit, passion and desire to be better while playing for him. My journey to prep school and college hockey would have been entirely different without the support and influence of the Hart family. I am deeply grateful for the relationship we have,” she said.
“Brian was instrumental in the growth of the girls’ side of the game in the 1990s/2000s and continues to work in the game today,” Holmes said.
In her professional life, it’s Mike Pilon, the owner of Endeavour Sport Group, a mentoring company where Holmes is employed.
“He is so knowledgeable about the game and stays humble every day,” she said. “When we first met, I could tell that our vision and perception of the game aligned perfectly. We have been working together for 11 years now and have travelled the world because of the game of hockey.”
Perhaps a mentor herself to young females, Holmes said, “The cool thing about the hockey world that we live in now is that a female can continue to be involved in the game as long as she wants – be that playing, coaching, the managerial side, as an entrepreneur, etc.”
When she was growing up there was no visibility of women in the game, she said, and staying involved wasn’t an option.
“I am happy that I don’t have to have the same conversation with my daughter and female clients that my parents had to have with me when I told them that I was going to play in the NHL when I grew up.”
The Jr. Canadians kicked off their EOJHL pre-season on Sept. 10 in Ottawa, with their first home game against the Ottawa Canadians on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, they’re in Athens to take on the Aeros in an afternoon match up starting at 2:30 p.m.
“We were looking to add some support to our Junior B program, and anyone who hangs around the Carleton Place arena lately sees that Sami is here all the time working on player development,” Sullivan said. “I felt with our goal of being the #1 development program in the area, adding a good local hockey person in Sami was an easy decision.”
A new art piece by Dems and Doll – artists Chris Seiler and Sarah Doll, can be seen in the alley from Beckwith Street, Smiths Falls, to the parking lot on Main Street. The duo was finishing the piece on Tuesday, Aug. 13. It is set to open for use by Thursday, Aug. 15. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Tribute piece pays homage to equestrian’s legacy
LAURIE WEIR
A new Smiths Falls art installment in an alley off Beckwith Street will take pedestrians underwater on route to the parking lot on Main Street.
The underwater theme is being created by Ottawa artists Chris Seiler (Dems) and Sarah Doll, who are the husband-wife duo, Dems and Doll. Their work can be seen across Ottawa, and as far away as Toronto and Montreal. It’s the first time they’ve created a spray-painted piece of art in Smiths Falls.
“It will take about a week to complete,” Doll said, as they have been brainstorming the theme with the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association (DSFBA).
They will add a tribute piece with a nod to the legacy of equestrian Ian Millar of Perth, who has appeared in 10 Olympic Games and is most noted for his achievements with Big Ben.
Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Dems and Doll have been showcasing their art for about 12 years now, she said.
With this piece, Dems said they sketched it out first, then used chalk to draw the images on the sidewalk.
“We use chalk to mark it all up then paint it in,” Dems said.
Because it’s a high-traffic area and sanded in the winter, Doll said they’d be returning more often than if it was a mural. She said they will be back in the spring to see how it weathered over the winter.
Dems said they’ve done a lot of sidewalks, parking lots, and large buildings.
Once this piece is finished, Dems said he’d put a sealant on it. They encourage people to not walk on it for at least 24 hours.
“That will provide a little bit of buffer,” he said. “It takes a good 24 to 48 hours to fully cure.”
The alley has some patio lights strung across it and the couple said that will look “really cool at night when the lights are on.”
Dems said this would make an ideal spot for a patio or have a bistro set up with umbrellas.
Megan McIlvenna is the new DBA coordinator for the town.
“They’re incredibly skilled and very efficient with time,” McIlvenna said. “They’ve got an incredible body of work and we like what they’ve done with the bright florals and we asked that they do it with things they could find in Smiths Falls in the Rideau.”
Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
McIlvenna said they wanted to bring more colour and light to the downtown core. The Edison light bulbs have added some more light to the darker street at night, she said. “Many businesses use that back alley as a way to get to their cars so it’s a two-for-one for safety and to make it look pretty.”
McIlvenna said they asked if they could use the ground as a different space. “Oftentimes what you walk on isn’t utilized for art,” she said. “It’s such a cool space. Such a great canvas – it’s 90 feet long.”
The DBA had a $10,000 budget for this art piece, and “it didn’t hit that ceiling,” McIlvenna said.
“We’re hoping this is the kickstart of beautiful things to come.”
In a special meeting on Aug. 6, the Township of Rideau Lakes council approved spending over $15,000 to begin plans for salvaging the municipal offices in Chantry.
Councillors Paula and Jeff Banks attended virtually, and Coun. Linda Carr joined by phone.
Council agreed to proceed with the initial concept design, costing $15,465, excluding HST, awarded to IDEA of Ottawa, the lowest of five bids.
IDEA’s architects will review the existing building and prepare two renovation/addition designs by September. This includes site placement, floor plans, elevations, public consultations, and cost estimates. An alternative location will also be considered for comparison.
Coun. Paul Banks proposed an amendment to the motion to include additional project deliverables costing over $113,000, but this was defeated. Council opted to focus on the initial designs to determine the feasibility of further work or exploring other options.
Staff prioritized their needs, with many requesting features like a spacious kitchen/lounge, private offices, and an outdoor area for breaks.
Council passed a bylaw to formalize the agreement with IDEA, with an 8-1 vote, with Coun. Paula Banks dissenting. The project will be funded through year-end results and/or reserves.
The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of their Day Parole.
Everet TELGEN is described as a Caucasian male, 58-years-old, 6’2″ (188 cm), 220 lbs (100 kgs) with brown hair and brown eyes. TELGEN has tattoos on his upper right arm of a Dreamcatcher and Merlin. He has a tattoo of Hearts on his chest.
TELGEN is serving a 7-year sentence for:
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Weapon
Possession of a Schedule I/II Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking x5
The offender is known to frequent the Cities of Brockville, Kingston and Ottawa.
Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE) or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or call 9-1-1.
The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of their Statutory Release.
Benjamin BUDA is described as a Caucasian male, 34-years-old, 5’10” (180 cm), 200 lbs (91 kgs) with black hair and brown eyes. BUDA has tattoo on his right arm-Oriental Letters, as well as on his left upper arm-Necklace with writing, and on his left hand- a Clover.
BUDA is serving a 2 year, 2 month and 8-day sentence for:
Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Prohibition Order
The offender is known to frequent the Cities of Barrie, Toronto, and Ottawa.
Anyone having contact with this offender or information in regards to their whereabouts is asked to contact the Provincial R.O.P.E. Squad at 416-808-5900 or toll free at 1-866-870-7673 (ROPE) or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or call 9-1-1.
The Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (R.O.P.E.) Squad is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a federal offender wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant as a result of a breach of their Statutory Release.
Tyrell Piercey is described as a black male, 29-years-old, 5’9″ (180 cm), 180 lbs (82 kgs) with black hair and brown eyes. He has “TTDT” tattooed on his right forearm.
Piercey is serving a 4-year, 9-month and 17-day sentence for:
Possession of Prohibited / Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
Assault Peace Officer
Possess Firearm Knowing Altered / Defaced
Possession of Weapon Contrary to Prohibition Order
The offender is known to frequent the Cities of Scarborough, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa.
Parks Canada is pleased to welcome all new and returning visitors to the 192nd navigation season on the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.
Parks Canada offers 450,000 km2 of stories, and the Rideau Canal has experiences for everyone. The Rideau Canal holds designations as a Canadian Heritage River, a Canadian National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the locks between Kingston and Ottawa’s National Capital Region connect more than one million visitors annually with incredible beauty, natural heritage, and modern Canadian memories.
Returning this year will be the ever-popular free “Learn-to Paddle” program at Hartwells Lock in Ottawa. Interested individuals should watch our website and social media channels as we gear up to present this ever-popular course from June 1 to September 2, 2024. What is “Learn-to Paddle” all about? Visit our website for more details here!
NEW THIS YEAR! Lock & Paddle comes to the Rideau Canal! What is Lock & Paddle? Find out more here then join Parks Canada and hundreds of paddlers across Ontario and Quebec for this free mass paddling event on the historic canals and waterways. Paddlers of all skill levels and backgrounds will simultaneously come together on Canada Parks Day (July 20) in three Canadian cities on three historic canals! Ottawa, Peterborough, and Montreal will all play host for this free, one-of-a-kind canoe and kayak community encounter. Celebrate with your family, friends and fellow paddlers in this one-of-a-kind “triple crown” of paddling fun.
This summer, we also invite you to stay a little longer and experience a one-of-a-kind overnight stay at our oTENTiks, Lockmaster’s Houses, and reservable camping sites. To book one of these unique and popular experiences, visit www.reservations.pc.gc.ca
The safety of our visitors and staff continues to be of the utmost importance to Parks Canada. Boaters, paddlers, and swimmers are reminded that certain reaches continue to have higher-than-average flows and are asked to exercise caution. Floating debris may be present, and navigation aids may be off-station as we continue to monitor the navigation channels. Boaters are also advised to watch their wake and wash near shorelines to avoid damage to docks, boats and property.
We are closely following the progress of both the Carillon Canal in Quebec and the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston and will provide updates when they are available – in the meantime, boaters are invited to visit the following pages for the latest information.
Media wishing additional information are invited to contact us at the email below to arrange for an interview.
For more information about the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, visit us at www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rideau or follow us on social media @RideauCanalNHS
Ted and Marion Outerbridge offer fun, awe, magic and laughter during their shows of illusion across the province. The Smiths Falls couple will soon embark on a new season showcasing “Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House” which kicks off in Meaford, Ont., in July. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
LAURIE WEIR
Ted and Marion Outerbridge, masters of illusion, have disappeared from Smiths Falls – when it comes to their show, that is.
Prepare to witness the spectacular escapades of the Outerbridges as they embark on a journey beyond the Station Theatre in town.
With a flair for fun, magic, and a generously doused in historical charm, this dynamic duo is set to spread their wings (and capes) as they hit the road this year, starting this summer in Meaford.
“When the time is right, we will be back in Smiths Falls,” Ted told this publication May 9 from the comfort of the Keyhole House – their historical brick home on Brockville Street, and from which their show – “Outerbridge Magic – Mysteries of the Keyhole House” — has taken shape over the past five years.
Get ready to be dazzled as the Outerbridges bring their unique blend of entertainment to audiences far and wide. From mesmerizing illusions to mind-bending tricks, their show promises to be a whirlwind adventure filled with laughter and awe.
“We created our show about our experience living in a historic house in Smiths Falls,” Ted said. “The show celebrates the history of our house and the town.”
Last year, the duo performed across Lanark County with shows in Smiths Falls, Perth and Carleton Place, as well as in Ottawa and Gananoque, giving even more exposure for this show which has piqued curiosities around the world.
Ted and Marion Outerbridge. Photo credit: Laurie Weir.
Marion and Ted moved to Smiths Falls in 2018 and were struck by the architecture and history of the town, “but we stayed because of the people,” they said. “We are grateful for many wonderful friendships we have made in the past five years.”
During their first summer in Smiths Falls, the duo presented 10 sold-out “Clockwork Mysteries” shows on Saturday nights at the Station Theatre. Their goal was to become a destination in the summer and still tour their established circuit of performances in the fall and winter. They have performed 80 shows in Smiths Falls since their arrival. Trip Advisor states that entertainment at the Station Theatre is No. 2 on the list, behind the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
According to the Ontario Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model, the 8,000 plus visitors who have attended the Outerbridges’ performances in Smiths Falls have had a substantial economic impact in Smiths Falls. “It indicates that our performances have generated over $1M in local tourism spending,” Ted said.
What is interesting about their show is their connection to local history. The Outerbridges have been collecting interesting artifacts since they moved into the Keyhole House — both from the home itself and by perusing antique markets. Ted shares this love of history through a number of social media channels, where he has amassed over 300,000 followers. Their TikTok following is one of the most impressive with millions of views accumulated over their short videos.
Of special note is a golf ball – one they found in the house. What is so neat about this? Brooke Henderson, Smiths Falls’ LPGA superstar, has a connection to the home. Her grandparents, Clem and Beverley Henderson lived here, too. But how did that golf ball get into the wall of the Keyhole House? The answer is still unclear, but they discovered that the PoonahmaleeGolf Course was built across the street from their home, which operated until about 1930. That golf ball is more than 100 years old and originates in England.
But the Outerbridges latest show – Mysteries of the Keyhole House, brings to life the story of Agnes Lamb, who was born in Kitley Township in 1846 and died in the house in 1903. Her crumbling tomb at a cemetery in Rideau Lakes Township, just outside Smiths Falls, has since been restored, thanks to the stories written about the family by Ted, which appear online and as guest columns and in the local newspaper, Hometown News.
In a realm where reality meets illusion and the past intertwines with the present, the Keyhole House emerges as a unique beacon of fascination. Far from a conventional magic show, it stands as a living tribute to the departed, offering a real-time celebration of lives lived here.
Nestled within its walls lies an ethereal realm, where visitors are transported into a mesmerizing journey that transcends time and space. As guests step into this enchanting domain, they are enveloped by an atmosphere that breathes life into memories and emotions.
The Keyhole House serves as a poignant bridge between the tangible and the imaginable, inviting individuals to explore the depths of their own souls. With each encounter, it leaves an indelible mark, igniting a profound connection that lingers long after departure.
Prepare to be captivated by the allure of the Keyhole House, where every moment is a testament to the beauty of existence and the enduring power of remembrance.
So, buckle up and join the Outerbridges as they weave their magic across the province this year, leaving a trail of wonder and delight in their wake. It’s sure to be a journey you won’t soon forget!
THIS YEAR’S PERFORMANCES
The Outerbridges are preparing to take their show across Ontario this year and early next year. Dates are:
July 8-13, Meaford July 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, Carleton Place Sept. 4, Tweed Sept. 5, Bancroft Oct. 24, St. Catharines Oct. 25, Milton Oct. 26, Markham Nov. 8, Guelph Dec. 31, Oakville Jan. 2-8, 2025, Ottawa March 9, 10, 2025, Burlington
Check out this link for tickets to the Outerbridges’ shows this year.
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.
SUBMITTED
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.
SUBMITTED An individual is facing multiple charges after a heated dispute involving threats and an assault, as well as further incidents at a local hospital. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, […]
LAURIE WEIR A fire at the Lombard Street Subway/Pizza Hut location caused extensive damage Tuesday morning, with losses estimated between $250,000 and $500,000. Smiths Falls Fire Chief Rick Chesborough told […]
LAURIE WEIR The Spirit of the Drum Powwow returns to Duck Island this weekend following a one-year hiatus. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June […]
LAURIE WEIR Residents in South Crosby Ward of Rideau Lakes Township will head to the polls June 26 to choose a new representative. The seat was left vacant on March […]
SUBMITTED 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 […]
SUBMITTED A 29-year-old woman is facing a string of charges following two separate disturbances Saturday evening that led to her arrest and court detention, Smiths Falls Police say. Around 9 […]
Rideau Lakes-based manufacturer seeks investor amid explosive growth, cash flow crisis LAURIE WEIR The president of P3 Panel Company and United Edge Structural Components says his businesses are not going […]
