THE
Vol. 119 – No. 30
TEMISKAMING
SPEAKER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024
www.northernontario.ca
Hell on the Hill was a pleasant surprise Speaker Sports
$1.75 per single copy (H.S.T. included)
Investigation continuing into fire and deaths of four people TEMISKAMING SHORES (Staff ) – Investigation continues into a fire at a New Liskeard residence last week in which four people were found deceased. As of noon yesterday (September 24), police had released no details about the victims’ identity, their cause of death, nor the cause of the September 19 fire. Temiskaming Shores firefighters and Temiskaming OPP responded to the Paget Street South location at around 5:30 p.m. Passersby stopped to watch as black smoke billowed from the house. Paramedics with the district’s emergency medical services were also at the scene. Officers quickly installed yellow tape to block access to the house and the immediate vicinity. The street in front of the residence remained blocked off until midday September 21. In a news release issued the morning after the fire, police said four people had been located deceased in the residence. Police said the investigation was in its preliminary stages, but believed there was no threat to the public. Assisting in the investigation are the Temiskaming OPP crime unit, the OPP Forensic Identification Services, the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Services. Temiskaming Shores’ mayor, council and staff issued a statement on September 20 offering their sincerest condolences to the family and friends who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Police are urging anyone who may have information about the fire to call the OPP at 1-888-3101122. Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477(TIPS), and they may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Investigation continues into a fire last week on Paget Street South in New Liskeard. Four people were located deceased inside the residence. An OPP officer is seen above taping off the site shortly after the late afternoon fire was reported. (Staff photo by Diane Johnston)
Council to consider Rockin’ requests Diane Johnston Speaker Reporter
TEMISKAMING SHORES – City council will discuss next month potential support for the 2025 edition of Rockin’ on Canada Day.
Organizers have made five requests to Temiskaming Shores council for the event, which they hope to hold on the New Liskeard waterfront. Organizers are seeking free use of the fall fair grounds for
activities, concessions and the “tent city” campground. They’re also asking for use of the Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena and parking lot at no charge for a two-week period for set-up and take-down work.
They’re requesting free use of a small stage and fencing, use of land at the end of Montgomery Street and near the tennis courts for RV parking, and permission to hold a Canada Continued on 3a
Melanie Ethier case remains unsolved after 28 years Sue Nielsen Speaker Reporter
Celine Ethier, Melanie's mother, stands near a tree she calls Mel's Tree on the New Liskeard waterfront. She had used this location over the years as a place of healing and to positively remember her daughter. (Staff photo by Sue Nielsen)
TEMISKAMING SHORES — It is a heavy burden to carry. A New Liskeard teenager has been missing for 28 years and her mother still holds out hope she will one day find her daughter. Melanie Ethier was 15 when she left a friend’s place in New Liskeard to walk home on the night of September 29, 1996. That’s the last time anyone has seen or heard of her. While there have been hundreds of leads sent to police and numerous searches in the region for any remains of the missing teen, nothing has resulted in finding Ethier.
Celine Ethier, Melanie’s mother, speaks candidly about her daughter’s disappearance. With the help of police and cadaver dogs, she has searched a location in the area and the dogs indicated something was there. “This last search took a toll on me, I am exhausted. We found what looked like calcified remains and the four dogs alerted us to the area.” She said the police informed her they would not test what was found. “I am taking a pause, not doing anymore searches as it is very discouraging. I will not give up hope and if I got a tip possibly to bring me to where Melanie is, let’s say the exact location, it would help. It is always hard. I need
precise directions.” She mentioned if someone in the area has knowledge of where her daughter’s remains can be found to contact her via her Facebook page or send her a letter indicating where to dig. She can be reached at Celine Ethier, Box 2055, New Liskeard, Ontario P0J 1P0. You can also reach her via the Facebook pages called Let’s Work Together to Find Melanie Ethier and Your SHARE Could Help Find Missing Melanie Ethier. And yes, she has come to the painful conclusion that her daughter is no longer alive. ON HER OWN She said the police are still Continued on 3a